Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Marbw — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:53:57 GMT

By David Ignatius(WaPo)
Sunday, February 24, 2008; B07

"When it comes to foreign policy, experience is a highly overrated asset." So says a former British foreign service officer named Jonathan Clarke, who has created a blog called Swoop ( http://theswoop.net) dedicated to undermining Washington's fondness for conventional wisdom.

What my friend Clarke means is that the set of issues and strategies that shaped the Cold War generation has passed. He's a product of that generation, having served at the sharp end of the spear for the British government in various Cold War hot spots. But that era is over. The intellectual matrix formed by the Soviet threat, and before that by Hitler's rise in Germany, needs to be reworked. There is a new set of problems and personalities -- and if America keeps trotting out the same cast of characters and policy papers, we will fail to make sense of where the world is moving.

The experience issue will dominate the final weeks of the Democratic primary campaign. Hillary Clinton's only remaining trump card is that she has been in the White House before and will be ready, as she repeats so tirelessly, from Day One. But ready for what? For a recapitulation of the people and policies that guided the country in the past? That's an attractive proposition only if you think that the world of the 1990s -- or '80s, or '70s -- can be re-created.

The experience gap will overshadow even more the general election race against John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee. With his every sinew, McCain embodies the idea of a wise, battle-tested man. "I'm not the youngest candidate, but I am the most experienced," he said after winning the Wisconsin primary Tuesday night. It's clear he hopes this pitch will carry him all the way to the White House. He's the tough old fighter pilot; he has fought the Cold War battles; he knows how to protect the nation in a time of danger. That's the McCain strategy in one compound sentence.

The assumption that experience equates with good judgment is a hard one to shake. We tend naturally to defer to the person who has been there before, measured the adversary, learned how the game is played. Yet if ever there were a test of the efficacy of experience, it was the Bush administration's decision to go to war in Iraq and its subsequent management of the postwar occupation. Bush's national security advisers were arguably the most experienced in modern times. But their performance was often very poor. That was partly, I think, because they overlaid the post-Sept. 11 challenges on a Cold War template about the uses of military power.

We are the last major nation to make the transition from Cold War thinking to something new. China and India are rising thanks to new leadership elites that understand how to succeed in global markets; Russia is about to elect a new president whose formative experiences came after the fall of the Soviet Union; Pakistan has just rebuffed its own durable Cold Warrior, Pervez Musharraf; even Fidel Castro, perhaps the iconic survivor of the Cold War, has decided to step down. Only in America could John McCain seriously campaign for leadership as a symbol of the past.

The utility of inexperience was explained to me last week by Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for President Vladimir Putin. He said that what's attractive for Russians about Dmitry Medvedev, who is certain to be elected as Putin's successor next Sunday, is that he embodies "a generation that was not shaped by the Soviet Cold War way of thinking." Putin himself is a transition figure, a man formed by his experiences as a KGB officer. But after him, explained Peskov, comes a generation of Russians who don't carry the same baggage. They have traveled the world, seen things their parents could never imagine, looked at problems with fresh eyes.

To prepare for the next stage of the U.S. presidential campaign, try this thought experiment: Imagine the television footage of Barack Obama's first trip abroad as president -- the crowds in the streets of Moscow, Cairo, Nairobi, Shanghai, Paris, Islamabad. Now try to imagine the first visit by President John McCain to those same cities. McCain is a great man, and he would be welcomed with respect, deference, perhaps a bit of fear. Obama would generate different and more intense reactions -- surprise and uncertainty, to be sure, but also idealism and hope. Now tell me which image would foster a stronger and safer America in the 21st century.

Obama has liabilities as a candidate, but his inexperience paradoxically may actually bolster one of his core arguments -- that he would give America a fresh start.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:55:08 GMT

I love Bill.
But, he's wrong.
True Hillary Democrats could NEVER vote for O'BOMB-a if he were the nominee.
...and WE won't.
:-)

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

belle — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:55:22 GMT

At least he doesn't have to think about supporting the party if Obama actually gets the nomination, unlike Mrs. Obama.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:56:06 GMT

I intend to vote for the democratic nominee. So to Bill and Hillary Clinton, I ask you - if Hillary does not do what she's supposed to do next Tuesday (win Texas & Ohio by significant margins) will you bow out gracefully so Barack Obama can begin running as the democratic nominee?

It's going to be a hard fought campaign and if we want a democrat as our next president, we are going to have to unite behind Senator Obama. Soon. Real soon.

Will you do that?

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Vivian Beals, San Jose, CA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:59:35 GMT

Bill, please lets know Hillary number so that we can call her 3AM 3/6/08 to ask her to drop and unite the party

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Marbw — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:00:13 GMT

Sen Rockefeller(WV) endorses Barack Obama.

ps...
When Barack Obama has Hillary Clinton,Al Qaeda(sp), and the neocon wing of the Repub party against him---He must be doing something right.
Add J Merle and Taylor Marsh to the list too.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Bob in Virginia — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:00:24 GMT

Bill is wrong. It would have to be one mighty cold day in hell before I would vote for his wife. I'd even vote for Monica before I'd vote for Hillary. At least I would know she does one thing well!

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Rick Hussein, Ky — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:02:38 GMT

Another Super in Barack's Arsenal, Sen. Jay Rockefeller(WV)(my home state).There's more to come folk's, just sit back & watch as more & more come out & Announce they're backing Barack. This is the End of the Clinton's. They wanted to keep them silent, but the Clinton antic's have brought them out before the Clinton's can do any more Damage to the Democratic Party.

Enjoy your last few days, Clinton supporter's, The Real Democratic base is Speaking Up

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

MARYLOU, LHC, AZ — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:03:29 GMT

WELL, I HATE TO BURST BILL CLINTON'S BUBBLE BUT THERE IS NO WAY, NO WAY I WILL EVER VOTE FOR OBAMA. I DON'T TRUST HIM OR THE PEOPLE BEHIND HIM. HE IS A SOCK PUPPET FOR POWERFUL ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE USING HIM AS A FRONT. HIS PAST COCAINE USE BOTHERS ME. HE DEFENDS JOHN KERRY'S VOTE ON IRAQ AND CONDEMS HILLARY FOR THE SAME VOTE. JUST WHERE DOES HE STAND??? VOTE FOR HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT! ONLY HILLARY!

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

chuck, richmond, tx — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:04:10 GMT

Merle -- that's b/c you're an admitted racist like the lady who stumped for Hillary in Ft. Worth a couple of days ago. Thank you for not polluting this thread w/ one of your racist screeds, BTW! Save it for the Klan meetings!

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Patty,sd,ca — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:04:14 GMT

True Hillary Democrats could NEVER vote for O'BOMB-a if he were the nominee.
...and WE won't.
:-)

SAY NO TO FARRAKHAN. SAY NO TO OBAMA.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Rob, California — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:04:56 GMT

We all need to rally behind the nominee - however that might be. I am a Hillary supporter, but I will vote for Obama in November. We need a Democat in the White House next year!!

Democrats 2008!!

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Rick Hussein, Ky — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:06:31 GMT

My guess is, Bill got the 3 am phone call to tell Hillary, " It's All Over".

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Sarah-Jane, Cincinnati, OH — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:06:34 GMT

QUESTION: When had Clinton ever been tested on foreign policy - or had to pick up the phone at 3:00 am?

RESPONSE: She has been tested throughout her life on so many matters.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA !!!!!!!!!!!

I've been tested throughout my life too. Make me president. Fools in the Clinton campaign.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Ron, TX — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:06:58 GMT

If Hillary were to win, I probably would hold my nose and vote for her. She'd be better than McCain and more republican garbage, but I just don't think she's better than Obama.

I don't like her stances on foreign policy. The biggest job of the President is commander in chief. Obama is offering a new vision for foreign policy that can put America back on top again, give us a little respect around the world. It's time for that to change. It's time we aren't afraid to talk to people we don't like. I'm not just some fan of vague change. Obama has very specific policy proposals and goals.

I'm not surprised that people like J Merle are nasty and bitter. They have invested almost an entire year into their candidate. Thankfully for me, Obama looks like he's going to come out on top. But, I'm a big enough person to look beyond that if Hillary is the candidate.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Shtuey — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:07:13 GMT

Bill, loved you as President, but you're wrong on this one. Barack Obama is a duplicitous, lying hypocrite scumbag, and I wouldn't vote for him for all the tea in China.

That being said I won't vote for McCain either.

I'm voting for Chester Hopewell. He's clean, soft, friendly, and fluffy. Unlike Senator Obama, he doesn't take money from lobbyists or pacs, and has never told a lie...even when he's peed on shoes he doesn't deny it.

Democrats, you have an alternative if Obama gets the nomination. Write in Chester Hopewell in November!

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

joshua, portland, or — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:09:35 GMT

I love Bill.
But, he's wrong.
True Hillary Democrats could NEVER vote for O'BOMB-a if he were the nominee.
...and WE won't.
:-)
J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY

*******************************************

Thank you for deomnstrating just what this election is about... You never got it did you..

YOU are what we are all united against.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Steve A Jonesboro IN — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:09:54 GMT

For me at least, Bill speaks the truth...I do like them both. I will vote for the Dem nominee in November. The last thing the country or the world for that matter needs in more of the miserable failure of government that this administration has dumped on us. And that is exactly what we would get if gasbag mccain were elected. ANYBODY but mccain!!

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Chris — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:10:29 GMT

Here's what Bill had to say about Hillary. Quite interesting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZW0m2nWB_M

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

John, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:11:54 GMT

I'd vote for either candidate against McCain. There is really no difference in their stands on the issues relative to McCain. You have to doubt the sincerity or question the logic of folks who say they voted for Hillary, but will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee. If that's the case, why were you voting in the Democratic primary in the first place?

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Hillary for President — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:12:06 GMT

I disagree we need Hillary in the white house and if the media and the Republicans win the race for Obama the only thing to do is write her name in..

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

American Voter — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:12:59 GMT

I wish he'd shut up & go away.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Maia — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:13:39 GMT

Pat, Boston -- Now's the time for everyone to put their differences behind them and unite. Our future depends on it.

Obama '08

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Patty,sd,ca — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:13:49 GMT

Democrats, you have an alternative if Obama gets the nomination. Write in Chester Hopewell in November!

Shtuey (Sent Friday, February 29, 2008 3:07 PM)

***************************

No. I will write Hillary Clinton.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

bc Indiana — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:17:27 GMT

MMMM interesting comment after the Canadian connection. Both Hillary and Barack were implicated and both denied.

Damage control time for the Democrats.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

ep-ny — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:21:03 GMT

You know our country is really in a mess. Obama or Clinton didnt do it.We have a lot of hard work and decisions ahead of us. Obamas wife I dont like her she is arrogant,speech slurs, falls onto stage has done damage to Obamas image,i believe.But I think when its either alone in the oval office she or Bill wont be there for the final decisions. Lets stop with the 10 yr old crap. This sure isnt new or uniting or even a help to any of us. We notice they keep Obamas wife in the background and thats ok we see above why.It is Obama or Hillary.I believe Hillary is best equipped and able for the job. If I was hireing for the biggest job in the land I would have to pick Hillary. Remember though,Obama is young and will be an asset to this country too. If he doesnt make it and tries again we may be glad for him.Maybe we need to just look at where we stand now ok. Hillary is poised,firm,strong,knowledable,fair,hard working,and has always loved and worked hard for her country.I dont think all this crap you and the media try to spread on her is necessary. If you dont think Obama holds up to her just come on over to our side and welcome.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Ann, Hohenwald, Tn — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:22:48 GMT

This is one Hillary supporter that will never vote for barack hussien. I will either be a democrat for McCain, a stay-at-home democrat or a nader tater, but NEVER A barack hussien tag-along. You may have given up on Hillary, but I haven't. I will be voting for Hillary in November.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Ann, Hohenwald, Tn — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:23:49 GMT

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:24:13 GMT

Ron, TX: I have to agree with you. Hillary Clinton was a given for so, so long.

I would imagine it's hard for her supporters to see everything evaporate before their eyes.

I just wish they weren't so ugly with their comments. Oh well. Not everyone in this country is looking towards the future and trying their damnest to be more progressive in their thinking. Change for some reason doesn't come easy in this country.

I never could understand why. Perhaps the United States of America is less educated and more uninformed than we realized. It sure appears that way.

And that is scary.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

SadStateOfAffairs — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:25:02 GMT

J Merle,

Agreed. He won't get my vote either. He hasn't passed the sniff test. He associates with some pretty bad cats, is long on promises, short on action, sidesteps all the tough questions, plays just as dirty as the best of them while decrying "dirty politics" is a thing of the past. Is ahead due to Repug crossover which is just another repug manuever to circumvent democracy. And, if you stripped away the Repug votes, the intimidated superdelagets and seat Florida, then who's ahead?

I'm so disgusted with the DNC I'm ready to move back as an independent.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

pat — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:25:45 GMT

Bob in Virginia----------- why?

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Lee in CA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:25:50 GMT

On the one hand, Barack offers hope instead of constant fear-mongering and whining when Congress doesn't give up 100% of what the president wants.

On the other hand, Hillary might be motivated to hunt down some the wretched dogs who've been using public offices to fatten their bank accounts and do favors for cronies.

In either case, neither one would be so hapless and witless to look surprised at the thought of $4/ gal gas when it's already $3.75. Bush was probably calculating his profits for when it does hit $4.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Frank, Missouri — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:26:40 GMT

Don't count on it .... the people who are supporting the Obama movement are not your (girl) friends.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

BL Hussein, Cincinnati OH — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:27:36 GMT

"The price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change."

"For too long we've been told about "us" and "them." Each and every election we see a new slate of arguments and ads telling us that "they" are the problem, not "us." But there can be no "them" in America. There's only us."

"I still believe in a place called Hope, a place called America."

"Today we can declare: Government is not the problem, and government is not the solution. We, the American people, we are the solution."

"Our destiny is bound up with the destiny of every other American."

“We cannot build our own future without helping others to build theirs.”

"By lifting the weakest, poorest among us, we lift the rest of us as well.”

"Everybody counts, everybody deserves a chance, everybody has a responsible role to play and we all do better when we work together.”

All said by William Jefferson Clinton. He can't wait to campaign for Barack Obama. I have no doubts in my mind that one of the smartest politicians we ever had has made so many "mistakes" this year unintentionally. I seriously believe he doesn't want her to win. He's too good to mess up that much.

One final quote from Bill...

“I have news for the forces of greed and the defenders of the status quo; your time has come and gone. It's time for change in America.”

I voted for Bill, so shall I vote for Obama. Who is far closer Bill 2.0 than Hillary.

Obama 08!

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

John Doe — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:27:50 GMT

Bill *loves* Hillary??? What does Monica think?

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Scott in Texas — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:35:13 GMT

Msnbc may as well work for Obama...all they do is sing his praises and cut down Hillary. I noticed this clear back in January before I selected a candidate.
Dan Abrams report confirmed this.

You guys stink at reporting!!

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Yola, CT — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:37:36 GMT

I think it is time for us to grow up and/or think intelligently.

Let me first say that if my favorite candidate loses the nomination I will be beyond mad BUT for me this is not about Clinton or Obama, it is about ME; it is about MY children.

We cannot allow the republicans to continue holding the highest political seat – no way! At this point if I had to vote for McCain or a hyena, I would be voting for that hyena.

Let us not allow our passionate views regarding one candidate overshadow what is most important… US! We need to have a democratic president or we have no one to blame for the next 4 more years.

Yeah, experience is important as is change but unless we come together we are going to have more of the same old, same old come November.

So my advise to those of use who are true Democrats, or pretend Democrats … please take your head out of your you know what and focus on the important issue at hand...US!

Clinton and Obama will be just fine come 2009 but will we?

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Billy, Normal, IL — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:41:44 GMT

"Ack-ack-ack-ack. Ack-ack-ack."

The Slim Whitman music will play on Tuesday, all their heads will explode, and we can get on with the General. Can't wait.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

joe, chicago — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:43:24 GMT

how do you ignorant fools sleep at night? do you really think we can't see and hear the racism teaming in your posts? if you think you're covering it at all you're mistaken.

have some guts-- say "i don't want a black man in charge", or "change scares me". not "i just don't trust him for some reason".

wanna discuss some issues? for the love of god, let's do it. don't just come here to spread your unfounded and unsubstantiated fear, hate and ignorance. i'm sure there are plenty of message boards for just that. don't forget to bring up barack's middle name while you're there - stupid people think that's hilarious...

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

J. Hughes — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:47:01 GMT

i will not rally for the Clintons for the following reasons:

- too much baggage. hill on tyra tried to portray the Lewinsky thing as her difficult moment. like it was a one off thing convenientky forgetting jones, flowers, willy spanning several years. this conversations will onlt get revisited over next 4 years while we try to explain to our kids its ok to follow our president but not act like them.

- too much special interests, pardons tied to donations, favors nationally and internationally (china, ukraine contributors).

- too much shady circumstances. still no clear explanation for why vince foster killed himself

- i do not like monarchys. this country ca surely di better than bush-clinton-clinto-bush-bush-clinton.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Angel, San Francisco — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:48:08 GMT

Please help me accomplish a goal for Americans:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/dashboard/main/unmillondesuenos

Sincerely,

Angel

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Nj — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:49:34 GMT

Agreed Joe in Chicago. Those message boards are in the right wing

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Karma — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:50:33 GMT

Bill Clinton endorses Barack Obama -

"Now, one of Clinton's laws of politics is this. If one candidate is trying to scare you and the other one is try get you to think, if one candidate is appealing to your fears and the other one is appealing to your hopes, you better vote for the person who wants you to think and hope."
-Bill Clinton, 2004

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Christina, San Antonio TX — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:54:30 GMT

Why doesn't the press bring up Obama's drug use and connections with Rezko? Or how about they show the public the YouTube video of him not respecting the national anthem?? No, we don't hear stories like this about Obama bc the media is blindly in love with him. He does a lot of talking, but it's easy to criticize when you were only a state senator. Barack Obama may have charisma but he won't know what hit him when he has to act on the change he guarantees. His foreign policy advisor sounds even more clueless on foreign relations than he does. HILLARY IN 2008!!!

This is one democrat who hasn't been blinded by words that sound nice. Hillary Clinton is my president

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

martha — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:54:52 GMT

"Experience" is only as good as the action taken while doing. "Perfect Practice" makes "Perfect". A Person with "EXPERIENCE" in Washington has BAD HABITS! LOOK at her EXPERIENCE! Whitewater, Travel Gate, the Health Care debacle...etc...Is THAT the KIND of EXPERIENCE Voters want, America NEEDS? I think not. Good judgement is what's needed.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

David, Boston — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:55:01 GMT

As a moderate (and there are many, many more like me) Hillary as Dem candidate = vote for McCain.

Barack as candidate = vote for dem ticket

We don't need 4/8 more years of partisan wars led by Billary. We are tired of all the partisan bickering and want the politicians to start working for us.

Re: if experience in the whitehouse as first lady matters so much, count on Laura Bush running next. If experience failing counts so much(Hillarycare), George W. would be the best candidate for a 3rd term at president.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

John, tampa, fl. — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:57:45 GMT

I am a Hillary supporter that would never ever vote fo Barack Hussein Obama.So Bill you are wrong.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

F Hessein J, Philadelphia PA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:58:33 GMT

This is the beginning of the consession speach. Bill finally sees the writing on the wall.

Baring a few losers on this blog, the dem party will soon be strong and united.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

RU, Manchester, UK — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:59:04 GMT

Bill Clinton Endorses Barack Obama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGW38Zy4bJo

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

jay — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:59:32 GMT

bill's wrong. there are a lot of hyper-hormonal, femi-nazis and racists out there who HATE senator obama simply because he's a black male gunning for the highest office over their chosen white and female candidate. pathetic but true.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

ABurns, Miami, FL — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:01:34 GMT

I remember doing something very foolish as a young man and when my dad asked why I had done it I tried to be smart and say I did it for the experience. In his wisdom he explained that experience is nothing more than an accumulation of mistakes. As we argue the experience point back and forth I would like to recommend that we rely on our own experience as the voting public. What have we learned as a result of our previous voting experiences?

Have we always gotten a president that everyone is absolutely satisfied with? I seriously doubt it. Regardless of which candidate you support one thing should be very clear and that is that they will not be able to deliver everything they promise. So the thing to do is listen to what each candidate is promising and see how logical it will be for them to deliver.

First, let’s look at Senator John McCain. For the most part he seems content to continue Bush’s agenda. If that is what you want then I recommend that you vote for him.

Second, Senator Clinton says she will get the IRS to collect all the back taxes owed, and divert other funds so she can finance her programs. Just how feasible is that? We all know how long it takes for the government to do anything, right? Even if she was the most charismatic person on earth and carried two guns to boot, I seriously doubt she would make meaningful inroads anytime soon. So if you want to wait for an undeterminable length of time to see her programs come to fruition, vote for her.

Third, we have Senator Obama who is promising us change. But at the same time he is also telling us that change will not come easy and that we will have to get involved to bring about the programs he is advocating. I think the reason he is getting the support that he is, mine included, is that he is hitting on a point that the other candidates are missing. And that is that the American people would really like their involvement with government to be more than just a vote at election time. At least that is how I see it. Therefore, if you want to get involved and take responsibility for a government by the people and for the people, and not have to continue blaming some bureaucrat for the condition of the country, vote Obama.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Think, CA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:01:43 GMT

True Hillary supporters will never vote for Obama someone wrote above. First, I will attempt to get past the lack of respect evidenced in the post. Second, I accept the statement as true and agree that Senator McCain is an honorable man who deserves the vote of all Americans who think he is the better candidate vis a vis Senator Obama.

Since I deeply distrusted Senator Clinton's ability to reject the power grab for the Presidency that the Bush administration achieved, I, too, thought if Senator Clinton won I would be forced to vote for Senator McCain, who is an honorable man who would probably honor the U.S. Constitution. I note that Senator McCain, along with Senator Obama, have rejected the use of signing statements should they become President.

Yet, I couldn't help wondering should Senator McCain be elected what they happens to the U.S. Supreme Court? I note here that we are not only concerned with the right to privacy, but also almost every other right Americans hold dear. President Bush hasn't only nominated judges who are against Roe, he has also nominated judges who go WAY BACK in judicial temperment, way back before President Franklin Roosevelt. Just the other day, President Bush said we had to defend the "right to contract"-- which was the term used by judges in the 1920's and 1930's to reject everything from food inspection to limits on interest rates and unconscionable contracts. Senator McCain has said he will appoint judges and justices like those appointed by President Bush. Since Senator McCain is an honorable man I am afraid I must take him at his word.

Senator McCain has also recently changed his mind on torture and urged the President to veto a bill that would ban waterboarding. Senator McCain has also said that we should stay in Iraq as long as it takes, maybe even 100 years. Of course, Senator McCain, like President Bush, neglects to tell us what the end game is in Iraq -- what is success? what is victory? We all know of course that "success" and "victory" as words have long lost any real meaning.

I am quite shocked that any Democrat would vote for Senator McCain after the above, but if they don't mind judges who would disband the USDA as unconstitutional, who believe in the unitary executive, who disavow the right to privacy and generally prefer the right to contract over the rights of individuals, then I suppose you should vote for Senator McCain. I fear however that you are letting your anger that Senator Obama has run a better campaign and secured more support from the American people win out over your own beliefs.

Please think before you vote.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

danny E. Pittsburgh, PA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:03:12 GMT

Yeah, What Karma said earlier.

No matter what, democrats UNITE!

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Kathryn in Bham — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:05:52 GMT

Joe -
I don't know where you get off implying that anyone against Obama is so just because of his skin color or his heritage...
I am tired of the "we all have to be politically correct" crap...tell me who's playing the race card!

I think that Barack Obama is an attractive, intelligent, good man. I think he has good intentions for the most part and I think that he is genuine in his desire for change and in his desire to bring hope to our people.

That said, I must say that I do not agree with his plans for this country - domestic or foreign - not based on his experience or lack thereof, not based on his personal history or his skin color or whatever else...simply based on the issues.

I do not believe that bringing home our troops immediately is reasonable or in the best overall interest of the situation we are in with our interests in Iraq. Like it or not, we're there; we are in the midst of a battle and MUST remember that even to bring our troops home immediately does not secure their future or ours - the situation with Iraq is as it is and must be dealt with.

I do not believe that socialized medicine will work in this country. I do not believe that bailing out the people with adjustable rate mortgages is responsible either. I do not believe that outsourcing our middle class jobs is doing any good for our country or for our relationships with other nations.

These are just a few of the reasons that I do not feel that Obama is right to lead our country at this time. That doesn't mean I don't like him as a person or that I think he is less worthy because of the color of his skin or the faith of his father...Do not continue the 'hate' you are accusing others of by implying that a vote against Obama is based on a lack of political correctness or based on predjudism...

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Leesa in Houston — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:07:23 GMT

To my fellow democrats:
Please, please... no matter who gets the democratic nomination I beg to you please vote for them in Nov.

This is a personal appeal- my husband spent 2 tours in Iraq, please don't vote to send him and his fellow troops back into that nightmare.
Look, even though I'm supporting Obama I understand your frustration at wanting a female president. I do. I want one too, just not this one, this time. Honesty this is NOT anti-Hillary, I am just pro-Obama, ok? A lot of my fellow Obama supporters actually feel this way too. We've all just gotten caught up in this race (due in no small part to the way the media is treating this primary) and it leads us to say nasty things we don't really mean. I apologize for anything that's been said that offends you or Mrs. Clinton, though I realize its not my place to do so.

I believe that the frustration you are feeling that your candidate is not doing well right now is leading you to say things you don't believe in your hearts. Mothers, daughters, sisters listen to me- no candidate, yours or mine, is worth condemning your fellow Americans to death over just to spite them- and that's what a vote for McCain will be.
Remember why you became a Democrat. Peace, justice, equality.
Think about what a day in the life of a soldier is like. Think about my 2 years of unbearable heartbreak and terror, waiting in my silent house for the call saying the love of my life had been killed...
I will never be the same, we will never be right again.

Please don't help to do this to anyone else. Please support whoever gets the nomination. I will vote for Hillary if we nominate her, I will do so with pride and hope. I will be sad that the candidate I wanted and campaigned for didn't win... but I will always remember that I am voting for what is truly important: Peace.

not Obama in 08, not Hillary in 08-
PEACE in 08

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

jomira — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:10:30 GMT

J. Hughes:

If you don't think Obama has special interest and shady circumstances, you are naive. His baggage is just not all known yet.

Excuses are made; but when it comes down to it, you just will not vote for a woman.

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:11:01 GMT

dont know about all that Jay, but I do know I will stay home if Obama is the Nominee, Hillry i the only intelligent choice

Bill: Dems happy with both candidates

Hp boston — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:13:11 GMT

I love Bill.
But, he's wrong.
True Hillary Democrats could NEVER vote for O'BOMB-a if he were the nominee.
...and WE won't.
:-)
J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Friday, February 29, 2008 2:55 PM)

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You got that right. Never ever vote for BARRY, BO, BARRACK, OBAMA, who ever the hell he is si!