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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/rss.xsl" media="screen"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"><channel><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx</link><description>
The Austin American-Statesman writes that Clinton and Obama “affably two-stepped for half a debate in Austin on Thursday night before bursting into prickly exchanges over which of them is better poised to lead the country after two terms by President</description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>CommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)</generator><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691089</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:46:09 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691089</guid><dc:creator>Dawn,  Pittsburgh, PA</dc:creator><description>It seems no matter what Truth Hilliary says obama there are not enough normal/rational people to listen to her.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I still think she should point out obama's MANY WEAKNESSES and also announce who her VP canidate would be say an AA female or a Hispanic man or women.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Senator Clinton needs to attack obama like he is a disease because he and his supporters will be the ruin of the democratic and 2 party system&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;PLEASE VOTE FOR HILLIARY</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691118</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:53:54 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691118</guid><dc:creator>Joyce, NY, NY</dc:creator><description>I hope this gets posted by MNSBC. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I support Hilary simply because she is a fighter. She will not get pushed over. Something her campaign failed to highlight. In fact it could have been her slogan.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I was bent on voting the other way if she fails to get the nomination. I truly believe we need her expertise to get us out of this mess. She simply has a great command of the issues and had in fact worked on solving them long before Obama found Change as a slogan.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I am particularly turned off with Obama's supporters along with his wife not to mention his lack of experience in foreign policy. I was starting to feel sorry about being a Democrat. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;After last night's debate, I realized why I am one. I did not see hatred in Hilary, I sincerely believe that IF Obama gets the nomination, she will support him in the name of party unity. If she - the one in the line of fire - is able to show this much willingness to unite the party, why can't I? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I've listened to the 'experts' at CNN and just about everyone in the media. No one saw it the way I did. Everyone was busy spinning things and throwing their interpretation of the debate. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;She could have thrown mud and made it confrontational, as everyone expected. Certainly would have helped her campaign. But she choose the high road. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Obama run a good campaign - perhaps thanks to 14 former staff of Bill Clinton now belonging to him. Mark Penn and company obviously is in it for other reasons. I have them to blame for failing miserably to highlight why Hilary is the person for the job. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hilary whatever happens, you have my respect and admiration. Thank you for your patriotism, your hard work. I have learned so much by simply listening to you. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Obama supporters, please do not get so cocky. It is not over yet. More importantly, he will need ALL democrats IF he gets the nomination. If he can't unite and cross that line, what are the chances he'll be able to do so with the Republicans?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691138</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:59:55 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691138</guid><dc:creator>Sharon Stone</dc:creator><description>This country has been heading in the wrong direction for almost eight years. We either turn it around now or it will be too late. Obama is not the man to do it. Wake up america and vote for Hillary!</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691139</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:00:06 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691139</guid><dc:creator>Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA</dc:creator><description>Dawn - now you are attacking democracy. You're argument is that Hillary would win, if only the people were smart enough to see she should.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I don't think that's a good argument. I'm an Obama supporter, but I acknowledge that a lot of reasonable people are on the other side of this question. I just happen to believe that a slightly larger number of reasonable people are on Obama's side.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691156</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:05:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691156</guid><dc:creator>Bill Johnson, Anaconda, Montana</dc:creator><description>It is almost over.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We have to unite now.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Obama supporters: time for us to show that we can be good winners.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hillary supporters: you are welcome to join us.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691166</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:06:42 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691166</guid><dc:creator>MTex</dc:creator><description>Joyce is right. He will need all democrats. And she will too. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I like what you say Joyce and though I feel Clinton cannot catch Obama, I agree we need the entire party behind the Candidate.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Thanks for your truthful message and I admire your support for your candidate. Just realize it works both ways. I have deep support for mine as well.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Democrats will reclaim the white house with all of our support no matter the candidate. They are both qualified as they are the last two standing. To think otherwise is just being biased.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Obama 08!</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691187</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:12:26 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691187</guid><dc:creator>Sharon Stone</dc:creator><description>Paul Miller, I agree with Dawn. There are not enouph smart people to vote for Hillary. Too many people see Obama as this great savior that will change everything. Don't forget how many smart people put Bush in office and twice at that.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691192</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:13:43 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691192</guid><dc:creator>Nashville_fan</dc:creator><description>To Joyce NY, NY:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Great post - I could tell your words came from your heart.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691199</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:14:34 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691199</guid><dc:creator>God Bless America</dc:creator><description>I, in good faith, could NEVER VOTE FOR OBAMA. &amp;nbsp;Obama ahd his campaign has done and pulled so many dirty tricks that am am STRONGLY AGAINST. &amp;nbsp;If Obama gets the nomination, I will not vote for him. &amp;nbsp;One point you made I do agree with and that is All Obama followers fail to see that with Hillary supporters Obama will not Win or even have a chance.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691200</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:14:42 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691200</guid><dc:creator>BRIDGET OHIO</dc:creator><description>Joyce Ny...Don't hate congradulate Obama clearly PICKED the right people regardless of them being former Clinton associates....what differance does it make.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691211</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:16:59 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691211</guid><dc:creator>Will</dc:creator><description>Can YOU point out his weaknesses Dawn? Are you in the loop to know them? If there were any large enough to bring up at the debate, or in her stump speeches, don't you think Hillary would? Instead, she tries to smear him any way she can. Nobody is perfect, but I see one great weakness in Hillary. When she doesn't get her way she attacks with a childish abandon. Not very presidential in most everyone's eyes. Except your's of course. &lt;br&gt;As far as a 2-party system goes, that was for checks and balances. It was to insure that this country was not led down the wrong path. It gave us 2 paths that were side by side. But these days, I am sure you will agree, these paths have spread apart so far that nothing gets done. Bringing the parties(paths) back together is the only way. In no way would it become one party. That would never happen. But, both sides need to realize that we do need to unify as a people or democracy as we know it is doomed. European leaders said, years and years ago, that our democracy would never last. Well, it has so far. And the only way to bring it back to be seen as the greatest republic in the world, is to recognize that we are all Americans no matter what race, religion, gender, or political persuassion. </description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691230</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:21:03 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691230</guid><dc:creator>kenn</dc:creator><description>GO WORK WITH YOURSELF.DONT DESTROY MY PICK AND EXPECT HELP IN NOV&amp;gt; MACAIN 08 A TRUE FIGHTER AND WAR HERO OBAMAS ONLY FIGHTS A COLD NO REAL WARRIOR THERE</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691235</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:22:19 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691235</guid><dc:creator>Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana</dc:creator><description>There will be no victory without unity.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691261</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:28:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691261</guid><dc:creator>Joyce, NY, NY</dc:creator><description>Appreciate your response MTex. I can only hope other Obama supporters have the same sense as you do. I hate reading the very personal attacks on her. Challenge her on policy's and platform but enough of Bill, etc...&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;There are people like myself - thanks to Hilary's encouragement last night - who are willing to cross that line. Let's just hope that other Obama supporters do not tick us off any further enough to not follow her lead - that is IF he gets the nomination.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;He will need her fighting spirit. Something she'd shown against the Republicans for 20 years along with her own personal struggles. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;She deserves respect no matter how close and hotly contested this election had been. Let's not go down mud slinging. Give her credit for her ideas and her resolve. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;HILARY YOUR AN INSPIRATION.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691263</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:29:33 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691263</guid><dc:creator>Dave, Evergreen CO</dc:creator><description>Did Bill Clinton really say this:&lt;br&gt;Campaigning in San Antonio last night, Bill Clinton praised his wife’s performance, NBC/NJ’s Carrie Dann notes. &amp;quot;I thought it was obvious that I was ready to be president and lead tomorrow,&amp;quot; he said.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Shouldn't he of said &amp;quot;she&amp;quot; was ready to be President? &amp;nbsp;Was this a major Bill Clinton gaffe or simply a typo by First Read?</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691281</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:35:24 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691281</guid><dc:creator>J Menz</dc:creator><description>I wish Obama had touched on Hillary's past record to emphasize the negativees of her past, although I understand that is not his way. But someone needs to bring to the American peoples attention more facts on her record which shows her backing down to lobyists and accepting huge contributions for doing so. This has been going on for years. &amp;nbsp;Obama slightly touched on this when he spoke of the failed attempt to change health care when she was Mrs President Clinton but didn't get into the dirty of it all. Hillary does represent the failed political ways of the past and bowing to the special interests. Why should we believe this will all of a suddent change if she were president? &amp;nbsp;Wake up America - she represents what we are tired of in our goverment and this is why Obama needs to be our next leader. We need to end this policy to get back to the American dream and lead this country.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691288</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:36:29 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691288</guid><dc:creator>Joyce, NY, NY</dc:creator><description>Bridget, Ohio - I don't hate Obama, did you read my entire post? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;No one can truly predict how PR firms and campaign people will perform - unless you have the ability to see the future. Mark Penn's firm has good and credible reputation. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Bill Clinton also picked those 14, unfortunately for Hilary, Obama got to them first. Regardless, it's water under the bridge now. No candidate - no matter how briliant he or she is - could win without the help of these firms. Plus great funding off course. &lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt;Nashville fan - thanks, it is from the heart.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hilary is a fighter and an inspiration. No matter what happens, I have tremendous respect for her.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691299</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:39:02 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691299</guid><dc:creator>J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY</dc:creator><description>&amp;quot;..There will be no victory without unity. ...&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 10:22 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;...and there will be no unity unless there is fairness.&lt;br&gt;SEAT HILLARY'S DELEGATES FROM MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA!&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691327</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:45:03 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691327</guid><dc:creator>Brandon El Paso TX</dc:creator><description>I hope everyone that reads these blogs notice the unwaivering support for Hillary, no matter what she does! &amp;nbsp;Their support stretches from her inability to maintain her campaign finances (instead she spends it on lavish hotels and donuts), her clear flip-flop on agreeing with the DNC to strip Florida and Michigan (now she clearly wants them seated and accounted for), the countless times she misrepresents Sen. Obama's positions, and her ability to be warm and caring about &amp;nbsp; Sen. Obama, and the people that vote for him (actually she would rather spit negative slogans at him and tell the American people that they need to get real). &amp;nbsp;Lets open our eyes people and realize that what we thought was a good candidate with a lot of good experience to lead, was just pandering. &amp;nbsp;Open your EYES!&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691339</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:48:05 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691339</guid><dc:creator>Tracy, Dayton, OH</dc:creator><description>PLEASE POST:&lt;br&gt;I have become very active in campaigning in Ohio for Senator Obama and I would like for everybody to know that His campaign staff pass this message to all that volunteer to represent him: RESPECT, EMPOWER, INCLUDE! &amp;nbsp;All supporters that fail to do this misrepresent him and are hurting and not helping our party. Please consider these words when posting a blog that could alienate our fellow citizens!</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691340</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:48:51 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691340</guid><dc:creator>Ralph, Mexico</dc:creator><description>I would have titles the debate Senator Clinton versus Senator Me To. &amp;nbsp;The only specifics Senator Obama ever seems to own up to are the specifics Senator Clinton forwards that he agrees with. &amp;nbsp;The most important contrast is on health insurance reform where Clinton has a position and Obama &amp;quot;hopes&amp;quot; that given some unspecified program that uninsured people will buy it. &amp;nbsp;When will the media push Senator Obama to provide a specific answer to a specific question? &amp;nbsp;An Obama supporters remember that John Kerry was up twenty points over President Bush four years ago. &amp;nbsp;Don't assume that just because Senator Clinton has avoided going negative that Senator McCain will give him a free pass.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691348</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:50:14 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691348</guid><dc:creator>lynne key, fort worth, texas</dc:creator><description>I am an educated professional woman in texas, age 47, right in the clinton demographics. &amp;nbsp;but i have seen the clintons in the white house and i do not want to see it or that type of politics any further. &amp;nbsp;i am proud to be teaching my daughter to be part of a process that many of us have not seen for years. &amp;nbsp;but, let me address your experience issue. &amp;nbsp;as far as being an elected official, obama wins hands down. &amp;nbsp;hillary failed at health care once while not in office with a democratic congress.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;obama has passed great legislation on ethics, despite the question last night, he has DISCLOSED his earmarks and his tax returns. &amp;nbsp;he has legislation on for veterans, anti-nuclear proliferation, and is STRONG ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS. &amp;nbsp;Look at the feminists that support him. &amp;nbsp;Look at his policies and these things are there&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;finally, the divisive nature of clinton and the secrecy are things that i cannot support. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;been there done that for 8 years. &amp;nbsp;ready for change.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;GO OBAMA</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691351</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:51:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691351</guid><dc:creator>Delores, Memphis, TN</dc:creator><description>I cannot and will not vote for Obama. He reminds me too much of George W. Bush. &amp;nbsp;He is too arrogant, just like W. That attitude leads to disasters like Iraq. &amp;nbsp;I cannot vote for McCain (100 yrs in Iraq???) &amp;nbsp;However, I cannot dishonor those who have died so that I have the right to vote. &amp;nbsp;If she loses the nomination, I will ask for a write-in ballot and vote for Hillary Clinton. Again I cannot in good conscience vote for OBama or McCain. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691352</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:51:48 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691352</guid><dc:creator>Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana</dc:creator><description>Dawn, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 9:46 AM)&lt;br&gt;This race is not over. IF...I say IF Obama wins, Hillary and Bill Clinton WILL unite behind him as Obama would Unite behind her. She will demand that her supporters get behind Obama as Obama would demand his supporters get behind her. I am perplexed at your fear of Obama. Their policies are so close that it is hard for them to debate without agreeing with each other. I also believe that her performance in the debate last night signals that she will not go &amp;quot;scorched earth&amp;quot; She is far too young, has far too much promise, and loves her Party and more importantly her Country too much to allow this opportunity to slip through our fingers. Let us all resolve to see this through and support the nominee of the party. I take great pride in BOTH of these candidates. I have four daughters and three granddaughters and Hillary Clinton is held up in our house as an example of a strong, capable woman and how hard it STILL is to be a strong, capable woman in this Country. But it all comes down to electiblity. We must put forth the candidate who will appeal to the most voters in the general election. We must put forward the candidate who angers the least amount of voters. &lt;br&gt;In the end. Obamas campaign is more of a &amp;quot;Cult of Practicality&amp;quot; than it is a &amp;quot;cult of personality&amp;quot;. He has struck a cord and may be the candidate with a message whose time has come. We would be foolish not to seize this opportunity.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691356</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:53:08 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691356</guid><dc:creator>wilma hannie</dc:creator><description>this will not get in your comments as attacks the very bias reporting on obama and hillary. &amp;nbsp;she cannot beat the media who has never let up bashing her. media picks the winning candidate not the voting of the people. &amp;nbsp;you have made sure of that</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691357</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:53:11 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691357</guid><dc:creator>bekka key, fort worth, texas</dc:creator><description>I am an educated professional woman in texas, age 47, right in the clinton demographics. &amp;nbsp;but i have seen the clintons in the white house and i do not want to see it or that type of politics any further. &amp;nbsp;i am proud to be teaching my daughter to be part of a process that many of us have not seen for years. &amp;nbsp;but, let me address your experience issue. &amp;nbsp;as far as being an elected official, obama wins hands down. &amp;nbsp;hillary failed at health care once while not in office with a democratic congress.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;obama has passed great legislation on ethics, despite the question last night, he has DISCLOSED his earmarks and his tax returns. &amp;nbsp;he has legislation for veterans, anti-nuclear proliferation, and is STRONG ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS. &amp;nbsp;Look at the feminists that support him. &amp;nbsp;Look at the ones that left the Clinton side AFTER they saw the way that his record is being misconstrued. Look at his policies and these things are there&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;finally, the divisive nature of clinton and the secrecy are things that i cannot support. and i cannot support anyone who has to sound bite falsehoods about someone else's record to get on top.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;been there done that for 8 years when they were in washington. &amp;nbsp;ready for change.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;GO OBAMA</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691359</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:53:52 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691359</guid><dc:creator>J Menz</dc:creator><description>You hit the nail on the head Brandon in El Paso.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691361</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:54:22 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691361</guid><dc:creator>Jackie, Minneapolis MN</dc:creator><description>Joyce -&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I appreciated your initial sentiment. I hope that you can understand that I was at the very opposite side of the debate. &amp;nbsp;I have been an Obama fan for years, and truly believe in his policies. &amp;nbsp;I was not &amp;quot;against&amp;quot; Hillary - I was simply for a different candidate, as was my right.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;But then, I felt that her campaign began to get ugly as it began losing. I felt the plagarism scandal was asinine - let us debate policy, please! &amp;nbsp;Stop the smear and mud slinging. &amp;nbsp;And the discussion about seating MI and FL delegates only when it because clear that she needed them - I truly found it offensive. I want a leader who desrves to win, and I began to feel like her campaign would do all it could - lie, cheat and steal if it needed to - to win.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;As a younger American, that is precisely why I despise politics. &amp;nbsp;Her campaign, to me, was what is wrong with our country. &amp;nbsp;And so I slowly began to be against her, instead of just in support of Obama. &amp;nbsp;I have been doing a great deal of research on McCain, as I did not feel that I could support a Hillary ticket.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Last night, with her closing which felt so honest to me, I have changed my mind. &amp;nbsp;Last night I found her to be a human being, and a good one at that. &amp;nbsp;I felt that perhaps she stood up to her campaign - the ones that felt she needed to be this angry candidate and tear her competition down, isntead of just making the case as to why she would be a good commander in chief. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We do all need to come together, behind our candidate. And I think both sides realized last night that you must stop tearing each other down for we as a party to succeed. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;You called us, the Obama supporters, cocky. &amp;nbsp;There is a difference between cocky and proud, you know. I hope that you can respect our strongfelt respect for our candidate, as we should respect yours. &amp;nbsp;You hate hearing the personal attacks against her - we hate hearing them against our candidate too, you know. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I am sorry if you feel that we are going to &amp;quot;tick you off&amp;quot; - tick you off by rallying around someone who has personally touched us, and inspired us, and made us proud. &amp;nbsp;Please do not minimalize our support of a candidate, understanding that the supporters of the person in the lead are always &amp;quot;cocky&amp;quot; in the eyes of those that are not. &amp;nbsp;I remember quite a bit of celebration and &amp;quot;I told you so!&amp;quot; after her win in new Hampshire, don't you?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Let's stop the attacks and focus on what matters. &amp;nbsp;I believe we - all of us, Hillary and Obama supporters alike - are responsible for allowing this campaign to be so divisive. &amp;nbsp;Let's respect each other and come together.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691385</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:59:59 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691385</guid><dc:creator>Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA</dc:creator><description>J Menz - I don't agree. Going negative on Clinton now would be a terrible idea for Obama. First, let's not forget he's winning, so we ought to presume his team knows how to win. Second, frontrunners seemingly headed toward nomination don't need to tear their opponents down.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Especially when it seems that Clinton, too, is taking a higher road. I was impressed with her last night from the perspective that we all assumed she would go scorched-earth, despite how that may impact the party and November election. She didn't do that. She didn't roll over and play dead, but clearly maintained a sense of not wanting things to deteriorate further.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And, yes, I watched only because the Pitt-Notre Dame game wasn't on in my area. But I felt vindicated when I realized that neither candidate really offered a new answer to anything last night. I promise, I'll miss the 20th. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Its just too much - hopefully the general election debates won't begin for a long time, and there will be some effort to limit their number.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691392</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:02:52 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691392</guid><dc:creator>Quintin, Illinois</dc:creator><description>I am an Obama supporter, but I am willing to support Hillary if she wins the nomination. &amp;nbsp;Come on Democrats, we have to be smarter than the republicans and unite together for whomever wins the democratic nomination. &amp;nbsp;Don't let your own pride and arrogance give the White House to another republican. &amp;nbsp;I don't think any of us truly wants that.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691394</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:03:10 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691394</guid><dc:creator>Bob, Minneapolis, MN</dc:creator><description>For those who don't know Obama here's a good read and make an educated decision if you really care about American's future. Link below:&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/20/201332/807/36/458633"&gt;http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/20/201332/807/36/458633&lt;/a&gt; </description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691411</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:09:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691411</guid><dc:creator>JM Korbel</dc:creator><description>Last night's debate merely showed that Obama has taken pretty good notes (in prior debates) of Hillary's more solid issue stances. Sadly, that doesn't mean this ultimate &amp;quot;shapeshifter&amp;quot; has either the substance nor the interest in platform follow-through. To see more of the real Obama just link to this authentic and revealing video-clip:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.superdeluxe.com/sd/contentDetail.do?id=D81F2344BF5AC7BBCF096CA0DA7380ACEFBD9A8640FDF475"&gt;http://www.superdeluxe.com/sd/contentDetail.do?id=D81F2344BF5AC7BBCF096CA0DA7380ACEFBD9A8640FDF475&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; (The first brave network to air this video will get the news scoop of the entire campaign and will do a great service for the American people.)</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691415</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:10:36 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691415</guid><dc:creator>Jeff, Aurora, CO</dc:creator><description>I hear alot about Hillary Clintons experience and expertise even though she has never run anything. Most of this is based on her husband being president. If my spouse were a surgeon, I doubt there were be anyone wanting me to perform their next operation. It really leads one to question what the qualifications to run for president should be.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691424</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:14:07 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691424</guid><dc:creator>TEXAN</dc:creator><description>OBAMA IS FAKE.....HE USES &amp;quot;SLOGANS&amp;quot; AS &amp;quot;HOPE&amp;quot; TO ATTRACT DESPAIR VOTERS.&lt;br&gt;OBAMA IS A MUSLIM....HE GREW-UP IN A VERY MUSLIM SOCIETY-AS INDONISIA.HE HAS HALF SISTER IN INDONISIA MUSLIM.&lt;br&gt;AS A CHRISTIAN I WIIL NEVER VOTE FOR A MUSLIM..</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691435</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:17:50 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691435</guid><dc:creator>Marilyn, Mississippi</dc:creator><description>Fellow Citizens,&lt;br&gt;After the comments made by Bill Clinton right before the South Carolina primaries, I was outraged. &amp;nbsp;I vowed that I would not vote for Hillary even if she and Obama were on the same ticket. I stated that I would even vote for McCain. &amp;nbsp;But now I've come to my senses and realize that this is bigger than me. &amp;nbsp;This is the future of our country, and I do not want to see that important duty put into the hands of another republican any time soon. &amp;nbsp;I continue to be an Obama supporter because I am impressed by his judgement on the war in Iraq and his courage to stand up and speak against it from the beginning. &amp;nbsp;Also, I truly feel that he has the necessary characteristics and integrity to beat McCain, but I will back which ever one becomes the Democratic nominee. </description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691451</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:20:19 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691451</guid><dc:creator>Stephen</dc:creator><description>One being a Clinton supporter during and after the presidency of Bill, I have lost more and more respect for them. I don't buy the fighter baloney because while it exhibts strength it negates itself in devisiveness, stubborness and entitilement. Th4ese are diseases that need to be purged from American Politics domestically and itnernationally as much as possible. I have respect for what many figures of the past have contributed, including the Clintons, but I also recognize when they are stuck in the past. If she were really the right choice, she would have proven herslf through innovation and unprecedented disclosure (inviting more democratic engagement). Hillary has proven to me she is of the past. Part of what need to be in the past is self ambition at all costs. She and her husband have nudged the Democtratic party to the verge of implosion. The only good thing to come from that is that the resulting national catharsis is clearing the way for change. A new more inclusive majority is rising from every corner of America. I have more faith in the ability of this unprecedented new enrgy and participation in changing, in fact saving our countyr than Hillary or any other candidate represents.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Join behind Obama. Plase your ideas on the table with everyone. Hash it out. Save the country and maybe evn the planet....In a world where violence is errupting in just about every corner and true democracy is under threat...who dares say they will not sit down with any leader in the world to negotiate? I don't see the American pig hesdedness that is going to make the world bite us back in Obama. I don't see this in any other candidate either.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I clean campaign will have the most chance at unifying people in the future. That unity will be sorely needed.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Vote for Obama!</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691455</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:20:50 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691455</guid><dc:creator>Clifford</dc:creator><description>Democrats and Independents if you really care about this country, you will not let another republican take control of the White House. &amp;nbsp;Get over your personal feelings and support the Democratic nominee.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691475</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:26:08 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691475</guid><dc:creator>Byron Baltiimore</dc:creator><description>Way to go TEXAN. It's always best, when you're a racist, to announce it openly so people can know they don't need to pay attention to your opinion. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Thanks for your honesty.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691479</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:26:19 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691479</guid><dc:creator>John Lauricella, San Francisco, CA</dc:creator><description>The Obama message: Hillary is too divisive, too hated, to unite the country.&lt;br&gt;This is simplistic and disingenous, and the definition of a negative campaign.&lt;br&gt;She is divisive because she has been a champion and victor for progressives. Her very experience in the reality of politics has brought the hatred of the opposing partisans. The Monica affair turned the media viciously against her, and they have kept the hatred of the extremists alive and attempt to fan it at any excuse.&lt;br&gt;Obama is more liberal and has not worked with Republicans as much. He was not part of the &amp;quot;gang of 14&amp;quot; that sought moderation in who would be Supreme Court justices. There are many other examples like this, if you care to look. &lt;br&gt;He has been a main-line partisan Democrat, IF YOU LOOK AT HIS RECORD, NOT HIM. In office, he will be less able to &amp;quot;Unite&amp;quot; with those who oppose him, and pass real reform (social sec, war, etc). &lt;br&gt;The less moderate/centrist candidate will not have an easier time with the opposing party. Unless Democrats control 61 senate seats and 2/3 of the House, you need to work with the minority.&lt;br&gt;Only a moderate and pragmatic politician, like the Clintons have always been, can move the country forward. Please do not give in to the hate of extremists and media personalities full of ego.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691484</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:28:39 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691484</guid><dc:creator>jose f., laredo, texas</dc:creator><description>both hillary and obamma have thier heart in the right place when it comes to the american people however, i believe hillary won the texas debate hands down. obamma was too much of a monday morning quaterback. quick to point out what's wrong with our country and what he would fix. &amp;nbsp;everyone knows what needs fixing. the question is HOW are you going to fix it? we need specifics. on the other hand, the one that really lost the debate was campbell brown. she showed who she was favoring by trying to cut off hillary when she was making a point and letting obamma rant on with just rehtoric.&lt;br&gt;GO HILLARY! </description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691486</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:29:58 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691486</guid><dc:creator>Hillary, NY</dc:creator><description>did the obamamama wake up this morning still proud of her country? she'll have to be a bit more patriotic than that as a first lady.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691517</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:37:34 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691517</guid><dc:creator>Anne, Seattle, WA</dc:creator><description>Seat any of Hillary's delegates from Michigan and Florida? Are you kidding me? Her name was the only one on the ballot in Michigan and she's the only one that came to Florida, despite her prior agreement with all the other candidates not to? Yeah right!!!!!</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691528</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:41:50 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691528</guid><dc:creator>Joyce, NY, NY</dc:creator><description>To: Jackie, Minneapolis MN&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I wish all Obama supporters have the same perspective as you do. However, there are those that are becoming cocky perhaps by sensing a victory is in the horizon thereby alienating the other half of the Democrats. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;In NH, everyone predicted Obama will win double digits. She won in that state despite the polls. If you saw celebration, I think it was called for. She was asked to get out of the race after Iowa. It wasn't being cocky, it was more of a sign of relief and being thankful.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;All I'm saying is, her massage - at least to me - last night was let's get behind a Dem candidate - no matter who it turns out to be. She's even reached out to him behind the scene. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I can only hope that the rest of Obama's supporters not sharing your insights do not jeopardize that - IF he gets the nomination - by continuing to throw mud her way. She deserves respect and credit for her ideas and hard work, her resolve. At least be decent enough to give her that.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691531</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:42:41 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691531</guid><dc:creator>SMF</dc:creator><description>Jeff - Aurora &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This is exactly my question. When did First Lady count as an elected position ? Her experience includes her husbands postions in government both as governor and President. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Obama has more experience as an elected official.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Would passing 5,000 more pieces of legislation in the Senate make him more qualified ? His legislative record is more expansive than hers and she has been there longer &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If OBAMA had lost 11 elections in a row, would ANYONE suggest he could still win, that he should be allowed to continue ? NO !! They'd be telling him to get out of the way so the Democratic party can get on with the general election. Then everyone says the media gives Obama a pass. The media gives Clinton a total pass as we all watch her fail time after time. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The one thing we can all observe is her management of her own campaign. The approach to fund raising, the staff she chose (her friends not competence just like Bush). If she cannot manage her campaign how on earth could she manage the country ? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691533</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:43:50 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691533</guid><dc:creator>TEXAN</dc:creator><description>Byron.&lt;br&gt;Religion has NOTHING TO DO WITH racism.&lt;br&gt;I said:I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR A MUSLIM.It's NOT a racist remark.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691539</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:46:31 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691539</guid><dc:creator>Barbara Van. North Arlington, NJ</dc:creator><description>Hey if Hillary cannot even manage her finances how can she expect to manage the country's? &amp;nbsp;Barack is talking about uniting the county, while Hillary is talking about fighting. &amp;nbsp;She should just let the best candidate Barack Obama be the candidate. &amp;nbsp;He is clearly the better choice. &amp;nbsp;He wants to unite our country again. &amp;nbsp; Also, exactly what is her experience in? &amp;nbsp;Also, I would like to know what she has experience in. &amp;nbsp;Is it her marriage which she can't even handle or is it her campaign managing which she lacks money for is it in her money handling which she cannot do? &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;I feel that she can't even manage these things so how can she manage our country. &amp;nbsp;I seriously would not ever be able to vote for her because I have no confidence in her decisions and what she would do to our country. &amp;nbsp;Barack is a worker who will actually help our country. &amp;nbsp;I have faith in him and his judgement. &amp;nbsp;He is more honest in every way then Clinton could hope to be. &amp;nbsp;Clinton is just a political machine that wants power. &amp;nbsp;I hated the Clinton years and would not want to repeat them again. &amp;nbsp;We should give a fresh candidate a chance. &amp;nbsp;I love the fact that he is fresh and will work his hardest to bring our country together. &amp;nbsp;Please think about this Clinton supporters. &amp;nbsp;We would love for you to join us in having a real person and not a political machine. &amp;nbsp;GO BARAK OBAMA!!! &amp;nbsp;We love you.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691544</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:48:28 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691544</guid><dc:creator>Dr. Brad Burke, Maricopa, AZ</dc:creator><description>Did I really read someone say that people weren't SMART enough to vote for Clinton? Really...&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I have two Bachelor Degrees, a Masters in Quantitative Genetics, and a Doctor of Chiropractic. I have written several books and speak on health, wellness and psychology. I have an IQ in the mid-130's and read a minimum of two new books a month. This is not to brag- only to respond to an ironically backward claim.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I am one of Dawn's &amp;quot;not smart enough&amp;quot; people. In fact, in nearly every state, Obama has dominated among those with the highest educational levels, i.e. those who generally pay the closest attention to politics. You can look at the many exit polls for this fact.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;In addition, in every state, Obama has gained significant support as the election drew closer and people in that state started paying more attention, whereas Clinton's support remained roughly the same. This also clearly shows that the more people had a chance to study both candidates, their best intelligent judgments led them more and more toward Obama. In addition, the vast majority of editorial boards of major and minor newspapers (not stupid people mind you) are now endorsing Obama after careful review.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It's sad that people become so limited in their beliefs and so narrow-minded that they simply assume the first bullet-point attack they hear is true (as long as it comes from their candidate). Obama was the first African-American President of Harvard Law Review. He teaches constitutional law. He has written (himself, not using someone else) two bestsellers and won a grammy for The Audacity of Hope. In his short time in the U.S. Senate, he has authored more meaningful legislation than Clinton has during her entire time there (check out the Library of Congress to find the facts).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;To deride Obama supporters as being less than smart is an insult to Americans. To claim people aren't &amp;quot;smart&amp;quot; enough to vote for Clinton completely disregards the actual facts of the campaign.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Obama has a message and a mission that transcends Clinton's policy statements. His message speaks to the current desires of a majority of Americans. Sen. Clinton is a smart politician with some excellent ideas. But this simply isn't enough in the minds of the majority. More Americans want what Obama represents. That's the simple fact of this primary. Don't insult the intelligence of the Democratic electorate just to defend your candidate.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691546</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:48:40 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691546</guid><dc:creator>Barbara Van. North Arlington, NJ</dc:creator><description>Hey if Hillary cannot even manage her finances how can she expect to manage the country's? &amp;nbsp;Barack is talking about uniting the county, while Hillary is talking about fighting. &amp;nbsp;She should just let the best candidate Barack Obama be the candidate. &amp;nbsp;He is clearly the better choice. &amp;nbsp;He wants to unite our country again. &amp;nbsp; Also, exactly what is her experience in? &amp;nbsp;Also, I would like to know what she has experience in. &amp;nbsp;Is it her marriage which she can't even handle or is it her campaign managing which she lacks money for is it in her money handling which she cannot do? &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;I feel that she can't even manage these things so how can she manage our country. &amp;nbsp;I seriously would not ever be able to vote for her because I have no confidence in her decisions and what she would do to our country. &amp;nbsp;Barack is a worker who will actually help our country. &amp;nbsp;I have faith in him and his judgement. &amp;nbsp;He is more honest in every way then Clinton could hope to be. &amp;nbsp;Clinton is just a political machine that wants power. &amp;nbsp;I hated the Clinton years and would not want to repeat them again. &amp;nbsp;We should give a fresh candidate a chance. &amp;nbsp;I love the fact that he is fresh and will work his hardest to bring our country together. &amp;nbsp;Please think about this Clinton supporters. &amp;nbsp;We would love for you to join us in having a real person and not a political machine. &amp;nbsp;GO BARAK OBAMA!!! &amp;nbsp;We love you.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691558</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:50:25 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691558</guid><dc:creator>Mike, ST Paul, MN</dc:creator><description>I can’t believe how easily people buy into the political tactics that Senator Clinton plays. She did not give Senator Obama praise at the end of the debate because she felt that way, rather it was a calculated decision to make HER look better. &amp;nbsp;Just like that “tear” did before. She is a very smart, calculating politician. Unfortunately for her, people like me are sick of that kind of politics.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; Obama is not perfect but I see him as the best chance of changing the “status quo” &amp;nbsp; in Washington. Mrs. Clinton is a better fighter, but do we need/want a fighter in Washington? I am betting that the majority of people in this country do not. Besides, I don’t think people want this country run by just two families for thirty or so years. Can anyone spell dynasty? &amp;nbsp; &lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691567</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:52:51 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691567</guid><dc:creator>Rogy,ND</dc:creator><description>Please Hillary, if you don't get the nomination, please run as an independant. &amp;nbsp;You need to save this election from bad and worse. &amp;nbsp;You are the ONLY one with the common sense, action, hard work and determination to stand up for our country and improve it. &amp;nbsp;Hopes don't bring change, action does. &amp;nbsp;And not action for the upper class, or action for oil companies. &amp;nbsp;Action for the middle class!!!! &amp;nbsp;Does anyone remember the ninties? &amp;nbsp;The SURPLUS? &amp;nbsp;Bill got our budget on track, why would we NOT want him helping out around the white house doing that? &amp;nbsp;She's SHOWN credentials on foreign policy... I believe obama last night said he &amp;quot;believes he has the judgement&amp;quot; to lead our country. &amp;nbsp;Well, if i say that too will people vote for me? &amp;nbsp;I'm sure this country is full of people who &amp;quot;believe they have the judgement&amp;quot; to run our country better... Shouldn't they all run? &amp;nbsp;There are inspirational speakers out there all over, they can unite people and bring them together... Should they run? &amp;nbsp;We need someone who has ALREADY shown dedication to the american people, not someone who &amp;quot;believes they have the judgement&amp;quot; to... Please people, please... and if you can't see, we will write her name on the ballot... right next to the slogan SHE ALREADY HAS BROUGHT CHANGE.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691578</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:54:49 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691578</guid><dc:creator>DGwin, Birmingham, Alabama</dc:creator><description>I have always voted Republican, but I, like many other Republicans, am looking for a change. &amp;nbsp;I think Obama out spoke Clinton many times last night in the debate. &amp;nbsp;I think he has made himself very clear and shown that he has what it takes to run this country. &amp;nbsp;Hillary and Bill have both made it a point, over and over, to bash his character. &amp;nbsp;He has responded to their attacks but I have yet to see him do anything underhanded. &amp;nbsp;He clearly cares about what is best for the American people and &amp;quot;silly politics&amp;quot; is not what is best for us. &amp;nbsp;I voted for Obama in the primary and am really leaning towards voting for him in November. &amp;nbsp;I think he is a great man and can really lead this country where we all, united, want it to go.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691587</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:55:49 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691587</guid><dc:creator>Byron Baltimore</dc:creator><description>TEXAN &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;Glad you clarified the nature of your ethnocentrism.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691602</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:00:25 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691602</guid><dc:creator>JH </dc:creator><description>Obama built a grass roots campaign that involves many many people across the country . That is how you effect real change. Hillary passes out policy like crackers - what SHE will give you. Your particiaption is not required -- but then again neither is your opinion or your wants and desires. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Part of the reason Hillary failed with healthcare the first time, is because she developed it behind closed doors and if anyone else had an idea they were put on her enemies list. Hillary takes a great deal of credit for Children's health insurance which is really Ted Kennedy's initiative. Yes she may have worked on it also, but she fails to give him ANY credit . &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hillary believes in top down -- her way or the highway management. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Obama believes in bottom up -- ie building a consensus of the masses by INVOLVING them . This is how he has run and managed his campaign. I think it's a good indication of his style of effecting change. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;One year ago, nobody gave Obama a fighting chance. After all he was taking on the big bad &amp;quot;Clinton&amp;quot; machine. For the last year he quietly but effectively built his organization that has surpassed the Clinton machine if results are any measurement of success. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I remember them asking him last summer after some less than stellar debate performance. He told them not to worry he'd pick up the ball in the 4th quarter when it mattered. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Just remember a few weeks ago the New England Patriot were &amp;quot;supposed&amp;quot; to win the superbowl. Until they didn't . </description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691603</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:00:42 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691603</guid><dc:creator>Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana</dc:creator><description>TEXAN (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 11:43 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;No, your remark was not racist. It was uninformed. &lt;br&gt;Obama is not a muslim. I am pretty sure that won't change your mind because it appears to give you comfort to believe falsehoods that support your opinions.&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691644</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:11:26 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691644</guid><dc:creator>Billy E. Williams, Sr.</dc:creator><description>I must begin by saying that I am not a political analyst, I am not a student of Political Science, I am not a reporter with any news agency, nor am I a Political Campaign Manager or a person with any political ambition. &amp;nbsp;However, I am an American Citizen who has a right to vote. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; When will the networks consider the will of the people rather than the will of reporters, political analysts, campaign mangers, or people with a stake in the political process? Interviews from the media are always with those who have a dog in the fight as the slang term might suggest. &amp;nbsp;There is no way that a person on the side of the other will give a true and honest opinion in a case where they have so much to lose. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; During last night's debate, there were quite a few times when both candidates had very positive and encouraging things to say to a Nation that has been without a President for all people over the past seven years. &amp;nbsp;How can one really say that Senator Hillary Clinton won the debate because she made a good comment at the end of the debate? &amp;nbsp;Have everyone forgotten about the hour and a half prior to that last comment. &amp;nbsp;Senator Barack Obama was very articulate, and precise and to the points on most of the issues just as was Senator Clinton. &amp;nbsp;If the MEDIA would get out of the way long enough for America to make its choice rather than choose sides in an attempt to sway one group, or Super Delegate one over the other, then America can do what democracy is all about. &amp;nbsp;The right of each and every American is to choose and vote for the candidate of its choice without such partiality from the media. &amp;nbsp;In one Internet poll, the people felt that Obama was won the debate over Clinton 58% to 26% with over 213,000 people voting, and 40% to 31% in having a better health plan with over 198,000 people voting. &amp;nbsp;Granted this is a very small sample of all of America yet it shows the will of the people. &amp;nbsp;Most of these probably have never been asked what they thought so this is our opportunity to express our views. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Now the question remains, who makes the difference in America, the handful of people who are guests of television shows (all with some type of Political Interest), or the American Citizens as a whole. &amp;nbsp;This letter may not have much impact on the networks or on any one who reads it, however, it is my belief that if favoritism is put out of the picture then Americans can speak for themselves. &amp;nbsp;This in my opinion is what DEMOCRACY is all about&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691646</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:12:03 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691646</guid><dc:creator>HMT-MI</dc:creator><description>Put me and my family down as Hillary Clinton write-ins.Cannot vote for Obama and certainly not for Mccain.Please note that this is the only site that is still denigrating anything Hillary.You,chuckie,KO and Matthews are in your own little world.Also the 2 left feet of the dancing fool Tucker.The hate that oozes from the e-mails to anybody that says a decent thing about Hillary still being called racist,ignorant and all the other little slimey things that come into your heads,and now you have the audacity of hope that we will vote for your choice-----your on your own obamanoids or whatever name BO has given your.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691648</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:12:47 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691648</guid><dc:creator>Bill, Mass</dc:creator><description>After every debate I want to vote for both of them. The Dems are fortunate to have two candidates with the intellect, values and integrity of Clinton and Obama. The combined IQ on that stage last night was about 400! I'm 60 and have never been this proud to be a Democrat! I wish they would meet and decide that they would be running mates in whatever order they finish in the voting. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And children, stop fighting. This is just what the RNC is hoping for. The real issue is, as I think HRC so eloquently stated last night, isn't &amp;quot;about them.&amp;quot; And it isn't the &amp;quot;Last Hurrah&amp;quot; for either of them, either. Look, the critical thing is to get the Republicans the hell out of the White House. We need to unite behind whoever wins. Four more years of W-like &amp;quot;leadership&amp;quot; and well have dug a hole we'll be in forever, if we haven't done so already. After 8 years of W we may need both of them and then some. We can't say we'll take our baseball and bat and go home if our person doesn't win. If you do, you might as well send $100 to the McCain campaign.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691654</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:13:55 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691654</guid><dc:creator>TEXAN</dc:creator><description>Gary.&lt;br&gt;Obama was raised in Indonisia by a muslim step-father.I know he has a muslim step-sister in Indonisia.Even if he's not a dedicated muslim,i assume he's leaning to muslim culture,OR he's a muslim but he doesn't want to verify for political reasons.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691678</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:20:37 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691678</guid><dc:creator>Fred C Dobbs  Sierra Madre, CA</dc:creator><description>Hillary Clinton is the only Democrat who can win in 2008!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I don't see Obama winning more states than the last two losers, Gore and Kerry! &amp;nbsp;Don't expect Ted Kennedy's endorsement to win any state except for the state of intoxication!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The people who booed last night - absolutely no class at all!</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691683</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:21:56 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691683</guid><dc:creator>Outraged in Iowa</dc:creator><description>JM Korbel--&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Your little link to that supposed Obama clip in 72 is stupid and offensive. &amp;nbsp;Duh, that's not Obama--not even close. &amp;nbsp;Do you hold onto the idiotic stereotype that all African-Americans look alike and are therefore indistinguishable from each other, or are you just an idiot? &amp;nbsp;What a stupid ploy to dig up non-existant dirt.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691694</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:24:24 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691694</guid><dc:creator>Peter, Pittsburgh, PA</dc:creator><description>TEXAN wrote, &amp;quot;I said:I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR A MUSLIM.It's NOT a racist remark.&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;You are right it isn't a racist remark. It is a biggoted remark! And, one more thing, Obama is a Christian. </description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691709</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:27:40 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691709</guid><dc:creator>Louis</dc:creator><description>Texan, Obama's half-sister lives in Hawaii. Which to my understanding is an U.S. State. He was raised in HI by his mother and grandparents (Who were from Kansas). Last I checked there's not a lot of people leaning to Islamoc culture in HI or KS.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691712</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:28:11 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691712</guid><dc:creator>Louis</dc:creator><description>Texan, Obama's half-sister lives in Hawaii. Which to my understanding is an U.S. State. He was raised in HI by his mother and grandparents (Who were from Kansas). Last I checked there's not a lot of people leaning to Islamic culture in HI or KS.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691713</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:28:22 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691713</guid><dc:creator>Robert Tate</dc:creator><description>There's such a thing as bias, and I wish those who just don't like either candidate for whatever reason would state and admit their bias from the start.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Springer did this when the poll test was conducted on fox network, admit his bias before speaking, and so then we know how to intepret these words.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;To say you wouldn't vote for either of these candidates, Barack if he wins fairly or Hilary if she wins fairly seems to represent some deep bias or wound or sorrow from one's supported candidate not winning. &amp;nbsp;Are these really rational feelings? &amp;nbsp;Or are they just emotional feelings. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Would such a vote really be because one would being democrat would prefer McCain as president or is this just a vote of protest becasuse the desired candidate did not get nominated?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Some say this country cannot get past it's racial, gender, creed etc. divides, sad if true that a party would rather suffer than surpass it's prejudices.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691718</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:30:31 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691718</guid><dc:creator>bill, okla</dc:creator><description>OK, &amp;quot;Texan&amp;quot; you're not a racist. &amp;nbsp;You're a xenophobic jack-ass. &amp;nbsp;By March 5th Barack Obama, a solid member of the Church of Christ will be the Democratic party's nominee to be our next president. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691743</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:35:48 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691743</guid><dc:creator>balthus, Raleigh, NC</dc:creator><description>Clinton supporters, please look at the polls and think about the very real consequences of her heading the Democratic ticket, before continuing to support her.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;EVERY legitimate poll shows Obama will beat McCain handily, while Clinton would probably lose. Also, Obama at the head of the ticket will put several Democratic Senate candidates over the top. And let's not forget the Supreme Court, with as many as 4 judges to be seated by the next president.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Simply put, no matter how wonderful a president you feel Hillary would make, she is far too divisive to win the General Election. And another four years of Bush policies (or worse) under McWarMonger would be disastrous for our country.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We NEED to back the candidate who can WIN, and that is Obama.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691750</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:37:34 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691750</guid><dc:creator>Mina Boyde</dc:creator><description>I can't believe that people are voting for Obama! He has not said as how he plans to fix the mess we are in! He has not done anything of any consequence! How does he intend to bring the troups back? He does not have any experience either in foreign politics or economy. Does he know what it would take to pay for all his programs?? Take care of the deficit? etc. etc&lt;br&gt;He hAS NOT SAID ANYTHING OF SUBSTANCE.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691758</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:40:21 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691758</guid><dc:creator>Carrie, Texas</dc:creator><description>Dawn...wow. &amp;nbsp;Thank you for insulting the intelligence of individuals who may be supporting a different candidate than you do.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I think it is important for people who believe in the policies of the Democratic party to support whoever wins the nomination. &amp;nbsp;I am voting for Obama in the primary because I agree with him more in the areas where he and Hillary differ. &amp;nbsp;I have been following the career of Obama since he was teaching at the University of Chicago Law School where my husband was a student and was also serving as a Illinois State Senator. &amp;nbsp;That stated, I will support Hillary if she gets the nomination.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I think insulting people as not being smart enough because they may disagree with you does more harm to the democratic system than people supporting different candidates will. &amp;nbsp;But maybe, that is just because according to Dawn- I am not smart and simply a &amp;quot;disease.&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;I need to also inform my husband that he has a low intellect because he dares to support Obama. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691776</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:44:23 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691776</guid><dc:creator>Jack St John Virgin Islands</dc:creator><description>Okay Texan. &amp;nbsp;You are right. &amp;nbsp;You are not a racist. &amp;nbsp;You are a bigot.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691797</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:48:37 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691797</guid><dc:creator>Ricky, Birmingham, Alabama</dc:creator><description>Obama is a christian. &amp;nbsp;Look it up.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691832</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:57:49 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691832</guid><dc:creator>Dwight Liles</dc:creator><description>Has anyone considered that maybe this whole campaign is becoming about something else than what it was when it started? &amp;nbsp;Could it be that it's time for us to be Americans again? &amp;nbsp;What I saw last night was two very strong and charismatic presidential candidates, the absolute cream of the crop of political personalities in our nation, both taking the high ground of unity, debating their differences but doing so civilly and with respect each for the other, and inviting a nation that has been divided for too long to become united again. &amp;nbsp;I hope to vote for BOTH of them in the general election, one for President and the other for Vice President. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691843</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:01:09 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691843</guid><dc:creator>ard,ND</dc:creator><description>Can anyone explain to me how Obama will unite our congress to agree on important issues? &amp;nbsp;Not being attacking at all... I just hear him talk so much about bringing people together on issues... So someone please tell me where he states or what he has stated he is going to do to get the conservative republicans who think abortion is morally wrong, to agree with pro choice congress members, or how he will change peoples moral perspectives on homosexuals, or how about how he will unite both parties to agree on raising/lowering taxes? &amp;nbsp;I just really would like to know who has the power to change peoples deep, moral beliefs to agree with eachother. &amp;nbsp;There will ALWAYS be two sides to an issue, that stem from deep, embedded personal moral and ethical values. &amp;nbsp;He is running his campaign on uniting both parties, but someone please tell me how he is going to do it. &amp;nbsp;And I would like to point out an analysis on his senate votes over the '05,'06,07 on how they went against republican votes in the senate by at least 96% all three years in a row. &amp;nbsp;How is he uniting anything? I'm really not trying to be attacking, I just would like to be informed.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691844</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:01:11 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691844</guid><dc:creator>BobW Mendon, NY</dc:creator><description>Hillary supporters, you can call what I have to say, &amp;quot;mud-slinging&amp;quot; or you can stop and smell the coffee and be as outraged as I feel right now.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hillary Clinton’s best lines came at the end of the debate last night framed around her experiences at a hospital filled with horribly wounded soldiers. She used that story to appeal to her base and undecided voters to illustrate that she is caring and compassionate. In short, she used that story to score political points.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;As a veteran (retired from the US Army after 20 years) I am absolutely outraged that she sought to profit politically by using the spectacle of those unfortunate heroes as a prop! I am livid because she was the one, between the two candidates, that voted to put those brave soldiers in harms way to begin with. How dare she claim compassion when all she is entitled to is guilt!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Veterans, join me at obamavets.com to do what needs to be done to carry Barak Obama to victory. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691853</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:03:26 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691853</guid><dc:creator>John Doe, Rochester, MI</dc:creator><description>Speaking as a Michigan resident, no, please don't seat our delegates. She was the only major name on the ballot, so of course she &amp;quot;won&amp;quot;. Where were Hillary and her campaign when the DNC was voting to strip us of our delegates in the first place? Her chief advisor was voting FOR the punishment, that's where. How hypocritical can you be?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And speaking of hypocrisy, why is everyone fawning over her closing statement? The best parts were &amp;quot;plagiarized&amp;quot; from Jim Edwards and Bill Clinton. Bah.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691861</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:05:41 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691861</guid><dc:creator>TEXAN</dc:creator><description>Bill, Okla.&lt;br&gt;If Obama gets the nomination,i will vote for Mc-war-monger.&lt;br&gt;The activists of the democratic party captured the primaries and good other candidates forced to quit because of money.We end-up with a war-monger,a woman, and an african-american.The best choices gone.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691904</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:15:02 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691904</guid><dc:creator>Donna Elrod, Chicago, Illinois</dc:creator><description>Not positive, but Hillary's so called special moment at the end of the debate sounded vaguely familiar. &amp;nbsp;Didn't Bill Clinton say something very similar in '92. Those who plagerize should not throw stones. &amp;nbsp;Also dem's should start judging the two remaining candidates by how they have managed their campaigns. &amp;nbsp;Obama wins there for sure. &amp;nbsp;He has not only successfully managed his budget but has engaged more Americans than any campaign in history. &amp;nbsp;Go Barak! &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691940</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:21:06 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691940</guid><dc:creator>Dwight, Ohio</dc:creator><description>J Merle, Go away. &amp;nbsp;seriously, you have to be paid by Billary's campaign. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#691948</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:21:56 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:691948</guid><dc:creator>Peter, Pittsburgh, PA</dc:creator><description>TEXAN wrote, &amp;quot;If Obama gets the nomination,i will vote for Mc-war-monger.&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Good riddance!</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692016</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:37:45 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692016</guid><dc:creator>Karen, Newtown, CT</dc:creator><description>I will start this out by stating I am a Clinton supporter and I really wish she was in a better position right now, but she's not. &amp;nbsp;I am a realist, and if Obama is the nominee, which is looking more and more probable, I will support him. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;However, I still want to express my opinions about the debate last night. I thought Campbell Brown did a poor job moderating the debate. &amp;nbsp;In the first third of the debate, it seemed to me that every question was presented to Clinton first, which gave Obama time to reflect on and compose his response, which mostly consisted of, &amp;quot;I agree with Hillary on most of what she said, but I would add the following.&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;The rest of the evening, Obama was allowed to simply lapse into giving portions of his stump speech (I know the words by heart by now...When I am president,&amp;quot;I&amp;quot; will give each student $4000, &amp;quot;I&amp;quot; will give teachers raises, &amp;quot;I&amp;quot; will have all students be taught a foreign language...&amp;quot;)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I watched in amazement as Brown let him give the stump speech time and time again, letting the crowd whoop and hollar, without her so much as asking him, &amp;quot;Senator Obama, could you tell us exactly how you will do this?&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;That's what I was looking for. &amp;nbsp;Another thing overall, Obama is allowed to go unchallenged as he repeats his mantra that he is going to unite the parties and there is going to be a new way of doing things in Washington when he is president. &amp;nbsp;Can't somebody ever ask him, &amp;quot;Exactly HOW are you going to do that?&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;There was a perfect opportunity last night when Obama was talking about some bill that he worked on (maybe introduced, I can't recall) which passed the Senate, but &amp;quot;unfortunately&amp;quot; died in the House. &amp;nbsp;Why wasn't there a follow-up question such as, &amp;quot;If this had happened when you were president, how would you have gotten the members in the House to jump over the fence and vote for it?&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;In the end, it's a beauty contest. &amp;nbsp;Americans seem content to treat this process as another segment of &amp;quot;American Idol.&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;Obama has become an idol. &amp;nbsp;But let's not forget that Hillary has racked up nearly 50% of the popular vote, so be kind!</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692052</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:45:33 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692052</guid><dc:creator>bill, okla</dc:creator><description>Bob W. Mendon I too, am a vet 8 yrs. U.S. Navy Sub Service and for Obama. &amp;nbsp;I hope to see Phil Bredesen of Tennessee or Jim Webb as our candidates' VP choice.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692102</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:57:08 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692102</guid><dc:creator>Goetz Haindorff, Germany</dc:creator><description>To the Ladies on this blog: It is not your husband that makes you mad (as bad his behaviour might be)&lt;br&gt;It is &amp;nbsp;your internal response to a challenge you cannot handle. That&amp;#180;s what makes you mad.&lt;br&gt;It is about your (stress)response, not his behaviour (as bad as it might be).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If you fail miserably in life, in a relationship or a campain, your first task as a grown up and responsible person is to look for your own failures, not that of others. That&amp;#180;s just cheating on yourself. And it is empty talk (it is also a left brain reaction - defense)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Apparently some of this common misperception is to be found in this blog. I saw it too many times in the Clinton campaign. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;You cannot overcome the tremendous flaws in yourself by pointing at the flaws of others.&lt;br&gt;It simply does not work.&lt;br&gt;That is not how evolution is running.&lt;br&gt;That is kindergarden.&lt;br&gt;Life is not fair. It has never been. Grow up.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Think hard - Do you really think someone stole this from you, or from Senator Clinton? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If you don&amp;#180;t accept your mistakes and failures as yours only (it&amp;#180;s painful) you will never learn.&lt;br&gt;There is a reason Hillary Clinton lost it. She has to find out about it herself. And she won&amp;#180;t find it outside of her. If she dares to look into her true self, she will arrive at some thoughtful and meaningful conclusions. It will be a good process, it might transform her into the real, likeable and genuine person she was from the beginning, but could rarely show.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Obviously by now, she picked the wrong advisors, the wrong people for the wrong jobs, and in that process got turned into someone artificial. That&amp;#180;s what people notice on a subconscious level. And that&amp;#180;s were votes are cast. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It is all about values, never about arguments. Reason never votes. Reason is the great condescending justifier for all your weird misperceptions.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Senator Obama found a way of connecting on a deep subconscious level with the value structures of millions of indivuduals. That&amp;#180;s his real mastery.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Finally the groundgame in the end all comes down to congruence. And if you don&amp;#180;t deliver on that, you are lost. Obvioulsy the much more congruent person won here, with a better team, a better strategy, better groundtroops and the willingness to learn fast from mistakes and to avoid denial most of the times.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It is nothing short from rewriting the textbooks on how an insurgent campaing is run successfully.&lt;br&gt;This campaign is a great achievement in itself and should get all due respect it deserves for that.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Senator Clinton certainly does not need protection, or pity, or complaints about others to blame. She is a grown up.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This failure will make her a better person, I am sure.&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692109</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:58:03 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692109</guid><dc:creator>alma, sebastopol, ca</dc:creator><description>I was truly touched by Hillary yesterday evening. She delivered a beautiful ending. I am an Obama supporter and it brought me to tears that she was willing to put herself aside for a moment and call for the unity of the democratic party. This is what is good about democrats, we are people with &amp;nbsp;heart.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692214</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:26:50 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692214</guid><dc:creator>nm</dc:creator><description>when will the mainstream media, who seem so intent on echoing sen. clinton's charge of &amp;quot;plagiarism&amp;quot; against sen. obama, going to point out that her most pivotal moment -- her closing speech -- was &amp;quot;lifted&amp;quot; quite liberally from her husband's 1992 speech (the hits I've taken/took are nothing compared to...) and john edwards' dec. 2007 speech (we're going to be just fine/whatever happens/i'm proud to share the stage with...)? it's not about making clinton look bad; it's about exposing hypocrisy and desperation when it rears its ugly head(s). while i'm not surprised the msm are ignoring this, i am a little disappointed that many of hrc's supporters refuse to acknowledge it.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692313</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:56:30 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692313</guid><dc:creator>David, WV</dc:creator><description>Bob, What is your point about looking at library of congress? Is it the number of Resolutions or the content. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692367</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:16:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692367</guid><dc:creator>gail  trenton ,mi</dc:creator><description>J MERLE STANLEY: &amp;nbsp;DO NOT SEAT THE DELEGATES FROM MICHIGAN...my candidate was not even on the ballot. Does my vote not count???</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692409</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:30:14 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692409</guid><dc:creator>Jeremy Stevens, Kirksville, MO</dc:creator><description>Shouldn't the story be that Bill Clinton said: &amp;nbsp;NBC/NJ’s Carrie Dann notes. &amp;quot;I thought it was obvious that I was ready to be president and lead tomorrow,&amp;quot; &lt;br&gt;SO I WANT TO BE PRESIDENT LOL!!!</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692424</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:32:52 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692424</guid><dc:creator>JAZZ</dc:creator><description> Well said Rogy,ND. Obama is such an unknown. A Texan on O'Reilly's show(2/20/08) referred to him as the&lt;br&gt;&amp;quot;Irish guy&amp;quot;... the O apostrophe...&amp;quot; there's no apos-&lt;br&gt;trophe&amp;quot;. He and other supporters believe he is 100% Irish.The GOP will have a grand old time defining him.&lt;br&gt; No doubt the republican leaning independents and &lt;br&gt;crossover republicans will tilt the scales in his &lt;br&gt;favor in TX and OH. But we all know, democrats PREFER&lt;br&gt;Hillary. HOPE they stick with him in November. The party will have a hard time uniting. &amp;nbsp;If it is racist&lt;br&gt;to associate Obama with Jessee Jackson, what do you call the public AVOIDANCE of Jessee Jackson and Al Sharpton? &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt; </description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692427</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:33:02 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692427</guid><dc:creator>Jeremy Stevens, Kirksville, MO</dc:creator><description>By the way MSNBC, you might want to clarify that quote. If that is actually what Bill said you should report it, because that is a horrible gaffe.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692613</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:34:52 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692613</guid><dc:creator>Lo in OR</dc:creator><description>Joyce, if you visit BarackObama.com you will see that the majority of Obama supporters welcome Hillary supporters, and realize that division in Democratic supporters will make the general election that much more difficult to win.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We defend our candidate as deeply as true Hillary supporters support their candidate. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;There are always those who prefer to sling mud on both sides...but that is not the majority. </description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692699</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:02:26 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692699</guid><dc:creator>Carol, lakeland, Fl.</dc:creator><description>Why doesn't the cable new stations have the articles about the Obama's. Go to poltico.com. MSNBC you are falling behind and letting Fox news get ahead of you. Why aren't you reporting about Obama statements on the debate last night about our military and our Generals say's Obama is telling a lie. Get with it.</description></item><item><title>The Lone Star Showdown</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/22/691019.aspx#692742</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:19:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:692742</guid><dc:creator>T_Crawford, Brooklyn</dc:creator><description>JM Korbel (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 11:09 AM)&lt;br&gt;your clip (&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.superdeluxe.com/sd/contentDetail.do?id=D81F2344BF5AC7BBCF096CA0DA7380ACEFBD9A8640FDF475"&gt;http://www.superdeluxe.com/sd/contentDetail.do?id=D81F2344BF5AC7BBCF096CA0DA7380ACEFBD9A8640FDF475&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;br&gt;is completely fake, if you're kidding that's one thing, but you claim it's real and it is far from it. &amp;nbsp;First, Obama is like 12 in 1972, secondly, it's not him and thirdly it's on a website for animators and creative video media. &amp;nbsp;MSNBC should take this down on the pretense you claim it's authentic...&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;by the way, I agree Obama supporters should walk tall, but keep it positive, this is not a football game, this is America's future</description></item></channel></rss>