A Chronicle of Despair, A Promise of Change

Before he dismissed it as a "gauzy, feel-good commercial," John McCain really should have watched the thirty-minute television program that Barack Obama's campaign aired Wednesday night.

There was nothing particularly "gauzy" about the image of an Ohio woman struggling to open medicine containers with arthritic hands, or that of her husband heading off -- at age 73 -- to work at a Wal-Mart store.

There was nothing "feel good" about the lingering shot of a Ford worker, leaning against his truck and looking at the Louisville auto plant where his hours have been cut in half and his wife has been laid off.

Barack Obama was the star of his own commercial, as is to be expected of a presidential candidate on the cusp of a national election.

But this final national appeal to the hearts and souls of undecided voters -- particularly working-class whites in the remaining battleground states of the upper Midwest and the Hispanic women in the southwest -- was all about an economy that no longer works for tens of millions of Americans.

There were no Ross Perot flip charts, no John Kerry with Bruce Springsteen flourishes.

This was an expression of empathy, a report from Barack Obama about what he has learned after spending the better part of two years with a hurting populace.

The commercial, which aired on multiple networks at a cost of $4 million to the Democrat's campaign, was poignant and direct. And it did hold out a measure of the "hope" that has been the essential message of the senator's once-audacious and now-presumptive candidacy.

"America the time for change has come," Obama told a live audience in Kissimmee, Florida, in the final stages of the broadcast. "In six days we can choose an economy that rewards work and creates jobs and fuels prosperity starting with the middle class."

But at a deeper level, Obama presented a chronicle of despair:

Sick people are having a hard time paying for medicine.

Old people are working to make ends meet.

Teachers are taking second jobs to pay for food.

Third-generation factory workers are watching the American dreams that they once took for granted turn into nightmares of dislocation and declining prospects.

Obama appeared through much of the commercial as a sort of narrator. There was documentary-style footage shot by Davis Guggenheim, the director of former vice president Al Gore's global warming documentary An Inconvenient Truth. And there were snippets of Obama accepting the Democratic nomination and debating McCain.

But, except for the theater of the live finish from Florida, this was not Obama the inspirational orator.

Rather, the Obama who came into the homes of tens of millions of Americans less than a week before election day was a calm, reassuring, dare-we-say presidential figure speaking from a room that looked vaguely like the Oval Office.

He was self-deprecating -- "I will not be a perfect president."

He was self-referencing -- "I know what it's like to see a loved one suffer, not just because they are sick, but because of a broken health care system."

But he was, most of all, a candidate who wanted the people who are about to decide his political fate to know that he understands that there is really just one issue in the waning days of the 2008 campaign: an economy that is now officially in crisis but that long ago stopped working for millions of working Americans.

This was a commercial, to be sure.

But it was, as well, a statement. And Barack Obama's determination to make it the closing message of this long campaign will go a long way toward reassuring uncertain voters about the president he intends to be.

Most commercials aren't worth the thirty seconds it takes to watch them.

Obama's commercial is a thirty minute slice of an American story that was crying out to be told... and that Barack Obama heard.

Comments (237)

1. Fine. Sounds good.

   I just hope Reid and Pelosi don't F things up for him by doing something stupid and hyper-partisan.

   Sorry, got to daydreaming there...

   Posted by Benchrest at 10/29/2008 @ 10:18pm

2. How are laid off workers going to be helped when Obama tax policy increases taxation on the job creators, increasing job losses and layoffs?

   How is a woman having trouble with arthritis going to be helped by Canadian style medical care which provides that if she needs a second level test, she has to wait an inordinate length of time to get the test? (at least she is not pregnant- a woman in BC had to be flown to Alberta to go to a hospital to have her baby due to shortages of medical care where she lived)

   Why would a teacher have to take a second job to pay for food, at least if it is a teacher in the Chicago area, where average salaries in a district that Obama was concerned about are around $84,000 per year? What caused Obamas concern was that the school could not afford to stay open all day, so kids were being shortchanged! I suppose Obama will raise their pay, and by golly the school will still not be open all day!

   Obama is going to create an economy that rewards work, creates jobs and fuels prosperity? Every thing he advocates promotes the opposite.

   This is standard Democrat stuff. Let everybody know how lousy everything is, and how the (fill in the blank) Democrat will fix it all and be the salvation to all our problems. While encouraging us to be more and more dependent on government.

   It has been proclaimed that Obama is "different" and not an ordinary politician.

   But this "different" person, the product of the Stroger and Daley political machines, which makes him actually more political than average, not less, is just promoting standard Democrat stuff.

   Posted by sjchermak at 10/29/2008 @ 10:31pm

3. You notice the two Righties (SJ and RED) don't offer up much to support McCain in opposition????

   BTW....he's (McCain) nearly to Margin of Error...

   in his home-state!

   http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls /2008/president/az/ arizona_mccain_vs_obama-570.html

   Posted by Maskdelta at 10/29/2008 @ 10:38pm

4. What the spot demonstrated above all is Obama's capacity to deliver serious ideas with clarity.

   Moreover it is hard to imagine that someone who actually spends this much time documenting and discussing in a serious way the problems of people in the middle class would not try in some genuine way to enact policies to help them.

   Posted by badiou at 10/29/2008 @ 10:42pm

5. Bob and I just watched the Obama infomercial and he just laid out the same plan he has laid out every time he speaks but he does it with such conviction that one has to believe he can do it.

   This ad, which aired on CBS, NBC, Fox, BET, Univision, MSNBC, and TV One, was powerful. If this doesn't put the man in the White House, it will be because of America's racism.

   I particularly liked it when he said, "I will not be a perfect president, but I can promise you this, I will always tell you what I think and Where I stand." That's so refreshing after eight years of a man who cannot bring himself to admit he was wrong.

   He discussed health care as well as the nation's economic problems. He stressed his plan to offer tax cuts to the middle class and raise taxes on those who make over $250,000 a year. And, once again, he referred to our present situation as the "final verdict on eight years of failed policies." The video showed a lot of his supporters as well as ordinary people.

   McCain, whose campaign could not afford to do this, sniped at Obama. "He's got a few things he wants to sell you. He's offering government run health care, an energy plan guaranteed to work without drilling, and an automatic wealth spreader that folds neatly and fits under any bed." Sour grapes, I'd say. McCain needs to check with FactCheck.org.

   The ad did not appear on ABC because by the time they decided to sell Obama the time, the buy was already made.

   Obama's eldest daughter, Malia, 10, was afraid the ad was going to make her miss her programs. Obama had to tell her that they did not buy the Disney Channel. That relieved her.

   This is a good and decent man and we don't see a lot of those in Washington. I urge all my readers to vote for him.

   Oh, as a postscript:

   Joe the Plumber says Obama hate

   Posted by Margie_Miller1 at 10/29/2008 @ 10:48pm

6. something about the whole t.v. ad deal strikes me as wrong.

   it's kinda like commercials for hospitals.....

   Posted by frosty zoom at 10/29/2008 @ 10:52pm

7. A superb presentation by Obama!

   Only the most clueless Bush dead-enders are even considering the vile criminal McCain. Within the next few years, he's going to die a lonely death and not a single soul will remember this good-for-nothing crook and his Klaus Barbie Doll sidekick, a joke in exceptionally poor taste.

   Posted by rykart at 10/29/2008 @ 10:56pm

8. Posted by Maskdelta at 10/29/2008 @ 10:38pm

   You ever feel sorry for the opposing team when they are losing so bad?

   Posted by Benchrest at 10/29/2008 @ 11:14pm

9. Frosty, I agree with you but with this major caveat. What is pathetic is the filter between politicians and the public is so toxic that this move makes sense!

   My biggest dream if this one's not stolen is for laws with teeth, rewards / consequences, that bring about something much closer to the founder's vision of a 4th estate that the sicko MSM.

   Posted by winyahn at 10/29/2008 @ 11:17pm

10. A few comments up is a response from "jchermak" claiming (among other flasehoods) that the average teacher's salary in Chicago is "around $84,000. That's pretty specific - and a pretty fable, too. More specifically, and more accurately, the average salary of a Chicago teacher is $53,713. Leave it to a McCain troglodyte to believe teachers make too much money and use false information to make their uneducated case. The irony.

    Posted by wbramh at 10/29/2008 @ 11:27pm

11. frosty..respectfully disagree. I'm not against commercials per se, especially if they are done in an honest and non-cheesy way, (rare, I'll admit). Obama's was excellent.

    I'm much more disturbed by the candidates going on these TV programs. I think John Stewart and Stephen Colbert are great but I don't think either candidate should appear on them or on SNL, Letterman, Bill Mahr, much less O'Reily, the View, etc. It's undignified, it turns the process into farce and gives the public nothing in return.

    Posted by rykart at 10/29/2008 @ 11:29pm

12. I find it so refreshing when Obama speaks, his honesty and understanding are so obvious.

    I'm a conservative at heart but after 8 years of losing rights, government intruding on private phone calls, fighting the wrong wars, unwillingness to admit our errors, imprisoning people with no hearings, signing statements upending intended legislation.../pant...I am so very thankful Obama is running.

    Maybe he isn't perfect, but the closer we can get to 180 degrees away from where we are now the better we'll be, and that sure as hell isn't McCain with his 90+ percent for Bush record.

    Maybe when the last eight years is long forgotten, and the conservatives remember what conservatives are, I'll rejoin them. Until then, I'm voting for Obama.

    Posted by Anhyzer at 10/29/2008 @ 11:34pm

13. Thirty Minutes??

    I've been watching MSNBC for six months.

    I couldn't tell when the time Obama paid for started and ended.

    Why would he buy what he's getting free??

    Send the money to a needy cause or something.

    What a waste of money.

    Posted by bleedingheart at 10/29/2008 @ 11:42pm

14. You ever feel sorry for the opposing team when they are losing so bad?

    Posted by Benchrest at 10/29/2008 @ 11:14pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    if he does give that bodkin to me...

    MOOHAHA!

    Posted by dexter666 at 10/29/2008 @ 11:48pm

15. well done WELL DONE senator obama will make a fine COMPETANT president.

    Posted by reality check at 10/29/2008 @ 11:51pm

16. I thought the he delivered his message, that decent, hard-working people's lives have become living nightmares due to rampant greed by much of corporate America in a very powerful way.

    We saw these people---our neighbors and friends, maybe even ourselves---reflecting back to us much of what is 'broken' or wrong with our nation's recent priorities and how it's hurt us deeply.

    Equally powerful, was how there was also the message of how Obama envisions setting us on a track to make our priorities include individuals and their quality of life.

    I thought that Obama did well by stating that Americans don't want to depend on government. Rather, they want to be treated with respect and dignity and not as pieces on a game board of profits above all.

    How can anyone claim these as socialist ideals is beyond me. As far as I can tell, this vision includes the fundamental and core values our nation was founded upon.

    Posted by Rene at 10/29/2008 @ 11:55pm

17. There's an old saying: Big people talk about ideas. Medium people talk about things. And small people talk about other people.

    It's time to boot the small people out of Washington and to elect a big person president.

    Posted by MujerAlta at 10/30/2008 @ 12:10am

18. Honestly, I think Senator Obama is a trojan horse. 8 years as a legislator and he personally never wrote a single piece of legislation - only added his name on a few pieces at the end. His is a master politico and those who support him are simply being duped I think. He has changed his mind so many times, who knows who we will end up with if he is elected - the one we think we like or the other one. He sure got a sweet deal on his big house in Chicago, under cover of his wife, through the kind assistance of his benefactor and convicted felon Resko. Our electorate is so uniformed, just give them a good infomericial, and a smooth-talking hack, and the electorate is bought and paid for. Lemmings, aren't we all? So much for democracy. When polled, over 80% of Americans oppose the radical gay agenda that Senator Obama will push down our throats, not to mention taught as a mandatory program in public schools - hey, the Senator has promised that. If you don't think so go look up his speech last year to GLAAD. The Senator will accelerate killing of the unborn though his policies - Senator Obama says if a baby is born alive from an abortion, just kill it. A nation that murders its own children is a dying society, in so many ways. We'll all be living in an upside down world - one where right is wrong and wrong is right. Values deposed and the New Age of "It's all about ME" ushered in. We'll only have our uniformed selves to blame. Politics in America today is just plain crap.

    Posted by athanasius61 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:17am

19. I was surprised at how good it was. The vignettes were moving, the policy outlines were clear and compelling, and the overall pacing was exceptional. It was a powerful closing argument that will go a long way towards getting a few of those fence-sitters to come over to the side of change.

    PS. The flailing of the trolls here, while annoying, is a sign of their desperation and but a whiff of the dying husk that is the modern conservative movement. Their entire philosophy has been completely discredited by Bush and Co., and now we get to watch as the corporatecons and theocons tear each other up in their upcoming civil war. This isn't just about Obama winning, it's about the ascendency of the progressive movement for a generation or more and getting this country back to the greatness it deserves.

    Posted by ashami at 10/30/2008 @ 12:18am

20. First time to post. I am in agreement with many of your other posters. I am a true moderate and was perfectly set to vote for McCain and then he picked Sarah Palin. WHAT WAS HE THINKING?? You don't win elections appealing to the base; they have nowhere else to go. You appeal to the middle. And that's exactly what this "infomercial" did. It's maybe the most powerful political ad I've ever seen (and I'm over 50). The star was not Obama but middle-class Americans who are struggling right now, not unlike some in my own family. This southerner from Arkansas might some day come back to the Republican party, but right now the party that best represents me is the Democrats. And it's sad to say, but race is the only thing that keeps this election from being a 60-40 landslide.

    David from Arkansas

    Posted by DHoward at 10/30/2008 @ 12:21am

21. great article, john nichols: very incisive, substantive, and nuanced, able to get to the core of obama`s message and sensitivities. found the informercial most compelling as well; brought tears to my eyes and much reason to find the audacity to hope again!

    Posted by inspired64 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:23am

22. Here is a list of average teachers salaries across the country.

    Springfield, IL - $48,015 Chicago, IL - $53,713 Atlanta, GA - $35,903 Savannah, GA - $25,008 Orlando, FL - $31,684 Tampa, FL - $36,630 Miami, FL - $34,501

    Teachers fall into the same catagory as most citizen who have been living beyond their means. The average wage earner has been operating on a flawed concept that uninterrupted appreciation in home values would continue to subsidize a life style beyond the limits of their income. Eventually that mistake would be revealed! However no one could foresee that the equities market was gambling on the same flawed dream and betting trillions of dollars on the come line.

    People are hurting in many sectors for a variety of reasons; outsourcing, downsizing, unemployment, decreasing buying power of the dollar, failed economic policies and an unregulated finacial sector that caused the recent crash on Wall Street.

    The American people know that we need change in our leadership and Barack Obama has articulated that message most clearly. That was what this election season was about and on Tuesday of next week the collective wisdom of the American people will make him our next president.

    Posted by commoncents at 10/30/2008 @ 12:26am

23. "Nothing missed by not watching it..."

    Are you serious LL? Ignorance is no basis for evaluation. -------------------------------------------

    Posted by athanasius61 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:17am

    Like the Peter Paul Corp said "Sometimes you feel like a nut" .. and sometimes they post here.

    Personally, I think after the beginning of the Obama presidency, they should dismantle the binary Dem/GOP system and open up the gates to make it easier for the other parties to compete while the GOP is seriously fragmented. The Dems would enjoy some "lingering afterglow" for several cycles, the new system would bring in fresh ideas and restore the Congress closer to the Founder's original intent, and the GOP would fraction into 3-4 separate parties.

    Posted by leftofcenter at 10/30/2008 @ 12:34am

24. Very nice article, I thought, Mr. N. My feelings pretty much as well.

    Posted by A_Pax_On_Your_Houses at 10/30/2008 @ 01:06am

25. You right wing zealots never cease to amaze me. You like to distort how Obama plans on having more than just the rich prosper in our nation and continue to sell snake oil policies that the past 8 years have proven to fail. I can not tell if you just not that smart or just being dishonest. In any event, you are wasting your time posting on this website. Go to your right wing websites where the less educated tend to spend time. You'll feel more comfortable and less angry.

    Posted by cberkland at 10/30/2008 @ 01:19am

26. Replying to: Maskdelta at 10/29/2008 @ 10:38pm

    "You ever feel sorry for the opposing team when they are losing so bad?"

    Yes I have, in baseball, where it doesn't count for much, my team winning and on their way to the World Series in 1987. I started feeling sorry for the other team, which promptly came back to win.

    Not this time. I've lived with 7 GOP administrations in my adult life, to 3 Dem, and I'm eager to even the score: Obama for eight years, then Hillary for the next eight, say. The GOP brought this upon themselves; good riddance to them.

    Michael Melius South Dakota!

    Posted by melius at 10/30/2008 @ 01:53am

27. sjchermak,

    To answer some of your questions

    "How are laid off workers going to be helped when Obama tax policy increases taxation on the job creators, increasing job losses and layoffs?" - This one is simple. The perception that if you tax companies they will lay off people or reduce wages is totally bogus. Companies DON'T hire more people then they need and don't pay more than they have to. They hire as many and pay as much as they HAVE to, to stay in business - and NEVER more. The only think it will affect is profits and execs salaries. Jobs are created by CUSTOMERS who buy products and not other way around.

    "How is a woman having trouble with arthritis going to be helped by Canadian style medical..." Did you ever had any experience with Canadian, French, German or English healthcare, or are you just base your post on the GOP propaganda? I lived, for extended periods in England and Germany and can vouch for the quality of their healthcare...

    "Why would a teacher have to take a second job to pay for food, at least if it is a teacher in the Chicago area, where average salaries in a district that Obama was concerned about are around $84,000 per year?..." It's actually $58K which compared with much higher cost of living compares to about $45K in most areas. It's sad that people with higher education make so little.

    "Obama is going to create an economy that rewards work, creates jobs and fuels prosperity? Everything he advocates promotes the opposite." Yes, he will. Middle class needs a tax break - so do poor. When middle class and poor have more money, they will spend it more thus supporting economy and creating jobs (look point above). The only people against Sen. Obama's plan are wealthy (oh, my heart goes out to them *sarcasm*) and big companies.

    Posted by exodus3000 at 10/30/2008 @ 01:58am

28. Obviously the ad portrayed what they wanted it to portray. It was supposed to draw out emotions. People were paid a lot of money to achieve just that. That doesn't make Obama's policies right. Because Obama made a good ad doesn't change the fact that he is the least qualified for the position and yes that includes Palin. Nor does making an effective ad qualify one to be President. It isn't how many stories of human tradgedy he can portray. The question is will his policies fix the problems we face or not? I believe not.

    I fear Obama's policies are not that different from Carter. God help this country if we have a repeat of those four years. You think people are screaming about unemployment and the increasing costs of goods and services now, it will be far uglier then.

    If Obama fails as President, there will be a lot of finger pointing. Democrats will be arguing about who and how they nominated such an unexperienced candidate. The media, after being in the tank for him, will have some explaining to do. And worst of all, I truly believe that it will be a long time before an African-American will be nominated for President or VP. It took 24 years to nominate a second woman.

    Because I am not wealthy, I will have to suffer through the next 4 years because a bunch of morons decided to vote this guy into office should Obama win. For my sake and my families sake, I hope I'm wrong. But if I'm not, you get what you deserve. McCain was not my first choice but at least I know far more about him than I do Obama and I can trust that. Obama is still an unknown commodity <sp>.

    BTW, before any of you libs want to call my reference to African-Americans racist, there are African-American conservatives I would vote for. And, they actually have a resume.

    Posted by independentthinker316 at 10/30/2008 @ 02:26am

29. Obviously the ad portrayed what they wanted it to portray. It was supposed to draw out emotions. People were paid a lot of money to achieve just that. That doesn't make Obama's policies right. Because Obama made a good ad doesn't change the fact that he is the least qualified for the position and yes that includes Palin. Nor does making an effective ad qualify one to be President. It isn't how many stories of human tradgedy he can portray. The question is will his policies fix the problems we face or not? I believe not.

    I fear Obama's policies are not that different from Carter. God help this country if we have a repeat of those four years. You think people are screaming about unemployment and the increasing costs of goods and services now, it will be far uglier then.

    If Obama fails as President, there will be a lot of finger pointing. Democrats will be arguing about who and how they nominated such an unexperienced candidate. The media, after being in the tank for him, will have some explaining to do. And worst of all, I truly believe that it will be a long time before an African-American will be nominated for President or VP. It took 24 years to nominate a second woman.

    Because I am not wealthy, I will have to suffer through the next 4 years because a bunch of morons decided to vote this guy into office should Obama win. For my sake and my families sake, I hope I'm wrong. But if I'm not, you get what you deserve. McCain was not my first choice but at least I know far more about him than I do Obama and I can trust that. Obama is still an unknown commodity <sp>.

    BTW, before any of you libs want to call my reference to African-Americans racist, there are African-American conservatives I would vote for. And, they actually have a resume.

    Posted by independentthinker316 at 10/30/2008 @ 02:27am

30. "A gauzy, feel good commercial". Another case of the mantra like response from repubs. Nothing is ever wrong with the system. Only those failing to provide for themselves are suffering. Vote for us, they say & you'll hear what's right with the country, not what's wrong.

    Let me just say that starting with the basic family unit, being there when your child is in need, means much more than being there when things are going right. I will cast my lot with the party that seeks to boost as many people as possible, not one that sees social change as a threat & has thus far managed to alarm & convince considerable numbers of people to support policies that are not in their best interest. Living on the edge may have a long human history, but that neither makes it right or good.

    Posted by Sorelish at 10/30/2008 @ 03:01am

31. I went to bed thinking about the 30 minute infomercial that aired across network and cable television last night and woke up believing that I finally understood what Obama really wants.

    He doesn't want to be just another President of the United States and he really does want to bring about enormous changes!

    If elected, he would want to rein like Putin!

    Very few Americans understand what life under a Putin like regime would be like but members of the "New Party" that helped Obama and others to rise through the political ranks know exactly what it means and they have worked for years to bring about its implementation.

    Russia supposedly has Democracy and most Russians will tell you that they have one, but did the power behind the throne change when Dmitry Medvedev was elected last March?

    In 1787 a Scottish professor by the name of Alexander Fraser Tyler wrote about the fall of the Athenian Republic.

    "A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship."

    "The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years. These nations have progressed through this sequence:

    From bondage to spiritual faith From spiritual faith to great courage From courage to liberty From liberty to abundance From abundance to complacency From complacency to apathy From apathy to dependence From dependence back again into bondage".

    Do his words signal the end of a cycle for America?

    Mike

    http://obamalikeputin.notlong.com

    Posted by Redbourn at 10/30/2008 @ 03:34am

32. I was watching the World Series. Let me know if he said anything new. BTW, he's still losing numbers in the polls.

    Posted by xsu999 at 10/30/2008 @ 03:49am

33. Wow, I had to add another 10 or so wingnuts to my ignore list just this evening. I hope the software developers left a lot of room for that. The iceberg that hit the SS McTanic and the soon-to-be-icy-watery-grave for the miserable failed policies of Republicanism really brings out the desperation in the true cultists.

    And no, I don't feel sorry for them. If they were screwing up some *other* country then I would feel sorry for them. But they screwed up *my* country instead.

    Posted by masussman at 10/30/2008 @ 04:08am

34. One thing that really, really irks me about Republicans is the mantra "don't raise taxes the 'job creators'-- don't raise taxes on the 'job creators'", yet for the last 8 years large companies have collected all of their tax breaks and put them directly into CEO's pockets. Are Republicans completely deaf, dumb and blind to this?

    Giving breaks to rich people and corporations, then eliminating all laws and oversight has just torpedoed our economy, now McCain wants to keep it all the same way-- except to reduce taxes for large businesses more (so they will use it to create jobs-- presumably via CEOs needing another staff of maids for yet another large mansion they'll be able to afford).

    Barack Obama's idea is much better. Create the job, THEN get the tax break. No more of this "here's a crapload of cash, I hope you create some jobs with it!" and never revisiting it, then feigning surprise at the CEOs retarded golden parachutes.

    Posted by Urieldagda at 10/30/2008 @ 05:12am

35. Although it is quite handy to be able to ignore specific people in this forum, it is nonetheless sad to see people like sjchermak, RedRiver, and athanasius61 continuing to flail away.

    I completely agree with Urieldagda on taxation. The last eight years have demonstrated (again) that trickle-down economics is still a pipe dream. The Bush tax cuts (particularly obscene given the fact that they were established during wartime) should be allowed to expire.

    The mention of the "radical gay agenda" made me sigh. Karl Rove et al did a fantastic job of using gay marriage as a wedge issue four years ago -- that sent many right-wing conservatives to the polls where they also happened to vote for Bush/Cheney.

    Obama is hardly perfect -- I am still very disappointed about his about-face on FISA. But he will be far better for this country than McCain, who represents four more years of the Bush regime/mindset. And NOTHING would be worse than a Palin presidency... that would make everyone nostalgic for Dubya.

    Posted by thecompassionateconservatives at 10/30/2008 @ 05:33am

36. Someone please tell me... How is watching this sleeze-ball any different than watching all the other infommercials out there??? Buy real-estate, retire-rich, lose weight, improve your golf-swing! How is the One any different than any of these other salesmen? At least with the improve your golf-swing, you get a dozen golf balls...

    Obama - All Ego, No humility!

    Posted by clifs459 at 10/30/2008 @ 07:01am

37. You ever feel sorry for the opposing team when they are losing so bad?

    Posted by Benchrest at 10/29/2008 @ 11:14pm |

    Nope

    Posted by Maskdelta at 10/30/2008 @ 07:27am

38. An infomercial that was created by a lie. Makes you real comfortable with his promise that only the top 5% will have their taxes go up ---huh------

    Posted by Len Mosse at 10/30/2008 @ 07:52am

39. I continue to be mystified by some of the American people. Our Health Care system is seriously broken. It needs help. I am so happy for all of you that have NEVER been SCREWED over by it. Good for you. Let's hope that your health holds up, or else you are going to end up like that older retired couple in the video. THAT

    Posted by JenZ at 10/30/2008 @ 08:17am

40. I continue to be mystified by some of the American people. Our Health Care system is seriously broken. It needs help. I am so happy for all of you that have NEVER been SCREWED over by it. Good for you. Let's hope that your health holds up, or else you are going to end up like that older retired couple in the video. THAT'S reality. I work in the health care field and people can't afford medications that they desperately need. Grandparents shouldn't need to go back to work in their golden years. There are some things that are more important than a stupid tax cut. I hate that tax cuts are the barometer of who should be president. There are so many other issues.

    Posted by JenZ at 10/30/2008 @ 08:19am

41. Darin .....

    The 250k/200k was already addressed by the campaign 250k (families) 200k individuals. Biden's 150k was a gaffe (after all, it IS Joe Biden we're talking about) and the 42k was a number related to a bill that wasn't going anywhere some time back.

    Here, if you want some pointed commentary on McSame:

    http://www.zipperfish.com/yaafm/yaafm-14-john-mccain/

    Posted by leftofcenter at 10/30/2008 @ 08:30am

42. About the Obama Movie

    Tom Hanks never actually landed on Omaha Beach on DDAY

    Chris Reeve never actually came from the Planet Krypton

    No Michael Douglas was never President of the United States..

    And in Real Life Barack Obama has never actually " Changed" anything in his political career and has no record of legislative accomplishment.

    Pass the Koolaid..

    Posted by Dencal26 at 10/30/2008 @ 08:53am

43. Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 07:58am

    So Obama's promises are more fantastical than...

    "I'll cut taxes AGAIN and find over $400 Billion a year in 'earmarks' to cut"??!?!?!!????

    Posted by Maskdelta at 10/30/2008 @ 09:12am

44. Nope

    Posted by Maskdelta at 10/30/2008 @ 07:27am

    A one Charles Montgomery Burns...

    "exxxxxxcellent."

    Posted by Benchrest at 10/30/2008 @ 09:16am

45. if he does give that bodkin to me...

    MOOHAHA!

    Posted by dexter666 at 10/29/2008 @ 11:48pm

    Going medieval on their ass Ibble?

    I like!

    Posted by Benchrest at 10/30/2008 @ 09:20am

46. I have an idea. If you don't like the his policies, state what you would do differently. Instead, what McCain supporters seem to do is vent rage and babble nonsense. What is your plan? You don't have one, except to stay the same as Bush. Your candidate failed to make his argument. All is did is bring out crowds who are dumb enough to believe Senator Obama is somehow a terrorist. It's a total joke.

    Posted by jthefacts at 10/30/2008 @ 09:34am

47. Rarrghhh Socialism! Jesus don't you Republican's have another fear line. It doesn't work in this country anymore. No wonder the Republican party is only being kept alive by machines. You guys can't come up with any new ideas you just keep repeating the old refrain hoping that people will forget that trickle down economics doesn't work and that war without end only serves to bankrupt a country.

    Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 09:47am

48. jthefacts. 600 million (much of it in pre-paid credit cards?) v. 80 million. I would hope that Obama could make his argument better than McCain.

    Posted by roywally at 10/30/2008 @ 09:52am

49. Have you made your plans yet for All Saints Day eve? Our 11-year-old's spending the night at a friend's, so we're thinking about doing something too disturbing to do with him. Neither of us is a big fan of horror movies, but this year's Halloween release includes the most frightening cast of characters in one of the most terrifying tales in history. We're going to see W.

    Posted by Staggslaw at 10/30/2008 @ 09:53am

50. Listen, I do not think a President has the power to evoke the kind of change that Senator Obama promises. Nor should they. There are many things wrong with our government. The more they get involve in free enterprise, the less efficient that enterprise becomes.

    Someone please tell me why I should vote for someone who believes in his heart that the right thing to do is to take from me what I have earned through my own hard work and long hours and give it to someone who is either less fortunate, or refuses to work as hard as I?

    "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" -Karl Marx Critique of the Gotha Program 1875" "I am just trying to spread it (money) around a little bit" Barack Obama to Joe the plumber 2008.

    Think of it this way. Even if he only raises taxes on the "rich", those people will only raise the cost of goods you buy from them to offset that increase. In the end the middle class will always pay for we are the driving force of the economy.

    Your choice is simple, vote for an American, or vote for a person trying to sneak socialism into our society. Senator Obama is charismatic, calm, poised and is promising things he cannot possibly deliver without taking economic freedom away from each American.

    Posted by gutterboy1 at 10/30/2008 @ 09:54am

51. Dear Audience: We have to stop being so unkind to each other. Have you no shame. The cynicism, the anger, the accusations, the contempt, the character assassination in these comments are not how children of God should be presenting themselves. John McCain and Barack Obama have personally never hurt any of you people. Then have never taken money from you, broke into your homes, raped your wives and daughters, yet the words you use are like they had murdered your parents. Remember, Jesus said, "Love thy neighbor as thy self." Stop being an accusers of the brethren. These two candidates have after all honestly sought to be elected as servants for you. Certainly they are worthy of respect, not contempt.

    Posted by PastorBurt at 10/30/2008 @ 09:59am

52. It's so touching how Obama cares for the poor and downtrodden-oh, except for his brother who lives in Africa on $1 per month and his aunt who lives in a Boston slum, and all the recipients of the assistance from charities that Obama and Biden don't bother to donate to. But he sure is generous and kind-hearted with other people's money. What a guy!

    Posted by ben126 at 10/30/2008 @ 10:07am

53. With respect to Benchrest's comments on "Canadian style medicare" in which he cited the case of a pregnant BC woman, flown to Alberta to receive care, as an example, I suppose, of a "socialized medicine" horror story:

    Given our (Canadian) geography, it is not uncommon for patients in remote, small towns to be flown to major centers to receive specialized care unavailable where they live. It is likely that the BC woman lived hundreds of miles closer to, say, Calgary than Vancouver, in which case the quickest and cheapest course was to fly her to Alberta. It could have been that a medical centre there offered specialized treatment, particular to her condition and not available in BC.

    Whatever the case, it is almost certain she got the best treatment in the shortest time possible, even if that meant flying her hundreds of miles. Because of our universal medical coverage, the flight and treatment wouldn't have cost her a dime.

    Our system has it's horror stories, to be sure, what system doesn't? But we've just elected, for a second term, a right-wing, pro-business, conservative national government. Their campaign did not include any suggestion of dismantling our "socialized" medicare system. Canadians regard it as a lynchpin of our national well being.

    For over 50 years under our system I've had my share of hospital stays, operations, lab tests, medications and protracted illnesses. I've never had to wait for care, never received sub-standard treatment, never filled out a form, and never had cause to complain.

    Could our medical system be improved? You betcha! And while Americans consider improvements to theirs, they might examine carefully claims citing "Canadian style medicare" as an example of the evils of government support for national health care.

    Posted by gsch at 10/30/2008 @ 10:12am

54. Obama's message was clear and powerful. He showed compassion, empathy, and most important a clear vision for our country's future. We need jobs. Obama will give incentives to companies who keep jobs HERE in the good old USA. He wants to make sure that everyone is able to afford healthcare and can choose and/or keep whatever physicians they want. At NO time did he ever talk about socializing the medical system. Anyone who thinks that John McCain's $5000 tax credit for purchasing health insurance is going to help them, has NEVER looked into the cost of health insurance premiums. Most families would have to pay at least triple that amount to get even halfway decent coverage. Who can afford that? The teacher was from MISSOURI, not Chicago as someone stated, insinuating that Chicago teachers are well paid. Regardless of where she is from, I have never met anyone who became rich by being a teacher. Yes, he wants teachers to be better paid, but he also insists on accountability. Isn't giving our children the best possible education still a TOP priority in our country. I will vote for Obama. He is a thoughtful, honest, intelligent human being. He is nonreactive, spent more than 15 minute deciding who is running mate would be, and he, by far, has put country first.

    Posted by democratein08 at 10/30/2008 @ 10:17am

55. , "Love thy neighbor as thy self." Stop being an accusers of the brethren. These two candidates have after all honestly sought to be elected as servants for you. Certainly they are worthy of respect, not contempt.

    Posted by PastorBurt at 10/30/2008 @ 09:59am

    Now here is a real Christian. Pastor Burt check out the gentleman who calls himself love liberty and you will see why Christianity is getting a bad rap. He isn't the only one on this site who gives real Christians a bad name while claiming to be something they are not. Hope you stay around for a while and see what your pseudo-christian brothers are doing for/to the faith.

    Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 10:18am

56. Posted by PastorBurt at 10/30/2008 @ 09:59am

    Sorry PastorBurt, but there's a lot of non-believers on this board. I'm glad you're here.

    Posted by ACook at 10/30/2008 @ 10:19am

57. Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 09:13am

    Darin .. just going for accuracy - I mean, let's get real. With the fiscal hole W has dug, if anyone thinks for a second we can exist without raising taxes someplace ... well, let's just say I've got some unimproved partly damp real estate I'll sell ya (sure it says "swamp" on the map, but hey .. it IS waterfront property!)

    Posted by leftofcenter at 10/30/2008 @ 10:20am

58. In just about 2 hours, SJCHERMAK should show up to give us "his" analysis of Obama last night...

    (12:30pm being the end of Rush's "first hour monologue"...heheh)

    Posted by Maskdelta at 10/30/2008 @ 10:22am

59. Posted by democratein08 at 10/30/2008 @ 10:17am

    What incentives?

    Posted by ACook at 10/30/2008 @ 10:34am

60. We live in an incresingly challenging complex world. We have had cronie second rate minds leading our country for the last 8 years. I respect many of McCains qualities though intellect is not one of them (bottom quintile at Annapolis). His choice of Palin is astonishing, insulting and dangerous.

    We have a once in a generation opportunity to elect a president that represents the finest that our culture has to offer Barac Obama. Colin Powell's endoursement(read it if you missed it) says it all for me.

    I am one of those who will pay more taxes. A small price to pay to take responsibility for our mess and not pass it on to our children and grand children.

    I have listened caefully to Obamah and those who he has as advisers. I believe that he will add government influence where it is necessary and understand the limits and inefficiency of too much government.

    By the way, our economic system has always been one that redistributes wealth to states, organizations and individuals by various means. So stop the stupid comments about the redistributor.

    Posted by TiredofCMinusMinds at 10/30/2008 @ 10:37am

61. Posted by gsch at 10/30/2008 @ 10:12am

    Would be so kind and inform your Canadian neighbors to stop coming to my (and many other) American hospitals seeking our specialized care? I could then focus all of my critical care skills on my American patients.

    Posted by ACook at 10/30/2008 @ 10:39am

62. I'm truly amazed at John McCain's and his cronies continued attempts to deface everything about Barack Obama. AS, I sit here watching John McCain live in Ohio, he sounds really out of touch and desperate. Stop trying to smear Barack and lay out your own plans because everytime you speak you sound more Bush!

    One last thing, tell Cindy to quit fidgeting with how she looks and pay attention to her husbands speech. We know its boring and rhetorical Republican BS. Cindy it's called winter so dress the part and try to smile a little, you come off as distance and daydreaming about some other place you'd rather be.

    Posted by opinionnaire at 10/30/2008 @ 10:51am

63. I am listening to Sarah Palin live as I write. I must admit I am baffled that she can stand on the stage and talk about "joe the plumber" as if the Repbulican party has ever cared about him before. I have never known a time when you could tell which party was speaking at a rally simply by looking at the crowd. If the crowd is all white well its a Republican crowd. If its diverse it is a Democratic Crowd. Her crowd is yelling USA USA USA and the irony is that the Repbulicans do every thing they can to keep people from voting, keep all the money flowing up, and agitate the crowd with tired hateful rhetoric...and the scarey thing is...it may still work.

    Posted by StephenBleeds at 10/30/2008 @ 11:03am

64. It seems to me as though John Nichols is right on here. Having watched last night's ad, I can affirm that it was a half hour of tragedy and despair, and then one of hope. With voting day coming on, it seems both strategic and true. I'll never understand what appeal McCain has to working class Americans. Or Bush, but that's another matter.

    Posted by Bush_Hater_1995 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:04am

65. Excellent article John.....point blank! I concur with your assessment of the Senator Obamas TV ad , and I truly hope those undecided voters were listening as well. Senator Obama laid out who he is, what he has seen through out the campaign, as well as bringing other American's into our homes to again reaffirm that "we are all in this together".

    In my opinion Senator Obama could not have made himself and where he stands "any clearer". It is unfortunate (yet again) that some who have responded to your article, cannot get past "their "ignorant shield" of stupidity when voicing their opinions.

    "At this defining moment in our country, why do some of you (blogger who made negative comments) continue to spew nonsense? Even if you are being paid to go to sites like this and leave "negative" feedback.....we are at the end now....give it a break!"

    Again, thanks John for yet again another great article, and any of you out their who are still undecided.....please think again about who you place your vote with. The chance to put our country on the right track has begun. Vote for "Change".....vote for Obama!!

    Posted by rayven at 10/30/2008 @ 11:05am

66. What garbage and what an incredible waste of money. Obama spent over $4 million and 30 minutes of air time and managed to avoid saying anything specific about anything. What will he do to help the OH woman or her husband? Who will he tax to do it? How much will he tax them? When he says share the wealth will he share it with them? Obama could have made a real difference in their lives if he'd skipped the infomercial and passed some of that $4 million directly to them. What we will see in an Obama administration is what we saw last night. Huge amounts of money being taxed from working American...but not to be shared with the lady and her husband in OH, but going to Government workers, Unions, and other special interest like ACORN who will work to insure Obama gets reelected...even if he's not popular. What an incredible waste of money, but wait for President Obama when we start putting trillions after the numbers rather than millions.

    Posted by valwayne at 10/30/2008 @ 11:20am

67. Finally, for those that would say that the employer will make up for it with increased revenue; based upon what guarantee? You don't hire for a tax credit, you hire to meet a need. Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:08am

    Actually you seem to be unable to think about this bipartisanly which has led you to this completely garbled thought about what he is trying to achieve.

    He isn't creating a tax incentive for people to start hiring like crazy. He knows that many jobs in America are held by small business, I don't know where you got the figure 85-95% but let's go with it. This is a way for small businesses that are needing to expand to get a break while expanding. Growing a small business in this country is expensive. This is a way so that when a small business is trying to expand and get new employees that while they are doing it they can get a kickback in order to make it a little easier so they don't have a need to get AS large of a business loan. If you could think about things in a partisan sense you would be able to see that this is not meant to spur job creation but to make it a little easier for small businesses during their expansion periods.

    Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:21am

68. You don't hire for a tax credit, you hire to meet a need. Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:08am

    So then the corollary must be true:

    You don't hire if your taxes are lower, you hire to meet a need.

    Posted by Hman23 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:22am

69. Posted by valwayne at 10/30/2008 @ 11:20am

    Did you watch it?

    Posted by Hman23 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:23am

70. Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:08am

    Once again by the way you show your dismissal of anything proposed by a liberal because if this had been proposed by a Republican you would be heralding it as a God send. Kind of like how you defend McCain's 5,000 Health Care taxcut while defending the fact that he plans to tax your healthcare at the same time which renders the tax cut as nil.

    Face the facts. It doesn't matter what the policy is LVL if the person proposing it has a -D next to their name you will do everything you can to tear into it.

    Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:26am

71. I think its pretty sad when we allow racism to fright us into voting for a candidate. Obama infomercial was focus on all people not just those who feels supremency is at stake. Obama address issues that we all are concern about. Healthcare, Education and most important the direction in which the economy is facing. I rather put a person in office who has shared my struggles as far as obtaining student loans to go to college, working for everything he has and not being raised with a silver spoon in his mouth as McCain has. How could McCain understand the struggle when he never had to want for anything. Obama tax cut plan would be more beneficial to the small business owners who could probably afford them the opportunity to offer healthcare to their employees. I am currently working for a small business who is not in the position to offer this benefit therefore, I am without this benefit or the money to buy healthcare. It would be nice if we as a nation can come together for whats best for the country instead of allowing racism to guide our emotions. I strongly support Obama and do hope that those of you who is undecided to give much thoughts to supporting Obama & Biden and not allow the negative nay sayers of McCain's supporter influence your decision. We can support a man who vows to bring change or we can continue to watch our economy fails and people lose their homes. A vote for Obama is a vote for change.

    Posted by ysimmons59 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:28am

72. With rare exceptions, it is human nature that folks hang out with folks who share their own values. Normally those who tend to be Liberal choose to be more closely associated with others of Liberal bent, conservatives tend to be more closely associated with those who are also conservative and Radicals hang with other Radicals. Thugs hang with thugs! Apply this to your own situation. Do you tend to associate with folks who share your values and vision, or do you seek out and socialize with folks who hold values and have a vision exactly the opposite of those that you hold? While you are at it, think about whether or not your close friends and associates tend to reinforce and expand your own values and vision or do they diminish your values and vision? It is impossible to ignore or even minimize the fact that for all of his life, Obama has chosen to surround himself with a bunch of miscreants not supportive of the values that have made the United States of America the greatest nation that the world has ever known! When there is a clear and convincing pattern, guilt by association is viable! Wake up folks, this guy is bad news

    Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 11:28am

73. The success for the Republicans via the Rove formula; Lie, hate monger, and accuse your opponent of the things that you actually do yourself (Ex. Gov Palin's "Socialist" State Alaska, $3k check to every resident each year and $1.89 Fed money in for every tax $1 out) has left them arrogant and delusional yet they continue to stay on message. This is in part because all they know is to dance to the drumbeat of Rove, Limbaugh, and Hannity, but primarily because they have NO CLEAR MESSAGE themselves. No specifics, no plan, no clue as to how to move this country forward. All they have is rhetoric, hate, and fear to sell. Would this country fail should the worst happen and McCain be elected? No, but we would continue the downward spiral brought about by the total incompetence and cronyism of the Bush years. Will Obama be the savior? I don't know, but he at least offers hope and the promise of a quantum leap forward. Remember, the same people who sold us Bush in 00 and 04 are selling us McCain/Palin today! What does that say about their judgment?

    Posted by jhford58 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:29am

74. I am a West Indian Living in the West Indies and have followed with interest the American Presedential Elections in its entirety. Barrack Obama's 30 min presentaion last night was mind boggling and awe inspiring.

    It showed that this man has all the qualities it takes to lead any nation. It showed depth of character and thought. He articulated the need for change and the desire to help the oppressed, depressed and vulnerable peoples of the USA whether it be the elderly, young, laid off workers or those with health issues.

    The time for change is now and I sincerely hope that the american voting populace takes what this man and his team has to offer and vote him into power. Perfect he is not but he is human and has the desire and commitment to make things work for the people of America and indeed the world.

    Posted by BIgB at 10/30/2008 @ 11:32am

75. I have never thougt of my great country was a country filled with dumbies however, I am beginning to question the mental health of many.

    First. this is not a question of people being racist. If it is then Obama is one of the biggest racists around. He calls himself a black man yet he isn't really. He is half black. Denouncing your other half is racist as well. HELLO!

    Personally I don't care if someone is pink with purple polka dots, if he is the best man or woman for the job then they get my vote. That being said, has the world gone mad or does Obama Bin Lyin put hypnotic messages in his speeches to get so many to basically worship this man who has done nothing and stands for nothing.

    It boggles the mind that people simply hate Bush so much that just shrug off the fact that this man is friends with felons, terrorists, and lunatics. Don't even get me started on the whole ACORN issue!

    Wake up America! Wake up before it is to late to do anything about it. If you don't, then you can forget about this great country of ours because Obama will flush it right down the toilet.

    Posted by weddingchick at 10/30/2008 @ 11:34am

76. Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 11:32am

    How do you know they were liberal?

    Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:37am

77. Leftist America, "More Kool-Aid, Please, I have to stand in line for bread for 3 hours and I'm beginning to forget why I voted for Obamanation..."

    Mean while in Washingtongrad, Czar (the title of President just didn't feel right) "I can't believe they fell for it" can't see problems any more - secret service keeps them away from the windows.

    He thinks he will repaint the White House red and that stupid flag with all the stars, just has to go. Socialism ROCKS!

    Posted by dccc at 10/30/2008 @ 11:40am

78. RedRiver: Hey, you forgot to mention or maybe notice that the average teacher's salary in the US is $46,474 and that is $653,526 less that the $700,000 tax cut McCain wants to give to the average US CEO. Get that, not the average income of the US CEOs, but the average TAX CUT he wants to give them. Get real RedRiver. Give your head a shake.

    And, you might want to go to this site http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_salarycenter.html and check out the MEDIAN salaries for occupations in the US. Teachers don't seem to fare too well, but then you probably have your mind or ideology madeup already

    Posted by briccone at 10/30/2008 @ 11:43am

79. Your point, DARIN??

    Posted by Hman23 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:44am

80. re: the murder, that is DARIN.

    Posted by Hman23 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:46am

81. Wake up America! Wake up before it is to late to do anything about it. If you don't, then you can forget about this great country of ours because Obama will flush it right down the toilet.

    Posted by weddingchick at 10/30/2008 @ 11:34am | ignore this person | warn this person

    American Express announces that there are laying off 7,000 employees today....

    Seems like we are already there pre-election. How is a continuation of status quo under McCain going to save us?

    Posted by OneVote at 10/30/2008 @ 11:53am

82. If a Dem had proposed this plan I would have shouted his/her praise from the rooftops. Just like if a Dem had proposed a constitutional amendment banning abortion, LVL would shout his/her praises from the rooftops. The problem is, Dems look for collectivist solutions and Reps look for individualist solutions. Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 11:37am

    Doubtful. Not about you. About LVL. He flat out hates Democrats. He has displayed it many times. As much as he tries to deny it there is plenty of proof of it across these boards. His partisanship is easily noticed. Even in simple comments about how he only ever hears liberals preach politics from the pulpit and then 2 weeks later says that he likened Obama to the Anti-Christ from the pulpit.

    Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:54am

83. What US city will vote 100% for John McCain?

    COLORADO CITY, ARIZONA.

    Why?

    Because for 26 years John McCain's been SPREADING AMERICA'S WEALTH to polygamists in Colorado City, Arizona who practice tyranny over women and children and receive 25-30 million a year in taxpayer handouts.

    How did John McCain's polygamists pay for the YFZ Ranch in Eldorado, Texas?

    They bankrupted the Ephraim Bank in Colorado City which cost taxpayers 13 million.

    BANKING ON HEAVEN . COM

    Posted by XPolygamistWife at 10/30/2008 @ 11:55am

84. When there is a clear and convincing pattern, guilt by association is viable! Wake up folks, this guy is bad news Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 11:28am

    So McCain participating in a crime is nothing of note though?

    Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:56am

85. Darin/Kentls - I "hangout" with all sorts of people and I don't mine their point of view at all. However, I find when I talk to self-proclaimed democrats and independents who are for O they simply regurgitate the same party line they hear in the MSM and from the O site – they can't answer questions and have not done any research on anything he says. My sister-in-law is voting for O. Why? "I don't know, the union told us to." Brilliant

    Posted by dccc at 10/30/2008 @ 11:56am

86. More Kool-aid anyone? There are brownies too - so you don't have to inhale!

    Posted by dccc at 10/30/2008 @ 11:59am

87. Hey DT Troll (what an appropriate name) We know exactly why all Alaskan's get the check each year, and Palin (speaking to the New Yorker Mag) clearly explained that they are "Spreading the Wealth around". The same comment that you hypocrits are attacking BO about. No state tax, no sales tax, $3k each year per family member, and $1.89 back for every Fed tax $1 they pay. THAT IS SOCIALISM TROLL! At least we all now know why she is the most popular Gov in the US

    Posted by jhford58 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:59am

88. So please, tell me, when will we be required to kiss his ring? When will we be required to put his poster up in our windows? When will be required to speak well of our Dear Leader?

    When will the dissadents be jailed? When will the the Republican Party be outlawed? When will conservative thought be banned?

    What is so scary here is how the left in this country, including the ENTIRE main stream media is in absolute lock step with Obama's cult of personality. You are his foot soldiers. You are the ones who will report on your neighbors who do not pay proper respects to His Lordship, President Obama.

    Welcome to the Democratic People's Republic of America.

    Posted by Peruna at 10/30/2008 @ 12:00pm

89. So I ran across this sample of one, of an angry liberal and thought that if I put the shoe on the other foot, some of you might see the illogic in stereotyping based on a sample of one. Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 11:55am

    A liberal murdering their husband is one thing. Multiple incidents of McCain supporters at rallies saying that we should kill a nominee or calling a nominee terrorist while McCain and Palin ignore it and let it go is another. I don't care who you are. You don't let your supporters shout kill him and terrorist and stoke them on at rallies.

    Did you just hear about the rally where two guys in Palm Beach showed up wearing Obama shirts and signs and were surrounded by members of the McCain rally shouting kill him, terrorist, socialist and then started threatening to kill the Obama supporters?

    My question is that McCain gets all butt hurt when Obama doesn't address what a Senator says about McCain and admonish the attacks but McCain purposely ignores and even eggs on supporters who are shouting kill him and terrorist about Obama. That is why McCain is getting so much crap because he is the one who made supporters saying things an issue.

    Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:00pm

90. My sister-in-law is voting for O. Why? "I don't know, the union told us to." Brilliant Posted by dccc at 10/30/2008 @ 11:56am

    I see the same thing when I talk to McCain supporters, what's your point?

    Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:01pm

91. Ref: Alaska...they have been giving every resident a check every year for decades - Palin had nothing to do with it. It's dividends from state resources...you know like the dividends you used to get from wall street. Try R E A D I N G

    Posted by dccc at 10/30/2008 @ 12:02pm

92. What is so scary here is how the left in this country, including the ENTIRE main stream media is in absolute lock step with Obama's cult of personality. You are his foot soldiers. You are the ones who will report on your neighbors who do not pay proper respects to His Lordship, President Obama. Welcome to the Democratic People's Republic of America. Posted by Peruna at 10/30/2008 @ 12:00pm

    Are you joking me? Why don't you try doing some research and paying a little more attention. Statements like yours make your whole party look bad and undermine any legitimate argument you might have because all this is just partisan BS that shows that you don't care what is being said you have just bought into the BS lies that the wings of your party have perpetuated instead of doing your own research and thinking for yourself. You are a drone of the Republican party. Try getting a brain of your own.

    Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:04pm

93. My point - she is a moron. Kool-aid? Brownie? Cigar?

    Well, got to go you libs are really boring.

    Posted by dccc at 10/30/2008 @ 12:04pm

94. Dear Mr. Nichols, I agree with you: Obama hit a grand slam with his TV appeal to all Americans last night. He chronicled American despair and offered hope and a way out of this Republican nightmare.

    Several times I felt tears run down my face, wiped my eyes and felt hope again as I listened to Obama. Just as I felt hopeful again when I first heard one of his speeches on the radio more than a year ago and said, Who's that? His TV address tonight went right to my soul. Right into my heart. Americans are suffering and need help and Obama is offering help. Obama's sincerity, honesty, compassion, awareness and programs to help Americans are unusual and breath-taking. The family stories were heart-breaking. The film was excellent in all respects: Obama was poised and polished, excellent delivery, excellent sound, lighting, stories, cuts, fades, close ups, long shots, family photos, hugs in the crowd, looks on people's faces. The best pre-recorded political TV address I have ever seen. McCain is toast.

    150 years after Lincoln, Obama announced his run for the presidency at the same spot where Lincoln did. And in a few days, Obama will be elected president of the United States and officially end the Civil War psychologically and politically, as Lincoln did with brilliant words, courage and the Union Army. Amazing. On CBS tonight, Obama said his favorite books are the Bible and Shakespeare. Mine, too. I love this guy. And being Irish, I'm partial to Joe Biden. Both have great smiles which Americans love.

    Millions of Americans heard Obama last night and know he understands them and they will vote for him in a few days. Me, too. Sincerely, Tom Galvin, Navy veteran Rochester, NY Unemployed speechwriter, actor, screenwriter

    Posted by yaleactors at 10/30/2008 @ 12:05pm

95. If Obama wins, it will be precisely because he is black. He beat Hillary by playing the race card over and over again and the same tactic has been employed most effectively against McCain. There will be no "Bradley Effect" There will be millions who vote for him because they have been intimidated into doing so with the race card. Nobody wants to be accused of being a racist or biggot. The Younger voters are flocking to him because they have been brainwashed into thinking that it is the cool thing to do. "Hey, look at us, we are "progressive" and have proven it to the world by electing a black man president." Having said all of that, I can assure you that I am not racist. It is simply wrong to vote for anyone based on race and it is simply wrong to use race as a club against others to get your way.Obama has effectively turned his blackness into an attribute that covers up his complete lack of experience and lack of sound judgement. What a shame--what a way to choose the leader of our country. The guy must be the best hypnotist to have ever walked the face of the earth. There is no logical explanation for what is happening!

    Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 12:06pm

96. Wake up America! Wake up before it is to late to do anything about it. If you don't, then you can forget about this great country of ours because Obama will flush it right down the toilet.

    Posted by weddingchick at 10/30/2008 @ 11:34am |

    Wow! Great comment you got there sister. In fact it gains you membership into the "Head up Your Ass Club" and my ignore list. I think your are the first female, if you are a female.

    Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 12:06pm

97. From the moment I first hear Reagan introduce the concept of 'trickle down' I thought - what a crock! And now, nearly 30 years later we see it has finally run the course and we are at it's natural, painful, disastrous end. The U.S. has not been living with capitalism, we have been living with oligarchy. Ironically this has ended with the house of Bush resorting to socialism! Now my hope is that a change in direction, to directly support the masses with tax cuts, health care and education, will lead to solid foundation based on the skillful labor of the American people.

    Posted by TKinA2 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:10pm

98. Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 11:55am

    A poor analogy. The murder did not happen during a political rally or have any connection to political views.

    Posted by Hman23 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:14pm

99. DCCC Point is, Republicans who live in glass houses love to throw stones, and Palin has a bag full; permanent fund, check, her secessionist husband, her abuse of power while in her CURRENT office, keeping bridge to nowhere $$. I could go on forever, not to mention McCain's felon S&L friends.

    Posted by jhford58 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:15pm

100. Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 12:06pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     All these comments from the whinning, small minded assholes is encouraging. It means they saw the message last night and know that its true. You don't need to respond, you are on ignore. God bless.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 12:15pm

101. A very intelligent post by Truthman! It is what is to be expected, I guess. Prepare to have much more of this kind of stuff from Obama followers once their Messiah is in office. For him to end his post with God Bless is indeed ironic. When you are losing an argument, just call the other guy an asshole!

     Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 12:22pm

102. A very intelligent post by Truthman! It is what is to be expected, I guess. Prepare to have much more of this kind of stuff from Obama followers once their Messiah is in office. For him to end his post with God Bless is indeed ironic. When you are losing an argument, just call the other guy an asshole! Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 12:22p

     Weird. The Republican strategy is when you are losing an argument to just disenfranchise the other persons opinion. That is precisely why Republicans play the "He is only winning because he is black line." It's a typical strategy in politics to use a persons handicap against them. If the person is black and doesn't agree with you then they only got where they are because they are black. Shows the typical ignorant attitude of people who can't think for themselves.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:26pm

103. By Jon Swaine Last Updated: 1:30PM BST 10 Sep 2008 Telegraph.co.uk

     John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin was in Alaskan independence party Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, was once a member of the Alaskan Independence Party, its officials have said.

     News of Mrs Palin's former membership comes as the latest in a string of potentially embarrassing disclosures about her past.

     The party has lobbied since the 1970s for the right to hold a referendum on whether Alaska should secede from the United States. Its motto, "Alaska First", contrasts sharply with the John McCain campaign slogan: "Country First."

     It seeks "the complete repatriation of the public lands, held by the federal government, to the state and people of Alaska" and aims to be "self-sufficient" by using profits from Alaskan oil and gas resources. It claims that the vote held in 1958 which led to Alaska becoming the 49th state of the US was corrupt and did not offer a proper choice.

     While it is thought that Mrs Palin officially left the party to become a Republican in 1996, she recorded an address for its convention earlier this year in which she said: "I share your party's vision of upholding the constitution of our great state" and told members to "keep up the good work".

     Whew...........robber baron of The Last Frontier. Check out the scoop from the Sierra Club on Sarah's pipeline. Apparently this pipeline was slated to deliver natural gas to tar sand miners and refiners in Canada to produce dirty oil for export. She has already opted to continue delivering LNG to Asia. Really scary stuff. Energy independence in America....yeah right.

     Obama looks like only alternative to this madness.

     Posted by OneVote at 10/30/2008 @ 12:27pm

104. We seem to be getting a spate of

     M.T.O.T.D.s

     Obama's spot last night must have been more damaging that I thought!

     LOL

     Posted by Maskdelta at 10/30/2008 @ 12:27pm

105. Also funny today is all these Republican trolls showing up to denounce Obama just before the election and will all be gone the day after.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:29pm

106. Did not realize that being black was a handicap. Tells me a lot about the way Cccomfo1 thinks. Also another name caller--now I am not just an asshole but an ignorant one at that. You fit the mold and use the formula perfectly. Thanks for helping me make my case.

     Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 12:30pm

107. Oh an by the way. The whole he is only succeeding because he is black thing is the single stupidest argument the Republicans are using for multiple reasons.

     A. That automatically disenfranchises 50% of Americas opinions, basically telling them they are too stupid to make an intelligent decision.

     B. Blacks view that as a disenfranchisement of achievers in their society. A lot of people view at as you basically saying that the only way a black person can achieve anything in this country is if they are Republican. Any black person who achieves in this country that isn't Republican is just an affirmative action case.

     C. On top of that when has race ever been a positive in politics? Last I checked being black in this country doesn't help you.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:36pm

108. How do you know they were liberal?

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 11:37am

     C3, the Huffington post is a liberal mag. To my knowledge, they write only on liberal views.

     Posted by ACook at 10/30/2008 @ 12:38pm

109. Interestingly, while the Obama ad was airing, McCain spent his interview time with Larry King sniping about Obama.

     McCain's strategic plan for America's future - Was an "I know how to fix it," line followed by a wink. That's it. Boy, does that remind you of W or what?

     The rest of time - it was all about Obama and whining how Obama wouldn't do 10 Town Hall meetings with him way back when. Boohoo. McCain should have been grateful considering how crazy he acted at that one Town Hall–style debate.

     You could see McCain's gears grind as he tried to shift all his answers to talking points. He was like a robocall on wheels. The only time McCain's eyes genuinely really lit up was when he talked about Palin being by his side. Otherwise, he seemed anxious to get the interview over.

     Posted by nationreader13 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:40pm

110. Cccomfo1, I believe that you just might be a closet racist.I personally have a number of black friends who would be offended by your comments. I would love to hang around and continue this a bit longer but have more important things to do. Besides, you cannot win an intellectual debate/argument when you are so woefully short of intellectual ammunition!.. If you are going to get good at it, you must learn to call name in a more creative fashion. Asshole,ignorant and stupidest aren't very creative.

     Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 12:42pm

111. Did not realize that being black was a handicap. Tells me a lot about the way Cccomfo1 thinks. Also another name caller--now I am not just an asshole but an ignorant one at that. You fit the mold and use the formula perfectly. Thanks for helping me make my case. Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 12:30pm

     In this country it is. I've grown up black. Believe me it has never helped me. Just like it never helped my parents. It is always a handicap to be viewed as "different" in a country. Whether that be being, black, hispanic, female, gay, anything that is not the majority.

     Also I didn't help whatever it is inane point you are trying to make either. I never called you a name. I said you had an ignorant view point. Which is an observation not a name. I am saying you have an opinion that lacks knowledge. It obviously lacks it because no one in their right mind who knows anything about growing up black in this country can say that it is a leg up.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:43pm

112. Looks like I got to read a little of kentls (a.k.a. mental giant) profound words. Thanks, it further supports the statement I made. Keep whinning, its endearing. Satan bless you.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 12:47pm

113. Hey Truthman, I thought that you put me on ignore! Couldn't stand it could you. Thanks for the compliment about my intellectual capacity---I appreciate it.

     Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 12:51pm

114. Some rightwing detritus named JANET PORTER is now attemtping to scare the superstitous and easily frightened with the threat of (teeter teeter giggle) hell and dmanation if one votes for Obama!!!

     You can't MAKE THIS SHIT UP that righwingers just do as a natural expression of their deep-seated inferiority!!!

     G*d did put a "Country Club First! McShitstain-Palin' Around With US-Hating Sucessionists" bumper sticker on his SUV a long time ago, just as John Hagee and the Book of Revs predicted.

     Anyway, according to salon, this Porter bozo spent the spring saying the SAME THING about pople who voted against Huckabee (i.e., FOR McShitstain) thereby introducing some theological relativism. Read on for belly-laughs of the type that would make JOMAMA's grotesque man-tits quake like jello on a skateboard:

     "To all those who name the name of Christ who plan to willfully disobey Him by voting for Obama, take warning. Not only is our nation in grave danger, according to the Word of God, so are you...Be forewarned: If you willfully disobey God on life and marriage because of race or false hope for the economy, you will usher in the kind of change that brought the Soviet Union to collapse.

     But the warning goes far beyond that. To those who think that God's grace gives them license to willfully disobey Him without consequences – think again:

     'Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matthew 7:21-23)

     That deals with your eternity"

     Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 12:54pm

115. Funny to watch the Republicans scramble. This has been the theme of this election. Argue against Obama, not for McCain. It's why McCain is losing. He doesn't present anything positive. They are just trying to make Obama look worse. Can Republicans tell me the positive things about McCain's policy proposals that are going to make this country a better place for all?

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:57pm

116. Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:36pm

     Actually C3, many black folks are voting for Obama on purely emotional reasons. All the black folks I know (including my own family) cannot clearly state what Obama's intentions are...only that they should support a "black man" who running for president.

     Posted by ACook at 10/30/2008 @ 12:57pm

117. Red River - teachers should most definitely make more than plumbers, for instance, or factory workers. They provide a moire lasting service than the mechanic who fixes your brakes or the repairmean that replaces the element in your drier.

     Posted by piglizard420 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:00pm

118. ACook--an honest person! You are to be commended and it those like you who will be successful without some white guys giving you handout and special favors to keep you down and "in your Place" I respect you very much!

     Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:01pm

119. Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:04pm "Are you joking me? Why don't you try doing some research and paying a little more attention. Statements like yours make your whole party look bad and undermine any legitimate argument you might have because all this is just partisan BS that shows that you don't care what is being said you have just bought into the BS lies that the wings of your party have perpetuated instead of doing your own research and thinking for yourself. You are a drone of the Republican party. Try getting a brain of your own."

     I don't actually agree with Peruna's hyperbole, but...

     you might not want to cast stones regarding sticking to the facts, Cccomfo1. Yesterday I had to correct you when you stated McCain "crashed 5 planes". I used FactCheck.org to do so and wasn't even derogatory when I corrected you (unlike some on here who call people ignorant, liar, and troll whenever they get the chance).

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:05pm

120. It's tiresome to listen to conservatives talk about "class warfare". Aside from the fact that they never so characterize policies that transfer wealth from the middle class to the wealthy, they don't actually know what class warfare is.

     So, as a public service, I offer the following definition for the benefit of George Bush's "base":

     Class warfare is not a progressive income tax. Class warfare is when the people whose jobs you've exported & whose healthcare you've taken away, burn down your house and kill your family.

     It's happened before, it can happen again. Extreme concentration of wealth is one of the main ways that democracies die.

     Posted by ej8517 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:06pm

121. Actually C3, many black folks are voting for Obama on purely emotional reasons. All the black folks I know (including my own family) cannot clearly state what Obama's intentions are...only that they should support a "black man" who running for president. Posted by ACook at 10/30/2008 @ 12:57pm

     While some people are voting that way I don't think that constitutes a majority. Why is it racist when people say White people are only voting against Obama because he is black but it is not racist to say blacks are only voting for him because he is?

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:10pm

122. Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 12:54pm

     An example that there are "crazies" everywhere. They embarrass the rational of their party/religion/race, but we can't do much about it except shake our heads.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:11pm

123. Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:29pm

     like bleeding and john "looney" lowell....Poof! Come the morning of Wednesday, November 5th. Obama OR McCain!

     Their "devilishly clever plan" to try to "convince lefties at The Nation website to vote for Nader, thus helping McCain" now relegated to the file drawer for another 4 years.

     LOL

     Posted by Maskdelta at 10/30/2008 @ 1:12pm

124. an honest person! You are to be commended and it those like you who will be successful without some white guys giving you handout and special favors to keep you down and "in your Place" I respect you very much! Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:01pm

     Why is she only honest if she agrees with you? I have been successful in spite of not because of. I was never handed anything because I was black. I have earned everything I have.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:13pm

125. Some people will find fault in whatever he does and that is sad. He maybe not have all the answers but at least he is willing to listen and that is more the Bush/Cheney/McCain have done. He is human and he will make mistakes but they can NEVER be as bad as the last 8 and that is all that matters.

     Posted by lvdragonlady at 10/30/2008 @ 1:13pm

126. an honest person! You are to be commended and it those like you who will be successful without some white guys giving you handout and special favors to keep you down and "in your Place" I respect you very much! Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:01pm

     Same with both my parents who own their own businesses.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:14pm

127. you might not want to cast stones regarding sticking to the facts, Cccomfo1. Yesterday I had to correct you when you stated McCain "crashed 5 planes". I used FactCheck.org to do so and wasn't even derogatory when I corrected you (unlike some on here who call people ignorant, liar, and troll whenever they get the chance). Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:05pm

     I'm not talking about sticking to the facts. This election has been hard to determine the difference between fact and fiction. What I am casting stones about is in invalidating peoples achievements through "affirmative action" simply because you do not agree with them. There are many trolls on these boards by the way. Kentls for instance showed up only today or yesterday and I guarantee you will be gone by election day. You start to notice it when you pay attention around the big days of the elections.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:16pm

128. LOATHE LIBERTY!

     DARIN THE OBESE NC SHITBUM!

     SJSHITMAK!

     DCPU!

     KENTL(O)S(ER)!

     REDRIVER-OF-BLOOD-FROM-SELF-INFLICTED-WOUNDS!

     AND OTHER RIGHTWING STRAY FERALS!!

     ACHTUNG!!!

     Before the Outer Space Alien Obamas install themselves as uber-Hitlerian Marxo-muj Racism-in-Reverse-Regents...before they send you on the long march to concentration camps, force you to humm labor ditties, salute Matt Damon and wave hammer-and-sickle flags, while their all-powerful state security arm ACORN is dispatched to seize your trailer homes...before all that THERE IS SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN DO!!!

     Self-harm is THE ANSWER!

     Yes, you can follow in the distinguished path blazed by rightwing crazies like FRANCISCO CAVA and ASHLEY TODD. Here are the easy to follow steps:

     1. Send hate mail to yourself and GOP-registered friends and then sign it "Angry ACORN Guy";

     2. Take a hammer and whack yourself in the face with it until bleeding heavily;

     3. Have a car accident on the way to the hospital;

     4. Tell hospital staff and police that it was Michelle Obama and who did this to you after she strapped on a nine foot dildo with which to whack you around and up-end your auto. And Tony Rezko orchestrated the attacks from his jail cell! Don't forget that detail.

     It needs to be done. So what if there is deception involved? It is for a good cause, the cause of Saint Sarah and Hunky Philsopher/King Sean Hannity. If the US is not to become just another Soviet Republic -- and we won't bother to address the fact that the Soviet Union has not existed for a generation -- then desicive measures have to be taken to prevent the Obama pod people from sweeping over the land. ASHLEY TODD has done her part with counter-revoluntionary zeal to mutilate herself for the cause.

     Have you?

     Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 1:19pm

129. "You could see McCain's gears grind as he tried to shift all his answers to talking points. He was like a robocall on wheels. The only time McCain's eyes genuinely really lit up was when he talked about Palin being by his side. Otherwise, he seemed anxious to get the interview over."

     Posted by nationreader13 at 10/30/2008 @ 12:40pm | warn this person

     McCain can't even remember what former Secretary of States endorsed him - Meet the Press - regarding Powell's endorsement of Obama. Robocall on Wheels at least would have remembered!

     http://www.thedailyshow.com/full- episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=189745

     Also the exchange on Reagan is a classic:

     SEN. McCAIN: The last time a president of the United States that did that was a guy named Herbert Hoover, protectionism and raising taxes.

     MR. BROKAW: Well, Ronald Reagan raised taxes as well, after the first two years in office.

     SEN. McCAIN: Not in these times. Not in times--not in economic times like these.

     MR. BROKAW: Well, right after the recession he did, in the first two years of his office.

     SEN. McCAIN: Well, look, I would be glad to review the Reagan record, but the Reagan record was certainly one that reined in spending.

     Source: Meet the Press

     http://crooksandliars.com/silentpatriot/ meet-press-brokaw-nails-mccain-taxin

     Posted by OneVote at 10/30/2008 @ 1:21pm

130. I read with great interest sjchermak's remarks bemoaning the possibility of the U S falling into a Canadian type health care system. My god is that the evil SOCIALISM that McCain is talking about??Believe me, America should be so lucky. The two examples of poor Canadian health care sited are typical rare exceptions that the U S right wing whack jobs love to use as examples.

     Don't knock my country's system unless you live here, okay?? A few years ago, my daughter had to go through life saving open heart surgery. She was hospitalized for two weeks, received the best care imaginable and throughout that time, we did not have our hands in our pocket for a second. When is the US going to finally become the only remaining country in the West to adapt a public health care system. Quality and equal health care to all! As a friend and neighbour to the U S, I sit on the sidelines and hope for your sake that you elect Obama. And please, calling him a "socialist" is laughable! He won't take America to a public health care system, but it has to be better than the status quo.

     Posted by kevinmoyle at 10/30/2008 @ 1:21pm

131. Bill Ayers wrote Obama's 1995 memoir, "Dreams From My Father."

     "In 1995, Barack Obama produced a lyrical masterwork that Time magazine has called "the best-written memoir ever produced by an American politician." Yet all the Obama samples we have unearthed before 1995 are pedestrian and uninspired. There is no precedent for this kind of literary transformation. It is as if a high 90s golfer suddenly showed up with his PGA card – with no known practice rounds in between. We will be happy to show these early examples to anyone who cares to see them.

     The Obama camp has refused all inquiries on grades, SAT scores, LSAT scores, student theses, or any other documents that would flesh out what Politico calls Obama's "scant paper trail."

     Despite being named president of the Harvard Law Review – more of a popularity than a literary contest – Obama has, most unusually, written nothing under his own name for the HLR or any other legal journal.

     Sometime between 1992 and 1994, Simon & Schuster canceled the advance it had offered Obama to write "Dreams." Obama had not been able to finish the book on his own. Ayers could help. He provided an informal editing service for like-minded friends in the neighborhood.

     Fellow radical Rashid Khalidi attests to this in the very first sentence of the acknowledgements in his 2004 book, "Resurrecting Empire." "There are many people without whose support and assistance I could not have written this book, or written it in the way that it was written," he writes. "First, chronologically, and in other ways, comes Bill Ayers."

     http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=79392

     http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=79391

     Posted by PTAMOM at 10/30/2008 @ 1:25pm

132. Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:11pm

     Don't agree with much of what you say, JAYNES, but it was a stand-up move on your part recently to state clearly that you had been duped on the $450 Waldorff doggy-plate hoax.

     You would be astonished how few of your fellow travellors have ever done so, whatever the evidence and common sense would dictate.

     Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 1:27pm

133. Posted by kevinmoyle at 10/30/2008 @ 1:21pm

     Oh by the way. The other argument I love from is that some Canadians come to America to get check ups. Kind of like how some Americans go to Mexico to get generic medicine because American prices are ridiculous.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:29pm

134. Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:16pm "What I am casting stones about is in invalidating peoples achievements through "affirmative action" simply because you do not agree with them."

     That's what you're talking about now, but not what you were talking about in response to Peruna's post. You were calling out him/her on spouting talking point lies when you've done the same thing. Or do you really believe the "McCain's crashed 5 planes nonsense"?

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:29pm

135. I always thought true compassion had to be genuine, and to be genuine one had to be honest. This add certainly wasn't honest. At least this time the add was fact-checked. which rarely happens to Obama (if it did, he wouldn't be where he is.)

     http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081030/ap_on_el_ge/fact_check_obama_ad

     Posted by Jay_L at 10/30/2008 @ 1:30pm

136. we did not have our hands in our pocket for a second.

     Posted by kevinmoyle at 10/30/2008 @ 1:21pm

     No, you had it in everyone else's pocket.

     Posted by usc1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:30pm

137. you might not want to cast stones regarding sticking to the facts, Cccomfo1. Yesterday I had to correct you when you stated McCain "crashed 5 planes". I used FactCheck.org to do so and wasn't even derogatory when I corrected you (unlike some on here who call people ignorant, liar, and troll whenever they get the chance).

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 Now wait a min., Uncle Fester is an ace! Thats right, he got five(5) kills, two migs sitting on the ground and two navy planes, one he was trying to land and the other he was trying to fly. I think the third kill was an ulta-lite, not sure though. Thats Johnny boy, a real hero who talked to the VC.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 1:32pm

138. If Obama really believes his "spread the wealth" nonsense...why does he keep all those campaign contributions to himself instead of taking half and distributing it to his fellow candidates? You know...to be more fair.

     Posted by usc1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:33pm

139. Let me help withe correct re-phrasing of this dismal piece of patronizing drivel:

     A-KOOK--an honest person! You are to be commended and it those like you who will be successful without some white guys giving you handout LIKE G.H.W. BUSH GAVE ONE TO THE UNQUALIFIED, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION-DRENCHED CLARENCE "UNCLE" THOMAS and special favors to keep you down and "in your Place" I respect you very much AND YOU CAN VACUUM MY LIVING ROOM WHEN YOU FINISH THE DISHES!

     Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:01pm

     Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 1:34pm

140. I am a over 50 yr old neighbour from your North and watched the entire 30 min infomercial by Sen.Barack Obama. It was moving and substantial!!!!! May I with goodwill suggest to all would be voters there in the USA that you are all very LUCKY that such an honorable human being with so many qualities has emerged at a critical point in your history. May he show who a good President is over the next 8 years, not just thinking about the USA but also about our one world!! Best wishes Sam

     Posted by samgeorge at 10/30/2008 @ 1:34pm

141. Gee this is fun! I am learning more and more about some of you folks all of the time. So far I am an asshole,a kent(loser), a troll, ignorant, stupid and Others that I am sure will be coming down the pike if I stick around long enough. All of this because I disagreed with some of you , in a respectful manner I might add, about who I feel is the best choice for president. Some of you have displayed the very characteristics that hurts your cause the most. Get a grip, folks. Perhaps some of you really are not the deep thinkers that you think that you are. If so, you have a strange way of showing it. Get the chips off of your shoulders. There are others who do not share your opinions and ,in fact, have a few of there own. If you are representative of the majority of Obama supporters, that makes me even more certain about my opinion/choice!

     Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:35pm

142. Now wait a min., Uncle Fester is an ace! Thats right, he got five(5) kills, two migs sitting on the ground and two navy planes, one he was trying to land and the other he was trying to fly. I think the third kill was an ulta-lite, not sure though. Thats Johnny boy, a real hero who talked to the VC.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 1:32pm

     Care to clarify that nonsense you just spouted? It didn't translate.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:36pm

143. Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 1:32pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     It is good to be an Admiral's son. The "engine" quitting story about one of McCain's crashes is in dispute, so apparently Jayne won't count that as a crash until McCain's 'permanently'sealed military records are open to public purview. Don't hold your breadth!

     Posted by OneVote at 10/30/2008 @ 1:38pm

144. Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 1:27pm "You would be astonished how few of your fellow travellors have ever done so, whatever the evidence and common sense would dictate."

     That goes for both sides.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:39pm

145. Gee this is fun! I am learning more and more about some of you folks all of the time. So far I am an asshole,a kent(loser), a troll, ignorant, stupid and Others that I am sure will be coming down the pike if I stick around long enough. All of this because I disagreed with some of you , in a respectful manner I might add, about who I feel is the best choice for president. Some of you have displayed the very characteristics that hurts your cause the most. Get a grip, folks. Perhaps some of you really are not the deep thinkers that you think that you are. If so, you have a strange way of showing it. Get the chips off of your shoulders. There are others who do not share your opinions and ,in fact, have a few of there own. If you are representative of the majority of Obama supporters, that makes me even more certain about my opinion/choice! Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:35pm

     Again you need to learn the difference between name calling and disrespectful arguments and difference of opinion. Ignorance is not an insult. Children are ignorant for instance. They don't have a fully developed opinion because they lack facts. You claiming that the only reason people are voting for Obama is because he is black is calling those people ignorant. They don't know why they are voting for some they are just doing it because of his skin color. You are also calling them racist on top of that. So as much as you may think you are "respectfully" disagreeing you should take a look at your words in earnest. You have yet to disagree in a truly respectful way. You have just been less specific about your insults.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:39pm

146. That's what you're talking about now, but not what you were talking about in response to Peruna's post. You were calling out him/her on spouting talking point lies when you've done the same thing. Or do you really believe the "McCain's crashed 5 planes nonsense"? Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:29pm

     Not anymore because you stated facts to the contrary. Some people however say things they KNOW aren't true because that is what they have been told to say.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:41pm

147. Posted by OneVote at 10/30/2008 @ 1:38pm "The "engine" quitting story about one of McCain's crashes is in dispute"

     Even if that crash was his fault, doesn't add up to five...unless you don't know how to count ;)

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:42pm

148. kentls-If you venture onto a right wing site or attend a Palin rally you'll read and hear plenty of name calling that is being spewed against the other side so that must make you want to vote Obama,according to your views about blogs and name calling.

     Posted by i'm nobody at 10/30/2008 @ 1:44pm

149. I don't know how these people get elected maybe they assume were all dumb and depressed and insecure. Think this through and you'll see why he is dangerous and evil. It is what he is preaching. Here is the breakdown, the commercial basically pushes one premise. That things are terrible and he understands and can fix it. There is a whole lot I can say about that for instance this guy never had a real job and has done nothing in the government positions he has held so briefly now he wants us to believe he can handle the lives of 300 million people which by the way we don't need anyone handling us. But continue, his premise is a self killer. If things become good then we don't need him but he says they are not so we need him. Well for his political life to survive there will have to be continued terrible problems only he can fix. thus it is a very real possibility to believe that when he gets in he wont fix but just fudge around and make visuals all the while pushing marxisms down our throats this is the more plausible reality and real meaning of his very arrogant 30 minute tear jerking and saccherine not very personally inolved commercial. This guy is a bad B movie actor with the Narcissism of a Russian Marxist and he will not stop. That is the real push for this guy.

     Posted by colonelkurtz3245 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:44pm

150. You only see than kind of insane rage on liberal blogs. ;-) Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 1:40pm

     So true....

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:45pm

151. Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 1:37pm

     Too simplistic. Otherwise we all would be making historical references to the Jackson (Jesse) Administration or the Sharpton Administration.

     And how then did Richard Steele lose? And Alan Keyes?

     So why is Gov. Palin such a drag on the ticket?

     I could go on.

     Posted by Hman23 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:46pm

152. Darin-I see that level of rage in many domestic violence cases even when someone on the right does it and see that level of rage on right wing sites..

     Posted by i'm nobody at 10/30/2008 @ 1:47pm

153. You only see than kind of insane rage on liberal blogs. ;-) Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 1:40pm

     All us liberals are mild mannered in public, but we are all just waiting to be set off by our lesbian ex-lovers.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:48pm

154. got the runs (cue thunderous flatulence)...

     Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 12:02pm

     Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 1:49pm

155. Care to clarify that nonsense you just spouted? It didn't translate.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 Sure, go to Rolling Stone magazine's site and read the article about "your boy" the hero.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 1:49pm

156. Posted by samgeorge at 10/30/2008 @ 1:34pm "May he show who a good President is over the next 8 years, not just thinking about the USA but also about our one world!! Best wishes Sam"

     I just wanted to clarify for you that a president's term is 4 years, and he can be re-elected for another 4. No disrespect intended, btw.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:49pm

157. I could go on. Posted by Hman23 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:46pm

     You make all valid points. If the Presidency could be won based only on race why is it those people who ran before that were black or female didn't win?

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:51pm

158. Ccccomfo1, better read my post again. I never said that the "only" reason people are voting for Obama is because he is black. I did say that I think that is precisely the reason why "some" are voting for him- both black and white. I stand by that and at least one other person on thas forum has confirmed it with his/her own family who happen to be black.In addition, if you are voting for someone simply because he/she is black or he/she is white, etc. Then you are very ignorant. Why is my position so hard for you to accept? Blind denial does accomplish anything.

     Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:51pm

159. Even if that crash was his fault, doesn't add up to five...unless you don't know how to count ;)

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:42pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     How many do you count?

     Posted by OneVote at 10/30/2008 @ 1:53pm

160. That goes for both sides.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:39pm

     JAYNES,

     If you were to read up on some of the flat-earth dead-end end-timing of the the likes of LVLIB and PONTI-FECES on this site, you would not be assuming equivalance and symmetry.

     Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 1:53pm

161. I just spot-checked one of these of these claims: ... AVERAGE teacher salary in Miami is $34,501? NO NO NO. STARTING salary for 12-month is $45,600 And it's $38,000 for a 10-month job. THAT'S THE LOWEST THEY PAY.

     http://salary.dadeschools.net/Schd_Teachers/default.asp

     earlier poster claimed: "Here is a list of average teachers salaries across the country. Springfield, IL - $48,015 Chicago, IL - $53,713 Atlanta, GA - $35,903 Savannah, GA - $25,008 Orlando, FL - $31,684 Tampa, FL - $36,630 Miami, FL - $34,501"

     Posted by west4567 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:54pm

162. Ccccomfo1, better read my post again. I never said that the "only" reason people are voting for Obama is because he is black. I did say that I think that is precisely the reason why "some" are voting for him- both black and white. I stand by that and at least one other person on thas forum has confirmed it with his/her own family who happen to be black.In addition, if you are voting for someone simply because he/she is black or he/she is white, etc. Then you are very ignorant. Why is my position so hard for you to accept? Blind denial does accomplish anything. Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:51pm

     No you said the only reason Obama will win is based on his race. You should go back and reread your own post. I already acknowledged that some people are voting for Obama because he is black. Just like I acknowledged that some people are voting AGAINST him because he is black. Why is my point so hard for you to accept?

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:55pm

163. May I with goodwill suggest to all would be voters there in the USA that you are all very LUCKY that such an honorable human being with so many qualities has emerged at a critical point in your history

     Posted by samgeorge at 10/30/2008

     Thanks Brother that was nice of you.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 1:55pm

164. Here's a little TRUTH for you Truthman...from FactCheck.org:

     "McCain did lose two Navy aircraft while piloting them. One crash was found to be be McCain's fault, the other due to an engine failure of undetermined cause.. A third was destroyed on the deck of the carrier USS Forrestal when a missile fired accidentally from another plane hit either the plane next to McCain's or, less likely, his own aircraft, triggering a disastrous fire that killed 134 sailors and nearly killed McCain. A fourth plane was lost when he was shot down over North Vietnam on a bombing mission over Hanoi.

     A fifth alleged "crash" turns out to be a misinterpretation of a flight accident that did not result in the loss of the aircraft. McCain admitted to causing that incident through "daredevil clowning" but returned safely. ... The L.A. Times, which interviewed others who were in McCain's squadron at the time, reports that he returned to the carrier with 10 feet of power line trailing from his plan, and with a severed oil line. But while McCain himself admits this incident was cause by his own "daredevil clowning," he landed safely and did not lose the aircraft. McCain's detractors should scratch that "crash" off their list."

     So to recap: McCain did crash ONE plane and was shot down in combat in another. Another was lost due to engine failure, but as someone already said, that one is in dispute. So if you count the one in dispute as a crash, that's still only TWO plane crashes.

     2 does not equal 5, even my 3-year-old knows that ;)

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:55pm

165. kentls-For someone to vote for someone they can relate to is quite normal and done all the time.White people have been doing it for awhile now and people from other races and cultures do it.Often,military veterans will vote for other military veterans.

     Posted by i'm nobody at 10/30/2008 @ 1:56pm

166. Then you are very ignorant.

     Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:51pm |

     When did I say I was voting for someone because they were black or white?

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:56pm

167. Posted by OneVote at 10/30/2008 @ 1:53pm

     See the above post.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:57pm

168. Chicago Public Schools: Entry level: $54,342

     See their salary schedule at http://www.cps-humanresources.org/Employee/Forms/SalAdm/FTTeachers52.pdf

     Top end in Chi? $99K

     Posted by west4567 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:58pm

169. Then you are very ignorant. Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:51pm | When did I say I was voting for someone because they were black or white? Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:56pm

     Oh wait you were speaking in the universal you not the specific you. Yes it is ignorant to vote for someone only because they are black. It is also ignorant to generalize and say that the majority of people are only voting for Obama BECAUSE he is black without any real facts to back up that assessment.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 2:00pm

170. Posted by kentls at 10/30/2008 @ 1:51pm

     Here do me a favor kentls. Show me the survey that shows me that a sizable number of people are only voting for Obama because he is black and I will pipe down. So far in my opinion the amount of people voting for him because is black is probably about the same as the number of people voting against him because he is black which makes those votes cancel each other out.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 2:03pm

171. When listening to Obama I am reminded of reading Cicero's speeches. On the other hand when I see the McCain commercials that have McCain smiling and Obama grimacing I am reminded of implicit association tests used to meadure racism. Instead of words of good with white and bad with black McCain ad folks are using gestures. This suggests to me that Obama is not only intellectually superior to McCaini, but also morally and ethically superior. I don't doubt that the KKK has problems with that idea. What confuses me is why republicans can't figure that out.

     Posted by Prof at 10/30/2008 @ 2:04pm

172. Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 1:53pm "If you were to read up on some of the flat-earth dead-end end-timing of the the likes of LVLIB and PONTI-FECES on this site, you would not be assuming equivalance and symmetry."

     I said your statement "You would be astonished how few of your fellow travellors have ever done so, whatever the evidence and common sense would dictate" could be applied to both sides. ie. YOU would be surprised how many on your side fail to admit when they are proven wrong.

     Do you disagree, or do you think that what lvl and ponti say is somehow worse?

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 2:04pm

173. I just love reading how Obama is getting a free ride from the press - but how could you compete with these great story lines from the GOP campaign -gaffes that the Democrat hasn't made.

     Candiate chooses a wildy unqualified running mate and then tries to stone-wall the press when they rightly asked if she was ready to be president...

     Candidate chooses wildly unqualified running mate who is supposed to attract women voters who voted for Hillary, even though their political viewpoints could not be more opposed...

     Acts irrationally in the face of economic crisis, running around like a little red fire truck looking for something to put out...

     Candidate adrift when economic philosophy (deregulate baby deregulate) gutted by the worst economic crisis since Herbert Hoover...

     Candidate sells soul to right wing of the party walking away from his greatest strength as a candidate. Then wonders why people wonder what kind of leader he will really be - becuase right now he seems to be willing to say anything and promis anything to that constituency to be president...

     Candidate continues to stand behind blatant lies and mistruths (the bridge from nowhere) again, raising quesitons about what kind of character he really has...

     For all his supposed experience, McCain has demonstrated precious little wisdom, diplomacy, or evidence that he will act with deliberation with president.

     And that is a legitamate story.

     Posted by cwr737 at 10/30/2008 @ 2:05pm

174. I just wanted to clarify for you that a president's term is 4 years, and he can be re-elected for another 4. No disrespect intended, btw.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:49pm

     Nice condescending comment. Sam,just ignore our "wounded right". They will be whinning for some time. They are a disgrace to our country. I think the Germans have a name for them...., uhh, I have to think back to the History Channel, oh yea UNTERMENCH.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 2:05pm

175. Also this whole myth that Republicans hold up that the number of blacks voting for Obama is only because he IS black is precisely that. A myth. African Americans always vote overwhelmingly Democrat. The higher turnout can be cited as partially caused by the fact that he is black, but there is also a higher turn out of all minorities, youth, women and white men so that can't be cited as the only reason.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 2:07pm

176. Posted by OneVote at 10/30/2008 @ 1:53pm

     See the above post.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:57pm

     Oops, sorry OneVote. When I started the post mine was the one directly above. I didn't mean Darin's post, but mine here Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:55pm

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 2:08pm

177. "How are laid off workers going to be helped when Obama tax policy increases taxation on the job creators, increasing job losses and layoffs?"

     The tax code will be in basically the same place as it was under Clinton. How was the job situation then? That's right--it was BETTER. The big tax increases are on the super-rich, who employ very few.

     "How is a woman having trouble with arthritis going to be helped by Canadian style medical care..."

     She might not be, but Obama's proposal is not Canadian style.

     "Why would a teacher have to take a second job to pay for food, at least if it is a teacher in the Chicago area..."

     I looked at a map. Apparently the United States is a lot bigger than Chicago. Also, Chicago is not representative of the teacher market.

     "I suppose Obama will raise their pay, and by golly the school will still not be open all day!"

     Yeah, so? They deserve more pay.

     "Obama is going to create an economy that rewards work, creates jobs and fuels prosperity? Every thing he advocates promotes the opposite."

     Tax cuts on small business promotes prosperity. Making a large investment in green technology promotes prosperity. Creating a situation in which citizens do not fear that an illness will ruin their lives promotes prosperity.

     "standard Democrat stuff: how the (fill in the blank) Democrat will fix it all and be the salvation to all our problems."

     Obama has explicitly and repeatedly stated that he can't fix it all. He merely believes that government has a role. The last 8 years says he's right.

     What's "standard" here is your set of tired old right-wing talking points.

     Cheers

     Posted by BlueSpark at 10/30/2008 @ 2:08pm

178. kentls-If people only support Obama because he is black the Jesse Jackson,McKinney and Sharpton would have had more support.

     Posted by i'm nobody at 10/30/2008 @ 2:10pm

179. 2 does not equal 5, even my 3-year-old knows that ;)

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:55pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     okay you acknowledge 2 crashes and gross negligence on a potential 3rd that caused power outages when McCain was out for a joyride. I will settle for that as conclusive proof that the guy is an accident waiting to happen.

     Posted by OneVote at 10/30/2008 @ 2:10pm

180. Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 1:55pm

     Also jayne I won't disagree with you that only one of those crashes was found to be McCain's fault but it still begs the question of, why is it he didn't get his wings taken away on the first crash if the Navy found it to be his fault? Same with the incident where he managed to bring the plane in safely but knocked out power to a portion of Spain because of his self admitted "daredevil" stunts. Those two incidents alone would be enough to get a pilots wings taken away if they are found to be at fault.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 2:12pm

181. Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 2:05pm

     I meant absolutely no disrespect to Sam and clearly stated that at the end of the post so that there would be no misunderstanding. If I insulted him/her, let him/her say so. Don't put your own twisted spin on my words to suit yourself.

     .......

     btw, Sam, I readily admit to probably knowing less about the Canadian governmental system than you do about the US. If I ever make an error, please feel free to clarify it for me.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 2:13pm

182. Ccc-McCain had family connections and we needed pilots during Nam so excused much of what they did.Same goes for criminals that were allowed to enlist in order go to Nam.

     Posted by i'm nobody at 10/30/2008 @ 2:14pm

183. Obama doesn't scare me, yet!

     What scares me, is that he may listen to the "progressive" voices that whisper or yell in his year. Voices like those that speak from the left here in theses blog pages.

     Called to testify before Congress earlier this month was Dr Teresa Ghilarducci.

     Her proposal calls for knocking down the 401(k) plan system and replacing it with a government-run pension plan funded by employee contributions. Participants would be guaranteed an inflation-beating return and a lifetime stream of income.

     Meanwhile in Argentina, President Kirchner has proposed a solution: the government will nationalize Argentina's private pension system, which is reportedly worth around $30 billion. Kirchner insists that her plan is about "protecting our workers and retirees."

     In my opinion, The Nation and its supporters would think this is a good thing.

     I've read Obama's tax plan. Its not all that awful. Yet!

     Reid and Pelosi will fine tune it, it will be pretty draconian. Maybe not back to Eisenhower marginal rates, but as close as they think they can get away with.

     In my opinion, The Nation and its supporters would think this is a good thing.

     We haven't seen much speculation on the Cabinet yet. Will the new EPA head declare CO2 a pollutant? Will particulate emissions size limits be dropped another order of magnitude?

     At a recent League of Women Voter's forum here in Washington State, I asked Congressman Rick Larson(D) if the gov't would ever sell the shares of institutions they are acquiring through the bailout plans. He said he hoped so, that the gov't should not be in the banking business, but that colleagues of his to the left were giddy at the prospect of increasing their share!

     In my opinion, The Nation and its supporters would think this is a good thing.

     Posted by sntauri at 10/30/2008 @ 2:15pm

184. Yep, that's pretty much Obama's message: I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you.

     And that's what he calls the 'Audacity of Hope'? Gimme a fucking break.

     Posted by pontificus at 10/30/2008 @ 2:20pm

185. Posted by OneVote at 10/30/2008 @ 2:10pm "okay you acknowledge 2 crashes and gross negligence on a potential 3rd that caused power outages when McCain was out for a joyride."

     Clarification: Only ONE has been PROVEN to be his fault. The other you mention was not a "joyride". It was an exercise early in his military career and he was being a "daredevil", which he readily admitted. Contrition goes a long way when the military decides appropriate reprimands.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 2:20pm

186. FAIR WARNING

     * Comments: 16 * Read Comments * Leave a Comment

     Posted: 3:59 am October 29, 2008

     Is Joe Biden the foot-in-mouth candidate - or is he the Obama campaign's designated teller of inconvenient truths?

     First, the Democratic veep hopeful declared that America's enemies will generate "an international crisis, to test the mettle of" a President Obama.

     Scary - but likely true.

     And yesterday Biden let slip that he and Obama apparently have a sliding scale to determine who's "super-rich."

     Obama, after all, has been promising a tax cut for the "middle class" - those making $200,000 a year or less.

     Biden yesterday lowered that bar.

     "What we're saying," he told a Pennsylvania TV interviewer, "is that [our] tax break doesn't need to go to people making . . . $1.4 million. It should go to [people] making under $150,000 a year."

     Oops. That's a 25 percent downward redefinition of "middle class."

     An Obama mouthpiece quickly dismissed the discrepancy as just another one of Joe the Senator's gaffes.

     But consider: The campaign has a new TV commercial out declaring that families - not individuals - earning $200,000 or less would qualify for a tax cut. Two incomes - not one.

     And, as most middle-class wage-earners know, that's a huge difference.

     As Sen. John McCain said yesterday: "At this rate, it won't be long before Sen. Obama is right back to his vote that Americans making just $42,000 should get a tax increase."

     We wouldn't be surprised - what with leading congressional Democrats like Rep. Barney Frank licking their chops at the chance to raise taxes.

     "We'll have to raise taxes, ultimately," Frank declared over the weekend.

     Don't say you weren't warned.

     Posted by pontificus at 10/30/2008 @ 2:22pm

187. Actually, the election-eve half-hour infomercial format is hardly unprecedented; it's mainly just that Democrats haven't had the cash in recent years. These kinds of eleventh-hour roundups have been the norm in some past elections. Hubert Humphrey did one in '68. What remained unprecedented, however, was just how polished, up-beat and on-message the Obama vehicle turned out to be. Also, it's scale. The quality we can explain by better technology. The scale we can explain through Obama's tendency to think big.

     All hail the Next Great Communicator. Not an orator of Bill Clinton's caliber. Not physically imposing, like LBJ or even Reagan. Not especially magnetic on the scale of, say, JFK. But very organized and solid in every respect. A well balanced, thoughtful candidate who projects pretty doggone well, who almost never overstates his case, who absolutely never is florid, and who seems utterly unflappable. And suddenly that's going to be a new political standard.

     Posted by rlegro at 10/30/2008 @ 2:23pm

188. Do you disagree, or do you think that what lvl and ponti say is somehow worse?

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 2:04pm

     JAYNES,

     There is no doubt that what LVLIB and P-FECES do is in a wholly different universe.

     The record is voluminous on this point, but I will just give two examples:

     1. LVLIB insisting up and down that scientists claim climate change is driven by human activity due to the assertion that they are "all socialists". Not even the faintest shadow of evidence, completely pulled from his witherd ass, and he likely does not believe his own nonsense but pretends that others are obligated to do so.

     2. Once, and perhaps for the first time in his life, P-FECES did a little labor, went to the HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH webpage and extracted some of their criticisms of Chavez's rule in Venezuela. This mainly concerned questions of judicial independence and HRW obviously took it very seriously.

     Another poster said, "Very good, now what do they say about human rights in Iraq under US-Bush occupation?". In a startling reveleation, P-FECES came right out and said he was only intrerested in what HRW said that was servicable to his claims. He made no effort to even disguise the baldest of double strandards.

     While some of the left-leaners here may be wrong at times or argue with less elegance than one hopes for (or just behave in a plainly insipid fashion = DARLADOON), the vast majority present as interested people who are often impressively informeed. I have never witnessed anything that approaches the level of head-jammed-up-the-ass, lie even after the first lie has been exposed, bad faith flat-lining that is regular and even defining feature of rightwing discourse. Given all this, rightwing cant is attractive to inferior and even damaged minds.

     Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 2:23pm

189. Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 2:12pm "Those two incidents alone would be enough to get a pilots wings taken away if they are found to be at fault."

     I'm not going to dismiss nepotism completely in this case, but I think it has more to do with the fact that the US was at war and trained pilots were in demand.

     YMMV

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 2:24pm

190. 2 does not equal 5, even my 3-year-old knows that ;)

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008

     Hey, you forgot to give your hero credit for the two migs that were on the ground. He got to keep flying because his father and grand father were admirals in the Navy. Lets face it, you don't get Navy or Air Force wings when graduate near the bottom of your class. Yes, Fester is a real hero. Read the article in Rolling Stone. I am sure you will avoid the truth.

     Yea, he is quite a man. When his first trophy wife got in a car crash and was crippled, he left her. Thats what I call a real man. Is that your type?

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 2:29pm

191. I'm not going to dismiss nepotism completely in this case, but I think it has more to do with the fact that the US was at war and trained pilots were in demand.

     YMMV

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008

     Are you old enough to remember the confict. I participated. I had the honor of being part of a crew that dropped bombs. You know those big things that go boom. My branch, USAF, was responsible of killing the most people. Unfortunately, a small number were not soldiers. Not many, just somewhere between two(2) and three(3) million.

     There was no shortage of pilots. Your dreaming.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 2:37pm

192. Obama is a great Orator with no record of meaningful legislation. Pat Sayjak is a great Orator with no record of meaningful legislation. Can I buy a Vowel?

     Posted by Dencal26 at 10/30/2008 @ 2:38pm

193. Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 2:23pm

     I think what you've said is true on this site only because this is a liberal site. Many rational, conservative people like myself, who are not here only "for the fun of it" or for some other similar reason, will quickly grow wearly of the constant assaults simply because we disagree with something. I have to "take a day off" sometimes because it gets so irritating. I only persist because I want to know what's going on and what's being said by both sides, all the way up to election day. I have a feeling my time here will slack off after Nov 4th. It's just not worth the headache...

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 2:40pm

194. "Yea, he is quite a man. When his first trophy wife got in a car crash and was crippled, he left her. Thats what I call a real man. Is that your type?"

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 2:29pm

     Thus, the name: John McMisogyny.

     Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 2:44pm

195. Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:10pm

     Too much pc, I guess.

     Posted by ACook at 10/30/2008 @ 2:46pm

196. JOHN McSHITSTAIN is a CRAPOLA Orator with no record of meaningful legislation ON WHICH HE IS RUNNING FOR PREZ AFTER 25 YRS IN CONGRESS. Pat Sayjak is a great Orator with no record of meaningful legislation ON WHICH HE IS *NOT* RUNNING FOR PREZ AFTER *NOT BEING* 25 YRS IN CONGRESS. Can I buy a Vowel? OR A VOTE ON DE-REGULATION? OR ANOTHER 7 HOMES AFTER I DITCH MY LAME WIFE FOR A MULTIMILLIONAIRE WITH A 300K OUTFIT TO WEAR TO THE CONVENTION TO THE TUNE OF ... "EVERYDAY (MULTI-MILLIONAIRE) PEOPLE"??

     Posted by Dencal26 at 10/30/2008 @ 2:38pm

     Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/30/2008 @ 2:53pm

197. Congratulations Truthman! You've succeeded in your efforts to disenfranchise me from this blog. I'm getting back to work and won't interfer with your obvious refusal to accept the proof I've provided. You dismiss my post from FactCheck.org and encourage me to read an article from Rolling Stone to get my information. Ooookaaay.

     Re: McCain's 1st wife, you're obvious distortion of the facts with this "story" as well shows your TRUE intentions here.

     Goodbye all and good luck.

     Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 2:54pm

198. Why is she only honest if she agrees with you? I have been successful in spite of not because of. I was never handed anything because I was black. I have earned everything I have.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 1:13pm

     C3, if I were speaking to you in person, I would tell you why and what you really needed to know regarding your statement.

     Posted by ACook at 10/30/2008 @ 2:59pm

199. I'm not going to dismiss nepotism completely in this case, but I think it has more to do with the fact that the US was at war and trained pilots were in demand. YMMV Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/30/2008 @ 2:24pm

     I will concede that also.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 3:00pm

200. C3, if I were speaking to you in person, I would tell you why and what you really needed to know regarding your statement. Posted by ACook at 10/30/2008 @ 2:59pm

     I'm not quite sure what you mean but ok.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 3:01pm

201. Whoever says he's just a model democrat, I would say didn't Bush present himself as a model Republican? Whoever says he's unprepared I say did preparation help Bush? Whoever says he's showy I say how else do you present yourself to millions and millions of people? Whoever says his tax plan is "socialism" I say is compassion for the working majority necessarily socialism? Obama has done and is doing what we all demand of a candidate who hopes to get elected. It's time we stop electing dunces or those pretending to be dunces and elect someone who speaks well, knows enough, and is willing to help us at this critical juncture in American history.

     Posted by aescude at 10/30/2008 @ 3:12pm

202. I just want to know what these "wingers" are doing here? This is a "liberal" rag! Try the "Weekly Standard" or The "National Review"! Someone there will buy your bullshit! After Tuesday, I'll be happy to post my glee in your pathetic rags! OBAMA! USA!

     Posted by poysfxom at 10/30/2008 @ 3:31pm

203. Some "wingers" are here to keep up on what agenda is being pushed by periodicals like The Nation and its supporters. The Nation kind of thinks of itself like the stock market. It supposedly anticipates what ideas will be important in the "progressive" sphere in the future. In order to counter these ideas, it is useful to know what's coming down the line. Things like confiscating 401k accounts, or implementing a "wealth" tax, or other "progressive" ideas. Please do post your glee in all the pathetic rags you'd like. Don't forget to join in the intelligent discussions in DailyKos and Eschaton. I do hope you won't forget to make a comment or two on YouTube.

     Posted by sntauri at 10/30/2008 @ 3:50pm

204. <rykart wrote: I'm much more disturbed by the candidates going on these TV programs. I think John Stewart and Stephen Colbert are great but I don't think either candidate should appear on them or on SNL, Letterman, Bill Mahr, much less O'Reily, the View, etc. It's undignified, it turns the process into farce and gives the public nothing in return.>

     AMEN to this! And I SURE as heck don't care whether my president can dance, so somebody, please - make sure there are no embarrassing appearances on Ellen's show again!

     Posted by nunnpd at 10/30/2008 @ 3:58pm

205. I am 62 years old and this is NOT the country I grew up in. Why don't people care about one another any longer? Why does hyprocisy rule? Business leaders used to be respected. No longer. We learned nothing from our mistakes in Vietnam. Politicians are now routinely on trial. Ford, GM and Chrysler were once the envy of the world. Now, they teeter on bankruptcy. Greed, corruption and not caring have stripped this once great country. It literally brings tears to my eyes.

     Posted by PaulM46 at 10/30/2008 @ 4:04pm

206. I sit on the sidelines and hope for your sake that you elect Obama. And please, calling him a "socialist" is laughable! He won't take America to a public health care system, but it has to be better than the status quo.

     Posted by kevinmoyle at 10/30/2008 @ 1:21pm

     Thanks Kevin. Please ignore the scum on the right. Their neurological functioning is hampered by a lack of oxygen. It happens when your head is up you ass.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 4:07pm

207. I'm working overseas and I wish I could have seen this. I hope the DNC puts it on the net. I haven't been this excited about an election since door-to-dooring for McGovern. Or maybe ever.

     Posted by enzo1990 at 10/30/2008 @ 4:15pm

208. Why don't people care about one another any longer?

     Posted by PaulM46 at 10/30/2008 @ 4:04pm

     Paul, I think you answered your own question. This is now an "I got mine" society. Just an example of the damage far right politics brings. People scream if they have to pay a little more in taxes, even when it helps the poor, Or should I say especially when it helps the poor. I believe that Obama will bring forward a shift in the political mood of our great country.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 4:22pm

209. I corrected you on this misrepresentation previously. I did not liken Obama to the Anti-Christ. I noted that Obama's popularity and sway over voters due to his charismatic personality, shows just how easily the Anti-Christ will sway and win over the world. In no way was I saying that I likened Obama to the Anti-Christ. In fact I specifically made that point in my message. Again, I don't preach politics from the pulpit. But there is nothing wrong with using examples to prove a point. That is basic in public speaking. Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/30/2008 @ 4:00pm

     Want to take that back before I dig up the statement you made a couple of weeks ago demonizing all liberals? And the multiple times you have asked when do you know a liberal is lying?

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 4:58pm

210. To "sjchermak" - I think you should ask yourself this: why have all the thoughtful, intelligent, conservatives jumped ship to support Obama. Joe the plumber seems to be their only spokesperson and we now know he is a liar. He isn't a plumber, he isn't really about to buy a business and his name isn't Joe. I have never seen an election where so many have crossed party lines and gone public. Noted Republicans who have come out strongly for Obama: Colin Powell, Chris Buckley, Peggy Noonan, Former Massachusetts Governor William Weld, former Bush Press Secretary Scott McClellan, the list goes on. Here are a few quotes.

     In a statement Weld said, "Sen. Obama is a once-in-a-lifetime candidate who will transform our politics and restore America's standing in the world."

     "We need a president who will lead based on our common values and Sen. Obama demonstrates an ability to unite and inspire. Throughout this campaign I've watched his steady leadership through trying times and I'm confident he is the best candidate to move our country forward," he said.

     As for McClellan, his preference for Obama was made public through a clip CNN distributed promoting a new TV program the network will debut tomorrow.

     Appearing on "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News," McClellan said his vote is all about "change."

     "From the very beginning I have said I am going to support the candidate that has the best chance for changing the way Washington works and getting things done and I will be voting for Barack Obama," he said to cheers and applause.

     It's time to get the message and vote for who is really best for the country long term....

     Barack Obama

     Posted by Epenina at 10/30/2008 @ 4:58pm

211. Posted by Truthman at 10/30/2008 @ 4:22pm

     Truthman, this all started with welfare. The money that this nation wasted over the last 4 decades could have been used to teach people how to live better lives instead of turning them into beggers.

     Posted by ACook at 10/30/2008 @ 5:01pm

212. Thanks for the clarification. I am confident Sen.Obama will prove to be an exceptionally good President and will be re-elected for another 4 yrs. Sam

     Posted by samgeorge at 10/30/2008 @ 6:02pm

213. So being different because he's black isn't the only reason, but it is a singnificant contributing factor as to why he is going to win.

     Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 2:10pm

     Backpedaling. Now it's a "significant contributing factor."

     a.k.a "something I cannot quantify or support but I will say anyway because I support the other guy."

     Posted by Hman23 at 10/30/2008 @ 6:11pm

214. What does this have to do with liberals? Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/30/2008 @ 5:26pm

     I thought you were addressing my other comment about how you hate anything liberal.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 6:30pm

215. This in response to sjchermak's below comment Quote: How is a woman having trouble with arthritis going to be helped by Canadian style medical care which provides that if she needs a second level test, she has to wait an inordinate length of time to get the test? (at least she is not pregnant- a woman in BC had to be flown to Alberta to go to a hospital to have her baby due to shortages of medical care where she lived) End quote

     As Canadian citizen living my entire life in Vancouver, B.C.,yes we do have some wait issues in our medical system that need to be addressed. However, the woman with arthritis wouldn't have to worry about how she was going to pay for her treatments if she were living in Canada.

     And as far the the pregnant woman in B.C. having to go to Alberta to have her baby? It was all paid for and as far as ss I know it was an unusual case.

     I really have to wonder why anyone would prefer to keep the system you have in the U.S.. There is something that's not being said here. No one in Canada has to mortgage there home to get the medical care that they and their family need. Yes, we pay higher taxes for this. Is it not worth it to know that all our citizens are beingcared for? Or maybe that's the issue. You don't want one nickle of you taxes going to someelse.

     Posted by SMC at 10/30/2008 @ 7:15pm

216. I also clarified that I consider him presidential timber, which is a very high hurdle to meet. This is obviously the most significant factor, that he is one of maybe two-dozen people who are qualified to be President. But I can't dismiss the importance that being "different" is in this environment. Posted by Darin_the_Troll at 10/30/2008 @ 6:31pm

     Can't disagree with you. I think being black does inhance his change factor but at the same time I think being black enhances the argument of racists who don't want to vote for him because he is black. I think they end up evening each other out.

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/30/2008 @ 7:44pm

217. I have always been an Independent and will continue to do so even after this election cycle. I would like to point out that the messages left by those who lean toward the Neo-con side of politics seem a little bitter. You write that Obama's ad was an "attempt to color America as a pitiful place, full of meanness and unfairness." I have to be honest, it sounds like someone has been listening to those filthy rich radio and cable neo-con talkers a little too much and believing EVERYTHING they say. Take off the blinders and realize that America is heading to a "pitiful" existence not only on our own land but as viewed by other countries. It's hard to admit that what "W" has done to us. I voted for him and have no problem admitting to that error in judgment. It's too bad there are so many others out there who can't because Rush, Sean, or O'Reilly have coached them to never admit when you are wrong. Lord knows that is the way they do things. I have yet to see the McCain/Palin side do anything but criticize everything from the Obama/Biden side. They give no course of action, no plan to on how they would improve things, etc. They just keep throwing everything including the kitchen sink at Obama hoping something will stick by Election Day. It's embarrassing and their advisors lack the knowledge to see that it is not helping their cause in polling. They continue to prove day in and day out just how the Republican attack machine has not changed and their administration will be just like "W's" They look so sad and pathetic right now I am embarrassed for them. I truly thought I would vote for McCain given that I had so much admiration for the man but I have lost it all with his campaign of smear and hate. So sad to see him end his career in such a pathetic manner.

     Posted by sjc_67 at 10/30/2008 @ 9:22pm

218. sjchermak wrote: "How is a woman having trouble with arthritis going to be helped by Canadian style medical care which provides that if she needs a second level test, she has to wait an inordinate length of time to get the test? (at least she is not pregnant- a woman in BC had to be flown to Alberta to go to a hospital to have her baby due to shortages of medical care where she lived)"

     I am a solidly middle-class, middle-aged Canadian, probably someone you would recognize as your neighbour, fellow church-goer, small businessperson. I am not a freak. I am not a communist. You urgently need to understand that your people have been brainwashed by big business lobbyists when it comes to healthcare. The Canadian healthcare system is not perfect, but IT WORKS. And it works well. What is an "inordinate amount of time" to wait for a test? My sister-in-law went to an optometrist for a vision test on a Tuesday, an abnormality was noted. She received an MRI on Wednesday, was immediately diagnosed with a brain tumour, and had her (100% successful) surgery the next day. My husband has a chronic heart condition, he receives state of the art meds and treatments. Canadians pay $96 per month premium (per couple) for full medicare. Period. Doctors here earn good money, and they are conscientious and caring. Our hospitals are not 5-star hotels like yours are, but they don't need to be, because the care and competency of the staff is 5-star. Compare the life expectancy stats between the U.S. and Canada and tell me that your system is better. Trust Obama. He's right. Universal healthcare will work. Don't buy the lie of big pharma this time. Healthcare should not bankrupt a family. Access to healthcare is a right. Trust him. It will work.

     Posted by ehcanadien at 10/30/2008 @ 9:54pm

219. obama cant be president we dont allow marxist to be presidents in this country end of that health carewhos that person lying about canadian health care i lived 15 minutes from the border in vermont talked to alot of them theyd like to go back to the old ways economics the sky is not falling stop running around chicken little the wars the rest of the world asked us to fix these dictaterships and like a good neighbor we did and still are or are you like obama who just wants to give and call it change

     Posted by heyyou at 10/31/2008 @ 01:58am

220. R U Serious??? Obama will destroy the fabric of this country. Bush has had the unenviable task of dealing with Clinton's screwed policies of the 90s. Spread the wealth?? How f'kd up is that? Giving to others, what other hardworking Americans earned themselves? How does destroying the motivation of others benefit this nation? And for taxing only the wealthy? Get Real! Does anyone in their right mind believe that really works? The wealthy will only drive up the costs of the goods and services they produce and then everybody pays more. In managing the economy it has been proven time and time again that by reducing the burden on all Americans, people all across the economic spectrum, benefit. Back to Obama and his lack of National Security experience/ policy. He will allow Iran and North Korea to break down America's power and will allow Russia to return to one the World Powers they once were. By the time Obama's done, instead of America being the only true world power there will 4 or 5 and America will likely fall 3 or 4 down the scale in the world. So thank you for being a conributing factor in the fall of the good ole US of A.

     Posted by weatherman63 at 10/31/2008 @ 02:06am

221. Is it not worth it to know that all our citizens are beingcared for? Or maybe that's the issue. You don't want one nickle of you taxes going to someelse. Posted by SMC at 10/30/2008 @ 7:15pm

     Nice try SMC., the fact is those on the right don't care about anyone but themself. It's pretty obvious. Take a look at weatherman63's comments. Another example of heartless assholes who are whinning because the nation is changing for the good of all. Even if Obama is not elected, the youth have finally risen and will be a political force in the future.

     ACOOK, sorry I took so long to get back to ya. I leave my office around 4:30ish. It seems we are both in the healthcare profession. My field is mental health. This blog is a nice place for me to vent my frustrations with the political right of which I suppose you are a member. I haven't put you on ignore yet because your posts display insight, though I usually don't agree.

     I noticed that your argument against welfare is a pretty common oneand to be expected. When I was in graduate school we debated this issue. We learned, with the help of government statistics, that only a very small percentage of those on welfare abuse the system. The media only reports on those who are news worthy, which is not the descent people who are really struggling. I have been fortunate enough to have interacted with many of these very poor people. These poor span ethnic lines, which is another mistake the media has made in the past, over reporting blacks as welfare abusers. As i said, I have been fortunate enough to have been some help to many of these people and I have never heard anyone make any remark that could even remotely give me the empression that they liked the position they were in. They all wanted to work!

     Posted by Truthman at 10/31/2008 @ 08:03am

222. this is for sjchermak and others who have irrational fears about universal health care or 'socialized medicine'. it works. i am American living in Australia for 12 years. here's how it works. up to family income of 100,000, we pay 1.5% of taxable income for our medical care. so at 100,000 income that is $125/month. higher incomes pay another 1 % unless they carry private insurance. we see ANY doctor we want at any time. no wait. we pay essentially small copay at office. if our annual expenses hit certain high amt than copay ends. children get free medical care until 12 yrs. certain non urgent hospital procedures we need to wait for sometimes. Or, we carry private insurance and then do them immediately at private hospital. private cover costs another $125+/ month or so. for a little more you also are covered for chiro, naturopaths, physios, etc. Drugs are cheaper because the government negotiates the price for Australians as a singe payer. the quality of care is superb. Doctors are well paid. The system is not perfect. Everyone has health care; even if unemployed. noone is uninsurable. noone needs to worry about not getting any care. WHY DO SO MANY OF YOU PEOPLE PUT DOWN A SYSTEM YOU DONT EVEN KNOW 1ST HAND. Im not saying everyone is happy with health care in Australia. Of course they arent. But i have lived both systems. And this one works most of the time, to the advantage of all people who need it. As an American, i would like to see the US create some system whereby all people can get health care that need it and dont need to be worried about losing everything to get care.

     Posted by ojai44 at 10/31/2008 @ 09:29am

223. As an American, i would like to see the US create some system whereby all people can get health care that need it and dont need to be worried about losing everything to get care.

     Posted by ojai44 at 10/31/2008 @ 09:29am | ignore

     Many of us would like to see health care for everyone. However, those on the right think you have to deserve it based on their standards. They confuse compassion with socialism. Actually, socialism is compassionate!

     Posted by Truthman at 10/31/2008 @ 09:34am

224. Posted by weatherman63 at 10/31/2008 @ 02:06am

     Get real dude ..... the "tax the rich" is letting the Bush tax cuts expire to their previous levels ...I believe they were still rich then so wtf.

     Posted by leftofcenter at 10/31/2008 @ 09:49am

225. Posted by weatherman63 at 10/31/2008 @ 02:06am

     Get real dude ..... the "tax the rich" is letting the Bush tax cuts expire to their previous levels ...I believe they were still rich then so wtf.

     Posted by leftofcenter at 10/31/2008 @ 09:49am

226. Posted by Truthman at 10/31/2008 @ 08:03am

     Truthman, I agree with you that only a small percentage abuse the system. But I wasn't speaking on the abuses, I was speaking about how welfare destroyed 4 generations of families. The fatal error with the welfare system was that it took away any incentive for the poor to fully engaged in society. This, I believe, was by design. It was one way to reduce competition.

     Posted by ACook at 10/31/2008 @ 10:18am

227. "...our constitution leaves that issue to the individual states."

     Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/31/2008 @ 10:19am

     Is that an extrapolation of its absence? (or please, point out the appropriate article, section or amendment)

     One could equally argue that health is implicit in the Declaration on Independence "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" (with emphasis on the first word.

     Posted by leftofcenter at 10/31/2008 @ 10:48am

228. To: lvliberty1 quote In fact, our constitution leaves that issue to the individual states. They have complete authority to implement whatever kind of healthcare system that they want. End quote

     So how's that been working for you so far?

     Posted by SMC at 10/31/2008 @ 11:05am

229. This, I believe, was by design. It was one way to reduce competition.

     Posted by ACook at 10/31/2008 @ 10:18am

     My God! I have to agree with that. I believe that Clinton introduced some form of responsibility into the program. To do away with it would be a big mistake. Most on it want to get off. Perhaps some tweeking?

     Posted by Truthman at 10/31/2008 @ 11:18am

230. Maybe in the Canadian constitution, healthcare is a right; however it is not in our constitution. In fact, our constitution leaves that issue to the individual states. They have complete authority to implement whatever kind of healthcare system that they want. Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/31/2008 @ 10:19am

     It says in the Consitution Healthcare is provided by the states in those words?

     Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/31/2008 @ 12:21pm

231. Posted by Truthman at 10/31/2008 @ 11:18am

     Truthman, the system doesn't need to be tweaked, it needs to be done away with.

     No funds = No babies = No poverty = stability = better life opportunities.

     Posted by ACook at 10/31/2008 @ 1:18pm

232. No funds = No babies = No poverty = stability = better life opportunities.

     Posted by ACook at 10/31/2008 @ 1:18pm

     Sorry, I hear where ya comin from but, I believe that stability can come through the individuals will to strive rather than being forced to strive or not survive. Support should be considered medicine, not a hand out. It is better to have medicine and not need it, than to need medicine and not have it. As a country and as a race (as in human race), we are not yet evolved enough, morally and socially, to have your system work.

     Posted by Truthman at 10/31/2008 @ 2:21pm

233. Posted by Truthman at 10/31/2008 @ 2:21pm

     Which is why you should never give medicine that has addictive properties. The only outcome is dependence.

     Posted by ACook at 10/31/2008 @ 3:33pm

234. No funds = No babies = No poverty = stability = better life opportunities.

     Posted by ACook at 10/31/2008 @ 1:18pm

     I don't wish to debate the political or sociological ideals at play here. I only wish to point out what I believe is logical fallacy.

     The babies come. Everything else is optional. Sure, you or I may take great pains to avoid such situations. But, accidents happen. Sex happens. The babies cannot be prevented by removing their future means of support.

     I thought you were a nurse or something. I'm not sure how you'd not see this.

     Eric

     Posted by Malcontent at 10/31/2008 @ 6:55pm

235. Posted by Malcontent at 10/31/2008 @ 6:55pm

     (Sigh!) You miss the whole point entirely. If there are no support mechanisms in place, poor and lower income women are less likely to take chances on getting pregnant.

     Posted by ACook at 10/31/2008 @ 10:07pm

236. You miss the whole point entirely.

     "But, accidents happen. Sex happens. The babies cannot be prevented by removing their future means of support."

     (sigh)?

     Is that supposed to absolve you of rational thought and civic responsibility?

     Let's not address any questions. Just make cutesy gestures. How palinesque.

     Posted by Malcontent at 11/01/2008 @ 09:03am

237. Just by reading the responses about the Canadian health care system...and watching the Obama ad...I am soooo f%^&ng glad I am not american..you guys are so screwed in so many ways you can't see the bump on the tip of your nose..and if there was something on it, I'm sure the health care system you have would make you remortgage your house to remove it...

     The support, and relief I feel daily about the fact that if I, or any one of my kids EVER get SICK.. It will NEVER be a financial issue because every man, woman, and child receives full health services. If I am working or not..If I have a low paying job or not..If I own my own business or not...if I am a colored or white person...it doesn't matter...

     If someone asked me to live in the U.S. for whatever reason...my health care goes with me! Go figure... If that's your idea of socialism..Bring it on!

     Honestly, I would not want to be a US citizen right now because the rest of the world hates your prideful ways. Surveys show if the other countries had a chance to vote, they would vote for OBAMA by a landslide. A landslide, people..

     Posted by onogee at 11/02/2008 @ 10:22pm