First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Matt, Lawrence KS — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:27:14 GMT

Nice job firstread....

No mention of Senator Murphy (D-WA) endorsing Hillary Clinton... She's the fourth ranking Democrat and you don't think that deserves a sentence on your column?

one word: BIASED.....

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

JohnnyU, WA State — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:28:05 GMT

First Read said: "the Arizona Republican is going to have to get more comfortable talking about domestic issues" He completely sidestepped the question about the economy last night...went right into talking about what a good "war leader" he is. After all the squabbling between McCain & Romney about timetables, Ron Paul came in with the most logical and germaine comments and was all but ignored. Really a sad situation.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Lynette, NYC — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:31:59 GMT

Oh and by the way, Bruce springsteen gets HUGE crowds as well. Maybe he should run for president. Everyone loves a rockstar.

Your Obama love is showing... yet again...

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:32:44 GMT

Santa Fe Reporter (New Mexico)--

SFR picks Barack Obama for the Democratic nominee. --

Obama, on the other hand, has both. His upbringing and his work experience—as a community organizer in Chicago and as a civil rights lawyer—formed his understanding of the diversity and inequities faced by so many people in this country. His work as a state legislator and a US senator has given him leadership and legislative experience.

His opposition to the war has been steady for more than five years, and his willingness to calmly discuss bi-partisanship should not be used against him, as it has by the Clinton campaign.

If Democrats are serious about winning back the White House, they need to chart a new path. And if insanity (as Albert Einstein is oft quoted as saying) is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a new result, then Obama isn’t just the best choice; he’s the sanest. Dems must pick a new leader unconnected to the administrations of the past; they must elect the first president in 20 years whose last name isn’t Clinton or Bush.

New Mexico has a small number of delegates, but a big chance to send a message.
That message is this: The choice of Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential nominee would signify a turning point in the leadership of this country, one that is long overdue, one that should not, cannot, be put off any longer.
-
http://sfreporter.com/articles/publish/cover-013008-whack-a-pol.php#yeah

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:34:04 GMT

HE LIED AND ACTED LIKE A CHILD. SO DID ROMMNEY HUCKABEE IS BY FAR THE SMARTEST, MOST EXPERIENCE, AND BEST DEBATER OF ALL CANDIDATES REPUBS OR DEMS

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:37:51 GMT

• February 5: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho (D), Illinois, Kansas (D), Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico (D), New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah
------------
Alabama Primary http://www.sos.state.al.us/election/index.aspx

Alaska Caucus http://www.gov.state.ak.us/ltgov/elections/

Arizona Primary http://www.azsos.gov/election/

Arkansas Primary http://www.arelections.org

California Primary http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm

Colorado Caucus http://www.elections.colorado.gov

Connecticut Primary http://www.sots.ct.gov/ElectionsServices/General.html

Delaware Primary http://elections.delaware.gov/

Georgia Primary http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/elections_events.htm

------continued---

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Jeff, Austin — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:37:57 GMT

Did McCain mischaracterize Romney's remarks regarding Iraq "timetable" & "milestone"?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1665

Romney certainly said the words "timetable" and "milestone," but certainly not in the way McCain frames it. McCain seems to willfully mischaracterize Romney's remarks, as Romney also makes clear in the following clip that he would not support a date certain for troop withdrawal.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:39:12 GMT

Idaho Caucus http://www.idsos.state.id.us/elect/eleindex.htm

Illinois Primary http://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionInformation/welcome.aspx

Kansas Caucus http://www.kssos.org/elections/elections.html

Massachusetts Primary http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ELE/eleidx.htm

Minnesota Caucus http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=4

Missouri Primary http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/

New Jersey Primary http://www.state.nj.us/oag/elections/electionshome.html

New Mexico Caucus http://www.sos.state.nm.us/
or--- www.nmdemocrats.org.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:40:02 GMT

New York Primary http://www.elections.state.ny.us

North Dakota Caucus http://www.nd.gov/sos/electvote/

Oklahoma Primary http://www.ok.gov/~elections/

Tennessee Primary http://www.state.tn.us/sos/election/index.htm

Utah Primary http://elections.utah.gov/

Democrats Abroad Primary

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:42:34 GMT

Some reminders about the Colorado caucus:

It's next Tue, Feb 5th at 6:30 pm.
Everyone should definitely get there by 6:30 pm at the latest to make sure they can participate in the presidential poll!!
If you were a registered Democrat by December 5, 2007, you can caucus.

----------
NY article --http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/28/mysteries-of-new-york-democratic-delegates-explained/
In each Congressional district, a candidate must achieve 15 percent of the primary vote to receive any delegates. Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama are the only candidates who have fielded full delegate slates in all 29 districts. If Mr. Edwards were to win delegates in a district where he does not have a delegate slate, his delegates would be selected in a separate caucus after the primary.
In addition to the 151 delegates to be selected through the primary, New York Democrats will be represented by 130 additional delegates, 45 who are unpledged delegates automatically because of their positions and 85 delegates who will be elected at the Democratic State Convention in May.
The 45 automatic unpledged delegates — often known as superdelegates...

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:43:53 GMT

-------------other February dates ------

Dist. of Columbia Caucus http://www.dcboee.org/

Hawaii Caucus http://www.hawaii.gov/elections

Louisiana Primary http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/tabid/68/Default.aspx

Maine Caucus http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/

Maryland Primary http://www.elections.state.md.us/

Nebraska Caucus http://www.sos.state.ne.us/elec/
Although the state has a primary, Democrats voted in April to select their delegates at caucuses to be held on Feb. 9.

Virginia Primary http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/

Washington Caucuses http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/

Wisconsin Primary http://elections.state.wi.us/faq_detail.asp?faqid=119&fid=27&locid47&linkid

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

James, Wichita, KS — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:44:25 GMT

I can't believe that the Clinton's have so much more scandal coming down the pipe (more Walmart lobbists donations, Van Natta, etc). Hillary said she was "vetted" but it appears they hid a bunch and we are just now getting the details. This win spell DEFEAT for the Dems in the general.

The Republicans are chopping at the bit for Hillary to run.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:46:29 GMT

Registration deadlines
Rhode Island's deadline is February 2
Ohio's deadline is February 3
Texas's deadline is February 4
Washington's deadline to register by mail has passed, but eligible residents can still register in person up until February 4, 2008
Mississippi's deadline is February 10
Vermont's deadline is February 27
Pennsylvania's deadline is March 24
North Carolina's deadline is April 6
Indiana's deadline is April 7
West Virginia's deadline is April 22
Kentucky's deadline is April 22
Nebraska's deadline is April 25
Oregon's deadline is April 29
Montana's deadline is May 5, although late registration at the polls is permitted
South Dakota's deadline is May 19
Maine, Wisconsin, and Wyoming all have same day registration

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Ron, TX — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:47:02 GMT

Gee, I wonder why the Clintons don't want to release the White House papers that prove Hillary's "experience"... perhaps it's the same reason they're trying to keep the Clinton library donors under wraps...

Clinton was selling uranium for donations.

Yeah, let's bring back the 90s instead of moving into the future!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:47:18 GMT

which suggests that Bill Clinton was used by a Canadian mining financier to help secure a contract in Kazakhstan. In exchange, Clinton raised a significant chunk of change from this guy for various philanthropic activities.

Guess we will be hearing a lot about these kind of deals in a Hillary administration....

No wonder the Clinton folks don't want these donors going public anytime soon. This is not a good story, but how much play will it get? We'll find out at tonight's debate.

With the Celis trial getting ready to go forward here, the name "Hillary Clinton" should be mentioned a great deal on First read very soon.

I see John mcCain has been reading Hillary's playbook when it comes to attacking your opponent.

By the way, Obama is getting some HUGE crowds. He got over 10,000 in both Denver and Phoenix.

Thank god he doesn't put them to sleep like Hillary does her crowds of 50 or so....

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:47:54 GMT

2008 Presidential Primary/Caucus Voter Registration Deadlines

http://www.electionline.org/ResourceLibrary/ElectionAdministrationHotTopics/2008PrimaryElectionCalendar/tabid/1140/Default.aspx

http://www.rockthevote.com/2008-presidential-primary-caucus-calendar.php#registrationdeadlines

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/primaries/

http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/primaries/democraticprimaries/index.html

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Robert Tampa/Houston — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:48:12 GMT

McCain won by default! Hardly Too hard to catch- he is like The Mummy! He skipped Iowa, Nevada and hardly campaigned in Michigan- all that after going broke and running on of the worst campaign organizations in modern times that totally collapsed before one vote was cast- he wins off memory in New Hampshire by 5 points, wins South Carolina by 3- then gets carried across the finish line in Florida when he looked like he was slipping behind! One thing that Rush said was true is that McCain cant really campaign- his events and speeches are short- he doesnt do them often and whne he does others speak for him- the guy is going to fall apart during the summer/fall campaign- he looks like the Mummy and is still an angry man.

I do think it is all over though- Romney is clearly finished because NY, NJ and California are winner-take-all states- hence for Romney- if he doesnt win Missouri- its over. That is why he isnt spending anymore money from his pocket! If the Dems were winner-take-all, Obama would be finished as well since he will be losing California, NY, NJ and Teddys Mass! BUT IT ISNT- Dems go by proportion, so Obama lucked out big time as many have said already in print.

If Hillary and Obama rip each other apart tonight- it will only show how stupid the democrats are and I wouldnt be surprised.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Mike, Austin, TX — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:53:18 GMT

For those of us who consider ourselves conservative, how conservative someone is relates very strongly to how much good they can do for our country. This is the thing McCain doesn't seem to get. Conservatism isn't just some list of policies that some party has to push for or we're out, it's a world view that informs policies. If you aren't a conservative (and before you say it, Bush is not one so don't use his actions as a measure) then you may think our policies are crazy. Okay, let's debate them and we'll find the best solutions. But McCain makes statements that are directly contrary to conservative sentiment. He hits Mitt because he has money, he says Alito wears his conservatism too much on his sleeve, and he promises more wars. These do not reflect a conservative viewpoint where small government, low taxes, and non-interventionism are the watchwords. People respect McCain because he sticks to his principles, but they hate Bush for doing the same thing. And they do that because Bush's policies, which have abandoned conservatism, have gotten us into some real trouble. Why do people expect that McCain's inability to stick to conservative principles will give us anything different than what we got from Bush doing the same thing? Here's the straight talk: McCain says people's jobs are gone because he doesn't know how to get them back, he promises more wars because he doesn't know how to avoid them, and he says businesspeople aren't qualified to lead because he has no idea what they do. McCain isn't a disaster because he fights the party, he's a disaster because he just doesn't get it.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:53:23 GMT

IT'S EASY , IT'S FUN, AND IT'S INFORMATIVE, PLEASE COME FOR A NO OBLIGATION VISIT HILLARYCLINTON.COM . VISIT AS LONG AS YOU LIKE AND BRING A FRIEND OR TWO IF YOU WISH.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

BL, Cincinnati OH — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:54:33 GMT

"Meanwhile, the dreaded "Van Natta" byline is in today's New York Times. It's an investigative piece, which suggests that Bill Clinton was used by a Canadian mining financier to help secure a contract in Kazakhstan. In exchange, Clinton raised a significant chunk of change from this guy for various philanthropic activities. No wonder the Clinton folks don't want these donors going public anytime soon. This is not a good story, but how much play will it get? We'll find out at tonight's debate."

It may not get play tonight, but it will most definately get play during the general if Clinton is nominated. Rezko is nothing compared to the hundreds of millions of dirty money the Clintons have been taking over the last decade.

Our only chance for a Democrat President is now down to just Obama, now that Edwards is out. Don't blow it by voting for Clinton. She can't and won't win the general.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Mary Dines — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:55:21 GMT

Obama, on the other hand, has both. His upbringing and his work experience—as a community organizer in Chicago and as a civil rights lawyer—formed his understanding of the diversity and inequities faced by so many people in this country. His work as a state legislator and a US senator has given him leadership and legislative experience.

Just what I want for President, a community organizer and civil rights attorney dont forget a part-time junior Senator. NO THANKS! Sounds more like the guy who is going to defend enemy combatants than the majority of US citizens.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Jesse, Fallon NV — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:56:24 GMT

Hey Hillary, answer these 2 questions. 1) Please quanitfy your 35 years experience when you have only held elected office for 7? 2) Since you are so devisive, why are you running for the Presidency; is it sheer ego?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Mary Dines — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:58:17 GMT

By the way, Obama is getting some HUGE crowds. He got over 10,000 in both Denver and Phoenix.

If you notice he normaly shows up at a university were he can get a captive crowd of young people and their liberal professors. He likes young minds that are easily manipulated by the progressives. Obama is America's Hugo Chavez.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

J, Ohio — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:59:15 GMT

I do think it is all over though- Romney is clearly finished because NY, NJ and California are winner-take-all states- hence for Romney- if he doesnt win Missouri- its over. That is why he isnt spending anymore money from his pocket! If the Dems were winner-take-all, Obama would be finished as well since he will be losing California, NY, NJ and Teddys Mass! BUT IT ISNT- Dems go by proportion, so Obama lucked out big time as many have said already in print.

If Hillary and Obama rip each other apart tonight- it will only show how stupid the democrats are and I wouldnt be surprised.

Robert Tampa/Houston (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:48 AM)

Proportional delegates is a far more fair way of doing it. It more accurately represents the popular vote. If the general election had been done proportionally, instead of winner take all, GW wouldn't have won in 2000.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

jane, NYC — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:59:57 GMT

The "significant chunk of change" is enormous and, again, from a non-American. Clinton’s charitable foundation received a $31.3 million donation and a public pledge to give the William J. Clinton Foundation an additional $100 million. Friendship with the former president has its privileges -- Remember the Lincoln Bedroom $$$ during the 1990's.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

melissa — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:00:21 GMT

So Tired of the Obama band wagon. I hope Edwards doesn't support him. He isn't even staying on his message of hope, What has he lost hope?
People please check the record it really doesn't matter what he has said before he got into the senate,(I to was against the war from the beginning). Because he has shown us differently, he has voted for continuing the war by funding it. He to is a liar. Face it people he plays politics the sameway, says whatever to win.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Lynn SC — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:00:32 GMT

The headline of "McCain Plays Hardball" is a misstatement. It should have read, "McCain Plays Fast And Loose With The TRUTH"! I wouldn't trust him to run a hot dog stand, let alone a country!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:01:19 GMT

Senate President Richard Codey, widely considered the most popular elected official in New Jersey, will throw his support behind Barack Obama's presidential campaign on Thursday, three people with direct knowledge of Codey's plans said today

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

juan, ft lauderdale, fl — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:01:59 GMT

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

FKB, Dallas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:02:18 GMT

McCain may not be perfect, but I would trust him to do what is right for this country over a community activist with fancy slogan or the Clinton mob.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

W. Wiseman, NY — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:05:48 GMT

“MCFADDEN: Here's what a lot of people want to know. Can you control [Bill]?

SEN. CLINTON: Oh, of course

Can Hillary point to any history that confirms this statement?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

TruthnMedia — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:07:08 GMT

Bill Clinton in Colorado yesterday: As reported by ABC news Jake Trapper. "We must slow down our ecomoney to conbat Global warming" Slow it down? are you an IDIOT Bill Clinton? People are going hungry now, no jobs, no health insurance, why don't you crawl back in the old gezzer hole like Saddamn.
Hillary Clinton SILENT as Wal_mart fights the unions from organizing. Where is MSNBC in reporting all this? You guys usually do a great job

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

VAL, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:08:04 GMT

McCain McLies. His stubbornness to accept the truth on this topic is disgraceful and deplorable. It’s a shame when a grown man refuses to take responsibility and apologize for his dirty tactics and smear campaign to get political gain. I came across a quote the other day from you McCain during the 2000 election that states that you “would not take the low road to the high position for President”….so much for that promise? I guess times have changed, just like your politcal agenda (McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy, McCain-Lieberman)? It's time for the "staight talk, no walk" express to derail.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Kathryn in Bham — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:10:22 GMT

I have been saying all along that I question Hillary's experience during Bill's tenure...and HIS role in HER administration - should she make it to the White House. It is SOOOO wrong on SO many levels!

If she was a 'co-president' and has the experience that she likes to taught - she should not be allowed to have another term in office.

If she was only a sidekick and it was Bill who truly ran things - then SHE DOES NOT HAVE THE EXPERIENCE.

Further, it should be a concern to us all that Bill would obviously have a role in Hillary's administration - even if it is kept in secret files as Hillary's role in his administration has been.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

gsonjagnath — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:13:06 GMT

both RoMoney and McCain acted like brawlers. The debate is totally skewed to ignore Huck and Paul.
HUCK has conducted himself well. but it is sure the media wants to push him back so that RoMoney can try to steal some conservative votes.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Robert Raglin, Houston TX — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:13:44 GMT

Tonight is the night, that Barak should attack HRC with his theme of a bridge to the future. I can not wait until the debate is over.

HRC and Bill are spending some much time in CA, because the are afraid of letting Barack get to big of a lead. I

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Griffin Edwards, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:14:09 GMT

"As we’ve noted before, Romney just doesn't come across well when he's angry."
-Probably because he's still not quite adjusted to the obvious lack of moral compass associated with politics, but I guess if he stays in it for the next twenty-five years he'll get it. This election is getting ridiculous. If President Regan were alive he'd know better than to run in this race.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:14:40 GMT

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Russ Wells, Maine — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:15:13 GMT

McCain played hard ball yea i got his ? He was very smirk and rude....He didnt give straight answer and when he didnt want to answer he went to his out how grt he was....The debate was terriable but Anderson didnt do what he was supose to do...Be a moderator and give equal time to all...So you owe and opology to Ron and Huk, but that wont happen quit trying to represent the media. I think these debates would better run by ordinary Americans who have no trouble asking the question and pursuiing and answer and not letting the canadate avoid it.......Would appreciate and opology to two of the canadates..

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Steve, Hartford, CT — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:16:06 GMT

I read that article about Clinton. I don't really know what to think. Except, if it WAS a co-presidency last time, then she probably knows everything he does, and vice versa. Which means she's probably in on this donor sleaze too.

I'm sorry, but Clinton being nice-nice with a dictator who runs sham elections just so his buddy can get a massive uranium contract is NOT ok. This is pretty damning.

So, just for a little perspective, Barack Obama received less than $100,000 in donations from Rezko. And he's been trying hard to track them down and get rid of them. Clinton got $31 MILLION in donations from this guy Giustra shortly after the uranium deal. And not only has there been absolutely no effort to get rid of that money, they've been trying VERY hard to keep it under wraps besides.

Obama was up-front about that Rezko land deal (he went to the press shortly afterwards and explained what happened and when, calling it a "boneheaded" move). Clinton's been hiding his shady deals as carefully as possible. Now maybe Hillary will be a standalone president, and maybe she won't (and maybe she's in on these deals, and maybe she isn't). But do you want to risk having this kind of sleaze running the White House? I don't. But it's your vote, reader, so the choice is yours.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Russ Wells, Maine — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:17:07 GMT

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

mitt — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:17:15 GMT

imagine mccant wandering around the wh wondering where he was and what he was doing, doddering old fool.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

JT, Texas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:20:54 GMT

I can't help but wonder how Sentor Obama would have voted on the Iraq issue had he of been priviledged to see the same information as Senator Edwards and Senator Clinton. No one will ever know that. It would seem much easier to be in opposition to it when you don't have to vote on it, hell I was in opposition to it, but what counts now is what your vote has shown thus far, how different from Senator Clinton have his votes on Iraq been since he has been in the Senate. This whole thing is kinda like using Senator Clintons vote on the Iran resolution against her, but not even showing up to vote on it yourself. And as for his stirring speech yesterday about building a bridge to the 20th century, no I don't want to literally go back to the 90's, but I do want to hope that we can have an economic program that will rival the prosperity of the 90's and I think Clinton will bring that.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Ron, SD, CA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:21:46 GMT

which suggests that Bill Clinton was used by a Canadian mining financier to help secure a contract in Kazakhstan. In exchange, Clinton raised a significant chunk of change from this guy for various philanthropic activities.

Guess we will be hearing a lot about these kind of deals in a Hillary administration....

No wonder the Clinton folks don't want these donors going public anytime soon. This is not a good story, but how much play will it get? We'll find out at tonight's debate.

With the Celis trial getting ready to go forward here, the name "Hillary Clinton" should be mentioned a great deal on First read very soon.
-------------------------------------------

I can't deal w/ the Clintons for another 4 years!!!! This would only be the beginning of the dirt and nasty dealings that will come out of the closet. Does anyone else not see this happening???f!!

I have to admit i have really respected the way Barack has campaigned and absolutely agree when he said this election is about "The Past" vs "The Future"... I'm looking ahead. OBAMA now has a new supporter in CA, sorry HRC..

- Ronny San Diego, CA

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sierra, SF — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:23:14 GMT

'...Things got really nasty in South Carolina, where former President Bill Clinton dealt a whole deck of race cards before - and even after - the vote...'

'...The Clinton strategy?
Ruben Navarrette Jr., San Diego Union-Tribune

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Having polarized blacks and whites, the Democratic primary campaign was already becoming sleazy. And now that Latinos have been added to the mix, it's become surreal.

We're being told that Latinos won't vote for Barack Obama because he's black. The implication is that Latinos are racist.

Sergio Bendixen, a Latino who conducts polls for Hillary Clinton, suggested during an interview with Ryan Lizza of the New Yorker that "the Hispanic voter - and I want to say this very carefully - has not shown a lot of willingness to support black candidates."

John B. Judis, writing in the New Republic, insisted that Latino voters could be a firewall for Hillary Clinton in part because of "a legacy of an older Latin American prejudice against blacks that has been transplanted to this country."

And, in the New York Times, Adam Nagourney and Jennifer Steinhauer cited "a history of often uneasy and competitive relations between blacks and Hispanics, particularly as they have jockeyed for influence in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and New York."

Nagourney and Steinhauer neglected to mention that each of those cities have, in the past, elected black mayors who captured the majority of the Latino vote.

It's true that in most polls, Hillary Clinton has a 2-1 advantage with Latino voters over Barack Obama.

But does the Eastern media really expect us to buy the idea that the 44 million people who make up America's largest minority have a beef with African Americans? Does that include the Latinos who backed Obama in his campaigns in Illinois, and those who now support his presidential campaign? If anything, Latinos - especially those whose families have been in this country for generations - tend to have a keen understanding of racism, which makes them more likely to identify with the plight of African Americans.

Next thing you know, pundits are going to tell us that Latinos are too macho to elect a woman president.

There are plenty of reasons why Latinos might support Hillary Clinton. Her husband won two national elections in which he earned more than 60 percent of the Latino vote. She has racked up scores of endorsements from prominent Latino officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, and former Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros.

Not that there isn't racism in this election. That's the surreal part. There certainly is. But none of it involves Latinos. Rather, it's the kind that has been the most prevalent in U.S. history - whites versus blacks.

Things got really nasty in South Carolina, where former President Bill Clinton dealt a whole deck of race cards before - and even after - the vote. And yet Obama cruised to victory with more than 80 percent of black support and nearly a quarter of the white vote.

This, despite the ex-president's despicable efforts to scare off Obama's white supporters by trying to define the Illinois senator solely by race. Last week, a top adviser to the Clinton campaign acknowledged to a reporter from the Associated Press that the campaign's objective is to define Obama as "the black candidate."

And so, Bill Clinton tried to portray Obama as someone who draws his support almost exclusively from African Americans and speculated that South Carolinians would vote along racial lines. After the votes were cast, he took one last shot by comparing Obama's victory to those enjoyed in South Carolina by Jesse Jackson during his 1984 and 1988 presidential bids.

Hurricane Bill couldn't have done more damage to his wife's campaign if he had tried. Wait. Maybe he did. Maybe the plan was to write off South Carolina, knowing that black voters would turn out overwhelmingly for Obama. Then Hillary comes off as a victim of identity politics, and white and Latino voters become more sympathetic to her in future primaries.

An African American friend suggested to me recently that the Clinton campaign might be willing to swap black voters for Latinos. The Clintons could be counting on Latino voters to make up the votes they're losing from African Americans. It's possible.

In 1968, Richard Nixon embraced a Southern strategy that used the race issue to carve up the electorate and scare up support from white voters. Republicans turned to the strategy time and again until the South was largely in their hands.

Well, with Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and California all holding primaries or caucuses next week, this could be the Clintons' Southwestern strategy - an elaborate racial bank shot that is just as divisive and unsavory as its predecessor....'

Billary goes campaigning:

'...This, despite the ex-president's despicable efforts to scare off Obama's white supporters by trying to define the Illinois senator solely by race. Last week, a top adviser to the Clinton campaign acknowledged to a reporter from the Associated Press that the campaign's objective is to define Obama as "the black candidate.",,,'

Do we want yers of THIS ?
'race baiting', Phase 2

'

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Guisseppe — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:23:47 GMT

Go Hillary! Have a great debate tonight. All you have to do is NOT to get into contradictions or fights with Barack. You ARE above that. This nomination is yours for the taking.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Gabe Holt — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:24:45 GMT

Bill Clinton in Colorado yesterday: As reported by ABC news Jake Trapper. "We must slow down our ecomoney to conbat Global warming"

;;;;;;;;

And if the potential future co-President says this, everyone should take note. Liberals are all over Bush for the slowing economy. If they don't like the economy now, they will be furious when Bill is President again. Negative quarterly growth, aka a recession, will be the norm rather then the exception.

So what will slowing the economy mean to us? Higher unemployment (figure 10-15% for starters), less new jobs, higher taxes required to pay for social programs, and year over year reduced GDP. Think of us as being like France.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

campdog — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:24:57 GMT

Now that it's down to just two maybe we can end the confrontation and start a conversation.

When the candidates positions are placed side by side there just isn't that much to argue about and that should be seen as a possitive! Now we can decide who has the experiance, passion and drive to achieve the goals of the party.

Let's not let the Press and their need for drama or the right with their need to smear, swift boat style, all who stand in their way knock us off point.

By standing and working together Democrats can win back the White House!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Rick,ky — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:26:26 GMT

I see the WHINE crowd of Hillary supporter's is already out in force this morning.The New York Post, endorsed Barack yesterday, do you hear any whining?NoCan you Hillary supporter's point to her accomplishment's for 1 time,instead of trying to whine your way in. If you can Type, you can Read, OR CAN YOU.

Is'nt it Funny, how Rezco's measely Thousand's are forgotten when the New York Times has an article on $31 MILLION to the Clinton's. LMAO!

" DELUSIONAL THINKING BY COMMON SENSE AMERICAN'S IS OVER"

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Brando, NY — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:31:24 GMT

Hillary and Barack = STATUS QUO
HILLARY: Lobbists and Big Coporations (100M)
BARACK: Have the support of the "OLD GUARD" AKA kennedy, kerry and PAC'S (100M)
Where's THE change?..PURE WISHFUL THINKING
TSK TSK TSK ON THE YOUTH VOTE...YOU'LL LEARN SOMEDAY.
IT'S POLITICS, KIDDOS, IT'S ALL SMOKES AND MIRRORS.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

melissa — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:31:34 GMT

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

POLpursun — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:31:49 GMT

This may not be the most appropriate place to post this in terms of direct relevance to something in the notes above. However, it's at the top of the list at this point. Let me just get out front on this:

To put it succinctly, to proffer that John Edwards, the one who presented as he did during this process, does not "know" that he should endorse Obama ---- no coyness, no need for cajoling, etc., etc. ----- is to proffer that the ClintonS did not DELIBERATELY play the southern strategy.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sierra, SF — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:34:20 GMT

BIG NEWS !!

'...Election 2008: California Democratic Presidential Primary

California: Clinton 43% Obama 40%
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in California shows Hillary Clinton with a very narrow three-percentage point lead over Barack Obama. The survey was conducted in the hours immediately following Florida’s Presidential Primary and before John Edwards dropped out of the race.

Two weeks ago, Clinton led Obama by five percentage points in California.

The survey found Edwards with 9% of the vote while 4% said they would vote for some other candidate and another 4% were not sure.

Obama had a narrow 43% to 41% advantage among the party’s liberal voters while Clinton held a 45% to 35% edge among moderate voters.

Obama held a three-point lead among white voters in the state while Clinton had a twenty-seven point lead among Hispanic voters.

Clinton trailed by eight points among men but led by ten among women.

Obama is viewed favorably by 83% of California’s Democratic Primary Voters, Clinton by 79%.

Sixty-nine percent (69%) of the state’s voters were certain they had settled on their final choice. That meant nearly a third could still change their mind, a figure that grew when Edwards left the race...'

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

J, Ohio — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:36:02 GMT

And as for his stirring speech yesterday about building a bridge to the 20th century, no I don't want to literally go back to the 90's, but I do want to hope that we can have an economic program that will rival the prosperity of the 90's and I think Clinton will bring that.
JT, Texas (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:20 AM)

The prosperity of the 90's had nothing to do with Bill Clinton. The internet and tech boom had the biggest impact, many factors played into the economic boom of the 90s. Bill Clinton was not one of them.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sierra, SF — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:36:28 GMT

MORE BIG NEWS

'... The Huffington Post

Gallup Poll Says Obama Cut Hillary's National Lead To 6 Points
January 30, 2008 05:38 PM

Barack Obama has now cut the gap with Hillary Clinton to 6 percentage points among Democrats nationally in the Gallup Poll Daily tracking three-day average, and interviewing conducted Tuesday night shows the gap between the two candidates is within a few points. Obama's position has been strengthening on a day-by-day basis. As recently as Jan. 18-20, Clinton led Obama by 20 points. Today's Gallup Poll Daily tracking is based on interviews conducted Jan. 27-29, all after Obama's overwhelming victory in South Carolina on Saturday. Two out of the three nights interviewing were conducted after the high-visibility endorsement of Obama by Sen. Edward Kennedy and his niece Caroline Kennedy.

Clinton's lead in the three-day average is now 42% to Obama's 36%. John Edwards, who dropped out of the race Wednesday after Gallup conducted these interviews, ended his quest for the presidency with 12% support. Wednesday night's interviewing will reflect the distribution of the vote choice of former Edwards' supporters as well as the impact, if any, of Hillary Clinton's popular vote win in Florida on Tuesday....'

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

lfr — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:36:45 GMT

McCain plays hardball....ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!
McCain's afraid of hardball and dodges the questions all the time by going back to "war leader". He plays the POW card and the media continues to give him a free pass! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl9YE4G8gcY

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Rufus Gibbons Washington DC — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:37:31 GMT

Good morning Madam President doesn't that have a nice ring to it? The voters will snub Obama the way he snubbed Hillary.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Jim Banks, Towanda, PA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:39:47 GMT

The GOP is all about catchphrases like: stay the course, mission impossible, and now timetables. God forbid if they can refrain from Quien es mas macho long enough to truly debate the numerous problems that their political party have caused. For instance, Bush has the audacity to threaten veto against any bills he claims are earmarks when he did nothing when the GOP WHERE IN CHARGE.
juan, ft lauderdale, fl (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:01 AM)
Catch phrases like: Change we can believe in, yes we can, ready on day one, give me your money as I know best, free healthcare for all (at a yet to be determined cost to you), terrorist aren’t so bad if you just talk to them, pack your bags and go home because I’m tired, free daycare for all (at a yet to be determined cost to you), no tapping phone lines if one of the terrorist could be a US citizen (or illegal), free drivers licenses and social benefits to all who enter this country illegally (if you promise to vote Democrat), additional taxes to stop climate change (even if it isn’t true), make everyone join a union (after all the Democrat Party needs your monthly dues). Did I say more illegals get in free (tax rebates included). Yes, I want the progressive candidate (the affirmative action candidate).

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

J Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:40:35 GMT

It's interesting how 'First Read' requires one to download Adobe Flash-Player in order to get the story (or at least part of the sory) on Obama's relationship with slum-lord buddy and indicted political racketeer Antoin Rezko.
Since most people probably read this blog from their desks at work, it is likely that few would bother to take the download, and 'First Read' knows that.
But, you open 'First Thoughts' today with a nice little negative "ditty" in plain print about Hillary's finances (...an oldy but goody sung by Clinton Haters), and something about,...I don't know...running for a co-Presidency. It couldn't have been more obvious what your intent waws, if you'd printed in CAPS; "hey Barrack, ask her about the Canadian thing."
The manifest contempt MSNBC & 'First Read' continue to show towards Hillary on a daily basis has become so pronounced, as to have reached the levels of atrociousness and obscenity.
REPORT THE REZKO STORY IN PLAIN PRINT, WE DESERVE TO BE TOLD THE TRUTH ABOUT OBAMA.
With regard to the debate this evening, Obama should be considered the favorite since he's being undeservedly portrayed as Prince Charming, while Hillary is being profiled as the wicked witch with a poison apple.
He is fresh off his endorsements by Ted (The Murdering Drunk) Kennedy, and John (I let Bush Swiftboat Me) Kerry, so he should be ready to go. I wonder if what he did to Hillary at The State of The Union Address will be brought up.
Turning his back on her, refusing to shake her hand or even acknowledge her presence was surely the most adolescent, bush league, and callow act any Presidential candidate has ever engaged in.
Maybe that sort of juvenile, sophmoric behavior is acceptable elsewhere.
But, it shouldn't be within the halls of our congress, and it certainly isn't a quality we need in our President.
I hope Obama comes out and explains himself tonight. He needs to say something other than 'Hillary eats babies and shops at Walmart.'
We deserve to hear specifically what he's going to change, and how he's going to change it.
We deserve to know what his plan for Post-War Iraq would-be, and how veterans are would-be treated by his administration
We deserve to know how he intends to strengthen the economy and create jobs that pay a living wage.
We deserve to know if he would increase taxes on middle, and upper middle income households with children in them.
We deserve to know what kind of "negotiations" he would have with Iran, and what he would give away to them.
We definetly deserve to know more about the Rezko land deal that netted Obama a parcel of land, and a house at 25% of it's actual market value.
He definitely should be considered a formidable debater because of his 'salesmanship.'
But his substance is a different story, and it should be scrutinized very closely by everyone who watches or listens tonight.

HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT 2008!
Change is the residue of design, and design is the by-product of experience.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sierra, SF — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:41:08 GMT

Just in time for the elections:

;...but now says she no longer shares Wal-Mart's values and believes unions "have been essential to our nation's success.,,'

Just like her 'union busting' manager, Mark Penn

From ABC News:

Clinton Remained Silent As Wal-Mart Fought Unions

Tapes Reviewed by ABC News Show Clinton As a Loyal Company Woman
(ABC News) Jan. 31, 2008
In six years as a member of the Wal-Mart board of directors, between 1986 and 1992, Hillary Clinton remained silent as the world's largest retailer waged a major campaign against labor unions seeking to represent store workers.

Clinton Was Silent As Wal-Mart Railed Against UnionsClinton has been endorsed for president by more than a dozen unions, according to her campaign Web site, which omits any reference to her role at Wal-Mart in its detailed biography of her.

Wal-Mart's anti-union efforts were headed by one of Clinton's fellow board members, John Tate, a Wal-Mart executive vice president who also served on the board with Clinton for four of her six years.

Tate was fond of repeating, as he did at a managers meeting in 2004 after his retirement, what he said was his favorite phrase, "Labor unions are nothing but blood-sucking parasites living off the productive labor of people who work for a living."

Wal-Mart says Tate's comments "were his own and do not reflect Wal-Mart's views."

But Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and other company officials often recounted how they relied on Tate to lead the company's successful anti-union efforts.

An ABC News analysis of the videotapes of at least four stockholder meetings where Clinton appeared shows she never once rose to defend the role of American labor unions.

The tapes, broadcast this morning on "Good Morning America," were provided to ABC News from the archives of Flagler Productions, a Lenexa, Kan., company hired by Wal-Mart to record its meetings and events.

A former board member told ABCNews.com that he had no recollection of Clinton defending unions during more than 20 board meetings held in private.

Video
Clinton's Corporate SideThe tapes show Clinton in the role of a loyal company woman. "I'm always proud of Wal-Mart and what we do and the way we do it better than anybody else," she said at a June 1990 stockholders meeting.

Clinton would not agree to be interviewed on the subject but now says she no longer shares Wal-Mart's values and believes unions "have been essential to our nation's success." ...'

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

ObamaRama — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:41:49 GMT

"It may not get play tonight, but it will most definately get play during the general if Clinton is nominated. Rezko is nothing compared to the hundreds of millions of dirty money the Clintons have been taking over the last decade."

Work on that reading comprehension...

Rezko is nothing, "compared"? So you ADMIT that there is malfeasance there. Good for you. I don't think the Clinton Global Initiative, which has helped MILLIONS and taken in BILLIONS, has been tied to any Chicago mobsters, but then, we'll leave that to prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald, dreaded even more than another hatchet job from the author of an anti-Hillary book that sold approximately 11 copies.

REZKO-GATE is something and something really bad hanging over Barry's head. That's why he unloaded another 70 grand on Tuesday night. He can give back the dirty money, but the dirt sticks...

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

BL, Cincinnati OH — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:46:33 GMT

People who say she has no experience, are inexperieced themselves. She has worked with the childrens defense fund for years, she unlike Obama has been in the Senate for 8 years and Obama been there what 2 years. She has proven to able to cross over and work to pass good bills. Like helping the 9/11 workers get better health care, to get are armed servicemen the proper care and equipment they need. She has a good record on womens issues , Where as Obama just would vote present in his state senate on womens issues. And many others, lets keep in mind Obama wants to win to he has already proven he will say anything to get elected like being against the war. Fine so was I, and like myself he did not have a vote so it really doesn't matter what he said in 2002.
melissa (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:31 AM)

Do you honestly believe these lies and half truths you post? If so you need to open your mind and look at things again. Or are you just like Hillary and intentionally lie and distort? If so.. go away.

Clinton has been US Senator for 7 years.
Obama has been US Senator for 3 years, and was an Illinois State Senator for 8 years.

Clinton - 7 years elected office experience. Obama - 11 years elected office experience.

Hrmm. Last I checked 11 > 7

You, and the other Clinton drones, have a very weak case when the only thing you drones ever post in opposition is either: Rezko, less US senate experience, his small number of present votes, or his middle name. Oh, and all the lies about his church and faith.

Yet, page after page could be posted about Clintons' problems.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:48:26 GMT

Obama rally draws 13,000 to Coliseum-video at top right--
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama challenged Arizona to seize the moment and said the time for change is now during a rally on Wednesday in Phoenix.

"I believe change in America does not happen from the top down. It happens from the bottom up," the Illinois senator said to a crowd of more than 13,000 at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Obama covered health care, education, immigration and foreign relations during his nearly 50-minute speech.
-
http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/0131obamavisit0131.html

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

pat huntington ny — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:50:14 GMT

McCain plays hardball? He's too old to even play shuffle-board with the rest of the old geezers.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sierra, SF — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:50:55 GMT

'...Moynihan Backed Clinton; His Widow Backs Obama

By SAM ROBERTS
Published: January 31, 2008
Elizabeth B. Moynihan, the widow of Daniel Patrick Moynihan, the New York senator who, from a hayfield on his upstate farm, helped shepherd Hillary Rodham Clinton into his Senate seat, has endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In an e-mail statement to the Obama campaign, Mrs. Moynihan, an architectural historian who successfully managed three of her husband’s four Senate campaigns, said she had been inspired by an Op-Ed article by Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the slain president, in The New York Times on Sunday. Mrs. Moynihan added that she was also dismayed at Bill and Hillary Clinton’s recent hostility toward Mr. Obama’s candidacy.

She wrote that her husband, who died in 2003, “would have become excited, as I have, to see Barack Obama rekindle hope in our young as he encourages them to participate in the political process, and I know Pat would approve, applaud and encourage me to join Caroline Kennedy in supporting Barack Obama’s candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president.”

“It is a rare gift to be able to inspire people to share a vision that requires commitment and dedication,” she wrote in the e-mail message, to David Axelrod, a senior adviser to Mr. Obama.

“The hope that John Kennedy characterized for Americans spread across the world, then faded with his death,” Mrs. Moynihan wrote. “I believe Obama, like Kennedy, has the gift to transcend obstacles and to inspire Americans to bring out the best in themselves. I firmly believe the election of Barack Obama would help restore hope and America’s image in the world.”...'

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

pat huntington ny — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:51:42 GMT

Gabe Holt - it was obvious he meant to say we must NOT slow down our economy to combat global warming.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

melissa — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:53:23 GMT

I hope that Hillary plays more to the national fight she is going to have then, to Obama's little games. It could backfire on him.
One thing you never do is snub someone on national camera, for shame Obama didn't your mother raise you better. I noticed the next day Kennedy had cooled he's tone about the Clinton's and Edwards(he must not of liked it) Good job, brillant.

Sierra, marbw if you think that anyone will change their mind because of what you say you are wrong, we can see through the smoke and mirrors.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Ron, TX — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:53:30 GMT

I can't help but wonder how Sentor Obama would have voted on the Iraq issue had he of been priviledged to see the same information as Senator Edwards and Senator Clinton.
JT, Texas (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:20 AM)

Knowledge is your friend. You don't seem to realize that the information Edwards and Clinton had was the SAME information available to the general public. The ONLY classified information was in a classified document that only -6- senators read. The 6 senators that read it, voted against the authorization of the use of force against Iraq bill. Obama's vantage point was the exact same as Edwards and Clinton. They had the SAME information. Edwards and Clinton never read the classified info.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:53:42 GMT

For JT, Texas
Barack Obama 2002 Iraq interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXzmXy226po

Barack Obama (HRC gave GWB blank check)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ-rdZ2TcII&NR=1

Hillary Clinton on Iraq
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyC7loMop58&feature=related

Clinton Smears Obama on Iraq — Again
http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2008/01/6850_clinton_smears.html

Bill Clinton 2003 (in 2007 He says something different)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWm8riukyeM

Barack Obama: The quote he(B Clinton) keeps on feeding back was an interview on 'Meet the Press' at the National Convention when Tim was asking, 'Given your firm opposition to the war, what do you make of the fact that your nominee for president and vice president didn't have that same foresight.' And obviously I didn't want to criticize them on the eve of their nomination.
''But, I'm not privy to Senate intelligence reports,'' Mr. Obama said. ''What would I have done? I don't know. What I know is that from my vantage point the case was not made.'' And: "What I don't think was appropriate was the degree to which Congress gave the president a pass on this."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP0AeT3VUgM

KNOW THE FACTS
http://factcheck.barackobama.com/

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

ObamaRama — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:54:01 GMT

More than half of Ca. voters have already cast their absentee ballots. Barry will lose BIG.

The great news is that your long, boring, ridiculous crap that clogs up this blog like scuz in a bathroom drain will be over in less than a week...

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

pat huntington ny — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:55:00 GMT

The phone call based polls are misleading because they only question land lines...how many people out there don't have land lines but instead solely rely on their cell phones? And what about all those people with caller ID who won't answer the phone because it looks like its another soliciter? And what about all the poor people, who minorities who don't have phones?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

bc Indiana — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:56:00 GMT

I like the Republican positions on finishing out the Iraq commitment but only if it's a jumping off point to a more effective counter terrorism policy.

I like the Republican position on Health Care being a personal responsibility but where is the government's sense of responsibility to ordinary Americans to make it affordable?

I like the Republican approach of no amnesty for illegals. I don't support freeloaders but where is the legislation to punish employers for using these people and contributing to the problem?

I like the Republican ideas of not interfering in the market but it's not market interference to strengthen consumer protection laws and create a level playing field.

What I see about the Republican party that distresses me is an unwillingness to regulate dishonest players in the market. It is not free enterprise to let businesses prey on people with exorbitant rates and dishonest contracts that leave Americans without homes or health care.

It's like saying we allow robbers and bandits because it's free enterprise.

Come on Republicans - how about FAIR enterprise for ordinary Americans?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

gene britton — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:56:03 GMT

Any Obama supporters that think the New York Post endorsement was a positive have to be brain dead. The owner of the post, Mr.Murdock is to the right of Atilla the hun. The only reason that Obama got the endorsement is because they know that if he is the nominee they will defeat him in November.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Mark Thieme — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:56:08 GMT

I hear my erstwhile admin is busy hanging chads in nyny.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

A Bridge too Far — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:56:11 GMT

What is it with Democrats and them building bridges? Clinton built a bridge to the 21ist century. Barack is building some kind of bridge that goes somewhere. Edwards drove under a bridge yesterday that had "200 homeless people" living under it. When Fox News asked the Edwards campaign where that bridge was, they didn't know. Hint: It doesn't exist.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

JT, Texas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:59:12 GMT

J, Ohio,

And the internet boom was responsible for a balanced budget too?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Susan, MASS — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:00:41 GMT

McCain didn't play hard ball, he sounded like a demented old man, stuck on timetable.....He is a liar, plain and simple.
If the American people vote for McCain, that is the end of the true Republican Party.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

ObamaRama — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:01:26 GMT

"About half of voters are expected to use mail-in ballots -- which have been available since Jan. 7 -- and Clinton was romping over Obama among that group, 53% to 30%. Among those expecting to cast ballots in a traditional precinct visit, the race was a closer 42% to 34% in Clinton's favor. Former Massachusetts Gov. Romney was also running stronger among mail-in voters, if still behind McCain."

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-me-poll29jan29,1,5092615.story?track=crosspromo

23 points, is that a lot?

HA HA!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:02:47 GMT

Orthodox Jew For Obama

Councilman Simcha Felder, a Brooklyn Democrat and likely 2009 comptroller candidate, was asked last night by Orthodox Jewish radio personality Nachum Segal who he will be voting for on Feb. 5 and his answer raised the eyebrows of at least one listener/DP reader.

Felder said he's planning to vote for Barack Obama in "protest" to the racially-tinged tactics employed by Hillary Clinton's campaign in South Carolina.

Felder spokesman Eric Kuo confirmed that his boss will be voting for Obama, but stressed that he is neither campaigning for nor endorsing the Illinois senator.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/01/one-orthodox-jew-for-obama.html

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Just a question — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:03:52 GMT

HELLO fIRST READ,
When Hillary or bill attracts big crowd, at least on this site, it does not get mentionned, but when Obama does, it is all over the place, even John Edwards a day before his withdraw, attracted close to 3500 people in MN, i have not read it here at all.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

JT, Texas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:05:44 GMT

As for the contributions of a Canadian mining financier, so what, it was for a charitable organization. And I have difficulty understanding what influence Bill Clinton had in Kazakhstan, and if he did, what does it have to do with HILLARY'S campaign. You want to forget the Rezko contributions to Obama, and we have no idea what he did to get those, but he gave them to charity, where is the difference other than the amount?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marta Hernandez — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:05:50 GMT

Obama says, "Clinton is polarizing some times votes with GOP." I thought Obama is suppose to be the guy to bring us together. Is he now showing his real far-left liberal face? I think yes, this guy is just another far-left progressive and his only interest is the liberal agenda.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Lynette, NYC — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:06:14 GMT

The NY post is the national enquirer of NY News and they are also owned by Rupert Murdoch who owns FOX. MAybe the GOP doesnt want to run Clinton against Mccain. Hmmm food for thought.

I agree with campdog, hopefully tonite with just the two of them, we will really see who will better serve us, based onexperience and knowledge. Chris MAtthews and keith the sports guy Oberman aside, who will be salivating to chomp on Hillary, no matter how the debate goes. May the best person win!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Lynette, NYC — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:06:26 GMT

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:07:56 GMT

Foreign Policy Forum .... Nov 27th, 2007
Barack Obama and several of his top foreign policy advisors held a foreign policy forum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Panelists included:

Richard Danzig – Former secretary of the Navy under President Clinton
Tony Lake – National Security Advisor to President Clinton
Adm. John Hutson (USN Ret.) – Bow, NH resident; Dean of Franklin Pierce Law Center; former U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General and nationally-known expert on detention and interrogation
Samantha Power – Pulitzer Prize-winning author and renowned professor of human rights and foreign policy
Susan Rice – Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
Senator Barack Obama

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post_group/ObamaHQ/Cx7J

LEARN & ISSUES
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
http://www.barackobama.com/speeches/index.php
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/

Obama's plan-- download THE BLUEPRINT FOR CHANGE
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

KNOW THE FACTS
http://factcheck.barackobama.com/

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

j fl — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:09:08 GMT

Obama has little experience, alot of hot air,and I still don't know what he stands for. The Clintons are as powerful as the Bushes and we need them to win for the dems. It will be Hillary and McCain and she will prevail...first female president.Go Hillary!!!!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Mark Thieme — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:12:18 GMT

Romney is done after next week. Everybody knows this, including you guys. The other two are done as well, but they don't know it.

McCain/Romney has been in the works, but is doubtful that it will work. Too much fur has flown.

McCain/Huck more likely... and they will lose even to a limping Democrat... McCain 71 years old and the other a Baptist preacher. Two old white boys. Not this year. No way.

It is also becoming apparent to the Clintons just how much they need Obama in the general. A quiet Obama would stiffen the wind a lot.

I wrote here a few months ago that the Clintons made Obama a deal no one (me included) thought he could refuse.

He threw it back at them and walked out the door. They vowed revenge, but now that revenge is proving way too costly. Look for a nicer Hillary and Bill (at least in the daylight).

And watch the Obama slime team go to work on Bill's global poker party. Much grist for the slime mill. You'll see what I mean. It will make the Rezko nonsense look like diminutive sweet potatoes.

In short, one way or another, Obama holds the key to who will be the next president of the United States.

And it is dawning on the Clintons a tad late in the game.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marybeth, CA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:12:29 GMT

I see many of the male political pundits are going after Hillary and showing their hatred and fear of her. Can't they see it just makes the Clintons stronger when they do this? If they keep it up she is going to win. Obama is fizzling. A Clinton Obama ticket would be awesome though.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Ed, Boston, MA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:13:03 GMT

Wow!!! Imagine that. Mr Clinton asking millionaires to donate to his Clinton Foundation which has been doing incredible work. Maybe he should just go door to door asking for 10 dollars! Give me a break. All large foundations seek out large supporters and wealthy donors and his is no exception. Mr Clinton did not receive 31 million; his foundation did.
Once again there seems to be such a bias against Hillary. Did MSNBC even report on the Rezko fiasco?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Rick, Ws, NC — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:13:39 GMT

Vote for mcwar at your own peril...he has said there will be more wars on his watch...too bad he won't make the cheerleaders in his party send their kids to die and be maimed though...

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Chris Penn — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:13:50 GMT

Go dems! we need a dem in the white house for 8 yrs to just start cleaning up bushs messes.how about clinton for 8 and obama for 8?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

John B, Des Moines,IA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:14:18 GMT

I heard an interview this morning with an advisor to Huckabee in which he admitted the truth about the Fair Tax for the first time. The primary goal of the Fair Tax, he said, is to reduce the Capital Gains and corporate income tax to zero. Between that and a significantly reduced tax rate on upper income earners this amounts to the biggest tax decrease in history, all directed at the rich.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Rick,ky — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:15:12 GMT

JUST IN FROM THE AP. BARACK OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN RAISED 30,000,000 in JANURARY ALONE.Come on 1st read, get with the NEWS!!!!!!!!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Daniel, NY — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:15:48 GMT

A list of election polls released yesterday show the race dramatically tightening, with Obama now getting closer in Massachusetts, California and even New York. Check the full roundup of the ground shifting: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2008/01/ground-is-shifting-in-obamas-favor-but.html

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:16:40 GMT

NAFTA and the CONSTITUTION

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SqXUT_qWSE&eurl=http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

lyn, MD — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:28:36 GMT

Campaign manager David Plouffe says he's raised $32 million this month.

That would be more than $1 million a day.

Ben Smith www.politico.com

This explains the ads in every state...happy to do my part. Think I will go donate again

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Jim , Eugene,Oregon — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:30:12 GMT

McCain is an idiot and he showed that last night. Clinton and McCain are two wings of the same Bird , they can look the American people in the eye and LIE with a smile on there face.

Huckabee won that debate hands down.

Romney did a good job of showing the country how senile,angry,and dishonest McCain is.

Ron Paul needs to grow a back bone , it's no wonder people think he is a joke.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sierra, SF — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:31:45 GMT

From Salon,com:

'...Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008 16:30 EST
Quote of the day

"I can say this, that, you know, being a Southerner, being an American who's been completely devastated by the trade policies of the Clintons, I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that he does not endorse Hillary Clinton."

-- Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, a senior advisor to former Sen. John Edwards' now-defunct presidential
campaign, during an appearance on MSNBC earlier Wednesday....'

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Kendell Jamenson, Ohio — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:32:06 GMT

Campdog . . .

Now that it's down to just two maybe we can end the confrontation and start a conversation.

When the candidates positions are placed side by side there just isn't that much to argue about and that should be seen as a possitive! Now we can decide who has the experiance, passion and drive to achieve the goals of the party.

-----

I'll take it you are talking about the Democrats. It is also true for the Republicans, it's just that two of them look to be using up their Frequent Flyer miles before they get off the stage.

The difference between the Clintons and Obama positions is negligible. They are both Socialists. Hillary trys to play the middle, but really fails in her efforts. There is no problem that she doesn't want to fix with huge government program.

Hillary and Bill do have the so-called "experience". He was President for eight years and governor forever. Hillary though is fudging her experience, and at last look, she's the one running for President.

Obama, as Biden stated, is the more "Cleaner" candidate. Not much history, both with experience or with corruption. He's got this Rezco issue hanging around him, which when compared to the Clinton's misdeeds is next to nothing. Obama would much more easily be able to work with Republicans then the Clinton's would be able to. Republicans just hate the Clinton's, and even many Democrats have grown tired of having to defend Bill and Hillary through the years. Obama would have an easier time winning in November because, if you don't like the Clinton's, you really, really, don't like the Clinton's. Those voters will be motived to vote against her.

There are you rchoices on the Democrat side. Not the best group to choose from, and nothing moderate about them.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

D.O. — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:32:15 GMT

McCain LIES! HE'S RUDE, MOUTHY, COCKY, ARROGANT, FULL OF SELF IMPORTANCE AND INTO GLORIFYING HIMSELF! MCCAIN IS A TOTAL CREEP AND NEEDS TO SLITHER HOME. I'LL NEVER VOTE FOR HIM IF HE WERE THE ONLY NOMINEE ON EITHER SIDE. I'D RATHER DO WITHOUT A PRESIDENT THAN TO HAVE HIM.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

j fl — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:34:04 GMT

Ah,yea daniel, but Hillary is still ahead by double digits. Thats very hard to make up in this short of time. Remember, the Clintons only get stronger as time passes, always much stronger. They feed off insults and attacks. Bill Clintons campaign comes to mind.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Grace — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:34:19 GMT

Obama raised $32 Million in JANUARY 2008 and added 170,000 new donors.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/31/obama_to_report_32_million_rai.html

Van,Still waiting for those funds to dry up......LOL

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

obamawatch, LA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:34:24 GMT

At least McCain will wear an American flag lapel pin; Senator Obama will not. So what kind of commander-in-chief will Senator Obama be reviewing the troops when he won't even show the colors of our flag? What's that?!?!?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

ca, ct — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:34:25 GMT

Tell me First Read-What does the Clinton Foundation receiving a charitable gift from a financier have to do with the current race for the presidency?? Why make something out of nothing! Oh I forget this is the same outlet which sponsors Chris Mathews!!!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Lee, Houston Texas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:34:27 GMT

Mr Clinton did not receive 31 million; his foundation did.

Of course, Bill does charge a 10% handling fee. It's only fair.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

ObamaRama — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:37:10 GMT

Please give every penny you have to Barry BEFORE next Tuesday. He's blew through his 4th quarter money like it was burning a hole in his pocket, as the FEC #'s will attest. It was knowing how bad those spending numbers are that prompted today's press release.

Barry said judge what kind of president he'd be by how he ran his campaign. It will be fun to see his sense of fiscal responsibility and restraint.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:38:57 GMT

Clinton Remained Silent As Wal-Mart Fought Unions
--
Tapes Reviewed by ABC News Show Clinton As a Loyal Company Woman
--
In six years as a member of the Wal-Mart board of directors, between 1986 and 1992, Hillary Clinton remained silent as the world's largest retailer waged a major campaign against labor unions seeking to represent store workers.

Wal-Mart's anti-union efforts were headed by one of Clinton's fellow board members, John Tate, a Wal-Mart executive vice president who also served on the board with Clinton for four of her six years.

Tate was fond of repeating, as he did at a managers meeting in 2004 after his retirement, what he said was his favorite phrase, "Labor unions are nothing but blood-sucking parasites living off the productive labor of people who work for a living."

http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=4218509

ps...IMO, Tate or Mark Penn--take your pick

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Pat, Boston, MA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:39:54 GMT

If anyone here is a Barack Obama supporter living in Massachusetts, go to Boston.com. The Senator will be here in Boston Monday night - details have yet to be announced.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:40:23 GMT

----BORATGATE----

An Ex-President, a Mining Deal and a Big Donor--

Both Mr. Clinton and Mr. Giustra at first denied that any such meeting occurred. Mr. Giustra also denied ever arranging for Kazakh officials to meet with Mr. Clinton. Wednesday, after The Times told them that others said a meeting, in Mr. Clinton's home, had in fact taken place, both men acknowledged it.
--
http://mobile.nytimes.com/article;jsessionid=12CF6008868E3B658A3A124C610C599A.w5?a=137499&f=19&single=1

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

j fl — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:41:13 GMT

I hate to burst the old Obama bubble but... you put all the polling data together for today and Hillary is still up by 11 points in California(and most other states for that matter). It seems you Obama folks took the lowest poll number that suited your expectations and picked the one with only a 3 point lead. You guys need to look at realclearpolitics for all those polling results put together. Sorry to disappoint.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Gabe Holt — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:41:30 GMT

Gabe Holt - it was obvious he meant to say we must NOT slow down our economy to combat global warming.

pat huntington ny

Direct quote from Bill Clinton:

"We just have to slow down our economy and cut back our greenhouse gas emissions 'cause we have to save the planet for our grandchildren."

I know you Clinton lapdogs love to work around the edges of what the Clinton's say. Not much wiggle room with this statement though.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Kathryn in Bham — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:44:02 GMT

John B -
The idea for the Fair Tax reducing corporate tax is so that as Americans we can purchase American Made products at a price that is competitive with the foreign products that we now purchase - leveling the playing field so that we can keep our jobs within our borders. We now pay about 22% tax on anything made in our country because of corporate taxes. That is why everything is outsourced to foreign, cheaper labor. That is a)hurting our economy and taking away our jobs and b) making us dependent on the good nature of foreign countries for everything from our consumer goods to the bombs and planes and humvees our soldiers use to protect themselves/us.

The Fair Tax would eliminate that 22%, so that we can again be a country less dependant on others - creating less need for us to have so much foreign interest and less need for us to police the affairs of other countries. Gov. Huckabee also has a plan for eliminating our dependance on foreign oil within TEN years - so that we are not financing our enemies by lining their pockets with the high prices we are willing (forced) to pay for gas.

Check out the facts and quit looking at everything in one light.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Kathryn in Bham — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:45:59 GMT

Fair Tax facts -
And to think that the Fair Tax is a break for the rich and burden for the poor -
That is also uninformed. The projection is that the wealthy would actually pay more and the lower class/middle class will pay less. Check out the information on the Fair Tax websites and on Mike Huckabee's websites...

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:55:03 GMT

For JT, Texas

KNOW THE FACTS
http://factcheck.barackobama.com/

Obama on Charlie Rose
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5456752353400414374

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

ObamaRama — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:55:53 GMT

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Rick,ky — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:55:56 GMT

J. Merle, keep on trusting in that early voting. Barack has the Message, The MO, & the $$$$$$$$$ that will prevail. O, wait, maybe i should address that to Obamarama, or whoever you are at this moment. Typical hillary supporter, Sybil is a more sane person than Most Hillary Supporter's.

The Train has'nt left the station as of yet. You still have time to come onboard. Tsnami Tuesday will be just That. A tsnami of support that Propels Barack to Victory & the Presidency.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:00:38 GMT

gene britton, I(a full fledge Democrat) used to read the Post while on the subway. It is a favorite(along with Daily News) of NY train riders. So, the paper's owner persay is no big deal, but it does reach a lot of people travelling to and fro.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

MELISSA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:01:29 GMT

MY GOODNESS BL , AREN'T YOU A ANGRY MAN.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:03:06 GMT

To JT in Texas

KNOW THE FACTS
http://factcheck.barackobama.com/

IRAN
http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2007/10/11/did-obama-skip-the-iran-vote/

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sierra, SF — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:04:16 GMT

From Campaign Diaries:

'....30.2008
The ground is shifting in Obama's favor, but does he have enough time?

With 6 days to go to Super Tuesday and with the GOP having gone a long way towards settling on a nominee last night, all eyes are now on the Democratic primary where the stakes of the next few days are much higher. Hillary Clinton is seeking to halt the seemingly unending stream of good news for Obama (South Carolina triumph, Kennedy endorsement) by putting forward her Florida win. And the campaign must be happy with the controversy over whether Obama snubbed on the floor of the Senate. Images of that "incident" are now being widely covered by the media, and every news cycle Clinton can own this week could make the difference come Super Tuesday.

The poll numbers indicate that the ground is shifting in Obama's favor and that he is getting closer to his rival. But with 6 days to go and the campaign now national, does Obama have enough time to make his case in the states he needs to do well in come Tuesday, for example in California? That is the huge question we are facing right now. And unfortunately for those of us who are accustomed to relying on polls to get some idea of where an election is heading, it will be very difficult to assess the state of the race in the next week. For one, most polls that are being released yesterday and today were taken late this week-end or on Monday, in other words in the immediate aftermath both of Obama's South Carolina victory and of Ted Kennedy's endorsement. Is that a lasting bounce like the one McCain got out of New Hampshire and South Carolina? Or will it subside in a few days like the one Obama got post-Iowa? It will be very difficult to assess this for a few more days...'

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:04:23 GMT

HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT 2008!
Change is the residue of design, and design is the by-product of experience.
J Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:40 AM)

Experience Merle???? LOL!
she had better come after McCain or Romney with more then this 35 years of experience of nonsense or she will be done for.

All the questions you asked in your post, we have asked of Hillary Clinton and she offers no answers herself...

Now with her sleazy husband involved in still ANOTHER sleazy looking deal, is this the kind of President you want merle? Or is this the type of politics that goes on in New York State?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

NickQPublic — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:07:25 GMT

David Anders is right and he's not alone. See comments by CNN's Bill Schneider below...

Schneider: The night's big winner: Huckabee
Posted: 07:34 AM ET

Huckabee performed well, Schneider says.
Huckabee, I think, stood out in this debate as the one who made sense, talked as ordinary people do, and rose above politics. They may have scored. He connected. And that’s a problem for Romney, who would like to become the alternative to John McCain among conservatives who oppose the Arizona senator. But he has very tough competition from Huckabee, who’s forcing people to re-think his run at a time when he was supposed to be out of the game.

But this has always been the way he’s worked: Romney uses money to stay competitive. Huckabee has debates.

I don’t think McCain made many gains – and I think he may have caused people to re-think the race. I don’t think this was his strongest night, not because he was under attack. But because he wasn’t a straight talker. He talked very much like a politician. He was making a lot of charges at Romney – some of which, like the timetable charge, seemed very questionable.

A couple of Romney’s answers were quite good, particularly on the Iraq timetables issue. I don’t think he did himself any harm. But I think the one who really helped himself was Huckabee.

All in all: Huckabee gained ground, McCain probably lost ground, and Romney didn’t help or hurt himself – although he did effectively defend himself. McCain sounded petty – and that’s not the McCain voters know and like.

But to the extent that Huckabee may have made any gains from his performance, Romney’s got bigger worries out of tonight than the Arizona senator.

– CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sharon — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:09:35 GMT

All the Obama haters need to wake up. Hillary is a manipulator, and she will not win. Any of the Republicians can beat her, but none of the Republicians can beat Obama. Especially, McCain, he is too old. Every time I see him on TV he is shaking, and holding his left arm up. Obama is the man who will make "BIG" changes in Washington. After super Tuesday he is going to be on his way to the "WHITE HOUSE".

OBAMA 2008

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

bc Indiana — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:10:50 GMT

Hilary Clinton is going to create an American version of the Canadian two tier Health Care system. Here's what will happen.

If you can pay for your own then go ahead and welcome to the Cadillac system. If you can't do that then into the government system you go and welcome to the budget system. You and/or your employer pay in to make it go.

I left Canada because of this... do you know what's going to happen? Your employer, in order to offset the cost of paying all or some of your health care is going to offset their loss by increasing the price of the goods and services they sell.

Welcome to inflation, and a rising cost of living. Additionally your taxes will go up to pay for the government portion of this debacle.

Ever take a holiday in Canada? Ever shake your head over the prices? Health Care is NEVER free - not even in Canada.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sierra, SF — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:12:08 GMT

From Campaign Diaries:

'...In the latest poll that was in the field from Sunday to Tuesday, Barack Obama has risen to his highest percentage in yet (in the past 3 weeks) and is trailing Clinton by only 6%, 44% to 38%. Five days ago, it was 47% to 32% Clinton; two days ago, it was 44% to 33%. Yesterday, 44% to 34%. Clinton has been steadily declining for about a week now and this is a very worrying trend because a national lead is essential to her chances on Tuesday in what is essentially a national primary. Edwards gets 12% in the latest poll, double the margin between Obama and Clinton... The next few days could prove very instructive....'

Thank you, Ted Kennedy
The 'Liberal Lion' of the Senate !
Ted Kennedy OPPOSED the IRAQ WAR !
Just like Barack Obama !

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:13:42 GMT

To Marta H.

The politics of hope includes telling people what you think and where you stand.
The politics of hopes includes having a vision for where you want the country to go.
The politics of hope includes Independents and Republicans, not just Democrats.
The politics of hope includes increasing the number of people participating in our political process.
The politics of hope includes making the differences between the candidates crystal clear to voters.
The politics of hope means drawing a contrast in policy, not making a gratuitous ad hominen attack.
The politics of hope means telling the world our common prosperity and common security are important.
The politics of hope means helping fellow Democrats at all levels win, not just ourselves.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sierra, SF — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:14:09 GMT

From Campaign Diaries:

'..In Connecticut, in Clinton's backyard, a Rasmussen poll shows Clinton and Obama tied at 40%. The poll was entirely conducted on Sunday, the day after Obama's SC victory, and it has John Edwards at 11%. Clinton can hardly afford to lose one of the states of the Tri-State Area, so she better pay special attention to Connecticut. No previous poll confirms that this primary is heading towards a toss-up, but it fits with the narrative of Obama's rise...'

Is Conneticut 'up for GRABS' ?
Billary's back yard !!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marbw — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:14:35 GMT

from "The Audacity of Hope" - pp 41-42:

"Maybe the critics are right. Maybe there's no escaping our great political divide, an endless clash of armies, and any attempts to alter the rules of engagement are futile. Or maybe trivialization of politics has reached a point of no return, so that most people see it as just one more diversion, a sport, with politicians our paunch-bellied gladiators and those who bother to pay attention, just fans on the sidelines. We paint our faces red or blue and cheer our side and boo their side and if it takes a late hit or a cheap shot to beat the other team, so be it, for winning is all that matters.

But I don't think so. They are out there, I think to myself, those ordinary citizens who have grown up in the midst of all the political and cultural battles, but who have found a way-in their own lives-to make peace with their neighbors, and themselves."

I imagine the white Southerner who growing up heard his dad talk about ni***** this and ni***** that but who has struck up a friendship with the black guy at the office and his trying to teach his own son different, who thinks discrimination is wrong but doesn't see why the the son of a black doctor should get admitted into law school ahead of his own. Or the former Black Panther who decided to get into real estate, bought a few buildings in the neighborhood, and is just tired of the drug dealers in front of those buildings as he is of the bankers who won't give him a loan to expand his business. There's the middle aged feminist who still mourns her abortion, and the Christian woman who paid for her teenagers abortion, and the millions of waitresses and temp secretaries and nurses assitants and WalMart associates who hold their breath every single month in the hopes that they'll have enough money to support the children that they did bring into the world.

I imagine they are waiting for a politics with the maturity to balance idealism and realism, to distinguish between what can and cannot be compromised, to admit the possibility, that the other side might sometimes have a point. They don't always understand the arguments between the right and the left, conservative and liberal, but they recognize the difference between dogma and common sense, responsibility and irresponsibility, between those things that last and those things that are fleeting.

They are out there, waiting for Republicans and Democrats to catch up to them."

Posted By: debbie from VA

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Rufus Gibbons Washington DC — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:22:58 GMT

Does anybody except Sierra know why Arizona, New Mexico and California is a racial bank shot? Should those states be dis-enfranchised?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

beth, brooklyn, ny — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:24:29 GMT

Obama raised $32 million in January alone, with $170,000 first-time donors contributing.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:31:13 GMT

Very insightful Mr. Thieme. You and I may know some of the same people methinks. Romney and the rest will be finished very soon and the Republican party will spend the next few months mending their fractured coalition. It matters not for it will be too late to defeat either of the final 2 Democrats. Only a suicidal move by Sen. Clinton in the upcoming weeks could derail that. The Clintons are far too intelligent to risk that--so as you state the future of the US Presidency is in Sen. Obama's hands.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

kenn — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:36:01 GMT

Hey numb nuts you can stop looking the right wing had him impeached ,SO WHAT he was still better than BUSH even while making a mess of a dress .Just because your spouse cheated on you and you couldnt or wouldnt uphold your vows and work it out ,Hilliary is refering to health care and her attempt to get it for people in 93 15 years ago but what a bad idea then but a good one now ,quit running against the past,BILL CLINTON quit living in the past with TEDDY KENNEDY and get with the future WOMANS GOT THE POWER

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Ron Jeffers, Arizona Independent — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:39:02 GMT

In the November general election, Independents will support either Obama or McCain. Hillary and Romney will never get our vote. Keep that in mind you donkeys and elephants.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Sierra, SF — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:39:13 GMT

From Salon.comn:

'...Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008 11:29 EST

Obama breaks fundraising record

A couple of sources, including the Drudge Report and the Washington Post, are saying that Barack Obama's campaign will report a January fundraising total of $32 million, a new record. This total includes contributions from 170,000 new donors.

The Trail, a Post blog, says Obama campaign manager David Plouffe claims that the campaign's single biggest fundraising day came the day after Obama's surprise loss to Sen. Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire primary.

Plouffe also told the Trail that the money will allow the campaign "to advertise in just about every Feb. 5 state at pretty high levels."...'

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

kenn — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:40:37 GMT

Can you get MICA on JOE IN THE MORNING a TOWEL she drools over OBAMA and its just so unbecoming a lady of her stature maybe you can replace the WOMAN with an african american JOE is so down with the struggle and Obama, JOE and THE RIGHT WING even ENDORSED HIM along with the loser side of the democratic party they all make some STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Cathy, Upstate NY — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:47:25 GMT

The NY Post may have endorsed Obama, but on page 5 today they talk about how Obama is on the ATTACK against Hillary, "letting loose and pounding her"... So much for "HOPE AND POSITIVE CHANGE"! He couldn't get much more negative, and the worse he gets, the more VOTES she gets!!! HILLARY 2008!!!!!!!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

MK — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:47:36 GMT

/// Mr Clinton asking millionaires to donate to his Clinton Foundation which has been doing incredible work.

Any chance of an itemized list of what "incredible work" the Clinton Foundation has done? And don't give its web site - one can only take so much bs from the Clintons. Something a little more independent. And, if history is any indicator, then we shouldn't be surprised that the Clintons are personally profitting somewhere in the deal.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

norb — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:50:49 GMT

I watched the Republican debates last night and thought John McCain looked like he should be representing a ward on some city council. He was slummped over most of the night and kept reminding everyone that he was a war hero. What about all the 3900 + war hero's out there? He's a tired old man that should be selling shoes or be a Walmart greeter. Even Ralph Nader could whip this guy if they were in a general election. On the bright side if he looses he can always go drive one of his wife's beer trucks.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

kenn — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:51:53 GMT

In your reporters zest and swoon to compare obama with JFK REMEMBER GO CHECK OUT WHAT JOHN F KENNEDY DID FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS AND ASK CAROLINE WHAT IT IS ABOUT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN WHO STRUGGLED HIS WAY THROUGH LIFE HAS IN COMMON WITH A DADDY BOY LIKE JFK.JFK VOTED AGAINST THE 1957 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT HE WAS AGAINST THE MARCH I HAD A DREAM AND HE WIRETAPPED MLK

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

kenn — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:52:04 GMT

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

kenn — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:55:18 GMT

J merle you noticed the MSNBC slant to with the donor story LONG LIVE THE FREE SOVIET PRESS

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

MaryAnn Tauro — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:58:16 GMT

Why does MSNBC love Barack Hussein Obama so much. Free press not saying nor questioning him at all. Hillary is right for the job. The more dirt you throw at her, the more votes she will get. I will never, ever watch Keith, Dan, nor anyone of you unfair newscasters again!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

MaryAnn Tauro — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:59:37 GMT

ONLY YOUR NETWORK CAN ATTACK OTHERS. HILLARY ONLY. gIVING oBAMA FREE PASS. sHAME.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Del LaBelle Boise,Id. — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:07:35 GMT

McCain has to learn there's is more going on the then war on terrorism. Romney should stay on the conservative question. I know there has to compromise in politics but it seems to come too easy for McCain.The illegal issue is #1 that is the bases of Homeland Security our boarders, airways and seaports without securing those homeland security is a joke. Chertoff even said he has "permission" to spend the $$$ for the fence anywhere he wants. McCain should quit with the 91 yr.old grandmother with her grandson in Iraq. He has not changed his views with the amnisty bill with Kennedy at all. What has happened to American comservative values over the last few years? electing a liberal isn't going to restore our values. At least we can take Gov.Romney at face value, McCain will always be full of surprises , good Sec. of Defence , not president. ON the other side Clinton and Sen.Obama agree with him or not Sen.Obama believes and honestly means what he says. as unual clintons well , , they're the clintons, promises , stump talk is like water running off a ducks back. If you take I, me, and mine, out of their conversation they'lost. Put them together there isn't an ounce of good. show us all the good things she had accomplished in those 35 years she always brings up, please make a list.Sen.Obama has to stop trying to be the gentleman. He's not dealing with any lady or gentleman.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Jim, the Mississippi Delta — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:10:56 GMT

No wonder the GOP is lining up behind John McCain. He's guaranteed to give us four more years of George W. Bush. A McCain presidency will be great for big business and the wealthy but disastrous for the average American in terms of health care and the economy.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

PM — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:16:24 GMT

REALITY CHECK!! America is not going to elect an infomercial, "YES WE CAN", as President Obama anymore than they would elect Oprah (more qualified, longer list of accomplishments improving people's lives)as Madame President. America chooses "coke" or "pepsi" "ford" or "chevy". If Obama gets nominated, the press will f inally scrutinize his every word and background, and during the debates he came across as cranky and defensive (sounds like McCain or Romney)and as someone who could dish out crticism but can't handle it himself aka chip on his shoulder)Sorry if the Obama pie-in-the-skyers take "chip" as somehow a racial slur so as to distract from serious discussion of serious issues for the country. Obama has surrounded himself with former Clinton advisors. He has a questionable voting records in the US and state legislatures. He can't quite bring himself to vote yes or no but can find the time to vote "present" on issues the public wants resolved--pleeeeez--He's prone to the same OLD POLITICS by a traditional POLITICIAN. That's what Obama is--a traditional politician wrapped in the new merchandising of this year C-H-A-N-G-E. As part of the abused and neglected MIDDLE CLASS that has PAID THE FREIGHT for all of America's dumb trillion dollar foreign adventures, I RESENT Obama claiming to be a chnage agent without providing more details of his plans and taking actions that are very similar to those he criticizes. Obama for the middle class? I don't see the evidence--I only hear a lot of SPIN. I'D RATHER VOTE FOR OPRAH than OBAMA!!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:19:09 GMT

Jim Banks- You are definitly a loyal Bush kool-aid drinker along with the measly 30% of those who are in denial. I hope you do not go bankrupt if your greedy corporate HMO decides to deny your claim for any emergency procedures....Stay hlty! Thanks to the Shrub we are LESS SAFE now than pre 9/11, thanks to the chicken hawks who dropped the ball in Afganistan and looks like the Taliban are resurging....Asked the Russians how it turned out for them after 10 yrs. Furthermore, I kind of like our Constitution, whereby warrants are needed before a search is given by a judge not at the whim of a meglomaniac using 911 for his own agenda. Sinclair Lewis many years ago said American Fascism will arrive here with the flag in one hand and the bible in the other. The difference between you and myself is that I refused to be manipulated by the lying Cheney,Wolfolwitz, Rice, Rove and neocons for geo- political and financial gains vis-a-vis Halliburtan where billions of our tax money is gone. Stay safe going over one of our thousands of delapitating bridges that the federal government is refusing to hand over $ for further inspections. Tom you need to stop watching FOX NEWS.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

DCortez, Houston, Texas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:31:27 GMT

McCain didn't have to play hardball, Romney shoots himself in the foot every chance he gets. All McCain has to do is run out the clock.

Romney is a Grade "A" flip flopper and lost my respect months ago.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Pat — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:32:13 GMT

Regarding the McFadden interview, Clinton is not "rewriting history," as you indicate. The "two for the price of one" comment at the time was blown way out of proportion and led to a perception propagated by the right that the Clintons shared a kind of co-presidency. As you'll recall, this, as well as the famous "stay home and bake cookies" comment by Hillary, was the genesis of all Clinton bashing to follow in subsequent years. After that, every comment made by Hillary was examined through a distorted lens by the right. Currently, the media appears to have been handed the torch by the right and spares no effort in carrying on their long-standing "tradition" of Clinton bashing. A case in point is the current reporting by all forms of media that attempts to attribute racism to the Clintons' motives. When McCain and Romney exchange in vigorous, heated, and often personal, debate, the media dismisses it as "old-fashioned hard ball politics." Not so with Hillary; it is apparently unseemly for a woman candidate to engage in political attacks, and off limits for a white candidate to attack a black candidate. Is it not acceptable for a white candidate to attack a black candidate politically without running the risk of racism? If the Democratic Party is so worried about this within its own family, just wait till the Republican Party gets their attack machine cranked up--we haven't seen anything yet! If the Democratic Party is willing to nominate a largely unvetted candidate because he makes a pretty speech, then we have only ourselves to blame if we find out later that there is no "there" there. Remember how George W. Bush was supposed to be the second coming? Is Barak Obama now JFK/MLK reincarnated? I challenge the media, as well as the Democratic Party, to start examining Obama seriously so we can know more about this man. If we don't, we are doing a serious disservice to both Barak Obama and the country.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Milton Smith — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:33:08 GMT

I am a conservative Republican and really, really don't want John McCain to be the Republican nominee. As far as I'm concerned, he is a Democrat. I'm very disappointed that Republicans have chosen him in S. Carolina and Florida.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Jennifer Nesslar,Pomona, CA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:34:24 GMT

It was very clear that voting for McCain would be four more years of the same- lies, arrogance and completely ignoring what the American Citizen wants! His immigration policy would destroy America!! He sounds more and more like a left-Democrat.

I am a 22 year registered, voting Democrat who would love to vote for Mit Romney in November. This Tuesday I'm going to vote for the Democrat that would more than likely loose to Romney.

All Republicans that care about American soveriegnty-- please vote for Romney on Tuesday. All other votes for Huckabee and Paul unfortunately would only help McCain

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Brian, Melbourne, FL — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:38:23 GMT

I heard a rumor that someone named Ron Paul was a candidate for the Presidency, but I can't seem to verify that via any traditional media source.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Wendi, Portland, OR — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:38:59 GMT

The double standard in regards to McCain "attacks" verses Romney's "attacks" is amazing. McCain can outright lie about Romney's comments on how to progress with the Iraqi situation and its seen as "him being tough" and "strong enough to handle the general election".. yet Romney can talk about everyone's record, even correctly and be called a mean spirited attacker. Hello?!!

McCain was against the Tax Cuts up until Florida's primary and he's "a straight talker"... Romney changes his stance on abortion because he can't support cloning human embryos for experimentation and Romney is the "flip flopper". McCain was for amnesty for all illigal immigrants until Florida and now he's "against it".. but he's tough and gritty and considered honest?!!

Lets drop the double standard people, one standard will do fine thank you.

I like that every time Romney was confronted with why he said or did something, he had a reason. A sensible reason. Whether you agree with it or not doesn't really matter, but he answered and didn't waiver on it. I know he won't win the nomination. He just wasn't willing to do enough backroom deals to get recommendations. Which is interesting considering how much brokering you have to do with the type of business Bain Capital was.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Philip, Los Angeles — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:43:57 GMT

What is the problem with using contacts in business? That is capitalism? My boss does it all the time.
And Bill got money for his philanthropic work. That's a good thing! How is this a scandal?

Barack does not like capitalism?

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Kyle — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:49:36 GMT

PLEASE WAKE UP CONSERVATIVES. A vote for Huckabee IS a vote for McCain. Anyone who knows the process KNOWS this. Romney is our last hope for conservatism to be represented in November. Vote Romney unless you really want the "double-talk express."

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Zach SJ,CA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:51:03 GMT

In all of this back and forth, it saddens me that no one even begins to talk about the actual issues. The debates rarely afford candidates the proper time to spell out their plans for our future.

If you want to find out who is the most prepared for being the next president of the United States, go to their websites;

www.hillaryclinton.com
www.barackobama.com

Look at their issues sections and compare the two. You don't even have to read all of the issues, just read the ones that you are most interested in. See which candidate has outlined a plan that makes the most sense to you.

All of the infighting and bickering is pointless and leaves a bad taste in everyones mouth.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Kim, Pasadena, CA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:59:08 GMT

This is a response to Mary Dines. I have neither a young mind, nor a proclivity to being brainwashed. I wonder why I rarely read anyone who is for Senator Clinton tell me why Senator Clinton should be president?

As for brain-washing, I am tired of being told I must vote for Senator Clinton because I am a woman. I will vote for the best candidate, not for their gender, race or religion. When this started, I wanted Senator Clinton to be that candidate, but I found Senator Obama instead. Below are Senator Obama's words which helped me reach that decision:

"I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined concequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than the best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of Al Quaeda." Barack Obama, excerpt from a speech of his as a candidate for the Senate, before the Congressional authorization allowing the President to go to war in Iraq.

Sound familiar? Senator Obama saw with foresight what we are living in hindsight. It is especially urgent now, after years of the current administration, that we elect a President who has such foresight.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Nashville_fan — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:08:57 GMT

I think this link is a nice summary of the days news: http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2008/01/7047_really_bad_news.html

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Barbara C., Pompano Beach, FL — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:13:47 GMT

I watched the GOP Debate after living through the FL Primary on Tuesday to see what all the hoopla was over McCain. He came across to me as smug and angry last night. I am sure McCain is the darling of the Anti-Hillary masses out there...but geeze...you all could have done a lot better. Calling Newt -- Calling Newt Gingrich...

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

tati , portland, or — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:31:21 GMT

McCain is a liberal.He doesn't understand our economy
McCain is a "WAR"-leader .As a register republican
I don't trust him. I am AFRAID about the future of my
children. ROMNEY is right on all issues -- economy,
health, family value .

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marc, NY, NY — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:37:36 GMT

Lynette, NYC: "Oh and by the way, Bruce springsteen gets HUGE crowds as well. Maybe he should run for president. Everyone loves a rockstar.
Your Obama love is showing... yet again..."

As opposed to Bill's crowd gathering, saxophone playing days in the late 80's? Remember when some chided the press for falling in love with Bill and Hill? I guess you can't accept the fact that some of us who voted for Bill in the past are looking for change in the future. Moving on from 20 yrs. of Bush-Clinton-Bush legacy.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

David Bain, Grayslake, IL — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:39:34 GMT

I also feel that MSNBC has been biased in its coverage. There is no mention of the endorsement by Senator Murphy's endorsement of Hillary Clinton. This would be front page news if the endorsement went to Senator Obama. This corresponds with what i've seen of abbreviated coverage of Hillary Clinton on the newscast. Please try to remain unbiased in your coverage.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Phred, NH — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:39:52 GMT

To those voting on Super Tuesday, the future of our country is in your hands. Think with your head, trust your gut, and vote from the heart. As long as you cast your vote there is no right or wrong. To those who don't vote, don't complain, you had your chance!!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

scott,Mo. — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:40:45 GMT

Winning the debate before it started; Give me a break!!! McCain like Obama will have illegal aliens and terrorist riding around in Limousines before they leave office. Forget the middle class for they will cease to exist. Drivers license for illegals, Amnesty for all illegals aliens You want more Bush, that's what you're going to get if you vote for those two. Why do think these rich guys are endorsing them, simply becouse they know they are going to get richer, knowing full well they both will screw the poor and middle class. People think becouse they get all the rich endorsements that's the one to vote for, that my friends is just plain stupid and they know it. It's about time people look at the truth and the facts and show these morons that we are a little smarter than they think.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Marc, NY, NY — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:47:59 GMT

Did you see how the NY chapter of NOW basically lamented T. Kennedy's support of Sen. Obama? They refer to his endorsement as basically the act of a traitor. Unreal. The louder the shrill from NOW, the nuttier they come across to the rest of the country. Good work NOW if your goal is to be continually marginalized nationally to the size of a marble.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Nancy, Arlington, VA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:57:53 GMT

Hope EVERYONE who supports OBAMA reads DAVID BRODER TODAY! You can find it on the Washington Post online site. He says it is looking more and more like it will be McCain vs. OBAMA!! Yeah!! Gives lots of reasons. But to have the most prominent political columnist say that he thinks it will probably be OBAMA is absolutely fantastic!!!

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Lockstepping to victory — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:14:46 GMT

"The NY post is the national enquirer of NY News .."

Those brown shirts wish they were the Enquirer. They don't have the class.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

lorwich — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:19:40 GMT

Regarding Hillary's co-presidency with Bill, this morning on MSNBC she said she was NOT Bill's co-president. But Bill has stated that she WAS. One of them is not telling the truth. These two are so accustomed to lying that they can't tell the difference between a lie and the truth.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Todd, Wasatch County, Utah — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:20:51 GMT

I had to agree with Mr. Huckabee at the last debate. He argued the blame game about who supported the war first was ludicrous.

Mr. McCain, stop the blaming and tell me your policies, I’ve never heard them before and your record is confusing.

President Romney, stop taking the bait. Your policies are solid, you’ve proved yourself—talk about your record and ignore the attacks.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Laura, Ramona,CA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:36:23 GMT

Hardball?? This old guy could not even throw a softball! I cannot even imagine what Nancy Reagan was really thinking last night. McCain is not what America needs. I agree with everyone who is frustrated that McCain has been touted the Rep.nominee. I am starting to think it must be easier to become elected than become Miss America or an American Idol winner! This is a joke.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Joe in Miami — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:40:10 GMT

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Timur Rozenfeld — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:23:25 GMT

My friends, I am a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution fighting against global Jihadist Islamist Islamofascism. They call me the sheriff and whenever I see Putin, I think KGB. I was in a charge of a Navy Flotilla and I intend to run the economy the same way because I know nothing about economics and will rely on other people to tell me what to do. I supported the surge and will sacriface anything and anyone to see it through, no matter the cost in lives or treasure. Because I am the sheriff and I stopped the bridge to nowhere and have been involved in every national security disaster over the last 30 years. My friends, I am a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution fighting against global...

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Jamie, Salt Lake, Utah — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:07:20 GMT

Go McCain.

First thoughts: McCain plays hardball

Westlow Meanings — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:48:16 GMT