Candidates on Castro

Rick,ky — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:37:25 GMT

Hooray! Rah, Rah, Rah, shish Boom ba, Here's my panties, Here's my Bra! Hillary 1st out of the gate on castro. Big Freaking deal.

Oopz, i know you're trying to give Hillary's PMS crowd something to hold onto.

Barack Obama for President!!!!

Candidates on Castro

Wishful thinking — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:38:07 GMT

Clinton jumps onto another coat tail, Now how long will she hold on? She, should run down there and put her name on the ballot! She could win, wonder if the spouses name will be her co-runner?

Candidates on Castro

Mitch, El Paso — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:38:16 GMT

She has the nerve to say this but never mentions the fact that she's currently going through every rule book to steal elections here??? I guess if you are first to make a statement then you must be the best person to lead.....gimme a break. CLINTONS......PLEASE GO AWAY.....FAR...FAR...AWAY!!!

Candidates on Castro

Former Dem, California — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:38:21 GMT

John Podhoretz - 02.18.2008 - 17:27
Michelle Obama today said that “for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction.”

Really proud of her country for the first time? Michelle Obama is 44 years old. She has been an adult since 1982. Can it really be there has not been a moment during that time when she felt proud of her country? Forget matters like the victory in the Cold War; how about only things that have made liberals proud — all the accomplishments of inclusion? How about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1991? Or Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s elevation to the Supreme Court? Or Carol Moseley Braun’s election to the Senate in 1998? How about the merely humanitarian, like this country’s startling generosity to the victims of the tsunami? I’m sure commenters can think of hundreds more landmarks of this sort. Didn’t she even get a twinge from, say, the Olympics?

Mrs. Obama was speaking at a campaign rally, so it is easy to assume she was merely indulging in hyperbole. Even so, it is very revealing.

It suggests, first, that the pseudo-messianic nature of the Obama candidacy is very much a part of the way the Obamas themselves are feeling about it these days. If they don’t get a hold of themselves, the family vanity is going to swell up to the size of Phileas Fogg’s hot-air balloon and send the two of them soaring to heights of self-congratulatory solipsism that we’ve never seen before.

Second, it suggests the Obama campaign really does have its roots in New Class leftism, according to which patriotism is not only the last refuge of a scoundrel, but the first refuge as well — that America is not fundamentally good but flawed, but rather fundamentally flawed and only occasionally good. There’s something for John McCain to work with here.

And third, that Michelle Obama — from the middle-class South Shore neighborhood of Chicago, Princeton 85, Harvard Law 88, associate at Sidley and Austin, and eventually a high-ranking official at the University of Chicago — may not be proud of her country, but her life, like her husband’s, gives me every reason to be even prouder of the United States.

Candidates on Castro

latinanyc — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:40:12 GMT

Both Obama and McCain already have comments out, maybe even ahead of this one. Not to nitpick but I don't think Clinton was the first out of the gate with comments.

Candidates on Castro

rick, NC — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:40:52 GMT

Hmmm....I wonder why those who oppose castro so much don't seem as concerned about the plight of billions of other people held under the reign of similar dictatorships? stop pandering to the cubans in miami and worry about whats important and real..sheeesh

Candidates on Castro

John, MI — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:42:22 GMT

I honestly hope we just leave Cuba alone, the new president will have enough on HIS plate than to spend alot of time entertaining cuba....

Candidates on Castro

nuanced — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:42:40 GMT

I am waiting for the Republicans to tell us how Ronald Reagan brought about Castro's resignation.

Candidates on Castro

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:42:44 GMT

I can just see The Clinton's LOL

FIND ME A CAMERA!!!!
FIND ME A CAMERA!!!!

Oh here is one.....

Of course she forgets that Raul is in charge.....
So I'm not holding my breath for any changes in the near future....

Candidates on Castro

JT, Nashville, TN — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:44:42 GMT

So nice to hear a candidate go beyond platitudes and sound like she knows what she's talking about.

Candidates on Castro

Kim, Pasadena, CA — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:48:28 GMT

Both Senators Obama and McCain discussed the release of political prisoners, or as Senator Obama eloquently put it "prisoners of conscience." I agree with this sentiment. Cuba can only move forward into democracy when the government of Cuba lets those who opposed the tyranny of Castro out of imprisonment.

Also, how wonderful it is that all the candidates, but especially Senator Obama, spoke with such eloquence on the subject. Our Country has suffered from the lack of a President who can speak eloquently to the World for too long.

Candidates on Castro

Don't Want to Say, New York, NY — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:49:04 GMT

How come Barak Obama's supporters in Houston fly a Cuban flag with a picture of Communist Che Guevara imposed on it? See http://www.littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=28915&only&rss.

Candidates on Castro

Betty Frist, Madison,Wi. — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:53:08 GMT

It's never to late, come visit today hillaryclinton.com. No questions will be asked.

Candidates on Castro

Del Monte — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:56:04 GMT

Obama says he is most like Castro. I disagree, I think Hillary is.

Candidates on Castro

AnyoneButObama!!!! — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:58:20 GMT

Obama is disappointed now, because he was looking forward to his one on one sitdown surrender talk with Castro, as he's ready to do with Iran's president and Hugo Chavez.

Candidates on Castro

Sierra, SF — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:58:22 GMT

When you debate Hillary....

ASK her if she will try to overturn the will of the primary voters by stealing the delegates

Will Hillary try to subvert the primary system that Democrats and Independents have invested so much of their time and enegery into ?

Ask Hillary if she will withdraw from the race if she LOSES either Texas or Ohio

ASK Hillary WHY she won't release her TAX RETURNS ?
What is she HIDING ?

That fact that she and Bill enriched themselves by traiding on their insider status ?

Has Bill been in bed with the corporate interests he served during his administration ?

Candidates on Castro

MGP, NY — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:00:54 GMT

Don't Want to Say, New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:49 AM),

Why? Because they have freedom of speech, just as you do. This is the United States of America after all.

Candidates on Castro

Nicholas: Minnesota — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:01:21 GMT

As with most of these articles, I try to go in with an objective mind towards the individual candidates but a preformed idea to what is right and what is wrong--that can be swayed based on the context of the candidate's statements. Once again, of course, Clinton loses hand's down.

Barack Obama was the most right on with that eloquent write-up. Funny, for the candidate of Hope, he sure took a realistic, solution-oriented approach to the news.

Clinton, on the other hand, as the supposed solution-oriented candidate, took the I "hope" Cuba solves all it's problem approach. Fact of the matter, nothing will change in Cuba. Fidel's brother Raul will take over, no election, no democracy. Wishful thinking. So, judging by the context of her language, if nothing changes, she won't meet or work for change. As for pushing other countries to pressure Cuba, the Clintons certainly did a great job at that 10 years ago. Nothing changes, empty rhetoric. Let's try something new, something smart with Barack Obama, please.

Candidates on Castro

Linda, Dallas — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:03:03 GMT

That flag is in a VOLUNTEER'S office. It is NOT an official office.

Candidates on Castro

Nicholas: Minnesota — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:04:21 GMT

Hmmm....I wonder why those who oppose castro so much don't seem as concerned about the plight of billions of other people held under the reign of similar dictatorships?
rick, NC
--I think the answer is that Cuba is, like what, 90 miles from our country. Don't worry, if they were on the other side of the world, we wouldn't care (nearly as much).

Nuanced: Too funny again.

Candidates on Castro

Ken Collins/ Wagoner Oklahoma — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:06:09 GMT

Simply Put !!!
GO AWAY SLICK WILLY AND VEMOMOUS HILLARY !!
MSNBC AND CNN MUST BE RECEIVING PAY CHECKS CAMPAIGNING FOR HILLARY !!!!
That a boy Chuckie Todd Hillary must be proud of YOU !!!!

Candidates on Castro

aMom from Kansas — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:07:13 GMT

All of the candidates' statements were nicely put, and important in moving towards talks with a future governing body in Cuba.

Would have been better without the selfish, opportunistic "vote for me" plug from Clinton, though.

Candidates on Castro

Too Sick of It — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:09:12 GMT

No amount of posturing and preening by Obama and the Divine Miss Wannabe (Michelle) will alter a fundamental fact: "Yes we can" is a slogan, not a solution.

All of Michelle's comments and condescention are being under-reported by the Obama-centric media. But get yourselves prepared: She is going to bring an attitude the size of Montana to the race and maybe even the White House.

Word to her now: You're not even "that"; you sure aren't "all that."

Candidates on Castro

Alan, NJ — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:10:44 GMT

"Prisoners of Conscience" didn't Sting use that in song in the nineties about the people who went missing in Chile?

Candidates on Castro

Gregory Chandler — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:10:53 GMT

Truly, the tone and tenor of Michelle Obama's recent comments deserve futher scutiny, at least to the level equal of all of the candidates spouses have garnered, which is deserving. Frankly, as a Black Man and a Democrat, I am offended that Barak Obama hasn't faced any tough scrutiny thus far which would prove his metal. The "Hands-off" approach with the Black Candidate does not, overall, serve him well nor this country. No one, I repeat, no one, gets a free pass in this country. I need concrete substance, not just tauted rhetoric and (kum bi ya) notions.

Candidates on Castro

Sierra, SF — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:11:26 GMT

From Huff Post:

'..Polls Give Obama Double Digit Lead (2/18):
A poll released today from Public Polling Policy gives Obama a 13-point lead over Hillary in tomorrow's primary:

Obama leads 49%-45% among core Democrats, and does better than 2-1 against Hillary Clinton among independents and Republicans likely to vote in the Dem primary.

Also, American Research Group, which had Clinton ahead in Wisconsin earlier this week, now gives Obama a 10-point lead, 52-42.

Head-To-Head Matchups (2/18):Survey USA polls to see how both Democratic nominees would far against John McCain:

Barack Obama: 52%
John McCain: 42%

Hillary Clinton: 42%
John McCain: 49%...'

Obama will WIN the General election !
Hillary will LOSE the General Election !!

'...Obama Far Outspending Clinton (2/18): "Obama has been in Wisconsin for a week. And he's also outspent Clinton on television in the Madison and Milwaukee markets, according to this report. $831,880 to 180,990."

Clinton Leads In New Poll (2/17): According to American Research Group, Hillary Clinton has jumped ahead of Barack Obama.

Democrats Feb 6-7 Feb 15-16
Clinton 50% 49%
Obama 41% 43%
Someone else 1% 1%
Undecided 8% 7%

"Barack Obama leads Hillary Clinton among men 48% to 42% (47% of likely Democratic primary voters) and Clinton leads Obama among women 55% to 39%. Clinton leads Obama among white voters 52% to 40% (89% of likely Democratic primary voters), Obama leads Clinton among African American voters 85% to 9% (7% of likely Democratic primary voters), and Clinton leads Obama among Latino voters 50% to 44%."

ARG has had a relatively poor record in predicting previous primaries; it currently is the only firm showing Obama leading in Texas....'

'...ARG has had a relatively poor record in predicting previous primaries...'

Yo can say THAT again !!

Candidates on Castro

cc, boston, ma — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:11:58 GMT

It is funny to read that Hillary found a camera to make these comments. Did the people of Ohio really need to she her on this issue? As Castro said many years ago, He has always been in office. That sounds like what the Clintons want.

Candidates on Castro

Gregory Chandler, Grand Rapids, Michigan — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:12:00 GMT

Candidates on Castro

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:14:07 GMT

Fidel stepping down......

Here is Bill Clinton's chance to run for President again......

Candidates on Castro

kenn — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:20:27 GMT

Why is OBAMA with all his redistubution of wealth,socialized meds,TAX THE RICH communistic ideas talking bad about another guy giving away the rich peoples money free health care MIKE MOORE REMEMBER YOU SUPPORTER OBAMA said cubas better off than the US which is it obama lovers against socialism or for socialism FOR GAY RIGHTS OR AGAINST GAY RIGHTS YOU DONT EVEN KNOW YOU MANS STANCE ON GAY RIGHTS BECAUSE HE IS AGAINST THEM HE IS AGAINST A WOMENS RIGHT TO CHOOSE YOU are going to be awful confused by this guy what are his stances?

Candidates on Castro

P. Tyler, Chantilly, VA — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:27:33 GMT

She's got nothing else to hang on to! Desperately trying to stay relevant, ie, her husband, back in '95.

Candidates on Castro

John Sholin, Huntington Beach, CA — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:28:11 GMT

I would never vote for the Clintons for anything and having said that, I won't vote for Obama either. He refused to put his hand over his heart or even sing along with the national anthem. He refused to wear a lapel pin of the American flag. And now Michelle Obama says this is the first time in her life she was ever proud to be American. Where has she been the last twenty years? In solitary confinement? Did she miss the confirmation of the first woman to the supreme court? Did she miss the collapse of the Soviet Union without the firing of a single shot? Did she miss the first woman astronaut? Did she miss the many victories of our Olympic athletes? What exactly does it take to make her proud to be an American anyway? This makes me completely disgusted with both democratic candidates. Therefore I will show my pride in being an American by voting republican in November. I hope whomever the democrats choose, that they will lose the presidency in November because when the choice comes right down to it, I want somebody as president who is proud to be an American, has always been proud to be American and will always be proud of it - even in spite of mistakes our country makes. So in all good conscience, I cannot bring myself to vote for either democratic nominee.

Candidates on Castro

Go Away Obama — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:29:19 GMT

For the Truth, The Truth the Media refuses to report go to:

www.savagepolitics.com

Candidates on Castro

Dave, OH — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:30:26 GMT

Isn't it ironic on the day she's lecturing the world on what Cuban people should do to become a democracy she also pouring over every rulebook here to undermine democracy???? Only a Clinton.....priceless.

Candidates on Castro

oknOK — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:33:09 GMT

"If the Cuban leadership begins opening Cuba to meaningful democratic change, the United States must be prepared to begin taking steps to normalize relations and to ease the embargo of the last five decades."

Notice BO says "IF the cuban..." So, is he saying they'd have to do something before the US would entertain discussions with them? Isn't that INCONSISTENT with what he said in the debates? Remember, the one where he bashed HRC for saying she wouldn't immediately run out and start talking to our enemies? Based on what he said, one would believe that he'd immediately being speaking to the Cubans not putting a condition on when he'd speak to them. FLIP FLOP

Candidates on Castro

Obama Mama, Ashburn Virginia — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:35:45 GMT

Uh, Former Dem of Cal. Here's a news flash for you and all your outraged brethen. Michelle Obama, speaking as an African American woman married to the first African American male running for president, is allowed to say exactly what she said. She need not back track from it because people like you will try to spin it into something evil. She is especially proud of America because of this time in history and she has every right to express that. This is BIG!!!

Candidates on Castro

AnyoneButObama!!!! — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:36:37 GMT

I am a democrat who will not vote for Obama if he's the nominee....I would rather vote for McCain than Obama..Obama is an ego maniac and would surrender this nation to the mullahs of Iran.

Candidates on Castro

Stan Mansly, Manisfield, PA — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:37:51 GMT

Castro is stepping down now so he can be either Hillary's or Obama's VP. The Dems needed someone to the political right of Hill and Barack to balance the ticket.

Candidates on Castro

Michelle, RI — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:47:24 GMT

Barack is the only one who even mentioned the embargo that is has crippled the cuban economy. Two wrongs don't make a right. I'm voting Obama.

Candidates on Castro

kenn — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:48:10 GMT

SEARRIA WHY A RACIST LIKE JOHN F KENNEDY<RESCO> STEALING SPEECHES>CHE AND FIDELS BEST FRIENDS sounds like you OBAMA and hilliary deserve each other MACAIN 08 A TRUE WAR HERO,I would trust him putting people in harms way at least he has been there before.

Candidates on Castro

kenn — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:50:20 GMT

Hey rickky do you hate gays as much as women PMSers

Candidates on Castro

R. W., Shingleton - Jamestown, TENNESSEE 38556 — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:07:32 GMT

Hey, it is about time Castro resigned, but I will agree with McCain and Obama. Let the political prisoners go, and then maybe we can work for there. As far as Clinton goes, if things don't go her way, the the next thing you know, she will be saying "IT IS A RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY" just the way she did, when she found out her Husband Bill had cheated on her. Thank You: R. W. Shingleton

Candidates on Castro

JLS, Kansas — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:07:44 GMT

Wow, it is pretty obvious from just reading three or four comments on this that some people are still living in some other century. The PMS crowd? Plenty of men are supporting Clinton, too. Look at the facts. Men don't run the world. They aren't kings. Its like men are born and they think they run everything. Newsflash, they don't. And what they have had control over (the presidency for one) they have for the most part screwed up. Women could do the job just as well, why shouldn't they? Get over your bias and misconceptions and join the 21st century.

And quibbling over who had their comment on Castro out first...ridiculous. Don't base your support or dislike of a candidate on how quickly they get out some announcement on how they feel about Castro. That's not what matters. Words mean nothing, their actions will say it all.

Candidates on Castro

Kacee, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:25:22 GMT

AnyonebutObama

--Hugo Chavez is the leader of Venezuela, not Iran. No wonder Obama's supporter are among the more educated (hehe).

Candidates on Castro

Joe, Pensacola — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:26:02 GMT

"I am waiting for the Republicans to tell us how Ronald Reagan brought about Castro's resignation." (from nuanced)

A note for Nuanced -- I'm a republican and even I thought that was HILARIOUS. One of the best quips I've heard in a while.

Candidates on Castro

NY reality — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:06:20 GMT

Taken from Real Clear Politics article today:

"Volunteer trainees at Camp Obama are told not to talk issues with voters, but to offer personal testimony about how they "came" to Obama. Makes the skin crawl."

Mine too

THIS is a campaign? Makes Mike Huckabee look secular to me.

Candidates on Castro

Manuel G. Abundis, Calexico, California — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:07:19 GMT

Hey Democrats, we are not REPUBLICANS to be divisive. Let us not get into a divisive attitude
since this primaries elections are just that PRIMARIES. Let us express our effective strategies on how to resolve the main big problems of our country and save our energy to rally behind WHOEVER becomes our cadidate to defeat the republicans in the upcoming general election in November.

Candidates on Castro

J.T. — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:21:13 GMT

oknOK, surely you jest. The pre-condition is concerning easing the embargo, not simply having a meeting. Come on, you're smarter than that.

Candidates on Castro

larry fox windsor ontario canada — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:45:14 GMT

As far as Obama.............
The embargo has not crippled Cuba. For those who dont know. The whole world other than the U.S. trades with Cuba. You can buy Heinz catsup and many other American products there.
The castros use this propaganda to tell there people. They do not want the embargo lifted. All of the problems there are blamed on the embargo......it is all B.S. Thats what Omama knows about cuba.