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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/rss.xsl" media="screen"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"><channel><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx</link><description>From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro*** Da Dems: In the words of Brent Musberger (oh how it cringes some of us to quote him), "YOU'LL BE LOOKIN' LIVE, From Soldier Field in Chicago..." -- home of Da Bears -- where the Democratic presidential</description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>CommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)</generator><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306554</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:23:05 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306554</guid><dc:creator>jus sayin</dc:creator><description>President Hillory.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306565</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:28:21 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306565</guid><dc:creator>jerry/corpus christi texas</dc:creator><description>What, no Gravel????? &amp;nbsp;he is the only honest democrat running for president! &amp;nbsp;If the AFL-CIO endorses Clinton, then they will be 0-3 in the last three elections. &amp;nbsp;But it is hard for Hillary to get their vote when she has such anti-union people working for her. &amp;nbsp;Way to go Hillary, nice job on that one. &amp;nbsp;Just send Hillary into the general election now, so she can slow roasted by Rudy or Mitt or Fred and we can keep the white house in GOP land for another four years.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306569</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:31:42 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306569</guid><dc:creator>Desmond</dc:creator><description>I see Bush has been meeting with Karzai. Iran is helping Afhganistan with food etc. in some of the villages. bush doesn't know if that is a good idea or not. Karzai thinks so. Bush says he will find bin Laden when we have &amp;quot;actionable inteligence&amp;quot;.Well 6 years and a lot of dropped bombs surely haven't done it. See, gotta have intelligence on the ground to act.I am waiting Mr. President. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306577</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:35:37 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306577</guid><dc:creator>Z</dc:creator><description>Good morning America ! Bush continues to &amp;quot;suck&amp;quot; big time and Gonzo-Gate still isn't frighin going away.It's now been over 6 1/2 years that we been govern by the Bush administration dictatorship. A sence of goverment ,that the &amp;quot;majority&amp;quot; of the govern's opinions means nothing to them. As long as the good &amp;quot;old&amp;quot; Republican &amp;quot;money&amp;quot; party is in power.Forget the &amp;quot;middle&amp;quot; class out there every day ,just trying to survive in a fake economy, with a dollar not worth much of anything. A country still in the &amp;quot;middle&amp;quot; of a &amp;quot;cival&amp;quot; war for over 5 years and no political solution even in sight. An our country spending over $200,000.00 a &amp;quot;minute&amp;quot; in Iraq, while the infrastructure of the U.S. is falling apart.The American people have had enough, if the Republicans can not put some sence in the mind of this President, the American people will speek loudly come election time in November 2007 and the Republican party will be over.Thanks for listing and have a nice day.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306580</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:37:25 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306580</guid><dc:creator>Z</dc:creator><description>Just a reminder Gonzo-Gate is not going to fade away.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306584</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:40:01 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306584</guid><dc:creator>Aidyn, NY, NY</dc:creator><description>I am so glad that Hillary is maintaining her lead; she will make an awesome president.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306589</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:42:22 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306589</guid><dc:creator>diane</dc:creator><description>why do you think hillary has the mo? &amp;nbsp;because the press has made sure it was so. &amp;nbsp;The swiftboating of &amp;nbsp;both Edwards and Obama this season has been awful. &amp;nbsp;First you guys tried to destroy Edwards campaign by harping on his damn hair. &amp;nbsp;Now you guys are trying to make Obama look green and foolish. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;has anyone who pundits or reports on his speech bothered to even listen to it. &amp;nbsp;no.&lt;br&gt;Because if anyone had they would know that the way it was misrepresented by the press was disgraceful.&lt;br&gt;It was an amazing speech full of diplomacy and working with other countries. &amp;nbsp;But, in order to keep your daily Hillary cheerleading you guys in the press simply disregarded what he really said and decided to make him look bad.&lt;br&gt;I don't know why you guys insist on interfering in our primary and think you have the right to decide the storyline and who will be our nominee. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;Just like tonight. &amp;nbsp;I can already tell you what the after debate spin will be because you guys have already decided it.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306592</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:44:17 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306592</guid><dc:creator>Class Warrior, D.C.</dc:creator><description>God help us, Hilarity is the big leader in the polls, which means &amp;nbsp;!.) her machine will get ther the nomination, 2.) the Republican Propoganda/Lie/Smear Machine will gleefully swiftboat and smear her into nothingness, and 3.) we will have another damn republican for president. &amp;nbsp;How sad that the Dems do this losing strategy over and over, election cycle after election cycle, loss after loss.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306608</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:51:26 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306608</guid><dc:creator>Ricardo in California </dc:creator><description>Poor Jerry ..he continues to live in GOP fantasy land ... the more you and your fellow conservative morons bash the dems, the more money Hillary Clinton and her fellow candidates raise ... Just think ...Hillary as President and Nancy as Speaker of the House ... now THAT would make Jerry's day :) </description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306609</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:51:28 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306609</guid><dc:creator>Jack F. Hunter, Key Biscayne, Fl.</dc:creator><description>IT'S PRESIDENT HILLARY CLINTON, THE FIRST WOMEN PRESIDENT IN THIS GREAT &amp;quot;UNITED&amp;quot; STATES. FOR MORE INFO JUST GO TO..hillaryclinton.com</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306627</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:05:01 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306627</guid><dc:creator>will gibbs</dc:creator><description>It is interesting how Mark Penn did not like the USA/Gallup poll in June when it did not read well for his candidate... usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-06-04-poll_N.htm</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306633</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:09:30 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306633</guid><dc:creator>UniversalLove</dc:creator><description>MSM know that it will not be very interesting in the general if anyone but Mrs Clinton is the nominee and hence their hard work to see that happen. All the dirty laundry of the 90's will be good for primetime cable news. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Republicans want nothing more than Mrs. Clinton, which is why they all went out against Barack. It sounded to me that a memo was circulated before the debate began that they should all attack the candidate that they don't want in the general election. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I am sure Americans are smarter than MSM, spin doctors, negative ad. pros.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306637</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:11:56 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306637</guid><dc:creator>MK,MO</dc:creator><description>hillary in front of a union crowd, yikes, she best wear a flack jacket, probably will be florescent pink, hopefully they will boo her off the stage, she's never done anything for the wage earner, and doesn't intend to, she needs to go hob knob with the wealthy elite somewhere, they are the only people she can relate to</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306639</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:12:24 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306639</guid><dc:creator>Coy Reese, Shady Spring, West Virginia</dc:creator><description>&amp;quot;Z&amp;quot;'s 9.35am post just about says it all. &amp;nbsp;Rudy, Mitt, or Fred will not have a chance in hell of winning a general election, when their policies are 100% in line with the current occupant of the White House, with whom about 75% of the American public disagree with on just about everything. &amp;nbsp;These guys and the other wannabee Bush's are a waste of time. &amp;nbsp;Not putting any daylight between possibly the worst American President in modern times, and possibly one of the most unpopular Presidents in modern times and possibly one of the most corrupt Presidential administrations in modern times, will not win any general elections. &amp;nbsp;As the Iraq debacle worsens, the scandals pile up by the day, the erosion of the Constitution continues, the GOP suffers. &amp;nbsp;Certainly those respected members of the GOP, harshly criticizing Attorney General Gonzales, know the damage he is inflicting on their party, and how this will work toward tanking them in November 2008. &amp;nbsp;Fortunately, for us Democrats, the Bush White House has not &amp;nbsp;figured it out, or just don't care anymore.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306650</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:23:33 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306650</guid><dc:creator>J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY</dc:creator><description>jerry,...you're full of crap as usual.&lt;br&gt;Gravel was a &amp;quot;drag&amp;quot; on the Democratic debates thus far. It's obvious that jerry and other republiCANTS like him because of the divisevness he brings to the table. I'm glad to see he won't participate in this particular forum. Perhaps we'll see some substantive discussion in place of Gravel's Circus-clown-like antics.&lt;br&gt;It's pretty clear at this point that Hillary is the candidate to beat, and the nomination is hers to win or lose. Obama's inexperience has shown through these last couple of weeks. &lt;br&gt;He's a good man. But, he needs a little more &amp;quot;seasoning.&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;Still, I remember 2003 when Howard Dean was hailed by the media as the people's choice...and he wound up not winning a single state primary before dropping out of the race.&lt;br&gt;Nobody has been affected more negatively by Bush's economic policies than labor unions who's membership has sustained layoffs in the auto and air-transportation industries, and who's retirement benefits have been substantially cut down by bankruptcies and government pension plan &amp;quot;buy-outs.&amp;quot; The AFL-CIO, and The Teamsters may not endorse a national candidate...But their membership certainly knows which side of the bread is buttered. Look for middle-class working families to go for the Democratic candidate in a big way next year. They, along with the anti-war crowd, COULD BE one of two voting blocks which decide the election in '08,' much the same as evangelicals and &amp;quot;seniors&amp;quot; did back in 2004.&lt;br&gt;Oh....and finally, I've always been a Pabst man myself. Good drinkinig beer for a barbecue. (But, it has to be iced down very well!)</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306654</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:26:21 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306654</guid><dc:creator>J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY</dc:creator><description>I think you may right, Jack F. Hunter of Key Biscayne, Fl.....I think you just might be right indeed!</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306679</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:40:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306679</guid><dc:creator>nuanced</dc:creator><description>jerry, just 4 more years of GOP in charge? Why set your sights so low; why not a 1000 year reign?</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306687</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:44:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306687</guid><dc:creator>DFAL</dc:creator><description>Obama doesn't have a chance. &amp;nbsp;Never did, never will.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;John Edwards, even if he wasn't such a raging hypocrite, didn't have a chance.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hillary has been the anointed one for years now. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306689</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:46:05 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306689</guid><dc:creator>Independent, Texas</dc:creator><description>Is anyone getting to be as tired as I am getting to be with this year(s)of endless campaigning? Over a year to the general election and I am already sick of it. I am a political junkie - what does that tell you about the general populace?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I'd really like to find the genius(es) responsible for moving the primaries earlier in the cycle and slap him/her/them around.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;sigh.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;ps - bloggers: yesterday was really a fabulous day on this blog. Please revisit those threads that have fallen off the front page. Some conversations were so enlightening that I bookmarked them so I can have some of the info as reference points in my writing. Thanks to those of you who taught me alot.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306701</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:50:06 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306701</guid><dc:creator>Butch, Pine, Colorado</dc:creator><description>I just have to throw in, as someone who edits for a living - &amp;quot;it cringes us?&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;You guys need an editor.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306707</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:52:51 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306707</guid><dc:creator>mpp, williston, fl</dc:creator><description>Pressure will be on Obama tonight to step up after his big FP speech last week and the various attacks that followed. He should be grateful that Edwards is actually on his side in the attack-Pakistan issue. Otherwise, he'd get shredded. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://political-buzz.com/"&gt;http://political-buzz.com/&lt;/a&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306709</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:56:51 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306709</guid><dc:creator>Sidney, Pa</dc:creator><description>My first thought is Bush is not doing a very good job.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306714</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:58:59 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306714</guid><dc:creator>FL</dc:creator><description>Don’t the DEMS ever learn their lesson!! Now they are going to try and nominate another divisive candidate like Hillary and complain when they lose in 08 as if they never saw it coming. The GOP is salivating at a chance to run against her because of all the baggage she carriers. People wake the hell up!! She cannot and will not win a general election. Obama or Edwards are the best chance to win in 08. I cringe ever time I hear people say she can win. She is not Bill and she never will be. She has a cold demeanor and no charisma. I ‘m not saying this to be rude but if the DEMS are dumb enough to nominate her then we will have another 8 years of hell. Think about it!!</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306717</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:00:40 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306717</guid><dc:creator>Carrie, Eastern Iowa</dc:creator><description>Independent - Don't blame Iowa! &amp;nbsp;Our caucus has been the first in the nation since 1972. &amp;nbsp;But I agree, it is getting to be a bit much now, with there being so many on the same day so early in the cycle. &amp;nbsp;Everyone wants their state to influence who is nominated, which I suppose is only natural. &amp;nbsp;I don't think I mind the primary/caucus season starting in January so much as I mind that the campaigning started more than a year before that. &amp;nbsp;It's exhausting. &amp;nbsp;But, on the positive side, look at how many debates they have been able to have on both sides. &amp;nbsp;I guess there are positives and negatives to such along election cycle. &amp;nbsp;We get to know the candidates better, but then we also get sick of them (or more accurately, the process) well in advance of the election.&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306725</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:03:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306725</guid><dc:creator>MK,MO</dc:creator><description>clinton nor obama can win the general election, why else do you think the media is pushing them, edwards always has been and still is the only dem that can win the general election, enjoy yourself looking at the corporate created poll numbers each day, they are good for a hearty laugh, but use your brain when you vote or put up with rudy in the white-house</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306729</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:04:06 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306729</guid><dc:creator>Steve, San Diego</dc:creator><description>Don't get me wrong, but nothing will be more fun than Wednesday, NOV 4, 2008 when the DEMs take back the WH &amp;amp; seeing Jerry cry in his cheap Texas beer. &amp;nbsp;But having said that, am I like a lot of DEMs who kind of feel empty and hoped we would have a more stellar candidate than Hillary? &amp;nbsp;I will vote for her, as I am sure many DEMs will too, but I was hoping Senator Obama would catch on and become the nominee. &amp;nbsp;At least Sierra, JAck F and I support him.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306732</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:07:02 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306732</guid><dc:creator>Carrie, Eastern Iowa</dc:creator><description>To be honest, I really don't see this vast MSM conspiracy to get Hillary nominated. &amp;nbsp;I see plenty of negative stuff about her, just as I do the other candidates. &amp;nbsp;I see more people jumping up and down, screaming about how unfair the MSM is to their candidate than I see negative coverage of other candidates. &amp;nbsp;I support Hillary, but I am not married to her - if someone else impresses me more, I will vote for them - so I don't think I am terribly biased either way. &amp;nbsp;I just don't get all the whining about how Hillary is being covered. &amp;nbsp;But did you ever stop to think that maybe the reason there is not a lot of negatives written about her is that she is very careful to not give the press an opening to attack her? &amp;nbsp;When she does muck it up, she is called on it just as the others are. &amp;nbsp;She just makes mistakes less frequently on the campaign trail. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And P.S. - remember all the hoopla surrounding a certain other man's haircut on Air Force One? &amp;nbsp;He was named Clinton, wasn't he?</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306746</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:14:40 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306746</guid><dc:creator>Alan in Phx</dc:creator><description>If her name was Hillary Smith she would not be the media front runner, she is admittingly running on her husbands accomplishmemts as described in an article yesterday, which if this was any other female candidate it would be caise for exclusion as she has none of her own. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;She is not the most electable Democrat, she is the paris hilton of politics, all splash and no substance. She is not the smartest thing since sliced bread. Failed the bar the first time and will go down to a big defeat in Nov 08 as the nominee and then will leave the stage to run some Non profit org. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Real men Jack would never vote for her, she is a bad ex-wife type and when they are in the booth they will vote for anybody but her. I see more third party people or others on the ballot getting votes as Dem men may not vote for the rep, but will vote for anybody other than Hillary. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Working class families need to look at teir 401 ks and how much more they have in the last 6 years to see that Bush has been good for them in a real sense not a media hyper emotional sense.&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt;All the political headlines of Plame and Gonzo and murtha and anything else is not as important as lower taxes and low inflation. That is where your money goes. If you want to freely give it to the government then go right ahead. They will always take overpayments, but I bet none of you will do that.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306747</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:14:51 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306747</guid><dc:creator>Scott, PA</dc:creator><description>At some point, when everyone gets tired of the same old policies and rhetoric put forth by the front-runners, Joe Biden, with his remarkably thought out plans and vast experience will win the nomination.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306758</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:17:46 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306758</guid><dc:creator>MK,MO</dc:creator><description>DFAL / calling edwards a raging hypocrite is a good example of the medias ability to completely obscure the truth, edwards is the only person running that came from a working class family and actually earned what he has, name a candidate other than edwards that has actually had to work they're way into wealth, there ain't any, edwards is the only candidate pummeled for spending money on personal hygiene yet every candidate spends as much or more on exactly the same thing, people are all to easily deceived, the wealthy elite know this all to well, blindly follow the herd to the slaughter house if you want, I will be voting for someone who can win the general election that has the best interests of this country at heart, and that sure as hell ain't hillary</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306759</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:17:47 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306759</guid><dc:creator>Nick, Ohio</dc:creator><description>While Clinton may not be my first choice for a Dem in 2008, there is no way that any GOP candidate can be as a Clinton in political &amp;quot;saviness&amp;quot;. If one were to judge the outcomes in 2000 and 2004 on who won the debates, we'd have had Dems in office now. Bush was not and is not a debator.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Clinton, Obama and Edwards are all great at debates. They are all good at speaking and can speak in a candid fashion. It is an unusual position the Dems find themselves in, as they are the favorites to win in 2008. The GOP seems bent on sticking with Bush on so many issues that they will probably not be able to recover and win in 2008. The Dems have their own issues to deal with and it is in their bickering amongst themselves when they should be focusing on their rivals, the Bush Administration and the GOP candidates.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hillary will most likely win, but we'll have to wait and see. She will need to adopt the policies of the other two front runners and be genuine. She will also need to be less cold in public and be honest in her speeches. The past will not haunt her if she addresses it in a bold and honest fashion. The Clinton's seem to thrive on adversity as they are excellent in the political arena and can generate tremendous support. Hillary should not forget nor ignore those who back Edwards or Obama. They are the backbone of the Democratic Party. She will need to act on her convictions and promises, otherwise we'll see someone else in office in 2012.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306771</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:24:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306771</guid><dc:creator>mad in Madtown</dc:creator><description>Scott, PA - How about Biden/Clark in '08. &amp;nbsp;The only two guys speaking the truth and making sense on the tellie today.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306779</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:27:55 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306779</guid><dc:creator>jerry/corpus christi texas</dc:creator><description>Merle, must be proud to have a carpetbagger like Hillary as your Senator huh? &amp;nbsp;What's the matter, no native New Yorker up to snuff? &amp;nbsp;Hillary has done not a thing for the people of New York (her record is living proof)and she will do anything for the people of America.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306788</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:32:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306788</guid><dc:creator>MK,MO</dc:creator><description>Alan in Phx/ &amp;quot;Working class families need to look at their 401 ks and how much more they have in the last 6 years to see that Bush has been good for them in a real sense not a media hyper emotional sense.&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt; &amp;nbsp;Alan what are the people that had to quit contributing to they're 401K because that money had to be spent on increased health insurance, food, fuel and other ever increasing costs supposed to look at, that's if you even have a 401K, do you think everyone does? they don't. most haven't seen a wage increase either, your statement has nothing to do with the working class which is taking a severe beating, your talking about the investmate class, get out and take a look at the real u.s. economy one time al, it sucks&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306807</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:41:01 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306807</guid><dc:creator>Alan in phx</dc:creator><description>Bill could only get 85 people at an event in N. florida yesterday. WOW that is overwhelming. at 2300 for a plate of rubber chicken and a chance to meet the Dem savior, Bill only 85 would pony up, was not even worth his time. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;There is only so much money out there for candidates and because they hit the well sooner than before ir will run shorter and shorter. Average Americans just do not give that much to a candidate without expecting something in return. All the hype over the dems out raising the reps so far just means their voters parted with their money sooner, but in the end it will be even and once the Rep settle on a candidate the real money will flow towards them. Hillary has tapped out her sources and she is going to have to work hard to get money out of people tha already gave to any of the other dems. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306809</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:42:05 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306809</guid><dc:creator>Ollie  frenchburg  ky</dc:creator><description>MK,MO..I could not have said that better! The statement made by Alan that bush has been good for them in a real sense, could not be further from the truth.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306821</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:45:32 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306821</guid><dc:creator>Steve Old Chicagoan</dc:creator><description>I can't believe you would ask what kind of beer they're drinking in Chicago--Old Style by a land slide. Pabst isn't even on the charts</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306823</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:47:18 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306823</guid><dc:creator>Scott H. PA</dc:creator><description>MK,MO &amp;quot;..name a candidate other than edwards that has actually had to work they're way into wealth, there ain't any..&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;What short-sighted exercise do you use to disqualify Joe Biden from working his way up from a working class family? His college education policies were put in place precisely because of his upbringing.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306841</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:56:07 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306841</guid><dc:creator>HMT-MI</dc:creator><description>Surprise a lot of young men are voting for Hillary---when I ask why they say &amp;quot;because she is tough&amp;quot;They admire tough women.Also the men in my family have said they would vote for her if she wins the nomination.We will vote for any Democrat at this point as they are all more desirable than the republicans,except for Ron Paul.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306861</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:09:12 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306861</guid><dc:creator>Alan in Phx</dc:creator><description>MK if you think it sucks now wait until your taxes go through the roof to pay for everything for everybody. cradel to grave government nanny. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The working class is the invester calls. If you have any real job or government job they all offer some sort of retirement plan, most offer matches to your investment and all are doing well. Even if you are na hourly employee there are programs for you. &amp;nbsp;I know plenty of sub 40k workers and they are doing better than ever. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The ecconomy is the best it has ever been for all of us. The current food prices rises have more to do with corn going to ethanol than cattle so beef, dairy and food stuffs go up. Food for fuel is always a bad policy.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Home ownership is the highest it has ever been, and do not comment about the current fore closures as that is more about the flippers of the world getting caught than real people who bought to live in, that it why it is not huting the economy it is a correction to the insanity of a couple years ago. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Low taxes and low inflation helps everybody there is no debating that.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306862</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:10:12 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306862</guid><dc:creator>Class Warrior, D.C.</dc:creator><description>fl, you are ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!! &amp;nbsp;You win the Hilarity Loses The White House For The Dems kewpie doll, complete with lceavage!&lt;br&gt;\Scott in PA, yeah, Biden's the right guy for the job, and, Mad, your ticket is PERFECT!! At least for a party that is smart and really wants to win in '08. &amp;nbsp;Unfortunately, the Democrats don't seem to be that party. They'rd rather stay with Same Old Sh** Hilarity and her machine/lobbyists are okey-dokey with me brand of politics that got us into the mess we're in in the firrst place. (And the media's her little lapdog, so she has a lock on the nomination.) &amp;nbsp;The Repubs'll swiftboat her down the river of oblivion and smear her like jam on bread. &amp;nbsp;She's a gauranteed loser, unlike Biden. &amp;nbsp;But, alas, the Dems have Hilarity Blinders on this cycle...</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306880</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:18:25 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306880</guid><dc:creator>Amy B Portland, ME</dc:creator><description>I think we will see President John Edwards in 08. Edwards is the stealth candidate, he drives the agenda, he's tenacious and like his wife says, he's incredibly hard working (talk about a change from lazy boy Bush.) The more people see Edwards the more they like him. I look forward to tonight's forum. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306900</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:26:51 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306900</guid><dc:creator>Alan in Phx</dc:creator><description>Ollie, I bet you have made more and spent more and saved more if your a saver in the last 6 years than you did in the 8 before. You should have. &amp;nbsp;Your tax rate is less and your deductions higher. Your house has gone up in value and as long as you did not spend all tha equity you ar richer than before. You have done better and if not than it is not the fault of the economy.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306912</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:30:49 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306912</guid><dc:creator>jerry/corpus christi texas</dc:creator><description>Pabst??? &amp;nbsp;Must be a yankee beer. &amp;nbsp;I was Lone Star forever. &amp;nbsp;Still drink it when I can find it.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306915</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:31:45 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306915</guid><dc:creator>Robert Lewis, Mobil,Al.</dc:creator><description>Check it out very interesting proposal on Hillary's web site. hillaryclinton.com</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306921</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:35:26 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306921</guid><dc:creator>RM</dc:creator><description>Chuck's link goes to Kucinich video.&lt;br&gt;That was a mean trick...</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306924</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:36:31 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306924</guid><dc:creator>Ashe, SF, CA</dc:creator><description>Once again, MSNBC is reading form the Clinton campaign talking points. &amp;nbsp;Most political analysts agree that the national polling data is unreliable and not a reliable predictor of who the nominee will be. &amp;nbsp;Yet, the media insists on shoving this garbage down our throats. &amp;nbsp;Looks like they haven't learned their lesson from the Iraq intelligence data that they peddled around. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;It's astonishing to me that no one from the media has called out HRC for shamelessly running on her husband's record. &amp;nbsp;She is taking full credit for the successes in the Clinton/Gore administration. &amp;nbsp;She is touting her 35 years of &amp;quot;experience&amp;quot; and no &amp;nbsp;media outlet is questioning this. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306927</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:37:33 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306927</guid><dc:creator>Carrie, Eastern Iowa</dc:creator><description>Alan - Hillary is a bad ex-wife type? &amp;nbsp;Number one, what does that even mean? &amp;nbsp;Number two, what does that have to do with her ability to be president? &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And by the way...the fact that she failed the bar exam her first time is no biggie. &amp;nbsp;JFK Jr. failed it how many times? &amp;nbsp;One of my closest friends failed it, and she is brilliant. &amp;nbsp;Another woman taking it at the same I did failed it because, of all things, she got the flu and couldn't finish the questions for all the running back and forth to the bathroom she was doing. &amp;nbsp;I myself was very sick during the bar exam, and barely passed it. &amp;nbsp;How well you do on the bar exam is not necessarily indicative of how intelligent you are. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306930</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:41:20 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306930</guid><dc:creator>John Doe</dc:creator><description>&amp;quot;We will vote for any Democrat at this point as they are all more desirable than the republicans,except for Ron Paul.&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;That's the problem, voting for any democrat, just because they are a democrat. Or any republican for that matter. &amp;nbsp;Voting party lines instead of idividual merit just doesn't work. &amp;nbsp;I know, I screwed the pooch with GW that way. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306945</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:46:22 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306945</guid><dc:creator>Dee of VA</dc:creator><description>&amp;quot;By the way, why did the Obama campaign allow the perception to linger that he was somehow sending troops into Pakistan? It isn't what he said, but it is the perception and the Quad Cities paper notes it.&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;Excellent question and an equally worthy question is why the did the media, including MSNBC, distort what he said? &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;But to answer the original question? &amp;nbsp;Obama's Communications team is grossly overpaid and inexplicably incompetent!</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306959</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:55:41 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306959</guid><dc:creator>John B, Des Moines, IA</dc:creator><description>Alan in Phx, maybe people will feel good about their 401k plans when the inflation-adjusted value of their stocks catches up to what it was when Bush took office. &amp;nbsp;On an inflation-adjusted basis every major measure of market performance is STILL at a loss during the Bush years. &amp;nbsp;So much for Republicans knowing how to take care of the economy.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306973</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306973</guid><dc:creator>Colleen, Chicago</dc:creator><description>whine whine whine &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Man, why do republicans even bother? &amp;nbsp;No way you can convince people that Bush makes a better president than any of the Democrat 08 contenders. &amp;nbsp;Even if my 401K is good, what about everything else? Do you know what use to be even better than my 401K? &amp;nbsp;The reputation of America. &amp;nbsp;I actually loved being a member of the most beloved and honest state in the world. &amp;nbsp;I really miss that.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I also miss not being surrounded by a bunch of wussies. &amp;nbsp;Everyone is so afraid we will get attacked again.....Keep living in fear......What good does it do the average person to be afraid? &amp;nbsp;Are you any more safe because you are afraid? &amp;nbsp;And I thought being a child of the cold war when you thought someone was going to drop a nuke on the country was over the top. &amp;nbsp;Worrying that I or someone I know might actually have the bad luck of experiencing something as out of the blue, not ordinary, and not common as 9/11 is like being worried that your child will have Elephantitis so you don't have any children or being struck by lightning so you never leave your house when it rains. &amp;nbsp;Our government should be prepared, but this is NOT their only responsibility to the American people.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I have really grown tired of it, and I think alot of other people have too. &amp;nbsp;That's why I am voting Democrat. &amp;nbsp;Also, Obama saying that he would bomb terrorists in Pakistan if they were planning to bomb us only makes me like him more. &amp;nbsp;None of that playing golf while the terrorists make plans.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306983</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:04:04 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306983</guid><dc:creator>JuJu, North Carolina</dc:creator><description>All eyes will be on the AFL-CIO Forum tonight because no one candidate has effectively addressed the domestic issues facing this country. &amp;nbsp;The Beer Game/Sound Bite tonight will be drinking on the following terms: &amp;nbsp;Iraq, Withdrawal, and Universal. &amp;nbsp;We will all be drunk before the first commercial break.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Wouldn't it be great if just once we could rally around a strong candidate that we WANT in office and not just vote for the lesser of two evils?</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#306989</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:09:33 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:306989</guid><dc:creator>Al, KS</dc:creator><description>Carrie-from the above story bullets....&amp;quot;In a league of her own&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;Is Obama in trouble&amp;quot;. It could have just as easily read &amp;quot;Hillary in trouble with Labor&amp;quot; and Obama up in Iowa&amp;quot;. I must admit that I was slow to adopt this Hillary media bias, but I am beginning to believe it more and more everyday.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307027</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:28:11 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307027</guid><dc:creator>Tom, Edgewater</dc:creator><description>Steve: Of course, Pabst can be had in some bars for $2. &amp;nbsp;If Old Style is unavailable for some reason, or north of $3, PBR for $2 is hard to beat.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;But yes. &amp;nbsp;If you are in Chicago, and Old Style is present, Old Style shall be consumed.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307033</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:29:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307033</guid><dc:creator>Susan, Miami</dc:creator><description>My husband and all of my brothers(3) and dad will all be voting for Hillary and THEY are REAL men Alan. Sorry, you lose. She is the most experienced, she is the toughest(what she went through with Bill) and is still standing which is an amazing feat in my book, and she is very powerful and many republican men are absolutely intimidated and terrified of her. Even more reason to stand by this democrat.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307068</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:46:31 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307068</guid><dc:creator>Sierra, San Francisco</dc:creator><description>Diane, MK: You have to admit it, Hillary HAS run a better campaign than Edwards or Obama. She's done what she has to do. Edwards and Obama haven't.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;They have to come out swinging !! Accentuate the DIFFERENCES !! Clinton supported the war !! and still does !! &lt;br&gt;Clinton supports NAFTA and 'Free trade' (sic) !! She's in the pocket of the Washington insiders.&lt;br&gt;They might want ot discuss THAT TONIGHT !!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;PS, MK: OBAMA CAN WIN !! Obama/Edwards is our best chance. Edwards/Obama is great, too. But, Obama represents change.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Independent: A big part of the problem is that the MSM is reporting 'the horse race', NOT THE ISSUES !!&lt;br&gt;The MSM is reporting polls, fluff, cleavage, campaign stunts and assorted nonsense. &lt;br&gt;Too bad the MSM isn't interested in POLICY DIFFERENCES !! &lt;br&gt;The media has morphed into the 'info-tainment industry' &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307100</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:02:56 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307100</guid><dc:creator>Tom L, Crosswicks NJ</dc:creator><description>I could not agree more with Scott from PA about Senator Biden. &amp;nbsp;He is definitely the candidate with &amp;nbsp; best creditials to be our next President!!! When is the main stream press going to start looking at candidates policies and not just on fundraising capabilities?? &amp;nbsp;If they did this Senator Biden would be leading in the polls by a long shot. &amp;nbsp;I still believe in the end the Senator will gain the support from the majority of undecided voters in IA &amp;amp; NH. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307119</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:10:46 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307119</guid><dc:creator>Carrie, Eastern Iowa</dc:creator><description>Al, KS - I've seen many positive headlines for Obama as well. &amp;nbsp;I guess if you are looking for bias, you will read it into anything. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307124</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:11:49 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307124</guid><dc:creator>Carrie, Eastern Iowa</dc:creator><description>Alan - What exactly is a &amp;quot;real job&amp;quot;? &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307145</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:18:07 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307145</guid><dc:creator>nuanced</dc:creator><description>curious that jerry would have trouble finding Lone Star beer in Texas</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307151</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:20:03 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307151</guid><dc:creator>Ann Memphis, TN</dc:creator><description>The poll, conducted August 3-5, surveyed 490 Democratic leaning voters and 405 Republican leaning voters. It carries a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Yes my friends according to the MSM 490 people represent the entire Democratic Party.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307152</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:20:36 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307152</guid><dc:creator>James, MPLS,MN</dc:creator><description>I think the media is ignoring the number of people that will refuse to vote for Hilary no matter how qualified or how well she does in the polls that she will ignore once she is president, just like they always do. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;People are saying they will not vote for her no matter what in the primary or general. &amp;nbsp;I am an Obama supporter but if she is on any ticket pres or VP I am voting for the other side, for me it's either major change or none at all. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307154</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:21:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307154</guid><dc:creator>Ann Memphis, TN</dc:creator><description>Mrs. Clinton brags about her &amp;quot;work&amp;quot; during her HUSBAND'S administration. I say thanks for killing the rust belt. Examples Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio etc... AFLCIO, Teamsters and UAW remember NAFTA, CAFTA and being on the board of Walmart importing cheap foreign goods. NAFTA and CAFTA overwhelmingly affected cities with large minority populations who worked in the manufacturing sector (Detroit and Cleveland). Check out black male unemployment rate almost 50% in these cities. Look at her actions and not her words. Mr. Clinton was the most unfriendly Dem to unions and she has MARK PENN (union buster) on her staff. &amp;nbsp;Mrs. Clinton actions sure do speak louder than words&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307158</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:22:10 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307158</guid><dc:creator>csh, chicago</dc:creator><description>Love all the comments from the haters about how the GOP will destroy Hillary when she gets the nomination – like they destroyed her in her US Senate bid in 2000 or how they destroyed her in her re-election to the senate in 2006? &amp;nbsp;Get real – Hillary and her husband are the only two dems who the GOP has failed to destroy. &amp;nbsp;Hillary is way smarter and stronger than the GOP attack machine.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Two more polls released today (Cook and USA Today / Gallup) both showing Hillary with a 20% plus lead over Obama. &amp;nbsp;Hope the haters don’t choke on those numbers!!&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307167</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:26:51 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307167</guid><dc:creator>Alan in Phx</dc:creator><description>Carrie, the bad ex wife type is the bi***ing complaining all negitive all the time, it is all about the MSM making her out and selling her to be the smartest women in the world. The only one qualifed to do this job. I would venture that you are more qualified to do the job better than her, more genuine. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I know many people also that had to take it more than once, but it is about the overselling of Hillary. My point is that if her name was not Clinton she would be a nobody in some corporation instead of the leading the Dem party.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Some of the smartest people I know never went to college. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307172</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:29:28 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307172</guid><dc:creator>ki houston </dc:creator><description>I guess nobody wants to look at the iowa ,nh and sc polls even though they decide the winner . Wonder whos up in those polls . thanks to the media that is in no way bias to this person even thought they all ways spit lies every day about what he is saying . I mean if any one told lies like that in front of there mother they would get their but whooped . its rediculose .These media pundits who lies about what candidates actualy say need to be taken off of tv . And ought to fell stupid on top of disgrace since the polls in those states obviously show that where pepole are focusing on the candidates and what they realy say arnt going for the media spin . so stop the &amp;nbsp;bull and give hillary her money back or stop being racist which ever it is .</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307181</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:32:49 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307181</guid><dc:creator>Nathan, WA</dc:creator><description>Where do they get these polls? &amp;nbsp;They make no sense what-so-ever! &amp;nbsp;Clinton is, by far, one of the worst politicians I have ever seen! &amp;nbsp;Wake up, people! &amp;nbsp;Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton!? &amp;nbsp;Are you all insane!?</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307190</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:36:55 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307190</guid><dc:creator>Ollie  frenchburg  ky</dc:creator><description>Jerry..I was working in Austin, Tx last week and had Lone Star every night. Very good beer, first time I had it.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307209</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:47:44 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307209</guid><dc:creator>Ollie  frenchburg  ky</dc:creator><description>Why would real men not vote for Hillary? Real men are not afraid of intelligent and powerful women.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307258</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:03:06 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307258</guid><dc:creator>Edwards'08, FL</dc:creator><description>Amy B - I agree...and I think he is in a good position right now - I'm sick of hearing from Clinton and Obama - Clinton over rehearses &amp;quot;everything&amp;quot; and Obama sounds like he is still reading chapter two of &amp;quot;Politics for Dummies&amp;quot;. &amp;nbsp;John Edwards is the real face of &amp;quot;change&amp;quot; and that is who I want to see as our next president of the United States. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307260</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:04:08 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307260</guid><dc:creator>Alan in Phx</dc:creator><description>Susan they will say that, but in the booth you will just not know exactly how they will vote unless they get a paper trail from the touch screen. Men tell their wifes and sisters and daughters things all the time which are not a real truth and Hillary staying with a serial rapist makes her strong I am sorry for all the women in the world. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;She is a power hungry phoney who did all she could to destroy the women that came forward. Its about power, she has until this point never been asked hard questions and she still offers no real answers to real problems. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Standing by Bill is not an accomplishment that qualifes you to be president. &lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307276</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:11:47 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307276</guid><dc:creator>SomeonePleaseStopTheHillaryMachine</dc:creator><description>Susan: &amp;nbsp;I'm not sure how you consider a wife who stays with a continually unfaithful husband an amazing feat? &amp;nbsp;There are plenty of tough women out there who have left their husbands for similar reasons, and that makes a truly tough person. &amp;nbsp;Unfortunately, Hillary couldn't sever her connection with Slick Willy (and his connections) because her political career would have ended there. &amp;nbsp;Her eyes have been on the presidential prize since she left her cozy big white home. &amp;nbsp;She's been a chameleon in the Senate with every vote being &amp;quot;politically correct&amp;quot; and strategically executed as a presidential candidate's stepping stone. &amp;nbsp;I agree with you that she is experienced, but not the kind this nation needs. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;Hillary Clinton does not support the people, while no republican candidate does either. &amp;nbsp;Edward's is a wuss and only appeals to people who want the Federal Government to hold their hand (while the other hand is in their wallet). &amp;nbsp;I haven't researched Obama enough to weigh in on his positions. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;Any candidate that is spouting about American change, is lying to your face (with the exception of Ron Paul).&lt;br&gt;All in all Hillary is both a Republican and Democrat that will reap the benefits of both sides and provide no solutions. &amp;nbsp;She will have the experience however, to convince America otherwise (I don't know if I could come up with any current president that this sounds like?). &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt; &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307285</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:18:57 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307285</guid><dc:creator>Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA</dc:creator><description>Al - I've been slow to come around to the notion that the media is propping up Clinton, too. But coming around I am. Not that its an exhaustive study, but I've looked over the last 50 blog entries here, excluding those for forums/debates. I tallied those I saw as positive and negative to the Democratic candidates. Here's the results:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Clinton; 10 positive, 1 negative&lt;br&gt;Obama; 6 positive, 6 negative&lt;br&gt;Edwards; 4 positive, 1 negative&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If I had looked at a hundred blog entries, maybe it would be different. I got bored at 50, so I'm not doing that. But based on this unscientific poll with large margin of error, it does seem that Chuck and friends are more positive on Clinton than the others.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Well, that's not fair because Obama is substantive and Clinton isn't, so Obama draws criticism on that substance where Clinton's positions are beyond criticism, unless one is to criticize the very empty nature of them.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307571</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:30:26 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307571</guid><dc:creator>z</dc:creator><description>Gonzo-Gate it just will not go away.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307590</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:40:56 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307590</guid><dc:creator>Steve, Kill Devil Hills, N.C.</dc:creator><description>I agree with all of those who are supporting Barack Obama. And to all those supporting Hillary Clinton, I am utterly confused. The only reason I keep hearing is that she is tough. About what? What are her positions/plans? At least the other candidates have actually put out something. I read somewhere that college educated women are in a majority voting for Senator Obama and those w/o a college education are voting for Senator Clinton, that's worth noting. Is it because the more educated you are, the more likely you will be to actually read their statements/positions in full? Does it also mean that if you aren't educated, you'll simply vote for her because she's a woman and you liked Bill. If so, God help us. People, for God's sake, do you really think the Republicans aren't salivating about Hillary being the nominee. Are the Hillary supporters so awe struck at the thought of the first woman president that they'll let themselves be fooled. Do ya'll think the Republicans don't have the goods on Hillary? Why would they bring them out now? Why do you think they are going after Barack w/ all the misrepresentations of his comments. Ask yourselves...if Pakistan wasn't doing anything to nail the terrorists and there was credible evidence they were planning something.....you wouldn't go after them? That's what Sen. Obama said. Also, why is it naive and inexperienced to talk to other countries about our differences. It's crazy not to. Our current policies have worked real well doing the opposite. Which is what Hillary wants to continue. Another thing that is absolutely crazy is the complaints that Sen. Obama would take nukes off the table. Anyone who thinks we should nuke anyone is completely nuts. All the guys who had anything to do with the creation of the damn things became advocates against them. Please people do not be fooled....I am all for a woman to be President...but not Hillary. Barack will be an awesome President who will choose an excellent team to help him get this country back on track. An actual REAL CHANGE!!! I hope more people think so. This country has already given the Clintons 8 years, and that's plenty. OBAMA '08!!!!!!!!</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307685</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:36:30 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307685</guid><dc:creator>Don in LA</dc:creator><description>Alan, home ownership may be up but that is temporary as the number of foreclosures is rising at a fast rate. &amp;nbsp;The creative financing and slimeball mortgage companies have taken advantage of millions of people who now face losing those homes. &amp;nbsp;Do you work for the McCain campaign, they seem to have lots of losers there also.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#307764</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 23:19:51 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:307764</guid><dc:creator>Alan in Phx</dc:creator><description>Don you are so cleaver. Since rates have not gone up much over the last 2 years most of the increase over historical norms in foreclosurs is from investors letting homes go that they could not sell for the inflated prices they needed because they bought at the wrong time. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;McCain is an old combover that is not electable. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/07/306546.aspx#309292</link><pubDate>Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:34:13 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:309292</guid><dc:creator>Mister, Maplewood, nj</dc:creator><description>Obama proves that he is the true Front-Runner.. lol everyone knows that polls are not accurate.....take Kerry's nomination... he was behind like 12 points and won the nomination and Gore was leading in the polls for election and lost...lol....i dont see how polling 1,000 or a little more can represent the whole country.</description></item></channel></rss>