McCain's preemptive strike

Angry Vet, Minn. — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:33:19 GMT

Your metaphor alert is a fantastic METAPHOR of what is wrong in the mainstream media. To me, that sounds like a JOKE. Not surprising, since Obama is pretty good at using humor in his speeches and on debates. In fact, he seems like a funny guy.

But no, the MSM continues parsing every single word looking for hidden meaning. Jeez, you guys astound me sometimes with your obtuse approach to reporting.

McCain's preemptive strike

Lisa, New Britain, CT CT for Obama — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:33:38 GMT

Hey, I'll be happy to buy Obama a steak in NYC...and I'll top it off with cheesecake at Juniors (I lived in NYC for 14 years before moving to CT).

Keep us wondering Barack and Bloomberg.

Recession yes or no, the downturn in economics is the big issue (I link it to Iraq, hands down those are the two biggies).

McCain's preemptive strike

JohnnyU, WA State — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:37:01 GMT

I listened online to Obama's speech. Very impressive. He gets it. Consequently he gets my vote.
Obama '08

McCain's preemptive strike

Kathryn in Bham — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:38:47 GMT

Journalism 101:
The headline should lead in to the body copy. Hello, First Read! The entire copy exposed without clicking to go to the next page is about your poster boy...Very frustrating!!!
Campaigning 101:
It obviously gets those of us NOT interested in more about Obama to have to suffer through more fluff to get to the part about McCain and the GOP...

McCain's preemptive strike

Julia, Illinois — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:39:07 GMT

Wow, I have been waiting for this level of detail on the economy from Obama for some time. During his speech, especially the parts dealing with the regulation of the financial markets, I found myself saying "Yes! Finally!"

Barack Obama will make a superb president.

McCain's preemptive strike

Aimee Mack — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:39:11 GMT

McCain is pragmatic and realistic about the economy and doesn't have pie in the sky ideas. This comes from experience. He is the obvious choice for president.

McCain's preemptive strike

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:39:15 GMT

FirstRead. An Iraq thread might be timely.
Dien bien phu...er the green zone is burning, 16 rockets on Wednesday, several rounds this morning.
According to MSNBC 'tens of thousands of Shiites are protesting the crackdown by the Iraqi government.
Basra is in rebellion. A pipeline blast has interrupted oil flow. Do we need to Re-Surge or are
these just more growing pains of flowering democracy? Just a curiosity but is anybody in the press gonna shove this in the candidates faces? Especially McBushes?

just asking

McCain's preemptive strike

Scott — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:39:41 GMT

McCain's preemptive strike

Bruce St. Helens Or — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:40:46 GMT

Regarding the technical definition of recession, the statement attributed to Obama that 'most economists agree that we are in a recession' was reported last week in the Wall Street Journal. The current situation is much like the Titanic - the ship wasn't believed to be sinking until everyone's feet got wet. For those who do not believe the US economy is in recession, I suggest they should find some dry socks.

McCain's preemptive strike

James, Wichita, KS — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:41:51 GMT

Time to get past Hillary and get on with the General. Obama is a strong candidate and will make a great president.

BTW - the Huffpost had a great illustration of the sniper fire incident that Hillary was involved with. See it here:

http://laststopmidwest.blogspot.com/

McCain's preemptive strike

Sunshine, Peoria IL — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:42:54 GMT

Ok we have a choice of Billary(Monica Lewinsky, Norman Hsu,Nafta, Paula Jones,Failed Health Care)or we have a choice of McBush(Lobbyist ties, 100 years of war, senile confusion of countries & extremists,embracement of Bush Policies, and knows nothing about the economy).Both of which approved this war which is pulling us into recession. No thanks, I'll take the guy with the bad pastor!!!

McCain's preemptive strike

adam harrell, atlanta, ga — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:43:07 GMT

Can we get some coverage of the content of Obama's speech today? How'd it go over? It seemed wide-ranging historical and showed a nuanced understanding of the conditions & decisions which led to our current economic state.

McCain's preemptive strike

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:44:33 GMT

A Bloomberg endorsement for Obama would be great. I even think that a position in Obama's administration could be good for the country as well. Common sense would tell you that Mr. Bloomberg would not endorse Sen. Clinton because his Independent run at the Presidency was based on Clinton getting the Democratic nod. He knew that her polarization and high negatives would create an opening for him.

In other news, First Read could you cover the Elton John fundraiser for Sen. Clinton that is breaking FEC regulations? Technically Bubba also broke the rules because in taking those donations from foreign interests for his "library" and "charity" (read: funneled into Sen. Clinton's campaign by way of a $5 million loan). I guess we won't know the complete answer to that last one until Sen. Clinton shows some transparency.

McCain's preemptive strike

think — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:47:14 GMT

Why should be surprised by linking Obama with a payback. He's a POLITICIAN just like all the rest of them. Maybe his supporters will sober up at somme point and realize that.

McCain's preemptive strike

gmhussein, jupiter, fl — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:47:16 GMT

Whether or not the current economic situation(MESS)can be classified a true recession, the country is going down the tubes. For those of us on limited incomes, it already is a recession. There is no way to gild it, life as we knew it is no more. The struggle to keep our heads above the costs of every day living is truly difficult.

Yet, what little extra I have, I will give to the Obama campaign to ensure his message will be heard by all who will listen.

McCain's preemptive strike

Larry again — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:47:31 GMT

why does Senator Obama,continue to refuse to have a new election in Michigan,when "everyone" else says let's do it to make it fair ?

McCain's preemptive strike

HT — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:49:36 GMT

Nccain should be watching the reports from Iraq instead of talking about subjects he has no knowledge of.The dreaded civil war is going on over his protests.

McCain's preemptive strike

A concerned American — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:54:37 GMT

By the way check this out about Obama:

Barrack Hussein Obama and his "Connections"

Michelle Obama
The wife of Barrack Hussein Obama has made anti-American statements. Mrs. Obama’s college dissertation, entitled "Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community" was written under her maiden name, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson, in 1985.

Obama championed a $1,000,000 earmark for a Chicago area hospital in 2006. It benefitted Michelle Obama, that same hospital’s VP of Community Affairs.

“For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.” Michelle Obama

Stepbrother Abongo “Roy” Obama
Luo activist and a militant radical Wahabbi Muslim who argues that the black man must “liberate himself from the poisoning influences of European culture.” He urges his younger brother to embrace his African heritage.

Stepfather Lolo Soetoro
An Indonesian Muslim, a Wahabbi extremist

Raila Odinga
From Kenya. 1st paternal cousin to Obama. Son of a former leader Oginga Odinga.
Luo Islamofacist and communist Oragne Democratic Movement (ODM) and the National Muslim leaders Formum (NMIF). Odinga supports radical Sharia in Kenya.
Obama campaigned for Odinga in August of '06. Odinga is behind the genocide in Kenya.
Odinga linked with Abdulkader al Bakri (al Qaeda) and Libyan Muammar Gadaffi.

Read Raila Odinga's Memorandum of Understanding with the Moslems in Kenya
Where he advocates turning the nation of Kenya into an Islamic state, and among other things:
• Within 6 months re-write the Constitution of Kenya to recognize Shariah as the only true law sanctioned by the Holy Quran for Muslim declared regions.
• Effective immediately, dismiss the Commissioner of Police who has allowed himself to be used by heathens and Zionists to oppress the Kenyan Muslim community.
• Within one year facilitate the establishment of a Shariah court in every Kenyan divisional headquarters.
• Popularize Islam, the only true religion, in the coast and north eastern regions, by ordering every primary school in Kenya to conduct daily Madrassa classes.

Antoin Tony Rezko
Federally indicted & arrested, currently on trial in Chicago
Formally charged w/ extortion, loan fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, soliciting a bribe, aiding and abetting bribery, and money laundering.
Campaign fundraiser for Obama campaign
Obama has had to return nearly $200,000 in dirty political campaign contributions linked to Rezko

“Barack Obama on Friday acknowledged that he had substantially underrepresented the cash raised for his earlier campaigns by indicted businessman Antoin “Tony” Rezko. But Obama's campaign said it could not donate to charity as much as $90,000 in newly acknowledged Rezko-linked contributions because the old campaign accounts were closed and the money spent. “

article: Rezko role bigger than Admitted By KENNETH P. VOGEL Politico.com

To read more: Article entiteld: Rezco Link Bigger Than Admitted

To read more about Obama association with Tony Rezko: http://rezkowatch.blogspot.com/

William “Bill” Ayers
Is a former political terrorist (member of the Weather Underground) that bombed many state and federal buildings. Ayers is now a Professor of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This is Obama's 'Weatherman' Connection.

"William Ayers, in the age of terrorism, will be Barack Obama's Willie
Horton."
-Former counterterrorism official Larry C. Johnson,
The Huffington Post, Feb. 16, 2008

To view Ayers mug shot visit: Bill Ayers Mugshot

Khaleel Ahmed
Indicted and arrested for conspiring to commit terrorist acts against American military personnel in Iraq, as well as others abroad, in an Islamic holy war against the United States and its allies. He contributed $2000 to Obama for Illinois Senatorial campaign. Connected to Mohammad Zaki Amawi, Marwan Othman El-hindi and Wassim Mazloum

The New Black Panther Party
Reverse Racists Endorse Obama. Apparently, after the organization endorsed Obama, The New Black Panther Party logo was posted on Obama’s official campaign website.

Jeremiah Wright
Pastor Trinity Church espouses Liberation Theology. Anti-American speeches were made during his career. He awarded the “Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. Trumpet” Award to Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam. Wright is an Afrocentrist, friend and spiritual advisor of Obama. He was the pastor at Obama’s wedding and baptized Obama’s children. According to their tax returns, The Obama’s donated $22,500 to this church in 2006.

Louis Farrakhan
Radical Islamofacist, Afrocentrist and Anti-Semitic Leader of the Nation of Islam.
Proclaimed white people the blue eyed devils. Obama’s Church gave Farrakhan the Dr.
Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. Trumpet Award in 2008.

Al Sharpton
Extremist agitator, anti-semitic, Friend of Obama and Friend of Louis Farrakhan.

Jesse Jackson
Anti-Semitic. In 1984 described New York City as "Hymietown" and in 1979 complained
he was sick and tired of hearing about the Holocaust. Friend of Obama & Farrakhan.

Che Guevara
Camp Obama adores him

Nadhmi Auchi
An Iraqi billionaire embroiled in a corruption scandal in France. He loaned 3 million to Antoin Rezko to buy 2 residential Mansion properties next to each other. Rezko "sells" one property to Obama. Involved in at least one power generation contract involving Chicago-based tycoon Antoin Rezko and Iraq's Former Minister of Electricity, Aiham Alsamarrae, who has been convicted over corruption charges in Iraq and is now living in Chicago. Nadhmi Auchi was charged along with Saddam Hussein for conspiring to assassinate Iraqi President Abdul-Karim Qasim in 1959. Qasim was injured while his bodyguard was killed; Saddam managed to flee the country. Auchi was arrested for delivering weapons to the assassins but was later pardoned by President Qasim.

Aiham Alsammarae Alsamarra
Former Iraqi Electricity Minister in former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's Cabinet. In October, a few days after his conviction, he fled but was later apprehended at the Baghdad International Airport carrying a Chinese passport. He was accused of squandering $2 billion in public funds for contracts to rebuild Iraq’s electrical infrastructure. He was convicted on corruption charges and sentenced to two years in prison. In 2006 Alsammarae made two escapes from the Baghdad jail which is located within the Green Zone. Several Iraqi politicians rejected the reports of Samurai’s escape; instead, they accused U.S. forces of storming the prison and freeing him. Alsammarae is still wanted by Interpol for the theft of $650 million in Iraqi reconstruction funds stolen from the Coalition Provisional Authority between 2003-2006.

Several letters were sent to Obama's Office to help him get out of jail.

Gregg Steinberg
Political fundraiser, currently being indicted on federal charges.
Contributed to Barack Obama's campaign.

For more information on THE Steinberg indictment visit: Gregg Steinberg indictment at:
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=416056

McCain's preemptive strike

Jaspreet Kochar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:55:12 GMT

that maybe the text book definition for recession. but that is not required for a recession to be declared. there is a economic cycle dating committee which is a part of nber, which officials dates the start and end of a recession.
their url: http://www.nber.org/cycles/main.html has more info on this.

McCain's preemptive strike

John Lemaster Houston Texas — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:56:02 GMT

“As I said on Tuesday, I believe the role of government is to help the truly needy,"

I am voting for Obama but this opeing line of this quote thrills my republican friends. McCain is a pro immigrantation & Pro social program "Conservative." This is why democrats are falling over themselves to vote for him.

Can you realy believe how he defines the role of government: to help the truly needy. Even if the Dems lose the Progressives win and the conservatives lose.

Go Obama, or Clinton, or McCain. All three will serve McCains defined role of the Government. Help the Truly Needy.

McCain's preemptive strike

Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:56:42 GMT

McCain has as much credibility to talk about economic issues as [fill in the blank] in view of his Keating 5 days, and his own statement he doesn't know much about economics. McCain is the same do-nothing approach as Bush, except make things worse with inaction, and this rediculous continued financial commitment in Iraq. He will bankrupt us all for sure...

McCain's preemptive strike

AP from IL — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:58:57 GMT

I've been mulling the possibility of an Obama/Bloomberg ticket for awhile now. Obama needs to move to the right just a bit and he needs more economic clout. Bloomberg will also firm up the independent vote and be a great foil to McCain.

I am totally against Hillary Clinton on the presidential ticket at all. She is devisive and self serving. I do not think she and Obama will make a cohesive team and Bill Clinton's mouth during the general will be no help at all.

Obama/Bloomberg 08

McCain's preemptive strike

Amber, Arlington Texas — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:02:05 GMT

Of course McBush would not know anything about how to help people with their forclosures or anything else to do with the economy. He has said on more than one occasion that he needs to be "educated" on the subject of the economy, and that it is not his strong point. How in the world can you be President of the US and not know anything about how to run a 12 trillion dollar budget?!?

McCain's preemptive strike

Enrique, Chicago — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:03:21 GMT

Would John McCain consider the needless war in Iraq a big government program that socks it to the face of American taxpayers? Considering Saddam Hussein had no responsibility for the attacks on 9/11 and did not possess WMD, we have lost thousands of lives (not to mention Iraqi lives) and close to $1 trillion dollars.

Why isn't John McCain upset over the big government program that we have going in Iraq?

McCain's preemptive strike

JOHN DOENUT — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:04:53 GMT

WHAT IS A LENDING INSTITUTION IF NOT A BANK?

McCain's preemptive strike

twocanpete — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:06:06 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Illegal aliens in, jobs out. Great econmomic plan by all three candidates.

McCain's preemptive strike

donna, pgh., pa. — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:06:37 GMT

You're splitting hairs. Send your pollsters out to any gas station, grocery store, pharmacy, or medical facility, and consult the citizenry whether or not they agree with Senator Obama's assessment. The technicalities of our economy don't make a whole- heck-of-a-lot-of-difference to them. He is after-all addressing the layperson, not economists. If he were to make his message full of difficult facts, and figures he would lose most of us. George Bush comes across as untruthful when he nit-picks about the sad state of our financial nightmare. Both McCain, and Clinton were tough to follow when they delivered their speeches on the economy this week. The economist's definition can stand a little tweaking on this one. It is what it is.

Pulling for Obama '08

McCain's preemptive strike

JimP, Homestead, FL — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:06:50 GMT

I must say that while listening to Hillary give her speech I find her overall tone really annoying. It sounds like she is reading a story to a bunch of preschoolers....Does everybody get a gold star at the end?

McCain's preemptive strike

Cindy Merrill — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:07:36 GMT

McCain has it right: Bailing out the loan companies that scammed the vulnerable consumers into prime lending loans in the first place is disgusting and absolutely CRIMINAL! Obama and Clinton are on the wrong side of this one. I lost my home a year ago, so I know what's what here.

McCain's preemptive strike

WhittyoneUSMC, DC — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:08:38 GMT

“... what is not necessary is a multi-billion dollar bailout for big banks and speculators ..."

Isn't that exactly what the gov't did for Wall Street?

McCain's preemptive strike

Ron, TX — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:08:42 GMT

Paul Krugman, economic afficiando extraordinaire, has a few choice words for Hillary's economic "plan"
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/all-stars/

All-stars

OK, this is pretty dumb. Hillary Clinton wants a high-level commission to analyze ways to resolve the mortgage crisis — including Alan Greenspan.
Yes, I know people still listen when Greenspan speaks — and John McCain once joked about taking Greenspan’s advice even if he’s dead. But for those in the know, AG is a key villain in the whole affair.
I mean, why not add Charles Prince, Stanley O’Neal, and Angelo Mozilo to the commission?
---

Hillary's modest proposal (to wreck the housing market)
The current mortgage mess requires a more intelligent approach than the buzzsaw plan floated by Hillary Clinton.
By Jon Birger, senior writer

--

Fortune Magazine Chief Editor calls Clinton's housing proposal "disastrous"

http://money.cnn.com/2008/01/16/commentary/birger_clinton.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008011617
Hillary Clinton's proposal to freeze interest rates for five years could be disastrous.
(Fortune) -- Hillary Clinton is no dummy. Even her detractors know that. And yet in last night's Democratic presidential debate in Nevada, Clinton floated what is perhaps the dumbest solution to the current mortgage mess I've heard from a top presidential contender.

"I have a plan - a moratorium on foreclosures for 90 days [and] freezing interest rates for five years, which I think we should do immediately,"

McCain's preemptive strike

mobley,Ohio — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:10:39 GMT

"The definition of a recession, as CNBC's Maria Bartiromo pointed out on Meet the Press this past Sunday, is two consecutive quarters of negative growth."

Because she is using Wall Streets metrics which fortunately has the backing of the Bush Administration

McCain's preemptive strike

Allen M, Omaha, NE — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:10:50 GMT

Sooooo, is he critical of the BS bailout or not? Did the Feds do the right thing or not according to this standard of thinking?
Sounds to me like the same ol' same ol'...protect Wall Street and lecture the Consumer for not reading the fine print on page 374, Section A, Article 57.
Typical...nice display of trickle down economics.

McCain's preemptive strike

R.Merrell — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:11:06 GMT

John McCain: "There is a tendency for liberals to seek big government programs that sock it to American taxpayers while failing to solve the very real problems we face." Oh really??? So Bush's TRILLION dollar failure in Iraq, currently running $12 BILLION a month is a liberal program? The same war program John McCain wants to continue for the next 100 years? For that kind of money (and a lot less) real problems faced by Americans could be addressed like healthcare, roads, bridges and infrastructure, education, medical research, energy independence - the list is endless. Instead, McCain wants to perpetuate the endless war in Iraq, costing untold billions with no way of paying for it. The war only benefits the war contractors, not the American taxpayer. And so it goes with the Republicans: More war, less taxes, God willing.

McCain's preemptive strike

JimP, Homestead FL — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:12:07 GMT

Larry Again -

Don't blame Obama because the Dems in your state KNOWINGLY broke the rules. I live in Florida and I can't blame anybody but the democratic voters in Florida who didn't speak up when they saw on the news for weeks that their votes wouldn't count if the rules were broken.

McCain's preemptive strike

OBAMA IS NOT WRIGHT FOR AMERICA! — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:15:19 GMT

I'm sure Clinton will attack Obama as being "naive" for using the "R" word "recession."

She's so stale at this point. Every time she attacks him for not having experience, I think, "well neither do you. it's just that he hasn't LIED about his decades of experience."
Scott (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:39 AM)

-----------------------------------------------
Experience is something BO is lacking.

He has lots of WRIGHT experience but he has no love for AMERICA!

McCain's preemptive strike

OBAMA IS NOT WRIGHT FOR AMERICA! — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:15:26 GMT

McCain's preemptive strike

AC in LA, CA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:20:14 GMT

Larry again, quit LYING. The MI election is dead because it would be illegal for any Republicans who already voted to crossover & vote again. In an open Dem primary, this would give an unfair advantage to Clinton. The decision was not in Obama's hands to make.

The polls show the people can see thru the Clinton spin, so plz give it a rest.

McCain's preemptive strike

Josh S., Raleigh, NC — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:20:22 GMT

Come on MSNBC.

You guys dont like Hillary or McCain.

I did not say anything until now because I do not like Hillary either. But seriously, you guys have tried to wipe her out.

This is getting ridiculous. I have seen know that you guys are switching to hitting McCain hard. Your word choices for his statements are obviously biased. I have never been a big fan of McCain, but you guys are pushing me toward that in your obvious hatred of him.

Please try to be fair. Do not use words like "strike" and "attack" so loosely. Hillary and Obama do much worse to each other without the same headlines.

A few more times of bias and I am going to have to start reading Fox news.

McCain's preemptive strike

Jessica — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:20:34 GMT

why does Senator Obama,continue to refuse to have a new election in Michigan,when "everyone" else says let's do it to make it fair ?
Larry again (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:47 AM)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hey Larry, instead of repeating lies from the Clintons, why don't you go do some research and ask the Michigan legislators why they moved up the primaries when they KNEW they would loose their delegates? Obama didn't force them to do this.

ALso while you are at it, why don't you ask Your Girl Billary why she didn't care so much about Michigan and Florida back when she went along with stripping the delegates and signed the pledge.

Of course you would NEVER want to ask her that because she would just spew more LIES.

Too bad she is FOOLING YOU!!!!!!

Keep sending her money though. She needs to pay herself back the 5 mill she lent herself.

Hahahahahahahaha!!!!!

McCain's preemptive strike

adam/Brooklyn New York City — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:21:38 GMT

It's obvious that McCain doesn't get it.

The hole freakin' economy needs a bail out right now. Big Banks and lendees.

We can't let banks fail, we can't let homeowners fail. Simply stating that this is a complex issue doesn't cut it. That's what you say when you have no idea how to fix it.

I'm surprised nobody is lumping healthcare into the economy. It's one of the biggest strains on the economy and it's headed toward disaster.

If there's no money to lend, no houses being sold, and banks close to failure, the last thing we need is to experience inflation on the healthcare front. WHICH WE WILL.

McCain is just making stuff up. We're at a point where the hole system needs to be overhauled before we're in a depression.

McCain's preemptive strike

Alan, NJ — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:30:45 GMT

To all the posters who are against the MI re-vote. Just remember that they get a second chance in November (as will FL). You tell me who they will vote for then? McCain or the guy who used surrogates to ensure that they did not get a vote to decide who was the Democratic nominee?

McCain's preemptive strike

Jay, Dallas, tx — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:32:12 GMT

Liberals want big government solutions to problems, McCain???? Really? This comming from the party that under Bush oversaw the largest expansion of the size, cost and power of the federal government in history!! You got to be joking.

How can any republican try to blaim "big government" policies on democrats with a straight face?

What a joke.

McCain's preemptive strike

Seattle Sue — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:39:04 GMT

I could not help but notice MSNBC covered all of Obama's speech today, which was about 30 to 35 minutes but after less than 10 minutes of Clinton's speech MSNBC lost the connection, but picked it up later for about 5 minutes. CNN did not do much better. I watched all of Obama and he sounded quite informed. But I was not given the chance to watch all of Clinton's.

McCain's preemptive strike

Fred C Dobbs Sierra Madre, CA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:47:32 GMT

If Obama can't take a punch in the primary maybe he should drop out and find a different occupation.

Maybe these superdelegates will lean on McCain to go easy on their man. Yes, let's make it a gentle election campaign. Let's forget about the Obama racist ties to Wright and the rest of his blunders as well as his wife's.

As for the the sick posts above - get a life.

McCain's preemptive strike

Sierra, SF — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:50:41 GMT

'...Obama/Bloomberg 08
AP from IL...'

Be careful what you wish for, AP
I understand that Bloomberg is as big a hawk as Clinton and McCain

I want Obama to run with a 'progressive' running mate
Sen Kohl or Sen. Reed

Might also be better to placate women.....
Obama/Napolitano or Obama/Sebilius or Obama/Murray

'...not big banks and speculators that acted irresponsibly. I again call on our lending institutions, where possible, to step up and help Americans who are hurting in this crisis.”...'

Bear Stearns acted irresponsibly
We bailed them out
Apparently, if your bakn is big enough, it won't be allowed to fail....

Shouldn't there be SOME regulations on the big banks /Investment banks ?

Bear Stearns had a margin of 30 to 1 or more
Shouldn't there be some margin requirements for banks if we have to bail them out ?

McCain's preemptive strike

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:52:33 GMT

Can't a steak sometimes just mean a steak?

Regarding McCain's League of Democracies, will Iran be included? They used to be a democracy until we ran that coup that installed the shah. And today their sorta kinda a democracy again.

We can guess that Cuba won't be invited. Of course we couldn't have anything to do with them because their not a democracy, like our good friends the Saudis.

So what would McCain's proposed league look like? NATO?

McCain's preemptive strike

Blaine — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:54:50 GMT

Wow. It looks like the Clinton Kool-Aid has been served in overwhelming portions this morning. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that the polls that were "supposed" to be in downward spiral for Obamamania because of the Wright Sham. Sorry Clintonistas, the Bosnia Lie was worse. NEXT.

McCain's preemptive strike

Gary=PITT — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:00:15 GMT

To concerned (reactive, racist) American:

wow - what a list. It might have taken you quite a bit of time to compile this nutty stuff all about others than the Sneator himself.

I would suggest, however, that this would not even fill a chapter in the Hillary Clinton boook of scandals and foul play that she herself has been responsible for.

McCain's preemptive strike

Illinidiva Chicago, IL — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:07:28 GMT

“As I said on Tuesday, I believe the role of government is to help the truly needy," ...

I guess if you consider the truly needy people who were stupid enough to think that they could buy $500K houses on their $50K/ year salaries, then Obama is for helping the truly needy. However, this strikes me as a middle class welfare bailout for people who should have known better. People and companies ought to have to face the consequences for their actions. To bail them out just rewards bad behavior and poor decisions.

McCain's preemptive strike

Houston — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:22:46 GMT

[[By payback does he just mean a steak?]]

Or could it be that Obama was just joking? And the media types love to call other people "paranoid conspiracy theorists." Geez.

McCain's preemptive strike

No McMore of the Same, CO — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:34:53 GMT

McCain has no "pie in the sky" or any other ideas on the economy. Time and again he admits to ignorance and total reliance on advisers. How does he then propose to judge the adviser's advice?

We've already seen the Bush model of a Delegator in Chief, proud of his ignorance, making decisions with absolutely no clue as to how to evaluate what he's being fed.

The model we need is a delegator with the kind of solid grounding and broad knowlege in many spheres that allows INFORMED evaluation of expert advice. You know, more like Captain Picard on the Enterprise and less like Homer Simpson.

We don't need McSame.

McCain's preemptive strike

Teddy Lipske, Barton, MS — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:41:00 GMT

I've always wondered who these "some experts" and "most experts" are. A talking moron like Katie Couric will say "Most experts believe XYZ.". Does anyone have any idea who these "most experts" are?

McCain's preemptive strike

Dave, AZ. — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:48:22 GMT

Of the issues we have before us health care (government driven) is the least of our concerns. Anyone that feels this is an issue, ask your representative to REQUIRE health INSURANCE companies become non-profit centers paying workers at least one-tenth of what the highest paid officer (or other employee) gets paid. Or require that the INSURANCE companies pay out at least 90% of the premiums paid to them. Most Health Care Providers spend about 30-40% of their income filling out paperwork for those insurance companies.

As to which candidate is the best: The Democrats will not get to elect their best candidate, the superdelegates will. The Republicans will not get to elect the best candidate, they only get whomever the money guys allow. Until we modify this system to allow only POPULAR vote without the delegates and remove the primaries, we will only get what they want us to have.

McCain's preemptive strike

Houston — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:55:13 GMT

A "concerned racist" [[Stepbrother Abongo “Roy” Obama ]] and other crap

Hey what about the worst guilt-by-association thing you can throw at Obama: his cousin is Chicken Dick Cheney!!! Oh, the scandal!!!!

McCain's preemptive strike

CAPITAL KING — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:56:39 GMT

When I CAPITALIZE things...my arguments are BETTER!

WHEN I TYPE IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, MY IDEAS ARE UNSTOPPABLE!

McCain's preemptive strike

Houston — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:59:58 GMT

Illinidiva [[I guess if you consider the truly needy people who were stupid enough to think that they could buy $500K houses on their $50K/ year salaries, then Obama is for helping the truly needy.]]

If you think the truly needy are investment banks whose big swindles got them in trouble, the McCain will be helping the truly needy like our current "compassionate conservative" prez id doing.

McCain's preemptive strike

Rich, Pittsburgh PA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:07:24 GMT

I am really sick of all of the whining from Florida and Michigan. You broke the rules; plain and simple. You knowingly marched forward against the set rules flipping the bird to everyone as you did it. You spit in the eye of national tradition and rules. Now you want to whine because everyone is sticking to there principles (except for the Clinton's...but what do we really expect?).

It also shows how self-centered and egotistical these states and lawmakers are when people are posting about it on articles that have nothing to do with them. I'm sure there is a story about some poor soul dying in Iraq somewhere on the msnbc webpage with a comment about how "unfairly" Florida and Michigan are being treated.

I have an idea. Since we here in PA are having a primary soon, why don't we move our 2012 primary up to the same day. Granted its against the rules, nonsensical and against national tradition and values; but who cares! Pennsylvanians feel that we are more important than all of those things and everyone else! And if you don't listen to our ridiculous demands, we will whine and complain and call you un-American.

So come on 2012 Presidential hopefuls! Pennsylvania wants to hear what you have to say!

McCain's preemptive strike

KJ, CR, IA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:07:37 GMT

Who cares what the technical definition of a recession is, or whether the expert economists call it a recession or not? Those of us trying to make it from one paycheck to the next know a recession when it hits. Obama knows it from talking to both the economists and regular people paying too much for gas and groceries while our salaries lag behind inflation.
McHandMeMyCane knows zilch about economics - used the term "systemic risk" in his speech the other day but I'm sure he doesn't know what that is (which also proves he can't even write his own speeches). Hillary's proposal for the mortgage crisis falls way short of soving the real problem. Same is true of health care. Hillary thinks forcing people to buy insurance will solve the problem; Obama understands that a huge part of getting everyone affordable health care is to first get the cost of care under control, so we're not paying hospitals $150 apiece for bandages. Of these three candidates, only Obama gets it - he will solve problems at their root causes, not just put expensive band aids on them.

McCain's preemptive strike

Jmp, Northern MN — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:10:42 GMT

Four years ago, I became disabled and divorced all at the same time. My income is very minimal.

Other than a small reserve in the bank, the ONLY ASSET I have in this world is the equity in my home.

I haven't done anything wrong.
I've made all my house payments.
I've made them all on time.

I need to sell my home and move at this time.

...But my house is worth about $50K LESS than it was last year!!!! I've esentially LOST $50,000!

Hey, I don't feel sorry for some of the folks that are being foreclosed upon. I don't feel bad for the banks either... But why should I, someone who's followed ALL the rules, get screwed???

Something needs to be done to prevent an allout housing crash--where many innocent, hardworking Americans will be deeply hurt.

McCain's preemptive strike

Michael, Seattle, WA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:11:23 GMT

“However, what is not necessary is a multi-billion dollar bailout for big banks and speculators, as Senators Clinton and Obama have proposed. There is a tendency for liberals to seek big government programs that sock it to American taxpayers while failing to solve the very real problems we face."

I've been following the developments of the mortgage crisis, and it seems to me it's the Republicans in our current administration (and not Clinton or Obama) that are proposing to bailout the "big banks" and there's been no proposal by this (Republican) administration to bailout the homeowners who are facing foreclosure. Can we call this out for what it is? Pandering to the public to their faces and then stabbing them crudely in the back.

It's a shame we have to deal with McCain going around spewing all these lies and our Democratic candidates don't have the time or inclination to call him out on these things because they're too busy attacking each other.

To be fair, Obama is just counter attacking all the baseless attacks by the Clinton campaign, but there are still too many of these personal attacks going on and ultimately we might see another Republican in office for the next 4 years. "Shame on you, Senator Clinton!" You should step down when you know mathematically it's impossible to win without disenfranchising a whole generation of voters who overwhelmingly have come out in support for Obama. First time registers and first time voters who will never participate in our Democratic process ever again if you, Senator Clinton decide to steal the nomination by pressing the super delegates, or as you tried to say before, steal Obama's pledged delegates. Yes they are free to make up their minds, but that decision has already been made when they were appointed to be delegates for Obama or yourself. To say that they have the right to vote for YOU after we voters appointed them to vote for Obama at the convention is completely INSANE! SHAME ON YOU, HILLARY!

McCain's preemptive strike

John B, Redwood City, CA. — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:16:33 GMT

The Democratic Party reminds me of Nero with a fiddle.

McCain's preemptive strike

Houston — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:19:20 GMT

Hmm. I guess I didn't read this post carefully enough, and neither did Illinidiva. It's McCain that said he wants to help the "truly needy" and that Obama and Clinton want to bail out banks. And if you believe any of that, there's a guy in Brooklyn with a bridge for sale.

McCain's preemptive strike

John Alexander,PA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:20:56 GMT

I know that now that Senator Clinton and Obama are discussing issues of importance to all americans, we can now make a better choice. McCain will now have to go along with the discussion that the democrats will shape, this is good because John will continue to look like a 'Johnny come lately' every news cycle.
The republicans thought that now that it is over for their party, they would skate into the general against whomever and beat them over the head with patriotism and moral victory speeches.
With the two democratic senators shaping the debate, the republicans will have to play catch up to get out in front of the news stories and will have a very hard time getting first face time on the news programs.
With the percentage of partisans on both sides of the dems campaign that said they would jump ship and vote for McCain if their dem candidate does not get the nod, these smaller issues like framing the debate, getting more news time, and focusing on an issue oriented campaign should win it for the donkey party, who ever is the nominee.
Whoever runs against the elephants, Clinton or Obama, it will be a very close race in the general election.