Why Is the Race So Close?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

lib-fascist — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:21:19 GMT

Americans are a little leery of electing a marxist baby butcher, a terrorist supporting anti-Semite class warfare redistributionist , a lying enigma without a record, a slippery weasel who is operating thebiggest vote fraud machine in history. But I think he may find enough illiterate felons, mush-brained female nanny-staters, America-haters, al-Qaeda supporters, trial lawyers, teachers union brownshirts, and filthy rich Wall Street CEOs to outvote real Americans.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AT LAST — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:35:48 GMT

THIS COMMENT IS ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING!!!! YOU ARE SO DISGUSTING THAT YOU REFUSE TO STATE THE NAME OF THE PERSON YOU ARE REFERRING TO. LOOK, THIS IS A NEW GENERATION; THEREFORE, YOU SHOULD BURY YOUR RACIST REMARKS ALONG WITH THE OTHER RACIST WHO ARE NOW DEAD AND BURIED, ALONG WITH THE GRUELING ACTS THAT THEY DID AGAINST AFRICAN AMERICANS.

THIS IS A NEW AMERICA, AND WE WILL NOT TOLERATE SUCH ACTS EVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS BASICALLY A GENERATIONAL WAR. THE OLDER GENERATION, 50 AND ABOVE DO NOT WANT TO SEE AN AFRICAN AMERICAN IN WHITEHOUSE, WHAT A SHAME!!! I DON'T CARE IF OBAMA WAS BLUE OR GREEN, IF HE HAS,A ND HE DOES, THE SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEMS, THEN I AM VOTING FOR HIM!!! THAT'S IT AND THAT'S ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

maliles — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:51:10 GMT

lib-fascist:

It is amazing how people believe that name-calling and making statements they cannot back up with facts makes them look intelligent. Now I question where or not you actually can define and explain Marxism, tell me is it an economic ideology or a political ideology? Define class warfare, please tell us how it goes into the theory of global stratification and how global stratification relates to some of the social problems we face today. Please educate all of us illiterate felons, please tell us idiots about convergence theory and how it relates to capitalism and socialism.

Please tell us your stance as far as whether you are a functional theorist or a conflict theorist and explain why. Basically, what I’m asking you to do is put up or shut up, be careful sir on whom you call illiterate.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

rgkhalil — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:05:46 GMT

The question should be why aren't Americans ready to change? It is a huge step for Americans to vote for Obama - not just because the color of his skin but what he represents ffrom a world perspective. I truly believe Barack Obama is beyond the Democratic Party. He represents the 21st century and America's role in it.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

quasqueton — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:20:17 GMT

Excellent column Mr. Fineman. Glad that you are a journalist again.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

PaulPaulos — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:21:07 GMT

How is this for a reason why Obee is not farther ahead. Cutting to the chase since I have more imp. things to do, but if America was ever honest with herself, ObeeWahNahBee would be much farther ahead if he wasn't black. There! Is honesty still the best policy...even in here. If he was white, this would be all over...like it isn't now anyway

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

olderwiser — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:23:07 GMT

It's called "dialing up the dirt". The minute Obama's poll numbers go up or he takes the lead in another state, his opposition puts more dirt in the shovel to try and claw him down. This has been developed into an art by Karl Rove. The Republicans are used to winning this way and they don't want to quit. It is only a matter of time when it all comes back on their feet.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

amethystflame — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:27:15 GMT

At Last, don't despair! There's pleanty of us "over 50's" out here supporting you and your generation. Just be sure the young people GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!! I'll be there!! All the rhetoric will be meaningless unless we VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN!!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

runequester — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:31:17 GMT

I think it is because the value of fear mongering is not entirely bankrupt, as far as its effect is concerned.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

JohnSimonson — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:44:42 GMT

I just felt like I needed to type IN CAPS WITH LOTS OF EXCLAMATION POINTS BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WITH THE OBAMA CULTISTS!!! A LOT!!! THIS IS FUN!!! IT REALLY SEEMS TO GET MY POINT ACROSS BETTER!!! YEAH, GO OBAMA GO!!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

OutAtLunch — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:48:51 GMT

I think the only reason Obama is not way ahead in the polls is because of the prejudice that still exists in this country. If Obama were white, it would be a landslide.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

cobalt6 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:50:06 GMT

www.journalstar.com/news/local/doc48f91ff41e8ce920547249.txt

Check out this site! Nebraska university cancells Ayers trip there !!!

UNL???s invitation to Ayers ??? a founder of Weather Underground, the group that claimed responsibility for the bombings of public buildings in protest of the Vietnam War ??? represented poor judgment from the start, Hassebrook said.

???My concern has been not with what he was going to say about education. It was that he???s an unrepentant terrorist,??? he said. ???(UNL) did the right thing.???

This is Obama's friend, people are catching on to who Obama really is and what he really stands for!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

jlgab — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:51:03 GMT

The race is so close because the issues are not important to people anymore, just voting party lines is what is important. How could an American with any patriotism condone sending American jobs overseas? That is exactly what Bush and McCain are doing. How can a vet like McCain condone a corrupt Bush war in Iraq? How can a vet like McCain care more about a stupid 'win' tally mark than getting our troops out of the corrupt Bush war in Iraq? I'd rather see our troops alive and out of Iraq than any stupid 'win' title. If honor, honesty, and integrity had anything to do with how a person votes, Bush would have never been RE-elected. And now the audacity to have a 3rd Bush term!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Nins — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:51:04 GMT

Jim, as usual you are trying to twist a fact to make it mean something different.

Your quotes from Obama's books are more or less accurate, but they are taken completely out of context. In Dreams from my Father, Obama writes at length about how he went through an adolescent period of rebellion and identity crisis. He spent some time identifying with his black heritage and feeling how victimized blacks have been. If you read the whole book, you will see how he realized that it was immature for him to stay stuck in these feelings. He realized that he needed to do something constructive, rather than complain about other people being destructive. And he needed to see both sides of the story, both black and white, since he is both black and white. Actually, Jim, you could take a lesson from that and learn how to be more objective.

You quote from Audacity of Hope is taken from a speech Obama gave after 9/11. He said that if the US government starts rounding up Muslims without cause and without giving them due process of law, that he would stand up for the Muslims rather than just watch our government put them in prison camps like we did to the Japanese Americans in WWII. In fact, the Bush administration created it's own internment camp and called it Guantanamo Bay. While there are certainly many guilty terrorists held in Guantanamo, there are also many innocent American citizens who have been held illegally for years without even being charged with any crime. They have been tortured by our government. Some of them have died.

Recently the Supreme Court ruled against the Bush administration in the matter of Guantanamo Bay. The Supreme Court Justices were NOT on the side of the terrorists. They were on the side of the Geneva Convention, that says you can not torture POWs, and on the side of US laws that state you can not imprison a person without charging them with a crime and bringing them to trial. I'm sure that like most Americans, the Justices who voted against the illegal, immoral doings at Guantanamo did not feel sympathy for the terrorists. They felt sympathy for the laws of AMERICA, the land of the FREE, where even rat finks get a fair trial.

One of the things that makes America GREAT is Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press. Your blog implies that if McCain wins the Presidency, Obama's books will be banned from public libraries. Heaven helps us! If this is true, it would be one heck of a reason to vote against McCain. Come to think of it, Sarah Palin tried to ban books from the Wasilla Public Library, and fired the Head Librarian when she refused to comply. Maybe it is true.

God save us from small minded people like you, Jim Johnson.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Pocolodi — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:52:05 GMT

Olderwiser... you just hate it when people look at issues you don't want them to. When are you going to get it? Wanting to know why Obama was mentored for 20 years by a racist maniac who thinks the KKK runs our government and that our government created AIDS to kill all black people is not "digging up dirt." Wanting to know why Obama held coffees with an unrepentant terrorist to further his career is, once again, not digging up dirt. Obviously, a man's character and judgment abilities mean nothing to you, but don't fault people who do care about these very important issues.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

belle12 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:55:22 GMT

I agree that race is probably a factor but I also say that in part it has to do with the media in its attempt to have a wire to wire finish they are influencing things a bit. Consider the dirt that McCain has flung at Obama over the past two weeks, has anyone in the media challenged him or his supporters? Isn't it sad that Letterman asked the toughest questions of McCain? Consider how much attention the media has paid in the last 10 days to the Bradley Effect, why now? Consider the fact that Fox News seems to dictate what other news organizations cover. Every knows that ACORN flagged those suspicious registrations and that those duplicates and phony applications were never actually registered but the all of the media followed the story like it was real. How many news organizations did stories about McCain's ties to G. Gordon Liddy or Palin's ties to the AKIP or did any follow up on her ethics violation? Now ask yourself how many stories they did about Ayers already having hashed this out during the primaries. Thankfully Obama knows the smear tactics that are coming his way and fortunately it motivates Obama's base to continue working hard. Unlike some we know that the media is not in the tank for Obama, they are in the tank for revenue and ratings, fairness and accuracy be damned.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

lmgreen — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:56:33 GMT

Unfortunately the answer is race. We as a nation cannot come to grips with the possibility of a person of color as our leader. No one wants to speak of it, much less admit it. Mr. fineman is a fine journalist who know the anwer to the question he asked. Why not address the answer instead of asking a question that everyone knows the anwer to.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ni9133 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:56:57 GMT

It's not that surprising that it's close. The country is essentially split 45-45 in any national election with 10 percent up for grabs. Barack Obama appears to be getting the majority of those 10 percent of Americans that decide the race at this point, but he can't be expected to get all 10 percent, which is why the election is still relatively close. But, as I'm sure we all should remember, national polling has no bearing on the actual election and is instead just used by the media to generate regular story ideas. Instead state polling should be looked at, and in these Barack Obama is clearly ahead by larger margins than previous democratic candidates in recent years,

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

jlgab — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:58:03 GMT

If the 'distribution' of tax cuts and credits have not worked for the past 8 years, why is McCain so scared to try something different? Corporations, like Exxon were able to gauge prices at the gas pumps under 8 years of the idiot Bush so shareholders could pocket record checks and obviously NOT stick it back into the economy. Rich folks got nice big fat checks back which were also pocketed and NOT stuck back into the economy. Why can't the government step in and equalize the distribution? What is wrong with Robin Hood? Schools in Texas participate in the Robin Hood system. I don't think McCain missed alot of opportunities except he should have picked a better VP and NOT run such negative campaign strategy. McCain has no right to slam someone else's character when he has lied at his job and he committed adultery while married to his first wife. His take on Iraq which is to just carry on the corrupt Bush war is wrong, plus his support for corporation tax cuts which send jobs overseas is not good. McCain's time has passed, he should have been elected in 2000 instead of that corrupt idiot Bush. McCain 'thinks' jobs will be created by giving corporations tax cuts. After 8 years of corporations getting tax cuts, where are the jobs? They are overseas, not in America. Why would McCain continue Bush's tax cuts for corporations when it hasn't worked for 8 years? It doesn't take a genius to see the mess this country has been in for the last 8 years, not to mention the lies and corruption, and that we HAVE to go in the other direction.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ihsanamin — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:01:10 GMT

No one else in the media will point it out, cause it is a very very sensitive issue... but RACE is still a huge factor in this election, and the McCain campaign has used racism to it's advantage (or disadvantage) since the Palin pick.

Prior to that, McCain generated very little excitement in the Republican base.

He was the winner out of a group of mediocre candidates and the base knew it.

They got a little boost after that, but the more we found out about Palin, the more of a poor decision it turned out to be.

Then the markets took a hit and McCain got exposed on the economy...

Then the Dems swept the debates...

Now, they have nothing left but to touch on one of the lingering cancers in Americans society: Racism.

But you can't just say "Oh... He's Black!", cause that'll lose anybody a race quick.

But play up his father's foreign roots...

His spending time as a child in an Islamic nation (Indonesia)...

The incredibly LOOSE association with Bill Ayers...

Dig up the Jeremiah Wright crap (which was put to bed MONTHS ago)...

Paint him as unAmerican and a radical and a terrorist sympathizer... and oh, yeah: "He doesn't look like 'us'."

...add all that up and you give those with generally hidden racist tendencies carte blanche to be so adamantly against the man.

...

But I believe that all of this foolishness will be made apparent, and the sensible Americans will see to it that we make the change that we needed to make 8 years ago.

If we fail, then those who vote for McCain will get exactly what they asked for, just as they did with Bush.

- ihsanamin.wordpress.com

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

jlgab — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:01:42 GMT

It's a good thing for McCain he isn't a Liberal or a Democrat (even though he thought of changing parties after Bush and Fallwell degraded him and his wife so bad in 2000) or he would have to defend his adultery actions during his first marriage because the GOP's, especially the right wing fanatics, would plaster his infidelity all over the place. Republicans would make sure everyone knew McCain's character is that of someone who cheats on his wife. Same goes for Palin, the GOP's especially the right-wing fanatics would have her pregnant unwed minor teenage daughter plastered all over the Internet. The GOP's would also say if she can't keep her own house in order, for example not knowing where her daughter is and what she is doing or not knowing her husband is drinking and driving, then she has no business being VP let alone President. That is just how the GOP's would act if the tables were turned. Talk about TABLES TURNED, why was it okay for idiot Bush to have a Republican Congress his first term but it isn't okay for Obama to have a Democratic Congress? This country probably wouldn't be in half as much turmoil if idiot Bush wouldn't have had a Republican Congress too scared to stand up againsty the idiot and Cheney.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Tommypie — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:01:55 GMT

I believe that the reason Obama has not closed the deal, is that a large percentage of the electorate do not trust him. They consider him an enigma in many ways. His true self has emerged several times nevertheless. In his ill advised comments in San Francisco, the bastion of liberalism, he uttered these infamous words about the hard working people of Pennsylvania: "They cling to their guns and religion". Then he was caught off guard by telling Joe the Plumber that he was going to steal his money through excessive taxation, and distribute it to the free-loaders of his choosing. Socialism anyone? Here you've got it in all its glory. Scary!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

cnorvell@collierspinkard.com — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:03:34 GMT

It absolutely kills me that this question continues to be asked! I hear it everyday by Scarborough and Buchanan - its like a broken record. And its especially ridiculous since everyone asking ALREADY KNOWS THE ANSWER!

The McCain campaign is blatently calling Obama a terrorist, using every possible loose association they can find, in conjunction with the fact that he is black and has a middle name of Hussein. I've been receiving these crazy e-mails about him for the past 15 MONTHS! With these incredulous lies, its amazing the guy is in the lead at all!!!!

I voted for McCain in the 2000 primary, and was livid at what they did to him in South Carolina with the Robo calls and subversive lies. I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT BELIEVE HE HAS STOOPED TO THE SAME LEVEL!! As a lifelong moderate Republican, I no longer see any remnant of the John McCain I once supported so strongly and he will not have my vote in November. For the media, including Mr. Fineman, please don't continue to insult our intelligence by asking this riduculous rhetorical question anymore. ITS OBVIOUS!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

keithbrown — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:03:57 GMT

2 reasons: First, McCain is a terrible campaigner. He's the reicnarnation of Bob Dole, and the conservatives should be ashamed they nominated him.

Second, and more importantly, any fool knows Obama is a socialist, a terrorist ally, and a supporter of the radical-black-hate-whitey-america-victimization movement that has infected american blacks for decades......a la the democrats (they love thier pets).

Obama will not last if elected...thats a fact. He will be shot....not by the Klan, but by the government ....OUR government...once his true colors are shown in full.

President BIden? Oh, well.....it beats the hell out of Barack Hussein Obama

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Calypso2 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:04:06 GMT

The polls are not as close as you think. It has been imposible for the pollsters to poll the huge class of people that now use their cell phones as their primary phone. There is no way to get those numbers so they are never polled. You can say that that group are mostly young people that fit right into the role of Obama supporters.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Pocolodi — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:04:50 GMT

Out to lunch,

It would not be a landslide if Obama were white. His questionable associations would dog him no matter his color.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Grulg — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:05:13 GMT

Howard, he's been up from anywheres from 6-13 points here past couple of weeks. Gimme a break. Reagan only beat Carter by 10 remember-

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Workingpoor — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:06:24 GMT

Unfortunately, Racism rears it's ugly head once again. They'd rather vote for McBush and His Hacky Mam running mate for the sole reason that they are white.

And for no other reason.

Isn't that sad?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Ralphie — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:07:14 GMT

Is it poassible that many of the citizens of the United States recognize that Obama's recommended solutions for any and all of these problems is increased government involvement in our lives?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Arjuna9 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:07:24 GMT

I believe there are two primary reasons that McCain is still as close as he is.

One: Brand Loyalty. Most Americans do not use their God-given intellect to make important choices. Once they have been trained to be loyal to a brand, they stay that way.

Two: The vicious lies that are circulating about Obama. Go to your local Craigslist rant & rave column if you don't know what I am talking about, or just look at some of the other comments here. People are repeating lies and smears about him over and over, and though it's a small number of people doing it, it is making others worried. It is interesting that the same people doing that now are the ones who smeared John Kerry and supported Bush.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

anotherview — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:09:34 GMT

Palin just drew 24,000 folks in Indiana. 3,000 more than Obama, so all the media is missing something big about Governor Palin it would seem to be. Add to the mix that Obama finally sadi something clear about a position and what he intends to do, mix in a few ACORNS and we have a candidate that is not only manufactured, but is being held up artificially by a partisan media and pollsters.

Nobody is listening to the the media anymore. They established their credentials in the primary. The MSM is dead. RIP! People will make their decision on personal experience of the candidate, like unedited interviews, and rallies where they feel a candidate as well as see and hear them.

Because of Palin we now have uncovered Ayers, Annenburg Challenge, The Woods Foundation, and ACORN. ACORN will show how Obama lies to us, even more than his relationship wit Ayers has.

And Palin and McCain will hopefully pound Obama on his very liberal idea of spreading the weatth. Certainly a campaign issue, though certainly to be shown as a racist one at some point. Charge on everyone!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

rockbmg1 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:09:45 GMT

Without question race plays into the lack of a lead for Obama. But I still think, Howard, that some of your peers(and maybe you yourself, but I doubt it) want this to be a close race. News Directors and advertisers need this election to stay close enough that people don't get bored with the coverage. Especially with two weeks of stump speeches and Assistant Deputy Campaign Communication folks talking on Fox, CNN, and MSNBC all day and night, they need something to talk about. Lets face it, unless something drastic happens in the next sixteen days, the media will keep making it close, just to serve their own interests.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

gratismonster — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:09:45 GMT

Fineman is right to wonder why Obama's lead is not far greater. There is a very simple answer to his question though, and it's not racism, I think. Even though much of the press sympathizes with Obama, its *overruling* interest is in reporting on a "close" race with many reversals and a captivating plot. This is why even MNSBC and a number of otherwise reliable media sources apparently bought into the idea that McCain did well in the third debate and may still turn around the race (contrary to all poll results). It is, frankly, hugely disappointing to see intelligent commentators argue that, just because McCain managed to act relaxed and crack a few jokes on Letterman's show, he has finally hit his stride after weeks of flailings and missteps ("the old McCain is back"). What nonsense. The U.S. and the entire world is in the middle of a hugely complex and devastating crisis of unprecedented proportions. The media MUST STOP reinforcing the terribly misguided idea, obviously lodged in many voters' head, that the crucial choice Americans are about to make should be based on the candidates' facial expressions, body language, and sense of humor. Of course many people are going to vote on the basis of gut-level sympathies. But the responsibility of the media is to draw voters' attention to the real issues, not to add to the kind of hype both campaigns are producing in huge quantities and not to reinforce irrational voter behavior.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

LDKRN — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:10:24 GMT

It has nothing to do with Obama and everything to do with the irreconcilably divided electorate, 35% of whom on either side despise the other party's nominee so much they won't accept them as president.

Another thing to thank the poisonous Bush administration for.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

c2dco — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:11:03 GMT

nice narrative you're spinning howard. if the election were held today, obama would trounce mccain by well more than 100 electoral votes (his lead is currently 190 according to real clear politics). should he be winning by more than that-- in today's polarized political climate? or do you still consider that "close"? what a farce of an article.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

befair — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:11:07 GMT

Barack Obama is not further ahead because he has had to fight a constant unrelenting daily attack on his very being. Obama has had to endure attacks that no other candidate has ever had to deal with and he is still standing after all the scurrilous, out right lies that have been told about him and continue to be told about him. What I have learned through all this, is that racism and hatered in this country is much more alive than I had imagined. I am middle-aged and I truly thought we had progressed more than we have. Just by reading some of the hate filled comments on this site, it makes me literally weep as I think about the kind of hate that must exsist in a person, in order for them to write such lies and worse thinking that they actually believe these outragious things.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AThom — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:11:43 GMT

Don't be surpirsed if McCain pulls this one out. I really believe there are people who give false answers to the polls but when they get into the voting booth, their true underlining rascism will come out and they'll vote for the "white" guy. No one wants to show their rascist attitudes during an interview if they have half a loaf of brain. I am able to go into mixed neighborhoods and the stuff coming from the white neighborhoods tells me that if Obama was to win, you better hire more than the secret service agents we have now. It could beome bad and very nasty 4 years for Obama.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

set2free — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:11:44 GMT

When reviewing the details of obama's books and his associations with those of the Chicago Klan differs very little from the attitudes of his cousin in Africa who wants to destroy and install Islam as the government of choice of whom BO was in contact with during the New Hamshire primary and he also go money to his cousin and traveled with him while he campained to take over the government. It is scarry to thing that the leader of the United States of America would want to be even seen with such a radical. Where is the facts of what he has done and who he associates with? People look at him as their soon to arrive messiah who will solve all the evil of the past because if he has no past and done nothing attitude then he must be ripe for change, change to what????? Give us leader ship of proven people who have done something though not prefect.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

automan — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:11:57 GMT

The answer to your question, in the main, comes right down to race. It is an unfortunate fact that despite America being the most democratic nations in the world, the idea of a black president is such a new thought that many Americans are having difficulty embracing that real possibility. It doesn't much matter what difficulties McCain may be having...the same would be the case no matter who Obama wss running against.

My choice...Obama...without hesitation.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Plainswoman — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:13:02 GMT

Senator Obama looks nice, talks nice, but truly seems to be confused as to whom he should turn to for moral guidance. If he didn't have the gumption to get up and leave after almost 20 years of harangues by Rev. Wright, how will he, a neophyte to Washington, tell policy advisers that they, too, are wrong? His ultra pro-choice position bothers a lot of Catholics, despite the rest of his anti-poverty rhetoric. Senator McCain is a good man, was a great man in 2000, and many people are clinging to that, despite this campaign's evidence that the 2000 McCain is not the 2008 McCain. I think there's a race factor in there, too, but no one's going to admit it.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

DBoyRodriguez — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:13:21 GMT

Obama is in big trouble. Polls are not an assurance of victory come Nov. 4. History shows that more than likely the polls are actually reversed and that possibility is even more strengthened by the fact that his numbers are not that far from McCains.

People will eventually realize that McCain has more to offer than Obama who has only mere words (inspite of his intelligence).

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

TheGuaz — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:13:41 GMT

I FOLLOW THE POLLS AND WONDER THE SAME THING. COULD IT BE THAT IF OBAMA WERE WHITE HIS LEAD WOULD BE WHAT ONE WOULD EXPECT UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES? COULD IT BE THAT THE RACE EFFECT IS IN FACT SHOWING UP IN THE POLLS? WE COULD THEN NOT EXPECT A SIGNIFICANT 'BRADLEY EFFECT', IF ANY, ON ELECTION DAY. THAT MIGHT ALSO EXPLAIN WHY MCCAIN'S CHARACTER ASSASSINATION PROGRAM HASN'T WORKED, THE VOICES OF THOSE WHO WON'T VOTE FOR A BLACK DEMOCRAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN PICKED UP IN TH POLLS MONTHS AGO.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

skeetchamp — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:14:08 GMT

Why is it so close? Everyone knows the answer to this question. None of us wants to say it out loud. What I am willing to say is that this contest is a battle between the past and the future. Americans will decide on election day whether to cling to the worst of America's past or to embrace the future despite our fear of the unknown.

Now we see what America will become if McCain and Palin are elected. They openly appeal to the worst among us.

Ironically, Barack Obama, as President, will protect the rights of those miscreants to march and spew their hate and rage. McCain and Palin have repeatedly made statements that have attracted these people to their campaign. In their boundless ambition and desperation, they are appealing to those who represent the very worst of America.

Barack Obama appeals to real Americans who believe that all people need to work together for the common American good and to share the American Dream. As a black man who like Obama was born too late to have seen the Civil Rights Movement first hand, I cling to the belief that the wide majority of white people want me to earn my share of the American Dream.

In short, I know America is better than this divisiveness being led by McCain and Palin. Having been a Republican all my life, I cannot express strongly enough my feeling of betrayal. While they were alive, my grandparents tried to teach me that the Republican Party is controlled by racists who want to turn back the clock to the days of Jim Crow, or even worse. May they forgive me for disbelieving. Sadly, I don't think the Democrats are all that great either. But Obama does bring together people who want to take America forward, into the next century, and I pray America is ready to move beyond the past.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

eddieflorida — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:15:38 GMT

Mr Smoothie wants to slip and slide his way into the Oval Office. McCain marches up to the front door like a man. The tide is turning as people sense the gnawing in their stomachs over voting for Obama. At the last hour, they will go with their deepest instincts and vote for the right man.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

vintel7 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:15:48 GMT

Close? Gimme a break Howard. This race is anything but close. If anything...it is because of journalists like Howard planting doubt with articles like these. Also...because 40% of the electorate is unconscious and base their voting decision on image and not substance. McCain has done nothing but talk about his "maverick" image whereas Obama has been all about the issues.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

michaelold — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:18:40 GMT

Lets get real here.... We all know why he is not 20 points ahead.... It is because he is black. To think otherwise is naive. Yes the number of people who are still afraid of the black man taking over is decreasing with each generation, but racism is alive and well. Is he perfect?? Hell no he is not. He is inexperienced, and way too liberal for my tastes. But, when you consider the alternatives, it is a no-brainer. My opinion, not that it counts for anything, is that if the economic crisis had not occured at this precise time, he would never have seen the white house. Now, having a "black" man in the "white" house will invigorate the US. Can it be that the great white hope is actually black!!!?? Time will tell.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

technologist — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:18:46 GMT

>>Unfortunately, Racism rears it's ugly head once again. They'd rather vote for McBush and His Hacky Mam running mate for the sole reason that they are white. And for no other reason. Isn't that sad?

Another example of slovenly people with lazy thoughts trying to think. Did it not occur to you WorkingPoor that the fact that 95% of black folks are voting - for a black man? How dare you point your plastic finger of racism at whites when this shows that blacks are more racist than whites! At least 30-40% of whites will at least consider voting for another ethnicity. When this is over, whites need to start cleaning whites' house of this insidious double standard that threatens America.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

technologist — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:19:55 GMT

>>Ironically, Barack Obama, as President, will protect the rights of those miscreants to march and spew their hate and rage. McCain and Palin have repeatedly made statements that have attracted these people to their campaign. In their boundless ambition and desperation, they are appealing to those who represent the very worst of America.

Can anyone say reverand Wright?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

rockbmg1 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:20:16 GMT

I just saw anotherview posted Palin drew 24,000 in Indiana...a state John McCain SHOULD win. Obama just drew roughly 85,000-90,000 in St. Louis , a state McCain SHOULD ALSO win. Quit complaining about media bias. For every Olbermann or Maddow there is a Dobbs or Hannity. The actual reporting has been ok. But they need to stop trying to make this "The Closest Election in American History." And if Howard likes Chris and Keith enough to appear on their programs, that's good enough for me.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Caleb Murdock — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:21:54 GMT

There seem to be two things happening in the polls. On the one hand, the national polls don't show Obama that far ahead. But the state-by-state polls show him with a commanding electoral lead. Of course, the electoral lead is what counts. What's happening, in my opinion, is polarization. McCain is leading in many red states by double-digits, and that is dragging Obama's national poll numbers down. Obama, on the other hand, is leading in many of the swing states by small margins.

From a personal standpoint, there are many people who just won't vote for a black man. Also, Obama is intellectual and dispassionate, and that makes him hard to relate to -- although I believe those qualities will make him a better president.

In my opinion, the Bradley effect will be small. Those people who won't vote for him because he is black are not hiding their opinions from the pollsters. In other words, I think we are seeing the effects of prejudice reflected in the current polls, instead of on election day.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ConservativeWoman — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:22:15 GMT

Am I the only one who is tired of racism being the excuse that some people don't support Obama? Maybe some don't for that reason, but I would assert that most of us who don't support him do so for far more substantial reasons. My biggest issue is national security and I do not trust Obama and the people who surround him to keep this country safe. And putting Biden on the ticket to be the foreign policy heavyweight doesn't make me feel any better.

He's the guy who said in the debate that the US and France helped to kick Hezbollah out of Lebanon and that he and Obama then called for NATO troops to go in there to fill the gap. Only in Biden's imagination did any of that occur. Whatever your feelings about George Bush, we have not had an attack on US soil since 9/11 and that is a fact that means a great deal to many Americans.

And, yes, I don't believe that the government should be able to take my hard earned money and "spread the wealth around" like Obama has said. Since when did making rich people poor ever make poor people rich anyway? I accept that I have to pay taxes, but I do not accept his proposal which is wealth redistribution. When you raise taxes on the "rich" and cut checks to those with less, that is a basic tenet of socialism.

And make all the excuses you want about Rev. Wright being old news. How is it possible that Obama sat in his services for 20 years and denied hearing the Black nationalist vitriol that was spewed from Wright's pulpit?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

sheebe — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:22:35 GMT

It is not because of Obama's race. The fact is so many people that support him. Are not highly educated for one thing. And they are scared. What they don't understand that if Obama taxes the oil companies, then oil will sky rocket once again. If he taxes the Corporations, and small businesses that make 250,000.00 a year. They will once again move out of our Country. Or go out of buisness. It is trickle up Poverty. Can you imagine if a loaf of bread cost $10.00? Every thing will go up and passed to US. The consumers, middle class and the poor. This comment saying it is because Obama is black. And white people want someone of their own color. That is racist of you to state. Obama and all of his supporters throw the race thing. We are not the ones that are cheating and re registering over and over. Also, Obama was on the Chair with Freddie and Fannie. Our money is being spent and there is nothing that we can do about it. Pelosi, Dodds, Franks, Murtha and other Dcmocrats that have total control. Are waiting so they can really screw us more.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

mrpeamut — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:23:36 GMT

It is my opinion that if the entire news media had not already voted Obama in as President,

John McCain would probably win this election. I also think Mr. Obama should have to

disclose where all this ridiculous amount of campaign money is coming from.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

keithbrown — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:28:43 GMT

Because half intelligent people (which make up about 40 percetn of teh electorate) kknow that Obama is a fake..... a modern day trojan horse. He, along with Ayers, penned and blessed a radical education agenda that openly set aside the three R's, and adovcated teaching kids to be revolutionaries. That's not guilt by association....it's AFFILIATION !!!!!!!!!!!1

The rest of America needs to get a clue. This should not be about isssues.....it should be about a radical Islamic possibley living in the White House. Stop him now, or he will certainly be stopped later. Save us all the grief and emnarrasment of that....please.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

westy199 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:30:42 GMT

The race is still close because there are still enough smart people in this country to actually realize that they are only being fed one side of the story. Do you really think it is fair to take money from people who have taken risks to get where they are at and worked hard for their money (I am not one of those as I only make 40,000 yr) only to have it given to the people who do not deserve it. Obama is full of socialist ideas that are only going to drive this country further down the wrong path. The man is pretty much a communist.

Everyone's favorite card to play is the race card. So here ya go... Those of you who think race is the reason, I URGE you to check out Obama's own autobiography, "Dreams of my Father". You will then realize that Barack Obama himself is blatently racist. As a matter of fact, It would probably be safe to say that if the entire country read this book, McCain would be leading by a landslide for this reason alone. Would you still play the race card then? But of course, the media will never talk about that.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

daowens — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:30:49 GMT

Some people vote for what they are used to. The ones they are polling are the ones who put George Bush in a seoond time. They can't go beyond their personal fears and prejudices. If they elect McCain/ Palin they deserve the wake up call they will get all over the world. WAKE UP AMERICA FROM YOUR SLEEP AND IGNORANCE, ARE THIS WHOLE WORLD WILL BE DESTROYED..

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Monetfan — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:31:17 GMT

McCain may be relatively close in many national polls, but in the state polls Obama holds a commanding lead in many of the battleground sites. In Virginia, for example, Obama is ahead by 10 points . He leads by substantial margins in places like NH, PA, CO, and FL. In recent history, Jimmy Carter is the only Democrat who has gotten above 50%. And his margin was something like 50.2%! I've heard Charlie Cook, the well-respected neutral pollster use terms like "landslide" for Obama - comparing it to 1964 and LBJ's massive victory. I think Obama is doing just fine. The Independents who were polled after each debate went overwhelmingly for Obama. I predict Obama will win my state of North Carolina - something no Democrat has done since Southerner Carter. And he will win my birth state of VA - something no Democrat has done since LBJ. Early voting is going on here in NC and the turnout is phenomenal. Democrats are really excited! Liddy Dole is going to be defeated by Kay Hagan, the niece of former FL Governor Lawton Chiles. Obama has TONS of ads on here. And you see Obama signs EVERYWHERE! He and Biden have visited here many times to crowds topping 20,000 at each event! So if NC is any guide - and I think it is - Obama and Biden are going to win on November 4!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

1voter — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:33:00 GMT

Freedom of the press, one of our most precious rights in America, allows viciousness and racism to expose itself, for example here on this blog. I'm not a particularly religious person, but from time to time I've prayed for my daughters, myself, and for the first time a political leader, Barack Obama, to assume the Presidency and lead us from this unimaginable quagmire. Come to think of it, the racists and sociopaths probably could use some prayer as well. Including the sociopaths who have been running the country.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

jimnc10 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:33:01 GMT

Despite many mediaheads to the contrary, negative campaigning does work. Why? Because one cannot prove a negative. No matter how much Barack Obama may discount any meaningful connection to Bill Ayres, no matter how many times he may say or show that the contact was not substantial, anyone can continue to claim that it was so, always maintaining that he has not come clean, that there is more to the issue. One cannot prove a negative.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Harvard white guy — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:33:06 GMT

lib-fascist

I am impressed by your argument, BUT dissapointed by the fact that you are a product of either incest or inbreeding. I imagine you are missing a couple of front teeth, lived with your mother until age 40, drives a pick up truck, calls AA ***, likes to hang out in beer holes somewhere in the racist south west of route 66 etc. It is shocking one can be this ignorant and hateful in the 21st century. It is reasons like this Obama can never seem to have a bigger lead. It is this type of hate that the republican machine is driving under the cover of patriotism and the far right ideologue. One would not be surprised that the ideals of republican federalism are still deep rooted in the pre-civil war GUNS, HATE and WAR mentality. Either way, this race is over, dont be surprised that 4 or 5 traditionally RED states will be blue. I just dont see how McCain wins this, but then again if we (white people) keep putting other races down under the guise of republican ideologies but deep inside we have racist agendas; McCain WINS. You have to remember, they are called minorities because they are only 13% of the popultion. 13% votes of the general population will not WIN an election...such a precarious place to be in. Thank goodness that amongst us there are rational Americans who realize that this has nothing to do with superiority versus inferiority complexes, but has everything to do with the future of a more diversified nation, the future of our kids, the future of our pockets, the future of our savings, the future of healthcare, the future of wallstreet , the future of education, the future of our global superiority and alliances towards tyranical nations; the more friends we have, the less chess games we have to play. It is about the stability of the middle east and the future of ISRAEL, it is about the ability to win wars, not through nuclear weaponry; but through diplomacy. Wars of the future according to Einstein will be fought with sticks and stones. If we keep electing republicans to the highest office in the world, we loose in every aspect of life...BOTTOM LINE .

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

martin_gray — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:33:57 GMT

If McCain were running against John Smith, greatgrandson of immigrants from the UK, he wouldn't have a chance. Only one thing can defeat Obama and that is our latent racism. In every category, Senator Obama has beaten McCain by the proverbial country mile with one exception, he is black.

If I had a dollar for every person whom I have heard say, "I just can't vote for him. He's a black man", I could make my next car payment.

It is unfortunate but I have known far more unscrupulous white men in my business than any man of color. The color of a man's skin is no indication of what is inside his soul nor is it even close to being a measurement of his honesty or integrity or ability to lead.

We need great change in this country. Eight years of George Bush have had a profound negative effect on America. Please look into your hearts and souls before you vote for a man who will only continue taking us down the same road for another four years. We need CHANGE and we need it now.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

confused canadian — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:36:34 GMT

i think the reason it isn't so close is the simple fact that america remains a third world country when it comes to scorecard on race and tolerance. it is an unfortunate and deplorable unsaid truth. that being said, thankfully for the most part that score belongs to people over 50 years old. i don't believe that we will be able to truly move forward until the x generation is in it's twilight years.

it would be nice to think that i'm wrong on this, and i sincerely hope that mr obama wins this november, for if he does not, i think we're in for a hurt that would target all races and walks of life. imagine an administration without a plan, that's essentially what the mccain/palin ticket is. that may work during a boom, but there are instances when an active responsible goverment is absolutely needed....1932 and now. please vote respsonsibly!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

keithbrown — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:37:35 GMT

tha fact that ohio even requires licensing of plumbers is socialist.....who the hell is the government to tell me I cant work for someone.

Every hear of buyer beware? Typical liberal crap, telling us the average person is too stupid to pick thier service providers.

Go Joe!!!! Toledo....get a clue.

BEAT OBAMA and his socialist demons.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ronmaurer — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:38:01 GMT

It is about race. If Obama was named John Smith and white, he could have the exact credentials and viewa and he would be considered Ronald Reagan/ JF Kennedy reincarnate. John Mccain is hated by a large segment of his own party. Palin was selected to placate that segment only to infuriate any Reublican with a brain. For the same reason the south turned from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party is why Obama hasn't already RSVP'd his innaguration acceptance in yet. There are too many white people who will cut off their nose to spite their face. Too many people who believe anything they are told without doing their own investigation. There is no way to explain Bush being elected TWICE without acknowledging a large segment of the population are brainwashed or simply retarded. The fac that his popularity rating is still around 30% baffles me. What do these 30% need to see to change their view? Bush eat his own feces and flush his food? People have been fired from McDonald's who have not done a worse job.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

martin_gray — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:38:23 GMT

Money never trickles down. Rather, it trickles up creating a top layer of super rich and a huge and ever growing layer of those who are in poverty or not terribly far from it.

Don't delude yourselves - there are the benevolent wealthy such as Mr. Buffet and Mr. Gates who give generously to those who have less. There are far more who resemble the top layers of management at AIG who only wish to feather their own nests with your money. Is that tickle down economics? I think not ... just follow the money and it will always lead you to the top.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

sel2308 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:38:38 GMT

It is articles like those talking about how Obama's views are socialistic that make everyone cringe. That is a recent attack by McCain on Obama's views and only points out how misguided he is as he uses so many code words that inflame people. Shame on McCain for his attacks. They are completely unjustified. I shudder to think how we will fare under a McCain administration. I hope we never have to think about it.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Arcadia — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:38:42 GMT

Thank you for an excellent article. I, too, have wondered why there isn't a larger gap? According to a member of my family who supporte McCain/Palin, these are the reasons she offers: 1) The "real" McCain will show up after he is elected; 2) Palin is intelligent and just needs time to learn everything she needs to learn. Afterall, she's only been on the scene for a few weeks; 3) Concern that the pendulum will now swing to the opposite direction, and that can't be good; 4) The Republican party is better for business; 5) Obama doesn't have enough experience. Although, in my family member's case, racism is not a factor, I do believe that in the general populace, racism is indeed an issue at least in some parts of the country. The only mentioned issues that I feel I can agree with is the one about the pendulum swinging too far to the other side. However, I believe that Obama will surround himself with the best and brightest, regardless of party affiliation, and come to reasoned conclusions. Moderation in all things continues to be a good philosophy to live by in one's life as well as in politics.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

cobalt6 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:38:50 GMT

www.journalstar.com/news/local/doc48f91ff41e8ce920547249.txt

Check out this site! Nebraska university cancells Ayers trip there !!!

???My concern has been not with what he was going to say about education. It was that he???s an unrepentant terrorist,??? he said. ???(UNL) did the right thing.???

This is Obama's friend, people are catching on to who Obama really is and what he really stands for!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

gr8lksgran — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:39:22 GMT

Can you spell PREJUDICE? REPUBLICAN!!! If you do more talking than listening, then you aren't hearing the message.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

tired-of-lies — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:39:22 GMT

I have been a Republican for over 35 years and I am voting for Obama. Why? Because I am tired of the lies. I am tired of the leaders of the Republican party thinking the American public is stupid. We got into the Iraq war because the American public was sold a lie and McCain wants America to stay in a war based upon lies. The war in Iraq is making a lot of people very wealthy. We are in the current economic mess because of deregulation. Don't believe me, then look at what happened when the Savings and Loans were deregulated in the 80s. This deregulation cost the American public $180 billion in 1980 money to bail out the Savings and Loans. McCain supported this deregulation - he was part of it. He had very close ties with Charles Keating taking regular trips with Charles to the Bahamas. John McCain could not run with George Bush in 1988 because he was a liability. And then their is the way John McCain treated his first wife Carol, throwing her to the side of the road like a dog because she was crippled from a auto accident. The Washington and the Reagans dispised John for how he treated Carol and he wonders why he is an outsider. The race is close because many Republicans are like my parents who stood by Nixon even after he was impeached. They either can't or won't except the truth because it is painful.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

vicenteduq — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:39:43 GMT

The post by "skeetchamp" is very well written by a Black Man. I enjoy a piece of good writing and he is right in what he says.

I also believe that a McCain Triumph is a "retrogradation" ( when a planet moves backwards ).

Apparently backward movement of a planetary body in its orbit as viewed against the fixed stars, caused by the differing orbital velocities of Earth and the body observed.

It is a declination to an inferior state, a degeneration and contrary to progress.

McCain in the White House would be a tragedy for America. And also an international catastrophe.

http://tossUpStates.blogspot.com/

http://milenials.blogspot.com/

Vicente Duque

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ex_7th_reg_marine — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:40:00 GMT

It is absolutely mind-boggling to me that any American would even contemplate voting for John McCain after the way he has behaved and the decisions he has made over the last few weeks. Have people just lost their senses.

How can John McCain talk about duty, honor and America first when he chooses Sarah Palin as his running mate. Knowing that she could possibly be the president of the United States of America He has completely lost his mind. He is so desperate to be president that he doesn't give a damn what he does or says to do it. He would die and leave us to deal with with Sarah Palin as our president?

Great men like George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan have held that office! And John McCain is telling us, the American people, that yes, Sarah Palin is in the same league as these former presidents. I think John McCain should have his head examined. I mean c'mon people. Lets get real! Has no one listened to her in the interviews she has given? She is no more capable of being president than Rosie O'Donnell. In fact Rosie is more capable. I would just as soon vote for Mick Jagger than John McCain.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

An independant woman — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:40:58 GMT

It is hard to disagree with the facts as presented by Mr. Fineman. Mr. Obama should be further ahead and is not. This will certainly be worth much consideration by Mr. Obama and (if elected) his administration if we are going to unite to move forward as a nation to address the serious issues facing our country. i suspect the answer is complex and has varied elements. What I fear is that in any honest list of reasons is that America is still divided over race. The hatred evident at Palin events in particular is distressing and the "you don't know him" attacks and charaterizatins play to the worst in our culture. At an historical time, with an historical candidate, it is my hope that America will finally lay to rest all of those things that divide us, including race.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

suzvoter47 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:41:17 GMT

As much as people do not want to admit or even look within themselves regarding the issues of Race as part of the issue, it still does esist in many people's minds. People may say the USA is a melting pot and that is what makes it great, howver I was at a gathering friends, some of whom are from various ethnic and racial backgrounds and the subject came up. Many of the white people in attendance clearly had concerns based upon Racial issues and yet here we were in the company of white, latino and black people.

However, it came out as covert, that he was socialist or would "force" leftiss on all of us. Would that have happened if in 2000 Howard Dean had gotten to this level would the McCain campaign have tried to paint him as a shady character not to be trusted. I never recall candidates in the past having their birth certificated questioned as if somehow Obama had his forged as some larger conspiracy. People need to really get honest and acknowledge that we all hold certain ideas about people who have not represented the "white establishment' and its a sad note on how much we need to do as a nation to acknowledge that a Black man is intelligent and capabable of running this country.

If Obama wins and he very well may, he will be faced with some of the most difficult challenges since FDR, people in this country need to give him an opportunity to turn this country around. Thusfar, the current administration and Republicans have created a mess on all fronts, how much lower do we have to go before we wake up acknowledge our discomfort and let the person with the best laid out plans that have been consistent. Obama know he will have to make concessions as President. He also displayed that abiltiy while he was head of the Harvard Law Review, he had on his board three libersl, three conservatives and three moderates. If we stay the same course with a man that voted 90 percent of the time with Bush what do you really think will happen. Think hard America. Before you slam me with being a liberal I am a mid forties, White woman and independent whom has voted both Democrat and Republican. The idea is to vote for the Most Qualified person for the job and if we get it wrong, God help us.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

andreagaines — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:42:49 GMT

Obama's not further ahead because race can trump almost anything in this country -- war, economic meltdown, a total failure of the party in power.

Obama's accomplishments are the surprise here. His accomplishments ... that is what is important here.

He survived the Clintons despite his racial makeup and their willingness to make it a big sleazy issue out of it with working class whites.

He is significantly ahead of McCain even in my state of Virginia -- a place people are going around burning Obama yard signs, and writing "Obama Sucks" on community blackboards.

He is successfully challenging a former POW from an old Navy family who is telling voters the guy is a closet socialist who pals around with terrorists.

The wonder is not why he isn't further ahead. The wonder is how we can be so bigoted.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

martin_gray — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:43:08 GMT

Perhaps Joe (Sam) the unlicensed plumber is an opportunist who hoped to pick up a few dollars from the GOP so he could pay his delinquent taxes while sticking it to the black guy. Possible, yes. Probable, I would say at least 50% probable.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ex_7th_reg_marine — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:43:16 GMT

I think the title of your article ought to be "It's Race to The Finish"! Otherwise the election would be a no-brainer and people would vote for Obama and send McCain to the funny farm where he belongs.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

confused canadian — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:43:25 GMT

just an update to my last post.....mr obama is evey bit as much white as he is black.....that must be really hard for people who make their decisions based on fear to work out logicaly. america, please join the rest of the free world in racial tolerance.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

punim — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:45:19 GMT

Obama/Biden vs McCain/Palin, what if things were switched around?....Think about it. Would the country's collective point of view be different? Could latent racism be the culprit for a different perspective?

Ponder the following:

What if the Obamas had paraded five children across the stage, including a three month old infant and an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?

What if John McCain was a former president of the Harvard Law Review?

What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?

What if McCain had only married once, and Obama was a divorcee?

What if Obama was the candidate who left his first wife and kids after the wife had a severely disfiguring car accident?

What if Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long affair while he was still married?

What if Michelle Obama was the wife who not only became addicted to painkillers but also acquired them illegally through her charitable organization--and had been caught, avoiding jail because of her money and husband's position?

What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard (as Michelle Obama did?)

What if Obama had been a member of the Keating Five? (The Keating Five--including McCain-- were five United States Senators accused of corruption in 1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the larger Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s.)

What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?

What if Obama couldn't read from a teleprompter?

What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included discipline problems and a record of crashing seven planes?

What if Obama was the one who was known to display publicly, on many occasions, a serious anger management problem?

What if Michelle Obama's family had made their money from beer distribution?

What if the Obamas had adopted a white child?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Tired American — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:45:59 GMT

The race is close because of one thing and one thing only, people are seeing that both parties a mirror images of each other. Obama and McCain are really not that different in that they will tell you many things to boggle your mind and excite you into voting for them. Some of us are clear headed enough to see that neither can deliver on many of the promises unless they use underhanded (illegal?) tactics with the power brokers of this country, that in itself is dangerous for either.

People need to realize that the power in this country is hidden from mere mortals and knows no party lines or partiallity to any one man or woman. Spin doctors on both sides have been working themselves into a froth lately and that may yet cause either to lose. Watch the news on any channel and see the absolutness of opinion they have about the party of their choice, its sickening.

Obama has had race come against him in the form of Rev. Jesse Jackson. He is stuck in the sixties and may cause Obama about 45% of possible undecided votes from white America since those of us that grew up back then had nothing to do with the state of affairs then,nor now since most of us simply want to work and take care of our families-much like many others of any color.

McCain screwed the poor plumbers helper, yet the media reaction in looking up the guys past and laying out his personal information for all to see is another reason Obama may lose votes since it smacks of "Big Brother" thinking many rallied against when the government wanted to legally listen to overseas incoming calls and ones to overseas suspected numbers. Obama did not (?) call for this to be done, yet the same media that drools on him did.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

daowens — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:48:12 GMT

I am so sick and tired of some of these pollster saying Obama sat up under Rev. Wright for twenty years listening to racially divisive preaching after hearing a 30 seocnd sound bite. I am a minster and have preachec for fifteen years, I don't preach the same thing evey sunday, and don;t agree with everything I hear from my pastdrs or oher pastors. I wouldn't wnat the people in my church to be judged on everything I preached over the years. Obama is not responsible to his Pastor's sermons. he would be changing churches every week, if he got up and walked out of every sermon he disagreed with. No one talkes about the good that Church has done in the community under the leadership of Rev. Wright. I live in Washington State and hearh about this Church, because of all the programes they had in the community for good. All I hear now is the 30 second sound bite taken out of context. Another thing I am tired of his the talk about Willian Ayers acitivites 40 years ago. When I researech the books he wrote on education, I was impressed. It looked like what ever he did forty years ago, he has given back with brillant idea on reforming education. These things shoud have equal time in the media. Show the good that the United Church of Christ has done in the community and the education reforms that Willaa Ayers has tried to implimant. Maybe then Obama would ahead. it depends on what is fed to the people to enfuence their vote.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

eddieflorida — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:50:31 GMT

ronmaurer

If, as you say, Obama had been white, with his credentials, he would have never been nominated. A white first term senator, no matter how eloquent, would have been steamrolled by Hillary in February. It is precisely because of his race that he has become the darling of the media and the Democratic party.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Commentator123 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:51:51 GMT

I am not sure why you didn't mention the obvious in your article. Maybe its for effect.

"If Obama was a white man, would the race be still this close?"

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Spacer — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:52:42 GMT

Who is Howard Fineman to proclaim how close the race "should" be? Fineman basically admits that McCain is a crappy candidate, but there are unfortunately lots of people who are gullible enough to vote for him anyway, no matter what.

Fineman's assertion that the mainstream media "fawns" over Obama is a myth created by the mainstream media itself. The media has willingly played up all the lies that McCain has told about Obama "palling around with terrorists" while they cover up McCain palling around with the terrorist G. Gordon Liddy, who has never shown any sign of remorse for his crimes.

McCain's most recent lie is that Obama went to Joe the Unlicensed Plumber's house and was asked a "simple" question. The truth is that "Joe" confronted Obama outdoors and lied about how he was "getting ready" to buy a business making $250K when good old Joe had neither the means nor the intention of buying such a business.

John McCain will no doubt tell many more lies before Nov. 4, but you won't hear the facts from people like Fineman. Instead, he'll waste everyone's time by posting more garbage about why Obama isn't ahead by more (a topic that's been done to death already by other corporate media "journalists" for the past 6 months.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

thehappyamerican — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:54:11 GMT

Obama is in trouble from a DNC failure in the Congress, and he can't divorce himself from the DNC.

The Congress has the lowest approval ever. And The democrates lamely blamed "deragulation" on a financial disaster that was actually DNC members insisting there was no need for regulation for,of their own missguided policies! the Frank N Schumer Monster the tax payer has to bail out!!

Nope! You DNC leaders can't blame the Repbulicans. And it was ACORN providing a background of agitation to keep the Fannie/Freddy scam in operation!

Also,Obama's campaign is the same DNC standard model which is not working so well these days!

It's a system of discrimination campaigns against achievers, Christians, gun owners, police and military professionals which in sum are a singular Americans Suck First campaign which Liberals really love, and respond well to.And reat around as thier on original "conclusions."

But nobody else is excited by the fraudulent messages!

The only thing Obama has going for him now is money, as he spends over 3 times more than McCain!

See why I don't want him in the White House? Blowing money for limited return! Palling around with terrorists and bomb makers who advanced to voter fraud and financial scandles!

Obama is too expensive for todays Americans and thats why he has a slender lead, which may evaporate altogether , soon!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

mamafine — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:54:28 GMT

It isn't over and 'we' certainly should not say that it is. I'm an ardent admirer of Obama and I will vote for him. But let's not forget that McCain is a come-from-behind guy. Let's notice there are all kinds of nasty things coming down the pike, and McCain has proven he isn't beyond going nasty. Let's not forget that Dewey won. (Except ... he didn't.)

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Nancy in Iowa — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:55:16 GMT

Maybe it's the Bradley Effect in reverse. People are for Obama but they don't want to tell pollsters. I DO know that the media is doing everything it can to keep this a horse race. Why not just report as what becomes history unfolds.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

daowens — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:56:44 GMT

I hope the youth vote cancels out of the votes that would like more of the same, because they are afraid of change. Obama hold the values of more of the youth. He is the product of the Dream of Martin Luther King. If he is judged by the content of his character, instead of the color of his skin, then I can say we have finnally achiever the fruits of that dream, and have awaken to the quality of all human beings. When have been asleep a long time. When are we going to stop judging by the outer coverings? We are at a cross road. Will we go forward or backward, where we think we will be safe with more of the same? The young people may have the answer.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

GreenWriter51 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:57:21 GMT

Why is this race so close? C'mon, Howard -- you're not mentioning the Black Elephant in the room. Obama's black. To folks in the South who aren't particularly malicious he's a Negro. To the loving base of the Republican party, in intimate circles, he's a ***. To liberal Jews, he's a Schvartza, whose relatives might have cut their lawns.

Many of Obama's backers overlook their racist tendencies, seek to grow beyond them, and cast their vote for the only mensch in this contest. Most of Obama's supporters are color blind, and only see a capable man of great wisdom.

Why isn't this election a landslide? It just might be, despite what the polls show. Remember, Carter v. Reagan was too close to call. How many states did Carter take? Also take note that a candidate can win by 3 percentage points and still take the Electoral College by a huge margine.

Why is this elecction close. It's simple, Howard. And you know it better than me (because you're twice as smart) -- the Black Elephant in the room.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

stevefarbado — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:57:28 GMT

I can't beleive this question is still being asked. 35% of this county are republicans who would never vote for a democrat , no matter what. As there are 30-40% dems who would never vote for Red. Even Mondale is the landslide of all landslide, still got 40% of the vote. So if McCain is sitting at 43%, that means only 8% are in question. And this considering the Dems got the type of guy they wanted, the Gop got the guy they didn't want. The dems got the type of VP they wanted, the GOP got the type of VP they think they wanted. Its a Black, no name from out of nowhere who leans way left, vs. an American Hero, well known, well liked who has been running fro president for 10 yeears. And considering 1/2 the Dem voters wanted to nominate someone else...i think wondering why Barack's lead is not more than it is is really an absurd question.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AnnieIsAngry — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:57:30 GMT

He's a black man, stupid.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Junglejim123 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:00:30 GMT

Many of us do not trust him and there is a long list of reasons. Reverend Wright destroyed his credibility as a Christian because no Christian goes to a church that espouses Balck Liberation theology and adheres to the principle that only a black God is the legitimate God

Lets put it this way for starters:

Would you support a White President who went to a church which has

tenets that said they have a

1. Commitment to the White Community

2. Commitment to the White Family

3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic

4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills

available to the White Community .

5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for

Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions

6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace

the White Value System

7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.

Would you support a President who went to a church like that? I think not but thats what his church teaches their parishioners.

A church CANNOT have a value system based on race. The churches value

system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if its a

white church or a black church it's still wrong. Anyone from either

race that attends a church like this would never get my vote. and then there his associations with terrorists and his lies about that and his associations with criminnals and his lies about that. GEE , whats not to trust ?? Wake up people and get off this magic carpet ride !!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

snailman — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:01:10 GMT

Mr Fineman, your question is a simple one. The response is also simple. Mr Obama is an African-American! Without the perfect storm of economic crises, 8 years of turmoil and meanderings, a caricature of a VP-nominee and an angry old man, Mr Obama would be facing a Mondalesque defeat.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

chiefagc — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:02:45 GMT

It's racism stupid.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

daowens — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:03:16 GMT

rumaurer. You forget...he is biracial... both maybe the mixture did it. he was just as quualified as Hillary. Beingthe first lady does not make you automatically qualified. Does that make Todd Paln qualifed, just because he makea decisions fpr Sarah Palin as governor? Hillary was a seonc term Sentor. None of them has ever been President, os they will all need on the job training. We didn't need a third term for Bill Clinton for the Republicans to waste time trying to destroy him agaun..

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

keithbrown — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:07:32 GMT

You absolutely clueless liberals and independents. (buzz word for liberal)

It's not his RACE! I would love to see any number of blacks be president.

It's because he's an Islamic-Racist-American Hating- White Hating - Black victimizaion loving- socialist fake, who does everything he can to avoid any light being shed on these beliefs.

And the Average american idiot doesnt care. .

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ra7878 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:07:47 GMT

You got a bunch of white people hesitant to see a black man become president, duh!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

parkkip — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:07:58 GMT

The post by ObamaYesWeCan is exactly why I'm not voting for Obama. It is that attitude of persecution because someone has said something which conflicts with their "saviour's" views which scares me. We are electing a President, not the next messiah.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Heartlight3 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:09:05 GMT

The thing that McCain fails to mention when he is trying to convince us all that Obama will take our money and give it to people who don't deserve it is that for the past 40 years the tax code has been moving the wealth from the middle class to the wealthy. You wealthy people who say that the garbage collector deserves his low wages because of his lack of initiative and unwillingness to work as hard as you, give some thought to where you would be if the garbage collectors and auto workers, and miners, and agricultural workers were not out there doing those jobs? You are more than happy to use their services, yet are unwilling to allow them breaks for being willing to do that work so you can have your luxurious lifestyle without having to worry about where your trash goes or where your food and toys come from.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

baracus2008 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:09:17 GMT

The question should really be why is he ahead? Senator Obama is being beat up by the conservative right 24 hours a day both on the radio and Fix News. If Senator McCain was getting half the criticism that Obama is getting right now this race wouldn't be close. Like one of the other bloggers stated, the elephant in the room is race and a quiet and recently not so quiet campaign of racism, (just look for the code words like welfare). I just hope the American people are not fooled by the deception, misdirection and propaganda that is coming the Democrats way. This is a serious time folks and the Republicans are getting ready to throw everything from the kitchen sink, to the cabinets, to the refridgerator and even the tile on the floor at Senator Obama.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

stakex — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:15:30 GMT

Well I know alot of people think Obama is not running away with it because hes black... but personally, I think its compleatly the other way around.

In all the polls I see, Obama and McCain split the white vote pretty much down the middle. Yet, Obama has the black and minority vote by at least 5 to 1. So let look at that... it would seem there are more black people who are simply going to vote for Obama for no other reason then hes black, as opposed to white people who just won't vote for a black guy. If Obama was white, he might actually be loseing the race right now, and the McCain camp could more agressivly go after his questionable ties without being called raceist.

For what ever reason people seem to think white people are the only ones capable of being raceist... yet in this day and age, very few white people actually are. The majority of raceist in this country today are minorities, who as the numbers show, are going to vote for the minority nominee no matter that. Like it or not, its the world we lvie in today.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Braes — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:19:43 GMT

Well,

Since 1988, the GOP machine has operated on the first liars rule, which holds that the first story told usually sticks, and no matter how much truth you use to refute it, the damage is done.

That is why little old ladies still call him an Arab, etc. They have used Glen Beck, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and the like, to teach hate, spread disinformation, foment bigotry, and distract the voter from the issues.

The Democrats on the other hand, have shown no stomach for a gutter-fight, and have accepted the asskickings with the "high moral ground" consolation prize, in a winner take all system. Cheney said it best when he remarked, it's all about 51% and <expletive> the rest. They will do whatever it takes to win. To date, I do not see this level of ruthlessness in my party.

The Republican events have been Klan rallies, complete with agitators screaming "Kill Him!" The level of filth and scum should completely repudiate this brand of politicking forever. Now Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn is calling for investigations of liberals in Congress for "un-American" activities. So they are going full court press into McCarthyism, Suing to prevent voting, injecting religious tests in violation of the constitution, and conflating the Democratic party with communism.

Bachmann of Minnesota is a 1st term representative sponsored by Dr. Dobson's group. She believes catholics are agents of the antichrist. She homeschools her children and fought for creationism in the schools. Those people want to turn the clock back to before the civil rights era, and get Obama where he belongs, on a plantation.

Me, I just want war crimes prosecutions for the fascists.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

bwprsoup — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:20:52 GMT

Some of your guys' comments are absolutely ridiculous.

No matter what you say, race does play a factor in this election. There are plenty of people out there who won't vote for Obama simply because he is black. This simply is a fact that cannot be ignored. It may not play a huge part, but I believe it plays enough of a part so that, if it comes down to being a close election, yes, race will be the deciding factor.

I think the bigger factor however is the outright lies that the McCain campaign is spreading about Obama. Not only is he spreading them, but ignorant Americans, and even some otherwise intelligent people, are being bought into believing them! It is evident, after seeing interviews with some McCain supporters, and hearing things shouted at McCain's and Palin's rallies, that people actually believe that Obama "Pals around with terrorists" and that him and Ayers are close.

COME ON AMERICA! Wake up! Do some research before what you believe what you hear in the media or from the candidates. Yes, both sides lie and yes, both sides slander each other. However, not only does McCain do it far much more, he does it far much worse. He has convinced people that his opponent is unAmerican, and a terrorist at that. To me, that is just sick.

Lastly, the fact that McCain picked Palin as his VP choice should push you away from him anyway. She is the most ignorant and unqualified person I have ever seen run for such a high office. The fact that she might seriously be in the White House terrifies me. You can all say that Obama is inexpierienced, but the fact of the matter is, that he is just YOUNG. If you want to see inexperience, then you need to look at Sarah Palin.

However, I do not believe the race is as close as the media is making it out to be. As others have said, if you actually look at the numbers, Obama has a clear cut lead. The media just wants people to think the race is close, so they keep paying attention to the media coverage of it for the next 2 weeks.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Zeme — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:21:37 GMT

It is not at all hard to understand. We are a racist country, but we don't like to say so openly. We are very covert in how we practice our racism. For example we design entrapment systems to lock up black men, we systematically keep inner schools less competitive, we use "red lining" in housing, and our news media use clever words to hide their racist projections. When a conservative talking head tells his sheep to lie to polls, the sheep will do as ordered. How can you trust polls. I saw this video that does a good job explaining it <http://blip.tv/file/1354425>. I wish the guy had the nerve to say if he was black or white; I couldn't tell.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ara9557 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:21:57 GMT

It is more than that my friend... What scares the hell out of people is the liberals in congress and then maybe a like figure in the White House. You can say that Democrats are not liberal, but the leaders for the Dems are the old guard of liberalism. Makes you want to have term limits to get rid of these people and same with the far right. Makes you give pause if you really want to go down that road.

Posted By: ra7878 (October 18, 2008 at 3:07 PM)

You got a bunch of white people hesitant to see a black man become president, duh!

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re: Why Is the Race So Close?

lululala1 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:22:21 GMT

Howard,

You are a first rate political analyst. No doubt about that. I actually enjoyed reading your above column. I am a Missourian and I know the kind of people that will vote for McCain. (I am not one of them.) A Republican strategist was on Chris Matthews' 'Hardball' last night and said every low down, crummy accusation against Obama humanly possibly. Then for the rebuttal Chris Matthews had the woman Van Hewleuan(?) who is the editor of The Nation to speak. Her explanation of the situation as she saw it of the Republican strategist supporter of McCain and her hate mongering against Obama, was above and beyond anything that I have heard to date. She tore down the Republican's argument with an passionate ability that would be a match for the greatest lawyer of litigation the world has ever known. The editor of The Nation has my enthusiastic applause.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

wstephenjackson — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:22:59 GMT

The answer to this well asked question is a bit frithening to me. There are a great many people who are wildly frantic to not elect Barak Obama, rather than actually supporting John McCain (of whom I was once a fan, by the way). A huge part of our electorate is motivated, it would seem, strictly by fear. I can see that around me, and in the responses to this article. We are being told to be afraid of the "socialist". Let me get this straight .... the current administration is about to undertake the greatest nationalization ever of our financial institutions (moreso even than FDR) but he is not the socialist? Our current administration has secret prisons and torture chambers (from their own mouths) has our own military intelligence personell spying on its own citizens abroad (I have lived abroad and know this to be the case), and yet Senator Obama will take away our liberties? Someone is simply not thinking this through. They have been told not to think; they have been commanded never to think and ask questions. If they think, the "bogey man' might get them. I am left wondering in what institution they were taught to (not) think this way .... knowing the answer. Do they?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

sheebe — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:23:14 GMT

Obama appeals to the desperate, and un educated. There have been several tests. A reporter went out and asked a bunch of people who they were voting for. A lot said Obama. Then the man asked if they thought Obama and Palin would do a good job. He purposely said it like that. No one caught on that Palin wasn't with Obama. They all said oh yes they will be great. Un educated people that don't know anything about reality. Do they want another 9/11? I don't want my Country becoming a Marxist Country. Obama knows nothing. He never held a job that was anything challenging. He has only been a senator for 143 days? What is that? Redistribute the wealth? I don't think so. No one is getting my hard earned money. Socialism at its best. Get some education and learn the facts. Isn't it quaint how Obama was introduced on a TV Talk show? Their strategy was some what planned. The lazy people need to wake up. Obama will not be able to keep any of his promises. Wake up before it is to late.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

luddington — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:23:17 GMT

it is severely unfair for the Dems, who were at the heart of this economic melt down, to reap the benifits from it! You can't argue that this was a dem driven disater. Bush has made mistakes, no doubt, but McCain is NOT Bush. Bush was responsible for spending getting out of control but McCain much more fiscally responsible. Why would anyone be supportive of raising any taxes at this time? How could anyone buy Obama's promise of health care. It's a joke. You may not like McCain, but if you listen to the message, it makes far better sense. This country is always so gullable when a smooth talking charasmatic figure comes along. I always unwrap the shiniest package first too, but it raeley contains the best gift.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AkikoGurrl — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:23:55 GMT

It's racism. It doesn't matter that he's half white, some people only see what's on the outside. Why would people who claim that they are for the democratic party (Hillary's supporters) jump ship to McCain's side and strongly say, oh-hell-no-I-ain't-voting-for-Obama-never!? Why would voters in WV remain anonymous to vote for him?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

rednews72 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:26:25 GMT

I'm glad to see so many Republicans voting Democrat this time. It just makes the remaining Republicans wearing blinders and professing blind loyalty to their party look silly.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

JC0101 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:26:39 GMT

I'm getting really tired of McCain and his supporters calling Obama's tax plan socialism. Since when have tax cuts for the middle and working class become socialism? Some people are even saying welfare. The rich did very well under Bush while the middle and working class got nothing. If we got a tax cut under Bush it was so small we didn't even notice it. My husband and I make $100k a year. Under McCain we will save about $15 a month in taxes. Under Obama we will save closer to $150. If this is welfare or socialism that's fine with us. We work hard and deserve a tax cut. The rich have had their welfare under Bush. Now it's everyone elses turn. Even Joe the Plumber will get a tax cut under Obama but nothing under McCain. And if you run a business you would have to make a whopping $250,000 in PROFIT to pay more in tax (businesses are taxed on net income not gross). How many small businesses have that kind of profit? Why would Joe the Plumber types support McCain when he has so little respect for them that he considers tax cuts for them to be welfare or socialism? No one mentions that McCain's healthcare plan is socialism. He will tax health benefits and then turn that money over to private insurers.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

LudwigVanBeet — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:29:13 GMT

McCain is proving out to be the most Phoniest Presidential Candidate in the History of the United States. Read Rolling Stones article by Tim Dickinson. McCain is a vicious , Rodent of a Man, he has very carefully planned his climb to the place he is now in. The problem for him is that the People are getting wise to his horrible, decisions, attitude and viciousness. Him and Palin would be a worse Black-Eye on America than George Bush. Mr. Fineman, one of the reasons is the Media , yourself included do not dig into McCains past . They should be showing McCains Friend Gordan Liddy, his behavior in and after his stint in the Service. McCain is , was , and always will be a Vicious, Cunning , Conniving Phony little hero.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

malevolentmuse — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:30:16 GMT

To the idiots saying it's not racism keeping them from voting for Obama it's their moronic belief that he's a Muslim: just how stupid are you? To disregard someone because their religion IS STILL BIGOTRY! If you have to utter the words black (or worse) or Muslim to honestly state why you won't vote for Obama YOU ARE A BIGOT! If you rule out someone for anything for any reason other than qualifications you are being prejudiced towards that person PERIOD! It is no different than the people who refused to vote for JFK because he was Catholic; it's still bigotry whether you want to acknowledge it or not. John Lewis was right -- the hate you're spouting is no better than the hate spouted by George Wallace back in 1968.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AlwaysInTheRight — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:33:08 GMT

Such a liberal question: maybe it should be why is he in the lead at all what with his far left voting record, noted association with Socialists/Fascists such as Bill Ayers, 20 years of attendance listening to a bigot and racist (Wright), and being 'advised' on economic matters by someone who bears part of the blame for the current credit crisis - Franklin Raines, who ran FNMA into the ground.

And as far as the right wing media exposure for McCain: LOL - you libs control the big 3 TV networks: they are poorly-disguised mouthpieces for the Democratic party, as are most of those in the educational system. (Doesn't that give you pause for concern: our educational system is in severe need of correction, and they continue voting the same way ever year.)

Of course, it could be that those of us with the ability to discern fact from fantasy note that, though Obama is an intelligent man, he has accomplished nothing that would lead one to believe he is up to the task of running the country.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Riverdove — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:33:37 GMT

It is obvious to all of us who deal in reality at least most of the time that it is because Barack is a black man in America. I have heard older whites in my city say things like "may father would kill himself before who would live in a country with a colored president". How amazing, that we will let our prejudices overrule our good sense. I am disappointed in Fineman (whom I love) and the other media pros that they would allow Wright, Ayers and other ridiculous tales from the dark side to blind us to counter information that they (media) ARE aware of. For instance, Todd Palin and his ties to the AIP and his desire for Alaska to secede from the US. Sarah Palin being the keynote speaker for the AIP in 2008. How can you NOT interject while she is espousing her pro American views, that her husband is not pro-American? Give the Palin's baggage the same airtime that is given to Barack's. I want to know how Todd Palin can be given security clearance to live in the White House as a card-carrying member of the AIP, whose leader was in the bomb making business. Sara Palin should be embarrassed to go on this character assassination mission with her own house being as filthy as it is. I think rational people have given up trying to prove that SP is no more qualified to be Pres. if the need arises than the toddlers at Ms. Little's daycare. The McCain - Palin administration would undue 200 years of civil rights progress, especially those for woman and people of color. McCain is scary and Palin is downright dangerous. McCain is very aware that race-baiting is a tactic that works in America, Sarah; on the other hand is aware of the lengths that she goes to in order to deprive the indigenous people in her own state. Most of America is sick and tired of being given instructions on how to remain divided. We want peace in our communities, churches and schools. We want to be looked at as Americans, not just blacks, whites & latinos or rich and poor. I will cast my vote for the one whose overwhelming mission is to unite us, rather than those he seek to continue to divide us. Remember, McCain is a soldier and divide and conquer is the first rule of war!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

LudwigVanBeet — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:35:43 GMT

The Racist Bigots are already foaming at the mouth, just thinking of how they can destroy Colin Powell if he endorses Obama.. Effigies of Powell and Obama hanging from Goobers Tree will show there ugly TRUE FAMILY VALUES Nature.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

rednews72 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:36:19 GMT

Nice spin StakeX! In polls 6 months ago where whites are asked if they'd vote for a black candidate the response was 60/40. That's 40 percent of white America that wouldn't vote for black candidate no matter what. Since there are more whites then minorities that vote, the results make perfect sense. Face it, the only reason Obama isn't running away with this is die-hard (WAR-mongers) "White American Republicans" that will go to any length to paint Obama as a muslim loving, terrorist supporting, big bad black man. If Obama was white "my friends" he would be beating McCain so bad, he'd probably end up with the worst beating by a nominee ever. It's one of the reasons Hillary supporters were making their case (rightfully so I might add) that Hillary would do better then McCain. What they weren't saying out loud is that most of White America would rather vote for a White woman then a Black man. They knew it and were right. If the economy wasn't so bad, this race would be cloes, but everyone knows who the REAL tax and spend people are. REPUBLICANS BEGONE!!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

RDvanreken — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:39:05 GMT

Frankly, I think it is amazing Barack is still standing after the horrendous and libelous assaults on him from the primary days and now from McCain. To have a shred of dignity let alone trust from anyone after the massive campaigns against him by conservative radio, FOX news, and Palin plus McCain...I wonder how in the world Obama is still in the race. It is shocking to me the ugliness of this campaign...playhing on the worst fears of "otherness"...I pray every day for Barack to be strong and not retaliate with all the dirt he could throw..the fact that he has not started throwing back issues of Gordon Liddy and McCain, the Alaska secessionist membership of Palin's husband, ad infinitum wtih other things, says more to me about Barack than anything else.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

robbobobbo — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:40:09 GMT

Someone else in these posts suggested that the republicans have for years spread the wealth to very few. I hope the Obama campaign read that and will frame their argument around that idea and I hope that the millions of Americans who would benefit from Obama's plans but support McSame (including that fake plumber) will get it through their heads that the republicans don't give a you-know-what about them. Look how well Ohio has made it through the last eight years and yet the state is in play--amazing.

More to the point of the article...the race is so close because America is a Luddite country, afraid of change even when it is change that is needed, and the problem of race still exists (as many a McCain supporter has demonstrated at his and Palin's rallies). This election campaign has unfortunately dug up some of the old racism that we would all like to think was on it's way to extinction. John McCain knows this and is using it in such an obvious and despicable way.

Bob in PA

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

luddington — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:40:47 GMT

you know what, I'll agree with you for a second. We really don't know that Obama was not close to Ayers and he was disingenuous about their relationship but we'll ignore that. Let's just say that none of his radical associations matter. We'll just forget it. His policies are dangerous for the country at this time. You can't raise anybody's taxes at this time. Prices will rise, wages will fall and benefits will disappear. So will jobs. Use your head. Companies will readjust to compansate for the increase. That welfare check won't cover all that.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Thoroughbred — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:40:50 GMT

There's plenty of blame to go around for the current mess. It can be traced directly to Reagan-omics and Trickle Down Theory; an idea that any regulated market is a bad market perpetuated under Presidents Bush I and Clinton and continued under President Bush II; an environment that says big, new and more are always better and a culture that fosters the idea that you can and should live beyond your means - buy now, pay later. In a representative democracy we're all to blame. Where does all this originate? To me, it comes from fear; that still, small voice in the middle of the night that puckers the rectum. And we assume that more, more, more will take the voice and the fear away. I will leave it to the theologians (not the ideological misfits) to debate how that voice is stilled without succumbing to greed but suffice to say that until we sit real still and listen to what that voice has to teach us, no Sen. McCain or Sen. Obama or any other politician will accurately assess nor address the underlying ills of the nation.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

itsjustmyopinion — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:40:54 GMT

One reason the race is so close is because the media does not do enough to debunk the lies that the McCain campaign is spewing out. You know it's not true, but not everyone is as educated and sophisticated as you are. There are gullible people who really believe the garbage John McCain has been telling them. The Republican politicians and their media flacks just view it as a tactic to win an election, they forget that not everyone is in on the game. Remember those gullible people and keep telling them the truth.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

pkgoode — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:41:49 GMT

When did the race get close?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

it's about the future — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:42:42 GMT

So let''s recap:

It's OK for McCain's folks to hang around with secessionists and

Joe tax dodgers and war profiteers,

but Obama is called out for being on some charity committees

on education reform

with Ayers, at a University in the 1990's.

By the way, Ayers got into trouble when Obama was 8 years old.

Since then, he was voted Chicago Citizen of the year in 1997,

for his longtime commitment

to disadvantaged children and troubled youth.

Joe the Plumber did NOT make his dream of $250 K a year

under George Bush,

because he makes 40K a year, and is not a licensed plumber.

He currently owes $1200 tax, but he will benefit greatly

from Obama's tax and insurance plans.

McCain has launched 12 robocalling campaigns in the last month

accusing Obama of heinous acts and te...ist associations (see above).

McCain and his VP also continue to LIE on the stump,

as they did in the debates. They repeat the same old attacks about Tax

after they have been explained repeatedly

for millions of viewers and verified by the press, FactCheck, and

God and country.

The Republican objective is thinly veiled or not veiled at all:

to instill paranoia and fear in the American people

with hearsay and brass-faced slander. Look at their record during this campaign.

Do you really want this machine at the helm of this country one more time;

an Adminisration which cost 4000 American lives in a manufactured

and phoney war, whose deregulatory and loan practices have

resulted in the present economic meltdown.

Bully tactics are recognisable, just ask the Mr. and Ms. McRobocall.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

it's about the future — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:42:44 GMT

So let''s recap:

It's OK for McCain's folks to hang around with secessionists and

Joe tax dodgers and war profiteers,

but Obama is called out for being on some charity committees

on education reform

with Ayers, at a University in the 1990's.

By the way, Ayers got into trouble when Obama was 8 years old.

Since then, he was voted Chicago Citizen of the year in 1997,

for his longtime commitment

to disadvantaged children and troubled youth.

Joe the Plumber did NOT make his dream of $250 K a year

under George Bush,

because he makes 40K a year, and is not a licensed plumber.

He currently owes $1200 tax, but he will benefit greatly

from Obama's tax and insurance plans.

McCain has launched 12 robocalling campaigns in the last month

accusing Obama of heinous acts and te...ist associations (see above).

McCain and his VP also continue to LIE on the stump,

as they did in the debates. They repeat the same old attacks about Tax

after they have been explained repeatedly

for millions of viewers and verified by the press, FactCheck, and

God and country.

The Republican objective is thinly veiled or not veiled at all:

to instill paranoia and fear in the American people

with hearsay and brass-faced slander. Look at their record during this campaign.

Do you really want this machine at the helm of this country one more time;

an Adminisration which cost 4000 American lives in a manufactured

and phoney war, whose deregulatory and loan practices have

resulted in the present economic meltdown.

Bully tactics are recognisable, just ask the Mr. and Ms. McRobocall.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

deanomite — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:43:08 GMT

The reason it is so close is because there are an awful lot of racists in this country. Their are also a lot of one issue voters in the US who think that abortion is the most important thing in their lives. I guess they think the economy is not all that important.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

baronwolf — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:44:20 GMT

As far as Joe 'The make-believe' Plumber is concerned, he's a libertarian and will probably vote for Bahr or Paul anyway. This outrage about 'socialism' is hilarious, we can see how well it plays out in Canada and Europe where their currency is strong, life expectancy is significantly longer, infant mortality is significantly lower and poverty is much less of a societal cancer. Lordy, we wouldn't want that.

McCain is talking to his voter's fantasy alter-egos, lower-middle voters who believe they'll strike it rich next year and may have to pay more taxes when they do. Joe Biden was right, paying taxes is patriotic, it's the price we pay to live in the greatest country in history and I'd love nothing more than to reach the level where I would pay more in taxes, because, you know what, that would mean I'm making a quarter of a million a year and anybody who can't live a good life on that income ought to be ashamed of themselves. Better a government that is slightly socialistic and helps all the people than a dictatorship of the wealthy like all those banana republics we supported(to our disgrace) for oh so long.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

indydisc — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:47:00 GMT

You've got to be kidding me Howard. I usually look foward to your discussions on Olbermann, et all, but this article seems like an attempt to stir controversy where their is little. In this day and age, with the last two elections pretty even, how is a (seemingly) 7 point lead not good enough or large enough for you??

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

novajoe — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:47:34 GMT

Lots of posts about race being the reason he isn't further ahead. Let's ask the question this way....would Obama be the Democratic nominee for President if he was a white guy? Answer - no way! Hillary would be the nominee. Now where does racism sit?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

cobalt6 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:48:34 GMT

The only reason Obama has been ahead in the polls is because he is black and the media is on his side! If any white candidate were friends with people like Rev. Wright, Rezko, and Ayers and all the others he would have never made it this far!!! Not even the FBI or CIA would have given Obama a job after learning about his friendship with Ayers a known terrorist!

With all the candidates who were running in the primary's I can't believe we ended up with Obama and McCain! But now we have to chose between the lesser of 2 evil's!

McCain is the better choice!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

robbobobbo — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:49:02 GMT

I find it amazing that these racists, a lot of whom can barely read and write, think that they are better than a man like Barack Obama, a Harvard educated constitutional lawyer who actually wants to make their silly lives better.

I also find it amazing that many of the good folks in Ohio, including that fake-phony-fraud (thanks Bob Grant) non-plumber, refuse to accept that they have been flushed down the drain by the republicans. They continue to hold fast to their outdated beliefs, even while they are loosing their jobs by the thousands. This is not to indict all Ohioans, many of them have sense enough to know they are being given the shaft.

WAKE UP OHIO!!!!! (and Florida)

Bob H

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

robbobobbo — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:50:09 GMT

Howard likes to have it both ways at times, but I still like him. He does raise a good point.

Bob H

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

BunchofChemies — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:50:20 GMT

I agree RACISM and the PRO-LIFE only folks are the reason it is close. However, it is important to realize that the USA is a strongly right wing country. In surveys of political philosophy, usually about 40% identify themselves as conservative, 40% as moderate, and 20% as liberal. That is far different than European countries. However, Obama is running a fantastic campaign, and he is estimated to have a 95% chance of winning per fivethirtyeight.com. McCain has run a terrible campaign, but started off with moderate branding and war hero/honorable experienced elder stateman as his selling point. It ought to be asked why isn't he doing better? A big part of the answer is Sarah Palin.

The interesting thing over the next 8 years will be the question of whether Obama and the Democrats will be so successful as to change the electorate to 33% conservative, 33% moderate, and 33% liberal so the playing field is made more level for future contests.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

gkalro — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:50:23 GMT

Yes, Stake's comments were naive at the very least. In the current climate to see a candidate from the non-incumbent party with only 50% of the white vote is incredulous. Especially since the incumbent party's nominee is planning on continuing nearly the same gameplan in regards to economic policy.

The right is getting anxious, throwing out catch phrases like "welfare" to try to sway the tide their way. Tax payer money is funneled into big business, and that benefits the wealthy and people in power much more than the average joe. So the "wealth redistribution" catch phrase Mccain has recently been using is garbage. In fact middle class have contributed and continue to contribute greatly to increasing the wealth of those who already are rich.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AlwaysInTheRight — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:51:14 GMT

If it's racism to not vote for Obama, then it also must be racism that causes one to not vote for a white man - McCain.

I'm also always amused by those that believe if the Dems don't win, the race(s) must have been rigged - but never a complaint when they win. Talk about disengenuous.

Getting back to the subject of this article: reminds me of an exclamation awhile back by a NYTimes columnist (forget which liberal one), that she was absolutely stunned that I believe it was Reagan won an election: stunned because, in her very small piece of the world, all her friends - who are lefties - voted for the Democratic candidate. Point is, those who associate only with those of their kind and ilk will forever be doomed to ignorance - just ask Keith Olbermann, Chris Matthews, et. al.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

God&Country — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:51:28 GMT

Why are people hung up on thinking that this is all about 'race', white or black? This is NOT about race, but rather about 'spirit'. I would never violate my conscience by voting for someone who does NOT uphold Godly values of God and country, defense of the unborn, traditional marriage, freedom and liberty from government tyranny. FACT: Obama's mother was a white atheist and his father a black Muslim. Obama and wife are ashamed of America, the very country he wants to preside over??? He has not shown an ounce of patriotism, never served in the military, has friends in questionable places who have hurt America, can easily turn on Israel (against God's warnings), takes Scriptures out of context and distorts facts, wants to give us Socialized medicine, raise taxes, redistribute (taxpayer) wealth, and ultimately may end up destroying America. He is dangerous and I would never stake my life on him. A weak America is a plus for terrorists. Liberty without law is anarchy. May it be the Lord's will that McCain-Palin win. Otherwise, may the Lord help us all and especially prove to those who voted for Obama thinking that he is THE ONE to regret they voted for him since there will be many antichrists who arise in these last days.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

saaphiel — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:52:29 GMT

Generally I like to think of myself as being a pretty intelligent and well read person. But someone sent me a link having to do with how hypnosis works, more specifically, how Obama is using hypnosis to plug info into the populace that he is the one to be the next POTUS.

It is through the use of pacing (why he speaks so slowly so you hang on his every word) stating the obvious ('I am standing here tonight..') which plants an absolute truth - he is standing there tonight - in your sub-concious so you are less inclined to question what comes next.

It goes something like this:

'The country is going in the wrong direction' (pace) 'Change' (can be used as a pace, an anchor, or a pre-programmed response) 'That is why' (conjunction linking statement) 'I will be your next President' (subconcious lead)

The article was quite fascinating, and my own sub concious fought a good hard fight with it (because I was supportive of Obama) until I finally accepted that the techniques of hypnosis are indeed being used. It's easy to see once you have it spelled out to you. (I feel like a chump at the moment, but I will recover in due time)

Here is the link to that article, read it, decide for yourselves.

[http://www.pennypresslv.com/Obama%27s_Use_of_Hidden_Hypnosis_techniques_in_His_Speeches.pdf]

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AlwaysInTheRight — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:53:21 GMT

Baronwolf, you are sorely misinformed about Socialism: take a look at their unemployment and inflation rates, lack of upward economic mobility, etc. And the Euro: it's been slipping as of late against the dollar.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

nhcatholic — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:54:19 GMT

Howard, I watch you regularly on MSNBC and really respect your opinion. I belive Polling has not caught up with how to corretly judge the younger generation who are not reached through traditional polling (cell phones / email). The younger generation overwhelmingly support Senator Obama. I believe on Election night the news will reflect a huge Electoral victory for Obama I would say somewhere between 330 -350 for Obama. I'm 55+ and have seen a lot of elections and if there is a scary candidate it's McCain. Worde than the physical health concerns id the mental health concerns. I would suspect that 5 1/2 years as a POW has left him with a few scars, thus the erratic behavior. I'm not blaming him for that, but do you want somone like that for President? I know I don't.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

nancysportia — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:56:05 GMT

Do we really need a "news flash" here? I live in Central Florida, and am a native Floridian. I earned three college degrees the hard way--I worked for them, and graduated with honors. I love my country, but I am not proud of where we are right now. Why won't more people vote for Barack here? The bottom line----drum roll----is racism. Sure, they couch it in terms of "risky", "different", "not like us", "pals around with terrorists", and other smears. They have nothing else. But, I have heard it too many times. "I just can't vote for a black man--(many use the N word.) Barack is no more a risk than McCain. He is not "different", except that for a white person, his skin color is not the same. He is not like "us" but as a white, female, senior, he is just like the us we need to be. He is the true American Dream, he is moral, even tempered, smart, and honest. He is a good family man. He is a Christian. That is the us of which I include myself. As far as palling around with terrorists, Ayers may have been what we called a radical back then, by McCain has his own "pals" to play with. G. Gordon Liddy was a pal of his, along with Keating, Ollie North, Pastor Hagee, Sarah Palin's husband (he belongs to a terrorst organization which she supports.). So what is the only difference? It is RACE. Shame on us, shame on our country, and shame on McCain for playing to the lowest and vilest sentiments in our country.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

luddington — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:56:24 GMT

what's amazing is that the dem party still exsists after the rash of ineffective presidents they have produced. Let's bring back Carter who is still clueless, Clinton who was too busy and allowed terrorists to train right here in the US and Johnson who did a great job with the Vietnam war. Barney Frank for President!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

rollboy35 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:56:43 GMT

This is a pretty lame article by Howard Fineman, whom I respect. He doesn't mention the HUGE factor that race plays in this election. The US is way more racist and xenophobic than the media would like to admit, and that's a huge obstacle for Obama to overcome. Also, polling data cannot count the 20% or so of the electorate, mostly young, first time voters, living in cell phone only households. And Fineman implies any democratic candidate should be able to waltz right into the white house.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

eniola — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:01:27 GMT

The only explanation the world can give for the close poll is because Obama is not white. Everyone outside the United States understands what is going on. We believe that you guys also understand this point but you pretend you don't. It is a case of race as the elephant in the room. If Obama looses this election the world will echo "racism" as the cause. The world is watching because this is the most important election in the U.S. history. We have been seeing "Barack Osama" on ballot papers, we have heard many public figures and politicians especially in the Republican party making racist remarks against Obama's person. This election is a test for America to prove to the world that it is no more a racially segregated country. We have had the view that America had overcome racism and we hope this view is proven right on November 4. There is no other reason why Obama should loose this race. I think it would have been better for the American people to judge Obama by th content of his character and his ability to bring about change for the better not only to America but to the world rather than the colour of his skin.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

truthbeknown1980 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:04:27 GMT

Howard, you know exactly why the race is so close. Stop beating around the bush. You are a respected journalist, but you are playing it safe here. Besides, the prevoius post makes a great point that needs more media attention - traditional polling versus new media communcation among the registered voters 35 years old and younger.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

hitobito — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:04:55 GMT

The race should not be this close as suggested by this editorial. There could be several factors in play. Racial bias, the lack of polling of the "cell phone" generation, the attack strategy of the Rovian managers of the McCain campaign. I believe that in the booth, voters will opt for a change from the GOP failed policies of the past eight years.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

fuzzytruthseker — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:06:11 GMT

You argue that " America is reviled in the world as a result of the war in Iraq and George Bush’s policies, and most voters are not happy about that"

The point is, precsely, that this view of America is, thank God, fast waning as the lead of Obama in the polls keep predicting victory, even if it is within the margin of error.

Two caveats: (1) it is NOW that Americans should 'make no mistake' : if they falter and Mc Cain wins, there won't be international cooperation on putting a scaffold under the fast-crumbling international fiancial architecture and, soon afterwards, erecting a totally redeisgned, new-age architecture, and there won't be any respite in the excruciating pain of implementing the long-verdue work-out of the global financial imbalances that are the exclusive making of America; (2) even if Obama wins, let everybody understand that 'there is no such thng as a free lunch' -- the world has been patiently listeing to that lecture from America and has stoically lived through its consequences; now America will have to also do the same. Most likely, Asia (including the Arabs and Persians and of West Asia), being always more 'spiritually-oriented', more accommodating of human aspirations, will be less unrelenting than America had been when it was the lone superpower, but 'generosity' will not be imposed on them by threats that otherwise the international financial architecture will be allowed to crumble.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Bluegrass Woman — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:06:33 GMT

Why would anyone in their right mind even ask that question? One answer: Obama is not white.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

bethstl — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:07:17 GMT

I am an independent voter and have decided to side with Obama. Palin scares the heck out of me. She could potentially be our president and she won't even step up to the plate to talk to reporters about situations she has been in the middle of. She takes no responsibility for her actions at all. OK, so she is the gov. of Alaska...BIG DEAL...when she was mayor of the small town in Alaska, she walked off leaving them $20M in debt. HELLO!!! We are in a huge economic crisis right now...want to take a risk on her?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AmeriScot — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:07:46 GMT

The answer is one word: FEAR. Americans are afraid of change. Obama IS change in so many ways. More than any candidate ever, Obama is different. America is still a racist nation, and much to our detriment. Will this country ever grow up? Maybe, but it's an awfully sloooooow process. McCain, for all his crotchety demeanor and negative political associations, is still a more familiar "type". Too much of America is enamoured with feeling comfortable. Familiar is comfortable. Obama represents a new era for America and some are death to give up what they have become accustomed to. Let us hope that America is smart enough and brave enough and insightful enough to recognize that THIS change is good for us; THIS change is the future.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ToadTreeHugger — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:08:32 GMT

Because of the state of the economy, any Democrat at this point would win. If Obama blows it, it's because people have doubts about his experience and his stance on key issues. The right wing is concerned about his position on "redistributing the wealth" and on troop withdrawals in Iraq. While the left wing is concerned about his stance on the environment and energy and wiretapping and public financing. The only folks that seem to like him are the one's who believe the bullshit the media spins.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

DavidE7 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:09:22 GMT

Barack Obama has been a senator for less than three years, he has sponsored no notable legislation, he is regarded as the most liberal senator in America, his election would unbalance the power between the Republicans and Democrats, and he has a cool demeanor that makes people wonder what he is thinking. These are some of the reasons the race remains relatively close. But the biggest reason is that the media is determined that voters' attention will be riveted all the way to the wire, and must stage manage the election to keep it close.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

jdmartz — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:09:55 GMT

Anyone who thinks Obama would not be miles ahead if he were white IS DREAMING. Just for the record, I am a 40-year-old white male Hoosier who is sick to death of closet rednecks rationalizing their biases as anything but exactly what they are: Racism. Do us all a favor and open your mind. Now. Before you enter the voting booth on November 4th. Otherwise we're sure to be stuck with a laughingstock of an administration -- infinitely worse than the one we have now. Do not, do not, DO NOT take this beautiful country of ours and flush it down the toilet!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

essexmike — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:10:06 GMT

Is it at all posible that a lot of people don't believe that Obama has the experience to be President. Four years in the Senate and a few years in Illinois government hardly seem adequate preparation for the most important job in the country. In addition his lack of any real acomplishments during those years are troubling. He has no real record of reform and appears to have gone right along with the Chicago political machine. He is a wonderful and inspiring speaker and talks of bringing people together, but once again he has no record of ever doing that. I can't help but wonder why he received so much money from Fannie Mae. What did he do to garner that much support? Considering the collapse of the stock market and our financial markets was in large part brought on by the failures of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, you have to wonder if his support for those institutions contributed to there failures. I also find troubling that an Obama Adminstration and a Democratic controlled Congress will be charged with fixing these problems. That strikes me as the the "fox guarding the hen house". No I think there are any number of really valid reasons why Obama hasn't yet closed the deal with a large number of voters.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ktesmer — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:10:17 GMT

Wake up America! It's not because he is black, its because of the facts! You would have to be insane to vote for Obama! You might want to think twice when your sitting there voting! We have to protect America for the sake of everyone's future! WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

bethstl — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:12:13 GMT

Eniola, I agree with you. Older white americans won't vote for Obama because of their race. A majority of them will admit that to you if asked. Being a white american, I am ashamed of that. We live in the year of 2008. When will the mentality of some poeple change??? Message to white americans....This is a fact, in about 20-25 years, Whites will be the minority with Black americans being the majorit. If you are teaching your kids to be racist in any sense of the word, you are going to kill their future. They are going to be going to side by side with black americans throughout their lifetime. School, work, church, etc. Don't teach them to judge by the color of someones skin. Don't ruin their future for them.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

it's about the future — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:13:46 GMT

So let''s recap:

It's OK for McCain's folks to hang around with secessionists and

Joe tax dodgers and war profiteers,

but Obama is called out for being on some charity committees

on education reform

with Ayers, at a University in the 1990's.

By the way, Ayers got into trouble when Obama was 8 years old.

Since then, he was voted Chicago Citizen of the year in 1997,

for his longtime commitment

to disadvantaged children and troubled youth.

Joe the Plumber did NOT make his dream of $250 K a year

under George Bush,

because he makes 40K a year, and is not a licensed plumber.

He currently owes $1200 tax, but he will benefit greatly

from Obama's tax and insurance plans.

McCain has launched 12 robocalling campaigns in the last month

accusing Obama of heinous acts and te...ist associations (see above).

McCain and his VP also continue to LIE on the stump,

as they did in the debates. They repeat the same old attacks about Tax

after they have been explained repeatedly

for millions of viewers and verified by the press, FactCheck, and

God and country.

The Republican objective is thinly veiled or not veiled at all:

to instill paranoia and fear in the American people

with hearsay and brass-faced slander. Look at their record during this campaign.

Do you really want this machine at the helm of this country one more time;

an Adminisration which cost 4000 American lives in a manufactured

and phoney war, whose deregulatory and loan practices have

resulted in the present economic meltdown.

Bully tactics are recognisable, just ask the Mr. and Ms. McRobocall.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

bklyndan — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:14:07 GMT

Since the beginning of the Bush Administration, his tax and fiscal policies have resulted in the top 1 percwent of the populace seeing a 95 PERCENT increase in their wealth. That portion of the electorate controls as much wealth as the BOTTOM 90 percent. Spreading the wealth has always been a Republican objective--they just like to spread it upward.

Since Reagan's first Administration, the national debt has increased from 1 trillion dollars to 10 trillion dollars. Given the surplus AND balanced budgets of the Clinton Years, whose policies are responsible? 3 Republican presidents. This explosion of debt has caused interest payments to balloon to over 10 percent of the Federal budget, constraining needed infrastructure repair, R & D on alternative fuel technology, scientific research and left 47 million Americans without any viable health care.

Obama is not further ahead in polls because of the viciousness of the campaign, the persisent, if untrue rumors that have taken hold (Obama is a Muslim, Obama is a terrorist sympathizer, Obama and his wife are anti-American, Obama will raise your taxes, Obama refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance), and a general disbelief on the part of a portion of the electorate to accept the idea of a black President. This attitude isn't racist, it's cynical & has both black & white adherents. Suffice to say that a 7 point lead is plenty under the circumstances.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AlwaysInTheRight — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:15:04 GMT

Obama is change HOW? What do you think he'll be able to do that is so revolutionary? Fact is, presidents come and go, but those in Congress - now that's a different story. The Barney Franks, Ted Kennedys, Robert Birds of the world: they have passed the bills and laws that allowed us to go through 2 huge financial bailouts (3 if you count Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM), which was a huge hedge fund blowup (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-Term_Capital_Management)).

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

sportlock009 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:17:23 GMT

Posted By: Nowforthetruth @ 10/18/2008 1:39:55 PM

Comment: Hillary Clinton has said Obama is not qualified.

The last two term president from the democratic party, Bill Clingont, has said Obama is not qualified.

Obama's own running mate, Joe Biden, has said Obama is not qualified.

Are you saying that all the leaders of the Democratic Party are just opportunistic liars? Either they are liars, or , as leaders of the Democratic Party, we should believe them.

So which is it? Are the Democrats liars, or is Obama, as they have said, not qualified?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

tquinn — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:18:15 GMT

Race is a factor on both sides. Some whites won't vote for Obama because he is black. Many blacks WILL vote for Obama simply because he is black.

I think another signficant consideration, that becomes more of a factor each week, is the feeling that they really don't know where Obama stands. He has little actual experience. He rarely talks specifics. And he alters his (always eloquent) speeches to suit the audience. I think there is a widespread nervousness about Obama that doesn't have anything to do with his race.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

bethstl — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:18:16 GMT

THANK YOU JDMARTZ...I am a 36 y/o white female and I could not agree with you more. I would much rather have a black american leading our country and changing it for the better than a while american destroying it even more than it has been destroyed. In McCain's own words "I VOTED ALONGSIDE BUSH 90% OF THE TIME". How do you argue that point?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

gnuagan — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:18:32 GMT

The next Government under Obama will be tough for him not only because of the recession but more because of the long needed change of the psyche of american cosmopolitan society.

One can only put a lot of trust that Obama knows what the values are. How can one talk to people like cobalt 16 that the negative aspects of the undesirables in one's exposure to life/learning can turn around to positive affects. If anything, Obama may be more qualified to know how to handle people like Ayers and Wright in his dealings than the trigger happy McCain precisely because he has earlier exposure to those elements.

Another example is the righteous talkshow hosts of the conservative channel "six thirty" ( sounding like time has stood still); most of them are graduates of "leftist" universities immersed in that environment each for at least four years; but they have a choice not to be indoctrinated. Their political or corrupted behavoir against Obama only makes them the scum of society.

Like the love of one's parents, one is born into a country and learns about love of one's country. BUT one does not have to be proud of one's parents nor one's country all of the time.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AlwaysInTheRight — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:19:05 GMT

bethstl, you have your facts - and argument - all wrong:

Census report sees minorities becoming majority by 2042

The U.S. Census Bureau has reassessed its date for a minority majority from 2050 to 2042. The article predicts that America's white population will drop from 66 percent to 46 percent. The Hispanic population will triple from 46.7 million today to 133 million by 2050. The Black American population is predicted to increase by a mere 2 percent from 41 million today to 65 million by 2050.

So it is Hispanics who will be in the majority, not blacks.

Oh, and I won't be voting for Obama: it's not because I'm a racist: it's because I simply don't like his liberal politics - and in America, it is still okay to disagree with anyone regardless of race, creed, color, nationality or religion.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

martyduffy — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:20:33 GMT

Obama, is showing a great example of statesmanship, of leadership, of intelligence, and of compassion to the people of this country. He will win the election if enough voters are really looking for those examples, but in the past American voters have shown that they make decisions based on fear and ignorance. There is nothing wrong with Obama if he doesn't win by a landslide, there is something wrong with America.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

ChuckPatriot — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:22:06 GMT

Flip Floppers and Turncoats like Anderson Cooper who cease to be the objective media personalities they once were are the ones holding Senator Obama back. Recent actions of Anderson Cooper to continue to stir the flames of old controversies are intentionally brought up to help McCain and Palin. Recently he has had investigative reports concerning William Ayers. Cooper has been airing programs that spread the lies of Sarah Palin that falsely accuses Senator Obama of paling around with terrorists. Cooper ignores the traitor and fascists actions of their own as they endorse, encourage, and approve of the activities of the Alaska Independence Party.

This year alone Sarah Palin has spoken at one of the Alaska Independence Party's convention and made a video tape for another convention. Both times Sarah Palin endorsed the Alaska Independence Party. She praised and encouraged the party. The Alaska Independence Party is one that wants Alaska to SECEDE FROM THE UNITED STATES. The Alaska Independence Party was founded because of its hatred of the United States and its "damn flag." Todd Palin was b member of this party for 7 years. The party worked with IRAN to embarrass the U.S. at the United Nations. The founder of the party has publicly stated "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions."

How dare Sarah Palin call herself and patriot and call into question someone else's patriotism. Sarah and Todd both are HYPCRITES of the highest order. Both of them were older than 8 years of age when their pals making such statements and acting in such an unpatriotic manner.

Cooper allows Palin to say anything about Obama. When Roland Martin brought up the relationship between the Palins and the Alaska Independence Party, Cooper cut off Mr. Martin and changed the subject. Larry King did the same thing to Robert Kennedy, Jr. when he brought up the Palins and Alaska Independence Party. Kennedy even asked why he could not continue, but was given no answer. They're protecting the Palins to try and help the McCain campain.

I challenge Anderson Cooper to do a show and have an investigative reporter bring us the facts. I realize Cooper has become smitten with Sarah Palin and is looking forward to seeing Sarah on Saturday Night Live tonight. If you cannot meet the challenge, then you should move on to FOX News, because you have lost your objectivity and fairness in reporting.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Canton — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:23:00 GMT

Eniola earlier expressed an opinion about racism being the major factor. I agree that racism does still exist in the USA and believe that black on white racism is as prevalent today as white on black racism. However the issue with Obama is his lack of experience, changing his mind on accepting private funding for his campaign, and claiming that after twenty years of attending a church he was unaware of his pastor was a racist. Plus Obama is one of the most liberal Senators and most President's manage from a moderate position. Åctually it will probably be proven that Obama gets more votes from American's of African heritage because of his skin color(this is racist as well), than he loses from American's of European heritage.

However, Colin Powell for example could have been elected president in 2004 or this year in a cake walk but doesn't personally chose not to do the campaign thing and deal with all the nastiness in the process. He has the experience that Obama could only dream about!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

DogBitez — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:23:01 GMT

We don't have to question why this race is as close as it is. We all know why it is: Obama is black. And for Fineman to ignore it is really like ignoring the elephant in the room and is silly in its omission. All you need do is watch a few of those YouTube clips of Palin supporters lined up to attend a rally and you'll see that ugly racism is alive and well in many parts of this country. Makes me sick.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

bethstl — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:23:04 GMT

Alwaysintheright:

Sure it's OK to disagree with others...that's why we have forums like this :)

Thanks for setting me straight on the Census information. I appreciate it.

It's OK that you don't vote for Obama...we all have that right to vote for whom we want to. But if you are not going to vote for him, do it for the right reasons and now because of his skin color.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

mshap — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:23:10 GMT

AND I GUESS THE AUTHOR OF THE ARTICLE DECIDED TO LEAVE OUT THE FACT THAT THE PRESS HAS BEEN AN ATTACK DOG FOR OBAMA. THROUGH THIS ELECTION I LEARNED NOT TO TRUST THE AMERICAN PRESS. OUTRAGEOUS!!

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

DelicateMonster — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:23:37 GMT

Howard,

Perhaps you could mention in all your pondering the robo call campaign going on under the nose of the national media. You know, the one where the GOP operatives say that Obama is effectively a 'terrorists'--think that might be causing some doubts?

Or how about the classy way John McCain 'lurking' in the background, call Obama's plan 'socialism' and CNN and AP report it pretty much as fact.

Think that might have something to do with those lingering doubts?

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Canton — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:23:50 GMT

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

AmeriScot — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:23:51 GMT

Enough with the "no experience" arguments regarding Obama. Abraham Lincoln was 51 years old and only served one uninspired term in the House of Representatives before he was elected President. He never was a Senator or a Governor; didn't have any "executive" experience. Yet, he is arguably the greatest President this country has ever had. Enough said.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

bethstl — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:25:25 GMT

Sportlock009....neither is McCain or Palin. If McCain voted along side Bush 90% of the time, he is not qualfied either. Does not matter how long he has been in the Senate. And let's not get started on Palin.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

nickchorey — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:26:39 GMT

Regarding the hysterical rantings of ktesmer; Have you been asleep under a tree ie rip van winkle and unaware of the the crises perpetrated by the Bush administration and endorsed by the "hero" of Vietnam? If anyone should wake-up it should be people such as you. written by an "insane" but proud American who is a veteran of the Korean Police Action of 1951-52. ARE YOU ON TRANQUILIZERS OR ARE YOU JUST PSYCHOLIGALLY DAMAGED, PREJUDICED American.

OBAMA IS THE ANSWER TO OUR CURRENT 8 YEAR OLD CRISIS AND WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER 4 YEARS OF ITS CONTINUANCE. NICK CHOREY

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

gkalro — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:27:06 GMT

Saaphiel:

If your hypnosis document were objective it wouldn't include phrases like "Despite Obama's lack of qualification", etc, etc.

Also, the document mentions only an expert on the subject could spot such techniques. Therefore, I would assume you would need to be an expert to employ such techniques as well. How about some proof of Obama spending the time to become an expert on the subject. Also, 100 of specific instances in countless hours of speeches is by no means statistically valid as proof of him employing these tactics. Independant expert statistical analysis of such a wild theory would also be necessary to even consider such a notion.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

VoteAgainstMarxism — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:28:27 GMT

A question to all Obama zombies:

Is there ever any circumstance under which it is acceptable to criticize "dear leader" or is any dissent "racism"?

We are about to go from one ridiculous extreme: "You can't criticize the prez because that means you are with the terrorists."

to an equally stupid extreme: "You can't criticize the prez because that means you are a racist, and you may be visited in the night by the jack booted thugs in brown shirts called the "Truth Squad"."

___________

Not voting for McCain so much as voting AGAINST:

Socialism

An administration that would have no problem dealing the race card off of the top, middle and bottom of the deck

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

bethstl — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:28:39 GMT

I am excited to see if Colin Powell endorses Obama. I think he will. I have always like Colin Powell. He would make an awesome President.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

Independent23 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:28:59 GMT

If Liberal media shuts its mouth and stop Obama loathing things woud be clearer. You will be the writing an article why Obama will win. You guys are stupidly acting like Obama campaign managers, trying to defend him, doing the dirty work for him , defending voter frauds, ACORNS, Ayers paving the way for United Socialistic Soviet America. Shame on you guys.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

bethstl — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:31:06 GMT

Ameriscot...You got that right! Thanks.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

kmemini — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:32:59 GMT

Why isn't Obama's lead bigger. Because racism is alive and well in America. Anyone else who can justify voting for Palin/McCain is either 1) so right-wing they can't see their nose 2) an evangelist

3) a billionaire 4) totally uniformed. I'm a teacher-- did you know that 42% of the teenagers in America can't name the 3 branches of government? I'd hate to find out the stats on adults.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

bethstl — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:33:15 GMT

Independent23,,,,if McCain would just stop with the character attacks and just tell us what he can do for us in the next 4 years...maybe some of us independents would gear his way. He can't stop criticizing the Obama campaign long enough to get his plans straight. They are so across the board. He changes his plans everytime you hear him speak.

re: Why Is the Race So Close?

motorherz — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:33:43 GMT

Dear Howard,

All these things were a factor in 2000. Actually, since 2000 not much changed - true, George W. Bush is widely unpopular; however, I think that Bill Clinton was equally popular in 2000; and in the end, the voters settled for a relatively inexperienced governor with a thin resume over Bubba's own successful VP who helped shape the US economic juggernaut of late 20th century. I believe that would Clinton be the Dem presidential candidate, she'd be in a lot more hot water, and the race would have been much closer than it is now.

There are a couple of factors that contribute to this phenomenon, in my view. First and foremost, in a view of a public a lot of Republicans get credit for low taxes and their percieved positive influence on economy. I think that this credit is undue; however, any attempt to actually reduce the deficit and make taxes more adequate by Dems (which is deeply rooted in their party, since the deficits introduced by Bush are a disaster in the making) will get the same "Joe the Plumber" shoo we've witnessed last Wednesday. Secondly, there are people who would not vote for Dems for any one reason: they may want something other then GOP, but they want it be GOP vs GOP2, not GOP vs Dems. Thirdly, the late Democrates have a surprising deficit of leadership. I mean, they do have very good leaders, alright, but they don't have anything as vocal as, say, Sarah Palin (give her credit for being remarkably popular while also being remarkably crooky and remarkably shallow).

From this perspective, Obama is actually as good as it gets. He's the top salesman of the party; please note that for now he has exactly three promices (Iraq, taxes and healthcare); his hands are untied otherwise. So far he sails through the campain without making hard commitments or hard promices. This is, actually, good, as it will give Obama more freedom if elected.

Therefore, as with Clinton, McCain's terrible performance in the last month is largely induced by Obama. We can all say that falling economy benefits Dems; but look at Canada - there the ruling party actually got more votes because they declared that we need to keep things steady in such turbulent times. Yes, McCain made a couple of big gaffles, but he was forced to make those gaffles by nearly impenetrable Obama.

Remember my word, would it not be for all the work Obama did before this election, we'd see Clinton or Edwards or whoever fried in the debates over "so you wanna raise taxes in these turbulent times?" or "so you were for Fannie and Freddie?" and more. Not to mention that McCain would have a much bigger lead over Iraq war and could fry whoever else came into debate over botched House performance.