First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Mark Penn, Chief SpinMeister — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:00:43 GMT

To: Interested Parties
From: Mark Penn, Chief Strategist
Re: Senator Clinton’s NCAA Bracket Picks

Senator Clinton has asked me to announce that while she has already picked the NCAA tournament winner, she will not be able to release her bracket picks until sometime “on or around” April 15.

As you know, she has been working VERY HARD on behalf of the American people. She sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night just to put in more time for the struggling members of the middle class in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky (the rest of the states can go to hell—yes I said it). So, you’ll all appreciate that she will not have time to release her picks until the middle of April.

We will not be taking any questions on this topic. However, if you insist, our answer will be to trash our opponent’s bracket. Oh wait, he picked North Carolina. Well, that reminds me. We also love the struggling men and women in the great Tarheel state.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Chuck, NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:01:02 GMT

Everything I read and hear suggests we must wait until after the Indiana-North Carolina primaries before we will see an end to the DEM nomination race. Must we really wait that long? Isn’t it quite possible that we will see more and more DEM super delegates jump on the Obama bandwagon before then? I keep reading and hearing Obama backers will never support HRC if she somehow gets the nomination, and vice versa for HRC backers not willing to support Obama. This is lunacy. I need for the pundits to start talking up HRC’s exit strategy that can be executed in 2 – 3 weeks. We need to end this before PA.

What do you think folks? Shouldn’t we be the ones to yell for this to end? Or are you enjoying this too much, and just want HRC to keep campaigning no matter the cost?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

No more truth in media — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:02:07 GMT

I see the good old NYT along with it's allies MSNBC/Newsweek have come out with a number of articles again on McCain in an attempt to help polster Obama's ratings again with their "Remember McCain tried to become a Democrat" article hoping to damage McCain with conservatives (won't work) and Newsweek's "McCain Money Woes" followed up with a couple new fluff articles on Obama. It's becoming laughable.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:02:13 GMT

Senator Robert Byrd: I’m not particularly religious, however after watching you on C-Span this weekend, all I can say is Bless You.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With all this talk about Hillary Clinton’s schedules from the White House, who cares. We all know a first lady’s experience means nothing.

What we need to see is Hillary’s schedule in the months leading up to her vote on the war. Who did she speak with? Did she have any misgivings? How many meetings did she have with the inspectors? Did she not follow through on all available information to her at the time? What was her reasoning for backing Geo. Bush?

Because from where I’m sitting, both her and John McCain’s judgment was wrong - dead wrong.

Where was their leadership when it was most needed? No where in sight.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Dante — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:02:50 GMT

Fix the delegate count it says Obama 255 Obama 218

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Pat Huntington NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:02:53 GMT

Had Mark Warner, Former Gov. of VA ran for the nomination, he would've won, early, and decisively, and he would've saved us democrats from ourselves.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

California Indy — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:03:05 GMT

Every TV producer at the main morning and evening TV shows should have their picture plastered on the Internet and should have to take responsibility for the poison they have poured on the American people the past week. Wright's comments were legitimate news for the first 2 days. The fact that these producers have continued to play these tapes over and over again is toxic to our public conversation and the height of journalistic irresponsibility. They should come out from behind the camera and be called on their decision.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Nashville_fan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:03:40 GMT

"While Clinton's tried to (sometimes clumsily; see Bosnia) claim foreign policy experience in her days as First Lady, the real benefit she should be figuring out how to get out of the Clinton presidential years is credit on the economy"

It is interesting that you indicate that Senator Clinton was "clumsy" on Bosnia. The words that are eluding you is "lying about".

It is not "clumsy" to indicate that you took sniper fire and the planned welcome ceremony was cancelled when neither statement is true. That is a lie. The media is so comfortable with "the Clintons" shading the truth, they feel the need to assist as well. Incredible.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Ron, TX — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:04:11 GMT

The latest spin: So yesterday on the Sunday shows, two Clinton surrogates made their latest case to the superdelegates, which is, add up the electoral votes of the states won by Clinton vs. the states won by Obama.
====

I just love that absolutely flawed logic. Just because a person loses to a fellow Democrat in the primary, doesn't mean they will lose the state to a Republican come November.

Superdelegates just aren't that stupid. They won't fall for that line of BS.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Reality Check — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:04:39 GMT

There's a reason Clinton has done well in big states: it's called the Establishment that has been behind her since day 1.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Jim Banks — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:05:00 GMT

(Remember, he was at a VFW and there was barely a member of the audience under 60, according to our reporter in the field)?

First Read, didn't you mean your Obama plant, or at least your anti-Hillary agent?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Jill Mathews, Orlando,Florida — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:05:46 GMT

America is "finally" seeing the light, the tide has shifted.Come visit today, hillaryclinton.com . We have been waiting, for your arrival,please sit down and join the conversation.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

FrankStLouis — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:07:31 GMT

The swift boaters will skewer Barry sissy boy Obama. You can be sure of that. Dems blew this election again......

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

It's Called Lying — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:09:26 GMT

Hillary Clinton has been lying about Bosnia. Why must we always use euphemisms ("clumsy language, dissembling, being creative, etc")? She did it again last Monday.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

kenn — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:10:10 GMT

Obamas trying to lay low and let the white liberal elite media recover after the RACIST REV> WRIGHTS remarks and then he magnifies the problem calling mica and his grand mom TYPICAL WHITE WOMEN just like Hilliary a TYPICAL WHITE WOMEN well now at least he has been exposed as the liar he is and just like politics of old he knows how to play the game enjoy the real campaign against Macain destroying Hilliary and Bill should be good practice,lets destroy a war hero now.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

CitizenJ — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:10:37 GMT

She wants to start counting electoral votes now?

It's almost over folks. If Obama cancels out her delegates from Pennsylvania by winning North Carolina, expect to see a significant wave of superdelegate endorsements for Obama.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

jerry/corpus christi texas — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:11:28 GMT

(Remember, he was at a VFW and there was barely a member of the audience under 60, according to our reporter in the field)?

LOL....
Bill Clinton at a VFW is like me being at a Vietnam Vet meeting....

Yes people, take a chair....
And listen to how Hillary Clinton will destroy the housing industry once and for all!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Obama '08 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:11:36 GMT

We love you MSNBC. Thanks again for having all your pro Obama supporters praising Brack and dumping on Hillary this past weekend. Special thanks to Chuck Todd, Chris Matthews, Mika, the whole gang from Meet The Press, and MSNBC's never ending Obama supporters from Air America, Huffington Post, The Nation, Newsweek, and the Washington Post. Thank you for your continued bias in support of the one and only person capable of saving the world - Barack Obama.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Obama '08 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:12:57 GMT

Here it is one more time since you love to skip many of the posts submitted especially when they are so supportive of First Read and MSNBC.

We love you MSNBC. Thanks again for having all your pro Obama supporters praising Brack and dumping on Hillary this past weekend. Special thanks to Chuck Todd, Chris Matthews, Mika, the whole gang from Meet The Press, and MSNBC's never ending Obama supporters from Air America, Huffington Post, The Nation, Newsweek, and the Washington Post. Thank you for your continued bias in support of the one and only person capable of saving the world - Barack Obama.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

turnip — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:13:09 GMT

Chuck, Why are you now reporting the popular vote?

How did you factor in the Caucus states? Did you count the beauty contest vote in Washington state? Or did you count the caucus vote that actually meant something?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

John Edwards — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:14:21 GMT

OBAMA IS UN-ELECTABLE, IT'S THAT SIMPLE. IF NOMINATED, HE WILL LOSE, AND SET BACK THE DEMOCRAT PARTY 50 YEARS.HOWARD DEAN, HAS NO CLUE HOW TO MANAGE THE DNC.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:14:35 GMT

Anything new on Rezko-Gate today?
Why isn't First Read reporting on that?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

kenn — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:14:56 GMT

As rev. Wright says" GOD DAMM AMERICA" if you can take it then vote obama.If you blame AIDS on the american people and our GOV. then vote obama if you think that all white people share a blame for slavery even if you did not live in the country until 64 then vote for obama GO TEAM OBAMA change and hope and no MACARTHYS

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Lisa, New Britain, CT — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:15:47 GMT

One of the things that bothers me the most about Bill Clinton's remark (besides the attack on Obama's patriotism which I find truly offensive) is the stuff about "stuff" intruding on campaigns. The Clintons are the King and Queen of "stuff" intruding on campaigns, who are they kidding? They are the king and queen of kitchen sink campaigning, they are the ones that both bring "stuff" in to distract from the issues and then have plenty of "stuff" that can be used against them.

My Republican husband says the Republicans cannot wait to run against Hillary. Some say they are compiling the 527 ads against Obama now (on Wright) but he says they have had 527 ads against Hillary and the Clintons now for years. He says had he voted in TX, he would have been one of those Repubs. voting for Hillary so that she could become the nominee and get defeated by McCain in the Fall. He says the Republicans fear running against Obama more still. He has family in PA and no, they won't vote for Obama but they won't vote for Hillary more (of course they're Repubs so maybe it doesn't matter at all).

ps, disagree with the Husband, not disavowing him as a person :)

Obama 08

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Margaret, Columbus, Ohio — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:16:49 GMT

You ask if Obama will stop off in Puerto Rico while he is on vacation. Answer: He better.

Puerto Rico: 63 delegates, and in the last 2 months changed from caucus to open primary. Why? Because officials there, watching the US mainland, knew PR turnout would likely be huge and primaries logistically accomodate more voters.

Also, Puerto Ricans are BIG on voting. If a mere 1 million of the 4 million Hispanic population show up for their FIRST EVER primary, isn't it more than likely that Clinton will take not only most of the
delegates but most of the popular vote substantially closing the gap with Obama? Don't forget the rather large Puerto Rican population in a state she won handily: NEW YORK.

This is why the Clinton campaign is not going to give up until all States and Territories have their say. It's called democracy and the media hype about 'destroying the democratic party' is just that: hype. Somebody tell Bill Richardson that the primary season goes until JUNE for a reason. Everybody should have their say regardless of polls and media sway.

Keep going Hillary! Everybody gets to vote and Puerto Rico will be the biggest upset of all!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

dblake Austin — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:16:52 GMT

Is Bill Richardson's endorsement a reason for Superdelegates to vote with their reasoning and not according to who won the State?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1923

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:18:17 GMT

In comparing Bill Richardson to Judas for endorsing another candidate, James Carvall identifies the critical problem in the Democratic primary. To whom do we owe our loyalty? Is it to a politician we have had past relations with?

At a time when 4000 American service men and women have been killed in Iraq with no end in sight, when we are facing a recession, when Americans are without health care and loosing their homes, do we not have higher priorities for our loyalty?

Bill Richardson is a super delegate. Will Mr. Carvall's idea of loyalty dictate what is required of the super delegates and ultimately whether America changes course in 2008?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

kenn — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:18:26 GMT

Then by twisted obama logic Richardson should vote for hilliary since his state went for her and for that matter who are Kennedy and Kerry voting for are they going against the will of the people to and lets not forget to stop michagan and Florida from voting good show of fairness obama they sound like idiots with thier newfound respect for rules that apply to them.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Rick, NC — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:18:35 GMT

I can't remember...what are barry obamas foreign policy credentials? That he once lived in indonesia and he is taking a carribean vacation with his family?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

VFW #1 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:19:00 GMT

One thing I would like to point out regarding Bill Clinton speaking to VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) members - please remember that these veterans who showed up did so at the request of the Clinton campaign, not necessarily as an endorsement to Hillary. I'm a VFW commander and can tell you that there are many times we'd rather have the candidates make a speech on television rather than force us to drive hundreds of miles to listen to things that might be offensive personally or be meaningless in regard to our best interests. On a personal level, the fact that Bill Clinton inferred the Black candidate is less patriotic than the White candidates is offensive to me, having fought alongside many Black soldiers in Vietnam. How can Bill not see that Hillary is in second place? Considering Bill Clinton doesn't have any military experience, let alone war experience, he can't possibly understand what patriotism means to us!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Margaret, Columbus, Ohio — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:20:01 GMT

Hey Chuck - your msnbc political calendar is missing Puerto Rico.
Any particular reason for that???

Yeah, they don't get to vote in the general, but they do get to pick a nominee. I think your readers deserve to be able to know that, particularly since PR carries so many delegates: 63

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Sierra, SF — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:24:40 GMT

Barack Obama is INEVITABLE

Barack Obama will be your next President

'...One big fact has largely been lost in the recent
coverage of the Democratic presidential race: Hillary
Rodham Clinton has virtually no chance of winning...'

Other than THAT, she's a great candidate !!

From Politico.com:

'...Story behind the story: The Clinton myth
By JIM VANDEHEI & MIKE ALLEN | 3/21/08 1:32 PM EST

Clinton's campaign rests increasingly on a game of
make-believe.

One big fact has largely been lost in the recent
coverage of the Democratic presidential race: Hillary
Rodham Clinton has virtually no chance of winning.

Her own campaign acknowledges there is no way that she
will finish ahead in pledged delegates. That means the
only way she wins is if Democratic superdelegates are
ready to risk a backlash of historic proportions from
the party’s most reliable constituency.

Unless Clinton is able to at least win the primary
popular vote — which also would take nothing less than
an electoral miracle — and use that achievement to
pressure superdelegates, she has only one scenario for
victory. An African-American opponent and his backers
would be told that, even though he won the contest
with voters, the prize is going to someone else.

People who think that scenario is even remotely likely
are living on another planet.

As it happens, many people inside Clinton’s campaign
live right here on Earth. One important Clinton
adviser estimated to Politico privately that she has
no more than a 10 percent chance of winning her race
against Barack Obama, an appraisal that was echoed by
other operatives.

In other words: The notion of the Democratic contest
being a dramatic cliffhanger is a game of
make-believe.
Story Behind the Story

Why news gets covered the way it does

Politico’s top editors draw on their experience at the
nation's largest news organizations to pull back the
curtain on coverage decisions and the media mindset.

* Obama's pastor: The backstory
* How the sausage gets made
* Why reporters get it wrong

The real question is why so many people are playing.
The answer has more to do with media psychology than
with practical politics.

Journalists have become partners with the Clinton
campaign in pretending that the contest is closer than
it really is. Most coverage breathlessly portrays the
race as a down-to-the-wire sprint between two
well-matched candidates, one only slightly better
situated than the other to win in August at the
national convention in Denver.

One reason is fear of embarrassment. In its zeal to
avoid predictive reporting of the sort that
embarrassed journalists in New Hampshire, the media —
including Politico — have tended to avoid zeroing in
on the tough math Clinton faces.

Avoiding predictions based on polls even before voters
cast their ballots is wise policy. But that's not the
same as drawing sober and well-grounded conclusions
about the current state of a race after millions of
voters have registered their preferences.

The antidote to last winter's flawed predictions is
not to promote a misleading narrative based on the
desired but unlikely story line of one candidate.

There are other forces also working to preserve the
notion of a contest that is still up for grabs.

One important, if subliminal, reason is self-interest.
Reporters and editors love a close race — it’s more
fun and it’s good for business.

The media are also enamored of the almost mystical
ability of the Clintons to work their way out of tight
jams, as they have done for 16 years at the national
level. That explains why some reporters are inclined
to believe the Clinton campaign when it talks about
how she’s going to win on the third ballot at the
Democratic National Convention in August.

That’s certainly possible — and, to be clear, we’d
love to see the race last that long — but it’s folly
to write about this as if it is likely.

It’s also hard to overstate the role the talented
Clinton camp plays in shaping the campaign narrative,
first by subtly lowering the bar for the performance
necessary to remain in the race, and then by keeping
the focus on Obama’s relationships with a political
fixer and a controversial pastor in Illinois.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Sierra, SF — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:26:32 GMT

I wonder what's in Hillary Clinton's White
House logs ?

08:00 Look at secret FBI records of my foes
09:00 Secretly promote NAFTA
10:00 Meet with Wal-Mart to help import dangerous toys from China
11:00 Meet with Marc Rich's wife, get campaign
contributions, plan Marc's pardon
12:00 Lunch with Osama bin Laden, a wonderful man !
02:00 Get illegal contributions from Norman Hsu and
Johnny Huang
03:00 Dispose of Bill's used condoms
04:00 Try to intimidate Juanita Broddrick from
filing rape charges against Bill
05:00 Meet with my weird religious cult, the
Fellowship plan to indoctrinate Washington DC
with our evil views

Dear Diary:
What a busy day I've had today !
I can't wait until I'M PRESIDENT !!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

zia — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:28:55 GMT

Democratic nomination was Hillary's to lose and she is losing it. How can anyone argue that she is more electable in Nov when she screwed up the primaries. It takes strategy and smarts to win elections... different strategies for primaries and general elections. Hillary has failed in the first test, and is now asking us to trust us with a bigger test in November. Obama is a once in a life time candidate who is winning against odds. And those of you who are calling him racist, you really belong in the other party, please vote for McCain whoever the democratic nominee is. I and an Obama supporter but will vote for Clinton, if she is our nominee.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

MK,MO — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:29:36 GMT

'Her last name is a solid credential on the economy.'

why? if you look at the truth about the clintons and the economy you would see that the economy was boosted by the policies of the regan administration and the economy was killed by clinton signing nafta into law, that one document was the beginning of the end for decent jobs in the u.s., clinton's economic legacy is the selling out of american workers so a few corporate entities could become filthy rich, people in pennsylvania need to get their head out of the sand, the clinton's are not going to help anyone but the wealthy elite, and never have, clinton raised taxes on blue collar workers for christ sake, bill and hillary are professional spinsters, they are not who they say they are, look at the facts, remember 'wall street loves hillary clinton', because wall street owns hillary

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Jill — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:29:38 GMT

Obama should be run out of this race by the democratic party for standing by and allowing Bill Clinton, a two term president, a party elder loved by our party even if not by the media, Joe McCarthy. It's is ABHORENT and completely UNACCEPTABLE. But Obama gets away with it. Just like he's getting away with 20 years of silent participation in racism.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:29:40 GMT

"...I just love that absolutely flawed logic. Just because a person loses to a fellow Democrat in the primary, doesn't mean they will lose the state to a Republican come November. ..."Ron, TX (Sent Monday, March 24, 2008 10:04 AM)

Look again Ron.
Not only has Hillary won states that have more electoral votes..BUT, Obama himself has only won two (2) states that were blue in 2004.
Whoever the Democratic candidate is will have to change the electoral map if we expect to win in November. All the spin in the world won't change that.
Just as it won't change the fact that Obama probably wouldn't win most of the states he's carried in the primaries because they are RED states.
Hillary would win the states she's carried because they are blue, and because she could and would win those states without crossover voters.
If Hillary's supporters didn't vote for Obama in the general election (and we probably wouldn't) he would need a lot of crossover votes to win the states where most of his support comes from. Republicans are traditionally very disiplined voters, therefore that wouldn't be likely to happen.
Do the math super delegates. An Obama candidacy equates to a November loss.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

pam — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:30:44 GMT

Had Mark Warner, Former Gov. of VA ran for the nomination, he would've won, early, and decisively, and he would've saved us democrats from ourselves.
**********************
I thought the former governor of VA was John Warner?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

iowan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:30:58 GMT

The Clinton logic is like the sign coming into a small town:

Population 1500
Elevation 3000
Total 4500

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Nj — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:30:59 GMT

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Class Warrior, D.C. — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:31:23 GMT

Good observation about Hillary subtly wanting to appeal to the whites who just aren't ready to talk about race in America yet. It's the proverbial Elephant in the Living Room, the 800-lb-Gorilla, but let's not talk about it, PLEASE?!? "ok" says Hil, vote for me, and we'll just sweep all the nastiness under the carpet a little longer, sure, why not?" Bush is going to leave his war for someone else to solve, and Clinton is going to leave race for future generations to solve. It's so much easier than admitting a problem exists, and actually trying to DO something about it, isn't it?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

John McCain — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:31:58 GMT

I need your help, does anyone remember the name of Obama's book about his past usage of Cocaine ?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

JOE GA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:36:19 GMT

I MUST SAY BILL CLINTON DIDNT NOT MAKE A MISTAKE SAYING HILLARY AND MC CAIN WAS VERY PATRITIC AND LEAVE OBAMA OUT OF IT. IT WAS VERY MUCH HOW HE FEELS ABOUT OBAMA. MR CLINTON IS JUST ANOTHER LIEING X PRESIDENT AND WILL MAKE THESE KINDS OF STATEMENTS TO PUT DOUBT ABOUT OBAMAS BEING A PRO AMERICAN.

THE CLINTONS WILL DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO WIN THIS ELECTION. BUT PEOPLE SHOULD LOOK AT THE BOSNIA VIDEO AND SEE THERE WAS NO SNIPER FIRE WHEN SHE WAS GREETED AT THE AIRPORT. SHE AS USUAL DONT SEEM TO KNOW THERE ARE VIDEOS OUT THERE SHOWING HER AT THE AIRPORT.

SO AS YOU CAN SEE SHE LIED AGAIN. SEEMS NOTHING LATELY SHOWS HER TELLING THE FULL TRUTHFUL STORY ABOUT THE N. IRELAND AND BOSNIA. WAKE UP AMERICA

AND FOR HER WINS IN OHIO AND TEXAS, SHE MAY HAVE ONE IN OHIO AND THE POPULAR VOTE IN TEXAS SHE DIDNT WIN THE DELICATE COUNT IN TEXAS.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Disgusted Democrat — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:36:22 GMT

This just in: Obama has announced that he can't disown David Duke anymore than he could disown the white race. The media has declared this is a powerful, moving, brilliant, brave and bold statement. Although he sat silently, weakly by, for 20 years in David Duke's church of the USKKKA, they say this statement by Obama is what is needed right now in this country. We must begin a dialogue on why Daivd Duke is the way he is, why african americans just don't get it, just don't get that crazy ol' uncle David. Thankfully for America Obama has offered to lead us all past the racial divide--just as he has done for the past 20 years.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:36:35 GMT

The first one of the three, Clinton, Obama, or McCain, to get Lieberman to be VP, will have the inside edge...among Interzone Independents. The first to sign Will Smith, will win.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:36:49 GMT

"...There are many older, white voters, while sympathetic to Obama's message on race, don't want to be reminded to take their medicine and the subtle message Clinton may actually have been sending was just that, support Clinton and avoid taking your race medicine. ..."

I didn't know that any of us needed to take "race medicine"
Furthermore, I didn't know it was First Read's place to tell us that we do.
I find this statement to be racist, race baiting, and highly objectionable. Whoever wrote it should be fired immediately.
If anyone else is offended by this please sound off, and please call MSNBC's studios via telephone, as I intend to do.
Whoever wrote that should be terminated.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Deb, Albany NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:38:12 GMT

I don't care what Hillary Clinton says. She's a liar who lied about her visit to Bosnia so why should we believe a word that comes out of her mouth.

And I'd love to know why Obama's pastor is so important when a candidate lies about her own experience and nothing is said? She is running for President, Reverand Wright isn't.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Lynelle, PA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:39:59 GMT

I think if Barack doesn't win the nomination and the election it will say something so awful about America that it makes it hard for me to believe this country can ever improve. And I used to be one of the most Pollyanna in the group - I'm in a an interracial marriage with members of every ethnic group in my own family. The unspeakable evil of having the candidate who has suffered the most from racism be attacked for "reverse racism" is the most heinous example of white privilege I have ever witnessed in my 40 years of life. It’s a conscious effort on the part of a group of elites, who know they have the upper hand, to try to take down a candidate and his supporters using the very system that they try to deny even exists. You aren’t allowed to say it’s racism even though everyone knows that’s the real problem – race baiting to convince ignorant racists that they are having their lives ruined by people of color who simply don’t deserve the same standard of living that all Americans deserve. This would be the biggest shame America has ever perpetrated and considering our history that’s saying a lot.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Silvia — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:41:50 GMT

The Wright controversy is legitmate news right up until November. Obama lacks the judgment to be president and his support of hate politics by remaining a member of such a church and strongly supporting such a man, proves that, and is VERY relevant for his job interview. He doesn't have the job until November. America can discuss Obama and his views and actions until then.

I suppose Wright is news as long as the MSNBC boys continue to talk about Bill Clinton's affair and giggle amongst themselves. See above story about PA. today. So in other words...forever.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Sierra, SF — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:43:03 GMT

'...But be sure to focus on this phrase, "all this other stuff" intruding on the campaign and less on the "loves America" line. Wasn't Clinton sending another message to the crowd of older, white male voters? (Remember, he was at a VFW and there was barely a member of the audience under 60...'

It's odd that he's at a VFW post
He is a DRAFT DODGER !!
Bill Clinton is a COWARD who evaded military service during Viet Nam
(just like George Bush and Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh)

If Hillary were the nominee we'd have to start talking about a 'SEXUAL PREDATOR' in the White House

Slick Willie is a 'sexual predator' who was accused of 'sexual assault' by Juanita Broddrick and Kathleen Willey
(rape in the case of Juanita Broddrick)

Apparently, he thinks he's cute !
Apparently, we're supposed to be entertained by his latest conquest.

Please see the current mayor of Detroit
He lied about an adulterous, sexual affair
(just like Bill Clinton)
He committed prejury lying about his quickie
(just like Bill Clinton)

Wanna go through THAT nonsense, again ?

TURN THE PAGE

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Andrew, TN — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:43:28 GMT

Listening to Bill Clinton talk about race reminds me of what Vernon Jordan had to say on the subject.
Jordan is quoted as saying that Bill Clinton is good friends with more black women than any other man he knew.
If Bill Clinton would like the discussion to turn on patriotism and those other things there are some that will be happy to oblige with a youtube video montage.
Bill & Hill are two people that should be careful in which basket they place their eggs.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

nuanced — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:44:15 GMT

"The fact that these producers have continued to play these tapes over and over again is toxic to our public conversation and the height of journalistic irresponsibility. They should come out from behind the camera and be called on their decision."
--California Indy

The will apologize for it after the election and the damage is done just as they did for overplaying the Howard Dean "heeaaah".

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Caroline, Bethesda, MD — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:44:31 GMT

Note to Clintonian spinners - You need to re-take - or take for the first time - Political Science 101.

This is the Nominating Process among DEMOCRATS! Each of the 50 states is won by one Democrat over other Democrats.

In November, we have the General Election with ONE Democrat vs. ONE Republican. They compete in all 50 states.

To compare the two very different processes is like comparing apples to oranges.

In November Democrats will UNITE behind their ONE nominee - most likely Barack Obama. He will not get ALL Democrats, but in a year where turnout for the Democratic Primaries has been double that of the GOP, it is a safe bet that the numbers will be staggering. And Obama will draw in Independents and some GOP voters.

So the Clintonian spinners better take a refresher course in PolySci 101 !! They need to come up with something better than this!!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Josh, Texas — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:45:24 GMT

How about Clintons heroics in Bosnia - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It6JN7ALF7Y - yeah right..lets see this in the press today

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Dottie, Swarthmore, PA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:45:32 GMT

Here's what I would like to see if any TV outlet has the guts to show. A split screen one side, Senator Clinton's remarks that she remembers landing under fire and running with her head down at the airport in Bosnia. The other side of the screen showing the picture of her being met by dignitaries and handed flowers by a small child at the same airport where sniper fire was causing her to run with her head down. Come on MSNBC do you have the nerve to show this comparison on Hardball or Countdown?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Stewart, Bethesda, MD — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:05:11 GMT

...Celebrating the Easter Holidays ..... HEAVENLY.
...Seeing the Re-incarnation of JUDAS ..... HILLISH.
...Having James Carville called out richardson.... PRICELESS

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:06:34 GMT

Clinton needs to drop out of the race for the good of the party.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Geoff in Brooklyn — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:09:01 GMT

This story (linked below) has some legs, no? Or do you guys disagree? I mean it is a BIG deal to claim you "came under sniper fire" if you didn't. If I were a soldier serving in Iraq or anywhere I'd be pretty darn offended by someone claiming they endured gun fire when they did not. Plus, she lied! Why isn't this real big front page news? See link below to the Washington Post. http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/03/hillarys_balkan_adventures_par.html

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

bruce Becker lincoln, ca — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:10:30 GMT

Memo to James Carville, I loved your comparison of Governor Richardson to Judas Iscariot, for his choosing to cast his superdelegate vote for Barak Obama instead of the Clintons. Really James, the Clintons dont actually own the God-given absolute right to be king and queen, they just think so. The rest of us get to make up our own minds. I prefer someone who will restore the Constitution.
I never hear her and Bill say they will restore habeus corpus. I dont even hear them say they have an actual practical plan to keep those jobs she says she will create. You know there is no earthly reason for a company to make products here when they can do it for 1/20th elsewhere. Is she really going to stand up to the WTO? How, exactly? Is she going to end the fiction that a corporation has the rights of a person, so we get companies out of the referendum process? No? I didnt think so. Talk is cheap, as she mentioned famously. What is the plan to keep the new jobs here?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

New Wave — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:11:44 GMT

It's about time someone mentions the 'Sense of Entitlement' statement as Bill Richardson stated this morning about the Clinton campaign.

The Clintons have been carrying themselves like we owe them something. We do NOT.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Bonnie — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:12:07 GMT

Hi Chuck Ny, I have thought the Dems should get behind one the other (preferably Obama). I've thought this knock down, drag out was hurting the party. Now I'm not so sure. Americans love a good drama, whether a talk show or soap opera. McCaiin is just pottering around in a most boring way. All eyes are on Barrack and Hillary.
On a different subject, all the ugly racism that's been bubbling to the surface. Most people say that's bad. I think it's good. Let it bubble up where we have to look at it. Fresh air and sunshine goes a long way in killing slimy mold and mildew. Just a thought

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Sandy, Cedar Park, TX. — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:15:06 GMT

Yeah, let's talk about candidates who lie. Here's a direct quote from a front-page article in our local paper(who has been supporting Obama to the point of incredulity), written by Shailagh Murray and Jonathan Weisman of the Washington Post:

"After weeks of arduous negotiations, on April 6, 2006, a bipartisan group of senators burst out of the 'President's Room', just off the Senate chamber, with a deal on an immigration policy. As the half-dozen senators - including John McCain and Edward Kennedy - headed to announce their plan, they met Sen. Barack Obama who made a request common when Capitol Hill news conferences are in the offing. 'Hey, guys, can I come along?' And when Obama went before the microphones, he was generous with his list of senators to congratulate - a list that included himself. 'I want to cite Lindsey Graham, Sam Brownback, Mel Martinez, Ken Salazar, myself, Dick Durbin, Joe Lieberman - who've actually had to wake up early to try to hammer this stuff out', he said. To Senate staff members, who had been arriving for 7 am negotiating sessions for weeks, it was a galling moment. Senator Arlen Spector recalled that those mornings sessions had attracted only three to four deeply involved senators, and Barack Obama was not one of them."

So, please. Those of you who only make your little pedestals more precarious by your over-zealous finger-pointing, I suggest you step down very carefully and take off your blinders. Try seeing the real world of politics for what it is. They ALL do it, and it's never pretty.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

BL, Cincinnati OH — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:15:36 GMT

From the NYT:

Of all the candidates, Democratic or Republican, Mr. Obama, of Illinois, is in the strongest financial shape. Of the $38.8 million in cash on hand, a total of $31.5 million is earmarked for the primary race, with only $7.3 million set aside for the general campaign. This primary war chest is more than Mrs. Clinton’s and Mr. McCain’s combined.

On top of that, Mr. Obama’s campaign is almost debt-free. He ended the month owing only $625,059. Over all, Mr. Obama has raised $190 million since he began his campaign, and spent $158 million — the most of any candidate.

Still, at the end of February, Mrs. Clinton owed $8.7 million to campaign vendors. The month earlier, she had lent her campaign $5 million. While she has $33.2 million in cash on hand, only $11.7 million can be used for her primary effort, with the rest set aside, by federal regulations, for the general election.

Once the outstanding campaign debt of $8.7 million is factored in, Mrs. Clinton has only $3 million in free cash for the battles ahead — one-tenth of the $31 million the Obama campaign has in primary cash.

This debt puts additional pressure on Mrs. Clinton: If she wins her party’s nomination, this $8.7 million can be paid off with money raised for her general campaign. If not, she will either have to raise more money to pay off the bills for her primary effort or pay for it out of her own pocket.

_____

I feel a bit sorry for all those people that gave that $22 Million for her general campaign that she'll not get to use. I'm sure some of those people could have used that money. Too bad they'll never see it again.

So she has $3 million left compared to his $31 million. Shows both the support Obama has over Clinton, as well as his ability to manage the money far better than her. Pretty sad that she's still leaving people that helped her (vendors, location owners, etc) stuck with the nearly $9 million debt she's racked up. I would bet many of those people can't afford to be without payment for months now. She's still not paid some of the vendors that provided meals and services in Iowa and New Hampshire back in January. Yet these businesses are being stuck with the bill till she feels like getting around to pay them.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:16:05 GMT

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Hillary cannot win this election and the superdeleagtes WILL not overturn the will of the people. Obama will have the majority of the delegates at the end of this race as well as the majority of the popular vote. It's over! Period!

The party bosses need to get some balls and tell Hillary the gig is up. It is time for her to concede so that Obama can prepare for the general election.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Cindy Netherton, Annapolis, MD — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:16:26 GMT

This Bosnian tape on YouTube is devastating to Hillary. Why haven't you given a link to it? Come on, First Read. Politico has a link to it on YouTube - you should too! Or press Hardball to show it - or David Gregory - or Olbermann. I can ONLY IMAGINE how often MSNBC would have played this if it were Obama! Be fair!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

donna, pgh., pa. — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:19:05 GMT

"...all this other stuff.." = take your race medicine?
What ever happened to "I feel your pain"?
If Senator Clinton believes she is entitled to claim credit for the economic successes of the '90's, then how is it she is at a 30,000 job deficit in NY after promising hundreds of thousands of jobs during her run for the Senate. Consider that her campaign posters decidedly do not proclaim the infamous, political death, oh-no-not-again, surname Clinton; but "Hillary" instead? What is she running from? Anyone, anyone,? How about "all this other stuff", the GOP can't wait to throw at her. They do not want to run against Senator Obama. They are afraid of him, and quiver with anticipation over a contest with the Clintons.
Pulling for Obama '08

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Rick,Ky — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:19:50 GMT

J. Merle, you can be content in the Fact that America will send your beloved Hillary back to New York soon.Then, you & other voter's there can decide if you still want a Racist to represent your state.Good Luck Hillary trying to mend those fences.

Evidently J. Merle( i would call you Mr. Merle,but from my point of veiw, You have'nt earned Mr. from No one)you have No Kid's & No grandkid's that are soon becoming of age to fight this 100 year War for McCain that you'll Vote for in November.Coming from a so-called veteran as You Proclaim, you would'nt want to send your family to Death Now, would ya. Your Hatred of Barack because he whipped your Girl is unbecoming of a so-called Veteran.Maybe the local VA could help with that Malfunction inside your Brain.

"DELUSIONAL THINKING BY COMMON SENSE AMERICAN'S IS OVER"

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

bruce Becker lincoln — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:21:24 GMT

Much is made of Rev Wright's anger about 9-11.
I am angry about it too. Didnt the CIA train bin Laudin and his entire team of murderers for 10 years in Afghanistan and fight beside them against the Russians? Isnt it true that the CIA's chickens DID come home to roost?
Much is made about Rev Wright's anger about the spread of HIV/AIDs.
My own doctor claimed in the late 80's that the NIH had been doing research on immunology that got away from them, and accidently created HIV/AIDS.
Didnt Mother Jones report that the former Union of South African's white govt intentionally spread HIV/AIDS to suppress the blacks' revolution?
Rev Wright only repeated HIV/AIDS urban legends that cannot be disproved any more than we can disprove the WMDs in the vast desert. It is a possible point of view. The uproar is about prejudice and opportunism.
9-11 happened and it is a certainty that the doers leader was trained with US tax dollars.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Moderate dem — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:22:02 GMT

First it was the far right hijacking the election for the repubs. Now its the far left hijacking the election with the Obama cult. As a southern, moderate dem, I will be counteracting that swing with a vote for McCain.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Blake, Denver, CO — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:22:16 GMT

Clinton set to deliver a major speech today on how "electoral votes" count in a primary. If you thought "electoral votes" only mattered in the general election, Mark Penn says "You don't know sp*n!"

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Donna, Alpharetta, GA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:22:45 GMT

Why did you not mention the CBS poll which said more than 2/3 of the country says that Obama's Tuesday speech satisfied them on the Wright tapes? The other third will never "get it" and would never vote for Obama anyway. Time to move on.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

America — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:23:03 GMT

I woke up today after relecting on what Easter means to most Christians and find myself extremely depresed for the situation of our Country. We have lost all sense of love for each other and most importantly the lack of patriatism is incredibly sad. In my day someone that would say God "D" America was vertually considered an Anti-America and we would never have a President that would have anything to do with this person. Obama has this Anti-American as his spiritual advisor and mentor and yet Americans continue to support this man. Sadness for the future of America!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Sierra, SF — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:23:10 GMT

From FR:

'...Obama says he’s going to treat Pennsylvania like it’s Iowa. "Hopefully, I'm going to be able to go back to that style of meeting people one-on-one and in small groups, having conversations," Obama said in an interview with The Inquirer late Friday. "That approach works well for me."...'

It's ABOUT TIME !!
Stop having rallies at college campuses
those are the converted

Start meeting with working class people
Why can't you meet with SEIU members ?
How about going to factories ?

Talk less about 'hope' and more about 'JOBS'
That's what working class people want to hear about
Do you have a 'workable' plan for the housing crisis?
It's time to dust it off and present it

Talk about health care, and be flexible about it
Be willing to take others suggestions, John Edwards, Bill Bradley, Bnill Richardson, independents and even Republicans
Doctors, nurses, health care providers.....
Let's hear them all out .....

Talk about taxes...

It's time to PIVOT your campaign
It's time to unify the Democratic party
IGNORE the crooked Clintons....
They're the past

Unify the party
Reach out to the working class, union workers, the middle class, Catholics, white ethnics.....

Obama '08

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Daniel Knutson, St. Charles, IL — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:25:30 GMT

Stop, everyone, and take a breath. The comments by Pastor Wright have been taken totally out of context, edited, twisted, and distorted to represent something quite opposite to his original message.

I know the pea-brains at Fox News and their ilk don‘t have the attention span of a 2-year old, and are incapable of grasping reality with any subtlety or nuance. But for anyone who is really interested in the full context, I recommend taking just 10 minutes to listen to a bit more of Pastor Wright’s sermon -- not just the 20-second clips provided by Fox and the other right-wing Neanderthals:

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

You will see that Pastor Wright is actually taking words used by former Ambassador Edward Peck (a white man), from an interview given by the Ambassador on, of all places, Fox News, soon after the events of 9/11. Pastor Wright also puts the events of 9/11 into a far different perspective than Fox would have you believe. Rather than blaming the victim (as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell have done!), Pastor Wright refers to Psalm 137, and deplores the impulse to revenge. He also preaches that this is “a dangerous place to be,” and warns that “violence begets violence.”

Now Pastor Wright’s preaching style is quite different from what I became accustomed to in my somber Swedish Lutheran childhood experience, but the more I listen to him, the more I am moved by what I find to be a genuine intellect informed by the love and inner light of God.

By contrast, look at the hate and venom of a Pat Robertson and Jerry Fawell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-CAcdta_8I

Where is the moral outrage for these hate-filled statements coming at the same time as Pastor Wright’s message of tolerance and sanity?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

BobW Mendon, NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:26:45 GMT

"While Clinton's tried to (sometimes clumsily; see Bosnia) claim foreign policy experience in her days as First Lady, the real benefit she should be figuring out how to get out of the Clinton presidential years is credit on the economy; those were the real successes of the Clinton year; if anything foreign policy was, at best, a mixed bag and only now being seen in a more positive light by some because of the current president."

"..sometimes clumsily; see Bosnia) claim foreign policy experience..." Clumsey? How about dishonest, lieing, or deceitful? I think those words tell it exactly like it is.

As to the myths of the Clinton economy, it seems that memories are selective and short. The economy in the last years of the former Clinton administration was built on virtual sand. The dot com economy was Clinton's legacy and it failed miserably, throwing us into a recession not helped by the terror attacks of 911 which could have been possibly prevented had Bill accepted Bib Landen's extridiction.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Keith in PA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:26:58 GMT

Why doesn't the media cover Hillary Clinton's whopper lie about her Bosnia trip? I don't see it on MSNBC anywhere.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

David, Indiana — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:28:55 GMT

The latest spin: So yesterday on the Sunday shows, ...

Speaking of the Sunday shows, Chuck can you tell my why exactly McCain is getting a passs on his Iran/Al Qaeda confusion? If one starts with the assumption that he knows foreign policy then one can easily and quickly pass it off (as you did) as a slip. But if the guy repeats the same mistake THREE times, either your asumption is wrong and he does not know foreign policy or he is ginning up for another Bush-like solution with Iran. Either way, giving him a pass is not what I would call astute reporting.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

cj, middle America, — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:30:55 GMT

I read somewhere that Obama's Camp has paid blogers. Sierra, are you a paid bloger?
Is it true that if you're muslem then you tak the Monday off after Easter? Is that why Obama is gone from the country? I don't know if that is a bad question. It's just an honest one. I read it somewhere and thought you could answer it.
I am pro Hillary because she wants everyone to have health care. She will provide and protect.
God BLESS America, God Bless Hillary

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Gary, Franklin, WI — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:32:27 GMT

The Electoral College issue is an important one for the Democratic Party to consider before selecting a nominee. In the end it doesn't matter who gets the most votes nation-wide in the general election, but rather who wins the most electoral votes. Primary election results (Democrat vs. Democrat) are seldom a good measure of what the general election results (Democrat vs. Republican) will be.

Which is the bigger "spin" - the timing of Richardson's endorsement of Obama or the Clinton camp's pointing to the electoral college as an issue Democratic voters should be concerned about?

The total popular vote in a primary election process may impact who wins a nomination, but there has never been a requirement (in either party) to make it's decision on a candidate based solely upon that question. The issue of the Democratic nominee for 2008 will likely be decided on May 6. While the press wanted this settled on Super Tuesday, the voting public seems willing to let the process play it self out!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Sarah, Scranton, PA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:32:35 GMT

Ummm, this post is ridiculous. Everyone wants to claim that Obama, with his message, enough time, enough dollars, enough open-mindedness, enough with the old, enough with the Clintons can win this nomination easily. Wow, impressive Obama, you can't close the deal because some people don't believe in you, you can't close the deal because some of us are just too naive of how amazing you are. Thank you pundits for being so kind as to remind me who I should vote for. Love a Pennsylvania voter with a different heart.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Long Tall Texan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:37:40 GMT

Clinton's latest spin game is to try to argue that she should be the nominee because she won the states with the most electoral votes. So what? States like California, New York and New Jersey are going to vote for the Democtatic nominee no matter which candidate wins. If he ran as a Democrat, my Laborador Retriever could win New York, New Jersey and California, so who cares about Clinton's latest phoney math scheme? She's just trying to detract attention from the fact that she cannot win the most pledged delegates. This is just another version of her "small states don't matter" argument that nobody is buying.

Hillary’s candidacy is so dead at this point that she’s starting to look like an extra in one of those old Zombie movies. And her followers are the “undead” of this election–-stumbling along blind and completely unaware of the fact that their candidate can’t win the nomination. Meanwhile, these living corpses (the Clinton supporters) are following their Master's call, marching toward the complete destruction of the Democratic Party.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

The story is right wing subject matter, Ohio — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:38:03 GMT

Silvia wrote:
'The Wright controversy is legitmate news right up until November. Obama lacks the judgment to be president and his support of hate politics by remaining a member of such a church and strongly supporting such a man, proves that, and is VERY relevant for his job interview. He doesn't have the job until November. America can discuss Obama and his views and actions until then.'

I suppose that thinking means all Catholics should be found guilty like the priests that have been convicted.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

bruce Becker lincoln — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:38:40 GMT

Rev Wright said he was angry about 9-11 and that 9-11 was an instance of 'our chickens coming home to roost".
Just to set the record straight: US tax dollars paid for the leadership and training of the Al-Quaida. The CIA trained and worked with bin Laudin personally and trained his staff.

Does anyone doubt that US tax dollars and the CIA trained the cadre whose dupes took down the twin towers and murdered thousands?

Those are just some of the chickens that came home to roost.

Get it clear folks, your tax dollars trained bin Laudin and he is still free so that he may be used to scare you. Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11. The CIA has been upsetting the apple carts in the middle east since Rockefeller and the CIA overthrew the Iranian govt to keep Anglo oil profits at the desired level. Nothing about democracy.
We installed the Shah. We. Us. I heard Rockefeller confess this on NRP. That's your tax dollars at work.
Forgive the Rev Wright for his strong language. Our CIA does the work of Satan and sometimes we get a little retribution.
Dont you know, "what goes around, comes around."

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Lauren, West Lafayette, Indiana — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:42:28 GMT

Bill will be in West Lafayette Indiana, home of the Purdue University, and the most diverse Universities in the U.S. tonight! With a 40plus negative you dont have to travel to all primary states to receive a few boos.
Bill you can't fool the people of West Lafayette. Sorry, we are much smarter than that. Hey! If you rid yourself of the divisive and cynical politicals that you have shared across this country that I love tonight we do you a favor and not boo you tonight. That is, if you come through on that for US.

Grace and Peace

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Go 100% Left — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:43:51 GMT

Bravo to Chris Mathews for finally waking up and reporting what is important. Enough with The Clinton Spin and nonsense.
When does MSNBC FIRE Pat Buchanan, Joe Scarborough and Tucker? Those guys can not go a sentence without mentioning rev Wright. Its AMAZING. They are bent on making this an issue even when its past.
Chris Mathews and Keith are the only ones really reporting. Pat needs to go to a retirement home
Nj (Sent Monday, March 24, 2008 10:30 AM)

Yes, why doesn't MSNBC fire these three? Then there would be only the far left pro Obama journalist left. What's taking MSNBC so long to act? Get rid of these three and MSNBC will be completly bias and only voice the opinion of their MoveOn.org guests who are the mainstream of this network. Yes I say make MSNBC completely liberal by tossing the only three who won't tow the truth of liberalism.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

bruce Becker lincoln — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:44:03 GMT

Rev Wright said that the whites were responsible for spreading HIV and AIDs in Africa.

He didnt make that up. He was just repeating some interesting reportage. Read Mother Jones for the story of
Union of South Africa white govt spread HIV among blacks before the revolution overthrew the white govt.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Lynne Reno NV — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:45:47 GMT

I respect Hillary supporters and I understand their passion in defending their candidate. But the fact is that she can't win. She can get out now and probably be head of the senate or hold a cabinet position, or she can stay in the race to the bitter end, and bloody Obama so badly that Mc Cain will end up being POTUS. If that happens, I don't think history will look kindly upon the Clintons

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

j fl — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:46:02 GMT

Obama 08, repeat after me. Obama is not GOD, Obama is not GOD, Obama is NOT GOD!!!!!!!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Hussein, CA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:46:44 GMT

Let's step back to past...remember....

Should-da-Could-Da-Would-DA Honey, that HO can not
be in the White House NO MO....Bill are you listening to me????..Okay...baby; do you want to be President?...only if you lie for me..
That's easy ..... why stop now??

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

rita forte — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:49:08 GMT

"clumsily"?? That's it? "clumsily"?

The woman FLAT OUT LIED (I mean, geez, there's even video!) and you describe is a "clumsily"??

Way to keep your readers fully informed, guys!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

TEXAS — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:49:12 GMT

VOTE FOR BARRAKHAN, FARRAKHAN (NATION OF ISLAM LEADER), REV. WRIGHT, REV. MEEKS, NEW BLACK PANTHER PARTY, WILLIAM AYERS (DOMESTIC TERRORIST), REZKO, AND ALL THE OTHER EXTREME CHARACTERS WE HAVE YET TO FIND OUT ABOUT IN BOZObama'S PAST??? BLACKS ARE THE BIGGEST RACIST; THEY COME OUT IN ARMS ABOUT SOMEONE SAYING NAPPY HEADED HO BUT WHEN SOMEONE "BLACK" SAYS ALL THIS RACIST BIGOT SHITE THEY ALL OR MOST LINE UP BEHIND HIM AND SAY "WELL YOU DIDN'T HEAR THE WHOLE SERMON" OR "THIS IS JUSTIFIED"... AMERICA WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO OVERCOME RACISM BECAUSE THE BLACKS ARE THE ONES KEEPING IT ALIVE!!!

IF HILLARY WOULD HAVE SAID THAT THIS REVERENED WRIGHT IS A "TYPICAL BLACK" you would have al sharpton, jesse jackson and all the other negro's up in arms; calling for her to drop out???

There are patterns of Barrakhan's and MicHELLe obama's RACISM and everyone following them turns a blind eye???

The news media is so far up this guys ARSE that they can't see him for what he really is!

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Kent Saint Louis — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:52:06 GMT

Is Hillbilly missing the fact that the "big states" that she won will not only vote for her, but Obama when he is the candidate.....really weak argument on her part, but when you're desperate.....

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Margaret, Columbus, Ohio — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:53:07 GMT

Gregory:
Bill Richardson is a politician before he's a superdelegate. Anyone who thinks he wasn't promised the one cabinet position he really wants (Sec. of State) by Obama, can think again. And it was probably promised long ago despite Richardson's constant admonitions to the media that he hadn't made up his mind and he only really wants to be Governor of NM. Really? Then why run for President? And let's look at that. He said last week that what clinched it for him was Obama's speech. Puleez. Richardson is a SMART man. He knew his state of NM went with Clinton and he was stuck. How to blow off the Clinton's for his Sec. of State job? He chose the Obama speech because it was all he had. Politicians of his calibre are not swayed by speeches that he himself can make. He was hardly going to risk the fury of the Clintons for a 'speech'. Give me a break. But for the Sec. of State position - now that's worth it.

Wake up people - these are politicians. Wheeling and dealing is the art form. It's not what they say, it's what they do.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Feisty Redhead IL — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:54:57 GMT

I need your help, does anyone remember the name of Obama's book about his past usage of Cocaine ?

John McCain (Sent Monday, March 24, 2008 10:31 AM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John,

Not a good place to go when you're own wife has had problems with the pills (Vicoden) in the past...

Shouldn't be flinging rocks when you're own house is made out of glass...

Woman for Obama 08

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Kay, Iowa — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:55:17 GMT

I am amazed at the narrow minded people who leave posts here and on other blogs. I simply don't understand the double standards that so many of you have.
Rev. Wright's comments were taken out of context and the media is only focusing on the horrible negative remarks he made. They don't show his little comment before he made his fiery remarks where he clearly states he is quoting what someone else wrote. THOSE WERE NOT HIS OWN WORDS!!
Whether Obama denounces this man or rejects him is so irrelevant. This is such a minor issue and it amazes me that it has gained so much attention. Had the media done the honest and responsible thing, they would have made sure everyone knew it was a quote and not Wright's own words, and it would have died within a day. Even if Wright was racist or anti-American, it is HIM and not Obama. To judge Obama for his pastor's feelings is just immature. What Obama's connection to Rev. Wright tells me is the Obama is a man of intelligence and great integrity who allows people to have their own viewpoints and not judge them when he doesn't agree with them.
Double-standards...I can not understand the people who are so critical of the Rezko and Wright controversy, yet completely ignore the many many years of controversy within the Clinton household. Bill and Hillary have absolutely no integrity. They will do whatever it takes to gain power. If you don't recall all the scandal and corruption the Clintons have been involved in, GOOGLE them and read up on it. You make Obama out to be the biggest liar of all time and decide to vote for the Clintons, who are the biggest liars this country has ever seen. She is lying throughout this campaign about all that she as accomplished. The media is slowly starting to point out her lies.
I think both Clinton and Obama would make excellent presidents but I am just tired of the sophmorish tactics coming from the Clinton campaign. I had such high hopes that a woman running for president would rise above this method of winning...isn't that what we teach our children to do??? Obama has shown the class, maturity and integrity of what our president should be like. There is SO MUCH trash in Clinton's garbage that he could very easily dump on her campaign, yet has chosen to take the high road and fight her with fairness. He believes the American people who have short memories and may not recall the Clinton scandals will have the intelligence to do what is right and research her background so see this garbage without him having to bring it up.

As for the attacks regarding the Florida and Michigan revotes...wow!!! They both agreed those votes wouldn't count. DONE DEAL!!! You can't cry about it after the fact because you are losing. I don't get a redo when I am losing in a game with my family or when I don't like the results at work. RULES ARE RULES. Even if there was a revote, how unfair is that to the Obama campaign. His name wasn't even on the tickets so all those people who would have voted for him in the first place but voted for Republican can no longer vote. The only fair way would be to disregard ALL votes, both Democrat and Republican, so that everyone can vote for who they truly want. You all know that if Hillary was winning and Obama wanted a revote, she would not accept this. I can't believe the HRC supportors who don't see that. I also believe that in those states where the votes counted, once you vote democrat or republican in the primaries/caucuses, you must vote within that same party for the general election. It is dirty tactics to vote for the candidate to most likely lose to your candidate.
And finally, for those of you who claim you will vote Republican if your candidate doesn't win the nomination...are you for real? Both of our Democratic nominees would be fine presidents and will get this country turned around. We are in a economic mess and don't need another Republican president who is going to keep giving our money to the rich while the poor and middle class are losing their homes and can't afford to put gas in their cars and milk on the table. Why are we spending billions and billions of dollars to fight this war when that money could be used right here to take care of our own people? We need to take care of AMERICA first!!!! The money for this war is coming of our pockets and for what?? It is going to be many many years before Iraq can stand on its own two feet.
It is going to take a MAJOR Obama scandal that truly makes the Clintons look like saints before I jump ship.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Gloria Florida Gulf coast — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:55:37 GMT

Obama cannot change our political system, get rid of special interests groups and lobbyists. This is a GIANT fraud that the ignorant general public and Obama cult members don't get. Political Science 101 indeed. This is all a hyped up bunch of crapola. This guy is also a racist who has hidden hatred for whites and Jews. Shame on him for turning all this around to make it look like racism against blacks, when it is really against whites and Jew. Horrible. This democrat will not be voting for him.

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:56:52 GMT

Hey Dottie, sure they could do that.
But then just to be fair, Hardball and Countodwn should also play the video of the ABC News interview with Barrack Obama, in which he said that Tony Rezko never asked him for any political favors.
Then show copies of the letter(s) Obama wrote to the State of Illinios, and The City of Chicago lobbying for Rezko to get 14 million dollars in taxpayer funds for housing projects outside the district Obama represented as a state senator.
I mean, after all....you want coverage of this primary cycle to be FAIR don't you?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Kenny, New York, New York — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:56:59 GMT

I think everyone has forgotten that the superdelegates represent a portion of the delegates given to each state. For example, New Jersey was given 127 delegates but twenty of those delegates are superdelegates. Therefore, doesn’t it just make sense that the superdelagtes should vote for the winner of their state’s primary/caucus? Why should states with big democratic populations loose their superdelegates to a candidate that did not win that state’s popular vote?

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Hillary 08-Madam President — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:57:38 GMT

I would like to see John Edwards first going to run speech and the speech Obama used this time to run for Pres. Do that split screen ok. Look it up interesting. I wanted Gore to win. Thought it was wrong he had the popular vote too. The Electoral Votes trump that and if Obama was experienced enough he wuld have known that. I dont want to lose White House again and neither does Hillary. She learns from time not Obama. She has the lead in electral votes. That is that. Not again .Obama is not electable and I know he would lose in Fall .All our two families(husband and mine) plan to vote McCain or not at all if Obama is the one. No one trashes our country. Even the young ones are with us.Hillary 08 we are not alone

First thoughts: Clinton's Day

Mary in AL — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:59:39 GMT

Dear Chuck,

Please talk about Clinton's outlandish claim about being under gunfire in Bosnia and the clip that shows her being greeted by a child. This has to be the most outlandish whopper of a tale. She has blatantly lied and expects people to not notice?!