First thoughts: Closing arguments

honest dishonest write in candidate — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:45:12 GMT

If you are tired of all the lying politicians who are running for pres. you now have a write in alternative. I am the only honest dishonest write in candidate who deserves your vote. All the POLITICIANS trying to get your vote will say anything and promise anything but will delivber nothing. I admit I will say anything and promise anything but I will be honest and also say I will deliver NOTHING just the same as all other POLITICIANS. The difference is i am honest dishonest about it, I lie when I say I promise to deliver but I tell the truth when I say I will deliver NOTHING, so the question is do you want to vote for a dishonest POLITICIAN or vote for a honest dishonest candidate. Just write in honest dishonest candidtate on your ballot and remember I will give you anything and everything you want however I will not deliver a thing(just like the dishonest POLITICIANS) so now you have clear choice vote for a lieing POLITICIAN or vote for a honest dishonest candidate.

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jerry/corpus christi texas — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:50:32 GMT

if you dying to watch a forum that nobody can hardly get and it's on a saturday night, you really have some issues. Whomever scheduled this thing also has some serious issues to deal with.

“Hillary will take part in the Heartland Forum in downtown Des Moines at 4:40 pm ET, while Bill speaks at 4:30 pm ET at Norwalk High School. Price asks: Does the press cover Bill or Hillary?”

Make sure the plane is not two hours late.....
I'm sure the media has three of everybody in Iowa, so this shouldn't be a problem....

with his ratings in single numbers, Biden needs to say anything to get his campaign going. Look at trying to impeach the vice president and what it did for Dennis.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

matt — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:55:08 GMT

Edwards and Obama need to impress everyone in the coming weeks if they want to threaten Hillary. She's the perfect Dem package rolled into one.

http://political-buzz.com/

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Dot, Illinois — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:58:17 GMT

"...doesn't that put the nail in his coffin for running mate consideration?" I don't think Senator Biden wants to be in consideration for VP. He has said so in respect to running with Senator Clinton. Realisticly, I don't think a candidate from the small state of Delaware( just a few electorial votes, right?) would get that much consideration anyway.

In an interview on PBS, Senator Biden commented that whatever happens in this race, he was going to campaign on "his terms." Sounds like he may be doing just that.

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Daniel, NY — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:13:19 GMT

Obama might have meet Mike Bloomberg, but he also got some very bad news on the electability front as a new general election poll of Massachusetts has him running weak and even losing to McCain: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2007/11/obama-meets-mike-bloomberg-but-loses.html

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Jarrad Morris, Austin Tx — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:18:06 GMT

Biden should be impeached - just for being such a blow-hard. The guy is smart, but apparently not smart enough to dummy up when he should.

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alone4dodd — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:27:17 GMT

Dodd will win Iowa and ride the dark horse all the way to the White House!

First thoughts: Closing arguments

diane — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:29:58 GMT

I just read that clinton in sliding in all 3 of the early states. She is down to 11 in NH - her supposed firewall. Can't remember who did the poll but, it's similar to the others showing her sliding.
There is also controversy with the forum tomorrow night. Brown and Black. they say the Clinton backers have kept other usual people who have worked on this in the past from being involved and are operating in secret. they are limiting tickets to all the candidates except clinton and the talk is that it's being set up with her people stacking the majority of the audience and setting it up for her.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:30:48 GMT

Hasn't Biden said repeatedly that he is not interested in the VP slot, or in Secretary of State? Why does the media keep talking about that?

I do think, however, that the time for impeachment has passed. Think of how long the impeachment ordeal took with Bill Clinton. By the time anything gets done on this, Bush would be out of office anyway. I'm just not sure that is the best way for Congress to occupy itself at this point when there are so many important issues it needs to address.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Class Warrior, D.C. — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:34:26 GMT

Follow the money and follow Rudy's affair and folow why he chose to launder those taxpayer's funds through various obscure agencies. Was he keeping it from the woman he was betraying (O good Republican family man!) or from the city whose taxpayers' bux he was using to keep his affair going? This story should have legs!!

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Sierra, SF — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:34:31 GMT

'...Iowa Brown & Black” presidential forum, which will focus on issues important to Latinos and
African Americans. NPR’s Michele Norris and PBS’s Ray Suarez moderate the forum, and it airs on HDNet...'

This should be interesting.
Will Hillary do her 'Aunt Jemima' imitation ?
Hillary always affects a 'black' accent whe addressing African Amaericans....... !?!
It really does seem condescending, to say nothing of 'Phoney'
It shows how 'inauthentic' Hillary really is
They used to call Bill the 'pander bear'
Now, it's Hillary.....

'...Biden says the “I” word: Biden made news by saying yesterday that Bush should be impeached if he unilaterally attacks Iran...'

Thank you, Joe Biden !
I'm starting to soften on you.....
What do Edwards, Obama, Clinton, Dodd, Richardson and Kucinich say about attacking Iran?

Why would THIS 'put a nail in his coffin' ?
Standing up to aggression ?
It should get him a VP selection !!
Thank you, Joe !!

We survived a nuclear Russia
When they were ruled by evil Joe Stalin...
We survived a nuclear China
When they were ruled by 'fanatic' Map Tse Tung...
We survived a nuclear Britain...
We survived a nuclear France...
We survived a nuclear Israel...
We survived a nuclear India...
We survived a nuclear Pakistan...
We survived a nuclear South Africa.......

What is the 'earth threatening' problem with a nuclear Iran ?

It sounds like Iraq all over again
Bush wasn't worried about WMDs in Iraq
He just wanted 'regime change'

There's only one country that was 'Irresponsible' enough to use nuclear weapons.... the USA

There was only one country that was evil enough to use nuclear weapons against innocent civilians... the USA

Iran couldn't be any more evil than us !!

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Ann Memphis, TN — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:41:19 GMT

Good God the WAPO is getting awful, first it was the hit piece done by Perry Beacon Jr. on Obama yesterday about his, ”ties to Islam” and now this. John Solomon is really trying to push this story I wonder why? This is his second attempt at getting attention. He is probably getting fed this by the Hillary campaign. Is this another plant by the Hillary campaign or could the WAPO be a shrill for the “Hill”? Some elites must be running scared. Are they really afraid of the young upstart from the Chi.

You want a real story. Why do you look at the quid pro quo deal Clinton gave Vilsack? There are $400,000 reasons why Vilsack endorsed Clinton (his wife is on her payroll too). The day after Vilsack endorsed Hillary she paid off his debts to the tune of $400,000.
Sounds like a Quid pro quo to me
3/26/07
Vilsack endorses Clinton
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=1416
The Next day….
3/27/07
Clinton pays off Vilsacks debts
http://www.kcci.com/politics/11407584/detail.html?rss=des&psp=news

In reference to this article I insist you stop being lazy and please see the Politico article and FEC page 152 and 169 it’s perfectly legal. They are getting better with getting the scoops.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1107/Obamas_defense.html
http://www.fec.gov/law/cfr/11_cfr.pdf
Finally, will Hillary give back the money that Obama's Hopefund gave her too??

First thoughts: Closing arguments

RH Oregon — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:49:53 GMT

Where is Norman Hsu? Amazing how deeply he and his story was buried! Not a peep in two months. Now try to tell me the media doesn't love the Clinton's. Crooks, both of them.

Lives a beatch, don't vote for one.

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Ron, TX — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:51:04 GMT

Good news from Iowa today for Obama

Obama at 27%, Clinton at 25%, and Edwards at 23%.
http://americanresearchgroup.com/pres08/iadem8-713.html

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Jessica, Wisconsin — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:53:13 GMT

Daniel,

You forgot to mention the new Iowa poll that came out today showing Obama 27, Clinton, 25, Edwards 23, Richardson 4.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/latestpolls/index.html

The really good news about this is that it just reinforces recent polls showing Obama moving up. Obama is also ahead not in the RCP Average in Iowa.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

IMPEACH! — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:56:27 GMT

Impeachment is very, very, very necessary!
We as a country can not and should not shirk our responsibility, we must enforce the law.
Why should we turn a blind eye to the crime and treason performed reapeatedly by the Bush administration? Why?
I think it is important and worth the time and effort.
We have no EASY BUTTON!

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Sierra, SF — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:58:06 GMT

'...The Boston Globe: "With Hillary Clinton faltering in polls leading up to the Iowa caucuses, the New Hampshire primary is looming as a possible make-or-break moment for her -- in a place where she has most of the party's key endorsements and a sizable lead in the polls, but where a defeat could be devastating....'

Now you know why the Clinton Cult is so desperate !!
Now you know why Hillary is so desperate !!
She can't handle this campaign by herself, so she's calling in Bill to protect her from 'the big boys' who are 'picking on her' ;-0

If Hillary loses Iowa, her support will go down in NH and SC....
Anybody seen the latest SC polls ?
It's a 'dead heat' !!
Who's the 'front runner' now ?
Who's 'inevitable' ?

Hillay Bo Peep has lost her sheep
and doesn't knw where to find them...

THROW THE BUMS OUT !!
DON'T BRING THE BUMS BACK !!

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:03:42 GMT

Looking at the Democrat Candidates in that picture, I wondered how long it would be, before the Republicans had a woman running for President, or even a Vice-President on the ticket. I couldn't come up with a number. Just the difference in each party's progress. More and more, the Women of America seem to be doing the heavy lifting, but are barely represented at the top echelons. That may be the top issue, next November. Not the War, not the economy, not immigration, or gay marraige, or flag burning, or abortion rights, but Misogyny, in its' many forms. Just an Independent observation.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Jessica, Wisconsin — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:04:45 GMT

Oops, I meant to say that Obama is now ahead in the RCP average for Iowa.

I better have some coffee.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

cms — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:07:18 GMT

These people who keep flacking that MA poll look ridiculous. Who in the world possibly cares about GE matchups at this point? And especially in MA, a state that will fall into the ocean before it turns red.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

--NSMSNBC — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:07:24 GMT

How has the Clinton campaign in two weeks gone from dominatrix (idk, I'm just having fun) of the polls to firewall in NH? Her campaign for 11 months has run on two tenets: Inevitability and keeping the charismatic Obama in the gate. They have done will with blocking Obama until now (the filly with a head start), but it is a politically dangerous move for them wait until New Hampshire to stop the freed stallion (going with the racehorse/gates analogy) that is Obama. The Clinton campaign has said this all along, and they have a right to be worried. It would be disasterous for her to stumble or heaven forbid break a hoof on the sprint to the finish line. They need to get the feedback back on this Obama character and fast. Ha!

alone4dodd: I think your name says it all. He seems like a stand-up guy though.

Does Iowa have like the most bank robbers of any state? I heard that it's best to rob a bank when a big politician is in town, because the police are distracted.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

vanreuter, NY NY — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:14:11 GMT

"I just read that clinton in sliding in all 3 of the early states. She is down to 11 in NH - her supposed firewall. Can't remember who did the poll but, it's similar to the others showing her sliding."

It's a dead-heat in Iowa, where Edwards, Clinton and Obama have all, at some point topped the polls.

In NH-americanresearchgroup.com/pres08/nhdem8-712.html

(Previous poll #'s in parens)
Hillary-34(40)
OB-23(22)
JE-17(10)

Big jump for Edwards in NH in the ARG, but BO stays stagnant. The one thing I notice is that even in polls where Hillary has lost a few points, Obama ISN’T the one picking up the slack, it’s either JE, Rihardson, or (now Ia ARG)) Biden.

In SC-The same ARG poll shoes Hillary sliding to a TWENTY-FOUR POINT LEAD.

Clinton-45(41)
Obama- 21(19)
Edwards-12(18)

http://americanresearchgroup.com/pres08/scdem8-710.html
Clinton's high point is 45% THIS poll
Obama's high point was 33% in July, now it's 21%.

Clinton leads by double digits, well BEYOND the margin of error in NH, SC,MI,NV,FL, and everywhere else.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_primaries.html

Van

First thoughts: Closing arguments

vanreuter, NY NY — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:14:42 GMT

Daily First Read Truth-Pak-

Trust no one...
The following sites devote as much time and space to Denis Kucinich and Joe Biden as they do to the big three. Whether you are a dem or republican, liberal, moderate or conservative, your candidate is represented equally at these sites. Forget about Big Media and the MSM, create your own narrative.

We don't need anyone to spoon-feed information to us about the candidates or the election, it's right there for everyone if you know where to go. Campaign money, donors expenses, go here

http://www.opensecrets.org/ Opensecrets.org is "Your guide to money in U.S elections."

Just about every poll from every pollster, averaged out, with a link to the source
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/ Is THE source for political junkies, with links to every major political site on the right, left and center.

What the candidates actually have said about the issues.
http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm This is a Great site! Every candidate on every issue!

How the candidates have voted and their LIberal/Conservative ratings
http://nationaljournal.com/voteratings/sen/lib.htm?o1=lib_composite&o2=asc#vr Has the voting records for all members of congress, and their Liberal/Conservative ratings.

http://votesmart.org/index.htm Here's what they say at the site;
Thousands of candidates and elected officials. Who works for you? Who is seeking your vote? Project Vote Smart, a citizen's organization, has developed a Voter's Self-Defense System to provide you with the necessary tools to self-govern effectively: abundant, accurate, unbiased and relevant information. As a national library of factual information, Project Vote Smart covers your candidates and elected officials in five basic categories: biographical information, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and interest group ratings.

http://www.govtrack.us/ Do you take transparency seriously? Consider how important to you an open and transparent government is to a healthy society. More work needs to be done to make Congress open. Make a statement to your elected officials by joining now 200 others in signing a pledge for transparency.

Van

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:15:25 GMT

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Terry — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:15:27 GMT

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Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:21:35 GMT

Sierra. We are the only 'Christian'(according to some) country to nuke another country twice, that being a 'Buddhist' country. I guess Dubya just wants to add 'Muslim' to the list, y'know, for his 'Legacy'. The only other major religious country to nuke after that is 'Brahmin', but if he did that, there go all our computer servers.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Molly, Iowa City — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:29:56 GMT

In an interview on PBS, Senator Biden commented that whatever happens in this race, he was going to campaign on "his terms." Sounds like he may be doing just that.

Dot, Illinois

He has been Dot that is why he's been so effective (again- broken record alert, the polls and "on the ground" aren't necessarily the same) at the debates and on the stump. Biden is honest. He tells the truth and doesn't worry about the polls. In 2005 when Hillary, Dodd and Obama were still voting to spend 36 million on a new detention facility at Gitmo, Biden was saying close the place down. Other than Biden (and Kucinich) no Democratic candidate running called for Gitmo's closing until 2007!!!!!

Dot I don't know where you live in Illinois, but if you live near the Quad Cities you should hope on over to Iowa City (only another 65 miles West) and at 2 pm on Monday December 3rd you could attend Senator Biden's speech before the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (Edwards spoke there yesterday). The speech will be at the Iowa City public library. If you can make it I'm sure you would not be disappointed.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

jerry/corpus christi texas — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:34:26 GMT

There's only one country that was 'Irresponsible' enough to use nuclear weapons.... the USA

Sierra:

After watching you liberals yell and scream and keep a body count of how many of the military has been killed in Iraq, I can imagine your shock and awe at the hundreds of thousands of people being killed if the Allies had mounted a full scale invasion of Japan. The atomic bomb was the only way to get the japanese to surrender, don't you get it? Would it have been worth an extra 100,000 of our dead instead of dropping a couple of atomic bombs and making their side suffer. Remember, it was the liberals who kept America in isolation while the Axis tried to take over the world. Japan decided to pick a fight and got slammed for it. If anybody else out there wants to pick a fight with us, I'm sure the Nuclear issue is just as important today as it was yesterday. I'm sure 3-4 well placed nuclear bombs along the afgan-pakistani border would eliminate a lot of our problems.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Chris, Morristown, NJ — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:43:13 GMT

Biden using the "I" word might disqualify him from VP consideration and/or SoS? That makes no sense whatsoever.

Seriously, Chuck Todd, you're a smart guy; but in this case you don't have a clue what you're talking about. Biden made a very reasonable point. He's only talking about impeaching IF Bush bombs Iran. If Bush doesn't, then big deal, it was only a hypothetical consideration that never materialized.

Do you honestly, in a million years, think Biden, a year from now, with all the campaign talk ancient history, would not get confirmed by the Senate he's spent 35 years working in????? The idea that he wouldn't is laughable. He would breeze through, shaking hands with all his Republican colleagues.

And, for the record, he is not running for VP or SoS. He's runnning for president.

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Mark Thieme — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:43:31 GMT

Steve Turner:

Yup.

We're going to Armageddon, the wonderful world of Boom!

...and all we have to do Toto, is follow the Yellow Brick Road....

Yellow Brick, wasn't that what Laura Bush peddled at SMU?

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:53:38 GMT

Sierra,

"Standing up to aggression ?
It should get him a VP selection !!"

No - it should get him the White House. While C,E & O squabble amongst themselves, Joe keeps his eye on the ball.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

NEVER Obama — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:00:18 GMT

Obama is an empty suit who is running on a platform of hoopla.

He is a "closeted" mud slinger and the best at it.

Edwards is doing better now that he has stopped the vicious attacks on Hillary.

Awaken St. Obama and stop your slimy mud slinging attacks. You don't have anyone fooled except the
"hoopla" ones.

Now that we see what you are all about, we will never vote for you and we are on a campaign here to help friends, family, and co workers see your audasity of a mud slinger.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

--NSMSNBC — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:02:15 GMT

Carrie--Polls are a devil of a thing aren't they? You know I'm consistent on my dislike of polls as predictors, because a lot can change. On the other hand, polls aren't insignificant, they are an indication. Is what is more important are the trends of said polls, whether it is up or down. It is not in Clinton's interest to be sliding in the polls while her chief opponent is rising, especially when you campaign on inevitability. And when two people switch positions, especially frontrunners, whether statistically significant or not, it is a big deal. Whether it be cause for concern or glee.

It was scary for Obama supporters two months ago, as Clinton had cleared many hurdles and was soaring in the polls, no BS. I still gave Clinton/Obama a 50/50 chance for the nomination, because I predicted the events that are happening now. Don't worry, I still feel confident in my 50/50 number, though.

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Getting Wise as a Voter — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:04:19 GMT

HOPEFUND...refuses to keep it's head down doesn't it,
Obama.

Explain it, would you?

Did you really use it inappropriately?

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Jeffery Seattle — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:05:41 GMT

OBAMA = HOPEFUND

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Disgusted — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:08:29 GMT

Mr. Obama, I HOPE you FUNDED some on the inside, lawyers, and some real spinmeisters to get you out of this one.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Gerry, Bettendorf — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:18:14 GMT

"Dodd will win Iowa and ride the dark horse all the way to the White House! alone4dodd"

alone4dodd is a great name, because supporting Dodd would be lonely!

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JFK — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:24:38 GMT

Ron Paul has no chance in hell, and his followers need to seriously get a clue. The fact that he thinks he's a Republican and yet he has completely opposite values from his party, is a good thing, but it also makes him look like he's an idiot who doesn't know what the hell is going on. He seems nice enough, but Ron Paul will NEVER be President people, he has 2 first names like Ricky Bobby, and his nose basically disqualifies him on its own merit. I know that sounds terribly superficial, but this America, we made up the concept of superficiality. If you Paul supporters REALLY care about changing this country, put your vote behind someone who does stand a chance at making a difference, OBAMA!!! Ron Paul is just a distraction, and the homemade signs aren't fooling anybody.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:25:52 GMT

Strange that when Hillary was a couple of points ahead of Obama, it was statistically insignificant. Now it's huge news when Obama is a couple of points ahead...when in reality, the numbers are probably exactly the same.

Carrie, Eastern Iowa

The polls don't tell us anything (except internal campaign polling using the VAN, and I'd hope those privy to internal numbers would not reveal them). And even in the publicly released polls the top three are within the MOE, so even if the polls weren't statistically flawed they wouldn't be significant because they'd be within the MOE.

However, on the ground, whether it's real or perceived or a combination, Hillary is hurting. The fact that President Clinton is making his third stop in Iowa in 3.5 weeks is significant. The addition of 100 staff members on 11/1, the help from Emily's list, etc, are all indications of a campaign that is concerned. Does that mean that Obama will carry Iowa? No. But one thing is for sure it is wide open!

First thoughts: Closing arguments

John M, San Diego, CA — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:27:39 GMT

Krugman's article:

"Here’s why: under the Obama plan, as it now stands, healthy people could choose not to buy insurance — then sign up for it if they developed health problems later. Insurance companies couldn’t turn them away, because Mr. Obama’s plan, like those of his rivals, requires that insurers offer the same policy to everyone."

"Well, John Edwards has just called Mr. Obama’s bluff, by proposing that individuals be required to show proof of insurance when filing income taxes or receiving health care. If they don’t have insurance, they won’t be penalized — they’ll be automatically enrolled in an insurance plan."

Has anyone noticed here that Edwards's signing people up when they show up with a health problem is exactly the same as Obama's plan, which is what Krugman is complaining about?

So Edwards's proposal is really to make people fill out an extra form on their income taxes proving they have insurance. That's probably the best mandate available; most individuals don't have many interactions with the federal government. This would create a further disincentive for marginal individuals to file taxes - not only is the form a little longer than it already was, it means they'll be paying more. I wonder what the cost savings will be from forcing those extra individuals to sign up before they interact with the health care system, compared with the costs of implementing a bureaucracy to supervise it.

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Dot, Illinois — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:30:08 GMT

alone4dodd

Senator Dodd is another candidate who really suffers from not being given much media attention. I saw an interview he gave a few nights ago, and when given a chance to talk about the issues, he was very articulate and had some good proposals. He has experience, good credentials for dealing with the economy,etc. but having such assets doesn't make headlines. I found it interesting that the first time Senator Biden got more coverage was today when he made the comment about impeachment. I guess the question has become "Does a candidate have to say or do something controversial to get media attention?" Senators Clinton and Obama have managed to hold the media spotlight by continuing their back and forth verbal sparring which makes for good theater.

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mike, chicago — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:31:16 GMT

Ron Paul just passed 10 million dollars raised this quarter. Two thirds through the quarter and he's already raised almost as much as Rudy did the entire third quarter. You probably won't see it mentioned here though.

Terry

Ok so you mentioned Ron Paul. The guy is a nut! He's right on several issues, but I have to wonder how many people, who aren't medicated, agree with him on more than 20% of his positions?

Do most of his supporters really want abortion illegal? Do most people want social security eliminated, do his supporters even know his positions on these and many issues? I doubt it.

He's right on the war. And he could raise 100 million, but he said he wouldn't run as a 3rd party candidate, so people giving to his campaign are clueless. He has no chance in the GOP primary. He could make a good showing, but that's it.

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Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:40:07 GMT

Does Iowa have like the most bank robbers of any state? I heard that it's best to rob a bank when a big politician is in town, because the police are distracted.

--NSMSNBC

Crime in Iowa is relatively low, but what you are referring to was in October 04 in Davenport (or Bettendorf, they're part of the Quad cities). Both Kerry and Bush were campaigning the same day there events over lapped. Both had secret service and require extra local police protection. Basically every man on deck was working to protect Bush/Kerry. While this happened 3 or 4 bank robberies took place. I don't recall those responsible were ever caught. It wasn't by chance that the robberies occurred. It did make national news.

Both Obama and Clinton (Bill and Hillary) have secret service protection. The amount of local police protection for a former President seems to be less than for a sitting President. Even so I'm sure after the Presidential robberies cities are a bit more careful, and avoid having almost 100% of the force on duty dedicated to helping the secret service.

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Drew Edmondson, Denver, Colorado — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:45:03 GMT

Good links Van...
if you check out vote smart of Presidential Candidates only Dodd, Gravel and Edwards responded.
Here is Edwards
http://votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=21107

Of course I don't agree 100%...but hey I don't even agree with myself 100%

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pat huntington ny — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:17:42 GMT

I'm sure 3-4 well placed nuclear bombs along the afgan-pakistani border would eliminate a lot of our problems.
jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:34 AM)

------
It would create more problems Jerry...guess who's right next door to your planned nuke cite...Russia and China. I am sure they'll love all the nuclear fallout that would cross their borders. Get a grip man! As for the anti liberal comments you made, some, but not all liberals, like myself, understand the reason for the atomic bomb drops on Japan to end WWII. You make generalizations when they are not warranted.

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pat huntington ny — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:18:28 GMT

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John, waterloo Iowa — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:17:18 GMT

Dot, Illinois

Dodd's problem isn't lack of media attention. True he hasn't had a lot of national attention, but locally he's received plenty. One of his problems is he's Biden-lite. Every positive attribute Dodd has, Biden has more. With Biden in the race supporting Dodd makes little sense. Also he has a boring manner of speech. Biden and Richardson are able to connect better with people.

Also, right or wrong, having kids in your 60's (He was 58 when Grace was born, and 61 or 62 when Christina was born) doesn't play well in Iowa. Bringing restless kids to campaign events isn't wise. When your 6 year old insists on being picked up while you are answering a question at an event, and after you comply she isn't satisfied with being held, and puts her hands over your mouth to get you to stop talking (as I've seen happen at two separate events) it turns people off.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Carol Neese, West Columbia, SC — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:19:56 GMT

It scares me that Bush wants to keep us at war while parading as a champion of democracy. It scares me that a former President was impeached for lying about sexual enconters while the current president has violated our consitition and has been held accountable by Congress for NOTHING. It scares me that we engage in rhetoric about who makes a slip of the tongue in a heated debate, yet let it "ride" when the president plays with us about waterboarding and wants to retain his "right" to use it if HE decides he wants to. It scares me that our own President has such a loose tongue and throws around the words "World War III" neglecting to see that HE has aleintated most of our allies and we would be largely alone in the face of another world war. It scares me that a joint Congress WILL NOT stand up to this President and tell him his time is UP...his time is over....and he is OUT! Joe Biden at least has the courage to call it like it is, and Hillary is the only one who isn't afraid to draw the line and get us out of Iraq and back into the realm of world respect and collaboration. The "BUSH face" has led us down a path of destruction. He has certainly held true to his previous statement that "I'm the decider". And we have let him be. Say all you folks want to about Hillary, Bill, and anyone else's "skeletons" or faults and mistakes...we ALL have them.( remember that's what SIN is). We'd better get back to leaving personal judgements to God Almighty and get on with the business of electing a capable, experienced, and compassionate LEADER who knows how to balance justice with mercy and help heal the many wounds in THIS country...Hillary Clinton.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Sierra, SF — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:01:26 GMT

jerry/corpus christi texas: '...Sierra:
After watching you liberals yell and scream and keep a body count of how many of the military has been killed in Iraq, I can imagine your shock and awe at the hundreds of thousands of people being killed if the Allies had mounted a full scale invasion of Japan...'

I agree, it would have been VERY COSTLY
There is some moral ambiguity in using ONE BOMB on Hiroshima
But, Nagasaki ??
Why ?

'...The atomic bomb was the only way to get the japanese to surrender, don't you get it? Would it have been worth an extra 100,000 of our dead instead of dropping a couple of atomic bombs and making their side suffer....'

There was talk that the Japanese were sending out feelers...
I agree that there is ambiguity in using the bomb
Against civilians
Against a non nuclear nation
It's a tough call, jerry....

'...Remember, it was the liberals who kept America in isolation while the Axis tried to take over the world....'

WRONG, actually
It was the right-wing, America First lobby that kept us isolationist
It was FDR who helped Britain with Lend Lease

'...Japan decided to pick a fight and got slammed for it....'

I can't disagree
They were aggressors
What did the children of Hiroshima and Nagasaki do ?

'...If anybody else out there wants to pick a fight with us, I'm sure the Nuclear issue is just as important today as it was yesterday. I'm sure 3-4 well placed nuclear bombs along the afgan-pakistani border would eliminate a lot of our problems...'

And you've just explained why Iran wants a nuclear option
You've made their case
Iraq disarmed and got invaded
Why would Iranians disarm ?
If you sabre rattle in front of Iranians....
... you give them incentive to arm...
What gives America the authority to decide who gets nukes ?
By what authority ?
The South Africans exploded a nuclear device in 1979.
Why was THAT OK ?

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Sierra, SF — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:05:10 GMT

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA: '....Sierra,
"Standing up to aggression ?
It should get him a VP selection !!"

No - it should get him the White House. While C,E & O squabble amongst themselves, Joe keeps his eye on the ball...'

Elizabeth, I stand corrected
You're absolutely right

(but I'm still supporting Edwards or Obama)

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Dot, Illinois — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:36:32 GMT

John, waterloo, Iowa

Thank you for your insight. Obviously, the things you mentioned don't show up in a one on one interview.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Nashville_fan — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:17:34 GMT

Carol from SC, if Hillary Clinton was as sincere and eloquent as your post, she would have alot more support.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Anyone but Hillary — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:37:13 GMT

Just out of Curiosity can any one recall anythign that Hillary did that was considered great?? The only things I have heard about her voting record are quite bad. And how can anyone say she doesn't pander to the public, she is dishonest and will do anythign she has to to succeed. This can be a great asset but I dont believe she has the character to limit what she does to the Moral Realm.... Last thing we need is Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 23:17:16 GMT

IMPEACH:

Write your congressman.

Sierra:

Ever hear of apples vs. oranges, and valium?

Jerry, Corpus Christi:

Do you ever get tired of throwing out bait and catching something EVERY time?

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 23:25:24 GMT

Sierra:

I believe that Japan's immediate and unconditional surrender was demanded after the Hiroshima bomb with the clear threat that another one could follow. Japan's leaders did not comply. Apparently they thought that thousands or millions more of their own people were expendable.

I World War II as a whole, probably over 100 million people died. I don't know myself, but of those, what percentage would you guess were soldiers?

Do some research and find out what the civilian toll in China was at the hands of the Japanese.

As horrible as all this was, perspective puts the United States quite far down the list when it comes to evildoers.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

FACT / AZ — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:03:03 GMT

This time the Billary trailer trash won't be going to the White House. They have sealed their fate!

Bye,BYE Doom and Gloom!

First thoughts: Closing arguments

GET IT STRAIGHT / AZ — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:28:06 GMT

Should America have to choose a Washington self serving Paper Hanger as a President?

Today we have People who can stand and think at the same time. They don't have to hold on to another coat tail, a failed policy, misleading conjecture, a liar, always opposing be it right or wrong.

These debates have shown nothing! The same daily conjecture and failed operation of what a Washinton self serving Paper hangers cluster F87708097.

Question: How can America reunite, restructure, change policy which demeans our existance, close failed policy. put the pork barrel in a dumpster, align armed force to serve as national security ""not world security"", restructure public funding, enforce national security ""Borders"", remove in total all those who are roaming our streets as an Illegal.. ""And thats is the tip of failed policy"""!

The Democratic party has shown their response, not one has taken a real issues or any issues that is a priority,, but their desire is to just hang more worthless paper on the present failed paper!!!! Only conjecture and the """I"""". Never """As a ""NATION""!!! """" IT'S ALWAYS """""" I """"""

First thoughts: Closing arguments

David Anders Pharr Tx. — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:57:53 GMT

Carol are u talking about the Clintons who pardoned dozens of terrosists whose gang killed US cops. And pardoned dozens of drug dealers, while they were stealing the White house furniture, and you want us to vote for Hillary, are you out of your mind?

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Christy Elmasri, Carter Lake, IA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:56:12 GMT

The ONLY candidate that will be effective is Clinton!
Those who voted for Bush helped to bring this country to the brink of absolute destruction; the sick thing is that they are getting RICH from the U.S. taxpayer as they destroy the United States. I will take the wife of a sex fiend over all of the candidates due in part because She is a WOMAN, she is SMART and I believe that it is time to elect someone who is going to be a President of the people.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Myles Gisbon — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 19:25:22 GMT

Is Karl Rove pulling strings (covertly) on the Democratic National Committee? DNC punishing a state!! Sounds like organizational idiocy. Fighting over #1 primary might just be like the tigers fighting each other over Sambo's "fine" clothes.... or corporate, racketeers-marketeers fighting to see who can get the most of our loose-change. Politics, like technology, big government, and the media is getting too far out in front of beleagured, over/under-protected Americans. God help us find an honest statesperson to lead us....not a chamber of commerce/ceo, war hawk, "who? me? worry?" type.

First thoughts: Closing arguments

Ken, San Diego, CA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 20:06:15 GMT

A nice article from the Huffington Post (of all places)...

First thoughts: Closing arguments

paul — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 02:12:06 GMT

These comments are so lifeless and pale in comparison with what Mike Gravel represents that I am just so disappointed why people would vote for anyone but him. They speak such flacid points about the election that are boring and nauseating. Mike is the meat and potatoes of presidential candidacy period. What on earth makes anyone else attractive compared to this statuesque man boggles my mind.