First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Chuck, NY — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:18:24 GMT

I hope Senator Obama is back on track now. The Richardson endorsement helps. I understand the Rev. Wright issue will linger for a while, but even Bill Clinton survived Impeachment.

When are we going to find out which company the State Dept. contractors were employed by? I want to know if that company has made any campaign contributions to either Hillary or McCain. As for the Bush Admin/State Dept…way to go you morons. I wonder if Senator Obama’s SSN is being used for dirt digging by anyone? Finally, how did a reporter learn about this breach issue?

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

JF, SC — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:23:02 GMT

Looks like the "Bad Week" is not over for Obama. In an interview yesterday with a Philly sports station he tried to explain his grandmother. He said and I am summarizing some of this, his grandmother had her views because she (and I quote) "was a typical white person" and did not harbor racist views but she was the way she is due to her upbringing.

For someone who did not want race to be an issue he has brought it front and center.

Well I can say for certain I was going to vote for him if he was the nominee but now as "a typicaly white person" I will vote for McCain.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

the Pajama Pundit — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:25:29 GMT

Thank goodness for Bush Administration incompetency! While it is indeed an interesting - albeit scary - news development, it will likely dominate the headlines for several days.

Hopefully, we will not be hearing much more of the Rev. Wright YouTube clips. Maybe we can move on to actual issues that matter now. You know... REAL issues.

http://thepajampundit.com/

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Ron, TX — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:26:36 GMT

Why did it leak that photo of Wright with Bill Clinton? Doesn’t that just give cable networks another excuse to run the video of Wright? How does that turn the page? It was an odd decision to say the least.
========

I don't see how it was an odd decision at all. The Democratic voters most offended by Obama's association with Rev. Wright will now see Bill Clinton with Rev. Wright, and it certainly takes away some of the "shocking impact".

I also wonder if the media will point out that Rev. Wright was actually a surgeon on a team that operated on Lyndon B. Johnson? He received a commendation for it. You know, it'd be a great retort to those who proclaim Rev. Wright is racist and unpatriotic to say, well, you know, that racist helped operate on a past white President.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Frank — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:28:03 GMT

"Of course, Richardson’s endorsement means another superdelegate for Obama, raising his overall delegate total (pledged and supers) to 1,626 vs. 1,506 for Clinton."
------------------------------------------------------

Pardon ? You said **for** Clinton ? I think that Obama is leading, not Clinton. I think this 'creative reporting' is a little out of place here!

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Joe, Atlanta — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:30:27 GMT

From what I understand, the Obama campaign didn't leak the Clinton/Wright picture. Trinity Church, which has been trying to defend itself in the media, posted the photo.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Sierra, SF — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:31:42 GMT

'...three contract workers at the State Department had accessed his passport records...'

Can ANYONE doubt that the Bush Administration is the corrupt, incompetent and unethical Presidency.........

...since the Clinton Administration ?

Obama '08
Character counts
Integrity counts

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

ME, CA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:32:20 GMT

Let's not be so quick to peg the Passport breach to the GOP. It may end up that this is the Clinton campaign rather than a sinister Bush operative. Hillary and Bill Clinton will do ANYTHING to win.

After all, the State Department official in charge of the Bureau Of Consular Affairs during the first two breaches of Obama's passport has a connection to the Clinton administration. "Mora Hardy was a consular affairs chief until the end of last month when she retired from foreign service work. Before her stint as the assistant secretary of state of consular affairs, Hardy was an ambassador to Paraguay under President Bill Clinton. She was also an executive assistant to Warren Christopher."

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Dr.Strangedog, MI — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:33:00 GMT

I know the Clinton camp must be wringing their hands like super villains! "How does he keep foiling our plans???"

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Let's do our Job Journalists — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:33:25 GMT

First REad:
Why is nobody asking whether the Clinton campaign was behind the original leak of the Wright videos? I'd be stunned if they weren't.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Marlene Bohanan, Loose Creek, MO — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:33:42 GMT

On Senator Obama's "typical white person" remark, remember, he was raised as a white person, not a black and had much more exposure to whites during his formative years than to blacks.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Buster — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:34:11 GMT

Clinton Super Surrogate MSNBC is doing their typical marginalization of Obama. Mr. Obama loves his grandmother. She is white. That whites are sometimes "afraid" of black people is no news. Remember "Slavery", "Plessy vs. Ferguson"??. This plantation mentality that MSNBC has re-adopted and advances daily, that somehow gives folks the idea that African Americans can't express an opinion without it being a "mistep, "mistake" or somehow WRONG is disgusting. GWB was elected TWICE, without getting the MAJORITY OF THE POPULAR VOTE at least once, and has been notorious for being unable to construct a proper sentence in the english language. This would be laughable if it weren't so pathetic.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

diane — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:34:19 GMT

Chuck,NY, Obama will never get to move past this until msnbc stops obsessing. It's all they talk about on there.
As for the passport thing. 3 individuals just suddenly got curious suddenly? And a month apart? And each one just got curious over the same one person? That is not curiosity. It would have been a passable story if it was other people they wanted to look at but, the same person, Obama?
I don't buy their explaination

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Lynn Potter Beaverton OR — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:34:27 GMT

I think the campaign shared the photo of Rev. Wright to perhaps demonstrate that in spite of the incendiary remarks being circulated, that he is considered by many to be a respected spirtual leader - not a "fringe" lunatic pastor. To be invited to the WH demonstrates a certain level of respect.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Karen, NYC — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:41:15 GMT

Oh Snap!

Things are looking bleek for Hillary and her spin gang.

Everybody get ready for a press conference from Hillary announcing the sky is falling and everyone should turn off their TVs and computers and pray for better days. Hillary refused to publish her 2006 tax returns or answer real questions about her lack of experience. What the hell is Hillary afraid of? And I wonder… did she get in a dance with Rev. Wright when he visited the White House several times under Bill Clinton’s watch…

Hold still Hillary, this will all be over soon….

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

jj — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:41:45 GMT

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Sierra, SF — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:42:33 GMT

'.... For Clinton, it was the failure to have re-votes in Florida and Michigan, which makes her path toward winning the Democratic much, much more difficult...'

How about her being exposed as a liar on NAFTA ?
Does MSNBC discount her lying and just EXPECT Hillary to lie continually ?

Were the names Norman Hsu, Peter Paul or the Lippo Group in Hillary's released papers ?
How about Monica or Juanita Broddrick ?

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Katy, Rockville, Md — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:42:46 GMT

Maybe I am a rarity, I am over 50, I was raised in a home where racial prejudice was the norm, I did not understand it then and I may not always GET IT, when it comes to the phrase it's "A BLACK THING", but I do understand that Asia, Hispanic and Black cultures do have a social structure that may not always make sense to me. I am willing to accept that. To me racial prejudice is like Obama said, we she be more concerned with getting every American child regardless of race a good education and decent health care, that would go a long way in healing any racially charged issues. We are a country that has become obsessed with who has what and how much. We are not all going to be rich / wealth, but we can make a decent salary and have decent health care and we can all agree that the sooner Iraq is self suffient the better off we will. Let not let the media dictate what is important to us let make them get back to reporting on the candidates and where they stand on issues. Rather than having Barack Obama defend Rev. Wright let him speak for himself, he is a grown man and let Chicago and his congregation make that call. I do not believe for more second that Rev. Wright or anyone else is going to influence Barack Obama, I think his actions speak much Louder than that.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Ian — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:43:13 GMT

Well I can say for certain I was going to vote for him if he was the nominee but now as "a typicaly white person" I will vote for McCain.
JF, SC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Didn't take much did it? You sure you're an adult?

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Will, CA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:43:26 GMT

Who were the 3 contract workers who breached Obama's Passport files? What is their connection to the Clinton campaign?

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

debra1953 crandall ga — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:43:39 GMT

well it looks like he has brain washed one more i cant belive richardson did this but on the other hand i can if we dont vote for him obama and support him we are raceist if we get frighten meeting someone on a lonely sidewalk walking toward us we are typical white women i dont suppose blacks ever get frighten obama has blocked mich and florida votes from counting he has caused more division amoung this country since the sixties and still says he is for unity and change who is he trying to unitifie and what changes is he trying to make it seems so far they are all for the worse none the better

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Frank — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:43:41 GMT

What's bad about a 'typical white person' ? I am a 'typical white person'. THAT is not a bad thing and what Obama said was not meant in a negative way. After all, he loves his grandmother and if we all the races could have that level of understanding for each other, even if sometimes a comment may appear offensive, then we all would not have a 'race issue'.

The problem is that some white folks and some black folks don't want or don't know how to move beyond these issues. The majority of the Americans knows though, that we are 'one' !!

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

L James — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:43:46 GMT

Rev Wright IS the real issue my friends.If a white candidate went to a KKK minded church for 20 years you cas bet his career would be over in a heartbeat.We are to believe Obama sat there all that time and was not part of that racist pigs n\mindset?

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

ariel — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:44:22 GMT

Chuck, you mentioned Obama's interest yesterday in the NCAA. Is this a Black group? Do they have a spiritual advisor, and, if so, is he hiding something? I want the facts. Are they-- an angry group?Will they release their records if the Clintons don't gwt them first. MSNBC, don't hide this story, I'll find it on YouTube.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Karen, NYC — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:44:24 GMT

Oh snap!

Is it true the head of that department that peaked at Obama's passport files work for Bill Clinton?

Hillary is history.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Pete - Albany, NY — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:44:30 GMT

"As voters evaluate you as a potential Commander-in-Chief, do you think it's legitimate for people to be concerned that you have traveled to only one NATO country, on a brief stopover trip in 2005, and have never traveled to Latin America?"

This passage was from a Clinton Campaign e-mail dated 3/12/08. Now, maybe there are other ways for them to get such detailed information about Senator Obama's travels but something doesn't look right here.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Just curious, USA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:44:41 GMT

Why hasn't anyone investigated who posted the infamous YouTube vidoes of Rev. Wright? I would not be surprised that the IP address of the computer that submitted the vidoes has a connection to Clinton, her staff or supporters. She could deny knowledge of it, but not the relationship to her campaign.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Diane from Illinois — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:51:41 GMT

Thank you Gov Richardson! I understand it might have been a difficult decision because of your ties to the CLinton's, but you choose the RIGHT candidate! And thank you for endorsing now instead of waiting. Now Edwards and Gore need to get off their duffs and do the same.
We need to move beyond the Wright controversy and let Obama get back to his original message. The controversy was blown way out of proportion just as this Grandmother thing is being portrayed today. There was nothing malicious or degrading about what he said about her and it should be dropped. Are people really more concerned about petty racial comments (taken out of context) or are you truly concerned about the economy, healthcare, and the war in Iraq? For those of you jumping on the racial bandwagon, this is what Obama would like to do anyhow; open a dialog about race; however it should be done calmly and not in the vicious forms of attacks of some of you that blog everyday. But I doubt most of you are capable of doing that.
Congrats again, Senator Obama on receiving Bill Richardson's endorsement!

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Independent — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:52:32 GMT

All passport information can easily be found by the general public from other sources. If the Obama people think that this is a big issue, what are they HIDING?

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Lloyd Braun — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:57:21 GMT

"He obviously didn't mean for how it came across but, well, words matter."

Excuse me? With Michelle Obama's "proud of American for the first time" comment and the Rev. Wright debacle, there is a real, growing concern that Obama may be hiding a radical side that is way out of the mainstream. That is why this story has dominated the headlines all week! And then, he says his grandmother was a "typical white person" and you brush it off with "he obviously didn't mean it"? Where do you get off as a "journalist" interpreting the 'meaning' of a candidate's words? Did Don Imus mean it? Did Geraldine Ferraro mean it? Do you give everyone's verbal stumbles a pass or just Obama?

And you wonder why middle American folks have pegged the MSM as being in bed with the democrats...

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Jim Banks — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:57:28 GMT

The Obama supporters are starting to sound like a bunch of third graders, complaining about every little thing at happens by crying the sky is falling or racism. Get over it! Man up! The media is getting just as bad trying to come up with any excuse they can find to counter his poor judgement on the Wright affair. I see CNN just posted a pic of Bill Clinton at a banquet next to Pastor Wright, so I guess they want to equate this brief encounter with 17+ years of Obama's relation with this racist/socialist.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Gerald, Texas — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:58:28 GMT

First, Richardson endorsement is very meaningful. His reasons for doing so makes clear that he shares a forward-looking vision for the Country with millions of others who are committed to leaving the status quo of the past to forge the difficult journey of an improved society for all people in the future.

This week has been one filled with tremendous irony. Not the least of these is that while many of us are vehemently condemning the words of Rev. Wright, the Bush Administration seems to be going out of its way to prove him right...

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:58:31 GMT

I am become very disppointed in MSNBC. Many Clinton supporters claimed in the past that you were not tough enough on Obama. Obviously after she "worked the refs," MSNBC started going out of their way to be tougher on him. Fine by me. But the way Scarborough and Buchanon in particular, continue to push this now old story about Wright is sickening. Meanwhile ignoring other important news like Hillary's claims about foreign experience and being a key contributor to SCHIP turning out to be bold face lies. But no, every night for a week, anything else that is going on in the world is just a minute mention, until you can bring up the another panel to talk about Obama and race. Never mind the great speeches he gave this week on the Iraq War and the Economy. STOP PUSHING THE NEWS! I know why Scarborough and Buchanon want to talk about it for the next month. But I also have to wonder if the corporate control over there isn't dictating coverage.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

American Voter — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:58:44 GMT

A Bad Week?? How about a bad couple of months for Sen. Obama?

1. Tony Resko:
Did not contribute a substantial amount of money - only to change the story to "....well, it was a bit more extensive then originally reported to the sum of $250,000.00."

2. NAFTA and deigning meeting with Canadians - only to change his story to ..."Yes, we did meet however it was at their request."

3. REV. Wright:
Stating I 'Had no idea his sermons were like this' to ...."Yes, I knew and stayed a member despite the rhetoric."

4. NEXT..... Change in story (I suspect)
WILLIAM AYERS association ???

This indeed, has been a bad couple of weeks....
So much for 'Judgment' to lead!

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Susan, Nashville, TN — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:59:38 GMT

I am a 35 year old white female and I am sick of the racial crap being spewed by members of the media. I am watching MSNBC this morning and am disgusted at white pundits participating in assuming that Barack Obama is the "black candidate" that is insulting the white race. Barack is exactly 50% white, which gives him the right to speak from either position. Media outlets are falling into that trap that white people set along time ago that says that if you have any black heritage, then you are black. You guys better remember that this campaign is historical and comments made by the media, in print and on tape may live forever in the historical record. I think members of the media are climbing onto the back of Barack for their own selfish purposes and for ratings.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

ariel — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:59:38 GMT

Okay, here's the TRUTH: I went to the NCAA website and although there are photos of a lot of Black men, this is DEFININTELY a pro- Hillary group. One of their " players" said--and I quote--" I'll do anything to win"

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:05:17 GMT

Obama's comment about his grandmother being a typical white person was not a gaffe and certainly not anything he should apologize for. SHAME ON YOU MSBNC and Joe Scarborough! What Obama said is the truth. I am a typical white person in Hillary's beloved PA. I was raised in steel worker family. I am a Obama supporter and not racist in the least. But Obama was telling the truth, I have the typical white reaction despite myself. If I am walking down a street at night and see a stranger coming up on me. I would feel more afraid if he were Black. I'm not proud that is my repsponse, but I can't control it. Obama wasn't condeming this feeling, merely recognizing it as a matter of fact. This is in keeping with the honesty he applied in his speech about race.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Gordon, Texas — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:09:26 GMT

Chuck and Mark,

YOu guys forgot to mention the release of Hillary Clinton's schedules as First Lady. Hmmmm, it seems that her time as First Lady was indeed ceremonial. Including her time as First Lady of Arkansas, 46% of her 35 years of experience has been in a ceremonial position. I bet she can throw a wicked tea party.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Dave Exeter NH — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:09:33 GMT

I think these prominent superdelegates NOT endorsing and letting this all be fought out... doesn't play well for anybody... These were people who were and may in the future try to run... ...well this looks like they hid under a rock when it counted.

I mean who wants to vote for a candidate that does not take a stand whe it counts (we already have one of those running now...as Michigan, Florida, our soldiers and the growing number of people hating the US can attest to)

This maneuvre is all because of what looks like "CTOA" "covering their own..." Hide and then come out and endorse when it is safe...or when you can act like you are fighting for the voters.

That's a person I want leading us.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

pab — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:09:40 GMT

So, Billary invited Rev Wright to the WH to pray for and help Bill get through and be forgiven for Bill's taking advantage of Monica, course Rev. Wright was a prominent black pastor with a very large black church congregation, and blacks were the most loyal to Billary during this bad time.

I am sure Billary had rigorous background checks done on anyone they invited into the WH. So Billary knew about Rev. Wright venomous rhetoric from a very public pulpit.

As for Geri Ferraro, she played her role in this whole thing quite well. She came out with this statement about Obama only being where he is because he is black, this got the racial thing front and center in the news media again. Then Billary played their ace in the whole. Rev Wright. Claever. But it didn't work on me, and maybe no other voter as well.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:10:07 GMT

All passport information can easily be found by the general public from other sources. If the Obama people think that this is a big issue, what are they HIDING?

Independent
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Are you crazy or do you really think people are that stupid? All types of personal information is linked to your passport and you should know that. The real question is why the hell are they snooping and what is the intent of them having this information? The government tracks your trips around the world with your passport. Let's see what your response is going to be when the government leaks your passport information, which includes your social security number and those of family members, which people all over the world can use to access whatever they want on you and we will see what your comment is then.

Shear ignorance

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

M/G — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:10:23 GMT

NBC and MSNBC please note....Obama clarified his statement early last evening and 14 hours later you still haven't mentioned it as you spew on and on about this Grandmother remark. I would also like to commend MSNBC for their quick, accurate, thorough and insightful coverage of the Passport gate as it was unraveling.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Lisa in New Britain, CT — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:13:03 GMT

If you're going to scrutinize Obama's words so closely (and I mean every little word in every statement that comes out of his mouth), then let's be fair and srutinize every word that comes out of the others' mouths too.

And my, doesn't that distract from the big issues facing this country. Gee, I think it does. But let's waste our time doing to anyway.

Media, wake up. We need you to help focus this country on issues (and thats a non-partisan call to arms to you).

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Former Morning Joe Watcher — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:13:43 GMT

I've stopped watching Morning Joe.
Joe, I once thought you were a reasonable and balanced commentator. If I wanted to watch what you've shown yourself to be, I could switch on Fox News.

Let's hope there are enough people out there who do the same. Sorry Mikka but Joe's got to go.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Figueroa Slim — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:16:47 GMT

Race rears its ugly head again, and surprise, it's Slick Barry Obama's campaign that brings it up. Don't these rookies understand that attaching your spiritual advisor to your opponent's husband only hurts your own campaign?

Slick Barry makes a "typical half black/half white person" move. Embarassing.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:16:50 GMT

This has been a good week for Obama. He gave a wonderful and enlightening speech. He has received the endorsement of Richardson. Hilllary will not be allowed to try and steal this nomination now that she will be forced to follow the rules regarding Florida and Michigan (which she agreed to in the first place). Obama is back on track talking about the issues and if need be can and will respond to any lingering BS about Rev. Wright. The passport breech was obviously politically motivated and was either perpetrated by the Clinton camp or those on the right and more people will see the GOP or the Clinton camp for what they truly are. Personally Obama has weathered some storms but still appears confident and ready to move forward. This has been a good week for Obama.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Scott — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:19:52 GMT

The producers at all the major media news outlets should have to go on camera, expose their faces, and explain to America why they continue to flack this digusting race stuff while 4,000 Americans have died and our country is in a recession. Every American has seen the Wright videos about 10 times at this point. For them to continue showing them is for one reason and one reason only: ratings. But, they should be exposed and have to stand by their decision to continue ripping this country apart just so they can get a few ratings points.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

JP - Chicago — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:20:10 GMT

That headline was too funny! Obama & Clinton are in a death cage match with blood all over them and you think McCain had a bad week? ROFL..ROFL..Please make no mistake about this, family squabbles are the WORSE kind and the Dems are in one right now, these become irrational and emotional. The loser's supporters will torch the city and the Democratic party will be in ashes. McCain had a bad week? ROFL...ROFL....

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

William, Birmingham, Alabama — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:23:08 GMT

Hillary picked up another super delegate today. Rep. Robert Brady of Pennsylvania. That makes 3 Super Delegate endorsements this week for Clinton.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

LB, Virginia — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:23:25 GMT

Chuck, please tell Joe Scarborough and MIKA that we are SICK of hearing about Rev. Wright and what he said. Trying to have a race discussion with a bunch of white people (Susan Page is now a race relation expert? Geez...) Poor Tiki (WHO YOU IGNORED ALL MORNING) should have taken care of you both, but he was being polite. And why when you ran the typical white person statement you didn't play the Larry King updated statement to help explain it? Look, you might be inciting those red necks around the country, but you are not giving white America enough credit!! They want to move on and talk about something else!!

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Ralph, Mexico — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:23:31 GMT

I used to think the political universe was populated by Pundumocrats and Pundumplicans. Now we have the Pundumobamacans and the Pundumclitonites.

So let’s review the facts on the ground:

Senator Obama is currently leading the race to become the President of the Liberal wing of the Democratic Party recalling two past Presidents, Edward Kennedy and Walter Mondale. He has the steadfast support of about 7% of likely voters.

Senator Clinton is currently leading the race to become President of the Moderate wing of the Democratic Party recalling the 2nd term of Jimmy Carter. She has the support of about 6.8% of likely voters.

Senator McCain is currently leading the race to become President of the United States. He currently has the support of about 30% of likely voters.

So folks if we lived in a logical universe Senator Obama would be appearing to suspend his campaign and endorse Bill Richardson for President since as things stand today he can’t win. This would be followed by a joint appearance on Saturday where Senator Clinton did the same.

Since logic and politics don’t mix you might stop and consider how counter-productive all this wrangling has become. Senator Obama has two months to gain the support of Clinton supporters and Senator Clinton has two months to do the same. Questions have to be answered on both sides; otherwise the only President who is going to be elected is McCain.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

CJ — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:24:23 GMT

James a history lesson. The KKK roots in racism have no basis. The whites of the KKK have never seen their relatives lynched, haven't been discriminated against, haven't been treated as sub-human, have not been beaten and jailed, have not been victims of economic disparity for generations. Wright and the black community have witnessed all of that and when one wishes to speak up against injustice in strong language...it has a basis. It's not racism..it's a reflection of their hardships. To dismiss members and preachers of the black community for their viceral frustrations and even occassional paranoid ramblings is ignoring what they sacrificed in their life.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

TexGEOas, Dallas TX — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:26:36 GMT

I've been trying to send a case of pom-pom's to Obama's on-air cheerleaders (reporters and commentators) over at MSNBC but I can't find out what Obama's colors are. This is such a serious story... and it can't be heard over of the Obama-cheering from Chris Matthews, Campbell Brown, and the gang.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

FMB, FL — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:28:25 GMT

Unauthorized access to Obama's passport information is a clear a violation of privacy rules, and I think it was appropriate to fire the morons who violated those rules.

However, I don't understand the outrage from Obama. The contractors were not hacking into his FBI files.

The purpose for filling out a passport application is to establish a person's idenity and citizenship before issuing a passport.

I've filled out a number of passport forms to renew my passport over the years. There isn't anything on those forms of a sensitive nature with the exception of the social security number.

You fill in your name, address, age, sex, parents' names, and who to contact in case of an emergency. Wow! That's like filling out an application for a driver's license.

My guess is there are several hundred companies and individuals with whom Obama has done business that have that exact same information, only they don't monitor who accesses that data.

When Obama submits his form for a passport, there are about a dozen people who process that form in one way or another. So, it's not like no one ever looks at passport application data. Geeeez!

But here is the important point. The security monitoring system at the Department of State worked. It identified individuals who had permission to access the database but did not have a need to review Obama's data. And the individuals were fired. I think that's reasonable.

I also think the Obama camp is trying to make something out of nothing, which also best describes Obama's political rhetoric and his campaign promises to date.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Ernest Lott, Las Vegas ,Nv — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:28:26 GMT

On this issue of the passport breach, I find it odd that not only was there 3 separate breaches by 3 separate people once a month for the last three months. The events occurred around the same time of the month. This leads me to believe that this was a conscious effort to gather information….very suspicious.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

james Lawton, OK — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:29:25 GMT

independent, all the information can not be found by the general public it contains social sec #'s as well as other personal bio type info. Idont think the issue is really about where he's been or what he is hiding , it's more about the privacy and security we as americans expect as well as deserve from our government.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Dan, St. Louis, Mo — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:34:53 GMT

Releasing the photo of Bill and Rev. Wright, does not prove Wright is mainstream. It proves both Democrat candidates are far left radicals.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Jon Burack, Stoughton, WI — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:36:26 GMT

The McCain gaffe was absolutely, unbelievably trivial, and in any mature sense no gaffe at all, which I realize leaves you out. To the media, it is a gaffe because they say it is. If this is what offers you and the Dems a "field day," you do indeed recognize how thin the grule is you have to live on. Meanwhile, McCain's poll numbers are up over both Clintona and Obama. Try harder, NBC. Too many more bad weeks like this for McCain and it will all be over.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

LB, Virginia — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:36:58 GMT

This is looking less like a Republican thing and more like a Clinton thing (even if the contractors weren't working for them, maybe they were just supporters trying to help her out) and I believe that Condi Rice didn't know and will take action to make sure this doesn't happen again. I don't agree with Condi Rice on anything but I do think she will do the right thing here.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

I'm sane, Providence RI — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:37:36 GMT

This is pure propaganda. It is laughable to equate Hillary and McCain with the baloney jive that Obama is selling.

He's done, face it. They are going to stick this to him until he exits. What a phoney and if you can't see that you have a bigger problem...

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Greg, San Francisco, CA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:37:38 GMT

A bad week for McCain? Are you kidding me? Have you seen the new poll numbers for the guy? Yeah it was a horrible week for McCain! NOT! Geez. You reporters can't see the forest through the trees!

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Jim Banks — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:39:36 GMT

I'm afraid Richardson is one more reason not to support Obama. One more idiot added to his crowd of supporters only shows that garbage in is garbage out.

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Rick, NC — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:40:08 GMT

Uh...go to a black racist militant church and the liberals will twist themselves into pretzels justifying it for you...go to a white racist militant church and you don't even get on the primary ballot...we gotcha

First thoughts: A bad week for everyone

Just a Thought — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:59:44 GMT

*******Lets turn the table around here for a moment****

Lets say.... Senator Clinton was attending David Duke’s sermons for 20 some years... How do you think the Obama campaign, Obama supporters (and the rest of American for that matter) would view this?

I know how they would treat this... they would crucify her !! However, if I say anything as a 'typical white person' I am accused of being a racist.

Is that really fair?