First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:42:08 GMT

HUCKABEE IS UP NATIONALLY BY 5 POINTS IN THE GALLUP POLL, ROMMNEY NEW SONG IS CANT BUY ME LOVE, MCCAIN STILL IN, GULLANI IS THROUGH, NO BUCKS HUCK IS LEADING HIM IN FLORIDA, HIS ONLY HOPE, THOMPSON NEEDS A NAP

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:43:32 GMT

Obama needs to remain on message, the only reason Hillary won is that she got a bunch of women in New Hampshire all upset with her staged crying performance. Short of collapsing on the stage and having an all out tear driven hissy fit, I don't think a lot of women outside of New Hampshire are going to be fooled by another crying episode from Hillary. If Obama is smart, he just needs to stay on message, because Hillary will continue to try every little dirty trick in the book to try and smear him. So far, he has fought off all the attacks, but i think Hillary and her media matters crew are just warming up.

Bill Richardson was amusing for awhile, but he just portrayed himself as another Governor Moonbeam. He just needs to get back to New Mexico and keep screaming he is being invaded on his southern border to keep his name in the papers.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

boredinacubby, NC — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:45:46 GMT

AP: Kerry to endorse Obama today in SC.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Joe, TN — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:49:13 GMT

Barack Obama… the jury is still out… can I as an American and a Christian actually vote for someone educated from infancy outside of the United States??? I don’t underestimate the significance of a child’s adolescence and how it influences the rest of his life… he's does not salute the flag when the National Anthem is played… the next time you attend an event where the National Anthem is played, look around and notice how few people do not salute the Flag… the Flag, “Old Glory,” represents every ancestor you and I have who have ever lost their lives for that Flag… Mr. Obama may be a great person, but his childhood and seemingly lack of patriotism, make me question what his real intentions would be if elected to the White House… I'm sure change is the correct word to use to describe his candidacy… I'm just not sure what kind of change it would be… how will this change impact my life??? We do need change… but change that also includes the traditions and values of most Americans… does he want to be the leader of the free world to help strengthen our National pride, our economy, our communities, our youth, and solidify this country’s place in the next millennium… will he stand-up to the pressure of the world’s influence and continue to uphold the principles that have made this country great??? Will he give ground to the pressures of the outside world for the United States to conform to the way the rest of the world thinks??? I believe for this country to move forward we must first stand our ground… maintain our identity as a people… teach our children not to be haters of things or people they don’t understand, but at the same time remain true to their heritage and protect it… America was built on the shoulders of strong men and women who had a core set of values and stuck to their guns… we need a leader who will put America first… will he be able to set-aside his feelings for the hardships that part of his family in other countries endures, and focus on the feelings and hardships of every American’s family??? Considering his childhood, he must be a man torn between two ideologies… which one will he choose??? Is his candidacy about changing America to strengthen it, or more about changing the world by changing America??? Is it more about making the world a stronger better place to live, by weakening America??? In the end I feel it is my responsibility as an American and a Christian to vote for the candidate with the strongest voice that mirrors my belief system… to vote for the candidate I feel will pave the road for my children’s children to live in a future where a Christian is still the majority voice in this great country… As it stands that candidate in my view is Mike Huckabee

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Jennifer, Indianapolis, IN — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:52:07 GMT

My theory on the discrepancy in the polls and votes is that men who support Edwards (typically blue-collar) are threatened by Hillary and would not want their wives to support her. Therefore, the wives also claim to support Edwards but then pull the lever for Hillary when in the privacy of the voting booth. When asked by a pollster, they lie about their vote. This would explain Hillary's surge and Edwards' collapse.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Kathryn in Bham — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:56:19 GMT

So the GOP debate comes on at the same time as Grey's Anatomy...this could be a difficult choice.

I wonder why the retooling comment didn't encompass any GOPers... Personally I think we all want to hear something refreshing from ALL of the candidates...I would like to hear the 'next phase' of plans and direction for the wannabe presidents. We know they all talk change, we know Huck has a christian base and a fairtaxers base, but what next? I want to know more about what they each plan to do and how they plan to do it. I want to know what they think is the way to work with Congress on getting their domestic plans put into action. I want to know more and I think it is time to separate the presidents from the vice presidents...lets see who can walk the walk...

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

--NSMsnbc — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:05:43 GMT

*** Hunting for delegates: ...
--Please excuse my ignorance, but the system confuses me. Why are there delegates who have decided and superdelegates who are undecided? Don't we vote to decide who the delegates go for (similar to the electoral college)? What is the purpose of participating if these people have all the power? How does somebody become a delegate? I'm so confused, please help.

--And MN is really screwed up, because we have both a caucus and primary. How ridiculous!

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

tuck, realityville,ks — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:06:18 GMT

The Obama campaign going more negative and racist is too be expected. True Colours !

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Deb, TX — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:07:52 GMT

Agree w/ jerry. Stick to message. Women who vote Hillary just becasue she's a woman can't be persuaded anyway.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

RobK, Seattle, Wash — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:08:27 GMT

I'm just waiting for Gore to endorse Obama.

That would seal it. Gore is THE ORACLE!

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

KING OF SMEAR — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:09:08 GMT

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Jason, WY — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:09:52 GMT

More Bizzarre stuff from Mitt Romney

Already under scrutiny for shifting positions on key issues and his Mormon faith, presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has made a bizarre new flip flop - saying on national TV his favorite novel is Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s “Battlefield Earth.”

The former Massachusetts governor told Fox News his favorite book was the Bible but his favorite novel was the science fiction tome “Battlefield Earth.”

“Actually, the one by L. Ron Hubbard,” Romney said when asked to name his favorite novel. “I’m not in favor of his religion by any means, but he wrote a book called ‘Battlefield Earth’ that was a very fun science fiction book.”

The Mark Twain novel “Huckleberry Finn” tops the book list on Romney’s My Space page. “Battlefield Earth” isn’t on the list.

Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said: “Battlefield Earth is pretty good science fiction. It’s about Earth being ruled by an alien race, sort of the way the Democrats are running Congress.”

Read More:

http://www.religionnewsblog.com/18149/mitt-romney-3

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Sean Doyle, West Reading, PA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:10:09 GMT

Sad to see Governor Richardson bow out of the race. A very highly qualified and authentic man, but he just couldn't get traction with the national media and with the major donors. Richardson's job interview spots were some of the most clever ads I've seen this election cylce.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Amy B Portland, ME — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:11:13 GMT

I don't understand what a super delegate is. Are a certain percentage of delegates allowed to change whom they support once they are at the convention?What's the point of voting in the primary if the delegates chosen can support whomever they want once they get to the convention? Anybody know?

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

JohnnyU, WA State — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:11:23 GMT

W has left all the Repubs w/o a pot to piss in.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

ole Mitt still Flip Flopping — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:13:18 GMT

It has now come out that George Romney never marched with Martin Luther King watch how his campaign manager flips and flops in this interview with Chris Matthews please watch this video.

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5eKfC6TYjk&feature=related

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Jon, Memphis, TN — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:13:51 GMT

I am no huge Hillary fan, but Geez, no matter what she does, people slam her - must be really scared of her. If she's calculating, it's a bad thing - why? Who do you think is not calculating? They're stupid if they're not calculating. If she shows her emotions, it's staged. Why not the same reaction for others (men) who drop a tear or two? Smart women cause this reaction in people sometimes, both men and women. Do they all hate their mothers? Sisters? How threatened can they be? I will vote for whoever the Dem candidate is, but I don't get why so many people hate Hillary so badly. She's been through a lot to get to where she is - give her a break.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Joe — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:14:53 GMT

I think it's amusing that so many people are still throwing support behind Hillary Clinton. I am honestly confused that some people see her as electable in the general campaign. 1) There are no Republicans alive who would vote for Hillary Clinton. If they exist I've never heard of them. 2) Most of the Democrats who don't vote for her don't because they hate her. I say let her win the nomination, because the only people who will vote for in the general are the ones who are doing it now. (Tongue in Cheek, of Course)

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Barbara C., Pompano Beach, FL — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:15:00 GMT

Hey guys.... the good news for me about the polling fiasco...especially the great ones like Gallup and Rasmussen is that I will never follow the polls again. So there is less time now I can waste in my day going on polling sites for the frontrunner in either party.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Robert J. S.L.C., UT — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:17:47 GMT

Mormons are a Cult

Mormons believe Blacks are Cursed people they are the decedent of Cain.

Bringham Young stated the following: "For instance, the descendants of Cain cannot cast off their skin of blackness, at once, and immediately, although every soul of them should repent, obey the Gospel, and do right from this day forward. . . . Cain and his posterity must wear the mark, which God put upon them; and his white friends may wash the race of Cain with fuller’s soap every day, they cannot wash away God’s mark; The Lamanites, through transgression, became a loathsome, ignorant and filthy people, and were cursed with a skin of darkness … yet, they have the promise, if they will believe, and work righteousness, that not many generations shall pass away before they shall become a white and delightsome people; but it will take some time to accomplish this at best. Source: The Latter-Day Saints Millennial Star, vol. 14, p. 418

1848, Brigham Young, as President of the Mormon Church, first preached the "Curse of Cain Doctrine". He said that Negroes, whom he considered to be children of Cain (son of Adam and killer of Abel) had the "mark of Cain" (black skin and kinky hair and flat nose) and they could not hold the priesthood until Abel was resurrected, had children, and all of Abel's children were given the opportunity to receive the priesthood first, then the Curse of Cain would be taken off his posterity (Negroes) and they would have the priesthood like everybody else. Brigham Young started the "priesthood-ban" in 1848, banning all Negroes, and even white men with Negro ancestry, from the two orders of priesthood, and banning all Negroes from the House of the Lord (the Mormon Temple). Mormon Church leaders
Now you are probaly asking yourself well back in those day's everyone was a racist, the blacks where not able to hold the priesthood until 1968 and many LDS faithful still believe in the curse of cain.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Art — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:19:21 GMT

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Ken, StonyBrook, NY — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:20:28 GMT

McCain's comment that it is conceiveable that we could keep our troops in Iraq for another 100 years is disconcerting. McCain is one of the proponents of maintaining military bases in Iraq, long term, to protect U.S. interests which are primarily oil related. His comments suggest that a GOP victory will downplay energy independence with a focus on military domination of the middle east to protect our interests. If so, we will need a rapid military buildup, including a draft, at least until the Arab world and our competitors for oil are willing to accept us as an occupying force.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Ken, StonyBrook, NY — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:21:32 GMT

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Ann, Chicago — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:24:46 GMT

Mitt Romney Flip Flopping on Abortion watch this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFMdK0TWtks&feature=related

Do you really want a scum bag like this.
A photograph of GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney at a 1994 Planned Parenthood fund-raiser has surfaced, once again raising questions about the former Bay State’s governor’s abortion flip-flopping.

The picture, a copy of which was obtained by the Herald, shows Romney and his wife Ann at a house party fund-raiser in Scituate with Nicki Nichols Gamble, who was the president of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts at the time. Romney has already downplayed ties to Planned Parenthood after revelations that Ann Romney donated $150 to the group.

Gamble said the pic was snapped at an event at GOP activist Eleanor Bleakie’s house and that she “clearly” remembered speaking with Romney at the event. At the time, Romney was running as a pro-choice Republican against U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.).

“My recollection is that we talked about his senate candidacy and the fact that he was supporting Roe v. Wade and a choice agenda at the time,” Gamble told the Herald. “It was a Planned Parenthood event. We were there to discuss our programs and our advocacy.”

The event was held the same day Ann Romney wrote a check to the pro-choice group. Romney has previously said he had “no recollection” of his wife writing the check to Planned Parenthood.

Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom called the flap “a dog bites man story.”

“Governor Romney used to have a different position on abortion,” Fehrnstrom said. “He is now firmly pro-life and has made it clear that as President he will advocate for a culture that welcomes life and protects the sanctity of life. This is the same path that Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush followed.”

Because of his abortion shift, Romney has been branded a flip-flopper by his GOP primary opponents, as well Democrats. Romney has stated he became pro-life in 2004 during the stem cell debate in Massachusetts.

Beyond attending the event, Romney filled out a 2002 questionnaire for the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund in which he said he supported Roe v. Wade, sex education in schools and increased access to emergency contraception.

“With Mitt Romney, this has been more than a flip-flop. This has been an extreme makeover,” said Planned Parenthood spokesman Angus McQuilken. “What voters need to know about Mitt Romney is this: where he stands on any issue is always a moving target.”

Romney reacts to photo:
+ Romney dismisses photo suggesting he attended Planned Parenthood event
dwedge@bostonherald.com

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Kelly Quinn Dallas — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:29:39 GMT

Obama's the most fascinating candidate to come along in my lifetime. I've never seen a better orator, nor have a seen a better ability to move and energize a crowd.

The negative, however (and this isn't a small one) is that very little is known about what he would do or, for that matter, what he has done. At this point, it's more an emotional reaction than anything else. And emotional reactions, when mixed with politics, can be dangerous.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Sierra, SF — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:31:23 GMT

Amy B Portland, ME: '... don't understand what a super delegate is....'

Amy, a superdelegate is an elected official. Senators, congressmen and Governors are included.
Maybe other party officials are included, too.
In other words, the 'party establishment'

I thin they originated in response to the McGovern debacle. Party insiders wanted to have more influence in the process.
Usually this works against insurgent campaigns.
But, if party elders see one candidate can win, they'll drift to him (and I do mean him)

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Edna, Boise, Idaho — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:31:43 GMT

Why I cannot support mitt romney

Mitt Romney Flip Flopping!
This guy will do anything for a vote....

Last week, Bay Windows, a Boston gay newspaper, reprinted excerpts from a letter Romney wrote to the Log Cabin Republicans in 1994, hoping to gain the group’s support in his campaign against the veteran Democratic lawmaker and Massachusetts institution.

“If we are to achieve the goals we share, we must make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern,” Romney wrote. “My opponent cannot do this. I can and will.”

Romney lost that race by a wide margin, but came closer to defeating Kennedy than had any previous challenger in recent memory. Romney’s support for the gay community did not end with his loss, however, as his political aspirations dictated otherwise. At the Boston Gay Pride Parade in 2002, when he ran for governor, he and his running mate Kerry Healey distributed pink fliers stating, “Mitt and Kerry wish you a great Pride weekend.”

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

John Rockefeller, Boston,Ma. — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:33:26 GMT

No "has been" is going to influence my vote. I make my own decisions.And Hillary Clinton is my choice, come see why, hillaryclinton.com.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

adorl — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:43:28 GMT

Kerry endorses Obama. One loser to another!

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Perry, NYC — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:44:22 GMT

"But why blame the media when the campaigns were seeing the same polling data in their own tracking surveys?"

Good point. This suggests 3 possibilities - (1) EVERYBODY (pollsters, media, public, campaigns) got caught up in an Obama hype balloon, and/or (2) nobody saw the late-breaking sympathy vote coming for Hil's engineered Cry Scene, and/or (3) we have significant numbers of people who will say in polls that they'll vote for a black man but actually wimp out in the voting booth. As much as I *don't* want to believe that last option, it would make sense seeing what happened in NH.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Mike K, Denver — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:46:24 GMT

IS THAT THE KERRY THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TRIED FOR TREASON, JUST LIKE BILL CLINTON SHOULD HAVE BEN IMPEACHED, AND HILLARY SHOULD BE IN PRISON, OR ALL HER UNDERHANDED DEALS AND POSSIBLY MURDER COVER UP, AND IM STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE ABOUT OBAMA'S PRIEST WAS A RADICAL MUSLIM MAYBE BUSH HAS A WIRE TAP LMAO DEMS
KING OF SMEAR (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:09 AM)

The only two people who should be tried, convicted, and then executed for treason are Bush and Cheney. They're the two bozos who have spent the last 7 years using the Constitution to wipe their back ends with.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Sane in Ut — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:27:04 GMT

RobK, Seattle, Wash, Did you say that Gore is an orifice?

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Tom Harold — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:28:38 GMT

Well its over for Obama - an endorsement from Kerry is the kiss of death. The only way he can win now is if algore or Howey Dean endorses Hillary.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Phred, NH — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:30:39 GMT

Methinks the candidate that makes the most pronounced gaff, a la the Dean rebel yell, shall doom their candidacy. Get ready for the mud slinging to commence in earnest from all involved. It's gonna get very dirty from here on out folks.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Obama Supporter — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:33:36 GMT

Kelly Quinn Dallas,

If you're interested in Obama's positions, go to his website and read up on Issues.

It's really that simple. :)

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Sierra, SF — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:39:28 GMT

Is that GOPERS or GROPERS ?

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Sarah, Vienna, VA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:41:47 GMT

There seems to be a "Black Hole" for comments posted between around 11am and 12:30pm, (have tried for the two previous days with no luck in getting my posts shown!) But I'm an optimist, so I'll try again!

The reason I think people are voting for Barack Obama is that they are really sick and tired of the PARTISAN GRIDLOCK in Washington. They see his message of CHANGE as a change in the status quo of the way government has worked - or NOT WORKED - for decades. The Executive and Legislative Branches are constantly at odds with each other - with the result of very little getting accomplished. What I see in Barack Obama - and I think what his enormous crowds see - is a man who has proven in the rough and tumble politics of Illinois, as well as in the US Senate, that it IS POSSIBLE to reach across party lines and actually work together to get things done. Isn't that the purpose of government - to get things done for the COMMON GOOD of ALL of the people?? We are so weary of the partisanship and gridlock. We want a fundamental CHANGE in the way our elected leaders deal with one another. Obama has demonstrated that he is capable of attracting not only DEMOCRATS, but also many INDEPENDENTS and REPUBLICANS. If he is able to get a large mandate in November with a diverse cross section of the population, the Legislative Branch will be more likely to work WITH HIM for the common good. I really don't think Hillary would be capable of this. Barack Obama is an inspirational leader who can unite and heal the many divisions in this country. DEMOCRATS - we should not miss out on the opportunity to nominate this man!! He will make a PHENOMENAL PRESIDENT!!!

(note to First Read - I have tried to post these thoughts Tuesday and Wednesday, with no success. Please print this message today! Thanks!)

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Tim, Lubbock, TX — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:42:20 GMT

People who read polls need to understand them first. The final number has a margin or error, usually 3-5% according to collection criteria. So say a poll that says Clinton 30% Obama 37% looks pretty good for Obama. But with a 5% margin of error, it could be Clinton 35% Obama 32%.

You also have to look at other factors not reported. Over 30% of people who reported that they would vote for Obama said that their vote was not firm and could change. With Dodd and Biden dropping out, Clinton probably picked up their supporters since they were more main stream candidates.

Another factor is people lie to pollsters. My vote is my business and I don't have to tell you who I am going to vote for. You also have to look at the question. If the polls asks "Would you vote for a black man?" my response would be yes. That does not mean that I am going to vote for Obama, just that I could support him. I think a lot of people to sound politically correct said they would vote for Obama but voted Clinton in the privacy of the voting booth.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Sierra, SF — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:42:39 GMT

Kathryn in Bham: '...So the GOP debate comes on at the same time as Grey's Anatomy...this could be a difficult choice....'

It depends on whether or not you want your consciousness lowered .......

If this debate has a large audience.... it coud significantly reduce the national IQ !!

[;-D

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

JustMe — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:45:24 GMT

Hillary needs to be put in jail... (Hillary Exposed)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq8aopATYyw

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Sierra, SF — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:45:55 GMT

Barbara C., Pompano Beach, FL: '...Hey guys.... the good news for me about the polling fiasco...especially the great ones like Gallup and Rasmussen is that I will never follow the polls again. So there is less time now I can waste in my day going on polling sites for the frontrunner in either party.....'

But, the DMR poll was pretty good in Iowa....
The state polls are great for determining momentum
Nop, they're not the holy grail, but I'm hungering for state polls for NEvada, SC and the Feb 5th states......

And even Clinton's internal polls showed her losing in NH ....

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

gini bruce — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:47:19 GMT

The person we vote into the presidency is very important for each of us and there is no liberal and never will be who should be in that seat. Just Barack Obama's name sends chills up my spine and just why is he considered all black since he has a white mother. Maybe I'm not watching the right thing but I've never seen her picture and I've certainly heard and seen the African side. The liberals are all getting set to turn this country into a socialist country so Mrs. Clinton is no better. I couldn't bear watching Edwards with that stupid smile and hearing him talk like his mouth is full of you know what for 4 to 8 years. You people who are upset with Bush/Cheney because of the Iraq war are completely naive and there's no sense in trying to help you understand what it's all about. There was no one worse as a president then Jimmy Carter and that hateful, narcistic trash named Bill Clinton is very much a close second. In fact you all ought to get over the trashy '60's and "if it feels good do it" '70's. Grow up and care for America as you should.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:47:22 GMT

Simple reason Hillary won and the polls were "wrong": NH is an open primary. Anyone can come in and vote in NH if they show they intend to move to NH (wink wink). Hillary had tons of people bused in from out-of-state to vote for her. So the polls weren't wrong: they just reflected what REAL NH people felt, not what the "bus-in" people felt. She has taken a page from Slick Willie's NH comeback victory in 1992.

Art (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:19 AM)

--------------

You obviously don't know what an open primary is by your post.

An open primary means that independents can vote in either party's primary, as opposed to a closed primary like here in NY where only registered members of the party can vote in that party's primary.

Open primary does not mean that anyone can vote as long as they intend to move to NH. AND you have to prove legal residence in NH to register there.

So your post accusing Hillary bussing in out of staters to vote in NH primary is a bold face lie.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Barbara Bostic, Bedford, VA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:47:27 GMT

For Pete's sake, get off Hillary's back about the crying. You would think she had burst out into uncontrollable sobbing. So her eyes got misty, and her voice broke a bit. By definition, that is NOT crying. If she were a man, it would be considered an affirmation of humanism. And, by the way, I'm not a democrat. I am a woman, not prone to tears, but I realize when people are exhausted, emotions can get a big ragged. Better that she "moistens up" than doing what she would probably prefer to do - know the heck out somebody! Hang in there, Hillary.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:47:37 GMT

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Daniel, NY — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:53:25 GMT

A new South Carolina poll just released has Obama up big. There still is time but he clearly is favored: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2008/01/john-kerry-breaks-his-silence-endorses.html

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:55:23 GMT

Simple reason Hillary won and the polls were "wrong": NH is an open primary. Anyone can come in and vote in NH if they show they intend to move to NH (wink wink). Hillary had tons of people bused in from out-of-state to vote for her. So the polls weren't wrong: they just reflected what REAL NH people felt, not what the "bus-in" people felt. She has taken a page from Slick Willie's NH comeback victory in 1992.
Art (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:19 AM)

An Obama event shortly before the primary was packed, and many of the people were from MA - not NH. Perhaps they stuck around and voted for him.

If you have proof, offer the proof. If all you have is nasty rumors, you lack credibility.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Sierra, SF — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:57:35 GMT

John Rockefeller, Boston,Ma: '...I make my own decisions.And Hillary Clinton is my choice,...'

NO ! NO ! NO ! John !

I INSIST YOU CHOOSE ROMNEY !!

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

chas salaz clawson, mi — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:58:15 GMT

Gentlemen- Your title alludes to the charge of the light brigade however the correct phrase was ours is no to reason why ours is but to do AND die

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:01:18 GMT

The media is to blame because 1- they were joyfully reporting and predicting the end of the Clinton's. Therefore creating the sympathy vote. 2- The were hammering the over optimistic polls done NH voters throats. No one likes to be told that it's already been decided and there vote is academic. The media know this is particularly true and I wouldn't put it past them to have done it on purpose.

I don't believe the polls debacle had anything to do with race and I think Chris Matthews needs to shut up. He is pro-ratings (not Obama or Clinton), but he is damaging the outcome of this election.

For any of thosw out there who like Obama's message but need more details. Please check his website that clearly lists his policies and experience. He's not short on either, but the media doesn't cover it.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Don Cooper, Syracuse, N.Y. — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:04:20 GMT

Young people simply do not vote. Most if not all are registred to vote at their offcial residency, which is often their home not their college dorm room. It is simply a waste of time to get out the vote on election day when it comes to Universities and College areas because 1) Are not registered 2) You can't get them out to vote 3) In this case some of the colleges and dorms were out on vacation. There was too much of weighted vote to young voters in the polling. In addition, many of the polls did a form of push polling by asking if they were voting for "change." They then assumed that having an African-American as President is change but did not see that having a woman as President or a Mormon as change. So a lot of people said yes I'm voting for change. They then took a huge share of those votes and calculated them with advantage toward Obama. The whole thing was farce. Polls are a waste of time. They are terribly destructive to the democratic process. They should only be used internally for indications of momentum and trends. The media got this all wrong. They over hyped the whole Obama thing too the point of being sexist and negative against women voters. Zogby was trying to blame Clinton's win on a last second surge, which would have been a surge of 11 percentage points. His methodlogy was clearly wrong. Most of the other polls though had it much closer, although they had Obama winning. Also, there were too many polls in the first place. It seems everybody and his mother has a poll out. Someone did analysis that in New Hampshire that three times as people were polled than actually voted. This is insane.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Marbw — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:04:29 GMT

SUPERDELEGATES
http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegates-who-havent-endorsed.html

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

George Basham, OH — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:07:44 GMT

Wow, amazing what cold, heartless people and just plain wack jobs there are out there. If anyone thinks that Hillary's reaction to an impromptu question when she got misty-eyed was staged, you are beyond help because of your hatred. George Bush senior cried tears on more than one occasion and was not ashamed to admit it, And Hillary bused in out-of-state voters to win NH? Sheesh, hilarious how far gone folks are. These are the same ignorant people who proclaim that Obama is Muslim. As far as folks who will vote for whomever clutches the bible to their chest the tightest, we already have a president who thinks God talks to him and approves of his holy war, no thanks.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Joe — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:09:40 GMT

Barabara Bostic, it's not the fact that she cried, it's the fact that the odds that said tears were fabricated is nearly unquestionable. Her camp "defended" her crying as saying sometimes she gets emotional about issues she cares about .... So that would mean what? She hasn't cared about any issues for the last 16 years? Seems to me she didn't get emotional until there was news she might lose, so if they were sincere tears, they certainly weren't for the issues' sakes.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Janine, MA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:56:25 GMT

Boo hoo, the media got it wrong. Let's all cry into our pillows while planning ways to talk up Obama and sabotage Hillary.

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Anyone but Huckabee, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:45:48 GMT

I'm leaning heavily toward Mitt Romney. I have read his account about what happened to change his mind about abortion, and it is very compelling. And personally, I want a candidate who's not afraid to make compare/contrast ads when it comes to the general elections.

BTW, all you 'mormons are a cult' posters - you're making me consider him MORE because of your posts instead of less. I would hate to associate myself with a candidate that such hateful people endorse. The mormons I know are, for the most part, very nice, civic minded, christ-like, caring people. You bashing them only highlights the contrast between what I know personally and the obvious hate you're spewing. Save your hate for your pulpit (shivers).

First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Beth LaMontagne, Portsmouth, NH — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:03:11 GMT

Give me a break you guys! The reason why the national media got the NH primary wrong is because it failed to do some good old fashioned reporting. I covered the primary for various local outlets and was mystified why everyone was making so much of the Obama wave of momentum. If anyone bothered to interview real voters (like I did) you would have found there were a number of people leaving those huge Obama rallies unsure if he was the one. Campaign staffers and insiders certainly showed the chinks in Clinton's armor and the Obama camp was energized in a very inspiring way, but voters in NH had the same problem with Obama going into the polls as they did all along: they doubted he had enough experience and wondered if he is a better candidate than Clinton.

I think the national media should admit they were caught in an echo chamber and either failed to do real reporting or neglected to pay attention to the evidence showing their compelling political narrative might not be the truth.