First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Billary sucks,IL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:01:21 GMT

The Clinton's are running the risk of suppressing Dem. voter turn out this November if their Bush/Rove politics of dividing the electorate and winning the Dem. nomination 50.1% to 49.9% succeeds. The Clinton's have left Obama with no choice but to take Bill on and question Bill's credibility on many issues including the definition of what "is". The Clinton campaign speaks to what Obama will face if he's the nominee, let's talk about what Billary will face. Monica Lewinsky appearing on network television. Linda Tripp and the Monica's "stained" blue dress. Gennifer Flowers supporting Hillary. Reliving of the numerous rape allegations against Bill. The Jones girl from Arkansas. "I didn't inhale". Who killed Vince Foster. The utter failure of Bill's sending troops into Mogadishu. The recession caused by Bill's economic policies. Bill's failure to stop Al-qaeda when he had the chance. And last, fair or not, over 55% of Americans don't like Hillary and her nomination will energize Republican voters(and many others) to turnout in huge numbers to vote for ABH, anybody but Hillary.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

HP Boston — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:03:08 GMT

Named in the study along with Bush were top officials of the administration during the period studied: Vice President Dick Cheney, national security adviser Condoleezza Rice, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and White House press secretaries Ari Fleischer and Scott McClellan.

Bush led with 259 false statements, 231 about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and 28 about Iraq's links to al-Qaida, the study found. That was second only to Powell's 244 false statements about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and 10 about Iraq and al-Qaida.

Media 'validation'

--------------------------------------------------
WHY?? I ask why would anyone in their right mind EVER vote for a republican again?
THE LIAR IN CHIEF and the repuke party have severely damaged AMERCIA!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

D Andrews, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:03:57 GMT

Wal-mart / Clinton, why it isn't big news:

1) It is more of a Democratic activist issue. These activists have either put it behind them or they have not, but they've know about it for 16 years. Cleary with her 12 national union endorsements a lot of folks have put it behind them.

2) When the general public hears Wal-Mart many just hear the name of the store were they buy low priced food or sporting goods, etc.

3) Going back to point number one, it is really old news. That is a benefit Clinton will have going forward. The Republicans will scream 'Whitewater' or whatever, and a lot of people will yawn and move on to the next topic.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

j fl — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:05:03 GMT

Looks to me like Obama is a regular old politician who will do and say almost anything to win. He's been quite a wimp and the fight with the Clintons might toughen him up a bit. But not enough to be able to take on the republican attack machine however. Mr. Obama must wait until he has more substance and b----, before he becomes a TRUE politician in this country. Sad but true.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Nashville_fan — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:05:28 GMT

The "Clintons" always win the spin war, because they have so many willing partners in the media. The fact that you casually list the Clintons problem donors (Hsu, Gupta, Chung, Denise Rich, those donations to the Clinton Library)as if they are just an after thought basically provides a concise answer to the question you posed. The media now trades in opinions and impressions rather than facts.

Alas, I feel the media has been reduced to well paid gossip columnists who rarely report a story that is not hand fed to them pre-researched and pre-slanted for maximum effect. Does anyone practice journalism anymore? I haven't seen much of it this election season.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

D Andrews, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:05:32 GMT

On Dowd. Who takes that bitter, cynical women seriously outside of NY or DC?

This is the women who ragged on Al Gore during his run for the sin of wearing brown. Real important stuff there Mo.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Pat, Boston, MA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:05:51 GMT

Barack Obama: Newt Gringrich was correct. The Clintons are going to muscle their way back into the White House.

And a lot of the media is going to just watch it happen, just like the Iraq invasion. And just like that - the Clintons will be back in the oval office.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Tim — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:06:27 GMT

"Romney's the only guy without money troubles"

Ron Paul has money problems? Oh wait... the MSNBC intelligentsia, including David "I don't approve of Ron Paul, therefore I will not utter his name, except to drive up his negatives" Schuster, decided 12 months ago that Ron Paul was not allowed to win.

So we'll mention that McCain raised $1,000,000 yesterday... but completely ignore the fact that Ron Paul raised $2,000,000 the day before.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Lonny, Peoria, IL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:09:51 GMT

Look the Media can spin this however they like. But understand, Hillary is not even campaigning in S.C. today. Bill is there on her behalf. So I ask; Who is running for president, Hillary or Bill?

Hillary says she is the one people are voting for right? Well, if she can't control Bill on the campaign trail what makes people think she can control him if she is president?

That is the biggest Fairy Tale being told to the American people!

No Clinton Dynasty!!! BTW, The republicans cannot wait to run agaist Hillary. Her nomination would be the only thing that would energize the repubican base enough to possibly win the White House.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

S.K.M. Mass — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:10:58 GMT

The Rezko story by itself has little to stand up. No journalist or official worth their salt has accused Obama of any wrong doing. However, the Clintons and their surrogates will push it and hype it to paint Obama as being "more like us than he claims." They're trying the exact same thing with Iraq, and while it's sort of funny, it's sad that their strategy of smear may work. If this doesn't work, maybe Hillary will again invoke the possibility of another terrorist attack. I really am praying for some change.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Mr. X, Washington, DC — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:12:13 GMT

Ron Paul has no money issues.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Jason Riley, Charlotte, N.C. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:12:50 GMT

DRUGS ie. past "cocaine" use, SLUM LOARDS, WHAT NEXT SENATOR OBAMA ? WHAT ELSE DO WE NOT KNOW ABOUT ?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Elise, Allen, TX — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:13:22 GMT

That's what I'm talking about. The Clinton's have fraud, and corruption written all over them. I am amazed how some Americans are really that blind, and buy in to her fake sincerity. Wake up people, do you really want a third term for Bill??

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

StopwatchingMSNBC, Rochester, NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:13:32 GMT

You begin an article about bad press for Obama saying that It’s also a bit ironic, too, given that the Clintons have had many more problematic donors than Obama (Hsu, Gupta, Chung, Denise Rich, those donations to the Clinton Library). Come on. Obama recieved money from HSU also and if you were not so biased against Hillary, that would have never been broght up. The fact is, Obama recieved twice as much money from Rezko when he was in the Ill. Senate than Hillary receieved from Hsu. Do some homework MSNBC.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

--NSMsnbc — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:13:39 GMT

"It’s also a bit ironic, too, given that the Clintons have had many more problematic donors than Obama (Hsu, Gupta, Chung, Denise Rich, those donations to the Clinton Library)."
--Look no candidate can be perfect and run a campaign--not even Mr. Edwards, but I try to focus on which campaign(s) is/are trying to reform and run on a different politics. Obama does try and is hardly comparable with Clinton who has not even made an effort. However, I suppose in the broad scheme of things, this is minor issue to me.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Leye, Richmond, Va — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:13:46 GMT

Even if you are anti-Clinton you shouldnt be so obvious. It is just too obvious that you are anti-Clinton. Why are you trying to spin all your articles above to nail Clinton?
The fact is that Obama created the opening by introducing the Wal-Mart story. If he hadnt, I wonder if Rezko would have resurfaced.
I also do not buy your narrative that it weakens Hillary in the general election. It will definitely toughen Obama up. But at the same time, the grueling process will also toughen Hillary.
In a way, I think it was good for the democratic primary to be so grueling 'cos it has toughened the candidates and made them aware of the fact that the road to the presidency will not be a cake-walk.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

--NSMsnbc — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:16:54 GMT

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/select_a_candidate/

Here’s an interesting link. It nailed my top choice for both national and senate dead on. Apparently, I’m a Democrat-ish. I like these little online surveys, they are fun, so I thought I ‘d share.

--Obama: far and above for me. I’m impressed by how much I actually do vote based on the issues. Ha! No really, I do defend the issues, as I believe them, on this blog, so it’s not too surprising. However, that I agree as much as I do with Obama was surprising to me, honestly it was.
--Also, surprising to me was that Huckabee was far down on my list with the other candidates (below Ron Paul and Dennis J. Kucinich!) who’s positions I dislike.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Jesee, Fallon NV — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:17:42 GMT

Inevitably, one has to punch the bully in the mouth. Obama needs to keep up the pressure against the 2 headed monster BILLARY. Wake up DEMS, if we continue down this path with Billary, we will lose again in November. And just as bad, if Billary were to somehow miraculously win, her presidency would be racked with devisiveness and our party would lose control of Congress again.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Asad — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:19:01 GMT

"...if the Clintons can prove Obama's no better than them..." Wow, I'm so inspired by our political leaders today... so energized to go out and vote...

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Josh Fielding, Miami Florida — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:21:23 GMT

HP Boston --> WHY?? I ask why would anyone in their right mind EVER vote for a republican again?

Because the Republicans may have some bad ideas, but the Democrats have no ideas.

Hope this explanation helps you.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Sierra, SF — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:22:01 GMT

From NewsMax:

Hillary Slyly Plays the Race Card

Friday, January 18, 2008 9:10 AM

By: Dick Morris & Eileen McGann Article Font Size

On the evening of Jan. 3, it became clear that Sen.
Barack Obama, D-Ill., was going to be a serious
candidate for president with a viable chance of
winning.

The Clintons decided that he was going, inevitably, to win a virtually unanimous vote from the black
community. Their own reputation for support for civil
rights would make no difference.

With a black candidate within striking distance of the White House, a coalescing of black voters behind his candidacy became inevitable.

Frustratingly for the Clintons, Obama had achieved
this likely solidarity among black voters without,
himself, summoning racial emotions. He had gone out of his way to avoid mentioning race — quite a contrast with Hillary, whose every speech talks about her becoming the first female president. But precisely to distinguish himself from the Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons of American politics, Obama resisted any racial appeal or even reference.

His rhetoric, argumentation, and presentation was
indistinguishable from a skilled white candidate’s.

So the Clintons faced a problem: With Obama winning
the black vote, how were they to win a sufficient
proportion of the white electorate to offset his
advantage?

Not racists themselves, they decided, nonetheless, to
play the race card in order to achieve the
polarization of the white vote that they needed to
offset that among blacks.

They embarked on a strategy of talking about race —
mentioning Martin Luther King Jr., for example — and
asking their surrogates to do so as well. They have
succeeded in making an election that was about gender
and age into one that is increasingly about race.

According to a Monday, Jan. 14 Rasmussen poll, Obama
leads among blacks by 66-16 while Hillary is ahead
among whites by 41-27. The overall head to head is
37-30 in favor of Hillary.

It does not matter which specific reference to race
can be traced to whom. Obama’s campaign has resisted
any temptation to campaign on race and, for an entire
year, kept the issue off the front pages. Now, at the
very moment that the crucial voting looms, the
election is suddenly about race. Obviously, it is the
Clintons’ doing. Remember the adage: Who benefits?

As Super Tuesday nears, the Clintons will likely take
their campaign to a new level, charging that Obama
can’t win.

They will never cite his skin color in this
formulation, but it will be obvious to all voters what they mean: that a black cannot get elected.

The Clintons are far from above using race to win an
election. Running for president in the aftermath of
the 1992 Los Angeles race riots, Clinton seized on a
comment made by rapper Sister Souljah in an interview
with her published on May 13, 1992 in The Washington
Post. She said, “If black people kill black people
every day, why not have a week and kill white people?”

Clinton pounced, eager to show moderates that he was
not a radical and was willing to defy the political
correctness imposed on the Democratic Party by the
civil rights leadership. In a speech to the Rainbow
Coalition he said, “If you took the words ‘white’ and
‘black’ and you reversed them, you might think David
Duke was giving that speech,” an allusion to the
former Klansman then running for public office in
Louisiana.

The Clintons will be very careful about how they go
about injecting race into the campaign. Part of their
strategy will be to provoke discussion of whether race is becoming a factor in the election. Anything that portrays Obama as black and asks about the role of race in the contest will serve their political
interest. And you can bet that there is nothing they
won’t do . . . if they can get away with it.....'

What happens AFTER the nomination ?
If you smear your opponent ?
If you 'race bait' ?
even 'slyly' ?

Hillary is proving she is 'soulless' and unethical
Is this news ?

Do we want 4 more years of THIS ?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Christopher, Portland, OR — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:22:55 GMT

I hear a lot of whining from the Obama supporters. Don't worry; it's not over yet, and the media's 100% anti-Clinton, so you've got that going for ya.

Hill '08 - The ONLY candidate tough enough to beat the GOP

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

rosie, crestview, fl — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:22:55 GMT

The Rezko thing is something that will come back to haunt Obama if he was to be the democratic nominee. Obama will not be able to get those new repugs he is getting to vote for him. Those repugs will turn on Obama in a heartbeat in a GE. I cannot support a candidate who ask repugs to vote for him only to keep the Clintons out of the race. To me this is so undemocratic, that there are no words for this. Oh I have a word, Traitor.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:25:12 GMT

Everybody has their share of problems with people in their lives....

Obama gets one for Rezko.....

Hillary still beats him the number of dishonest crooks that she has taken money from....Norman Hsu, Denise Rich, Maurico Celis, just to name a few dozen.

Any union member that backs Hillary Clinton with the list of anti-union people on her team is just begging for trouble for unions in general. The Clinton's did very little for unions in the 1990's, just took their money like they are taking it today.

How can Hillary Clinton say that she is pro union when she was on the board of the biggest anti union company in America; Wal-Mart? She is really lying through her teeth on that one. But, then again, you can con only some of the people some of the time, but the Clinton's can con you with such ease, it makes you feel really cheap.

Is it good for the first potential woman president to be relying on her husband so much to do the campaign dirty work?

When it comes to dirty work, Bill Clinton wrote the book...

Her decision to leave South Carolina and leave it to Bill to keep Obama honest in the state shows the enormous advantage the two of them have right now on the trail.

if there is one thing the media really needs to keep out of the picture is putting Bill Clinton and the word "honest" in the same bed....

but bad for Clinton should she become the nominee (because of the Bill stuff and the fact Obama's criticisms will end up used by the GOP)?

I'm sure my guys are on the tenth volume of the Bill and Hillary story. If anything, Obama is just giving the GOP the opening to go after Hillary because of all the dishonest things Bill and Hillary have done.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

sam nj — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:25:26 GMT

Clinton, in her debate in SC told that women paid less than men. What did they do about it when they were in white house for 8 years?. Is it her way of dividing women vote? Do they need another 16 years?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Daniel, NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:25:31 GMT

It does seem, however, that the CW that Clinton will win California on the strength of the Latino vote was correct. Two new polls from California released yesterday have her up big mainly on the strength of the Hispanic vote. And they also show Romney much closer to Mccain than I'd have expected. Link to polls: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2008/01/evening-polls-california-shaping-up-to.html

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Snout Laydon, Dallas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:27:04 GMT

The Clintons pointing out other peoples failings. Now that is humor.

How much is Bill getting to leave his "relationship" with Dubai? $20 million dollars? Must be nice to have
an ex-President and a sitting US Senator on the payroll for the Dubai-ains.

And Obama's relationship to Rezco is nothing to ignore. It needs to be explained. But to compare it to the Clintons dirt, it's a drop in the proverbial bucket.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Elise, Allen, TX — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:27:12 GMT

I agree with Billary sucks' post wholeheartedly. I think you hit the nail on the head.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Joe — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:27:15 GMT

rezko is a one to two day story because there is no there, there. If it were it would have been used before as many times as it is brought up. However, this time by the Clinton's bringing it up it looks like mudslinging...remember what happened the last time she wanted to have "fun'. Who do the American people believe is more Honest? it will be precieved as Hillary lying and spinning again.

BTW...other than what is written today what else do you have to say about Rezko? Will it impact SC..it will be dead by 2/5

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:27:18 GMT

The Rezko story is getting a lot of play in the media, from what I've seen, but a lot of it is oriented around the question of whether this was a fair attack on Clinton's part. She earned two pinnochios in the Washington Post fact checker over it.

So I think it fits into a larger storyline of the Clinton's slinging mud at anything they can, while also highlighting the aspect of them not having anything better to attack than this Rezko story. So I don't know - I understand the Clinton strategy of trying to make Obama look as sleazy as them, but I'm not sure it will work.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

SB — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:27:24 GMT

The Clinton's are, once again, successfully manipulating the media with this non-story. It was nearly impossible to get you to cover Norman Hsu, but the baseless story of Rezko is now all the rage.

I'll roll the dice for Obama.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

SYLVIA MOSLEY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:27:40 GMT

AS A LIFE LONG DEMOCRAT, I AM BEGINNING TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE CLINTONS ARE REVILED BY SO MANY PEOPLE. THEY WILL DO AND SAY ANYTHING TO GAIN POWER.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

winnie — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:28:40 GMT

Obama has a tough choice - if it is rightfully pointed out that the Clintons are steeped in monet from disreputable sources - the Clinton spin is "old news" -- not so -- Norman Hsu, who was indicted last month and Clinton had to return $850,000.

And on MTP - Clinton said she didn't know about the Marc Rich pardon - although Denise Rich gave $120,000 to her campaign

None of this makes the Recsko connection right - but it clearly doesn't make Obama tainted so much as naive --

Naive and a fast learner is one thing - disingenuous to the core is another. Obama was a junior atty at the firm, it is documented he did not represent Resclo and did under 7 hours of work. So while Recsko was not his client - the facts note that the sleazy Rescko "glommed" onto the up and coming politician through third parties and Obama was "unwitting". The parcel of land - while really dumb - was legal and not wrong doing was done. Obama himself said the deal was "bone headed".

Maybe Obama has to re emphasize ther ethics bills which the NYTimes praised his contribution last week and said Hillary was "cynical"

I get the point that the Clintons are trying to knock Obama off the "pedestal" -- but the Clinton's are so slimy that only with with assist of the media will they get away with this. If you guys spin it that Obama is going "tit for tat" or is "defensive" then we all lose

How do we get past that?
What surrogate can speak for Obama??
Maybe Russ Feingold? Someone with credibility in camapign finance.. it's not gonna be McCain!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Sierra, SF — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:28:42 GMT

HP Boston:'...WHY?? I ask why would anyone in their right mind EVER vote for a republican again?
THE LIAR IN CHIEF and the repuke party have severely damaged AMERCIA!....'

Maybe if Billary gets the Democratic nomination

Billary will UNITE the Republicans and DIVIDE the Democrats

Maybe 'Hsu, Gupta, Chung, Denise Rich, those donations to the Clinton Library' will persuade people that they don't want 4 more years of THAT

Obama/Edwards '08
Honesty, Integrity, REAL REFORM

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:29:02 GMT

Leye - the Clinton campaign has been trying to push this Rezko thing for a long time. I'm guessing a lot of the references to it here over the past three months have been from campaign sock puppets. Its just that Hillary hasn't voiced the attack herself before the debate.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Hillary&Bill4Prez — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:29:20 GMT

Obama was almost speechless, on Today, Merideth had him backed into a cornor. Bill will be president again, the Media is getting on the Hillary Bandwagon..GOOOOOOO Hil!!!!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

teddi, Norwalk, CT — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:30:07 GMT

I was wondering when The MSM was going to take the halo off Saint Barack and even mention this guy Rezco. Obama is trying yo make it seem as if he's never heard of the guy--(shades of Bush and Ken Lay?). This coverage (combined with Saint Barack's lame appearance with Merideth Viera this morning on the Today Show--he couldn't "hear" the clip which shows him in a BLATANT contradiction over single payer health care) shows Obama for the phony we all know he is. The United Farm Workers just came out for Hillary and so have the governor of PA and the mayor of Philly. Obama is finished.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Russ Well, Maine — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:31:18 GMT

These are the same people who were cleaning out the white house when they were leaving...This is the person who wont make a commitment of not having lobysist work for her or her campaign...These are the ones who are making millions of the Taxpayers and then repay them when they leave office....You want stories start looking at there deals 20 million deal for bill for his services...while the rest of american struggles....

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Susan, Dayton, OH — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:31:49 GMT

When Obama delivered the keynote address at the convention in 2004, everyone was impressed. We must remember, however, that was a prepared speech....and probably prepared by speech-writers, not the man himself. Everyone could see this young man going places, but, in my opinion, he jumped at the chance just a little too early. His mantra is Change We Can Believe In, and yet we know very little of what constitutes that change. He has little experience in all aspects of a presidential role. Someone should have advised him to wait another 4-8 years before throwing his hat into the ring. Maybe they did. Maybe he didn't listen. All I know is we need someone in the White House who has experience and knows what he or she is expected to do. Hillary Clinton, with all her flaws (and god knows there are many)does at least have the experience, strength and intelligence to run this great nation. And at least with Hillary, we know what we're getting. To me, the "known" is ALWAYS better than the "unknown". I don't want to elect Obama and then find out that the unknown bad outweighs the known good. With Hillary, at least we know and the good and bad going in. And I think there's a lot more good than bad. She is strong enough to withstand a battle with the Republicans and come out on top. Obama, I'm afraid, would not be able to win the general election. We must be successful in getting the White House back in Democratic hands. Hillary Clinton is our best shot.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

John Alexander — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:32:10 GMT

The Clinton news is all old news, we have heard it all before, the Rezco news is still developing,that is why it is more important. After beating a dead horse with old news people turn it off or ignore it, that is why posters on here who continue to attack senator Clinton with old stories (which may be true in some cases) are not getting people to listen. We are not returning to the stories of the 90's because we are past them, it is 2007 now, report the news of now instead of relying on the old stuff.
Senator Obamadid not do very well this morning on the TODAY show, obfuscation is catching up to him, can't pretend anymore that he is JUST SO ABOVE IT ALL.
All the candidates have warts, Senator Obama has been spending a lot of time pretending he has none. It will make some undecided voters much more ill at ease in voting for him.

The money issue with the republicans is important, it will leave them with little in the way of getting the message out, but their message is also old, no real change will come about from them and it shows in their lack of fundraising.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Lynn — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:32:22 GMT

What makes me sick is the thought of the Clintons sitting back and laughing maniacally with glee at the thought that they've won the war by getting the press to do their mud-slinging for them.

I think Dowd asks a very good question. Hillary takes for granted that all of us women will vote for her because she's a "sister" out to break the ultimate glass ceiling. But she can't do it on her own. Instead, she's doing what she's always done, and that's ride Bill's coattails and rely on his political cronies to get where she wants to go. Hell, she had to move to a "favorable" state to run for Senate because the people in their alleged "home" state of Arkansas would never have voted her in. The whole thing is such a sham. I have no respect for the way she's getting to the presidency. If she does by some miracle win, it won't truly be a case of a woman winning the presidency for the first time. Rather, it'll be a third term for Bill, given the fact that he's the one she's riding to get there. Great.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Benard, Houston, Texas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:33:28 GMT

I have many friends who are frustrated with the Clintons.....they lie about the truth and manipulate individual's personal life. African-American are tired of the Clintons and we are wanting a change. The Clinton's machine has try to destroy Senator Obama and people are frustrated. If there is a backlash with the white vote because of the South Carolina election this will be a good thing for the Clintons. However, African-American will not come out foe the general election. From the African-American blogs to our radio shows we are frustrated and will turn our back if she win. The Clintons knew if they comment on Dr. King about his civil right passage. Democrat's white would be happy and African American would be frustrated, however we will not be tricked again. We learned from the Sister Souljah comments and we will not fall in line in November. The Clintons has miscalculated on the African-Americans!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

M/G, St. Louis, Mo. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:38:13 GMT

Leye, if Hillary gets any tougher she will be a nuclear weapon. What this woman needs is to get more true and honest. She really is a bad actress and in her California press conference she could not have been acting more. Who ever buys this is clearly blind. The Clintons are incapable of changing. these are calculating, selfish people that will do and say anything to win what they want and then thay will try to make good after they get their prize. America has already done this and been through this. We need unity, we need to move on!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

janice — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:40:25 GMT

Maybe the media could actually play the clip of obama's response to the inaccurate slam made by Hillary. why does the media perpetuate the innaccuracies than claim surprise when a candidate responds? Try the truth for once. it won't hurt you. promise.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

RH Oregon — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:41:37 GMT

So long Fred. Your foundations and ideas were good, but you had no fire in your belly.

Now I get to choose between the mormon I'm not sure of and Ron Paul who I doubt can win, but like his small government, anti-war, anti-welfare ideals.

Well anybody but the socialist beyatch and her alleydog co-habitator, and their wefare state agenda. That's a load of garbage that needs to be taken to the curb, not the white house.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Shadow, Hamden, CT — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:43:21 GMT

For a bit of perspective, my girlfriend is a non-political junkie who doesn't read the blogs, and today was the first time she heard about the Rezko thing.

When she started to tell me about the article she read, I thoroughly prepared myself to challenge a lie and point out that this was a non-story - but I didn't even have to; she said that after Rezko got into trouble, Obama gave all the donations to charity, despite the fact that he had nothing to do with any wrongdoing, and that it says a lot about his character. If that is the conclusion that is breaking through to the average public from the current Rezko stories, it actually helps Obama by showing an example of an unfounded Clinton campaign accusation.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Al, KS — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:43:45 GMT

Nobody cares about these stories. Most voters have made up their minds. After slicing up the electorate into tidy pieces the Clintons can now concentrate on getting their slice to the polls. Problem is that the other pieces of the pie won't vote for Hillary in the primary OR the general. In the long run it's a losing strategy.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

John, Hartford, CT — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:43:50 GMT

Dowd has been attacking Clinton in four out of five of her columns for months. She calls it journalism the rest of us call it lazy writing. You'd have thought all these journalists on the right and left attacking Clinton would have learned their lesson after NH. When Will, Krauthammer, Broder, Rich, Dowd, Kristol, Brooks, Herbert, Robinson need I go on are all singing the same song there's something going on here and it has nothing to do with policy or competence. Jealousy, small mindedness, misogyny, nihilism, go figure.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Fred C. Dobbs — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:43:59 GMT

Some of the above commenters should get a grip and understand the meaning a political campaign.
Up to this point Senator Obama has pretty much gotten a free pass by the media. He made a blunder in an interview with a conservative by praising Ronald Reagan - not very smart. Now in addition to drug use as a youth, voting "present" in the Illinois senate and not much in the way of meaningful experience - Rezko!
Obama is truly a roll of the dice.
Hillary Clinton is a tough Democrat and a proven winner. She has been taking hits by conservative talk radio, conservative print media, Fox News, et al on a daily basis and is still standing. To quote Lily Tomlin: "And that's the truth."

Obama went looking for a fight at the debate. He went off issue to get in some cheap hits - not smart!

I will be voting for Hillary Clinton - tough and smart!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Diogenes — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:46:37 GMT

The rookie looked like Babe Ruth the first few days of spring training, hitting the ball prodigious distances with a swing as sweet as honey, until they started to throw him the curveball...and in a few more days he was packing his bag for the long trip home.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Diogenes — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:46:49 GMT

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Chris, Wichita, KS — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:48:12 GMT

I'm a registered Republican, yet my wife and I plan on voting for Obama in November if he's the Democratic nominee.

However, if Hillary wins the nomination, then we'll vote for anyone but her. The Clintons will divide congress just as much as Bush, and we'll be no better off than we are now.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

David, Ocala Florida — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:49:43 GMT

Honestly, the bad press is because of Obama himself, and not much else. It's always easy to say you'll run a clean campaign... until you start losing. Hilary was 100% correct when she stated Obama is simply getting frustrated after losing multiple primaries. Now suddenly, Obama, the "candidate of hope," has begun to launch negative attacks on the Clintons left and right. "I'm fighting both you and Bill. You worked as a corporate lawyer. You don't care about the people...."

The author of this article is correct. Hilary's Rezko comment was to make America realize that Obama is no different than any other politician. But it was Obama himself, changing from the "clean campaign" he always promised, into dirty mud-slinging campaign that he swore to us all that he was too good to engage in, that has let America know he really IS just like everyone else in Washington.

I'm not saying I don't like the man. I'm just saying his messianic image has begun to be stripped away to reveal the truth, and by no one else but himself. He's a politician, just like Hilary, and nothing more. The negative press he recieves will continue to increase as he continues to sling mud.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Amy B Portland, ME — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:50:45 GMT

I am starting to hate Hillary. I was shocked by the junk she pulled during the last debate. If I, a die hard Democrat, am turned off by her, think how the Independents will react. I am very afraid if its McCain vs Clinton our next President will be a Republican. Obama needs to sharpen up and start talking about how he would beat McCain. Hillary is poison, Obama should stay away from her and talk about the Republican opposition.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

vaschon — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:52:18 GMT

Obama did not directly work for Rezko. Clinton directly worked for Wal-Mart, and did not divest herself of the stock until 2007. Perhaps it is time to reopen Whitewater?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Just Wondering — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:52:54 GMT

Named in the study along with Bush were top officials of the administration during the period studied: Vice President Dick Cheney, national security adviser Condoleezza Rice, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and White House press secretaries Ari Fleischer and Scott McClellan.

Bush led with 259 false statements, 231 about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and 28 about Iraq's links to al-Qaida, the study found. That was second only to Powell's 244 false statements about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and 10 about Iraq and al-Qaida.

Media 'validation'

I find it interesting that MSNBC (Most left-wing News Network) didn't bother to say who was actually behind this study by they so called non-profit news group. Most likely this is another left leaning/George Soros funded group providing information like Media Matters does so their left-wing socialist groupies and spread their fake news to the easily manipulated progressive minds.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

s.b. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:53:57 GMT

Wall Mart was two decades ago for Clinton, Rezko was last year, when he gave Obama a $300,000 discount on his home.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

mariano — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:54:47 GMT

Wal-Mart took advantage of the same people Clinton is accusing Obama of hurting.

Again, they're equal.

Hillary is a feelthy politician. Obama has a conscious.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

HMT-MI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:55:03 GMT

I am sorry that Obama has become so whiney.Just because he is black does not mean he should automaticly become the president.Richardson being latino sure did not advance his stature.Obama should have known that the Reivko gossip would have come out sooner or later.He still does not understand that the republicans have been drooling to throw this at him and that republican poop once thrown sticks for all time.Why does he think that Clinton,Kerry,Gore and so many others have not been able to shed the republican poop,year after year the same garbage is brought up.Does not matter if it is true or not the stench never goes away.All the liars,child molesters,pedophiles,gay evangelists are never admitted too.The republicans take care of their own---a good example is scooter libby.they are teflon and stick together like glue.Democrats eat their own.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Elise, Allen, TX — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:56:11 GMT

Fred C. Dobbs- too bad Hillary is lying through her teeth to you an all the other Americans that are supporting her. That's all her and her husband do is lie. So believe her if you want, and if she gets elected President, you all will be crying for help in 2012!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

jeffim, miami — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:56:32 GMT

your point makes no sense. Hillary's laundry has been out for so many years, that no one cares about the Walmart. however, there is still so much laundry out there for Obama that we don't know. and repugs are just waiting for his nomination. Rezko is a perfect example of how little we know about Obama, and how so much more is waiting to resurface once the nomination is sealed.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Sierra, SF — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:57:00 GMT

First Read:

'...they are choosing candidates based on who’s best to win the White House in November.” A Charleston state senator raised questions earlier in the cycle about Obama’s potential, “but Clinton and her husband were divisive figures during the Clinton presidency. Many worry she will alienate moderate or independent voters.”...'

If we drink the Kool Aid, the will Republicans win...

Bill Clinton was a MEDIOCRE PRESIDENT

Does anyone remember his first year ?
The haircut, Travelgate, the bimbos.....

.... and NAFTA !!

Then, the 'angry white males' and the Republican takeover of the House and Senate ?

Was HE 'ready from day one' ?

Billary is dividing the Democratic party
They WILL unite the Republican party

Billary will make McCain, Romney or Huckabee
LOOK GOOD !

Billary will make McCain, Romney or Huckabee
LOOK HONEST !

Billary will lose in November

Had we nominated Bradley instead of Gore we would have WON in 2000

Had we nominated Edwards instead of Kerry we might have WON in 2004

Don't drink the Kool Aid

America gets the government it deserves.....

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

cotler thomas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:57:34 GMT

the clintons are so old school irrelevant that we will be making a mistake in supporting her and bill. their term didn't create long lasting results. and it can be suggested nafta is why there is a problem with blacks and latinos. where did those u.s. jobs go.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Outdone — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:57:37 GMT

Leye,

I think most of us are Anti-Bullsh$%t. Look, Almost anybody with $1M has had a deal that the average american would call suspect....Rich more often than not has equalled some "questionable" move, or alliance. Wealthy...now you are talking 90% of the time. So if we want squeaky clean...find Jesus, and elect him...although he would be too smart to run or serve in that capacity.

The ultimate key for this election is to finally get to the real issues...Unfortunately, these meaningless attacks from Team Clinton are taking a lot of folks eye off the ball. And that's by design. This type of politics is the only reason why republicans still have a snowball's chance at winning in November.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Anne, Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:58:32 GMT

Would love to see something like this on MSNBC...
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/01/obama-v-clinton.html
I loved seeing the whole Obama quote in context to see that, in the end, the Clintons will twist anything and lie in any way to get in the White House for Term 3.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Steve, Hartford, CT — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:58:47 GMT

Hillary's campaign methods may win her the nomination, but what was once a united party, ready to take over after Bush, has rapidly become a party as divided as the GOP. Our entire political process is in complete shambles as both parties struggle to agree on a nominee. Bloomberg's chances are looking better and better.

One last thing. Hillary, Bill, listen up: You are blithely engaging in slimeball political tactics--but remember, THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING. The US primaries are being followed as closely in the rest of the world as they are here. So for God's own heavenly sake, STOP EMBARASSING US!
THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING!
THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING!
THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING!
Remember 1968, Hillary? You want it to happen again? If so, you can ignore everything I said, 'cause you're already a good way down that path.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

REG; East Valley Phx. AZ — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:59:45 GMT

It would seem that without any doubt that George W. Bush is the worst president this country has ever had. He is obnoxiously arrogant and ‘cocky’, totally self-indulgent, disgustingly egotistic, will say/do whatever he feels will get him what he wants, is without a conscience unhesitantly dishonest and, with a strong sociopathic personality, irresponsibly pursues a private agenda for the sole benefit of Special Interests and a select few who in return significantly benefit him. Now the question is, what current candidate, when compared side-by-side, clearly shows all of the same characteristics and while with different personal priorities and private agenda has the same sociopathic personality? I personally don’t want more of the same and therefore can’t see voting Republican or for Hillary Clinton.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Marcus, Chicago — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:59:49 GMT

The Rezko story's a non-starter outside of the Clinton camp. It's unusual for a politician to have NEVER been in contact with a shady character in their professional lives - if the question is one of Obama having done 'favors' for Rezko in exchange for funding, the storyline's pretty thin (the Sun-Times has been chasing this one down for over a year, and not coming up with much.)

Meanwhile, his opponent in the race has the distinction of BEING the shady character in her own story.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Ex Obama Supporter — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:00:05 GMT

Morally reprehensible is when you do something and try to hide or ignore it. And when asked, you give excuses of foul play.

Morally reprephesible is what many immature Obama supporters are doing. Think how ethically challenged Obama supporters are.

Saint is tainted. Accept it and the world will move on. And he lied on national TV about 5 hrs with Rezko. Do you have any respect for Obama after that lie?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Diego E. Santa Fe, NM — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:01:53 GMT

If Obama can throw sleeze, he certainly should and can expect that the sleeze comes back. Obama, is a politician. He is not the "New Moses" leading us wonering DEMS outta the desert. He is a typical, self-serrving POL.

As for DOWD, she needs to take a deep breath, look in th mirror and try and figure out why she has such an obvious negative "crush" on anything Clinton.

MSNBC should have a new program entited: Why we HATE the CLINTONS. The half hour show would be hosted by Chris Matthew, Maureen Dowd with empty baseless commentary from Tucker Carlson (in his bow tie get up) and loony-tunes rantings from Ann Coulter. You need more comedy on MSNBC.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Ex Obama Supporter — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:01:55 GMT

Commentators often point to Obama and Clinton's identical votes against US supreme court justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito as an example of their alignment. But the two have split on other nominees chosen by George Bush, whose habit of appointing industry allies and personal friends has been bitterly criticised by Democrats.

Obama voted alongside 83 colleagues to pave the way for confirmation of Bush interior secretary Dirk Kempthorne. Clinton supported a failed attempt to defeat Kempthorne, who earned a 1% lifetime score on environmental policy from the League of Conservation Voters.

Clinton also opposed the appointment of George Casey, who spent three difficult years as chief US commander in Iraq, as army chief of staff. The former first lady revealed her decision after publicly challenging Casey to explain a Pentagon audit that found US troops lacking in equipment needed for combat and training of Iraqi recruits.

"I believe that our soldiers deserve the very best we can offer for their protection; therefore I voted to oppose general Casey's nomination," Clinton said before the vote one year ago. A website maintained by her campaign still calls Casey "one of the chief architects of the war".

John McCain, who some Democrats anticipate will be the Republican nominee, joined Clinton and a dozen others in voting no. Obama, by contrast, signed off on Casey's bid.

----

What does it make Obama? More Bush lite?

Obama's voting pattern lies what he says. Sighs I believed him earlier.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Fred, PA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:02:33 GMT

I am a white American male...my opinion is that Americans really need to wake up...the thought of even voting another Clinton or Bush to the white house is just ridiculous. Why would anybody want that scenario to take place? Whats next!? After Hillary we could have Jeb Bush and then Chelsea Clinton!...This shouldn't even be allowed. We can't have just 2 families running America.
I strongly support Senator Obama and if he's not the nominee I will become a republican and vote for them because of how disgusted I'll be with the democratic party.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Rob in the West — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:03:19 GMT

The Los Angeles Times has a major front-page story this morning about their investigation of Rezko and his ties to Obama, and it would seem there's a lot of crud there that Obama has been trying to keep silent. I think anyone who thought he was "Mr. Clean" coming out of south Chicago politics was just naive and gullible. He is, after all, a politician who made it to the US Senate and now to the national political stage, and they don't get there by being as pure as he'd like us to think he is. That's what troubles me about his campaign, and about his chances in the general election... what Hillary and Bill are saying about him will pale against what the GOP machine will say and do to him if he's the nominee. This Rezko gunk should be a wake-up call to all those who think they're nominating the next savior of the Democratic Party.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Nashville_fan — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:05:57 GMT

Loving all the "rookie" analogies . . . from where I'm sitting, Senator Clinton is the biggest rookie of them all. Aside from the fact that she has very little "experience", she can't seem to take a single step without her "hubby" holding her hands.

Time to take the training wheels off and run your own campaign Senator Clinton. Why should we trust you to run America when you can't even take control of your own Democratic Primary campaign?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

James Brown , Eugene, Oregon — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:07:08 GMT

Don't underestimate Barack Obama , the Clinton's are showing the world what they are really about,and smart people see them for what and who they are.

If your tired of a do nothing congress , and a President that runs on self will , Obama is your man.

If you like the way things are in American Politics today with dishonest people in the White House , and gridlock in congress with nothing getting done, go ahead and vote for Clinton.

But it will be a wasted vote because , she is un-electable in the general election. She will not get the Independent Vote , and way to many Democrates will cross over to keep her out of the White House.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Enrique, Chicago, IL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:08:58 GMT

Whether they realize it or not, the Clintons are allying themselves with the Republican National Committee in making a big deal about Obama's links to Rezko. Without mentioning the hyporcrisy of Hillary calling Barack out on a contributor, it is ironic that she is partnering up with the very people that would love nothing more than to run against her in November.

This is a perfect example of how desperate the Clintons are at winning the nomination. They are driving away Democratic voters AND they are playing into the hands of their bitter enemies.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Mark, Columbus, OH — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:10:10 GMT

Welcome to the major leagues, Obama. The Clintons are no Alan Keyes. LOL

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

WCB, Cincinnati — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:11:13 GMT

Clinton supporters: A few questions.
1. Is it Hillary or Bill running for president?
2. What are your thoughts on Democracy versus Monarchy?
3. Will you vote for Chelsea in 2016 because of her vast experience? She will be 35 by then.
4. Do you really think Hillary has any crossover appeal when her negatives nationally are in the 40%'s?
5. Didn't we learn in 2004 that nominating "experience" costs us the best candidate every time?
6. Didn't we decide in 2000 and 2004 that we HATE slash and burn politics?
Democrats! Please stop her! She is using Rove tactics that divide the party and suppress votes in November even if she does get the nomination. I am a Democrat to my core, but Bloomberg will look awfully appealing if she wins like this.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

gailmd, maine — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:12:00 GMT

The real problem for Obama is the deal that was worked out with Rezco regarding the purchase of Obama's personal residence. The owners wanted to sell the house with an extra buiding lot...Obama bought the house(at a discounted price) and Rezco bought the lot...One article said "shows poor judgement on Obama's part"...isn't that supposed to be what he is running on.
Obama constantly brings up the "when I was a street organizer" experience...The Boston Globe(has endorsed Obama) has an artile regarding both Hillary's and Obama's early "organizing" work. Obama spent 3 yrs in his twenties organizing tenant groups in Chicago. Great but not a career! If I spent three yrs in the Peace Corps or Vista, would I be touting that over and over twenty some years later on my presidential resume?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Charlie, Millbrae, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:12:06 GMT

I love how the Rezko "story" has merit but anything, the Clintons might have been involved in one way or the other is "old news." The coverage bias is absolutely obvious at this point. Has either Clinton done anything wrong? Ever? Anyone with half a brain knew what Obama was saying in that interview in Reno; same for Bob Johnson's comments on Obama and Bill Clinton's statements about truth. If you think about any of it for two seconds you realize what is being sold to you. Doubt. Fear. Concern. Not policy differences, not ideological differences. Fear. Just plant that seed in your mind and the job is done. I think Hillary should apologize for the insulting and condescending comments she made yesterday about Obama being "angry" and "frustrated" and coming in looking for a fight. When you are attacked with lies and half-truths, you either try to set the record strait, or you stand there and take it and we all know how well that fared for Kerry in August of 2004...

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

john l cerrato, rockville Centre, NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:13:30 GMT

The Obama/Clinton horse race is over on Feb 5th when Hillary passes Obama on the far turn leading into the stretch run. Hillary will be so far ahead when the dust settles on Feb 5th, that he may have to quit the race and unite the Party. After all Obama is good at uniting people. In the general election, Bill clinton is the Republicans worst nightmare politically. Get use to it we will have a woman in the Whitehouse.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

sherry, TX — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:18:20 GMT

If Hillary is really honest about helping the party, then why don't she get out of the race because that is the only thing she can do to strengthen the party and provide unity going into the general election.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

K Gilbert, Silver Spring, MD — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:18:50 GMT

The Clintons have gotten a free pass from the Democrats on their ethics but that won't be the case should Hillary become the nominee. You can bet there are ethical lapses that the Republicans will exploit. No, she has NOT been vetted. What about the fact that Hillary would not even support Obama on setting up an ethical watchdog group for Senate? This is her record. She prefers having Senators investigate themselves like that's really gonna work. What's she hiding?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Running Scared — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:19:13 GMT

Actually, I have heard more people talking of Obama's smackdown of Hillary regarding Walmart. Most people don't know or care about Tony Rezko and if you read the many articles about he & Obama's affiliation, you will see it amounts to nothing. Additionally, should Hillary really be the one bringing this sort of thing up. I mean really, Obama has been very forthcoming about Tony Rezko (see the Chicago Sun-Time article) while Hillary has done everything in her power to suppress information regarding her days at the Rose Law Firm, Vince Foster, Travel-gate, Whitewater, etc. It doesn't seem very smart for her to bring up Tony Rezko unless she is prepared to open access to her past 34 years of "experience". Comparatively, Tony Rezko is a non-issue. Hillary has a whole trainload of baggage compared to Obama and she is not wise to open that can of worms.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

CLM — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:23:16 GMT

Why is it that no one has addressed the very real affiliation Obama has with TUCC. Asimple search on the web at TUCC.org and you see that his church has a non negotiable commitment to Africa. It's mission statement excludes everyone except Blacks. If anyone else was affiliated with a cogregation that excluded all races except thier own the press would go wild. Yet here we are with Obama and not a word is said.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Margaret Flint Houston Texas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:25:29 GMT

What is wrong with you msnbc news people? I am an undecided black female voter. All of you, from Chris Matthews, Joe Scarborough, even Keith, are all on the let's get the Clintons bandwagon. You open each show bashing Hillary Clinton. It is like all of you are obsessed and want to throw Momma from the train. I have just one question. Why is it that you all have not muttered a word about Obama not answering legitimate questions, ie. the economy. He never answers a question directly. He constantly goes into his kum ba ya rhetoric. I like Obama and I am proud of him, but you all are turning off most woemen voters. Meredith did a better job of interviewing him this morning than all of you, and it was just a few minutes. All of you make fun of Tyra Banks' interviews with Hillary and John Edwards. We all happen to respect Tyra. She is a power house in her own right. This morning even Willie said Hillary was unlikable. You may not like her, but a lot of people do. Are you all trying to brainwash America with your Hillary bashing? You all are just as bad as the worst people in the world, Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Joe, Boston, MA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:26:37 GMT

Its Ironic that the Clintons...the people who brought us Norman Hsu, Mark Rich, Whitewater, selling the Lincoln bedroom, etc...are bringing up fundraising questions.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Jan Toledo OH — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:26:40 GMT

Is there a reason for no strutiny on Obama? MSNBC reporters are making a big deal about Hillary being one place and Bill being in another and that Obama has to run against both of them. It seeems to me that Hillary has to run against the entire MSNBC network - except Dan Abrams. He has tried to be fair lately. It's been documented that reporters do not like Hillary. However, if they are professionals, they should put their personal bias aside and gives us honest and accurate coverage.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Debra Austin, Texas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:26:43 GMT

It appears to me that this election will continue with the Democratic winner being someone who plays the old panderer game. Let's slice up the pie, Blacks, Latinos, seniors, women, labor, poor families and just pander to each group. We Democrats have had varying success with this approach since FDR. Clinton is a whiz at this game, she and her husband have been playing that with some success. What Obama has tried to do is to argue that at this particular time, with the American people in dire need of a new direction because of the preceding 8 years, with problems like the war, the economy, and basic distrust of government with the lies and crooks around Bush, this is a rare moment to realign a majority of Americans into the Democratic Party made up of a wide variety of dissatisfied folks in addition to the usual 'demographic' special interests. Why, so that rather than winning the Presidency and then being blocked from getting any of the programs we need because of not having the vote in Congress, we could have a supermajority and be able to really provide on the assistance and programs we talk about being so important. But the Clintons, either don't understand how important this is and therefore, they are really stupid about the country, they don't care which only means they are too interested in their own power to expand the dialogue and just have their eye on regainging personal power, or they don't have the skills to bring people together because it's just so dang fun to blame everyone else and demonize them...you know the scapegoat philosophy that most in the Democractic Party have had to be the butts of all their lives. Regardless of the reason, this is not leadership. Besides just the pandering that makes you sick because of its insincerity, we will continue to see the poor get poorer, and the environment dirtier because there will be stalemate in the country once again. I guess it's just the political drugs (of hearing what you want) especially by Latinos and women, who are really drinking hard on the Kool-Aid. Hope the pain doesn't hurt when your problems don't get any better. It's a selfish and foolhardy ignorance but it appears to win elections most of the time.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

seyi — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:31:06 GMT

Whatever, we will settle for the lesser of evils between both. And everyone that commented on this article knows that, whether you call Obama a rookie or ignoratly bless Hillary. Obama deserves the fight, whats the use of a win with battle? When its all said and done, it will be a deserved win and no regrets to follow. At least consider it a battle of the american people against the Clintons. You pick the winner!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Carolyn Watts Hartford, CT — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:31:37 GMT

I take it you've been paid or promised a job in the Obama administration? There certainly is absolutely no BIAS in ALL your articles huh? NOW I understand how the Bush administration paid off and used the press to jutify the war- one look at your articles says it all- and please stop trying to come off like your printing the aboslute truth and facts- doesn't take long to research your claims and find out the candidates are not the only on stretching the truth!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

kenny portland oregon — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:32:02 GMT

Most of these entries show a complete lack of seriousness. Like most American writing in the popular culture. After reading these examples of the American mind you have to wonder if this country has the seriousness to face the problems that are a reality now.Clinton/Obama fight, we fight, fight, fight, fight. The context of market based society makes everyone a commodity not a person with dignity. we are worthy if we fit into a market. The one thing that most the blogs have in common is an attack on the media-it's not their fault it's ours. We want this, we love it because we buy it. We Americans like the product of violence and the "battle"and"War" between these two is ready made to satisfy the public demand. Who's at fault Clinton? Obama? Their campaign Teams? The media? We are!!!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

clm — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:32:22 GMT

hey all we hear about is Bill's comments How about covering Michelle Obama sometime? Is she off limits or what?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Carolyn in Chicago — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:32:34 GMT

Folks you asking why the press is not picking on Wal Mart and focusing on Clinton? simple! because is way to different. Hillary served in the board of directors of a company and she has an specific role there that can be publicly addressed and reviewed any time; Obama deals with Rezko are a much different story; Rezko a very well known guy here in Illinois was flying high with all the Democratic machine from the big political guys in Springfield to Chicago. REzko with Obama was not just a fund riser or as Obama said this week he jsut worked 5 hours in his firm, Obama has giving Obama campaigns thousands of dollars and their friendship goes back to 15 years! Rezko shady deals were well know, Obama knew that, Obama knew Rezko was a crook; but like always happen in Chicago nobody cares, "what you do in Illinois stays in Illinois." The Democratic machine, the bunch of politicians and including the people around the current Governor have tried to stop this trial that is about to start; the Feds prevail and now they will have some explaining to do. Obama himself have changed his story in the way he met the guy many times, he has been inconsistent and is very troubling, even if Obama hasn't don't anything wrong it shows the lack of good judgment and weakness on his personality that make him look like a total different Obama to the one he and his campaign is trying to market. It goes to show Obama is just like any other politician!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Frank "Grimey" Grimes, Springfield, USA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:34:49 GMT

HP Boston...Before you believe everything in that study, consider the sources. The "independent" sources cited (Center for Public Integrity and Fund for Independence in Journalism) are not as independent as one might think. Despite the nice sounding names, their donors include George Soros, and the Barbara Streissand Foundation. Truly bastions of independence.

Am I saying that there wasn't a whole lot of misinformation involved? No...clearly people had bad intelligence on the whole WMD thing. Almost every country had it wrong. But, just because some think tank has an independent sounding name doesn't mean they don't have an agenda.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Brad Lincoln NE — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:35:57 GMT

Why has the media sat on this? What do you conservatives and independents think about it and how are the Clinton's going to spin this one? Here is a Key story line Former President Clinton will be running the Country.

CLINTON: "Shouldn't the people have the right to vote for someone as many times as they want to vote for him?" Those aren't my words, Senator. They're Ronald Reagan's, who said in 1986 that the term limit on presidents was "a mistake." Now, I wouldn't go as far as President Reagan. I think presidents should be limited to two consecutive terms, then after a time out of office should be able to run again. Don't worry. I know I won't be running for president again. It takes too long to change the Constitution, and I don't believe in human cloning! But in the future, our country might face a crisis that a former president is uniquely qualified to help solve. The American public should have that option. As for you, senator, you can run again. Or you could give the other Senator Dole a shot! SENATOR DOLE: Wow. Getting a wife to run for president. Wonder where you got that idea, Mr. President. You’ve been reading too many books. Don't be coy. I hear what you're really saying: With the field of Democrats out there, if the law allowed, you'd be running against President Bush today. Isn't that right? http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/06/06/60minutes/clintondole/main557364.shtml%3C/p%3E

OBAMA 2008

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

D Andrews, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:36:34 GMT

From Kenya where the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lead by Raila Odinga in involved in a dispute over elections with the Kenyan government. Almost two dozen have been killed and buildings burned.

Ondinga claims he is the maternal uncle of Obama's father (Obama's campaign will not confirm or deny).

From the Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/23/AR2008012301215.html?hpid%3Dmoreheadlines&sub=AR

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Marbw — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:36:51 GMT

The New York Observer urges New York Democrats to support Mr. Obama in the state’s presidential primary on Feb. 5.

New Yorkers might ask why they should not pull a lever for our junior senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton. While Mrs. Clinton is an extraordinary United States senator for New York, we believe that Mr. Obama can be a great president for the United States of America.

Most of the other candidates have absorbed, assimilated or appropriated Mr. Obama’s issue of change. It is a powerful concept. But a great deal of the argument for Mr. Obama’s candidacy is about one great issue in American life: restoring and reinvigorating American democracy.

http://www.observer.com/2008/february-5-obama

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Disappointed, charlotte, nc — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:37:06 GMT

I'm not much for the toughen-him-up perspective on Obama, but it was good to see that he will stand up and fight. Unfortunately the comments about the media are true and the apology Chris Matthews made on his own show last week was a clearly pathetic example...Hardball...really?? That was more like the scene out of the movie "300", his begging to be on the Clinton's side. His whole perspective has changed since NH, I don't know if he can fit his head any further up her a-- these days. I completely understand that he was swept away by Obama but now he's completely enamoured with Billary...Chris get a grip, find the middle and then get there. AND WHY THE HELL IS NEWT & PAT ANYWHERE NEAR A MIKE THESE DAYS!!!!They're worse than Billary!! Someone explain to me how Obama winning SC is somehow bad for him when Hillary coming in third in Iowa was....okay? She's only found a total of 7K more votes than Obama between both NH (6500) & Nevada (500)...close to 400k have voted just for them alone!! And how does Obama, a black candidate whom all EXCEPT black folk supported prior to MI, now become THE BLACK CANDIDATE when he's never changed any of his speeches or delivered a line to pander for the black vote?? It was because of all the rhetoric coming from you pundits that I listened for it in the last debate and didn't hear a thing, so the answer must be that you want to minimize him and again worship at the Clinton alter. I have been foolish to mistake these political shows for something other than entertainment, I'll stick much more closely to CSPAN and hope for the best.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

drbob10001 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:37:56 GMT

Barack Obama is a statesman who is above the slimy political game that the Clintons' are playing. He is a different kind of candidate ready to bring change to how candidates campaign and how America has governed. Despite the Clintons' desperate attempts to spread false gossip about Obama, and make him look like the corrupt politicians they are, Obama will rise above it and hold on to the dignity that he has as a true leader. Just listen to his most recent speech on Sunday in Atlanta from his website,and you will hear his leadership. the Clintons offer nothing like this. They are trying to use a fake scandal to distract, us. it will backfire on them

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Alissa — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:38:19 GMT

hmmm... but yet you get 4 times as many hits for "clinton walmart" as you do for "obama rezko."

don't underestimate obama or his campaign -- he's not going anywhere any time soon.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Josh, Montpelier, VT — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:39:02 GMT

The media is a joke in this country. They follow whatever easy and sexy storylines they can get, as opposed to writing important articles. Personally, I find articles on smaller internet sites much better research, thought out, and informational. The major news networks, and especially first read, are nothing more than political gossip columnists. Its really pathetic, and is partially the reason why Bush has been elected twice. I'm very sorry Democrats, but if Clinton is the nomineed, I don't see her beating John McCain. Too many people dislike her. Even my liberal (at least I thought they were)friends would take him or Bloomberg over her.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:39:56 GMT

Fred Dobbs - stop reading the Clinton new releases. Obama has gotten anything but a free pass from the media. The media (notice there is no reason to call them journalists anymore) doesn't do anything more than spin on any of the candidates.

Obama has been vetted by Hillary's Machine. This is all that she has come up with. Obama was once friends with a guy may turn our to have made some bad deals. But Obama hasn't been found to have done anything wrong, other than choose a bad friend. How many bad things have been perpetrated by the Clintons and their friends. He had a few present cotes as an Illinois legislator, that many journalists have investigated and say is common practice and a non-issue. Obama said that Reagan changed the direction of the country and that republicans have been dominating poltics. These are true statements. The Clinton's interpolated and then disseminated what they wanted to hear. But Obama in fact never said those ideas were good and he didn't "imply" it either.

Obama had the guts to correct these "innaccuracies" on a debate on the Clinton News Network. He was not trying to score "cheap points." But Hillary's persistence that she and Bill don't lie and are entitle to distort the truth were dispicable.

The Clinton News Network Spun it the best they could for their gal. Hillary has been largely left alone for the past eight years. The conservative press has been saving their ammunition. Hillary has been shown to not handle crticism well in this primary. So has she really been tested? She doesn't have the protection of the presidential staff to hide behind, like she did then. I don't think the Clintons can handle it this time. She cried, Bill lies and falls asleep on stage.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:40:47 GMT

Isn't it about time that the Rezko/Obama relationship got some coverage?
I notice you couldn't even be fair on this one, Domenico Montanaro.
You just had to bring up Norman Hsu, and other things, like Denise Rich and The Clinton Library which have nothing to do with Hillary's candidacy.
But, you didn't mention that Hsu also contributed, and arranged for contributions to Obama's campaign, as well as Hillary's.
That proves conclusively how prejudiced and bias your coverage of this campaign is.
You hate Hillary, and you'll do, or say anything to disparage, demean, and belittle her. Regardless of whether or not what you say is true, or has any connection to her campaign or not.
That is absolutely sickening. You write about "swiftboating" in an earlier post, and then you turn around and use swiftboat tactics yourself.
The press has buried the Rezko story for too long, while allowing hacks like yourself to take unsubstantiated and unnecessary fire-at-will pot shots at Hillary.
Guess what, sport? The free ride's over.
Time for you and the rest of the main stream media to do your jobs, and start reporting the truth.
Antoin Rezko is a longtime close friend, business associate, and contributor of/to Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama.
He is also under Federal Indictement for what is tantamount to political racketeering, and fraud.
DO YOUR JOB, REPORT THE STORY!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

NinaK — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:41:35 GMT

The Clintons want more POWER and adulation. Fellow Americans, lets all show the Clintons that "WE, THE PEOPLE" are the ULTIMATE POWER by not giving in to their slash-and-burn tactics. AMERICAN CITIZENS HOLD THE THE REAL POWER, LET'S SHOW THE CLINTONS WE HAVE THE UTMOST INTEGRITY AND THE BEST INTEREST IN THE DIRECTION OUR COUNTRY TAKES. LET'S SHOW THEM WE WILL NOT BUY THEIR CRAPOLA. "WE THE PEOPLE" MATTER AND "WE THE PEOPLE" need to SPEAK OUT LOUDLY AND CLEARLY NOW!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

NinaK — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:45:16 GMT

(Continued) "WE THE PEOPLE" NEED GET OUR VOICES TOGETHER AND SPEAK OUT FIRMLY, LOUDLY, AND CLEARLY AND SAY "NO" TO THE CLINTONS!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

TM — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:45:55 GMT

STOP THE INSANITY! Hillary voters do some reserach for a change and get schooled on the issues at hand: Here is your wakeup call. All the respected research shows that Clinton is far too polarizing to win win a general election, ergo she is not electable and is therefore should be considered irrelevant. Voting for her would be to stab your party in the back by handing the party over the Neocons. Don't be stupid again this year, boomers...okay please? If not for yourselves, then maybe for your children or grandchildren who frankly have already spoken that they dont want her in office. Smarten up.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

BOB ORLANDO FLORIDA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:47:50 GMT

REZKO SHOULD BE GETTING ALOT OF ATTENTION NOW.OBAMA NEEDS TO EXPLAIN THIS AFTER ALL OF HIS TALK ABOUT HIM BEING SQEEKY CLEAN.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Carolyn in Chicago — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:47:55 GMT

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Carolyn, Chicago — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:48:21 GMT

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Rick,ky — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:48:34 GMT

Maureen Dowd speak's the Truth on this!Hillary Clinton, Alone, can't seal the deal with voter's across the board. President Clinton has to take up the slack( and there's plenty of it with voter's)in order for her to even have a Chance.
I have come to the Conclusion the reason for President Clinton's aggresive campaigning is his way of paying her back for the Humiliation of Monica Lewinsky.Kinda like " One for the Gipper".It does'nt matter to him that in the process, he's effectively bringing about the Outrage of that incident,that was somewhat diminshed.
Her opponent's have'nt peeled away any of those scab's from the past, but you can bet the Farm, the GOP will open them up, & the Tsnami that follow's will keep the Democrat's from the WHITEHOUSE for 8 more year's.
Not a big deal, her supporter's will be able to fall back on the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy mantra.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

LM, Rockford, MI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:48:49 GMT

Oh please, it is very obvious to see that the only canidate who is ready to 'clean up' America and return It to its previous standings is Hillary Clinton. Back off, Hussein Obama has no substance and needs to be happy that he even made it this far! Come on America,,, do what is best!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Sarah, Vienna, VA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:48:51 GMT

Oh, dear, First Read, not another 'Black Hole' period with no comments posted?

Well, I'll try. Just posted on the Obama/Clinton thread. Hope you will post both of these without waiting hours! (it is now 11:40AM and there are no posts here since 10:46AM)

Bill is a real liability. If the Democrats don't get wise quickly and realize that the GOP is just waiting eagerly to run against the Clintons then we are doomed to defeat. If you listen to GOP pundits they can almost hardly contain their glee at the anticipation of having Bill out there in the fall. It will be a nightmare for the Democratic Party. But sometimes I think we Democrats are masochists at heart. We always seem to mess things up this way. Here we have the opportunity of a lifetime in Barack Obama - and we may pass it up for a rerun of the stale 1990s Clinton psychodrama. Unbelievable!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

SRM, Waltham, MA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:51:22 GMT

The only papers I see it making are the Chicago papers. The State, which endorsed Barack yesterday, is not covering it on their front page and Barack's stimulus plan was rated tops by Ruth Marcus in today's WaPo > http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/22/AR2008012202614.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Mary, Decatur, GA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:54:26 GMT

Did you happen to read the REAL NEWS piece in yesterday's NY Times regarding Clinton's economic plan. That was real news and newsworthy. She has the best plans of action for moving this country in the right direction - out of Republican (corporate) hands, out of Iraq, into a health insurance plan, etc. Why haven't we seen any real news pieces about Obama? Is it because there aren't any worth reporting? Come on MSNBC - do some homework and leave the fluff and puff pieces to the gossip pages and Maureen Dowd.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Marbw — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:55:10 GMT

Rezko--thanks for your non-story media

Obama08

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

D L A ARKANSAS — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:56:11 GMT

VOTE FOR HUCKABEE=======STOP THE MURDER OF BABIES==GET RID OF IRS===FAIR TAX

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

kenny portland oregon — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:56:18 GMT

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Vicky, Baltimore, MD — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:57:42 GMT

Chuck Todd's bias against Hillary Clinton never ceases to amaze me. It's only second to Chris Matthews' on MSNBC. Look, just say you don't like Mrs. Clinton and that you'd spin anything such that it's negative for her and be done with it. Don't pretend to be unbiased reporter who makes insightful observations. This story should be about Obama, yet somehow, it highlights more of Clinton's faults. I get it. She's not perfect. Guess what Obama's not either. Stop your hipocracy.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Jonathan J. Dallas, TX — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:57:52 GMT

Chuck, Mark, and Dommie, I have dismissed your coverage and these remarks days ago. They are trivial and meaningless. I prefer to think for myself, thank you, and vote as I care to...and I don't need or desire your approval in the matter. Just as other times I have tried to post here, this one will just as likely be deleted because you guys don't want to hear the truth. Also, beware the rest of you, any news organization that runs Obama ads on their main page needs to be questioned in regards to their liabilties.

HRC in '08!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

ALEXANDRA WALLACE — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:58:09 GMT

If the Clintons end up back in the White House it will reinforce their position that you should say and do anything to get ahead. Lord knows what they will get up to behind the nation's back. Both Bill and Hillary have spent a lifetime lying to get ahead, and they will continue.

The Obama campaign needs to fight them all the way when they continually distort his voting record and speeches. I honestly can't believe that the American people don't see through their sleazy strategy. I actually wanted Hillary to win at one point, but after a few outbursts from Bill Clinton I was put off. He is behaving in a ver unpresidential manner, and frankly it bothers me that Hillary has an unfair advantage with Bill on the team.

PLEASE CONSIDER VOTING FOR OBAMA. LET THE CLINTONS KNOW THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DON'T BY THEIR BRAND OF POLITCS ANY LONGER.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

BrwnSknGurl, Chicago, IL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:58:27 GMT

Correcting misstatements coming from other candidates is NOT going negative -- it's correcting HALF-TRUTHS -- in essence, LIES!

When "Dumb"-ya ran in 2000, his father, the former President, said great things about his son, but he never came after McCain. It is unbecoming for a former President to do that and George HW Bush understood that. For Bill Clinton to be doing the "bidding" for his wife is inappropriate and unseemly for a former President. I am not saying not to endorse and support your wife -- but leave the petty, snarky comments about the opposing candidates out of it, and do not manipulate and take advantage of the minds of less informed, less educated voters by muddling or providing half-truths about Barack's record. When you have a revered former President supposedly stating "facts" about another candidate, less informed voters will take that as the gospel -- and why?? Because many will believe that "he wouldn't lie to us, would he?" It is unfair, inappropriate and lacks integrity for a former President to behave in such a way.

Barack was fed up with this because it makes the playing field horribly uneven to have a former President AND the candidate spouting half-truths. He was right to go after Hillary and he did it with class and integrity, while she, on the otherhand, kept raising her voice to be heard and came off quite shrill. . .and desperate. If he had't gone after her, he would have been called a wimp. Folks want it both ways. . .or perhaps don't have the mental capacity to see the nuances being played out here.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Jerry Pate, St. Pete Fl — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:00:16 GMT

Bringing up Rezko coverage has to be done in context. Is it good, bad, indifferent? Only when compared with something, like, the Clintons misdeeds.

Rezko is like a jay-walking ticket compared to the many slimy trail of deeds the Clintons have left behind.

Clinton worshippers - do you really want to start making these comparisons? For a candidate that was a sure thing two months ago, to have Hillary go nuclear on the Rezko deal certainly shows how the mighty have fallen.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:01:25 GMT

TM (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:45 AM)

All the "respected research" showed she would lose NH by up to 12%. Huh, funny how that didn't happen.

Polls are a snapshot - one moment in time in which seemingly average people report an intention to a pollster.

People change their minds. Things happen.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

sam, nj — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:03:03 GMT

Bill Clinton will go into the history as the one who killed a woman or a black becoming a president and killed the chance of youth, independent and republicans voting for a democratic candidate. He killed the chance of Gore becoming president in 2000. He does it again.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Shoray D, Plano, Texas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:03:34 GMT

First time voter. Just became a proud US citizen. Have had strong inclination to the Republican party
in the past and would have voted Republican if it was not for Senator Obama...The only person that can bring this country together with his open mind approach...to get things done; social security, healthcare, quality education, national security...He will also change how the rest of the world perceives this great nation. There are millions in the world excited about a new approach...The old ways have not worked... Give the US and this world a chance at happiness and prosperity.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

TheProfessor — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:04:27 GMT

WCB, Cincinnati (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:11 AM)

1-LOL
2-I'm for it
3-No, Obama will probably be ready to be President by then. Chelsea will have to wait her turn...
4-She'll crush the republican nominee, as those numbers mean about as much as any polling done TEN MONTHS FROM AN EVENT. LOL
5-Who'd we miss last time? DEAN? Were you even old enough to vote then? LOL
6-Is that a question, or a plea to clap as hard as we can so Tinkerbelle will survive?

If you were a democrat to your core, you wouldn't post crap like this that disrespects one of the greatest women in American history, one who is on the verge of becoming the leader of the free world. Would a democrat, 'to the core", disrespect their fellow democrats, a majority of whom have so far favored Clinton so far, simply because your choice looks more and more like a loser?

Just another blind cultist who doesn't grasp that there is a huge difference between ANY democrat and ANY republican.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Kiku, Old Greenwich, CT — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:06:43 GMT

My favorite Hillary quote:

“Don’t leave any fingerprints.” White House adviser George Stephanopoulos recalled her explaining, “You have to be much craftier behind the scenes.”

http://www.newsweek.com/id/81600

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

ObamaRama — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:10:24 GMT

"All the respected research shows that Clinton is far too polarizing to win win a general election, ergo she is not electable and is therefore should be considered irrelevant."

If she floats, she's made of wood and wood burns, ergo, she's a witch! All of the respected research says so...lol

You Obama-cultists crack me up!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Aaron, Iraq — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:10:44 GMT

I will be honest, I was a big Bill Clinton fan, but never really cared for Hillary. Lately however, I can't stand either one -- it's getting very visceral for me. I see them dragging the democratic party and our country down the same path Bush and Rove took us down. Our country is at the lowest point it has been in decades and needs someone to unify us and give us hope and vision again. The Clintons seem to only know how to fight and play politics. I never thought I would say this, but I will not be voting for the deocratic nominee if it is the Clintons. I will probably just not vote -- which I suspect a lot of voters who have felt so energized by Obama will do also. Even is she were to win, the slash and burn will leave such a bad taste in everyone's mouths except for the diehard Clinton supporters that we will be no better off than we are now.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Mel — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:11:07 GMT

See this is the problem everybody wants to attack Hillary. Its hard to do when Kenneth Starr and the republicans turned upside down, inside out and still
hard believe for some found nothing. She has given back campaign fund from Hsu. And I just read the Chicago-Times and it appears at the very least he took $252,000 from Rezko, it does not state anywhere that he has returned the money. It is as stated that Rezko stoled from the Illinois Teachers Pension.

See the one thing that turned me off was when Obama said he would play Chicago style politics, which sadly at my age it reminds me of alot of corruption. Looking back when Kennedy was elected. At least with Clinton's I know what we got, with Obama its sleazier, and dirtier then the Clinton's.

SO TEACHERS I WOULD ADVISE YOU TO REALLY THINK ABOUT THIS DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO'S FRIEND/BUSINESS PARTNER STOLED FROM YOU. HE ISN'T ALL THAT.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:12:05 GMT

For those who support Obama it is intertesting to note that 62% of Hispanic's in Nevada picked Hillary considering Super Tuesday is coming up with states like Cali., N.M., Arizona, N.J. and N.Y. with big hispanic population. As a result of the xenophobia and the right wing social conservatism Republican party can not rely on the first and second largest minorities in this country. Furthermore, Hillary is getting a big chunk of votes from lower and middle class woman;theirfore do not delude yourself into believing that Hillary can't get the presidency. Lets not forget it's the economy stupid.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Justin Curry — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:20:08 GMT

Let me start by saying I'm a 30-something independent who voted for Bush in 2000 and Kerry in 2004. This year I planned on voting for either democrat that received the nomination - more hoping for Obama.

With that said, after how I've seen the Clinton's campaign of just trying to smear Obama, I find it hard to vote for Hillary even if I didn't want a Republican in the White House again. I suspect the rest of the general public might feel the same way in the general election. Just a thought.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Patrick Casey Salt Lake City, Ut — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:27:06 GMT

Its not the GOP regorgitating Obamas attacks that Hillary has to worry about, if she wins. MSNBC will make sure every negative thing they can dig up on the Clintons will get prime coverage.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Tommy — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:27:25 GMT

I'm sure there is a reason why this wasn't covered...could it be Obama's stimulus plan received an A- and Clinton's a C

HERE IS MORE EVIDENCE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/22/AR2008012202614.html?hpid=opinionsbox1 OBAMA STIMULUS PLAN EARNS HIGHEST MARKS

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Red, Cool Springs — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:27:48 GMT

I'm old enough to remember the years Hillary was working for Wal-Mart. My Wal-Mart advertised BUY AMERICAN MADE FIRST, they also had lables on shelves with USA made on them. They also bosted signs around the store saying what a large percent of USA products they had. Things did change, but maybe because the founder of Wal-Mart died and the share holders got a taste of greed. Obama your in a mess. You are crying foul because Bill is supporting Hillary, isn't your wife supporting you? Your wife drew the race card into the vote. Being white, I am really upset about that. I have spent my life trying to be one people, no matter the color of skin. But when your wife ask for votes because of the color of skin, I don't know about anyone else but it makes me uncomfortable like I have done something wrong. I can't help being born white, but I have been taught we are one people. I feel like your campaign is trying to separate us.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Frankie Crosby, Columbus Georgia. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:27:56 GMT

OMG!!

Domenico, msnbc, "there you go again" As Ronald Reagan said to "little Jimmy."

The debate was a DRAW, well I guess you "figgered it." But I suggest you go back to the drawing board....

Yup, "there you go again."

To quote Ronald Reagan, who is Obama's trajectory changer along with the "party of ideas" for the last ten to fifteen years.... This is Obama's criticism of the Republicans... Oh Yeah right un hu.. Domenico, you can't spin the (BS) past us, like I have been telling you, we are smarter than you think, and in many cases smarter that you....

So in the debate, Obama's attempt at damage control of slipping his Ronald Reagan Gaff, by saying, "the Reagan Democrats voted AGAINST THEIR BEST INTEREST" was what he was really saying.... So in other words, the REAGAN DEMOCRATS are/were stupid and now he wants those who, 'stupidly' voted for Ronald Reagan.... to vote for him?... Hum well the blind can see, the cripple can walk, and now I want all you "stupid" voters to vote for me... Ha, yeah, that one was really well thought out wasn't it? Obama was pandering for votes in NV, and there is nothing wrong with that... That's what politicians do. But the first rule of holes is when you find yourself in one STOP DIGGING.

A debate "we" thought was a draw, why is it that msnbc specializes in distortion with malicious intent... What is it that msnbc fears about the Clinton's? Your dumb downed pandering to Obama is obvious beyond any reasonable doubt. A third grade wannabee Lawyer could convict you and most of your colleagues at msnbc in court. I realize because of your position, you think that if you say something a few times it just becomes true...

The Clinton's have been chastised, boiled, scrutinized, crucified and more... by the media, and now "YOUR BABY" Obama, is taking a little heat.... Maybe you should all get together at msnbc and start crying, it worked for Hillary...Yeah, you should try following Hillary's example because you certainly don't have ANY NEW IDEAS OF YOUR OWN...

Among people who think and understand just the basics of debating 101, Hillary won... No it was not a knock out, but clearly she bested him including the news media now going after Obama's South Side, dealings with Rezko... Does anyone wonder why it took so long.... Tell us Domenico, why is MSNBC and CNN so slow....

Lets get a couple of things straight, Domenico, and for those who's only contributions to this site is name calling and slandering others who don't agree with you political choices, ideas, and idologies...

There are no angles in Presidential Politics, Obama is cold, calculating, and has political baggage, he has no problems "stretching" the truth and spinning things to his advantage...

It was his decision to take on the Clinton's, the extreme left, Teddy Kennedy, John Kerry, Tom Daschle, and others, who, have all FAILED with their own **hopes** of being president have rallied around, Obama.... And now are BEGGING the Clinton's to go easy on him.... Unbelievable!!

Bill Clinton's favorable rating among core Democrats is 83%, far, far, above the cry babies above. For the mega mouthed "minority" of Democrats that don't like Bill Clinton, and constantly scream that the Clinton's can't get elected.... Why not? They have already beat the Republicans two times!! You are dreaming when you try to "force feed" the rest of us with you shallow weak arguments.... "We" don't buy it, we don't even consider it, and, we are the majority, not the (minority.)

The Republicans absolutely fear the Clinton's, with very good reason... If Hillary is the nominee it is basically a done deal that she will beat the Republicans, and they know it... So for weak minds, Republicans spin and say they want Hillary Clinton because of her polarization and negatives.... But in a more truthful scenario they don't want Hillary, and they certainly don't want Bill... In a championship bout, nobody wants to re-fight someone who has knocked them out twice... Nobody!! Strategically speaking... they much prefer Obama, or Edwards, with these guys at least they feel they have a fighting chance...

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

cnewsom, nashville,TN — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:28:54 GMT

Hilary said, "I believe what you say and do matters."

Boy! If Hilary ends up the nominee, won't the Republicans enjoy making her eat those words!!

In the Clintons eagerness to destroy Obama they will end up with a HUUUUUGE foot in their mouth, while the Republican's, once again, run off with the White House!

I can't believe how the Democratic Party is sitting back allowing the Clintons to divide the party and destroy the chances of a Democratic President.

Yes you can, Obama!!! The question is why do you even want to bother!!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Dee, Desoto, TX — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:28:58 GMT

For me this does not even compare with Bill Clinton lying on National TV, disgracing the White House, impreacment and being connected with White Water, the botch handling Universal Health Care, need I go on. If this is all they got on Obama we are in good shape. NEXT

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Bob, NY, NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:29:19 GMT

Rezko is bigger news as everyone knows about Hillary's association with Walmart and she never tried to hide it. Obama has tried to come across as this squeaky clean politican and his dancing around Rezko at the debate is now coming back to haunt him.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Jeanne GA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:30:10 GMT

I think Obama supporters need to do just basic research on this guy because we know less than nothing about him right now. Wheres the beef?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Rob in the West — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:33:38 GMT

WCB in Cincinnati... why didn't you ask these questions when George W. Bush ran in 2000, 8 years after his father left the White House? And would you be saying the same things about "dynasty" if Jeb Bush had decided to run this time?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Anne C., York, PA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:39:35 GMT

Excuse me, but there happens to be one really good, decent human being in this Democratic race, and his name is John Edwards. Unlike both Clinton & Obama, he has never taken money from corporate lobbyists, and his campaign has not been bought & paid for by the insurance, defense, coal, and nuclear industries. Those of you who think Obama has not taken oodles of corporate cash are misinformed or are hinding your heads in the sand. If they were so serious about public campaign financing, then why aren't they using it for their campaigns, like Sen. Edwards is? He will be beholden to nobody except the American people when he is elected.

And most of you are missing the point about Rezko. His wife bought the parcel of land adjoining Obama's because the owner would not sell the parcel with the house unless the other parcel was sold at the same time. Obama could not afford the asking price of the parcel with the house on it, so Rezko's wife paid $600,000 for the separate parcel so that Obama could get the house & land for $300,000 less than asking price. I ask you, why did Obama HAVE to have a home he couldn't afford, and how many of US have wealthy friends who could do us the "favor" of shelling out $600,000 for us so we could buy the house we had to have, even if we couldn't really afford it. This speaks volumes about Obama and his priorities.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

jcheeseman, richford, vt. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:46:01 GMT

I think Obama found out that attacking Hillary was a big mistake. She fired right back in the last debate. I think she is one tough cookie and can well lead our country. She has my vote. I still think Obama is an empty suit and now he is shocked that people would dare to question his motives. Grow up Obama - no one is going to roll over and play dead for your lofty ideals - we need plans. Be a worker - not a preacher.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

RMCC, Kansas City, MO — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:46:18 GMT

After reading some of the messages by fellow Americans, it is good to see that there exist some who are able to see beyond the haze the Clinton's and the news media are casting upon eyes of American voters. Negative rhetoric (and it's only negative if what is said and/or written are untrue...LIES) is the very thing that Americans have got to stop accepting.
Because the average American spends no time researching the news media's choices for delivered campaign information, the Clinton's say and do anything on the campaign trail to get a "Heads Up" on their opponents. Example:The media delivered a fraction of what was spoken at the recent debate (01/21/07), but continue to deliver the comeback remark that Hillary made regarding Obama's dealings with Mr. Rezko to keep the fight and ignorance of the truth going. What was Obama's response to her accusations of "...dealings with a Slum Lord"? Unless you have cable TV and can hope for a rebroadcast of the complete exchange, we'll never know! The news media has chosen to spend much, much time feeding the public rhetoric without living up to their responsibility to INFORM THE PUBLIC! Only when their access to information is denied, do they cite the constitution and their right to information. America, wake up and stop responding to media campaign sound bites that only perpetuate ignorance and the same old Asmerican habits of clinging to the "familiar." Please, America, vote intelligently. You saw what happened in 2004 with people using the stupid excuse for voting for Bush (for a second term)..."Well, we shouldn't vote for a new president, because it's not wise to change the Commander in Chief in the midst of a war." How can anybody justify supporting a person who has already led you into a war, a black hole, a ditch, with no plan or strategy to get out of the mess?!
Americans have got to demand that the media deliver campaign news in an informative, useful, and constructive manner. Only then will the majority of voters cast their votes responsibly and become a nation of thinkers and not those who are more than willing to be inadequately fed and led around by the nose into the realm of familiarity and regret!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Polarbear, Anchorage, Alaska — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:47:18 GMT

Hillary Clinton is the only Democratic candidate tough enough to win the general election, tough enough to get her agenda accomplished, and tough enough to lead our country back to global repectability. Barack Obama is a good man, but he is not ready for primetime yet. I want that Clinton political machine working for me. Let Obama get the right experience as Vice President.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Jen palmharbor Fl. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:47:30 GMT

Time to step aside and give the lady a seat Mr Obama. She deserves it more than you do right now.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

J Hallmark — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:47:32 GMT

It should be clear by now that if the Rezco thing is the only "dirt" you folks in the media can find on Obama, then the digging has been slim. Do you all just sit around and take notes from Hill/Bill and print your column. After the debate, I watched CNN twice show the WalMart line and Hillary's Rezco crap and they didn't show Senator Obama's response to her. Chris Matthews did the same thing.

No one in the media has bothered to call her on her resume. She was a corporate lawyer for many years and sat on the board of several companies after her husband became governor of Arkansas which requires you to show up once a month or less and collect a fat fee. (My late husband sat on a board, so I can speak to this matter) When you really look at her resume, it is as thin as her work in the Senate and that is saying a lot about her. No substantive legislation has she sponsored except the flag burning. No wonder Bill had so many girlfriends, she was off running around on her "35 years of experience" thingy. No one ever mentions that it took an army to quell all the bimbo tell alls. Do you really think he has stopped his dalliance and the Republicans won't dig it up.

I'm a life long Democrat, but I will just sit this election out before voting for Hillary/Bill. It should tell the people something that her toughness is so shilarious that she has to have an Evita moment ,then call her husband in to handle the tough issue. They are such a tawdry couple.

Why don't you ask the folks of South Carolina how they like her dissing them while running after the fat cats around the country. Maybe those white folks would like to vote with the blacks for Obama.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:47:37 GMT

FOR THOSE TOO LAZY TO DO THE RESEARCH HERE ARE THE FACTS!!!

MR. RUSSERT: Let's turn to the Democrats. That's it...

MS. GOODWIN: A perfect transition.

MR. RUSSERT: Perfect segue.

And one of the things that happened this week was Barack Obama gave an interview to the Reno Gazette-Journal. And he began to talk about ideas, Ronald Reagan, Democrats. This is what Obama said.

(Videotape, Monday):

SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D-IL): I think it's fair to say the Republicans were the party of ideas for a pretty long chunk of time there over the last 10, 15 years, in the sense that they were challenging conventional wisdom.

Ronald Reagan changed the trajectory of America in a way that, you know, Richard Nixon did not and in a way that Bill Clinton did not. He put us on a fundamentally different path because the country was ready for it.

He tapped into what people were already feeling, which is we want clarity, we want optimism, we want, you know, a return to that sense of dynamism and, you know, entrepreneurship that had been missing.

(End videotape)

MR. RUSSERT: His opponents...

MS. NOONAN: Good stuff.

MR. RUSSERT: His opponents, John Edwards and Hillary Clinton, immediately pounced on those comments. Here's what they said.

(Videotape, Tuesday):

MR. JOHN EDWARDS: Senator Obama, when speaking, used Ronald Reagan, President Ronald Reagan, as an example of change. Now, my view is, I would never use Ronald Reagan as an example of change.

(End videotape)

(Videotape, Friday):

Senator HILLARY CLINTON (Democrat, New York): My leading opponent the other day said that he thought the Republicans had better ideas than Democrats the last 10 to 15 years. That's not the way I remember the last 10 to 15 years.

(End videotape)

MS. NORRIS: Yeah.

MS. GOODWIN: You know, it's a sad point in our history when a presidential candidate cannot look back over the course of our history and show admiration for a president who did what he said. He didn't really say that he had better ideas, he said that he had transformed the country, created a conservative movement. Now, I can understand why Edwards and Hillary take that point up, but I think what's happening here is that Hillary has a sense of playing to the base, as Edwards was, and the base doesn't like Ronald Reagan. They don't like Bush. But what Obama was trying to say was, if you want a transformative presidency, if you want somebody who is going to be able, as Teddy Roosevelt was, as FDR was, as perhaps John Kennedy was, to inspire and move the country forward, you've got to have those skills that Ronald Reagan had. It's an historical fact! There was nothing wrong with saying that.

MR. RUSSERT: Interestingly enough, the Salmon Press in New Hampshire, which endorsed Hillary Clinton, cited as one of the reasons that, when they talked to her in the interview, she listed Ronald Reagan as one of her favorite presidents.

MS. NOONAN: That's right.

MR. BROKAW: May I have a cheap, self-serving moment? In my book, "Boom"...

MS. GOODWIN: Of course.

MR. RUSSERT: A best seller! "Boom," by Tom Brokaw.

MR. BROKAW: ...she says that Ronald Reagan plays the music beautifully, and she talked about how he balanced the interests of the middle class and took on the Soviets. What was also in that speech, or that remark that Obama gave, I thought didn't get enough attention probably, was how he dissed Bill Clinton.

MS. GOODWIN: Yeah.

MS. NOONAN: Yeah.

MR. BROKAW: I mean, he threw him overboard. He said he didn't have any new ideas.

MS. NOONAN: Yeah.

MR. BROKAW: And John Edwards may forget that what Ronald Reagan did was create a whole new class of voters...

MS. GOODWIN: Right.

MR. BROKAW: ...that Peggy, especially, is familiar with, called Reagan Democrats.

MS. NOONAN: Yeah, baby.

MR. BROKAW: A lot of people came across the line.

MR. RUSSERT: Did...

MS. NOONAN: Absolutely.

MS. NORRIS: Which is why John Edwards' statement was so surprising.

MR. BROKAW: Yeah.

MS. NORRIS: Because I mean, if you--if you look at his stump speeches, if you look at, you know, the proposals that he's putting forth, they're clearly aimed at Reagan Democrats.

MR. BROKAW: Yeah.

MS. NORRIS: So why he would stand up on the stump and pillory Reagan, I thought was curious.

MR. BROKAW: Did anyone else...

MS. NOONAN: I think Obama looked gracious, I must say. I thought he looked above the fray and gracious. And I thought he was echoing Pat Moynihan, Democratic--former Democratic Senator Pat Moynihan's statement in 1979, "Of a sudden, the Republican Party is the party of ideas." That's what he was trying to say.

MR. RUSSERT: Well, I'll further...

MS. NOONAN: He was trying to say, "Look"...

MR. RUSSERT: I'll further complicate this conversation.

MS. NOONAN: Oh, good.

MS. GOODWIN: All right.

MR. RUSSERT: Because Moynihan did say exactly that. And in 2002, after the Democrats lost the midterm elections, William Jefferson Clinton said, "The Democrats have to have ideas to win. We are MIA, missing in action on national security and have no positive plan for America's domestic future."

MS. GOODWIN: Wow.

MR. RUSSERT: Compare that to what President Clinton said Friday in Nevada about Barack Obama's comments about Ronald Reagan.

(Videotape, January 18, 2008):

MR. BILL CLINTON: Her principal opponent said that since 1992, the Republicans have had all the good ideas. It goes along with that plan to ask the Republicans to become Democrats for a day and caucus with you tomorrow, and then go back and become Republicans so they can participate in the Republican primary. I'm not making this up, folks.

LINK: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22754999/page/3/

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

RS in FLA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:49:55 GMT

I smartened up and chose and voted by mail for the best candidate. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Felix, Littleton CO — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:54:01 GMT

The fact that the Clintons' strategy is to try to bring Obama down to their level, to portray him as being just as sleazy as they are, says it all.

If the worst things they can say about Obama is that he has a donor or two almost as problematic as a half dozen of their donors or that a vote of his was just as bad as a vote of Hillary Clinton's, we should all pay attention to what they are saying about themselves. Basically the message seems to be "Don't vote for Obama because he's almost as bad as Senator Clinton." And of course Obama would have to fall a lot farther to come close to being able to compete with the Clintons on those terms so it just points out many, many fewer possible scandals could ever be connected with Obama as compared to either of the Clintons.

Does he have a top adviser as Rovian as Hillary's Penn? Does he have a donor as antithetical to everything Democrats care about as Rupert Murdock? Has his campaign sent out any attacks on a par with all the garbage about Obama being a secret Muslim plant who won't swear on a bible or say the pledge of allegiance being sent out by Clinton "supporters"? Do his people bring up anything as personal about Hillary as do members of her campaign never missing an opportunity to remind everyone of Obama's teenage cocaine use? There certainly are enough nasty stories out there that Obama could be sending out a surrogate with a new one every day if he wanted to. And some of them would even be true.

In trying to drag Obama down and keep him on the defensive they are just reminding us why it is people don't like Hillary Clinton and why it's getting harder to remember why we liked Bill so much. When he's not narrowing his eyes and pointing his finger he's smirking with disdain. His best weapon was always his charm and there is NO charm in the way he is attacking Obama for his wife. It is also completely undignified and unseemly in a former President and party elder statesman.

Personally, I don't look forward to spending 8 years down in the partisan dirt with this selfish, entitled power couple. I would much rather spend it with the Obamas. As for experience, they're both Senators and he's held elected office longer. He's also smart enough to surround himself with the best just as the inexperienced JFK did. Clinton pays way too much attention to attacking enemies and punishing any one who crosses her A Clinton Presidency will not be conducted on a high plane to say the least.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Debra Austin, Texas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:54:04 GMT

TM, don't blame the boomers this time. I'm 55 and all my friends are for Obama; black, white, female and male, Latino. It's the seniors that are scared. I hear it in my mother's voice. It's easy to go to what you know rather than take a chance. They've settled on the old Democratic Party's choice of pandering to the 'demographic' special interests where everybody is going to get ALL they want, just drink the Kool-Aid.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

cal — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:57:53 GMT

Why isn't anyone talking about Clinton, Mark Penn and Abu DHabi?

"It's about people."

It's at least about two people.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

wavey — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:04:36 GMT

THIS IS THE LEGITIMATE REZKO EVERYWHERE STORY.
PLEASE PASS IT ALONG.

GO TO OBAMA FACTCHECK.

YOUR FELLOW JOURNALISTS ARE REPORTING THE TRUTH--
-The Chicago Tribune and the Washington Post

YOUR FELLOW JOURNALISTS ARE EXPOSING THE CLINTONS' TRUTH-TWISTING TALES AGAIN.

WHY DO THE CLINTONS DO THIS?

RE: Rezko- Look at Obama Factcheck: http://factcheck.barackobama.com/

"I want to campaign the same way I govern, which is to respond directly and forcefully with the truth,"
Barack Obama, 11/08/07

Chicago Tribune, Factcheck.Org, Washington Post: Obama Never Represented Tony Rezko
January 23, 2008

HILLARY WAS NOT TELLING THE TRUTH.
Obama did not say it. Obama did not do it.

What about HILLARY FILEGATE?

Why won’t Hillary release the files of her time as an unelected co-president in the Clinton administration? Is Hillary taking us back to Nixon and the demand for Nixon to release the tapes?

RELEASE THE FILES HILLARY!!
RELEASE THE FILES TODAY HILLARY!!

Thank you.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Charles P. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:05:10 GMT

The democrats are again on the path of losing (or coming close to) a sure election. The antics of Bill and Hill are turning everyone against them and reminding us of what we didnt like about them and the Bushes for the past 20 years. I liked the first Clinton years but the personalities are in so much deficit.

It is clear from Baracks win and approach in IA that he would rather not dirty fight but float above the old way of campaigning. The Clinton's made sure he couldnt? Blame him for responding? Maybe, but look what happened to Kerry and Mcain 2000 against Bush. It is easier for a dirty fighter to drag one down than vice-versa due to our society itself whose interest is piqued more by slime.

We are to blame for our current leader and our poor economy. In a country of smart people who could give us prosperity we chose Bush. We keep choosing the dirty fighter and allowing the politics of destruction to sway us.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Shtuey — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:05:36 GMT

Obama IS just another politician, and it's about time that Firstread bloggers, and everyone else finally accepted it. He's no saint, no savior. He's in bed with the same corrupt Chicago political machine that spawned many an Illinois politician. Stop treating him like he's special and different. He's not.

As for Senator Clinton and Wal-Mart it is in fact a big story, but one you won't cover properly. She joined the board in an attempt to steer the company toward having more fair work place practices for women. The record, if you took the time to examine it, bears this out. But I wouldn't expect msnbc to report that since it would only demonstrate that Clinton's activism goes beyond her tenure in the Senate, and as a First Lady. She made about $100,000 in salary over the period of time she served on the board. She most definately was not in bed with Wal-Mart as you undoubtedly want to say, but can't because it isn't true.

The reason why the Obama/Rezko story is getting, and should continue to get a lot of play, is that Obama has gone around the country with his medicine show act telling everyone he's a different politician, that he's going to change Washington. How can anyone take that seriously when his campaign is in bed with the same forces that have made Washington what it is? Now it's not just his history on Iraq that is a fairy tale, it's his entire "Hope and Change" show that's a fiction too.

The difference between Clinton and Obama on this is that Clinton isn't running around the country telling everyone that she's squeaky clean when she's not. She takes her money, she greases the wheels, and plays the games that politicians play and doesn't pretend her sh!% doesn't stink, unlike Obama. But she has a record of activism that demonstrates that she is able to take her access and use it for the benefit of those who don't have the money to drink from the well. Would it be more ideal for her not to take that money? Of course, but this is the world we live in. Yes, it sucks, but let's not pretend with Obama that we live in some magic play land where money doesn't talk. President Clinton took the money as well, and still managed to balance the budget, generate a budget surplus, create jobs and the largest economy this country has ever seen, while passing history making environmental protections. The Clinton administration also didn't shred the Constitution with illegal wire taps, suspension of habeus corpus, etc while creating the nation's largest deficit in history so he could line the pockets of his friends with no-bid contracts in a fake war. So what's the problem?

Instead of trying to annoint St. Barack, why don't you talk a bit more about the most profound moment in this election so far; Martin Luther King III's letter to Edwards. With msnbc fanning the flames of the race/gender issue, why not point out again, and with some prominance, that it is the white Southerner that is carrying the mantle of Martin Luther King Jr, fighting for the poor and working class; fighting for economic equity and social equality? But that's a non-story for you since it won't let you bash Hillary, or praise Obama.

Wake up sheep! You have nothing to lose but your chains!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Stacy, where the sun shines, NH — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:05:52 GMT

I swear if we go another four year with a village idiot (or two in the case of the Clinton's) I may have to move abroad....far far away. We have already wasted 8 years on a typical politician who was only elected out of fear, and we got more things to fear as a result. I say NEW NEW NEW!!! If you want "change" you do not re hire a dud!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

AP from IL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:12:18 GMT

Disappointed in Charlotte raises a great point. Pat Buchanan's so called analysis on MSNBC is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to cram Hillary down everyone's throat. It's fairly obvious that his goal in life is to make her the Republican party's opponent in the fall. He knows that she will be defeated in a swell of unifying hatred.

Don't any Hillary supporters wonder why a dyed in the wool conservative like him would shower the Clintons with admiration while reinforcing the negative against Obama day after day? It's called a set up.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Bruce, Bethesda, Maryland — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:16:15 GMT

"Then again, the point of the Clintons pushing Rezko is to make Obama look like just another politician who got caught up with a questionable donor. And if the Clintons can prove Obama's no better than them then they can beat him on other points." Amazing to me that the Clintons get equal standing in the question of truth telling. What would Hillary have been able to say about Barack if he, rather than Bill, had repeatedly lied while under oath and been disbarred for doing it? Is it legally permissible for either of them to accuse someone else of making misrepresentations? I guess so, but the voters don't have to buy it. Many aren't, I hope enough. Personlly I am stealing myself to vote for McCain if necessary. First requirement for consent of the governed: their leaders have earned their trust. Barack is the real deal.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

PhillyEagles, philadelphia,pa — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:00:56 GMT

J Merle Stanley. If there was anything to report of substance with the Rezko-Obama relationship, trust me, it would have been reported. The media is not that slow to run after what could be a juicy story. So Rezko helped him find a nice house, so f..ing what? Would you like to find a realtor that can get you a nice house in a nice neighborhood for a nice discount? I bet your answer will be yes. The donations Rezko has contributed and helped contribute have been fished out and donated to charity. What else does anyone have to say about all this Rezko nonsense. I wish Hillary will talk about her contributors. And to all who think Hillary can stand against the republicans, please think again. There is too much UNAIRED dirt with Hillary and Bill. Bills overinvolvement in his wife's campaign has reached its platueau, everything that comes up must surely come down. I will guess it will probably start crashing down on them both very soon. Remember, when it comes to campaign contributions, she is the shadiest in this whole campaign.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

judesuper — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:01:13 GMT

Barack please get back on message. You are not going to win the scum, spin Clinton lie machine war by trying to participate in it. When shrill Hill or lying Bill starts up just smile and point to them and ask, “Do you want 4 more years of this? This is not change, this is more of the exact same politics we have in the White house right now. How is this any different then the Rove Swift Boat campaigns?”

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Kiku — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:04:29 GMT

With regard to the comparison of Obama's bad judgment on a land deal with Rezco to Hillary's vote on the war:

One was legal, above board, hurt no one, but maybe Obama's reputation, and was "boneheaded".

Hillary's vote led to the death of over 150,000 people; bankrupted the US with private no-bid contracts; completely missed the mark for moving us toward energy independence and alternative energy; undermined the Constitution; and for lack of attention, allowed Al Qeada to grow.

I'll take an upright but boneheaded decision any day.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Heather, Seattle, WA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:06:24 GMT

IF we can drag out Rezko, why does it seem to be out of bounds to bring up Whitewater, and some...uh...documents that seem to be locked away in a library somewhere? The Clintons are both walking around with dirty little hands, but no one ever seems to bring it up. To me, their legal troubles are far more significant that Obama's acquaintance with a sleazy landowner.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Charles NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:07:23 GMT

Sen. Obama is good man but a real light weight. He can't take a punch. Hillary has such command of the issues, such confidence in her positions that if she were not carrying all that Clinton Baggage(namely her husband) there would be no contest. - Senator Obama is currently beginning to be a bit of a rehearsed manufactured bore - when he is not scripted and delivering mountain top speeches - hillary seems to make him shake. I think he prefers taking on Bill - ' cause she is much too tough

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Barbara C., Pompano Beach, FL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:11:38 GMT

Here's a thought -- There are quite a few comments out there I have ran into on the left side, who are NOT happy with the way the Clintons are running their campaign and feel like I do...that they also, do not want to relive the 1990's or have a co-presidency come 2009. Also, I have run into quite a few people out there in Left Land that will NOT vote for Hillary but will cross party lines in the Fall. So...for all the bad press Obama or Edwards is getting, there is some food for thought out there. Hillary may win the Nomination...but will she win the General Election?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

BDubya — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:17:25 GMT

It schould be remembered that Hillary left the state when she realized she was going to lose. It tells you something about the Clintons, they no longer have the black vote so throw them of the bus to make room for there new Latino best friends out west. Whatever
it takes bring about the new Clinton dynasty will be done. God Help Us All.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Kiku — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:17:41 GMT

John: you accuse MSM writers who criticize Hillary of jealousy, small mindedness, misogyny, and nihilism.

Hillary tried to prevent people from voting in NV. She has lied about Obama's record. Even her supporters are speaking out against her.

Hillary is using every trick she can to win. In so doing, she is violating many Democratic values and insulting many people. It makes people justifiably mad. She's hoping she can get away with it long enough before people start to see it.

Just like Hillary, her supporters won't give her responsibility for her actions, but blame others.

Not cribbing, all is fair in love and war. Just stating the truth.

Game is up. We see it.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

BDubya — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:19:24 GMT

It schould be remembered that Hillary left the state when she realized she was going to lose. It tells you something about the Clintons, they no longer have the black vote so throw them off the bus to make room for there new Latino best friends out west. Whatever
it takes bring about the new Clinton dynasty will be done. God Help Us All.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:23:51 GMT

Yes, the Clintons (amazing how they are running together, like the Perons I and II) have scored a victory in forcing Obama to answer their ludicrous charges. They have succeeded in pulling him off message and into the dirt where the Clintons thrive. They may win the battle but they will lose the war. And we the American people will pay the price.

I work in one of the few Democratic counties in upstate NY (Broome) and although this is anecdotal, I can honestly say that there is vehement anti-Hillary sentiment up here (again, to keep things honest, this is coming from a vehement Obama supporter). People, with whom I work and speak, both Republicans and Democrats have varying degrees of interest in Obama. Some have big man-crushes (like me) and others vary from real to mild interest. All would consider him as a presidential candidate. Sort of like the transformational candidacy of Reagan...no? It's just that this would be a coalition of Dems, Indies and some moderate Repubs where Reagan worked it from the other side. Hillary, on the other hand, engenders incredible animosity (and it's mostly about the Bill and Hillary team); people just don't want that psycho-drama, that dishonesty, that mess, back in the White House, again. They don't buy the propaganda that Bill was the greatest thing since sliced bread and although they recognize the failure of the Bush administration, most would state that comparing anyone to Bush, is lowering the bar significantly.

Sure, the Clintons will carry, LA and NYC and even Chicago (if they're the Dem nominee) but in purple and red areas they're a lost cause. And there's a reason for this. People, who are not loyal Democrats, just don't and won't buy their gig. If anyone had doubts about her positions on the war, Bill's ridiculous comparison between her and Obama's stance on the war has infuriated them. If any were concerned about the Clintons' long history of questionable campaign contributions and cloudy associations with corporate entities, comparing this to Barack's association with Antoin Rezko, becomes laughable. If any of them wonder how the Clintons will govern, they only have to look to how Bill's administration ran his White House and how Hillary and her surrogates have run a scurrilous campaign that is wraught with lies and innuendo.

I hope that Obama can get back on message and leave the swine in the mud. If he can continue with his positive message he will continue on his path to victory.

The Clintons have dragged out everything against him that they can (and he has spoken about it all in the past) but I guarantee that there is more Clinton stuff just waiting in the wings. The Republicans will just love to bring it out; they have anti-Hillary game books (anti-Hillary and anti-Bill gamebooks, that is) just ready and waiting to be used. It's unfortunate but anyone reading this knows that I speak the truth.

For me, I was against Hillary, initially, because of her stance on the war. But, as I have watched Hillary and Bill perform during this campaign, I was re-awakened to memories of them that I had kept buried in subconscious because of my fervent attempts to defend them against the 'vast right-wing conspiracy' of the nineties (and I do believe that one did exist - even though Bill gave them lots of material with which to work). But now, perhaps because I am now older and wiser and perhaps because I now have a real candidate who I enthusiastically support, a candidate who I think has the ability to bring this nation together, I realize that the Clintons represent the worst political poison that is on the American scene today.

Yes, they are smart, but their unabashed hunger for power makes them very dangerous. Their politics of expediency benefits only them and if Hillary is the Democratic nominee, I will work for a third party candidate (I am confident that Bloomberg will run if Hillary is the nominee) to make sure that the Clintons are not re-elected. She is not the Democratic alternative to the present administration. Obama is the intelligent and capable candidate of hope. He is America's future.
Obama '08

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Mark Thieme — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:25:48 GMT

Rezko is a red herring and it is part of the game.

Almost everyone has known, perhaps even benefited from a friend, or a friend of a friend, with a shady background.

The Clintons have, as have most succesful people.

Truman was helped in his early career by an infamous crook in Kansas City...Kennedy...LBJ... well need I say more? How about Ronnie, Nancy, and Frank? GHW Bush had his skeleton hidden away in a Houston closet (too bad the Clintons blackmailed him with it, or everyone would know her name)...

So Saint Obama has a snarky friend. Everybody who does not have a snark or two in their past, present, or future, stand proud!

You probably are a snark if you stood up too quickly.

GWB, for one, jumps up too fast, as do his more-Christian-than-anybody buddies.

Let's try and elect a human being this time... huh?

I'd take Kennedy in the Cuban missile crisis over Jerry Falwell (RIP) shoveling squat on the pickle patch.

But then, that's just me.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

mike, dallas, TX — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:26:52 GMT

Memo to MSNBC and Nora Odonell

I heard Nora reporting repeatedly that Obama "snapped" at a reporter. The reality is that is untrue and an exaggeration not supported by the video captured during that exchange. I hope Nora and MSNBC will do the right thing by bringing this to light.

Here is the link to the video.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/horsesmouth/2008/01/abc_news_badly.php

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

j fl — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:28:11 GMT

Barbara, yes, she will.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

MK,MO — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:29:37 GMT

hillary nominated = republicans win

obama nominated = republicans win

edwards nominated = democrats win

just look at the posts on this blog, obama and hillary have divided the party, but most dems would vote for edwards if he were the nominee, the novelty candidates can’t win the general election, if you want to do something historic vote for edwards so he can give government back to the people

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

RGO, California — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:29:37 GMT

The Clinton's have Obama and all of his supporters right were they want them. Now its time to go in for the kill .... February 5 will speak volumes about the power of Clintons despite how corrupt they may or may not be .. mark my words.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

RGO, California — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:34:20 GMT

Barbara ..yes HRC can win the general election. Many of the GOP strategist have already concluded that especially if she runs against McCain. McCain is the most hated man in the GOP for going against the president on many KEY issues .... especially the Bush tax cuts which McCain declared only favored the wealthy. Remember, the majority of americans want the war in Iraq to end, McCain feels otherwise

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Lynn — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:34:52 GMT

Something just occurred to me. I think the Clintons are badly miscalculating. They think they can use these Bush-Rovian tactics and split the party during the primaries, but everybody who is upset will come running back and vote for Hillary in the General Election to avoid having a Republican in office. They think we'll all be just like the Republican voters, holding our noses and voting for Hillary despite the bad smell of the way she and Bill ran in the primaries.

Unfortunately for the Clintons, most of the Dems I know, who are completely fed up with the Clintons' tactics, are much more principled than most Republican voters. We will not hold our noses and vote for Hillary. Speaking for myself, because I see no difference between Hillary and Bush, I will have no problem whatsoever voting for McCain, although I suspect I might vote for Bloomberg if he runs (and if voting for him won't allow Hillary to win). Yes, I believe the Clintons are make a terrible miscalculation.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

JR, NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:35:33 GMT

The media is fueling the fire. Politicians are what they are. When Repubs take swipes at each other, thats ok! When Dems do it they are destroying the party. This is a lot of crap. Obama goes after Hillary's record all the time that's ok, but no one is allowed to confront Obama on his record or statements. That would be racist and the media loves to push the race element. Fact Check, says Hillary was too liberal for Walmart, pushing for equality of women. Evidently both Sam Walmart and Obama do not like Hillary pushing for equality. Obama does not want to look like a politician but obstaining from voting on sensitive issues so as not to offend the black community is pure politics as usual. Hillary was never status quo, she has always been in the fight for healthcare and issues for the middleclass. The GOP doesn't get it, its the economy stupid. Their tax cuts never changed my life style, only the upper class really benefited. The GOP have a real problem. Rudy is a lying jerk. Rommey is a flip flop wooden say anything anytime. McCain just doesn't get it. Why would we want another Bush/Regan wannabee, after they have destroyed this country.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Jonesy Jones, Sweet Water CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:51:27 GMT

RS in FLA - [ I smartened up and chose and voted by mail for the best candidate. Hillary Rodham Clinton. ]

If this is true, then it doesn't look like you are as smart as you think you are.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

Kathleen O'Malley, Boston — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:52:13 GMT

I totally agree with Lynn's sentiments above about Democrats NOT voting for Hillary if she gets the nomination. My husband, mother, father, sister and two brothers(and spouses) talked about this at a family gathering last weekend. We are ALL ardent Democrats! But, to a person, NONE of us will vote for Hillary - none! We are completely turned off by the Clintonian smear tactics. And we don't like the idea of putting Bill Clinton back in the White House to be a'behind the scenes' president. We all support Obama, save one - my brother-in-law likes Edwards! But none of us will vote for Hillary! I will probably go for McCain or Bloomberg. If neither of them run, I'll sit this one out. BUT - If the Democrats get smart and choose OBAMA, I'll be out there working to help him get elected!

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

JT Manager, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:54:46 GMT

Lets not forget it's the economy stupid.

juan,ft lauderdale,fl

Gee, last year, it was the war stupid. When are you dims going to manage to get a grip on what is going on?

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

PhillyEagles, philadelphia,pa — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:00:08 GMT

She may be tough, but tough is not what gets it done. I think many of you readers are missing the point here. She has a lot of wonderful ideas, actually they all have a lot of wonderful ideas, but she is a divider as you can see with her win-at-all-cost-campaign tactics. barak tried to stay off attacking anyone, but he can't be a sitting duck when lies and half/twisted truths are being perpetrated. One of the biggest problems we are facing is with this campaign is that we take what is said in the media as if it is set in gold. She mentioned Rezko based on what she heard, not what she had investigated. Someone of her calibre should not be saying things based on hearsay. The question is, can she get things done in the congress? That is where Obama differs. He is well respected both on the democratic and rupublican side. He already crossed party lines to get things done, and he will do that again. To move this country forward, we need someone who can unite these two parties and do what is best for the American people. For the leaders in the democratic party to be saying to Bill that he needs to cool it, c'mon guys, think deep.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

dalittle — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:06:50 GMT

So the whole story is that Barack had a friend who was dirty? That compared laundry list of dirty people ofr the Clintons. And also not just inaccurate statements, but outright lying by the Clintons? Anyone else remember this Presidential Pardon, Marc Rich (charged with conducting the largest tax evasion scheme in U.S. history.)? There were many others. The Clintons are liars and have the same Rove Campaign tactics as Bush. We do not need another polarizing failed President like Bush and we need to have more self respect for ourselves and not elect people like the Clintons.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

PhillyEagles, philadelphia,pa — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:08:45 GMT

Correction MK, Hillary has divided the party. If you can;t tell us all how Obama has divided the party, please don't make that comment.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

newvoter2008 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:54:25 GMT

Since when is it popular to go for unethical and pathological leaders? Integrity and honesty should be the ruling factor. McCain doesn't even believe we're in a recession and we should stay in a war because we CAN afford that too. Republican party may not be critical enough of hard facts on Bush Administrations rush to judgement, pathological lying and still has congress in lock over more money (170-50 Billion as of Dec to Now in debate) for troops - to win?? I don't care - I don't want to pay for it on MY taxes. Republicans (myself one) like small government but not that teh GOP don't mind a BIG FAT bill that WE Americans carry. Then they toot job security, fighting for tax cuts- but how much can you cut? How many jobs can you restore? If we are in DEBT TO THE EYES with China, India and Middle East who have bought OUR DEBTS. They have to be paid off, war -or management- HAS TO BE WISE, SMART and McCain (and others) suck on the surges' you know what like its candy. Its NOT a guarantee of ANY FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY our gov't (big or small) IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HANDLING! Even ADMIT we should rethink how to mange WAR SPENDING!! The gov't wants to be small- but also spends big (400 Billion awarded to Pentagon-and GOP wants more by being a bully!) Look - GOP is stubborn and avoiding FISCAL FACTS AND I DONT APPRECIATE the ARROGANTS to say WE CAN PAY FOR IT - EVEN WHEN ITS OBVIOUS WE CANT! I HOPE all Americans hold whoever is the fore-runner responsible for looking at our monetary issues here. Otherwise - Hilary is well deserved by being a devisive - she's playing the SAME game by being as stubborn and idiodically pathalogical as the GOP just to "beat them" or "get them out". Hard heads - make a soft behind. I'm very disappointed in the GOP this election - the debate in florida was ridiculous rhetoric of blind ignorance to fiscal isssues WE HAVE TO PAY FOR - but no one wants to admit that. How sick and how arrogant. Shame. Their salaries aren't in jeopardy - my kids are! For 4-8 years, I want someone accountable!! Don't feed us piss and call it water. Sorry. Not anymore Mr. Bush.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

newvoter2008, Houston TX — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:02:32 GMT

Susan in Dayton: Hilary's shady tactics are KNOWN. Its my RIGHT not to accept that and at this point of our economy, I DO want more. If Obama is willing to LISTEN which she CLEARLY DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO DO - because we all know she must HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS with 35 years of experience - I'd rather have someone willing to listen. Presdient of teh Harvard Law Review isn't a simple or easy or uncomplicated position to obtain or maintain. He's smart - He listens - And that's what I want. If she has all the answers, her experience as a first lady and lawyer in Arkansas are not enough to say YOU KNOW IT ALL. She doesn't and never admits that. Bullheadedness (if that word exists) is what BUSH is now, and congress is in gridlock for it. She cannot expect to muscle her way through people MORE EXPERIENCED than she may be. Both REP. and DEM.'s wont let her do it even if she tries. Husband and all. She'll fail. We can vote for her now, but her stubborness will make us regret we voted her in. If Clintons fail miserable the party can't rebuild until after shes out - AFTER 2016 is too long to wait for that miracle. Sorry.

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

newvoter2008, Houston TX — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:03:28 GMT

First thoughts: Obama's tough press day

newvoter2008, Houston TX — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:08:48 GMT