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TERRY SEATTLE WA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:31:48 GMT

"A New York Times/CBS/MTV poll finds that Democrats appear to be sitting pretty with Americans ages 17-29"
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And did this poll mention other political parties ? I bet it did not. In fact, I bet it only mentioned the two corporate parties and nobody and nothing else.

So come on, America !! Keep shooting yourself in the foot and keep electing over and over and over those who do NOT represent you, those that would and will destroy your nation, those that create and support war, feed famine, and help to lengthen the breadlines.

Apparently that is what you want, and that is what you will get by another "R" or "D" in power and in Congress.And keep telling yourself it will be different this time...

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Ken LeBrun, Stonybrook, NY — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:46:32 GMT

A Rational Immigration Bill: In thinking through the immigration bill, we should take a look at a parallel problem with the war on illegal drugs. We have had minimal success in restricting the flow of drugs into this country. Talking to other parents, and following the news, illegal drugs are apparently readily available on the streets and in our schools, which is a major reason for our decision to send our son to a catholic school. Any success at interdicting the flow of drugs into this country drives up the price which makes it more profitable for drug smugglers which drives the innovation to come up with new ways to smuggle the drugs into this country. As long as there is fixed demand and profit, the drugs will come. It is simple logic and follows a basic economic model. Focusing solely on interdiction is a formula for failure in the drugs war and the illegal immigration problem. If interdiction slows down illegal immigration, it will have a tendency to increase the fees to “coyotes” who smuggle the illegals across the border and may drive up the wages paid to illegals because of a shortage of cheap labor. That will result in new and innovative ways to smuggle in the illegals, which also creates a serious security problem. We need to focus on laws which reduce the demand for illegal labor. That starts with the employers verifying the employees are in this country legally. Next, we need to provide a strong incentive to the 12,000,000 illegals in this country to come forward voluntarily, because there is no way that we can find or incarcerate 12,000,000 illegals, and that is a security probelm. We don’t have to give them citizenship to work in this country, but we do have to be able to identify and verify their legitimacy for security purposes. Just building a fence as the primary focus is a simple minded approach to another disaster.

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jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:51:00 GMT

I guess John was too busy to debate Ann, what with all his studying the poverty issue. I guess Elizabeth has the right to go after her, but if i remember correctly, he is running for president, not her. I guess the liberal press expects smoke, laser lights and a five piece rock band playing every time a candidate speaks somewhere. Obama seems to be the only one who can get a crowd going out of all this bunch.

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Brad Spencer, Madison, WI — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:52:58 GMT

Ann Coulter is not a candidate, not an official spokesperson for the Republican party. NBC gives Ms. coulter extensive attention and airtime.

Elizabeth Edwards properly and accurately points out that Coulter's message is one of almost unending hatred. NBC fosters the delivery of that message of hatred by airing Ms. Coulter's statements.

In the face of such a message of hatred and such corporate support of that message how would it be inappropriate for Edwards (or any other candidate so attacked) to ask for financial support in order to attempt to partly counteract the power and privilege NBC routinely gives Ms Coulter and her message? Does Murray's snide comment reveal that the NBC deputy political director has a strong bias and uses his position with NBC (with NBC's willing connivance) to advance his agenda?

NBC can examine itself. Does NBC give anything remotely approaching equal broadcast access to those who support liberal ideas and Democratic candidates?

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Jim Keenan Washington, D.C. — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:53:11 GMT

So what if Lugar and Warner voice their opposition to Bush's Iraq disaster. They talk the talk because most of the country is disgusted with both Bush and Iraq...but since both said they'll vote with Bush again anyway, it's clear they don't have the political cojones the walk the b.s. talk. So, what else is new?

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F StLouis — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:53:52 GMT

Things are closing in on President Bush? Its about time the suckups in his party started growing some b---s and stop all his and Cheneys madness. And thank God for our young folks for having more sensible/liberal ideas-and are willing to vote for the democratic party which is more inclusive, open minded, flexable and compassionate. Smart kids, we underestimate them.

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Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:54:05 GMT

Ah, Mark, another subtle dig at the Edwards campaign. Ann Coulter's response was typical: twisting Ms. Edward's plea to stop personal attacks into a claim she was trying to stop freedom of speech. Also, if any of you have read polling numbers over the last few years, it appears it's not just Republican loyalists who are jumping ship. Mr. Bush has not had a 50+ percentage of approval since just before the 2004 elections and hasn't been above 40 since last year in most polls. This doesn't appear to me to show overwhelming support for Mr. Bush for a long time. Add to this, Mr. Cheney's even worse numbers and it becomes obvious to me these guys really don't care what is good for America or what Americans care about. Their mantra is "war is good, privitization is better and scrapping the Constitution is Nirvana."

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mikeeg,abdn,wa — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:55:49 GMT

Saw Ann on tv yesterday boy is she full of hate and will not answere a question honestly a perfect republican.

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Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:57:33 GMT

Edwards absolutely will use this in a fundraiser. I do hate to admit it, because Coulter is such an ugly human being, but she was right in her implication that by being so ugly with Mrs. Edwards she was knowingly helping the Edwards campaign with fundraising.

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Juile in VT — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:01:12 GMT

Why does the media continue to paint Bush as "persevering"? The reality is that he is stubbornly sticking to his "my way or the highway" mantra. Like the spoiled frat boy of days past, Bush would sooner throw his mama to the wolves than admit a mistake and speak frankly to the American people. Perserverance? I think not. Try obstinate and willful.

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Ravine Force, Kissimmee, FL — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:02:40 GMT

It is about time that the GOP began to drift apart from Mr. Bush on the war. How can you possibly justify what has no justification? Unwarranted war and worse than that; incredible incompetence in handling it. As to Mrs. Edwards call to Hardball, you go girl. Democrats have to get down and dirty with these GOP mouth pieces. Call them what they are. Coulter is a witch that has nothing constructive to say in anything she says.

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Show Me, Houose Springs , MO — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:14:09 GMT

Chuck..if you have any influnence in these matters could you please give Pat Bucannan a rest! I wonder if he sleeps? Don't you have other non NIxon lovers to give the conservative view? He holds himself up as a person who is motivated by his Catholic morals, what exactly is moral about supporting a hate porno queen like Ann Coulter?

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R.Merrell — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:16:09 GMT

Who died and made Coulter queen?

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Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:18:15 GMT

*** Squeezed: yep, walls closing in. However, Tony Snow is right. We have heard this before. The only thing that counts is the vote and last time Lugar and other Republicans showed the true gelatinous nature of their spines by sentencing more US troops to death for the ego of this disgrace to the office of the President. However, it'll make nice campaign ad footage for Senator Dick.
*** Lights, Camera, Action! I'm not really President of the United States but I played one on TV...and I strayed in a Holiday Inn last night.
*** I Want My MTV...: If only they had a draft card to burn to put a bigger fire under their a**.
*** Ambushed: Fund raising letter? Yeah! There had better be! Ann Coulter's job is to swing the hatchet, draw blood and arouse the teaming, steaming, right wing base. She is then gently denounced by Republicans so that they appear more moderate for the center and then she is invited to the next fund raiser and applauded as a hero. We are supposed to be outraged when somebody ceases the moment and uses her for a change? I smell the desire and the ability of a Democrat to win...at last. MORE! HARDER!

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juan, ft lauderdale,fl — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:21:10 GMT

Ann Coulter is beyond dispicable. She right their below ameba's and pond scum.

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juan,ft lauderdale, fl — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:24:05 GMT

Republican's catch phrase has become ABANDON SHIP AND SAVE YOUR OWN A...

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bb — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:29:17 GMT

This is truly a horrible time in our history. Republicans lie and start wars on lies and then make all politicians look bad. Many times the regular person doesn't have time to sort through all the bull----, so they assume that all politicians are bad. This administration has played on this factor with Karl Rove using this to confuse us. We need dems in charge of this country. Bush has failed horribly.

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Cody B, Payson UTAH — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:33:42 GMT

They didn't even mention congressman Ron Paul, Our Next President, who has been against this war in the beginning and continually asks for them to come home.

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Shirl, Philly, PA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:37:29 GMT

Awwwwwww...poor wittle Ann Coulter got ambushed did she? What a joke. Would think she'd be a little more thick skinned considering how rude and confrontational she is almost every time I hear her speak.

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Joe Justice — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:39:53 GMT

Anyone wanna agree Ann Coulter had it coming?

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joe in jersey — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:42:44 GMT

So Dick Cheney claims executive privilege when it suits him (like for the Energy Commission investigation) and then claims that he is NOT part of the Executive Branch when it benefits him. As a Republican, I think the first thing we need to do is convince Bush to DROP this guy. As to Republicans abandoning Bush; well, it's about time. I can not believe this guy. He has harmed our standing in the world, attempted to increase pollution, forced religious agendas on us, allowed millions of illegals to cross our borders, got us into an unecessary war in Iraq, and did his best to block the investigation into 9/11, even going so far as to refuse to testify under oath. I guess I am a Lincoln-style Republican, when our leadership was strong, smart, and truly cared about their fellow Americans. I, for one, support ANY of my fellow Republicans who stand up to Bush in any capacity. Thank you, Senator Lugar, your efforts are greatly appreciated.

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Dorothy — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:49:43 GMT

"Throw Momma From the Train"--A movie

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John B, Des Moines, IA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:51:15 GMT

Republicans are starting to TALK like they don't back GW, when will they start VOTING that way? That's what really counts. As for Coulter, now we know why she and so many like her don't let an opponent finish a sentence. It's too easy to make them look foolish. The "you can't take a joke" defense of hers is one of the lamest tools of the true bully. As soon as you call them on a smear it wasn't meant to be serious, it was just a joke. Coulter does it, Limbaugh does it, Beck does it, Savage does it, they all do it. Bullies all, and all those like them.

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Roger Osborne Stewartville, MN — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:54:26 GMT

Bush has very little credibility left. His party is beginning to abandon ship and the blinders are coming off. He could help bolster his legacy if he would find a middle of the road approach to this country's problem. There is so much deceit it is becoming impossible to dig himself out of these predicaments.

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Russell in Maryland — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:55:15 GMT

Let's everyone dig up dirt on Ann Coulter and post it. Turnabout is fair play. Of course make sure your contributions uphold the standards of decency, logic, truth and accuracy that Ann Coulter has set ;)

I found this information about Ann Coulter on a website so it must be true.
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Born in the Hungary in 1560 as Elizabeth Bathory, the conservative sensation changed her name to Countess Marya Zaleska upon first coming to the United States in 1936. She later opted for the more Anglo-sounding Ann Coulter because, in her words, "I wanted my very name to announce my patriotic devotion to America," and because, "The FBI was closing in."

Asked whether soaking in the blood of virgins might alienate the GOP’s fundamentalist Christian base, Coulter waved a bone-white hand and uttered a dismissive, "Pah!"

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Rey G — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:56:15 GMT

Chris Mathew. Shame on you! He "Mann Coulter" deserves no air time on any reputable show, unless of course you feel that your show is less than reputable.

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Tim, Chicago — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:58:22 GMT

"Democrats have to get down and dirty with these GOP mouth pieces. Call them what they are. Coulter is a witch that has nothing constructive to say in anything she says."

-Take off the blinders Ravine Force, it's not just Coulter or Republican loudmouths with media outlets, it's everyone. Keith Olbermann? Al Sharpton? Bill O'Reilly? Idiots come in all shapes, sizes, and parties--the problem is that too many Americans give too much credence to what they see on TV, hear on the radio and read on the internet.

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Robert catalano, Salem, OR — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:20:55 GMT

Mark what happened to my earlier post on this subject? There was nothing at all offensive in it.

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Jessie , Kingsport,Tn — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:34:24 GMT

Ann Coulter knows controversy sells and sells very well. It is hard to think that she really means all the disparaging words she writes. I certainly hope she doesn't truly believe that all democrats are unGodly. Satire,comedy,and political irrevelence are always sure to draw the ire of serious minded people. There's a clique that money talks and B.S. walks, Ann Colter seems to have this down to an art form. I don't argree with a lot of her writings, but I believe she has a right to express her views. The only request I would have for Ms. Coulter is that she be fair and acess the GOP as she does Democratic party.

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Dave, Tn — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:34:35 GMT

I don't see how Lugar can claim the surge isn't working when http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/jan-june07/iraq_06-25.html
If the idea is to get the hell out of the way, and let the Sunni nations deal with Iran well that's a different story. If you gotta pick a side in a lesser of two evils go with the 80% side. Americans don't have a reason to give a damn, or trust either.

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Jessie , Kingsport,Tn — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:35:15 GMT

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NOTUN26% - LOUISVILLE,KY. — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:52:24 GMT

HERE'S HOW WE FIX TWO PROBLEMS WITH ONE STONE. IMMIGRATION FROM MEX. AND HIGH GAS PRICES.
ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS BUILD ABOUT 5 OR 6 REFINERIES IN MEXICO AND CREATE THOUSANDS OF JOBS FOR THE MEXICAN PEOPLE AND THEY WILL NOT HAVE AN EXCUSE OF NO JOBS, PLUS WE GET PLENTY OF GAS AND THE REFINERIES ARE IN NOBODIES BACK YARD.

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Randall Thomas, Statesville, NC — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:00:02 GMT

Illegal Immigration (Amnesty)

We the people of America must demand securing America's borders and enforcing our present Immigration laws! Seems to me that Bushco is at it again! Immigration is his final push for Big Buisness Buddies of the republican party. You can bet there is nothing in it for the Legal un-employed American's.

The need to sweep America for all illegals is now! America has our soldiers in Iraq while terrorist are crossing our borders illegally every day!

Secure America's Borders, Sweep America for all Illegals (and deport), and End the conflict in Iraq (bring our soldiers home and place them on America's Borders).

The above is what this legal American demands of our government!

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HMT — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:01:13 GMT

why woul coulter be fair in her opinions.She gets paid and makes her living off of the republicans.It is her job to be as vile as she can and then laugh about it.You saw the young people standing behind her---they were cheering her on---a lot more little annes to come.

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John Doe, The Peanut Gallery — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:43:25 GMT

The Ann Coulters, Rush Limbaughs, Bill O'Reillys, and Michael Savages are responsible for the current mindset of the GOP in a lot of ways. What they do is attack the person they disagree with rather than the ideas that they have. Regrettably, the American public does tend to like the sensationalism that all of the above use as their stock in trade. However, I think the American public is also starting to see the damage that that kind of rhetoric is doing to our political process. Ann Coulter's job is to put as many smears and as much misinformation about the Democrats into the media as she possibly can. Of course she doesn't really think that all liberals are Godless heathens. Her job is to make sure that people like Jerry, Dave, Darren, and Peeps THINK that all liberals are Godless heathens. I know alot of ex-Republicans that left the party because they no longer wished to be associated with people of that mindset. At the end of the day, Elizabeth Edwards was correct in what she said on Hardball. However, in the long run, Ann Coulter will do far more damage for her conservative ideals than she benefit them.

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Clown from the other tent, but at least I know I'm a clown. — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:44:14 GMT

It must be nice to belong to a political party that doesn't have anyone, not one, nobody that talks to, or about people like Coulter talks about Liberals. You clowns protest too much.

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Shane, Huntsville AL — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:03:24 GMT

What ever happend to the "rule of law"? If I break the law, I pay a fine or go to jail. Congress! Don't Change the LAW,provide the funding for the executive branch to enforce it!
Shane

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JIrby, Colorado — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:22:12 GMT

I believe Bush has just received the kiss of death from Lugar et al. They may have hired a chimp to do the actual kissing, lest what Bush has could be catching. I think we have just entered the phase of the Bush administration that could be called "Dead Prez Walking", marked by the high probability that there can be no recovery from here. I think giving the prez another shot with the "surge" was maybe just a formality. I don't think anyone except Cheney had any faith in it. Cheney himself seems to be living in some kind of dream world. I caught a guy on Charlie Rose last night who said Cheney most likely still believed we were right to invade Iraq. I am going to go on record as saying Halliburton probably agrees.

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William, Little Rock, Ar. — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:25:24 GMT

NOTUN26%, you are right on the mark with your idea. This is the kind of suggestion that could lead to a positive solution of a difficult sitution. If only the sauage makers in Washington would start thinking in that direction and stop putting amnesty before any well thought out ideas to solve the real problem, which resides in Mexico not the USA.

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Carolyn Bloch — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:28:25 GMT

Instead of giving air to the Bushies and the Grand Oil Party, why not bring our troops home to protect our borders and ports and thus enforce the immigration laws already on the books? Out brave men and women of the military (who have already accomplished their mission) can then determine how many illegals there actually are in this country. Would you grant amnesty to someone who illegally broke into your home, washed the dishes, cleaned the rooms and then wanted to live with you? Illegal means illegal, period. The terrorists have not followed us home they live here.

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ruben kalish — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:29:38 GMT

America will never know peace again; messed up with the most fanatic people in the world; they do NOT forget, do NOT forgive, and can wait for many years to take revenge (thousands if necessary, ask Israel); how long are the troops going to stay in Irak to avoid that? forever? has anybody, anybody!, explained that to the bodies in the white house?.

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Keenan, Sandestin, Florida — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:22:48 GMT

Dear Clown,
Name one, just one, liberal political pundit who regularly gets air time on television at the national level who casts aspersions, lies, half-truths, innuendo, veiled incitement to violence, racial and ethnic taunts, and just plain nastiness about his or her opposition with the same bulging neck vein stridency as Ann Coulter.
Then consider the rest of the right wing media machine including Hannity, Limbaugh, O'Reilly, and Savage to name only the most exemplary.
Sure, there is some bomb throwing out there on the Internet by progressives and liberals who are sick and tired and are not going to take it anymore. They are matched at least one to one by the voices I've heard at LGF and other far right web sites. But we're talking here about a national media presence that just doesn't understand civility and decency.

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raphael venegas — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:25:41 GMT

They are just doing what was predicted some time ago: they are beginning to cover their asses in order not to lose their election. Nothing new. I knew this was coming and it didn't suprise me a bit.

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CHRIS MIRABELLA, CHINO HILLS, CA. — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:46:53 GMT

ANN COULTIER IS SAYING EXACTLY WHAT SHE BELIEVES..DEMOCRATS RATHER RUN INQUIRIES INTO WHITEHOUSE ACTION THEN WORRY ABOUT OUR TROOPS OR HEALTHCARE..THE REALITY IS DEMOCRATS AND LIBERALS LIVE IN AN UNREALISTIC WORLD..THANK GOD REPUBLICANS OUR IN OFFICE..MAYBE WHEN TERRORISTS TAKE OVER THE WORLD IDIOT DEMOCRATS WILL WAKE UP, UNTIL THEN ITS A REPUBLICAN WORLD..

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Mike, Hermosa Beach, CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:54:25 GMT

I am sick to my stomach of the endless, banal coverage of Fred Thompson, Hillary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, et al. Now, NBC/MSNBC is showering us with mindless statements from Ann Coulter. Mainstream media - like NBC/MSNBC - is garbage which avoids addressing anyone and anything genuine and substantive.

Well, they are good for one thing, giving us a convenient forum to blog and connect with one another.

It's time for a Ron Paul "tea party" in '08! Let's ditch the police state, send the illegal aliens packing, and give the IRS a pink slip.

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Keenan, Sandestin, Florida — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:56:38 GMT

Chris, one possible interpretation of your last sentence is that the terrorists will take over the world because it's Republican world. I would tend to agree with that logic, however farfetched the actual likelihood.

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maryann phoenix az — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:57:55 GMT

shame on chris mathews for having ann coulter on hardball IHAVE WATCHED HIS SHOW FOR MANY YEARS AND CLOSE TO REACHING MY BREAKING POINT WITH HIS CURRENT PROGRAMING HIS WEEKLY SHOW IS SO MUCH MORE INTERESTING

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dale roe , white hall, illinois — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:58:33 GMT

as i read the messages i could only give thanks to some people from long ago that would not quit they fought on against a enemy for several years before they won and not everyone thought they were right but they stayed with it to give use our country just think if they had of threw in the towel when things got rough where you would be now how avout ww 1 and ww2 if they had quit when it was going bad what would your country and your rights be now so don't be to quick to run it may bite you later

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Doug Fortune — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:07:47 GMT

As much as I dislike Ann Coulter she has a right to say whatever she likes, it's conservative entertainment but don't expect her to have a good reason for it or defense of it when she's confornted on it, because there is none. Hey I love Bill Maher & he sayes some pretty trashy stuff about the conservatives, but the difference is he can back it up & does on his show. The GOP is finally getting worried about their " blind faith" support of our Commander & Chump, it's about time they see the stupidity behind his ideas.

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Joe Heidenheimer — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:13:19 GMT

Liberals are ignorant. We did the right thing to go into Irag.. the axis of evil are slowly dying, for example North Korea is bending. Now maybe with out a shot Iran will tumble. Another thing government healthcare , go to Canada, UK, or Cuba for good healthcare. We subsidy the farmer, how about subsiding americans insurance premiums and let the market create the best healthcare in the world.

Joe Heidenheimer, TX

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OutWest — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:31:22 GMT

The attack, name calling style began with Lee Atwater, who before he died admitted he created a monster. Ann Coulter is just one of many. By reading this blog you will see the effectiveness of the it. There are plenty of people who love the juvenile name calling because it makes simpler for them. I'm right your wrong; I'm the "Real American".
The continuing villian is the media that feeds off this for audience share. Selling this stupidity as as intelligent politicial discourse. Don't feed the monster, change channels, don't buy the books and for God's Sake challenge the stupidity.
A bright spot, when the Democrats take office in 2008 as expected a lot of the current media buffoons will be out because the new administration won't talk to them.

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ken orr — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:34:42 GMT

my fav is ann saying she didnt think it would help if she signed up for the war her with a little gun,nice insult to the women who serve and die or are injured maybe oriely and hannit and rush with thier little guns tough talk for someone putting someones ass on the line to fight for thier rights and freedom.Shame on them but they feel nne or they would be the first in line to fight this threat that is so immenent.Maybe its not the threat they make it out to be ,but if they can keep talking people in to fighting for them,even though they do not fight anyone but fellow americans who disagree but tey are easier targets than the bad guys

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Ed Feeney, SF CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:37:51 GMT

I wonder if Coulter kisses her mother with that mouth.

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John B, Des Moines, IA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:38:52 GMT

Joe, North Korea has bent nearly back as far as where they were when Bill Clinton left office...but they have a stockpile of nuclear weapons. Iran is a bigger influence in the Middle East than ever. Iraq in civil war, Palestine in flames, Lebanon on the precipice. We've run headlong toward an abyss of world chaos at the cost of hundreds of billions of dollars and tens, possibly hundreds of thousands of lives. That's another view of what happened because we went into Iraq.

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Lee Holmes — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:49:38 GMT

Lugar,never one of my favorites,is yet seeing the writing on the wall in a manner that has thus far escaped both still-supporting voices of the administration as well as its detractors. Clearly,the man is agonizing over a path that will not lead to victory in the end of this ''round one''[the war in Iraq]. Lugar thus sees this writing as a ''in-out-in'' strategy which will eventually neccecitate even further military force down the line. Here is why.
The leftwinged Joe Conason,writing in todays liberal New York Observer,Dick Morris as well in todays centrist THE HILL,and the liberal Brookings Institute in its newest Iraq White Paper, all miss the point.[a point instantly grasped by Lugar and others including this poster].The idea by Conason,Brookings,Murtha,Pelosi[who will be the nascent co-leaders of American foreign policy under a Democrat presidency should America have to endure their own re-elections],that will continue to pin their reputations on an already forlorn hope. That is, in the event of our retreat from Iraq, American forces placed in a ''neighboring friendly country''[Brookings,Conason,Pelosi,Murtha, Clinton et al],will be in a position to protect Iraqi domestic and regional affairs using military force from a safe distance.This is as mad a scheme as purporting to observe that we would be greeted as ''liberators''in Iraq to begin with as there will be no ''friendly nations''in the region from where we can offer regional security in the wake of our retreat from Iraq.
Lugars ''round two'', thus presents itself as, rather than being trapped between competing Islamic forces in only Iraq, we will be thus trapped between these competitors in an entire continental region. bin Ladens philosophies will have been completely vindicated and no place will be safe.Millions more Islamics,seeing the US on the run,will flock under his banner to repeat the Iraq recipe in other nations. All Islamic ''moderates''will fall by the sword. Jordan,Saudi Arabia,and Egypt[who can also see this writing on the wall. As we speak,they are falling in behind HAMAS, not that this will save them in the end], will have as much chance of survival as a snow-cone in Dantes Fifth Circle.Emboldened Syria will move to digest Lebanon which will re-erupt into civil war. Here is where Lugar sees what nearly all do not. That we will have to go back in with even greater force [Gingrichs WWIV],in order to stop the toppling of these nations into the hands of the bin Ladenists and even the Shia Ayatollahs.
The BELMONT CLUB's Richard Fernandez,one of the best conservative intellectuals in the nation today[while living himself in Australia],brilliantly sees where it all goes. The minority Republicans,with their heightened sense of patriotism-through military action,''will support the liberals war through gritted teeth'',but will nonetheless support it as the Just War principle will reassert itself as a result of quickly spreading destabilization across the Middle East,Africa,and into Asia.Herein lay ''round two''of the continuation of the Iraq War,fought on a more global stage.
All Lugar is laying down is the ''beyond Bush''strategy.Lugar is no peacenik in and of himself.He readily sees that the Bush doctrine has been fraught with disastrous consequences but is equally horrified at the prospect of leftist influences dictating American foreign and military affairs at the moment when the bin-Laden-rung bell for ''round two''goes off.[Lugar, already having witnessed the new round of debate among the Democrats whereby American troops would be pulled from Afghanistan as well,to be replaced by ''an international force''[as if there is not one there already.This is as insane as happily hoping that the US can turn Kuwait or the Emirates into a super-base on a nationwide scale in order to deal with the Shia-Sunni threat,and of course,will drive the final nail into the coffin of those who claim that we are ''not serious about getting bin Laden'',under the present administration].Lugar will be one of several bi-partisan ''realists'' who will give in to neither ideological wing and who will not eschew using force,especially as the threat continues to grow in the wake of the US retreat from Iraq.

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JOHNNY JUSTICE ANYWHERE USA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:52:41 GMT

HEY GEORGE, NOW YOU LISTEN TO DICK !

First thoughts

jessie — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:10:39 GMT

Chris in lala land,the terrorists have taken over our nation and they weild power from 1600 Penn Ave. They have a nice war to keep their defense industry buddies rolling in dough and blame the Dems for 9/11 and Osama. They had until 2006 a spineless rubber stamp congress of their gop cronies to march in step to their terrorist agenda. Just like any extremists they didn't question the justice dept, homeland security, kickbacks from lobbyists, the loss of our constitutional rights or listen to the call for reason. They have (as they see it a God given right) to cleanse the world and our nation of those who don't agree with them. Right now they're working on Iraq, Iran,and the Demoncratic Party. Just wait until they start work on Calif., it should make you proud to see them go after immigrants, gays, actors, writers, producors, and just plain liberal people who want to see peace in our lives. I can just see you brusting with pride at this scene. Live well and remember only the GOP has our protection and rights at heart or is it at their wallets,refineries, tanks, planes, warships, or I guess you know the rest.

First thoughts

F StLouis — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:07:08 GMT

Chris, you've had way over your limit of draft beers. The room must be spinning and organic brain injury has set in. Time to sign up for the Army son!! They'll take you just as you are. You can fight the evil bad guys and send them all to hell!! Ah, no never mind, go have another drink boy.