So Who's Winning This Thing?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

vstillwell — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:39:59 GMT

So, tell me this: With a titanic defecit, a two-front war, shrinking wages, a shrinking economy, a health-care system on the brink of collapse, un-requlated energy and mortgage markets wrecking havoc on our nation, what can we expect from another dunce Republican administration?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Flash Drive — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:55:56 GMT

The race should have never been this close, The Dems would have been ahead by at least 10 points if the arrogant Obama(and his wife,Michelle) did not 'side-lined' Hillary. Up to now I can't imagine him choosing a VP who was only able to muster a few thousand votes as against Hillary 18 Million. Who needs enemy when you have friends like Kerry, Edwards, Kennedy, Pelosi, Reid, Dean and Richardson.

It is not like the Republicans will win the election it is more like the Dems will lose the elections.

To McCain and the Republicans I salute you for the master stroke in picking Palin as the VP nominee.

Hillary 2012!!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

TheVigil — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:58:45 GMT

Thank God.

Never were truer words spoken than the final italicized sentence of this article.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Cazador1972 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:21:11 GMT

Excellent analysis. I'd only add the elusive obvious (elusive to pundits and obvious for voters); if the pollsters continue to leave out the huge demographic of cell-phone carrying young people, their numbers will continue to be askew. Polls are conducted on land lines, not cellphones, and "cellphone only" people are a demographic that tends to favor Obama. I personally know several people with no land lines who are voting democrat and I have a hard time believing the national average would be different.

The fact that Palin is new on the scene has certainly invigorated the GOP yet as more attention and vetting is focused her way you'd no doubt see a shift in the polls among independents. The media went from "Who's this first time governor with a pregnant daughter, no record and a scandal?" to "Oh my god, she's articulate and can read a teleprompter!". When the foam settles and her record is vetted I am sure people will be turned off. She's already shown she doesn't know how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac work!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Fizzy — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:24:31 GMT

There is *no way* Obama's going to win Colorado. Palin drew huge crowds there last weekend and has the base totally energized. So, there's 9 pts less for BHO straight away. I'll get around to others (Ohio, Penn, etc ) later

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

ndrick — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:34:52 GMT

No way bush/palin can win in either wash or ore, not a chance, they are way behind in penn. and now ind is only 2 points apart. Mcbush has spread his hate to the latino community so new mexico is clearly for obama, virgina must be of concern to mccain/cheney since they are trying to suppress the college vote in that state.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Cazador1972 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:35:23 GMT

Oppps, I forgot to mention that while McCain puts "Washington and Oregon" on his wish list, merely by the analysis that Sarah Palin is close geographically to us and can campaign here (I'm in Seattle) is utterly ridiculous. I'd give Ohio and possibly Virginia to Obama as well.

I keep saying this; Obama wins by 4% of the popular vote and the electoral college by no less than 290.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

desertowl — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:42:32 GMT

vstillwell

Well said. Palin is becoming well rehearsed in the one-liners, which are becoming stale and old when heard for the fifth time. And she's been sheltered from media questions. She reminds me of a movie set at this point - great facade that is hiding the backlot.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

LondonInNY — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:44:39 GMT

Americans need to realize that MCCAIN/PALIN is far worse and more dangerous than the seconding coming of BUSH/CHENEY. McCain's mental and physical health are very much in question and he has picked a woman of highly suspect intelligence, perspective and understanding of the real problems facing America. American institutions and infrastructure are falling apart, our Treasury is tapped and our leadership role in the world is very much in doubt. Our Society is on the brink of disaster much like that before the fall of the Roman Empire and what do Republicans offer Americans? The Republican answer is to offer Americans, as stated by the former Cindy Lou Hensley, “John has picked a reform-minded, hockey-mommin', basketball-shooting, moose-hunting, salmon-fishing, pistol-packing mother of five for vice president."

When another bank fails, an urban bridge collapses and more American workers land in abject poverty, are they truly expected to find solace in a Pro-Life Soccer Mom? Is the mainstream media in America afraid to hunt out the truth of America's Next Top Hunting Babe? Give her all the Vogue pieces she wants. Feature in Field & Stream even more. Give her a voice on talk radio. But this is truly insane given McCain's age, and physical and mental health issues. So much so that it should be a National Scandal.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

PatrickJKiger — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:50:59 GMT

Great post.

btw, did you hear Palin's comments on the Fannie & Freddie takeover? She apparently thought that these institutions were funded out of tax revenues all along, rather than being simply federally-chartered corporations.

http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/09/sarah_palin_fumbles_on_fannie.html#more

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

tboone — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:59:06 GMT

Palin is DANGEROUS! People need to understand that her small-town mentality is code for a close-minded, bible-thumping racist. I actually thought McCain would not be terrible if the republicans managed to steal another election. Not anymore. This woman would mean the end of the very 'freedom' which so many neo-cons like to extoll.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

ademeyer — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:00:54 GMT

Thank you for a rational explanation of the polling. I don't want McCain/Palin. I can't take another four years of divisive politics. Obama will improve our standing in the world and Biden is more competent than either Palin or McCain. I hope Mark Warner gets more national attention as I think he is an exceptional leader, as well.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

irislady60 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:05:32 GMT

We all know this is going to be a close race and it seems everything is going McCains way for the moment due to Palin. I'm sure by next month when we hear how very right she is, more people will be questioning is she right for the women who think she is their friend. I can see it now...Palin will surely try and over turn Roe VS. Wade. Is that what we want Ladies? We want the right to make our own decisions regarding our bodies and raising children.

She is a working mom who lives in the Governor's mansion with FREE RENT! She has no morgage payment! Her parents, her husband when he is not fishing, her older children, her sister, all are helping to raise these children and be there for them. How will she ever have time to be a REAL MOTHER once she is in the white house.

From what I am reading, a lot of women are encourage from what she said at her convention speech...I am your friend! Did she ever mention that she was going to fight for women! Sarah has her own agenda and it includes more power for her. Just think...she could be our next President of the USA. What a thought!!!!!

I would encourage everyone to do their homework, read between the lines as to what they are saying and make sure you know what the issues are.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Time2WakeUp — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:06:16 GMT

Just curious....why did the author feel the need to alter the realclearpolitics.com chart? On their website it has Obama listed first on the left and McCain on the right....a casual skimmer might mis-read the author's version...I would hate to think there was some "left-wing media bias"....wink, wink...

If this country wants 4 more years, if not worse, then best of luch to everyone. See you on the unemployment line

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

onepatriot — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:12:24 GMT

Obama / Bidon 08

The winning team

Thats who is going to win

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

spikeaus — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:14:57 GMT

No matter who's side you're on, this is the BEST analysis I've seen since the election began. Thank you Andrew !!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

johnfromohio123 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:16:38 GMT

The REPUBLICANS are going to win because they know how to cheat, swindle and spake at people. On top of that ALL the news, and polling is geared to swing towards the REPUBLICANS

This is all a joke who think a BLACK can every be the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Grant76 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:18:03 GMT

I heard Zogby today say that his latest "likely voter" poll says that its McCain 50 Obama 46. Kind of between Gallup and everyone else. Zogby said that in their likely voter poll its weighted to account for the percentages of Republicans/Democrats/Independents in society versus the percentages in the poll.

It is time to start ignoring the national polls and start watching battleground states like Virginia and Colorado.

I suspect Palin will tilt Colorado, and Virginia may be this year's version of Florida or Ohio

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

KIMBER93 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:19:25 GMT

John McCain is one of our nation's heroes, he has sacrificed greatly and we are humbled by his courage. What I fear is that the traumas he experienced at the hands of his captors have left him with psychological scars that make him dangerously unqualified to be President. We are well aware of the massive psychological injury that severely incapacitates sufferers of post traumatic stress disorder. We are seeing more of it every day with the soldiers returning from Iraq. Post traumatic stress disorder is frequently undiagnosed and is precipitated with much less trauma of much shorter duration than that which we know McCain suffered.

His experiences have left him haunted by a war decades in our past and it’s effects are obvious in the fact that unimaginable atrocities, his captivity and suffering are always in the forefront of his mind, and we see him obsessively shift those experiences to the center of conversations about practically every topic that is approached with him. The awesome responsibilities of President would seem to be a dangerously heavy psychological load for a 72 year old man of John McCain‘s horrific past experience. None of this is John McCain's fault, but the fault of his Viet Cong captors, who unfortunately and unavoidably have burdened him with a dangerously distorted and observably obsessed worldview that makes him sorely unfit for the presidency of the United States.

In regards to Sarah Palin, she is the new hero of the voters who put family values above all else, but is this warranted? Was it right for her to put her vast personal and political ambitions above the current hardships of her family? She is the mother of a special needs Downs Syndrome infant and an a pregnant and unwed teenage daughter, both of whom have been unfairly thrust in to the merciless spotlight of a presidential election. How can we view this as good parenting? Is exposing your vulnerable children to such scrutiny the sort of family values we embrace? When John McCain offered her the Vice Presidency on such short notice and with so little preparation, I cannot imagine that she did not respectfully decline under the circumstances, for the good of her family and the good of our nation. The response to this is to always ask if these questions would be asked of a male candidate, but the truth is we have not seen any candidate for President or Vice President in the recent history of our country with such a massive plate full of family issues as Sarah Palin, and I find her willingness to subject them to such scrutiny in the service of her political ambitions to be most troubling.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

2MANYHICKSONTV — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:20:26 GMT

I COULDN'T IN MY WILDEST NIGHTMARES VOTE FOR A MAN WHO PICKED THE WOMAN FOR VP THAT KILLED THE MOTHER OF BAMBI FOR DINNER

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:22:24 GMT

Best analysis so far that I've read.... especially from Newsweek. Just drop the "effing' next time. Unprofessional.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

LondonInNY — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:22:56 GMT

McCain's mental and physical health are very much in question and he has picked a woman of highly suspect intelligence, perspective and understanding of the real problems facing this country. When another bank fails, an urban bridge collapses and more American workers land into abject poverty, are they truly expected to find solace in a Pro-Life Soccer Mom? We are a Super-Power in Crisis if not outright decline. American institutions and infrastructure are falling apart. Our Treasury is tapped out. Our leadership role in the world is very much in doubt. American Society is on the brink of disaster much like that before the fall of the Roman Empire and what do Republicans offer Americans? The Republican answer is to offer Americans, as stated by the former Cindy Lou Hensley, "John has picked a reform-minded, hockey-mommin', basketball-shooting, moose-hunting, salmon-fishing, pistol-packing mother of five for vice president." A pretty picture for sure, yet the mainstream media will not highlight how much Sarah Palin's views are outside of the mainstream in America. John McCain has put Political Ambition First and made himself a fighter pilot for the Christian Culture War on America. He must be shot down once again.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:23:34 GMT

To 2ManyHicksOnTv: Yeah, you'd rather vote for the baby killer democrat who thinks the question on abortion is "above my pay grade" (aka, Obama).

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

varacefan — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:25:21 GMT

I am shocked!! By far the most even handed and fair article I've seen on this wesite this election season. The aurther had better watch his back cause this sort of thing is not allowed in these parts!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

annietc — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:26:36 GMT

------

quoted from the article: Thanks to Sarah Palin and the party in St. Paul, "there has been a very substantial jump in the percentage of Republicans saying they are more enthusiastic about voting in this election, from 42% a week ago (after the Democratic convention, but before the Republican convention) to 60% today,"

------

also to remember, for all the enthusiastic Republicans fired up over Ms. Palin as their savior for this election...how many Dems have had (or SHOULD have) an "OMG, no way can we let this happen" epiphany and are ready to get out and pound the pavement, spread the truth about the issues at stake in this election and DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO SEE THAT MCCAIN/PALIN ARE SOUNDLY DEFEATED IN NOVEMBER!!!

The Democrats had my vote to begin with, but within minutes after watching Sarah Palin's speech at the Republican convention, I signed up to volunteer with my local Democratic party, made my first donation to Barack Obama/Joe Biden's campaign and will taking part in the 'neighbor-to-neighbor' canvassing proposed on Obama's website.

I'm a middle-aged, caucasian woman - only a year older than Ms. Palin. I voted for Hillary Clinton in the primary and gladly gave Barack Obama my support when Clinton dropped out. It is insulting that the people who plotted the 'Palin booster shot' in order to revive the support of the Republican base think they can bring anybody who supported Clinton over to 'the dark side'. Those who will be persuaded to vote that way do not care about the issues that Hillary Clinton is out there fighting for.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

2MANYHICKSONTV — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:26:57 GMT

LETS DO THAT AGAIN...

I COULDN'T IN MY WILDEST NIGHTMARES

VOTE FOR THE MAN WHO PICKED THE WOMAN FOR VP

THAT KILLED THE MOTHER OF BAMBI FOR DINNER

AND BRAGS ABOUT IT.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bg1844 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:27:13 GMT

For those of you saying 4 more years, I guess you dont know how this works. Bush is gone and McCain is no bush do your research and obout the 95% voting thats the same as Obamas 97% voting on democrats. Change i think not. The fact is that john McCain Is a safer pick, plus he is a great man who has shown this already. Obama has a great future but is far from ready right now, He changes so often I dont believe he knows who he is anymore. He is going to lose this electuion for you dems, i am sure i am going to take heat for this because its seems that dems due less work that the repubs and blog way more. I also believe that McCains cabinet will be full of good people. Republcans and Democrats.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

sedonakaren — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:27:32 GMT

I’ve been watching the polls this morning shift slightly toward John McCain. I find it difficult to believe that after eight years of war, poverty and economic chaos propagated by the George W. Bush administration, John McCain can wave a shiny object in the faces of the electorate and gain a 4-10 point rise in the polls. America, what are you thinking?

Sarah Palin is pretty, confident and recently delivered some great one liners and wisecracks at the Republican Convention recently. While many Americans take offense at her belittling those young people who help out in their communities, I guess that’s the right-winger’s “shtick.” Maybe they don’t do that in Alaska, but the rest of the country does. And unlike the Palins, we have never considered seceding from the union. We enjoy being part of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. More divisiveness, more hate, more war-mongering. As someone recently noted, “Republicans are great at attacks, but poor at governing.”

As Senator Kucinich so aptly put it, “WAKE UP AMERICA! WAKE UP AMERICA! WAKE UP AMERICA!”

If the Republicans should retain the White House in 2008, nobody in this administration will ever pay for the crimes they’ve committed, and many crimes will remain in the dark. Even the secrets uncovered by former White House staffers like Scott McClelland and Richard Clarke, and several books by the highly- respected Bob Woodward, we have only uncovered the tip of the iceberg.

We need a change of government and party so we can clean out the corruption former Attorney General Gonzales caused in our Justice System. We need to maintain the current balance on the Supreme Court, and not allow it to be completely immersed in the Bush/Cheney/McCain right-wing politics of the past.

So much is needed, but mostly we need Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s vision for bringing home the troops from Iraq and strengthening our greatly weakened military. We need to find Bin Laden and not be sidetracked on the whim of a single-minded President again!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

dsmb2007 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:27:38 GMT

Do stats like how many people voted in the primaries tell us anything? It was said record number of voters turned out for the democratic primaries. What if the same % increase of democratic voters turned out for the general election? Assuming a certain resonable amount of them would vote democratic no matter who's on the democratic nominee. It defintely seems like there is a greater sense of urgency amongst the democrats. But that also seems to be likely setting up a repeat of 2000, when the losing candidate gets more of the popular vote, possibly with an even greater discrepancy than last time. How likely is that scenario?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bg1844 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:29:50 GMT

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

brokeroncall — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:30:04 GMT

I'd say your analysis is pretty accurate. America is going to vote this Muslim extremist into office and then sit here for 4 long years crying about the screwing they have coming. It will take about

1 session of congress to let the new wear off this media darling and then maybe the major networks and CNN will all have to come back down to earth and do some fair reporting and eat a ton of crow for making sure this fool gets elected.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

ljvongraff — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:30:31 GMT

THIS IS SUCH AN OBVIOUS

WEBSITE AND ITS BLOGGERS ARE JUST AS TRANSPARENT......DON'T

YOU THINK REAL AMERICANS CAN'T SEE THRU ALL THIS...............?????

PERHAPS SOME OF THE HATE OF THE LAST EIGHTSF YRS IS JUSTIFIED IN SOME INSTANCES....BUT IF YOU THINK THAT WAS BAD........WAKE UP AND GET A CLUE........AS YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING YET IF THE "CHANGE" OBAMA & COMPANY GET IN........AND IF YOU HAD THE INSIGHT TO BE ABLE TO OPEN YOUR EARS AND EYES TO WHAT IS REALLY BEING PRESENTED AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.......YOU MIGHT STAND A CHANCE TO COME TO YOUR SENSES AND DOING WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THIS COUNTRY...........

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Weapon "X" — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:30:41 GMT

This is to bobjoners. The whole ''Obama is a baby-killing Anti-American Muslim with ties to the Sith Community and signed the Executive Order 66 " is last months BS. Get your FACTS straight because you're just making yourself look like an idiot. I mean, c'mon, waht other hilarious rumors can you people come up with ? Obama was responsible for the demise of Edsel ? Or Packard ? Obama was responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs ? Get a clue, fella.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

OIFVetForMcCain — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:30:49 GMT

I must have happened onto an Obama Campaign site when I found this discussion. Pull yourselves together people, you too Andrew. When McCain steps into the Oval Office surrounded by his cabinet of like minded mavericks from every political party, it will be a breath of fresh air from years of high end Republicans, and the political machine Democrats of which Obama is a solid part. In the end, Obama can still apply to be a community organizer and David Axelrod can author a book on how not to run a campaign.

==McCAIN * PALIN 08==

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

2MANYHICKSONTV — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:32:18 GMT

TO:bobjoners

NO, I WILL VOTE FOR SOMEONE OTHER THAN MCCAIN OR OBOMA

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

healthy1 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:34:02 GMT

johnfromohio123, it's not about being black that is turning people off about Obama. It's that they're finally realizing this guy is TOTALLY unqualified for the job. No experience, no common sense, and no real plans. Plus a pathetic track record all around. No real accomplishments in govt. Angry ex pastor and wife who who hate America, mafioso friend who helped him buy a mansion, betraying his own people to represent mafioso slum landlord, etc. The guy is a complete phony, a fake. An empty suit who knows what to say to manipulate people.

Playing the victim race card ain't gonna cut it. You judge a man on his character and his record. This man is VERY deficient on BOTH counts. No doubt about it.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Weapon "X" — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:34:06 GMT

WHERE do you ignorant gibblet heads get this " Obama is a Muslim" BS ? Get me a photo, a link, a book or something CREDIBLE ( not a faith-based site ) and get back to us here on planet reality.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Weapon "X" — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:34:07 GMT

WHERE do you ignorant gibblet heads get this " Obama is a Muslim" BS ? Get me a photo, a link, a book or something CREDIBLE ( not a faith-based site ) and get back to us here on planet reality.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Yes! We ALL Can — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:35:31 GMT

I can tell you that the Republicans are winning with the corporate media right now! Hence Charlie "softball" Gibson's upcoming interivew of Inexperienced Sarah Palin:

This interview that Charles Gibson is doing is going to be a farce and dishonest to the American people!! Who are you - the media accountable to? Is it us the viewers or corporate America?!!! Please read on below to understand why this interivew that Gibson gives to Palin is such a crock of Alaska!!

"And it's pretty clear this farce is going to be close to unwatchable. Set aside that this comes just on the heels of McCain campaign manager Rick Davis saying Palin would not sit for any interviews "until the point in time when she'll be treated with respect and deference." The tell comes high up in the AP story by David Bauder. The second graf reads ...

Palin will sit down for multiple interviews with Gibson in Alaska over two days, most likely Thursday and Friday, said McCain adviser Mark Salter.

Political interviews are never done like this. Because it makes the questioning entirely at the discretion of the person being interviewed and their handlers. The interviewer has to be on their best behavior, at least until the last of the 'multiple interviews' because otherwise the subsequent sittings just won't happen. For a political journalist to agree to such terms amounts to a form of self-gelding. The only interviews that are done this way are lifestyle and celebrity interviews. And it's pretty clear that that is what this will be.

Here's some more to inspire confidence ...

The interview is a coup for Gibson, who also had the only sit-down with McCain during the Republican National Convention. During that interview, he did not question McCain about Palin's family, a decision that he fretted about for hours, Gibson said in a Web log posted last week.

"Once you know about her daughter's pregnancy, once you know about her husband's political interest in the Alaska Independent Party, once you know about the special nature of their latest child, I think that's enough," Gibson wrote.

The relevant questions about Palin all related to her experience and policy positions as a mayor and governor of Alaska.

ABC News spokesman Jeffrey Schneider said he did not believe Gibson's stated stance about family questions was key to securing the interview. It will be unwatchable. "

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:36:15 GMT

And out come the liberal trolls, as usual. Two names: "ACORN" and "Public Allies". Don't know what they mean? Of course not. The Liberal media would never vet out Obama lest American learn the dirty facts. Do the research yourself and, liberals, take a big gulp when you pull the lever for your Messiah, knowing that you're selling your soul to the devil.

Can't wait for all the off-topic flames I'm going to get.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Concerned2008 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:37:44 GMT

"Dems do less work than repubs and blog way more..." Nice. Indicative of the whole "holier-than-thou" attitude of the Republicans that John McCain has sadly embraced with open arms during this election. Sad. Let's not let this happen folks.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

vakitten — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:37:51 GMT

looks to me like the libs are beginning to PANIC! perhaps their sure thing is not such a sure thing after all ... Thank God!! All you people that say McCain = Bush ... you obviously are not aware of what McCain really is all about. Had you been paying attention McCain and Bush have had many differences. At this point all of us bitter gun bible thumpers need to work together to ensure that McCain - Palin win this election! If not as Revered Wright would say God D(*n America! as we sure will be screwed!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

yola — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:38:08 GMT

OBAMA AND BIDEN '08!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:38:08 GMT

Weapon "X": Obama quoted in Washington Times:

"Let's not play games," Obama said. "What I was suggesting -- you're absolutely right that John McCain has not talked about my Muslim faith. And you're absolutely right that that has not come."

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bleed101 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:40:34 GMT

Who will handle the renewal of the Cold War. Obama does not have the huevos to handle Russia. A third world war is on the horizon, and I trust McCain a whole hell of alot better than Obama.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Chloe123 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:40:55 GMT

Adios Barry, baby, The fact that you were so sure of yourself, like Clinton, and then did not pick her was your downfall. There is only one team that can win this and change America, and redeem our great country with al the respect it deserves and that is McCain/Palin.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

RangerDan — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:41:29 GMT

I wonder if the Republicans will be elected by the supreme court again. Let's face it, hundreds of millions of Americans were "over ruled" by 5 conservative judges in 2000. If it happens again it will be time for the second American revolution.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

lnrmom — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:42:11 GMT

It is absolutely hilarious to me when people say "Obama is not qualified"... Pallin could not even hope to be as qualified as Obama. And I wish that McCain would lay off the POW schtick. While I appreciate the sacrifice he made, when he came back... he sacrificied his family for sowing his wild oats....... google his first wife. Obama has room to grow, McCain is going to continue to fall back on his time as a POW until the day he dies.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Ulfman5000@hotmail.com — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:42:29 GMT

Hey, partisan drones... The article was written as an analysis, not an endorsement. I'm sorry your guy isn't winning under his investigation, but get over it. The Left has had to live with George Bush for 8 years, you can make it through Obama if you don't like it. Maybe McCain wins after all - the election is 2 months away, but people are asking for an educated guess now. Some of you people who've seen an election or two before should know that this is the time of year that people demand answers, and this is the best one that Andrew Romano could give you.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

searching4realchange — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:43:19 GMT

Everything you said made sense except with Pennsylvania. Voters there have not forgotten Obama's bitter people who cling to their guns and religion remark and no Presidential debates or politcial ads will make them forget.

It was a very personal slap to many of them and won't heal in a mere 60 days especially with the other party reminding them of that slap.

You also did not take in to account strong dem areas in Pennsylvania could be hurt by the indictment and trial of Vincent J. Fumo who helped Kerry benefit in 2004. It is heating up now at a time when it will remind voters that a Democratic Politican played dirty during a Presidential election.

I think Pennsylvania is very much up for grabs, and it is Obama who has to win it back, not McCain.

Add to that most of the newly registered Dem numbers in Penn are skewed due to the large GOP push to get their supporters to register as Dem and vote for Obama to knock Clinton out- it did not work but it also is now very misleading of how many actual new voters the Dem party has in Penn.

Let's not forget Obama also said that the current Gov was racially insensitive while he was supporting Clinton in the primary. Again accusations debates will not erase, these were very personal attacks on the residents of Pennsylvania and their beloved politcians including Clinton.

I think in Penn is where Obama will see the least amount fo support from former Clinton supporters. He alienated them far too much in the primary on varying levels to win that back. I think Mccain can and will win the Pennsylvania based on Obama's own mistakes in the primary. There's not much they have to do there except remind everyone of Obama's own mistakes.

So based on your map giving Obama Penn- it seems Obama has a mountain to climb to make up for Pennsylvania that he has a slim chance of doing. Right now you take Penn out of the blue, no idea why its there with no new poll numbers out of the state since the conventions and put it in undecided or McCain's column and Obama is done. He lost this election in the primary- some of his comments and actions will now come back and bite him in states like Fla, OPennsylvania and Michigan could also surpise many. Alot of voters still angry with Obama.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Yes! We ALL Can — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:44:11 GMT

That's too bad bleed101 - that just goes to show you how truly misguided you are. The fact that you would trust a man who's judgment on the war in Iraq was flawed from the beginning is very sad and unfortanate. McCain loves war and obviously you do too!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Cazador1972 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:44:55 GMT

vakitten,

"All you people that say McCain = Bush ... you obviously are not aware of what McCain really is all about." Well, I keep waiting for McCain to tell me what he is all about. All I heard in the convention was attacks against Obama and "let's drill more". How is that different from Bush? How is this change? How can he promise change if he's voted with Bush 90% of the time? How is he against earmarks (which he is) but yet chooses a running mate who received more pork barrel money per capita than any other state?! And now she's against pork barrel?

Thinking McCain/Palin are going to solve our problems is like thinking the iceberg is going to save the Titanic.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Ulfman5000@hotmail.com — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:45:04 GMT

And Bobjoners, ["Let's not play games," Obama said. "What I was suggesting -- you're absolutely right that John McCain has not talked about my Muslim faith. And you're absolutely right that that has not come."] is a reference to Barack saying that McCain hasn't personally been campaigning saying that Barack is a Muslim, and those that would accuse him of being one were not officially in the McCain camp.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Class of 58 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:47:38 GMT

Bet you a buck Wisconsin and Michigan go bigtime for McCain! People don't always tell you what they are REALLY thinking! They aren't averse to a black candidate either... they're terrified of an ULTRA leftist that will trample on their way of life, and they feel that Howard Dean crammed this slate down their throats. THEN, given the Sarah Palin addition to the mix, IT'S OVER! Says the Fat Lady........

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:47:41 GMT

To "No! You Libs Can't", er. sorry "Yes, We All Can". Um McCain voted for the surge that worked (note Obama's admission that the surge has worked beyond his wildest dreams). Obama AND Biden voted against the surge.

Give it up.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

DUMPLIN — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:48:29 GMT

OBAMA IS A PHONY AND THE MEDIA KNOWS IT BUT THEY CONTINUE TO MAKE HIM SOMETHING HE ISN'T. THEY ARE EMBARASSING THEMSELVES AND IT IS EMBARASSING TO WATCH THEM. THOSE OF US WHO PLAN TO VOTE FOR MCCAIN ARE SICK AND TIRES OF THE MEDIA TELLING US THAT WE ARE RACIST BECAUSE WE DON'T LIKE OBAMA. SOCIALISM (A NICE WORD FOR COMMUNISM) FAILS EVERYTIME AND AMERICA CANNOT STAND IF IT SUBJECTED TO THIS KIND OF GOVERNMENT.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

DUMPLIN — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:49:08 GMT

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

rube — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:49:09 GMT

The country may be going into a depression run by the GOP and some of you are mad

about "they cling to their guns statement!"

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

mija288 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:49:11 GMT

I've accepted that short of divne intervention, my vote in Nov for Obama will be purely symbolic.

Maybe this country must be truly brought to it's knees by those who started the downfall before it can truly rise up and be the America it was meant to be. If the same people who helped put Bush/Cheney in twice can so quickly forget how that decision has this country broke and broken, breaking, divided more in 8 days timea more than it has been since before the primaries, and crumbling all around them, then maybe they need a little bit more before the scales fall completely from there eyes.

Oh, and to all who believe that Hillary was Obama's Palin, snap out of it. How many times must it trickle down into your brain that she wasn't interested in the #2 spot before you finally believe it? Stop cheapening her by suggesting that she'd take the holding up the rear rode when she was going for the driver seat!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:50:44 GMT

Nice Spin, Ulfman5000. I'd say that either Obama is a Muslim at heart... or he screws up anytime he's not in front of the tele-prompter. .

Obama didn't say "McCain has not talked about my supposed Muslim faith.", nor did he say "McCain has not directly stated I'm Muslim." Obama did say "... MY Muslim Faith".

Get a grip. Take your pick. Either way, he sucks

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Clueless1 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:51:18 GMT

First of all, to the people saying thank goodness for another Hillary, Palin is no Hillary. She does not possess the knowledge or experience that Hillary has to lead the country. Many people don't even care about the real issues facing the country because if they did, they wouldn't vote for Palin just because Hillary isn't on the ticket. I'm scared at the thought that she would be left to lead the country if something happens to Mccain at his rightful old age of 72. This country is in the worst shape it has been in for a long time, & now is not the time to get hung upon making race or gender a basis for voting. When McCain said on tv that Americans are in better shape than they've ever been in, I knew he didn't have my vote. He's so far away from reality that it isn't funny. What Americans, & what world is he living in? People are losing homes, jobs, & everything they've ever owned in record numbers, and they're in better shape. Maybe his buddies are, but not the Americans I know. Or maybe if you don't have anything anyway, you don't give a damn. All I can say is be smart and vote for who can make this country better and not who we like better.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

lucasfurlow — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:51:47 GMT

It would be a pleasant surprise if I could read an unbiased story regarding this election. For instance, I would suggest you stay away from such terms as the broad and sweeping "evangelical" to describe any and all Christians.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

poort — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:52:00 GMT

What we as americans neeed to relize the whole world is watching this election what message does it sends to have palin described has a pistol packing , moose killing , all this sounds like we are trying to send a back woods redneck to the whitehouse!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

siouxsue11 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:53:07 GMT

I can't believe that the American people are going to vote for Barack "Hussein" Obama for President of the U.S. Yes, that's right, his middle name is Hussein. His ties are to his father's ancestry, not to mainstream America. By electing Barack Hussein Obama to the presidency, America will give him access to ALL of our national security and top secret information. The American people need to wake up and fast.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

KarenLVDem — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:53:08 GMT

I don't know what broadcast media everyone has been watching, but from how I see it - the media is supporting Obama. For the first time in my voting life, I am planning to cross party lines and vote Republican. This is upsetting to me, but energizing to my VERY Republican husband. He thinks its because I've finally seen the light of the Republican party. It's not.

I can't, in good conscience, vote for anyone that comes across as a starry-eyed dreamer. Mr. Obama is quite eloquent and says absolutely nothing in the most beautiful fashion. I watched both conventions, and I must say the Democrats had a lot of fun and it was a star-studded event, but the Republicans did much better in the job they set out to do.

Mr. McCain has said that he will continue to fight for America with the last breath in his body. I believe him, and that's what I want in my President.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

oscar2 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:53:40 GMT

This is my first yr actually voting because only now do I feel a need, however why vote if the election is up to electoral college?? I sure don't want "PTA MOM" being president for my family because you know McCain is going to kick the bucket and Palin be president , God forbid we have some uneducated "GALL" running this country. I'm a woman and a mother, there is no way in hell I would vote for her just because she is a woman. SHE STANDS FOR NOTHING!!!

GO OBAMA!!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

annette2006 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:55:10 GMT

sedonakaren: Palin is Pretty? Get a fricken life!

GO OBAMA BIDEN! ALL THE WAY. Keep 8 more years of what we presently have out of the white house.....and God help the poor little pittiful women who are going to vote for Mccain because he picked a woman for a vp choice. We never know how others use us for their gain until it all comes out later. She is being used and she is too stupid to know it. She is not qualified and is adding to the humiliation of this entire race. Believe me, there are many people laughing at her and feeling sorry for her at the same time. This whole thing has become one big joke. But, I am sure there are those of you out there that "jumped right on the bandwagon" for whatever reason. She was just recently picked (and I won't go into all the investigations around that subject) but some of you act like she has been in the spotlight and well known do gooder forever the way you are taking to her, without even looking at the facts! I say we stop talking about the BIMBO PALIN and get on with more important things.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:56:04 GMT

Nice generalization Poort... Everyone that owns a gun and hunts is now a redneck.

Liberals... those that think it's ok to "Profile", as long as you're not profiling terrorists.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

rube — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:56:32 GMT

The differnce between the two parties...

education vs. abstinence

evolution vs. creationism

diplomacy vs. arbitrary war

intelligence vs. narcissism

liberty and science vs. right-wing self righteousness

democracy vs. plutacracy

Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin

For an educated person the choice is clear!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

annette2006 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:57:04 GMT

siouxsue11 Where did you get your hyped bs information.??? Nothing could be further from the truth.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Ulfman5000@hotmail.com — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:59:45 GMT

Bobjoners... I'm guessing you didn't watch the interview where he clearly defined what he meant by that statement.

If you'd like, go back and take a look at Obama's religious history: His "Muslim" father gave up his faith and became an Atheist. Barack has been going to Christian churches, and has given a great deal of thought to WHAT kind of Christianity he felt fit him best - but he has been doing so since his teens. Quite frankly, I really don't give a damn if he is a Muslim. If he were a Muslim and someone thought that was why he shouldn't be president, I'd consider that argument to be about the intellectual equivalent to saying "John McCain is too old to be president" - moronic.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

andynjulie — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:00:22 GMT

as governor, palin has more xperience than each of the senators. she was actually taking care of bussiness. in the short span, she turned her state to the positive. McCain and Palin will make a real change in this nation. Obama, he wrote a couple books, talks fancy has good looks. whoopee. and he delivers empty promises. biden is an old time polititian. the difference with McCain is his determination to make things happen. even the GOP is nervous with him. all this news media is rediculous, a carefully organized tool of the liberals. they will pull out all the stops to confuse and discourage the gullable voter. the media just isnt all that important. the proof is in the heart and mind of the proper candidate. the truth will win.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

scottNidaho — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:00:40 GMT

First, to suggest that McCain loves war is the most rediculous and uninformed statement I've ever seen. Why would someone that spent 5 years tortured in a POW camp love war? McCain want's peace, he knows the only way to peace is to show strength. That is how Reagan did it, that is how McCain will do it, not what Obama will do.

Question:

Who do you want as president;

1. A man that belonged to an anti-American church for over 20 years. A man who befriends terrorists.

2. A man that has dedicated his life to this country. A man that doesn't vote on what his party wants but votes for what the people want.

Simple isn't it.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

mark48 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:03:21 GMT

I say to osxarz before you open your mouth you need to check your facts Mrs. Palin is not just a PTA Mom listen to people of Alaska let them tell you how much she has done for their state before you start blowing her off------she says what she means and does what she says, what does Obama do??? LIE LIE LIE!!!! Wake up people before its too late!!!!!!!!!!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

VoiceOverWorx — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:03:48 GMT

I am continuously amazed that so many people would still continue to be deceived by the outright lies that are spun by the Republicans to convince them of things that wth the slightest effort on the part of the 'listrener' should prove to be demonstrably false.

The Republicans have historically based their power on countless lies and in this age of information it is shocking that they can till get away with such incredible amounts of deceit.

That Sarah Palin plays the GOP game so welll is no surprise but the fact that so many people do not see right through her is totally amazing.

I think she has even less Heart than Cheney and that to me is a very dangerous portent for the future.

It is still as true as ever that there are none so blind as those who will not see!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

ljvongraff — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:03:48 GMT

The posting by"2Manyhicksontv" is a indicative of his screen id.........as he can[t even spell Obama correctly...........the country is better off without this type of vote at all.. (uninformed, etc. etc. etc)

as illicited by his comment about not voting for either candiate..........

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:04:24 GMT

Ulfman, like I said, he's either Muslim OR he screws up every time he's without his tele-prompter.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

kelleyanne — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:08:29 GMT

I think having an average "hocky mom" running the white house is just what we need....I'm a mother as well and I am so sick and tired of the corruption and good old boy system in Washington that if I actually thought that she had a chance at being the top dog at the white house I'd be voting team mccain. We need new politicians, people who don't owe anybody anything, aren't there to line their own pockets. I think she's just the one we need. What have these other fools done for us? The truth is it really doesn't matter. Unfortunatly, she'll probably be as corrupt as the rest of them in a few years. All I do know is we need change-Obama blew it when he picked Biden.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Clueless1 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:08:33 GMT

Not only is McCain so far away from reality that it's funny, so are the American people. Palin has more experience than who? She's in her second year as Governor, and was mayor of a small town & you're confident that qualifies her to lead the country - not one State, but 50. I bet other countries are laughing at us like crazy right now. Don't even mention some countries that won't even deal with her & talk about improving foreign policy relations. Bush was the Governor of one state too, & what can you say now about his experience to lead. Only the uneducated people that don't know any better will buy into this b.s. People are not voting for McCain/Palin because that's who they want to win but because of who they don't want to win - bottom line.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Leo95 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:08:43 GMT

To all Obama fans, how do you think he is going to pay for that insurance policy that covers all Americans? Answer, he will raise taxes, tax small business which then will either have to close, cut salaries, or raise prices. Or they will just send that work over seas. Why is it that when Clinton "greatest democrat that ever lived" was in office our mortgage rates were between 9 and 11 percent and now they are under 7 percent? Because as the democratic party raises taxes the banks have to borrow at a higher rate therefore, we pay the higher rate as well. And for those that say the republicans put is in a recession, the majority of the people in a recession are in it because of their own doing. No one told people to go out and buy a house with a value of $500,000 on a $35,000 a year job. Didn't you think that those 3% ARMs were going to convert some day. Please "Dems" think and look at the real picture before you truly ruin this country.

Leo

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

speckelbelly — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:09:32 GMT

YOU REPUBLICANS SUCK ! AMERICA HAS HAD 8 YEARS OF REPUBLICAN RULE!IT HAS BEEN VERY HAD ON AMERICA! SO AS FAR AS IM CONCERENED-SCREW YOU JOHN McSAME AND YOU WHOLE DAMM PARTY! AMERICA NEEDS CHANGE FOR THE BETTER!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08 AND BEYOND!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

TheRealDealer — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:13:30 GMT

We may have "no effing idea who's winning this thing," but at least we know who you are pushing. When an article is in fact a political commercial, it should be identified as such, not labeled as an editorial, or even worse, as "news". The author flatly lies, according to his own source, the RCP site. He says Obama is winning New hampshire by .3% and Colorado by .4%, but mysteriously Virginia is a "tie" although McCain leads by .3%, how interesting. If you want to campaign for Obama, fine, send him a check and hand out leaflets, but please don't pretend you're a reporter when you are in fact a PR worker for Obama.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

scottNidaho — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:15:36 GMT

Clueless, what state has Obama governed? And btw, Obama is running against McCain. Just thought that one of us dummies voting for McCain should clear that up for you.

One more thing, why do you care what other countries think of us? We need to elect a president that is going to do the right things for US, not for THEM! Remember, you are an AMERICAN first, not a CITIZEN OF THE WORLD first. sheesh

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

pattherealist — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:16:13 GMT

Vote Obama /Biden, you republican trash!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

solipsism — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:16:18 GMT

Posted By: healthy1 (September 8, 2008 at 4:34 PM)

Playing the victim race card ain't gonna cut it. You judge a man on his character and his record. This man is VERY deficient on BOTH counts. No doubt about it.

---------------------

This is what confuses me. You say Obama has no experience, no common sense and no plan. Have you read to that he has been in the state senate for 8 year and the Senate for 3? That's experience.

Common sense? He was president of the Harvard Law Review, I'd say that takes a good amount of "sense". Common sense is not voting for a party who lied to get us into war, made a deficit out of a surplus and all but crushed your civil liberties. His accomplisments? He has his name on over 800 bills in the Illinois Senate and authored laws on Nuclear Proliferation, Finance Reform and Mental Heath benefits for Veterans in the US Senate. Call his wife angry all you want but you obviously don't listen. Rezko? How about Keating?

He doesn't have to play the race card because all you see, regardless of his achievements, his record and his character, is a black man.

It just shows how americans don't vote with their brains. You must love the war, high gas, presidential pardons, vice presidents who shoot people in the face and doesn't care about the american people. And you dare mention common sense?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

DeGrand — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:19:03 GMT

With over 60 days to go to election time, it is great to see polls with the military hero and very experienced McCain/Palin ahead by 10 points with registered voters that intend to vote. Hussain is only ahead by 8 electoral votes. In another 30-60 days, the "Right" party will be ahead by 15-20 points. The black/muslim peaked way to early. Voters are sick and tired of seeing him and hearing him. Both Obama and face lift Biden are seen now as the eliteist, arragant fools they have always been.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

velihall — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:20:04 GMT

To Clueless1: Not everyone is losing their jobs and homes. Some jobs are being lost, some new jobs are being created. I am not wealthy. I have a mortgage on one home and a large family, and we live off of one income. We make choices every day that are different than some other people do. We did NOT get into a mortgage that we "thought we should be able to afford." We bought conservatively and are working toward paying it off. I have been part of layoffs and it has never been about the sitting president. The current financial/mortgage crisis is not the sitting president's fault. Any up or down in the economy in the future will not be the sitting president's fault - no matter what some may desparately want to believe. If you choose to buy a really expensive home because a bank sent you a mailing that said you could, then you will have consequences. It's not John McCain's fault, so we should all really just let that whole idea go. Accountability is one of the key factors of success. For everyone one person you can introduce me to that is honestly working toward a better future and not succeeding - and by that I mean really sacrificing what he or she wants now for something in the future - I can introduce you to 20 that are not or think they are. Many of the latter group have 150 TV channels, cell phones for the whole family, newer cars than they can afford, and a pile of consumer debt. Many of them blame the president for their problems. I am not inventing these people, I work with them regularly. These are not just ultra-low-income people. There are $25,000/yr and $50,000/yr and $100,000+/year families that are in the same boat.

At the same time, many of us are better off than we have ever been. The easiest way I could convince you, if you would make the effort, is to direct you to listen to Dave Ramsey on the radio some time and listen to the stories from people of all income levels who have sacrificed to get out of debt. If you and your friends will get out of debt, build a safety net of savings, and save BEFORE you buy, losing a job will not be quite so traumatic. That is real. That is life. Other solutions or blame games are sales jobs. Don't buy into them. It seems we should be looking for a president who has invested wisely - maybe even one that owns several properties (those are often called "investments".) It seems we might want that rather than a "spend now and pay later" president. Just because I am no longer a starving graduate student, and no longer have student debt, does not mean that I am out of touch with what that is like. John McCaine has been without. He knows what it is like to assume he will not survive - sometimes even if he acted in a way that "should have" encouraged survival. Just because he is not in the Hanoi Hilton right now, for example (and yes, that experience does matter), does not mean that he has forgotten what is like to be without, to struggle, to wonder when the seemingly bottomless pit of suffering will end.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:20:11 GMT

To specklbelly... nice. Are you 8?

To Clueless: Name 3 major accomplishments of Obama's? I mean real accomplishments (not the twisted tales he tells). Notice that no one answers these?

Oh, you claim "Community Organizing"? I beg all you followers of the ObaMessiah, do some real research into "Acorn" and "Public Allies".... "Public Allies" is Obama's "Community Oraganization" that was a front for using tax dollars to teach street kids and druggies anti-american sentiment and protest tactics... yes, there's more. Do some real research.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

reeblite — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:20:57 GMT

I live in Arizona, and for the first time I'm hearing Republicans voting for Obama, McCain's home state! These just aren't run of the mill Republicans, but money Republicans who vehmently feel McCain is a showboating, done nothing for the state of Arizona, why would he do anything for the country type of guy, who by the way, look on you tube to see how he lacks respect of women. I can't believe my work is being done for me by these guys. Obama may turn out to be the anti christ, but they're voting for him.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

ratenlodev9788 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:21:05 GMT

I think that Palin is a fraud and she is involved with a group that wants Alaska to secede from the country and become its own country. The leader of this group was said to totally despise the U.S. government. In my book that's worse than Obama's Reverend Wright.

Also I can't believe that the American people will want another Bush term because that is exactly what will happen if Mccain is elected. So all of you people who vote for Mccain, don't even cry when his economic policies mean that you lose your jobs. The people in the middle of the counrty who considere themselves republicans and are not rich have been fooled by them into thinking that they will stand for you when in fact the Republican party only cares for your vote but will never care about your real problems.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

daveh — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:21:27 GMT

I've read recently on the internet that Obama is secretly a Muslim and that Palin dealt and used heroin in college, while I know that Obama is taking heat for being a secret Muslim and for choosing the wrong Christian Pastor, I haven't seen any denials of the heroin thing. Do you think it is possibly true?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:22:56 GMT

In your dreams Obama wins. It's over for the party that promises the world, does nothing positive, rips our great nation with negative comments and wants to make this great nation Socialist. Americans are seeing through the smoke screen the media has put up for the democratic party and does not need the media to guide them how to vote (mis inform them to vote for who they want). The Obama train is now stuck in the station (today's poll 46% Obama 50% McCain) and the McCain Train moving ahead. I figure with another 2 weeks of Palin bashing, Obama will be a non entity.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

reeblite — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:23:40 GMT

Another note, dispite his service record, he had a reputation of being a maverick, akin to top gun, and pilots who knew him weren't at all surprized when he was shot down. Other pilots didn't want him as a wingman. That's another story the Arizona republican men are discussing out here.

So don't be surprised if you see Arizona win democrat votes.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Tomjitomu — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:25:17 GMT

Well as much as I'm not a friend of politics McCain's views on abortion cause my vote to swing in favor of Obama. McCain stated his prolife or anti-abortion view when asked a question about abortion his answer was "that life starts at conception". I believe that life starts when the blood flows which is around 15 to 24 weeks. Sangral or blood also has a biblical veiw point if ya wanna go there, the things which we can be assured are precious are those things which God has declared to be so. What He values as precious we should value as well. Leviticus chapter 17 clearly identifies one of the few precious commodities of this world—blood.Conception is just sex not only that but I support the descion that it is a personal choice of the women and that politicians should not only not be asked the abortion question because they are politicians but because they are male. I support the supreme court descion in Roe v. Wade. It is a matter of choice and no one should judge someone elses choices just because they don't agree with the termination of pregnancy.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Bluegrass Woman — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:25:33 GMT

See; the one thing I like about my people, is that they play it close to the vest. When Obama was running in the Primary, we wouldn't even whisper his name...we'd just smile at each other in public. When I walk down the street and speak to others of color; we silently agree about the election. We don't speak our minds to whites because you take a little knowledge and run amuck with it! Your polls have no idea how we think. The 'drums' from the days of slavery are in full effect again. For once in this country; what is good for America is good for ALL Americans, that's Obama/Biden.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

helenmay — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:26:20 GMT

Just in America! It is incredible that adding nun Palin's to the republican ticket has benefit the party. A woman that got her passport only two years ago!, that had a baby when she was 43!!; that has a daughter unmarried that at 17 had a baby!!; that says that the Irak war is God's war!!; that is sure that global warming is not related to the human kind!! The press cannot say more about her, what we know if more than enough to be ashamed!!. A woman completely retrograde, with no idea what's going in the world, the environment. A woman that does not believe in birth control!! Well that's obvious with her mishap and her daughter's. That tells me too much about her as a mom; Didn't she talk to her children about sex? Does she spends enough time with them? Who can be in favor of her candidacy?? I believe are people that are extremely narrow minded with small perspectives and lack of common sense. I will start praying that all of you regain your common sense and intelligence. Promise!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

chrisphx66 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:27:17 GMT

Just goes to show you how gullible the right-wingers are. All anyone has to do is say, "God's will" and these people will flock. Hook line and sinker. Time to get my transfer paperwork finished. I'm headed to Belgium.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wildlifeusa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:27:36 GMT

Not qualified?? Hummmm... Why the lies?? Is that all the republicans capable of??? how many times do I have to post his record????

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

Obama holds assignments on the Senate Committees for Foreign Relations; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and Veterans' Affairs, and he is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

-------------------------

As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Obama made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

In August 2005, he traveled to Russia, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan. The trip focused on strategies to control the world's supply of conventional weapons, biological weapons, and weapons of mass destruction as a first defense against potential terrorist attacks.<61>

Following meetings with U.S. military in Kuwait and Iraq in January 2006, Obama visited Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. He left for his third official trip in August 2006, traveling to South Africa, Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Chad. In a nationally televised speech at the University of Nairobi, he spoke forcefully on the influence of ethnic rivalries and corruption in Kenya.

Obama worked with Russ Feingold (D–WI) to eliminate gifts of travel on corporate jets by lobbyists to members of Congress and require disclosure of bundled campaign contributions under the 'Honest Leadership and Open Government Act', which was signed into law in September 2007.

He joined Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in sponsoring S. 453, a bill to criminalize deceptive practices in federal elections, including fraudulent flyers and automated phone calls, as witnessed in the 2006 midterm elections. Obama also introduced the 'Iraq War De-Escalation Act', a bill to cap troop levels in Iraq, begin phased redeployment, and remove all combat brigades from Iraq before April 2008.<68>

Later in 2007, Obama sponsored with Kit Bond (R-MO) an amendment to the 2008 Defense Authorization Act adding safeguards for personality disorder military discharges, and calling for a review by the Government Accountability Office following reports that the procedure had been used inappropriately to reduce government costs. joined Chuck Hagel (R-NE) in introducing legislation to reduce risks of nuclear terrorism.A provision from the Obama-Hagel bill was passed by Congress in December 2007 as an amendment to the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill.

Obama also sponsored a Senate amendment to the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to provide one year of job protection for family members caring for soldiers with combat-related injuries. After passing both houses of Congress with bipartisan majorities, SCHIP was vetoed by President Bush in early October 2007, a move Obama said 'shows a callousness of priorities that is offensive to the ideals we hold as Americans

** First legislation, the HOPE Act, which increased Pell Grants to $5100, and later joined Senator Kennedy on the Higher Education legislation that passed July 20, by a vote of 78-18. That legislation also included funding for Predominantly Black Colleges to assist with counseling, tutoring and other needs of low income students. It also creates the Teaching Residency Act which will create a school-based teacher preparation program in high needs schools to provide each teacher with a mentor, content instruction, classroom management skills, a master’s degree and state certification, and a 2 year follow-up program.

**The Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006

is an act that requires the full disclosure of all entities or organizations receiving federal funds beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2007 on a website maintained by the Office of Management and Budget.

**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act

Authored by U.S. Sens. Dick Lugar (R-IN) and Barack Obama (D-IL), the Lugar-Obama initiative expands U.S. cooperation to destroy conventional weapons. It also expands the State Department's ability to detect and interdict weapons and materials of mass destruction. Signed into Law on January 11, 2007.

Linda, you need to separate your texts other wise it become too confusing for those poor republican minds

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Kansas City Lawyer — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:28:14 GMT

The electoral map has not significantly changed for 20 years -- indeed arguably, 40 years. A review of historical electoral map's on the Liep's Atlas website make this clear. The map this year is alomost identical to 2000 and 2008. Clinton's victory's in 92 and 96 would have looked almost identical save for the participation of Ross Perot. The fundamental shift in American politics occured in 68 when the conservative Dixiecrats finally broke from the liberal Democrat establsihment that did not share their values. After voting for George Wallace in 68, they have since been consistent Republican voters. The only Democrats to take the White House since are Jimmy Carter (and only as a backlash to Watergate), and Bill Clinton (who would not have won the White House but for Ross Perot). There are a handful of swing states that are in play -- and they will determine the election -- Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Colorado. Watch Missouri -- as goes Missouri, so goes the country in every election except one since 1904. Only in '56 (when the state went for Stevenson over incumbent Eisenhower) has the state got it wrong.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

LOON — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:28:51 GMT

sarah would be a great screw

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Femdem — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:29:05 GMT

I tell you what you Republicans are in denial! If we weren't at war ( for no aparrent reason) the country wouldn't be TRILLIONS of dollars in debt. The jobs were lost and sent to countries overseas, and I've heard all parties complain of having to speak to one of the people in any of those countries because it is hard to understand their dialect and then we ask for them to transfer us to someone else in the states that we understand and that understands us as well. Yea people were mis-informed about those mortgages as well. Mortgage brokers were pushing people into those bad loans, because they were making a lot of money. Another thing, if Senator Obama had a 17 year old daughter pregnant it would not be the same positive feedback for him and you all know it!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

cholula — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:29:36 GMT

Perhaps a little sanity, knowledge and respect is needed in this campaign.

Why do I think this? Issues that relate to the nation as a whole is what we need to focus on, not glamour of candidates or individual wants. Unless we as an electorate begin to "grow up" , understand and learn that the leader we choose for this country is important to our future as an example of the democratic nation our forefathers envisioned, we are not going to be respected much longer in other countries.

We need to stop responding emotionally and really reflect and think about the "whole" and not individual wants.

This campaign is actually giving us the chance to open up to lots of issues that have been " buried under the rug" in the last campaigns. Health care is a "real" issue that is

negatively affecting way too many ordinary, everyday citizens, so is the lack of support for workers in the U.S. and the just treatment of workers in other countries that are working for U.S cooperations.

Ever hear of "cooperate welfare"? Well, it is present and real. How about cooperations eluding taxation by moving their businesses to other countries

I know there are no simple answers or solutions, but I sure would appreciate some

honesty and real caring in the political arena, not rhetoric to get elected any way they can.

Let's start to have some pride in our country and its people of every ethnicity.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wildlifeusa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:29:41 GMT

Not qualified?? Hummmm... Why the lies?? Is that all the republicans capable of??? how many times do I have to post his record????

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

-------------------------

As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Obama made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

**The Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006

is an act that requires the full disclosure of all entities or organizations receiving federal funds beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2007 on a website maintained by the Office of Management and Budget.

**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act

Linda, you need to separate your texts other wise it become too confusing for those poor republican minds

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

grimm98 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:29:42 GMT

I'm not ashamed to admit that i'm a democrat. However, for those of us who are vested in the oil industry (like myself), we love to see these Republican idiots back someone who'll keep my investements in big oil growing. But wait there's more..."they hate Obama". they claim it's not racism but it really is. So many people surf the internet searching for differences instead of trying to find what they have in common with their candidate. "How does electing McCain benefit them, if they're just voting for him to keep Obama out of office?" Chances are McCain has nothing in common with them other that the color of his skin. The ultra rich really don't care who's elected, as just as long as they keep making money. Get a clue Dumplin

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

solipsism — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:31:24 GMT

Posted By: bobjoners (September 8, 2008 at 5:20 PM)

To specklbelly... nice. Are you 8?

To Clueless: Name 3 major accomplishments of Obama's? I mean real accomplishments (not the twisted tales he tells). Notice that no one answers these?

research into "Acorn" and "Public Allies".... "Public Allies" is Obama's "Community Oraganization" that was a front for using tax dollars to teach street kids and druggies anti-american sentiment and protest tactics... yes, there's more. Do some real research.

______________________________________________

1. The Lugar-Obama legislation has helped decrease the threat of old nuclear, biological, and chemical weapon in the former Soviet Union.

2. The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 which Obama co-authored led to USAspending.gov, which keeps Americans better informed on government spending.

3. Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act, which passed in July of 2007 and addressed the hideous treatment received by Veterans under the Bush administration

There are 3 pieces of legislation for you, ***.!

Why don't you look at Palin and her husband wanting to succeed from the Union or getting $27million in earmarks for a state smaller than Atlanta, or her lying about selling the plane on ebay for a profit. Better yet...go and read!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wildlifeusa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:32:01 GMT

Yeah... right, Palin took a trip to germany, but she never made it pass the airport! her plane stopped there to refuel... ahaahaa... what a great experience, and let's not talk about the deficit she left in her town... 22 million dollars!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:32:48 GMT

Obama just showed his lack of experience by picking Biden as a running mate. Had he picked Hillary he had a shot, but it' over for the Great Savior Obama now (his stupid mistake). Mcain and Palin have more experience in actually doing things instead of talking about them. Obama gives great empty speeches and so did another man and his name was Hitler. Obama and the dems will turn us into a Socialist Society, I prefer Capialism and Freedom (Less Government and Less taxes).

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

TheGuyThatVotes — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:33:33 GMT

The vitriol hurled around by the Obamacrats on here is disgusting. Insults abound when anyone questions the "Messiah". Why would Palin submit to an interview with MSNBC when Olbermann and all his pals have been so obviously in the tank for Obama? Did any of you actually WATCH both Obamas' speeches? Olbermann gesticulated at the end of each speech and, I am paraphrasing here, said "It's now a done deal." in reference to Obama winning the election. Is that or is it not endorsement, politicization, etc...? Why would Gibson feel compelled to ask Palin about her teenage daughter and her pregnancy? Was Joe Biden not sworn in as a US Senator at his childrens' hospital bedside? His wife was dead. His infant child was dead. Yet he "chose" to not resign and attend to his two sons. Why does that not make him a poor father yet Palin is a bad mother?

And just why is it the Government's responsibility to bail out Joe homeowner because he/she was too stupid to pay attention when they were buying a house? No one forced these individuals to sign off on questionable loans. Yes.. it was great to borrow 200k when the interest rate was 2.5% on your ARM but when it came time to get back to reality people could not afford their homes. So live with it. My tax dollars and my social responsibility is not to make up for your stupidity.

All of you people need to get a lesson is Economics.. Go to school.. heck.. google capitalism and economics. If you raise the social security tax percentages and thresholds YOU the employee will ultimately pay that tax in the form of lower wages and higher priced goods. What business is going to automatically accept a 25% increase in SS taxes and not pass it along? All you liberal, koolaid drinking fools hear is FREE this, FREE that... the reality is all of this will cost money. It comes from somewhere. It is not FREE. It is never FREE.

Democracy is not Socialism.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Lov4America — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:33:36 GMT

Obama bin Baden is in trouble and the only chance they may have to win is dropping Biden and adding Hillary.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wildlifeusa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:34:13 GMT

This is Mc Cain's record!

That is correct R.Donald Snyder We are a Military Family and here is what McCain did to his own men.

McCain votes AGAINST our combat troops ...

5/2008: McCain voted AGAINST the Webb GI Bill. 9/2007: McCain voted AGAINST bill to minimize periods of time between deployment of units sent to Iraq.

5/2006: McCain voted AGAINST $20 Million to VA for health care facilities.

4/2006: McCain voted AGAINST $430,000,000 to VA for Medical Services.

3/2006: McCain voted AGAINST increasing Vet-medical services $1.5 billion in FY2007.

3/2004: McCain voted AGAINST increasing Vet-medical care by $1.8 billion. 10/2003:

McCain voted to TABLE an amendment for $322,000,000 for safety equipment for USforces. "Table"= vote never hits floor.

10/2003: McCain voted to TABLE a vote for $1 Billion for National Guard and Reserve Equipment in Iraq dueto:shortage of helmets, tents, bullet-proof inserts, & tactical vests. Here's your test MSM -- will YOU all inform the viewers/voters of McCain's ANTI-MILITARY voting record? c. proffit, Lexington, Ky. (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:08

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wildlifeusa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:35:30 GMT

This is Palin's record.

ABOUT SARAH PALIN

I am a resident of Wasilla, Alaska. I have known Sarah since 1992. Everyone here knows Sarah, so it is nothing special to say we are on a first-name basis. Our children have attended the same schools. Her father was my child's favorite substitute teacher. I also am on a first name basis with her parents and mother-in-law. I attended more City Council meetings during her administration than about 99% of the residents of the city.

She is enormously popular; in every way she’s like the most popular girl in middle school. Even men who think she is a poor choice and won't vote for her can't quit smiling when talking about her because she is a "babe".

It is astonishing and almost scary how well she can keep a secret. She kept her most recent pregnancy a secret from her children and parents for seven months.

She is "pro-life". She recently gave birth to a Down's syndrome baby. There is no cover-up involved, here; Trig is her baby.

She is energetic and hardworking. She regularly worked out at the gym.

She is savvy. She doesn't take positions; she just "puts things out there" and if they prove to be popular, then she takes credit.

Her husband works a union job on the North Slope for BP and is a champion snowmobile racer. Todd Palin’s kind of job is highly sought-after because of the schedule and high pay. He arranges his work schedule so he can fish for salmon in Bristol Bay for a month or so in summer, but by no stretch of the imagination is fishing their major source of income. Nor has her life-style ever been anything like that of native Alaskans.

Sarah and her whole family are avid hunters.

She's smart.

Her experience is as mayor of a city with a population of about 5,000 (at the time), and less than 2 years as governor of a state with about 670,000 residents.

During her mayoral administration most of the actual work of running this small city was turned over to an administrator. She had been pushed to hire this administrator by party power-brokers after she had gotten herself into some trouble over precipitous firings which had given rise to a recall campaign.

Sarah campaigned in Wasilla as a "fiscal conservative". During her 6 years as Mayor, she increased general government expenditures by over 33%. During those same 6 years the amount of taxes collected by the City increased by 38%. This was during a period of low inflation (1996-2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a regressive sales tax which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she promoted benefited large corporate property owners way more than they benefited residents.

The huge increases in tax revenues during her mayoral administration weren’t enough to fund everything on her wish list though, borrowed money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt, but left it with indebtedness of over $22 million. What did Mayor Palin encourage the voters to borrow money for? Was it the infrastructure that she said she supported? The sewage treatment plant that the city lacked? or a new library? No. $1m for a park. $15m-plus for construction of a multi-use sports complex which she rushed through to build on a piece of property that the City didn’t even have clear title to, that was still in litigation 7 yrs later--to the delight of the lawyers involved! The sports complex itself is a nice addition to the community but a huge money pit, not the profit-generator she claimed it would be. She also supported bonds for $5.5m for road projects that could have been done in 5-7 yrs without any borrowing.

While Mayor, City Hall was extensively remodeled and her office redecorated more than once.

These are small numbers, but Wasilla is a very small city.

As an oil producer, the high price of oil has created a budget surplus in Alaska. Rather than invest this surplus in technology that will make us energy independent and increase efficiency, as Governor she proposed distribution of this surplus to every individual in the state.

In this time of record state revenues and budget surpluses, she recommended that the state borrow/bond for road projects, even while she proposed distribution of surplus state revenues: spend today's surplus, borrow for needs.

She’s not very tolerant of divergent opinions or open to outside ideas or compromise. As Mayor, she fought ideas that weren’t generated by her or her staff. Ideas weren’t evaluated on their merits, but on the basis of who proposed them.

While Sarah was Mayor of Wasilla she tried to fire our highly respected City Librarian because the Librarian refused to consider removing from the library some books that Sarah wanted removed. City residents rallied to the defense of the City Librarian and against Palin's attempt at out-and-out censorship, so Palin backed down and withdrew her termination letter. People who fought her attempt to oust the Librarian are on her enemies list to this day.

Sarah complained about the "old boy’s club" when she first ran for Mayor, so what did she bring Wasilla? A new set of "old boys". Palin fired most of the experienced staff she inherited. At the City and as Governor she hired or elevated new, inexperienced, obscure people, creating a staff totally dependent on her for their jobs and eternally grateful and fiercely loyal--loyal to the point of abusing their power to further her personal agenda, as she has acknowledged happened in the case of pressuring the State’s top cop (see below).

As Mayor, Sarah fired Wasilla’s Police Chief because he "intimidated" her, she told the press. As Governor, her recent firing of Alaska's top cop has the ring of familiarity about it. He served at her pleasure and she had every legal right to fire him, but it's pretty clear that an important factor in her decision to fire him was because he wouldn't fire her sister's ex-husband, a State Trooper. Under investigation for abuse of power, she has had to admit that more than 2 dozen contacts were made between her staff and family to the person that she later fired, pressuring him to fire her ex-brother-in-law. She tried to replace the man she fired with a man who she knew had been reprimanded for sexual harassment; when this caused a public furor, she withdrew her support.

She has bitten the hand of every person who extended theirs to her in help. The City Council person who personally escorted her around town introducing her to voters when she first ran for Wasilla City Council became one of her first targets when she was later elected Mayor. She abruptly fired her loyal City Administrator; even people who didn’t like the guy were stunned by this ruthlessness.

Fear of retribution has kept all of these people from saying anything publicly about her.

When then-Governor Murkowski was handing out political plums, Sarah got the best, Chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission: one of the few jobs not in Juneau and one of the best paid. She had no background in oil & gas issues. Within months of scoring this great job which paid $122,400/yr, she was complaining in the press about the high salary. I was told that she hated that job: the commute, the structured hours, the work. Sarah became aware that a member of this Commission (who was also the State Chair of the Republican Party) engaged in unethical behavior on the job. In a gutsy move which some undoubtedly cautioned her could be political suicide, Sarah solved all her problems in one fell swoop: got out of the job she hated and garnered gobs of media attention as the patron saint of ethics and as a gutsy fighter against the "old boys’ club" when she dramatically quit, exposing this man’s ethics violations (for which he was fined).

As Mayor, she had her hand stuck out as far as anyone for pork from Senator Ted Stevens. Lately, she has castigated his pork-barrel politics and publicly humiliated him. She only opposed the "bridge to nowhere" after it became clear that it would be unwise not to.

As Governor, she gave the Legislature no direction and budget guidelines, then made a big grandstand display of line-item vetoing projects, calling them pork. Public outcry and further legislative action restored most of these projects -- which had been vetoed simply because she was not aware of their importance -- but with the unobservant she had gained a reputation as "anti-pork".

She is solidly Republican: no political maverick. The State party leaders hate her because she has bit them in the back and humiliated them. Other members of the party object to her self-description as a fiscal conservative.

Around Wasilla there are people who went to high school with Sarah. They call her "Sarah Barracuda" because of her unbridled ambition and predatory ruthlessness. Before she became so powerful, very ugly stories circulated around town about shenanigans she pulled to be made point guard on the high school basketball team. When Sarah's mother-in-law, a highly respected member of the community and experienced manager, ran for Mayor, Sarah refused to endorse her.

As Governor, she stepped outside of the box and put together of package of legislation known as "AGIA" that forced the oil companies to march to the beat of her drum.

Like most Alaskans, she favors drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. She has questioned if the loss of sea ice is linked to global warming. She campaigned "as a private citizen" against a state initiaitive that would have either a) protected salmon streams from pollution from mines, or b) tied up in the courts all mining in the state (depending on who you listen to). She has pushed the State’s lawsuit against the Dept. of the Interior’s decision to list polar bears as threatened species.

McCain is the oldest person to ever run for President; Sarah will be a heartbeat away from being President.

There has to be literally millions of Americans who are more knowledgeable and experienced than she.

However, there’s a lot of people who have underestimated her and are regretting it.

CLAIM vs. FACT:

*Hockey mom: true for a few years

*PTA mom: true years ago when her first-born was in elementary school, not since

*NRA supporter: absolutely true

*Social conservative: mixed. Opposes gay marriage, BUT vetoed a bill that would have denied benefits to employees in same-sex relationships (said she did this because it was unconsitutional).

*Pro-creationism: mixed. Supports it, BUT did nothing as Governor to promote it.

*Pro-life: mixed. Knowingly gave birth to a Down’s syndrome baby BUT declined to call a special legislative session on some pro-life legislation

*Experienced: Some high schools have more students than Wasilla has residents. Many cities have more residents than the state of Alaska. No legislative experience other than City Council. Little hands-on *Supervisory or managerial experience; needed help of a city administrator to run town of about 5,000.

*Political maverick: not at all

*Gutsy: absolutely!

*Open & transparent: ??? Good at keeping secrets. Not good at explaining actions.

has a developed philosophy of public policy: no

*A "Greenie": no. Turned Wasilla into a wasteland of big box stores and disconnected parking lots. Is pro-drilling off-shore and in ANWR.

*Fiscal conservative: not by my definition!

*Pro-infrastructure: No. Promoted a sports complex and park in a city without a sewage treatment plant or storm drainage system. Built streets to early 20th century standards.

*Pro-tax relief: Lowered taxes for businesses, increased tax burden on residents

*Pro-small government: No. Oversaw greatest expansion of city government in Wasilla’s history.

*Pro-labor/pro-union. No. Just because her husband works union doesn’t make her pro-labor. I have seen nothing to support any claim that she is pro-labor/pro-union.

WHY AM I WRITING THIS?

First, I have long believed in the importance of being an informed voter. I am a voter registrar. For 10 years I put on student voting programs in the schools. If you google my name (Anne Kilkenny + Alaska), you will find references to my participation in local government, education, and PTA/parent organizations.

Secondly, I've always operated in the belief that "Bad things happen when good people stay silent". Few people know as much as I do because few have gone to as many City Council meetings.

Third, I am just a housewife. I don't have a job she can bump me out of. I don't belong to any organization that she can hurt. But, I am no fool; she is immensely popular here, and it is likely that this will cost me somehow in the future: that’s life.

Fourth, she has hated me since back in 1996, when I was one of the 100 or so people who rallied to support the City Librarian against Sarah's attempt at censorship.

Fifth, I looked around and realized that everybody else was afraid to say anything because they were somehow vulnerable.

CAVEATS:

I am not a statistician. I developed the numbers for the increase in spending & taxation 2 years ago (when Palin was running for Governor) from information supplied to me by the Finance Director of the City of Wasilla, and I can't recall exactly what I adjusted for: did I adjust for inflation? for population increases? Right now, it is impossible for a private person to get any info out of City Hall--they are swamped. So I can't verify my numbers.

You may have noticed that there are various numbers circulating for the population of Wasilla, ranging from my "about 5,000", up to 9,000. The day Palin’s selection was announced a city official told me that the current population is about 7,000. The official 2000 census count was 5,460. I have used about 5,000 because Palin was Mayor from 1996 to 2002, and the city was growing rapidly in the mid-90’s.

Anne Kilkenny

annekilkenny@hotmail.com

August 31, 2008

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

lisamurad — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:35:31 GMT

Man's Best Friend in the White House? Again?

In good humor, I’d like to say “the pit bull with lipstick apparently carries a few fleas.

In all seriousness ladies and gentleman, a lot of tough women before us fought for a woman's right to have a voice in this country’s government. I’m proud of their courage, perseverance and success. That is why I think we need to exercise our right to govern by putting the best representatives of the female gender in the Executive Office WHEN competing for a seat at the table.

Last Wednesday night Sarah Palin stood up there in the year 2008 before millions of Americans and magnanimously proclaimed, “The difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is lipstick.” Suddenly I saw the clock rewind at warp speed to the day when women were considered “b....s” if they were successful and strong.

Snarl away Sarah, but you are hardly worthy of the Executive Branch and in my book you are not worthy of representing me and the millions of intelligent voting American woman that show up everyday to care for their families, spouses, and communities all while trying to excel at their jobs with some semblance of grace, strength, and compassion.

This country does not need another pit bull in the White House. The one about to move back to Crawford successfully ripped our economy and military families to shreds and undermined the world's trust and respect in the United States.

If Hillary's supporters run with Palin, they weren't really Hillary supporters in the first place. They were just voters rabidly supporting a woman with no idea of what Hillary really stood for in principle. Palin is no Hillary…obviously. If proud Americans with a real understanding of what's at stake let this election slip away without putting up a real fight to the finish, we deserve another 8 years of McBush and his new lipsticked best friend.

Before you cast your vote in November, do some independent reading about Sarah’s extreme right views…Iraq was in her words “God’s War”. She believes that abstinence is the answer to birth control (which obviously failed to work for her teenage daughter now 5 months pregnant). Watch some actual footage of Palin campaigning for Governor of Alaska. If you agree with her views, then she’s your candidate. But if you understand how far back she can set this country should McCain fall ill in the middle of his term, then vote for America to regroup and climb out of the hole Bush and Cheney so cleverly dug for us. An extremist is an extremist no matter what gender and no matter what party. In my view Sarah is the wrong person and the wrong woman for this moment in US history as disappointing as it is to say it. But, I want a courageous, thinking human in the White House…not another pit bull. America needs more than an extraordinarily brave soldier with a lipsticked pitbull for a wingman.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bataar_21 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:35:48 GMT

Why Palin won't meet the press? Because she knows and McCain too knows that she is a fake. But eventually she will be exposed.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Prez-Edu. Guru — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:36:05 GMT

The sole reason McCain picked Palin as his running mate is because both have an equivalent lower level of education. McCain made certain not to pick anyone with a higher academic education than his. May the best educated ticket win this thing.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

haloe123 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:37:04 GMT

You guys do realize that Obama was also a druggie in college. If you're gonna dish dirt on Palin at least be educated on your own candidate. Everyone has their baggage. I like how all you idiotic liberals are arguing that Obama is gonna bring "change that we can hope for" and the crap between the Democrats and Republicans. EVERY CANDIDATE PROMISES CHANGE EVERY ELECTION. If you still buy in the "change" crap you are a delusional dependency class. Furthermore, if you guys had any sense as to which candidate was best you'd vote Bob Barr because he has the best platform. Shows how retarded you guys are if you're voting merely on party affiliation namely liberals cause that's the only group of people who think the world's problems are going to be solve in 4 years by the Promised One. Get a life you American idiots.. this is why the rest of the world laughs at your stupidity and incompetence. Screw Obama and McCain you senseless imbeciles.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wildlifeusa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:37:04 GMT

Lov4America

You better learn how to spell! It is Senator barack Obama.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

velihall — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:37:21 GMT

In response to RUBE's "clever" post:

The differnce between the two parties...

education vs. abstinence -- Why not educate about abstinence as a very intelligent option rather than fighting abstinence as a foolish idea. Logic certainly supports abstinence as a fool-proof method. This is a so-called "sucker's choice."

evolution vs. creationism -- Why must there only be one version presented in school. Most American's believe in a higher power as having had some role in the development of the earth to the point it is at today - in spite of humanities efforts to fight about it. Why not teach evolution and teach creationism? Religion has prompted millions of Americans to do great works throughout our history - it has not been all bad - in spite of what many insist.

diplomacy vs. arbitrary war -- If Chamberlin were still alive we could ask him about diplomacy and about "Peace in our Time." We need some mix of diplomacy, but we must not be afraid to defend ourselves.

intelligence vs. narcissism -- Umm... I'm guessing you mixed these up and the Narcissism was to be applied to Obama and Clinton - can't say that I know enough about Senator Biden to impose that on him. The Democratic ticket has been all about "we know better than you do how to fix your miserable lives - let us help you" - rather than being about personal life-long learning and personal, intelligent accountability.

liberty and science vs. right-wing self righteousness -- As a conservative I believe that personal agency is a key principle. Choosing to follow standards and principles allows certain freedoms that other paths do not. If I choose not to partake of alcohol, for example, and I never have a DUI or never say something embarrassing at a dinner party for that reason, why would it be self-righteous to invite someone else to consider avoiding alcohol - again, it goes back to individual intelligence and accountability.

democracy vs. plutacracy -- nice big word there. Are you suggesting that democratic politicians who wish to rule over us are not part of the wealthy class.

Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin -- Ummm... Yes sir/ma'am. That is the point of an election.

For an educated person the choice is clear! -- Yes it is. The clear choice is to study the voting records, the history of our country, and to make the best choice you can.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

TheGuyThatVotes — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:37:53 GMT

Solipsism - So you still have not named 3 major accomplishments of Obama. He did not author any of those bills. He has been the primary sponsor for EXACTLY ONE significant piece of legislation. Look it up in the Congressional Archives. ONE... maybe that is why he thinks he is the ONE.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

reeblite — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:38:36 GMT

Arizona is McCain's home state, and like I previously posted, I'm witnessing an unprecedented thing happening at the country club lounge. As only one of three Democrats that I know of there, my job is being done for me for the first time in fifteen years. The both Mormon and non Mormon wealthy republican members are voting for Obama. On the simple grounds they believe his political views and, have no use for McCain. They've witnessed McCain use the tax payers money to improve his own status, not the status of the state, as senator, and feel he'll do about the same for the country. They disrespect the man's private life, saying he abandoned his first wife for Cindy when she was very ill. Thirdly, they talk about his life as a pilot and having a father and grandfather who were both Admirals. He was a well known maverick in the air, the other pilots didn't want him as a wing man, and they weren't surprised at all when they heard he had been shot down because of his antics. I have no idea if any of these points are valid, this is what I'm hearing, here in John McCain's state of Arizona. I've also been told if you go on youtube, you can find clips of him talking down to female reporters, that he's very chauvinistic.

Obama may be the anti Christ, but don't be surprised if Arizona's votes go to Obama.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

arealpatriot — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:39:25 GMT

Its funny to see how many democrat African-Americans are voting for Obama simple because of race, when he is not even African-American-he IS Arab! Jeese, get your heads out of the sand, he is endorsed by Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran especially and most other islamic terrorist organizations.

It is sickening to see just how many ignorant people we do have in this great country, that will ruin it if they get a chance. He claims to be African to use race to get elected because that is all he has. If I was a democrat, I would be very ashamed to admit it except I have a very high I.Q. so being a democrat is out of the question.

After all, liberalism IS a sign of low intelligence.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

scottNidaho — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:39:41 GMT

Gotta love the hate coming from the liberals. Every message board I've been to on this subject is full of hate. LOL

vote for the man that has dedicated his life to this country, that is your safe bet.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:39:58 GMT

To: solipsism

Pull your head out! What's the difference between authoring a bill and co-authoring a bill? Night and day. How many real accomplishments is Obamessiah responsible for? None. Co-authoring is simply adding your name to a bill, authored by a Senior.

Afraid to research "Public Allies", Obama's socialist protest organization.

Oh, and as far as your Palin claims, find some real facts that aren't sourced from liberal hate blogs. Oh, right, there aren't any real sources.

Pwnd!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

jman1973 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:42:13 GMT

I think that the polls are not really reflective of the actual thrashing that McCain is taking. I have talked with countless young African-American people who, although may not have registered yet, will be registered by Nov 4th. I even saw a young man with the actual Obama campaign logo shaved into his hair (and believe me young African-American men take great pride in their cuts). I think that when the young people of this wonderful country, that we all take pride in (no matter what the McCain camp may think), show up at the polls in record numbers and cut down McSame (woops I meant McCain) everyone is going to wonder what in the world just happened. I am sorry but I have seen our poor communities just get poorer and the rich get richer and it's time to level the playing field. And yes I am a middle class tax payer and I am not fooled by McCain's tax ads. It just shows me that when he says that Obama is going to raise taxes, he is just talking to the wealthy elite. Obama has made it clear that the middle class is not going to receive tax hikes so who else could he be talking to? Even though I feel (I mean know) that Obama will win, I am very very grateful that my family has the freedoms in this country that people like McCain fought and died for. POLLS are not all inclusive in this election - The young people that these polls are not toching are going to decide this election. Sorry McCain supporters....

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:42:23 GMT

wildlifeusa> try getting some real statistics for McCain instead of the Bull Cr#p you got from a left wing blog. You probably got that info from the same sites that have all that cr#p about Palin. It is all a farce put up there by left wing bloggers and left wing media in response to the downward spiral of the Obama campaign. McCain made a great choice for VP and the dems had their shot but turned Hillary away (their mistake). They are running scared now and the left wing media, bloggers and the democratic party are throwing everything , including the kitchen sink out there. The best part is that the more they attack Palin, the more voters McCain and Palin get. Today it is 46% Obama and 50% McCain to win this election.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Santa Barbara Bill — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:42:45 GMT

There is no positive spin for Democrats looking at the latest polling. We are looking at a statistical dead heat, with momentum clearly swinging with McCain. Bad economy, unpopular war, unpopular sitting president, and all the Dems can do is wage a statistical tie with McCain? That is the real story folks. If the Dems lose this election they may just lose their party.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Kansas City Lawyer — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:44:35 GMT

Lugar-Obama was simply an update of the 1991 Nunn-Lugar Act. Nice though that, on Obama's website, he takes credit for this piece of old, non-controversial legislation supported by both parties.

The typical bill in the Senate will get dozens of sponsors -- it does not mean the Senator played any roll in crafting the legislation.

And committee assignments are exactly that -- every Senator has 3 to 5. That makes him no more qualified than any other Senator (and less so than those who chair committees and typically take on the real substantive work behind the legislation).

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:44:53 GMT

That all the Democratic Party and Left Wing Media have spewed for 8 years, hate and contempt for America. I love this great natin now and have since I was old enough to vote, no matter who was president (even Carter).

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Libratine — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:45:42 GMT

Be sure and check out the video on the right with Maddow and Newsweek Fineman,

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

scottNidaho — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:46:25 GMT

jman, you must live in a city. You are out of touch with reality. Most of us in small town American are not voting for Obama. McCain is not going to get a 'thrashing' in fact there will be no 'thrashing.' Who ever wins they will win by a small margin.

I do find it funny that there will be people voting for color instead of issues.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

whataboutthis? — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:46:40 GMT

Here we are floundering in debt, hated around the world, on the verge of economic catastrophe, losing jobs and income as bad as anything that happened during the Great Depression and all the people can think to do is back the same party, the same old lack of vision. My parents were smart enough to kick the incompetent losers out of office in 1932. Please let this generation be brave enough to do the same thing in 2008.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:46:59 GMT

wildlifeusa, user of heresay evidence against Palin. So, you call an email from Anne Kilkenny, a Palin hater, fact? Hardly.

And your twisted McCain vote record.. didn't bother to say these were votes against pork-barrel spending and earmarks. Nice try.

Any comments on Public Allies? Obama's socialist protest organization, er, I mean community organization?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

caryj — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:48:42 GMT

Major problems with you analysis:

1) Check the dates on the state polls. Of the battleground states, only MI has had any polling data since the GOP convetion and it was a democratic party sponsored poll (both party sponsored polls are always skewed toward their desired result).

2) Historically, the likley voter polls are much closer to the final vote counts. Only time will tell what will happen this year but to say that the registered vote polls are a more accurate portrayle is not correct.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Prayforpeace — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:49:51 GMT

The surge is not the only reason that violence is down in Iraq. You see...when we invaded Iraq we destroyed her infrastructure, leaders, communities, etc...This in turned caused the country to be vulnerable to neighboring terrorists. Once the US began fighting terrorists, some innocent civilians--about 100,000--were killed by these battles. The strong sects like our 2 party system are the Sunnis and Shiites. They began a civil war for power after Saddam's death, which caused an escalation in the violence in Iraq. The point is that these two feuding entities have made a truce--which John McCain had nothing to do with. This along with the brave US soldiers should be credited in reducing violence--not John McCain.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Mcboo_7 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:50:12 GMT

Spoken like a true moron. Learn how the mortgage business works before speaking as if you are qualified to do so. As an Independent, I do not understand why Republicans are unequivocally convinced about Palin when she hasn't really said ANYTHING yet. Her speech was impressive - I do not deny that. But I would hope that someone who is one heartbeat away from becoming president would need to deliver more substantive evidence of her capabilities than one speech from a temperamental teleprompter. It seems painfully obvious, to me anyway, that the critical issues and the honest belief that McCain and Palin can rectify these issues is NOT what's really driving Republican enthusiam. It suspiciously feels like the driver is moreso based on desire to preserve archaic ideologies and most Republicans attempt to conceal their true intentions by overusing fear-fueled party lines against Dems like tax raising, defense incompetence or temperament and religion. What is Palin's position on tax, health care, (we know what it is on war - she has no position on it), the economy, etc.? Republicans can't be that stupid...can they? If raising taxes in the short-run creates economic stimulus in the long-term then I am for it. By the way, I make well over $250K per year so yes I will be one of the hardest hit Americans. Our nation is in trouble with challenges facing us of epic proportions. This is election is far too important to cling to short sided and closed minded thinking.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

stars35 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:50:47 GMT

BREAKING NEW....BREAKING NEWS....

Dick Cheney has just endorsed Sarah Palin for VP. Now, after Bush's endorsement of McCain I finally feel comfortable voting for 4 more years.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

northerngirl — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:52:20 GMT

Sorry ... Your arguments are not completely valid. Now if you look at clear real politics with 7 different polls reporting shows for the first time that McCain leads! This is a big change, I would say.

Also, if you look carefully at the battle ground states, many of them are older data, and if you look into the recent ones, it is not a good news for Obama ticket that had a good lead two months ago.

Unfortunately McCain is doing very well. I am amazed how democrats with 3 times more money can screw up this election so badly. I guess that Obama and the DNC are not that smart after all. :)

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Diogenes 08 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:53:18 GMT

It never ceases to amaze me how STUPID the average American is. Do they not understand the issues or read the information available to them? Anybody who would vote for Obama has not studied the man, what he has done, and what he has said in the past. Speeches don't count, but the idiots will believe anything said. Look at the past as an indicator of future performance.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

jman1973 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:54:27 GMT

ScottNidaaho - I do appeciate a good debate and I love all of my fellow Americans. Maybe you didn't see the part of my posting where I said that the poor are getting poorer. It is a really big issue for many of these young people who see there communities run down and forgotten by mainstream society. I know it sound like its not true but I tell you that I have been to these communities and it is very true. Obama has promised them hope and I think they are buying into it. I think they would have done the same thing for Hilary too. I really think that some of it may be about race, but much of it is the issues that their communities are facing. Its not much different though than the 25% who said that they voted for Hilary in the primaries because of Race. I think the door is swinging both ways and for the first time in history, it's not slamming shut on our poorer African American communities. (I say our because it's your community just as much as it is mine).

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Jimbo a radical leftist revo... — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:55:11 GMT

The polls are marginal at best...I can't believe this country is populated by idiots, who only watch television, to get thier information. Amerika and the neo-cons are winning at the brainwash, event, if the polls are to be believed. Personally, I believe that Murdock is waging a war of progoganda, to try to hold his power base. Good luck!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

true_patriot — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:55:13 GMT

Most of what I have been reading here is stereotypical views that each party has of the other. Some I suspect are just trolls. Either that or there are some really ignorant people out there, and that is far more frightening than either candidate.

The bottom line is the Republicans have caused nothing but misery for the last eight years. I'm an Independent who has lived in Arizona most of my life, and I know McCain well. I wrote him a letter asking him to be a voice of reason against invading Iraq (it was the only time I felt strongly enough to write). His reply was 100% in favor of Bush/Cheney and the war -- this not only was before the surge, but before the invasion. There is no economic plan he can present that will matter to me knowing the Iraq war will cost $3 trillion.

The Republicans including McCain have NOT earned the right to be elected in 2008. I would vote for anyone other than a Republican this time. Obama is the first candidate I've seen so far in my life who is not in dept to lobbyists and big business. McCain/Palin can try to steal the platform of change, But it has to be change that moves our country forward, and it has to be change we can believe in.

Obama/Bidden 2008!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:57:15 GMT

Mcboo, I agree. Your point is spoken like a true moron. You compare Palin's "heartbeat away from becoming president" and her inferred lack of experience to Obamessiah, who would be president (not a heartbeat away) who has zero experience other than co-sponsoring bills, amending non-controversial legislation and organization "Public Allies", his socialist protest organization that he and Michelle both ran (taking millions of taxpayer dollars).

Payforpease: Why does no one ever point out that the number of "innocent civilians" killed in CHIGAGO daily, Obamessiah's claim to fame/experience, is greater than the number killed in Iraq daily? Because no one in the liberal media wants to snuff out Obama's flame... including idiots like you that do nothing but perpetuate liberal blogger's spewings.

Do your own research... start with "Public Allies" and avoid bloggers, left and right.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wildlifeusa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:59:17 GMT

Look where your capitalist system is taking you. Here are the facts:

33 million americans leaving under the poverty level

10 million americans living with parasitic diseases who make them, unable to work

50 millions without health coverage

50 millions with BAD health coverage

The most fragile, our mentally ill dumped on the streets

The country, on the egde of bankrupcy

social security?? going down the drain.

Infrastructures falling appart!.

crimes by guns, let' s not talk about it... You beat any country in the world!

Now for you info on moderate socialists countries

Norway, the Netherlands, Sweeden are where people are the happiest in the world

WE do not dump our most fragile on the streets!

Our citizens pay taxes and a lots of those taxes COMES BACK TO US!!

Health care for all, good education for all, good infrastructures, 4 weeks paid vacations for all

Great social programs to help new mothers

Crimes by guns... very rare and no school shooting!!

Our socialists country are way safer than yours!

Universal healthcare is a RIGHT, Not a Privilege

Yeah... maybe we pay a little more taxes than you do, but at least we have a safety net, when you don't.

When it comes to freedoms, we have as much as you do if not more

What do you get for the taxes you pay????? NOTHING!!!!

you republicans are brainwashed by your government to think this is the greatest country in the world... Well, it is not for millions of americans!! And do you know why they brainwash you?? because you won't ask for what is due to you!! In many way, you are just like a 3rd world country!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

andynjulie — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:59:25 GMT

heres something too simple for the crazy liberals to comprehend

Top 5 Reasons to Vote for John McCain

1. Served our country as a Naval Officer.

(Obama's Military Experience = 0)

2. 6 Year Prisoner or War, refused early release every time.

(Obama's Sacrifice for our country = None)

3. Has an actual record of bipartisanship and government reform.

(Obama's record = 1 most liberal voting record)

4.Can make command decisions

(Obama's decisions = cannot make up his mind by voting 130 times up to now in the Senate.)

5. Picked the most qualified Vice President, Governor Palin.

(Obama's VP spent 30 years in the Senate pressing a button. Biden did not serve his country in the military and never served as a Mayor or Governor.)

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wildlifeusa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:59:50 GMT

Look where your capitalist system is taking you. Here are the facts:

33 million americans leaving under the poverty level

10 million americans living with parasitic diseases who make them, unable to work

50 millions without health coverage

50 millions with BAD health coverage

The most fragile, our mentally ill dumped on the streets

The country, on the egde of bankrupcy

social security?? going down the drain.

Infrastructures falling appart!.

crimes by guns, let' s not talk about it... You beat any country in the world!

Now for you info on moderate socialists countries

Norway, the Netherlands, Sweeden are where people are the happiest in the world

WE do not dump our most fragile on the streets!

Our citizens pay taxes and a lots of those taxes COMES BACK TO US!!

Health care for all, good education for all, good infrastructures, 4 weeks paid vacations for all

Great social programs to help new mothers

Crimes by guns... very rare and no school shooting!!

Our socialists country are way safer than yours!

Universal healthcare is a RIGHT, Not a Privilege

Yeah... maybe we pay a little more taxes than you do, but at least we have a safety net, when you don't.

When it comes to freedoms, we have as much as you do if not more

What do you get for the taxes you pay????? NOTHING!!!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

danmcel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:01:02 GMT

You people voteing for Obama have no clue. One you keep saying the black vote is going to come out for Obama. I'm so tired of people saying that if we said well the white vote is going to turn out for mcCain you all would be crying racisism. Black people are just voting for him because he's black most of them don't even understand that if Obama gets elected they won't be able to find a job because he will raise taxes on companys and they WILL cut jobs. Now what would you rather do collect a pay check or worry about what the companies pay in taxes. I know some of you don't want to find jobs because you rather use my money to buy your things instead of getting off of your butt and finding a job.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

james john lee — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:02:01 GMT

The reponse to Palin should be this : She wants to be Vice President .lets see what she's got. A few months ago in the primary conservative commentators were pointing out that Hilliary shouldn't be allowed to hide be hind that fact that shes a woman.If she wants to play she should be subject to the same intensive questioning as every one else in the race .

Thier hiding Palin because she doesn't have any the answers to the questions . Guess what . She never will. Not in the next 2 months . Like a lot of professions politics is a lot harder then it looks especially at the national level . She won't survive scrutiny except in the minds of brain dead hicks like our friend BOBJONERS below who can only spew something about socialism when we should be talking about the issues .

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:03:05 GMT

OBAMA/BIDEN

OsAMA/BInlaDEN

Coincidence?

Note to lefty haters: This is humor!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

danmcel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:05:34 GMT

wildifuesa, See you are one of those liberals that have no drive to do things for yourself. Why do I need the goverment to help me. If you go down the street to Mcdonalds you can find a job. Quit waiting for a handout. I like my money in my pocket not yours.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

scottNidaho — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:06:22 GMT

wildlifeusa, if this isn't the best country in the world what is? Name it! I did my service to this country, did you? I am proud of my service because this IS the greatest country in the world. I am sick liberals that make statements like you make. BUT I fought for the right for you to make them! I have little respect for anyone that wouldn't serve their country, but no respect for someone that puts this country down and wont serve.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

balancedview — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:06:59 GMT

Bobjoners, if we aren't supposed to listen to bloggers, I guess that means we don't have to listen to you!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

danmcel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:07:54 GMT

What has Obama ever done to help this country name one you can't. He will ruin this country and our military.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:08:16 GMT

wildlifeusa... another example of twisting statistics.

Check out the unemployment rate in virtually all european countries lately?

Brainwashed? I'd sure say you are.

Frankly, I'd rather cling to the last dying thread of my democracy and market economy than to embrace Obama's and the liberal's socialist "recycled" views that are being marketed as "Change" and "Hope".

You say "We"? As in you're from Norway, the Netherlands or "Sweeden"? Then STFU.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wildlifeusa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:08:35 GMT

This is the post of a veteran who was prisoner with MC cain

Posted By: Alvy @ 09/04/2008 11:33:21 PM Comment: Posted By: Alvy @ 09/04/2008 11:24:51 PM

Comment: John, John! Good speech!

Loved how you talked about being a hero, a traitor, then a hero again. To bad the people who died because you sold them out could not witness your moment of glory. What did your CO say about that by the way? Oh. By the way Johnny, what about the economy?

You sure can pick on everyone else not having substance, where was yours? Good luck with your VP - I'm sure she agrees with the education dream you have for America, considering her kids are dumb.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

balancedview — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:08:56 GMT

danmcel, I can see why you are a "conservative" more money for you. I sure hope you never have a stretch of bad luck that leaves you dependant on others.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wildlifeusa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:10:31 GMT

Facts on health care:

France ranks 1st

Usa ranks 37th

Google it.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

lw/w&w — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:11:08 GMT

Dear Andrew, You have just stated all the reasons why I say "Why bother!" After all, they are JUST polls.Polls that only show how the trend is for the moment. Polls that have margins of error ( most notibly, HUMAN error.) And they seem to contradict each other ( McCain leads in the populace votes/ Obama leads in the electorial vote -what ever in the heck that means. Shouln't the electorial vote reflect the populace vote? But I forget -Gore would have been President; and Hillarry would be the nominee now , if that were so.)

Just help us try to figure out the issues ; and the candidates stand on the issues. That would be a great help to me. Thanks.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

danmcel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:11:12 GMT

You liberals always want something for free. Go find your own job and quit waiting for a handout. It took me a long time to find my job but I never took a hand out from the goverment. There are more jobs out there but you guys won't take it because you think you should get more money for the job so sit around and take my money.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:12:19 GMT

Palin's done more tahn Obama evr has and she is only running for VP. Obama expects you to make him President with his all talk do nothing speeches.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:12:43 GMT

wildlifeusa...

Regarding "You say "We"? As in you're from Norway, the Netherlands or "Sweeden"? Then STFU."

Oh, you're not? Then, you're cutting and pasting again from your lefty hater's blog sites?

Figures. wildlifeusa is not capable of original thought or true research.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

scottNidaho — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:13:08 GMT

wildlifeusa, nice email to post. It's obvious how much respect you have for this country. I can't figure out why you would want to live in such a horrible country? BTW have you ever gone through POW training in the military? Everyone gets broken, it's impossible to pass. What McCain went through was worse than that I am sure. Although I would imagine that someone that hates this country as much as you do could never be broke.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Rametyn — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:13:27 GMT

You can almost smell the panic in the air--LOL

For months Dems have been saying--look at the numbers--Obama is ahead--Obama is going to win!

Now--one guy actually tried to argue that the poll numbers didn't mean anything because they were marginal at best. Oh, how quick their tune does chain.

First of all, it is not marginal--some polls no where near the margin of error--they show MCcain has a commanding lead.

But let's put that aside--because as this journalist was apt tp point out--it is the state numbers that will decide thise race. In light of the fact most are saying Ohio will probably decide this race, take a look at this number by Rasmussen:

Mccain 51%

Obama 44%

In Ohio

Woops. Sounds like somebody's got some splaining to do. Because if this is true--and Mccain leads by such a commanding nmber with only months to go--then I would say the Obama machine has flat out given this one away.

And it will only get worse--for as most were also apt to point out today, this is the point where the numbers start influencing the decisions of the voters.

The fireworks are over, the lights are going dim--and the columns are now being errected around a new memorial that will say--here lies the Democratic chances of winning the White House--given away during a year when they said it was theirs to lose.

And why?

Because as much as they wish to believe otherwise, this is NOT a leftist country. It is a center-right country. Delude yourselves all you want.

You do see what's happening here--don't you?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

turkeyfish — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:13:39 GMT

I'm worried as I overheard a friend who works for a tabloid say that it has DNA forensics that prove that Palin's latest child doesn't have the same father as the rest of her children. Evidently, they uncovered this by digging into trash bins and analyzing dirty diapers and cups and glasses. This is disgusting but the way that money drives things these days its inevitable. There has to be some way for the McCaine campaign to get on top of this before it becomes news.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

danmcel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:13:53 GMT

Who pays for your free health care we do. Must be nice to sit on your but and do nothing and get free health care, and welfare. I hit a bad spot but thats what family is for not the goverment.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

scottNidaho — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:13:56 GMT

move to Fance then

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

ajrimmer — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:14:00 GMT

This is exactly why Sarah Palin is the worst thing for this country after George Bush's misguided use of religion in the political areana. This from Newsweek article: "She was raised in a tradition that tended to emphasize an intimate connection with God, through the Holy Spirit—a tradition that puts the believer at the center of the spiritual drama, in direct communion with the Lord. Formed in such a milieu, it is not surprising that someone like Palin would have a heightened sense of self, and of the possibilities of self, for she was taught from her earliest days that she could be directly moved by God. Friends say the Ten Commandments imbued her with a strong sense of right and wrong. Even now, when she talks about complex political matters, she sometimes speaks in religious terms. To a church gathering, she described a $30 billion natural-gas pipeline project, backed by state tax money, as "God's will." Similarly, she urged her audience to pray that the war in Iraq was "a task that is from God … That's what we have to make sure that we're praying for—that there is a plan and that that plan is God's plan." We don't more of this kind of abuse or worse

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:14:04 GMT

wildlifeusa:

Man lands on the Moon was a fraud.

Google it.

You believe it, you love it, then move to France!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

jpokergman — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:14:43 GMT

Andrew,

You disappoint me.....Polls are about Momentum. It is the moving average that counts, and YOU KNOW IT...!!!

This your guardien angle speaking......."Remove your blindfold! Break away from Axelrod...!..."

The torch is fading......"

2 weeks ago there was a 12 point spread between MCCain and The One!

Now McCain is leading, in fact his numbers are climbing ABOVE the 50% mark....Sometime next week, he will crack it.

Obama's campign is taking on water. Faster than the Titanic.

They have only one tactic; Call McCain "The Same"....repeat it 40 million times. Than do it all over again.....

That is HOW, the Obama camp is losing.

The why is more complicated; THEY HAVE STIFLED ALL DISSENTING VOICES.

They made Hillary Clinton stand up and say; "I beleive Barack Obama is the best possible candidate." THIS is "the big lie". The American voters know she was lying thru her teeth.

The Axelrod/Plouffe Chicago-mean-machine, strong armed every intelligent person in the party, "IN THE NAME OF PARTY UNITY", into line.

Give us all your support or you are finished in the party!

Joe Lieberman is a traitor, because he cares for the State of Isreal.

Sen. Lieberman future in the Democratic party ends at the start of January.

Howard Dean implied that Money is no object in destroying his future in the party!

These are just a FEW of the many reasons Dems, are losing support FASTER than President Bush...."Say it Ain't so...Joe!

Next time Liberals want to win a fight....I suggest you find a warrior, that will not panic at the first sign of trouble.

This is the sign of real Character; McCain has been fighting from BEHIND for almost 2 years.....Anyone can look good with a double digit lead. How will he behave when he is behind?

Americans Love this special kind of "Character" in a Commander-in-Chief.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:15:26 GMT

balancedview. guess you don't know the difference between someone adding comments to a web site and a lefty hater blogger.

Duh.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

danmcel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:15:29 GMT

Yes more money for me because I work for it. You should try it. It will give such pride to make your own money.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bdhotwheel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:16:25 GMT

wildlifeusa:

Man lands on the Moon was a fraud.

Google it.

You believe it, you love it, then move to France!

My thoughts exact this tree hugger would rather save a tree than save a fetus! This is how idiotic the Democratic Liberal movement is!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Rametyn — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:16:59 GMT

If you don't--just take a look at what happened to the good ole boys from MSNBC today.

The backlash is just beginning, and I think those people who still live in America, who have not yet shed their moral and ethical values, are starting to speak. They are changing the game. And it is happening just as you sit here in denial.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Rametyn — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:17:04 GMT

If you don't--just take a look at what happened to the good ole boys from MSNBC today.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

scottNidaho — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:19:05 GMT

Vote for either;

1. The man that belonged to an anti-American church for over 20 years, and befriends terrorists,

2. The man that dedicated his life to our country.

tough decision isn't it.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bobjoners — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:19:41 GMT

Notice how no lefty haters have argued that "Public Allies" is not a socialist protest advocacy and training group run by Barak Obamessiah and Michelle "I hate America" Obamessiah?

That's because it's true.

And, unlike the hate that lefty haters spew on their blog sites, the information about "Public Allies" and "ACORN" is based on fact, not hate and venom.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bdhotwheel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:20:48 GMT

Typical biased article by Andrew Romano. He is definitely a OBAMA supporter. He can continue to live in a fascade that OBAMA is the next savior or the US, but did he actually see the Presidential candidate slip up and call himself a Muslim on an ABC interview yesterday? The Democrats don't want to talk about that huh? Larry King, Geraldo? What excuse do you have for your elected Messaiah? Biden is cringing and second guessing the Democrats that 's for sure.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

mikisap — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:21:56 GMT

The point that so many are missing is that government has grown to an extent that can not be sustained. The greatest area of inflation in this country is government. We have federal, we have state, we have county and we have city. In all these areas of government, we have had massive growth in government employees. If we cut all government in half, the average American would not even notice. We are paying wages, retirement and health care benifits and the rest of the perks for these people who really are not needed. Do our congressmen/women need assistants, who have assistants who many times have more assistants. We have so much pork in our government that can be trimed and the money be reinveted into our country and given back (or not charged to begin with) to our citizens. The reason our family life has became what it is now is that both husban and wife have to work as one of the salaries goes only for taxes. Self employed pay income tax, 14% social security tax and what ever state taxes that we have to pay for the right to do business, it's over kill.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

jim_sport — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:22:10 GMT

McCain will carry Pennsylvania and Colorado.... hide and watch

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

mike333221 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:24:18 GMT

The polls have completely lost their ability to accurately monitor this election. A large majority of American's do not use land line telephones in favor of cellular phones, non of these people are being represented. Not until polling can properly account for this large demographic as well integrate the internet, the most logical and effective polling resource, into their numbers can they be an accurate depiction of American opinion.

As far as all the left and right wing crap that everyone talks about on here, it's ridiculous. If everyone used common sense rather than just repeating what a broken media system reports more than half of this stuff would never be brought up. We all have the most effective means to do research right in front of us. Every vote, every speech, every word of every bill can be found with a few clicks of the mouse. Yet we continue to allow biased media to make us all idiots when it comes to our elections.

The news reporting in our country is broken, plain and simple. Reporters can no longer do interviews, they only try to push across their own views and create a controversy. Politicians are allowed to simply avoid important issues without consequence and skip over important questions. This goes for both sides, from Fox News to MSNBC.

It needs to be on us as voters to do our homework and understand where these candidates actually stand on issues that are important to us. It is up to us to discover the truth, because none of us can just rely on what we see on TV, hear on the radio, or read on the internet anymore. If you do not think for yourself, you do not deserve to vote.

Think about some of the things that have been spouted out over the last couple days and weeks that people blindly believe are true. "Barack Obama is a Muslim and terrorists want him to win." "Sarah Palin is unintelligent because she is from a small town"

My favorite was the "Sarah Palin has more foreign policy experience than Obama." Think about that one. Does that make any sense at all? How did a governor of Alaska get any foreign policy experience?

If everyone would be allowed to form their own opinions rather than have other people push theirs on them, this country would be in much better shape than we are in right now.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

stars35 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:24:45 GMT

Top 5 Reasons to Vote NOT for John McCain

1. Served our country as a Naval Officer.

He graduated 894 out of 899 or 5th from the bottom. Way to GO!

2. 6 Year Prisoner or War, refused early release every time.

Yes, we all know he is a POW. He has been living off this legacy for decades, but this doesn't make hime qualified. I don't believe GWB sacrificed anything either.

3. Has an actual record of bipartisanship and government reform.

He has voted with his party 90% of the time according to his current legislative record. Where is the bipartisonship? Does that make McCain one of the most conservative Republicans? I don't think so.

4.Can make command decisions

Senator McCain does not equal Candidate McCain. He has flip flopped on several issues since becoming a candidate. For example, he strongly opposed GWBs tax cuts twice, but now supports it...He opposed offshore drilling but now supports it

5. Picked the most qualified Vice President, Governor Palin.

McCain picked her to 1) satisfy his base and 2) because she is a woman. He didn't pick the candidate that he really wanted, which to me shows lack of judgement. She was once in favor of the Bridge to Nowhere when running for governor, but now she is against it. She takes full credit for the natural gas pipeline but didn't mention that the project was already underway when she stepped in. She tried to have books removed from the library that she thought was inappropriate. She claims that global warming is not man made which is in direct contrast to McCain. She claims to have clamped down on government corruption when she is under investigation herself. Wait a minute, come to think of it he did pick a qualified VP.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

MortyR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:24:51 GMT

We already know McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time. Don't expect an old dog to learn new tricks.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Tony O — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:25:27 GMT

I served in the Navy in Viet Nam (volunteered). I was NOT a POW. Being a POW is not by itself or by any standard a qualification for president. Hate to say this, but McCain has been using his ex-POW status as qualification. The idea was NOT to be caught, McCain!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bdhotwheel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:26:09 GMT

Hell no we won't go....Finally the conservatives are speaking out! We will take our country back and shut these liberal, government leeching, free riding, non moral, carnal Democrats down! Obama is a tickle my ear, flip flop, car salesman. No matter what this guy does, he will continue to look stupid on camera with all of his studdering and flip flopping agendas. IN Frisco he caters to gays and in South Carolina he caters to evangelicals. You can't have it both ways buddy! MCCAIN in 08! Case closed!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

balancedview — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:26:16 GMT

Danmcel, you don't get it. I've been self-supporting and gainfully employed for 25+ years. I pay taxes, I have never used public money. Just because I don't need it doesn't mean I think no one needs help. Hard heart Danmcel, its sad you are so bitter.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

OBAMA4PREZ — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:27:14 GMT

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Sarah Palin’s Record on Alaska Native and Tribal Issues

(Thanks to Suzan Harjo for this. She says,"I had a very tiny hand in it, but it's best to say that it was written by Alaska Native people. I did fact-checking and cite-checking, and can verify its accuracy.")

1. Palin has attacked Alaska Native Subsistence Fishing

Perhaps no issue is of greater importance to Alaska Native peoples as the right to hunt

and fish according to ancient customary and traditional practices, and to carry on the subsistence

way of life for future generations.

Governor Sarah Palin has consistently opposed those rights.

Once in office, Governor Palin decided to continue litigation that seeks to overturn every

subsistence fishing determination the federal government has ever made in Alaska. (State of

Alaska v. Norton, 3:05-cv-0158-HRH (D. Ak).) In pressing this case, Palin decided against

using the Attorney General (which usually handles State litigation) and instead continued

contracting with Senator Ted Stevens’ brother-in-law’s law firm (Birch, Horton, Bittner &

Cherot).

The goal of Palin’s law suit is to invalidate all the subsistence fishing regulations the

federal government has issued to date to protect Native fishing, and to force the courts instead to

take over the roll of setting subsistence regulations. Palin’s law suit seeks to diminish

subsistence fishing rights in order to expand sport and commercial fishing.

In May 2007, the federal court rejected the State’s main challenge, holding that Congress

in 1980 had expressly granted the U.S. Interior and Agriculture Departments the authority to

regulate and protect Native and rural subsistence fishing activities in Alaska. (Decision entered

May 15, 2007 (Dkt. No. 110).)

Notwithstanding this ruling, Palin continues to argue in the litigation that the federal

subsistence protections are too broad, and should be narrowed to exclude vast areas from

subsistence fishing, in favor of sport and commercial fishing. Palin opposes subsistence

protections in marine waters, on many of the lands that Natives selected under their 1971 land

claims settlement with the state and federal governments, and in many of the rivers where Alaska

Natives customarily fish. (Alaska Complaint at 15-18.) Palin also opposes subsistence fishing

protections on Alaska Native federal allotments that were deeded to individuals purposely to

foster Native subsistence activities. All these issues are now pending before the federal district

court.

2. Palin has attacked Alaska Native Subsistence Hunting

Palin has also sought to invalidate critical determinations the Federal Subsistence Board

has made regarding customary and traditional uses of game, specifically to take hunting

opportunities away from Native subsistence villagers and thereby enhance sport hunting.

Palin’s attack here on subsistence has focused on the Ahtna Indian people in Chistochina.

Although the federal district court has rejected Palin’s challenge, she has carried on an appeal

that was argued in August 2008. (State of Alaska v. Fleagle, No. 07-35723 (9th Cir.).)

In both hunting and fishing matters, Palin has continued uninterrupted the policies

initiated by the former Governor Frank Murkowski Administration, challenging hunting and

fishing protections that Native people depend upon for their subsistence way of life in order to

enhance sport fishing and hunting opportunities. Palin’s lawsuits are a direct attack on the core

way of life of Native Tribes in rural Alaska.

3. Palin has attacked Alaska Tribal Sovereignty

Governor Palin opposes Alaska tribal sovereignty.

Given past court rulings affirming the federally recognized tribal status of Alaska Native

villages, Palin does not technically challenge that status. But Palin argues that Alaska Tribes

have no authority to act as sovereigns, despite their recognition.

So extreme is Palin on tribal sovereignty issues that she has sought to block tribes from

exercising any authority whatsoever even over the welfare of Native children, adhering to a 2004

legal opinion issued by the former Murkowski Administration that no such jurisdiction exists

(except when a state court transfers a matter to a tribal court).

Both the state courts and the federal courts have struck down Palin’s policy of refusing to

recognize the sovereign authority of Alaska Tribes to address issues involving Alaska Native

children. Native Village of Tanana v. State of Alaska, 3AN-04-12194 CI (judgment entered

Aug. 26, 2008) (Ak. Super. Ct.); Native Kaltag Tribal Council v. DHHS, No. 3:06-cv-00211-

TMB (D. Ak.), pending on appeal No 08-35343 (9th Cir.)). Nonetheless, Palin’s policy of

refusing to recognize Alaska tribal sovereignty remains unchanged.

4. Palin has attacked Alaska Native Languages

Palin has refused to accord proper respect to Alaska Native languages and voters by

refusing to provide language assistance to Yup'ik speaking Alaska Native voters. As a result,

Palin was just ordered by a special three-judge panel of federal judges to provide various forms

of voter assistance to Yup'ik voters residing in southwest Alaska. Nick v. Bethel, No. 3:07-cv-

0098-TMB (D. Ak.) (Order entered July 30, 2008). Citing years of State neglect, Palin was

ordered to provide trained poll workers who are bilingual in English and Yup'ik; sample ballots

in written Yup'ik; a written Yup'ik glossary of election terms; consultation with local Tribes to

ensure the accuracy of Yup'ik translations; a Yup'ik language coordinator; and pre-election and

post-election reports to the court to track the State's efforts.

In sum, measured against some the rights that are most fundamental to Alaska Native Tribes –

the subsistence way of life, tribal sovereignty and voting rights – Palin’s record is a failure.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Rametyn — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:27:21 GMT

Romano may be biased--but he points out a key fact.

The numbers in state polls are what matters, not always so much the national numbers--for reference, please see Al Gore's campaign. LOL

What he doesn't mention about state polls is that most are saying Ohio will probably be the swing state that decides it thise year.

Alert! Alert!

Rasmussen polls show Mccain lead in Ohio 51% to Obama's poor 44%.

Can you say the hype is over?

The second coming has waned.

Vote Mccain/Palin 08'

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

scottNidaho — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:29:01 GMT

Tony, I think you missed the point. The stories about McCain being a POW are to show you what his charactor is, we all know that being a POW doesn't make one president. We also know the idea is to not get caught, I believe McCain knew that as well. It happened.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:31:30 GMT

danmcel > My sentiments exactly. Anyone waiting for the Government to take care of them is a moron. Even if the dems won they can't do have of what they say and if they did do any of it (give-a-way programs) , it would amount to being thrown a bone that costs the rest of us working people 10 bones and we wouldn't qualify to get 1 bone. If you are not making what you should, or at the social staus you think you should be at it is not the Government's fault (or the tax payer's). Look in the mirror and you will see who's fault it really is. This Country and out Government was set up to pay for a military and a judicial system to protect your freedom and rights, nothing more. Yes, not even social security was something our founding fathers would have agreed on. If you have two legs and are not disabled, you should be out there working and trying get to where you want to be in life (dreams, goals, capitalism). Family should take care iof Family, Citizens should help citizens and above all you should take care of yourself. If you are disabled, elderly and unable to work there are programs already in place to help you, we do not need more money wasting programs. I have seen paralized and retarded people working and supporting themselves, so the only excuse I can see for not working, getting re-educated (Night School) or finding better employment is laziness. Jobs are not permenent and it is not your employer's or the government's responsibility to take care of any of us, it has always been our responsibility. It seems to me today's generation shuns responsibility and expects someonr to take care of them.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

fendawg — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:34:00 GMT

Excellent analysis Mr Romano - particularly the emphasis on the insignificance of both tracking pools and national polls.

Those McCain supporters should take a look at Karl Rove's electoral map (drawn up post RNC) that shows Obama 10 votes short of a plurality in the Electoral College, and has New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Michigan still in the toss-up category.

Having followed every election since Nixon's 1972 blow-out, I am confident in stating that McCain cannot win both Pennsylvania and Michigan, and therefore, whatever you McCain dreamers might like to believe, he can't win the election.

And I was always told that America was a land of understanding and tolerance; if so, the anti-Muslim comments obscene and offensive - but typical of the ignorance of the Neo-Con Right in the US.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Rametyn — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:34:37 GMT

Obama4prez.

Thanks for all that research, the time yo spent typing it, and trying to point out all that drivel about Palin.

Does it bother you that, after all that time you devoted to this, Obama is still getting his butt handed to him based on what they are calling the Sarah Surge.

Among likely voters it's Mccain 54% to Obama's 44%.

Say good night Gracy, the party's over

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

DR111 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:35:37 GMT

I like McCain, but I am very bothered by one fact about him - related by a participant and never recanted - that during their 5 years of captivity, McCain and his fellow soldiers engaged in homosexual activity during the brief periods of time when they were allowed to share cells. DISGUSTING.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

wernet — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:35:47 GMT

You forgot one major factor: the Bradley effect.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Gallatinone — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:36:36 GMT

I cancelled my subscription to NEWSWEEK, as it does not provide fair reporting/articles to the Republican candidates. The articles printed by NEWSWEEK regarding Obama, would make one believe he's done something other than write books on "himself" and his "father." That's right, he was also a "Community Organizer," and has managed to vote "present" instead of "yes or no" on over 130 U.S. Senate votes.

NEWSWEEK even managed to whitewash the article on Reverend Wright and his "god Damn America" speech. Nice

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

iwas1ncthr — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:36:52 GMT

ajrimmer.LOL Oh boy here we go again with the left and there "stay away from the religous" propoganda once again. Listen, being known for diversity includes the religous community, not showing blatent discrimination because of what over 90% of the world believes in. The left always uses the "faith" tactic to tryin win some points yet there own side never gets one word printed when they uses the same wording or how about Obamas racial connection with a bigoted church? McCain was smart for picking who he did, If she ever had to step up to become CIC the US can rest assured that she is capable of doing it. Is there ANY left winger who can say differant? Afterall, she has more experiance than Obama, LOL Gimmie a break democrats! I love the entertainment of the far left shaking and sweating over what new lies they can try to give the American people. Americans are learning that the left wing actually thinks the rest of us are as dumb as them!!!!!!!!

Fact is we need someone who can lead, Obama has been out of that scope for the last 3 months and proves it with his own party. Dont think Joe thinks any differant when he told Obama the White house wasnt training grounds. Joe is there to be the CIC, not Obama. Obama wants book deals and legacy, possably his picture on one of the new $1 coins. How bout we give him that and remove him from the ballot?????? LOL

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Tony O — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:37:27 GMT

Scott, I didn't miss the point. I am making the point that a lot of folks out there and McCain himself uses in his ads and speeches. He forgets to tell us how he blew up the USS Forrestal and many sailors died. He was hotdoggng on the flight deck.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

scottNidaho — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:37:50 GMT

DR111 thanks for that, sheesh

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

platodurham — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:38:40 GMT

This is the most objective analysis of the most recent poll numbers I've seen all day. Most of what I've read has just been "Obama spin." Thanks!

The only caveat I would add is the "Bradley effect" (the tendency of at least a small percentage of whites who poll for a black candidate to actually vote otherwise). That's a big unknown & could mean 2-3 points nationally. And it's probably why Hillary won in New Hampshire when all the polls said she wouldn't.

And yea, those state polls which will lag a bit are going to really shake up the electoral vote picture. I predict even Pennsylvania & Michigan will begin to look doable for McCain. Axelrod and company must be getting a little nervous.

This is all the more reason for Obama to try to mend fences with Bill & Hillary & try to get a little help. Boy would I like to be a fly on the wall when Barack & Bill meet on the 11th! But, in my opinion, the Clintons will do just enough to be able say they tried. I doubt they'll forgive & forget too quickly. Anyway, it's in her interest -- and Bill's -- for Obama to lose. Another try in 2012 is a possibility, but I think by 2016 they'll both be too old. They can always raise the money. Yep, Dems may as well go ahead & start trying to figure out how they blew it again!

The mainstream media Obama-spinners really need to quit this nonsense & try to get back to objective reporting. Even stupid independents can see right through it & one of the things they worry about is this: can we really trust the Fourth Estate to report fairly on Obama if we elect him? I'm worried that we can't & I think a lot of other people are too. That's why books like this Obamanation (or whatever it's called, I haven't read it) become best sellers. People are trying to get the facts & they've given up on the mainstream press.

Anyway, thanks again for the good job on your article.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

MichaelBrazell — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:39:20 GMT

This is all based on old information Newsweek.

DId the author notice that the state-by-state polling data on RCP is 2 weeks old? For RCP junkies like myself, we're hotly awaiting the new results set to come out on Thursday or Friday of this week.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

parker44 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:39:47 GMT

What stands out about McCain's capture is not that he lived to tell about it or is even running for President. The fact that he refused to become a part of the North Vietnamese propaganda show to secure early release says all I need to know about the man. Better to go home with honor later than to return now with shame. All the smoke and mirrors spun by the democratic party, hollywood and the media pale in comparison.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Nazianzen — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:40:34 GMT

Republicans claim "Country First" and would gladly give life and limb for this country, as I myself would. This is passion, faith and and logic in self preservation.

You must trust and repect your government completely. Would you give your life for your country and then whine about giving a higher tax percentage for the proper managemnet of the same. It is not logical to trust something enough to put it first and trust it with your life and then mistrust it so gravely as to not trust it with your money.

Be careful what you covet, It is a slippery slope to acquiesce to the whims of the powerful (or in the US that would be the rich).

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Rametyn — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:40:43 GMT

Fendawg--you are missinformed.

Obama can have Michigan and Penn.

The state that is going to swing it--according to all reports today--is going to be Ohio--where Mccain is clearly ahead.

And you probably didn't read my earlier post--on how Dems have been referring to the polls for over a year now, and how funny it is that now Mccain is ahead, you all start saying the polls don't ment anything.

LOL

After all this time of hope, and arguing you will take the election, jst how depressed are you going to be once Obama loses in Novemeber.

Wonder what the polls will show on likely Democrats to commit suicide.

LOL

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

2MANYHICKSONTV — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:41:50 GMT

TO: ljvongraff

I'LL BE OLD ENOUG TO VOTE NEXT ELECTION

BUT LET ME ASK YOU SINCE YOU ARE QUIET THE EXPERT

IN SPELLING..WHAT DOES can[t EVEN MEAN..

I DON'T SEEM TO BE ABLE TO FIND THAT WORD

ANYWHERE ON THE INTERNET (or anywhere else)

IT'S NO WONDER YOU SUPPORT THE WOMAN

WHO KILLS THE MOTHER OF BAMBI FOR DINNER

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bdhotwheel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:43:21 GMT

Obama finally admitted he is a Muslim on ABC.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:45:47 GMT

It is funny how people want to put down John McCain and Palin ( a definate Democrate). They actually have done things for America with real results. They also have a love for their Country and it's people, unlike the Democratic Party and Left Wing Media. If I listed all the reasons not to vote for Osama Obama and any Democrat, I would be here until next week. Name something Osama Obama has done for his Country instead of himself.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Kells — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:46:02 GMT

I can't believe McCain is this close to Obama in polls, is sad most people don't know what McCain stands for. The federal bailout for mortgage companies feddie and Mac costing ordinary Americans $200 billion was caused by Phil Gramm the senior economic advisor to McCain who opposed the regulation of mortgage companies thereby giving mortgage companies to do whatever they like. It was this same Phil Gramm that created the Enron loophole that's why we paying more for oil. It is also this Phil Gramm that called us whinners and that the tough economic times we facing is due to a mental and psychological recession.

McCain has 11 houses even the Obama campaign did not know how many houses McCain has when they released an ad they thought it was 8 houses.

Even the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans for America don't even support McCain because McCain has voted against a bill that will help veterans. McCain does not even know his voting record in the senate. Sarah Palin says she wants to invest in alternative energy sources, Sarah Palin's husband is an oil production manager. So tell me how do u invest in alternative energy sources when your husband is an oil production manager? Her husband was caught drunk driving putting the lives of people in danger. Learn more about facts log on to www.countdown.msnbc.com

Thank you.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

goodwillhunting22@hotmail.com — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:47:21 GMT

I mostly believe that both parties are to blame for the gross over spending in washington. The misuse of our tax dollars and the fact that there is more government than we need. I really truly believe that as a country the individuals need to stand on their own and learn how to be independent. The persont hat need to be in office is the one who will cut spending, downsize government and gives the majority of the power back to the American people. There are some truths out there and I am tired of hearing people whine about not having enough. There is always a job out there for people who are willing to work. (and beforey ou start I'm not rich by anymeans or middle class but have never been w/o a job, food a place to live because i was smart enough to realize that I may have to sweat a bit for the money i earn but at the end of the day I took care of myself". The housing market busted because people were spending way too much on over inflated houses that they couldn't afford 95% of the time. There were a few that got screwed but that wasn't teh majority. We could solve all of our problems with our own great American ingenuity if we had less government to stand in the way and let people roll up thier sleeves and fix these problems. I have no doubt that anyone who is able minded and able bodied could not survive if they truly wanted to. It is time we stop coddling people and let them stand on their own two feet!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bdhotwheel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:48:21 GMT

Obama supports food stamps, WIC, welfare, and all the lazy Americans of this country. I give more credit to the illegals. At least they work for their money! I say drug test all the welfare recipients before they pick up that check every month and let's see how many still collect at the end of the year. Companies drug test us before they hire us, so fair is fair, right?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

dedoal — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:48:42 GMT

yeah i agree with "danmcel" and" scott nidaho" i don't like people for the color of their skin too! epecially black people, did u guys get the memo from t. metzger yet? race wars almost time.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Zebiggie — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:48:45 GMT

If Obama were completely white, his charisma and likeableness would have all the Rednakes (country music lovers and singers) queuing to vote for him in spite of his lack of experience and being a Muslim. But sad dude...you're not pale enough. I wish Obama could occupy 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I really do. But truth be told- the founding fathers did not have that idea in mind when they killed off the redman to occupy the land.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Rametyn — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:49:30 GMT

Yes--everone log on to MSNBC.com

So you can all read about the two goofs who got the boot for being LIBERALLY BIASED in their commentary.

LOL

Great place to get your fact Kells

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:50:31 GMT

I don't care if McCain has 10 houses. The McCain / Plain team is a far better choice to run this Country than the America hating socialist dems.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

luckylarry — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:52:44 GMT

Excellant job! I feel I should not feel if an writer is biased after I read an article and this was the first I have read in a long time that was objective. Keep up the good work and more people will read your work.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

bdhotwheel — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:53:38 GMT

Man, the OBAMA lovers sure do worship this guy! In their eyes, he cannot say or do wrong! This goes to prove that they would vote for Daffy Duck and Peter from the Family Guy if they were on the Democratic Ticket! Sheesh!

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/07/obama-verbal-slip-fuels-his-critics/

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

ReneeAM — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:54:00 GMT

To: 2MANYHICKSONTV

I believe you meant "Quite" the expert, not "Quiet"

I just thought I would correct you since YOU are QUITE the expert on spelling.

Also you spelled ENOUGH wrong. You might want to spell check before making fun of

someone else for their spelling. It's no wonder you support the man who voted for infanticide.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

ModAct07 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:55:01 GMT

The acceptance speeches of the two nominated candidates is a clear indication to me regarding who to vote for. Not the speeches themselves, but the reaction to them. Of course the Democrats cheered wildly for Obama and the Republicans cheered wildly for McCain - that's not the reaction I'm referring to.

Obama made his speech with absolutely no interference. McCain was interrupted by liberals trying to shout him down.

The message is clear - elect McCain, we keep the right to free speech. Elect Obama, and there goes the right to free speech - unless we agree with him. Liberals think they're for human rights, but they don't think conservatives even have the right to free speech.

I've seen it before; liberals routinely try to shout down anyone they don't agree with. I used to be Democrat; I'll never go that way again. I value my freedom too much.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Rametyn — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:55:18 GMT

Fendawg

This just in.

Obama's 9 point lead in Michigan has shrunk to just one--according to TODAY'S polls

Doesn't look like it is sure he will win that state either.

Now dead even in Virginia, and Mccain is ahead in Colorado.

HEY! isn't that where you guys had yor convention?

Alot of good that did.

LOL

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:56:43 GMT

After Palins Speech and the great response to her, Oberman looked like he was gonna go of the deep end.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

fgsinc — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:03:28 GMT

Everyone knows what McCain stands for and now people are using Sara Palin as a reason to vote for him because they are looking for a way to avoid the real reason. It's called RACIST DISCRIMMINATION. It's a shame to see that a portion of the 95% of the people would rather pay high taxes than to vote for a black man. It's just pure hate when you are willing to sacrifice your financial stability because you don't want a smart, intelligent, black man running the country. It's not only showing racist discrimmination but also stupidity.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

fgsinc — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:03:57 GMT

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Aquaman1000 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:04:12 GMT

Yet another visit from the ghost of the democratic past! It's midnight the chains of Dan Rather are rattling and the media has predicted the outcome early on in the presidental races as they did in 2000 and again in 2004.

The president elect for the year 2000 is... Al Gore.... uh... no, wrong as usual! Fast forward to the year 2004 and the president elect is John Kerry... uh... no wrong again... can you say pass the rolaids?

The year is now 2008 and the president elect is Obama... uh... no wrong again Dan! Just like the last two presidential elections the media is as giddy as a 5 year old on Christmas eve with butterflies in their bellies and goose bumps on their butts wishing it will happen and predicting yet another liberal win... uh... no... wrong again! Yuk Yuk Yuk...

One last comment I saw a bumper sticker on a ford F-150 which said "Nobama" see you in 2012!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

a_thinking_person — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:06:24 GMT

This is for the Hillary only supporters posting here who are not supporting the Democratic Party (or Hillary for that matter anymore since she is adamantly supporting Obama). Please, I understand your disappointment, but you need to use your head rather than your emotional anger and turn your full support to the Democratic Party. Your negative comments against Obama are also now against the Democratic Party and Hillary. You need to pick whether you want at least four more years of the Same Bush administration or the Democrats in charge again. Instead of dragging down the party with negative complaints, get behind your party — Hillary's party! If you don't vote and become more supportive of the Democrats in this election for Obama-Biden, then don't be complaining when McCain- Palin overturn Women's Right of Choice. Which they have said they plan to do immediately and with Palin also on the ticket, it is a sure thing. Hillary and all her supporters have fought for Women's Rights of Choice for many years and now you say you are a Hillary supporter who is about to let that all go down the toilet. Are you even listening to Hillary this week? Last week? It is hard to believe that you are really aware of Hillary and what she stands for at all and you sound like you are really just a poser from the Republican side to make us all think we have more descent in the Democrat Party than we really do. Can't take you too serious. No true Hillary supporter would let Roe vers Wade be reversed and not vote Democrat this time around, no matter who is on the Democratic ticket!

Actually, I think the Democrats are more together than the poles are showing and that we will have an upswing soon. The media just loves to keep our attention and they spin things to keep us tuned in. We all know that. And the polls always flux at this time after the conventions. The debates are going to be very interesting and people are seeing that the Bush administration is still pulling all the strings behind McCain/McSame and do not have any answers for the economic problems of middle Americans. We just have to work hard to make sure everyone gets to the voting booth and their vote is counted!

Mccain would be more of the same Bush administration and even worse, with Women's Right of Choice taken away. By the way, speaking of economics, has McCain and Palin tallied up the cost to the tax payer of taking care of all those orphans and full term teen pregnancies they will be making absolutely necessary with the overturn of Women's Right of Choice, lack of birth control information and virtually no Sex Education in the schools? What more AFDC? Isn't that something they are against increasing? They haven't thought this out at all, right? And what is to become of all those orphans in 10 - 20 years from now? Not hard to predict a rise in crime for an influx of more children in an already broken and overwhelmed child protective social service system. Aren't the jails full enough and costing us taxpayers an enormous amount already? Where is all the money going to come from for these social issues caused by the Republicans if they get in office and turn back the clock and reverse Roe vers Wade? And how are they proposing to keep women from going to underground abortion clinics (which will inevitably become widespread available) that history has shown can often be horribly unsafe. Many girls died (bled to death from using instruments as crude as coat hangers) or were damaged for life by going to underground abortionist (often with absolutely no medical background) when I was a teen (50’s and early 60's), before Women's Right of Choice. Who will have on their conscience all this human suffering caused by the reversal of Roe verses Wade? Hopefully not you, a Hillary supporter who could have voted for your party but did not! Hillary said at the convention that it is time to think about the people who will be hurt by you not supporting the Democratic Party.

Vote for Women's Right of Choice! Vote Obama - Biden 2008! ! !

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

YankeeExpat — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:09:19 GMT

Hey everybody!! The election isn't until November!! Quit trying to predict the future, all of these polls mean nothing, the election will prove the winner.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:10:43 GMT

You people and your mis-information your being fed by leftwing bloggers, the dems and the media on Palin. You will find none of it is true and she is the real deal. She raised a beautiful family, was a good mother and has managed to have a great career. She is a fantastic choice for VP and I believe she will go on to be the 1st Woman President of the USA. She is only running for VP and is being trated like she is running for President by the dems. They are so affraid of her they think they need to smear her and it is back firing. The more they attack her the more popular MbBain and Palin become. 2 more weeks of the Palin smear campaign and McCain / Palin will be far ahead of Osama Obama.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

2MANYHICKSONTV — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:18:26 GMT

TO:ReneeAM

NOT ONCE DID I SAY I WAS A SPELLING EXPERT..

IT WAS ljvongraff ..I HAVE BIG ENOUGH BALLS TO DO

IT WITHOUT A SPELLCHECKER

PERHAPS YOU SHOULD READ THE POST AGAIN

ABOUT SPELLING AND THAT I DO NOT SUPPORT

EITHER ONE. YOU FIT THE MOLD OF MCCAIN

YOU ONLY SEE PART OF IT..EVIDENTLY

8 YEARS OF BUSH IS NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU.

I JUST CAN'T WAIT UNTIL I CAN VOTE FOR PRESIDENT

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

alic_d — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:24:28 GMT

HOW CAN I VOTE SOMEBODY WHO HAS A DAUGHTER WHO IS A WHORE???

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Cazador1972 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:25:29 GMT

Rametyn,

McCain is not "clearly ahead in Ohio", that's baloney. You are mistaking this little bounce Republicans got from the convention for something that would last. Bush only won Ohio in '04 because Secretary of State Blackstone disenfranchised city voters. I say Obama wins Ohio by a small margin while keeping Michigan and Pennsylvania blue.

By the way, Republicans had their convention in Minnesota, how are the polls looking there for ya? ; )

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

SabreVet — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:27:36 GMT

For fgsinc (September 8, 2008 at 7:03 PM)

Perhaps the truth of the matter is that the true racists (of whatever color) and misogynists are...the Democratic Leadership and Elites (of which Michelle Cottle is a card carrying member.)

By what right, do any of you (of any party) deign to speak in the plural! You speak only for yourself and those of your immediate political filter. You no more speak for all women and what they want than does Phyllis Schlafly.

American Women are not some monolithic group strutting around like a bunch of Fascists or Communists to the beat of any political drum any more than American Men. Both think, feel, discern, judge and decide based upon their education, genes, faith, and experience.

Some women look on abortion rights as a physical choice of their own bodies. Another group looks on that right as having been SUPERCEEDED by the life of the person within them. The last are trapped between the two.

In rape or incest who was the real criminal and how were they punished? The same Left that demands (as we have seen and read in the numerous viperous attacks against Mrs. Palin) the death of an imperfect child; are also the same people who will hold a teary eyed, candlelight vigil for the murderer, child molester, or rapist that faces justice, vengeance, and THE only assurance that they will never do it again by being executed by a State that will not condone their actions.

Is it misandry to demand justice against such criminal that have such an overwhelmingly male population?

Is it racist to demand justice against violent criminal how murder, rape, assault and enslave the blacks, Latinos and other minorities trapped in the inner city, just because the criminals happen to be a minority themselves? These criminals don't (usually) wander into white neighborhoods, and nice safe white gated neighborhoods to commit their crimes, but they attack terrorize their own neighbors.

Now who stands in the way of justice, now who speaks for the dead, and the maimed, and the terrorized?

Perhaps when both the left and the right stop thinking that they have THE answer, and actually listen to the other side, and COMPROMISE!

Ultimately that is why McCain and Palin are ahead in the polls (as of today). They have shown by their record that although there are some core beliefs and issues that they will not compromise, they have shown flexibility and a willingness to stand up to their own party when they think it is wrong, to compromise to attempt to fix a problem. Obama has nothing in his record to show that and Biden little.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

BigR — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:30:29 GMT

1.) Selma Got Me Born -

OBAMA LIES , your parents felt safe enough to have you in 1961 - Selma had no effect on your birth, as Selma was in 1965. (Google ‘Obama Selma ‘ for his full March 4, 2007 speech and articles about its various untruths.

2.) Father Was A Goat Herder -

OBAMA LIES , he was a privileged, well educated youth, who went on to work with the Kenyan Government.

3.) Father Was A Proud Freedom Fighter - OBAMA LIES , he was part of one of the most corrupt and violent governments Kenya has ever had.

4.) My Family Has Strong Ties To African Freedom - OBAMA LIES , your cousin Raila Odinga has created mass violence in attempting to overturn a legitimate election in 2007, in Kenya . It is the first widespread violence in decades. The current government is pro-American but Odinga wants to overthrow it and establish Muslim Sharia law. Your half-brother, Abongo Obama, is Odinga’s follower. You interrupted your New Hampshire campaigning to speak to Odinga on the phone. Obama’s cousin Odinga in Kenya ran for president and tried to get Sharia Muslim law in place there. When Odinga lost the elections, his followers burned Christians’ homes and then burned men, women and children alive in a Christian church where they took shelter. Obama SUPPORTED his cousin before the election process here started. Google Obama and Odinga and see what you get. No one wants to know the truth.

5.) My Grandmother Has Always Been A Christian - OBAMA LIES , she does her daily Salat prayers at 5 am according to her own interviews. Not to mention, Christianity wouldn’t allow her to have been one of 14 wives to 1 man.

6.) My Name is African Swahili - OBAMA LIES , your name is Arabic and ‘Baraka’ (from which Barack came) means ‘blessed’

in that language. Hussein is also Arabic and so is Obama. Barack Hussein Obama is not half black. If elected, he would be the first Arab-American President, not the first black President. Barack Hussein Obama is 50% Caucasian from his mother’s side and 43.75% Arabic and 6.25% African Negro from his father’s side. While Barack Hussein Obama’s father was from Kenya , his father’s family was mainly Arabs. Barack Hussein Obama’s father was only 12.5% African Negro and 87.5% Arab (his father’s birth certificate even states he’s Arab, not African Negro). From….and for more….go to…..

http://www.arcadeathome.com/newsboy.phtml?Barack_Hussein_Obama_-_Arab-American,_only_6.25%25_African

7.) I Never Practiced Islam - OBAMA LIES , you practiced it daily at school, where you were registered as a Muslim and kept that faith

for 31 years, until your wife made you change, so you could run for office.

4-3-08 Article “Obama was ‘quite religious in Islam’” http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=60559

8.) My School In Indonesia was Christian - OBAMA LIES , you were registered as Muslim there and got in trouble in Koranic Studies for making faces (check your own book).

February 28, 2008. Kristoff from the New York Times a year ago: Mr.

Obama recalled the opening lines of the Arabic call to prayer,

reciting them with a first-rate accent. In a remark that seemed delightfully uncalculated (it’ll give Alabama voters heart attacks), Mr. Obama described the call to prayer as “one of the prettiest sounds on earth at sunset.” This is just one example of what Pamela is talking about when she says “Obama’s narrative is being altered, enhanced and manipulated to whitewash troubling facts.”

9.) I Was Fluent In Indonesian - OBAMA LIES , not one teacher says you could speak the language.

10.) Because I Lived In Indonesia , I Have More Foreign Experience - OBAMA LIES , you were there from the ages of 6 to 10, and couldn’t even speak the language. What did you learn, how to study the Koran.

11.) I Am Stronger On Foreign Affairs - OBAMA LIES , except for Africa (surprise) and the Middle East (bigger surprise), you have never been anywhere else on the planet and thus have NO experience with our closest allies.

12.) I Blame My Early Drug Use On Ethnic Confusion - OBAMA LIES , you were quite content in high school to be Barry Obama, no mention of Kenya and no mention of struggle to identify - your classmates said you were just fine.

13.) An Ebony Article Moved Me To Run For Office - OBAMA LIES , Ebony has yet to find the article you mention in your book. It doesn’t, and never did, exist.

14.) A Life Magazine Article Changed My outlook on Life - OBAMA LIES , Life has yet to find the article you mention in your book. It doesn’t, and never did, exist.

15.) I Won’t Run On A National Ticket In ‘08 - OBAMA LIES , here you are, despite saying, live on TV, that you would not have enough experience by then, and you are all about having experience first.

16.) Voting “Present” is common in the Illinois Senate - OBAMA LIES , they are common for YOU, but not many others have 130 “NO VOTES”.

17.) “Oops, I Misvoted” - OBAMA LIES , only when caught by church groups and Democrats, did you beg to change your misvote.

18.) I Was A Professor Of Law - OBAMA LIES , you were a senior lecturer ON LEAVE.

19.) I Was A Constitutional Lawyer - OBAMA LIES , you were a senior lecturer ON LEAVE.

20.) Without Me, There Would Be No Ethics Bill - OBAMA LIES , you didn’t write it, introduce it, change it, or create it.

21.) The Ethics Bill Was Hard To Pass - OBAMA LIES , it took just 14 days from start to finish.

22.) I Wrote A Tough Nuclear Bill - OBAMA LIES , your bill was rejected by your own party for its pandering and lack of all

regulation - mainly because of your Nuclear donor, Exelon, from which David Axelrod came.

23.) I Have Released My State Records - OBAMA LIES , as of March, 2008, state bills you sponsored or voted for have yet to be released, exposing all the special interests pork hidden within.

24.) I Took On The Asbestos Altgeld Gardens Mess - OBAMA LIES , you were part of a large group of people who remedied Altgeld Gardens You failed to mention anyone else but yourself, in your books.

25.) My Economics Bill Will Help America - OBAMA LIES , your 111 economic policies were just combined into a proposal which lost 99-0, and even YOU voted against your own bill.

26.) I Have Been A Bold Leader In Illinois - OBAMA LIES , even your own supporters claim to have not seen BOLD action on your part.

27.) I Passed 26 Of My Own Bills In One Year - OBAMA LIES , they were not YOUR bills, but rather handed to you, after their

creation by a fellow Senator, to assist you in a future bid for higher office.

28.) No One on my campaign contacted Canada about NAFTA - OBAMA LIES , the Canadian Government issued the names and a memo of the conversation your campaign had with them.

29.) I Am Tough On Terrorism - OBAMA LIES , you missed the Iran Resolution vote on terrorism and your good friend Ali Abunimah supports the destruction of Israel .

30.) I Want All Votes To Count - OBAMA LIES , you said let the delegates decide.

31.) I Want Americans To Decide - OBAMA LIES , you prefer caucuses that limit the vote, confuse the voters, force a public vote, and only operate during small windows of time.

32.) I passed 900 Bills in the State Senate - OBAMA LIES , you passed only 26, most of which you didn’t write yourself.

33.) I Believe In Fairness, Not Tactics - OBAMA LIES , you used tactics to eliminate Alice Palmer from running against you.

34.) I Don’t Take PAC Money - OBAMA LIES , you take loads of it.

35.) I don’t Have Lobbyists - OBAMA LIES , you have over 47 lobbyists, and counting.

36.) My Campaign Had Nothing To Do With The 1984 Ad - OBAMA LIES , your own campaign worker made the ad on his Apple in one afternoon.

37.) I Have Always Been Against Iraq - OBAMA LIES , you weren’t in office to vote against it AND you have voted to fund it every single time.

38.) I Have Always Supported Universal Health Care - OBAMA LIES , your plan leaves us all to pay for the 15,000,000 who don’t have to buy it.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

mattkesler — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:33:00 GMT

If NH shifted to McCain but the results were otherwise as shown here, it would be a tie in the Electoral College. The House of Representatives would vote, with each state's delegation getting a single vote. AZ would go for McCain and IL for Obama. But which party has a majority in the most state delegations?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

brad v — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:42:44 GMT

Catch a little bit of McCain's "wit" here. You can tell the guy really supports women.

http://www.rumromanismrebellion.net/2008/07/15/the-comedy-stylings-of-shecky-mccain/

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

ChurchOfRealism — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:04:51 GMT

BigR certainly has a lot of time on his hands and from the looks of it, lots of tinfoil on his head...

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

R. Kevin Hill — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:09:22 GMT

As long as we are looking at RCP, consider: there are four states that RCP's poll average shows as within a point, coin toss states: Colorado, Virginia, Ohio and New Hampshire. To win the EC majority, McCain must win the larger three or all four of them. There are 16 permutations and of them Obama wins in the EC in 13 of them. A 14th permutation is an EC tie that throws the election to the House, where he presumably has enough votes to win. So given 50/50 odds on each of these states, 16 permutations, and 14 ways to win, that means a Bayesian would estimate Obama's chances as 87.5%. Strange but true.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

ChurchOfRealism — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:11:16 GMT

But I digress...lets wait until after the first two debates to see who's winning. I don't think McCain has the temperament to handle it and I think Palin will be exposed as being way out of her league.

Why else would the RNC be sequestering her? I'm sure the ABC interview will be as hard-hitting as marshmallow creme pie.

Again, it looks like I'll be voting against someone rather than voting for someone...sigh.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

stpblk — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:19:41 GMT

If barack Hussein Hobamaba does'nt have at least 8 nt advantage on the eve of the election,(I mean a real truthful poll)He is going to loose.Y'll all know that.Should have been at least 15 points ahead by now stead the race is tied:actaly John Mc is ahead!You morrons all know about that.I am a black man and know very well that ,competing with the next white du, I have to be far better than him to get the job we are competing for.Oh by the wa hussein forgot to pick hillary as VP,therefore sealing his fate.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

stpblk — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:19:41 GMT

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

stpblk — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:19:48 GMT

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

stpblk — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:19:49 GMT

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

stpblk — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:19:49 GMT

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

billeastland — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:23:08 GMT

Andrew,

I think you need to check a fact. It is true that young voters are "traditionally underrepresented at the polls", but I am not so sure about African-Americans. As I recall, I think Pew has shown that African-Americans vote in slightly higher percentages than all other ethnic groups. Hispanics have notorously low turnout rates, meaning their vote is again likely to be irrelevant. I would find the facts, but I don't have time now. BTW, I do think African-Americans will have an historically high turnout in this election, but the very small slice of the electorate that represents may be offset by the larger slice of Democrat 'sport' moms attracted to switch by Sarah Palin. That 25 to 45 female demographic is extremely important because all of us old people are now going to vote for McPalin.

Bill Eastland

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

sezme — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:52:10 GMT

I see where the map here has New Hampshire in the Obama column.

I work in New Hampshire. I've lived in this region all my life. My travels take me throughout the state.

John McCain- Sarah Palin will beat Barack Obama- Joe Biden in New Hampshire. Perhaps people forgot these same polls had Barack Obama with a close lead over Hillary Clinton in the Dem. Primary on the eve of the Primary. Do people remember who carried New Hampshire in the Dem. Promary though despite these polls ? Hllary did. And by double digits. Hillary beat Obama soundly in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire folks LOVE mavericks. They love their Hockey Moms, and people who like the outdoors, the woods, fishing, hunting. They like people who have families that buy the Sunday paper not just to read it, but to clip the coupons, and use for the furnace, etc

I have no idea who will win this election.. But John Mc Cain and Sarah Palin will carry New Hampshire. . I'm pretty sure it won't be Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Clueless1 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:34:24 GMT

In regards to my previus response about people losing their homes, and everything they've ever worked for, I know that it doesn't mean everybody. I have my Graduate degree as well and am a 39 year old woman that's worked since I was 14 years old. Just because I've been fortunate, doesn't mean that it isn't happening & it doesn't mean that it's everyone else's fault that it has happened. These companies, or McCain and Palin, for that matter don't care anything about you. You could go into work tomorrow and the company tells you they no longer need you, & what's going to happen? If all the jobs are going to other countries where they can get cheap labor, where are you going to work? I don't have to get burned to know the fire is hot. I don't have to take a 10% chance that McCain/Palin are going to make the country better when I know it's not going to happen. Nothing they say can convince me because I've seen enough of the Bush Administration for the last 8 years. I say hooray to the person that wants the job because it's going to take atleast 4-8 years for the country to get headed back in the right direction and another 4 to get things moving forward with the mess they've made.

I'm reading all these responses, and like I said before, people are so far away from reality, it's not funny. Haven't you all learned/seen enough from the Bush Administration? I can't believe that people would even think about voting for McCain/Palin during such critical times. Do you think McCain/Palin care about you not having healthcare, about you losing your job, about the high costs of gas, or any other struggle you're going through? Well, the ones voting for them apparently don't care because you would rather let your personal feelings about a person that you don't even know get in the way of your judgement. I'm trying to find some responses that have valid reasons for not voting for Obama, and all I can find is personal attacks. He's a smart guy, & that's what threatens the hell out of haters. He'd be someone you could relate to if he were as incompetent as the McCain/Palin team.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

mhopgood123 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 05:50:02 GMT

So why do I think that Sarah Palin would be a terrible vice president? Because I also think that John McCain would be a terrible president.

I don't care about how Sarah Palin or John McCain take care of their families. I care about how their policy choices affect my family and millions of other Americans.

McCain and Palin get their health insurance paid for by the government (hers in Alaska and his in Washington). Yet they oppose giving the nearly 46 million uninsured Americans the same access to affordable health care.

John McCain's kids don't have to worry about paying for college. Yet he has opposed every single education support program to help others.

McCain and Palin say they will stand up to oil companies. Yet the only energy policy they support gives millions of dollars in tax breaks to oil companies to do more drilling and he has opposed every piece of federal legislation to explore alternative fuel sources.

McCain and Palin say they will revamp how Washington does business. Yet his campaign is filled with lobbyists and she has cooperated with Sen. Ted Stevens in funneling federal money for useless projects in Alaska for years. And McCain and Palin have no solutions for Americans worrying about their jobs in a fragile economy.

McCain and Palin want us to leave their families alone. Yet they want to make rules for our families by eliminating our right to make our own choices over abortion, eliminate our access to family planning education or domestic partner benefits, and our freedom from discrimination.

They want to control what our kids learn in school about sex and about science. In short, through the policies they promote and the judges they support, they want the government to have more control over our private lives than at any time in history.

McCain and Palin now say their campaign is about change, too. Yet the only real change they have proposed is a change from a suit to a skirt in the vice president's office and one man fighting a misplaced war for another in the Oval Office.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

benluclar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:59:40 GMT

So! Obama is falling behind? boo hoo

He needs money? boo hoo

He 'needs' Hillary supporters? haha

Couldn't happen to a better guy!

This KNOW-NOTHING has been the media's LOVE for long enough!

I am so sick of this person, I cannot wait until this election is over

and the American public shows the media and Obama that

WE CAN ...

THINK!!!!!

And all by ourselves. Imagine that!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

GregHere — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:41:40 GMT

.................It was interesting a few days ago to hear John McCain on television saying he would be staffing a new McCain Administration with the very best people available after I heard Barack Obama make the same statement with the exact words about two words. Same thing with McCain starting to say starting the week of the Republican Convention that he is The Change Candidate. McCain Has No Honor, he just watches to see what Obama is saying then he steals his words and ideas and is heard saying almost the exact word for word of what Obama has been talking about..................This alone is enough reason to go the opposite way from McCain and not vote for him!!!!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

borninalaska — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:55:24 GMT

Who's winning? McCain/Palin of course! Analyze all you want, it's over! Our country was founded on Christian principles. Palin addition to the ticket was just what the Republicans needed. We've seen what Palin has done for Alaska, it's time the rest of the world gets to know her. Stop believing everything you read. If your judging your opinions on random blogs posted by "who knows who" then you really should not be voting.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

eurogy — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:12:01 GMT

Wow, you flabby moronic Americans, you sure are good at screwing up.

You can't win war, your economy is screwed, hurricane katrina made you look like total jackasses, your dollar is toilet paper, your cars are crap, we use them as tool sheds and outhouses .We in Europe always know who Americans are

they are fat slobs waterboarding squirrels in the park, ha ha! Now, you will screw up again, and we are getting rich while your dollar tanks. You are like Wal-Mart now for Europe! Go vote McCain, morons, you need so much money for oil and war we are taking your country right under your noses, ha ha! Screwing up is the American Way!

USA! USA! USA! C'mon, yeah. Put on your flag pins, and let's go torture some Muslims!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

giovannis — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:34:17 GMT

Thought for your digest

I was for McCain before I changed to Obama. My reasons for the change are simple. I listed the strong claims by both sides and logically rationalized the out come. I am an independent by choice, who doesn’t believe the sanctity of institutions. I try to actively participate in the election process and take my civic duty seriously a part of which is to share my capture with fellow citizens. I am not shy to give my personal opinion, which might be partially or completely wrong but I am open to learn from others and correct my mistake accordingly. At the end of the day I will accept the decision of the majority and fully embrace the out come.

My first impression of Senator McCain

1. Served his country in time war.

2. Successfully completed military academy and law school?

3. Distinguished as POW and spent time in harsh enemy prisons.

4. Outstanding service in congress and senate.

5. Differed on issues and stood in principle against his fellow republicans.

6. Long experience in military matters, foreign policy, legislation and democratic procedure.

7. Long military family history.

8. Experienced campaigner.

9. Good Husband?

10. Good father?

11. Good family man?

12. Good investment and finance.

Reason to withdraw my support.

1. Supported President Bush’s reckless and unnecessary war against Iraq and failed to admit that it was a mistake.

2. Lack of consistency in his political standing.

3. Illiterate in the use of modern Information technology.

4. Claims to be pro-life but his action is against preserving life.

5. A claim to be environmentalist but his action is further call for pollution.

6. Non-consistent and unpredictable.

7. Calls the name of God but lacks innate Christian values.

8. Poor knowledge of international current affairs.

9. Poor knowledge of other cultures.

10. Overly confidant and dependant on military might than diplomacy.

11. Confrontational attitude, less dependant on discussion and negotiation.

12. Self righteous and prone to none inclusive decision-making.

13. Quick to react but lack patience for in-depth processing.

14. Suicidal by self admittance and no proof of successful counseling

15. My doubt on loss of long-term memory.

My reason to support Senator Obama

1. Humble and open to learn.

2. Stood against the war, while it was unfashionable.

3. Life long struggle to distinguish himself from others under very difficult circumstances.

4. Intelligent and flexible to adopt.

5. Patient to process, methodical and thoughtful in judgment.

6. Total 12 years in public service working with the poorest and the under- privileged.

7. Came from lower middle class family

8. Has reasonable and legislative experience.

9. Good grasp of international affairs.

10. Long experience of international and national cultures.

11. Reasonably consistent on message.

12. Intact short and long term memory.

13. Believes in diplomacy and negotiation.

14. Good leadership skill.

15. Excellent organizational skill.

16. Good father.

17. Good husband.

18. Good family man.

19. Man of God?

Needs for improvement

1. No military experience, less legislative and bureaucratic experience.

2. Lower middle class family.

3. Has a difficult time in his youth by admittance.

4. Exposed to drugs once in his life by admittance.

5. Early difficulty in identity.

My assessment is purely based on the interviews released by the media and information gathered from news articles. I don’t have any past personal experience with any of the candidates or their family member.

My conclusion is that Senator Obama has a better quality than Senator McCain to be the president. Most of his needs for improvements could be met or compensated by consultation from qualified professional. He has exceptional ability to synthesize information and connect the dots with patience. He would not rush to judgment and commit the presidency in to reckless decisions. He has a potential to win many friends and create less enemies. As far as Senator McCain is concerned I prefer others to come to their own conclusions.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

amber09 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:26:46 GMT

When its time to vote, people will vote on issues. If they like the last eight years, it will be for McCain. If they want health care, equal pay for women, pro-choice, tax relief for those making under $250 thou., no tax on seniors making under 50 thou,a 4 thou. per year college credit, higher teacher pay and the end of teaching to a test, renewable energy to protect our climate and many other issue that affect daily life, people will vote for Obama. Choosing a President or VP, should not be a personality test or who you can relate to. Bottom line its about who can really bring change and supports the issues you believe in.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Poole4Obama — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:31:04 GMT

Everyone in America needs to see this

http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/325.html

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Poole4Obama — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:31:05 GMT

Everyone in America needs to see this

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Poole4Obama — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:49:44 GMT

Andrew -

You're absolutely right. I don't think anyone truly knows who's going to win this thing. The GOP Convention was only last week, Rep's are still charged and gung-ho... which too will fade in the coming weeks.

What's important for the Obama crew? The DEBATES. Talk about political superbowls! Forget NY and NE, this is going to be incredible, even more-so than David Tyree's catch in the 4th qtr to bring the Giants to a cinderella upset these debates are going to be the life and death of both campaigns.

Americans are torn now, and to say that racism and sexism (even reverse sexism) still exists, which is sad. There are caucasians that aren't sure about Obama, and his skin color may sway some to Mac. At the same time, there are african americans who haven't followed Obama at all that will vote simply because of his skin color. in addition there are women, of all ethnicities that are so bitter about Hillary not getting the nod for president that they will support anything with a XX chromosome, regardless of their position on any topic.

This, Andrew is all very sad. There are too many americans that don't know where Obama stands on the economy and just as many that have no idea where McCain is on the subject. They listen to media, and allow their peers and reporters form and shape their opinions and viewpoints on one of the biggest decisions they are going to make this year.

This is why polls mean nothing right now (especially national, come on Andrew you know this). State to State are more accurate and with so many toss ups, it's too close to call.

Which is why I am a firm believer that this race is going to be won in the debates. There are too many people on the fence. The debates, with how well Biden handles Palin, and the same for Obama/McCain will push people to either side.

You can take that one to the bank Andy...

Mike in Maryland.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

4mygirl — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:38:33 GMT

As a former Hillary supporter, you bet I'm voting for Sarah! - We are women, hear us roar. I am clearly voting as a women, for a woman. SO WHAT! and best of all it is VOTE AGAINST OBAMA. I think it would be facinating to see McCain-Palin win, and then Hillary can run again in 2012. And the women of America could choose between two wonderful women. That should have all the "boys" shaking. SHAKE UP AMERICA LADIES.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

obama4us — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:20:17 GMT

Sarah will only set back real issues for women about 100 years. Pull your head out, get over the man vs. woman thing, look at the issues at hand, and make the smart choice for our country. OBAMA!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

teainthesahara — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:29:54 GMT

Dear 4mygirl,

If McCain/Palin win, let's hope that neither you or any of your woman friends will be in need of an abortion in the next 4-8 years (in case McCain gets to name a new Supreme Court judge), or need help against discrimination at work.

It's fine to have supported Hillary - so did I - but turning your back on all of her political values is not the answer.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Michelewg — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:43:13 GMT

Sarah Palin has become John McCain's CRUTCH. John McCain has changed personalities multiple times in this race. Now he is trying to Steal the Change Mantra. He is no maverick he is a Schizophrenic. You can tell that especially by the erratic Palin pick - she didn't even know about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, she has been living in a bubble. McCain may win the Election with Palin but will not be able to Govern effectively with her.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Aquaman1000 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:08:17 GMT

Aquaman1000 to

Posted By: alic_d (September 8, 2008 at 7:24 PM)

HOW CAN I VOTE SOMEBODY WHO HAS A DAUGHTER WHO IS A WHORE???

You should check your facts before casing stones in a glass house... Obama's mama is a whore if you think like that! Remember? Obama's mama never married his father yet Palin's daughter IS going to marry the man that got her pregnant... So now what do you have to say??? You dems are soooo blind must from all of the Nobama koolaide your drinking!!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

relady — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:51:37 GMT

McCain won and done.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

mariadcruze — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:54:25 GMT

obama won you dumb fool

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

vakosh — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:54:38 GMT

McCain ... and the dems can't blame the republicans. Obama did this to himself. His whole platform was on unity and change and since his record is so thin, his VP pick was the only way for Americans to measure his plans for unity and change .... he was not able to unify the party and Biden is not change. An irreversible mistake .... historians are already writing his political obit.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

smith4st — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:46:37 GMT

The Hero or the Zero!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

saysome — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:29:42 GMT

so much talks between two parties, which one am i going to trust ? that,s the matter and

after i read this article thru GOOGLE : type Obama,s brother

i find out true facts that a man who met his own brother who live less than a month but did,nt do any.

that man was the MR. OBAMA. making decision llike that, how can people trust him ?

no wonder, he is a man of change, though can,t change his own brother,s life, every other time talks change mind like will put tax for more than $250000 a year income family then , economy get bad , will not tax it. $4000 to teachers is fixed or may change ? he ,s luckey so far because GOP hav,nt expose this gift yet.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

saysome — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:37:25 GMT

respond to : smith4st

the Zero

i read yesterday a man have to .

resigned with fat lip comment.

you call lady as a PIg in national stage

how can you get a way ?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

jjcdc — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:33:40 GMT

I am scared for this country. It is full of idiots! Where is the thoughtfullness-the intelligence? McCain used that exact pig line recently to talk about Hillary Clinton (where was the OUTRAGE from women?) and when Obama said it a few days ago he was talking about McCain. It is an expression. He wasn't attacking Palin. Look it up on a non partisan site! Try factcheck.org. Just because the Republicans are pretending to have "outrage" doesn't make what they say the truth! They are trying to make Obama look bad. People, use your heads! In fact, most of the commercials and speechs are so full of lies you should tune them out and look for the facts yourself! Look at the country! We are in terrible shape and it is the Republicans fault! Their policies make the rich richer and screw everyone else! We have more than a 400 trillion deficit and keep pooring billions into Iraq at the your and my and our grandchildren's expense! You want to continue with them in charge? McCain will continue down this terrible path of failed policies for our country. Don't let yourselves be used! How much worse can it get for everyday Americans? If McCain wins I guess we'll see! THINK and do some research before you vote!!!!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

lsking48 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:51:10 GMT

The republicans must be putting something in the water and I'm not drinking it. I can't believe that so many people out there still think Bush has been a good president. I don't understand why they think McCain and Palin will be any different? McCain voted with the president 90% of the time and that statement came from his own mouth. I feel sorry for my country if McCain and Palin get elected as it will bring us 4 more years of a Gestapo like run government that we have been put through by the Bush administration for the past 8 grueling years. Quit drinking that republican contaminated water and come to your senses people. When I see Jay Lenos on the street interviews and I can't believe how many stupid people are out there. Maybe they really are putting something in the water. The republicans have proved one thing and that is that they can control gravity.They have proved that wealth does not trickle down it only trickles up as long as they are in office..They have proved Newton's theory wrong.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Ezana — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:47:25 GMT

The fourth estate (that's you Friedman) has lost it's nerve you have all caved to pressure from right wing think tanks/ and the McCain campaign and think you have to be ideologically equal all the time. While the republicans are driving this country over a cliff, you entertain even the most transparent BS like it's as valid as the truth (lipstick on a pig). You are both weak of character and complicit! The right hasn't a leg to stand on! The great defenders are fighting a war paid for by China, letting the majority slip into poverty, and killing the constitution! To all of you who used to journalists; GROW A PAIR!!!

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

cm4297 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:36:26 GMT

Everyone has an opinion. It's okay, people are entitled to believe that Bush did a good job. Guess what, I'm almost willing to take another year of him myself if it means keeping McCain/Palin away from the White House. People forget that there are two types of votes, popular and electoral. Bill Clinton did not have popular vote on his side for the second term in office, and guess what? (I guess that's dumb of me to say seeing that we all know how that ended?) George W. did not have popular vote, guess what? McCain needs to stop focusing on winning a popularity contest, and work on those electoral votes.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

A Believer — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:39:45 GMT

Iskling48, Excuse me. Stupid. I don't think so. It is people like you that have turned us around. I sure don't like the 8 years of Bush, but McCain is not Bush. Obama is false hope. There is no way he can do what he is saying. Only Hillary could have made this County whole again. Since that is history, McCain will listen to people like Hillary where Obama wants to do everything his way and this would be bad because he has no idea how to do anything. A 2 year Senator becoming President of the U.S. I don't think so. To bad for the Dems. In 4 years, run Hillary and take the White House. Sarah is one smart lady so don't under estimate her. The very best ticket would have been, HILLARY-PALIN

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

SAGG — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:58:49 GMT

I found something very amusing when I found this story: There were 270 comments already given on it. Get it? Pretty ironic.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Mariann Pepitone — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:51:16 GMT

I don't think it makes a difference if Bill Clinton is campaigning for Obama. Palin is so popular that her crowds are getting bigger and bigger and Obama's will get smaller. The reason for Obama's call to Bill Clinton is because he is losing ground and think's Bill Clinton will give him the lift he needs. No so. Palin is a fresh start and McCain and will because of her. I don't put my faith in polls where they say Obama has a lead, I put my faith in the voters.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

pe514 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:57:37 GMT

People will vote their general preference as far as which ticket. The VP's don't factor in greatly. And face it, neither one is a strong one, perhaps Biden holds the edge in the competency column but she's better looking.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Happyone — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:11:36 GMT

Kimber 9/8 I agree with you and the parenting issue with Palin. As I watch the RCN, I just couldn't imaging having my 4 month old baby in the midst of a massive crowd that has the potential of becoming riotous as evidence by the removal of a few people from the convention hall, in protest, by security. Oh yea, that's not to mention demonstrators outside being sprayed with tear gas as they exercised their freedom of speech right. If that's not the makings of riot then I don't know what is. Why expose a new born to such adverse possibilities.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Gregg Hall — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:39:09 GMT

In response to:

Posted By: pe514 (September 11, 2008 at 7:57 PM)

*******************************************

VPs don't matter! I beg to differ. There have been cases in recent memory where it has mattered a great deal. Look at the power Cheney wields even now. According to actuary tables there is more than a one in three chance McCain doesn't survive his first term, is Palin REALLY able to take over the job? I think not.

Better looking? Well let's just vote for her because she is better looking or vote for Obama because he is black. How ridiculous.

This is a serious matter and the thought of our country in the hands of that nutcase Palin scares the hell out of me. Look at her interview on ABC, she repeatedly avoided questions about whether she was really qualified to be VP. She knows it herself, she just loves the role of beauty queen and most popular girl and doesn't want to give it up. Do your research people, don't just listen to what the party tells you or what biased news reports say. You can find all you want to know on the internet, and when you are done investigating you will find what I have found, that Palin is a liar, she is incompetent, and she is dangerous.

Gregg

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

everything in moderation — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:42:22 GMT

Who is Hunter Biden? Why isn't his family influence getting any press?

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

CTCommuter — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:17:50 GMT

I would not get my hair cut by anyone with 175 days experience, much less vote for a president that needs on the job trainning.

re: So Who's Winning This Thing?

Gregg Hall — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:13:17 GMT

It would be nice to see someone take the time to post a relevant and intelligent comment. By the way, training is spelled with one "N".

As I said before, take the time to do your own research and don't listen to the partyline or the talking heads of the media.

Gregg