First thoughts: 30 days to go

matt — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:30:51 GMT

The Dem debate will be a mess. Nothing more than a shout-fest between Hillary and Obama.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

First thoughts: 30 days to go

kenn — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:34:16 GMT

You see by squandering our treasure of men and women of the armed forces and the money we wasted in Iraq we showed those Iranians whos the boss they quit in 2003,there was no way that would have happened if we had not rushed into Iraq and let them loot and disolve thier army and overextend ours .That was Bushes plan all along and it worked now to just dig our image and strenght and power and constitution back,PRICELESS MISSION FINALLY ACOMMPLISED

First thoughts: 30 days to go

diane — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:35:23 GMT

Obama is right to try to limit the trashing going on. Not only because it would tarnish both but, it veers away from the issues and the voters and becomes a stage for personal attacks only.
Silly was the perfect word. It takes her attacks down to the level of childish and petulant rather than having the force of what she hopes for.
And also signals that he is not going to spend everyday playing her games. he has shown he is more than capable of holding his own against anyone, including Hillary and the republicans. Why waste valuable time letting her frame the final month with her game playing.
Silly. It is powerful in framing her in a negative way while making him look above her games.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Alan MacDonald, Sanford, Maine — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:43:56 GMT

The NIE report that Iran was never a threat and not worth starting or posturing to start another Middle East war (one that could predictably turn nuclear) is going to have a MASSIVE EFFECT on the US presidential election:

The entire gutless pack of supposedly ‘first tier’, leading Democrat candidates anointed as they were by the MSM wouldn’t “take anything off the table” in threatening Iran with nuclear war.

Only Dennis Kucinich had the guts and brains not to fall for this pro-war posturing and ‘tough guy’ BS.

Now that the NIE shows that Iran was never any threat, it’s more than a bit embarrassing for the pack of ‘big name’ Democratic candidates that they were so fearful of appearing ‘weak on terrorism’, that they were cowed by Bush into committing Americans to another war in the Middle East just to protect their cowardly hides.

Hey, Hillary, here’s something that you shouldn’t “take off the table” —- your friggin excuse and lies about how you never accepted war with Iran as an 'option'.

Maybe you can use the same pack of lies that your hubby just did in his, “I was always against the Iraq war” BS.

This pack of gutless idiots, along with the lying MSM’s help in promoting them as being friggin ‘electable’ came that close to installing someone in the White House who would have gladly done anything “on the table” before this NIE news broke — and made them all look like the dangerous fools that they are.

Remember that, people when you go to vote next fall —– it’s actually more important to the lives of your kids than whether Bill will be more help to Hill’s campaign than Oprah will be to Obama —- in fact it’s more important than any of the BS smoke that the MSM blows up your posterior about this totally phony 'campaign entertainment'.

Of course, the proto-fascist Republican war-mongers calling for more war in the Middle East are all totally discredited even more than the dummy dems, with McCain taking the prize for his rendition of "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" ---- which we think he will no longer be singing.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Daniel, NY — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:45:28 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Tiarap,Houston — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:47:21 GMT

Obama threw mud, and now is SHOCKED, SHOCKED that he's being attacked.

The man has the makings of a good HighSchool class president.

Edwards! Why doesn't he get your attention?
Anyone?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

vanreuter, NY NY — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:49:01 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: 30 days to go

Dot, Illinois — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:53:15 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

CitizenJ — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:56:28 GMT

Check out this list of polls from very red states (Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Georgia) that show Hillary Clinton is very competitive -- she is in single-digits of Rudy Giuliani in all of them: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2007/12/new-york-times-charges-again-that.html

Daniel, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 9:45 AM)

Seeing as the general election is still a year away, I hope you aren't taking these head-to-head polls too seriously. You can bet your bottom dollar the Republicans will come out in full force when the time comes. Yee-haw.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Disgusted — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:02:14 GMT

The pious Mr. "silly season" Obama is returning to his lofty perch above the nasty fray.

After touching down during the past weeks and shooting thousands of poison personal darts at Senator Clinton, the great one departs to on high again.

Now that Senator Clinton is finally defending herself and presenting Obama's record of non votes and being AWOL in the Illinois and US Senate, Obama can NOT defend such a weak record so he does the only thing he can do...go back to his holier than thou perch.

Good defense Obama, but do we really want a weak leader who runs and hides when he chooses?

Let's examine the real record and behavior of Obama, not the fake sugar coated one we've been fed constantly by the press and Obama-ites for months

First thoughts: 30 days to go

John B, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:03:28 GMT

On the contrary I don't see why Iraq & Iran can't continue to be an issue against Republicans in the campaign. In fact this new reversal just illustrates that the neocons have learned NOTHING from the Iraqi debacle and continue to rely on shady intelligence to justify their pursuit of American military domination of the world.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Linda Lou — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:03:49 GMT

Barak Obama's support is unfortunately based on what people WANT hm to be...not what he actually is.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Ron, TX — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:08:30 GMT

So now we learn that Iran is not, in fact, currently working on developing a nuclear bomb. Does anyone really have any confidence in any intelligence information that this administration provides? How many more "Oops, we got it wrong" statements will there be?

Will this have any effect on Democratic campaign? Seantor Biden voted against Kyl Lieberman; Senator Clinton voted for; Senator Obama did not vote. Correct?
Dot, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 9:53 AM)
===

It depends if the media has the guts to call out Hillary for being wrong. Obama missed the vote because of Democrat Harry Reid's (his son is on the Hillary campaign) disgusting move to push the bill to a sudden vote after saying that it would not be voted on. Obama released a statement immediately saying he was against the bill. Obama was 100% right. Again. Iraq, Iran, Pakistan- he obviously seems to know what he's talking about with foreign policy. He cuts against conventional wisdom, and ends up getting it right every time.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/02/opinion/02rich.html?em&ex=1196830800&en=5ead4c3bdc272622&ei=5087%0A

First thoughts: 30 days to go

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:08:36 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Rhoda — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:12:11 GMT

I think the Obama campaign responded perfectly well to the attacks yesterday: they gave statements about the substantive issues so all the papers note that he had a great record in Illinois and those present votes were legislative tactics plus he put her down simply by refusing to dignify her personal attacks and marking them down as silly.

The last two days have been fierce but I think the Obama campaign has won. Plus, they made a serious mistake deciding to come after him on a character issue. Democrats, whether they support him now or not, fell in love with Obama's message and substance at the 2004 convention. And the caucus voters in Iowa have met the man and have a favorable opinion of him and who he is and what his message has been to date. They really like him; even those that don't support him. For a lot of Democrats he represents the better graces of the party. And it's not good for Clinton to have to fight on that track: saying he has no character and insinuating he's a liar. It calls to mind her negatives and plays into the caricatures of her personally.

I get the feeling that the HRC campaign knows they lost Iowa and are set on tearing Obama down to make an opening for Edwards who doesn't have the resources to fight them nationally. But in not taking the bait and swinging for the fences, basically playing their game, the Obama campaign emphasizes how desperate she is.

That's not a good place for Clinton to be right now.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Rick in NC — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:15:35 GMT

There are so many two time losers on the issue of Iraq and Iran...anyone who knew the bushies were full of crap both times deserves a look...the rest were wrong twice and this nation can't stand more stuck on stupid at the top...in the meantime the real enemy in afghanistan and pakistan has regained strength while the bushies and their enablers in the dem party dithered on bomb bomb bomb iran

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Sam St Louis — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:21:09 GMT

You are right, Diane, Mr. Obama did not vote on Kyl Lieberman. He was the ONLY presidental candidate from the US Senate NOT to show up to vote.

Since August, Mr. Obama has missed the most votes of the other Candidates because he said in some cases such as Kyl Lieberman that he simply did NOT know the vote was coming up.

How did Biden, Dodd, and Clinton, as well as the other Senators, know the vote was coming up? Mr. Obama's explanation is very hard to accept.

AFTER the vote, after the debate that night, just before bedtime (10:00p.m.), Mr. Obama finally chose to speak out about the Kyl-Leiberman resolution that he said he felt so strongly about.

If he felt so passionately about it, why did he NOT show up to vote against it? The other senators stood up for their beliefs and voted.

Mr. Obama seems to have a record in the state and US senates of being AWOL on some "tough ..stand up for what you believe" votes. In the Illinois Senate, he often voted "present" which is not a yes or no...it is voting "I pass and do not wish to publically express my belief"

As president, Mr. Obama cannot do that. He will have to stand up and lead.

I'm very disappointed in Mr. Obama and his lack of leadership.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Brad, Iowa — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:21:34 GMT

Dot,
I think it shows once again Biden was right, once again Hillary was wrong, and once again Obama didn't know what to do so didn't do anything.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Sierra, SF — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:27:48 GMT

'... Voters may expect Clinton to get involved in a political back-and-forth and not punish her as strongly as they'll punish Obama if he appears to get too negative...'

So voters expect a negative gutter punching Hillary
Hillary's campaign has been negative all season
She's just doing publicly what her staff has been doing all along.

Worm tongue Hillary has nothing positive to offer voters....

So, she'll morph into Battle-Axe Hillary to sling mud

Ah, yes.... the Republican play book !!

Hillary Clinton, cold, calculating, dishonest, unethical, divisive

First thoughts: 30 days to go

karlos — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:30:00 GMT

""""'iraq might not be as big a problem for the republicans""" are you kidding? the two most important issues to the american public are the iraq and the economy! at $2.4 tril over 10 years projected and the flood down effect on us economy of the war anyone who can't see the two are inseperable is an idiot! the only can=didate on demo side with a plan for iraq that's passed is biden, yet you put most of your columns on the top 3 who state "joe is right" on issues of foreign affairs! please imform your readers that the current bickering over domestic policies will be determined in the end by congress and won't reflect any one candidates agenda entirely as its pushed thru committee [civics 101] and that foreign affairs is the primary area of impact of the president. together the CE&O combined don't have the experience of biden [including obamas 4 years as a child overseas] in this area. as for hillary the phrase "fool me once same on you twice shame on me" comes to mind as she voted for iraq [understandable with the admin manipulation of intelligence] but then voted for iran bill, which obama dodged. vote for a candidate capable of handling foreign affairs, joe biden. he has the only iraq proposal that's passed, saw pakistan unrest coming, and voted for funding the war to supply the troops the necesary ied safe vehicles rather than use our troops as pawns for political points in the polls. why's his integrity and experience polling at 6% is beyond me! ANYONE.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:31:30 GMT

"....Barak Obama's support is unfortunately based on what people WANT hm to be...not what he actually is......"
Linda Lou (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 10:03 AM)

EXACTLY, Linda Lou! That's the quote of the day.
Great job, you hit the nail right on the head!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Sierra, SF — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:33:41 GMT

From the NY Times:

'....Vulnerable Democrats See Fates Tied to Clinton
By CARL HULSE
Published: December 4, 2007
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Nancy Boyda, a Democrat who ran for Congress in this district last year, owed her upset victory partly to the popularity of the Democratic woman at the top of the ticket: Kathleen Sebelius, who won the governor’s seat. Now, with a tough re-election race at hand in 2008, Ms. Boyda faces the prospect that her electoral fate could be tied to another woman: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Clinton is a long way from winning the Democratic presidential nomination, and over the last few weeks has struggled to hang on to the air of inevitability that she has been cultivating all year. But the possibility that she will be the nominee is already generating concern among some Democrats in Republican-leaning states and Congressional districts, who fear that sharing the ticket with her could subject them to attack as too liberal and out of step with the values of their constituents.

And few incumbent Democrats face a greater challenge next year than Ms. Boyda, whose district delivered almost 60 percent of its votes to President Bush in 2004....'

Who needs a skunk at the top of the Democratic ticket
Hillary will lose us the House and Senate majorities
Just like Bill did in 1994

Didn't bother him, he pushed a Republican agenda with his new 'Republican friends'
He froze out he Democrats

Is that what Hillary would do if she won (sic) ?
Invade iran to look 'strong' ?
Invade Cuba to clinch Florida in the next election ?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Jose Alemar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:33:58 GMT

This is the real test for Hillary. I she can take on her own party and the rest of the republicans and win the nomination she will be the proven candidate to face any republican and their trash wagon. The way I look at it is that among all candidates running for the white house she is the only female. She is a woman so what? I admire her because she is taking heat from every corner. It is all against one and one against all.
Republican are doing everything possible to entice Obama against Hillary. If any of you listen to the right wing media you will think that they are for Obama. I know it could be an illusion, but is the truth. They are afraid of Hillary just beacus e is a woman.
On the republican side (a warning) Huckabee is trying to slide religion into the political, debate) this a very dangerous situation because from the beginning of time religion has been trying to run government creating totalitarian and imperialist government. You all be careful on Huckabee DANGER,DANGER,DANGER. KEEP RELIGION OUT. THIS IS COUNTRY OF MULTIPLE BELIEFS AND RELIGION.
That is the strateggy of the right wing religion, abortion, Immigration. Iraq Taxes. This are issues for the so call conservatives targets Right wing need to win no matter how.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

CitizenJ — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:34:58 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

John A Very Concerned Citizen — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:35:15 GMT

Diane, Obama did NOT vote on Kyl Lieberman. He did not show up as his fellow presdential candidates from the Senate did.

Obama has a pattern of not showing up to vote or casting a non vote.

Obama voted many times in the ILL state senate with a "present" vote which is neither a yes or not but a "maybe I'm for it or maybe I'm against it" vote.

Seven of Obama's "non votes" were on a woman's right to choose.

Two of Obama's "present or non votes" were on measures to protect families from gun violence on of which was a measure about firing guns on nor near school grounds.

Obama did not stand up and vote one these issues.

It would suggest a lack of leadership and a gamesman running for cover on controversial issues that could hurt his chances of running for a higher office down the road.

Leaderhip and the willingness to take on tough issues and deal with them is a very important trait our next president must have.

Obama's real record shows otherwise.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Jen — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:36:25 GMT

RE: Hillary Tries to Commit Murder/Suicide in Iowa

Everyone!

The Clinton campaign is obviously reeling from the effects of their candidate's failed attempts to go after Obama over the weekend. Patti Solis Doyle, Clinton's Campaign Manager is now resorting to accusing the Obama campaign of playing "dirty tricks" in Iowa such as negative push-polling to test the effectiveness of anti-Hillary messages, and saying that Obama staffers are attacking Hillary's staffers - all of this to DRAG HIM DOWN into the mud. Here's the link from the Des Moines Register. You’ve got to read this for yourself.

Des Moines Register
Clinton e-mail warns more "dirty tricks" cropping up:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071204/NEWS/71204006/-1/SPORTS09

We all know Obama isn’t behind any negative campaigning. This is getting bad. Hillary is trying to commit "murder-suicide” in Iowa to prevent Obama from winning there!

They are accusing Obama of playing dirty tricks when in fact their planting of this total MIS-information IS the dirty trick. Unbelievable.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Ron, TX — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:41:32 GMT

Clinton's campaign bloggers on here sure get old, repeating Hill's talking points with no thoughts of their own.

Fact: Hillary is losing.

Fact: Hillary is getting desperate. Hillary would NOT have publicly gone on the attack unless she WAS losing.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

grace — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:41:56 GMT

BTW John Mccain was also not there for the Kyle-Liberman vote....guess he has no courage either or just wanted to avoid the vote.

Get your facts right or Shut up

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Sierra, SF — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:44:26 GMT

Dot, Illinois: '...So now we learn that Iran is not, in fact, currently working on developing a nuclear bomb. Does anyone really have any confidence in any intelligence information that this administration provides?...'

Yes, Dot..... Hillary Clinton does
That's why seh voted for Lieberman-Kyl
That's why she's 'talking tough' about Iran

'...How many more "Oops, we got it wrong" statements will there be? Will this have any effect on Democratic campaign? Seantor Biden voted against Kyl Lieberman; Senator Clinton voted for; Senator Obama did not vote. Correct?

Yes, Clinton did vote for war against Iran
Bear that in mind
She also used dirty tricks against Obama
She got Harry Reid to call a 'sanp vote' on the amendment (Reid's son works for Clinton)
to prevent Obama from voting.

Obama had already spoken out against the 'drift to war' in the media and among the politicians

Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, John Edwards come out looking
thoughtful and responsible on this issue

Hillary plays her usual 'pander bear' role

Bush was asked if he was the 'little boy who cired wolf' about Iraq and Iran !!

Great post, Alan MacDonald, Sanford, Maine !!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

JJ in NJ — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:48:19 GMT

Chuck, Mark, and Domenico -- you guys are repulsive and emblematic of all that is wrong with journalism today. "The wine and cheese crowd"? What is this, 1986? NPR listeners are the intelligent ones; the ones who didn't listen to the fearmongering and LIES that got us into this mess in Iraq and were it not for the brave people in the intelligence community trying to stave off the apocalypse, would have helped this Administration of Crazies into yet another unnecessary war.

Maybe if the NPR crowd had more clout we wouldn't be in this mess.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

George IA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:48:27 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

sonya, atlanta, ga — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:49:40 GMT

Obama, let her foam and howl for a month and go down in flames.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Rick,ky — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:56:59 GMT

New poll just released from Kindergartner's4Hillary.This poll overwelmingly shows that children in kindergarten prefer to be Policeman, fireman, nurse's & married with children, (Other) came in ahead of wanting to be President.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:57:55 GMT

I love how people presume to know what Iowans like, what Iowans think and what Iowans want. If you haven't lived here, quit speaking for us. We are capable of speaking for ourselves.

As far as this debate today, I like the idea that they can interact with each other and they are not held to a 30-second or 1-minute time limit. There are some questions and some issues that do not lend themselves to such short answers. If this goes as the last debate went, Biden will again be the adult in the midst of bickering children - and every time that difference is shown, his stock goes up in Iowa.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

ObamaRama — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:57:56 GMT

Dear Friend,

I wanted to let you know immediately about reports our campaign has received about possible dirty campaign tactics in Iowa and New Hampshire -- and ask for your help.

In Iowa, we have heard reports that Hillary supporters are getting calls that tell them incorrect caucus locations. Supporters have also told us about push polls -- when they tell the pollster they support Hillary, they are given negative talking points about her and asked which attacks are the most effective.

In both Iowa and New Hampshire, we have heard that Obama staffers are berating Hillary supporters on the phone with negative attacks against her.

Here is one report we got from someone who received a push poll in Iowa:

I do want to let you know, Saturday afternoon, I had a phony pollster call from "an independently owned polling service" ... With my first choice as Hillary and undecided 2nd choice. I was asked if I approved of the direction the country was taking. The question then shifted. "Which of these three options best defines your candidate? 1) Inconsistent on major issues. 2) A weak contender in the general election. 3) Not able to bring change to Washington." I told them I would not answer because it was not a polling question ... I asked where they were calling from. Repeatedly the response was that they were calling from the United States and it was paid for by an independently owned polling firm.

Here is another report from a letter to the editor in an Iowa paper:

The bullying coming from some of the other Democratic candidates is childlike and not what the Democrats stand for. I even had some guy call me from the Obama camp and start bullying me over the phone when I said I supported Hillary. He started arguing and got aggressive on the phone. I did tell him his behavior was not appropriate.

And here is a report from New Hampshire:

When my father informed them that he was supporting Hillary they proceeded to talk to him about her failure to reform health care when she was First Lady. He said it sounded like they were reading something that was already prepared.

These reports are invaluable to our campaign! It is vitally important that we know about any unethical tactics our opponents may use. And as one of our best supporters in Iowa, you are in the best position to keep us informed. If you or any of your family, friends, or neighbors receive negative push poll calls or any misleading information about the election, please contact our Iowa headquarters immediately to let them know. Here is contact information:

Iowans for Hillary
Phone: 515-558-9600

Thank you for helping us make sure this election is a fair one, and for everything you do for Hillary.

Sincerely,

Patti Solis Doyle
Campaign Manager
Hillary for President

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Jerry Gregg, Ames Iowa — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:58:24 GMT

Bill Clinton loves it in Iowa. Lots of the gals look like Monica.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Jeff Seattle — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:59:25 GMT

Unlike the president of the USA, the buck does not stop at the Illinois Senate.

In the state senate, a politician who wants to hide from an issue can vote PRESENT rather than yes or no and thereby avoiding the responsibility and the inevitable loss of support tht comes from actually taking a stand.

Barack Obama voted PRESENT many times on issues about women's rights and violence.

They may have been controversial issues but any senator needs to have the conviction to stand up and be counted.

As President Harry Truman said, "THE BUCK STOPS HERE."

As president, Barack Obama will not have the chance to vote PRESENT. The buck will stop with him. Will he be ready to lead?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Sierra, SF — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:03:29 GMT

From USAToday/Gallup poll:

A. Hillary Clinton
Favorable Unfavorable No opinion
2007 Nov 30-Dec 2 47 50 3
2007 Nov 2-4 52 45 3
2007 Oct 12-14 53 44 2

Anybody see a trend here ?
Hillary is sinking in public 'esteem'
More negative than positive
How do you win elections that way ?

Is THAT WHY she's slinging mud ?

. Barack Obama

Favorable Unfavorable No opinion
2007 Nov 30-Dec 2 53 33 7 6
2007 Nov 2-4 53 30 7 10
2007 Oct 12-14 53 32 6 9

Sorry, Hillary
GAME OVER !!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

David Anders, Pharr, Tx. — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:03:45 GMT

J Merle what credentials do Hillary have, stealing the Whitehouse furniture while her husband was pardoning criminals, drug dealers, and terrosists that attacked US policemen, for hundreds of thousands of dollars, where they could move to your state knowing they could snowball you yankess into electing her Senator, the american people wont be fooled like you, cant you see the tv ads now, better start digging some Ostrich holes.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

MK,MO — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:05:01 GMT

hillary has unequaled experience as a cog in the corrupt 'business as usual' political machine, other than that she posses nothing noteworthy, and has none of the traits necessary to change direction for the better, ever hear the term "bush-lite"? hillary represents everything wrong with politics today, the wealthy own hillary, she has no concept of common folk, power and money are all she understands, she could not have won the general election in any event, so as she fades into obscurity vote for edwards, time to change the way this country is ran, and he has the plans and the compassion to get the job done

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Dave Memphis, TN — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:05:49 GMT

Hey I have no respect for the Clinton campaign after this...
Kindgergate:
The Hillary campaign is using the fact that Obama wanted to run for president since he was a child against him. And they are citing a essay he wrote at five.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=4470
Quotes from the Hillary campaign about Kindergate:

“In kindergarten, Senator Obama wrote an essay titled 'I Want to Become President.' "Iis Darmawan, 63, Senator Obama's kindergarten teacher, remembers him as an exceptionally tall and curly haired child who quickly picked up the local language and had sharp math skills. He wrote an essay titled, 'I Want To Become President,' the teacher said." [AP, 1/25/07 ]

If you're thinking what I am thinking your thinking her campaign is either insane or desparate.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Joe — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:08:35 GMT

There is an old saying Senator Clinton would do well to remember:

"Better to keep your mouth shut and have people think
you are a fool than to open it ..and prove them right"

That also goes for supporters

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Betty in Baltimore — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:23:28 GMT

It's a beautiful thing:

Hillary Clinton starts thrashing around making petty and silly attacks on Obama...

and First Read concludes Obama will be the net loser because he didn't "fight back"?

You First Read folks LOVE HILLARY SO MUCH.

It's disgusting.

She's lame and she's falling. Wake up.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Toni Boyle — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:28:20 GMT

After reading these comments, I realize that more than being for the candidate they believe in, people are rallying against the candidates they feel are the worst.

Please find out where each candidate stands on the major issues that face us in the years to come. If they are being evasive or speaking in circles understand that as president they will act depending on where the greatest advantage is for them.

I am disappointed in the people that we trust to give us unbiased news. They are so quick to report on what will bring in ratings that they are failing the American people when it is most important.

Please take back the power to decide for yourself. Read about all the candidates. Look at what they have done, NOT just what they are saying they would do. This is the most important election of our time.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

ace p washington, d.c. — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:28:54 GMT

you are right dot. this administration is long on experience but short on good judgement.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:32:58 GMT

Sam St Louis:

Well said. I agree completely.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:39:33 GMT

"Hillary Clinton, cold, calculating, dishonest, unethical, divisive"

Hillary is a politician - just like so many others. I don't support her for President but I don't set a different bar for her than I do other candidates. To say that Barack Obama is somehow above politics is not realistic. The exceedingly high number of "present" or missed votes on critical issues indicates a certain level of calculation on Senator Obama's part.

Deifying Obama and excoriating Clinton serves little purpose. Neither is perfect and neither is Cheney.

BIDEN '08

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Nashville_fan — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:41:39 GMT

So here is the thing I want to say to all Hillary Clinton supporters -

I do not have a personal problem with Hillary Clinton. I have a problem with her deliberately distorting things, making repeatable sound bites out of them, and saying them over and over again as if she believes it is true. Examples you say?

"Obama's health care plan leaves out 15 million people." That is a statement of fact. However, that is not a fact - it is an "estimate" - and a disputed estimate at that.

This is a clear effort to distort a VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE and make the conversation be about "what the meaning of the word is is" instead of WHAT THE HELL ARE WE GONNA DO TO FIX THE HEALTHCARE PROBLEM IN THIS COUNTRY?

Her SLASH AND BURN tactics make it VERY DIFFICULT to work with her later if in fact she gets the nomination, because it creates alot of BAD FEELINGS between two people who are basically NOT THAT FAR APART on the issue.

It is this WINNER TAKE ALL mentality that is my primary problem with Senator Clinton. And that is the reason why I fear her adminstration would be very similar to the current one - not willing to LISTEN to others, not willing to WORK WITH people unless they completely bend to your will. That attitude is COUNTERPRODUCTIVE as governing style.

Regardless of which candidate you support, there can be no denying the Senator Clinton's record of building consensus is not a good one.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Nashville_fan — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:46:10 GMT

There are many posters here presenting the Clinton Campaign's latest theme (there have been so many) about leadership. I would like to know some examples of the leadership roles that Senator Clinton has played in her political career.

There is much talk of what Senator Obama has not done, but I don't see the counter balance of what Senator Clinton has accomplished.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

--NSMSNBC — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:48:19 GMT

Desperate: to continue from yesterday ...
Yes, I do dare abet, this lunatic idea that it's okay to go with your gut and vote in the guy that feels right.

Check out the likeability factor, I think it was actually pretty informational.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3096434/

It's not a coincidence that the most likeable candidates are rising in the polls now for both parties. But the one point that stuck out most was that both parties have good, valid ideas and philosophies. And both have bad ones, too. The majority of voters see both the good and bad in both parties or don't really care about some of the issues (I could go either way on the wedge issue of abortion, truly I could). What do you think they decide on? Likeability and trust. A gut feeling.

The subjective is important. Everybody is bound to make mistakes in office, and I want to know how a leader is going to respond to those mistakes. Do they accept them honestly and learn from them, or do they make it worse and lead us further down the wrong path? I don't care if they have the best policy stance in the world, but if they can't bring people together to get it done or lose the respect of the American populous, absolutely worthless. Policy isn't unimportant, but the subjective determines how a President enacts that policy. The problem comes when voters incorrectly follow their gut, but even if you choose highly arbitrarily based on policy, that is also frequently wrong, too.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

--NSMSNBC — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:48:32 GMT

Yay! NPR. I already gots my fake highbrow accent in places. Yeeesss.

*** No counterpunch: Of course he’s not going to counterpunch. 1) It gives him even more the appearance of frontrunner. 2) He has nothing to gain from getting into a he said/she said petty argument now. 3) Obama will certainly respond to charges that mean something, but she’s not throwing anything of substance out right now. And she’s not connecting them into a narrative, not big picture and I think people respond to that. Now, if she wanted to get his attention, she could ‘swiftboat’ him, though hardly advisable to her campaign. 4) Keep explaining it how it is Obama.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

John M., San Diego, CA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:58:15 GMT

Obama doesn't have to verbally counterpunch because most of Clinton's charges are so baseless as to be silly, not to mention so numerous that it would eat into constructive speech time. Trying to hit him for "present" votes on abortion that he coordinated with planned parenthood because they were republican trap votes? Trying to make it seem like he had no position on Iran when he forcefully stated "no" before, the same day, and after? Trying to tie a kindergarten essay to his ambition?

As I said on Sunday and the new article in Time today points out, Clinton is taking a major risk by making the attacks personally. Obama responds just enough to make her look immature and then lets his campaign machinery answer these baseless charges one by one. Virtually every article to date has been a process article about her attacking, rather than an article about whether her attacks have merit. I'll close my thoughts in a way I never have before: keep it up, Hillary.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Ron, TX — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:58:57 GMT

The president of the USA can't vote "present" instead of "yes or no".

The president can not dodge the big fights...can not find political cover or have WORDS LOUDER THAN ACTIONS.

We need a president who is not afraid to take a stand rather than a "present or pass" on the important issues facing our country especially now after the disasterous George Bush.

We need a strong leader. We need a tested leader who has proven they are what it takes to fight for the American people.
George IA (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 10:48 AM)

Well Clinton does think all the fighting is fun, but fighting never accomplishes anything. Look at Congress right now, ZERO, ZILCH is getting done. Real leaders move beyond partisan bickering to bring people together. Hillary promises the opposite: to FIGHT Republicans and even fellow democrats.

And careful how you phrase the whole "take a stand" issue if you are going to support HRC. Her only stand on MANY contentious issues is "form a bipartisan committee and see what other people think." Her stand on Iran is to hedging her bet by playing cowboy diplomacy with Bush. She has no stand on SS. She hardly has a stand on drivers lisences. She has a few flip-flops tossed in (I'm positive! No! I'm negative!)

She even PLANTS QUESTIONS so she doesn't have to answer the hard questions...

Again, careful how you try to defend her. It'll come back to bite you, just like it is currently coming back to haunt her.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

JJ Jax, FL — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:07:23 GMT

I distinctly remember earlier into the fall Hillary-supporters were cursing Obama for making criticisms against Hillary, and praising her for being 'above the fray' by not responding to them. Seems like the roles have been reversed now, eh? But of course Clinton supporters are now whining that he's running scared from Hillary's 'meaningful accusations'(a paper form KINDERGARTEN? SERIOUSLY?). You're just mad cause Obama is beating her at her own game! Now SHE looks like the one who leading the 'negative campaign', HA!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Bee — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:09:07 GMT

Bunch of talking heads that cannot convert a single voter. When you Hillary bloggers are done with your talking point, please tell me how many people you've won over.

Please tell me how many Republican, Independent and Democrats leaning towards other candidates you've manage to convert to Hillary's camp.

I want specificity not fluffs and platitude.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Dot, Illinois — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:12:00 GMT

JJ in NJ

I listen to and financially support NPR so I was amused by the wine and cheese comment. Talk about silly stereotypes! As far as the comment about the listeners being voters who probably will not like negative back and forths, well I would plead guilty, because I think that's a good thing.

Oh, and I also watch and support PBS so I suppose there is really no hope for me.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

jd — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:13:07 GMT

Being married to a president does not qualify one to be president.

Being married to a president does not qualify one to be president.

Being married to a president does not qualify one to be president.

Being married to a president does not qualify one to be president.

Being married to a president does not qualify one to be president.

Being married to a president does not qualify one to be president.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

ace p washington, d.c. — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:13:11 GMT

to tiarap houston, mr. edwards like others have good qualities and should get more media attention.

i would like to point out to you that no candidate has made any personal comments except mrs. clinton(i think she is better than that strategy).

the first person that was highly vocal about policy differences was mr. edwards towards ms. clinton. if you remember mr. obama was called inexperience and naive amongst other things for months and didn't fire back. the american public began to wonder why he didn't defend himself. two months ago he finally decided to become more voiceferous about his policy differences between him and mrs. clinton. she rightfully had the duty to respond to those differences.

i suggest to you that with a little bit of research(on your part) that he has not attacked mrs. clinton personally to date. neither mr. edwards, mr. biden, mr. dodd, mr. richardson or mr. kucinich have attacked another candidate personally. only mrs.clinton has decided to take that approach recently. this something you can check.

please don't take my word for it. i like facts. since i am still deciding who i may support i do a lot of research and fact checking. it helps that i am not biased because i take voting seriously and i refuse to just believe what i hear or read everywhere. i want to make sure i don't get this wrong.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Kato in Des Moines — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:13:37 GMT

Sorry George, but I don't believe being "tough" is the appropriate criterion for being president. That's George Bush's approach. Right now I'm listening to yet another Rudy Guliani radio spot where he touts his "toughness" and somehow equates that with good leadership.

Leadership is not about being tough. Leadership is the art of influencing others. It's the ability to cross party lines to build political consensus. It's the ability to engage in diplomacy and to work with foreign leaders to help advance American interests abroad. It requires a balance of principle, experience, and wisdom which gives you the intuition to act rather than resorting to saber rattling or waiting for the latest polling data.

The true leader in this race is Joe Biden. He has the experience, the practicality, and the wisdom to get things done. He is the only man in the senate to get 74 senators to agree on a plan for bringing stability to Iraq. This guy intuitively knows what needs to be done. Unlike Hillary he doesn't have to wait for next week's polling data to tell him where he needs to stand on an issue. Look, neither Hillary nor Obama can muster that kind of support among their colleagues in the Senate. Likewise, Edwards, in his one-term in the Senate, couldn't garner that kind of bi-partisan support on such a controversial issue. Biden has a bi-partisan approach to Iraq. He has the respect of his colleagues in the Senate. You may recall Senator Brownback (one of the most conservative Republicans in the Senate) actually campaigned with Biden earlier this year on the Iraq issue. Most recently, Senator Hagel (R) from Nebraska spoke highly of Senator Biden and his plan for Iraq. That's leadership and that's the way you bring this country together by build political consensus with both Democrats and Republicans.

I'm sorry, but I just don't see Hillary as the leader in this campaign. I don't see her working with people across the aisle to forge political compromise to get things done. She's a divider, not a uniter. We need someone who's more than just tough. We need a "leader" and that's Joe Biden.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

HP Boston — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:22:23 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

avraam jack — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:24:49 GMT

It is possible that Senator Clinton is the best candidate. However, even though many may like the policies that Senator Clinton proposes, they should also consider her record, just as Senator Clinton insists.
.
The last Clinton Administration, when faced with the fact that protection rackets where assaulting, torturing and murdering people with poison and radiation, chose to avoid its responsibilities to incarcerate the criminals and to protect the citizenry.
.
Instead, they made a deal with the criminal gang stalker protection rackets to leave them alone and to consequently abandon the citizenry.
.
Do we want a President who sells out the citizenry for votes?
.
Do we want a President who sends a "crime does pay" message to society?
.
Would you vote for a President who signed nonaggression deals with the KKKlan or the Nazi party? Gangs that torture with poison and radiation are much like the KKKlan and Nazi Party.
.
We do not need a sellout President. We need a principled leader President.
.
If you are one of the few who do not know what the above refers to, do a web search for “gang stalking” to see the tip of the dirtberg. Please do it before you decide to reply to my post. Here let me make it easy for you: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22gang+stalking%22.
.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Class Warrior, D.C. — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:30:05 GMT

Oops! Another "intelligence" (Can it really be called that these days) overstatement! Not only no WMDs in Iraq, the Iranians caved to peaceful-but-determined diplomatic pressure and stoped their production of the bomb. Another slam-dunk for the so-called "intelligence" community. And when Bush and all the Repub candidates continue to rattle thier defence-contractor-driven sabors, they'll look exactly like the pack of morons we all knew they were. The only thing that's changed is that now, REal President Cheney won't get his wish for a new war...hopefully. If the NIE makes the Right look stupid and out of step, and prevents Cheney from launching an undeclared war, it's done a lot of good afterall.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

H P Boston — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:37:23 GMT

Regardless of which candidate you support, there can be no denying the Senator Clinton's record of building consensus is a good one.
Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 11:41 AM)

------------------------------------------------
I totally agree! She has done a wonderful job of working across the isle in the Senate. She is therefore well respected and gets more work done than the men.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Tim, CT — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:42:23 GMT

Who else is going to jump in?

http://www.ronpaulblimp.com/

as the LATimes reported... the smart vegas money was on the British until Yorktown...

Go Ron Paul!!!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

David Anders, Pharr, Tx. — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:54:10 GMT

Hey Nashville fan, she lead the whitehouse furniture all the way to New York. This woman is crazy, thinking she can get away with anything, who is supporting her, must be crackheads and druggies Bill pardoned, including his druggie brother. The democrat media is saying he s so popular, i dont know anyone who respects him.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

David Anders, Pharr, Tx. — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:58:01 GMT

How many people know Hillary wrote her thesis on a communsist guy, who she worshipped his ideas. How many people know that this lady the dems say is so smart failed the bar exam.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Louie Bechage, Seattle WA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:14:29 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Richard, Washington State — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:20:54 GMT

" Thank you for helping us make sure this election is a fair one, and for everything you do for Hillary. "

Sincerely,

Patti Solis Doyle
Campaign Manager
Hillary for President

Wow, if we can believe the post from the Hillary campaign, it means that there is Democrat-on-Democrat campaign violence going on.

Or, it's a classic pre-emptive strike to deflect from the campaign's own negative attacks and try to portray Obama in the same light the Clintons are generally used to.

It appears this is Democrats cannibalizing other Democrats. Who woulda thought holier-than-thou Democrats, who never miss a chance to deride those dirty trash mongering Republicans, could sink so low?

Where in the world is John Edwards? Is he still campaigning? If so, which America is he in today?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Gary, Franklin, WI — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:25:10 GMT

To: jd

You stated, repeatedly:

"Being married to a president does not qualify one to be president."

I assume you reached that conclusion by learning:

"Being the child of a president does not qualify one to be president."

Something we already knew by November 2004, but went right ahead and re-elected Bush anyway.

Since the "who I'd rather have a beer with" strategy clearly doesn't worked, my fear about 2008 is that the U.S. electorate will choose whichever candidate they'd like to see on "Dancing with the Stars".

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Nashville_fan — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:33:36 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

ObamaRama — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:45:21 GMT

When I decided to run for president, I accepted that my opponents would dig through my record looking for something to attack.

I didn't realize they'd go all the way back to kindergarten.

I'll respond to each of the Clinton campaign's desperate attacks directly and honestly. But when I respond to each attack, I want to be able to say that I am not alone.

I want to be able to say that 10,000 people responded with me in the first 48 hours. And we're almost there.

Respond now with your donation of $25, and show our opponents that this kind of negativity will only make us stronger in our determination to bring about the change America needs:

https://donate.barackobama.com/costofnegativity

It's going to take all of us to change this game once and for all.

Thank you,

Barack

He's no different than any other politician, maybe even worse. Everything's an excuse to beg for money.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Gary, Franklin, WI — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:45:44 GMT

To: jd

You stated, repeatedly:

"Being married to a president does not qualify one to be president."

I assume you reached that conclusion by learning:

"Being the child of a president does not qualify one to be president."

Something we already knew by November 2004, but went right ahead and re-elected Bush anyway.

Since the "who I'd rather have a beer with" strategy clearly hasn't worked, my fear about 2008 is that the U.S. electorate will choose whichever candidate they'd like to see on "Dancing with the Stars".

First thoughts: 30 days to go

juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:48:09 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:48:30 GMT

It's just like she said, running for the Presidency is not a qualification unto itself.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 10:08 AM)

Hillary would be wise to remember that as well Merle.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

OutWest; Canyon Country, CA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:49:54 GMT

The report on Iran confirms to me something I have suspected for some time. There are people within the government working to ensure Bush/Cheny do not get us into another war. These I believe are Military and Intel professionals working to prevent a disaster for our Military that is over stretched and stressed now. They are Patriots in the fullest sense of the word.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:55:51 GMT

Please tell me how many Republican, Independent and Democrats leaning towards other candidates you've manage to convert to Hillary's camp.

Bee:

After last night, I can add another two people I have managed to convince that Hillary is the wrong candidate. When they bring up experience, all i ask is them to explain what most important piece of legislation that Hillary has managed to pass since 2001. And that she had the president sign off on. And I tell them naming post offices is not considered important. I also ask what they think of a woman who accepts money from Chinese dishwashers who do not have a credible address that they can be found at. I talked about the L.A. Times story where they went looking for the folks and could not find the people that were located at the addresses. You get her supporters really thinking about that one. And finally, if they are just voting for her because she is a woman, I ask them "Is Hillary Clinton the example you want your daughter to follow?" That really gets them thinking.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:58:41 GMT

H P Boston:

You left out a word - pretty pathetic attempt to misrepresent my post. Like candidate like supporter I guess. I'll repost the corrected version, because it bears repeating:

"Regardless of which candidate you support, there can be no denying the Senator Clinton's record of building consensus is a NOT good one. "

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 1:33 PM)

I've caught Van a few times with his version of the facts and I have corrected him as well....

First thoughts: 30 days to go

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:01:08 GMT

NSMSNBC:

After re-reading Desperate and his little answer to me yesterday, one has to wonder if he really does care at all about the future of this country. To not care about electing someone who is honest just means he wants more of what happened in the 90's with the Clinton's and their rag mag lifestyle. It is sad.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Sierra, SF — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:06:24 GMT

THIS IS CLASSIC CLINTON !!!
Accuse someone else of doing what YOU'RE DOING !!
Watch for this form the Clinton campaign.....

ObamaRama:
'... Dear Friend,
I wanted to let you know immediately about reports our campaign has received about possible dirty campaign tactics in Iowa and New Hampshire -- and ask for your help.

In Iowa, we have heard reports that Hillary supporters are getting calls that tell them incorrect caucus locations. Supporters have also told us about push polls -- when they tell the pollster they support Hillary, they are given negative talking points about her and asked which attacks are the most effective.

In both Iowa and New Hampshire, we have heard that Obama staffers are berating Hillary supporters on the phone with negative attacks against her....'

Expect these dirty tricks form the Clinton campaign
Expect 'dirt' from the Clinton campaign

Straight from Mark Penn's Repuclican playbook !!

Hillary Clinton, cold, calculating, dishonest, unethical

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:17:41 GMT

Gee, Ron, Obama's bloggers get rather tiresome too. :)

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Richard, Washington State — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:21:03 GMT

H P Boston:

Is that isle Hillary works across Long Island, Manhattan Island, Ellis Island or what?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:23:18 GMT

Hillary is a politician - just like so many others. I don't support her for President but I don't set a different bar for her than I do other candidates. To say that Barack Obama is somehow above politics is not realistic. The exceedingly high number of "present" or missed votes on critical issues indicates a certain level of calculation on Senator Obama's part.

Deifying Obama and excoriating Clinton serves little purpose. Neither is perfect and neither is Cheney.

BIDEN '08
Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 11:39 AM)

Amen to that, Elizabeth. What irritates me is that so many Obama supporters refuse to acknowledge that he is not perfect. There is always an excuse for everything...and usually a finger to be pointed at Hillary.

I have said many times that I think Obama is a very capable, very charismatic individual. I don't personally feel that he is ready for the presidency at this point in time, but that doesn't mean I think poorly of him. I do, however, recognize that he is but a man, and a politician at that, which is unfortunately more than some people on here are willing to acknowledge. He is NOT perfect.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

--NSMSNBC — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:29:58 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

--NSMSNBC — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:30:30 GMT

Maybe if the NPR crowd had more clout we wouldn't be in this mess.
JJ in NJ (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 10:48 AM)
==================================================
I second that emotion and a truer fact has never been written.
HP Boston (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 12:22 PM)

Sounds like the Clinton supporters are already downplaying the up-and-coming debate. Way to have confidence in the abilities of your candidate, Ha! NPR’s Robert Siegel, Michele Norris and Steve Inskeep better be ready for the rounds of attacks on their moderating skills if things should go bad for Clinton and praise if she does good.

But I gotta tune in, a different format should be fun and interesting. He-he.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/
This will link to the debate.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Nick Rassmussen, Rogers AK — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:02:55 GMT

jerry/corpus christi texas

And finally, if they are just voting for her because she is a woman, I ask them "Is Hillary Clinton the example you want your daughter to follow?" That really gets them thinking.

Well, yeah, the smart ones will get to thinking.

Most of the liberal kool-aid drinkers though just stare at you and say "I vote Hillary!"

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Sierra, SF — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:12:35 GMT

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA: '..."Hillary Clinton, cold, calculating, dishonest, unethical, divisive"

Hillary is a politician - just like so many others.

Sorry, she's a lot more crooked than most
Beginning with swindling investors at Whitewater
Bill and Hillary are two of the most crooked characters in the Democratic party.
And we've had a lot of crooked characters.

I believe she's a corporate tool, ruthless, vengeful and unethical......
Sorry, this isn't a news flash !!
Yiou can find that anywhere....

Deifying Obama and excoriating Clinton serves little purpose.

I don't dieify Obama.
But, I think Obama and Edwards are reformers
I'd love to see a reformer as our nominee

'...Neither is perfect and neither is Cheney....'

You don;t need to be Cheney to lead us into war
Hillary could drag Democrats along with her better than Cheney

'...BIDEN '08...'

He's not bad, but I prefer Obama or Edwards

PS
At the Brown and Black Forum it came out that Edwards had voted for the Bankruptcy bill.
I was surprised
As you say nobody's perfect

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Blue state baby — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:14:54 GMT

H P knew what she was doing. I thought it was great. At least her version was correct.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Mike K, Denver — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:58:32 GMT

Obama can't counterpunch because Hillary was right on the money.
He doesn't have the experience, nor the credentials to be President.
It's just like she said, running for the Presidency is not a qualification unto itself.
J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 10:08 AM)

----------

No. He isn't punching back because he doesn't want to. He doesn't have to. Sitting back and letting Hillary go all "how cute, he wanted to be President when he was 4" shows her to be nothing more than a petulent child that is pissed off that she isn't winning in a landslide as though the nomination and Presidency are her birthright.

Besides, did you read the stories posted from the NYT and the Boston Globe? The two articles did enough bashing on Hillary and what she does to democrats nationally well enough he doesn't HAVE to say another word. How's the saying go: The pen is mightier than the sword?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

docrock,tx — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:03:57 GMT

JOE.........joe........joE..........Joe.........jOe......jOe...........JoE.Biden,Biden,Biden,etc.Go joe,vote joe.Nuff said!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

docrock,tx — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:11:37 GMT

End the insanity!!!!National Primary,on Jan.2.Do not play the hide and seek political game.Have ONE primary that does NOT exclude more than 95% of America from voting for their choice.This system is NOT Democratic,but put in place only to LOOK like Freedom.Defend your Country,and demand fair and open elections!!!Do you really want your candidates chosen ib two very sparsely populated states?Insane!!!!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

H P Boston — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:15:25 GMT

That the Bush Administration and the Neo-cons continues to lie should not come as a surprise to anyone. Project for a new American Century (PNAC) was founded by no other than Darth Vader (Cheney), Rumsfeld, Wolfolwitz and others to shake up the middle east, control the flow of oil and help Israel. PERIOD! Fearmongering will continue until Americans wake-up and tell these war criminals that their profiteering days are over.
juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 1:48 PM
____________________________________________________
Great post juan, I want these basters locked away in a tiny cell together. Seems to me that would be beyond torture but what the hell they deserve it.
Hey I will wave to you Saturday as I sail from your beautiful "Venice of America" on one of the DAM ships!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:26:56 GMT

Sam: Check your facts. McCain was not there to vote on the Lieberman/Kyl resolution either. It didn't matter, in any case, as Obama, who came out against the resolution before it was brought up for a vote (a vote that was called with less than an hour's notice by a Senate majority leader who's son works as the Hillary Nevada campaign manager) would have cancelled out McCain's vote.

J Merle Stanley, you are truly delusional. You must have your reasons for your support of Hillary, but when she accuses Barack of planning to run for president as soon as he was elected to the Senate, isn't that a bit of psychological projection? Or did she start planning her run during the Clinton administration? One has to laugh when she accuses Obama of considering a run for the presidency as his only qualification for being president. Does she really think that the American people will buy all of her bullsh*t. She's into the "it's not me it's you" type of fighting and it is really, so without substance. It's just pathetic to watch her make these pronouncements. If she were to win the Democratic nomination, it would be an embarrassment for the Democrats and a real missed opportunity for a fresh start.
Obama '08

First thoughts: 30 days to go

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:26:09 GMT

jerry.....you need to worry about your own boy, "Rappin' Rudy 'G' The Gigolo of The G.O.P."
He's in a lot of trouble, and there's more brewing from what I understand.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

vanreuter, NY NY — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:38:45 GMT

I've caught Van a few times with his version of the facts and I have corrected him as well....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 1:58 PM)

ROTFLMAO!!! In your pointy-headed dreams maybe, but NEVER here. We can add liar to your sad resume now.

Van

First thoughts: 30 days to go

--NSMSNBC — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:06:50 GMT

Carrie and Elizabeth--I agree that Obama's not perfect, and there are several instances I have disagreed with him. But I do think he's pretty good. I think that he gets it right on the issues quite often, and I do think that shows wisdom.

Of course he's a politician. Remember, people don't win elections, politicians win elections. On the other hand, I feel that Obama, more than his competitors for the nomination, does bring a new style of politics to the American people. He says things frankly to the American people that other politicians never thought they could (and it often gets billed as inexperience). And he looks to the future and flatly, honestly tells the American people, this is what needs to be done. And that is why her represents change, true change.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Lek — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:25:35 GMT

We all know Obama is not perfect and the notion that he is not ready to be a president is bogus and outrageous. What standard do you use for someone to be President? Every American have the right to run for President and Obama is included.

At least Obama is better than Hillary in all ways. If i have a son today, i won't mind my son emulating Obama; however, I’ll never which my daughter to be like Hillary. She can emulate other women that are achievers, women like Oprah and so on.

Hillary is the most power drunk person I have ever seen.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

M. Lyons, St. Louis — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:40:32 GMT

H P Boston:

Is that isle Hillary works across Long Island, Manhattan Island, Ellis Island or what?

________

Gilligans.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Elton Branch — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:43:05 GMT

[I want these basters locked away in a tiny cell together. Seems to me that would be beyond torture but what the hell they deserve it.]

Why in God names would we lock up turkey basters?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

H P Boston — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:23:33 GMT

Why in God names would we lock up turkey basters?
Elton Branch (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 6:43 PM
------------------------------------------------
It is bastards, just wanted a safe version on the spelling. Hey but turkeys is good, yup very good also.
Thanks
Elton

First thoughts: 30 days to go

H P Boston — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:26:07 GMT

H P Boston:

Is that isle Hillary works across Long Island, Manhattan Island, Ellis Island or what?

________

Gilligans.
M. Lyons, St. Louis (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 6:40 PM
[-----------------------
All of the above! Any island you can name she can get the job done in the best partisan manner.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:31:23 GMT

Lek -

"We all know Obama is not perfect and the notion that he is not ready to be a president is bogus and outrageous. [NO, IT IS NOT] What standard do you use for someone to be President? [EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, TENACITY, STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS, HUMOR, AND WISDOM] Every American have the right to run for President and Obama is included." [So is Britney Spears, doesn't mean I'd vote for her]

I am not one to quote Hillary but, in this instance, she is correct - running for president isn't a qualification for being ..... oh, you know what she said. Of course, I believe the statement applies to her as well. Damn, thrust on her own petard. Can't a sister get some love?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Seeka Jones — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:42:22 GMT

Hillary is more a "Isle of Dr. Moreau" kind of gal.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Richard, Washington State — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:53:45 GMT

H P Boston:

Yup, the best partisan manner(so she's straight and not "bi"?), working across various islands, putting a variety of basters in confinement. You've capsulized nicely the ethereal elusive wraith that is Hillary.

Keep helping her, though.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:31:58 GMT

H P Boston- Have a great time on your cruise. It is a great time to be taking one considering how cold it is up north. I am an avid cruise taker....LOVE THEM! Which ship and where are you going?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:36:42 GMT

Thank you Elizabeth. Personally, I blame Hillary's handlers (including Bill) for co-ordinating her non-commital and militaristic postures that she has maintained during her Senatorial career and during this campaign. I don't absolve her of all blame as she is responsible for her own campaign but I think that she would have been a much more successful and honest political leader if she had not hooked up with the likes of Bill and his cabal of scoundrals (and I voted for him twice - as a loyal Democrat).

Yet what has unfolded, is what it is. Hillary is tainted and will never be able to earn the vote of many of us (I don't care about gender, or race, for that matter, I believe in a true meritocracy) not only because of past behavior and not only because of her spurious votes in Congress, but because of how she has conducted herself in this campaign.

And Elizabeth, I could pander to you, but I think that Biden is a bloviating wind bag and I think that he should apologize for his authorization of force in Iraq vote as well as his rejection of the Levin-Reed Amendment SA 4862 (October 10, 2002). I think that he is knowledgeable and charming but I think his blowhard 'Let's impeach Bush if he takes us to war in Iran' is compensation for a mistake in Iraq, for which I'd like him to take some responsibility.
Obama '08

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:37:09 GMT

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Jane , Cary, NC — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:31:44 GMT

"Experience" is overrated, IMO. Abraham Lincoln served a single two-year term in the House of Representatives before becoming president. It was his intellect, judgment, and wisdom that made him a great leader. I think Barack Obama has demonstrated that he has the intellect, judgment, and wisdom to become a phenomenal president. His early opposition to the war in Iraq is just one example of his outstanding judgment and wisdom. I think he has the ability to bring this country together. He reminds me of why I became a Democrat. I truly hope the people in Iowa and New Hampshire will propel him forward toward the nomination - I cannot imagine they would want to relive the 1990s with Bill and Hill! Her campaign seems to be coming apart at the seams. She is pathetically laughable with this talk about Obama's kindergarten declarations! Oh, please all you wise Iowans - and New Hampshirites - please choose Obama! He will bring victory to the Democratic Party next fall - and be one of our greatest presidents! Go Obama!!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

stan calvin reisters town md — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:42:59 GMT

HI! SLY HILL...do you remember the song thay were singing when the TITANIC was going down.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

HP Boston — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:56:50 GMT

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 1:58 PM)

ROTFLMAO!!! In your pointy-headed dreams maybe, but NEVER here. We can add liar to your sad resume now.

Van
vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 5:38 PM)
_____________________________________________________
Van, it is amazing hahaha, the jerry is so funny I can't read his Schtick anymore. He just does not get it, never will. He acts all seriously and no one ever gives him any credibility. loloolol hahaha rotfllll.
He has no idea he is a lair and a skanky person. Hey he knows how to stay on a budget, that guy is an island! He is a legend in his own mind!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

HP Boston — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:20:25 GMT

Damn, thrust on her own petard. Can't a sister get some love?

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 7:31 PM)

__________________________________________________
Hey Sully what do they call pirate women? And what are you doing in San Diego? Why did you leave Southie?
How is your sister?
What is with the pirate Thieme?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

HP Boston — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:17:16 GMT

Keep helping her, though.
Richard, Washington State (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 7:53
--------------------------------------------------
Yes Richard just here to entertain. My mood is great, going on vacation and won't miss this banter. Well my husband did offer his laptop and if I stay away from the casino I can waste time and money in the Internet cafe. Whaddaya think?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

HP Boston — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:36:49 GMT

H P Boston- Have a great time on your cruise. It is a great time to be taking one considering how cold it is up north. I am an avid cruise taker....LOVE THEM! Which ship and where are you going?
juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, December 04, 2007 8:31 PM)
_________________________________________________
Very cold Juan. 9 deeegrees this AM, so I started packing BEACH gear, feel warmer already.
I love to cruise also, this is my 10th! My husband and I gave up smoking years ago and save ALL that money and use it for a wonderful vacation at sea!
We are sailing on the Westerdam to the eastern Caribbean. Have only traveled the 7 day cruise as it is difficult to gain vacation time in longer intervals. I am on call and my husbands company always has a hot project going and minimal staff. Seems to be the American way, multitask, 5 jobs for one employee!
Are you planing on a cruise soon? You can get a very good deal now, the cruise lines are trying very hard to fill ships. A true sign the economy is slowing, the sales are outstanding, $899 pp for a SUITE!
AHH but being in Florida you know this.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:45:03 GMT

HP BOSTON:

"Hey Sully what do they call pirate women? BY THEIR NAMES.
And what are you doing in San Diego? TRYING TO SELL MY HOUSE IN THE WORST MARKET IN HISTORY.
Why did you leave Southie? HE BEAT ME.
How is your sister? WHICH ONE? ANNETTE OR MARGARET?
What is with the pirate Thieme?" THAT IS JUST HOW I ROLL.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:03:01 GMT

ATTENTION ALL NON-OBAMA SUPPORTERS:

Barack Obama is now a cross between JESUS and LINCOLN.

Your candidates, with their years of experience and accomplishment do not compare to the guy from the 2004 Democratic Convention who gave a really good speech to a completely partisan crowd.

ELECT THAT MAN!

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Blue state baby — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:13:01 GMT

HP Boston, Have a nice, safe vacation, sounds like you deserve it.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:22:42 GMT

That's just the thing, Elizabeth, he really is.
Obama '08

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:33:50 GMT

"That's just the thing, Elizabeth, he really is."

MITCHELL - Step away from the bong.

Carrie, et al - Can I get a little help here?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Nashville_fan — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:37:02 GMT

If Barack is a cross between Lincoln and Jesus, Hillary must be a cross between Martha Stewart and Carmela Soprano! lol

(Love ya Hillary, just not in a "vote for you" kind of way! lol)

First thoughts: 30 days to go

HP Boston — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:39:41 GMT

Oh hey Elizabeth I am going to miss you! lol lol hahaha....to funny. Thanks you made my day.
Your sista Peggy! I'm sending her a post caad.

I do think you went way over Mitchell's head, he's happy?

First thoughts: 30 days to go

HP Boston — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:43:53 GMT

HP Boston, Have a nice, safe vacation, sounds like you deserve it.
Blue state baby (Sent Wednesday, December 05, 2007 11:13 AM)

Thank you so much Blue State Baby, my state is white and cold, I'm blue and shivering. But not for long !

First thoughts: 30 days to go

HP Boston — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:48:56 GMT

Carrie, et al - Can I get a little help here?
Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, December 05, 2007 11:33 AM)
********************************************
Calling in the support team "Elizabeth?" We all need help but Carrie is a little picky, be nice she is very sensitive.
Well I will have gone overboard by now. See ya later people.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:58:47 GMT

HP Boston -

Actually, my grandma's name was Margaret and we called her Peggy, my sister's name is Margaret and we call her Margie, and my daughter's name is Margaret and we call her Meggie.

BTW - Carrie and I are going to do an intervention on you. We are concerned.

Have a good trip.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

--NSMSNBC — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:21:22 GMT

E--Huh? Jesus and Lincoln, those really are two terrible role models. And that is why I expose children only to the likes of Bill Clinton and, strangely enough, Chris Matthews. Two true American heros. I think all children should be like Bill Clinton (wait, scratch that), as Hillary attempts. By far, Bill Clinton was the best President, and I, without hesitation, would suggest Bill Clinton for diety. They could call it Clistian.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:39:08 GMT

NSMSNBC -

I give. Obama is God.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

--NSMSNBC — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:54:30 GMT

Good, now just keep walking towards the light.

: )

First thoughts: 30 days to go

--NSMSNBC — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:57:54 GMT

And I wouldn't so much write.

"Obama is God."

rather

"Obama is a god."

The capitalization is how I try to maneuver about the 1st commandment.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

juan,ft lauderdale, fl — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:19:57 GMT

H P Boston- I've done about 25 cruises. I Started working for the Cruise lines as a teenager thru college some 25 years ago and got hooked. I have been on all lines with my favorite being Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Holland and recently did a 7 days in Eastern C on the Princess which was great. Doing a 4 days in Jan 08, Mexican R in 6/08 and finally Panama Canal in 11/08. My favorite was a 12 days trans-Atlantic in 05 from Miami to Azores, Lisbon, Cadiz,Spain, Marselle, France and Barcelona. They are relatively cheap when the ship repositions. I paid 1,200 and 600.00 for air not bad. If you love to relax those transatlantic and 10 days Southern Caribbean are great. Again, have a wonderful and relaxing time from one cruise vet to another.

First thoughts: 30 days to go

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:01:22 GMT

The capitalization is how I try to maneuver about the 1st commandment.

So much parsing....

First thoughts: 30 days to go

H P Boston — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 23:51:39 GMT

Thanks Juan, those are all my favorites TOO! I have been on Holland the most and Celebrity.