First thoughts: Here comes the general?

jaycee, Ventura, California — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:22:09 GMT

The argument that we should pick our candidate based on experience seems to assume that our new commander in chief will go straight into one of Al’s lockboxes. If I thought the next president had to enter a cubicle and rely only the information carried in her or his head to make vital decisions I might be more inclined to favor Hillary, although Barack is no slouch either. That scenario doesn’t have much to do with reality.

A president can quickly and easily get feedback from hundreds of highly experienced people in Washington. We aren’t suffering any sort of experience deficit. A leader will still have to pick and choose, because experienced people will not agree with each other. If experience were really the be-all and end-all then opinions should converge as people age and learn from their experience. I’ve been around for a while now and I see no evidence that it works that way. People commonly go through the same sorts of experiences and come away with wildly different lessons. More experience, less experience, it still comes down to sound judgment when the hard choices need to be made.

What we see with Barack is someone who is consistently ahead of the curve. Whether it was the war authorization, dealing with Pakistan, the bankruptcy bill, or just figuring out what voters were looking for this election cycle, he has demonstrated competence and sound judgment over and over. Part of Hillary’s extensive but padded resume includes two winning presidential campaigns with Bill. This is the very first time Barack has run a national campaign. How’s he doing so far?

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Chuck, NY — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:23:40 GMT

I want to see a complete list of the Democrats Super Delegates, and who they are pledged to right now.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:25:44 GMT

It does feel like the general election campaigns have begun, and McCain gave us an interesting look at his ability to assess foreign situations.

He said if we pull out of Iraq, we'll be handing that country over to al Qaeda. I think that's an odd statement, bordering on some of the more ludicrous things we heard from the Bush Administration.

Does anyone, Republican or Democrat, really believe al Qaeda in Iraq has sufficient strength to take control of the country from the Shi-ite majority?

Perhaps this is the first of many general election chinks in McCain's armor as the better prepared candidate on foreign affairs.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Marbw — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:33:36 GMT

I think that Barack's approach would be to become president and then shape the discussions on all policies. Nothing changes--war-tax-economy-healthcare until you are in the drivers seat. Barack will have a better chance in working with congress. Look at the congress now, all Bush does is veto just about anything he pleases. Barack understands that instead of discounting states that did not vote for him(ala Hillary Clinton's team), to get anything changed we need a working majority(people power from all states).

I knew about McCain being born in Panama---always was curious about that one because the constitution says US born citizen and age 35 are the requirements to run for POTUS.

Message To Ralph Nader
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIFEceopAUI

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:33:43 GMT

I firmly believe that Hillary Clinton is a good person running a bad campaign that has resorted to all manner of distortion and playing one group of Americans against another, by race, gender, religion and national origin. I believe the source of the problem is that Hillary is more interested in personal ambition than in healing the wounds of Americans and believes the politics of the past is the way to be elected. Bill Clinton, for whatever reason, is clearly part of the problem.
America needs Barack Obama.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Pat, Boston, MA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:34:38 GMT

This election has uncovered troubled emotions for many of us. We have been waiting a long time to see a new Administration in DC. Obviously, there is a great deal on the line which is why everyone is fighting so ferociously. There are millions of people - including me - who do not want to see the Clintons back in the White House. There was always too much drama with them and I for one hated the Lewinsky debacle.

The manner in which Hillary & Bill are running her campaign I must say has been telling as it brings us all back to the Clinton years, which was in many ways a huge burden for democrats as we had to defend Bill for his classless behavior. We looked the other way because we liked him and we thought he was a good president. We just don't want to go back again. They have their place in history. It's time to look ahead and clean out Congress, little by little. Bush & Cheney were given a blank check on everything they wanted. That is inexcusable.

Hillary is not liked by a majority of people in this country and she most likely would be hugely unpopular if she were elected. Much like GWB.

Whether you agree with me or not, there is no reason why people here need to resort to race baiting. Unfortunately, we have traveled down that road for too many years. In case you don’t read or follow history, people died. People whose only goal in life was to bring equality to every single American, especially school children. We are in the 21st century. Are we as a country still so ignorant and hateful? If so, then you are no better than anyone you throw stones at. Actually, you’re worse.

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
Jackie Robinson

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Nashville_fan — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:35:30 GMT

Here is the problem with the "Obama's subcommittee hasn't held any meetings" argument . . .

The Congress and the President have created an impasse - and not much is getting through. What would a subcomittee hearing about NATO do to change that? Nothing.

Congress is in effect handcuffed - nobody has enough votes to get anything done . . . which brings us back to the "working majority" that Senator Obama is building . . . you know, so we can get stuff done. That seems more important than subcomittee hearings on NATO in my humble opinion. But that's just me.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Kevin, San Francisco — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:36:21 GMT

I know one thing, before the general election and convention for the GOP, would someone please train Senator McCain on how to give a speech without being glued to the teleprompter. I almost vomit every time he gives a speech reading from the teleprompter. No wonder Senator Obama is so far ahead.

Does he need glasses or a new prescription? I am being honest and not derogatory. Hasn't anyone else noticed this?

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:38:41 GMT

Paul, AlQaeda in Iraq may be on the run and getting their teeth kicked in, but, we must continue to keep the battle going. If your house is invaded by rats, do you stop after you've killed all but a couple? Those rats you did not kill may bring many more rats and you have to go back on offensive. You continue to exterminate the rats until they are all gone, every last man, woman and child. It's no different with Al Qaeda. You must exterminate them, no matter how long it takes. The faster you get rid of them, the easier your life will be.

The democrats are saying "we only want the job half finished". John McCain wants to go the whole nine yards. Considering that the democrats today care more about what Rodger Clemons said then the security of their own country makes the argument that liberals cannot be trusted with national security.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Ron, TX — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:40:03 GMT

Barack has historically gotten it right on every major foreign policy issue to date. Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan... he keeps getting it right. Clinton keeps getting it wrong. "Experience" means squat if that experience didn't teach you good judgment skills. Her weak attack on the subcommittee hearings is just that, weak. A president holds TRUCKLOADS more authority and power than a subcommittee chair, who first has to push a bill out of subcommitte, then out of committee, and then through both houses of Congress before getting it signed by the President. Obviously, that'd be a big waste of time as no bill making substantial changes would pass enough majority to override the inevitable president's veto.

The same weak line of attack can be thrown back in Clinton's face, instead of running for president, if she really cares about health care, why isn't she 100% committed every hour of every day trying to get a bill passed? Is it because she's all talk and no action?

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:43:23 GMT

Pat - I agree we as a nation shouldn't resort to that, but in terms of campaign tactics, I do think any race baiting by Republicans is likely to backfire among independents. Just my guess, but I really do believe most Americans are not only beyond that, but will resist any attempts to pull us back there.

You're appealing to our better angels, which we all should applaud. However as an Obama supporter I also hear this little devil on the other shoulder telling me he hopes they try it, lol.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Rick, NC — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:44:42 GMT

Mccain was not born in the united states and he spent more time in Hanoi witht he commies than with American forces during vietnam and shouldn't we think this should be looked into more? Surely we can find 100 POW's who will say mccain was not the hero he has made himeself out to be...we need some swiftboating here

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Watching with Amazement as The Media Prostitutes Itself — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:44:46 GMT

The only people who've moved onto the 'general' are the media whores like yourselves who think the press should decide who The Democratic Candidate should be.
Also, the polls aren't getting tighter everyday in Ohio. That is a patented LIE. They have remained the same for about a week or so now. Maybe if you keep on repeating that long enough, it will become truth.
You make me absolutely sick. The media makes me absolutely sick with it's ObamaNIA. I've been a registered Democrat and a liberal all of my adult life, and I never saw or understood what conservatives were talking about when they screamed about media bias....UNTIL this primary cycle.
You don't cover the Rezko trial, or the fact that Obama might have to testify
You don't talk about William Ayers who is an Obama contributor and a former member of The Weather Underground
You dont talk about the pastor of Obama's church who went to Libya with Louis Farakahn to meet with Mohamar Kadafy
You don't talk about the fact that Obama has flip flopped on healthcare, flip flopped on the war in Iraq, and flip flopped on NAFTA. A lot of these things were exposed at the Debate Tuesday night, but you don't report on it.
Everything has a nice rosey spin to it when you talk about Obama.
Someday, and that day may not be soon, but it's a day that will eventually come, people will see what a quick-foot artist Obama really is, and they will likewise see how the media whored itself for him in this primary/election cycle.
In the meantime people like myself, who see the truth for what it is, will continue to reject your bullshit, and will continue to do what is in the best interests of this country and The Democratic Party.
Hilter was a great speaker too, and the German media of the day loved him. Just remember that as you spin your yarns about how "evil" The Clintons are and how 'wonderful' "Pimp Daddy B" is.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Suibulp — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:45:56 GMT

Natural-born citizen?

Let's cut through the chase . . .

If the Republicans want individuals born in 1936 at the Coco Solo Air Base in the then-American-controlled Panama Canal Zone afforded full constitutional rights of the United States then why not detainess at Guantanamo Bay????

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:47:33 GMT

Jerry - that strikes me as the kind of simplicity that has Bush so low in approval polls.

"Finish the job," "keep on 'em..."

If we really want to kill every single member of al Qaeda in Iraq, we ought to leave overnight and then give the Shi'ites carte blanche to do what they will.

The downside is that the Shi-ites also will more closely allign the country with Iran. But that's an inevitability, I think, and we're only delaying it by staying. That's a whole lot of money every month, and I'm sure Iran and the Iraqi Shi'ites can wait longer than we'd be willing to expend the resources.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Chuck, NY — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:48:51 GMT

Jaycee, Paul & Pat...thanks for starting out the posts on a more academic note than what we have been seeing from J. Merle and Patty in SD.

To add to Jaycee's points, does anyone truly believe the headstrong, lock step GOP will remain in one chorus if Senator Obama sweeps into office? I foresee many moderate GOP members of Congress joining forces to accomplish many items of interest. My hunch is based on how moderate GOP members have split on stem cell research and SCHIP. I don't think Boehner and McConnell will be as successful; especially with no Darth Vader Cheney hanging around.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

JohnnyU, WA State — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:49:31 GMT

I have now watched the msnbc mini-bio's ("The Candidates") on Hillary, Barack & McCain. If you haven't seen them, they are very nicely done, unbiased looks at the life of each candidate. John McCain certainly suffered a difficult time as a prisoner of war and I believe all Americans join me in gratitude for that. Beyond that, the bio revealed a reckless man, who did very poorly in school throughout his life. Continuing to be a partying underachiever in the Naval Acadamy he finished at the bottom of his class barely graduating. Ignoring safety warnings from his commander he was shot down and became a POW. Again, I have compassion for the suffering he endured there.
We've had 2 terms of a reckless underachiever making bad decisions for our country. Yet another reckless underachiever is NOT what we need now.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

adam/NYC — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:51:43 GMT

The SubComitee nosense. She's trying to make it seem like Obama is the Chair of a Committee on Afghanastan, when in reality he is a SubCommittee Chair on European Foreign Relations. That includes oversight on our relations with the European Part of NATO.

To suggest that within the last year there has been some pressing need for oversight on European Foreign Relations as it pertains to NATO as it pertains to Afghanastan is absurd. It's Mark Penn making stuff up again.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Chris Taylor, Chesapeake VA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:53:13 GMT

Dump McCain

By Adam Graham on Feb 28, 08

John McCain’s condemnation of Bill Cunningham for his vigorous attack on the ability of Barack Obama to be Commander in Chief and for mentioning Obama’s middle name is the latest step in John McCain’s career of appeasing his enemies and attacking his friends.

I received a call from a reporter in rock-rib-Republican Idaho Falls asking me to comment on the discontent with John McCain. Republicans in that area of the state are down. John McCain should still win Idaho, but GOP turnout will most likely be down. The result: many good people will lose legislative races, maybe even Congressional races, thanks to John McCain.

It?s this way across America. A friend in Tennessee told me of a Congressman trying hard to get people at a Lincoln Day Dinner psyched up about supporting John McCain, but had little success. The Republican base is set to stay home in droves this year and the only motivator John McCain can provide is fear: fear of Obama, fear of Hillary. That will not be enough. There are enough people on the right for whom politics is a take it or leave it proposition. If you cannot speak to their dreams, hopes, and highest principles they will not show up. And John McCain cannot do that. Alan Keyes said it best, ?There’s not a single constituency of true conservatives that doesn’t have one of John McCain’s knives stickin’ out of our backs.?

It isn?t happening. Yes, the Democratic candidates are frightful, but that?s not enough. Bill Clinton?s liberal record in Arkansas, nor the fact that he protested his own country overseas in a time of war, nor his various unpatriotic acts were enough to stop his campaign.

Let us be objective for a moment. America is fed up with government. It is fed up with its President and gives him approval ratings in the 30s, it is fed up with its Congress and gives them approval ratings in the 20s. In a time of discontent, that empty rhetoric of change can, as it did in 1976 and 1992, overcome the fact that the Democratic Candidate is wholly unfit to be President of the United States.

If I?m wrong and McCain wins, then what do we win? Do you think after four years of John McCain, conservatives will be happier or more discontented? Will the liberal and moderate voters who John McCain is counting on elect a Republican Majority in Congress, or will they more likely vote for liberal Democrats? Whether McCain wins or loses, conservatives lose.

Some choose to sit helpless in this malaise. Some try to make a mockery of our political process by crossing over to the Democrats to cast a sabotage vote for Hillary to stop the Barack Obama train. I say, it?s time to stop the John McCain train.

Those who are finding John McCain unpalatable often conclude there is no alternative. We?re told that Governor Mike Huckabee has been eliminated from this process and that it?s mathematically impossible, and the math is clear. Yet, as Governor Huckabee pointed out recently in Ohio, if the math is so clear, why does every news site have different numbers?

The math is only ?clear? if you count unpledged delegates. Only pledged delegates are required to vote for a candidate on the convention floor. According to the Green Papers, John McCain has 874 delegates, Mike Huckabee has 210, Ron Paul has 5. What remains are many states with primaries ahead, as well as a large slate of delegates that are not pledged to any candidate. There will be several hundred delegates that could be free agents at a convention should John McCain not reach magic 1191.

Voters in states such as Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Indiana, Kentucky, Idaho, South Dakota, and New Mexico could hit back at states that thought their voice and their vote shouldn?t matter by supporting Huckabee and forcing a vote on the convention floor. Maybe, his inability to seal the deal will convince delegates who may be leaning McCain right now to change their mind.

Many people say Huckabee is even worse than McCain. This analysis is incorrect. Huckabee is not a perfect conservative. However, he can be trusted on several issues on which John McCain cannot be.

John McCain supports handing our sovereignty off to the International Criminal Court and the Law of the Sea Treaty; Mike Huckabee doesn?t.

Mike Huckabee has a consistent record of supporting the second Amendment; John McCain doesn?t.

John McCain supports using your tax dollars to destroy human embryos; Mike Huckabee doesn?t.

Those concerned with securing the borders may not believe Huckabee on the issue because of some proposals he made while Governor of Arkansas, however, Governor Huckabee has made ironclad commitments by signing pledges by Numbers USA and Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) to not have amnesty. I trust Duncan Hunter and Jim Gilchrist on the border, and they trust Huckabee. Meanwhile, John McCain has not pledged to oppose amnesty and he has convinced no major figure on border security that he is serious about protecting our nation?s borders.

Finally, while Huckabee has had his differences with many conservatives, he?s not made his career antagonizing every part of the Conservative base.

At this point in the race, John McCain is taking the tact of Bob Dole. Dole, in the waning days of the 1996 campaign after he won South Carolina, quit debating because he knew that appearing in a debate beside other candidates could only hurt him. It?s a sign of weakness and an inability to defend your ideas. If McCain is afraid to take on Mike Huckabee, what?s Barack Obama going to do to him in the fall?

I?m under no allusions that Huckabee has a great shot of winning. The odds are against him.

However, I remember him being in single digits and facing the end of his campaign in August when he finished second in the Iowa strawpoll. I remember us being told the Huckaboom went bust in late December, and then he won the Iowa caucuses. I remember reading his political obituary after the Florida primary and within eleven days, voters in eight states gave him victories. Governor Huckabee has the type of character and determination to beat the odds that I refuse to underestimate him.

However, whether he wins or loses, I will not be on the sidelines moping as the GOP heads for defeat in November. I have given funds, and I?ve made calls into Texas. I will expend every effort I can, and if that fails, I can rest in the knowledge that I didn?t roll over and accept the coronation of a man who will lead the GOP to defeat this Fall.

What about you?

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Deanna Grissom, Katy Texas — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:59:43 GMT

O.K perhaps you can answer this question for me. The day before yesterday I read online 5 articles that had people questioning if Clinton should step down for the good of the party. Then we have a debate that she did not win, nor did Obama, BUT she cried foul at the media and the next day I see over 20 articles touting her and saying she is making a comeback..what happened???? what changed? do she and Bill control the media??? do thay have friends capable of making calls and calling in favors to this extent? As Maureen Dowd said, If it had been ANYONE else and they had lost 10 contests in a row, they would be out...yet not only is she not out after her rant during the debate, she is now the new media darling?

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

John, Morgan Hill, California — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:00:21 GMT

The question of which potential Democratic nominee is likely to have the stronger coat-tails in bringing along more Democratic wins in the House, Senate and state governments is a very, very important point. Presidents don't pass laws, the Congress does. Anyone who thinks Hillary has stronger coat-tails than Obama really isn't paying attention.

Hillary's "kitchen sink" attempt to bring down Obama by any means possible is doing damage to the party. But then a Clinton doing damage to the Democratic party in hopes of holding onto power isn't a new story, is it?

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Rick,ky — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:01:02 GMT

Now Jerry, even tho i admire your Humor, even you are smart enough to know that we can't continue on this path of Economic destruction.Thing's may be great down there in Texas, but America's infrastructure can Not go Ignored.Our tax base is dwindling & without new job's( such as road's, solar, etc)it's only a matter of time before we crumble.
By taking the fight to al-quida in Afghanistan & targeted in Pakistan, which your guy strayed from, it's possible to cut the head off the snake.By doing that, it's also possible that other extremist have no one in place to Replace a Bin-laden, should he be killed or captured.With all the resources at America's disposal, GWB stayed away from the gates of Hell to avenge his Dad.Egomaniac!!! Have any dingy's come ashore down in CC to date?
Rat's go where the food is& if the food is moved to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, they'll find their way also.Come on Jerry, use that Noggin for some Common sense!!!

" Delusional thinking by Common Sense American's is Over"

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Alan, NJ — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:02:18 GMT

Couple of things from yesterday. BO would start to bring the troops home but reserves the right to return to target Al Qeada or to protect humanitarian enclaves in the case of a civil war (from his website). He also proposes to send two brigades to Afganistan. He also is in favor of expanding the military. From all this, I do not see much of a "peace" dividend for domestic priorities. (In any case the Iraq war is paid for through supplementals and is borrowed). Today, there is a report that the Sunni's are fed up with their role in tamping down Al Qeada. Don't hold your breath for change.

My second point is that BO has a domestic agenda that is currently costed around $850b. The Bush tax cuts don't expire until 2010 (or are they going to be revoked sooner). BO has already proposed that the cap on SS should be lifted (and we know because there is no "lockbox" that can be used for general revenue)

Say congress has 55 democrats and about 15-20 more in the house after the election. Are they going to give up PAYGO? If so, what is going to be cut?

“I serve as a blank screen on which people of vastly different political stripes project their own views,” Mr. Obama wrote in “The Audacity of Hope, his I’m-running-for-president book. “As such, I am bound to disappoint some, if not all, of them.”

Who is he going to disappoint first?

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Paul, Dallas TX — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:04:13 GMT

The Supreme Court may give Mike Huckabee the Miracle may he's been talking of.

Given that McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone, does that disqualify him from being President?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1795

.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

chris — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:05:29 GMT

Chuck, NY, I'm curious to see MSNBC's Superdelegate head count with names, too.

The only one I have seen that does what you are asking for is Politico. And their count is much lower than MSNBC's.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

John and Liz — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:06:55 GMT

The corporate owned media continues the obamarama spectacle. On TV, on radio and in print 24/7 the attacks on Hillary continue. It's disgusting. Enough already.

Let's try telling maybe ONE truth a day MSNBC. How about this one? In Ohio, as you erroneously "report" above, the polls are NOT tightening, they have remained the same with an uptick for Hillary Clinton who is maintaining her lead despite the 24/7 media attacks.

The American people deserve better than this.We are choosing a PRESIDENT, not an Oprahlooza self help author of the month.

The public airwaves are supposed to belong to the public. Ha.

If the corporate owned media and their republican pals are against Hillary, then you KNOW you should be for her. Right? Hillary is clearly the most qualified and most electable candidate in the race.

VOTE SMART! VOTE HILLARY CLINTON!!

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Rick,ky — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:06:56 GMT

Watching with Amazement as The Media Prostitutes Itself (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 9:44 AM)

Dang, J. Merle, they let you out of the Padded Room!

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

HILLARY'S # 1 FAN!!! AR. — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:07:21 GMT

COME ON TEXAS,
SHOW US YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO PUT HILLARY BACK IN THE RUNNING.
LETS HAVE A FAIR FIGHT.
THE MEDIA HAS SLAUGHTERED HILLARY AND THE REPUBLICANS HAVE STUFFED THE BALLOT BOX FOR OBAMA.
WHAT A WAY TO RUN A PRIMARY.
MONEY, THREATS, BIG BUSINESS, THERE ARE MANY ROAD BLOCKS STOPPING THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR CHANGE.
I BELIEVE SOMEONE IS BACKING OBAMA WHO KNOWS HILLARY WILL BRING CHANGE AND THEY DON'T WANT THINGS TO CHANGE. THEY KNOW SHE IS DETERMINED AND WOULD NEVER STOP FIGHTING FOR HUMAN RIGHTS. LETS GIVE HER EQUAL RIGHTS. STOP THE MEDIA BLITZ AND HAVE A FAIR CAMPAIGN FOR A CHANGE.

VOTE FOR HILLARY!!!!!

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:08:10 GMT

Jerry - that strikes me as the kind of simplicity that has Bush so low in approval polls.

Pual, that is where we seem to have the problems we have with national security.

Bill Clinton was more worried about his own name then taking the lead in the war or terror.

President Bush cares more about the security of this country and the world then his poll numbers.

With Hillary or Obama as President, I fear we will go back to September 10 2001......

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Alan, NJ — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:08:20 GMT

Ron in Tx.

HRC is using healthcare as a platform proposal for her presedntial bid, just as BO is using his non-vote on Iraq. Why didn't he vote against funding the war in the senate on the numerous times he could actualy do it? Because it's a good issue!

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Nicholas: Minnesota — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:08:35 GMT

"Overshadowed by the McCain-vs.-Obama storyline,"
--Whoever thought a Clinton would become overshadowed in a political storyline?
--Mark my words: the general election will be on foreign policy, not the economy. That is Mr. Obama's relative strength to Mrs. Clinton.

*** Natural-born citizen?
--Damn lawyers always muddying everything up! He was born a U.S. citizen and that is good enough for me. (Somebody like Arnold Schwarzenegger was not).
--I guess that's the end of Republicans and "constructionalist" judges.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

HTP, Seattle, WA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:09:19 GMT

Thank you and I agree with you 200% on your comment "Watching with Amazement as The Media Prostitutes Itself". Since the beginning of the race, I consistently and repeatedly saying that the media voted for us before we even get to know the candidates. They did it in 2000 and 2004. It's shameful of them to continue doing it. They robbed our votes. It's very sad...but Hillary is a fighter, she will pull through it.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

crat3 — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:13:56 GMT

The pro-Obama Shuster-MSNBC focus on the "post-debate spat" between McCain and Obama is senseless. McCain took on and mocked Obama because Obama said something that was stupid and dumb. Hillary Clinton talked sense and that's why there was no "post-debate spat" between her and McCain.

This early mocking of Obama only indicates how he will be demolished by the Republicans if he swipes the Democratic nomination with the help of the pro-Obama media swaying votes to him. Obama will be trashed as a radical left wing liberal based on his voting record in the Senate and he will be swiftboated on his Chicago ties.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Suibulp — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:17:30 GMT

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

nuanced — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:17:35 GMT

"a funny thing happened: The post-debate spat was between Obama and McCain, not Obama and Clinton"

I have been disappointed that Hillary has not shown she knows how to effectively attack McCain and the Republicans. All along from the very first debates I have said that I would support the candidate who could show they could be effective against the Republicans not the one who was effective against Democrats.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Jade7243 — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:17:42 GMT

Sorry, "Watching With Amazement," this contest is over.

What I find "curious" is that pundits like Chuck Todd continue to trot out these long-shot scenarios where Hillary wins. "If the stars are in perfect alignment and the temperature variance between Ohio and Texas is not more than 7 degrees at 11 a.m. and Hillary eats everything but two bites of cinnamon toast, and Obama has scrambled eggs instead of over easy, and Bill gets stuck in traffic on his way to a get out the vote rally on the back of flatbed truck, and Mark Penn and Howard Wolfson don't get into a public fistfight over the last doughnut at campaign headquarters, Hillary has 1 in 3405 chance of winning and that drops to 1 in 2337 if she cries..."

Let's be honest here, Hillary is still in the race ONLY because her last name is Clinton. She's in ONLY because no one at the DNC -- and that includes Howard Dean, the "Chairman" (apparently in name only) -- has the cajones to tell Clinton to pack it in. Perhaps that will come after March 4th. Be she has a snowball's chance in Hades of winning.

Holding out for some possible Edwards or Richardson endorsement to save her just isn't going to happen. Neither man has the timing nor the clout at this point to make a difference. If anything, they will join Chris Dodd and back Obama.

The Clinton campaign is and has been a colossal failure. It is high time the media does its job: Stop supporting a storyline that is implausible, improbable and darn near impossible. They shoved Hillary down our throats all of last year as the inevitable candidate. She was not then, she is not now.

The party's over, my friend. Time for one last dance and it's "Mambo Obama" time!!!!

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

jodi from jerzee — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:18:54 GMT

Hey "Watching with Amazement as The Media Prostitutes Itself," are you Bill Cunningham in disguise? Come on, you can reveal yourself!

Your ignorant post full of foul language shouldn't have been allowed on here. Sounds like yet another bitter Hillary supporter that doesn't know how to take a whoopin' gracefully. Numbers speak for themselves, and obviously MOST in the country don't agree with you and your simple-minded opinion.

And again I say..... OBAMA '08!!

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

redshift, spokane wa — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:20:32 GMT

"Watching with Amazement as The Media Prostitutes Itself":

Exactly. The three "stooges" (todd, murray and montanaro) pray at the alter of st. obama with every breath.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

kenn — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:22:26 GMT

The fat man has sung MATHEWS .Hlliary despite winning the large states with a chance to win OHIO and go to PA she is done and obama has been crowned media love child.UNBIASED AND UNAFRAID,how are the ratings have you missed the HILLIARY fans,Watch how they find some other station or not watch the BIASED coverage at all,it only hurts your advertising but that said I think you will find they will start saying things to even out coverage about hilliary to offset thier loss of veiwers.MONEY RULES and what business wants to loss a large portion of revenues because thier employees are so personel it turns customers off JUST SAYING ,I noticed you have alot of OBAMMAWANNABES but have lost alot of the old hilliary supporters JUST SAYING IM NOT A SHAREHOLDER but we will see ,dont watch OBERMAN now either.If you look at the blogs from the debate you will notice 0 and low numbers what happened.Nobody was watching.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Doles, Miami, FL — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:22:50 GMT

Jerry wrote, "If your house is invaded by rats, do you stop after you've killed all but a couple?"
I think you more of affirmed Paul's point. You gotta remember that you're talking about your house. If someone came to help, they would indeed go about their business once they believed the situation was under control. So you see, he is right to assume that the true owner of the house (the Iraqis) would finish the job by eliminating the remaining terrorists. Remember, when they wanted to, they turned on the terrorists and we all know saw what happened.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

nuanced — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:24:09 GMT

"If I thought the next president had to enter a cubicle and rely only the information carried in her or his head to make vital decisions I might be more inclined to favor Hillary, although Barack is no slouch either. That scenario doesn’t have much to do with reality." -- jaycee

My feelings exactly. We already have a president who goes into a dark corner and gets his instructions from God (actually his twisted subconscious) instead of from history or from non-partisan knowledgable and experienced advisors and who is proud of ignoring our allies. We need someone has not ossified or been pickled. See where that got us.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

twocanpete — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:25:50 GMT

At this point it wouldn't matter if Juan McCain was born on Mars. The powers that be have determined he will be the Republican nominee. Given that we will likely have two democrats to choose from in November, Obama will win by a wide margin. http://twocanpete.blogspot.com

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

kenn — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:26:39 GMT

Arent the republicans along with HILLIARY and JOHN KERRY AND JOHN EDWARDS to blame for driving the bus into a ditch,how and why work with them,thier judgement is already in question thank you OBAMA,I am sure all offeneded parties will come back and help him its human nature to be ridiculed and then help the person making you out to be AWFUL yea UNITE

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Sierra, SF — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:26:47 GMT

Hillary supports Ms. Farrakhan !!
Who Knew ?

From Huffington Post:

'...The Huffington Post

Clinton Pressed on Supporters Words

February 27, 2008 09:10 PM EST |

JANESVILLE, Ohio — A day after lecturing her presidential rival for not rejecting a controversial minister's support, Hillary Rodham Clinton declined Wednesday to reject one of her Texas backers who commented on Barack Obama's race.

During a series of satellite television interviews, Clinton was questioned by Dallas station KTVT about comments by Adelfa Callejo, a local activist who supports Clinton candidacy. The interviewer quoted Callejo as saying "Obama's problem is he happens to be black" and asked Clinton to respond.

"Well obviously I want all of us judged on our merits," Clinton said. "I believe strongly that the fact we have an African American and a woman running for the Democratic nomination is historical and I'm very, very proud of that."

"I want people though to look beyond, look beyond race and gender, look at our records, look at what we stand for, look at what we've done and I think that's what most voters are looking for," she said.

The interviewer asked Clinton whether she rejected or denounced Callejo's comment.

"People have every reason to express their opinions, I just don't agree with that," she said, adding "You know, this is a free country. People get to express their opinions."

During a nationally televised debate Tuesday in Cleveland, Clinton criticized Obama for refusing to reject an endorsement from National of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, who has made numerous anti-Semitic comments. Obama said he had been clear in his denunciations of Farrakhan's comments. Clinton suggested that was not enough.

Asked in the interview about her debate comments, Clinton said: "I don't see any comparison at all with what you're referring to and I don't know the facts of what you're telling me over the TV. So I'm just going to repeat that I want people to judge us on the merits."...'

Hillary DOESN'T REJECT or RENOUNCE !!

You go girl !!
Go HOME

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Marbw — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:26:57 GMT

Hillary Clinton, once again, is putting up a strawman argument about NATO. NATO is doing what they need to do. The problem is with Iraq--Bush/McCain/Hillary's misadventure. Bush controls the Iraqi policy. Nice try though. Barack is campaigning/running for POTUS to bring some sense of balance to the mess(bus in ditch) that they wrote a blank check to Bush.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Joe Einloth — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:27:28 GMT

Jerry, when are YOU going the whole nine yards? TALK IS CHEAP!!

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Joe Einloth — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:31:12 GMT

Chuck, last I heard, McConnell was in deep poop in his re-election campaign. That was a couple of months ago and,admittedly, I don't lose a whole lotta sleep over B!tch McConnell.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

nuanced — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:32:40 GMT

The democrats are saying "we only want the job half finished". -- jerry/corpus christi texas

I don't suppose you have the reference on that quote? Any names? The proper phrasing would have been "it seems to me that the democrats are saying ..." without the quotes. :)

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

kenn — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:33:22 GMT

Yea rick the manchurian canidate but lets not smear BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA in MUSLIM GARB thats not sporting,MACAIN WAS AND IS AN AMERICAN HERO KEEP GOING TO THE GUTTER YOU CANT RUIN HIM WITH PRISONER OZF WAR SHAMLESS OF YOU OBAMMA FANS,anything you say bounses off me and sticks to you HOW HIGHSCOOLISH but i will always go there with you OBAMMAWANNABES

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

christian — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:35:31 GMT

Watching with Amazement as The Media Prostitutes Itself,

All of those Obama issues have been discussed and debunked. Get over it. If you can't see you candidate for what we see her as then that is your own problem.

You don't think your candidate has some ties with some questionable individuals? Just because someone is in the same circle as or an acquaintance of someone doesn't make them a supporter of their ideals/beliefs. Quit making feeble arguments like these...it's damaging to you HRC supporters and it just makes people like me (who research all the issues) shake their heads in disbelief.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

nuanced — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:38:10 GMT

"Jaycee, Paul & Pat...thanks for starting out the posts on a more academic note than what we have been seeing from J. Merle and Patty in SD."
Chuck, NY

I've noticed that the early morning crowd is more civil. I think the others have to wait for the instructions from their leader.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Kelly Graham, Blommington, MN — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:39:09 GMT

jaycee, Ventura, California

[stuff, and more stuff]

This person seems to be Barack Obama's campaign manager. You seem to be sitting here every day with a canned message ready to be the first message to be posted.

Barack Obama is not experienced. He does not know the processes, procedures, nor have the contacts to "Get things done". If he was to win this November, most of his first term will be dedicated to learning the ropes, and the lessons, of how to be an effective executive. It will be painful to watch in many ways.

Barack Obama has no success stories. And for that matter, he has no failure stories where he could have learned some valuable lessons. Barack Obama has no record to either celebrate or be critical of. He is a blank slate.

Obama's supporters have invested a lot of faith, and that is what it is, 'Faith', in this man. He talks a good game, but hasn't even taken one step on the walk to back any of it up. Investing in this man is a risky endeavor.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

JoAnn Moundsville,WV — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:41:27 GMT

I saw Hillary Clinton at a town meeting setting last night in St. Clairsville, Ohio (about 20 min. from where I live) and she was pretty terrific. We really don't see her in this setting very much if you watch TV on any of the stations. She really got into the issues that she stands for and was very articulate in her speech. (She also didn't read a telepromter). It's too bad more people can't see this side of her.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Dr. Louis Simpson, Los Angeles, cal — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:42:56 GMT

The crux of matter is the war. We have spent over 700 billion on Iraq. 10 billion each month.
McCain wants to stay for at least 50 years and Obama
want to leave and invest the savings in America.
American citizens will have to decide. Our high costs, inflation, huge deficits, 100 dollar oil price, low America dollar is based on mismangagement and the war.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Thursday — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:43:08 GMT

Suibulp,

you're line of reasoning is poor. the prisoners in guantanamo weren't born in guantanamo let alone any other US controlled territory. Also, the natural born citizen clause is a gray area. George W. Romney ran for president in 1968, but he was born in Mexico. Now with McCain, the issues are as follows concerning his eligibility: (a) should we discount children born to military personnel stationed elsewhere in the world? and (b) does the Panama Canal Zone (which was US controlled) count as a legitimate U.S. territory that would qualify one born there when it was US controlled to run for president.
John McCain may have some warts, as all the candidates do, but let's not compare him to the prisoners in Gitmo who tried to kill innocent Americans and are not even American citizens themselves. Why should we extend constitutional rights to those not under out constitution. Since when did any criminal have full rights? Tell those in federal prisons that they have the right to life, LIBERTY and the pursuit of happiness. When you commit a criminal act, you may be in danger of giving up some of those rights.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Rufus Gibbons Washington DC — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:43:31 GMT

There are people being born every day in military hospitals and as they are born under the American flag they are American citizens. I once knew a man who was born on a British ship as his family was emigrating from Ireland to the United States. He was British and the rest of his family were Irish.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Diane of Illinois — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:43:32 GMT

Jerry,
If the Republicans and George Bush were so interested in exterminating AlQueda, then WHY on earth did they abandon Afghanistan? They had Bin Laden and let him go......let's talk irresponsibility here. Obviously the only thing working in Iraq is our young people are dying at alarming numbers and for what? We are no safer today than we were post 9/11.....in fact, they {Cheney/Bush}have made it worse and America is hated throught the world. We need someone who can attempt to change that perception and from what I've seen so far in these primaries, Obama is the ONLY one who can even attempt that. Hillary is either "MY way or the highway" and McWar is just Bush Lite reincarnated and how has THAT worked for the last 7 years? {Not to mention we'd like him to LIVE until November at least, i.e., he's too OLD to be doing this!}Maybe Obama doesn't have as much experience as the other two, but I see that as a positive. He's not entrenched in Washington politics and actually has a grasp on how many Americans feel and what they want to see in a leader. This is probably the first campaign that I've been through where I am truly excited about a candidate rather than just voting AGAINST another candidate and I thank Barack Obama for that. I was a young teen when JFK died, but felt the impact that the country felt at the time and will NEVER forget how Americans embraced their President, BEFORE and after his death. How many people feel that way about our current President (or his father, for that matter)? Time for a change, Jerry and Obama is the man. President Barack Obama has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Open your mind and listen for a change.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:45:33 GMT

....."To add to Jaycee's points, does anyone truly believe the headstrong, lock step GOP will remain in one chorus if Senator Obama sweeps into office?".....Chuck, NY (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 9:48 AM

Yes actually they will. Obama has no Svengali-like power over anyone except you mental midgits who buy into his substance lacking, catch-phrase filled, rhetorical sunday-sermon-like speeches in which he never tells you exactly what it is that he's going to "change" or how he's going to change it.
If you think the Republicans are going to treat Obama differently than any other Democrat, you are absolutely dilusional. The one advantage he would-have is that there is likely to be Democratic majority in both houses when the next President takes office.
History shows us that the "fights of the 1990's" took place because Bill Clinton had to deal with a Republican congress for the last six years of his Presidency, that tried to overturn the outcome of two valid elections, and threw an absolute temper tantrum about his having beaten their icons, Bush Sr, and Dole.
THAT, by the way, is why the G.O.P. hates the Clintons.
Not because of Whitewater, not because of Monica, and not because of any concocted, or alledged villainous personality traits.
They hate the Clintons because Bill BEAT them.
Period.
If Obama wins the nomination and the election, they will treat him with the same disdain, the same contempt, and the same political militancy that was directed at Clinton.
The only question is, would he have the fortitude, the will power and the strength of character to fight them off and stand up for what he believes in?
So far, I neither hear nor see those qualities coming from Barack Obama. I see someone who will give in
And guess what?....They may even dredge up a scandal or two along the way.
Lord knows when you have liasons with people like Antoin Rezko, William Ayers, and Louis Farakhan, the door is WIDE OPEN for that sort of thing.
But that doesnt matter to you. You've been blinded by the cult-like divine light of Barack Obama. He is your mentor, your shepherd, your Svengali, your God, and your pimp.
You have been 'turned out' by a quick-talking, office-seeking-used-car-salesman who has sold you a political jalopy with no engine, no wheels, no brakes, and no directional signals.
But, this is a mistake you're going to HAVE to make in order for you to see how deaf, dumb, and blind you have become to the truth.
I just hope the rest of the country doesn't have to suffer because of the decrepitude of your judgement, and that of your fellow ObamaNIACS.

Hillary for President, 2008
She IS the more qualified candidate.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

JR, Dallas Tx — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:46:10 GMT

Chuck from NY: 'does anyone truly believe the headstrong, lock step GOP will remain in one chorus if Senator Obama sweeps into office? "

My, what a nice way to describe the other side of the aisle. Then you wonder why there is division.

Here's a question for you. Why in the world would the Republicans abandon their base to be part of the most liberal administration ever to have the presidency? Obama shouldn't worry about the Republicans joining him. He'll have to worry more about keeping the more moderate Democrats from leaving him. Recall again that Obama is the most liberal Senator, and one of the most liberal people in Congress. His idelology will ruffle feathers in his own party, let alone the Republicans.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Sierra, SF — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:47:00 GMT

jerry/corpus christi texas: '...Paul, AlQaeda in Iraq may be on the run and getting their teeth kicked in, but, we must continue to keep the battle going. If your house is invaded by rats,...'

It's NOT 'OUR HOUSE'
Iraq belongs to the Iraqis
Sorry, jerry the Iraqis didn't give their country to the American Empire

We let al-Queda into Iraq
al-Queda and Saddam were always enemies
It's only after America invaded that Sunni nationalists made common cause with al-Queda against the American invaders

Once we're gone, there is no place for al-Queda in Iraq. Why would Iraqis wlecome people who 'suicide bomb' them ?

It's THEIR COUNTRY, not ours
(as far as the 'rats' analogy, rats sounds more descriptive of the Bush 'chicken hawk' 'meo-con crowd. Those are the rats, jerry)

'...then the security of their own country makes the argument that liberals cannot be trusted with national security...'

And the guys that got us into Iraq on lies CAN BE TRUSTED with national security ??
Get off the 'Straight Jacket Express'

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Joe Einloth — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:50:33 GMT

Somebody get Kenn a Prozac and some grammar instruction.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Jeff, Portland, OR — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:50:52 GMT

jerry/corpus christi texas,

I think your analogy with the rats in the house would be better described as the republicans want to send and leave indefinetly 140,000 troops to fight the rats in the living room when there are rat populations growing in every other room in the house.

Obama says he would countinue to get the rats in the living room with fewer troops, but lets get those rats in the bed room that bit our child on 9/11/01.

By the way we will never get rid of all the rats.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

laughaday — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:51:35 GMT

Quick, somebody give kenn some meds before kenn's head falls out from between his cheeks

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

nuanced — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:51:58 GMT

"At noon today, from the National Press Club in DC, Ralph Nader will announce his veep pick."

I hope he picks papa Joe Lieberman.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Sierra, SF — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:52:55 GMT

'...The only people who've moved onto the 'general' are the media whores like yourselves who think the press should decide who The Democratic Candidate should be....'
'...they will likewise see how the media whored itself for him in this primary/election cycle....'

At least 'the media didn't 'pimp out' Chelsea Clinton
That's one thing in their favor, Merle !!

Watching with Amazement as The Media Prostitutes Itself (J. Merle Stanley in disguise)

PS
Let a smile be your umbrella !! ;-D
Sorry about the election, Merle

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Eric, NY, NY — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:57:59 GMT

Totally agreed about the committe chair issue and the fact that this should have come weeks ago. She could have coupled this with Obama's saying he is too busy campaigning to attend certain civic events or even to vote in the Senate. There are a number of things that are not personal but are "negative" that could have and should have been used before even Iowa and they are just now starting. Another example of how bad this campaign has been run.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

mad in des moines — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:58:01 GMT

My two sons were born in Germany while I was stationed there serving my country!!! Obama is disgusting to suggest they or McCain are not U.S. citizens. McCain was born on U.S. soil as all American Installations oversees are. This just shows a stupidity that he had not shown before. I can't tell you who I will vote for. But it will definitely not be Obama.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

SL, NJ — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:59:02 GMT

Suibulp,

Was that a serious question? Really? You can't come up with an answer to that on your own?

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

JohnnyU, WA State — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:59:55 GMT

I have now watched the msnbc mini-bio's ("The Candidates") on Hillary, Barack & McCain. If you haven't seen them, they are very nicely done, unbiased looks at the life of each candidate. John McCain certainly suffered a difficult time as a prisoner of war and I believe all Americans join me in gratitude for that. Beyond that, the bio revealed a reckless man, who did very poorly in school throughout his life. Continuing to be a partying underachiever in the Naval Academy he finished at the bottom of his class barely graduating. Ignoring safety warnings from his commander he was shot down and became a POW. Again, I have compassion for the suffering he endured there.
We've had 2 terms of a reckless underachiever making bad decisions for our country. Yet another reckless underachiever is NOT what we need now

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:03:35 GMT

Doles in Miami - I'm waiting for the debate to get around to Pakistan, over which McCain dumbly joined the Clinton chorus in calling Obama naive.

Another chink... because McCain has an identical position to Obama's, and in fact voiced it more hawkishly (I'd follow bin Laden to the gates of hell).

Plus, it will be fun seeing McCain respond to questions of whether he thinks Bush is naive, because his administration last week actually executed the exact action Obama has been advocating for months, though the target in Pakistan was the al Qaeda number three vice bin Laden (presumably because we don't have an exact location on bin Laden).

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

kenn — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:04:14 GMT

It is great to hear obammawannabes sound just like every other politico its her its not him nenenena,then say he is different well attacks on the republicans not to bipartisan ?Then to hear him parse words about PARTY OF IDEAS IDIDNT SAY GOOD IDEAS we get what you ment THE CLINTONS SUCK touche,HOW IS THE PUBLIC FINANCE CAMPAIGN going PARSING WORDS AGAIN ITS NOT A PROMISE JUST A PLEDGE STOP ACTING LIKE YOU AND OBAMMA ARE NEW IT IS THE SAME OLE POLITICS AS USUAL,SHAME ON YOU

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:04:33 GMT

I have said this numerous times and will continue to do so. "The military can not rebuild a country politically" PERIOD!!!!! It is time to put the onus on the Iraqis and get out. They have not and will not come to any political solution while we are there. It is time to end this fiasco.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Pot Kettle Black — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:05:16 GMT

Before Sen. Clinton runs her mouth about Sen. Obama's committee, she need to explain why she missed a Senate vote the day of the Chesapeake primaries, WHEN SHE WAS IN DC! Hypocrite.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Just my 2 cents! — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:06:30 GMT

Hey. I'm, an American citizen, but was not born here in the states. Does that mean I can run for President like McCain?

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

POLpursun — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:07:43 GMT

The following was taken from The New Republic website:

"A (Narrow) Defense of Clinton

Marc Ambinder shares a bit of a pool report in which a Dallas TV station asked Hillary Clinton about comments made by a supporter named Adelfa Callejo, who reportedly said that black politicians never help Hispanics once they get into office and that "Obama’s problem is that he happens to be black." Callejo appears to be a fairly well-known attorney, at least locally. She also appears to be 84 years old.

According to the pool report, Clinton was asked whether she would "reject and denounce" Callejo's comments, whether she still wanted Callejo's support, and how it was she could criticize Obama for not rejecting Louis Farrakhan's support if she was unwilling to reject Callejo's. Clinton replied with variations on "I want us to be judged on our merits," "I want people to look beyond race and gender," "You can't take any of that as anything other than personal opinion," and "I don't see any comparison at all" with the Farrakhan situation.

For what it's worth, neither do I. I thought the semantic hoops Barack Obama was expected to jump through on Farrakhan were idiotic (do you denounce him? a little or a lot? do you reject his support, too? are you willing to denounce and reject?), but Farrakhan is, after all, a public figure whose odious views on a number of subjects are well known.

Adelfa Callejo, by contrast, is a name I--and in all likelihood, Hillary Clinton and anyone reading this blog--never heard before now. Is she a bigot? Maybe. Or maybe not. She's 84 years old, for goodness' sake. Not every word out of her mouth should be taken as a deep reflection of her underlying character. And, regardless, if we're going to enter a phase where the political media expects candidates to reject the support not only of every controversial public figure who supports them (a ludicrous enough expectation on its own), but of every single anonymous voter who might have something unpleasant to say now and then, we're not going to have time to talk about anything else.

--Christopher Orr

Posted: Thursday, February 28, 2008 9:55 AM"

NO Rationalizations. Reject and denounce Sen. Clinton.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

kenn — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:08:33 GMT

SEARRIA READY TO BOMB PACKISTAN ,IRAQ,AFGANISTAN ARE YOU A WAR HAWK YOU MAN OBAMMA IS which war are you going to sign up for when OBAMMA says lets roll.BTW HE VOTED TO FUND THE WAR YOU ARE AGAINST .THAT DOES NOT COMPUTE

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:35:51 GMT

Jerry: The only reason that the surge has resulted in a relative improvement in the situation in Iraq is that General Patreous has facilitated a Sunni transition. This is one from enabling Al Qaeda (the Sunni used Al Qaeda as a force against the Shia gov't.) to supporting U.S. troops against Al Qaeda (because Al Qaeda was becoming more of a detriment to the Sunni than they were a help). The fact remains that this is a civil war and the Sunni population will not be happy until they feel that they are well represented in the new gov't. in Bagdad (unfortunately this will not happen and even today there were articles on the internet referring to Sunni impatience with the U.S. efforts on their behalf in Bagdad).

Al Qaeda is a side show and the present war effort not only wastes the lives of our young people but also wastes our money and resourses in what is no more than a futile attempt to control a bunch of thugs (other methods are certainly called for). These thugs are exploiting an unstable situation (for which we are responsible). This is pure lunacy. This war has been wrong from the start and being mired in this quagmire until the end of time is preposterous (thanks for the suggestion, John McCain). I mean,ask yourself who are we actually fighting for? Is it the Sunni (the group who Saddam Hussein represented)? Or is it the Shia (part of whom are supported by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard)? The only solution (if there is one) involves a political accomodation satisfying both the Shia and Sunni (the Kurds are virtually autonomous - unless they involve themselves [through the actions of the PPK] in an imbroiglio with Turkey.

Barack suggests that our presence is only valuable if we can offer a political resolution (and this is doubtful). In the meantime, thanks to this, the worst blunder in American foreign policy in our history (GWB's war supported by both John McCain and Hillary), we are wasting our fighting forces and our money while we continue to worsen our world standing.

The old politics, the old world view, can no longer offer a solution to this problem and the status quo is unacceptable. I have to laugh when John McCain claims that an increase of 20K troops, in a country the size of California, has provided the stabilizing difference. It shows that he is seriously out of touch with the geopolitical situation at hand.

We really need a new approach and it has to be multilateral. Obama will be able to accomplish this where John McCain will not.
Obama '08

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:35:57 GMT

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

NJM Espanola, New Mexico — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:22:08 GMT

Those Politicans that change thier committement on a candidate,are two face that can not be trusted. Senator Lewis is not a man of his word, and there are others Bill Richardson is an opportuniest waiting for the right time to endorse a candidate that will give him a job. I have no use for Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, I remember when Bill Clinton was with a real bad cold and made sacrafice to campaign for John Kerry do you thin he appreciates.
Ted Kenned was a Clinton friend and just for wanting to have the "Kennedy Power" goes aginest Hillary so she won't make history.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Lee Holmes — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:26:45 GMT

Mitchell: And ''opting out''[Obama,Hillary]from a permanent treaty with Mexico and Canada is somehow supposed to ''regain lost''world respect?[instead of angering these,as it is now]. Insofar as ''seriously out of touch'',it is the height of lunacy to believe that paying everybody in the Middle East off[Obama foreign policy advisor Samantha Powers idea],with our already strained tax burden[which it would become under the All Things To All People Obama],would have an iota of effect. Then too,how did Democrat ''new approaches'',al la Brhzhenski[Carter NSA,possible tap for Obama NSA as well,which shows that there is nothing ''new''under the Sun],and Pelosi,affect,using the lone example of Syria, progress in ''new ''directions? What they got for their efforts was a Syrian WMD program,continued meddling in Lebanon,and HEZBOLLAHS top killer hiding in Damascus under the protections of the Assad dictatorship.
New directions that point the way to the realm of the naive will serve no-one in the end.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Scott Portage, IN — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:50:19 GMT

Wow, J. Merle Stanley’s post exemplifies how the Left just can’t understand the Right.

“History shows us that the "fights of the 1990's" took place because Bill Clinton had to deal with a Republican congress… [that] threw an absolute temper tantrum about his having beaten their icons, Bush Sr, and Dole.
THAT, by the way, is why the G.O.P. hates the Clintons.” Simply Clueless, guys.

That’s a page out of Hillary’s “vast right-wing conspiracy” book. It may be what she tells herself at night to sleep, but it doesn’t make it so.
One: as a conservative, I’ll tell you that I don’t know any of my peers who see Bush Sr or Dole as our “icons.” It’s fair to say that in a poll of GOP voters, Reagan would win the “icon” title hands-down. Bush Sr. and Dole were just average GOP candidates. Bill beating Bush or Dole is hardly the “face to launch a thousand ships” over! Heck, even we couldn’t get enthused enough about Dole to rally behind him.

Don’t like that analysis? Look at it another way, Hillary. If we hate any Democrat for beating our “heroes,” why don’t we despise Carter for beating Ford/Dole? Ford was as good a man as Bush or Dole – maybe better. He was picked to follow Nixon precisely because he was well-respected by members of both parties in Congress after all.
Hmmmm…. Can’t say I know anyone who talks about Carter the way they do about Bill and Hill. Sure, Carter’s presidency was hardly successful, but not despicable.

So, it’s not “because Bill BEAT them, Period.”
That’s the Clinton’s version of “they hate me because I’m beautiful.” No, they hate you because you THINK you’re so beautiful.
And her refusal to see that she’s lost just proves my point – so wrapped up in clawing for power, she can’t fathom that her own party has found another lover.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Ed, Portland, ME — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 04:00:43 GMT

Message to John McCain: Stop being so afraid. You're afraid Al Qaeda will declare victory and follow us home if we leave Iraq, so we should spend billions every month halfway across the world because of your fears? We are a powerful, stable country. Our people are working nonstop to protect us, much as our professional police officers do in our communities. We have no more to fear from international criminals such as Al Qaeda than we have to fear from local criminals who might attack us if we are careless or unlucky. We must be alert and savvy but we do not need to be constantly afraid.

Republicans have nothing to campaign on but fear. They have had so much to gain from making us afraid that they have never been able to do the right thing and quote FDR: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." Yet that is the most apt and desperately needed reminder for America post 9/11.

There is a battle in Afghanistan; there is a battle in Iraq; we are on high alert against terrorism; we have had troops stationed around the world since FDR. But there is no "war on terror." Terrorists are international criminals, and we must face the fact that preventing crime is a major task whether on local or international levels, but terrorism does not constitute a real war between countries; the so-called war on terror is more like the war on drugs or the war on poverty--a stiff resolve to fight terrorists. Using the war imagery has wrongly served as cover for reversing John Adams' 1790 declaration that we should be "a nation of laws, not of men." Modeling himself after corporate CEOs, President Bush has turned us into a nation of men, not of laws.

Fear has been his fuel and his companion. McCain and the Republicans are running on empty.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Sherry, Cincinnati, OH — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:42:39 GMT

The most frightening thing I just read in your article is the thought of Edwards supporting Clinton. I really hope that does not happen. I have watched this more than any other election in my 52 years. I have dreams at night about it. I do not want Clinton to win. The reasons are numerous. But most of it all relates to trust. She has a hidden agenda. She is power hunger. She and Mr. Clinton have planned this for years. I do beleive in Obama and I know he will make mistakes but I believe he will have the right people to brainstorm with. I cannot wait until Tuesday - I will either be celebrating or moving my support to McCain. Please Ohio vote for Obama he really does care about us.

First thoughts: Here comes the general?

Herb, Houston, TX — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:03:30 GMT

Barak Hussein Obama may have convinced many Americans that he is the Change agent to the old politics. So far we have heard nothing concrete proposals for changes. Most of whatever he proposes are copied from others including Clinton's universal health care proposal that he slightly modified. What a change agent! Barak Hussein Obama may have fooled most Democrats like an old car saleman but not me.

Although it was said that Barak Hussein Obama was against the Iraq War, he was not even a Senator then when the Senate voted. It was very easy to say whatever when you are not accoutable for your vote as you can change to criticize when things go wrong. Barak Hussein Obama, as a Senator from Illinois avoided casting his vote to declare Iran as a terrorist state. Can we really count on Barak Hussein Obama to step up to lead rather than follow. I guess not.