The Real Debate

re: The Real Debate

Paradigm Shifter — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:28:15 GMT

I am concerned about racism in the United States. However, I find it difficult to believe that decent Christians who profess faith in the living God, can still be bound by the paradigm, philosophy and thinking prevailing in groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Surely it is almost like taking God's Name in vain.

While I believe that Obama is right for America and that he is a man whose time has arrived, I do not mind people voting for John McCain for good reasons. But pleeeez, do not vote against Barack Obama just because he is black.

It would seem that some Republicans go out of their way to exploit racial fears. But this is hardly suprising since Republicans have no track record to run on, and the best they can do is engage in mudslinging.

re: The Real Debate

ckwan4 — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:05:55 GMT

If you want to blame the white voters for prejudice for not voting Obama because of his race, you should first blame the 90% of the black voters who vote for Obama.

The current Republican President has only 23% approval rating. This is a year in which the Democrats should win by a landslide. If they end up losing the presidential election, they deserve it.

They should have waited another 8 years before nominating a black candidate. It takes time to change.

re: The Real Debate

Penmaiden — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:11:27 GMT

I think Senator McCain has secured two votes, one from Joe the Plumber and one from Joe SixPack.

The rest of us who care about the economy, who prioritize energy independence, health care reform and education and who feel a physical sense of ailment and sickness at the memory of the last eight years need to cast our votes in favor of an intelligent, eloquent, caring and compassionate man, the "cool hand at the tiller" who even McCain feels we need. That "cool hand" is certainly not Senator McCain.

http://www.penmaiden.com/

re: The Real Debate

Citizen Kevin — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:12:26 GMT

ckwan4, you may want to consider that black voters have other reasons to vote for Obama than simply his race. What would you say if the contest were between a black republican like Alan Keyes and Hillary Clinton and that same 90% voted for Clinton? It sounds like you really think they would vote for Keyes. Wake up! It's not all about race.

re: The Real Debate

Citizen Kevin — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:16:07 GMT

re: The Real Debate

Evax — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:39:58 GMT

There is another effect = the Palin Effect. Never in history, Americans had a VP candidate who was so shallow, so silly, and so radical. When asked whether Palin was qualified as a VP, Obamba made a polite answer: "It is up to the American people to decide". I have respected McCain for his integrity and courage as a POW in Vietnam. To demonstrate that he has not lost these qualities, it is imperative for McCain to nix Palin immediately, at any costs.

re: The Real Debate

ckwan4 — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:25:21 GMT

Citizen Kevin,

You are the one who will have to wake up on November 4 when Obama loses to McCain and sets the Democratic Party back for another 8 years. There is a lot of voting statistics from the Democratic primaries which indicates that many people in this country are still voting along the racial lines.

As I said before, this is a year in which the political climate favors the Democrats for a landslide victory.

If Obama were 100% white, he would be leading at least 30% points in the polls now.

re: The Real Debate

ckwan4 — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:42:08 GMT

I don't know how people would vote if there is a contest between Keyes and Clinton. What I do know is that during the contests between Clinton and Obama in the Democratic primaries, 90% of the Black votes went for Obama. What is the difference between Clinton and Obama that drove 90% of the Black votes to Obama?

re: The Real Debate

guavaflower — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:10:19 GMT

Do we want a president who rolls his eyes like this?

http://wonkette.com/403567/get-used-to-seeing-this-new-mccain-gif-all-the-time

Undecideds....it is never to late to convert....

re: The Real Debate

vpered — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:24:34 GMT

I am the one who voted for a black person in Pa in 2006 for governor, This election I'd vote for an inanimate object or an animal before I vote for this person and it does not have anything to do with his skin color. I do not like his marxist ideology, his poor judgment and most of all his associations. I honestly believe just by virtue of the latter he doesn't qualify even to run for presidency of the USA.

If I weren't an atheist I'd pray for his defeat no matter what the reason is.

re: The Real Debate

ObamaLies — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:25:18 GMT

Maybe McCain wouldn't have to roll his eyes so much, if Obama would stop lying so much.

re: The Real Debate

jonnierae — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:28:16 GMT

Mr. Fineman, I am a great admirer of your writing and your political insights. I always look forward to seeing you on KO and reading you whenever I can. You are the best!!

re: The Real Debate

diqiti — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:40:30 GMT

ckwan4, if Obama were 100% white, he wouldn't even be in this race!!!!!! A slick talking junior senator with no experience, have ties with a terrorist, a radical reverend, a crook, and voting fraud organization...nobody would touch him, not even the radical left wing nuts!!!! Because he IS black nobody wants to be call a racist, not even the MSM, so he got by so far with little vetting. So Geroldine Ferraro was correct by saying Obama got to where he is because he IS BLACK. This is not a racist statement, it's jsut FACT!!!!

re: The Real Debate

daddydriz — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:47:52 GMT

ckwan4 , it's simple:

Vote FOR someone because of his/her race, it's progressive.

Vote AGAINST someone because of his/her race, it's racist.

Never mind that many of us voting against Barry have legitimate concerns about his policies, and would vote for an African-American they could trust, like Colin Powell.

re: The Real Debate

UndecidedinNewhampshire — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:50:05 GMT

I am one of the facebook voters. I have waffled between candidates (mostly because I was put off by both groups of supporters at different times) but have been in the Obama camp for the last three weeks or so. Now I am undecided again. McCain made a good case against Obama last night. Barack Obama IS going to raise taxes no matter how we want to justify it. I know my parents work hard and would be effected by his taxation. They oppose Obama and I have had major arguments with them. However, I come from a family of six and there were moments when my parents struggled to care for all of us so I consider the Obama tax to be unfair.

re: The Real Debate

snuggle52 — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:59:05 GMT

For the past several weeks this all we heard about the race factor. I believe the country is in to

bad of shape to worry about skin color. If race was a factor Hilary would have won the primary not

Obama. Give it up the man won it he will problem win the race. When you go to the polls are

you going to stand there and said I cannot vote because he black or I just lost $50,000. out of

my 401k plan. O let me lose another $50,000. because he black. How studip would that be.

I'm white were are your brains. Also you have black as CEO and in higher position today then

you did in the 80's. Let live in the future not the past...

re: The Real Debate

IND Wish — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:27:45 GMT

The key here is that the undecided voters are most likely the ones that may contribute to the "Bradley Effect". Obama's numbers will most likely remain the same (maybe not todays numbers but the Nov 1st numbers). If the election was held today the polls show Obama above 50% in most battleground states and therefore the margin of victory might change but he would still win with the Bradley Effect.

On another not: UndecidedinNewhampshire If your parents would be effected by Obama's tax plan then only the portion above $250K would be taxed at a higher rate. That being said, I also grew up in a family of six and if your parents make more than $250 a year you nor your parents know the meaning of struggling. I don't want to belittle your comments I just want you to understand when you say things like that, someone like myself who grew up in a home where the gross income was never above $50K believe you don't understand what it is like to struggle.

I think the one thing we all need to learn from this down turn in the economy is that we need to live within our means. We need to stop the consumption society and move what I thought were the conservative (fiscal) ideas that made me believe I was an independent for so many years. The last 16 years showed that if there is any party that does believe in living with what you can afford is the democratic party not the GOP. Yes they might tax to get what they want, but at least they are not leaving it for our children and our grandchildren, which is what we have done the last eight years.

Race should have nothing to do with it!

re: The Real Debate

ChronicIronic — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:06:51 GMT

Race unfortunately will play a part in what will happen November 4th so let me provide some examples based upon widely circulated information concerning the credentials of both candidates that everyone has access to but tend to discount based upon who these facts are attached to:

Barack Obama: Harvard Law Graduate , Magna *** Laud-JD (1989), Coumbia Univ- BA (1983)

Illinois State Senator (1996-2004), US Senator 2004-Present.

John Mc Cain: U.S. Naval Academy Graduated (1958) 894 out of 899. Retired from Navy in 1981, elected to U.S. House of Rep. in 1982 till 1986, U.S. Senator from 1986-Present.

Joe Biden: Univ. of Delaware Graduate, double major in History and Political Science (1965)

elected to U.S. Senate 1972-Present

Sarah Palin: Hawaii Pacific College (1982) left after one semester, North Idaho Community College (1982) left after two semesters, University of Idaho, left after two semesters, Matanuska-Susitna Community College in Alaska for one term, University of Idaho Graduate -BA (1987) Degree in Journalism.

Michelle Obama: Princeton University-BA (1985) *** Laud, Double Major in Sociology and African-American Studies, Harvard Law JD (1988)

Cindy McCain: Univ. of Southern Cal-BA (1976) in Education, Masters in Special Education (1978)

Ok..all things being equal what President/Vice President team appears the most qualified...oh and I forgot these things.

What if Michelle Obama instead of Cindy McCain was addicted to pain medication she stole from the charitable organization she represented. Would whis would be a scandal?

Also, what if Barack Obama had a daughter who was an unmarried and pregnant teenager? Would this be a scandal?

The credentials and values that one group would normally distance themselves from are embraced in the McCain's case, and the opposite is true for the Obama's. These public facts make it very clear that depending on who they are attached to some are willing to overlook them even if they don't line up with their values. Is this race related?

re: The Real Debate

Jim Johnson — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:13:16 GMT

Obama's view of the future of America - Socialism which is the next step to Communism!!

Under socialism a ruling class of intellectuals, bureaucrats and social planners decide what people want or what is good for society and then use the coercive power of the State to regulate, tax, and redistribute the wealth of those who work for a living. In other words, socialism is a form of legalized theft.

The morality of socialism can be summed-up in two words: envy and self-sacrifice. Envy is the desire to not only possess another's wealth but also the desire to see another's wealth lowered to the level of one's own. Socialism's teaching on self-sacrifice was nicely summarized by two of its greatest defenders, Hermann Goering and Bennito Mussolini. The highest principle of Nazism (National Socialism), said Goering, is: "Common good comes before private good." Fascism, said

Mussolini, is "a life in which the individual, through the sacrifice of his own private interests??realizes that completely spiritual existence in which his value as a man lies."

Socialism is the social system which institutionalizes envy and self-sacrifice: It is the social system which uses compulsion and the organized violence of the State to expropriate wealth from the producer class for its redistribution to the parasitical class.

Despite the intellectuals' psychotic hatred of capitalism, it is the only moral and just social system.

Capitalism is the only moral system because it requires human beings to deal with one another as traders--that is, as free moral agents trading and selling goods and services on the basis of mutual consent.

Capitalism is the only just system because the sole criterion that determines the value of thing exchanged is the free, voluntary, universal judgement of the consumer. Coercion and fraud are anathema to the free-market system.

It is both moral and just because the degree to which man rises or falls in society is determined by the degree to which he uses his mind. Capitalism is the only social system that rewards merit, ability and achievement, regardless of one's birth or station in life.

Yes, there are winners and losers in capitalism. The winners are those who are honest, industrious, thoughtful, prudent, frugal, responsible, disciplined, and efficient. The losers are those who are shiftless, lazy, imprudent, extravagant, negligent, impractical, and inefficient. [What about the role of luckbeing in the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time? R. R. Pope}

Capitalism is the only social system that rewards virtue and punishes vice. This applies to both the business executive and the carpenter, the lawyer and the factory worker.

re: The Real Debate

Jim Johnson — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:16:15 GMT

Obama's view of the future of America - Socialism which is the next step to Communism!!

Mussolini, is "a life in which the individual, through the sacrifice of his own private interests??realizes that completely spiritual existence in which his value as a man lies."

Despite the intellectuals' psychotic hatred of capitalism, it is the only moral and just social system.

Capitalism is the only social system that rewards virtue and punishes vice. This applies to both the business executive and the carpenter, the lawyer and the factory worker.

re: The Real Debate

HAL--- — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:41:22 GMT

@Jim Johnson: I socialism and communism is so evil then why in the hell is the US trading with such countries. Hypocrisy don't you think?

re: The Real Debate

indie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:47:14 GMT

Jim,

Your comments have little merit to Americans who were just handed a $700 billion debt bill, adding the amount on to the $500 billion for the S&L Loan scandals (Neil Bush got slapped on the hand and fined $50000 for his scams) and the additional debt provided for AIG - the 'owners' of the means of production, per Marxist lingo. What is it you don't understand about that? That isn't capitalism, it is atrocious pandering to the wealthy - which smacks of socialism. And you don't want a different approach? How much debt are you willing to take on as an American living under the "trickle down theory" that isn't doing much trickling, unless you count the damn debt we've just been handed? It doesn't trickle, Jim.

If Americans want to stay above water, live below your means and don't create debt. Our economic foundation in the US is based on a house of cards that is created on debt. It's all about debt. Obama is not going to spend money that isn't there to spend.

Thanks to the lack of trickling down, you can betcha (wink, wink) that our economy is going into the toilet because Americans CAN NOT afford more debt and that's apparently what you want. The majority of us are done with all of that rhetoric and bs. Save your money, Jim. Don't create debt and go do something kind for our country - help out someone who could use your time...volunteer.

re: The Real Debate

Nowforthetruth — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:50:23 GMT

Baby I'll be there to take your hand,

Baby I'll be there to share the land

That they'll be giving away, when we all live together.

So, in the exchange with "Joe the plumber" we find out that Obama really is as radical as his early political acquaintances, and is into the failed economic policy of wealth redistribution. Yahoo, back to the 70's we go! So now we know that an Obama presidency really would be as if it were Carter's lost second term after all.

re: The Real Debate

acoustictherapy — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:46:54 GMT

Nowforthetruth: What the f**k are you blathering about? Why is it that whenever the Right-Wing can't mount a coherent argument on an issue, they slide back into the same tired, old evergreens: "Democrats are socialists," "tax and spend," and blah, blah, blah.

I suppose for someone as narrowminded as you, any politician who actually give a rats's ass about the middle class must look pretty "radical." Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to adjust to the change. Eight years, to be exact.

Any resemblance between your posts and the "truth" are purely coincidental.

re: The Real Debate

acoustictherapy — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:49:49 GMT

Just BTW for "Nowforthetruth" and his ilk: No plumber I know makes $250,000 a year. The real reason the wealthy on the Right are so scared of Obama's tax plan is more about their guilty consciences than anything else. If they'd been more willing to "trickle down" some of their wealth, then they would not be in the Democrat's sights right now. Their greed and avarice have finally caught up with them and they're freaking terrified.

re: The Real Debate

winnie47 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:26:22 GMT

If the Bradley effect was still an issue, it would've shown up in the primaries. The only race where the polls were really wrong was in New Hampshire, and it was widely believed that Hillary's tearful response to a questioner at a rally won her the sympathy vote in that state. That is not to say that the Obama campaign should let their guard down. But I think it is really a non-issue.

re: The Real Debate

vpered — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:48:36 GMT

Just can't understand why the wealthy have to share their wealth. Why on earth people who work hard and make it should be taxed to death?

You want to live better go to school, invest in your education, so on. You ,BHO supporters just want handouts from the government. and envy people who made it. I'm just a regular nurse, single mother of 2. Both my children go to the very expensive schools. No help from government. I'm paying for their education because I know it'll open the door to the better future. I do not need help from BHO. I'd rather do without this terrorist sympathizer handouts, I do not want my children to be taxed to death when they make it. I did lose quite a few thousands from my retirement plan. I do believe in self responsibility. It was not guaranteed that it'd only go up. It's a form of investment.

I do hope that there's Bradley or whatever effect which would keep B.Hussein from the White House. I do question his patriotism and love of this country. He went to the racist church for 20 years, he exposed his little children to this anti-American, racist propaganda, he did pall around with terrorists, and he wants to be president of "this downright mean country"(Michelle obama). OUTRAGE. Even if he gave my children free education and eliminated all taxed, I would NOT vote for him. Nothing he says or does would .

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debbiesold — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:20:59 GMT

What amazes me most about the Republican ideology is that they never take into account what REALLY takes place. The trickle down, never ever trickles down. The greed takes over (i.e. AIG, Lehman Brothers, etc)...need I say more. It is so easy to say "work hard, go to school...and you will be successful". I know many people who have done that and they are still struggling very hard to make it day by day. Now, those of you who are priviledged enough to be well connected, chosen over a more qualified candidate because your family has connections, will ALWAYS have an advantage. If this country played fair, everybody would have an equal chance to enjoy the same priviledges the rich have. We know that does not happen. Oh sure, there are those who are in the right place at the right time, those who are just plain smart and figure out something that the rest of the world didn't figure out...so yes,it can happen. But for the majority, life is not always fair. To claim that the reason some people aren't successful is based solely on them not trying hard enough is a bunch of bull. When this country becomes color blind, gender blind, ethnicity blind, age blind....maybe then the rich can get to keep more of their money. Until that happens, it will be your duty and your responsibility to help your fellow Americans!

re: The Real Debate

debbiesold — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:45:27 GMT

You can tell by the tone of Vpered's post that he/she is a very angry, bitter person....the same hatred spewed by the McCain campaign and the lowlifes like Sean Hannity, You have to ask yourself, why have so many of them embraced the internet rumors and gossip of Obama being a Muslim, a terrorist, etc? Could it be that these are the kind of people who harbor hatred about certain people anyway? Has this country been reduced to hating an entire religous group (Muslim) because a group of them attacked our country on 9/11? Do they also hate Germans, Japanese, Korens, Viet Nam, Russians, etc.? Are we supposed to hate any other group that we have experienced conflict with? Sen. Obama is not a Muslim, but if he were, does that mean that he should be hated automatically? I find it interesting that the McCain/Palin campaign has not been able to find ONE SINGLE NEGATIVE thing about Sen Obama, so they have decided to go after his associations. While the country is in the worst shape since the depression, the only thing the McCain campaign can talk about is who Sen Obama associated with YEARS AGO! Where is proof that he is "palling around with William Ayers now or anytime in the recent past"? And before you try to make an issue out of people he has associated with....ask yourself, how many people have YOU associated with at one time in your life that you now do not associate with due to their beliefs or inappropriate behavior? This is nothing but a distraction, aimed at fooling you into accepting an ideology that benefits those shameless people who control you. The majority of you are suffering and struggling just like the rest of this country....what has your party done to help YOU. Nothing....because you are not part of their clique. You will NEVER be...you are being used. They pulled this same tactic on John Kerry. Turned this honorable war hero into nothing by their lies. I challenge each and everyone of you to delve into the associations of Todd Palin. Now THAT'S one un-American fellow! But you will not allow yourself to be educated about that....it doesn't fit your "vision", you don't WANT to hear about that. Look into how Dick Cheney abused his power and made MILLIONS on illegal Haliburton government contracts. That doesn't bother you....how much of those millions did he "trickle down" to your families. Why aren't you asking John McCain's buddy George W. Bush why he sent your sons and daughters to Iraq to die when he KNEW they did not have WMD's. Ask Bush why he chartered a private plan to escort the Bin Laden family safely out of the country. You've GOT to be kidding me!! It's always been about perceptions and experiences.....if someone is different from you, they automatically are suspect.....is this what you pray for in all those churches you attend on Sunday morning? Can you say "Hypocrite"?

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ccr-carol — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:53:00 GMT

A 3rd effect may be the "reverse-Bradleyesque AGE EFFECT", which no one seems to have taken into account yet very much. But I should think that this effect exists, and entails that many a good-natured, tactful voter from among the undecideds AS WELL AS from among the traditional Republican voters of old will now say they will or may vote for McCain, but NOT ACTUALLY DO SO when alone in the voting booth, or alone in front of the decision not to vote at all.

My guess is that many a voter would find it a tactless thing to say, but in his or her heart of hearts CANNOT REALLY envision an old man like McCain becoming president, and even less so to participate in the act it by giving him their vote.

Carol

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waterconserver — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:14:37 GMT

I really believe in the Bradley effect. I am white, upper middle class and I have yet to talk to anyone in my "social statosphere: sho is seriously considering voting for Obama. For us, the over whelming factor is our national defense against terrorism. Sure, the economy is really bad but that happens every 20 years or so regardless of who is in the white house or who controls congress. Terrorism happens usually when you have weak views of the military. Obama is too inexperienced and too vague on his plans for our taste. We shall see who wins.

Latest polls have it in a virtual dead heat. I am not talking about the CNN or MSNBC but the real polls that actually call people. I only look a the polls of people who are likely to vote and those say the margin of victory is within the margin of error factor. Probably will be December before we know who the President is.

re: The Real Debate

waterconserver — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:24:12 GMT

debbisold sounds like a democrat who never really made it and wants Obama to share the wealth with her. Vpered is like most people I know who worked themselves up and now are looking at being taxed just because they did. They didn't look for handouts and don't expect any. They actually used their god-given talents to the best of their ability and never looked to the government for help. They are actually full grown, mature and self-reliant human beings. They are what this country is about. They aren't leeches on society.

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Paul_A — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:46:46 GMT

The Bradley effect, if that is what it was, was 20 years and many, many African American political winners ago. I am a 56 year old white woman, somewhat well to do, and it would be so much fun to talk about how much I like Obama and his family. The reason I don't is the rabid and stupid yelling I get from the nut cases on the far right. They seem to be everywhere these days. And I live in a condo where all of the people (but me) are extremely wealthy. We have several Obama stickers on cars and 2 that had McCain but scraped them off. So I can talk to my neighbors. But there is a beautiful, intelligent, funny young woman in my office whose eyes glaze over and she becomes robo person when she talks about McCain and that offensive anti intellectual he chose as a VP running mate. Wouldn't it be really sad if the "Bradley effect" was just old fashioned voter fraud.

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tipthomas66 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:06:48 GMT

What about the black voters? I have heard over 90% of blacks polled are voting for Obama. Is this racist? This seems to me like a double standard that nobody will bring up. Have we gotten so politically correct that we are afraid to bring up the facts? I am a white man over 40. I think it would be unfair for me to vote for one canidate because of the color of his skin. I am voting for Mccain not because the color of his skin , but for the fact that he is a true Americian Hero and the most experianced canidate to run this country.

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Nuri — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:39:18 GMT

Why does this bother you that black voters support Obama over 90%. We've supported all Democratic candidates over 90% and supported white candidates 100% even when we didn't have a choice or a right to vote. I appreciate your definition of patriotism but how about all of us who suffered and died and were lynched in order for you to have the freedoms that you do. We are just as much patriots as anyone and since it is experienced politicians that have gotten us where we are at now, that obviously is not the answer.

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mike55rose — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:49:27 GMT

I'm a 79 year old white voter who is voting for Obama because he is the most qualified candidate. In addition, his comments and ads talk about his acomplishments and not about the misdeeds of his apponents. Such as the Keating five scandal or the "moose-killer" unqualified vice presidential pick. My decision was based soley on the issues. Unfornately there are many white voters who still in the year 2008 who can't bring themselves to vote for a black. They are an embarassment to our country and make all whites seem like red-necks to the rest of the world. This makes me angry and ashamed of some of my fellow Americans. We are in dire straits because of 8 years of Republican rule. Our problems need the best experts available and not "pit bulls with lipstick"

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alacker — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:57:54 GMT

Howard incorrectly assumes that young people are only motivated to vote by Obama and Facebook. The increase in interest in politics and voting among young people is a trend, not a one-time, candidate-driven fluke. The 2004 elections saw the highest young voter turnout since the voting age was lowered in 1972; 2006 also saw strong youth turnout. This year, 6.5 million young people participated in a primary or caucus and 89% of young people say they are likely or very likely to vote in this election. This interest is also extending to down-ballot races in ways we have never seen before. Young voters are ready to prove all of the nay-sayers wrong and demonstrate their political might.

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hopeunited — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:00:19 GMT

Racism is about holding people down, not about raising them up. I was going to write more but I think that says enough.

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elaine.walizer — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:08:36 GMT

I am a 61 year old white woman living in Arkansas, and I couldn't be more excited, hopeful, and eager to see Barach Hussein Obama become my president. I still mourn that we did not elect Hubert H. Humphrey or Howard Dean--both hard-working, very intelligent candidates; we can't afford a second-class mind, a lazy worker, or an "I'm always right" kind of thinker in the White House. OBAMA BIDEN!!!!!

I resent being slotted into some category due to my age and race. THAT is called PREJUDICE, Mr. Fineman. Shame on YOU!

re: The Real Debate

austin c — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:21:29 GMT

On the relationship between Obama and Ayers, there is a new article by A. Klein today with the title and subtitle: " Obama worked closely with terrorist Bill Ayers - Records show collaboration on funding leftists despite claim he's just 'a guy' in neighborhood". For detail, click the following website:

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=76022

re: The Real Debate

Susan50 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:42:32 GMT

Yes, some will not pull the lever for Obama because of race. But it is also true that some will not pull the lever for McCain because of age. When you look at Obama, you cannot ignore his mixed race. But when you look at McCain, you cannot ignore the effects of age upon him. I truly wish he picked a more qualified VP. She tipped the scales in Obama's favor.

Susan 50

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atlanta01 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:36:17 GMT

Never (ever) judge a person based on their education or degree achievement. Always judge the character and your inner guts. Rember...Bush went to Harvard as well (how did he turn out)? Bill and Hilary went to Yale (the only president who had sex with an intern in our US history). So education doesn't make any sense.

I've heard many people look down on Sarah Palin, based on her BA college degree. She wouldn't come this high if she doesn't have ability. You never know her inner power might be stronger than men. (e.g Queen Elizabeth (1) and Queen Victoria, they became leaders of their country when they were young and had no ruling experience. To date, those two Queens are considered to be most powerful monarch in their country's history).

ChronicIronic (October 16, 2008 at 8:06 PM) wrote:

Barack Obama: Harvard Law Graduate , Magna *** Laud-JD (1989), Coumbia Univ- BA (1983)

Illinois State Senator (1996-2004), US Senator 2004-Present.

John Mc Cain: U.S. Naval Academy Graduated (1958) 894 out of 899. Retired from Navy in 1981, elected to U.S. House of Rep. in 1982 till 1986, U.S. Senator from 1986-Present.

Joe Biden: Univ. of Delaware Graduate, double major in History and Political Science (1965)

elected to U.S. Senate 1972-Present

Michelle Obama: Princeton University-BA (1985) *** Laud, Double Major in Sociology and African-American Studies, Harvard Law JD (1988)

Cindy McCain: Univ. of Southern Cal-BA (1976) in Education, Masters in Special Education (1978)

re: The Real Debate

rube — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:38:29 GMT

Omama was a terrorist- that didn't work. So he associated with terrorists, then he was a muslim...then he was a communist, now hes racist...

Now conservatives blast away that "he is a socialist" - without any reference that the current version of American capitalism is some how pure in form without any regard to the nations current crisis!

Skewd American capitalism has put us in the current economic situation!

The reality is all of us have been betrayed by those who claim to be fair and righteous capitalists!

The "neocons" have managed to make a mess out of our nation. And now their answer is the battle-cry “Socialize the debt and privatize the wealth!”

Socialize the bank and mortgage bailout, socialize the federal debt, land programs subsidies for American ranchers with federal and state lands for pennies on the dollar, endowments for the wealthy,

create great federal expense and let the people pay for it!

In contrast, privatize sectors of war that are paid for by taxpayers for the Halliburtons of the world,

privatize prison systems, education systems, and privatize the most Christian of all human entities- health care. So that the few become wealthy while the masses wallow away from the denial of fair and just care.

The hacks of Neocon theology have has stabbed us in the proverbial back, right between the shoulder blades! In our heart that sustains and carry our lives and our families!

It is time to clean out the rats nest. Time again to pass the mantle onto another way of life. The pendulum is swinging back.

Capitalism on paper sounds great and wonderful. It was the politicians, the neocons in their convention and their lack of wisdom that mislead us against the greatest of all gifts- The U.S. constitution!

It was they who endangered capitolism/democracy!

We have learned the truth, conservatives decry socialism unless it benefits them!

The argument that Obamas' view of America is socialistic, is a desperate opinion.

And the conjecture that capitalism under current

GOP watch was a great time for our nation is non existent! Simply because it was not a great time!

re: The Real Debate

rube — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:38:29 GMT

Omama was a terrorist- that didn't work. So he associated with terrorists, then he was a muslim...then he was a communist, now hes racist...

Skewd American capitalism has put us in the current economic situation!

The reality is all of us have been betrayed by those who claim to be fair and righteous capitalists!

The "neocons" have managed to make a mess out of our nation. And now their answer is the battle-cry “Socialize the debt and privatize the wealth!”

Socialize the bank and mortgage bailout, socialize the federal debt, land programs subsidies for American ranchers with federal and state lands for pennies on the dollar, endowments for the wealthy,

create great federal expense and let the people pay for it!

In contrast, privatize sectors of war that are paid for by taxpayers for the Halliburtons of the world,

The hacks of Neocon theology have has stabbed us in the proverbial back, right between the shoulder blades! In our heart that sustains and carry our lives and our families!

It is time to clean out the rats nest. Time again to pass the mantle onto another way of life. The pendulum is swinging back.

It was they who endangered capitolism/democracy!

We have learned the truth, conservatives decry socialism unless it benefits them!

The argument that Obamas' view of America is socialistic, is a desperate opinion.

And the conjecture that capitalism under current

GOP watch was a great time for our nation is non existent! Simply because it was not a great time!

re: The Real Debate

EGNJ — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:34:23 GMT

I think all the polls are wrong. I do not believe that older white women are voting for Obama. The polls must be reaching the younger women that is why they are showing in Obama favor. I think it is going to be really close. There seen to be a trend among older women not to want to hurt someones feeling and It is not racial.

re: The Real Debate

Jim Johnson — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:15:26 GMT

Obama's view of the future of America - Socialism which is the next step to Communism!! He admitted to Joe the Plumber than he wanted to spread the wealth! He said that he wanted to make everyone equal! Is America ready for Socialism? The Iranian president, Ahmadinejad, said today that he is glad to see the end to capitalism in America!! Are you glad?????

=====================================================================================

Mussolini, is "a life in which the individual, through the sacrifice of his own private interests??realizes that completely spiritual existence in which his value as a man lies."

Despite the intellectuals' psychotic hatred of capitalism, it is the only moral and just social system.

Yes, there are winners and losers in capitalism. The winners are those who are honest, industrious, thoughtful, prudent, frugal, responsible, disciplined, and efficient. The losers are those who are shiftless, lazy, imprudent, extravagant, negligent, impractical, and inefficient. [What about the role of luck being in the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time? R. R. Pope}

re: The Real Debate

Jim Johnson — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:18:54 GMT

Watch in horror, you Republican haters!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_cSi7Rs&feature=related

re: The Real Debate

Jim Johnson — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:20:33 GMT

The Republicans caused the financial failures? LOL!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMnSp4qEXNM&NR=1

re: The Real Debate

Jim Johnson — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:22:10 GMT

The real Obama!!

http://patdollard.com/2008/10/the-video-that-could-cost-obama-the-election-and-its-why-we-post-it/

re: The Real Debate

papasmurf — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:11:58 GMT

This is just too simple -- see, Clinton was a so-called tax and spend Democrat and the country was far better off. Bush/Cheney have managed to ruin an entire country in just eight years. These Republicans can talk all they want, but the fact is we were better off under Clinton and things stink now. So, pardon us if we question your ability to choose a President or your knowledge of how to keep an economy from collapsing!! Case closed -- your Party scewed this country and you owe the rest of us an apology. Don't tell us about candidates or economics because WE CAN SEE WHAT YOU HAVE GIVEN US FOR EIGHT YEARS!

re: The Real Debate

rex w young — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:37:53 GMT

I have been a small businessman since my first endeavor at moving lawns when I was 12. I am now 66 and own 4 small companies. Let me make one thing very clear, I have always done well under the Democrates and went bankrupt under the Rupublicans in 1990. There is a major economic issue that this country faces right now and I call it the consolidation of major businesses to just 4 or 3 and maybe soon to be just 2 in each industry. Telecommunications, oil, auto, major department stores, discount grocery/home improvement stores, now banking/financial can be added soon and the list goes on. Play a game and start naming them, If you get past 4 check to see who is merging soon. Airlines will be added, although I think in 10 years we will all be flying Southwest, but even they had their first losing quarter. Has anyone figured out the Korean Air commercial as an aside as it is beautiful but beyong my menal capacities to understand.

Bottom line, Obama is my HOPE, strange coming from an old white guy who does VOTE.

re: The Real Debate

Andy Glencoe — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:55:20 GMT

I understand why most younger voters skew to Obama. They were too stoned on meds in their social studies classes to learned the joys of Socialism in Russia, the Eastern European Block and Cuba.

To The Younger Voters: Keep your dreams, and by the time you finally leave the safety of your parent's home and make it up to middle class, President Obama will have moved the progressive tax brackets DOWN to ensure you will NEVER be affluent - unless you get a job in Politics, are comfortable supporting a Totalitarian regime, and have a flair for engaging in corrupt legislation.

re: The Real Debate

ANILHPLUS9 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:37:03 GMT

As a 20-year Air Force (retired) veteran and lifelong moderate (registered Independent), I voted for Reagan, Bush41 and Clinton, and wanted the McCain of 2000 to be the next Chief Executive, then voted for Gore and Kerry. Over the past 8 years, Bush43 and Cheney destroyed over a half-century of American world leadership with their greed and Rove cronies. I'm saddened McCain has changed so much and allied himself with the same Rove cronies who seek to divide this great country further with their right-wing hate. That's not what I wore the uniform for; I wore it to protect the Constitution and the rights of individuals.

The far right purports to want those rights for people in the Middle East while doing everything in their power to deny those same rights to average American citizens through their lies and deceit. McCain compounded matters when he put that blissfully uninformed, hypocritical and hate-mongering Cheney clone on his ticket.

Senator McCain has said many times his two main heroes are Ronald Reagan and Theodore Roosevelt, and that he models himself after them. Really? Would President Reagan ever have allowed such mean-spirited lies to be spewed out of the mouths of his surrogates? Would President Theodore Roosevelt, who held “truth above all” as his maxim, have allowed any of the vitriol either? Does Senator McCain realize that the very first President who proposed universal health care and national health insurance was none other than his hero, President Theodore Roosevelt?

The government has been in charge of my healthcare for all of my adult life (and I survived a major heart attack thanks to that plan). Senator McCain has enjoyed government-run healthcare for his entire life, as did his father before him. I pay small premiums and copays for a fair plan with controls on treatment and drug costs. The motivation behind the GOP’s attacks about just this one issue are motivated by the prospect of losses of billions of dollars in overcharges their lobbying groups, HMOs and pharmaceutical companies get now. If we can lower those costs to the average person, their disposable income goes way up.

If we only give tax credits to responsible companies who generate jobs here at home, we provide fertile growth for our economy. If we put the government solidly behind a goal of eliminating our dependence on oil, we provide growth for our economy, mitigate the external threats, and take back the economic and moral leadership of the world. All of these things are what Senator Obama wants to do. And much more.

To paraphrase the words of Aaron Sorkin in “The American President”, Senator McCain’s got more to worry about than losing my respect: he just lost my vote. Barack Obama is a class act and has shown us everything good about being an American. He's the kind of Commander in Chief whom I would proudly serve in uniform for another 20 years. You can count on this: in addition to the vast numbers of intelligent and informed US military personnel who, like me proclaim their support for Senator Obama, there are hordes of intelligent and informed US military personnel who may outwardly nod they're voting Republican (because of peer pressure and the like), who will actually be voting absentee ballots or in person for our next president: Barack Obama. May God Bless the United States of America!

re: The Real Debate

seader — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:03:33 GMT

Hmmmm, Howard, you seem to be making racist comments yourself about the over 50 white folks. Have you considered the possibility of the "Bradley Effect" being blacks telling pollsters one thing and then voting another? Why assume it's white folk? Black support for Sen Obama is over 90% in most polls. Is that racist? What if over 90% of whites said they'd vote for McCain?

re: The Real Debate

seader — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:06:42 GMT

ANILHPLUS9 -- Have you checked out the Massachusetts and Hawaii universal health plans lately?

re: The Real Debate

taxpayer1954 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:36:19 GMT

I help run a family owned business. We manufacture equipment that is used in the oil and gas fields of North and South America and built solely in the USA, We run a honest business treating our customers as we would like to be treated. Our employees build excellent machinery with high quality that has a work life of approx 15 years. We employ less than 20 people and pay them well. We also provide health care. Our company was started in 36 years ago. We have no large debts.

Under Senator Obama's tax plan we will not survive.

It seems Senator Obama sees Main Street USA only as Chicago's intercity. If so he is wrong.

Washington and the next President better realize where the money comes from.

A large portion is from small business, but not the ones making less than $250.000 a year. I liked and agreed with the comment "no poor man ever gave me a job".

If the real registered voters of America elect Barrack Obama President, so be it, the country has spoken.

If they give the Democrats full power. God Bless Us All!! We will need it!!

re: The Real Debate

PamR — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:31:46 GMT

@taxpayer1954

Hmmm. Currently, the top income tax rate is 35 percent. Under Obama's plan, that would go up to 39 percent. So you're saying a 4% increase in earnings over $250,000 will destroy your company?!?!?

re: The Real Debate

Jim Johnson — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:54:36 GMT

====================================================================================================

Mussolini, is "a life in which the individual, through the sacrifice of his own private interests??realizes that completely spiritual existence in which his value as a man lies."

Despite the intellectuals' psychotic hatred of capitalism, it is the only moral and just social system.

re: The Real Debate

A.N.A — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:56:33 GMT

American always look ahead not towards past. If that is fact, I am, as an non-Amercan can predict that Obama is the natural of a time which prefers change. -- A.N.A

re: The Real Debate

A.N.A — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:02:11 GMT

Americans always looks ahead not toward past. If that is fact, I am, as a non-American can predict

that Obama will be elected as president. And this result will be natural at this time which prefers change. -- A.N,A

re: The Real Debate

BaramaMama — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:34:23 GMT

I am an over-50 white female and will be voting for Mr. Obama for the same reasons, among others, that you attribute to the under-30 crowd. I see Mr. Obama's racial and cultural ties as a huge asset to him and to our country: he's part white, part black; is a Christian and has lived within a Muslim community; he has lived in Chicago, Hawaii, and Indonesia. That tells me he has a more intimate understanding of our multi-cultural world than any other Presidential candidate ever has. We need someone who can not only reach across the aisle, but across the Atlantic and Pacific ponds, with the dignified voice of reason and compassion.

re: The Real Debate

Jim Johnson — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:58:56 GMT

====================================================================================================

Mussolini, is "a life in which the individual, through the sacrifice of his own private interests??realizes that completely spiritual existence in which his value as a man lies."

Despite the intellectuals' psychotic hatred of capitalism, it is the only moral and just social system.

Yes, there are winners and losers in capitalism. The winners are those who are honest, industrious, thoughtful, prudent, frugal, responsible, disciplined, and efficient. The losers are those who are shiftless, lazy, imprudent, extravagant, negligent, impractical, and inefficient. [What about the role of luck being in the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time? R. R. Pope}

re: The Real Debate

Jim Johnson — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:59:33 GMT

Everyone of voting age should read these two books written by Obama, 'Dreams of My Father' and 'Audacity of Hope'. Don't buy them, get them from the library before they are removed from the shelves.

From 'Dreams of My Father', "I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites."

From 'Dreams of My Father', "'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race."

From 'Dreams of My Father', "There was something about him that made me wary, a little too sure of himself, maybe. And white."

From 'Dreams of My Father', "It remained necessary to prove which side you were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses, to strike out and name names."

From 'Dreams of My Father', "I never emulate WHITE men and BROWN men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa , that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself , the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela."

And FINALLY the Most Damning one of ALL of them!!!

From 'Audacity of Hope', "I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."

re: The Real Debate

Jim Johnson — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:02:33 GMT

BaramaMama,

We need someone that can reach across racial and ethnic lines, also. Obama could never do that! Why do you think 95% of the blacks support him? Because they look at him as their savior and protector from whites and browns!

re: The Real Debate

taxpayer1954 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:51:00 GMT

To PamR

Better have another look at Senator Obama's tax plan for small business also capitol gains. No prudent small business owner is going to risk his earned wealth just to pay it out in increased taxes to be (spread around) as Senator Obama stated.

Again, the few producers/manufactures left in America are mainly small business. They pay employees who pay the bills, all our bills. Kill them and we will all be picking up trash part time at the local burger stand. You may have have a government health card to go to a local gov run clinic, but many will be walking to get there.

re: The Real Debate

SamMcGowan — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 01:45:40 GMT

I'm not so sure that the impact from "young voters" is going to be as great as expected. Just because someone tells a pollster who calls them out of the blue they are going to vote a certain way doesn't mean they are going to vote at all. The younger a person is, the less likely they are to vote. On the other hand, the opposite is true, especially among white voters. I'm also surprised that the Obama campaign has allegedly "registered" so many voters since anyone who has a drivers license is probably already registered.

re: The Real Debate

AKDem — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:39:42 GMT

Well, let's take a look at the last few weeks, and see what has happened. We have had a massive "bailout" to the tune of 700 billion dollars, and the government takeover of AIG, Freddie and Fannie. All brought about, in large part, by the deregulation of the financial industry over the last 10 years. Yes, I said ten years, not eight.

What we have seen is that a deregulated marketplace does not work, that the market does not correct the problems of health care and the lack of it for 47 million Americans, of whom some are democrat and some republican(does it matter?). That the "invisible hand" of the market does not move goods and services ionto the hands of those who need it most.

We have seen that our current conservative administration has had to redistribute wealth in order to fix this problem, unfortunately the redistribution went the wrong way.

My point is that capitalism, for all of it's strengths, is not perfect, and that our economic model for how our country is going to function will have to lean towards socilaism. It already has.

re: The Real Debate

Earl W — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:38:03 GMT

I have never agreed with much Fineman has to say. This time he has it right-What will happen in the voting both may not be the same thing that is told to the pollsters

re: The Real Debate

Earl W — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:38:06 GMT

I have never agreed with much Fineman has to say. This time he has it right-What will happen in the voting both may not be the same thing that is told to the pollsters

re: The Real Debate

krohn2 — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:48:01 GMT

Obama, the excuses are wearing thin. what excuse do you have for this one?:

http://www.againstobama.com/2008/10/obama-praised-searing-and-timely-book-by-ayers/

re: The Real Debate

krohn2 — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:17:55 GMT

This is so true about how the election is already bought and paid for:

http://www.againstobama.com/2008/10/what-is-it-that-barack-obama-knows-that-the-rest-of-us-don%E2%80%99t/#comment-1929

re: The Real Debate

krohn2 — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:18:35 GMT

This is so true about how the election is already bought and paid for:

http://www.againstobama.com/2008/10/what-is-it-that-barack-obama-knows-that-the-rest-of-us-don%E2%80%99t/#comment-1929

re: The Real Debate

Clatech — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:00:54 GMT

It’s a sad comment that a disproportionate amount of blacks are voting for Obama simply because he is black!

re: The Real Debate

Nowforthetruth — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:51:24 GMT

See: http://www.newsweek.com/id/164972

Stating that Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act wasn't what caused the meltdown, and noting that "economists on both sides of the political spectrum have suggested that the act has probably made the crisis less severe than it might otherwise have been."

re: The Real Debate

krohn2 — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:00:43 GMT

FactCheck.Org is owned by the Annenberg group of Chicago! Talk about a conflict of interest! And Obama has been telling people on the trail to check out the site to verify his opponents claims. Funny, every time that he endorsed something, it turns out to be a part of his spin machine! Like he raised objections in the primaries when Indiana required photo I.D. to vote. He Protested that It took away people's right to vote! I

knew then and there that he was up to no good! America, wake up from the MASS HYPNOSIS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWTs1YyhFRg&feature=related

re: The Real Debate

Nowforthetruth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:15:09 GMT

Obama in this video, addressing his work with ACORN litigation relating to the community reinvestment act and the failure of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, as they relate to the current real estate and financial crisis, states that, and I quote:

"Subprime lending started out as a good idea, helping Americans buy homes who previously could not afford to. Financial institutions created new financial instruments that could securitize these loans, slice them into finer and finer risk categories, and spread them out among investors and around the country, as well as around the world. In theory, this should have allowed mortgage lending to be less risky, and more diversified."

He further states:

"The original idea was a good one, which was, lets see if we can distribute risk more broadly, and make it easier to provide loans to people who otherwise might not be able to get one."

Listen for yourself. You cannot dispute the mans on words recorded live:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr1M1T2Y314&feature=related

Obama in this second video is campaigning at a convention of Acorn and I believe two other "Community Activist" organizations. Ask if he will be their ally if he becomes President, Obama says, quote:

"Yes, but let me say that before I even get inaugurated, during the transition we are going to be calling all of you in to help us shape the agenda. We're going to be having meetings all across the country with community organizations so that you have input into the agenda for the next presidency of the United States of America."

See and hear it for yourself. Obama promised that Acorn and other groups like it will setting his agenda if elected:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vJcVgJhNaU

re: The Real Debate

Liberalass — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 03:32:22 GMT

Very low interest rates induced everyone to borrow too much. Houses became overvalued because people had lots of credit to bid up the prices (especially in US where people did not make down payments). Big banks were making money selling mortgage backed securities to other banks. They paid a little more than most debt and came with AAA ratings. Banks really wanted them because the interest they earned on other low risk investments, like T-bills, was lower. Citibank was making lots of money repackaging these mortgages and stopped paying attention to the quality of the mortgages they were buying from mortgage lenders/brokers who learned they could make a lot of money risk free by lending to anyone and selling the mortgage onto Citibank. With so much cheap money available house prices kept rising so lenders fooled themselves into thinking that even without a down payment there will be an equity cushion in the house after a few months because its value will rise. This is what caused the great Tokyo real estate bubble. Once it burst house prices fell, bad-risk borrowers defaulted which made house prices fall further which slowly caught up with low-risk borrowers with new mortgages People found themselves with much more debt than the house was worth so they walked away causing more defaults and further drops in house prices. This reduced the value of mortgage backed securities. Banks had to take losses on them which reduced their capital forcing them to reduce their loan portfolios. Credit shrinks, everyone has to deleverage. Cheap credit financed hedge funds that bought lots of shares as well as mortgage backed securities. Losses from mortgage backed securities made it difficult to repay loans investors pulled their money out so funds had to sell stock so the stock market kept falling. This further depleted bank equity to the point where the banks are now insolvent and can't lend. Unsophisticated investors in mutual funds are panicking and redeeming their investments at a loss. The fund managers are forced to sell stock in good companies at fire sale prices driving the market down further so more investors panic. We need to recapitalize the banks so that they can finance the working capital of good companies so they continue to operate and pay salaries so the economy doesn't grind to a halt. Luckily we can afford to recapitalize the banks but we have to act yesterday. This fiasco is a result of Republican aversion to regulation and dogmatic belief in the free market, refusal of the SEC to do its job, opaque derivatives that investors didn't understand -and still don't, too much cheap money made available by Greenspan, lack of regulation of credit default swaps, and failure to regulate or even pay attention to mortgage lending. There is no such thing as a free market. All markets are regulated. Regulation keeps them transparent and makes it safe for minority shareholders. The US needs more regulation and less dogma. Republicans refer to Democrats as tax-and-spend. The reality is that Republicans cut taxes then borrow. Clinton left with debt/GDP of 57%. Under Bush it had grown to 70% before the meltdown.

And McCain wants me to believe he will make thinks better leaving things the way they are and carrying on with the same tax rates as before, someone should please tell this drained husk of a politician with no ideas of what is happening with the economy to stick to politics and leave the Presidency to more capable hands who are ready to try new ideas. But then he has only one thing going for him, else i dont see why anyone would want to vote for the arrogant pr**k and we all know what it is. Loose or win, Obama will always remain a better man than McCain, for going as far as he already has, in my eyes he is a winner already. He has raised the global concience of the world towards 'black' people and has opened doors where before they were closed, black people will never see themselves the same way after this election is over and to me, to achieve such a stride puts him equal to greats like Dr. MLK,

Long after McShame's name must have perished and (surely) rubbed out of the memories of the American people, Obamas will continue to rise and signify positive things such as Hope, Change, Respect and Unity.

Unit Structures – Regarding the Facebook Effect

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Newsweek: Bradley Effect vs the Facebook Effect - Effect Blog

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Bradley effect or Facebook effect? « Washingtronic

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