First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Lynn, Denver CO — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:39:08 GMT

I’m not trying to be all syrupy, but don’t you think Barack & Michelle Obama make a nice couple? Not like Bill & Hill, or John & Cindy, or W & Laura.

The reason I mention this is because the two of them have done a nice job these past few days trying to dispel the notion that they are elitists and not in touch with everyday Americans. If people would wake up and get smart, they would see that the Clinton’s could not be more unlike everyday Americans, and the McCain’s at best represent only about 21% (the crowd that still thinks W is doing a good job). I hope this latest effort by Senator Obama is resonating with folks, and that we can finally put this nomination process to bed next week in Indiana & North Carolina.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Joe - STL — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:41:56 GMT

Do you all have any polling data for Guam, or any information as to how it's electorate is leaning?

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Mel, PA — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:42:55 GMT

And why is his back against the wall...... Because people like YOU in the media, have ON PURPOSE ignored important stories like Magnaquench, Sid Bluementhal, Mickey Kantor!!!!!!

No let's put Rev. Wright's picture on the political page ON MORE FREAKIN' TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

stephanie pendleton — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:43:23 GMT

why are you playing down yet another super-super delegate for obama and saying is back is against the wall? even if he takes both states she is far from even pulling even...

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Ismael, Weslaco TX — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:47:07 GMT

MSNBC, report what the others are reporting.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/01/clinton.iran/index.html

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/04/30/iran-condemns-clinton-for-threatening-to-attack/

Paul v. Clinton, MSNBC where is it?

HRC’s ties to black revolutionaries while at Yale, MSNBC where is it?

HCR criticizes Indiana plant closings which Bill approved while in office, MSNBC where is it?

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4757257&page=1

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Nashville_fan — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:47:44 GMT

"Now, it's Obama's turn in this version of "kill the man." Remember that game? Where the goal was for everyone to tackle the person with the football? Welcome to political kill the man, in which the media and opponents have successfully tackled McCain last year, Clinton earlier this year, and Obama now. Of course, someone has to survive this war of attrition. We're not going to find new candidates to tackle, are we?"

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Wow! Did you just admit that the media selects a candidate to pile on in attempt to politcally "kill him"? It's a fun game, but sadly the outcome is predictable - a whole lot of talking and no solutions. Again. But hey, at least no one is bitter about it, right?

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:48:42 GMT

I like how NBC used a NY Times article about Reverend Wright to make it this morning's headlines on its site. Even CNN has moved on past the story so I'm surprised your guys are trying to juice it for a third straight day by writing stories about the story.

All of a sudden, NBC has figured out that the American public is craving to know what's going on in the Black church?

If you guys want to juice it for ratings, go ahead, but please don't get conservative when ever you get around to do multiple stories about McCain and Hagee and McCain and Falwell and how those preachers believed that 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina were deserved by America.

LOL, gimme a break....

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

BJ, CA — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:48:48 GMT

Indiana and North Carolina --
There's the pitch
It's a sinker thrown by Hillary...Obama swings the bat with a mighty thunder...
Some where birds are singing and some where children are laughing but there's no joy in Billary ...The
Mighty Barack has crushed her "testicular fortitude" out of the park!!!!

(catcher of the hanglia said,
" I'll be selling it on Ebay, stay tuned ">)

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

We Need to Vett him CAREFULLY, and BE FAIR to Hillary — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:49:56 GMT

Obama should win North Carolina by 15 points or more, and if he doesn't it will be a failure.
He's got more money, more resources, and more support among black voters (NC has a very large black population) than Hillary.
If he wins by single digits something is definitely wrong.
He should also sweep both Indiana and NC. Again, if he doesn't there's something seriously wrong. The once mighty Obama machine is sputtering and studdering.....no way to start a general election campaign

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

DinPA, Philadelphia, PA — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:49:57 GMT

Chuck, I'm disappointed! You usually bring reason to this.

Hillary's back was against the wall in Ohio and Pennsylvania? She was the vastly overwhelming favorite going into each of those states, as you reported at the time.

I hope you're not letting your judgment be hijacked.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

DWhipp — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:50:24 GMT

Hey Indiana!

"Those people are sh!t" according to Clinton campaign staffer, regarding Indiana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-MzByUHIzw&feature=email

I think Hillary should reject, renounce, repudiate, tar and feather her staffer immediately.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:51:40 GMT

Unless a candidate decides issues based on merit and principle, that candidate is not worthy of being considered for president. The issues in this election are too important for anything less than a principled stand on issues.

Could this be the year that the high road becomes the choice of preference in American politics? The magnitude of the issues demands no less.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Jim, Prov RI — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:52:29 GMT

Interesting how "first read" is quickly becoming a rather Anti-Obama thing.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

She's a MAN! — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:53:44 GMT

Go Obama!

If the Clintons smell something in North Carolina, maybe they should check their campaign. Lots of things smell there.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Richard, Chicago — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:54:30 GMT

Please Chuck or anyone on your staff, report the following.

I have been reading most of the comments on your post Chuck Todd and it seems that many are asking why MSNBC, NBC and the rest of MSM isn't reporting about Peter Paul's lawsuit against the Clintons filed in California. Why is the networks so afraid to talk about this?

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Nashville_fan — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:54:33 GMT

Wow! It must be so nice to have a former President to campaign for you, knee cap your opponents for you, and lend you his record so you can run on it! Then you get to sit back and be a "fighter" while cherry picking which states are "important" and feeding the media "popular vote" analysis that completely ignores the caucus states!

Strength and experience indeed - we should all be so lucky!

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Sandra — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:56:11 GMT

Chuck, How come you didn't mention the Zogby poll today which has Obama up by 15 points in NC?

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Alice, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:56:45 GMT

Please remember that the polls in NC that were shown in previous weeks had a LARGE % of UNDECIDED voters. Obama has not slipped - he has actually gone up a few points. But Hillary has gained more. That is why the race is tightening. Go back to last week and you'll see that there was a 15 to 20 % of undecided voters. Now more people are making up their minds. I still think Obama will win. But NC is demographiclly more like TN than SC. We have just 21% African-American - SC has 37%. Much of the state is rural. Our governor appeals to the blue collar voters who Hillary attracts. We have a huge number of recent retirees from NY and New England. Yes we have many colleges but many of these kids are registered in their home states. We have only one large city - Charlotte. Greensboro, Asheville, and Raleigh are not huge. So Obama should win - but probably neither he nor Hillary would carry NC in November. Remember Kerry lost here in 2004 even with Edwards on the ticket. It is a very conservative state.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Eric — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:56:47 GMT

True that the polls M-Th look really good for Clitnon, but today's polls seem much better for Obama.. Did he get back some momentum with his heartfelt reject of Wright?

Race Poll Results Spread
North Carolina Democratic Primary Zogby Obama 50, Clinton 34 Obama +16.0
Indiana Democratic Primary Zogby Clinton 42, Obama 42 Tie
North Carolina Democratic Primary Research 2000 Obama 51, Clinton 44 Obama +7.0
Democratic Presidential Nomination CNN Obama 46, Clinton 45 Obama +1.0
General Election: McCain vs. Clinton CNN McCain 44, Clinton 49 Clinton +5.0
General Election: McCain vs. Obama CNN McCain 45, Obama 49 Obama +4.0
Indiana Democratic Primary Downs Center Clinton 52, Obama 45 Clinton +7.0
Democratic Presidential Nomination Pew Research Obama 47, Clinton 45 Obama +2.0
General Election: McCain vs. Clinton Pew Research McCain 45, Clinton 49 Clinton +4.0
General Election: McCain vs. Obama Pew Research McCain 44, Obama 50 Obama +6.0

You are more than welcome to continue lower Obama's expectations though..

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Patti — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:56:49 GMT

I wonder if the media will discuss the video that is breaking from youtube in which a Clinton advisor calls folks from Indiana a truly reprehensible term. Since apparently the candidates are all subject to being judged by the brazen and bizarre behavior of their acquaintances, I do think team Clinton should have to answer for denigrating an entire state's populace and using racial epithets. It'll be interesting if this actually happens or if the media finds itself unable to blink from the "crazy black man" spectacle it has unceasingly promoted.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

JIm, Santa Cruz — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:57:07 GMT

Chuck, new Zogby poll in NC has Obama up 16 points. Also, it would be interesting if a comparison of all the polling organizations was done showing the accuracy of their predictions in various contests, say within one week of an election.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Seriously ! — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:57:23 GMT

Obama will be the one on top
Ole'
Want change from someone you can trust to follow through? OBAMA 08'

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Alison, Wyoming — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:57:28 GMT

Looks like the NC race just got untightened.

Fresh Zogby poll out today shows Obama with 16 point lead in NC and all tied up in Indiana.

http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1495

SurveyUSA Oregon: Obama, +6

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Russell — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:57:39 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-MzByUHIzw&feature=email

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Bob, Chicago — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:59:07 GMT

You have just proved my point. In Penn HRC was up 15 to 20 points and won by 9-10 points, MSNBC (especially Chris Matthews) reported she killed Obama. OMG will he ever get up again? Now the reverse may happen in NC and MSNBC reports his back is against the wall. OMG you guys are full of yourself.

To continue facts: The last 2 nites David Gregory's show was almost TOTALLY about Wright. The panel said they had caller phoning them saying enough about Wright. Hasn't MSNBC had enough. MSNBC can't figure out why this issue is still alive well ITS BECAUSE OF YOUR WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE REPORT ON IT!!!!

Bob, Chicago

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Linda. Boston, MA — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:59:17 GMT

"Should Tuesday’s results end up giving Clinton more momentum and extend this race even longer, it could be the worse thing to happen to Clinton. Why? It could invite the dreaded front-runner spotlight. Think about it:"
***************************

Only in the MSM's demented controversy feeding mind could someone who is behind by every democratic measure be considered a front runner.

Here is what the media wants: They want Clinton to win BOTH, so that for the next several weeks they can indulge themselves in "ooooh ahhhh, OMG so much drama, looks like Clinton will win it! wow!!!" Then they want Obama to make a comeback - something happens to Clinton like, oh, say PETER PAUL. Then they can go on for another few weeks with "ooooh ahhhh OMG it's gonna be close!!!" Then, ultimately, they want this to go to the Democratic National Convention with each candidate having an advantage in one metric, with delegates split. They want riots to ensue, and they will have puditry-fodder for the next several months.

But of course, two years into McCain's presidency, they will then be saying to themselves "shit, we are totally screwed. This country is in worse shape than we ever could have imagined. Maybe we were wrong to have put our own immediate self-interests ahead of what's good for the nation."

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Carl Tooker, Stamford, CT. — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:59:55 GMT

When will MSNBC start reporting real news on the delegates? I have been watching Chris, David and Keith all week. Chris and even more David have done nothing but talk about Rev. Wright to a fault. At some point I would hope they would turn to a balanced form of reporting and focusing on thr REAL issues that we are all concerned about, econmy, war, food and fuel. When a pastor takes the headlines for 5 streight days, one would think he speaks for a candidate or he is running for office. Please focus on what WE ALL care about, I have seen enough of the same 15 second spot.... Please replace Pat Bucanaan with somebody who understands the problems of TODAY and not the 70's and 80's. Please make some changes or I will need to use my remote to go back to ESPN where the scores are more accurate. The last time I was at a gas station or food store I didn't see the rev. Wright in my checkout lane, I saw other American's facing the same $$$$ problems. Please debate the issues we all have not what took place in a church 5 years ago......

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Nashville_fan — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:00:38 GMT

You know what's funny? How the media has pummeled Senator Obama, and then eagerly looks at the polls to see how much he is bleeding! lol

Are you folks reporting the news or creating it? Hmmmmmmm

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

J. Richter — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:01:33 GMT

Someone with an insatiable bias will come on here and talk about Wright again. Look at MSNBCS article today "Between the pulpit and pews, a gulf on Wright". http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24420115/. Oh no, is it possible that pews could disagree with pulpit on any issue? Oh and they are still going to church?

Obama is not Wright.

1. One talks constantly about similarity (no red or blue states but he united states, we are one under the stars and stipes, coming together to solve common problems and bring down common obstacles), the other quickly delves into talking about differences.

2. one is even tempered, and throughful whether he's up or down, attacked or praised while the other is flamboyant in speech and style and contorversial and appears attention-seeking.

3. One is black and focuses on black issues, the other is from black and white background and brought up by white parents and focuses on all issues.

4. One is a lawmaker and aspiring president and the other a pastor.

Let anyone who agrees with everyone close to them that they willingly associate with remain critical on this board after the thoughful denounciation today for which Wright gave him no choice based on questioning his political integrity! One thing we have seen from Obama is whether it hurts or not he speaks his beliefs (as with the gas tax and earlier explanation of why Wright is the way he is, or why voters do not vote their econmoic interest but rather vote focused on less central issues). We should not let him lose because he is not a panderer and a great politician that tells us what we want every 4 years.

How can he sit in church for 20 years and listen to this man. WE all do this every week. CAtholics listening to priests that are rumored and later confirmed as pedophiles. Christians listening to controversial pastors. We all take the best and feed spiritually and sometimes leave behind a few of the social stuff.

By the way, Wright was not saying the studd of the past 3 days (and not all was bad) for 20 x 52 weeks x 60 minutes. The worst of his previous statements ere condensed in 2 minutes.

How can he sit in church for 20 years. The same reason why I consistently visit my own uncle whose views on social issues are so different that we argue bitterly anytime we make a mistake of allowing conversations to go down that path. Then I try again in 5 years when I had forgotten the lat argument and I believe I saw "signs" of him changing. But we do agree on other issues including as role of family, spirituality so why banish him from my life. I am who I am and I cant change him.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

JM 08 from Caucus in Iowa — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:02:13 GMT

Why is Rev. Jeremiah dominating the news? Why isn't the fact that Hillary Clinton is such an "elitist" that she can't even manage to use the coffee machine at the local quick-shop or pump her own gas be an issue? And why not pursue the fact that while she rode to work with that poor guy, she was on the phone the entire time doing an interview on radio? The MSM picks the topics and the last couple of weeks it's been "get Obama". Why not "get Hillary"? Bill Clinton has been blasting caucus states of late. Why should we vote for Hillary when they think we're nothing? You all need to do a better job of watching the news. The Wright issue is DEAD! What about the Paul vs. Clinton case in California. Why hasn't it been touched? We voters are tired of the same old, same old, same old issues that are long since out of our interest.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

KT, Tennessee — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:02:30 GMT

"Back against the wall"
Serious nonsense there folks..
As soon as Hillary looks like she is within striking distance of overtaking Obama on pledged delegates, let us know.
We understand you folks at MSNBC are handicapped by a natural need to make as much money selling copy as you can.
We realize that in order to do this you must fan the flames of anti racial, religious and class fervor.
Keep it up and there will be more folks boycotting the advertisers of the NBC affiliates that are currently boycotting the ABC affiliates.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Lisa, proud supporter of Barack in New Britain, CT — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:03:22 GMT

You know, as an Obama supporter, I feel confident but hardly unaware that he has had a difficult time of late. But I think back to all those people who have been supporting him all these months. And I feel confident that they are still with him. I don't hear of any groundswell of support away from Obama to Clinton...you just don't see it in the streets, you don't hear it in people's voices, you don't read about it on the blogs.

You see people talking up some small groups of people as being more inclined to support Hillary. And that's fine. I don't doubt that both Obama and the Clintons have support that they can draw upon.

But to place the needs and desires of one group over another at this point in time is just ridiculous.

Obama doesn't fare as well as Clinton with certain groups of voters for different reasons (she panders to the white working class, much support among seniors is because they know her better and longer, and many women support her as the "woman" candidate, not all but many). None of this is to say that he doesn't get their support (not all but many) with the Dem. party behind him for the general.

Obama's problem with white working class voters is the Clinton's constant knifing him in the back at every turn. Obama has chosen not to do that to a fellow Dem. He is (in parenting language) CHOOSING HIS BATTLES. BTW, this is what Presidents do too.

He still has my proud support against great adversity.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

the Pajama Pundit — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:05:50 GMT

"And it's this last point that we think many of us have overlooked: Has Clinton stayed in this race for so long against all delegate math odds because she wants to force Obama's hand on the No. 2 slot?"
*******************************************************

I don't think it'll happen. If Clinton (somehow) becomes the nominee, Obama won't want to ruin his future chances of election by 'hitching himself to that wagon'. If (when) Obama is the nominee, he won't want to taint the ticket by adding her as his running mate.

Either way, he'll be avoiding a ticket with her name on it.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

David,los angeles,ca. — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:06:06 GMT

Why am I seeing this mans name and face everyday.This is not news and it sure has nothing to do with the economy.Please let's get back to the issue's.People are hurting out here.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Susan, Nashville, TN — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:06:49 GMT

The MSM has injected their own opinions into this election and has purposefully leveled the playing field b/c they are addicted to their ratings. The truth is that it benefits the liberal media to keep the democratic primary in the forefront and it benefits all the conservative media outlets to have Hillary win for their own purposes and to boost their ratings and arguments among their constituents for the next 8 years.

The Obama campaign has pushed so many buttons and gained so much support by threatening to change the political landscape, that corporate media interests, lobbyists, and conservative media outlets are all after him b/c he threatens to damage their brands and market shares. The decision to cover Obama's recent issues more than the Bosnia issue was the media's, b/c they are competing for air time with their competitors, not trying to be fair as they should.

I have the courage to vote for Obama in the face of mounting forces that wish to protect their individual economic interests, as opposed to doing the right thing and keep their opinions to themselves and treat the candidates equally. People should ask themselves if it is more important to vote for the man that wants to help us save our futures or the typical Washington politicians that actually wish to keep fighting the same old divisive fights.

I will never vote for someone who would lie about our troops in Bosnia for their own politial interests. It is sickening to see Hillary act like Bush in using lies about foreign policy and our troops to accomplish their politial aspirations. I would also never vote for anyone who would practically declare another war with Iran for the same reason. WAR MONGERING LIES.

By the way, Hillary's gaffe or mispeak about Bosnia is an out right LIE, not a mistake. Her mistake was not in how she told the story, but instead a miscalculation that people are gullable enough to fall for it. The media's miscalculation is that they believe that we will fall for their characterization and not to call it a LIE, LIE, LIE.

The media should remember that their biggest problem with Iraq and Bush is that we went there on a lie. Do you guys actually think that Hillary would not do the same thing?

Obama has not recovered as quickly because it has been shoved down our throats and forced to consider it for longer than the Bosnia issue and OVER and OVER again. The reality is that Bosnia is about our troops, something that REALLLY matters, not overplaying statements by peripheral players and associations.

WAKE UP!! Vote for the person that tries to be fair to everyone, including his opponent, not the candidate that would threaten the media and other countries, and be willing to do anyting, including LIE about our troops. Our troops risk their lives and she LIED about their ability to protect her and that is UNFORGIVEABLE.

I might have voted for Hillary if she managed to pull out the nomination, but after Bosnia, there is no doubt in my mind that if she gets the nomination, I will vote for McCain or not at all.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Nashville_fan — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:06:49 GMT

Senator Obama's back is not against the wall. The Clinton and McCain campaigns have THEIR backs against the wall because they don't have any platform to present to the American people, they are just against Senator Obama, but the problem is they aren't any better . . . in fact they are worse. They are both basically saying "He is just as bad as us."

Not exactly a rallying cry.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Lisa, proud supporter of Barack in New Britain, CT — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:08:10 GMT

The race thing (especially the Bradley affect) makes me incredibly sad, but no less an Obama supporter...

Maybe there isn't anything more to say other than every day I wake up and try to become part of the solution rather than part of the problem...it comes down to what else can you do...?

I'm often wrong on these races but on your betting lines, I'll put money on the North Carolina race but I wouldn't take the odds on the Indy race.

But remember, I'm usually wrong :)

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Dana — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:08:45 GMT

Should it become necessary in the months from now to identify the moment that doomed Obama's presidential aspirations, attention is likely to focus on the hour between nine and ten this morning at the National Press Club. It was then that Wright, Obama's longtime pastor, reignited a controversy about race from which Obama had only recently recovered - and added lighter fuel.
Speaking before an audience that included Marion Barry, Cornel West, Malik Zulu Shabazz of the New Black Panther Party and Nation of Islam official Jamil Muhammad, Wright praised Louis Farrakhan, defended the view that Zionism is racism, accused the United States of terrorism, repeated his view that the government created the AIDS virus to cause the genocide of racial minorities, stood by other past remarks ("God damn America") and held himself out as a spokesman for the black church in America.

Wright suggested that Obama was insincere in distancing himself from his pastor. "He didn't distance himself," Wright announced. "He had to distance himself, because he's a politician, from what the media was saying I had said, which was anti-American."
Explaining further, Wright said friends had written to him and said, "We both know that if Senator Obama did not say what he said, he would never get elected." The minister continued: "Politicians say what they say and do what they do based on electability, based on sound bites, based on polls."

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Don Q — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:09:10 GMT

Looks like Obama's "chicken's are coming home to roost!"

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Emily, Chapel Hill, NC — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:09:39 GMT

Our local TV station here in Chapel Hill, North Carolina said last night that the polls are tightening because the unusally large number of previously undecided voters were finally starting to make up their minds! Last week-end there were still 15% of people who were undecided. As of the latest poll that number has shrunk to just 5%! Some have gone to Obama, but more have gone to Hillary. Obama has 51% and Hillary has 44%, with 5% still undecided.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Terry, IN — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:11:17 GMT

The fix is in anyway.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-dreier/sidney-blumenthal-uses-fo_b_99695.html

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

JJ, Portland, ME — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:11:29 GMT

As written by EJ Dionne of the Washington Post

Two days after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Jerry Falwell, appearing on Pat Robertson's "700 Club," declared: "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way -- all of them who have tried to secularize America -- I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen.' "

Gotta love the double standard

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

mike ca — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:11:29 GMT

real nice putting wright's face big as life on the front page of your site today. are you sure your checks arent signed by murdouch at fox

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

kb.,hillside,nj — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:11:47 GMT

why is nobody talking about the zogby poll that has Obama leading 50 to 34 for Clinton.Chuck please look into that.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Cindi in Louisiana — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:11:53 GMT

This man will respond. He has shown incredible mettle in the face of crises with his crazy Reverend. I, for one/ like the fact that he presents himself as being dignified, calm, and thoughtful. I think tht we have had enough shoot-at-the-hip politicians like George W for awhile.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Brother Odd — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:12:42 GMT

We simply do not need a president like Obama. How can anyone with an open mind really believe that he could sit under Rev. Wright's sermons and not share his racist and vindictive perspective of America. Listen to his sermons and rants about white people. He married Obama and Michelle. He baptised his children. For 20 years Obama believed in this man. Even a few weeks ago he stated that he could no more denounce his pastor than he could the black nation or his own mother. When the heat came down on him and he was in danger politically, only then did he reject him. Even his wife said how painful this was for him to do. Wright is right on only one thing. That Obama said what he did for political reasons only. Does this not prove how Obama really feels about race and America? Is this the work of an honest man for change in government. He is a fake and cannot be trusted to lead our country. How can people say they don't trust Hillary and believe in this fraud?

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

40 Years in the DemNPL — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:12:47 GMT

But Zogby - the most recent polls, taken Wednesday and Thursday, shows Obama up 16 points in NC, and tied in Indiana. That would be the knockout.

But it doesn't really matter, Chuck. He's so far ahead on points, he doesn't need a knockout - she does. Obama can lose both states, and as long as he harvests 80 delegates, he's still on target for a comfortable win in Denver. Wednesday morning he will be within 195 votes of clinching, with about 490 left to pick (217 in primaries, 50 or so elected add-ons and 220-ish other supers. You know he is guaranteed at least 90 from the primaries, 25-30 of the add-ons and will only need a third of the other super delegates.

That's when the flood begins. Hillary might stay in waiting for lightning to strike, but he'll have a majority of the convention in hand, well before the DNC Rules Committee meets, May 30.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

d,towson, md — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:13:10 GMT

altho you keep deleting my posts....why no one is talking about what clinton advisor said about the people of indiana...why is the press so afraid of the clintons. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN_nQOHj__s

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Ken Berry, St Augustine, FL 32085 — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:13:22 GMT

Could it now be that the media will pick up a little piece Tim Russett brought up last week in Meet the Press:
Hillary Clinton jumping on Barack Obama about William Ayers, the Weatherman, is one of the questions, and Jeremiah Wright. John McCain has now picked up on the William Ayers situation. Tom Hayden, the former radical from the '60s, has now written a piece which is basically saying, "Time out." And he writes this, "Hillary is blind to her own roots in the sixties. ... She was in Chicago for three nights during the 1968 street confrontations. ... She was involved in the New Haven defense of Bobby Seale during his murder trial in 1970, as the lead scheduler of student monitors.
"Most significantly in terms of her recent attacks on Barack, after Yale law school, Hillary went to work for the left-wing Bay Area law firm of Treuhaft, Walker and Burnstein, which specialized in Black Panthers and West Coast labor leaders prosecuted for being communists. Two of the firm's partners, according to Treuhaft, were communists and two others `tolerated communists.'
"All these were honorable words and associations in my mind, but doesn't she see how the Hillary of today would accuse the Hillary of the sixties of associating with black revolutionaries who fought gun battles with police officers, and defending pro-communist lawyers who backed communists? Doesn't the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, whom Hillary attacks today, represent the very essence of the black radicals Hillary was associating with in those days?"
Are we going to have a debate in November about past associations and pastors, or we going to have a debate about the war, health care and economy?

Or will we more intelligently go back to the issues?

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Phred, NH — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:13:47 GMT

Dang, is it just me or do Hillary and Barack look they've gone 12 rounds. Haggard looking might be an apt description. Wonder what they'd give for a good nights sleep?

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

About to Switch Channels — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:14:37 GMT

If NC is close or Obama loses, the MSNBC commentators can take their bow. A week of solid Rev. Wright, under the pretense of that's what the voters want, is taking it's toll! Too bad that, if the media is going all negative, they didn't balance their coverage. Everyone knows there's plenty of negative to report about Hillary!

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:14:41 GMT

Eh, just more trying to create an artificial race where there isn't one (because after all, if we don't pretend there's a race, you guys don't have much to do for a few months).

Obama's back against the wall? Really. Don't think so.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Kelly, CA — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:14:42 GMT

Interesting that Obama had brought the Pennsylvania race to within 5 prior to that primary yet Hillary still won by 9.

Is it possible this "tightening of the race" in NC is equally as misleading? In fact, the tightening to 7 is lower than the 5 in Penn so using the same math, he could still win it by double digits....

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

sem, va — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:14:58 GMT

Obama has been hit hard by external circumstances, and he has survived! So the effects are short term. look across the horizon, and see him emergining as the nominee. No gimmicks!!!

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Ron Indiana — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:15:35 GMT

Obama's back is not to the wall. That is MSNBC spin. Last night, watching Hardball, at the end of the show, Chris said to the panel it is really close and the guests did not what to say. Chris said, "I know, but we have to say it" (is close).

Then MSNBC refuses to run the story in Indiana about a defense plant in Valparaiso, IN named Magnequench. In a Hillary AD she talks about how this company made components for guided missles and the company was purchased in China. Hillary blames Bush for approving this sale, but Huffington Post and ABC News reported that the sale was during Bill Clinton's administration and approved by President Bill Clinton, thus costing Hoosiers 200 jobs. This one of the biggest stories of the campaign, yet MSNBC refuses to run it. It seems to me that MSNBC is protected by the First Amendment, but not protected by the Clinton camp. Please post this message as it is accurate and factual.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Ed, Virginia — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:15:41 GMT

Maybe, just maybe, Obama's back wouldn't be so "up against the wall" if every news media organization didn't keep constantly flashing rev. wright's photo and quotes as part of their breaking news.

It WAS a story, but not THE story. Now its keeping focus away from some pretty underhanded tactics by the Clinton machine (repeated illegal WVWV robo-calls, staged Florida voter protests, and 527 ads that violate the "issues" restrictions.

I'm an independent, and yes, I'm an Obama supporter (despite voting for Bill twice) because this kind of dirty, cheap politics has to stop.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Juanita, TX — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:15:42 GMT

America asked for the video of the Clinton advisor calling people from Indiana names.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-MzByUHIzw&feature=email

Notice George Stephanopolous standing right there.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

GF — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:16:49 GMT

We didn't call it "kill the man." In Grand Forks, North Dakota, we called it "Cough-up."

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

stevie pendleton — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:18:12 GMT

the newest zogby pollhas obama ahead of clinton in nc.c. by mroe than 20 points...where is your blaring headline/ about that this morning?
for that matter, why is your reporting especially chris matthews and the commentator of race for the white house, so lopsided in favor of clinton? every night this week and last ech found numerous excuses to talk wright/obama, whie ignoring the fact that clinton cannot win.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Mark, Raleigh NC — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:18:20 GMT

I think without Bill Clinton Obama would have buried her by now. But he has made one of the most impressive, tireless, consuming campaign course for his wife that I do have to tip my cap for him even if I can't stand the Clinton's.

If Obama had an instantly recognizable and famous small town surrogate like him it would make the world of difference.

Instead, he has to carry the burden of an attacking media, GOP, Clinton Brand, the entire catalog of political and pundit opposition sans the blogosphere.

It's amazing he's event still in this, but he's got integrity, he's honest, and fights for it. Thats why I like Obama.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:18:47 GMT

Of course it is reasonable to assume the opponents will go after their opposition.

And I don’t personally care who Chris Matthews, Joe Scarborough, Andrea Mitchell, Pat Buchanan or David Gregory plan to vote for in November.

Their reporting of the “bitter” comment as well as the Rev. Wright controversy was and continues to be appalling.

All these journalists and pundits did and continue to do is talk as if Rev. Wright was going to blow up the country. I don’t give a damn how anyone in the media spins this - it was race baiting reporting. And it scared the country. Senator Obama’s “bitter” comment was completely over-blown. Why is it that I understood immediately what Obama was talking about, yet no one that I recall put his statement in the manner it was intended?

It’s fine for McCain or Hillary’s surrogates to mislead the public. They’re politicians.

Is it the media’s job to do it as well? I don’t think so.

I can only voice my opinion as both a viewer and a voter. I did not go to journalism school, I was never a politician.

But from what I’ve been hearing, I believe the mainstream media in this country have become lazy, shallow and too afraid to think independently. In other words, dishonest. That is a shame.

That’s how we got into Iraq.

When are we going to become a progressive, sophisticated country? Never.

Especially not with 90% of the media we have today.

Hillary Clinton and Bill O'Reilly - two supporters of this awful war we have in Iraq. Yet everyone applauds them.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:18:50 GMT

The only reason that Obama's back is to the wall is because the media has taken to trashing Obama with stupid distractions like Wright. The media wants the race to continue so they can keep profitting from the indecision. The media has ignored Hillary "Republican" Clinton's foulups and has completely ignored McCain's numerous verbal blunders. It's time for the media to stop trying to make the news and get back to reproting the news. It's time for the media to start focusing on the real issues instead of headline grabbing distractions.

Go Obama!

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Real Americans — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:19:25 GMT

Here we go again with MSNBC spin...I'm dizzy. You are not fair, nor are you balanced.

RPC--today--polls say he's up by twelve. They average the four most recent polls to come up with this number. They simply do just select one so they can sit and spin.

In essence, your not really telling the poll truth, MSM.

Shame on you.

Quit with the Clinton Support and be fair and balanced.

America is not stupid.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

ge`pa` — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:19:44 GMT

Hillary did fill the Gap from double digits to only seven points; But Obama denounced his radical Pastor remember?? That was a pre-planned facade to make it look like Obama was appalled by his long time Pastor, "as if after 20 years he never knew how radical he was. Well if people are that stupid to think that lovely speech he gave demouncing Rev. Wright was honest and true, "personally I don't" - then maybe his lead will go back up to double digits again.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Kim, Pasadena, CA — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:20:36 GMT

Once upon a time, a President to voters to vote for the candidate who made them think, not the candidate who tried to make them afraid. That President was named Bill Clinton.

This cycle Senator Clinton is trying very hard to stir your fears and your cynicisms. Why? Because Senator Obama has asked us all to think.

Senator Obama has told us that we are the change we have been waiting for. He has told us that in our unity, we (the People) have power to change Washington and get real reforms finally passed (like healthcare, and fixing our schools!)

Senator Obama has given us the tools to come together.

If you are not afraid of being inspired, or too cynical to want to find hope again, please check out this link:

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

You can check to see if you agree with Senator Obama on the issues facing us. You can read some thoughts from his supporters (on the blogs). You can join with those in your area who are already working to be the change this Country so desperately needs.

Our Country is on the wrong track. If we all work together we can get our Country back on track and fast. Divided we have little chance of doing anything to solve our really big problems, we can nibble around the edges (as Washington has done for years), listen to some more endless partisan bickering and watch politicians score meaningless political points until the cows come home...

OR we can come together around a common purpose -- getting our Country back on track -- and roll-up our sleeves and get to work and fix our problems block by block, town by town, county by county, state by state and finally Washington itself.

Yes we can!! Don't let anyone tell you we cannot! No one person can stop we the American people in action. I believe that we CAN do anything if we put elbow grease behind it, how about you?

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

David — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:20:53 GMT

This race is over. No matter what happens Obama will finish the race with over a 100 pledge delegate lead. He would have the pledge delegate lead even counting florida and michigan.

The democrats have never not given the winner to the pledge delegate leader and they aren't about to do it to the first serious african american candidate. This race is all a myth. It is all for television ratings.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

mud, Any City, USA — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:21:11 GMT

Why is it that all Hillary had to do was Win in Pennsylvania, yet Obama, the front runner, has to beat her by double digits in NC?
He knocked her 30 point poll lead down to 9.3%. She has knocked hos 17 point lead down to 7, so far. I think his "win" of 20+ points is bigger and more important considering she has a strong hold in Pennsylvania!

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Laurie L — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:21:14 GMT

Why don't you run the following You Tube video showing just how Clinton feels about those "white people" in Indiana? I challenge you to run this on your loop 24/7 like you did for the Rev. Wright. THis just shows how sick the Clinton's and their supporters are.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/2/93316/53926/838/507664

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

G, Vancouver, Canada — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:21:15 GMT

Well, after reading about the gas tax panderings of Hillary and Mc Cain , and reading about their Bomb Iran thoughts, it appears possible that Americans might just elect a president less competent than the incumbent.
The potential campaign betweens these two will make all the campaigns of the past seem like genteel tea parties. The Clinton mafia will do what they do and the Mc Cain will have such a field day with the real Clinton scandals ( as opposed the manufactured ones for Obama) that Mrs. Clinton will finally get what she deserves and what the Obama campaign has been reluctant to do ( Read the Politco article )
It does not bode well for the US or the world.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Julie, Cary, NC — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:21:34 GMT

In North Carolina Obama has always led Clinton, but up until these latest polls the number of people who hadn't made up their minds was very large. There were many, many stories here in NC about how ambivalent many people were. There were record numbers of undecided voters. This week more are choosing. Obama is still leading, and has actually gone up several points in the latest numbers to the upper 40s to as high as 51%, but Hillary has increased from numbers in the mid 30% range up to the low to mid 40% range. Most polls here now show about 5 to 8 percent still undecided. It will probably be close.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Anti Reaganess, Columbus Georgia — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:21:54 GMT

OMG!!

Msnbc and race, nothing new there, so if a voter is undecided the voter is racist. What a joke msnbc is with their joke reporting. It's always about race with msn, and has been right from the beginning with Eugen Robinson, and the Bradley effect, as to why New Hampshire voters did not vote for Obama.

The reason "typical white people" like me don't vote for Obama is because "we" like the other candidate better. Not because he is black, race has been played by the Obama campaign over and over again, and now it's catching up to them. That's too bad, it really turned me off to Obama and group, Clyburn and the rest.

The color of his skin has nothing to do with, my position, it's the way the campaign has used Obama's color to drive a wedge through the Democratic party, and call people racist who don't vote for Obama. That's what has turned people off to Obama, we are not stupid out here... There's plenty about him for the "typical white person" to vote against other than his color. Obama is a neophyte and it shows on every level, that's Obama's problem. Not that he is (half black and half white.) As soon as Obama stopped the soring talk, flying above eveyone like a hang glider, and started to talk policy he has struggled every since. Hum wonder what that is about????

Also about Rev Wright, Obama and Michelle chose Rev Wright, he did not chose them.... They had a choice and he was their inspiration. That is not "Typical White Person's" fault either. Oh it's not Hillary's fault, and it's not John McCain's fault. It's Obama and Michelle fault. So just suck it up and move on, blacks are far more racist than white people, just look at the way "they vote" msnbc are such race baiters. We are tired of it out here and it's going to cost your candidate the election with your low ball underhanded tacticts.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

TLA — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:22:12 GMT

INTERESTING

STEPHANOPOULOS & ABCNews Hosting town meeting for Clinton.
http://www.drudgereport.com/flashabh.htm

What Obama wishes he could say
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0508/10010.html

What Obama wishes he could say
http://www.236.com/news/2008/05/01/how_superdelegates_can_break_u_6205.php

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Los Angeles Independent — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:23:25 GMT

Wow ... I've never seen so many Obama cry babies .. if you can't take the heat then get out of the damm fire ...

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Mrs. C — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:23:35 GMT

MSNBC, Chuck Todd, Morning Joe, Chris Matthews, David Gregory, and Pat Buchannan, sucks! your reporting about the issues or should I say non issues is worst than FOX!

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Ed Jackson — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:24:03 GMT

Advice for Chuck Todd--don't try your hand at poker--you face will give you away. Time and time again on TV when talking about Obama and the campaign we can see he is so anti-Obama. The race is over for everyone except the media that keeps trying to find things to keep it going.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Concerned — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:24:43 GMT

Media should show some backbone and report this:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RR_vyHTfqro

This is FAR WORSE that the so-called bitter comments.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

EJH — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:25:07 GMT

I'm not really one for blogging. Especially now, as I've tried here several times but have not been "approved" for who knows what reason.

I still think there's a story about the dirty underbelly of the Clinton policial machine: WVWV robo-calls in a series of states to attempt to confuse voters (directed at African-Americans per NPR), the staged Florida delegate rally the other day, and the 527 ads that clearly violate the rules and favor Hillary.

I know the media just wants this to go on and on because they want a story, but you are harming the process by your biased choices of what to cover.

First Thoughts: Obama's back to the wall

Houston — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:28:52 GMT

Meanwhile, in the "McCain Lies" news front that MSNBC and the rest of the elite corporate media refuses to cover:

From http://thinkprogress.org/

McCain said yesterday of Bush's ridiculous "Mission Accomplished" banner: 'I thought it was wrong at the time.'"

But while the White House has actually acknowledged making an error, McCain himself used the term “mission accomplished” when talking about the Iraq war on at least two occasions in 2003:

– “Their morale could not be higher. This is a mission accomplished. They know how much influence Saddam Hussein had on the Iraqi people, how much more difficult it made to get their cooperation.” [This Week, ABC, 12/14/03]

– During an appearance on Fox News, host Neil Cavuto said, “many argue the conflict isn’t over.” McCain answered, “Well, then why was there a banner that said mission accomplished on the aircraft carrier? Look, the — I have said a long time that reconstruction of Iraq would be a long, long, difficult process, but the conflict — the major conflict is over, the regime change has been accomplished.” [FOX, Your World With Neil Cavuto, 6/11/03]

The fiction that this not particularly bright and intellectually incurious person is some sort of military genius and foreign policy expert continues to be propagated by the corporate media.