Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Banji — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:50:49 GMT

I believed him, and IN him when I saw the ad, and I hope undecideds out there are similarly affected. This man was born to lead, and I am convinced that the hand of God is upon him. Our country is in dire need of such a man right now.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

tdn0024 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:05:17 GMT

Andrew, the visual of Juanita's fingers was very much on my mind this morning.

One place your nice writeup badly missed? "We'd be slumping on the couch".

Nope, nope.

We'd be organizing our four kids snacks into fair and clear fridge shelves. We'd be up before the dawn, and working the second job of looking after a special girl. We'd be working Walmart at 72, and re-doing tires up all day on bad knees.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Tony2001 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:10:40 GMT

The Obama pitch to the middle class yesterday was a masterclass, in my opinion it was the cherry on top of an impropable campaign that has been exceptionally well run. Given this country's racial history, Obama had to run the perfect campaign and embrace all cultures and races in America and his pitch yesterday accomplished all that. For me the most amazing thing was my kids who don't watch political tv, did not watch the convention and were moaning and groaning that I was going to watch Obama for 30 minutes, sat there captivated and when I was discussing a story with my wife they actually told us to keep quiet. My son actually shed a tear watching the old lady massaging her arthritic fingers as my son used to help her late grandmother do that.

The informercial was not about Obama, it was about us the middle class. It was such a glaring difference between the majestic presentation of that pitch and the lame and petty vitriol that emanates from the McCain campaign. A classy pitch that the pit bull lady with a lipstick would know nothing about.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Steve M — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:15:43 GMT

Anyone who watched the three presidential debates and objectively evaluates the campaign commercials can see that Sen. Obama has a steady hand and a cool head. He has run his campaign like a well-tuned machine. Sen. McCain has shown the opposite characteristic, his campaign lurches from one idea to another, focuses heavily on personal attack ads on his opponent and phony PR stunts like "Joe the Plumber". Sen. McCain has offered up no fundamental economic plan other than to falsely criticize Obama as being a "socialist".

Sen.Obama has been quick to compliment McCain on his military and political service to the country, yet McCain seems locked into a hostile, reactive mindset that suggests diplomacy would not be a hallmark of his administration.

I hope voters make a smart choice this time...

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

grandmamary — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:16:45 GMT

Obama didn't change what he has been saying for most of his campaign. He was just highlighting every thing he has said. He is such an eloquent speaker that I could listen to him every day and still want more. As President he would be welcomed into my living-room (via T.V.) at any time. He makes you feel as though you are listened to and are important. Whereas McCain is all fire and brimstone, Obama is quiet and refined. (Of course we must not forget the nasty comments and innuendos of Ms Palin). Nasty, Nasty. I wonder if Alaska will want her back after this is over? We will all know the results of that after Nov. 4, which can't come soon enough so we can get back to saving some of the wrong Bush and the GOP has done for our great nation.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

uber voter — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:18:00 GMT

The tv spot was very impressive. It again showed that Obama is head and shoulders above McCain as a presidential candidate. Do we want a president who is trying to win through lies and deceit or one who gives straight answers and focusses upon the positves. Pretty simple for me - we have already lived with the former situation for eight years - enough is enough!.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

japauls — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:21:12 GMT

This was the most moving Dress Rehearsal I have ever seen. I was moved by his motivation to help, lead and be the next President. There were no negative ads about the other party. If there is going to be a change in the USA, he is the man. There are no words to describe what we felt last evening, to have such a leader address the problems of the USA. I know the REP. Party tries to discredit him in many ways, but he continues to stay focus. I see leadership in this man, and I believe also that he Hs the hand of God upon him. How can a country look pass this intelligent leader to vote for negative and angry people like McCain and his VP pick. It is no way in a million years that McCain VP pick is ready to lead this country, McCain is also not ready. I will vote for Obama, because he is the best man for this Job. America knows this, and should be aware of the danger if McCain gets in office. Four more years of the same, we can't afford four more years.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

ericsoka — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:23:52 GMT

I am a Hillary supporter. However, to be fair until Hillary lost the nomination I never gave Barack Obama a chance. Never listened to one of his speeches. Heard sound bites, but that was about it. Now I am a Barack Obama supporter and proud of it.

The Obama infomercial last night was done in the same thoughtful, intelligent, and introspective way I believe he does everything. He is a class act and I believe that he is something that we desperately need in this country. He looks presidential, acts presidential and most of all I really believe that he cares about the American people. Old, young, rich, poor, middle class, white, black, all of us and that is what a President should be.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Tim the Levelhead — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:25:46 GMT

I thought Micky and Minnie were going to appear amidst Tinkerbell's stardust. I really could care less about the comfortability factor.

It's what Obama's short history reveals about his beliefs. It's obvious that his world view is forged in academia's ivory towers.

I'm a well-educated man who is well aware of the impracticality of many of the ideas espoused by people who are supposed to be really smart. I think many of you have met these people, and you know what I am talking about.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Omnius — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:27:22 GMT

Great article Andrew! The Barack Obama Show last night was a masterpiece of film magic. It was very stirring and convincing that he does indeed share the values of Mainstream America. Combined with his appearance on The Daily show and then the late night rally in Florida it was a joyful evening for us Obama supporters. His masterfully run campaign is just foreshadowing how he will run our country and how he knows the problems we face and he knows the solutions we need.

We need wealth redistribution back downwards after 28 years of redistribution upwards as the repugnant ones have stolen our Social Security overpayments and stolen from our future generations all so the rich and greedy could have tax cuts they don't deserve or need. Time for tax breaks for the poor and middle classes while taking back the money stolen by the rich and greedy. Hooray for Robin Hood government!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

OrangeCountyCA — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:27:53 GMT

While Sam Zell is selling out the future of his own people by refusing to release the tape of Barack Obama toasting known anti-Semite and PLO functionary, Rashid Khalidi. A probable transcript of the toast…

HERE IT IS:

****BEGINNING OF TRANSCRIPT***********

Um, ah….Salaam

Um….My distinguished guests….ughh….it is an honor to be here…

uhh….It is truly refreshing to be surrounded by such a large group of people in which…uh.. I can truly see eye-to-eye with…uh…and completely agree…

Reverend Farrakhan..ughh…great to see you tonight…you always look great in a yellow bow-tie…and..uhh…tonight is no exception….

Bill..Bernadine….I see you everyday…so I don’t need to say much…but…ughh…you know I love you….keep doing the work you do….it’s time to start a revolution

Reverend Wright…..ughh…you are the father that I never had….I’ve never missed a sermon…and…uhh….I never will…

Michelle, while I find your frown so beautiful….I hope to one day make you proud of this country..and uhh…happy…and finally see you smile….

uhhhhh…with that being said…If everyone could please hold off from hitting the hookah…I would like to say a toast..to my, and Yasser Arafat’s, best friend….Mr. Rashid Khalidi….

Rashid…..you are my best friend….spiritual compass…..and baby sitter (crowd laughs..and cries)

I want to thank you for your constant indoctrination….I want to thank you for your imput..and..uhhh…reminders…that Israel is a constant sore….and..uhh…needs to be eliminated off the map….

I also want to thank you for introducing me to your many contacts in the middle east…I am sure…uh…that their imput……and uh…money…..will be of great use to me as I run for President of these great 57 states…..

While David Axelrod may be forcing you to move away from me during the campaign….I am confident…that..uhh…our friendship will not only remain..but actually prosper..during our time of absence….

Rashid…you ARE my middle east adviser….and you ALWAYS will be…

Here’s to Rashid……(A chant of Messiah can be heard in the background….also audible…is a voice (thought to be Ayer’s) screaming REVOLUTION…REVOLUTION..over and over…)

Salaam….

**************END OF TRANSCRIPT*************

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

stematwork — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:28:10 GMT

good grief....there is no limit to the kool aid you guys will drink

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

japauls — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:29:13 GMT

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Indio89 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:30:33 GMT

Obamas campaign has been well run and I believe he will run th Presiency like such!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

EC22 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:36:39 GMT

Its alarming that a scripted infomercial can generate such a response as i see below. I was definitely impressed by the segment but I don't want a scripted infomercial. I would rather Obama open himself up for a half an hour to the press and accept questions. I hear alot about how he wants to help create utopia but I hear nothing about how he plans to take his plans and make them a reality! I believe the candidates for president are too shielded in a time of election where people need straight answers to straight questions. I don't want to hire a man for the most important job in the world because he can read a script and presents himself well on camera..especially when the segment was formatted, scripted and editted by professionals. We are not casting for a movie - and if we were he would win hands down.

The debates, these infomercials...these are not off the cuff conversations. We need a candidate willing to get into the trenches and answer people's questions without being privy to the questions beforehand. You show me a candidate willing to do that and i will gladly hand him my vote!!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

SonoftheSon — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:36:59 GMT

It was effective in convincing me more than ever that Obama is much like Clinton and will lie straight-faced to the American people!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

obamaobama08 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:39:34 GMT

"good grief....there is no limit to the kool aid you guys will drink"

That's b/c our candidate didn't piss in ours.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Tony2001 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:43:27 GMT

OrangecountyCA, that's all you guys do, attack, divide, hate, smear and character assasination. Other than that, what does McCain stand for that is different from what Bush stands for. Obama has made the claim that McCain represents nothing new from Bush and McCain is yet to refute that claim, instead he just attacks, denigrates, lie, smear and distort. That's why he is been rejected, who would want someone so petty, trivial contemptible and dishonorable?

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Game Changer — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:47:07 GMT

It was intereting to watch the contrast between Obama's spot and McCain's interview with Larry King.

McCain spent the hour savaging Obama while Obama spent his time telling American's how he will lift them up and how we can work together to change the country for the better. In the past week, I have yet to see McCain or Palin mention one thing they would do to help the country.

Even Joe the Not A Plumber doesn't want to hang out with McCain. Ouch.

I challenge the McCain crowd to list one thing he would do for the economy that isn't a carbon copy of Dubya.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

poohb68 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:48:24 GMT

Change we need and Change we must believe in. Eight years has been too long. mccain is not going to do anything new or offer any new direction for our country. He and his side kick need only to ride off into the sunset.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

99vockie — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:49:01 GMT

Yo Tim the pot head, excuse me, Levelhead.

Quote 'It's what Obama's short history reveals about his beliefs. It's obvious that his world view is forged in academia's ivory towers" end quote.

If elected and the old man dies, That thing (Palin) is even less in terms of short history. And she would become our commander-in-chief!

An old Nam Vet

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Interested American — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:51:55 GMT

1. If you have to explain that something was effective.. then it wasn't.

2. Preaching to the converted does not define effective... it just makes you egotistical.

3. As much as I like Obama, his supporters and their unfettered adulation is a complete turn-off.

4. When did our "feelings" about "hope" and "change" completely override our ability to utilize logic and reason?

5. Knowing what to say doesn't actually equate to doing the right thing... in 2006 we were promised 1) no cutting off funding for the troops, 2) no endless witch hunts, 3) an end to partisan politics... How has that worked out so far? Oh, I forget, the ends justify the means... as long as you get what you want.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Jennifer9397 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:59:26 GMT

Amazing how different two candidates can be. McCain/Palin just keep tearing down Obama, while Obama only talks about how to change the country for the best. I keep wanting Obama to fight back, but the way he is running his campaign is incredible. He has not been pulled down into the mud with the pig in lipstick and that angry old man.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Wakemewhenitsover — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:02:11 GMT

I was glad to see that at least one of the candidates was willing to face the American people with a detailed recap of his campain to date. It clearly demonstrated Obamas' focus and consistancy throughout. This took a great deal of courage since Obama must know that the McCain camp will pick his message apart, attempt to use his words against him and spin his message as "bad for America." I would have welcomed a similar address from the McCain camp if he could just sum up his message and plan for America without attacking the "other guy."

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

TDonn — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:05:06 GMT

Nice thought Andrew and you are probably right....To bad you have to BUY dimwitted voters, who are too lazy to pay attention, unless you force them to. (Not an anti-Obama observation, rather an anti-dimwitted voter one ;) )

On a different subject...Anyone else starting to see the alarming similarities to the 1976 election of Jimmy Carter? (Who by the way , I have the UPMOST respect and admiration for)

Obama is a smart, dedicated, hard working man who loves his country, but his presidency will be just as big of a disaster for him as it was for Carter.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

SkipJack — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:05:43 GMT

Are all of these Republican writers smoking their socks. Sarah Palin is in no way ready to be President, if God forbid something should happen to McCain. The biggest social giveaway every has just happened under the Bush watch. The last time I looked, he was a Republican. The dirty campaign that McCain/Palin has run has turned this conservative voter off. Iwill be voting for Obama/Biden.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

LDKRN — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:07:54 GMT

"As much as I like Obama, his supporters and their unfettered adulation is a complete turn-off."

LOL, that's as good an excuse to cover up racism as any, I guess. "I'm not a racist, I just can't vote for someone the people like!"

LOL!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

christi528 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:11:26 GMT

John McCain is a war mogul who wants to win a war because he lost in viet name. sara Palin is just oh so sweet. How long does anyone like to be round such a sweet person before they ask re they human. You know if anyone does a history lesson they will see tht since WW2 we have had more Republic presidents than Democat. I am not a young person but tht being the case and being only 64 I cn say that someone 2 does not have the mind, stamina or ability to function with all that he would need to be president. After certain age you just tire out.

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christi528 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:12:17 GMT

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Jimbo a radical leftist revo... — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:15:01 GMT

Obama equals change...McCain equals the status quo...after nearly 8 years of miseralble results, the status quo stands naked and outdated. Obama offers vision, conciliation and hope. McCain offers fear and memories. Choose wisely, America.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

SteveMVCA — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:16:21 GMT

First off, I'm a moderate who's voting for Obama. Do I think that Obama will be able solve all of the country's problems? Of course not. There's only so much that any president can really do to change things in Washington.

But it was definitely refreshing seeing an campaign ad that addressed the real issues and offered up a plan to tackle them. (From just a production standpoint, it seemed really well made and felt like a documentary instead of a campaign ad...)

Do I think Obama's economic plan will work better than than McCain's plan? I'm not really sure since all I hear from the McCain campaign are ridiculous off-topic attacks calling Obama a terrorist and a socialist.

I wish all the news networks would stop echoing both sides' "talking points" and just focus on an objective analysis of the real issues. It would be good if the networks broke down the two candidate's economic plans and showed how tax cuts would actually work out for people of different income ranges and between different types of companies.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

dsmb2007 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:18:16 GMT

1. If you have to explain that something was effective.. then it wasn't.

response: i agree, that's why McCain should stop trying to explain why the Palin pick was effective and why his negative campaigning is effective. It isn't! On the other hand, this isn't Obama explaining his effectiveness. He doesn't need to explain anything.

2. Preaching to the converted does not define effective... it just makes you egotistical.

response: again, i agree. That's why McCain needs to get off Ayers and get to something of substance. When he talks about Ayers, he's preaching to the choir. Very egotistical.

3. As much as I like Obama, his supporters and their unfettered adulation is a complete turn-off.

repsonse: It's only a turn-off when you're losing. Besides, I'd rather see adulation and support than derogatory and threatening epithets thrown at an opponent. It feels much more American, less like a mob.

4. When did our "feelings" about "hope" and "change" completely override our ability to utilize logic and reason?

response: When McCain picked Palin as his running mate. That fact alone trumps anything else in this election. Logic and reason are long gone in McCain's mind.

response: it takes 2 to tango, both sides are responsible for the messes of the past 8 years. at least in 4 years we'll know right where to place the blame or give the credit, depending on how it goes. That bit of clarity might make it all worthwhile.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

navyvetfl — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:18:55 GMT

All I know is that I keep seeing tv docs about the Cuban missile crisis over the past year on various cable tv stations; and I simply can't imagine Blinky McCan't and Palin the Preposterous in the same situation. When it comes to an international crisis, I want a listener and a thinker in the White House, not a reactor. Obama's video last night only reinforced the calm level-headedness he previously showed in the debates.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

SmittyIN — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:23:11 GMT

Wow... reading these comments makes me realize, sadly, that it may require an entire generation to undue the divisivness created by Karl Rove and his media disciples.

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jimmyp1 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:23:44 GMT

There will be no peace in the Democratic camp until Obama and the DNC comes forward and stops stonewalling on BHO's birth contraversy! These people are beyond arrogance to expect this issue to ever die until they provide undisputable proof that he is a natural born citizen per the U.S. Constitution Article II section I paragraph IV. With at least eight lawsuits pending ,including one to the U.S. Supreme court, the American people deserve proof! Your next President may be Biden. Or, if the democratic party is judged to have commited fraud in this campaign then McCain may be in anyway even if he loses the general election. So, Mr Obama you can stall if you want but, Edwin Viera, Philip Berg, myself and many others will never ever let this go until you either drop out or prove yourself before the American people! Be a man! If you have nothing to hide then quit hiding!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

grandmamary — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:24:48 GMT

The Obama speech and commercial made me feel he was right there in my living-room taking to me alone. It was brilliant and honest (not like some of McCain's and Palins (Ms. Nasty) campaigns.) I believed in almost everything he had to say, even though it was pretty much the same as he has been saying throughout most of his campaign. He hasn't changed his stand on anything, unlike the McCain campaign where he says one thing one day and something else the next (or Ms McNasty changes it for him.) I believe they only picked her as V.P. so they can put the blame on somebody else when he loses his bid for president. With the way things are looking right now seems likely.

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aden — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:26:44 GMT

At least Obama is talking about the country's mounting crisis, where McCain and his pot-head running-mate spent their time attacks,divission and fears. let's wake-up America and put an end to this non-sense. and for once in 8years vote for unity.

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Earl101 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:33:16 GMT

Thank you for this refreshing article. My husband & I are first time Democrat voters. We have always voted Republican until now, but we feel that drastic times require drastic change. Even the die hard Republicans cannot deny that Obama's campaign has been thorough and extensive. Good for him that he has been able to get donations for the cause. We've donated ourselves. If we as the donors are not complaining about his ad last night, why should anyone else? We just want him to win. At least he used the primetime slot to educate those Americans who have only had time to hear McCain have diarrhea of the mouth, seriously. Obama did not waste even one minute of the informational ad to criticize his opponent. Thank you Newsweek for telling it like it is. I've always been Republican, but I'm not blind to McCain / Palin and their negative tactics. It has been extremely disappointing. I can't believe that more Republicans haven't woken up to the truth.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

BaxterJ — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:34:40 GMT

I don't know if this will sway any undecideds -- he should have hired Ron Popeil.

http://www.entertonement.com/collections/6302/Barack-Obama-Infomercial

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ThePrairiePrankster — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:44:19 GMT

jimmyp1: get mental help, you need counseling. Everything will be alright.

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matsci — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:46:44 GMT

Hey jimmyp1, there is not controversy regarding Obama's birth and this was proven conclusively in June--read the Chicago Tribune today to see the facts. His birth certificate is on file in Hawaii and, even if he hadn't been born in the U.S., the fact that his mother is a U.S. citizen would have made him one at birth, just like John McCain, who was born in Panama when his dad was stationed there. This is a red herring. Stick to facts not smear and conjecture.

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Kitty125 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:47:52 GMT

Many of the comments above remind me of a headline in an English newspaper four years ago "Are more than 50% of Americans really that stupid?" The answer unfortunately then and more so now is a resounding "Yes".

Loved the infomercial, It's a refreshing departure from the negative smear campaign McCain/Palin have been waging.

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Silvermarble — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:49:19 GMT

Arguments that I find fascinating:

1) Obama Supporters are mindless sheep.

This is after the 2004 election in which one of the primary criticisms of Kerry voters is that they weren't selecting a candidate because they liked him -- but rather because they hated Bush. So if we like a candidate, we're mindless followers -- and if we don't, we're embittered haters.

Usually following the sheep comment is a knock on how Obama supporters are overeducated elitists. So again, are Obama supporters too intelligent to understand others, or are they too stupid to develop individual thought? Really, the whole argument makes no sense.

2) Obama associates with unsavory people.

So, does this mean that if Obama spent his entire life sequestered from all people that are "different", he'd make a stronger candidate? Perhaps it's just my overeducated opinion, but I find the more exposure I have to different ideas and arguments, the more thoroughly I understand my own position. I think it's absolutely wonderful that Obama has spent so much time around people who disagree with him. To me, that makes him intellectually solid and well-informed. Also, I admire his ability to approach situations from different angles.

This is getting somewhat long -- so I'll quit itemizing arguments -- but the point is that most of these "weaknesses" of Obama are, in my opinion, strengths that make him far better suited for running a country of extremely diverse cultures.

Imagine for a moment now, if Palin were stuck in a room with a group of people who weren't white or Christian. And she had to actually interact with them beyond small talk. I think she'd be hopelessly lost.

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heyjorge01 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:51:00 GMT

I voted for Obama about two days after the polls opened here in Iowa. After seeing this last night, I wish I hadn't voted for him then, because I would love to vote for him again today. In-freaking-credible, it's about time we had a president like Obama.

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TravelinMike — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:57:35 GMT

Presidential Candidates must be judged by 3 standards...how they campaign to win their Party's nomination, how they campaign to win the Presidencial Election and finally (and most importantly) how they govern. The choices made by the candidate are usually shaped by the political environment, which during this election cycle, most definitely favored one Party over the other. Throughout this campaign McCain was forced by circumstance to abandon the "Loveable, Irrassible Maverick" that won him universal admiration, but lost him his previous attempt to gain his Party's nomination. He allowed his campaign strategy to lose focus on his strengths and to resort to the tried and true approach playing to the extremes of his Party's base and demonizing his opponent. The contrast could not have been more stark compared to Obama's persistent focus on his core message of Change and Hope and his refusal engage in the lowest form of gutter politics. His message was alway characterized by intellectual engagement and delivered eloquently. Admittedly, he and his Party had the advantage of a national climate that demanded just the type of change he championed so intelligently. If this was a vote on campaign strategy and Presidential temperment, Obama wins in a landslide. But the ultimate question for both candidates is how they would govern and the answer for each is equally difficult to answer...in the case of Obama, because of his relatively thin legislative resume... in McCain's case, because of his personality overhaul required by his "Republican Nominee Conversion". Who will be the best conduit for the combined will of the American people and who would be most likely to conform to Washington's influence peddling? I am not certain that anything in either of their pasts can accurately predict what their behavior will be in the Oval Office. What is certain is that the next President is going to have to make difficult choices and have to convince an American People who are already fearful of their futures why it is necessary to work together and make big personal sacrifices to fix what is broken. This is the unique quality that Obama possesses and the advantage he has over McCain. A palpable command over his audience that we have not seen in generations.

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MNDBE — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:01:09 GMT

I hope the video also did for others what it did for my Republican spouse who has already conceded that Obama will win - put some minds at ease that, if he does win, we'll all still be ok. Seeing him address us as the president would (not through surrogates shouting over each other on "news" channels, not with immediate point by point opposition), just giving 30 minutes of calm, thoughtful insight into his ideas. Most who opposed him but sat through it all would likely have to concede some points to him by the end of it.

And I think that's important, because I think we need to de-polarize our politics dramatically. We are so formulaic now with every little sentence being parsed, distorted, and morphed into fodder by both sides, as well as the relentless adherence to talking points - we don't really invite thought or decision processes anymore. We just encourage taking sides and sticking to it at all costs.

I've always believed that an Obama presidency would encourage us to return to earnest decision making, and promote intellectualism rather than tear it down as "elite." (I guess striving for "elite" is only ok in the NCAA basketball tourney and nothing else.)

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work_woman24 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:03:09 GMT

I think that the commercial was very well put together. I enjoyed how he used real people going through everyday struggles and how he related to them, and even them showing Obama with his family I thought was beautiful. You couln't ask for a better american family. On Nov. 4th Obama definantely has my vote. McCain isn't what this country needs. He just comes off to me as your typical politician, but not Barack, he comes off as one who cares about the people and how he can get things fixed for the average, everyday american. McCain is trying to use scare tactics to get his point across but no one is listening. Bidenhas just about as much experience as McCain does so he can help Obama with the foreign policies. It's more to this country than just foreign neighbors and allies, it's people striving to get a better education, good healthcare, people who would love to retire and spend time with their families. Obama understands that and that's why on Nov.5th he will be this country's first black president, the president who truly cares for america.

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bammer — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:11:30 GMT

WILL AMERICA PUNISH ITSELF ON NOV 4TH WHILE TRYING TO PUNISH BUSH

Surely the Bush Administration needs to be punished in the woodshed, but I fear that the America electorate will only PUNISH ITSELF on Nov 4th by a MAJOR OVER-REACTION.

WILL AMERICA BE SMART ON NOV 4TH OR WILL IT PUNISH ITSELF WITH NEW LEVEL OF 15 "DARWIN AWARDS"?

1) A President and Congress that will want to dramatically raise taxes $2-4 Trillion to 2) Pay for a major new welfare state for 40% of US through 3) Extremely expensive new goverment health care programs like in Europe 4) New government education programs like in Chicago 5) Major cuts in defense spending 6) New taxes for 401(k)s, capital gains, death taxes, payroll taxes that would 7) Drive businesses to offshore 8) Reduced employment due to higher business costs 9) Surrender around the world as a military power to be more like Europe 10) Invite rough nations and leaders to test/attack America or America interests and allies around the world 11) Loss of the war on terror 12) negotiations, increased weakness, and capitulation with countries like Iran, N. Korea, and Russia 13) new social engineering laws and Supreme Court Justices for 14) Dramatically increased abortions 15) Dramatically increased gay marriages

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

MG of IL — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:15:13 GMT

It was a nice 30 minutes of information. It showed real Americans in real situations - not a phony "Joe the plumber" put in the spotlight by the Repugs. Obama let the American public know exactly where he stood on the issued being spewed by the Repugs. He used the time wisely and was able to defend himself in his usual calm, reassuring manner. He showed strength, power and class - something John McCain gave up long ago. Those speaking on his behalf only strengthened what we have already known to be true - in addition to the many Republicans favoring Obama over McCain in recent days. If you're not a supporter, have not contributed to this wonderful campaign than you have no right complaining. His 30 minutes of our time did not interfere with the ballgame as McIdiot suggested, which shows how much the man is out of touch.

Go Obama/Biden '08

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

vakosh — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:19:20 GMT

It was boring.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

amom1st — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:19:29 GMT

I just voted for Obama this morning, here in Las Vegas, Nevada!

My father came to the United States when he was 18 years old, did not speak a word of english, and only had $100 in his pocket. Through hard work and dedication he fulfilled the AMERICAN DREAM. Obama exemplifies what one can accomplish through hard work, dedication, and the realization of the importance of a solid education.

I had my 16 year old son, and 10 year old daughter watch his program yesterday evening, and I was moved....my family was moved. I had decided to vote for him two months ago, and throughout this campaign I have seen such an intense contrast between the two tickets....I could never believe in someone who would put my children's futures at risk....I mean really...PALIN??

PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE!! OBAMA/BIDEN!!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

wiseman4sure1 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:24:04 GMT

1.2 hour of lies and deceit. the misinfomercial showed how Obama can use people for his own interest and then dump them in the gutter. that 1/2 hour is representative of a lie and a broken promise.Barrack Hussein Obama sure can't be trusted. I am a true Democrat and I am voting for McCain. he kept his word. Obama lies.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

americandefender — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:28:12 GMT

I believe Obama is ready willing and able to be our president he has shown that he cares for this country and will lead and protect us from harm and try to reverse the damage the republican's have done it's time to put our hatred and divisions aside and once again be an example to the world how true democracy works.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Butterfly Effect — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:30:52 GMT

Its the same message and speech over and over (and over). The message I got last night was "My name is Obama and I want you to watch this expensive propaganda short because I just want to know that I can buy my way in, and anyway it all doesn't matter because my media and my polls say it over, plus I already paid for my victory party." Elitist is just a left -wing pretty word for snob.

Add obnoxious and you get socalism with a toothy grin. The more I see of this guy the less I'm impressed.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

MTR1973 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:31:00 GMT

I'm so sick and tired of 'true Democrats' or "true Republicans' clogging up the message boards with their fake shifts in allegiance. Go lie somewhere else, your empty rhetoric only fools other fools.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

spiveyjt — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:31:27 GMT

Next in Newsweek: Why we can't help but love everything Obama does.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

hawkeye77 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:35:57 GMT

The CON ARTIST did it again. It's amazing how this con artist, Obama, could con even the most intelligent people. Obama could be the greatest con artist since Hitler. How could anyone believe in this guy. When I read his books, looked at the people he has assiciated himself with, and the lies he made, I cannot in good conscience vote for this guy. In his book, Dreams of my Father, he said, " I will stand with the Arabs and Pakistani Americans(Muslims) should the political winds shift in an ugly direction". Of course he is a halk,Muslim. He lied when he said, he never heard Rev.Wright 's rants against white America. He reneged on his agreement with McCain, regarding the use of public financing. There's a pattern of dishonestt here. You cannot honsetly say that Obama is fit to be the POTUS.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

canadianblp — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:38:03 GMT

I cannot vote in the election because I am a canadian citizen living in the USA. However, the

criticisms leveled again Obama are the same I remember from my youth when a relatively inexperienced politician with a background in academia who presented a vision for our country was swept to power in a wave of"Trudeaumania'. He went on to recognised as one of our greatest Prime

Ministers. Perhaps there is a lesson in this for America. My son lives in Canada and says that his

friends are very hopeful that Obama will be elected. Interesting to remember that this election is being watched by the world. And they watched the infomercial too. And liked it.

They cannot understand Governor Palin as a potential president at all.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

MTR1973 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:41:50 GMT

And for seconds - all of you idiots who have fallen for the Socialism line from McCain/Palin are just showing your complete lack of understanding of how this country works. But then again, Republicans won two presidential elections in the new millenium by playing off the ignorance and gullible nature of the electorate, I guess it's not going to change overnight.

At any rate, after the 30 minutes were up, the first and foremost thought I had was that it would never have even occurred to McCain and Palin to do somethign similar. They and their party are addicted to and hellbent on spewing hatred and vitriol against the entire electorate (honestly, M/P supporters - when do they really say anything positve about you except calling you out by using their grating <Name> the <Profession> formula?). To slow down and take 30 minutes to talk about real problems and real ideas would require them to put away the Rove book and pull a page out of Clinton's.

Bill Clinton won his election on hope, and he delivered 8 of the most peaceful and prosperous years this country has seen in decades. You'd have to be an idiot to not want that again.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Slapping My Knees — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:44:13 GMT

Reality Dose: Taxes WILL be raised. Doesn't matter who is in charge. We've been borrowing against the future for 25 years, and the future is knocking on the door. It wants its money back.

The only sad thing about this election is the painful reluctance of Americans to embrace reality. We have a debt; we have to pay it back. Isn't that what our parents taught us? Why does paying what we owe become 'socialist' or 'Un-American"?

We all have to pony up and take responsiblity for our debts - I'm not passing this on to my children.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

AmoreintelligentAmerica — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:44:33 GMT

People need to read the news about what is happening today. Thousands of people are being laid off while Exxon-Mobile boasts a record profit. This profit was gained during a period when Americans suffered with higher gas price, foods price and other retail prices. The oil companies paid no regard to the suffering of the majority of the American people. They could care less how many of the middle and lower classes have lost their jobs and are forced to live on unemployment and public assistance because they have lost their jobs due to the greed of less than 1% of this country. You have to be deaf, dumb and blind if you don't want a redistribution of wealth. It has nothing to do with these companies being rewarded for "THEIR HARD WORK", it's all about greed!!!

And the idiots who are saying that Barack was not born in the US, ask his grandmother and grandfather who raised him. People who are willing to believe lies are unwilling to believe the truth when it stares them in the face. Jesus who performed many miracles in the face of the Pharisees and Saduccees, still was not believed to be the Messiah. Some people would just rather believe lies.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Indio89 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:45:05 GMT

Obama will bring confidence in our goverment once again, he knows and understands what America needs!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

SCM81 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:47:29 GMT

wiseman4sure1, that is quite a weak argument to use seeing as though McCain keeps using Joe the Plumber. Either way, I am a true Democrat, and this year I have already cast my ballot for Obama.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

tqoe05 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:48:22 GMT

Yes, I'm voting for Obama because 1) he's more credible then McCain and Palin (ugh) put together. I would never vote for "Just a Slightly Different Version of Bush". Anyone with more then 2 IQ points to rub together should be voting for Obama. Do I believe my taxes will go up? Yes. No matter who gets in as President, our taxes are going up - to pay for that 700 billion $ bailout of W.'s friends. Everyone is worried Obama will spend, spend, spend. That's been happening for the last 8 years and you're worried about future spending? Get real!

OBAMA-BIDEN!!!!!!!!!!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Heartlight3 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:49:23 GMT

jimmyp1 - What would it take to convince you that Obama was born in the US? The birth certificate has been investigated up one side and down the other six ways to Sunday, by multiple newspapers and fact checking organizations and has been found to be genuine, yet you still insist it is fake. Is there anything that would convince you, or is it one of those cases of "my mind is made up and don't try to confuse me with facts?

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

WisconsinRiverValley — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:49:38 GMT

I think that the article was right - those persons who are undecided will see the commerical as a personal experience with the man who may become president. Those people who are not quite as politically savvy like to see a more personal, less political, candidate talking to them - so in that regard the 1/2 hour commerical was a home run for Obama.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

MNDBE — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:54:02 GMT

"We've been borrowing against the future for 25 years, and the future is knocking on the door. It wants its money back. " - posted by "Slapping My Knees"

Your nickname is well earned. That's a great line...

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

SCM81 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:58:53 GMT

I sure do hope Obama wins because I am afraid of of electing a "leader" that cannot even lead his campaign.

OBAMA 2008

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Tony2001 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:00:53 GMT

Thise who are saying Obama is not a US citizen, how stupid can you be. If your parent is American, that makes you an American period. Two Obama's mom and dad were in school in Hawaii when he was born, so he was born on US soil. What more evidence do you need?

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Bruce233 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:06:16 GMT

To Hawkeye77,

You say that the con artists have done it again. You say that Obama is the greatest con artist since Hitler. And then you say that you have read Obama's books and offer a direct quote. The quote that you claim is from Barak Obama is as follows:

" I will stand with the Arabs and Pakistani Americans(Muslims) should the political winds shift in an ugly direction".

Please do this for us, Hawkeye. You claim to have read the book and you also offer what you claim to be a direct quote from that book. If those claims are true, then you should be able to easily provide one simple detail. Can you provide us with the page number of that direct quote?

I know for a fact that you cannot, because that direct quote does not exist. What you have offered, instead is a recycled and regurgitated smear that finds its way into spam emails and neocon pundit rants.

I do not expect you will reply with a page number because you know it is not true. Your silence will speak volumes to the readers of this blog who might be suckered into believing your false claim.

Now I will appeal to those readers who might want to intervene on Hawkeye's behalf. Since he cannot provide the page number for the direct quote he cites, maybe somebody else can?

I can't wait to see this one because Hawkeye has been the victim of the same kind of con job that he accuses Obama of.

Obama 08! End the neocon lies.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

impossible dreamer — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:17:54 GMT

I'm a single mother. At 67, I still have to work. I teach ESL and GED now. My children are grown.

My daughter obtained a Ph.D from Stanford in 2006. My son has a degree in construction management. They both work very, very hard. My son just lost his job, but he is a decided people

person and networks very effectively. For now, he has five new construction contracts. My daughter

teaches at a university in PA. She has college loans in spite of full ride scholarships both to Penn

State (M.A.) and at Stanford. She has four children--all boys aged 14 to 3. My son has a darling

boy 22 mos and another child on the way. They work so hard! I fear my daughter will lose her home

in S.C. She wanted that "American Dream". I rescued her loan, but I don't know if she will get to

keep her house or pay for loans. I live on miracles, and I beg for one daily. I get my deceased ex-souse's SSI, but it doesn't cover food, emergencies, dental or visual care. I am healthy, feisty, and

I adore my children and grandchildren. I have an M.A. I earned via a grant. I am a grateful Hispanic-American who c omes from a family of 7, all of whom have college degrees. There are

18 grandchildren in our family. All of them have a degree, save for one who is very ill. I pray daily

for all of us and for America. I would desperately love to work to effect change in education. Our

Mexican population comes to us with near-illiteracy. Our students in Adams County have among

the lowest scores in the state. I think "No Child Left Behind" needs to be trashed and something

better needs to replace it. Right now, I work in a program that counts bodies rather than quality

of education becuase those are the federal guidelines. I was deeply moved by Barak Obama's infomercial. He got my vote. I would work for him, my family, and my fellow Americans to the end

of my days. I believe that the nasty political attacks that go on from the McCain campaign besmirch

McCain and Palin by virtue of their tenor, their lack of integrity. They leave behind a legacy that

I would hate my children to have to remember after I am dead and gone! When they indict Mr. Obama by calling him a "marxist/socialist" and all the rest, they indict themselves and the Republican Party.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Wakemewhenitsover — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:19:30 GMT

Response: Bruce233

Thank you for ryour esponse to Hawkeye77. The McCain camp believes (and counts on) an electorate made up of this type of voter. Full of conviction and lazy. They'll blindly believe anything their candidate says just to avoid thinking for themselves!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

vstillwell — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:39:11 GMT

We've lived through a great wealth transfer from 2000 to 2008. The wealthy got wealthier and now these dumb ass Republicans think taking back those hideous tax breaks to the rich is socialism. I'm a veteran and a Democrat. I dare any Republican to call me a socialist or a marxist to my face.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

RMcD — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:05:55 GMT

I think MNDBE hit it on the head. I want a civil, intelligent, thoughtful president, and a country not divided into colors for the benefit of political parties. We have always had more than one party, but not until the Rovian debacle did we have a country where folks could not even speak to one another without ugly, racist, rabid trash talking like we have seen recently with the Swift Boaters and now the McCain/Palin crowd. First of all, we are not cartoon characters (Bob the Builder, Joe the Plumber...), we are real, living, breathing human beings, most of us struggling just like the families the Senator spoke with last night.I used to respect McCain, but no more. Whatever he was at one time, he is now just an angry, tired old man, past his time, who has shown us the ugliest campaign I hope to ever see. Combined with his bizarre and ridiculous choice of Palin, who even her staunchest supporters know is completely unqualified and way over her head, and frankly, pitiable in her lack of understanding of her own unreadiness, he has thrown away whatever respect he ever might have deserved. I do not condemn republicans for trying to pretend their candidates are qualified, but I do hope they do not condemn all of us to 4 more years of hell by actually voting for the republican ticket I deeply hope that once they get in that voting booth, they stop and think about whether this country deserves 4 more years of partisan anger and hatred, or whether they want to be part of something new, something better, something more like the America the world once respected and called its leader. That is the choice we all face on Tuesday. We can choose a better future, or be condemned to live the last 8 years over again,

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Lerado — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:09:34 GMT

The idiots that are claiming that Obama's not a citizen, or is a marxist or is a Muslim, etc., are the same whack jobs that spent eight years telling us that the Clintons had people killed in Arkansas, embezzled millions, etc. These folks are brain-damaged, paranoid, cospiracy twits who'd believe and spread the worst lies about anyone they didn't like or understand. You can't talk them down because the bright light of reason can't quite penetrate the murky depths of their twisted psyches. For the rest of us, let's pity them, and be forewarned that whatever falls out of their heads is the exact opposite of the truth. Oh, and Obama's ad was excellent. Classy work, as usual.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Gator67 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:16:51 GMT

Obama's 30 minute ad was very moved. So was I. No negatives or smears. I loved that. I am very tired of the McCain-Palin negatives and smears. They have no offer to explain to the voters about the issues. Nothing, nothing, and nothing. They attack Obama. I am very happy that Obama and Biden stand up to the McCain-Palin ticket. The Obama-Biden ticket will win in the landslide on November 4th. The McCain-Palin ticket will have a white flag to the Obama-Biden ticket. That's too wide late for the grumpy man and no clueless Governor of Alaska....I can't wait till they will return to their home states. No news or pictures of them anymore!!!! No more negatives and smears....I casted my vote for Obama and Biden this week. Yayayayay. Good bye to McCain and Palin....

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

pumkincat — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:17:05 GMT

I am a Republican of more that 50 years voting for Obama. George Bush, Dick Cheney and Karl Rove have utterly destroyed the Republican Party. I believe that John Mc Cain is a good man forced by his campaign to change his natural personality and also to select that witch Palin. God help this country should she ever become president through the death of Mc Cain. Dirt, Dirt, Dirt is all they have to offer, particularly Palin. The informational was impressive as Obama is himself. Never did I think I would vote for a Democrat, but the Bush Administration has truly disgusted me and did a lot to destroy the country. Unfortunately John McCain is by circumstance tied to Bush and the choice of Palin is truly unbelievable. I cannot believe now that I was so fooled by Bush to vote for him. Shame on Me!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Wakemewhenitsover — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:35:09 GMT

To pumkincat;

I respect your voting history and welcome you to the "darkside" ( as the Republicans would have you believe)

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

rgculhane19@hotmail.com — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:35:59 GMT

_________________________

Oh god forbid we should emulate Europe! Most of the scandinavian countries are pretty damn socialist, and they have some of the highest standards of living and gdps in the world. Since when is negotiation capitulation? Negotiations kept the cold war from turning nuclear. Are you a Goldwater Republican or something? Negotiations are not a partisan thing. Nixon, Reagan, and other Republicans have used them ably in the past to advance our country's foreign policy objectvies. It's a weak statement to me to say that we won't negotiate. The idea that by negotiating with undesirables such as N Korea gives them credibiliy is bogus, they're not looking for validity. It they were worried about that, they wouldn't act so oppressively toward their own citizens. We need a strong leader who's not afraid to talk to our enemies. The silent treatment works for small children. Not hostile nations.

As far as the whole socialism thing goes, I'm not really sure some understand what socialism is. Socialism advocates state control of all resources, capital, and means of production. Redistributing the wealth is just something that our country and all others do. Do you support privatized road buliding? Defense? Education? These things all require a redistribution of wealth to a certain degree. Now, to what degree is a hot matter of debate, I'll say that. But to just dismiss Democratic economic policies as socialism is bogus. That's like me saying: All Republicans are economic anarchists who hate poor people. It's a gross exaggeration and oversimplification

"Dramatically increased gay marriages" This does not scare me or other tolerant people. If you want to live in a theocracy go move to the Middle East, a place that you'd probably like to bomb.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

tastytart — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:38:46 GMT

Comfortable, not exactly the feeling I walked away with. I arrived at a friends house, (or at least what I thought was a friend) just as Obama was assuring me that he would never lie. Well I got a cup of coffee and went to the porch to watch the sunset. Nothing this man has said or done can be taken at face value. This, for me, is unacceptable. The friend ended up asking me to leave his home because I was so intolerant of, "The One." Funny how liberals are so tolerant of the views of others. Right, wrong or indifferent, my views and opinions are as valid as anyone else's. Everyone deserves to be heard. That being said all of you sheepole, (term coined by Savage! Bet you all love that!), may consider turning off some of your orgasmic after glow and engage your critical thinking skills. Obama was having fun joking about sharing his sandwitch and toys but someone as wise as he should be able to make the distinction between choosing to share versus Big Brother taking his toys and giving them to someone else. I would imagine that Barack might have been one angry little muffin had someone forceably taken his Tickle-me-Elmo and givin it to the less fortunate nieghbor boy. Sharing as a choice is the American way. Taking a disproportionate qaunity from those who have with the intent of distributing it those determined to be deserving is SOCIALISM. Goodness and who gets to play GOD and decide who is to be the lucky recipients?

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

hutch83 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:51:32 GMT

I am a World War II vet (pilot) and now 86 years old. I have already voted for Obama on the first day early voting was available. I have voted in every election and never have I been so caught up in a campaign. I have given donations to Obama. I was in tears listiening to hem last night. He is what this country needs--someone who really talks to the people. It is time to give the new generation a chance. Our current politicans have make a mess of it. It is their future, not ours. It is really their time. hutch83

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

hutch83 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:53:03 GMT

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

DaveWK — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:08:31 GMT

I'm with you, Hutch. I haven't been around as long as you, but I've voted in every election since 1976, and I've never felt there to have been a more important vote to cast. Mr. Obama is an extraordinary individual, as his program amply put on display. He has the intelligence and cool head to lead us through the difficult times to come. And he inspires! At the end of that program last night, when he reached the culmination of his speech, my hair was standing on end.

And parenthetically, I'm also one of those little guys who've given money to Obama--you know, McCain last night was questioning just who we were. We're the folks that are not only inspired by Obama, but also are saddened by his negative and false attacks. McCain should stop his whining, as he and the RNC together have $20 million more than Obama and the DNC together. Around where I live the RNC is flooding the airwaves!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

IndyVoter — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:08:32 GMT

Tastytart.

Unfortunately, you wasted an opportunity to hear something other than what Fox news and the Republicans are feeding you via conservative outlets. What you are basically saying in your comments is that the people that support Obama (over 50% of the US population) are deslusional, uninformed, and bewitched. Really? You don't think we Obama supporters have done our homework? You don't think we've checked all of the candidates records and made an informed judgement for ourselves just because we are inspired by his ideas and because we don't agree with you? I submit that many Conservatives felt the same way about Ronald Reagan who incidentally was someone who for much of his life "pretended" or embellished, rather effectively, for a living (he was an actor). Were conservatives engrossed in orgasmic afterglow then? No, they just found him to be inspirational and liked his ideas. period. Well the same applies here.

As to your toy analogy, what you fail to realize is that taxes (at any rate, flat or otherwise) is always a redistribution of wealth. Barack couldn't be upset if someone took his tickle me elmo and gave it to someone less fortunate, because all of the toys were purchased with a fund that was contributed to by EVERYBODY's parents and put into one big pot to buy the toys. That's what taxes are. For example, My tax dollars were used to start George W. Bush's personal war in Iraq, in the name of National Defense. An act to which I was vehemently opposed. Yet still billions of dollars of low, middle and upper income taxpayer's money was and still is being spent everyday to continue it. So, please. True Socialism by definition, is the complete and equal redistribution of wealth in society so that there is no low, upper or middle class. We DO NOT and will never have that type of economic system. And by the way, Obama is a self-made millionaire, I doubt it very seriously that he is gunning to become a socialist country.

P.S. I would hope that as President that either Obama or McCain would not lie to the American people. It is possible to be a person of integrity and lead this nation at the same time. I realize that you haven't seen it in awhile, but trust me. Its possible.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

jenee330 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:09:46 GMT

I dont understand why its fine with people that the wealthy keep getting wealthy and get huge tax breaks while middle class and poor citizens struggle? Either way you look at someone is going to be taxed ..the issue is who gets taxed more. This nation has always stood on a progressive tax system..the more you make the more you pay in taxes.....nothing new ...so what is the problem??Secondly all he wants to do is roll back the tax bracket to where it was under clinton..you remember when our economy was strong d we had a budget surplus??

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Barackin' — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:10:06 GMT

I am unabashedly enthusiastic about Obama! Why not? We've been through 8 years of lies, vast government deregulation and waste, a war that's costing us billions everyday, a financial collapse on par with the great depression and gas prices that are so high, I know people that have had to call in sick vs. drive to work. I don't think being an enthusiastic supporter of a good solution is a bad thing.

I think that many of us need to take a page from his book and learn how to be positive force for the country.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

GregHere — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:24:06 GMT

.........................................Obama presented himself well last night with his infomercial, he looked very Presidential and spoke in a strong well modulated tone. During the 3 debates Obama was always trying to be The Gentleman and did not continuously interupt the way McCain did and found himself at the disadvantage because he had to defend himself agains the "Wild Eyed" McCain's rediculous assertions............Last night Obama had a great chance to communicate with the American People directly.........and he did that perfectly!!!!!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

jenee330 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:28:44 GMT

Butterfly Effect (October 30, 2008 at 3:30 PM)

....................................................

Obama an Elitist...why is because he can articulate his thoughts persisely without blinking his eyes 1000 times AND STUTTERING? Is it because he is well educated and well spoken? well i guess he is then but a true elitist is a man who has not 1 , not 2 but 8 homes none of them under 800k each AND wears $500 shoes..who is that ..hmmm MCCAIN! Also all this garbage about OBAMA tell me please what is John McCains plan to help the middle class ?OH WAIT HE DOESNT HAVE ONE B/C HE DOESNT CARE ABOUT "THOSE PEOPLE"

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

justcallmejoe2470 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:29:32 GMT

I found the Obama infomerical to be very moving-very informative. It was not a message to change the mind(s) of undecided voters. but a reinforcement of the Obama/Biden message. I agree with Andrew all across the board with one exception...John Mellencamp's "Scarecrow" and "Small Town". But thinking it over--that would have been negative since the message then was aimed directly at the Reagan Administration--amd that is not the Obama way. A class gentleman through and through.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

gracebyfar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:33:38 GMT

Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal... hmmm... well, let's see... having Former Pres. Bill Clinton's support and a hug means what to me? Nothing. It is apparent that SOME of our American public have FORGOTTEN the embarrassment we endured while HE was in office. And, all of this donor money (from HOLLYWOOD and who knows) Obama has collected to spend on a 30 minute SHORT FILM is supposed to do what for me? Entertain, enlighten, make me shed a few tears because he is going to make everything all better... whoa... I think not. Obama is just a man. Yes, I watched the infomercial (dress rehearsal) and it is apparent to me WHERE Obama is headed. Hope his film career works out for him. I must say he has a good start. And, because HE is a DEMOCRAT it is ok to blame the whole down fall of our economy and the war on President Bush's administration (REPUBLICANS)? Was it President Bush's fault that 9-11 happened? I believe that man's name was OSAMA BIN LADEN. Considering that horrible day for our nation (and I do remember where I was at that moment), I think President Bush handled things as best as anyone could. I don't believe he has ever implied that he was perfect or made the best decisions on everything. And, I know there are a lot of things the government does not share with us... after all, have we had another attack here? No.

I must say this to Senator Obama in regards to his famous SHORT FILM... anyone well educated in how our government operates knows that the President only has so much power. You can make promises, look sincere, look nice, declare that CHANGE is what this country needs, but the truth is... those who serve in Congress are the real deciding factor for many things. Hmmm... what changes are being made there? So with that being said... I guess you (Senator Obama) have to blame someone for all of our nations problems, don't you? Because... after all, none of our current issues and problems would be your fault, would they? John McCain might not be the answer to ALL of our issues, but then I am not looking for glitz, glamour and fancy speeches. CHANGE is just a word... and frankly I get a little nervous when I hear people referring to Senator Obama as our messiah. Letting that persona take hold in any form or fashion would be a big downfall for our nation.

What I really think is about this election in general... ALL of us need to be on bended knee praying for our country.......... no matter WHO becomes President.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

CalexanderJ — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:35:22 GMT

"Like Ba-rack, oh-oh, Like BA-RACK."

LMAO. He really should use that, although it might be best for him to wait until after the election.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

JamieDude53 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:37:17 GMT

Tastytart's analogy is off point...

Obama's plan only takes a Tickle-me-Elmo from the kids who have more than 20 of them... after all, how many of those damn things do you need?

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

klgrube — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:56:57 GMT

Sorry, but this informercial didn't change my mind or reassure me one bit. I already know where Obama stands on gay marriage and abortion, and those are the two single most important issues for me this election. As a California resident, I just can't vote for a man who thinks letting babies who survive abortions die is okay, nor can I vote for a ticket that calls California's Prop 8 "divisive and discriminatory" because it would establish marriage as being between one man and one woman. I just can't.

I've been a registered Democrat for nearly 40 years, but I really can't vote for someone who thinks gay rights are more important than the rights of families to not have their children taught that so-called "gay marriage" is the same as traditional marriage, nor can I vote for someone who won't, for example, defend the rights of a medical practice to decline to perform in-vitro fertilization for a lesbian couple on moral grounds. I just can't.

I was appalled to hear him answer the question asked by Rick Warren about when he believes life begins with "that's above my pay grade." The point, which he seemed to miss, was either a personal one - in which case there is no 'pay grade' involved - or it was one related to how he would view legislation related to abortion as President - in which case, he would be the highest pay grade there in this country and his answer would significantly impact how we view him as a candidate. In either case "Above my pay grade" was the wrong answer.

You really have to look past the production values and hype to what Obama's actually said in the past in order to decide how you'll vote.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

ziply — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:00:32 GMT

Sounds to me as if the commentarist is the humorless one, and I have to suspect he's a dyed-in-the-wool McCain supporter. I keep wondering why anyone would vote for Bush Lite, particularly such a disorganized, rage-filled man as McCain, devoid of the slightest vision, imagination, or forward impetus, devoid of genuine compassion for us working stiffs, knowing only that he wants to keep cutting the pie in favor of the wealthy. Millions upon millions of Americans (at present, almost one third of a billion), young and old, with our minds, faith, willingness to cooperate, work ethic, blood, sweat, tears, and hearts, have built the most stable platform for innovation, commerce, and wealth creation in the history of the world. Our teenagers and young adults, even the poor and chronically underserved, are expected to fight and even die to keep this astounding platform stable and ever-productive. Why do some Americans sneer and insult those of us in the working classes who want the tax pie cut more fairly to reflect our sacrifices and contributions?

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Scottanderson34 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:54:57 GMT

klgrube,

Abortion and gay marriage??? Thats it? How about an economy thats in shambles?? How about run away deficiet spending? How about Free Trade Agreements that are eroding our economic base by allowing the wholesale exportation of US jobs to overseas markets???

These things ARE important, because if we continue to allow the erosion of our economic base, we are allowing the destruction of our strength. The Soviet Union collapsed not because of any war it lost, it collapsed because it spread itself too thin, and did not have the economic base to support its standing in the world. I don't want America to be the next bankrupt super power. Because that would mean the issuance of new money, and maybe a new constitution. In order to shed the debt, we would have to become a new country. This is a reality, and its troublesome.

The Republicans have had 8 years to change us for the better. In the end, we find ourselves in near economic ruin, bogged down in a no win military situation in Iraq, and more and more we are hearing that corporate corruption is the order of the day with no end in sight. And it will be business as usual with a McCain presidency.

McCain has run a nasty, vile campaign. He is focusing more on attacking his opponent as both a muslin, AND a racist Christian. How can Obama be both?? Truth, he is neither.

Fears of a socialist Obama government are totally unfounded.

In truth, a $130 billion bail out to AIG resulted in a Federal Government ownership of over 79% of this company, and also mega bailouts to Freddy Mac and Fanny Mae. Never mind Barney Frank, the solution to this problem was put forth by a Republican Bush administration. Its a Federal takeover of American corporations. If thats not socialist, whether intended or not, I don't know what is. Remember, they were saying the very same things about Bill Clinton. 8 years of Bill Clinton, and the country never went socialist. The economy was never better, the budget was even balanced. Clinton's big crime?? He liked his women. So what.

Barak will make a fine president. He is smarter, his ideas are better, and last but not least, this man can put together a coherent sentence, and thats change we need.

I don't agree with abortion myself, and I am not too keen on gay marriage either. But there really are more important issues to concern ourselves with right now.

The republicans have no one to blame but themselves.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Concerned Canadian — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:59 GMT

The only bad guy Obama didn't associate with was Satan ...or maybe he has and we haven't found out yet. !!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

tastytart — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:16:19 GMT

Dear Indy,

Have you guys done your home work? No. Barack H. Obama is a self reported man. Is obvious that I touched a hot button though. Not necessarily my intention though I am beginning to ooze a certain amount of sarcasm just because once again I am more fed up with my fellow americans than any candidate. "The rich keep getting richer...Whaaaaaaaa...do you know I have 2 degrees and due to my own poor decision making processes I will be lucky to make 10,000 dollars this year. I receive no help and I certainly am working my out of the hole that I have dug. This my friend is the appropriate way to live life, not sitting around fussing that someone has more than I do. Get out there and get a piece of the dream for yourself. Tito the builder did. I quit. Funny how anyone that disagrees with a liberal it is all fox new's fault. Brilliant.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Micky Galt — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:32:53 GMT

He looked pretty presidential to me. Reasonable and has a lot of money behind him. In this country money talks. He definely stated some specifics of want he plans to do and it all sounds reasonable to me

The other fellow talks weird, spend the wealth, Joe the plumber, I know what's wrong with the country I can fix it but no specifics just his word he can. Throwing as much dirt as possible.

No way I want to at least have some hope things will get better.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

davidkingnj — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:26:27 GMT

klgrube:

You speak of what you personally believe are intrinsic evils, but in order to truly understand what are intrinsic evils you first must understand what "goodness" is. Because you believe that gays/lesbians and abortion are intrinsic evils doesn't necessarily make them so, and because you believe that abortion is evil also doesn't make it so. You should take a close examination of your life before you make the assertion of what is "evil".

EVIL: President Bush was elected into office, by countless "value voters" under premise that he would ban gay marriage, and end Roe vs. Wade. By the way, he has fulfilled neither one of those promises. The consequence his election was a ballooning and endless war that claimed not only THOUSANDS OF AMERICAN LIVES, but HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF IRAQI LIVES have been lost to the violence that ensued our invasion. I view the losses of all those lives, as evil. The loss of those lives, is more evil than what two people do behind the closed doors of their bedroom. The loss of those who were living, breathing, loved, those who had families, who had children, who had parents, and friends... those people who will be missed... the actions that led to those losses are more evil than the assertion that abortions are evil.

Sometimes I think to myself that all those people, who thought that gays and lesbians, and abortions were the evils that needed to be rooted from American society... well they voted G.W. Bush into office... and well they bear some moral part of the responsibility for that vote, somewhere deep inside, for those ended lives, the pain, and the suffering.

Letting people go hungry is evil, and letting them go without shelter or home is evil.

GOOD: "Goodness" is: Enriching others lives. "Goodness" is: Educating young women on alternatives to abortion. "Goodness" is: Not passing judgment on others. "Goodness" is: Valuing all the differences that make us unique. "Goodness" is: Helping feed the hungry. "Goodness" is: Helping clothe the poor. "Goodness" is: Found within (no matter your race, sex, religion, preference, or any other divisive quality people pick on).

I was raised a Catholic, and I was taught that we help those who are in need, and we do not judge. Those lessons, have helped me lead a happy and healthy life. People like you make me be disgusted to be of any faith, because we are portrayed as hateful, narrow-minded, and sponge-brained. Examine and judge yourself, before you decide that you are so without fault that you can examine and judge others.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

davidkingnj — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:31:37 GMT

Concerned Canadian:

Shouldn't you be at the awards ceremony for "Biggest Canadian Dipshit" tonight?

I'm sure you'll win it!

And after you do, you can start worrying about what's going on in Canada, and not what's going on in the United States.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Terwo — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:35:25 GMT

Tastytart And that kind of talk is all republicans have left, to bad McCain hadn't stayed above the fray.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Terwo — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:39:48 GMT

kIgrube said

You really have to look past the production values and hype to what Obama's actually said in the past in order to decide how you'll vote.

I did look and listen carefully to Obama and John,Thats why I hope for Obama.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Terwo — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:43:02 GMT

davidkingn

Thats why rightwing christians turned me right off of christian religions,none of them ever read that part of the bible.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

dsqard — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:02:35 GMT

If you want to know what a McCain presidency would look like, read Ayn Rand. The middle class of this country will "shrug" as well if the status quo is continued.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Omaar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:15:24 GMT

For the past two months, a major American magazine and an allied news...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/28/mccain-funded-work-of-pal_n_138606.html

McCain Financially supporterd Khalidi and is now trying to tie Obama to Khalidi, though McCain himself was Closely tied to the Palestenian and backed him withover 400,000 $$$

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

The McCain camp gambit comes after conservative writers have repeatedly pressed for media outlets to write about the rather tenuous connections between Obama and Khalidi, an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights.

Specifically, National Review writers want much more attention paid to the association, given that the LA Times has reported that Khalidi lavished praise on Obama at a farewell party in Chicago at which Bill Ayers was also present. (Other writers have accused Khalidi of being an aide to Yasser Arafat, a claim which Marc Ambinder and Ari Berman have suggested is not credible.)

In regards to Khalidi, however, the guilt-by-association game burns John McCain as well.

During the 1990s, while he served as chairman of the International Republican Institute (IRI), McCain distributed several grants to the Palestinian research center co-founded by Khalidi, including one worth half a million dollars.

Big Note: A 1998 tax filing for the McCain-led group shows a $448,873 grant to Khalidi's Center for Palestine Research and Studies for work in the West Bank. (See grant number 5180, "West Bank: CPRS" on page 14 of this PDF.)

The relationship extends back as far as 1993, when John McCain joined IRI as chairman in January. Foreign Affairs noted in September of that year that IRI had helped fund several extensive studies in Palestine run by Khalidi's group, including over 30 public opinion polls and a study of "sociopolitical attitudes."

Of course, there's seemingly nothing objectionable with McCain's organization helping a Palestinian group conduct research in the West Bank or Gaza. But it does suggest that McCain could have some of his own explaining to do as he tries to make hay out of Khalidi's ties to Obama.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

BeachComber — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:19:03 GMT

Hey tastytart,

The fact that all you have to say is that you disagree with liberals shows who you are and how you think. You like to lump every supporter of Obama into a group called liberals and this alone justifies your determination to ignore the real facts.

Fact: The republican ecconomic plan of no regulation and the belief that without incentives and

boundaries, large companies, ceos and wallstreet investors will do the right thing instead of

that thing which engorges their own pocket has been proven false. You are living this

reality now.

Fact: An insurance company does not want to pay you or me when we need it. The company

will any tact possible to get out of it's obligation. We should stop this, but the republicans

are for not regulating this.

Fact: A tax cut for exxon will not trickle down to you and me, it will not even lower our gas price.

Fact: Anyone making 251,000 dollars is so frackin happy that he would gladly pay 37% on the 1

thousand that he made above 250.

I am a conservative and I have determined that I, a member of the middle class, have not been

adequately represented by the republicans.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

TxsAggie96 — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:33:26 GMT

I am so sick and tired of hearing about Obamas tax/economic plan blah blah blah. Obama's website shows that I would get $1792 back in taxes. Well here is an info trip... I paid only $2400 last year. Personally I don't see that happening or even helping me that much.

And it will for sure not help the economy. I got a $1800 stimulus check last year... did that help the economy? Hell no! So why is it anyone thinks that Obama's plan would help.

Incidentally, for a middle class family with 2 children... McCain's plan gives you a $1050 to $1750 tax break. But on top of that he wants to lower Corporate taxes from 35% to 25%. I ran some quick numbers and this would save me roughly $300 to $500 on yearly expenditures in reduced cost of goods. On top of that, American companies would become more competitive. (China tax 25% vs. USA tax 35%) Why is that important? Corporations are the #1 producer of the most important jobs we have lost - manufacturing.

Manufacturing is

The reason why we won WWII

The #1 creator of MIDDLE class jobs

Creation of REAL wealth in the American economy (not a service industry)

The reason why America's economy was #1 up until the end of the 20th century.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

TxsAggie96 — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:38:22 GMT

To the poster on the Khalidi connection... you say McCain has guilt by association by the money given to the organization Khalidi worked for... well....

McCain: 3-4 degrees of separation

Obama: 1 degree of separation.

Cmon.... I don't see how you guys possibly think that arguement could work.

And on top of that there is no telling exactly what the "Palestinian Group" told IRI to get that donation. But we do know it was something about conducting "democratic elections". If you find a document that proves otherwise, please let us know, otherwise your McCain-Khalidi connection is a non-sequitor.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Micky Galt — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:06:17 GMT

McCain’s Plan

Cutting the capital gain rate was in the 2003 (Bush) tax legislation and it did nothing for the economy.

It went from 20% to 15% so if you had a $100,000 dollar gain on Apple stock you bought 15 years ago you paid $15,000 tax instead of $20,000 having said that what you going to do hire a housekeeper.

Obama Plan

Obama.com

Tax calculator

I do a lot of tax work, so its something I'm familiar with. I make under 250,000 dollars and it told me I would save $1,700 in taxes with Obama's plan and $130. with McCain plan

My wife and I make between $75,000 and $100,000.

I can use the $1,570 difference to buy stuff.

The calculator easy to use try it.

I voting for Obama

Every economic recession this country ever had including the great depression came at the hands of the republicans. If you don’t believe Google "us recession" write down the dates and see who was president. not very complicated

It takes lots of people spending money not just a hand full, swapping out their Mercedes for Bentleys.

As far as cutting the top corporate for rate for Monopolies it just going to make them a larger monopoly also bad for the economy.

Give me $1,500 back in taxes I'm spend $3,000 because I hopeful things are going the right way. 200 shoems like me do that, and then you can swap out your Mercedes for a Bentley

Don’t be greedy.

Aggie96 The stimulus rebates helped my economy I spent the money to the bloodsucking credit card company. you have no idea what you are talking about your numbers are wrong.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

DWPitts — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:35:18 GMT

TxsAggie96,

How many guns can u buy with dinner conversation? 0

How many guns can you buy with $810,000 (the amount McCain gave Khalidi)? approx. 5000

How much is the campaign goodwill worth to Obama by letting McCain be McCain? priceless

---

Do republican operatives ever stop to read some of the things they bombard these posts with? In America, this has always been a bottom line value: "It never hurts to talk". Obviously, though, to you, one holding extreme, and may I say, with all due respect, anti-american views, talking to people is tantamount to treason.

I don't know what world you come from, but giving "material aid" is now a major felony under the Patriot Act, a horrible piece of legislation I agree, however, it is the law of the land. And by giving material aid to somebody you now tell us is a terrorist, John McCain is guilty of violating the Patroit Act (though, for now at least, laws are not retroactive). So, if you want to go retroactive on conversations, then I demand we go retroactive on material aid to terrorists. By your own definition then, John McCain belongs in Federal Prison (it'll be ok, he'll have plenty of friends there), BTW Material Aid means "giving money to terrorists or terrorist organizations"

At best, Obama deserves what, for listening to rude dinner conversation? Don't you see the blatant disparity in your claims? This is what the owner of the LA Times has been trying to save you from (shooting yourself in the foot again. BTW, he is a McCain supporter, lol). A wink is as good as a nod, right?. This also why your good governor is unfit to govern, she is in way over her hand, and at a best, is a charlatan.

In your incendary claims, you implicitly admit that America has a double standard; one shining standard for the republican base, and an ugly, nastier standard for everyone else. I know the truth, and would like to thank you personally for finally admitting just how nasty, and totally incompetent the republican party has become, given it cannot even read (all laws must be equally applied to everyone under the US Constitution).

Further, if republican operatives, the same ones sponsoring the Patriot Act, don't understand what it means to begin with. Then apparently, all it is, is a hate-filled vehicle used to perform discriminatory attacks, as long as, said operatives are in control of who gets victimized. As the Act is a republican attack vehicle, it needs to be removed from American law immediately, along with most of the carpetbagging legislation hammered through in your time of power.

Thank you for informing America that the Republican Party cannot, and should never again, be trusted to protect America, given its myopic and self-centered lust for power, and its insatiable need to suppress all forms of dissent and the people holding opposing view points. BTW, protecting America means so much more than committing acts of aggression in her name. It means protecting the laws, values and institutions deemed sacred to the American Public ( including republicans, democrats and independents, and yes, even crack hos and cadillac driving welfare queens).

Receiving graft, by the way, does not equal entreprenuerial skill or spirit. It's just another form of petty theft.

So how Chrisitian are you truly, if you harbor lust, steal from your neighbors, covet your neighbor's wife and/or ass, and tread on the lowly without remorse? And who, by the way, was Jesus protecting when he stated, "Let ye with no sins, cast the first stone". Who was he protecting her from? Think about it.

"You who are the first to come, are not necessarily the first to enter"

Thank you for listening.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

DWPitts — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:28:24 GMT

Beachcomber,

I appreciate your statements. What's coming down the pike at us is going to require the best of everything America has to offer in order to weather this storm. True conservative approaches to many things are going to be needed when it comes to dealing with (ever decreasing) public resources. For instance, we deperately need sound fiscal policy in this country. It's the only way; balancing revenues and spending. These "so called" conservatives have been the biggest spenders in US history, and its going to have to be paid.

We clearly have got to get this runaway spending and borrowing under control or this country is doomed. Balanced budgets are good things that all reasonable people can agree to. Viewing how we manage resources is going to require much more scrunity than what has occurred over the last 8 years.

Here is the rub: If this continual blind devotion of only allocating resources for the upper 1-2% of Americans continues, America is going to end up BANKRUPT. Trickle down economics is ridiculous from both fiscal and monetary policy perspectives. America booms when the middle class spends money on the products produced by the same upper 1-2% of the country, period. It's a simple matter of math and truth. Politics has little to do with it (other than to impede and interfere with it as recent history shows). We need to be much smarter from now on.

Basically, Democrats went to far in the 1960s with Guns and Butter on welfare allocation downward (it didn't eradicate poverty). Republicans went to far in the 1998-2008 allocating resources upward (only thing trickling down was sweat). Neither worked. Extremism never does.

Somewhow, we have got to find balance in this country. Compare LBJs Guns and Butter approach, with the Bush Adminsitration and Contract for America approach (call it Guns and Butter II). Same thing, only different beneficiaries. However, what has happened now is off the richter scale for dramatic impact on the economy. We now have no choice.

I have been somewhat caustic in my comments here on this board, most of which has been driven by sarcasm (in response to some of the sheer insanity I read), however, what I believe is this: We as people have got to stop dividing each other into little, powerless groups and throwing incenidary accusations at each other. When I see it, I attack it with sarcasm, given I have no other recourse.

When I read things like manufacturing won WWII, I get angry, as such over-simlification overlooks the blood of Americans left in muddy fields all over Europe and Asia. Not Republicans. Not Democrats. Those were Americans, mostly young, and most had never been anywhere in their lives. Giving it all up for this country.

So how does taking jobs and manufacturing offshore, to beat the system out of 1-2% on their taxes, honor the men and women who were left face down in a muddy field in Belgium? How? The tax rate has nothing to do with a market economy, or the ability to start and maintain a business. Markets do. Markets are made up of customers. Customers are US citizens, and by far the largest number of them come from the middle class. It was their grandfather who gave his life in Bastonne, only for this to happen: That a few wealthy people could dominate everything in this country, and then threaten us if we dare talk about them contributing anything to the country. BULLSHIT! They have no right to mention the word patriot.

Everybody is either suffering now, or afraid of what's coming, but did you read the Earnings report from Exxon today? They shattered the record again for quarterly earnings. Shattered it! Everybody else is suffering, what about THEM? This is BULLSHIT! Look at how much they pay in taxes versus how much they make. Do the math...that is a travesty...so, in other words, they'll only be satisfied when they pay 0% after deductions (or are they trying for negative income tax where we pay them to rape us by sending them a tax rebate check every year?). Do the math on SSI contributions. Somebody making $5MM a year doesn't pay a nickel more than somebody making $55k, given the annual cap...This whole argument has been BULLSHIT!

Socialism my ass. Greed does not equal capitalism. Greed = Greed, period. And what's been happening has nothing to do with capitalism, market economies, free trade, or fair taxation. Every bit of that is smoke: this is about sucking all of the wealth out of America period. And anybody who says its anti-american for standing against this, is either a complete moron, or profitting personally from the dismantling. What's happening now IS anti-american.

===

Sorry for ranting, but I did appreciate hearing that true conservatives are unhappy about what's happening also.. I couldn't imagine William F. Buckley getting on side with the onslaught of spending that's been occurring. It absolutely boogles the mind. Every fiscal conservative who honestly stands up and says "Enough" is a very positive thing for this country. Squelching this instinct, in favor of propaganda, doesn't benefit getting this hellbound train under control.

My hat's off to you.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

RosieAndretti — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:35:49 GMT

Ross Perot used his own money!!!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

atc333 — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:25:28 GMT

Despite your political leanings, one thing did eminate from this Obamamercial, and that is Obama does in fact care about this country, and the citizens who make it up. He is running for President to give this country an opportunity to make a much needed course correction. The Bush years have proven one thing, Neocon polices of trickle down economics have been an absolute disaster for this country. There is no rational basis for continuing on this course, yet McCain/Plain have offered nothing different, other than saying: I have a plan" "I understand our problems" "I can fix it". His fix is to freeze spending, and cut taxes one more time for the rich. Under Bush/Cheney the United States of America is becoming a Payday Loan Nation, and McCain/Palin and the Neocons who are pulling the strings once again in the Republican Party have absoloutly nothing to offer to change it, except the same tired broken down plan of more tax cuts for the Rich. Even Regan realized you had to have taxes coming into the treasury to run the country. Obama's proposed tax increase is less than the rate under President Regan, and all the Right Wing Republicans cry out "socialism, redistribution of wealth". i guess now Regan was a left wing Democrat in his tax policies! Think about it, a vote for McCan and Palin is nothing more than a vote for what Joe the Plumber thinks he is getting, but will not, there is no tax cut under McCain, Joe, and the hundreds of thousands of less than very rich Right Wing Voters will get a tax break which will allow you to buy about two gallons of gas. Do your research, you would never manage your family budget as Bush has, and McCain wants to. if you did, you would be just another homeless family. Lately, 80% of McCains claims have been UNTRUE, but are what the Neocons think you want to hear, just to give them another 4 years in power, while the country continues its decline, and we go another 4 trillion dollars in debt over the next 4 years!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

chevyjunky77 — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:46:35 GMT

To atc333 "Despite your political leanings, one thing did eminate from this Obamamercial, and that is Obama does in fact care about this country, and the citizens who make it up."

ANYONE CAN PRETEND

Obama claims he will not raise taxes. Allowing the Bush tax cut to expire IS raising taxes, no matter who looks at it. Just take a look at Obama's record in the Senate. That should speak for itself. He says what people want to hear. Obama's claim that McCain will continue to give tax cuts to big business may be true. I would much rather give them breaks keeping jobs here than not have jobs at all. Who then will pay the taxes? No business, no jobs, no taxes.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

ladyveteran — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:49:27 GMT

I am a 53 year old female disabled veteran and I can tell you first hand that the military is not supporting McCain/Palin no matter what you think. Lets be for real do you really think McCain and Palin sons are on the first line you are sadly mistaken. Before they ever hit the foriegn soil their jobs were secured and by no mean are they in any danger. I was a Instructor at Fort Sam Houston when George W. Bush nephew came to my class for instruction, you bet we all knew who he was and was told how to take care of him. He held his own but my thing is they should not go to the military if someone will be protecting their every move. They didn't do it for the Kennedys they had one son lose his life in the war.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Scottanderson34 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:25:50 GMT

Pumpkincat, I couldn't agree more. I have always been a registered Independent, although I am a conservative at heart. I voted for George W Bush in 2000. What a mistake. Right after 911 Bush shined brightly, and I was never so proud to be an American. Never so proud of my President. But somewhere President Bush lost his way. At some point President Bush detached himself from the American people. He let us all down with unconstitutional policys, rampant deficit spending, the unecessary war in Iraq, and he appeared asleep at the switch while the whole economy went down the toilet. He let us all down. And to get my revenge on his legacy, I have done the unthinkable. I cast an early ballot for, God forbid, a BLACK MAN!!

Actually Barack is quite a nice guy. His ideas are fresh, and he's young and intelligent. His candidacy signals a departure from the old way of business as usual, that the McCann campaign is offering. Barack is the right guy for these times.

Fears that Barack will institute a socialist government are totally unfounded. Number one, we are in no economic shape to start forking 60% of our earnings over to produce this. It would never work. I have not seen anything by Obama that would indicate to me that he would ever want to institute a socalist government,

What I do see, is mega bail outs to American corporations almost to the tune on 1 trillion dollars. $130 billion in "Loans" to AIG alone, with the federal government taking at least a 79% stake in ownership of AIG. The US federal government taking a 79% ownership in a US mega corporation. Imagine that. Whether intended or not, if thats not a socialist "Quick Fix" I don't know what is...

So the only real socialism I see right now is coming out of the republican Bush administration. Corporate welfare is welfare never the less. And the Right Wing is always so quick to point out that welfare only rewards the undeserving. Rewards BAD decisions and mistakes. Welfare is welfare.

This only shows me the hypocrisy of the republican party. Point the finger, but don't look at me.

Obama may be inexperienced, but that only tells me that he therefore is not responsible for contributing to our current mess. He's smart, and he's surrounded himself with top notch advisors. Advisors such as Joe Biden, and Warren Buffet.

John McCann said that there is no time for on the job training in reference to Barack Obama. But then he gets a completely GREEN running mate who has zero experience outside of beauty queen pagents, being mayor of a small town and governor for less than 1 term. She's already gotten herself into trouble. McCann himself says that he has a lot to learn about the economy. I saw the clip, he said that himself. McCann says this as if its almost irrelevant. Yet the biggest crisis we face today is not terrorism as the republicans would have us all believe. Our biggest crisis we face is economic, an area that John McCann says himself, he has a lot to learn. We cannot afford to give McCann a shot and hope he get it.

Barack will do fine as president. He has the intelligence to help us become better off than we are now.

Don't believe the lies and smears of John McCann.

Posted By: pumkincat (October 30, 2008 at 5:17 PM)

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

StephenColbert5 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:05:30 GMT

I know I said I endorsed Barack Obama a few nights ago, but I've changed my mind. I've decided to go with John McCain because he's said specifically what he'd do as president to fix the economic crisis, he's run a dignified and honorable campaign, he's shown great leadership throughout the economic crisis, he's never flip-flopped on any issue, and because going to war directly prepared him to govern the land and people.

To stay on topic, I thought the infomercial just reinforced that Obama is an Arab-Muslim terrorist that will enslave the white race.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Faithaz — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:38:53 GMT

I did not watch the infomercial Obama did, I refused to give the rating, I have no idea how he made it this far and even being a senator. He has some shady friends, attended a church that teaches hate towards america and I feel he will push his beliefs on us, though he denies all that is being said about him, it is all true. He has had an enormous amont of money coming from the middle east, and people from iran praise him. My gosh what has this world come to? If he is elected there are alot of people out there that I can say I told you so. they are hypnotized by his well done speeches and his money, he uses his money to push him self around and buys people off especially the media. As for the ridiculous infomercial, it was a way out of being asked tough questions. this man has an enormous ego.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

StephenColbert5 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:44:56 GMT

You heard it here first: Obama owns all the media except Fox News. And yes, he is automatically made guilty solely by association. That's truthiness for ya!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

DWPitts — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:05:03 GMT

Conservatives own almost every major media outlet now, including by far, the majority of newspapers in this country. Why all this self-immolation?

"The evil MSM, which we own by the way, is out to get us." Fade in: Whaling, and gnashing of teeth, wringing of hands, while counting the profits from MSM proceeds. "Yes, they are going to destroy us, Bruhahaha..."

Here's a foreign concept you may want to try sometime to enhance your prospects with the American Public: "Tell the truth". I realize you don't understand it, but, IF, McCain would have stuck to this meme, instead of sling blading all this BS (through his surrogates of course), he would have been up 5%, instead of down 10%.

Who owns ABC? Disney. Who owns NBC? GE. Newspapers? Knight-Ridder. The list goes on and on.. LOL, those evil liberals from Disney and GE are out to destroy Republicans, one and all. Why not boycott Disneyland/DisneyWorld then? Perhaps GE products? Put your money where your mouth is...go for it. Seems more productive, than using a forum provided by the MSM to vent your outrage. After all, Mickey Mouse (see, Disney hates you) is voting 3.5MM times for Obama, didn't you get the memo?

Further, I didn't realize there was such a thing as Faux News/Obama grassroots support. People who watch Faux News and support Obama? OMG, what kind of a complex is that? You love Obama and Sean Hannity???? That sounds like a a very disturbing affliction. Have you been beating yourself up, insulting yourself, and lying about yourself, while wanting to change for the better recently?

The real Stephen Colbert is actually funny when he presents irrational behavior, attitudes and beliefs, after all, he is a professional comedian. For your edification, the personalities he projects are not role models, they are lampoons, lol.

NOTE: How do you propose an across the board spending freeze, while telling Larry King, you also propose going out and buying up all those toxic mortgages that are gumming up the financial system? Sounds like a confused cowboy, one with all hat and no herd, saying: "They went that a-way", while pointing in two different directions. See, half the country goes left, half the country goes right, and in the end, we just get more DIVISION. Just like Bush.

Thank you for telling us that McCain = Bush, however, it took me awhile to parse your logic. Next time, just say "A vote for McCain is a vote for more of the same!" I'm sure there are thousands of people in this country who will stand up and applaud.

I am Dave the Bawdy Poet, and I approve this satirical essay, lol.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

StephenColbert5 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:23:45 GMT

Oh, I know I'm not funny. I've just found that when most everyone else is seriously debating ther side of the issue, it's often times more effective to debate the other side of the issue as absurdly as possible instead of intelligently debating my side of the issue. Sorry if it bothered you any.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

DWPitts — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:35:58 GMT

LOL, I'm not bothered or offended or shocked or anything else. I like satire. Think its fun, and sometimes effective. You did read the "I am bla bal tagline", right? LOL,

Have a good one.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

tastytart — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:56:21 GMT

In reference to the Beach Comb-over,

I certainly did not say "all" liberals, I made reference to liberals. Big difference. Liberals to which I was referring were those that frequent this site. Rational is that I become frustrated with the content of these blogs. Really long blogs I feel don't get read that much so I try to keep it short, (won't say sweet because what I have to say is bitter bile upon your sensitive little tougne.) Get a grip this really is not a liberal/conservative issue in my mind it is more about how pathetic we have all become. I did use the ALL word there Einstein. I am so sick and tired of the middle class being referred to as this ignorant, incapable mass of less than's and don't haves. Arn't you insensed by any of this? All I hear is the poor sufferring middle class, "I feel your pain." We the people have stood by and allowed these jack-asses in our congress to take 5 week vacations when they should have have there happy little asses in their chairs doing the people's work. Everyone of them should be shown the door with the next ellection. They work for us beach boy, No one is to blame but us, We the People. We have not held our government accountable. But these Washington heavy weights sure have us fighting amoung ourselves don't they. Shame. I'd like to teach the world to sing too, then we could sing a nice chorus at the boot all the politicians out of there position gala! Ah, come on we are all in this together.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

cantwaittovotein08 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:00:41 GMT

If there is a sane person out there that thinks that McCain is not a continuation of the Bush Administration then you have gone temporarily blind. Have you not seen the debates, or any of his ads? He is irate and insane. At least Obama has the courtesy to be honest with the country about his plans to raise taxes and what he needs to do to get the country back on track. For those people making $250,000 a year, and can afford to pay a little more, STOP complaining and be Patriotic! McCain is not going to raise taxes!(?) Yeah, and Bush has done a GREAT job these past 8 years! And for those who have been brainwashed by Bush and his Administration into thinking that every person with an obscure name must be a terrorist...STOP IT!! Get a grip on reality! Um, there is a thing called google and it is the 21st century. All you need to do is google a name and you can retrieve so much information on a person. Obama was born in Hawaii, and the last time I checked that was a part of the U.S. Also he is of African and American origin, he is not an Arab. Stop spreading the propaganda and try to see the truth. Our country is sinking and we need a President that is going to bring us back afloat. Is McCain really the one to do this? Will he even last the full 4 year term at his age, if not is Palin ready, or are we ready for Palin? I really hope our Country makes the right (or left lol) decision on November 4th.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

StephenColbert5 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:40:07 GMT

Cool, DWPitts. I'll keep doing it then. :)

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

ninerbob2 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:15:15 GMT

Obama has been running a great campaign. But so much is being said about the candidates and who is tellig the truth? I believe what I see ad I'm going to show you an eye opener! Seeing is believing! First off, Obama is not the Anti-Christ, but go to you tube and type in " Obama anti-christ - the acorn prophecy ' and you will see facts!

This election is so important so please take time and watch and pass it on. We have a right to know the truth and the media is bias.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp

The truth about obama, all this I say is on internet:

He knew Bill Ayers well, he lied.

He would not wear the flag pin showing support after 911

he was Barry all his life until visiting muslim countries and became Barack, what brought out his muslim background wanting to be Barack?

He stated the big tragedy of the civil rights movement was that there was no redistribution of wealth to minorities.

Took the American flag off of his plane and won't put hand over heart for pledge of allegiance.

He got an illegal deal on his home from a good friend, middle eastern who is now in jail and his friend got the money from an Iraqi, part of saddam's government.

He is very close to Reverend Wright for many years and knew of the reverend's anti American and racists rants and lied about knowing what he has said. As long as he was with Wright, it is obvious he had no problems with Wright's views.

LA Times has a video and won't release it showing obama at a party for a Hamas terrorist supporter.

There is so much more to see America if you investigate.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

ninerbob2 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:18:16 GMT

Martin Luther King siad, " Judge some one not by the color of their skin, but the content of their character"

Look at the candidates history and make an informed decision, don't just vote because of someone's race!

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

123jenn45 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:51:19 GMT

Check out the infomercial that didn't make it on the air. It's really good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sj91NH5fvw

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

cantwaittovotein08 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:51:45 GMT

Wait a minute ninerbobz... So you are saying that the website that you posted has some merit? Don't vote for Obama b/c he belives in partial birth abortion. Well as a woman, a white woman(just to make it clear because race seems to be an issue) I want the right to choose what I can and cannot do with my body! If McCain is to be voted in he has made it clear that he has plans to reverse the Roe v. Wade decision. That would change our life and many others. We are the parents of 4 beautiful children. I also, by the grace of God, made it through 4 c-sections. My husband and I decided to take a permanant birthcontrol route after the Md told us that I could die if I ever got pregnant again. Now tell me ninerbobz, God forbid one slips by and we become pregnant again? Is the baby's life more important than mine, a mother of 4 and a wife? If we no longer have the right to choose then what are we to do? As a free American I believe I have earned that right. No I do not believe that it is right to kill a baby, or use an abortion as birthcontrol, but you do need to look at every individual person and their reason for their decision. Oh how easy it is to say, "Judge some one not by the color of their skin, but the content of their character" Try, "don't judge at all." Oh, and all this talk of Obama, I suppose that McCain has run a perfect campaign? Anything to add about him?

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

123jenn45 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:05:31 GMT

ok, cantwaittovotein08. If you really are a white women, which I'm not so sure is the truth, you better believe this is about race! Just so you realize, Obama went to Reverend Wright's church for 20YEARS. Let's take a look at a sermon of his....Obama and his wife Michelle are in COMPLETE agreement with these views. POOR PITIFUL BLACK PEOPLE. Watch this and see for yourself...He has a hatred of white people---he say's it several times. You can't deny it. Obama can't deny it. He went to that church EVERY week for 20years, and the Reverend came over for Sunday lunch a few times PER MONTH. You can't tell me he doesn't agree with his views..It would be a total lie. If you don't agree with what you hear in the pulpit, you'd find another church. Read Michelle Robinson-Obama's thesis, from Princeton University...it is in total agreement with Reverend Wright. Why do you think Obama called and asked Princeton to hold off releasing the rest of her paper until Nov5, the day after the election? We will all be in huge trouble if Obama is in the white house! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdJB-qkfUHc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9HUdF9OZa8&feature=related

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

cantwaittovotein08 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:26:55 GMT

Um, I AM a white woman! Who are you to question me? I have brown hair and green eyes :) I was born in Cali and raised in NY. My mom is Irish, Indian , Dutch and German and my father is Portuguese. My husband is Hungarian and Polish. We are completely behind Obama, not because of race(obviously) but for what he stands for, and what he has, and will, accomplish. You say he has a hatred for "white" people ? He was raised by white people :) Do you realize that ? For another example, do you know every single little dirty detail about the people that you work with everyday ? My point is that if you happen to work with someone and you go out a have dinner with that person or go out and golf with them etc if they happened to be involved in something shady would you be too ? Do you understand that ? Dont let your narrow minded, bigoted views dictate you, after all it is 2008. You also stated that Obama thinks POOR PITIFUL BLACK PEOPLE as you made it a point to capitalize, What do you think Obama is going to do with that above sentiment even if he believed that. You are saying the executive branch has that much power, so much so that POOR PITIFUL BLACK PEOPLE is going to be, what, a bill that he tries to pass? I know sounds stupid right, my point exactly. No I know you mean he's going to take all of our and HIS hard earned taxpayer dollars and pump it into welfare or something right ? Or maybe just maybe he will try to set up some type of infrastructure in the inner cities, where, children are in dire need of some direction. Or maybe you are so short minded that you believe that only white people and white kids in the suburbs are the chosen bunch, like yourself I assume. Oh, and all of this coming from a white female living in an urban city! What a diverse country we live in if you just open your mind :)

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

nickgr — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:52:31 GMT

Indian,Hungarian,Polish ancestry...

U have the qualifications to vote for leftists...

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

crazyk — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:27:55 GMT

Ninerbob2 you might want to do a little fact checking. You Tube is not exactly a reliable website...

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

cantwaittovotein08 — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:52:54 GMT

This is from the associated press: ENJOY!!

Associated Press, today:

GOP presidential nominee John McCain has past connections to a private group that supplied aid to guerrillas seeking to overthrow the leftist government of Nicaragua in the Iran-Contra affair.

McCain's ties are facing renewed scrutiny after his campaign criticized Barack Obama for his link to a former radical who engaged in violent acts 40 years ago.

The U.S. Council for World Freedom was part of an international organization linked to former Nazi collaborators and ultra-right-wing death squads in Central America. The group was dedicated to stamping out communism around the globe.

Daisy Cutter's diary :: ::

Back in August, I authored another diary describing McCain's ties to an assortment of shady individuals and groups. I'm glad that the story of McCain's extremist anti-communist friends is finally hitting the MSM in a big way. I think my August diary is worth a repost:

G. Gordon Liddy: Convicted felon who helped plan the infamous Watergate break-in. He also advocated war crimes against the Vietnamese people and called for shooting ATF agents in the head. His house was the site of a McCain fundraiser in 1998 and, just recently, McCain appeared on his radio show. McCain then got a little giddy over his dear friend Liddy:

Last November, McCain went on his radio show. Liddy greeted him as "an old friend," and McCain sounded like one. "I'm proud of you, I'm proud of your family," he gushed. "It's always a pleasure for me to come on your program, Gordon, and congratulations on your continued success and adherence to the principles and philosophies that keep our nation great."

Roberto Martin Perez: Cuban exile who signed a 1997 statement advocating any and all terrorism against Castro-ruled Cuba. Also a long time coordinator of the Cuban American National Foundation, which was named by notorious terrorist Luis Posada Carriles as a source of funding for an operation in 1997 that bombed numerous hotels and killed an innocent Italian tourist. Perez did an official radio ad for the McCain campaign that attacked Obama for suggesting negotiations with the Castro regime.

Robert Adam Mosbacher: Commerce Secretary under George HW Bush who helped to cover up the export of sensitive technology to Saddam Hussein's regime just before he invaded Kuwait. According to an invetigative piece by the LA Times, Mosbacher planned to "risk a criminal contempt charge by refusing to turn over material [to Congress]." Mosbacher is currently the chairman of McCain's campaign.

International Republican Institute (IRI): Right-wing "civil society" group that works to undermine leaders (including democratically elected ones) that are not compatible with US business interests. Colluded with former death squad members in overthrowing the democratically elected government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide and stood by as rightist militias and gangs massacred thousands of Haitian civilians. McCain is currently the chairman of the IRI, a position he has had since 1993.

Carl H. Lindner: CEO of Chiquita Brands International from 1984 to 2001 who "oversaw the payment of roughly $1.7 million to a Colombian paramilitary group that is today designated a terrorist organization by the United States." Co-hosted a $25,000-per-person fundraiser for the McCain campaign and the GOP.

Charlie Black: Former lobbyist for numerous foreign dictators. Ran a PR campaign for Ferdinand Marcos and received $1 million-per-year from Mobuto Sese Seko. Currently serves as McCain’s Senior Adviser.

Nicaraguan Contras: Terrorist group made up of former National Guardsman from the deposed regime of Anastasio Somoza Debayle. Implicated in numerous atrocities, such as "murder, rape, torture, maiming children, cutting off arms, cutting out tongues, gouging out eyes, castration, bayoneting pregnant women in the stomach, and amputating genitals." Accused by Human Rights Watch of disregarding "the rights of civilians" as a "a de facto policy." McCain donated $400 to this group in 1988 after Washington stopped giving them US tax dollars due to their abuses.

Bill Ayers was certainly a despicable person, but he never really killed anybody. McCain's friends succeeded in helping to end tens of thousands of human lives. Keep that in mind.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Nowforsomemoretruth — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:03:46 GMT

The problem with Obama is a simple one. One association does not a radical make. But in Obama's case, the list of left-wing radical mentors and associates is seemingly endless, (Davis, Ayers, Wright, Khalidi , etc., etc.) with a new revelation practically every day. With that, a picture begins to emerge, and that picture is that Obama is as steeped, not in just left-wing political thought, but in radical left-wing economic and race ideology, to the same extent that Pat Robertson was steeped in the ideology of the radical Religious Right. I would not have voted for Pat Robertson for dog catcher, and for similar reasons, I will not vote for Obama.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

StephenColbert5 — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:28:53 GMT

I know lots of Republicans and lots of Democrats, but cannot count well. Please inform me as to which I am, Kind Sir, for I must automatically belong to the same political party as most people I know.

As for this election, I can't vote for McCain because he has associated himself with Keating, Liddy, Perez, Mosbacher, the IRI, Lindner, Black, and Contras. The list of right-wing radical mentors and associates is seemingly endless, with a new revelation practically every day. With that, a picture begins to emerge, and that picture is that McCain is as steeped, not in just right-wing political thought, but in radical right-wing economic and race ideology, to the same extent that Pat Robertson was steeped in the ideology of the radical Religious Right. I would not have voted for Pat Robertson for dog catcher, and for similar reasons, I will not vote for McCain.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

GerNC — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 08:48:06 GMT

Hi cantwaittovote08

Vote Obama -- and suffer for at least 4 years. You do not know what a left wing liberal is. I believe if it came between losing the mother or the baby and a partial birth abortion was necessary to keep the baby alive, John McCain would definitely go for saving the mother's lfe. If you are a mother of 4, you certainly have not learned to analyze situations. I have 5 -- I am white -- I have brown hair and eyes -- and guess what? I plan to vote for McCain because I think he is

better qualified if there should be an emergency type disaster. There probably will be one if Obama becomes president. The world is waiting (especially countries like Iran and Russia) and hoping Obama gets president. They would really like that. He would be putty in their hands so to speak. All President Bush did was prevent us from having some of those Muslims over here -- in other words, he prevented war on our land with these idiots. If we have no military power and are not up-to-date on our weapons, do you think we stand a chance? Do you want those 4 kids to be under a communist rule government? Obama wants to do away with our military, so to speak, or at least cut it down where we are vulnerable. Black or white, I would not vote for him. He scares the h--- out of me. He's arrogant and totally not qualified to run our country.

John McCain is a hero and always will be.

You can't spread the wealth -- people have to work for it. If you spread the wealth, we are giving to people who do not want to work -- but want to have everything given to them.

The only thing that bothers me with our country now is there are too many "it's who you know" and not "what you know": people running around in "big" positions.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

GerNC — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 09:03:24 GMT

Guess what, Mickey Galt -

All recessions in this country came after 8 years of Democrats. We've only had 2 years (the last 2) with the Bush administration -- but we had 8 years with "draft dodging" Bill prior to Bush. Liberals are the big spenders. They give to the poor, but not from the rich, from the middle-class Americans. Sure, the Republican party backs big business (they also back small businesses-- this I know first hand). But it takes big business (and small business) to run this country.

I vote for John McCain -- the hero -- rather than the arrogant self-centered Obama who totally lacks experience in anything but changing his mind -- remember $250,000, $200,00, $150,000 -- what's next? Maybe $20,000?

Even my grandmother (who lived through the depression as a young widowed mother of 7 children) knew the depression came after several years of the big spending liberals.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

smeggo — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 09:54:10 GMT

You silly fear-mongers who assert that Obama is an anti-christ socialist terrorist who wants to transform this country into an Islamist dictatorship -- I know who you are.

You are the same irrational delusionists who voted for Bush the last time. Because he needed to be allowed to "finish the job", because if a pinko softie like Kerry had been elected, the terrorists would have immediately attacked us again!

You're the same morons who said we needed to attack Iraq to depose Saddam Hussein because he had weapons of mass destruction that posed a threat to American freedom. You're the same geniuses who voted for Bush the first time, because Gore was a lying tree-hugger whose "unfounded" concerns about environmental change threatened American jobs and would hurt our economy.

Your judgements were wrong in every case, you've been on the wrong side of the issue every time. Your scare tactics and chicken-little paranoia have been consistently misdirected. It was YOU who elected and re-elected Bush, and now we can all admit how poorly that has played out.

Since your reason has done nothing but fail you, why not leave this election to people with common sense. As usual, your perfidious panicky pulpiteering Is nothing but preposterous propagandist poppycock. Even McCain himself said "I have to tell you. Sen. Obama is a decent person and A PERSON YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE SCARED OF as president of the United States."

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

oldwhiz — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:36:10 GMT

My bottom line is that Obama has the intelligence and diplomacy our country desperately needs to regain a positive world standing, obtain the respect of our allies, and bring a renewed sense of community responsibility to our government. His race, religious preferences, and past associations are not of concern to me. If you are not able to tolerate people whose opinions differ from your own you do not respect them. We are a nation defined by diversity. Let's remember that. Obama seems to have a greater understanding of the problems a majority of Americans face. I feel that McCain's intolerance for political differences comes off as condescending, elitest, and patronizing.

It is time to spread the wealth. Perhaps if we won't care for our familes and neighbors it should be mandated that we do so. Perhaps if we go into a war for fear of weapons of mass destruction and we find there are none we should withdraw. Perhaps if we made people a priority again over

power we would all be better off as Americans.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

sid liberal — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:56:35 GMT

Unblieveable, there are people who still after 8 years would VOTE Republican. HA !HA !HA ! You gotta be kidding me. You got suckered into Bushs (bankrupt businessman and alcholic) reborn again christian BS. The great "Compassionate Consrevative" YOU PEOPLE WILL NEVER WAKE UP, but don't condem the rest of us to your dispare. Fisrt off i'm a Veteran, i'm not a communist, socialist, or a terrorist, and if for one minute you think if you win I'll support anything you do, THINK AGAIN. THANKS FOR THE NAME CALLING, YOU WON'T GET MY HELP. I hope you finish your job of destroying everything and everyone. You are EVIL people and an EVIL REPUBLICAN PARTY.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Nowforsomemoretruth — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:34:05 GMT

Hear Obama and Clinton for yourself, in their own words with out the filter of someone else's opinion..

Bill Clinton says Democrats failure to allow Republicans to regulate Freddie and Fannie caused economic melt down.

so. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsynspIqAoE

Obama in this video, addressing his community activist work and his work representing ACORN in litigation against the banks and relating to the Community Reinvestment Act, and addressing the failure of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae as those actions relate to the destruction of our economy by causing the current real estate and subsequent financial crisis, states that, and I quote:

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

Acknowledging the catastrophe, but as apologist for the Democrats, Obama then offers this justification.

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

Yah, great idea. Economically unsound, but embraced by Obama. Listen for yourself. You cannot dispute the mans on words recorded live:

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



And here is Obama again, stating

"And I think one of the tragedies of the civil rights movement was that the civil rights movement became so court-focused, I think there was a tendency to lose track of the political and organizing activities on the ground that are able to bring about the coalitions of power through which you bring about redistributive change, and in some ways we still suffer from that,"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iivL4c_3pck

2001 Chicago Public Radio Interview.

And here is Obama again in December 2007, promising a role in formulating policy during his transition if elected, despite saying he has no ties to this organization, Acorn

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

And here is a link to C-SPAN video clips of the Congressional hearings at roughly the time McCains attempt at S.190. to fix Fannie and Freddie. See for yourself who said what.

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

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

wlirpa — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:24:26 GMT

First of all I am so glad to see that there are actually people out there that will vote across party lines. There is nothing more ignorant to me than someone saying I am a republican and that is the only way I will vote, or vise versa.

What is really unfortunate though is we have been promised so much by every presidential candidate to ever run that we find it hard to believe anything any of them say. As someone here stated, the president can only give ideas, the congress and senate make most of the decisions. We all as adults know that none of them can make all the promises come true but this is what I am basing my vote on...

McCain agrees at least 90% of the time with Bush and has said so from his own mouth. I do not agree with 10 % of what Bush has done so if a presidential candidate is going to be just like him I can not vote for him.

I also am not dimwitted enough to believe every email sent to me which is where almost everything people accuse Obama of came from. I never heard on the news that Obama was a Muslim, that he didn't put his hand on his chest during the Pledge of Allegance, that he is the anti-christ, that he will make us a socialist country,etc...When in the world are people going to quit thinking because something comes in an email and looks real that it is. These are the same people that would give thier personal information out to a scammer. If you will just blindly believe anything you read then you will get what you deserve.

These men are just people. They have both associated with questionable people in there lives because anyone dealing in government deals with slimy people at one time or another. What is important is what they do now. Obama is not going to just turn us over to terrorists like some people seem to think, he is not a terrorist in sheeps clothing. I do not beleive that other countries will try to attack us just because he has no war experience. I do believe he loves his family just like we all do and I feel he would do whatever it takes to protect thier homeland. I think most of these other countries might find it a breath of fresh air to have someone in our Presidantiol office without his finger directly on the "Button".

He has stated that we will continue to look for Bin Laden where he actually probably is which is not Iraq. That means he is not going to just give up hunting for the animal that attacked us.

As I am sure everyone feels, there has never been nor will there ever be what everyone thinks is the perfect president, that is impossible. But just make your decision based on facts, not lies from some annonomous email sender that a friend forwards to you making it gospel. Make your choice on which candiadate makes the most promises you HOPE can come true, what ever they may be.

Read what they want to try to do and if they are for the things you are for then vote for them, not just because they are Republican or Demorcrat, not just because they are black or white, not just because they are a POW or not, and especially do not NOT vote for someone based on untruths.

The saddest thing I think could happen is someone is not voted for becasue some a**hole out there started an email or several emails slandering someones charactor to persuade people to vote for someone. The internet is great but it can be used for bad also. Go to www.Snopes.com or www.factcheck.com and see if the emails you were sent are true before you forward them as truths.

I also know alot of people are intimidated by thier friends or family to vote for someone. Please remember you can vote for anyone you want when you are in that booth and no one has to know except you. I live in a small backwoods mountain community where everyone is old die hard republicans. Up here you do not dare put an Obama sign in your yard or on your car, but that doesn't mean I can not vote for him if I want to. I have seen some Obama signs put up and the next day someone has took them down. It is sad that people feel pressured to vote one way or another because of where they grew up. I hope some "Closet" Obama supporters really do follow thier hearts in the voting booth.

Everything wil not be perfect if either man is elected so just follow your heart as to who you want to vote for.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Nowforsomemoretruth — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:01:44 GMT

The problem with Obama is a simple one. One association does not a radical make. But in Obama's case, the list of left-wing radical mentors and associates is seemingly endless, (Davis, Ayers, Wright, Khalidi , etc., etc.) with a new revelation practically every day. With that trend, a picture begins to emerge, and that picture is that Obama is as steeped, not in just left-wing political thought, but in radical left-wing economic and race ideology, to the same extent that Pat Robertson was steeped in the ideology of the radical Religious Right. I would not have voted for Pat Robertson for dog catcher, and for similar reasons, I will not vote for Obama.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

oldwhiz — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:15:24 GMT

If questionable associations is the bone of contention then I have a few for McCain.

Let's begin with family,Jim Hensley, Cindy McCain's father, convicted felon rsponsible for hiring John McCain into his firm and using his money and influence to launch his political career, In addition to being a felon he is also associated with Kemper Marley, who is suspected of the 1976 car bombing assasination of journalist Ken Bolles.

Next, there is G. gornon Liddy, the felon convicted adn who served 4 1/2 years for masterminding the WATERGATE break-in. Liddy considers McCain an old friend who shares his philosophies

and principles that keep our nation great. Liddy has held numerous fundraisers for McCain and contributed to his politcial rise in the last ten years.

Then we have Charles Keating, former chairman of Lincoln Savings and Loan which cost taxpayers 3.4 billion dollars. Accused of coruption, Keating's associations with McCain

as a close personal friend are disturbing.

Moving on to Raffaello Follieri, Convicted Felon pled guilty in A Manahtten court to conspiracy to commit fraud and five counts of money laundering. In late August, 2006, McCain celebrated his 70th birthday aboard a yacht,, rented by Raffaello Follieri .Follieri, posed as Vatican chief financial officer in order to win friends and investments., Follieri admitted to misappropriating at least $2.4 million of investor money and redirecting it to foreign personal bank accounts that were disguised as business accounts.

Rep. Rick Renzi, Under Indictment for conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, concealment of money laundering transactions with criminal derived monies. Up until February of 2008 Renzi was McCain's Chairman of his Presidental Election Campaign for 2008.

Rick Davis, McCain Campaign Manager & Freddie Mac Lobbyist.. McCain trusts him and considers him a friend.

Charles Black, Jr., Senior Advisor To McCain Campaign & Lobbyist For Dictators. A chief stratagist for stated that another terrorist attack on the US would be a big advantage to him. Clients of Black's have been guerrilla leader Sambivi of Angola, MArcos of the Phillipines, Somali President Siad Barre., and The Embasssy of Saudi Arabia. Black has earned $57 million since 1998 as a lobbyist . He continues to actively lobby in Washington.

There are of course others but I think the white collar criminals, lobbyists, and big bussiness

interests paint a disturbing picture of who McCain considers his friends.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Nowforsomemoretruth — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:59:23 GMT

And lets not forget the Court, and decisions like Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005).

What does redistributive mean. Well, remember that it was the liberal Left-Wing Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court that brought us this little jewel, holding that the government could take your real property, like your home, not for public use like a road or school, but to give to another private individual, such as a political contributor or other party hack or interest group. You remember this one.

Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005), was a case decided by the Supreme Court of the United States involving the use of eminent domain to transfer land from one private owner to another to further economic development. The case arose from the condemnation by New London, Connecticut, of privately owned real property so that it could be used as part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan. The Court held in a 5-4 decision that the general benefits a community enjoyed from economic growth qualified such redevelopment plans as a permissible "public use" under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment. Justice John Paul Stevens wrote the majority opinion; he was joined by Justices Anthony Kennedy, David Souter, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer.

The decision was widely criticized by American politicians and the general public. Many members of the general public viewed the outcome as a gross violation of property rights and as a misinterpretation of the Fifth Amendment, the consequence of which would be to benefit large corporations at the expense of individual homeowners and local communities. Some in the legal profession construe the public's outrage as being directed not at the interpretation of legal principles involved in the case, but at the broad moral principles of the general outcome.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelo_v._City_of_New_London

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

OCARTER — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:00:20 GMT

THE WORLD IS TIRED OF THE SAME OL POLITRICKS ,NOT JUST AMERICA,THE WORLD IS READY FOR SOMEONE WHO DOESNT HAVE HIS HEART,MIND SOUL,AND SPIRIT SO SATANICALLY DISTORTED BY GREED,CORRUPTION,LIES,DECIET,AND ALL OTHER BELOW WORLDLY BEHAVIORS.PLEASE GIVE OUR CHILDREN THEIR PLANET BACK,THEIR WORLD BACK,THEIR SENSE OF DIGNITY BACK,THEIR HOPE BACK.WHAT GOOD IS AMERICA IF ONLY THE SILVER/GOLD SPOONERS CAN HAVE ADEQUATE HEALTHCARE/HOMES/EDUCATION/EMPLOYMENT,WHEN MONEY ONLY CORRUPTS THE HEART.BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA HAS NOT BEEN TAINTED,MANIPULATED,HE HASNT EVEN; NOT EVEN ONCE DISTILLED THAT HE'S A BLACK CANDIDATE,HE HAS NOT EVEN INSINUATED THE SUCH,NOT THE JESSE,NOT THE SHARPTON;BUT THE ONE GREAT BARACK OBAMA CAN AND WILL GIVE AMERICA AND THE WORLD THE LOVE OF WHAT AMERICA AND THE WORLD IS,WHICH HAS BEEN SO DEEPLY TORN FROM ITS ROOTS.STOP WITH THE FEAR MONGERING THE WAR MONGERING THE HATE MONGERING FOR THE LOVE OF THE CREATOR{VOTE OBAMA}

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

OCARTER — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:20:17 GMT

IF NINETY FIVE PERCENT OF THE WORLD WAS PHYSICALLY BLIND,AND WAS TO JUST HEAR BARACK SO ELOQUENTLY ADDRESS THE ISSUES THAT SO EMPHATICALLY CHANGED OUR LIVES AFTER THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION INTO THE RADICAL,SELF CENTERED EGO TRIPPING WAR,WAR,WAR,HALLIBURTON CRONIES;{BUSH-CHENEY-MCCAIN} ADMINISTRATION,THEY WOULD VOTE WITHOUT PRE-CONDITIONS FOR OBAMA-BIDEN

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

OCARTER — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:16:35 GMT

SOME OF THE THINGS I READ DEFINATELY MAKES ME BELIEVE THAT THE MASS MAJORITY OF RT-WINGERS ARE REALLY DOWN RT RACIST FOR NO OTHER REASON BUT SKIN TONE .THEY MAKE IT SEEM AS IF BARACK IS SOME NON-AMERICAN {HOLD ON THATS TOO LIGHT} THEY THINK THAT OBAMA IS NOT EVEN HUMAN,HE'S SOME TALIBAN TERRORIST LOVING SOCIALIST THAT WANTS TO DESTROY AMERICA AND THE WORLD THAT HIS CHILDREN, MY CHILDREN,YOUR CHILDREN, EVEN THEIR CHILDREN LIVE IN,COME ON GIVE ME A BREAK,YOU VOTED BUSH {TWICE} ,1-IRAQ=LIES,2-SADDAM=LIES, 3-911=LIES 4-SHIITTES/KURDS/SUNNIS=LIES,5-MISSION ACCOMPLISHED=LIES....AND YOU THINK THATS RIGHT,,,NOW, IM NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF PUTTING PEOPLE DOWN...BUT..THE TRUTH IS THIS IS THE MAN THAT WHETHER U RT-WINGERS WANT TO BELIEVE IT OR NOT, FOR HIS VOW OF WANTING TO GET EVEN, CAUSED 3000+FROM 911, 5000+DEATHS FROM THIS UNJUST WAR AND WE ARE IN TWO MORE WARS,AND YOU STILL SAY BARACK HAS TIES WITH TERRORISTS,PLEASE,PLEASE,PRETTY, PLEASE,IF-JOHN(GEORGE BUSH)MCCAIN GETS ELECTED IM HOPING YOU STILL HAVE YOUR HEADS WAY IN YOUR A-HOLES SO YOU CAN SEE ALL THE FECIES YOU GOT US ALL IN FOR THE NXT4YRS,CREATOR FORBID SOMETHING HAPPENS TO AN HONORABLE ERRATIC MCCAIN AND SARAH(DICK CHENEY)PALIN HAS TO RESIDE AS PRESIDENT,AND I SAID:PRESIDENT: GOD-SAVE US ALL SHE DOES'NT EVEN KNOW THE JOB OF VICE-PRES

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Nowforsomemoretruth — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:05:09 GMT

In the exchange with "Joe the plumber" Obama unintentionally revealed that he really is as radical as his early political mentors and acquaintances, Davis, Ayers, Wright, Khalidi etc., (gee, there sure seem to be a lot of them) and that he is into the failed economic policy of wealth redistribution. Now there is absolute proof. In 2001, Obama, the "community organizer" turned legislator, said in an interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iivL4c_3pck

2001 Chicago Public Radio Interview.

Obama's tax and spending plans alone would be bad enough, but add Reid and Pelosi to the mix, with the three of them controlling both houses of Congress and the executive branch without any effective restraint, and you have something that should causes concern even among moderate Democrats.

See Wall Street Journal: A Liberal Supermajority:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122420205889842989.html

Indeed, some democrats are publically saying as much. See Barney Franks comments on the news, including face the nation last week, stating essentially that Democrats in Congress intend to greatly raise taxes and go on a spending spree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Mazjm_A5k

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

See http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/23617.html

Obama's ill-conceived programs will require him to tax, and his health care plan alone is a substantial hidden tax on all business, large an small. In reality, it does not really matter who he taxes, those taxes are going to be passed through the economy. He has to tax, because it is they only way he can pay for his massive social engineering experiments. Any first year economics student knows that taxation is a tool used to contract an economy experiencing inflation, because it reduces demand by reducing the amount of money individuals and businesses have to spend. It is contractionary, which is exactly what you do not want to do when the problem is that the economy is contracting already into recession. Like Hoover and FDR, Obama's plans will only make it worse for longer.

See e.g. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/03/opinion/main4499465.shtml

And

http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/FDR-s-Policies-Prolonged-Depression-5409.aspx

The democrats failed social engineering policies in the housing market are what brought us to ruin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr1M1T2Y314&feature=related

Even Bill Clinton says so. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsynspIqAoE

Obama and a supermajority of Democrats simply is not the change we need, nor is it change we can afford.

re: Obama's Presidential Dress Rehearsal

Micky Galt — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:02:49 GMT

Hey GerNC

Your wrong

Coolidge Rep was Pres 8-2-1923 to March 4 1929

The depression Hit

Hoover Rep March 4 to March 4 1933

FDR fixed their mess

Recession 1957 to 1958

Eisenhower Rep

was President form Jan 1953

Recession 1973 to 1975

Nixon Rep

was President form Jan 1969

Recession 1982

Reagan was President form Jan 1981 Rep

Recession 1990 to 1991

George Bush was President form Jan 1989 Rep

Following 8 years of Reaganomics.

Recession 2002 to 2003

George Bush was President form Jan 2001 Rep

Sorry your boys just tie up the money it bad for everybody