Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

pastor123 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:58:54 GMT

Why did Obama go to Pakistan for three weeks when he was in college?? http://www.theobamaplan.com

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Tonylnbv — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:54:36 GMT

If Obama manages to lose the election (which was his to lose to begin with), the single largest mistake that will be attributed to his loss will be that he sucked all of the air out of the room by not letting independent 527's run advertisements. It's one thing for a message to come from an independent group, even if everyone knows what/who/where the message originates, and which candidate their for, it's another thing to hear it from the candidate's campaign. It would seem to me that regardless of what one thinks of 527 groups, they are effective. Their message comes across as being more authentic rather than just another pol trying to win an election. Obama's demand that all campaign-related money be sent to him instead will prove to be the biggest mistake of the campaign.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

obomanator — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:05:08 GMT

pastor 123

To get his al-queida training. That makes as much sense as the all the other garbage(posts) I've in seen in responce to other articles.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

cooned — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:12:43 GMT

Regardless of weather or not it was a smart move financially, it was the wrong move period. Americans are looking for CHANGE. Most of us don't want a politician who talks about change and says it means changing campaign finance by using only public funds, and then when presented with the opportunity he CHANGES his mind. That's not the change I'm looking for. What Obama doesn't understand abt a large chunk of Americans is that people actually have a real thing called integrity which exists beyond the flashy poetic speeches people give.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Doug-P — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:15:06 GMT

To Pastor 123: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C04%5C11%5Cstory_11-4-2008_pg7_32

What is your point? To inflame discord? Probably an extreme right winger, and certainly no pastor I would listen to.

In reply to the Real question, I Think it was very noble of Mr. Obama to opt out of the public finance gig. I don't think it will slow him down much, if at all. And I appreciate the fact he is not spending my tax dollars on his campaign.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

MADDOG0802 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:17:18 GMT

thanks Newsweek, you Republican rag.....I'm logging onto Obama'a website right now and donating $25 of my hard-earned dollars to his campaign. This country needs him and the Democrats to repair the huge damage caused by the Bush adminsitration the last long 8 years.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Obama Drama — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:23:13 GMT

The amount of money on this years political seen is terrible. What's that all add up to - a new car for every houshold? Health insurance for all Americans for a year? A new factory opening in Ohio or MI? What a waste of money - typical gov and all

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Obama Drama — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:26:04 GMT

Tax $?????????????????????Stupid - it's from the box on top of your tax form which anyone can check that donates $1.00 to campyne money. Seriously - Obama people are the least educated in the US?

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

miltongalfas — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:14:26 GMT

Just another 'Say anything' politician. I guess he sure fooled you Romano. Youv'e been holding his privates just like Matthews. A Liar is a Liar. Obama is the worst type of person... one without any substance. He is the wind changing to be whatever works. Sounds like a drug addict personality and should America be foolish enough to place a recovering cocaine addict as president; WATCH OUT!

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

hethrow — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:27:10 GMT

Obama Drama:

Where do you think that $1 from the check box comes from? Least educated indeed....

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

chloe659 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:29:27 GMT

I think it is disgusting the amount of money going to just elect someone. That money could have been put to good use for, let's say...child healthcare, poor americans who can't get to work because they can't afford the gas, food on the table for those who are dying from hunger and living on the streets because they got kicked out of their home. It is a sin that this amount of money is not going to good use, but just being used on ridiculous campaign to lamblast the other party. I am sickened by this and Washington needs to clean their act up about how much money from the public a person can use in their campaign to help themselves win the nomination.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Hrvat — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:32:11 GMT

Dear God pastor. Are yopu seriously thrying to iner something because he visited pakistan? I pray obama wins and removes the Republicans from office. Their behaviour disgraces them and all should be embarrased that these people have led us for the past five years.

All I see from republican adds is empty attacks bordering on slander. They distort truth and play on peoples fears instead of campaigning on issues. I cant understand how people are Ok with McCain first running on his experience ticket adn stating his intimate knowledge of washington then changing it to CHANGE when the first doesnt work!!!!

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Joe Camel — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:33:31 GMT

I think a bigger question than raised by your article is how the McCain campaign can raise money using the names of McCain and Palin during the general election, yet take the $85 million in public financing as well. Here's an example to show McCain/Palin are raising money in their names, but claiming there is no limit because the money will be divvied up by Republican Party groups:

https://secure.donationreport.com/donation.html?key=OMDV4MQMMHNE

Now, I can see you can technically skirt the law by donating to the Republican Party, but if you do it in a group with "McCain/Palin" in the name, that sounds like a donation to the candidate in violation of at least the spirit, if not also the letter, of the McCain/Feingold campaign finance laws.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

I_M_O — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:44:10 GMT

NO! I'M DONATING TO HIM RIGHT NOW AS WE SPEAK.

SEIZE THE MOMENT!

OBAMA/BIDEN FOR THE PEOPLE!

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

usedToLikeMccain — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:21:44 GMT

Dear fellow americans,

I have made you a poem:

Repubs are red,

Democrats are blue,

To be a cynic,

Honest politicians are few,

I watch lotsa politics,

And this race is a doozy!

The drama, the surprises,

it all makes me a little woozy,

But I'm sticking to issues,

and thinkin bout character, too,

and to be honest,

despite the hullabaloo,

I think I've found me a candidate,

whose head is on straight,

who's skipping the bullsh**,

and whose aims are just great (if sometimes overstated),

(and to be quite frank, the other side is also scaring the crap outta me right now,)

And so I'd like to point out,

my dear obama crew,

that now I've contributed, ($300)

and now so should you!

Because god help us all,

to not have four more years

of this economic stagnation,

and war-mongering fear.

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/bochangevid2?source=20080904_BO_D2

a McCain fan before he sold his soul, a meager student and a first-time contributor.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

bngray60 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:24:33 GMT

The Obama campaign is and will continue to prosper! Obama/Biden is the change this country needs and people will continue to do their part to finance the campaign. After all, we must do our part to make the CHANGE we want and this country so desperately needs.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

chuckhasker@yahoo.com — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:28:35 GMT

Your article was good Andrew. There seems to be a lot of angry Democrates out there who can not stand the truth and let it fall where it lies. Chuck Hasker

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Bluegrass Woman — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:46:19 GMT

Andrew...if the Republicans do manage to snare the devil and ride into office on him; you will be one of those chosen to be purged....forget that you're not a WASP? I know you want to be; but, you need to get on the side of the rightous. Don't fret; unlike the Republicans, we Democrates accept all....just repent before election day!

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

sunoverla — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:29:58 GMT

can't wait for the commerical:

Streisand + mansions + Hollywood

September 17th (air date) can't get here soon enough!

LOOL!

--gays4palin

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

speckelbelly — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:30:16 GMT

I SUPPORT OBAMA!AND

SO DOES MY MONEY!

MODESTO CA. DEMOCRATE

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

redmanrt — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:45:41 GMT

I bet Axelrod and Plouffe aren't feeling so clever now as they used to. I bet Obama doesn't think Axelrod and Plouffe are as clever as he used to. Pretty soon their "discussions" behind closed doors will get really interesting. Maybe they are already.

I too am looking forward to the Streisand commercial. Delicious.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

NickinVA — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:49:23 GMT

And there's still that added bonus of Obama the Reneger. First he commits to public campaign financing, thinking his charm is the PIN to a bottomless ATM. Turns out not to be the case. So now he's short of fund as well as a proven welcher. Great strategy, expertly executed.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

dw555tjs — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:08:06 GMT

Obama, the man of change:

Committed to public financing and then after raising more money than any other candidate in history, sees that public financing is broken and renegs on his word. Is that what Obama calls change?

Durng the primary, he committed to stop FISA even if it meant filibustering. Once the primary ended, he not only didn't filibuster but voted in favor of FISA. How's that for change?

Spends his campaign ranting against lobbyists and then picks a VP candidate whose son is a lobbyist. Again, hows' that for change?

First he belittles small town folks for clinging to their religion and guns, then he belittles Governor Palin, ignoring that she's a governor by ridiculing her executive leadership of a small town in Alaska. Doesn't sound like change, sounds like the sound old elitist, partisan democrat politics of Kennedy/Kerry/Gore and company.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Love This Stuff — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:08:08 GMT

Just another reason not to vote for Obama. Says he will accept public money, then doesn't. Says he won't accept 257 money, then he does.

Obama is nothing. That's it. Nothing. He needs to go back to Africa and help his starving family with the millions he is raising. (of course anyone who raises upwards of 500 million for his own ego understands my problems).

Get him outta here. Bye-Bye.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

diqiti — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:08:11 GMT

The good thing here is Obama can't change his mind on public financing. The bad thing here is Obama doesn't have chance to flip flop any more on public financing.

BTW, excellent article.

Obama bin Biden

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Love This Stuff — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:08:13 GMT

Just another reason not to vote for Obama. Says he will accept public money, then doesn't. Says he won't accept 257 money, then he does.

Get him outta here. Bye-Bye.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Love This Stuff — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:08:18 GMT

Just another reason not to vote gor Obama. Says he will accept public money, then doesn't. Says he won't accept 257 money, then he does.

Get him outta here. Bye-Bye.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Love This Stuff — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:08:21 GMT

Just another reason not to vote for Obama. Says he will accept public money, then doesn't. Says he won't accept 257 money, then he does.

Get him outta here. Bye-Bye.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

diqiti — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:09:10 GMT

The good thing here is Obama can't change his mind on public financing. The bad thing here is Obama doesn't have chance to flip flop any more on public financing.

BTW, excellent article.

Obama bin Biden

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

dw555tjs — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:11:27 GMT

Obama, the man of change:

Committed to public financing and then after raising more money than any other candidate in history, sees that public financing is broken and renegs on his word. Is that what Obama calls change?

Durng the primary, he committed to stop FISA even if it meant filibustering. Once the primary ended, he not only didn't filibuster but voted in favor of FISA. How's that for change?

Spends his campaign ranting against lobbyists and then picks a VP candidate whose son is a lobbyist. Again, hows' that for change?

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

annhh — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:17:42 GMT

Feminism is not about left or right. It is about women issues. Anyone who is pro-CHOICE should acknowlege that consequently the choice-to-keep is also a choice, even if it would be the last I would choose.

And pleazzze. All those retard bloggers that react like a deer in the head lights: she does have a track record of not imposing her personal believes on others. Stop that smearing. It works counter productive but may be, actually, we should consider that, o crap, what am I saying, help, send, send me to rehab, re-education camp, something is wrong with me: may be we should support Palin; May be it is a very good thing for feminism. So how insane crazy I am? Read on:

Palin broke the ceiling on the last anti-feminist frontier, the conservatives. She is governing with her younger daughter at work and now with the baby in her office. Swing Set and Jumper are in her room.

Can you image what this will do when she is in the white house? This is more than Hillary can do. Hillary is just old and reflect back.

Palin will do for woman with Roosevelt did for disabled in the working place.

If Obama gets elected, forget 2012, forget 2016. Unlikely the Republicans will touch a female candidate again. Hillary will be old, 68 or so by then. May be 2012 Obama against Palin but Hillary is put on the side line. But if McCain wins and he lives another 4 year and stops after that as he has said earlier, come 2012, it will be Palin against Hillary.

Ofcourse, Hillary will win and break the presidency ceiling. But that is not the real ceiling.

The biggest ceiling is actually the floor all men are standing on: Imagine a race with men not even contesting. Now that would be the ultimate ceiling that will end this role thing once and for all.

The punch back in their cave will be that hard that from then on women will be doing the hunting and they will tent the kettle. Yummie

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

trythetruth — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:23:08 GMT

Yeah, send him more money so he can stay in the $495.00 a night room. Also, please explain the $20,000,000 that came from donors overseas. I know the soldiers didn't send it. So please if you would mister honesty tell us which middle east country sent it to you. Thanks

McCain/Palin '08 - True Americans

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

pugs — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:41:02 GMT

The cool thing that was evident even when he was outspending Hillary is that the American vote is not for sale, she beat him in the second half, he totally out spent her by like 3 to 1 in some of the swing states and lost and now is spending so much even going to Europe and the Middle East and doing quite a set up at the DNC speech and still it is a tie. Mr. Elitist sorry money cannot buy the presidency look at Kerry. he may be rich but he is still not Pres.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

rmenasco — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:51:45 GMT

And if the polls keep trending away from him as they have been the bank account really will dry up.

JRM

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Thunderlou — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:05:48 GMT

OBAMA HAS FAILED MISERABLY IN HIS FIRST BIG DECISIONS. Let's look: First he alientated Clinton and her supporters by not picking her and not helping pay her debt. Further, he has the gall to call her and ask her to stump for him when his support from women goes in the tank. Secondly, he goes for an old dinosaur from the senate as his VP pick. Nothing like a 30-year senator from a secure state to inspire "change!" How long until Biden is replaced? Thirdly, he completely botches the Palin announcement by sending out conflicting press releases. Then he basically sends out NO releases unti well after McCain/Palin had ceased the momentum entirely. Finally, it looks like it's going to be huge mistake not to take public financing. Nothing better for McCain than for the public to see him stumping in PA and MI in front of working people while Obama is listening to Streisand sing in Beverly Hills! What kind of so-called "leader" is this? He can't even make wise decisions in his own campaign which is full of supporters. What evidence is there he is going to make wise decisions under pressure on public policy or with our enemies?

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

bammer — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:07:41 GMT

I LEARNED A LONG TIME AGO SOMETHING ABOUT SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY IN ADVERTISING A MESSAGE.

IF YOU HAVE A WEAK, WRONG, OR CONFUSING MESSAGE, THE MORE MONEY YOU SPEND, THE WORSE YOUR IMAGE GETS.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

ucheagu2001 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:27:46 GMT

I do not talk from the point of view of ignorance, but pure analytic skills. Criticize and hate Obama if you care because his dad is from Africa but forget that his mom was born in this country. How can you be called a person who cares about equal oportunity for men and women. Hate him because his father immigrated here, but do not hate yourself even though your parents also migrated to America from Europe or Asia or Middle East or Latin America.

Support John Mccain who sponsored a campaign finance reform but left a loophole that allows the parties to raise and spend unlimitedly for the party candidate. How about allowing a level playing ground so that any other organization that spends money on their behalf will pay tax on the money. In my view, Obama understood the end of the campaign finance deal and cleverly opted out.

This election is not about party and personalities. I actually do not care at this moment who wins. But personal stories aside, if all Americans care about is war and the military, then Mccain is your man. If all the men and women who have not seen their spouse over the last couple of years, who have faced lineliness or broken marriages as a result like it, then Mccain is your man. It is not how many times Mccain fought with his party in the attainment of his I am better mentality, but how many times he agreed with foolish economic and foreign policies that ruined prosperity at home just because of his ambition to rule America after the failed 2000 primary.

Obama may be very idealistic, but that is the beauty of youth. We can bend, change when we know we are wrong. But old people never change their views. They thing they are right and know it all even when life continues to surprise everyone. Idealism makes us think we can build a better tomorrow, while realism makes us think nothing is possible for change. have you heard about a police officer who after so many years as a cop thinks everyone is crooked, corrupt and not to be trusted. That is realism. Hate Obama as a person, but not his idealism. Length of time in office does not mean you will be a good politician. Bush and Cheney are good examples.

In the end, the next four years will determine who lost in this election. Ultimately, it will not be the politicians but we the ordinary people. Politicians will continue to have their many houses and money, but we will continue to wallow in poverty and cry about economic hardship. values will not put food on the table, and neither will wars, but sound economic policies will.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

CWeb — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:29:05 GMT

It never ceases to amaze me how identical all of you people are. Just try to fight against the otherside without any concern for the issues at hand. It may seem cliche, but that is only because you "Republicans" keep talking about anything but the issues at hand in this country. Maybe you don't have issues to worry about. Good for you. But why not try to help out the rest of your fellow Americans with a little bit of reform and change. Not 8 more years of the same Bush politics. If you could tell me how that has been good. Then I might just vote for your tag-team duo....

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

ucheagu2001 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:39:20 GMT

Again, I will ask anyone who has a tendency to be racially biased to understand that African Americans, blacks and hispanics have supported parties after parties as they nominated only white males for the presidency in 250yrs. There is nothing wrong in supporting another person from any other race (whether hispanic, asian or black).

people accuse Obama of being elitist or uppity as they claim. Yes he worked himself from obscurity to fame with the enduring interest of the common and ordinary Americans at heart. Thos who come from privileged background would rather expect him to bow out, keep quiet so that the good old boys of American politics will pride themselves glowingly. How audacious for him to dine with us some may say. Where does he come from others will quip. The truth is that he has no family history of politicians and known people, and even if he does not win this election, it will be on display that he has changed the political calculations of this country just as Hillary did.

Criticize his lack of executive experience, and don't get angry when your potential employer does not hire you because you had not held a position in the job position you qualified for. nature has a good way of catching up with us. A good man acknowledges his mistakes and a great politician changes cause when all seems not right. It is not flip flopping, it is wisdom. Herod and Pilate refused to change cause even when they knew their actions of beheading John the Baptist and Crucifying Jesus were wrong. That is not wisdom, but stubborn stupidity.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

bythenumbers — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:44:00 GMT

I initially supported Obama but quickly became disenchanted when he backed out of his promise to accept public funding, rationalizing it by saying that since the bulk of the online donations were in small amounts in amounted to the same thing as public funding. This hairsplitting sounds an awful lot like"I did not have sex with that woman." I'm a Democrat but this kind of stuff is embarassing. Besides I don't trust someone who doesn't even wait until after the election to start breaking promises.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

NYSmike — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:46:17 GMT

Seems Hillary wanted to talk about issues and Obama didn't. Now he wants to talk issue. Now he knows how Hillary felt. This male Hillary supporter donated a whopping $10.00 to McCain/Palin. To Obama flip flopper.....zero! Donna Brazile told me the dems didn't need me. I'm fine with that!

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Ridgeback — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:49:49 GMT

You have to go with the facts that are on the ground now. When Obama stated that he would accept public financing he did not anticipate his campaign being an ATM. Now that he realized how his campaign can raise unprecedented amounts of money why put yourself at a disadvantage by accepting public financing and its limitations. Obama has changed the face of politics by getting everyday people to donate to his campaign. Many of these people have never donated to a political campaign if their life and ,many of these people can donate over and over again. The Republicans are going to use some of there old tricks (swift boat, Willie Horton, Call Me) to make Obama look unattractive. Obama will need money to find of these attacks. We have to remember that Obama is considered African American and has a funny name that will take some time for America to get used to seeing and hearing.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

deliog — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:55:13 GMT

Not only will Obama have to spend valuable time raising money instead of campaigning this fall, but with his poll numbers going down, what assurances does he have that his donors are willing to throw good money after bad?

In the meantime, he is spending cash and resources as if there is no tomorrow (maybe there isn't). like sending paid workers from Georgia to North Carolina, where McCain-Palin is ahead by 20 points!

Great decisions by someone who claims running his campaign is his best executive experience.

Delio.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

ucheagu2001 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:59:24 GMT

For a man at 72 to be campaigning to be president? It is nothing else but ambition. Politics is a game of ambition and Mccain is no different from Obama. Like Mccain, Obama has the right to choose whoever he wanted for his running mate. Much as I supported and wanted Hillary Clinton to win in the primary, Obama did not owe it to her to choose her, just as Mccain did not owe it to Rommney to choose him.

And for goodness sake, it is not any easy thing to raise fund for yourself and for the democratic party and Hillary at the same time. Obama is not uncle sam. No matter the outcome, Obama and Mccain will smile and chat after this election irrespective of who wins. But many of us here will have stupidly exposed our bigotry , ignorance and lack of intellectual ability to know what we really care about and what we really want government to be doing for us. If you or your parents have lost yoru house to foreclosure, the question to ask yourself is what it is that you want in this election. If you cannot find money to pay for school, what do you want from this election, If all the bridges in this country are on the brink of falling apart as recent study has shown, and you might be the one driving on the day that bridge will fall apart, what do you want from this election, if you cannot pay for food and cannot get a job because you were laid off, what do you want from this election. If you do not trust politics anymore, what do you want from this election?

These are the issues we should be worried about instead of these petty and uneducated talks about how bad Obama is and how good Mccain is or how bad Mccain is and how good Obama is. But it is unfortunate that the people that write these comments will be the ones to determine this election. In the land of the blind, a one eyed person is king. But I hope generqations of America will make a wise choice.

I care about a good job, a good economy than the paranoia of enemies outside.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Omama — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:08:04 GMT

The truth is Obama is a calculated politician rather than an agent of change. He first committed to public financing then opted out because big $$$ he raked in. He could have pick a women VP, there are many qualify women democrats in this great states, but opted for an old white man from Washington, nothing bad about Biden but he is an insider. Obama was anti-drilling. Now he is considering drilling since the public favoring drillings for energy denpendence. If the democrats look for a great white knight, Obama is not the one. He could both shattered the race and gender barriers but opted for the safe politiking. McCain show his vision and change. McCain now can shattered both the age and gender barriers by picking Palin. I was considering Obama. I would have vote for him if he show his true self by picking Hillary or any woman in his party. However, McCain is the one who show changes not Obama. People are so much into ideologies but the bottom line is the leader actions. McCain resume and actions prove that he's the one. Obama resume is still an essay with little substantial actions.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Ridgeback — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:11:07 GMT

All politicians flip flop I don’t care if they flip flop as long as the flip or the flop is in line with the majority of the American people, as some one once said and that government of the people, by the people, for the people. So if politicians flip flops to get in step with the American people I don’t care. We don’t see that everyone is scared to change his/her mind in fear of being called a flip flop. The fear of flip flop leads to grid lock.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

superdave611 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:43:42 GMT

I don't trust anyone who won't show you who he really is. Obama changes like a chameleon depending on who he's talking to. He's a rabid far left liberal at heart, but tries to appear more toward the center as November rolls around. Look into his history from college through the 04 DNC. You'll see the real Barak Obama. He promises tax cuts for 95% of the working class, yet promises social programs that can't be paid for with what's left. Who's going to pay for all of this? You start slamming big corporations and the upper income bracket with big tax bills and you'll dry up investment and start an exodus of American jobs out of this country the likes of which we haven't seen yet.

Foriegn policy really scares me with this guy. He seems content to allow the rest of the world (especially the UN) to dictate our foriegn policy, as well as International courts to override our sstate and federal courts. I feel we're just days away from an official announcement from Caracas that Chavez and Putin have endorsed Obama and are encouraging their citizens to vote for him ( lol @ remote and internet voting).

His wifes own words are another bag of worms. Can anyone say "angry black woman with an axe to grind?" I ordinarily wouldn't interject race into this, but face it- she started it. Shes not fooling me with her Jackie Kennedy circa 1963 hairdoo and dresses. For someone who loathes white people as much as she does, she certainly has nailed the look.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Cincinnati Rick — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:51:58 GMT

So far from bringing people together, Obama has never had the courage or character to break with his party line or the interest groups therein. McCain fought Bush and Rumsfeld publicly over Iraq and worked with Democrats against the Bush administration on numerous issues: campaign finance, immigration reform, Anwar, Guantanamo, to name a few. When asked about his record, Obama cites working with Dick Lugar against nuclear nonproliferation. My, such boldness ! You don't know whether to laugh or cry listening to such inane drivel. McCain's a man...Obama is a boy.

To be sure, McCain is too old. It's a pity he got savaged by Bush and Rove back in 2000. But better late than never. And far better for the country that the checks and balances operate by not having the Executive and Legislative branches in the hands of ideologues of the same persuasion. An unchecked Nancy Pelosi is the best argument I know against Obama.

So McCain made a political move with Palin to grab some of the "change" and "just plain folks" mantra from Obama and make obvious that this will not be a third term for Bush. It is amusing to hear the arguments that she is not "ready on day one." Of course, she's not! But what is more frightening: the contingent possibility that she will be called upon to be ready or the absolute certainty that Obama would be up to bat on day one if he were elected? Any sane person would rather take their chances with a Vice President learning on the job than a President who had to!

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

hgabrahamson — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:54:44 GMT

Let the meltdown begin. Obamadinejad is folding faster than Supeman on laundry day! H/T Bart Simpson..

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

fog80 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:06:37 GMT

Yes he was. I just donated another $100. Sounds like the right wing nut jobs have been passing this link around to their paid spammers. lol

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

superdave611 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:23:25 GMT

It's your money. Just don't blame Bush for wasting it this time.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

ucheagu2001 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:52:19 GMT

Too bad right wing nutheads foisted bush on the country through his brother in Florida. The same way everyone thought Al Gore was academic and stuck up, the same foolish arguments are going about Obama.

Everyone learns on the job unless you have held that job before. Being a former soldier does not qualify mccain to be commander in chief and manager of people. Human beings in the real world do not follow instructions or operate like soldiers. We have freedom to choose what do do or not, what to agree to or not. John Mccain will learn what it means to be president just as Obama will learn, and as Bush and those before them learnt.

And yes Obama could have chosen Hillary, but who would not be worried that a black man and a woman running for office in the same party will be too much change for America that has never seen a black president or a woman president.

Mccain chose political opportunism and not change. It was desperacy for the white house and appeasment of the extreeme right that made him bypass Pawlety, Rommney and Ridge. Hatred will damage many of you with extreme hatred in your hearts. Obama is as qualified as any right wing Republican. And those of you who are less tolerant, get used to it.

If you worry that Obama is changing his views, then consider that Mccain changed his views from opposition to drilling to support for it, from opposition to tax cut to support for it, support of campaign finance reform but skipped its rules during the primary. If we worry so much about integrity, what is worse? Skipping the letter of the bill you sponsored or the person who had less belief in the bill? And why did Mccain sponsor the bill in the first place? it was solely because President Bush used his political and family leverage to route him during the 2000 Republican primary. Campaign finance reform was a self serving bill. And yes Mccain opposed the Republican party because the party believed in raising unlimited fund which Mccain could not raise. He found support with democrats on the bill because democrats knew that Republicans outraised them in campaign money.

That was not being a maverick, that was fighting for his political interest after that bitter primary. He supported President Bush 90% of the time because even though he did not like Bush, he knew Bush was popular within the Republican party and he would need him. On immigration, when he saw the opposition from the right wing, he softened and abandoned the bill.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

AmericanAaron — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:54:31 GMT

One discussion that is not prevalent in the media, but begs to be addressed, is what motivations people have to be spending their hard-earned money on Obama's political campaign. Obama has been breaking all the records of campaign financing, with reports of a huge grassroots network, with hundreds of thousands of people contributing to his campaign. Considering that his average Democrat supporters are lower income individuals, even small donations from these people amount to a somewhat considerable chunk of their income, compared to average Republican donors. So, the question that begs to be asked is what incentive these people face that would cause them to make the choice of supporting Obama financially?

Assuming the average Democrat Obama campaign donor is rational, then that donor must expect a benefit from Obama being elected president, that exceeds not only the amount of his/her donation, but also the inherent risk that Obama does not get elected. Considering once again the average Democrat is likely to have little disposable income, the benefit expected must be huge.

So, what do they expect from Obama? Well, spending five minutes looking at Obama's own website, we see some of the benefits promised, should he be elected.

1. Emergency energy rebate: $1000.

2. Income tax cut: $1000.

3. Universal mortgage credit: approx. $500.

4. "Making Work Pay” tax credit: up to $500/person, $1,000/family

5. "American Opportunity" tax credit: up to $4000

6. "Child and Dependent Care" tax credit: up to $3000

7, Eliminate Income Taxes for Seniors Making Less Than $50,000.

8. "Retirement Savings Incentives for Working Families" tax credit: up to $500

Note: All tax credits listed are "fully refundable". A refundable tax credit is a tax credit that can reduce your tax liability below zero(0). Because it is possible to receive a refund based on these types of credits, the credits are referred to as refundable.

This list is not exhaustive.

Obama states that he will fund these programs by taxing the wealthiest Americans.

Inherent message to public: get me elected (i.e. vote for me, shovel money at me) and you stand to reap an easy $10,000. This is how the Obama campaign works.

Legitemized theft? Obama the new Robin Hood?

Now, you must excuse me while I go to make a contribution to Obama's campaign. After all, Dems don't hold a monopoly on rationality, do they?

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

pumapurr — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:49:03 GMT

Captain Arugula is going to have to set aside funds to dry clean his mighty ONE cape. It's stained (much like our Constitution, according to Opatriot) with "original sin", and also with the blood of the Clintons. Sorry, that's gonna cost you extra. But okay, we'll have it ready for you... Nov. 5th.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Flash Drive — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:53:51 GMT

All of this is happening at a critical time in the campaign when the polls are showing Obama is losing steam and McCain/Palin is gaining momentum.History has shown that people will always rally around you in good times rather than when you need their support the most.

In foresight the Obama Team may have over-estimated their capability in raisng funds. This is all working in McCain favor, since he can concentrate more on campaigning than attending fund- raisers.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Jim W — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:43:23 GMT

So now The One has over-stepped himself by his haughty dis-missal of public financing? Lots of folks checked that little box, never dreaming of its potential ramifications in 2008. But here we see , in all its glory, the first half black man to run for President on a national ticket, showing the kind of metal he's made of. And he's sure no John F Kennedy!! JFK was a real man, like McCain, tested in fires of affliction and adversity. Where's this here young fellow ever been? Ever really done? Really been through, outside of marrying a full black wife who hates the USA? Like we need him and Joe to show us the way to the perfect Wel-fare state! Seems like another Great Democrat dreamed big like that once- his name was LBJ, and his program was The Great Society. We all know how that ended. So now we have another dreamer re-cycling old worn out Democrat programs that self-destructed time and again, yet old-timers like Kerry, Biden, Keneddy, Reid and their crowd are just showing they haven't had an original idea in so long they wouldn't know one if it hit them up-side the head. If you don't know how to lead, get out of the way of those who do. And that's John McCain!

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

Ogre Mage — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 06:40:21 GMT

The decision to opt out of public money would surely have been the right decision had Obama selected Hillary Clinton as his running mate. She was the only one whose fundraising network rivaled his. Together they could have pulled in a crushing haul.

Now the decision doesn't look so good.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

abbarick — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:03:32 GMT

Obama must understand that the people who are contributing for his campaign want to see him show that he is ready to fight to win the election first and foremost because that is the only way he can have any hope to bring about the change he is promising, and which most Americans are yearning for very very badly. It is strange how Obama hopes to win election by by spending so much time to defend and praise his opponents who are doing everything they could to destroy his public image. It is quite odd how Obama hopes to win when he is ready to fire any in his camp who legitimately strongly responds or challenges his opponents in such a way and with such force that could really stop them or even knock them out. If Obama is unable to deliver such punches he MUST NOT prevent those who are well placed to do so from doing it for him. Obama must stop playing the role of the super righteous. He must also stop being selfish. He must realize that he must not allow this great opportunity that is now open for the Democratic Party and the minority group in the US to win the presidency to be wasted as a result of his playing COOL. He must from now on start doing what it takes to win the election. He must quit the world of fantasies and come to the real world. He must stand up and take the McCain/Republican bull by the horn and stop him in its track. Obama must go on the offensive right away against McCain on national security, defense policy foreign policy and strategic policies. Those are his perceived strong points, and those are his most vulnerable points too. The McCain camp has worked had to undermine Obama's advantages in area of Knowledge, wisdom, persuasion, intellectual skill, power of speech, vision, judgment, far-sightedness and understanding by simply categorising all those indispensable values required for good and successful leadership as nothing but empty suit. Quite valid points and issues that they failed to understand and cannot explain or discuss due to limited intellectual ability they think they can simply dismiss as empty words. Now it is Obama's turn to give McCain the real whacking in the area he wrongly perceives as his own area of real strength. As soon as Obama takes up this offensive he would not need to attend fund raiser meeting in order to finance his campaign. People would see clearly that their contributions are serving a just cause, and they would be more than willing to sacrifice more. So far in this 2008 presidential campaign, Obama has not shown the kind of bold and courageous position national security, defense, foreign policy that he demonstrated in his campaign bid for US senatorial seat which made many people to admire him. For many of us we thought that he was playing it cool during the primaries because that was an internal struggle that must not be allowed to undermine the Party's chances of victory at the general elections, but now no one can understand his no-win approach. It is time to wake up and fight to overcome and win.

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

spencer08 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:34:01 GMT

It is amazing how certain things are shoved down our throats and people just eat it up without any question. Let's apply common sense and reason this out. Does being a war hero indicate good president? McCain talks tough and does aggressive strategy always indicate success? I listened to his speech and did not hear any single thing of how his presidency would improve my life. I salute him for going to war and do not think that should give him the right to be president. Yes, McCain has a history of working across the party lines and that's great, but he has supported Bush's plan many more times. I hear him talk about veto of plans when he is president. Does anyone remember when Washington was short down for a week or more? Many programs and services that benefitted a lot of people were also short down due to funding. Do we need that type of government in this era of aggression? Now he brings in the Hockey mom. Palin is a woman without experience and/or an ability to govern. She starts off saying she is a hockey mom with five children and a wife of a Snowmobile winner..Come On! People is that what it takes to run for the 2nd highest office in the land? All women should feel insulted as I am. Picking a "Chrissy from 3r's company wanna-be" for a Vice President should be an offense. There were other women in the Republican Party who qualified. Now I hear comments about what a great speech she gave...hello. there was a speech writer somewhere deserves all the applause. Have you ever wondered why she is yet to campaign alone? Why is it that Joe Biden is off on his own to Campaign and Palin is always attached to McCain’s hip and repeats the same ol’ speech from town to town? Listen, Review, and Evaluate. Don’t make this choice based on party lines. Vote for Change and vote for someone capable of bringing us out f this mess. We are hated around the world. Travelling used to be fun, now once people know where you are from, they want to kill. Don’t believe the cabbage that this is being sold to you. Use your God-giving brain to make your voting call. The price of gas, food, and other items are going up. Our economy is bad; this is not a season to be foolish. Look at your personal issues and see how beneficial you think another Bush Whitehouse will be. These elections are supposed to be based on who can handle the job, who can find common ground, and have the temperament to do a better job. We have experience aggressive government in the last eight years and things have gotten worse. Now is time to change course and McCain is not the person!

re: Was Obama Right to Opt Out of Public Financing?

ncarrizo — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:21:25 GMT

When obama PROMISED to go the public funding route and didn't, all of these other arguments became moot. He's an empty shirt and like bill clinton has to test the wind before knowing what his own position is. And this is the guy you guys want in the office of the most powerful figure in the free-world? If he's elected, how many promises do you expect him to keep? Obviously, (and realistically) he's capable of breaking any and all promises. Oh well, I guess you folks will get "to dance with who brung ya"!