First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Chuck, NY — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:23:09 GMT

"Just like her last tall tale…”

Someone wrote yesterday that she is a congenital lair. I would have said pathological liar. Either way, why can’t the voters see this huge, humongous flaw in her? I guess in the Clinton war room they just sit around listening to the attack dogs Wolfson & Penn suggest various things to throw out and see what might stick. Do they sell coffee in Pennsylvania? Because the people there had better wake up and smell it.

Won’t the air seem cleaner, the days brighter, the happiness larger when she is out of the race?

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:30:17 GMT

McCain = WWIII!

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

JohnnyU, WA State — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:31:28 GMT

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

the Pajama Pundit — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:32:11 GMT

Ah, the Neocons. Those were the good 'ole days, right? RIGHT?!

Personally, I'm glad to see that Hagel and Powell "flirting" (although I don't think I'd use that term myself) with Obama. The potential of reaching across ideological differences to work in harmony is a very positive thing - and something that has largely been missing in American politics for a long time.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

BL, Cincinnati OH — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:40:36 GMT

McCain attacks the Dems saying that if we withdraw from Iraq that Iran and Al Qaida would take over Iraq... does the fool not realize that if he attacks Iran, that that would cause Iran and Al Qaida to take over Iraq?!?!

We simply don't have the forces to withstand an Iranian full assult on Iraq. Most of the Iraq militias would turn on us, and Iran is far more of a formidable foe than Iraq.

If he doesn't want to "lose the war in Iraq" then he better stay away from attacking Iran.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

BL, Cincinnati OH — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:41:19 GMT

I'd love to see an Obama/Hagel ticket.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Ron, TX — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:44:08 GMT

At first, I thought the "Return of the Neocons" paragraph was going to be about Hillary's foreign policy plans. Between her vote on the Kyl-Lieberman Iran bill labeling them terrorists and tying troop levels to Iran instead Iraq, and her reliance on "aggressive diplomacy", I just can't tell which side of the fence she's really on. I mean, when it mattered most, she got it wrong.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Kate Wilson, Ohio — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:44:11 GMT

Every notice how Chelsea was a stage prop for many months, and now she's talking at these town halls? Now we know why Hillary kept Chelsea mute for long, she really isn't that intelligent and doesn't have much to say.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Jeremiah Wright is a Bigot — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:44:11 GMT

"President" Obama = 911 Part Two
Think long and hard about it America, this is YOUR KIDS safety we're talking about here!

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Jim Banks, Towanda, PA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:44:30 GMT

Talking points - BS! Both articles were produced for the sole purpose of trying to scare the uninformed and provide talking points to the candidate the writers are supporting (Obama). Throw out the scary "Neocon" word and any poker player knows you don't reveal your cards "nothing off the table when it comes to Iran". This happens every election cycle with the Liberals. While the Party Pundits and their blind followers will soak it up anyone who can think for themselves will see through this political baiting. This is just another example of the Liberal press doing their best to try in shape the news in hopes of tilting the Presidential race in favor of their candidate. You see this on MSNBC all the time.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Patrick, Indianapolis — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:45:04 GMT

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Jim Banks, Towanda, PA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:51:16 GMT

Talking points - BS! Both articles were produced for the sole purpose of trying to scare the uninformed and provide talking points to the candidate the writers are supporting (Obama). Throw out the scary "Neocon" word in hopes of stirring up the Libs along with the McCain might start another war BS. Any poker player and non-pacifist know you don't reveal your cards "nothing off the table when it comes to Iran". This happens every election cycle with the Liberals. While the Party Pundits and their blind followers will soak it up anyone who can think for themselves will see through this political baiting. This is just another example of the Liberal press doing their best to try in shape the news in hopes of tilting the Presidential race in favor of their candidate.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

HP Boston — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:52:06 GMT

McCain & the neo-cons. This is why, as an Obama supporter, and one not particularly fond of Hillary, WILL vote Democratic in November regardless of which candidate is on the ballot. I implore all Barack & Hillary supporters to consider what it would mean to have McCain in office.
JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 9:31 AM)

----------------------------------------------
Well good for you Johnny, many others will shun the Dem's and their phony candidate and not go there.
The stink of this set up is making many of us to ill to vote for BO! Could be we are gagging on the fairy tale of Obama being shoved down our throats!

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

JohnnyU, WA State — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:53:00 GMT

Patrick,
I struggle with the same feelings you've expressed. But McCain is an absolute imbecile. It would be an absolute "lesser of two evils" decision if Hillary indeed steals the nomination. I agree with you on that. Just praying for Barack to prevail so it won't come to that.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Obama LIES — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:54:01 GMT

Kennedys brought Obamas father here to study-LIE
Selma march unites him to Selma concieved-LIE
Prof. at Chicago U. found to be only lecturer-LIE
Told Ohio his promise onNAFTA said no meeting with Canadians-LIE
Didnt hear anything wrong with Pastors sermons-LIE
Doesnt take money from Oil-same as all politicians he says he wants to change, takes bundled money from them. Hillary did too but didnt say she didnt or run an ad smearing other side with the untruth.LIE
Didnt know about Resko till proof--LIE and we could go on

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Class Warrior, D.C. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:55:59 GMT

First, Mcwar's favoring preemptive attacks on sovereign countries just continues Bush's policies of the Imperial America. He WILL attack Iran, guaranteed. He's already preparing us for it.
And if Romney hopes to overcome anti-Morman prejudice and become VP, he whould watch the news about the raids on the Big Love cult compounds, and realize that this stuff is what the public thinks when they hear "Mormon".

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Class Warrior, D.C. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:56:01 GMT

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Play Fair — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:56:34 GMT

Nobody wants to hear about Chelsea Clinton. The truth is that Hillary gets 3 times more coverage than anyone else. She is covered when she speaks, when Bill speaks, and when Chelsea speaks. If she has any negative coverage, it is directly a result of her own mistakes (sniper fire.) My daughter is afraid of her big eyes, and no matter how many times I change the channel, I can't make Hillary go away without shutting off the TV.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

jj — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:57:56 GMT

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

CitizenJ — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:58:19 GMT

If you want to get drafted and take a vacation to Iran, vote McWar in November.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Pat, Boston, MA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:00:09 GMT

"Curtis LeMay was appointed Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force in 1957 and Chief of Staff in 1961. As a member of the Joint Chiefs during the Cuban Missile Crisis, LeMay recommended that President John F. Kennedy send the navy and SAC to surround Cuba and if need be, "fry it." When the crisis ended peacefully, LeMay called it "the greatest defeat in our history."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The neo-cons remind me of this type of thinking. They are dangerous, dangerous people. Every damn one of them. You'll find most of them on Fox News spewing their propaganda.

They know nothing.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:00:14 GMT

Sorry JohnnyU,

If Clinton steals the nomination (which is the only way she can get it), not only will I vote for McCain, but I will vote Republican for every race down the ballot. Hillary Clinton is by far the worst candidate for President ever. She is infinitely more worthless and ignorant than George W. Bush.
Patrick, Indianapolis (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 9:45 AM)

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you must've forgotten to take your meds today with a post like that! Or, you aren't for real. I am an ardent Hillary supporter but will surely vote Obama is he's the nominee so as not to have a third Bush term. And, if you say Bush is bad, why would you vote for McCain, since he would continue all of Bush's failed policies? If you are an Obama supporter and Hillary is the nominee, how can you vote for McCain who is the polar opposite of your preferred nominee candidate and, since despite all the heated rhetoric, Hillary and Obama are, for the most part, on the same page when it comes to all the major issues? I suspect you are a republican trying to put a monkey wrench into the nomination process. Nice try.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Hillary-08 all the way!! — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:01:12 GMT

Patrick,Indianapolis what do you base that on? Obama has writers write him a speech. He motivates with his read of it (like his grammy) and world believes its his.He copies others words and ideas.Has hate and anti American people all around him and his wife has to be kept in background . Her latest blunder calling for whites to be put in back of her for her speech and being overheard. Obama doesnt know people at all, well not working people anyway.His supporter leading him around to look average didnt work.Polls by media so low for Hillary to keep her voters from voting isnt working. Hillary will win but it will be earned. She didnt go on week vacation when it gets testy. Media just completely avoided that. If Obama gets nom. He will lose in Nov. for sure and that would be a steal.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Tim, Reading, PA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:01:22 GMT

HP, Boston,
I am curious as to why you claim you will not vote for Obama. Is there a policy problem you have with him? Is it a personality problem? Is it a trust thing? And which canidate did you vote for? I am just curious because you've been more venomus than normal lately?

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Lisa, New Britain, CT CT for Hope! — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:01:34 GMT

Note to Hagel and Powell, come on board!! You know Obama's the best choice of the three. A natural leader, a uniter, a great communicator, fantastic learning curve, and very intelligent and open-minded. You know he's the best choice. What are you waiting for!

Obama for America (proud to be a hopemonger)

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Lisa, New Britain, CT CT for Hope! — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:03:13 GMT

Guess the machine got to Masloff, huh?

And just what is going on in California...just who is afraid of undeclared allegiances or undue influence. Inquiring minds want to know!

Obama for America 08

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

JSmith — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:04:54 GMT

This is just in:

Nelson Mandela and his party ANC till recently were deemed a terrorist organization by American government untill recently. Its in BBC, go check. Condeleeza Rice has profusely apologized.....

Well didnt Rev Wright mention in his fiery sermons that American government supported the apartheid regime????!! Is Rev Wright slowly starting to get vindicated?

About 9/11 America's chickens coming home to roost: CIA trained and financed Afgan Mujahideen to fight the soviets. They created a reigious Frankenstein. After this Frankenstein was created it spread. First it spread to Kashmir in India. (There was no islamic terrorism in Kashmir before Mujahideen was created in Afganistan with the help of Pakistan). Then Osama bin laden who was a part of America financed Mujahideen attacks America itself.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Diane from Illinois — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:05:23 GMT

JohnnyU, WA State,

After major soul-searching, I have to agree with you on this one. If Hillary steals the nomination I will hold my nose and vote Democratic because I will NOT vote for McFossil. He's one scary old man. No thanks, although I DON'T think I'll have to face that decision.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Barb, Chicago, IL — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:06:42 GMT

Hilary steal the nomination??? she is behind only by 132...there are a few states that still need to VOTE!!!

Other than the Bosnia fiasco make a list of the lies and please back it up with evidence. Because all this talk about her be a liar is really getting old.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Steve A Jonesboro IN — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:07:35 GMT

Mccain is bush all over again, possibly even worse. A not very bright warmonger who really doesn't understand much of anything.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:07:37 GMT

McCain = WWIII!
Pat Huntington NY (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 9:30 AM)

This is the same person who yesterday would rather the US let an additional 800,000 + American soldiers die in an invasion of Japan during WWII in to save the lives of the Japanese killed in the bombings. A perfect example were the Left doesn't see thw whole picture. Not only would close to a million Americans would have been killed invading Japan, but most likely just as many, if not more, Japanese would have died. Liberals have a habit of seeing only as far as they are interested.
jj (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 9:57 AM)

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You must have me mistaken with another "Pat" who posts, perhaps the one from Boston. I never said that. In fact, I fully support dropping the bomb on Japan, I only wish we didn't stop at two boms...should've kept going until they were completely wiped out to make them pay for what they did to us in Hawaii.

But, yes, McCain is short-cited when it comes to Iran. Iran is not Iraq. Iraq was beaten down after years of sanctions. It had no real army. Unlike Iran, which has a very strong army. We would have to mobilize hundreds of thousands of more troops to the Iranian border in order to successfully attack them. And, forget about what a war with Iran would do to the cost of oil. That is why diplamacy is the preferred method to deal with Iran. Or, let Israel bomb their nuke cites away.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Tim M, Ithaca — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:09:41 GMT

Did anyone think the neo-cons would just go away? They will infiltrate McCain's administration and talk him into starting WWIII if he gets elected! These people want a "New World Order" with one Superpower (the U.S.) in control of the planet. They do not care if millions of people die or if some parts of the world (even parts of the U.S.) have be nuked in order to achieve that goal. All they see is power and money and how much of both they will gain from a perpetual global war. Iraq was just a test for the real thing and judging by how splendidly Iraq has worked for them, they are just itching for more.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Tim M, Ithaca — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:09:45 GMT

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

James — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:09:47 GMT

Hillary Rodham Clinton has already proven she can win big in the big electoral rich states that are the must wins for the Dems in November. Obama's caucus wins are meaningless in the general election. If you cannot win in states like Ohio, for example, you cannot win the Presidency.

In Ohio, Obama outspent Hillary 4 to 1 yet he won only 5 out of 88 counties, those with large black populations, the only voting group Obama won. Today, in Ohio, Hillary beats McCain by 10 points while Obama ties or loses. Obama cannot close the deal. Same story in Michigan, Florida, Penn. etc. all states the Dems MUST win in November, Obama cannot win those states.

Barack Hussein Obama is unelectable. Everyone fears it. The entire ticket would be brought down by Obama. He should not be on the ticket at all. Hillary needs to choose a white male with strong national security credentials to form the strongest possible ticket.

Obama's negatives are rapidly rising and once he is finally scrutinized on Wright, Moss, Meeks, Emil Jones, Auchi, Crown, Exelon,Ayers, Odinga and Antoin Rezko scandals and his own background fully vetted, he will forever be unelectable. These are the stories investigative journalists should be reporting on, oh I had a momentary lapse, their are NO investigative journalists anymore, just spokesmodels for the corporations they serve.

Why do you think the corporate owned media is so relentlessly promoting Obama 24/7 and attacking Hillary? Because they know he is unelectable.

The Democratic Party should not have let this Obamarama get so out of control. Major defeat for the Dems is on the horizon if they foolishly nominate an unelectable and unqualified Obama who would be ground up and served for lunch by the GOP attack machine. It would SO easy.

WAKE UP DEM VOTERS! VOTE SMART! VOTE HILLARY!

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

EJ, Florida — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:10:22 GMT

...story about McCain not ruling out a preemptive strike against a potential threat like Iran...

Not ruling out is very different than advocating. I wouldn't rule out using deadly force to defend myself, but that doesn't mean I'm going to shoot the next person to raise their voice at me.

And my favorite comment so far, "If you want to get drafted and take a vacation to Iran, vote McWar in November." --- Interesting question, how will he accomplish a draft and an Iran invasion without the support of Congress? The answer is he can't. So elect representatives who will analyze the situation.

CONGRESS is full of representatives. The President is not supposed to do whatever you want, he's supposed to do what he thinks is right. It's why we have multiple branches of government and a system of checks and balances. And as far as McCain vs. Obama, I would rather have an honest President I disagree with than a sly, underhanded President who says whatever makes me feel good.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

twocanpete — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:10:39 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
John McVain is Bush 2.0. More war, more national debt, more unemployment. Less prosperity, less civil rights, less common sense!

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

CitizenJ — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:12:26 GMT

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Joe (NJ) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:12:26 GMT

Neocons = Santa Claus. The "neocon" foreign policy agenda is the same foreign policy agenda that this country has pursued for nearly the entirety of its existence. It involves bringing American values to other parts of the world, often through force. It's not new and it's not radical. This is media nonsense.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Dr.Strangedog, MI — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:13:36 GMT

Could first read elaborate on what Edward's wife was saying about McWar's Health Care Plan?

It's time to put this into perspective.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

R.Merrell — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:21:59 GMT

If the U.S. had a military draft the war in Iraq would be over in weeks. But the war loving Republican Party wants nothing of the idea of universal military service because they know their war platform would crumble faster than Harriet Meirs departure from consideration for the Supreme Court. As long as Bush, McCain and the Republicans can wave the flag with someone else's children, the disadvantaged, undereducated and continue recruiting petty criminals because they can't attract anyone else to join the military, they will continue to push their wars under the guise of terrorism and national security. The overiding agenda of the Republican Party is war, war and more war supplemented by tax cuts for the wealthy so they don't have to pay the costs.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Bugs Harp, Omaha NE — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:23:06 GMT

McCain and the support for the Iraqi Government

A response of Sen. McCain on the Basra initiative and its portent for the near future and for after our eventual major sub-total departure from Iraq on these terms:

Basra: The Political & Military BullRun for the Malliki regime

Pundits and commentators talk about the mixed military results of the Basra Offensive. When the offensive is put in partisan political perspectives the rationale of its genesis comes into view. Commentators say that the offensive was militarily rash. By the defections and tactical losses, there is only apologist debate to the contrary.

When looked at from the point of political leverage, the chance to neuter the Sadr movement under the guise of "law and order" before the October elections made that move an imperative. If the military campaign had been a success then there would be no nay-sayers. By Malliki going alone on this, he enhances his own prestige and gives the Coalition forces very "plausible deniability".

But his plans over-estimated his resources and under-estimated the Sadr and Shia-contra forces. The quick analogy to this faulty, rash movement is the Battle of Bull Run. The general political and public expectation in the North was the quick dispatchment of what they saw as a rag-tag, insubstatntial opponent.

The Johnny-Rebs like the Sadrist proved they were a military, thus, a political movement. Sadr's "suing for a truce" was more the good-guy p-r move to abort any alk of him being an aggressor to the national government. Malliki is given a pyrrhic victory and the ports-so that the Coaliton forces military hand is not necessitated to maintain their logistical lines.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Brother Odd — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:27:26 GMT

Some people are just wise enouph to see through all of this "Obama the great" savior of the world propaganda from the media. Where is his real experience and what has he really accomplished to be credited with all of this talent he is suppose to have.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

MSierra, SF — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:28:22 GMT

'...Powell and Chuck Hagel might be the most prominent faces of this wing of the GOP these days and both are flirting with Obama....'

Keep FLIRTING !!
Can anyone imagine that either would support Hillary ?
That's the surest way to push them back into Republican orthodoxy
While we're talking about neo-cons, Hillary's tired old advisors, Madeline Albright, Sandy Berger, Richard Holbroke and Martin Indyk are all IRAQ HAWKS !!
The ALL SUPPORTED WAR with IRAQ !!
They ALL want WAR WITH IRAN !!

Let's not re-cycle the failed Clinton Presidency
Want another impeachment ?
His and Hers ?
Want a whole NEW SET of SCANDALS and COVERUPS ?

How about some more of Bill's girl friends ?
(I did not have sex with that woman, I had it with those two)
Want more fund raising scandals ?

Let's turn the page

Bill was known as the 'pander bear' and Hillary would be pandering to any specila interest that would help HER 'earn' her $109 Million

Character counts
Integrity counts

Obama '08

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Lisa, New Britain, CT CT for Hope! — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:29:56 GMT

If Hillary "steals" the nomination...

Mark my words, that's the real problem. The problem isn't if Hillary Clinton were to win legitimately but if she were to win by unfair means. If she were to win by unfair means (i.e., steal the nomination) as she has asked to do time and time again by changing the outcome measurement and by downplaying the current election process (delegates gained in various means, through all the states, small states, red states, caucus states, etc.)). If the DNC ALLOWS HER to steal the nomination, I believe a lot of us will renounce our membership in the Dem. party and down ballot Dems will be in real trouble.

I myself won't vote for her but probably won't vote for McCain either. Were she to win the nomination by legitimate means (i.e., pledged delegates with superdelegates taking her over 2024), then I could see staying a Democrat. But not if she wins by cheating.

Maybe that is what Patrick and others are getting at, perhaps...

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Pat, Boston, MA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:31:13 GMT

jj, that wasn't Pat, NY. It was me -

"In air campaigns against Japan during World War II, LeMay abandoned the established policy of daylight, precision bombing. Instead, he loaded his B29's with firebombs and sent them out over Japanese cities during the night. As LeMay described it, the B29's "scorched, boiled and baked to death" some 300,000 people."

I stand by what I said yesterday. I have a real problem dropping ATOMIC bombs on civilians. Tell me the difference between gassing civilians and bombing civilians.

These are things we have to think about when talking about future wars. That's why I brought it up.

People tend to glorify wars, especially WWII. We can't afford to do that any longer.

Curtis LeMay calls it "fry". We call it "shock and awe." Different words - same meaning.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:34:19 GMT

HP Bpston will alays vote for a woman, no matter how bad a crook and a liar she is, so you can't change her mind.

The Clinton's need to go back to new York and try to polish her resume in the Senate a little bit if she is going to try again in 2012. By then she might be able to tell a story without lying about it.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

A.Brocco,Albuquerque,NM — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:36:01 GMT

Pat Huntington,NY...
I have made it a habit to skip over any comments from you. However, you last comment (April 10,10:00) made a lot of sense.Bush was (still is) an embarrassment, a disaster, and there is NO reason to flirt with the idea that McCain would be any better as president. I do not like Hillary because of her lies, however, I would not hesitate one second to vote for her in Nov. if she is the Demo. candidate.Sixty percent (?) of Americans see no future with the war in Iraq. Now, McCain will not rule out preemptive strikes. Reminds me a lot of the Bush,Cheney fiasco.No more Republicans (most are war mongers)and that means at every level of politics.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:39:13 GMT

It's odd that this entry is entitled "The Return of the Neo-Cons", the Neo-cons have never left. These people are the group of chickenhawk, ideologue(sp?), war-profiteering, insecure hacks that have been making a parade tour through the various media outlets hocking books and distancing themselves from the Iraq war. We see them everyday and we also hear their mouthpieces on the radio and nightly newscasts. The media betrayed the American people in the run up to this disastrous war and I'm pretty sure that the 4th estate will let us down again in the run up to the newest invasion to come. McCain said it himself, "My friends, there will be more wars...there will be more wars" We have been fooled again. Everyone is so distracted by the daily petty bickerings of this campaign cycle and these same media outlets are reaping the results from the ratings boom. Think about it. We're at a point where we don't even look at our opposing candidates as human, only instead as a enemy force that must be defeated. We don't see the flag-draped coffins of our best come home. The news coverage of the war has been neutered. I think that the problem with most of you that post here (there are a few exceptions) is that you don't have any skin in the game. You've never been shot at or had to shoot. Maybe your family members aren't in Iraq or Afghanistan. Maybe you've never gone to the funeral of a friend that passed away in Tikrit and had to comfort his pregnant wife. Do you really hate Rev. Wright that much to spite our troops? Or do you hate Barack's skin color? I feel that Clinton has run a very dishonorable campaign. I will not spite my friends or my family and I will vote for her if need be. For those of you who hate Hillary. Do you have a problem with her gender? These are questions that real patriots need to come to grips with and you need to be honest. Maybe you're rich, have no one in your family with pre-existing medical conditions, maybe you have a mansion, and a trust fund that has set you up for life. However, even if you have all of these things you should be very wary of the way that Mr. Bush and co. have used the Constitution as toilet paper. I love for all of you to be passionate about Obama or Clinton but I want you to remember to be passionate about our country.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Amy, TX — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:39:16 GMT

Why does First Read persist in thinking it is "conventional wisdom" that women favor HRC over Obama?

You guys know about polls -- in social science terms, you are committing the "ecological fallacy" -- attributing a percentage trend in selected geographic areas to the beliefs of individuals. You have absolutely no reason to be surprised by the poll findings that women view Obama positively, if you really know how to interpet statistics. And that's not even touching the issue of confounding voting data with personal opinion data.

Please note that HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of WOMEN of all races have voted for Obama.

Please stop perpetuating this inaccuracy -- it seems like you guys pride yourself on being good with numbers and data interpretation.

Obama has a very broad base of support.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

John B, Des Moines, IA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:39:27 GMT

Jim Banks 9:51 you can dismiss the title "Neocon" all you want but McCain's foreign policy team is made up of neocons who favor military attacks against Iran, Syria, and everyone else who they consider an enemy in turn. That's not incidental, either, as McCain has been in favor of enforcing our interests with military power in the past. He's a dangerous man who must not become President.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:42:06 GMT

Neocon thinking:

We don't need to know anything about the situation on the ground (like the differences between Shi'ites and Sunnis) because that situation will change after we bomb and invade anyway. Why bother learning something that is going to change?

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

CHELSEA IS A TYPICAL CLINTON. ... — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:50:14 GMT

INSIGHTS ON CHELSEA --- SHE IS A TYPICAL CLINTON.
-------------------------------------------------

That life includes a job with a six-figure salary at Avenue Capital Group, a hedge fund in New York.
(NOTE: Hedge funds are being criticized for having contributed to the current financial disaster on Wall Street. ... But Chelsea apparently got paid well.)

Her boyfriend, Marc Mezvinsky, sometimes joins her on the road now that she is gone so much. Mezvinsky, who has known Clinton since childhood, works at Goldman Sachs and is the son of two former House members, Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky of Pennsylvania, who lost her seat after supporting the 1993 Clinton tax increase, and Ed Mezvinsky of Iowa, who is in prison for fraud. (NOTE: They sure sounds like Clinton friends & supporters.)
----------------------------------------------------

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Butler, Columbia SC — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:56:53 GMT

"This is why, as an Obama supporter, and one not particularly fond of Hillary, WILL vote Democratic in November regardless of which candidate is on the ballot."

Well said, JohnnyU. I hope Senator Clinton's more shrill supporters are noticing McCain's very troubling bedfellows.

First thoughts: Return of the neocons?

Jack Van Kanab Utah — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:57:39 GMT

Chuck - are you living in a cave - do YOU REALLY THINK that YOUR candidate of choice has not LIED at all - get a grip - its politics man -