Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Bilbo — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:05:40 GMT

They will only succeed if you let them.

Kudos on this story - I have been wondering when someone would stand up and say something!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Aengil — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:13:47 GMT

I second that Bilbo. Kudos indeed. Keep it up!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

thebob.bob — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:29:57 GMT

Endless barrage of lies and distortions. Everyday, a false charge, over and over. Under no circumstances talk about the mess that Bush and the Republicans have made and how McCain whole-heartedly supported it.

Civil discourse is what McCain used to insist on. Now , he really has become Bush III

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Dmitriy — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:31:06 GMT

If Obama is denying his own sexist comments that he has clearly said (and audience aploded) do you really think he will admit to sending (or having knowledge of) 30 thugs in Alaska digging dirt? What's next? You will say that he did not know about Rev Wright?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jesseblancahrd — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:05:42 GMT

McCain has nothing to offer the american people. That's why his campaign is making a big deal of the exact same expression he used to describe a program that Hillary was for.

It's a shame a great man has been reduced to this disgusting pandering. Worse still that people believe it.

Go to his site and try and find a difference between his policies and that of GW. They don't exist.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

aef66 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:38:45 GMT

I hear that Charlie Gibson is going to be interviewing Sarah Palin over the next few days... but come on! Palin is running to be vice president of the United States of America. McCain, Biden, and Obama have been on the national stage for years. We know next to NOTHING about Palin.

It's time for her to agree to further interviews with serious journalists who will help inform the American people about Palin's record, experience, and, most importantly, positions on and knowledge about the issues that matter to the American voters.

Add your name to the petiton here: http://www.interviewsarahpalinnow.com/

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Bdwyre — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:02:34 GMT

In 2000 I felt a great deal of sympathy for McCain when he was the victim of a smear campaign by Rove and Bush. I thought he was a decent man and it angered me that he was subjected to the lies and slander that was dished out.

Now, I have lost all respect for him. He is using the same dirty tactics and spreading the same kind of lies.

Sarah Palin compares herself to a pit bull but I don't see many pit bulls who play the "victim card". She all fluff and hot air - no substance, no experience, no leadership skills. Her whiny sarcastic remarks and holier-than-thou attitude are pathetic.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

samanthacalhoun — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:25:09 GMT

This is just more of the same. Bush used "wolves" in 2004, too. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBtzOHq6JqA

As for "lies" about Palin? Why don't you report that she tried to have the librarian from Wasilla fired? She succeeded too until the town went into an uproar and the librarian was re-instated only to leave on her own terms 2 years later because Mayor Palin was too difficult to work with. And she did ask about specific books and if they could be removed. So let's get some of the 'facts' out there. This is your job. Do it.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

DelicateMonster — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:31:49 GMT

Hi Mr. Romano ,

Nice write up on the Fact-Free Fact check. Not to nit pick but I think you're giving Palin something of a pass where it's not deserved.

True, the email reporting she 'banned' all those books is bogus, however, there's probably more than a little fire underneath that smoke.

Here's a clip from Time's piece on Palin:

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1837918,00.html

<blockquote>"Stein says that as mayor, Palin continued to inject religious beliefs into her policy at times. "She asked the library how she could go about banning books," he says, because some voters thought they had inappropriate language in them. "The librarian was aghast." That woman, Mary Ellen Baker, couldn't be reached for comment, but news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor. "</blockquote>

So your wording makes it sound like the whole issue is outlandish--and it's not. Palin seriously tried to ban books and she seriously looked into punishing someone who wouldn't get on board her 'banning' band wagon.

That's a problem in a Vice President, and a problem in a President. And it's something every American has a right to know about before they vote.

If you don't think the Time's story is valid, please let me know. If not, I assume you'll correct the correction that implies Sarah had nothing to do with banning books which is obviously misleading.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

martin_gray — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:44:03 GMT

Romano, your partianship is beginning to show. How about some balanced reporting for a change.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

eric0125 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:50:29 GMT

Wow a "fact check" ad that needs to be fact checked... leave it to the Republicans.

A new low for John McCain.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

toolkit — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:12:44 GMT

It is painfully obvious that Palin is not qualified to be Vice-President. However, what is more obvious is that Obama is not remotely qualified to be President. The two most qualified candidates in this election cycle were Romney and Giuliani.

Wake up people, we are voting for Student Body President in Chief. In that race facts are irrelevant. A candidate can say they are going to provide health care to everyone but not have a clue how to pay for it. A candidate can say they are going to create 5 million green jobs without any rational way to explain how they are going to do it.

If you want facts, have the media demand facts. They will never do it with their obscene love affair with Obama.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

cooday — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:14:47 GMT

Need a break from - Schmit/Rove/Davis/McCain/Bush Attack Machine?

Democrats and Obamacans's courting all Republican and Independent Voters!

Obama’s message rings of a “Beautiful day coming to America” which is similar to Reagan’s “Its morning in america again”

America can wake up to a beautiful day in November.

U2 - beautiful day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omFdpnSu57U

Obamacan's - “The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.”

William F. Buckley, Jr. quote

The real change team for the last 19 months

Change we can believe in.

Vote Obama/Biden '08

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

lbrillante — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:56:52 GMT

With this ad and the absolutely sick and immoral ad on sex ad coming out of the campaign... it raises the question about how you combat these Rovian type smears. When average folks see this stuff on TV if nothing else it raises doubts in their minds.. plays on their fears and manipulates them.

If John McCain put this ad out about me I would sue him for slander. But what can a candidate do and what can the electorate do. We want to take our country back but corporate ameirica has endless funds. What is the answer here?

Is there a way to start a grassroots don't believe anything you here without checking the facts? Problem is McCain has even lied on behalf of factcheck.org.

This new sex ed ad is the lowest most disgusting thing I've ever seen from a candidate. It is a

willie horton style ad meant to make the public view Obama as a sexual predator and pervert.

What it proves however is that McCain is a very perverted, sick, disgusting, vile, lying, low, filthy old man who has no honor. What an absolute sleaze!

The only thing I can think of is that you keep speaking truth to power, get as many people doing that as possible, and you don't stop!!

I am sick of the lies, the abuse of power, the hypocrisy, the wealthy abusing the working man, and the sleaze!

Enough!!

Obama/Biden '08

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Make2008Great — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:25:03 GMT

I anticipated the victimization of Sarah Palin at the point of the announcement. If she was fully vetted, McCain would care how many investigators anyone sent to Alaska, he would know that there was nothing to worry aobut. I am ashamed that McCain approved the ad regarding "Lipstick on Pigs", it is painfully obvious when you watch the entire clip of Obama that he was addressing the economic policies of the current administration. I need to hear more from Sarah Palin, more in the form on interviews. I am looking forward to the debates. I know that John McCain is a man of character and I hope that he doesn't allow his advisors to continue this path. Sarah Palin isn't a woman anymore; she is a candidate. And like the say in George Bush country, it is time to "Cowboy Up".

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jonnyooh — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:07:49 GMT

How stupid do you have to be to believe McCain's BS? He already has the moron vote that he inherited from Bush. It seems he's wasting about as much time preaching to the choir as he is avoiding the issues. Those who strongly support Bush at this time represent 13% of voters. That's also the percentae of voters who can be fooled all the time. The Republicans own them. The Republican party, which is beholden to the top one percent are the masters of this demographic, who are denizens of the southerly half of the IQ scale, made up of the working class Repubs and the pathologically religious. If there were no more Republican scumbags like McCain elected president, it may already be too late to save America from becoming a second rate power.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

wildlifeusa — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:52:34 GMT

TO NEWSWEEK AND ALL THE MEDIAS

We are sick of the attacks by the republicans on a decent candidate that Obama is. Sick of their lies, distortion of character and facts, and manipulation. It has to stop!! You medias are all responsible for this!!

We want all candidates to talk about the real issues as Obama has tried to do and talk s about their solutions to the huge problem this country faces. Obama and Biden, are the only ones who have been able to offer good solutions...If the other party is unable to offer any solution, so why waste your time on them???

We are fed fed up with the politic of fear and lies. We want true and serious leaders, not some insane or fanatics religious

So yes, I will vote for Obama.. He is the only one who has shown intelligence, wisdom and common sense and all media should concentrate on him, not a bunch of people with twisted minds... MC Cain and Palin are not worst dwelling on..

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

timsheridan — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:04:33 GMT

Andrew -

I dare say this is the best thing you've ever written. I like Fineman, but maybe he would give up one of his innumerable Hardball segments to let you go on and discuss this post...

Best,

Tim Sheridan

Tinseltown, CA

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

wildlifeusa — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:08:51 GMT

toolkit

This is my answer to you and others like. Stop spending hundreds of billions on the military, then we will have the money to pay for health care. Stop bullying other countries, and you won't have to live in fear and paranoia! You are the oppressor of many countries, it is maybe time that you realize that. Leave your neighbors alone, they will do the same for you!!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

wildlifeusa — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:22:18 GMT

It would have never come to my mind to tell a lie about Palin banning books from a public library.. who would have thought of that happening in america... I have no doubt in my mind that she did. The woman is a religious fanatic, same breed, as the talibans.

Maybe she should move to a muslim country, they pray 5 times a day over there.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ButteM — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:08:54 GMT

The US Military is prohibited from using Psychological Operations against the American people, apparently the McCain Campaign and the RNC have no qualms about doing so. Army Field manual (FM) 33-1 gives the Department of Defense definition of Psychological Operations (PSYOPs) as: Planned operations (in this case - ads, press releases and Public Service Announcements) to convey selected information (in this case - half truths and lies) to foreign (in this case - the Amerian voter) to influence thier emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of foreign (in this case - the American election) government, organizations, groups, and individuals. The purpose of psychological operations is to induce or reinforce foreign (in this case - extremist dogma) attitudes and behavior favorable to the originator's (in this case - the Republican ticket) objectives. The RNC and McCain campaign have initiated a PSYOP campaign of unprecidented scope against the American people and continue to reinforce their messages through the use of misinformation and disinformation. Folks are closing their minds based on pure crap without seeking more inforamtion - the truth. Wake up America - you're being had again!!!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jjp735i — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:54:02 GMT

Change? Who is McCain kidding? First tell a lie, then reinforce that lie, then the lie becomes the truth (in many peoples minds). That's straight from the Republican - Rove play book.

How can we trust McCain, who started lying to us before he comes to office? After all, if he lies to us now, what will McCain lie about once in office? There are more so called "Bush Truths "coming from McCain then Bush right now. More McBush is not what this country needs. But people fall for the lie all the time. What does that say about our education system in America? We can't see through the lies? We rule on mob mentality? Are we really that stupid? It seems we can be.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

lajetee47 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:35:29 GMT

1. If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.” - from thr Joseph Goebbels - Nazi playbook. 2 Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.” John Stuart Mills

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

hitobito — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:36:20 GMT

Truth has disappeared from John McCain's campaign! The GOP smear machine is hard at work. The country has suffered nearly eight years of Bush's failed policies. McCain is in denial because no matter what he says (lies), he voted with George W. Bush 90% of the time and most of these votes hurt our country! He has little or nothing new to offer except more of the same Bush policies. Change? I con't think so! McCain lack of intellectual curiosity, his below average intellect, will make him another pawn of the neo cons and Karl Roves of the GOP. His selection of Sarah Palin is an example of this wholesale abandonment of any shred of values John McCain used to have.. America has a choice. The choice should be Barack Obama and Joe Biden. An Obama Administration will change the the US in a profound way!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Banzai — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:44:34 GMT

"And they want Chris Matthews and Co to deliver their message free of charge tonight on TV. They'll probably succeed on all counts."

WHY? This is what I just can't understand. Kudos to Mr Romano for deconstructing the half-truths and lies, but why why why are so many news media simply passing on the McCain camp talking points when they KNOW that they are distorted, misleading and/or demonstrably lies.

And this from a "mainstream media" that is supposedly "in the tank" for Obama....while letting the McCain camp lie, lie, and lie again without significant challenge. It is hard for voters to make an informed choice when they are told lies over and over again without being challenged by unbiased observors (yes, Obama's camp can challenge the lies--but that doesn't count as much before the judge of public opinion).

If the Republicans are allowed to lie their way to victory, the Democrats (after repeated punishment for trying to talk issues) will have to counter by their own lies, spin, and distortion. And our democracy will be permanently crippled. DON'T LET THE McCAIN CAMPAIGN DO THIS! CHALLENGE THEM!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

tcar13@gmail.com — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:48:01 GMT

The simple fact is the news media is bias and only want to increase readership or viewership and Newsweek is no different. If you really waqnt the truth about the lies told by both parties than use factcheck.org as your source because they do not have a party agenda and are only interested in exposing the truth and the corruption of both parties and ,by extension, the corruption of the 4th estate.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Nick S — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:57:00 GMT

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

bspence — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:07:06 GMT

"She never banned any books from the Wasilla library (that list you received by e-mail--it's a hoax)." - Actually, she did enquire about banning books to the librarian, and even fired that librarian (who later came back). THAT'S JUST AS BAD!!!!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Nick S — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:14:58 GMT

Is their a mayor of any city in America or a govenor of any state in the United States that hasn't requested federal funds for his/her city or state? It's doubtful. Federal funds are a source of cities and states obtaining financing for needed projects, and part of a mayor's or govenor's job is to request his/her city's or state's share of federal funding for such projects. Some funding is federally mandated other is discretionary. With respect to discretionary requests, mayors and govenors make the requests, but Congress has the authority over which of those requests receive funding. Congress also has the responsibility to deny requests for federal funding of wasteful city or state projects.

That Palin requested and got federal funds for her city and state is not relevant; as a mayor and govenor it's expected. What is relevant would be an examination of the projects for which she requested and received federal funds, the reported $27 million for her city and the reported $200 million for her state.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Snowplow — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:18:04 GMT

Above all, the Republicans want to make this a contest between Palin and Obama because the more and better they do that, the more they diminish Obama. So far, it's working beyond their wildest dreams. While this intent may be clear to many in the Media, the Media risks becoming part of, and leveraging the effects of, this objective as it virally works to debunk every claim against Obama while giving His claims against McCain a pass. Example, this mornings NYT article trying to debunk claims in the Kindergarten Sex Ad. "While potentially more damaging than most political ads, does it distort or tell half-truths any other negative political ads? All opposition ads are negative, intended to put the other side in a bad light. Do any tell the whole story? From the review in your article, the charges and claims are perfectly legitimate as a political ad in so far as these ads never tell the whole truth. You cite Barack's convenient recall of the discussion, spirit and noble intent of the committee's proposal, but while all this may be reflected in the proposal, is the noble intent to protect Kindergarten kids from predators is not specified in the language of the proposal itself, or just expected as a consequence? The Ad passes the politics stink test. If you can't stand the heat . . . .

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

bucsfan1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:21:06 GMT

"Posted By: bspence (September 11, 2008 at 7:07 AM) "

The problem as I see it is that people would much rather believe the bad than the good...

A comment was made below "Actually, she did enquire about banning books to the librarian, and even fired that librarian (who later came back)."

A quick look at factcheck.org...

"She did not demand that books be banned from the Wasilla library. Some of the books on a widely circulated list were not even in print at the time. The librarian has said Palin asked a "What if?" question, but the librarian continued in her job through most of Palin's first term."

Do a little research on your own, and please don't continue to pass on un-truths when they have been SHOWN to be un-true.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

bucsfan1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:33:10 GMT

Sorry, I meant to delete the first line in my post below before posting...

My apologies.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

springsjulie — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:36:00 GMT

It seems to me that Palin and Obama are complaining about the same things. Both are new to the party (meaning they are the first African-American and first woman to be their parties' national noms), and the media and the public have no real idea how to treat them. Say something bad about Obama and you're labeled a racist; say something bad about Palin and you're sexist. This is uncharted territory for all of us, and we're having to figure things out as we go.

Of course, if both parties would stop insulting each other personally and slinging mud, we wouldn't be having this discussion! Just more proof that we should be discussing issues rather than personalities. Sadly, with the cult of personality in this country--the way we treat "celebrities", and how we all want our 15 minutes on YouTube now--I fear we have become just that shallow and vapid, that we will choose our next leaders based not on brains and intellect and the ability to guide us out of the desert that W has had us wandering in for what seems like 40 years, but rather on who looks the best or speaks the best or who can more effectively talk trash about the other person. We are really smarter than that; we're just too lazy to dig deeper than the surface. Sigh.....

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

somerseten — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:42:05 GMT

What malicious, deceptive creeps the McCain gang is proving themselves to be.

Liars when you campaign, liars when you govern.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

twenty4life — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:52:45 GMT

Real change will not come in the form of a Democrat or Republican. We need real change in this country. WE THE PEOPLE need to enact that change. As far as "slander" in campaigns....why would either candidate need to hire someone to look for dirt? There are enough biased reporters to do the work for them.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Bacalove — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:59:33 GMT

Never agaiin should a President you want to have a beer with be allowed to lie to the American public into a False & Phony war and ignore the real war as George W. Bush was able to!

It is an outrage or should be that the government can give millions of dollars to CEO’s from the failed Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac and yet, cannot give a second stimulus checks to American citizens in these hard economic times?

Republicans say No to a second stimulus while the Democrats say Yes to a second stimulus!

Is the Republican Congress working for CEO’s or are they working for you, the people?

And yes, politicans who lie to the public are engaged in a betrayal of the public trust and it should be unethical.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rlmullen12 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:03:53 GMT

Bacalove:

You seem to not understand that the democrats are in control of congress, if they supported a second stimulus check, they could of passed it by a majority vote, before sending out falsehoods make sure your factys are correct.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ronnie8365 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:08:13 GMT

No Barak doesnt believe in sex ed for kindergardeners this is the soundbite.....

OBAMA: I remember him, uh, using this in his campaign against me, saying, "Barack Obama supports teaching sex education to kindergarteners." (laughter) And, you know, which -- I didn't know what to tell him. But it's the right thing to do.

"but it's the right thing to do" weather he voted or the legislation or it never passed or whatever this is his own words...., what is in his heart. Truth in your face and the messiah has you brainwashed

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ChicoCDM — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:10:35 GMT

Seems like more PDS from the left - Palin Derangement Syndrome - causes liberals to twitch and convort and revert to senseless acts that can only be explained by PDS - in some cases journalist are known to write about things that even THEY regret hours later. PDS has become a pandemic with the liberal community.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ronnie8365 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:14:47 GMT

Chico

They will do anything to get the communist in power. All the che beret wearer's are going nuts they can't compete with the wholesomeness of Sarah

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

leah le — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:16:51 GMT

Thank goodness the media is finally starting to call out the candidates. When are we going to actually get to hear what sarah palin thinks regarding NATIONAL LEVEL policies??

I am really concerned about our nation right now, and as a female, I am very sick of the McCain camp selling Sarah as a mom not a qualified leader . . . . then calling all critics sexist! I have a husband in the Army, and I want to make sure our President and his Commander in Chief, won't need tutored on the basics of military affairs, diplomacy, the economy (outside merely energy), and healthcare. Our country doesn't have 2-4 years for our leaders to catch up to the problems.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Moonshadow1001 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:24:17 GMT

These campaign adds are getting ridiculous on both sides. Why is it that these Politicians and there groups feel the need to over exaggerate or out right lie about facts that pertain or don't pertain to the person they are addressed about?

I'm getting sick of the attack type of campaign being waged that has been the prototype for how political campaigns are done. What ever happened to just talking about the relative topics that are of a concern to the American People???? Sure I want to know the stance of both Obama and McCain on issues that I believe are important to me. But I don't need lies and deceit force feed to me through these stupid adds on TV/Cable.

Give us the facts or don't say anything at all. That's my feeling on this sort of campaign waging war that persists now in Washington and on down to State and City/Township levels these days.

Facts not fiction get my attention.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

cjb12 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:34:42 GMT

Ronnie 8365 - Do some digging. Here is additional information from Obama on sex-ed for kindegartners:

At that time, Mr. Obama stated that he understood the main objective of the legislation, as it pertained to kindergarteners, to be to teach them how to defend themselves against sexual predators.

“I have a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old daughter, and one of the things my wife and I talked to our daughter about is the possibility of somebody touching them inappropriately, and what that might mean,” Mr. Obama said in 2004. “And that was included specifically in the law, so that kindergarteners are able to exercise some possible protection against abuse, because I have family members as well as friends who suffered abuse at that age.”

Full story at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26649779/

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Anybody who is taking campaign ads at face value are the people that are being "brainwashed."

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ButteM — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:39:16 GMT

Just read that Karl Rove is back on the McCain Campaign payroll, need anymore proof that Big John isn't going to be the clone of the nearsighted idiot son now drivning America to wrack and ruin.....!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

tcchief — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:42:40 GMT

These people running for president are acting like children...... He said this, she said that and on and on..... When are people going to wake up and say enuf!!!! This s**t will cause me not to want to vote...... Bush has destroyed our country for the last 8 years and where are the weapons of mass destruction????? Please don't insult my intelligence....... The so-called war in Iraq has done nothing but put our country in a economic turmoil....... And our so-called upcoming elected officials I don't see doing much better, hell they could not do any worse, at least I hope that is true..... Well lets see.....

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ronnie8365 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:47:58 GMT

I will not be voting for barak because:

1) If you believe he didn't hear Jerimiah Wright say anything racist....he must only go to church once a year. I don't care but if you are a black militant say you are a black militant. In his own book......"white folks greed runs a world in need"

2) he is for fratricide. Not choice. What do you call a person who believs in killing a baby out of the womb.

3) he has no experience....out of the 4 he has the least. He also keeps up the change mantra come on!!!! You selected a 30 + year Washington insider as your running mate. He is a politician nothing more ...nothing different.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

olderwiser — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:48:16 GMT

We must conclude from this hasty pudding of a vice presidential candidate, which one wag referred to below as "wholesome", that being a good term for a hearty grain and nut breakfast cereal, that any potential Republican vice presidential candidate about whom anybody knows anything at all, would not be able to get elected to national office and only a stranger will do, if only she can get by being anonymous and unchallenged with any questions at all until the election is over. Her colors are mixed. She is touted as an attack dog with lipstick, but when anyone wishes to ask her a question, she is touted as not yet prepared to answer questions about herself or her qualifications for office. Tough and tender, depending on the convenience of the moment. This nation is loaded with highly qualified women who have proved themselves over and over again to be capable of high responsibility in our national government, some of whom have run very large corporations and have multiple lives of experience over the short and uncomplicated offices held this chosen candidate whose distressed family life has likely offered more to do than her public office. We are indeed in deep doo doo if this artificial bait catches anything at all in November, after which you may as well batter and fry us like a foolish and hungry bass who took the bait without adequate examination.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

cbam — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:55:33 GMT

It seems that Bush's brain, Karl Rove, has now become McCain's brain. You can see his fingerprints all over these last few ads by the McCain campaign. Whether it is actually him or his minions matters little. John McCain will apparently now do or say anything to become president because that is what his brain is telling him works. And to be quite frank, it does work. Americans buy it. Probably because we are used to buying things of lower quality. They are easier, cheaper and require less investment.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Omnius — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:58:02 GMT

Just more of the same old lies from the republicans in order to cover up their vast array of mistakes over the past 8 years. "Sinner" Sarah is the most unprepared VP candidate I've ever seen in my 40 years of watching presidential races. She's certainly not ready on Day One! She's just "Darth" Cheney in a skirt and we don't need her ilk breaking more national and international alws and then hiding behind executive privilege.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

bennettsusan — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:58:21 GMT

The Republicans make me sick. Lie..lie...lie...and laugh about it. All's fair in politics. They know most Americans only listen to soundbites. The party of "values"? Yeah, what kind? They belong living under a rock somewhere. John McCain once had my respect. No more. He's just like the rest of them. Reformer? Ha! What...he plans to start reforming once he rides their slimy coattails into the white house? Doesn't work that way, John. You've sold your soul to the devil and the payback is permanent. Feel that hand up your rear end? You're now a puppet.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

olderwiser — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:02:24 GMT

Remember, attack is a one way street. There are certain combinations of words that we cannot utter. Pit Bulls with lipstick are permitted, but no combination of Pig and Lipstick in the same sentence can be uttered. Female Pit Bull may be uttered, but not the technical name for a female mama dog, especially with the word Lipstick. The words Abortion and Murder can be uttered in the same sentence, except if there is any attempt to justify abortion, then the word is eliminated from the dictionary, and the deed is condemned from the pulpit. Speaking of the pulpit, the pulpit can be used as an adornment of a candidate, but the sin of "fornication by minors educated to the practice of abstinence" is hereby commuted to "Glory under Campaign" until late November, after which it will be restored to its former status of "sin of fornication, subcategory of Untutored by adequate parental advice".

These rules are by no means complete and are subject to amendment and addition as the candidate in question is further belatedly vetted in public for all to behold.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

SAGG — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:03:48 GMT

I have nothing but contempt for you now, Sen. McCain. I don't care if you win. You've sold out your integrity and honor just to become President. You've morphed into the very thing you've accused Sen. Obama of--putting your Presidential ambition above your country. You hide behind Sarah Palin--yes, HIDE behind her like a coward--yes, I said COWARD, POW survivor--and throw stones at Obama while feigning outrage at HIS perceived "attacks" at you. Anything redeeming about you, sir, is gone in my eyes. I don't care how much your McCainiacs attack my post, I stand by it. You, sir, have no shame.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

yankeeinoxford — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:14:22 GMT

when your campaign has to resort to out and out lies to gain traction with voters, well then, it is just sad, pathetic and desperate. Whatever happened to cheaters never prosper? These republicans seem to believe that ethics and morals are flexible at best, optional at worst....and the republican party is meant to be the "moral'' party? I'm amazed they don't implode due to the sheer level of hypocrisy in that statement!

Normally I find the lies produced in republican commercials to be laughable, but given what's at stake...and the content of some the latest adds, I, as a voter am outraged. The recent sex education add confirms to me that there are no depths to which the republican party won't sink in order to be elected. The brilliance of the add lies in the fact that by dispatching a patently false add they don't have to defend their own record. Well, I would demand that they defend it in the debates and in commercials which should be released by Obama. When I was a student in high school and junior high (Clinton era), we were encouraged to pursue higher education. Where do republicans think the cutting edge innovation and technology that the US is (well used to be) famous for comes from? As someone who pursued higher education and just generally values education, I resent the fact that the McCain camp doesn't even have a plan for education in the US. We are producing students with sub-par reading and numeracy skills who will find it overly difficult to compete with the rest of the world! So much for stimulating the economy! It is true there is a broken education system in the country and it has been a long running problem under the republicans. I don't expect someone who is proud of the fact that he graduated third from the bottom in his university class.....and a party that brought us the current president who is semiliterate (and that's being generous) to fix it. I think it is time for the campaigns to talk about things that actually matter. Not divisive issues like abortion and homosexuality. Indeed, let's have a dialogue about education, health care, crime, the economy and the war. As such, the republicans can defend their failed education policies, their selfish health care plan, their economic policy which exclusively rewards the rich at the expense of the poor, a crime policy which would put more guns on the street, and a war policy that doesn't build on diplomatic ties but is based on such poor planning that it plays out like a bad game of battleship!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

BrettAstor — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:15:42 GMT

This is what America has come to -- land of the free, home of the brave. Our presidents, our highest leaders, will be chosen based on manipulation, lies, falsifications, stretched thruths. John McCain has lost all -- every ounce -- of my respect. Maybe he'll fool most of the people and get elected. The only thing that will do is make those of us who see how he got there more disgusted. It's shocking that someone who's supposedly for "campaign reform" would so eggregiously exploit the American people's trust.

One other thing -- when one competitor in a race (or any competition) resorts to cheating or lying, it is extremely difficult for the other competitors to compete and win without resorting to the same.

Make no mistake, this situation is our fault, not theirs -- we are letting it happen, we are letting them lie and get away with it because we are believing their lies or we are voting for them anyway.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jfgrif — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:16:17 GMT

It's not so simple as "She didn't ban books" Come on, willya? She didn't ban them because the librarian made it clear she wouldn't do it and then got fired for it. After the uproar over her firing ensued she was rehired and then made miserable for the next 2 years. Talk about an abuse of power -- but that's what these guys are ALL about.

And if Michelle Obama belonged to the Alaska Independence Party the hateful comments made about the USA made by the leader of that group would be on an endless media loop from now until November.

The hypocrisy is astounding.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

matrixnov — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:16:34 GMT

McSame & Palin owe the PORK industry in this country an apology - I have met many fine pigs in my day, and while Repugnicans share many of the same qualities, root in mud & slime, eat their own feces & offspring, can't turn your back on them - the truth is that any pig in America should now be offended to have heard they've been compared to the Repugnican policies - apologize now McCain & Palin, this has gone TOO far over the top even for you Repugnicans...

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Demo-Cat — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:17:14 GMT

Any comment by McCain to avoid the rancor shouldn't be believed. The only candidate in this election who is behaving ethically and with dignity is Barack Obama. cbam's comment that Americans are buying McCain's strategy because we are used to buying things of lower quality is right. Watch out, America! You get what you pay for! And, I hate to say it but maybe you deserve it too, but I'd hate to be in a foul mood again for the next four years because of another Republican mistake being elected as President. I suspect too many people are not really paying attention to all the news and are just going to blindly vote their party. One person told me "Don't believe everything you read". Hey! I read Factcheck.Org almost daily!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Rivera123 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:18:52 GMT

"Everybody hates Republicans..."

HA, don't buy into the liberal media hype. How can everybody in this country hate Republicans when such a significant portion of the population IS Republican? Ridiculous.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

dg62754 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:26:15 GMT

If you are going to ascribe Reverand Wright's diatribe to Obama, then you need to ascribe the anti-jewish rants in Ms. Palin's church (with her in attendance).

As to experience, Obama is not the least experienced candidate to ever run for office. That distinction goes to Abraham Lincoln.

As to Biden's insider DC status, how long has John McCain been in congress???

Finally, as to this idea of wanting a candidate you can relate to, do you really think that fortune 500 companies look for CEO's that can relate to the everyday man or do you kind of agree that a Harvard education is more to their liking? It seems odd to want a common everyday Joe to be employed in the most complex job in the world. We already tried that expirement. If you recall, many people voted for George Bush because they felt that he was a guy one could have a beer with as opposed to John Kerry. I want my President to think through complex issues and not be rash. I could care less if he is someone I could sit with and talk about the ballgame and have a beer.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

mart7lin — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:27:45 GMT

LAST NIGHT IN AN INTERVIEW I HEARD JOHN MCCAIN REPEAT HIS CHARGE THAT SEN. OBAMA SHOULD HAVE HELD TOWN HALL MEETINGS WITH HIM. SINCE BRINGING PALIN (SOMEONE WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT) ON BOARD HE NOR SHE DOES TOWN HALL MEETINGS. TOWN HALLS WOULD GIVE PA LIN AN OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO AMERICA UNSCRIPTED LIKE THE WOMAN SHE SAYS SHE IS. IS SHE READY OR NOT?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

dstal08 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:30:04 GMT

We all know about her infamous lipstick joke, comparing herself to a pit bull. Does this mean she advocates dog fighting? What about her other comment that it is a civil servants job to leave what they started with in better shape than when they got there. What about the last eight years with "W". Come on dems, fight back or it will be four more years of the same thing.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

TexasDoc — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:33:00 GMT

Another day, another smear. John McCain is a prostitute for his party. He probably doesn't even know this ad is out there. He makes me sick. John McPuppet is more accurate. As a member of the USAF, I will give him the finger to his face when I'm done serving our great country, provided I'm not fighting in McWar vs Russia.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:33:11 GMT

We're already suffering under the lies, half-truths, and cherry-picked intelligence of our current President, and now we know what to expect from Mr. Straight Talk himself, an unvetted VP candidate who unlike Obama, has not gone through 25 debates and 18 months of press scrutiny. Lie after lie is repeated incessantly taking a page from the Goebbles-Rove playbook, that if you're going to tell a lie, tell a big one and tell it often. Should the Republicans retain the Whitehouse, Americans, who've recently suffered through the worst presidency of the 20th/and 21st century, will find themselves again with a Health Care Crisis, an energy crisis, a continuing constitutional crisis, and in international isolation for four more year.

Finally, when one thinks about it seriously, the last place we need a seat-of-the-pants, temperamentally adolescent self-proclaimed "Maverick" is in the White House. Name one Maverick that isnt wrong at least 50% of the time. That's a risk the US cannot afford for 4 more years.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

perryj — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:46:57 GMT

John McCain has no Character. He is so hungry for the Whtie House that He will lie and cheat to get it. I did believe in him because of what I thought he represented, but in these past few months, I have learned that he will lie, say things to provoke that he knows are not true and secretly use the same evil minds that the Bush team used to accomplish his agenda. It is the ends justify the means. This will not work. He has disgraced his so called HONOR and stolen the march on slop. He is a stubborn old man who will not do what is right in spite of the revelation of the dirty things done by his campaign.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

emmipie — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:47:22 GMT

I really think it's time to switch the dialogue and take the focus off of Sarah Palin. Not to say that the topic of her qualifications and/or integrity are not important, but it's getting out of hand. I would much rather see articles and discussion revolving around the candidates' solutions and ideas for dealing with today's big issues: the war in Irag, the economy, energy independence, education, healthcare, etc, etc. It's the media's job to look through all the lies, inuendos and speeches and let us know where candidates really stand on the issues so that we can have meaningful dialogue

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Marinegrunti39 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:48:14 GMT

McCain his running this campaign based on his experience as a PWO during the Vietnam War to draw sympathy from the American people. Being a POW does not qualify him for the highest office in the USA. There were over 58,000 young men that died in Vietnam and over 1 million who served in combat (like me), their story would never be told on TV in front of millions of viewers. Those 58,000 men died based on lies the same for over 4,000 who died in Iraq.

As for Palin she’s just a pretty doll programmed by Karl Rove to repeat the same thing over and over and over again, because she has nothing intelligence to say

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ButteM — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:49:30 GMT

ronnie8365 - you're showing your home schooled colors here, maybe you should take a moment and look up some of the big words you use before you use them......

Answer me a question or two:

1) Haven't you ever been in a meeting or group where folks speak their mind - do you always get up and leave when someone says something you don't personally feel or believe, or are you tollerant enough to realize that there are different views?

2) You really mean - infanticide - not fraticide, do you picket fertility clinics or only clinics that provide abortions? Fertility clinics routinely destroy embryos on a wholesale level, yet "Right to Lifers" like yourself seem to accept those terminations without a twinge of conscience - I guess there's simply more money to be made in the act of "creation" so it's OK. Thoughts....

3) Lots of "experienced" folks are still idiots and fools, Barack is a well spoken, well educated man capable of choosing cool heads and compent managers, do you really think some old guy and the female equilivant of George Bush is the answer America needs at this point?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Iria — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:53:15 GMT

There may have been SOME inaccuracies about Palin, but I call them inaccuracies. There have been plenty of LIES BY Palin and also ABOUT Obama:

a) Obama is a Muslim. WTF!? 15% still believe this

b) Obama will RAISE taxes? WTF AGAIN!? He will raise them for the RICH. Who cares?

c) McCain will CUT taxes. SURE, for the RICH!?

The MAINSTREAM media (YOU!) need to focus on these inaccuracies and help fix them. Too many people in America read something ONCE and believe it FOREVER.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Dr. B — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:56:55 GMT

The Palin Bridge to Nowhere Spin sounds stricklingly similar to McCains Bridge to Change Spin.

Nothing has really changed ................a vote for McCain is a vote for Bush, and even worse, a vote for Palin is a vote for Cheney. Go ahead Americans..........screw yourselfs again.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

therese.mmw@comcast.net — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:58:47 GMT

Well stated. This election has definitely taken a turn downward. What happened to debating differences on the issues. And when will we actually be able to hear Sarah Palin speak candidly without a script? Where are the numerous interviews that all of the candidates, male or female, have went through so voters can get to know them and their views. I can't believe there is not more of an outcry from the public and the media about the lack of substantive talk from her directly. I believe most of the public does not want to hear anymore about her personal/family issues - they want ACCURATE information about her political experience/record and her views on critical issues facing this country. I find it very disturbing that we know so little about someone who could potentially be President of our Country.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Dr. B — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:58:50 GMT

The facts is McCain is a Bush in wolves clothing...........maybe Sarah Palin will shoot him from a plane.......what a cruel Alaskan practice.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Dr. B — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:03:26 GMT

How is Religious Right that Sarah Palin stands for and John McCain continues to court any different than Jim Jones......remember Guyana? We as Americans are amazed when we see cult leaders influence mindless people to extremes.........yet its happenning now....this election.......and Americans are not smart enough to understand the implications.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

suzvoter47 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:04:51 GMT

I truly believ after watching the majority of the networks that the medi owns much responsibility of the blame for continually running these false ads , moment after moment, at the same time virtually ignoring something important OH like covering Obama speasking and laying out plans for education reform.

What did I see running the same old smering ads and rhetoric of Thompson. I guess the wow factor is way more important than the substance.

As a graduate student and mother of two young teen girls I am truly frightened for their futures. They will be left with a mess to clean up if we as a nation don't wisen up and pay attention to the FACTS and plans instead of the glamour and sensattion.

Obamam has been scutinized for months, yet with Palin on the ticket there appears to be a double standard "hands off" . I am an Independent, however had the Democrats attempted to pull a stunt such as not allowing the press access to Palin, a person who is a hearbeat away from running this country they would have been crucified by the GOP and I belive the press.

People STOP buying into the same 8 years of lies, secrecy, deciet. We have to much at stake.

Look at the cnadidates on their merits. If you are among the 70% of people who belive Bush has not performed tha n please realize that McCain has sided with him 90 percent of the time and is using many of his former people as well as Karl Roves tactics.

Do you really want more of the same. I am thouroughly disgusted and though I used to have respect for McCain, I cannot even watch him continue to watch the lies and deception to all the people of this nation. Please educate yourself on the facts, not the senasation and glamour.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

it's about the future — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:20:26 GMT

Governor Palin is UNELECTABLE. Simply UNELECTABLE.

Can you imagine what would happen if the parties' positions were reversed, and the Dems were

trying to elect a VP similar to Palin, male OR female?

The world is watching this baloney folks, and they seem to be a lot smarter than us.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ButteM — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:22:10 GMT

suzvoter47 - I think you're right! The Media has the responsibility of checking stuff before they simply "put it out there". I guess the fees they get for running ads - buy the second I'm sure - trump the fact that the junk they run can damage their reputation, if they care. I cannot remember a time when things have been this bad, FOX news simply doesn't care if they broadcast crap, the others don't seem to have the backbone to refuse blatenely incorrect and false stuff.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

SHORTYJR05 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:25:10 GMT

It is so sad that when someone saids something and we ckearly know what they mean, we have to try and change the meaning to something else. Obama was not talking about Sarah Palin when he used the lipstick on a pig statement and all of you know this. You did not think McCalin was talking about Ms. Clinton when he used it so why the double standard. So please be trueful with yourself and stop letting others do your thinking for you.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jmd8888 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:25:45 GMT

This author is completely bias like everyone else on Newsweek. Economy, oil & tax. The only thing democrats care about is money. What about all the lives lost through abortion? With Obama, 60 million and counting. This is the biggest issue that we face and everyone is so hush hush about it. More people are being killed in the womb than AIDS and all American wars combined. God forbid Obama wins there will a dark cloud over this country.

Vote Pro-Life.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

JoshuaTX — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:30:12 GMT

Sarah Palin was not officially a member of the secessionist AIP, but Sarah DID participate in this year's 2008 AIP Convention via video greeting. Her husband was a member of the secessionist party for nearly a decade.

The AIP is a group that does not want to be American. This family should not be in the White House. The Palin family is tied to secessionists and now they could be 1 heartbeat from the presidency.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

klebrun — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:30:56 GMT

Given the dysmal record of George Bush and the fear that another diosconnected Evangelical would take the White Hosue, McCain set out early to trash Obama.

It was a successful Karl Rove tactic in 2000 and 2004, so why not 2008. If McCain can't destroy Obama personally, he loses.

As they say in law, when the facts are against you, argue theory, when the theory is against you, argue facts and when theory and facts are against you, just argue.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

onecountry — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:34:49 GMT

Directly from Bio of this Author. Provided by Newsweek. Appears bias is ever apparent in media and journalism....

Andrew Romano was named Associate Editor and Political Blogger in December 2007. He travels with the 2008 presidential candidates covering the daily roadshow for his blog, Stumper, and reports on politics for the National Affairs section of the magazine.

Prior to his current assignment, Romano was a junior reporter in Newsweek's New York headquarters contributing to the magazine's National Affairs coverage. Since April 2006, he has campaigned with Al Franken, interviewed Paul McCartney, profiled the Howard Dean alums in charge of John Edwards' and Barack Obama's Internet campaigns, revealed how MySpace and police officers are working together to solve crimes, pieced together the story of a cannibalistic New Orleans murder-suicide, discovered the U.S. military recruiting at paintball events and memorialized the Virginia Tech victims.

Previously, Romano had been a reporter-researcher in the magazine's Information Graphics department, where he conceived, reported and wrote "Swing State Watch," a weekly snapshot of the 2004 presidential contest. In addition, he tracked down and interviewed 30 of John Kerry's high-school classmates for a probing 2004 cover profile of the Democratic presidential nominee. He joined Newsweek as an intern in June 2004 after working as a stringer for New Jersey's Trenton Times.

Romano graduated summa *** laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton University in 2004 with an A.B. in English and a certificate in American Studies. A native of Medford, N.J., he lives in Brooklyn, N.Y

....People quickly forget the price that has been paid for the freedom they enjoy...

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

newimperium — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:35:02 GMT

Forget this crap. I decided long before but now more strongly than ever, I am leaving the Republican party and I won't vote for a single Republican in this election. I can't believe anyone would vote for a party that builds itself on hate and can only say what they're against, not what they're for. The end does NOT justify the means. I don't care what your views on the issues are, you cannot vote for someone who is so blatantly deceptive, unethical, and so full of animosity.

And shame on the media for covering so much these ridiculous rumors and claims. Call these lies for what they are, cover the actual falsehoods and dirty politics in Palin's record, and then move on to the issues and what's actually important.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

brian.reach — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:36:36 GMT

It's so sad that John McCain can get away with this. Isn't there some sort of regulation in the election system? The pattern of spreading the lies, and back tracking after the damage is done, is exactly what needs to change. I was a Hillary guy, and try to avoid saying change too much, but seriously. We need it. Bad.

Too Old/Too Extreme 08?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

P. AgoSteen — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:38:12 GMT

It seems the McCain/Palin camp's continued use of innuendo, half-truths, and outright lies to push their agenda (or lack of one) has given the Obama campaign a clearly demonstrable link to George Bush --- John McCain has an "honesty deficiency."

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Arizonavoter — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:39:03 GMT

McCain has decided to take the lowest of low roads in his attempt to gain the White House. From a supposidly principled politician of a few years ago to the underhanded, smearing candidate he is today, his attempted manipulation of the American public is at last exposed. Shame on you for selling out, John. You have lost my vote as of today. Your honesty and integrity are a joke.

Signed

A Republican turned Democrat.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

brian.reach — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:40:59 GMT

onecountry: so Andrew Romano is biased because he went to Princeton and was assigned to interview Democrats? I'd say you were ignorant, but you're probably on the McCain payroll.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

MsChiTown — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:41:22 GMT

When oh when is Johnny Boy going to stop under Ms. Half-Baked Alaska's skirts? He's like a little boy that needs his mommy to go out with him on all his rallies - "cause the kids don't really like me, they like you mommy." I've heard zero policy ideas from him, while he tries to spin EVERYTHING into being about Palin. And Silent Sarah just goes along. What pathetic candidates!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Crey5 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:43:21 GMT

Jmd8888-So what you are saying is it doesn't matter what a person's stance on war, the economy, taxes, education, outsourcing of jobs, the environment, the death penalty, or anything else is if they are Pro-Life? How does that even make sense? Would you hire someone not based on their entire body of work or because you liked their opinion on one thing that shouldn't apply to their job to begin with? Banning abortion won't stop abortions from happening, it will just stop them from happening safely and legally.

Being educated about all of someones policies and making an informed unemotional decision is something that all Americans should strive to do in this election.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

201BS — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:45:24 GMT

DEAR FACT CHECK CAN YOU TELL ME HOW MANY PLANES THAT JOHN McCAIN WRECKED BEFORE HE WAS SHOT DOWN.ALSO WHAT IS THE HIGEST MEDAL WAS HE GIVEN FOR HIS HERO STATUS .MEDAL OF HONOR OH I FORGOT THOSE ARE FOR REAL HEROES FAR BEYOND A POW MABY A NAVY CROSS SWHOULD HAVE ALL THE ABOVE IF YOU ARE A HERO ESPALLY IF YOUR DADDY WAS IN CHARGE. JU7ST THE FACTS THEY SEEM PRETTY HARD TO COME BY.WW2VET,201BS

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ShayB — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:46:00 GMT

It amazes me how many people complain about how corrupt DC is and how you can't trust anything that comes out of a politician's mouth, even citing the current administration as being to worth of the worst, only to turn around and support their new champion.

Don't be fooled, America. The Republican party's greatest chance of getting into office this time around rests on their ability to outright lie whenever and however often it favors them to do so. Supporting these people like we did in '04 just tells them that this is how we wish to be treated.

It's time to stand up for yourselves -- get informed, verify what you learn, and don't be afraid to raise your voice against those blindly following whatever they were told.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

dan from mosinee — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:46:14 GMT

The McBush campaign did choose wisely. Picking such a controversial person as VP has taken all the discuccion away from the fact that McCain is a clone of the person pretending to be president now. Poor people can starve while the current REGIME spends trillions satisfying the greed of the richest few. Of the 38 most industrialized nations in the world, we have the highest infant mortality rate and the shortest life expectency. We also have taken access to health care away from 15 million more people in the last 8 years (mostly working poor and elderly) bringing the total to almost FIFTY MILLION. Mc Bush is far more interested in protecting his rich buddies than reaching out to ordinary Americans. He has never paid a single penny for his health care (having leached off the government his entire adult life) and has no idea about suffering in pain or dying early solely because someone has no access to a doctor. His plan calls for a tax credit that would only apply to those already well-off enough to have access. How generous !!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

it's about the future — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:48:17 GMT

It is not about PERSONALITIES. It is about ISSUES.

McCain has to make it about himself as distinct from Bush, in order to separate himself.

He attempts also to make it about Obama's personality or Palin's personality.

But this election is about me and YOU and our future and what these guys think would pull us out of a big Hole.

Brain cells required.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Miric1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:51:59 GMT

I would have seriously considered voting for McCain, he was a Republican that I respected, But now he would rather "win an election" than keep his honor. Unfortunately the republicans are brilliant at these kinds of campaigns, going back to Dukakis, And as some one said you can "fool some of the people all of the time" , and even though you can't "fool all of the people all of the time" you can "fool enough of the people, enough of the time", to get elected. The tactics to innoculate the Republicans from exposure by the media has largely worked, with of course Fox news trumpeting "media bias" on everyshow, every day, while brainwashing the non-critical thinkers who dont realise that the only part of "news" on Fox is the two minutes at the top and bottom of the hour. The best defence I've seen to the twisted lies has been the "Daily Show" I think that Obama should just buy it and run it as a commercial. They did a brilliant piece on the claim of change by McCain where they did a side by side with Bush, saying essentially the same things.

In the end the electorate will get the candidate they deserve, Democracy only works well when you can learn the truth !.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jmd8888 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:54:17 GMT

Crey5 - What I am saying is that I am voting on the most important issue facing this world. It is absurd how the democrats says "its a personal choice". How can they say that murder should be a choice? It is illegal because it should not be a choice. Biden said himself that life begins at conception, so should it not be illegal to take a life? Today is a day of memorial for the thousands that died on 9/11, the same that die each day from abortion. Unlike you, this is an important issue to me and should be to anyone that calls themselves a Christian.

Vote Pro-Life.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:57:05 GMT

ShayB, you sound upset that the Republicans are starting to learn from the ways of Democrats. I say "It is about time". We can not allow one side to lie better than the other, now can we? :)

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

zeye54 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:01:32 GMT

olberman wants to have a sleep over pillow fight with Obama.....lots of giggles!!!!!!

Newsweek probably would love to cover it to!!!!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:01:33 GMT

Miric1, what you are saying today, "...innoculate the Republicans from exposure by the media has largely worked", exactly mirrors what the Republicans have been saying about Obama this entire general election cycle, up to the sellection of Palin. How does it feel? I mean what was good for Obama is proving good for Palin, I mean McCain, right? Fortinuately timing is everything, and with November 4th closer than ever it is kind of nice to have big MO working for McCain/Palin. Sorry about your luck!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

is_graves — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:03:36 GMT

To jmd8888:

If even a handful of those "killed in the womb" are as narrow-minded and ignorant as you, it should be applauded.

Vote Pro-Life...

...and show the world you have no respect for womens' right to choose.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

runninggirl — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:06:37 GMT

To the poster who thinks that the choice of any individual family or woman is THE MOST IMPORTANT decision we face as a world - WOW! What else can I say??! You are seriously deluded is what comes to mind. What about those children born into poverty and abuse? Without healthcare with dreadful health issues or what about the putting them into an ever eroding school system that no longer teaches them to think and challenge? WOW! I would like to live in your head so that I could sleep well at night with my only worry being about all those abortions that are happening every day.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:07:45 GMT

Speaking about lies, why is Obama calling his financial redistribution a tax break? Don't you people realize that he is not changing a single tax bracket's rate? He says 95% of Americans will get a tax break but what he means is that 95% of Americans will get another stimulus check. Looking deeper we find that 40% of americans don't pay income tax. It is true they pay payroll tax to FISA and Medicare, but no income tax. So 40% (from the 95%) will be getting welfare checks from Obama's plan. Then there are the other 55% (from the 95%) who will get the one time tax stimulus check. All this is paid by the remaining 5% as a higher tax to pay for more government spending (this 95% welfare/stimulus plan). This is not only not a tax break (no rates change) and a one time deal (not to be repeated according to the plan) but a socialist ploy to take from the rich and give to the poor directly, through big (bigger) government. Now you know the truth.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

peacebe — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:07:58 GMT

Let's cut to the chase....Are you better off today than you were 8 years ago? If yes, vote McCain. If no, let's keep talking about the real issues.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:10:21 GMT

is_graves, you have that right, but the left just does not get it. They have been chanting pro choice for decades, meaning pro death, but making it sound acceptable. Now that a real 1920's style feminist is being selected for the Republican ticket they want to take her choice of life away. So now we see they never ment pro choice, only pro death.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jmd8888 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:11:33 GMT

is_graves - I'm sorry to hear that you do not have respect for every human life, but for a womens right to "choose". What about all those women that are aborted. When do they get to make their choice? Thank you, you have provided a great example of what is wrong with this world today. I will pray for you.

Vote Pro-Life.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

tiredoflies — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:12:43 GMT

I am a democrat used to be republican. I am against and actually detest abortion.

But when one considers who to select as the next President, all life must be taken into account, not just some. How many people are likely to die under a President.

From 2001 to 2007, the republican’s controlled the entire government., that is both Houses of Congress and the Executive branch. During that time when they had the reins, they did essentially nothing to stop the massive numbers of abortions. But what they did do is unjustifiably invade another country, a country that was almost totally controlled at the time with our inspectors going anywhere and our planes in the air. Tens of thousands of people have now been slaughtered as a result of this invasion. I believe these people count as humanity too.

Yes, I ask how many people are likely to die under a President. Right now Bush’s numbers are very high and that does NOT include abortion.

John McCain, being a one dimensional thinker (condemn, threaten, attack) is NOT simply more of the same, he is actually worse. Bush actually thinks and gathers facts before he acts. Bottom of the class, can’t get the words right McCain does NOT and in our current world, that is dangerous.

MCCAIN IS SIMPLY MORE WAR WAITING TO HAPPEN. PERIOD.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:13:14 GMT

peacebe, I am much better of today than 4 years ago, than 8 years ago. So what did you do wrong to make you worse off? Did you apply for a zero down interest only mortgage? Did you cash out all of your home's equity for vacations or a big plasma TV? Did you not continue your education to keep up with the changing marketplace? What was it that you personally did wrong peacebe?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

BenMurphyNYC — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:17:59 GMT

I just read the factcheck.org page on Sarah Palin - I was suprised - because several of those stories I had seen on CNN or read on ABC News.com and they are not true.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

vickiob63 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:18:20 GMT

Sarah Palin is not Pro life - she is anti abortion. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!!!! I believe a quote attributed to her regards the death penalty is something along the lines of "hang em all"? She is pro death penalty - thus - not pro life. There are no pro life candidates in this election.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

VAChris@FC — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:20:11 GMT

Mr. Romano, thanks for keeping tabs on the misinformation "age" of this campaign season. I was going to accuse you of being an Obama guy, but you have been an equal opportunity writer that cut both ways. I read your piece yesterday, and had to pause my undaunted support for the Arizona senator who, by the way, made me proud with the Sarah Palin choice for the vice presidency.

Senator McCain served this country well, and that's why I decided to support him. As an independent, getting involved for the first time because of the electric of this election, my wife and I made up our minds to support McCain being that we "know" his record. But it's beginning to look like that record is now history. I must confess, after reading your article yesterday and having watched the intentional distortion of his opponent's casual remark we'd seen him and others use in the past, and the other negative ads, we are no longer sure McCain is our man, his record notwithstanding.

In my mind, he appears hell-bent on winning this election by all means necessary, the truth and common sense be damned! And that's not the John McCain I'd gotten into heated, passionate arguments about, with friends. That John McCain would NOT allow his name to be used in any smears and half truths as is now the case, unless I did not know him that well. Senator McCain is going down a wrong and dishonorable path that's not worthy of his character. At this writing, I can tell you that I have decided to follow my wife and look into the Illinois Senator. In otherwords, we are now leaning Obama. Reason being that he has been the honorable one in this campaign - talking about issues, and abhoring personal smear tactics at least such as Seantor McCain has now employed, and that's just sad. For a man of McCain's standing to SUDDENLY stoop so low smacks of desperation.

May be we won't find much in Obama to be excited about, but at least he TALKS to us not AT us. I did not know I would waiver from supporting McCain even without knowing where he would take this country or what he would do to improve our lots, but like they say, enough of the deceit. Thanks

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:21:04 GMT

AS 201BS no doubt knows, (rhetorically), McCain piloted three planes into the ground before triggering the explosion on the Forrestal with a hot-dog wet start on deck. The resulting hot-start jarred a bomb off another plane's bomb rack causing loss of life and equipment and resulting in an immediate transfer for McCain to avoid his being lynched by his crew mates. Had his father and grandfather not been admirals he'd have been grounded for life. He was a lousy pilot who spent a total of 20 hours over the battlefield before intercepting a missile.

Within four days of his capture, he admits to signing a confession for the purpose of getting better hospital accommodations in violation of the Military Code of Conduct. Later, despite his Palinesque prevarications he was ordered by his POW Commander in prison to abide by the Code of Conduct which which provides that no military captive can accept release in favor of other personnel whose capture predates his.

According to the late David Hackworth's research, none of McCains decorations were for heroism. Rather his Silver Star narrative states "His captors...subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes". McCain's confession was used by the North Vietnamese for propaganda purposes.

Calling McCain a Hero, cheapens the word and denigrates all capitves who suffered equally without violating the Military Code as well as all medal winners whose decorations derived from "uncommon valor" and acts "above and beyond the call of duty". If McCain is a hero, then we need to coin a new phrase to honor real heros whose service has been cheapened by Republican efforts to canonize this shape shifting, egocentric hypocrite.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

dmihailescu — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:23:13 GMT

While some lying is usual during campaigns, McCain + Palin have proeduced by far the biggest let down when it comes to 'Straight talk express'...too many detours for that train!

You can get votes from weak minded individuals this way (and unfortunateley that's a big crowd), but not from me.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jmd8888 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:23:25 GMT

vickiob63 - i disagree with her stance on the death penalty.

Vote Anti-abortion.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Bethany724 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:23:56 GMT

Each of us must vote for ourselves and our own issues. As a woman in the United States of America, I am appalled at the notion that ANYONE has the ability to claim any portion of my body as governmental. My uterus is mine and mine alone. My decision to continue a pregnancy is mine, mine alone.

All you "righteous pro-lifers" really need to wonder why there is a need for Roe v Wade in the first place. How many of you have adopted crack-addicted babies?. How many of you have helped a single woman raise her child? (And dont claim "by your taxes/welfare)? How many of you help get that same child to and from school and hockey practice and still maintain a full time position--without the help of a spouse?

How many--(the goddess palin excepted) have actually had a child that had any physicall disabilities? She has all the staff she needs to help raise that child--but, not very many of us voters have the same ability.

Just like the GREAT LATE George Carlin said once

Pre-born your fabulous

Pre-school your F&*ked.

The Righteouse Right dont want to help you with education, health care, job security or any other socially economic issue out. They just want to hit you upside your head and say its murder. Well--I think I might wait until the Big Guy Upstairs tells me. Because every other piece of religous writing including the many version of the bible have been written by mere humans, not gods. And some how I thought that if you believed in the writings of a mere human you are putting them before god--isnt that blasphemouse??

Somehow you all get to have it both ways. And when it is pointed out that you are being hypocritical, you start attacking the person in vicious personal attacks. Heck you will make up an attack to be able to point your finger and say "look how awful that person is"

You have nothing to run on but your volitile little manic beliefs. Democrats were not the ones that started the viciousness in politics and I think rbolend needs to do some political fact checking. What am I saying, that's definately not the Republican way is it??

"Sling S*&t--see if sticks. Run with it. If any gets on you -- it's someone else's fault"

The American people are fed up with that mentallity and on Nov 4 it will be the 54% of Americans that say ENOUGH!!!!

Just keep on slinging. The more you find that you are wrong the harder you sling S*&T.

As for the polls--do you have any idea how these polls are done??

95% of the poll takers do it by land line telephone.

Let me tell you that the majority of the voting block this year are people with out land lines and so they are going to be the BIG surprise on Nov 4th. Those people are the 18-40 yr olds that the majority are behind the OBAMA/BIDEN ticket.

So Go and energize your base SARAH--cause that is all you got. And we all know that without the help of the United States Supreme Court - the republic base is not enough to win.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:24:38 GMT

BenMurphyNYC, don't be suprised, just like the false stories about Obama, Democrates are no better. Remember, the definition of a politician is a goiod lier. Knowing that, and considering the promises both sides have made, how can anyone know what they will actualy get either way? I'm looking at the track records as my indication of what will actually be done. If you like what Obama has been doing with his life, the character he brings to the table, cvote for him. If you like what McCain/Palin have been doing with their lives, the character they bring to the table, vote McCain. I will add, as my an endorsement for my personal favorite, that as Mayor or Governer it is your job to get money for your perview. Moving to federal service changes that focus for Palin. enough said, pick you poison.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jmd8888 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:27:45 GMT

bethany724 - no one is saying you have to remove your uterus. That is yours for keeps. It is not ok to kill another people.

Vote anti-abortion.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

runninggirl — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:28:42 GMT

if you want to vote anti abortion - don't have one

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

runninggirl — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:31:27 GMT

jmd8888

"it's not ok to kill other people" then don't do it and don't support a government that's sole purpose is to continue with a war machine

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

fedupwithignorance — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:33:07 GMT

How about we start requiring all media outlets to fact-check these political ads BEFORE they air them. That way if they are debunked later we'll at least have a clearer picture of which "journalists" did their homework and which did not.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

peacebe — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:33:07 GMT

You are correct, robolend. I actually misspoke myself. I should have said we, and a collective one at that. I happen to be fine and getting by. But I lke to to think I have the "greater good" in my heart and mind. I know folks who are struggling to put gas in their cars and food on their tables and heat in their homes and having to think about choices they will have to make this winter between the three. Yes, and those folks are families who don't earn alot of money and live in rural areas where choices are few and becoming fewer. And retired folks who struggle because everything costs ALOT more. And folks who are graduating college with huge debt and dim prospects in this current economy. I care about them and the choices they are being forced to make.

But of course they all did something wrong and deserve the situation they find themselves in.

So you just keep on caring about yourself and pointing out everyone else's mistakes. We can use 4 more years of that.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:34:45 GMT

F Rosenberg, so you subscribe to the notion of swift boating, as defined by the Democrats huh? Nice try.

Bethany724, we don't want the votes of the likes of you anyway. Keep yours, thank you very much.

Folks, what this election boils down to are the choice of independent voters in the swing states. The usual suspects. The rants of the far left and the far right should rightly be ignored. Don't be distracted by the hate which naturally comes from both sides. I am typically conservative but they hate me because my right to life stance includes elimination of capital punishment. Most of us in the middle share some feelings from both major political parties. Look deep, explore your choice and the other, and vote your conscience.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Bethany724 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:35:53 GMT

JMD8888--your reply is just as silly as your poliitics.

My uterus is mine. So what right do you have to tell what I do with it? Don't say "cuz the bible said so cuz the bible is a book written and re-written by man. And as I said, man is fallible and always puts his own personal spin into everything he does.

So when was the last time you talked to God and he told you it was wrong. My beliefs are my beliefs just as your are yours.

YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO TELL ME THAT YOURS ARE BETTER THAN MINE.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Beginnings — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:37:17 GMT

rbolend,

Yeah...Let's go back to the 20's when women "knew their place. Let's go back to the 20's when blacks "knew their place". Let's go back to the 20's....? No thanks...If this is what you're selling me...I'm not buying.

BTW...Are you saying that I like to kill the unborn because I support the right of a woman to make her own choice on what she does with her body? I think the freedom of choice is actually a conservative value. Do you need the government telling you what to do and not do with your body? Yeah...Let's go back to the 20's when women used to go to dirty unsanitary and unsupervised "clinics" to do this procedure...Are you nuts?

If someone decides to do this procedure it's between them and their concience...them and their family, them and their God. It has nothing to do with me or you. The choice is theirs and theirs alone.

Besides, if Bush Palin McCain values life so much, why did they kill thousands of innocent Iraqi over the past 5 years? Thousands of children, women and men dead for a war that should not have taken place. Including thousands of innocent US soldiers and their families who will never be the same...No...let's not only NOT go back to the 20's...let's not go back to the past 8 years...Let's go to the future with Obama!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Bethany724 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:40:57 GMT

As for rbolend saying

"the likes of you anyway" That is a little bit judgemental isn't it? Who are you to judge me?

You do not have any right to say that you are better than me, just as I can't say I am better than you.

Again with the personal attacks huh? Just can't help yourself. Lets talk issues, maybe we could have a civil debate. Alas, I think you would be lacking in anything new to talk about.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:42:11 GMT

peacebe, So there goes the familiar Democrat chant of Republican Greed, huh? Get a life man. I am all for teaching everyone to follow the models of what works, what creates financial success, and ignoring the same old failed policies of the past 40 years. We need to drill to get us past the current high price of gas, which has increased the cost of goods, increased the trade deficit which has caused the dollar to drop, which further increases the cost of goods, which causes the stock market to react, decreasing the retirement funds placed in 401 (k)'s. Then with the renewed economic gains we can expect our government to support the construction of nuclear power plants to start eliminating the burning of fossel fuels that dirty our environment, allow the increase in electricty supply I need for my desired plug-in car, and further the economic prosparity to allow future R/D into wind, hydro, tide, geo-thermo, solar power. So while you contine to blame others I will work with any open minded soul to do what works and educate anyone else as to what does not work.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jmd8888 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:42:26 GMT

rbolend- its refreshing to hear someone that has some values beyond this modernized world. Im only 25 and I fear for the future youth of this country.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Molly Maguire — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:44:39 GMT

Hmm, where have we seen these wolves before? Does the Party of Fear have something to fear?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:46:27 GMT

Beginnings , no, I'm not talking about the 20's concerning abortion, I would rather have abortion legal to keep the procedure in a clean clinic than have these poor women exposed to the butcher knoife in a back alley. What I am talking about the 20's is true feminism, the right to vote, the right to own property, the right to equality, not the 60's feminism of sameness. The right to sex without consequences, being the same as men by allowing free abortion, free choice to act irresponsibly.

Does that help you understand?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:51:41 GMT

Bethany724 , I have looked back through my postings to attempt to find where I said, as you quoted "the likes of you anyway", can't find it. Perhaps you mis-directed your post? If you look at the content of the sum of my postings you will find several new topics, many more are available, I just can't type that fast. Stay tuned!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:53:38 GMT

jmd8888, Thank you, but may I caution you to continue listening to both sides, exploring many different forms of news, and finding your own truth. I applaud you for taking part and hope you continue for yourself, for your family, your community, your country and your world.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:54:11 GMT

Rbolend on taxes illustrates virtually no understanding of the American Tax system. Like it or not, since 1954, the tax code has been an instrument of social policy, directing tax dollars into areas of national priority. The concept of graduated income taxes is as American as apple pie. It is this code that created the home owner and interest deductions, that gives credits for research and innovation, that permits deductions for excessive medical costs, that make state income taxes deductible, and that offsets tax liability with personal deductions. To cherry pick the issue of extending tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans as redistribution, a code word for "socialism", suggests that rbolend might be willing to give up the home mortgage deduction, mileage allowance, and the doctor bills and family cost deductions which benefit the middle class disproportionately at the expense of the Rich. Tax code reform is essential, but cuts for the rich make no economic sense in an economy mired in debt by $400billion/year. The last round of tax cuts has clearly contributed to the current financial crisis. To perpetuate tax cutting in an era when entitlements are sucking up the federal budget in times of War is simply irresponsible.

Alaska has no state income tax and property taxes are minimal. Just ask Sarah Palin how she'd fund Alaska's budget if there were no Alaskan windfall profit tax on the state's Oil revenues, She'd raise taxes or close down the Statehouse. How many governors have that luxury?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

sueadams — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:55:06 GMT

I challenge everyone on this blog to put an end to the way lies and misrepresentations are being used in this campaign. Starting today, pledge a $1.00 donation to MoveOn.org for every lie the McCain tells each day -- both repeating of the already identified lies and the new ones certain to evolve if something isn't done to stop this disgusting tactic.

Money is the only thing politicians seem to understand so when lies and deliberate misrepresentations begin to raise big money for the opposition perhaps they will cease. Support a grassroots "We'll BUY that Lie" campaign and put an end to this now.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

paulte — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:57:03 GMT

There are probably a few problems with Palin like her inconsistency in terms of the pork barrel spending. But how many politicians don't accept these funds? Very few, I'm sure. So why pick on her? There seems to be a double standard with Palin in more ways than one! All of a sudden Liberals have developed a conscience about working mothers and their families. How come this was never an issue when Liberal women ran for Democratic office?

I remember back when Patty Murray ran for the Senate in the year of the women (ugh!). She styled herself a soccer mom and admitted she had no experience. The media didn't say boo. But when a self styled hockey mom like Sarah Palin with at least some experience runs for vp, the media is aghast. She doesn't have enough experience and she should be home raising her kids. What's the distinction? Sen Patty Murray is pro-choice and liberal while Gov Sarah Palin is pro-life and conservative. Sorry Sarah, you cannot be admitted to the feminist sisterhood with those kind of credentials!

That's one level of Liberal media hypocrisy pertaining to women running for public office. The next level is the question of experience. Okay, I would admit that Sarah Palin doesn't really have enough experience for the job of vp. Yes, she reminds me of someone else; what's his name now? Oh yes, Barack Obama! He's running for President and he has about the same level of experience for the job of P as Sarah Palin has for vp. How come the media hasn't picked up on this?

I mean if you're going to vote for a Presidential ticket which makes more sense? Vote for the ticket which has the inexperience person at the top of the ticket, P, rather than vote for the ticket which has the inexperienced person at the bottom of the ticket, vp. In other words, vote for Mc Cain!

McCain is a survivor. He'll win and he'll get through the 4 years. During those 4 years, he'll mentor Sarah who is obviously a quick study and we can have a female President then! Move over Hillary, you've been displaced!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:04:15 GMT

F Rosenberg, Yes, I am all for elimination of income tax, and replacing it with a sales tax, graduated for how vital the purchase is for needs of life. Food should be tax free, first car should be low tax, and luxery car or boat should be maximum tax. Total averaged tax should equal 17% for federal and 6% for state/local. That way people with no excess income, who can not afford to buy luxery items, would be tax free. People who but luxery items would be taxed according to their choices in purchases. Income and investment are no longer penalized, incouraging economic activity, increasing available jobs, encouraging business to move back into this country, and making life better for the poor and middle class by policy. If the rich wish to have lower taxes they need to control what they purchase. That is what fair means to me. And you?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:06:06 GMT

paulte, thank you, that post was beautiful!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

4TruthinessNokc — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:10:48 GMT

The issues that are important to this election DO NOT include a woman's right to choose. That's so far down the list it's just ridiculous. We are in two grossly mismanaged wars, our military is being driven into the ground, we’ve lost all credibility with our allies, the economy is in the dumper, the US is 9.6 trillion in debt, the projected budget deficit ($6 billion) for 2008 is more than three last year’s, and we STILL have no energy policy (unless you count Bush's policy of making billionaires out of oil executives and mid-east terror-sponsoring states). People are loosing their homes, jobs, and can't afford to heat their homes or drive to work if lucky enough to be employed. Yet the Republicans want to talk about inappropriate cosmetic enhancement if bulldogs farm animals, while crying sexism and the victimization of the delicate Ms. Palin, or whatever else they hope will distract us from the horrendous job they’ve don’t over the past 8 years. EIGHT IS ENOUGH! The Republicans have proven themselves to be inept and clueless. They got to go!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:13:48 GMT

4TruthinessNokc, So you get your talking points directly from the DNc huh?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

AnAmericanwithabrain — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:14:04 GMT

paulte - the issue isn't the sudden arrival of a conscience for liberals, or whether Palin and other politicians accept pork barrel funds. The issue is hypocrisy. If she is going to stand up and say she's been a crusader AGAINST pork barrel and earmarks, then that is a lie. And the RNC and friends have attacked every working mother in this country for years (including Hillary) for being Faminazi's (according to Rush Limbaugh), yet now turn around and embrace someone for the same thing, solely because this working mom happens to share their draconian views on abortion and women's rights. That is hypocrisy. She doesn't have a record to justify becoming VP, but that isn't even the issue. The problem is the hypocrisy of claiming Obama lacks "experience" and then selecting a running mate with even less experience. That is hypocrisy. That is all the McCain campaign offers these days.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ecg3817 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:15:20 GMT

The McCain Campaign is scamming the American public now...God help us if people believe the McCain and Palin scam and they are elected...Their administration will make Bush's seem like the good ole days...

People...making abortion illegal IS NOT THE ANSWER...IT DOES NOT STOP ABORTIONS...ABORTIONS WERE BEING DONE BEFORE THE LAW MAKING IT LEGAL...WOMEN AND BABIES WERE DYING LIKE FLIES...

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Bonny COLORADO — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:17:22 GMT

I find it very hard to believe that the dems would not be searching for dirt in Alaska. To believe otherwise is absurd. I do strongly think (my opinion) that Obama needs to send Hillary back to her hole, because no one should believe she is sincere about him getting elected. She would want him to lose so she can come back to haunt us in four years. If McCain wins, she would have to challenge Palin. Just some thoughts I have.

Colorado Voter who changed her mind and is now voting for McCain.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

peacebe — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:20:16 GMT

Rbolend, I like you! We are not so far off. and it's "get a life, woman". I am not really blaming the republicans. If I place blame on anyone, it will be all Americans for allowing ourselves to get to this point. As a society, we "depend" on the government to make everything right which really means "making everything right for me". We do not see the role we, as individuals, play in anything that is going on. We do not understand that we are not voting for an individual who will fix everything. It can't happen.

If change occurs it will only occur when we, as individuals, recognize we MUST play some part in it. And then it is one thing to recognize that fact and another to know how to affect the change.

So, as we all discuss here, we should not be against each other, republican, democrat, independent, conservative, liberal, anti or pro anything. We should be discussing HOW change can occur and suggesting tools for that to happen. A starting point could be figuring out how to get the talk back to the issues that face us all as a nation and what we expect these candidates to address.

Anyone up for it?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

DogBitez — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:26:18 GMT

What a shocker... the McCain-Palin camp continues to LIE LIE LIE LIE. And the media continues to report it only through blogs, cartoons and an occasional op/ed. No news organization has had the guts to run a major headline story about the BLATANT LIES that the McCain people are spewing daily. The media is failing the public just as they did when Bush lied about the facts to justify a war in Iraq.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

fox1956 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:31:03 GMT

The question should be is Sarah more qualified then Tom Ridge. If she is, then she is the best candidate for VP. If not, she is being used by the Republican ticket and the Religious Right to win an election. Lets get the lipstick off so we can see the real issues. It is the economy stupid not abortion rights. Abortion rights is just another smoke screen to pull you away from the catostropic issues that are facing this nation.

We are $53 trillion dollars in debt when you add in the money required for Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid. It has to come from somewhere unless we don't honor our commitments to the laws we have passed. This level of debt will not allow us to control decisions on the world stage. We cannot afford a war in Iran or in Russia we are going bankrupt. Soon China will call the shots.

We desparately need to focus on the economy, government spending, education, and healthcare before we focus on having the state determine what you believe about abortion. That is a religious matter that should have no bearing in our political discussions. Unless you want the government to determine what you believe and throw out our most treasured law concerning Church and State separation. When policital parties use religion to get elected heaven help us.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:31:40 GMT

peacebe, BRAVO! Now your talking, listening, and we all need more of that.

While I am conservative I am still open minded. It just gets harder and harder to change my mind as the years pile on, ya know? (I'm 50)

About the "get a life, man", my first edit was "get a life, dude", but I changed it thinking about the possible error. thanks for the update.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:32:35 GMT

Paulte: Your arguments are a smokescreen. Sarah Palin is bright and intelligent and hard working and governor of a state with a population about the size of Washington DC. Good for her.

John McCain, is a 72-year old war horse with multiple surgeries for melanoma. After switching his positions on choice, immigration, nafta, tax cuts, and health care to run for President, he now has flip flopped on his experience and "straight talking". Today McCain is willing to put our Country into the hands of another ultra-conservative ideolog whom you state needs "mentoring". Nine vice presidents have succeeded to the presidency and odds are good Ms. Palin could be number 10.

Barack Obama's resume is light but at least he has been vetted intensively by 18 months of campaigning with 22 debates on all issue. He's suffered constant scrutiny during which time he built a campaign organization that makes the Alaska State house seem like homeroom. I'm not voting for Obama based upon his "experience" but rather on the fact that he has proven himself to me during 18 months of vetting that he understands issues, is non-ideological, and is uniquely schooled in public service.

Had McCain wanted a talented woman on his ticket, Elizabeth Dole would have been a knock out choice. Instead McCain shafted his best friend and acolyte, Joe Lieberman, for a woman whom he met only once and whom the country knows not a whit Talk about taking risk!. Sarah Palin may be the best thing since sliced bread, but without vetting her in the public eye, she's a risk I am unwilling to take given History's digressions.

Finally, Mr Putin must have his finger's crossed on this one. After what Putin did to the ideological George Bush in the international vacuum created by his failures, the McCain Ticket must look like an invitation to a feast. Pig-out Putin, Lipstick is on its way.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:34:07 GMT

DogBitez, so the stories about Palin, censoring the library, taking money from the special education fund, being a member of the group wanting to seperate Alaska from the union, those are not lies? Perhaps you are being one-sided because you don't shop for your news from multiple sources?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

womanwithabrain — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:38:21 GMT

FOR THOSE WOMAN WHO WERE FOR HILLARY AND NOW ARE HAVING A TEMPER TANTRUM AND VOTING FOR MCCAIN BECAUSE HE HAS A WOMAN FOR VICE..YOU WERE NEVER REALLY PRO WOMAN. YOU ARE NOT VOTING ON ISSUES BECAUSE HILLARY AND MCCAIN ARE TOTALLY DIFFERENT ON WOMENS ISSUES. YOU ONLY MAKE WOMEN LOOK IGNORANT AND INCAPABLE OF AN INTELLIGENT DECISION. I WILL TEACH MY DAUGHTER TO RESPECT WOMENS RIGHTS BUT OF COURSE - FIRST USE YOUR BRAIN.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:38:37 GMT

fox1956, so you are saying vote McCain then huh? I agree, Focus on the economy, government spending, education, and healthcare before we focus on having the state determine what you believe about abortion. McCain/Palin will slow government spending, eliminate the NEA to control spending while improving education through parent choice, reduce healthcare costs by educating the public to make wise choices and perhaps decreasing malpractice insurance costs through limiting the trial lawyer impact, and while I think it immoral, keeping abportion legal.

Or were you speaking from the lies posted as DNC talking points?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:41:04 GMT

F Rosenberg, more DNC talking points huh? Folks, as I said before, don't listen to the far left (or the far right) voices. Look deeper, explore the real truth. Study history to see what works (has worked in the past) and what fails (has failed in the past).

Nice try F Rosenberg

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Win486 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:41:42 GMT

Let's face it. Neither party will do all they say they will do. If Obama plans to give all these free programs (health insurance, college education, new K-12 schools, teachers increase, equal pay for equal work, etc) the businesses will get hit and have to lay off and the middle class (as he defines those making $40k or less) will pay higher taxes. McCain doesn't promise a lot but working across party lines to get somethings done. Go back to our 12th grade government class for a minute. Presidents sign legislation, they don't make it. We need to make sure our congress understands what we as citizens want and the direction we support for this country. That is democracy. Tax and spend has never worked. Know the facts. Go to both candidates websites and read what their views are and what they support. Make the decision for yourself. The media needs to report the facts...period. Let us decide what it means to us, don't tell us what it means or how we should feel about it. Report good things and bad not just bad tabloid journalism.

People keep in mind about the media....... they are making a living off of you buying the garbage they are putting out. We call them news media but they are no different than the Hollywood paparazzi. They just wear nicer suits and have a news TV or cable channel backing them. Think for yourself and get facts.

One last thing. Women work everyday. They have cramps (than would take down most men). They give birth. They build houses. Volunteer. Head corporations and seat all around the country in the Senate and House. They raise their families. All of this at the same time. This has been like this forever. Eleanor Roosevelt ran a country, hide the fact her husband was in a wheelchair, dealt with his affairs and raised a family. Let's stick to how Sarah palin can serve the people of this country and not if she is a good mother or if she should work.

You know the last Senator elected was Kennedy. Johnson was VP, Nixon was VP, Carter was Governor, Reagan was governor, Bush 1st was VP, Clinton was governor, Bush 2 was governor. Why you ask? Because senators don't manage anything they legislate. If someone told you the pros and cons of a topic could you vote on it or against it? Probably. Governors manage multiple agencies and departments all over the state, the budget, emergency management, state workers, state programs, etc. GET IT?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:42:05 GMT

womanwithabrain, Are you shouting or is your keyboard stuck?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:45:16 GMT

Win486, BRAVO, good post.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:45:20 GMT

Win486, BRAVO, good post.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

4TruthinessNokc — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:45:52 GMT

Correction: That budget projection was obviously suppose to read $600 billion.

Rbolend: How does presenting the FACTS about the important issues that must be addressed after 8 years of Bush translate to using talking points "directly from the DNC?" Maybe it just sounds that way because the truth hurts.

Then again, as Peacebe points out, there is plenty of blame to go around. Dems haven't had all the answers either. But, leadership has to counts for somethng or we're just rearranging the deck chairs. I simply don't see McBush and Co. as agents of any REAL change once the smoke clears.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Beginnings — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:49:29 GMT

rbolend,

Not really...You would like women to be the same...but not have the same freedoms as men? I think either you are free or you're not free. Freedom has its consequences. We are adults living in a free society...but even our democracy isn't truly "free". I can't intrude on your rights or I pay a price. I can't take your life, or I pay a price. As "free" adults we also understand that every action has a reaction. If you personally decide to be promiscuous, then you need to understand that there are consequences for that promiscuity, (Pregnancy, STD etc). But is it my or your job to ensure that we "protect" these women by taking away their rights? It sounds like the new "Republican" party, who in the face of 9/11 decided that the best way to "protect" us is to infringe on our constitutional rights. This is a VERY slippery path to take, and I for one am tired of walking on it and falling on my face. That's why I'm voting Obama. It may not be the best choice, but it sends a message that we're tired of what's been going on. I am especially tired of being called unpatriotic for questioning my "leaders'" decisions, or being told that "Only we can protect you from the boogie man!".

TIRED!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

zeye54 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:50:59 GMT

I have seen a lot of discussion and debate here about we should ask ourselves if we are better off 8 years ago and if we say yes then vote for McCain. This is a dangerous statement for those who don't like McCain to make. First off; why? That whole thought process that McCain is like Bush is really played out. If you think that you are truely uninformed....but wait! all of the Obama-backers will say he voted with bush 90% of the time!!!! Well McCain also (these numbers come from the same publication your 90% comes from..the National Journal) voted with the tax-payers (meaning sided to let us keep our money versus spend it on WASTEFUL goverment programs; note this is not all spending only pork barreled waist) and McCain voted on the side of the taxpayer 83% of the time while Obama did 18%. Why don't you site that number it is from the same source?????

Also I feel far better off then I did 8 years ago...in fact most americans do. Certain blue collar jobs in some areas are down, some business are worse off today then say this time 1 year ago but compared to 8 years back MOST are far better. My income is up 40% in that time, I bought a new house (with a good mortgage for a house I could afford), my wife got a nicer job with great health benefits after she went back to school (so she could get such benefits)...it goes on. My wife and I made personal choices that helped us....we feel for those who have tried hard but may be fell on bad times and that is why we give money to our church and other groups. What I don't like is people who feel they are entitled to things. So my life is better now, thank God; may be people who scream that we are so worse off should truely consider why.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Javachuck — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:51:50 GMT

Thank you for the sanity check. Readers like me (semi-retired) have the time to actually read the record of each candidate. I have found that, as the news media starts to dig, the republican machine immediately goes on the defensive using deception and outright falsehoods. I wonder when the visual media will start reporting the real story about republican tactics and their agenda for “change.”

On another topic; I have read both political election platforms. I am afraid that the voting public will not read them and just take it on “faith” what the both party ads say. I strongly urge the media, both print and visual, to give a fair and balanced comparison of both platforms to the voting public. Then let’s see what the two sides do. We all may be surprised.

Please keep up the good reporting and best regards,

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:52:02 GMT

4TruthinessNokc, the past 8 years does come with lots of problems. I have re-registered as an independant because the Republican party forgot about fiscal conservative values and did not control spending. Unfortunitely the Dems are going to be even worse, spending 1.2 Trillion dollars on free healthcare can not be paid for without taking more debt out on our children and grandchildren. Yes, plenty of blame to go around but again I stress, study history for what works and what fails before you make up your mind.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

mjlash — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:53:52 GMT

Ronnie 8365 wrote:

2) he is for fratricide. Not choice. What do you call a person who believs in killing a baby out of the womb.

Ronnie, go back to school... fratricide is killing of one's brother. Infanticide is killing of a living baby within the first 12 months of life, NOT one in the womb. Jeez some republicans sure are stupid. I guess this is the dumbing down of American society I keep hearing about. You know Ronnie, it's very easy to check your word usage online. Just type the word into the search engine and voila... information comes up about that word. Try it. You may learn something.

PS: Sen. Obama, NEVER has advocated for infanticide. He clearly loves children as evidenced by his love of his children. I love my children, but I am still pro-choice. Sen. Obama believes that it is the CHOICE of the woman and those involved with the pregnancy have the right to make... No one else. It's simple... simpleton.

Our future depends upon this ticket:

Obama/Biden 08

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:56:16 GMT

Beginnings, So you are not actually reading my posts I see. As I said several times, I think abortion, and capital punishment, are immoral, but because of the reality history illistrates, I am not for making abortion illegal. I know women will choose no matter what the law says, and I don't want to be responsible for the back alley butchers. I still think it immoral.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Utahn — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:57:22 GMT

I have read with interest all of the posted comments here and would ask all of you just one question.

Are any of you willing to put yourselves, your families and/or your financial futures through the same polotical crap you have faced during the past eight years? Seriously think about all of the half truths and outright lies of the current administration.

Think about our current president and how he violated our constitution. Think about the many lives of our loved ones that have been lost because of the lies and treachery of one man bent on avenging his fathers name. Think about the many americans still suffering because the money that should have been used to help them rebuild their lives after the hurricane was misused by our president for a war that should not have been started in the first place. Think about all of the things we now pay higher prices for and in some cases have to do without because of the misdeeds done during the past eight years.

Don't you think it is about time we all stood up as united americans once and for all and said this is enough.

I suggest that instead of arguing about who said or did this or that or who didn't say or didn't do this or that we all contemplate which political party os really right for our nation at this time in history.

God help us all in making the correct choice.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

mjlash — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:00:31 GMT

rbolend,

why not just end an unjustified war in Iraq to fund healthcare? Seems logical to me. What do you think? So many billions have been wasted daily and yearly in this fraudulent war when the perp of 9/11 lived it up in Afghanistan. Why aren't fiscal types bemoaning that? Why aren't you angry about that? Yet you feel that having healthcare for all would be a tax passed on to the future generations. Do you really believe that if this fake war in Iraq ever ends that the debt it produced will simply disappear? Who will pay for that and the reconstruction of Iraq? Who will pay, and why should we pay? If really angers me when I hear people talk about the cost of providing healthcare to Americans yet find the costs of death by unjustified war to be acceptable.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

chindognyc — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:04:26 GMT

Utahn, you said somethings that make so much sense. I applaud your comments and I hope that many can listen to what you are trying to say.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:04:49 GMT

Utahn, so as I ignor the lies oin your post concerning DNC talking points and focus on your initial question, I agree both the Republican party (2000-2006) and the Democrat party (2006-now) have failed us. Unfortinuatly the best third party option (Ron Paul) is not realistic.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Utahn — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:06:50 GMT

By the way, I am a registered Democrat. I also have been known to vote for Republican candidates if I feel they would do the best job for the office they are running for.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:07:56 GMT

mjlash, I can not believe that on this day, 9/11, you want to incourage terrorism to return to our country by retreating from the new front. By the way you can save your breath (keystrokes), I already know the DNC talking point you have for me next "Republicans scaring people with terrorism talk" Yeah, right. Why are you not happy that the constant terror attacks have stopped for US interests, here and abroad? Which side are you on anyway?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Utahn — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:10:00 GMT

rbolend, are you really that mislead that you feels I am referring to DNC talking points.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:10:07 GMT

rbolend. Daniel Patrick Moynahan in a debate on the Senate floor chided a colleague by stating that he recognized his colleague's right to his own opinion, but that his colleague was not entitled to his own facts. So far, you called me, erroneously, a far left outlet for DNC, talking point. You expressed opinions about my motives and your expertise, something that you are unable to support with facts. McCain's military record is public information and you should read the citations to substantiate my comments. That fact tht you are opposed to the income tax is, frankly, a position rejected by both parties, and for good reason.

FYI, I am 63, a diehard independent who listens neither to Fox nor MSNBC. and who formulates opinions not from an RNC or DNC perspective, but from a more libertarian point of view that government should stay out of personal lives, whenther it's gun control or abortion. So instead of "swift-boating" with unsupported positions I'd advise you to simply argue the facts favoring your positions and keep your personal opinions about who I am

I have joined this dialog because McCain's unpredictablitiy of late coupled with his choice of VP, and his condoning and voicing repeated lies and esaggerations that even the Wall Street Journal has called him out on has soured me profoundly on his candidacy. The reason I support Obama is that he has shown the type pragmatism that ideologs like McCain and Palin lack.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:23:42 GMT

F Rosenberg, So you have little excuse then, having lived through much of the history I am encouraging people to study. Let's see, you were ages 15-25 through the 60's. There then, that explains it doesn't it? So how was the dope you were smoking instead of paying attention?

If you don't listen to Fox or MSNBC, polar opposites, who do you listen to? Because the elimitation of income tax was rejected by both major political parties makes it not a good thing? Why do you not realize both of these parties are corrupt? I agree with your Libertarian leanings about government staying out of our lives, hince my position that abortion is immoral but should stay legal. Your talk about "Swift-Boating" shows your democratic partuy leanings as well, you think that means lies, not truth. I suppose you alsp think McCartny is a bad word, right?

It saddens me that McCain has become just as good a politician as Obama, resorting to lies and half truths to win. Because both parties are becomming the same on that front I have to look deeper, at what is good for our country. Fiscal change from McCain Palin insteat of bankrupting us all with Obama. National security with McCain Palin instead of giving up our national sovernty with Obama. On and on it goes, and you still want to challange these as not being facts? Grow up man, you have lived long enough to earn it.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

vmac — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:26:09 GMT

I can see the McCain campaign is getting nastier by the day. Now they have another distorted commerical out about Obama--they refuse to discuss issues the American People want to hear about and are continuing on these personal untruthful attacks. I pray the American people can see through this. We do not need a "Hockey Mom" as President. McCain is old and may leave the country in the hands of Gov. Palin who admits she hasn't kept up with Iraq and probably no other National issues. The Right Wing media (Hannity in particular) are a sick group of biased, racist people.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Beginnings — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:30:33 GMT

I can't remember another political race in our history being as divisive as these past 3. It's interesting, and I'm enjoying the debates. Even though we don't all agree, it's great to know that our country is free, and we can have these debates. And every 4 years we can change the government if we are unhappy with the direction our country is headed, and we don't even have to overthrow it. It's the most peacefull replacement of top govermnental official on this planet! Our democracy is strong, and this long string of debates amongst fellow Americans is proof of that!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:32:53 GMT

Beginnings, you have that right!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:34:52 GMT

rbolend : Typical Republican,flak, all personal attacks without a substantive argument on issues or facts. You're quite the opinion leader. Thank you for making my point.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:42:18 GMT

F Rosenberg, lets see here, I said both parties were corrupt, do you not realize this includes the Republican party? I said both parties reject the elimination of income tax, and somehow that is typical Republican flak? You said you were leaning Libertarian, yet your critisism is all against the Republican party? Perhaps you fool people in your neck of the woods, but I see a Democrat hiding behind independant, even Libertarian, words. Caught ya!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:45:06 GMT

rbolend : One last thing. If you want to be an opinion leader, do some original research. The fact that you get your ideas and "news" from Fox or MSNBC only demonstrates your lightweight arguments, personal extremes, and lazyness. You ought to put down you comic books and delve into the issues before having the temerity to give or withhold approval of any idea or position that strikes you adversely.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

drewdrums — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:46:58 GMT

rbolend: Fiscal change with McCain/Palin? Did you know that when bush took office, he promised while he was campaigning to reduce federal spending to 16% of GDP. Clinton was at 18% when he left office, do you know that the budget for goverment last year was ~32% of GDP. Our GDP last year was a total of about 13 trillion and goverment spending was 4.1 trillion, even if you eliminate the spending on Iraq at an estimated 500 billion, he still runs at 27%. Remember Republicans had control of the legislative branch for 6 years, and still failed to get any of his campaign promises completed. Remember Drill, Drill, Drill from McCain and Palin's speeches, look at Bush's stumping in 2000 and what do you find? Clean coal and drill Alaska! Which in 8 years he failed to get done, again with 6 of those years having control of all branches of goverment.

You see, these are a just a few examples of Conservative lies to get elected and a failure to achieve those goals while in office. Top economists have also placed the spending and taxing plans of both McCain and Obama at about equal, the difference being more money in the middle classes hands with Obama. Sure I have kids and rise in the tax exemption is nice, but does nothing for those that can't claim dependants. And really, who made the conservatives the "tough guys" on the block. On top of that, can we really afford to keep diplomacy at the levels they are today, which is almost at zero. The country wants change, but more importantly the world wants change, expecially in the areas of our leaders diplomatic policies, which I do not see changing under a McCain/Palin ticket.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

marko1965 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:50:57 GMT

As long as 50% plus one of the American population can't or won't read, Palin/McCain should be just fine.

Let's keep our fingers crossed.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

chindogu — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:55:01 GMT

Beginnings said:

"And every 4 years we can change the government if we are unhappy with the direction our country is headed, and we don't even have to overthrow it."

Nope, not quite. The last two presidential elections were for all practical purposes stolen from the Democratic nominees--and the American public--by the Republican machine's gerrymandering, road blocks to voter registration and balloting, voting machine sabotage, insider recounts, hanging chads, and who knows what else they've pulled that got past us. Add that to the incursions on basic civil liberties that have been pushed through by the Bush administration, and I'm starting to wonder if it isn't goign to take another out-and-out revolution to get this country back on track.

If you want change, look at who's financing the candidates' campaigns -- it'll give you a good sense of who's going to be running the show in January. And then log off the web and go out and GET OUT THE VOTE. It's our only hope..

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Beginnings — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:55:37 GMT

rbolend,

That being said, in order for our democracy to continue working we need to be able to accept that change is needed when our "preferred" political leaders are not executing to our expectations. I did this in 2000. I felt that the Dems were making a mockery of the presidency with all the Bill Clinton drama. So I voted for Bush. I did it again in 2004 when I felt that Kerry was a bit weak during his debates. I won't do it this time because:

1) I'm not happy with the Republicans

2) McCain is bending backwards to make his party and the far right happy

3) McCain has basically sold out to the same tactics that basically slandered him, his family and his service during the 2000 run against Bush.

He may have been a hero while serving during the war, but he has changed over the past 8 years. This is not a talking point, it is a fact. He was against the torture of war prisoners; he was against Bush's tax policy; he spoke out against the swift boat adds against Kerry; he spoke out against the religious right that basically took over the republican party. He is now for all of these things. It smells of desperation. A man that never used his unfortunate experience in Hanoi is now using it to gather sympathy from the American people just to be elected into office? I respect him and his service, but I need to know how he plans on changing the direction of this country. "Drill baby drill" is not change. Continuing this tax policy during a time of war is not change. Continuing this war is not change. Not shifting our focus to Al Qaeda is not change. Bringing in a VP choice just to rally the extreme of your party and pander to the women that may vote on gender alone is not change.

I'm ready to move on from what has been happening the past 8 years. I will not fall into the same "security risk" trap that I fell into on 2004. I have faith in our troops. I have faith in our security, and this will not change simply because the president changed. Same troops, same security, new vision. A guy that sits there and says, "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran.", only has one thing in mind...war. We need diplomacy with a strong fist. Not just a strong fist. I didn't feel comfortable with Kerry, but I do feel comfortable with Obama.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:57:34 GMT

drewdrums, I am repeating myself, but I can't blame you for not researching the 173 previous posts, and counting. As I said, the definition of a politician is a good liar, both parties do it. I am basing my hope on track record and McCain/Palin have a track record of rejecting spending (McCain, Palin's job as mayor and Gov. were to get money), and reform (Palin). I also said the Republican party (2000-2006) lost their fiscal conservative values so it needs to be reformed. By the way, both parties have failed to start drilling, is that any reason to quit trying? Yes, we can afford to lead the world and ignore the soft diplomacy of European values. Look at what that has gotten Europe, as I said, study history, what works and what fails.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

krotten1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:59:25 GMT

" And every 4 years we can change the government if we are unhappy with the direction our country is headed, and we don't even have to overthrow it"

Assuming, of course, that we aren't once again sidelined by inanity like lipstick on a pig! This country has been on the decline for the past 8 years.. The GAO just reported that if we keep on the path we are currently on, the economy will begin to SHRINK. GET THAT; SHRINK. We will be the first generation in the history of this country to pass a shrinking economy on to the next generation. Have you seen anything about this urgent matter in the mainstream press? I thought not.

But lipstick is important too, right?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

krotten1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:01:16 GMT

"As long as 50% plus one of the American population can't or won't read, Palin/McCain should be just fine.

Let's keep our fingers crossed."

You are actually hoping that people remain ignorant and choose unwisely? You MUST be a republican.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:01:23 GMT

Beginnings , So where did you hear that McCain is now for torture of war prisoners, the swift boat adds against Kerry; the religious right that basically took over the republican party? I am a news junkie and have not heard these things. The desperation I have noticed lately is with Obama. Now Sarah is the celebrity and Obama has lost his throne.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ljw54321 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:03:52 GMT

The sad truth is that lying works better than truth, which is why McCain has moved up in the polls. If McCain wins, it will be very close, and around 50% of the American public will despise him as a cheap lier. This will indeed be more of the same. If McCain were to switch tactics and campaign on issues, he would lose. I'm afraid the American people are stupid enough to fall for McCain's lies and deception, and will be rewarded with at least 4 more years of an inept and out-of-touch president.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Beginnings — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:07:23 GMT

chindogu,

The revolution has already started...Look at voter registration. It's the highest ever. Dems are leading registration 2:1, and 3:1 in some cities. Polls don't really count a lot of these new voters, so I don't really count on them much. Voter fraud will be claimed by both sides this year. I will be interested in seeing the results of Ohio, Colorado, Florida and Penn.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:07:53 GMT

ljw54321, I agree with you, up to the last 18 words that is....

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Beginnings — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:12:24 GMT

rbolend,

He was against the use of watterboarding, then he chnged his mind, He is now ising the same swiftboat tactics of streatching the truth and spreading lies just to win. Can you honestly tell me that Obama wants to teach sex to kindergardeners? Did Obama call Palin a pig with lipstick? Come on...This is all nonsense.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

krotten1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:14:08 GMT

rbolend,

McCain voted against the Intelligence Authorization Bill that would have banned water boarding and other forms of torture. The bill passed anyway but with not thanks to McSame. I'm pretty sure that is the maverickyness to which Beginnings refers.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Bacalove — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:15:40 GMT

GOP, Party of Lies, Smears and Distortions!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

4TruthinessNokc — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:17:59 GMT

If the Republicans think that they are the answer to fiscal responsibility, just check the record for the National Debt vs. GDP since the Truman era. (see URL below) Note the precipitous climb during the Reagan and Bush I administrations. What do you know? It seems there's a drop during the Clinton years. Oh no, then there’s a steady climb again for Bush II. These are White House numbers, so it's hard to argue bias. Check out some of the hyperlinks on this site. There's your history rbolend...

http://zfacts.com/p/318.html

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

DC_Washington — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:20:01 GMT

This is all the more reason why I say "BRING ON THE DEBATES!"

Obama and Biden need to unapologetically attack these LIES and MANIPULATIONS for now, then attack McCain and Palin in the debates.

Note to dems - 'attack' means quick verbal jabs, concise valid arguments, and energy. Cerebral posturing and taking time to be thoughtful in your answers don't play well on American TV sets these days.

And one last thing - when the republicans try to cut you off in your speaking, TALK LOUDER - don't let them derail you or allow them to rebut during your turn. They are disrespectful and arrogant. STAND UP TO THEM and FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!

GOBAMA!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:20:16 GMT

krotten1, Beginnings, voting against or for a specific bill can not be assumed to be for or against the position. The pork attached, the wrong approach to a good idea, trhe specifics of the wording in the bill often confuse the issue. He was against the tax decrease because spending was out of control and needed to be addressed first. I don't know the details of the waterboarding bill but I am sure McCain, of all people, does not support torture.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

YouHaveToLiveSmart — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:23:40 GMT

I has become evident that the Republicans believe that if you tell a big enough lies often enough, people will believe. It's sad given the state of the country, that all they can do is dish out dirt and lies, when the future of our world is at risk. The Republican party in NO WAY resembles the party of years gone by which I used to support. It's an abomination. What is even worse, the media allows them to get away with it and inturn perpetuates the lies by reporting them when they KNOW that they are false. In years past, journalism wasn't sensationalism and sources were checked and verified. Today, it's all about the buzz. This country needs help and solutions. Can't we just flush all of Washinton down the toilet where it belongs. To quote my very wise 4 year old, "We need a do over!"

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jjcdc — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:24:10 GMT

Just because you are old doesn't make you a more intelligent person. You can be ignorant at any age. The facts are that McCain has run one of the nastiest campaigns in modern history. I used to believe that he had some integrity but he sold out when he hired Karl Rove's protege, Schmidt, and started making things up about Obama. These are the people behind the swiftboating from the last election. They are extremely nasty but very effective at their jobs. I can't believe some of the things I am seeing. Seriously, saying Obama wants 5 year olds to get sex ed classes. No, the bill he voted on was for teaching children about sexual predators so they can protect themselves. I have a daughter and even though I don't want to think about it these people are out there. Shouldn't our children be armed with a little knowledge to protect themselves? (That is preverse that someone would even come up with that one.) I see alot of people here saying that Obama has been nasty before McCain. That is not factual. Maybe supporters of Obama's have said things on the internet just as McCains have, but if you look at the tapes of the actual candidates or watched the conventions you can find the truth. Obama has tried very hard to stay on message and discuss issues. McCain, Palin and the RNC have not. The don't discuss their records or what they want to do to help the country. They spend their time lying and misleading and ridiculing Obama. I know that gets their base fired up but how can any independent think this group is who they should vote for? For the independents out there, who are not so entrenched in party blindness that you can't even hear the facts, I hope you will go to non partisan fact checking sites to learn the truth. Factcheck.org is one of my sources.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:24:34 GMT

4TruthinessNokc, perhaps you forget who controlled the congress during the Clinton years, and forget Newt Gingrich and the Contract with America? Do you know how government works? do you know what the job of the legislature is, and the Executive branch? And the Judicial branch? So who is responsible for the economy during the Clinton administration? Do you know, or perhaps you just want to distort history?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Randy Carruthers — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:24:43 GMT

Obama himself is a leader in the area of lies and distortions. Just read his book, "Dreams of My Father," for a taste of how he has distorted historical truth for political purposes.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Win486 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:30:37 GMT

I would have to think that Palin is very aware of the Cold War and Russia and threats and grew up with it. Alaska is a toss from Russia. Look at a map.

The last time I voted Republican was for Nixon in 1972. It was also the first time I was old enough to vote. I wanted the war to end in Vietnam. I then voted for Carter, Clinton, Gore and all those democrats in between. I voted in this primary for Hillary since the clinton years were so good. No war, great economy. Then I was thinking one night that my life is not really too bad. The 1990's brought about technology stocks and jobs and new industry. That would have happened no matter who the president was. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were computer geeks and more than likely were not even thinking about Reagan or Bush or Clinton when they were designing and developing Microsoft and Apple Corp. AOL, Amazon, Yahoo, Ebay, etc. were just exploding and money was being made and jobs for all. Just luck in some ways for Clinton but he was a great president and I am still proud to say I voted for him.

In that same light, Bush comes in and 911, 7 years ago today. He had nothing to do with that or any control of it. It took us all by surprise. Technology stocks evened out and in some they crashed and markets went down and jobs were lost. A great deal of jobs, more than what we realize were lost in 2000 because of technolgy making it easier for a machine to do the work and not a person. It was cheaper. Then we had Katrina. Bush might have been slow but that is the first time in American history we have had to test our responses in real time with so many people.

My life has changed through my 55 years. My brother was killed in Vietnam. I paid my way through college. I grew up in coal camps 25 miles up a mountain in WV. I was once concerned about abortion rights.

I still don't believe in how or why we got to Iraq but I didn't see the same "faulty" CIA/FBI/Spy documentation that senator and cabinet secretaries saw (and neither did Obama. He wasn't in the federal system at that time.) I might have voted for it if I had seem the documents. Abortion is not my first priority. I am a woman and I still haven't decided in 30 years how I feel about them. I don't know if I could have one or when life starts. So, it is no longer an issue for me. I paid my way through college and paid back my school loans. I do know I don't want to pay more taxes for someone else to go when their parents aren't trying to work to send them or they are willing to get loans. I think calling middle class those that make less then $40,000 is just wrong. In today's world that is lower class or lower middle class but not your everyday suburan household. Middle class is someone who goes to work everyday to just get ahead, be able to take a vacation, pay your car off and have your mortgage and be safe. I am not officially middle class and if my taxes are raised 15% to help "level the field" for all then it won't bring them up, it will only bring me back down.

So for the second time in my life I am compelled to vote Republican. Either can do just so much and again I want the war to end and that will happen. We see steps being taken towards that ends right now. We are so fortunate in this country that we have it so easy and even at our worst we are still the best. Hopefully even after this election is over the media and the American people will still continue to read and go after the issues and educate themselves and let congress know if they are doing a bad job for us. If they are let's fire them and vote in someone new and not just turn this country back over to the politicians without questioning. We should question the bail out of the mortgage giants. Are we going to fire their CEO and Boards and make them explain how they got those companies in that mess or are we the American people going to let them still control those companies while we and our kids pay their $40 million salaries?

You do know that this economy, the war, healthcare prices, bad education and loss of social security did just happen to us. We actually let it happen under our watch.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Beginnings — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:35:58 GMT

rbolend,

At the time there was no mention, that I can recall, that he voted against it because of pork. My memory was that those who voted against it did so because they were afraid of being labeled weak on "protecting" America from another attack by not allowing weatherboarding in order to obtain crucial information from POWs.

Besides, since when did reasoning become important when looking at someone's voting record? Like I mentioned below, McCain allowed the smear regarding Obama's vote for a program that would have educated children that their body parts are theirs and private. They took this out of proportion and accused him of wanting to teach sex to 5-year-olds. My daughter is 5 and starting kindergarten right now. I don't agree that the government should be teaching my kid about their private parts; that's my job as a parent. But do I think Obama wanted to teach kindergarteners sex? No. Did I lose respect for McCain when he allowed this kind of add? Absolutely. Hoe did he like it when Bush and hid people spread rumors that McCain fathered a "black baby"? How could he, after going though this in 2000, then embrace this tactic and use it against a man that has two daughters, one of which is about that age? It's ridiculous, outrageous and should not be supported.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rightofcenter — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:39:32 GMT

To say that Obama is honest is about as far off base as you can get. Most of his campaign has been about avoiding direct answers about the issues and the last few weeks has been about contradicting what little he did say before.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rbolend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:39:42 GMT

Win486, Good post, great depth and reasoning. I want to address one of your many gereat points. Why are we helping the banking industry who used tricks to get people into bad debt? They made money by sub-prime loans, sold the debt and now want help when the bad business decisions turn around to bite them? No way! We should be helping the people who were tricked into getting a loan they can not afford. I'm not saying help them pay for what they cannmnot afford, I'm saying allow them to be forclosed on and then eliminate that bad mark from their credit history. A zero dollar solution that helps those who were cheated and allows those who did the cheating to be punished by going out of business. The sooner this real estate market finally hits bottom the sooner I can sell my house.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jjcdc — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:47:22 GMT

Beginnings,

I was an educator. I have seen this talk about sexual predators done with 5 year olds. It is very gentle. They talk about "the parts of your body that your bathing suit covers" and if you "feel unsafe" or uncomfortable who you can talk to. That it is not your fault and you shouldn't feel ashamed. It is in no way a comprehensive sex talk. They don't discuss the sex act or anything like that, at all! Also, as a parent you can still opt out of it. You say that it is your job to talk to your kids about this but the problem is that a MAJORITY (according to national polls from an educational resource of mine) of parents refuse to do this, either in fear or ignorance.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jarman — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:49:23 GMT

This election is not about Democrats vs Republicans or red states vs blue states. It is about good vs evil. The Obama supporters are not greedy corporations or large self-interest groups. They are mainly people who sincerely want the USA to change it's direction and again stand as a force for good in the World. For America to become a leader with the respect we once enjoyed when we were viewed as a beacon light for freedom and decency.

There are many Americans who believe in goodness for goodness sake. There are policemen and firefighters; community organizers; charity workers and hundreds of thousands more who try to take the high road - who believe in morality.

I question the sincerity of the "religious right" who seem to have no problem with their candidates bearing false witness; lying; or trying to destroy a good man whose crime is in having the audacity to embrace the value of decency; responsibility; honesty and the qualities that most of us attribute to God. I wonder how many of them would be among those who chose the release of Barrabas and cheered when Christ was crucified.

The cheering in the Republican convention was for the degrading and belittling remarks about Sen Obama and his followers and very little else. Gov. Palin's "great" speech was to bring out the meanness, the pettiness; the baser part of people's natures. Those pundits that called her speech "great" seem to place no value on the effect she had on her listeners. Supposedly intelligent men made fools of themselves by their remarks in trying to sell their product, Sarah Palin. Half truths and total lies. If my spouse or children said those things, I would be terribly ashamed of them.

There is no doubt in my mind as to who would be the greater president of this Country. Obama is a good man - a very unique man - and McCain, along with Palin are for the things I do not believe in. By the way, are all these women reputed to be crossing over to support Palin suddenly in favor of the war? Have they decided that future wars are in their best interest? Both Palin & McCain are admittedly very pro-war. Palin defends it as God's war. If they are intrigued by Palin's toughness and "sassiness" they should stand back and take a better look at her sincere beliefs...She is more like Bush than McCain is.. Sincerely wrong beliefs in a person with power are more frightening than skullduggery in getting your own way.

Barack Obama's appeal is his decency and credibility. The greatness of his speeches is his ability to bring out the best in people. . His fans walk away with the hope of making things better and the courage to try. The applause and tears you saw in the Democratic Convention exhibited a real joy. They were uplifted and deeply touched. Senator Obama has the rare ability to inspire. I've read everything I can get my hands on about him and his life. He's made very few mistakes and no matter how the pundits try to belittle him, his greatest errors seem to have been in mentioning lipstick in the same phrase as pigs.

My fear is that there are not enough people mature enough to see the difference between goodness and the lies knowingly planted to belittle that goodness. It is difficult for the people I know to understand why seemingly intelligent people are blind to the harm , no, the actual evil in trying to mock and destroy the people who want the best for this Country.

In defense of my possible incredibly naivete in believing people are basically good, We have made some significant progress. We are no longer mesmerized by Paris Hilton or Britney Spears.

Quite a few leaders have had their bad behavior exposed; We have had exposure to and proof of the constant bungling of the Bush administration; Nature has given us a lot to think about; and many have had to change their priorities due to the depressed economy.

If you study history, Abraham Lincoln was lucky to win his election. The Revolutionary War should have been won by the British. The Civil War should have been won by the South. We should have lost World War II, History is full of victories thet looked like losses until the Last minute. I am going to keep hoping for goodness to conquer the wickedness of lies and dishonorable behaviour exhibited by the Conservative party as long as I can. Their heroes are Rush Limbaugh; Sean Hannity; Ann Coulter; Bill O'Reilly; Bill Christel; and the newscasters of Fox, CNN News. You all might want to ask yourself who and what impresses you and why you make the decisions you do.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Beginnings — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:02:00 GMT

Win486,

I agree taht $40k per year is not middle class...that's why I support Obama. He is decreasing tax on those who make less than $250k per year and rolling back the tax cuts on those who are making more than that to what the tax was in 1999.

9/11 - I disagree, this was Bush's fault. There were plenty of warnings before the insident. But let's say for arguments sake that 9/11 would have happened under anyone's watch. 9/12 this country and the whole world were unified by that event. Even Iran was on our side and offered to help us out in Afghanistan. What Bush did after 9/12 is what I have a problem with. He used it to start a war that didn't need to happen. Played on our fears to take away our constitutional rights to privacy, and by calling those who opposed him appeasers and unpatriotic took away our freedom of speech and scared the media into never questioning the "commander and chief".

Katrina - Again...not his fault. But you would think the way he and his office talked about 9/11, and how he and the Republicans were the only ones that could save us, the response to Katrina should have been more swift. Nope. It was embarrassing to see those people suffer in what we consider the strongest country in the history of man kind.

So let's not make any excuses. Every presidency gets thrown a curve. How they deal with it is how we judge them historically. For 8 years Bush has failed miserably. Now McCain is offering another 4 years...I'm not stupid or crazy. So I'm not going to do the same thing hoping that we'll have a different outcome.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

orion12 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:02:56 GMT

What beats me is the dishonesty of some contributors to this debate. We are talking here of McCain distorting, lying and maliciously putting down Obama. That is a fact. But some of you are twisting the discussion that Obama wrote lies in his book. That book has been reviewed and nobody is talking about that here. We are talking about McCain being dishonest and crude. That's all.

Now if people want to turn their backs on such a fact, then it is up to them but that does not dispel the truth that McCain is a liar.

Why don’t we stick to the issues and stop throwing pepper in the air to disorient what Andrew wrote. When we start, individually, to research issues and not just sit and watch Fox and MSNBC to hear what we want to hear and see, then were become better persons and in charge of our own lives. Believe me, some of you are not in charge of your lives. The media controls you.

Right now, I can guess that most people are not better than those living in some oppressed country, e.g., North Korea. The only difference between most Americans and North Koreans is this: In North Korea people are spoon fed with information and take it all in, in fear. In America people are spoon fed with information, they don’t believe they are, but they voluntarily take it all in, including the spoon, thinking that they are so free to make a choice and think for themselves. The media is very powerful in this country and that is what scares me.

Obama should not get down to McCain’s level. He should stay focused and keep on developing his ideas and informing the public. I know it is hard and but that is the way to go. If McCain wins it is not because he is neither very smart nor original nor full of good ideas. It would be because he is what exactly Obama does not want for America; an old school politician ready to destroy everything, including himself, to win.

Let us pray for sanity in this election.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Win486 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:04:50 GMT

rbolend, I am not sure who the trickor or the trickee is. I bought a house in 2001 and was offered all these rates and interest only and sub-prime with a roll up and ARMS. I was told I could buy a more expensive house than I was buying with an interest only for the first 5 years and yak, yak, yak. I researched all of these, looked at my possibility of salary increases and neighborhoods and yak, yak, yak. I got a 30 year mortgage at 7.5%. I made my house payments faithfully and refinanced in 2004 to a 15 year mortgage at 6.25% for just a few dollars more a month. My point is that I had the opportunity to buy something that I just might have to lose in 5 years or 2 if I got an ARM and didn't refinance.

It is a circle. People made bad decisions. Loan officers are paid commission so they sold mortgages that were employment only based without looking at credit history to people who couldn't afford them. Mortgage companies like Countrywide and Freddie and Fannie were riding high and investors making millions and Wall Street looking good and then the common man's gas prices went up and home heating went up and salary increases stopped and oops.... developers building news home that stopped selling defaulted on big multi-million dollar development loans. You see it really isn't just the single homeowner that caused the big crash you heard. Yes, more and more subdivisions building new homes and borrowing the money to do so and then they stopped selling so the developers stopped paying on their loans.

I am so opposed to government getting into a private business. Mortgage companies, auto companies, healthcare, etc. That is not for government to do. BUT if we let them fall what would happen to all the investors? They would lose money. 401s, 457s, IRA and retirement accounts... all would suffer.

So what do we do with the top dogs of these companies now that the federal government owes the company? Keep them and pay them $40 mil a year? Will managers there make what managers in the federal goverment make? They make about $65,000. Those at Freddie and Fannie make $500,000. People wake up. It is happening this time in front of you. You want to blame a politician 8 or 4 years afterwards but now is the time to get educated and read and get the facts and ask questions while this is happening just this week.

How much do you make? Now that the feds have taken over these companies, how much do you want to pay their failing managers, directors, VPs, CEO, CFO??? Do you want to keep the same people working there. I am thinking they should at least fail their annual evaluation and not get there raise this year.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Beginnings — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:11:43 GMT

jjcdc,

This is where I disagree with the Dems. I don't need the gvmnt to teach my kid about sexual predators. It's a waste of money. How about going over this with the parents during the PTA meetings? How about addressing this with parents during the numerous meetings parents have with teachers throughout the school year? Parents need to take on the responsibility of raising their children...not gvmnt. School is not a daycare. School is not a surrogate parent. School is not my child's parent. I am. I can see the reasoning behind it, but I'm glad that this didn't pass. I remember my parents talking with me about 'Private Parts' and that was a long time ago! To ask a teacher to discuss this in her class is too much responsibility and opens up doors for interpreting how much is too much to teach. No. Let me have this discussion with my child. If you want to ensure that all the children are getting this talk, educate the parents!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

orion12 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:12:17 GMT

Ritofcenter, I think you just blew it. You just made a statement that holds no water. What are the answers Obama avoids? This is the sort of discussion that I find sad. Throwing words just does not make your point valid.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

orion12 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:20:11 GMT

Beginnings, maybe you have a whole lot of skills and have the information to teach your kids about sexual predators. Unfortunately a host of parents do not even know where to start. They do not even know what words to use, or how to approach the subject. Many parents do not even know how to talk to their children about sex. This is not because they are stupid, it is because it is a difficult subject for many. So why should government not take an interest in this.

You know, your parents talked to you about your private parts. Now I can assure you that many many other parents like you did not have this priviledge; their parents did not talk to them. So you see it is passed on. Please be a bit more understanding and open-minded. We were all not born and raised under the same conditions.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Win486 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:20:21 GMT

Beginnings, I agree with you about parenting and schools. People!! It is not up to the school system to teach "your" family values to "your" kids.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Beginnings — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:25:11 GMT

So why not focus on educating the parent on how to educate their children about this issue? It is their responsibility.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

krotten1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:30:15 GMT

" I am sure McCain, of all people,"

rbolend,

You would think so, huh? I know I thought so. If his words were matched by his deeds, I would still think so. He has NOT stood up to the administration on this issue because the McCain of 200 no longer exists. The Maverick has been replaced by the Pander-bear.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rightofcenter — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:34:39 GMT

orion12 , he avoided his past voting record. He avoided health care stance, taxes, gun control,abortion. What little he did say was way out in left field, until he started to look like the next nominee, then he shifted twards the middle. That is really giving him too much credit since mostly all he could come up with was he was for change, or hope in the future. Why don't you ask BO how he will pay for his health care plan or what his cap and trade stance will be cost. I do not hear anything new or anything that has not already failed in the past.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

krotten1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:39:54 GMT

"Why are we helping the banking industry who used tricks to get people into bad debt? They made money by sub-prime loans, sold the debt and now want help when the bad business decisions turn around to bite them?:

Well, what do you know. Rbolend and I agree on something. I always thought that republicans believed in the invisible hand of the market and that corrections weren't necessary because the market would adjust for any discrepancies. Apparently, they do believe that as long as THEIR OWN INVESTMENTS aren't at risk. Well, now they are so the Bush administration will step in. Never mind the fact that their own deregulation (lead by Phil Graham of the McCain Campaign) is by and large responsible for this. It was their own greed that created the conditions in which the market could fail so miserably.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

4TruthinessNokc — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:25:41 GMT

Okay Mr. rdolend, it went something like this...

Reagan: GOP senate 6/8 yrs & Dem House 8/8 yrs

Bush I: GOP Senate 2/4 yrs & Dem House 4/4 yrs

Clinton: GOP Senate 6/8 yrs & GOP House 6/8 yrs

Bush II: SPLIT.GOP.Dem Senate 2.5.1/8 yrs Senate & GOP 7/8 yrs

Hum, I don't see the pattern of control in the House of Senate that you seem to suggest dictates the National Debt vs. GDP ratio. It looks as if Reagan and Bush I raised the debt ratio with a mostly GOP controlled Senate and Dem controlled House. Clinton did the opposite with a mostly GOP controlled Senate and House for all but 2 years of his two terms. Bush II seems to have raise the debt ratio again with a mostly GOP controlled Senate and House.

Who know? The pattern seems to be more closely associated with the president, who drafts the budget in the first place.

Is that enough research or are you going to tell me I need to look up the Judiciary Branch to see your point? Perhaps you’re just getting too many of your talking points from the RNC?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

ButteM — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:18:24 GMT

Lets talk about military service:

John McCain may be a decorated war veteran, but he isn't the war hero he makes himself out to be. Those of us in the military - I have served more than 20 years - understand that his military service isn't all that exemplary, in fact its quite ordinary. I have read what I could find about his attendance at Annapolis and I wonder if he would have been able to go there if his father and grandfather hadn't been Admirals. You see - any son or daughter of an academy graduate gets preferential treatment when applying, and given the fact that a good number of the "normal" kids now days attend academy prep schools before they are actually admitted to the academy, I wonder if he had the grades to get in or simply rode in on the coat tails of his family, my bet is - it was the coat tails.

Now for most "normal" graduates, a slot as an aviator won't be available to anyone anywhere near the bottom of the graduating class, those billets are all taken by the top grads who get first choice. Things like Tugboat Commander and Office Supply Manager are left for those at the bottom of the heap, unless of course your father and grandfather are Admirals, then of course different rules apply.

Now any aviator, no matter where they graduated in any class, might remain on flight status, after crashing a single plane even if the investigation shows the slightest possibility that the pilot might have been at fault, surviving a second crash - and I don't mean physically - is very rare, after all planes cost big bucks and having a maverick at the controls who wrecks 5 is simply unheard of, unless of course your father and grandfather are admirals.

John McCain did remain with his prison buddies - yes there are more guys out there who spent time in the Hanoi Hilton - when he could have been released - because his father and grandfather were Admirals - and he is to be commended for that, but it wasn't necessarily heroic, or at least not to the level it has been elevated. The walls of Infantry Hall at Fort Benning are lined with the citations (Medals of Honor) for truly heroic guys who died saving the lives of their comrades, most jumped on hand grenades - now that's heroic!

John McCain came home to a heroes welcome at a time when "military" was a dirty word, did some rehabilitation time and attended the Senior Service College at the National Defense University in Washington DC. He then commanded a Squadron in Florida before retiring - he was not offered a Flag (Admiral) billet, and as far as I can determine never did any Joint Service time, never did any strategic planning or served outside the Navy - hardly a well rounded military background.

So who - in my opinion - has a well rounded background, lets try Colin Powell. This is a guy who did it all on his own, worked hard, graduated with top honors and did the hard jobs, he did them well. There simply isn't any comparison between the two and if you have to look for bonafide military credentials - look to Colin Powell. Now he did trade all that experience and his own personal reputation away trying to be a team player for the Bush administration, but even after he "bet his bars" on bogus intelligence, the Bush administration threw him under bus anyway.

Lets give John McCain credit for service rendered, few even toe the line and volunteer for service these days, but do not anoint this man as a military icon, he took the bull by the horns, rode hard and never quit - but he never took it seriously, he never really considered the consequences of his actions and now he wants to be president. Enough said.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

deejay — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:24:59 GMT

Posted By: Bilbo (September 10, 2008 at 6:05 PM)

'They will only succeed if you let them.'

that is sooooo true!!! thank you bilbo!!!

i have faith in us!!! we will see through the dirt and slime, and recognize that we can do better!!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

rightofcenter — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:28:12 GMT

Clinton refinanced the nations debt. It was a smart move in the short term but just really moved the mess on the next admin. He also slashed the defense budget that left us unable to fight 2 smallish wars in the same neighborhood, although I will give you that the defense part of the budget is small compared to entitlement spending. Not really much of an example if you look at the facts.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

deejay — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:44:33 GMT

I'M WITH YOU JARMAN!!!!!! and way to break it down win486!!!

a bumper sticker i saw last week:

'Jesus Christ was a community organizer; Pontius Pilate was a govenor'

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

DaveWK — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:24:47 GMT

You got it right again, Mr. Romano. McCain is following the Republican recipe for uncompunctioned distortion and slander. I hope it helps that he keeps getting called for it. Maybe this time enough of the American public will wake up to avoid another electoral disaster. It would help, though, if Obama would come out swinging a bit harder.

Somebody sometime needs to address Mr. McCain's well documented but little talked about temperament. Do we really want a person known for his explosive and impulsive temper, and for his penchant to bully and abuse, with his finger on our military trigger?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

a brighter America 08 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:02:23 GMT

McCain, Sarah Palin, and their campaign have been fixated in besmirching Senator Obama from every possible angle. We have had consistent lies from the current administration and the republicans for the past eight years. Do America's citizens truely WANT and NEED four or more years of republicans lieing to us?? We, the people, bought into the Rove/Bush/Republican lies during the last two elections; are we foolish and assinine to buy into Rove/McCain/Pilan and the Republicans AGAIN? Haven't we learned anything at all during the past eight years? Or do we, the American people, ENJOY the lies we are being peppered with by the Republicans, McCain, Pilan, and their Rovean campaign heads?? OR are we so conditioned to being lied to and we don't care anymore?? The republicans have all but totally destroyed our country, our economy, our standing in the world, and literally brought "a plague" of deceit upon our country of home foreclosures, jobs lost, high unemployment rates, unequal pay for women doing the very same job as their male counterparts, sky-high gas/fuel prices for our gas tanks and our home heating, sky-high health costs and food costs. Fellow Americans, voting for McCain to put him in office would ONLY elevate more of the same. By voting for this out-of-touch candidate, we are telling the republicans that WE LOVE WHAT THEY HAVE DONE TO OUR COUNTRY AND TO OUR PEOPLE!! PLEASE stop and think before you vote to put this rusty VietNam POW in charge of our country. The man is so out of touch with today's technology and our military technologies that he and the Bush administration failed to provide our troops with the appropriate and sufficient weapons, safety equipment, and enough troops to get the job done in Afghanistan and in Iraq!! Seven years into the war in Afghanistan and the enemy is stronger than ever. Some people believe McCain would be better for the war on terror; how can they justify their thinking?? McCain has done NOTHING to help win the war in Afghanistan and very little to win the war in Iraq. President Bush and the Iraq President AND the Afghanistan President have ADOPTED SENATOR OBAMA'S IDEAS IN BOTH IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN!! Bush is starting to remove troops from Iraq and redeploying them to Afghanistan, just as Senator Obama has been arguing all along!! It is Senator Obama who has made the RIGHT DECISIONS ALL ALONG, IT IS McCAIN WHO WANTS TO KEEP OUR TROOPS IN IRAQ AND NOT SEND THEM TO AFGHANISTAN!! Our economy is hurting and ALL McCAIN CAN TALK ABOUT IS PORK BARRELLS AND OIL DRILLING AND BLASTING SENATOR OBAMA WITH LIES, DISTORTIONS, AND FRAUDULANT CLAIMS!! Fellow Americans, please, please look at the obvious handwriting on the wall and NOT GIVE McCain the power he so craves at any cost to our country and to us, the people!!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

leftofcenter — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:03:16 GMT

It is amazing to see how the attitude of Dems. has changed. I think that Dems. realize that a mistake has been made by nominating him instead of Clinton. There is only one solution to for Obama and that is that he must get tough on issues. However, a problem arises in that it is hard to get tough on raising yourt taxes, hard to get tough on the war, because we're winning now.

Obama's "uh's" and "um's" during his drive me crazy. Not another eight years of speech defecitve presidents!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

SouthernSoccerMom — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:05:42 GMT

I'm a moderate Republican and I have decided to vote for Obama. Sick of the lies, cynicism and negativity of the McCain campaign.

I think it is ironic that McCain likes to reference his votes before 2004 to show he is a maverick when his current positions are nothing like the McCain of old (who I adored).

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jim48my — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:49:07 GMT

150,000 TROOPS IN THERE NOW, 150,000 IS IN THERE NOW...............150,000 WILL STILL BE IN THERE IF JOHN MCCAIN IN ELECTED, AND 150,000 WOULD BE IN THERE AFTER HE LEAVES

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

jim48my — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:01:34 GMT

BEFORE SHE PROTECTS THE PEOPLE OF GEORGA, SHE MIGHT WANT TO TRY TO PROTECT ME FROM THE GANGS AND DRUG RUNNERS, WHY HAVE WE GOT TO BE POLICE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD... BEFORE SHE STARTS WORLD WAR 3, WE NEED SOMEBODY TO TRY TO TALK TO THESE OTHER COUNTRY.. THE RUSSIAN INVASION WAS CAUSE BY US TRYING TO PUT MISSILES, AT THEIR DOOR STEPS.. NOTHING MORE!!!! WHAT WOULD WE DO IF THEY PUT MISSLES IN CUBA, WHAT, WHAT, WHAT

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

TheObamaMysteryTour — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:04:12 GMT

I'm a lifelong liberal, a Muslim and 100% African and I have decided to vote for Senator McCain,

Sick of the lies, cynicism and negativity of the Obama campaign.

I think it is ironic that Obama likes to reference his votes before 2004 to show he is a maverick when his current positions are nothing like the Obama of old (who I adored).

Wow! Look at that I CAN write fiction, too! Just like SouthernSoccerMom!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

forMcCain — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:21:35 GMT

I am amazed how some of you on here...Our saying it Mcain smearing when in fact its the other way around... when in america did it say The Rich have to take care of a lazy ass who won't get out there and work... I am not rich but I believe its the American Dream get a buisness and better my self NOw If that EVER happen I have to pay more for people who don't do nothing... and about the us being over there in WAR i watch Fox today with that Gen. the people where coming up to him thanking him and one said thankyou for my FREEDOM...

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

totheleft14 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:37:25 GMT

Jarman, fabulous post! I have absolutely nothing to add. You summed up my feelings exactly. You nailed it!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

BriannaReese — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:03:50 GMT

All this talk about sexual predators and I'm willing to bet you most of you have never met one... Well I did, and this man was in a position that made it impossible for me to stop him for twenty years. I am fifty-six, now, and if I had had some sort of education about someone like this, I may have known how to stop him dead in his tracks when he attacked me in his office. As it was, he left a trail of broken children in his path. He wasn't a priest, but the Roman Catholic church, from all appearences, moved him out of state. He was attacking children in a building owned by them.

Don't talk about this type of education as a negative. It is necessary to protect children. Thank you Obama.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

essarocket — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:54:33 GMT

No one should be surprised. Given how desperate the McCain team has been and is, and who is running the campaign, this is only the start. They said themselves that its not about the "issues." Conservatism and this GOP is an abject failure; what else can they run on? There's nothing.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

bluesgutter — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:24:10 GMT

A LYING, PARANOID OLD MAN WHO IS OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY LIKE JOHN MCCAIN IS THE LAST PERSON WHO SHOULD BE QUESTIONING ANYONE'S "FACTS". BUT WHEN YOU HAVE NO ISSUES TO RUN ON THE ONLY THING TO DO IS TRY TO TEAR YOUR OPPONENT DOWN. MCCAIN IS A DISCRACE TO DEMOCRACY. GIVE HIM BACK TO ARIZONA.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:45:59 GMT

But here is the latest. In snippets from the Sarah Palin's ABC interview she supported Georgia's entry into NATO acknowledging that it would bind the USA to come to the defense of Georgia in Russia' own backyard, Go to war over! Is she nuts!!!!!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:46:07 GMT

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

a brighter America 08 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:59:30 GMT

GOP USED to stand for "GRAND OLE PARTY"

FOR THE LAST EIGHT YEARS AND THE PRESENT, GOP stands for "GREEDY OLD PARTY"

The Grand Ole Party disappeared when GWB became president and his fellow repubs followed without question. We can ALL thank Karl Rover and his clone, Schmidt for the Republican Party becoming greedier, meaner, uglier, nastier, and a slash-and-burn entity. I was a republican until I got sick and tired of seeing the current administration running amok and having NO regard for our United States Constitution and even less regard for us, "the people". The repubs started a war that was not necessary and guess who was shouting the loudest to go to war in Iraq? JOHN McCAIN!!! He claimed it would be an easy war, we would win, and the war would be over in a matter of weeks! Six years later, we are stuck in Iraq and McCain WANTS TO KEEP USTHERE!! Thankfully, GWB finally listened to Senator Obama and is redeploying 8,000 troops from Iraq to Afghanistan, which got forgotten by McCain in his eagerness to go to war in Iraq. Not too long ago, McCain stated IRAQ WAS OUR FIRST MAJOR WAR SINCE 911!! Just recently he has been saying, "I KNOW HOW TO WIN WARS, I KNOW HOW TO END WARS!". Oh, really, so why hasn't he HELPED his master, GWB, WIN and END the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?? McCain is a BIG, BIG teller of TALL TALES!! He has NEVER WON A WAR, NOR HAS HE EVER ENDED ONE, SO JUST WHAT MAKES HIM THINK HE KNOW HOW TO WIN AND END WARS?? McCain doesn't seem to realize that TIME and MILITARY TECHNOLOGY AND EXPERTISE HAVE CHANAGED GREATLY SINCE HE WAS IN SOUTH VIET NAM WHERE HE SPENT APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS BEFORE GETTING SHOT DOWN (due to his cockiness and not following orders) and being in a cell for 5 years without outside world contact!! Guess EVERY POW SHOULD RUN FOR PRESIDENT?? I am positive there are many other POWs who were braver, did NOT sell out to the North Vietnamese, and who are much more worthy of running for president of our great country! I am also positive some of those POWs were even presented with "THE MEDAL OF HONOR", which McCain was NOT!! A true hero risks his own life to PROTECT HIS COMRADES, McCain did NO SUCH SACRIFICE, in fact he "cooperated with his captors" to save himself. I do NOT call these acts of cooperation with his captors as "heroic" and neither should anybody else. It is called "treason"! But, he got away with it because his grandfather and father were both high-ranking admirals in he U.S. Navy!! Every great President America has had must be turning in their graves as they witness McCain in his shameful lies and claims!

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 03:04:59 GMT

Furthermore, in addition to risking war over Georgia, "Cuda's proposed economic sanctions against the oil rich Russian might harm us more than them. Georgia was an international problem documented and simmering for a years yet McCain and Bush Administration got caught flat footed again. We must have new leadership in foreign policy to breathe life into our relations with the rest of the world. McCain and Barracuda are wrong for the part.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

Koncious — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:08:42 GMT

If you were a real journalist and not just a obama supporter...

"It's true that Palin raised the sales tax as mayor of Wasilla (mostly to pay for a new hockey rink). It's true that she sought and obtained earmarks (about $27 million between 2000 and 2003 as mayor and more than $200 million last year as governor). And it's true that she worked with Sen. Ted Stevens and was for the "Bridge to Nowhere" before she was against it."

You should break all that down and explain it. Because the truth is those facts are mere nothings.

And biden and obama earmarks are far worse. But you are in the tank for obama so I can't expect

good journalism from Newsweek. Unless it's about obama. Honestly you call yourself a Journalist?

You're nothing more than a tamer daily Kos. http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/09/the_democrats_fearful_and_into.html

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:45:18 GMT

Koncious : Are you saying that Palin is just like all the other politicians when it comes to earmarks, only on a smaller scale? Given the tiny population of Alaskan vs. her earmarks, you can only guess at what Palin's record would be if she came into national office. It is simply specious to defend a candidate who claims to be against earmarks by pointing out that her earmarks are on a relatively smaller scale than her opponents. I live in a small NJ town of 15,000 and I can tell you that a $21 million earmark for my town would definitely reduces our taxes. Unfortunatley, this form of municipal wellfare is an abuse, especially in a time of economic woe. This is not change at all, it is redistribution of wealth.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

F Rosenberg — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:05:26 GMT

Koncious : Are you saying that Palin is just like all the other politicians when it comes to earmarks, only on a smaller scale? Given the tiny population of Alaska vs. her earmarks, you can only guess at what Palin's record would be if she came into national office. It is simply specious to defend a candidate who claims to be against earmarks by pointing out that her earmarks are on a relatively smaller scale than her opponents. I live in a small NJ town of 15,000 and I can tell you that a $27 million earmark for my town would definitely reduce our taxes. Unfortunatley, this form of municipal wellfare is an abuse, especially in a time of economic woe. This is not change at all, it is redistribution of wealth.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

kristiana — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:50:34 GMT

With two wars, bad economy and many more issues, American people are willing to jeopardize everything just because a woman is running for vp. Things like this usually happen to uneducated, third world countries. I used to adore McCain, but his judgment is unbelieveably stupid. He has lost my vote.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

birdeyeview — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:38:32 GMT

The ongoing MEDIA attacks on S. Palin to destroy her reputation is ugly. Regardless of what good or bad things she has done as Governor, the extremely high support of the Alasakan residents on her is the answer. The more attacks MEDIA make, the more integrities MEDIA lose.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

birdeyeview — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:40:00 GMT

The origin of current housing disaster was seeded during Clinton era. The illogical low Federal Fund interest rate of 1.00% then ignited the illogical home purchases by unqualified people. The problem had been boiling under the surface for years just waiting for bursting out like volcano. I have no intention of accusing B. Clinton as well as no intention of supporting G. W. Bush. I just observe B. Clinton is a lucky guy as his term ended before the problem became apparent, while G. W. Bush is unlucky guy as he took over the problem-hidden economy from B. Clinton. You don't be shortsighted people.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

lady3lore — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:19:23 GMT

McCain needs to be stopped. McCain is a lair! He will lead this country into harms way. Even his campaign slogan, "Country First" is a lie. It's McCain First. Have we forgotten the Keating 5? McCain took $112,000 from Keating in exchange for him pressuring the regulators of the FHLBB Savings and Loans to layoff of Charles H. Keating Jr. chairman of the failed Lincoln Savings and Loan Association. McCain’s interference in the regulators investigation resulted in over 21,000 elderly investors loosing their life savings. McCain sold-out the other four democratic senators by leaking information to the press and because he was the only Republican of the five, the Republican party came to his rescue resulting in the ethics committee giving him a tap on the wrist and stating he had bad judgment. This is not a lie. This is a fact!

McCain graduated 5th from the bottom of his class. This is not a lie. This is a fact!

McCain told radio host Bill Bennett, March 27, 1987 on CNN that there “are neighborhoods in Baghdad where you and I could walk through those neighborhoods, today.” Faced with overwhelming evidence that he was wrong, McCain denied he’d ever said it: “Well, I’m not saying they could go without protection. The President goes around America with protection. So, certainly I didn’t say that.” This is not a lie. This is a fact!

According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain "will make Cheney look like Gandhi." This is not a lie. This is a fact!

The Children's Defense Fund rated McCain as the worst senator in Congress for children. He voted against the children's health care bill last year, then defended Bush's veto of the bill. This is not a lie. This is a fact!

McCain voted to terminate the federal family-planning program that provides breast-cancer screenings. This is not a lie. This is a fact!

John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has "evolved," yet he's continued to oppose key civil rights laws. This is not a lie. This is a fact!

McCain says political families are off limits however, at a 1998 Republican Senate fundraiser: McCain said, "Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno." This is not a lie. This is a fact!

For the sake of this country would the media please print the facts about McCain? If we don't learn from our past we are destine to repeat it. Americans are already losing their homes, jobs, credit, life savings, dignity, sons and daughters to a war we were tricked into. Our financial institutions are failing, our dollar value is plummeting daily and our once strong and proud nation is crumbling before our eyes. Can we really afford four more years of the same or worst?

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

birdeyeview — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:37:40 GMT

The Dem. supporters can criticize Bush's Iraq War. But it is awfully disrespectful attitude if they try to make it look like that Republican is the only party that has pro-war position. Dem. President J.F. Kennedy is the one who started Vietnam War. That is said, in comparison of aforementioned two Wars, Bush had more reason, right or wrong, to begin the War considering 9/11 tragedy, while J. F. K. didn't have equivalent reason to start the War. Please don't be selfish when you criticize something. Biased opinions cannot convince people, at least the people with more intelligence. P.S.: This opinion is nonpartisan view.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

birdeyeview — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:44:16 GMT

Great Dr. M. L. King was a Republican. Obama expressed his respect (honest voice or not) of Dr. King, Then, why doesn't Obama stand for the Party Dr. King belonged? I suspect if Obama really, honestly respect Dr. King.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

birdeyeview — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:05:35 GMT

The highest-ranking Dem. politicians like H. Reid, N. Pelosi and not to mention, B Obama have recently changed their position to "pro-offshore oil drilling" from their previous "strong-opposition of offshore oil drilling." The reason of such FLIP-FLOP move is only one: The majority of Americans are "pro-offshore oil drilling," so, Dem. is now afraid of losing the upcoming election. They don't have strong integrity to stay with. They just do anything in order to win. They easily betray people for their own profit.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

russellk3 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:23:39 GMT

mr/ ms. birdeyeyeview i completle agree with you and have a world of respect for you and our country needs to be surrounded with great americans like you ane sean hannity. :) thanks for making my night.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

russellk3 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:23:43 GMT

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russellk3 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:23:49 GMT

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russellk3 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:23:59 GMT

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

russellk3 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:23:59 GMT

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

russellk3 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:23:59 GMT

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russellk3 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:24:00 GMT

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

tj01 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:14:24 GMT

Thank you Newsweek for reporting this. It is highly important for the media to monitor for such lies as currently appears to fuel the McCain campaign.

It is apparent that the current distrust for the media is the result of a calculated plan to destroy any check on falsehoods that are promoted by the McCain campaign. I am particularly struck by the change in John McCain, whom I previously admired for his "straight talk" in the past. However, he seems to have embraced the tactics of manipulation and deceit. if he is elected president, then the same tactics will be used to manipulate the public opinion with a disregard for the truth and a stated mockery for the press, which might be pressured into looking the other way. This is how we entered into the Iraq war and how we have given huge breaks to the oil industry under president Bush.

If the media does not do a diligent job of reporting these falsehood and stand up to the pressure of an apparent conspiracy of the republican party campaign machine, then our country will continue its downhill path toward becoming a tin democracy similar to those practiced south of the border. There must be some consequence for spreading lies and distortion. Distrust in government is like a cancer that will eat away the fabric of our democracy.

re: Ad Hawk: McCain's Fact-Free 'Fact Check'

tj01 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:14:28 GMT

Thank you Newsweek for reporting this. It is highly important for the media to monitor for such lies as currently appears to fuel the McCain campaign.