Political Punch

Chuck:

Your math is a bit off. That would be 425 per person.

15% approval rating!!!

if i remember it correctly...

A = 90 and above
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 65 - 69
F = 64 and below

what is a grade of 15%. would it be safe to say that if i show up but goof off i could get a 25% and if i don't show up i would get a zero...

politicians are making wall streeters look good.

Who are the 15% that approve of congress's performance? Are they paying attention? Harry Reid is a cantankerous fool. He complains about everything. He says, "We need McCain to solve this crisis" and then a few days later says, "We don't need McCain".

He has too much disdain and contempt. It's time to retire Mr. Reid.

Yet another MSM talking head in the tank for Obama. I notice you completely ignored the fact in your article that Reid had previously attacked McCain for not coming to DC. Keep up the good work. I see a day in which you guys destroy your credibility enough that we finally see the big three networks collpase under economic failure and we don't have to see this nonsense anymore.

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a “We Deserve It Dividend”. To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up. So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00. My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a “We Deserve It Dividend”.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam. But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00. What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?

Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college - it'll be there
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs
Invest in the market - capital drives growth
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG - liquidate it. Sell off its parts. Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up. Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't. Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work." But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party! How do you spell Economic Boom? I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion "We Deserve It Dividend" more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington D. C.
And remember, The Birk plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Harry Reid is having way too many senior moments as of late. I think it is time for the old fossil to retire from public service.

Thats funny . Just a couple days ago Reid was crying that NO DEAL COULD GO FORWARD WITHOUT JOHN SIGNING OFF ON IT . Most of the leading dems were saying that they WOULD not vote for it if McCain didn't vote for it for the first 24 hours till they realized how bad it made obiden look . It couldn't be done without McCain and they would call obiden if they ended up needing him .

Jonnie to the rescue save the world one more time! Or I should say the American economy. If jonnie macaroni is not able to debate Obama, he can send always his sidekick chick from Alaska……. Sarah Plaiiiiiiiiin. Is obvious she have more experience from all the USA senators together! ! SPIN, LIES and LIPSTICK

Give the Chicago Kid hell tomorrow John - you've forgotten more about foreign policy than that shyster lawyer will ever know.

'McCain will have to read off a teleprompter to respond to any questions about the economy because he's already shown he can't discuss it "on his feet.".....

@@@@@

Not to worry; Neither can Obama... as
HE's already proven too!

Someone should tell Reid that it is Obama's campaign that is failing

All the experts stated that this would be a walk in the park for the Democrats and what McCain is leading (take away the 10 points lead that the Polls usually give the dems becasue they poll more dems then republicans)

Throughout this campaign, Senator McCain has conducted himself in a very irresponsible manner, and his erratic actions and statements are increasingly befuddling. This latest move is a clear Hail Mary moment designed to switch the conversation from Obama's lead in the economy to his 'selfless' act to 'save' the economy with his ONE vote. A brilliant move, despite risks to global confidence, and amidst slipping public polls. Through the campaign, we have seen the spectacle of 'Celebrity' while Obama was in Berlin, and Palin's family drama as analysis of Obama's speech at the DNC was ripped off the airwaves. And now an act of feigned selflessness in suspending his campaign which has effectively changed the media conversation to inextricably tie the rescue package to his name, at the grave risk of further delaying the time-critical process through injection of presidential politics.

While strategically powerful, one does question why an upright, together candidate, would resort to such wanton acts of manipulation and diversions. 'Celebrity' was highly effective, as Obama's poise, substance and popularity was used effectively against him. However,it is now becoming apparent that the woman who could be a 72-year old heartbeat away from presidency is woefully under-qualified for the task, and was selected purely for shock value and for stealing the media initiative. In this latest move, McCain's interference risks delaying the bill, and eroding global confidence further by presenting to the world a divided America.

Repeatedly, Senator John McCain has turned away from his old respectable self, offered positions his campaign has not been able to back up (i.e. claiming to fight a lobbyist infested government when his own campaign is staffed and funded heavily by special interests). In his relentless charges of media 'bias' (creating doubts in the foundations of truth in society), followed by relentless volleys of lies, John McCain has shown a willingness to apply mass manipulation to misinform the electorate on key issues affecting their choice like taxation (50% of americans still believe that Obama will raise taxes for everyone), and applying the same old tactics of dividing the electorate with choices (abortion, guns, gay marriage) which are totally irrelevant for the challenges facing America today. With his campaign unable to pull ahead, McCain has also shown a willingness to steal the mantle of change from Obama, attempting to make some of his opponent's key ideas (gov records on the web, reform) look like his own. Of late, there have been a very subtle injection of race into the conversation, and as evident in the rise of intolerant acts and statements across the blogs and across America, he has wilfully fanned the flames of racism - the rot of our society.

At the heart of his strategy is a general assumption that Americans are naive, unable to do their own research, and unable to be critical of attempts at manipulation. Taking a strongly anti-intellectual tone, one questions how this kind of leadership would encourage our young to strive for a better education. Instead of hope and promise, he has driven his campaign through fear and division.

With the race still close, his campaign strategy is still statistically effective. Looking deeper, one question lingers - is winning more important to John McCain than doing the right thing?

Reid needs to get out of the way and let them get this done with all the anomosity that is going on. Let the ones do their job that can know what if anything needs to be done. They were told in the past this was going to happen and now they all need to work together and get out of the DEMs and REPUBS thing act like everybody is there to get it done and not just listen to Dodd that knew in the first place what was happening and did nothing. So let someone else do what needs to be done. Take care of bussiness stay out of the way Reid.

The presence of neither one of the presidential candidates is necessary in Washington. If they need to be present for a vote of the Senate, communications today make it possible for them to vote in real time via interactive telecommunications. Neither candidate is a member of the Senate Banking Committee so all their presence in Washington now would only inject politics into the decision making regarding the proposed $700 Billion bail out of the financial markets. Further, by his own public admission, McCain doesn't know much about the economy

Re the debate -- McCain has been pressing Obama throughout the campaign to debate. The date for this debate was established some time ago as was the topic: Foreign Policy. This is supposed to be McCain's strong suit, but his repeated flubs when asked questions regarding international borders, and international relations put his alleged strength in serious doubt. Even tho the topic is supposed to be Foreign Policy, I'd bet dollars to donuts the debate will veer into the state of the economy because that is the priority issue for most Americans, and McCain will have to read off a teleprompter to respond to any questions about the economy because he's already shown he can't discuss it "on his feet."

Harry Reid is part of the Pelosi gang that is totally clueless on how to run a government. All this Democratic talk about what they were going to do when they took over -what a joke. Pelosi, Dean, Reid and Brazile - the village Idiots !!! Obama doesnt care what the government does with the economy- he also has no real plan. He thinks its all his in 40 days anyways. Hint to Bammy - you cannot sit on the throne officially until January 20th !! DUH !!! McCain wanted to debate Obama in town hall meetings -Obama said no after saying YES !! So McCain is certainly not afraid to debate Obama on FOREIGN POLICY !!!! I applaud McCain for putting first the economic mess - the entertainment can wait a few more days. As for Obama - the world revolves around his arrogance - enuf said !!

Jake,
Where are the comments Reid made on Tuesday begging McCain to tell the democrats how he would vote on the bailout?
According to Reid, the democrats needed McCain's assurance to tell them what to do.

Ried is an idiot. This is the same man that said there would be NO bill without McCain. Just another example of what lengths the dems will go to get elected. They do not care about this country, only their power. VOTE THEM ALL OUT!!!

Why would Reid be upset about a Congressman who thinks his job is important?
If McCain didn't go to Washington, he'd ask why he didn't.

Senator Reid should be ashamed of his remarks about Senator McCain. This is the ugliest example of partisanship I have ever seen! And that's ditto for Schumer. It's time for you do-nothing people in Washington to go! And take that useless Nancy Pelosi with you!

Disgraceful!!!

Everyone knows the Democrats are as capable as the Republicans when it comes to playing politics. The whole political system is a big cat fight based on who is right or wrong according to their worldview, preferences, values, etc.

We will see who the true patriots are in this economic mess.

Mannawell, Obama hasn't been in the Senate long enough to have voted against or for regulation. And for the time he was there, he voted present. Oh, and because he now says he's always been for regulation, we're expected to believe him? Come on.. I wasn't born yesterday, bud. The guy has no conviction. Never has and never will. He's like a feather caught in the wind. Never knows where the wind will take him next.

There may be no lower snake in America than Reid. The man is traitorous. Who in their right mind would even bother quoting the idiot that said the war was lost.

Brooklyn, do you have a problem with a "free maket" system? Sounds like you do, bud. A word of advise, keep your socialistic tendencies out of Washington. Socialism in this country is not going to work. You're forgetting that people of the old establishment, those 38 and up, who know about the cold war, witnessed the Iranian hostage crisis, and who got to vote in the '88 presidential race far out number the ideologues who are now promoting socialism. I can't believe that the Democratic party has been hijacked by the radical left. The party that once represented the underdog has become the platform of Marxism. Folks, as yourselves this. Why is Obama pandering to the young? He is pandering to the young because they don't know anything about crisis. They are the easiest ones to draw in because like most people who have just graduated from High School and College, they're idealists. Now, there is nothing wrong with being an idealist so as long as you know where your heart is. Now to counter my argument, some of you will simply ask how in hell I know this. I know this because I was there. I was an idealist, ready to change the world. Oh, I've changed the world alright. I do what I can. I just don't force radical change on people. You adapt and learn other people's ways. Then, you engage them in dialogue. What Obama is doing folks is simply taking a train that is going 120 miles an hour and pulling the breaks. Folks, this country, like a train moving at that speed, will face a derailment of historic proportions. Change is inevitable, no doubt. But the change Obama is proposing is too much at one time. Socialism in our United States will never work. The founding fathers of this great nation of ours made sure of it. Don't ask how they knew. They just knew. Our Declaration of Independence, our constitution, the very government who is now supposed to work for the people, was founded on "free market" principles. You socialists will have to destroy the very piece of paper that gives you your right to think the way you do. Now, that isn't going to jive. No, sir! Not without a fight. Patriots who honor and hold the constitution dear to their hearts will rise to the occasion and will spill their blood before seeing this nation destroyed by people like you.

I don’t have any problem in characterizing McCain .He is a Republican!
According to his own campaign, Republicans are corrupt and incompetent.
Obviously he has inside information!.

Mike,

I feel you sincerely. And so that we are clear, I am not playing politics with my comments.

I agree that all hands need to be on deck to get us out of the woods.

But I vehemently oppose any act by either of the Candidates to inject Politics into this bailout process.

The two Candidates are going to approach the problem with excessive caution because neither of them would want to give the other, ammunition to use against him.

Caution? Yes! we need Caution. But excessive caution is what we don't have the time for.

They have put themselves forward to serve in the highest office of the Land, they should concentrate on telling us what they intend to offer us in the next four years.

And what platform will be open and accessible to all and sundry to hear there programmes? The debates.

Questions relating to the Domestic Economy would be asked and the Candidates would have the opportunity to make us feel their pulse.

McCain and Obama's presence on Capitol Hill will be an unnecessary distraction.

The "Great Deregulator" has moved from the "fundamentals of the economy are strong" to full blown panic mode in just ten days...with plenty of contortions and flip flops in between. Now he's going to go back to Washington and straighten out the mess that he and the other "free market ideologues" helped make.

This is not leadership...it's stuntmanship of the most banal and cynical type. McCain seems intent on proving George Will correct. He lacks the judgment and temperament to be President. He's also giving the us the impression that he's unable to walk and chew gum at the same time.

Given that the administration and the Senate and House Committees seem to be working this through with intelligence and remarkable speed, McCain's return to the Senate has more to do with shifting the conversation away from his record as an economic "deregulator,"
Rick Davis' $15,000 monthly gifts from Freddie Mac, and his running mate's inability to provide Couric with more than one example of McCain voting to strengthen regulation.

Wonder if he intends to push himself into photo-ops with Frank, Dodd, Bernanke and Paulsen once they've worked out a deal?

Harry apparently can't remember that less than 24 hours early he was whining on ABC news for McCain's help with the Republicans. And that he wanted to know what McCain was going to do. I guess he has his answer. He wants to see that Americans are represented. And no bailing out the auto manufacturers. They have had all of the US handouts they deserve. ENOUGH.

What people perceive to be an advantage to Obama in these recent days of economic turmoil is really that he’s unequivocally shown better ability to understand, judge, and manage the situation better than John McCain. First McCain says that “the fundamentals of our economy are strong” on a day where the world is shown that is anything but the truth. After acknowledging later that the economy is “at great risk,” he then declares that no financial institution should be rescue from turmoil no way, now how, well maybe…ok, sure. He says the problem is greed but, “I’m a fundamental deregulator.” With so many convolutions in between half-cocked calls for the firing of the FEC (Federal Election Committee=not involved) and the SEC, the American people don’t know if John McCain is talking about football or the economy. I don’t think McCain knows either.

At the same time Barak Obama , who has supported efficient regulation and enforcing the laws we have already, exercised good judgment in waiting until all the facts were out instead of jumping to hasty conclusions and declaring rash courses of actions. He remained straightforward about the dangers in the economy, staying cool and optimistic, and receptive to ideas. When Paulson came out with his $700B no-accountability demand, Obama rebuffed it and set the framework of principles for Paulson to work within. Obama understands that as distasteful as this rescue is to everyone, except Wall Street, it is likely necessary to prevent the greatest economic depression the U.S. has ever been through. To be fair, McCain’s and Obama’s framework principles are very similar, though McCain’s are slightly more populist and irrational given the circumstances. Both candidates, both parties realize when a crisis is so significant, that they need to sit down at the roundtable to do work for the American people. It’s too bad John McCain is the last one home.

Dare and Emily, if I hired you and paid you $160,000 a year to do your job; you had better do your job. You pull stunts like not showing up for work, you get fired. It is as simple as that. Senators should be held to the same job ethic standards that we the American people live with. If you feel like giving your hard earned money away, go ahead and donate to charity because it will do a lot of good there instead. These representatives and senators are milking the system. Remember, we hired them to do our business. The problem at hand is too big for just a few to be involved. This is an all hands on deck situation that requires all senators, not just some. No senator should be left out. We should all demand they all be held to account, Democrats and Republicans. And lastly, I don't know about you, but I sure in $%# would like to get my money's worth. After all, we're their freaking boss. Boy, what a concept, eh? Oh, and Obama, simply voting present will not jive, bro. You need to get your skinny $$%# to Washington to do the job I'm paying you for.

Why is it that making an appearance on Letterman is so important? Its an entertainment program. An interview with Katie Couric is news.

You have not been paying attention if you do not realize that every senator now plays to the camera. Just watch them on the senate floor once in a while. All of them make fools of themselves from time to time.

If McCain doesn't agree with the current bailout, should he not go and offer his position on what should be done?

Obama's plan again is to wait and see what developes, see what is generally acceptable and then take a position. Then later he can craft a speech and deliver it in his inspirational fashion. Any more when I hear Obama speak, I hear a religious style preacher.

Reid is a JERK!

He has said many times "I can't stand John McCain".

He states "I don't what to do" when asked about this crisis"

He states one day "that John McCain has to get involved".

When McCain calls to get involved he says "stay away".

How did Nevada ever let this guy get elected...and how did the Senate Democrats ever decide that he should be the Senate leader?

Mike from Texas,

I wonder who the Opportunist is in this instance?

A McCain that has not voted on any resolution since April or the McCain who sees this as an opportunity to play Politics with human lifes?

What will the presence of the Candidate on Capitol Hill do?

McCain has already issued a Press statement that he is not supporting the bailout.

Their presence will only throw spanners into the works. It would only be politics as usual.

Each of them would only be playing for the Camera, so we don't need them there.

They should go on with the debates on Friday where they can tell all Americans how they intend to solve the hydra-headed problems.

Reid, is indeed a political opportunist. It is just unbelievable how the Democrats are behaving in this situation. It is simply an outrage that one senator, Reid, is telling another colleague of his, McCain, not to show up to work. These #$%#$ need to understand that they've got the people's business to conduct. How stupid do they think the American public is? Reid and a good lot of these %%$^ senators are just foaming at the very mouth that they now have a chance to control people's lives. These $#%^ ought to get fired. We're finding out what good life long politicians do to our country. I mean the audacity of these individuals. I hope we revisit term limits soon because a lot of them have got to go, Republican and Democrats alike. The sovereign people of the United States must demand these changes. Talk about Washington being disconnected. Boy, are they disconnected. America, wake up! It is time to demand term limits for these individuals. And it is also time to re-visit the line item veto. It is time to challenge the establishment. It is time to take back our beloved country. I'm hoping the FBI probe into the four financial institutions we're bailing out finds fraud and criminal intent that leads all the way to our congress. Some of these senators and representatives deserve to be made examples of; and like any ordinary citizen who breaks the law, they ought to pay the price.

John Kantor,

It appears that you are the one that is the ignorant here.

The WH is trying to do the same arm-twisting it employed to get the Patriot Act passed. The same arm-twisting that got us into the Iraq quagmire. The same arm-twisting that got the Economy messed up.

Do you expect the American People to give a carte blanche to George Bush to spend $700billion of Tax Payers money without regulation and supervision?

You can as well suspend Ben Bernanke and sack Treasury Sec Paulson and then open the Vaults of the Federal Reserves for him and spend as he wishes.

The heavens will not fall if the Legislators take their time to look at this proposal before handing over the future of Americans yet unborn into the hands of the President.

Why a direct bailout, if I may ask? Why not Loan guarantee as it was done to revamp Chrysler from Bankruptcy in 1978.

McCain is not a member of the Banking Committee and may not even be admitted into their deliberations.

McCain and Obama will only bring Politics, grandstanding and playing to the gallery into the deliberation to impress the American public if they join the debates on the floor of the House.

That is a distraction we can not afford at this time.

If I may also inform you, as Historians have rightly pointed out, the Civil War, the Great Depression and World War II did not prompt the suspension of Campaigns.

The Debate!
Sen. McCain let’s talk about the stupid war on Iraq .Thousands of brave Americans dead and injured. Let’s talk about the deregulation of the market and for consequence the collapsed economy. Lets talk of the billions dollars gifted to the oil companies resulting on today price of petrol. * My friends that was Obama fault*.
Senator McCain you are missing the point .What makes a President is the right Judgment. Be cool like cucumber in time of crisis. Not have 7 houses 13 cars or family business hundred million dollars worth. Do not have the temper to pick a fight but the temper to fight every day make the life of the community around you better.* My friends that was Obana job.*.
Sen. you said the fundamentals of the economy are strong. What do you talking about? About the Cindy McCain business? Or about the Wall Street mess?
I don’t know that’s Obama fault to! John McCain is desperate to be President his campaign the most sleazy and shamefully ever!

Jonnie Macaroni! Obama is nice guy but his not stupid. Neither the voters.
Be careful ,because your little political game will backfire!

Reid's comments show both just what a sick political opportunist he is - and how little the Democrats understand about our economy. If this bill doesn't pass there will be a global Depression within six months.

Why was the response from the McCain campaign to Reid's flip-flop removed from this article?

This is a problem for Obama because i see mac is getting his closing arguement together he is going back to DC to get his GOP rank and file together for what is going to be what i predict the ugliest attack mode we are going to witness if youre a democrat the best is in DC if you leave there all americans are tired of the crap nobody legislates anymore and the GOP take their cues from the party standard bearer, dems on the hill dont even do what Obama tells them to do, he couldnt be a "whip" in our party because who is afraid of him. GOP has always ran the better operation, it doesnt matter who it is but dems are good at running campaigns but not governing

I am glad so many people can see through McCain's smoke screen and bag of tricks.

We need to situate all these stunts with his reckless ambition to become the President even if he has to say anything to get there.

Senator McCain is 72 years old. This is his last chance at having a shot at the Presidency. If this opportunity slips, I don't see a 76 year Old McCain coming back to ask for his Party nomination in 2012.

Put yourselves in his shoes. Assuming you have the last chance at doing a thing that has been your life-long ambition, wouldn't you do anything, just anything to achieve it?

McCain is not asking for the suspension of the debates for himself, but for Gov. Palin who is still being tutored on Domestic and Foreign affairs.

She has spent all her life in Wasilla. That has been her own little world where she has reigned supreme. Whe she doesn't have to know what is happening in the rest of the 49 States not to talk of whatever is their problems in Canada.

Just ponder and put yourself in her shoes. Little knowledge of the Country and virtually non existent knowledge of the World.

It is all panic and it is all a game at the expense of Americans who are presently hurting and who more than ever before, are looking up to Leadership to show direction.

If you are fooled by McCain's stunts, then you are a ...... (I leave you to fill the dotted lines yourselves

McCain wants a bailout. This is not high school. You can't bail on a debate because you didn't prepare. American people, make sure John McCain sticks to his responsiblities and talks to you on Friday at the debates.

There are Only 100 Senators in the US Senate. Two of them now are Standardbearers of their respective parties..and it is Clear that if they came together..as they did during the recent 9/11 Memorial..putting politics aside, even for a matter of days..that they could do an Enormous amount of good not only for the United States but for the entire world as the current economic situation is no doubt going to rock the entire world big time (it has started already).

For Democrats like Obama and Reid amongst others to ignore it, or gloss over it, as some sort of parenthetical issue that can wait and be put on the backburner until after the debate on Friday puts us all in in Great Peril! I believe John McCain made the right move in addressing it now. It may not be the most popular move by the maverick Senator, but then, neither was the Surge. We now see the results of the surge (something Obama was opposed to by the way) which was a Success! McCain put his entire politcal career to the side when he called for the surge as he is doing now with the economy. That, is a sign of a Great and Courageous American!!

Obama however, doesn't seem to care about all of that. He wants to Argue and Escalate the Crisis First..Come what may.. and Then try and resolve the problem after escalating it even further! Not only does that make no sense, it is Absolutely Irresponsible on the part of a US Senator, and Especially one that is the current Standardbearer of his party aspiring to become the President of the United States.

If Obama keeps ranting along the lines in which he has been concerning the debates just to increase a few points in the polls in the short term, as opposed to a far more important Noble and Patriotic Cause-which is working together in order to to stop the worst economic bleeding since 1929-Then, the Public can finally see what kind of President he would be if he were ever elected. In fact, I believe they have seen that already!!

The McCain people finally gave up trying to get him ready for the debates. They asked him a ton of questions and did not do so well. When asked where was England, he said in Boston. When asked about what country borders Iraq, he said Greece, India, and France. When asked what does South of the Border meant, he said California, or Ohio. When asked what made him pick Palin, he said..I don't know, maybe her legs. That's when the called it quits and cancelled the debate.

I Live in Nevada and wish that Harry Reid keep his
mouth shut! He made plenty with his special interests. I can remember when he was Chairman of the Nevada Gaming commission.
Was reregistered Democratic, Now am a independent voter thanks to Harry Reid.

Leonard Peltier its Obama that has avoided debating McCain this is indisputable. The fact that you cite this as criticism on McCain reinforces the conservative view of the left. You guys really dont know the facts yet you follow anyway. The pied piper voter.

As a crisis looms McCain leads and Obama campaigns. Now thats great judgement. No its insecurity. Obama is afraid of losing votes if he suspends his campaign. McCain finds it more honorable to lose an election than to be absent during a crisis.

Firstly, let me state that I am by no means in love with McCain. He is however, a far better choice for POTUS than Obama. I won't bother to list the reasons, why as you have failed to digest them as you claim repubs have with McCain.

With regard to my vote. I am a capitalist. I am an entrepreneur and do not need a government that is ready to provide everything for its population. That is a welfare state.

America is as strong as it is now because of capitalism. Capitalism will make us strong as individuals and as people. Stop expecting things from you government and go out in the world and get them yourself.

McCain gets all mavricky on auhtority by not doing his homework and ducking the debates.

Well he did learn something as Annapolis after all. You don't get to be 894/899 without working at it.

McCain showed forthright honest leadership by suspending his campaign to help lead in this crisis yet most Americans feel Obama is better suited to help the economy. How? Giving speeches. The frustrating thing here for me is the height of deception and vulnerability of Americans who fail recognize true moral leadership.

I hope that you are right TF. I am not so sure that many have such a short memory and just listen to Obama's speeches and think "He sure sounds good!"

Unfortunately, I do know many people that really don't know anything about either candidate, yet they are sold on Obama.

Reality check.... is there no dramatic change of conversation that McCain will not stoop to? And how can the repubs miss all this flailing around? I am begining to think think of a Rick Moranis routiine in "ghostbusters". In court Ricks characters legal argument was :"we are both lawyers". ( its as if McCain is saying :"look we are both US Senators" and think that gives him some shield against the electorate seeing his absolute lack of direction, clarity and judgement. I am very embarrassed by McCains campaign. Just watching how ineffective and inexperienced he looks. No substance, only trickery and deceeption, and for thier part, the Repub faithful STILL act as if he is a viable candidate, when each stunt looks sillier than the last. Its like finding you Father is a cross dresser... how long does it take for a shock like THAT to digest in ones psyche? Maybe its the shock of what happens from years of emotional political operations- LOL, a "derivative" of a diminishing political gene pool. After all, the Repubs believe in no regulation, so why even learn anything about the institutions they were elected to govern. So, after years of this, we are left with politicians talented in diversion, innuendo, smears and diversion.... its been a great tool for all these years. Senator Obama is Soooo correct to keep the eyes on issues. The opposition hasnt a chance in hell without the politics of emotion. It makes women look so bad if they support Palin based on sex... its just such a republican stance- never mind the facts... just the drama...emotionalism, fears... gimmee emotional content, I dont need to know anything, its positively socialist to vote in my own self interest... if you think like that, its a certainty that you will support
McCain, its in the conditioning. Does anybody see the episodic nature of McCains actions? Anyone think about 5 years of torture and how that might effect a persons coping strategies? Anyone else who (tried to resist saying this) maybe Senator McCain has some damage from his ordeal?

Perhaps I should be corrected.

I meant Socialist.

Have you actually paid attention to how he votes on stuff when he actually does vote?

Americans look at the record not the TV interviews or how presidential one sounds. McCain led bipartisan legislation this is indisputable. McCain made the decision to go with the Iraq surgeit worked. Palin stood up to corruption within her own party and won. She is a very popular govenor who has made decisions with regard to energy which is at the heart of the current issues.

Obama has never initiated any legislation yet gives many speeches on reform. He is a wait and see guy who sits on the side lines and criticizes the decisions of others after the fact.
Remember he wasnt in the Senate during 911. How do you know how he would have voted? BASED ON HIS ACTUAL DECISON MAKING VOTING REORD HE DOESNT EVEN KNOW HOW HE WOULD HAVE VOTED, THOUGH HE CLAIMS TO KNOW.

America just because Oprah thinks Obama is a good leader doesnt mean you should.

If all the information about Obama that is known now was known when he started his candidacy, he would not have been taken serious and Clinton would have destroyed him.

Inspirational Speaker <> Qualified to be POTUS

TF,

You know that Obama would never accept a good republican idea or plan. Bottom line is that he is as far left as they come.

Most people realize that a true centrist has the most to offer. The problem with the Democratic party is now is that is has gone so far left that they really don't have the level of support that they claim.

Dysfunctional hyper political chaos is destroying this country

Does anyone really believe that Obama would go along with a good republican conservative idea if given the opportunity?

When Bill Oreilly confronted Obama on the success of the Iraq surge Obama first admitted it was a success, but refused to say he was wrong and McCain was right.

130 times he refused to voote for or against legislation and never put forth any of his own. America, this guy has given you all you need to ask why is he running for president or why is he the dem candidate? But 50% or so of you think he is a great leader. Would someone with common resonable sense tell me why?

I am not sure that trying to draw unfavorable lines along McCain's friends, is really worthwhile when Obama has chosen the strangest group of people to keep close to him.

Bringing up past elections, eh?

The Dems have been whining and crying foul for 8 bloody years. You really shouldn't dwell on it any more, it's really tired.

Why not stop trying to divide everyone and work together? Everything is about seats and politics, instead of what common sense tells people is the right thing to do.

Mr. Obama if you don t think its necessary to do the job you are being paid for, then you are certainly not qualified to be president. How can you expect to lead if you are not willing to show Americans your abilitiy in a real crisis. Put your money where your mouth is and stop being a professional speech giver.

In the wake of George W. Bush's reelection in 2004, several leading House Democrats believed that Democrats should pursue impeachment proceedings against the president. They asserted that Bush had misled Congress about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and had violated the civil liberties of Americans by authorizing wiretaps without a warrant. She, under Far Right Wing pressures, save Bush from Impeachment. Now, Only this year, has McCain tried to distance himself from Bush, under his advisor Rick Davis. Interesting circle of friends?

Rick Davis, the Capitolist advisor, wants to take an average, from the last 3 years to determine how much money the Capitolist would recieve as a Golden parachute. Gas Prices have been the HIGHEST, in the last three years. Than ever in American History. And then he was caught, 'Still' recieving funds for Fannie Mae. Will Newt GETRICH, appove of this idea? Will the same Tycoons who put us here, agree with this idea? Only if they want more Middle American Sweat and Tears. They get the BIGGEST, golden parachute from this view. Foreign Capitolists are, at this moment telling, Congress to play, for all the money as possible. Middle America has Sweated and Bled for the Capitolists, in every country, around the world. Why will they gain the most, from the biggest money laundering, scandel since Rick Davis?

Isn't this what we actually hired them to do...legislate...I know Obama thinks that we hired him to run for office...since he's been running for office as much as he's been in office but perhaps McCain actually wants to do HIS JOB...lord knows Pelosi and Reid have been disasters...someone needs to show leadership.

Sean Hannity wants to send both president candidats, to prison for recieving funds from Fannie Mae.
But if we choose the time spent in prison, by money recieved. The paper trail, sends McCain to prison longer.
Interesting view Sean. And we thought you were Republican. Who's side is he really on? Is false anger, boosting Obamas points? We know he is for Foreign Capitolism. So no, he is not for Obama.

One of the problems in this country is that everything is viewed as partisan. We can t even tell the truth without being labeled biased or partisan. If Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae had democratic appointed heads that were approving high risk loans which led to this, the democrats would circle the wagons and yell partisan partisan. We don t have sane leadership anymore.

Just days before the crash on
Wall Street, McCain spoke of
fundamentals of the economy
as being strong.

He doesn't seem to have any
knowledge of the economic
indicators and how they are
used to measure the health
of the economy and predict
its future performance. He
also seems unaware of the
federal government agencies
that produce these indicators.

So when he says that the
fundamentals of the economy
are strong he doesn't know
what he's talking about. He
says it because he thinks
it sounds good.

I find Reid's haughtiness particularly galling since he still has the taint of Nevada grease-money on his palms.

Several of his own colleagues Dems and Reps have said they would not go for a package that McCain did not vote for. For the Dems, they want to make sure that Mac's hand is on it just in case it falls flat so they can blame him... and if it succeeds, they can claim bi-partisanship.

No wonder Obama wants to steer clear of this... he would just be in the way. Let the big boys handle it.

Go Mac, go... and clobber the smug off of Reid's sour puss!

I don't understand thinking McCain is afraid to debate.

Obama is the guy that has to have everything written down in order to get it right. What was it, "I've been to 57 states and have a couple left." And "They want to drill for oil. You can save just as much from filling up your tires."

Obama doesn't even know where he stands and that is why he can't shoot from the hip. What about all those 'Present' votes? I mean really what is the point. If that is your vote, why vote at all. With a vote like that you've stood for nothing, and lead no one.

Palin's foreign policy statement:

""I personally believe that, U.S. Americans are unable to do so, because some… people out there in our nation that don’t have maps, and I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should… our education over here in the U.S., should help the U.S., er, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future.., for our children..."

Looks like McChicken can't walk and chew gum at the same time.