Political Punch

is is crazy you know how easy it would be for her (who would also be in the white house) to do all his dirty work threw her and not him!!! i say if she doesnt want to be involved in the public life then get divorved or stay at home if he won and stop showing up on t.v. to back him!!!!!
its another hillary i tell you they act like they can have it what ever way they want it who is suppost to be in charge us not you not hillary not obama us and we want to see who we would be putting into the job its like going to a job interview and refusing to let them see your resume!

John McCain is hidding his wife's connections that is why he and his wife will not release all of their tax retuns for the last 15 years.

Dr Hubert writes, "At the same time, Senator Obama stated that Sen. John McCain is too old to be President at the age of 71."

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If you don't mind Dr. Hubert, could please provide a LINK for your source? You would think that if Obama (who has been questioned about the comments of others, not wearing a flag-pin, etc.) would have ACTUALLY made such a comment it would have been on every single channel known to man. Clearly you are a liar. I challenge you to prove otherwise.

Wake-up America

Americans proudly saw Pope Benedict XVI turn 81 during his ongoing visit to the United States. Everyone knows that Pope Benedict XVI runs the largest organization (Catholic Church) on earth without any loss in his mental abilities. Since age seems to be part of the ongoing presidential primaries, this issue requires further discussion. During the recent ABC debates, Sen. Barack Obama stated that he plans on increasing the mandatory retirement age for Social Security recipients an additional 10 years. At the same time, Senator Obama stated that Sen. John McCain is too old to be President at the age of 71.

Therefore, the Senator from Illinois logic does not make sense. If forcing Americans to work an additional 10 years (minimum age of 77) to be eligible to get Social Security benefits, then one would think that Obama believes that this age does not influence one’s ability to work in any profession. Using Sen. Obama’s logic, then having a President at a young age of 71-75 counters Obama’s logic. Obama’s attack on McCain’s age is nothing more than political attack. It seems that young politicians with limited knowledge that are 41 (or younger) need more experience that time brings.

Other issues require further investigation. First, as Americans know, Sen. Obama believes that anything that his campaign committee says is not his responsibility. So will Sen. Obama govern his cabinet in the same manner as he has done with his election committee? Either is he responsible or he is not responsible. How can he run America if he will never be responsible for any one that he selects to crucial positions. Such a government would result in total chaos. Second, since 50% of Obama’s contributors are from those that have given him $1,000, I do not know many Average Americans that can afford to be so generous.

Finally, during the ABC debates Americans saw first hand that the Senator from Illinois’ tax plan requires further study. Senator Obama almost made a commitment that he would not tax the Middle Class making under $200,000. However, the Senator from Illinois’ tax plan does not support this comment. Also, his tax plan does not protect retirees. The Senator from Illinois made this issue clear during the same debates. Senator Obama stated that he would put a $75,000 cap. Then the Senator from Illinois suggested that this cap was not off the table since Senator Obama believes he knows what is best for America. American’s know that the media will never question him. However, the average American has the right to question anyone wishing to become an America President.

Redundant

I was mulling over the ABC debate this morning and the moderators' claim that knocking Obama with a more or less uninterrupted stream of Swift Boat gotchas was justified by focusing the debate on 'electability'. And it occurred to me that we have now crossed an important threshold where the Republican operative cadre has sufficiently disciplined and trained the press (and more than a few Democrats) that their own role may simply be redundant.

Think about it. Organized campaigns of falsehoods, distortions and smears used to be something most people thought of as a bad thing, if not something that's ever been too far removed from American politics. Now, however, members of the prestige press appear to see it not as a matter of guilty slumming but rather a positive journalistic obligation to engage in their own organized campaign of falsehood, distortion and smear on the reasoning that it anticipates the eventual one to be mounted by Republicans. In other words, we've gotten past the debatable rationale that journalists have no choice but to cover smears and distortions once they're floated into the mainstream debate to thinking that journalists need to seek out and air smears and distortions on the grounds of electability, as though the mid-summer GOP Swiftboating was another de facto part of the election process like primaries, conventions and debates.

It's an expansive rationale under which Gibson and Stephanopoulos may have failed their civic responsibility by not pressing the point of whether Obama is a hereditary Muslim or his mother had a predilection for dark-skinned socialists.

As I've noted it's pretty nauseating and disillusioning that Sen. Clinton has now also convinced herself that she's providing a service by mounting her own Swift Boat campaign. BUT SHE IS AFTER ALL RUNNING A CAMPAIGN.

In any case, at this stage it's not even clear the GOP slimesters ever have to come on the field. Journalists recognize their obligation to seek out potential Swift Boat tactics and do the job for them.

--Josh Marshall

"Sure don't remember last elections Democrate Swift Boat nominee showing his wife's vast Hines fortune?"

Well, that's the point. Nobody is claiming she's required to to disclose her finances. The real question is if the right-wing noise machine that howled about Heinz doing the same thing will gripe about McCain too, or if they'll be the usual hypocrites. I know what I'm expecting.

By the way, I think it's hilarious when people like you use "swift boat" like it's an insult. It's an admission that Kerry actually fought in a war, unlike your heroic AWOL Bush. I suggest you try to remember what words actually mean, not the propaganda your blowhard leaders have tried to twist them into.

That is a hard one. But, I do think we should know if she has profited from any legislation the her husband promoted or voted for. Also he uses her corporate jet for his campaign.

"More class envy from ABC and liberals. If you want more money or a better life, then WORK FOR IT!!"

Hmmm. I thought the only McCain did to get to the Beer Fortune was betraying and leaving his wife and children, and courting and marrying Cindy.

It is a very important issue. What are her investments? Where is she making her money from? This could have a huge influence on lobbyists, PAC's etc.... You sound very elitist Helen, trying to protect the massive wealth of McCain's dynasty. What are they hiding, huh Helen?

Federal judges get their social security, too. In fact, if they retire at 65, they get their social security and their full paycheck -- you can't diminish the salary of a federal judge in his lifetime. It is not unusual for McCain to get the money he gets. Moreover, his wife is not running for president. If they've always kept their money separate, why should it now be an issue for you? It's none of your business. Worry about issues.

So Honest, John McCain gets more than your hubby, isn't that to bad. I suppose Hil and Bill get less than your Hubby. While John McCain sat in a Viet Nam prison camp for 5 yrs getting tortured where was Bill. Oh yes, I remember now in England protesting the war and giving comfort to the enemy. Also where was your hubby during this time. The social security argument is moot because at 70 you have to take your social security. As far as a military pension goes if some of you whiners would have got off your dead butts and served honorably like some of us did you might have a military pension to be able to give away as you want McCain to do.

Isn't it odd that ABC tends to focus on issues that are really not the most important issues of the day... like say the IRAQ INVASION... the US liability for hundreds for thousands of innocent civilian casualties, the hundreds of thousands of US casualties? GITMO? WIRETAPPING CIVILIANS WITHOUT A SEARCH WARRANT... the list is endless... Nooooo we are sidetracked LIKE CHUMPS onto emotional issues that are by comparison MEANINGLESS! This entire nation is a nightmare.

how can his income be more than $300k and $400k and SHE'S the reason they live comfortably? HE lives comfortably on his own!!! GEES!!

WHY WILL HE NOT SIGN THE NEW GI VETERANS BILL????

Looks like Hillary Clinton is silanced on this issue of McCain's disclosure - may be it is a"Right Wing" conspiracy. The Clintons and the McCains are not hurting, they cannot relate to average, hard working Americans. Come on Hillary, call on McCain to disclose including his wife who is aiming to enter the White House - is'nt she?
Sincerely, Lake , a Native American Writer.

SIGN THE GI VETERANS BILL !!!! YOU OF ALL PEPOLE SERVED THE COUNTRY SIGN THE BILL SENATOR MCCAIN!!!!!

By NOT releasing his wife's income, when the other candidates released their spouse's incomes, it looks like John McCain has something to HIDE!

McCain is SCUM and a Bush clone. If you guys are not happy with McWar, why don't
you look in to voting for RON PAUL??? He
is still running for president. They media DO NOT want you to know about him. That is why they have trashed RON PAUL. Ron has been right on about what is going on with our crooks in Washington and Bush devaluing our currency intentionally. Better start waking up and look into the NEW WORLD ORDER. It is real people. VOTE RON PAUL ......

Democrats criticized Dan Quail’s service in the reserves, Bill Clinton’s burnt draft card was okay since that was a long time ago. George W. should have served in the regular Air Force instead of the National Guard. Neither Hillary or Obama had military service although Hillary is a decorated combat veteran since she ducked sniper fire in Bosnia. LOL. Gore has 3 large mansions with a heated pool, private planes, helicopter, 4 kids with 4 cars which has to burn more gas than my one daughter with one car. Then he says I’m polluting too much. Democrats say they are the party of the poor but the richest in the US are Democrats. Democrats are Hypocrisy personified. ..... And Ms Kerry is a multi-Billionaire not a multi-millionaire.

You are not allowed to reject receiving social security.

Obama has a bunch of sicko's with little class blogging. Good for McCain and Cindi to have separate returns and money. I like that. Maybe Obama should release his tax info from his IL senate years and be transparent. You walk like you talk.

Mrs. McCain owns a private corporation.....if she released her financials, her competition would see them. That is not fair to her company and employees.

Where is Hilary now? if this where Obama Hilary would have been blowing the trumpet. Its obvious that she's going to defect to Republican when she finally loose. In short she should leave the race and go back home to give Bill food before he goes outside to eat again. You know he like 19 year old or interns's food alot. lol.

Hi Mary, did you notice that Senator McCain even got a increase from 2006 ($56,496) to $58,358 in 2007. Perhaps if he's so rich from his wife's earnings he could donate the earnings from the Navy back to the soldiers.

It's unbelievable that he would even consider voting against a raise for the soldiers.

That is really SAD!!! :~(

Where was Hillary's and Georges flag pins?

Nice hatchet job on Obama, but where were the issue questions? I hope you do better with McCain, so he can go off on Geroge.

How can he still collect Social Security with his salary? I can't do it.

It seems that if you run for President you aren't privledged in the since of disclosing income sources. He is in a family with his wife? He gains from a Billionaire lifestyle but wants pity that he is not. What portion of her wealth is donated to charity? IF you want to be know as generous let's see the hole picture. Seems like a double standard for McCain. If I had a billionaire wife I would work for free and not take a salery, Big Woopie.

You know, this is more confirmation that Republicans are the most duplicitious, hypocritical beings in creation! They sure know how to dish out the dirt and name-calling, but certainly can't take it. Everyone knows full well that if Obama or Clinton ran the country like Bush they would have convened impeachment proceedings long ago. On one hand you can understand and empathize with Ms. McCain not disclosing. But there is the issue of any possible conflicts of interest that the American public will have no knowledge of. Furthermore, if Ms. Obama had taken the same stance they'll be stating this is another indication of her 'unpatriotic' views of America! Republicans are like nasty little school yard bullies who cry if they get punched back!

Wow Tammy, '...why most Americans hate Republicanism.' Rather presumptive of you to speak for most Americans.
Fortunately since most Americans aren't pinheads like you, we know better.
I think it would be the right thing for the McCains to disclose everything, irrespective if it's legal to keep it private. Senator McCain prides himself on being straight and open so this hardly seems something on which to declare privacy.

Why should he have to declare his wife's earnings? She has nothing to do with what he earned.
Sure don't remember last elections Democrate Swift Boat nominee showing his wife's vast Hines fortune?

I think some Republicans made wrong strategy. They should turn down Obama first, let Hillary and McCain compete. Either of them wins, I don't mind. Because they represent the American's tradition, the root, the majority force. They will continue treating the minority fairly.

Do you really think Obama will bring Repulican together if he is elected?? This is his political gesture. As a so undecisive person, what DARE he do?? Did you watch the debates? How timid he is? Did he see his accomplishments? How timid he shows? He strongly attacked McCain, that means he WILL NOT unite Republicans if he is elected. He is so young, so inexperienced, he just blindly attacked McCain, he is the one doesn't respect hard working.

Good reporting Jake. I'm sorry, Ms. McCain, but when you run for President, you 'kinda' give up the right of privacy. This is a lame excuse, and they don't want to seem like they're gazillionaires. As Jake said, let's see how the wingers react this time.

I think the media is silly. They dig Hillary and McCain so much. Too Silly.

Hillary and McCain are the two we've known for so many years.

Why not dig Obama more? If he is president, what will we get?? Anti-American spirit?? Bitter story?? Speeches with empty substance?? Raises in captal gain??? Friendship with terrorists?? An example of not covering heart when singing national song?? Grow in rocket speed and give kids an example that not need work hard to achieve the highest rank in the strongest country of the world??

Jake, Clinton has not released her 2007 tax returns which would show money from the partnership of berkel.

McCain gets social security money because he paid into the system for 22 years in the military.

McCain is the only candidate who doesn't take royalties from his books. McCain donated all 1.8 million of the royalties from his books.

While candidate Clinton took 8 million on one book and other money for another for herself and Bill took 10 million and Obama took 4 million.

McCain is the only one in the senate who refuses to take salary increases for his senate career.

McCain hasn't taken a salary increase in the senate since 1991 saving the taxpayers 450,000. Obama and candidate Clinton have taken a salary increase every year they have been in the senate.

Clinton is charging interest for her 5 million loan. Why are the dems not taking candidate Clinton to task over this. She is worth 109 million but is charging interest to herself and won't pay the small vendors.

I'm a Democrat but... the law's the law and, if McCain has chosen to not disclose Cindy's tax returns, so be it.

I wish we could get to the real issues and let this stupid stuff go.

When McCain went broke he couldn't tap into his wife's money. They are listed under her name so he couldn't tap into them.

Big difference when Clinton went broke she tapped into Bill's money from Columbia and Dubai.

Hey Jake Tapper:

Where is the headline Clinton non disclosure.

Clintons haven't released their 2007 tax returns when Clinton got all that money from his partnership with berkel.

Clintons haven't released their public schedule from 2000-2006 and they are afraid the republicans will get the list from the secret service and that it is embarrassing.

Clinton hasn't released her earmark projects.

Clinton hasn't released the names of foreign donors to the Clinton library.

Is ABC now the All Bill Clinton network.

Charities like the Clinton's the McCain foundation. Why not list the charity.

Nice he can collect social security and navy pension. When someone who paid social security for 26 years and then worked for the state 16 years and because of that will lose social security and widow's pension upon retirement and will only collect on pension (16 years) because Congress passed a windfull elimation act.

it's ironic - part of McCain's income is military benefits and yet he doesn't want to see any increases in benefits to those now serving as if they get too much they won't reenlist.
That's okay though - as he's getting his so why worry about anyone else getting theirs.

For the benefit of those of you whoa are either just dumb or still in denial about McCain. He only discloses his income because that way he looks like he is really a good guy. Gives generously to charity and lives off Social Security and GI Pension. WOW! What a sham. Is he not married to a Billionaire? Don't you think they live together? Doesn't he benefit from that relatioship? You bet he does. Yet, he wants the public to believe he is next to a pauper, just a regular guy. Get real.

I'm not impressed by all that he's given. When you have as much money, you can afford to give. And since they never should have gotten those raises anyway - shame on the public for now protesting - he should give his share to charity. Hell, they should all give their full share to charity. Since the public is having a hard time, they shouldn't even be enjoying all those nice comfty guaranteed salaries and benefits at the hands of tax payers. So what he gives money to charity, when you are worth that much, you should give to charity.

Jason,

And what exactly is your excuse concerning Kerry and Mrs. Heinz.

Her finances can be private if the law says they can. The conservative rags were wrong to push for it. No, they won't say anything now - as McCain is their candidate - and all reporters - including ABC's reporters - are hypocrites - just like the candidates themselves - and just like most of us. I try to be fair and push for the same things on both sides. I can never be totally fair, but I try. If McCain tries to make an issue about his charitable contributions, then the opposition could rightfully say, "Well what percentage is that really of both your incomes?" All in all, this should be a non issue, barring that, however. I wish I had married a rich woman - I would be writing this from home instead of work right now.

Jake,

I admit I don't like you all that much -not your coverage of the campaign and certainly not the loser network you work for. However, screw all that let's go out? Your network is about off the air anyway. You will have plenty of free time on your hands, so think it over and get back to me.

Pat

I remember when Ross Perot was running that he was portrayed as a disingenuous "billion dollar populist". I didn't agree with it at the time and don't agree with all of griping about how rich all of these candidates are. As long as they've earned their money honestly, that's all that should matter - not the sheer quantity that they have.

@ Honest

Well Look he does get a retirement from the Military, and while in the Military he did pay SS.

You may not be aware of the fact that until recently any disability pay a retiree rvcd from the Government was deducted from his or her retirement pay. In short the Military men and women who were retired and on disability paid for there own disability.

I am a democrat so I will not be voting for John, but like John I served, unlike John I do not get a retirement, but I will not begrudge anyone who served, the money they earned.

To Jake Tapper:

Big difference, McCain can't use Cindy's money for his presidential campaign unlike Hillary who used her joint account with Bill for a 5 million loan to his campaign. Cindy's assets are in her name.

McCain also has three grown children and maybe they didn't want trust funds made public. That seems to be the reason. Who cares? McCain has disclosed financial records of his wife's earnings. She has 15 million in earnings.

Also McCain donated all his money from royalties to his books which were 1.8 million. Hillary, Bill, and obama kept that money. McCain saved the taxpayers 450,000 for not taking salary increases for his senate pay since 1991.

Hillary took interest for her 5 million dollar loan.

There is no conflict of interest with the McCain's where the Clintons have conflict of interest through their joint account with issues like Columbia and Dubai. Bill speaking in dubai favoring the ports deal and then Hillary using that money for her 5 million dollar loan.

While Hillary was able to use Bill's money which created conflicts of interest like the Columbia situation where Hillary gave herself a 5 million loan with interest while Bill took 800,000 from columbia.

He is collecting social security and still getting pay by the government...What the hey is wrong with this picture????????My God he gets more then my hubby >>>>>>>