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Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:36:18 GMT

As for that Thompson jerk - who needs another damned liar in office? Jeez, these repubs are really hard-up!

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Flat-earther, Georgia — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:36:35 GMT

Where to go for cable news program?

MSNBC; covers news, unless there is a spectacular accident, anywhere.

FOX NEWS; covers news, unless a white woman goes missing, anywhere.

CNN; covers news, the Headline News program is pretty good.

Also, I still have First Read for political coverage. .

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jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:43:28 GMT

None of the above? massachusetts may have to add taxes to pay for the 20-30 elections they will have to have until they find someone they like, which in Massachusetts, it may be a haul. What is Richardson now, 5th place? it took a while for the press to find something negative about Fred Thompson.

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Independent, Texas — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:47:54 GMT

RE Richardson: Hmmmm. Yesterday some bloggers posted a transcript of an interview of Richardson before the Iraq mess started. In that interview he suggested that we wait for the UN to finish its scheduled work, diplomatically enlist support from allies, and that, at that time, there was no hurry for any action as the UN reports had indicated that the WMD was not as urgent an issue as we had feared. That was BEFORE the war started. So....this little item in First Read seems to contradict that.

Anybody got any more info on this? I have to tell you that from reading that bloggers info yesterday and the subsequent research I did for a very short while really lifted Richardson in my eyes.

The reason I'm asking you bloggers is that I don't trust the MSM to give unbiased reporting. It seems a little coincidental to me that just when Richardson seems to gather a little traction, snarkiness appears in the press. (Yes - I'm very cynical.)

thanks,

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leon — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:52:05 GMT

So nothing on Vitter today. Apparently the news media has decided he deserves a break. Have some dignity and resign.

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Blue state baby — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:53:48 GMT

I know where to go for cable republican news.

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jerri fan — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:06:21 GMT

jerri u go girl

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Working american, West Palm Beach FL — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:10:10 GMT

Is it possible that Thompson doesn't need to jump on the wagon as soon as the others? He gets my vote-Go Fred-dy..Go Fre-dy..Go Fred-dy!

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DEM MEE — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:14:39 GMT

BUSH AND CHENEY BLEW UP THE NYC GAS PIPES TO GET HALIBURTON CONTRACT. LET EVRYONE KNOW!

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CJ — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:15:02 GMT

MSNBC spent so much time reporting a burst pipe in NY yesterday..I quit watching. I learned more by watching Chris Mathews on Jay Leno....and Chris can really talk! Jay only asked abt 3 questions the whole time.

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Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:24:12 GMT

Part of me likes the MA idea. At the same time, I think it is highly impractical and will only end up creating perpetual campaigning and endless elections. Hopefully if they do enact something like this, they will put a cap on the number of "do-overs" voters get to have. Sooner or later, you have to elect someone.

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Paul Peterson — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:26:40 GMT

Where is the magnifing glass accusations as far as Hillory Clinton's past is concerned

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juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:30:41 GMT

Msnbc- so much for unbias news...we are so swamped with the liberal media...RIGHT! Fred go back to acting.

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Blue state baby — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:35:22 GMT

Paris Hilton said in an interview that she read the Bible everyday, but she couldn't name her favorite scripture. She also said that she voted last year. When asked in what election, she said the Presidential. My point is that she is still much smarter than bush and she does not lie as much.

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Siegfried, Central Illinois — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:37:25 GMT

Paul-
Books have been written about Hillary. In fact, an entire cottage industry exists to run down the Clintons.

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Buzz- AKA 'saving Jerry the itme and effort' Buzzy. — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:41:51 GMT

Damn it, Bill- y' just had to go and 'get some', and cause the steam pipe to break, didn't ya? And that horrible plane crash in Sao Palo Brazil. Y' just couldn't keep it in y' pants, could you?

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Sierra, San Francisco — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:56:04 GMT

Hey Freddy !!
Maybe you should try the Alberto Gonzalez strategy: I don't remember that, I don't recall that, I have no recollection of that.

Talk about feet of clay.

Does anybody remember the Comet Kahoutek ?

Shakespeare seems appropriate:
'...Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing... '

Republicans ARE DESPERATE, aren't they ??

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Lisa, Douglas, GA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:58:23 GMT

Apparently, a Republican needing to wear diapers when hooking up with hookers - isn't newsworthy. But - if he had been a Democrat...

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Al, KS — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:00:51 GMT

Is Fred coaching Alberto...or is Alberto coaching Fred...one wonders. Fred really has no incentive to hold his coming out party yet. He's doing fine running without running. Most of the voters will be swayed after September anyway...and he doesn't have to report finances until he's official. Watch him report a large amount of cash on hand in October...blowing away the rest of the GOP with some numbers. Plus, he'll have a better feel for the direction of the war in September. If he ends up winning he will show everyone the foolishness of these long election cycles.

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Richard, Palatka, FL — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:08:51 GMT

You want to know about Hillary's PAST??
When will the public learn about her PRESENT?

Here's an old article about News Corp owner Rupert Murdoch sponsoring Hillary fundraiser -
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12762092/

And News Corp-Fox News execs sponsoring a fundraiser -
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117966081.html?categoryid=18&cs=1

Oh - and the Clintons good friend is now conducting polling for CNN -
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/14/us/politics/14gupta.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

And folks wonder why she's 'leading'! ha!

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IT PUZZLES ME — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:23:44 GMT

IRAQI PARLEMENT TO TAKE A 1 MONTH VACATION/RECESS THIS AUGUST WHILE US TROOPS DIE ON THE STREETS OF BAGDAD.

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Jim, Washington, D.C. — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:25:44 GMT

Fred Thompson should wait to announce on Nov 1st, 2008. Let the desparate republicans, moderate and conservative project their little fantasies on their Party Savior until it's too late to find out truths like the pro-abortion thing.

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Rob — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:32:47 GMT

Fred the actor Thompson.... Sounds great! I guess the pre-requisites for Presidency keep geting lower and lower. Soon we will have our first circus clown in power. What a country. Way to go GOP ! Is guess if GWB can hold on for eight years anyone can. The new American Benchmark... Aren't we proud !!!!!

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CJ — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:37:38 GMT

Rupert Murdoch plays both sides..otherwise he wouldn't be a success...Roger Ailes on the other hand.....let's just say he and his proxies are part of the Clinton cottage industry.

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Danny Woods — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:37:43 GMT

I just wish we could go back to the times when political correctness was a word not yet uttered and politicians said what they believed and not what they thought everyone wanted to hear. They are all bought before they reach office anyway so why don't they quit acting like they want to help anyone who doesn't have loads of money.What happened to the buck stops here. And I know you have all heard this one.When can you tell a republican is lying?

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CJ — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:41:47 GMT

My issue is not with Thompson he'll sink or swim on his own merit...it's the GOP homers..or whoever that are fascinated by a 'none on the above' candidate that seems to have an average track record. The hype doesn't match the credentials. Why are they so obsessed with image and perception and not real achievements. I can give Romney supporters kudos atleast b/c the man has a track record of significant accomplishments despite his continous fumbles. Same goes for Juliani..even if his leadership is subject to question.

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Eric Pearl, Scranton PA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:43:07 GMT

Soon we will have our first circus clown in power.

Or worse. We'll get one of those charter members of mensa hollywood activist types.

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Danny Woods — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:43:17 GMT

Paul,I don't believe there is a HillOry running.

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Rob — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:55:31 GMT

I agree with Fred Thompson sinking or swimming on his own merit, however it is odd. He is going to sink. I hope that GOP supporters will sit on their pride and vote with their brains. I mean the GOP is trying to revive Ronald Regan at all cost. Do you think they are trying to Clone him as we speak for 2112 elections. Thats when cloning and stem cell research will turn the corner for the conservatives.

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Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:03:09 GMT

Soon we will have our first circus clown in power. What a country. Way to go GOP !

Rob, we already do; George "What, me worry?" Bush.

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Stephen Cassidy, CA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:03:51 GMT

Should we remain in Iraq out of fear of a greater conflict if we were to withdraw? My answer is no. Our troops did what they are assigned to do. Saddam was removed from power, no weapons of mass destruction were found, and free and fair elections were conducted under a new Iraqi constitution.

But now they are faced with an impossible task. They have become the targets of all sides in a civil war. It is a war of attrition. The battlefield is 360 degrees. There is no front or rear. As each day passes, more U.S. soldiers die from snipers’ bullets, roadside bombs and mortar attacks. Spouses become widows and children are left without a parent.

Almost 3,600 U.S. soldiers have been killed and 27,000 have been wounded, many suffering from traumatic brain injuries that have left them permanently disabled and in need of medical care for the remainder of their lives.

The only candidate in my opinion that has a solid, crystal clear plan for Iraq is Richardson, for two reasons:

1. He'll get the U.S. out completely and promptly - a total withdrawal.

2. Richardson has the foreign policy experience and expertise to wage the diplomatic offensive that will be necessary to see the region not descend into further conflict.

This is what Lieutenant General Robert G. Gard, Jr. (USA, Ret.) has said about Richardson's plan:

"Overwhelming majorities of Iraqis, both Shia and Sunni, oppose the presence of US troops in Iraq and believe that US troops are more a cause of violence than a solution to it. Our presence in Iraq fuels the insurgency, strengthens Al Qaeda, and distracts us from the urgent task of defeating the real terrorists who attacked this country on 9-11. It's time for a phased and coordinated, but rapid, withdrawal of all US troops from Iraq, and Governor Richardson has a realistic plan to do it."

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Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:05:56 GMT

CJ - I also thought that steam pipe burst in New York was way overplayed. The footage was pretty impressive, for about 20 seconds. After that, they should have moved on.

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Kelly, in Pittsburgh — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:08:06 GMT

I am troubled by the Republican's poor judgement in choosing candidates. If the Democrats persist with trying to put Hillary in the White House, we are going to get stuck with one of these clowns instead. As a Democrat I should be happy that Guilani has more reasonable stances on abortion and gay rights. But he would be a disaster as president. I didn't think it was possible, but this guy is more bull-headed than Bush and sleazier than Bill. Their is so much support for Fred Thompson, without any knowledge as to what he stands for. He is not qualified. His history as a senator has been described as lazy. He has no vision, which is why he is reluctantly running. He tipped Nixon off as part of the watergate investigation. Republicans are blinding choosing him because he's an actor, and they long for him to be like Reagan. A lot of the support for Clinton, is also coming from the uninformed. Wake up America, and scratch beneath the surface.

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John B, Des Moines, IA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:09:23 GMT

The problem isn't that Fred is a liar, it's that he isn't a good enough liar. The GOP needs a really good liar to sell the public on policies that anywhere from 55-80% disagree with, depending on which proposal you're looking at. Nearly everything the party wants to do has very little support, once you look at the specifics.

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M D Farney — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:09:56 GMT

Fred Thompson would make a good President at least much better than all other currents we have to select from on both sides Rep/Dom.
At this time given the potentials I would vote for Mr. Thompson.

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D. Rounbe — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:12:51 GMT

I am a resident of New Mexico and am a supporter of Richardson. Wehn talking about the need to end the war in Iraq I think it would be helpful to point out that the real issue is the inability of the present administration to manage this war and not the ability of our warriers to win it. My view is that we the people don't trust the people running this country to find there backsides with both hands and a flashlite let alone manage a war. I think that this is the real issue and should articulated. In fact I suspect that most Republicans share this view as well, perhaps not the far right wing whackos. We needto to start hitting upon the real concerns and not the talking points. I think that we need to fire the managers of this government and put better management in place. We will also need to root out all af the inpbedded neocons in our government as well.

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Stephen Cassidy, CA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:13:08 GMT

Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carly Zakin:

You are incorrect in stating Richardson supported the war without providing any context to his statements. After we invaded Richardson naturally voiced support for our troops and hoped the war would be concluded quickly. Richardson also thought Saddam was a brutal dictator and threat to regional peace.

But Richardson was also critical of the Bush Administration's rush to war and urged patience and diplomacy. Unlike Edwards, Clinton and many other Democrats, Richardson advocated we pursue all diplomatic avenues prior to any decision to wage war, including working with the U.N.

Richardson has been consistent on the primacy of diplomacy in conflict resolution. On March 11, 2003, on CNN, eight days before President Bush announced the U.S. was at war with Iraq, Richardson explained how unilateral U.S. military action in Iraq would undermine the U.N. and accurately predicted it would undermine the prestige of the U.S. abroad:

"CROWLEY: I want to ask you the question, first, if there is no Security Council resolution approving of a war on Iraq, and if the Bush administration should go ahead, who loses in that scenario?

RICHARDSON: Well, I think the United Nations loses because it shows a lack of relevance to this crisis.

And, secondly, I think, Candy, that the United States loses because we're going into a major conflict without the blessing of the U.N. Security Council, without some of our major allies like France and Russia, and also those 10 other members of the Security Council, the 10 non-permanent members that have a voice right now.

So I think it would come at considerable cost especially if we're to win the war, which we would, issues relating to a post-Iraq configuration to the prestige of the United States worldwide to bring some kind of order to the Middle East and bring some kind of Persian Gulf-lessening attention. So, I think everybody would be a victim. The United Nations, the United States and, certainly, our NATO allies. I think would be hurt, too, because if they don't support us the breakdown of the NATO alliance might be next to go.

CROWLEY: Well, I want to cite a couple of figures for you. One of them just came from a CBS/New York Times poll, which showed that right now only about 34 percent of Americans believe the U.N. is doing a good job handling this situation.

Fifty eight percent think it's doing a poor job. On top of that, we also found that 55 percent would support an invasion, even if the Security Council says don't do it. What does that say about how Americans view the U.N., and has that changed since you were the ambassador?

RICHARDSON: Well, the United States as a populous, here in new Mexico, there's not much support for the United Nations. But at the same time, Candy, what everyone should understand is the United Nations does a lot of things that we, the U.S. as the only superpower, don't want to do.

They get involved in conflicts in Kosovo, in the Congo in Africa, in Guatemala and Latin America. Immigration issues, AIDS, refugees. We don't want to get directly involved in these, but we use the arm of international support, legitimacy of the United Nations to do it.

Now, in the Persian Gulf, conveniently, the U.N. supported our efforts in 1991 to get a broad coalition. And I think we've used the U.N. in the war on terrorism to get international support.

But clearly in this Iraq crisis, the U.N. has to step up and simply enforce its [1441] resolution. And it's not doing that. So, it's going to be a big loss for the U.N. in terms of its peacekeeping relevance, unless it really steps up and gets tough on Saddam Hussein. I think that's the issue.

CROWLEY: So, am I right, am I hearing you correctly that you believe that the U.N. Security Council should pass the resolution that Britain and the U.S. are proposing?

RICHARDSON: Well, I would go a little differently, Candy. I think <strong>the U.S. and Britain should compromise. That's the essence of diplomacy. To get nine votes, if it means postponing for 30 days, or 15 days or 10 days, a new resolution with benchmarks on Iraq's behavior, let's do it. I think that France and Russia are basically gone.

They are going to veto. But it would be a partial victory if we get nine votes for a victory of a majority in the Security Council. If we don't do that, I think it's going to be tremendous prestige loss overseas. I think, domestically, it's going to cause more problems for the administration. The Congress will be divided. This is a time when it's frustrating, but what's the rush, really. Iraq is not heading down Baghdad into the United States.

Again, it is a threat, but it's not an immediate threat. It's not something that is like the war on terrorism, where we're under alert from a potential terrorist attack in this country. So let's be judicious. Let's be calm. Let's be patient."

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Rob — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:14:10 GMT

Fred Thompson, your not Ronald Regan. You are an actor however. Acting is not a synonym for leadership. You can't act and expect us to misinterpit that for leadership. The show Law and Order is your calling. Stick to it. Leave the world alone... your kind have done enough damage to it and our country for the past 8 years.... Eventually a good republican candidate will emerge once your party suffers the lessons learned from all of your most recent blunders. And for you Rudolph Giuliani.... All we need is a terrorist hunter with a lisp.... let it go your a joke... it took a tragedy like 9/11 to make you shine... Thats sad. Go make it up to your fire fighters in NY... I'm sure they will have a few choice words for you. Soon you'll be taking public transportation to all your pep rallies like John McCainn when the people realize your a continuation of the GWB foreign policy agenda like john McCainn and Frd Thomson when you run out of cash. Thank Goodness

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Nathan Graham — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:18:27 GMT

The only place to get your news is John Stewart. He is the only fair and balanced "reporter" on TV. He makes fun of everyone equally, it just so happens the Repubs don't seem able to keep their respective feet out of their respective mouths. I mean really, how many conservatives who were leaders in the movement to investigate and impeach Clinton for a blow job have to get caught with their pants down (prostitutes, meth/gay sex, adultery, child porn, 500 grams of coke to just give away, extramarital affairs) before we realize these people are nothing but crooks who will do and say anything to get elected. There are very few honest men in politics, the rest are there purly because of the corrupt nature of our political system. They are there for the money, to change laws and make laws that benifit themselves and those who give them money. Financial contributions and lobbying perks are nothing more than bribes. And accepting bribes is a treasonable offense.

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Rob — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:21:02 GMT

MD Farney ...it's scary that you even have the right to vote.... you need to have more info before you support a guy off of name recognition alone. You are the typical uneducated short attention span 30 second sound bite ad voter that we should all worry about. Did you GOP supporters all go to the same school!

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Stephen Cassidy, CA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:23:20 GMT

For anyone who puts stock in The New Republic hit piece on Governor Richardson by Ryan Lizz, would you fall for a hit piece against your favorite candidate?

Check out whom you're relying on. Lizza and The New Republic beat the drums of war for Iraq as loudly as anyone in the media. On FOX news on February 26, 2003, Lizza praised Lieberman, Kerry, Gephardt and Edwards for their vote for the Iraq war resolution, commenting they knew "why we need to do what we're going to do in Iraq."

On March 7, 2003, Lizza on CNN advocated for a U.S. invasion of Iraq, stating, "Bombing Iraq and leaving isn't going to be enough, we need to overthrow the regime." Yet, Lizza has the gall to criticize Richardson as not having any expertise in foreign affairs.

Here is one question - how would you characterize the U.S.-North Korean relationship for the term of the Bush Presidency? It was terrible. But the relationship has been transformed in the past few months. When did this change occur? It occurred following Richardson's visit to North Korea earlier this year. Remember Richardson took with him the Bush Administration's diplomatic expert on North Korea's nuclear program.

Now obviously other players were involved and many issues were worked out in advance and following the meeting, but prior to Richardson's visit our relationship with North Korean was going nowhere and today there has been remarkable improvement.

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Kelly, in Pittsburgh — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:31:57 GMT

M D Farney,

Why do you think Fred Thompson is the best choice available? Do you have anything to back up your oppinion?

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Independent, Texas — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:33:05 GMT

M D Farney (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 12:09 PM)

MD, that is an interesting statement. I'd like to know what brought you to that conclusion. I'm having difficulty seeing the attraction myself but so many people seem to like Mr. Thompson that I'm trying to understand why.

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JWilson, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:52:08 GMT

I just can't shake the feeling that Thompson thinks he is going to loaf his way into office. This guy doesnt even seem motivated to be president, but there is an army of folks ready to jump off a cliff at his command. Sure hope they don't get disappointed.

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Rob — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:52:20 GMT

Hey Independant Texas. The reason for the interest inFred Thompson that you find .. well... in people like M D Farney, is because they really do want to be patriotic, it's just that they don't have the attention span to sift through each candidate. With that stated, Republicans and Dems alike don't want to admit that our country has lost it's leadership because the didn't do their homework and voted GWB in for a second term. These Thompson supporters are the die hards that are looking for a fast solution once again. Sure he talks (acts ) like Ronald Regan, but this isn't a movie... it's the real thing. My hope and fears lie with the voters in this country. Life is hard and fast here in the US so it is difficult to spend time when you work and have a family to do the necessary homework on each candidate. Reading between the lines is a skill tha you learn when you practice, and unfortunatly are politicians exploit out undereducated view point. Fred Thompson is the stubborn die hard GOP last hope for this election cycle. reliving Ronald Regan through him is as cheesy as a Rock VII comeback. Fred Thompson isn't Ronald Regan. Regan had virtues and for that he was respected. He would't sell his country out to Iraq. He believed in his countrymen first. These other GOP guys sold out long ago.There all Big business imposters... Fred Thompson being one of them

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Kelly, in Pittsburgh — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:54:03 GMT

There seem to be a lot of Bill Richardson supporters on here. I like Richardson, and think he has alot of great experiences to offer. But I don't think he has what it takes to get the nomination. He seems like a great worker rather than a great leader. I'm a Obama supporter and think Richardson would make an excellent VP choice. I agree with your support of him, but if I am right and he doesn't get into the top contenders list please consider supporting Obama. He really has practical ideas on how to turn our country's standing in the world around, and to banish the pervasive corruption in Washington.

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OutWest, Canyon Country, CA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:57:05 GMT

I like "none of the above", but I am beginning to be in favor of political bosses in smoke filled rooms picking party nominees for president. We had better presidents back then.
I am also thinking we need the old city political machines back. At least things got built on time and within a reasonable budget with some quality even with the rake off. Now days it the "lowest bidder" who doesn't mkae schedule or budget and you get crap. Look around at how many good solid civic buildings there were built in the days of your local "political machine". Oh, and they didi not outsource, everything stayed local.

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Rob — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:14:50 GMT

We have lost sooo many rights that our ancestors before us had spilled much blood for. Now we are spilling blood in Irag to go backwards. Lets use our common sense. We are not at war with any county. We are at war with an Ideolgolgy proposed to the uneducated and poor people of Aisia and the Middle east. We can either try to stop it where it's roots are, or add fuel to the fire by showing the Muslums that they are under attack and Al-queda will help them going to all and any extremes to purge western occupation once again. Occupation of Iraq is a recruiting poster for al-queda. our actions are the drive behind the sucessful deliery of hey couldn't of deamed of a better way to entagle us. Allah delivered GWB to them. Lets not continue this course. The gop is tooo entagled in this war. They could never get elected if they disagree with it, hence why they will always continue the cycle. The ball is in our court once again. I hope that truely we elect a person that
truely understands the damage the mind set of premption has brought us.

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Ray, Canton, GA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:34:48 GMT

I look forward to a Fred Thompson joining the race. He has the credential of not being particularly anxious to take the job, rather than those like Hillary that feel they deserve it by divine right.

I think he would represent the country well. I feel he would be more of a Reagan-type President than a Bush-type. I am looking for a candidate who can give the office stature and common sense. He comes across as an individual with those qualities.

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Greg, Sacramento Ca — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:45:02 GMT

ok guys now this is completely inane. One fault on the guy and everyone is bashing him. Think about your lovely dems and libs. Tell me one candidate that hasnt "flipped". At least Fred flipped to a good side, instead of what the popular vote is. And as for the Bush comments. You voted for him. Even when you knew he beliefs on the war. Now that it has become not popular, everyone turns on the President. Anything and everything the president says, good or bad, its never good enough for enyone. He tells of confindential information the was recently allowed to be released re: the terrorist attacks that were foiled. What did the left do. Some along the lines of, "Well it took him long enough!" Ok god-damn-it Its confidential and you wanted it released earlier!, And then the Scooter Libby and President Bush Item. Everyone was pissed(Correction the left was pissed)that he conceeded Libby because he "spilled confidential information"....Please read above for the idiocracy of the left. That is all

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Ryan Ne — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:49:43 GMT

Rob, when you mention uneducated voters are you referring to the voters that cant spell Reagan? not once but multiple times!

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Richardson Supporter, Houston, TX — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:51:19 GMT

I like Richardson for many reasons, one of the main ones being that if he does win the nomination, I strongly feel that he can win the presidency. I don't believe that about Hillary - too many people in the south and west hate her. Richardson will do far better in the south and the west simply because he won't be automatically perceived as a New England Liberal - nothing is scarier to southerners.

As to the piece in the New Republic, I didn't read it so I can't respond to it (I couldn't even find it when I went on their site - there were hundreds of references to Richardson). But I would rather have someone with a fluid foreign policy that is perhaps based on intelligence reports and the actual facts than someone who sticks with one losing strategy year after year after year no matter what. Remind you of anyone?

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Richardson Supporter, Houston, TX — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:53:36 GMT

Greg, I NEVER voted for Bush, not even as Governor of Texas. I would NEVER vote for Bush, not even for dog-catcher.

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bill wagner — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:03:09 GMT

After reading the comments above the old adage of "before you engage in a battle of wits make sure your opponent is armed" comes to mind as well as "it is better to keeps ones mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and leave no doubt"--would you liberals please refrain from making any statments

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joe, Peabody, MA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:12:03 GMT

I think that Fred Thompson would be a strong president that could lead this country out of tourmoil. We are a divided nation looking for a stong leader. Fred Thompson is the only candidate I see that could bring back the US to a solidified nation.

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Robb, STL — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:13:54 GMT

That's good Greg, except that I NEVER voted for this putz. Maybe we can read above for the idiocracy(?) of the left, but we only need to read your post for the illiteracy of the right.

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CJ — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:27:56 GMT

Ray, Canton I hear you, but I still don't understand it. He timidly seeks the POTUS yet that makes him qualified?? I guess you are saying he is humble. That still is perception/image over reality IMO. Reagan-type vs Bush-type?? From his statements he sounds very similar to McCain. I'm not trying to insult you, I really don't understand b/c as I said before many people applied the same measurement to Bush, comparing him to Reagan...favoribly, in both elections. I think that approach to voting for candidates is disastrous, but I know most people vote on similar reasoning anyway. Bill Wagner thanks for the comments but we hear enough from Jerry on a daily basis.

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hetal, nj — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:33:29 GMT

Speaking of "undereducated". . . did you ever go to school--and did they offer any English classes, Rob? I've noticed you like to respond directly to people in quite the condenscending manner, so I thought to open my message by repsonding in kind.

It is a shame, because I agree in theory with some of your statements. Again, some. Whether this Thompson character is an appropriate candidate hinges on many factors, but there are two that I would really like to address.

First of all, we seem to be hoping for a new Ronald Reagan. While he might have had the dreamiest of hair in his heyday, let us not forget some of his failures. Indeed, Ronald Reagan may have had a few virtues up his sleeve, but more people moved down from their class [middle to lower middle, lower middle to poor] than those who moved up. In fact, the people that did move up were those who were already well off, id est upper middle to wealthy and wealthy to wealthier. He was not the best president financially, and let us not hope for a return of his type of progress--lest we receive it.

Secondly, we went to Iraq to stiffle a nuclear program that did not exist. We remain there because our President refuses to admit he only wanted to rid the world of Saddam because of the attack on his daddy. Yes, we need to remove our troops. We should apologize to Iraq. But just removing our troops would not solve the problem. What we do need to do is learn from the Muslim world and focus on charity. Our fight is not with Islam--Islam teaches charity and selflessness to its members--but with the extremist groups like Al-Qaeda. We should be creating a plan for exit and a concurrent plan for further investment in the Iraqi economy. We should be concerned with the existence of funds for educational opportunities. Yet, we cannot tell the sovereign nation how to run itself. That is our most fatal error.

So, while Rob ponificates about his superior analytical skills in politics, consider this: being able to see what is wrong with a system is not the same as knowing how to fix it. We have not provided any real means for fixing the issues of Iraq and how to better inform the American voters.

I offer this final bit of opinion: our next president should not only have the insight to remove our troops from Iraq and move to improve the economy, but should also move to strengthen the educational system of this country. The next candidate should be concerned with encouraging media outlets to provide more insightful newsfeeds. The next candidate should work towards providing disadvantaged American with the option of *affordable* health insurance.

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hetal, nj — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:33:34 GMT

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John B, Des Moines, IA — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:38:17 GMT

So, if a politician does whatever is unpopular that makes him a man of principle? Isn't there some validity to the concept that the people en masse tend to make good decisions, or that politicians are elected to do the will of the people? Guess that only applies if the will of the people is the neocon, theocratic, authoritarian agenda.

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Nuanced — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:39:59 GMT

First Read says "Thompson is lucky that some in the GOP base are so hungry for a candidate who at least looks like a conservative"
What pray tell does a conservative look like?

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Bruce in NV (who votes in caucuses) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:47:57 GMT

How many of you can remember 20 hours of work form 18 years ago? Anybody? Stephen Cassiday? Nathan Graham? Mr. I-don't-need-punctuation "IT PUZZLES ME"

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Ken Mesle — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:53:06 GMT

Hetal,
You sound like a democrat to me...and that's a good thing. I just think you should show Rob a little more respect. I mean, I don't have a problem with his posts. Oh, maybe you aren't a democrat...maybe you're one of those "compasionate conservatives". Oh my God! You are one! I've had enough of your kind. Oh and by the way, please define affordable health insurance.

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Gloria Gibson, Centennial CO. — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:00:47 GMT

I would really respect Mr. Edwards if he will consider his wife's condition and pull out of the presidental race and be with that very courageous lady. He has no regard for her or else he wouldn't put her through all those fund-raisers. Let him try again in the next election.

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Wizard Of Hamilton, Hamilton, MT — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:14:55 GMT

Actually, we need a president who is neither conservative or liberal, focusing on the real stuff in the present era(such as jobs and the economy, education, fighting off terrorism at home, global warming and protecting Earth's ecosystem), and topics such as gay marriage and abortion, are nothing more than old news of the previous millenium(that should be left back in the past), 'cause it has nothing to do with the real issues of today...Ya' know...The 21st Century...The 3rd Millenium!
Thus, these two controversial subjects are irrelavant, since they do not earn you a weekly paycheck, to pay bills or put food on the table, nor do they keep hardened criminals(such as street gangs) off the streets.
It's time for all those square-brained conservatives to pull their heads out of the Eisenhower-era past and look at the world of 2007.
We're not in the "Beaver Cleaver" era anymore.

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HILLBILLYHOWARD — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:20:50 GMT

come on-take a poll-u gopt a woman and a black(heartbeat away)running on th dems-and mickey and goofey on th right???????it could be florida again-THATS RIGHT PEEPS-WE AINT READY-TOO MANY "NASCAR FANS" RIGHT?

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David Morris, St. Louis, Missouri — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:33:45 GMT

Nathan, I like the way you think, a sane man pointing out the truth that's hard to swallow...

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Kelly, in Pittsburgh — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:33:51 GMT

Greg in Sacramento - one I never voted for Bush (but I have voted for some competent republicans in the past). About your point about Bush releasing the information about thwarted terror attacks, the liberal's complaint wasn't that it took too long but that the timing seemed too "convenient" and political. The Libby commutation is just an example of one of the many things that Bush has done wrong. Bush talked tough about punishing anyone in his administration who leaked Plame's identity. But now acknowledges it came from his administration and that it's time to "move on." Leaking her identity was treason. Although Libby wasn't the source of the leak in question, he did tell other people. This whole thing probably came down as a directive from Cheney and Libby was trying to cover up and got caught. This administration is lucky that Democrats are take the high road, and not putting this country through impeachment hearings again. So please open your eyes. Everyone isn't turning on the President; it's he whom has turned his back on the American people.

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Aakash, Austin TX — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:44:34 GMT

Richardson is the only guy that has talked face-to-face with Saddam and Jon Kim from North Korea....He should be lot higher in poll numbers.

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Telling the truth, omaha,ne — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:48:56 GMT

We are the dumbest country in the world. Look who we let steal the election the first time and gave the election to the second time. The world is laughing at us. God have not mislead us, our (UPPER) church leaders are misleading us which is causing all of us to stumble over one another. They have elected a new god and his name is the same as ours, (SINNER) GWB. They are unrightfully dividing the truth. If you believe in the Bible, then, pick it up and read it for youself. How can a person say that they believe in something that they don't know that much about. The BLOOD of our soldiers is(first)on the hands of our church leaders who supported GWB, (secondly) on the hands of the ones is voted for GWB the second time and (thirdly) on the hands of the ones who have the power to remove GWB from office. I know that we are suppose to judge one another in the LORD, but when did we start judging the world, is that the place where the (SAVE)came from. I would like to know why some of our church leader treat one sin different than the other? All sins are a abomination to the LORD. One sin maybe greater than the other, but they all yield the same affect. Look around and tell me, do you see all sins contributing to destruction in this country, or just a few sins? Well, looking at this country is like looking in a mirror, and seeing the same image of ourselves. If a caveman is dumber than a rock, than, how dumb is this country? THE DUMBEST OF THEM ALL!!! If you know a person who kid have died in the war, go and tell them just how smart you are and that it was all done for the sake of religion. Please!!, don't tell anyone, because they may get offended, we will not win the war. Don't you know that we are fighting against every single country bordering Iraq directly or indirectly including China. Russia (IS NOT)going to let us sit on their door steps. I know I wouldn't want Russia sitting at my doorsteps. Don't you think that we are wasting lives over there?

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ahha — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:04:40 GMT

Greg some of us have served, we know the sacrifices. Most don't complain, however it is our right whom have served to make sure that our blood and sweat are not used in vain like they have been. We make the sacrifices, all we ask is make sure your not STUPID about how you use us. These are lives we are talking about. About both of your thumbs up to Fred Thompson, I guess it is true about you Southern Republicans... always sitting on your brains talking from your a**. Thanks for readdmitting the chump to office for a second time, looking forward to your uneducated opinion. Please don't vote.... you really don't deserve that right.

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bill wagner — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:22:32 GMT

Kelly in Pittsburg--please-there was no treasonous act as it related to Valerie--a simple reading of the law evidences that quite clearly-- she was not a covert agent--additionally the waste of money by the independent prosecutor, Mr Fitzgerald, who knew within three (3) weeks of his investigation that Mr Armitage at the State Department was the source of the leaks speaks volumes of the politicization of the process resulting in the absurd conviction of Mr Libby. Please advise as to whether Sandy Berger who stole classified documents (which by the way showed Mr Clintons failure to confront Islamism) is quilty of treason or simply a memory lapse in forgetting he had put the documents in his socks and upon discovering same was attempting to burn the calssified documents. Article II of the Constitution clearly spells out the presidents authority--President Bush is a leader who is not concerned with the opinion polls--he is executing those powers granted under the Constitution. The DemocRATS are not taking any "high road" as there is no case for impeachment and this they all know. You should really read FISA, the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005,the Patriot Act and last but not least the Constitution--you'll be amazed at all the president is doing in the bests interest of this country--all legal--all constitutional

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John — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:56:46 GMT

To Greg
I did not vote for him either time. As far as confidential it took Bush no time to expose one of our CIA agents. I guess thats not confidential but all the oil tycoons setting the US energy policy with Cheeney now thats confidential. Dont be spewing left ideology comments when tihis kind of s**t is going on.

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John — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:02:08 GMT

To Bill Wagner
Valerie Plame HAD convert status.
Go back to sticking your head up GWB's a**

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Lisa - Fort Worth TX — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:10:49 GMT

Bill, if GWB has committed no illegal acts, why is everything about this administration kept so secret? The republiCONS keep saying "if you haven't done anything wrong, you won't mind us tapping your phones, reading your mail/e-mail, etc.", so I ask you WHAT ARE THEY HIDING? If they haven't done anything wrong, why hide?

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Scott in South Texas — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:27:59 GMT

Nothing this president does is in the best interests of the country, only the best interests of the republican party and its primary contributors.

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Mel Brown, Americus, Georgia — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 22:03:43 GMT

FRED THOMPSON, I knew Ronald Reagan and you "ain't" a Ronald Reagan! You aren't even a good "bit" actor much less a President! Just stay in suspended animation. The Voters

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Mel from Illinois — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 22:46:14 GMT

Mel Brown, how are things down there in Americus? I was there on a visit back in the springtime.

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Greg Sacramento California<<<not in the south — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 22:50:26 GMT

As far as confidential it took Bush no time to expose one of our CIA agents.
Idiot, wasnt Bush.

About both of your thumbs up to Fred Thompson, I guess it is true about you Southern Republicans... always sitting on your brains talking from your a**. Thanks for readdmitting the chump to office for a second time, looking forward to your uneducated opinion. Please don't vote.... you really don't deserve that right.
Im from Sacramento, Not the South.. Heres a lesson. Sacramento is the Capital of California. No where near the south. It seems my right to vote is based on the informaation I know about politics. Now in that case if someone doesnt even know where Ca is on the map, maybe they shouldnt be voting either for fear of voting for someone really rediculous like Obama or Edwards, or even worse Clinton ...
I also see a trend, everyone is still bashing President Bush, and no one is acknowledging the statements about the left flip flopping. I see people trying to change that subject real quick. Good job left. All your points you're making are just as educated as when the reps for the left said," We've got a plan...." Nobody has backed it up with physical ways of doing anything other than, they need out and we can do it..

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Greg Sacramento California<<<not in the south — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 22:59:45 GMT

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C.Disario, Pinellas Park, Fla — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 23:58:19 GMT

Why is Fred Thompson delaying his decision to
officially announce his running for presidency?
Could it be Larry Flynt?

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Greg Sacramento Ca — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:41:17 GMT

-As far as confidential it took Bush no time to expose one of our CIA agents.

*Your an Idiot, it wasn't Bush.

-About both of your thumbs up to Fred Thompson, I guess it is true about you Southern Republicans... always sitting on your brains talking from your a**. Thanks for readdmitting the chump to office for a second time, looking forward to your uneducated opinion. Please don't vote.... you really don't deserve that right.

*Im from Sacramento, Not the South.. Heres a lesson. Sacramento is the Capital of California. No where near the south. It seems my right to vote is based on the informaation I know about politics. Now in that case if someone doesnt even know where Ca is on the map, maybe they shouldnt be voting either for fear of voting for someone really rediculous like Obama or Edwards, or even worse Clinton ...

I also see a trend, everyone is still bashing President Bush, and no one is acknowledging the statements about the left flip flopping. I see people trying to change that subject real quick. Good job left. All your points you're making are just as educated as when the reps for the left said," We've got a plan...." Nobody has backed it up with physical ways of doing anything other than, they need out and we can do it..

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ROB — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:48:22 GMT

Hey Hental NJ ... don't hate. Unlike yourself, I am just blogging ..no need to spell check in word and past over To all MR Hental caught me with my pants down( I have poor grammar while typing in blogisphere.... However Mr. Hero. The first step to solving any problems are identifying them first. Here I see a very analytical approach from you, but fail to see any real fire in your soul. Perhaps it is because you may not have served your country as many of us have. My ideological views stem of the views I had while deployed to the combat zone. So honestly up yours.... All we need is another living room critic. But your the living room champ here. We both agree with the problems that this administration has put us in regards to foreign policy, however your views and calculations on how to solve them are a bit naive. That may stem from the fact that your greatest representation as a sort of ambassador to the United States comes from safe cheap living room talk. To be honest with you, one could almost buy into the fact that you sound like you almost know what you’re talking about. I do agree that you that charity and prosperity are key ingredients in any almost any foreign policy dispute, but this one is a bit more complex than the comforts of your living room can expose you to. We need to reallocate a majority of our resources out of Iraq gradually and into a containment role to not have this internal crisis spill over into the moderate Arab states. There are no winning solutions. Cutting your losses is the name of the game. We call it redefining goals of victory, through containment. Then we start your charity work in the non-infected states of Africa and Asia... etc. Refocusing on Afghanistan and Pakistan are vital to our world status and security. The Nukes in Pakistan are our concern. Voting republican is the wrong exit to take. They are too vested in this war, and will eat each other alive if they ever attempt to take a different analytical approach. So Yes Rudolph Giuliani, Fred Thompson and J McCain make me nervous. I urge you to use your common sense and don't waste eight years with these jokers... We are the current Roman Empire of our times. Every empire has fallen when caught overreaching its boundaries. Say hello to the recliner for me hental, Nj.... God Bless

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Wayne,Quincy,Mass — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:17:53 GMT

As a consevative independant,in mass no less,i could easily accept Thompson.Most conservative people i know,do not have a problem with abortion other than partial birth abortion.So his change of heart is no problem,as my veiws have changed over time as well.So far there hasn't been any candidate who is not pandering to their respective hard left or right base with the exception of Giulliani.I honestly would prefer a moderate like Giulliani combined with a self made man like Romney.As for the none of the above voting i cannot see how it would not be good if we all did that and removed all the people in congress.The current crop is doing absolutely nothing that the American people want.They all seem to have forgotten that they were sent there to represent us,not to gain personal power or wealth.We the people need to stop sending the same self serving people back to congress.We need people with common sense and the ability to act on it(like securing the border),and less people who are concerned with what the polls or political correctness say.

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Boyd South Dakota — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:36:11 GMT

What about Mike Huckabee??

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Jim, Washington, D.C. — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:17:05 GMT

Everybody keeps talking about the ever-lowering bar for GOP candidates; doesn't anyone remember Senile Ron, the washed up actor? Doesn't anyone remember the guy who couldn't spell tomato? No one (at the time---now, they think he's a genius by comparison) thought King George I, H.W. was a doofus. Republicans tend to be simpletons from what they like to call The Heartland who are scared by anyone who may seem smarter than they are. The GOP learned that decades ago, and have run dimwits with much success since. So why not ANOTHER actor?

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Jim, Washington, D.C. — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:17:22 GMT

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The Judge — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:22:34 GMT

Valerie Plame HAD convert status.

Apparently every one that matters disagrees with you. Why do you think that is?

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Lee Holmes — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 20:09:35 GMT

Heh.If MSNBC and the usual suspects over at the NY Times are this worked up about Thompson,over a small-beer deal over a decade ago,[right about the time that Hillary was on WALMARTS board],then something must be up. Ah. Here it is.

The Washington Post,Sat.July 21,2007-''Abortion Questions Fail To Dim Thompsons Lustre With Conservatives''. [gotta admit,The NY Times,on que,shot themselves in the foot again with this one as Thompsons poll numbers continue their rise].

Qunnipac Poll July 17,2007-Pete Brown:''Dems Apparently Fear Thompson''.

It would amuse me no end to see Hillary whipped by of all things,a denizen of Tinseltown.