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Obama Flack Accidentally Sends Out Pre-Debate Talking Points

October 15, 2008 11:17 AM

"Reminder: These are for staff only and not for distribution," warns the e-mail.

And then, the spin, accidentally sent to reporters this morning.

"* This is John McCain’s last chance to turn this race around and somehow convince the American people that his erratic response to this economic crisis doesn’t disqualify him from being president.

"* Just this weekend, John McCain vowed to 'whip Obama’s you-know-what' at the debate, and he’s indicated that he’ll be bringing up Bill Ayers to try to distract voters.

"* So we know that Senator McCain will come ready to attack Barack Obama and bring his dishonorable campaign tactics to the debate stage.

"Obama continues to lead on the economic crisis with a rescue plan for Main Street.

"Over the course of the campaign, Barack Obama has laid out a set of policies that will grow our middle class and strengthen our economy.

"But he knows we face an immediate economic emergency that requires urgent action -– on top of the plans he’s already laid out –- to help workers and families and communities struggling right now. 

"That’s why Barack Obama is introducing a comprehensive four-part Rescue Plan for the Middle Class -– to immediately stabilize our financial system, provide relief to families and communities, and help struggling homeowners. 

"This is a plan that can and should be implemented immediately.

"Obama has shown steady leadership during this crisis and offered concrete solutions to move the country forward -– and his Rescue Plan for the Middle Class builds on the plans to strengthen the economy and rebuild the middle class that he’s laid out over the course of this campaign.

"Already in this campaign, he’s unveiled plans to give 95 percent of workers and their families a tax cut, eliminate income taxes for seniors making under $50,000, bring down the cost of health care for families and businesses; and create millions of new jobs by investing in the renewable energy sources.

"John McCain has been erratic and unsteady since this crisis began -– staggering from position to position and trying to change the subject away from the economy by launching false character attacks."

-- Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller

October 15, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (575)

User Comments

WOW! I'm completely dumbfounded at how blind everyone is to Obama's associations.

When video came out of his pastor who spewed forth vile hatred in a church he attended for twenty years, Obama said he did not know his pastor was a racist. If this one thing had happened with any other candidate, he would have been out of the race.

When evidence was put forth that he helped a self professed, unrepentant terrorist raise funds for the indoctrination of college students, Obama said he did not know the man that well. If this one thing had happened with any other candidate, he would have been out of the race.

When we heard about his 12 year friendship with a Palestinian professor at Columbia University who supports terrorist attacks against Israel, Obama said he did not know the professor that well. If this one thing had happened with any other candidate, he would have been out of the race.

When asked to release records of his close association with the voter fraud group, ACORN, Obama said he was not involved enough to know them well. If this one thing had happened with any other candidate, he would have been out of the race.

When asked by a plumber about taxes being raised, Obama accidentally used a coded Socialist phrase, "Spread the wealth around." If this Freudian slip had been committed by any other candidate, he would have been out of the race.

When asked if he would meet with anti-American dictators without pre-conditions, this time, Obama stepped out of character, proudly admitting that he would do exactly that. If this one thing had happened with any other candidate, he would have been out of the race.

When Russia attacked Georgia, Obama asked both sides to show restraint. If this one thing had happened with any other candidate, he would have been out of the race.

God Help Us!

Posted by: Adam | Oct 26, 2008 3:03:47 AM

Where's the problem? The press has been using Democratic talking points for the last 25 years.

Posted by: stop2think | Oct 16, 2008 1:11:01 PM

I think obama should win it seems like people are only trying to vote because of color and thats not right! forget mccain
and strem OBAMA"08"

Posted by: Alexia | Oct 16, 2008 10:56:05 AM

obama is a globalist, like his friend soros. to obama, the usa isn't any better than kenya or s africa. we need a nationalist as president, not a citizen of the world

Posted by: j house | Oct 16, 2008 9:35:10 AM

Meme32 said: Odd, It seems that McCain was as physically awkward tonight during the third debate as the second one...must be the liberal bias of Senator McCain's gait.

Well if you spent 5 years, being beaten, tortured, and have every bone in your body broken, and left unattended, til your release....you probably wouldn't be physically astute. McCain cannot raise his arms above his shoulders, or sit and type, at a computer. These are painful for him. Just something to keep in mind. :)

Posted by: Jeanie | Oct 16, 2008 12:05:13 AM

Odd, It seems that McCain was as physically awkward tonight during the third debate as the second one...must be the liberal bias of Senator McCain's gait.

Posted by: Meme32 | Oct 15, 2008 11:01:44 PM

Meme32 - you do not understand the dynamics of television production.

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 10:49:50 PM

Obama will most likely win this one...but I forever will wonder...did he win on his merit, or was there complicity in these fraudulent registrations? -----------------------------------------
Mickey Mouse, Jimmy Johns, and Ronald McDonald are going to vote on Nov 4th? Right. Registering to vote and voting are two different things.

Posted by: Meme32 | Oct 15, 2008 8:52:39 PM

No. And Shauna - A dear friend (who happens to be black) brought up his concern over this issue - he told me that he had to flip channels to actually see where McCain went. He told me he was appalled that he had to do so - McCain was interacting as well as Obama - you may think he left bacause we couldn't SEE him anymore. BTW - I prefer cherry kool-aid over grape ;)------------------------------How nice you have black friends...? What does that have to do with it? If you don't think that McCain's movement around the stage was a detriment then you must mix cherry AND grape together. It was observed by many people and written about quite a bit.

Posted by: Meme32 | Oct 15, 2008 8:50:02 PM

No. And Shauna - A dear friend (who happens to be black) brought up his concern over this issue - he told me that he had to flip channels to actually see where McCain went. He told me he was appalled that he had to do so - McCain was interacting as well as Obama - you may think he left bacause we couldn't SEE him anymore. BTW - I prefer cherry kool-aid over grape ;)------------------------------How nice you have black friends...? What does that have to do with it? If you don't think that McCain's movement around the stage was a detriment then you must mix cherry AND grape together. It was observed by many people and written about quite a bit.

Posted by: Meme32 | Oct 15, 2008 8:47:42 PM

Mara. Obama supported ACORN most recently, with payment of just over $800,000 for services, of getting out there, and getting votes.

I agree, on the association, it doesn't look good. McCain was at a rally which was co-sponsored by ACORN, and Service Employees International Union, People for the American Way, UNITE HERE! Several Republicans, and Democrats were there, as it was a multi partisan event.

ACORN is allegedly a bipartisan organization. But when it takes money from a Presidential candidate, to score votes, knowing full well that in the past, and present, voter fraud comes up, again, and again...something isn't right. I don't care which side is complicit with something like this, it's wrong!

New allegations came today. Because of ACORNS systematically committing this, over, and over each election, it's being looked at now, as organized crime. It's habitual.

ACORN is not bipartisan, yet takes money from ALL tax payers. I find it offensive, for my money to go to support this kind of illicit behavior, and I'm not represented. I also don't like being tied to a group that would pull such a stunt, to be complicit, with others, in the down fall of the economy.

As for the medical records....I don't think it's any of our business, and I don't think any candidate should be required to do so. Just my opinion on that.

Obama will most likely win this one...but I forever will wonder...did he win on his merit, or was there complicity in these fraudulent registrations? Not all get thru, but some will. 3 ACORN workers were found living in a house in Ohio, registered to vote, but not legal residents of Ohio. So will he win on merit, and fairly?

I'd prefer to know that every vote counts, but only if it's legal.

Posted by: Jeanie | Oct 15, 2008 8:42:50 PM

Obama did not sue for subprime loans--(geez?)

Obama fought the red lining practices of Citibank, representing Calvin Roberson in 1994 against Citibank, charging the bank systematically denied mortgages to African-American applicants and others from minority neighborhoods. Every co-counsel and opposing counsel praised Obama's legal ability, temperament and everything about his courtroom demeanor Many are now donors to his campaign.

Posted by: Prefabfan | Oct 15, 2008 8:40:00 PM

hummingbird, you didn't answer a single question, which means you either don't know the answers, or the answers don't match your agenda.

.john mccain supported acorn much more recently than barack obama (on video - in 2006 - proudly, with a big smile). the attacks began when his numbers plummetted. the republican party is engaged in a massive voter supression drive - particularly in michigan - and again, i want to hear "main street sarah", the good ole gal, tell middle class michigan voters who have lost their homes that she does not believe they should vote.

mccain is not allowing access to his medical records because he has something to hide. sarah palin may be a wonderful mother, but she is a dreadful candidate - and there are plenty of conservatives who agree.

the number of voters, on average, who are convicted of voter fraud each year? 600,000? no. 60,000? no. 6,000? No. 6? Bingo. Six voters were convicted of voter fraud last election. Sometimes the number goes as far as 10. So what is all this nonsense about? It's about another false and misleading attack, propagated by ultra-conservative bloggers, who seem to have lots of time and no employment.

Posted by: mara | Oct 15, 2008 7:22:39 PM

hummingbird it doesn't matter what color your dear friend is. I would like to know what chanel they saw mccain interacting with the audience after the second debate. Because I was watching it on FOX NEWS and even they said he left after a few minutes of shaking hands with crowd members. Do you remember the Navy guy who asked McCain a question? That guy was asked by some reporter on one of the news chanels (I don't recall which station it was either MSNBC, CNN, or FOX NEWS because those are the only news networks I watch) what he thought about McCain's response to his question and he said he liked his answer but he wanted to talk with McCain after the debate was over but McCain left shortly after the debate.

Posted by: Josh | Oct 15, 2008 7:20:29 PM

world - maybe in your "world"...

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 6:59:15 PM

Why didn't Obama put his hand on his heart when the national anthem was being sung ? Why ? Why did he need to be pressured to wear the US flag pin? Why ? Why did he call an America-hater like Rev. Wright an "uncle" ? The minimum requirement of a president should be patriotism. I question Obama's patriotism.

Posted by: zuzi | Oct 15, 2008 6:58:28 PM

mara - you are a true queen of MSM propaganda....

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 6:57:16 PM

well mccain does not stay in the room long. and his wife looks as if she is afraid to shake peoples hands.

Posted by: world | Oct 15, 2008 6:57:14 PM

The way I plan to vote is; Better the devil I know (McCain) than the devil I don't (Obama).

Posted by: Ted Cory | Oct 15, 2008 6:55:59 PM

Jdl - "...watch a little closer-after the last debate, ABC video feed ONLY FOLLOWED OBAMA AROUND INTERACTING WITH THE CROWD...they didn't show McCain interacting following the debate AT ALL."

They couldn't keep him in the lens!! He was wandering all over the place.

Well, that was lame...

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 6:55:01 PM

To re-summarize my posts, albeit heavily edited for any possible infractions against unstated policies:

1.) Barak Obama's "I stand with the Muslims" quote was taken out of context and reworded. He was stating a very American value, i.e., he will stand up for those who are being unfairly persecuted. He was speaking at a time when Sikhs were being assaulted for being mistaken for Arabs.

2.) You're all being fooled by a two-faced monster preaching a false dichotomy, to maintain an illusion of party distinctions and keep you all at each others throats so you don't notice.

3.) Vote for the Founding Father's original intent, vote for the Rule of Law as expressed in the Constitution. Write-in Dr. Ron Paul.

3.) You needn't vote for "the lesser of two evils" nor "throw away your vote" by casting your ballot for a third party. Please Google "Votepact" or "vote swapping", either of which may help you vote your conscience.

Posted by: JB Smith | Oct 15, 2008 6:44:28 PM

I wanted to believe in Barack Obama. I really did, but his campaign tactics and choice of Joe Biden tell me he is just another typical ego-centric smarmy politician. He isn't about hope or change. I'm going to vote Green Party.

Posted by: Green matters | Oct 15, 2008 6:37:05 PM


now McCain has an advantage and punch back

Posted by: Nestor509 | Oct 15, 2008 6:35:15 PM

hummingbird - yyou are abssolutely correct that obama was involved in a lawsuit with citicorps - in 1994. so why did john mccain call them such a fine organization in 2006? 12 years later?

and while you're at it - i don't' think you addressed any of those remarkable statements made by sarah palin. my personal favorite was the one that she made following the ethics investigation. her state newspaper had some choice words for that. they called it orwelian. or to be more blunt - a complete lie. you also didn't happen to mention your misinformation on john mccain's medical records.

so here's a question regarding actual VOTING fraud. since 2000, how many actual cases of voting fraud have there been in the US? let's rule out the entire state of florida. and before mccain started slipping in the polls, how many people had even heard of acorn? how many pieces on conservative blogs were there when the race was tied? by the way, I had no idea that there were so many wacko blogs. do conservatives and ultra conservative ever work?

there are certainly voter irregularities going on - in montana, michigan, ohio. pennsylvania - with the republican party in a massive attempt to block voters. in michigan, the republican party is filing claims so that people who have lost their homes cannot vote. i want to hear john mccain say that tonight in this debate. i want him to tell middle class people who have lost their homes that they do not have the right to vote as american citizens. so much for main street. in virginia the republican party has spread false information involving students voting. expect massive attempts to stop black Democrats from voting in the south by the Republican thugs. The good news is that there are just to0 many people who give their time to the obama campaign - not to acorn - but to the obama campaign who will not let this happen.

now, you want to explain to me why john mccain looked so proud to be at that acorn gathering in 2006? or why he won't release his medical records?

Posted by: mara | Oct 15, 2008 6:31:55 PM

"Obama the great propaganda manipulator's machine has just sandbagged us all; this is just free advertising."

B-I-N-G-O

Posted by: bingo | Oct 15, 2008 6:30:40 PM

The words for today are: "racist" "erratic" and "unsteady"
For a fun drinking game, everytime a MSM talking head or blogger mentions or writes the word "racist" "erratic" or "unsteady", take a drink. You'll be in the hospital within the hour.

These words are brought to you by PBS, ABC, CBS, all the NBC's, ACORN, David Axelrod, George Soros, The Chicago Annenburg Challenge and the letter "O".

Posted by: Fallon | Oct 15, 2008 6:25:13 PM


"...watch a little closer-after the last debate, ABC video feed ONLY FOLLOWED OBAMA AROUND INTERACTING WITH THE CROWD...they didn't show McCain interacting following the debate AT ALL."

They couldn't keep him in the lens!! He was wandering all over the place.

Posted by: JDL | Oct 15, 2008 6:24:11 PM

Meme32 - Could it be that McCain was lurching around the stage? No. And Shauna - A dear friend (who happens to be black) brought up his concern over this issue - he told me that he had to flip channels to actually see where McCain went. He told me he was appalled that he had to do so - McCain was interacting as well as Obama - you may think he left bacause we couldn't SEE him anymore. BTW - I prefer cherry kool-aid over grape ;)

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 6:08:56 PM

McCain is adopting BILL CLINTON'S ECONOMIC PLAN. THAT IS TRIED AND TRUE

Posted by: NOBAMA2 | Oct 15, 2008 3:36:30 PM

Do you realize that Obama's tax plan is to return the tax rates to what they were during the Clinton administration. So McCain's plan is to steal Obama's plan but tweak it just a little to help the rich. Well at least what I consider rich I don't know what McCain considers rich since he thinks people that make 5 million a year are in the middle class.

Posted by: Josh | Oct 15, 2008 6:05:13 PM

mara - Obama also represented ACORN suing Citibank to FORCE them to give sub-prime loans to persons unable to qualify for standard home loans.

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 5:59:26 PM

This is going to be a historic election for the country. This is the first time in my life(60+years) were I feel the people are not going to elect the person regardless of party but the election is being decided by the communication community(every type) which has pushed their star all year long. Makes me sick.When you are fed the same bull hour after hour I think they call it brainwashing or just pure ignorance.

Posted by: William | Oct 15, 2008 5:51:43 PM

what's worse that the media believing this was a mistake is the fact that they put it in print on he web, further supporting the media bias toward Obama

Posted by: delkins | Oct 15, 2008 5:43:48 PM

hummingbird - There was no bias. I'm certain I heard at least two stations mention that McCain left right away and did not stick around after the last debate to shake hands and talk with the crowd.

Posted by: Shauna | Oct 15, 2008 5:35:57 PM

hummingbird: barack obama and the firm which he worked for represented acorn (along with the US justice department) in a case in which voters who had registered were denied voting rights. This was 13 years ago. john mccain also supported acorn - but nt 13 years ago. he stood proudly at an acorn gathering in 2006 - and there are lovely photos and a transcript of his speech to prove it. he spoke about how proud he was to be there and what an honor it was to be a guest of such a fine organization.

acorn certainly has problems - and they are the ones who alerted authorities to those problems. the problems do not involve votes (like say, in florida), they involve registration - and there is a big difference there. these problems are not new. they have existed for some time and the investigations are ongoing. they have absolutely nothing to do with the obama voter registration drive, which is run completely by the obama campaign and is phenomenal.

what is curious is the timing of the conservative apoplexy concerning acorn. chart it. it correlates exactly with the plummeting polls in both the presidential campaign and in republican congressional races. what a coincidence. the republicans can't talk about foreign policy. or jobs. or the economy. or education. or health care. their attempt to tie obama to domestic terrorsits was a dismal failure (aip anyone? gordon liddy?). they don't have any solutions and they have the driven this country down as far as it has been in almost a hundred years. so what do they do? what they always do. attack and throw up smokescreens.

Posted by: mara | Oct 15, 2008 5:34:46 PM

DAVE - watch a little closer - after the last debate, ABC video feed ONLY FOLLOWED OBAMA AROUND INTERACTING WITH THE CROWD...they didn't show McCain interacting following the debate AT ALL = BIASED.

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 5:23:36 PM

moderate: sarah palin is in new hampshire today. she just told the members of her audience that she knew, since she had been there before, that the people in the "northwest" got it. when asked about the threat of nuclear proliferation, sarah palin stated: "Nuclear weaponry, of course, would be the be all, end all of just too many people in too many parts of our planet." when asked to support the contention that she was an "energy expert" she stated that she came from a state that supplied 20% of US oil. it supplies less than 4%. on friday, the "troopergate" commission, which was bipartisan - said unequvocably that sarah palin had violated ethical codes as governor of alaska. it is simple and it is in print. sarah palin, in response, stated that she was pleased that she had been cleared of any ethical violations. she is either very, very dumb or a complete liar. the woman is uninformed, not very bright, and worse yet, just doesn't seem to see it. at least george bush didn't try to fake it.

your information on john mccain's medical history is wrong as well. his records were not open to medical review. reporters were given four hours to review 1000 pages, and one of those reporters happened to be a physician. no one was allowed to make copies. the one physician who was there stated that it was impossible to follow this information because the pages were unnumbered and parts were missing. a parent's longevity is one indicator of long-term health, but it is not the only indicator. mrs. mccain has no public record of melanoma or any other cancer. john mccain does.

Posted by: mara | Oct 15, 2008 5:21:57 PM

Smear Police Trooper Wooten is one person - with COP friends - AND A GUN.... which I might add the deputy sheriff that hit me also wore his gun... but, as usual, I stood up for what I believed in - what's right.

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 5:20:30 PM

Gotta go ya'll it's been real. All the best tonight everybody.

Posted by: Smear Police | Oct 15, 2008 5:16:53 PM

This is hilarious...on almost every single bulletin board I read these days, there's an equal amount of people crying "your biased for McCain!" and "your biased for Obama!"...sheesh, stop being so sensitive people, sometime reporters actually do just report...and this piece was totally innocuous!!!! But, if they news they report happens to be favorable to one candidate or the other, can you stop shooting the frickin messenger??

Posted by: DAVE | Oct 15, 2008 5:16:15 PM

Hummingbird - I dig what you are saying. You obviously have some deeper incite. Based on all the evidence they had and all - at least what was reported to the media - can't see what went wrong... I guess he has more power than the governor and all his superior officers too. Strange... It would seem that someone should be able to bring him down. It'll all come out in the wash.

Posted by: Smear Police | Oct 15, 2008 5:16:12 PM

Smear Police - "get him fired" was a media phrase. ~~~I was hit (car) by an off-duty deputy sheriff (truck). He admitted to "goosing it" to get through an uncontrolled intersection. He failed to yield right and hit me going (also admitted) 35 mph. He WAS NOT TICKETED FOR BREAKING THE LAW. In fact, when I called 911 the responding officer was his friend, told us so, and refused to do anything further. We had the same insurance company. The insurance company ruled 100% in my favor. My point is - you can't call the cops on a cop - duh. That's why they had to do what they did the way they did it - have you ever had to call a cop on a cop? If not, then you don't know what their internal process is.

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 5:11:29 PM

Cherry - some people are very gullible and not very intelligent. They get their news from gossip and hearsay. They make decisions based on what their families believe. A great number of Obama supporters are educated and inciteful. We read and observe and formulate concepts,ideas, and theory and come to a conclusion. We don't choose someone because they are good looking and great orators. Don't sell us short. We also - like die hard McCain supporters don't go back and forth, because many of us had to answer to our families and show more courage than ever before. So speak for the few Obama supporters that you know intimately, but don't speak for me or size me up - my vote means too much to me.

Posted by: Smear Police | Oct 15, 2008 5:08:49 PM

i thank whats wrong in America is people want to believe in something so bad that when Obama came around he was young and good looking and a great talker that he took people off their feet. He became a idol to most people.Not really knowing him made him interesting and fresh.They started believing in him because they thought or think there was nothing else to do.Obama is their messiah in lots of ways and you can not no matter what you do or say brake that thought and love they have for him now. He has done what he set out to do control and its going to be a tough ride ahead of us.

Posted by: Cherry | Oct 15, 2008 5:03:34 PM

Hummingbird - I think I missed your point - When someone is threatening your life - you get them arrested. I may have missed that report of the family have the trooper arrested. I only heard the one about the alleged attempt to get him fired. That doesn't stop threats or violence - it actually incites more anger. Wouldn't you say?

Posted by: Smear Police | Oct 15, 2008 5:01:39 PM

Boycott Alaska! Govenor Palin has single-handedly drug the great state of Alaska through the mud and has built back up the race wall that took 100 years to tear down. Who gave her this charge? Let's all join together and boycott Alaska, their seafood industry and tourism industry and when they feel the economic effects the citizens can throw her to the wolves. Simple minds have no place in the Govenor's chair. The people of Alaksa need to impeach Palin and take back their pride!

Posted by: Alaskan in exile | Oct 15, 2008 4:58:33 PM

And everyone is so upset about the Palin family attempting to protect themselves from a lunatic State Trooper threatening the Governor of Alaska and her family "I'll feed a lead bullet to him (father-in-law) if he pays for a lawyer for her (Palin's sister)," Trooper Wooten.

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 4:58:08 PM

Reminder: These are for staff only and not for distribution," warns the e-mail."--JT

Just thinking, maybe he/she truly thought sending the emails out to all media WAS sending it out to "staff only"...lol...

Posted by: kat in you hat PUMA | Oct 15, 2008 4:55:42 PM

Jeanie - radicals will be radicals - self proclaimed Democratic anarchists getting up to 7 1/2 years for molotov cocktails, training people to kidnap Republican delegates, destruction of private property, etc. during the RNC in Minnesota.

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 4:55:06 PM

Jeanie - Not supporting Cool's comments - But have you any idea what so ever how many death threats that Barack Obama received in order to receive the earliest Secret Service detail in American History!!!!! Are you kidding me??? Do you have any idea how many campaign offices have been vandalized? Let's not start this line of communication. McCain doesn't even need friggin detail! Again this race is about the good of America. And please know the Black Conservative hosts ratings are soaring and will soar all the more after the election. No one is thinking about them.

Posted by: Smear Police | Oct 15, 2008 4:54:40 PM

Is this a mistake? Or a planned "leak"?

These are definitely their talking points though. Obots all say the SAME things on every. single. show. no matter. the. topic. And then internet Obots repeat. the. same. exact. thing.

Posted by: kat in you hat PUMA | Oct 15, 2008 4:51:58 PM

moderate AMEN TO THAT

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 4:51:48 PM

Wisdom first - proven truth? Show us. Otherwise more craptastic garbage.

McCain's Chief of Staff has been getting paid between $15,000-$30,000 a month from Freddie and Fannie to lobby against regulation.

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 4:49:30 PM

-------------------------------------
Why would America REWARD complete Republican failure ?

We wont.

Posted by: PulSamsara | Oct 15, 2008 4:47:34 PM

CoolnCalm:

You are not making yourself out to be very cool, and not in the least bit calm. Your statements are the same as what McCain and Palin have been offering, ... divisive and not constructive.

Is it that you want to insight anger and illogical thinking, such that people stop using their brains, and depend on rage and child-like thinking? What is your purpose?

If I were an undecided voter, how would your comments help me to decide? Are you offering anything of use? Or are you espousing hatred?

Posted by: Vince | Oct 15, 2008 4:44:40 PM

This story is fake as it gets. Look at all the right wing stuff they use. All the things that they would want to hear admitted. They use phrases that do not sound American at all for her "quotes".

In many countries in Latin America, some publications just make up interviews with people. This sounds just like that too me.

Posted by: Tom J | Oct 15, 2008 4:44:12 PM

Cool - It's not about your isolated militant view of race. Yes we are not totally oblivious to the obvious, however for some - like yourself - it's more about race than the good of all. Yes a Barack Obama presidency will spit in the face of the white bigot and encourage the black bigot, but for those who just want something more than we've had, this election means something entirely different. So again I emphasize as a very mature, politically active, intelligent individual-- that I do not agree with your post, but it's not personal, so don't make it so. We all want what's best for this country.

Posted by: Smear Police | Oct 15, 2008 4:42:29 PM

JEANIE: Like all true REPUBLICANS you speak in twisted half truths to confuse and mislead everyone. Here for you information is the REAL TRUTH about bill John McCain tried to blow the whistle on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac over two years ago.

In 2005-06, the majority in Congress was REPUBLICAN. The banking and Housing Committee was comprised of 11 Republicans and 9 Democrats. The bill NEVER made it out of committee and was ruled "dead", therefore never being brought to a full Senate vote.

McCain's Chief of Staff has been getting paid between $15,000-$30,000 a month from Freddie and Fannie to lobby against regulation.

Obama penned a letter to the Secretary of the Treasury stating his grave concerns about the housing market and its potential impact on Main Street in March 2007.

These are the TRUE FACTS and anyone with half a brain can easily search the Congress Record to verify them. Do a litle RESEARCH so you will not look so BRAIN DEAD the next time!

Posted by: WISDOM FIRST | Oct 15, 2008 4:39:06 PM

CoolnCalm said: You cannot make yourselves agree that a Black Man is more intelligent, has better plans, is better looking, classier, smarter, wiser, better looking family, more family values

Cool, some might be, but I take offense at that. I choose not to vote for Mr. Obama, because I don't agree with his ideologies. Nothing more.

This has nothing to do with him being black. Last year, there was talk of Condoleeza Rice , although rumors, but talk of her running. I would have voted for her. A few years back, some of us wanted General Colin Powell to run. I would have voted for him. Because I lean to a more conservative base. Nothing more. Race never enters into it.

Your anger is disconcerting though. To believe that anyone would not vote for Mr. Obama because he's black, is offensive.

Not everyone is racist, and I take great offense, at that generalization.

Posted by: Jeanie | Oct 15, 2008 4:37:18 PM

Christopher Buckley: it's amazing, he endorses Obama and then reportedly receives tons of hate emails. Again, my question for conservatives: why do you try and silence voices of dissent. You tell liberal celebs to "shut up and sing", but yet have no problems when a conservative celeb like Arnie or Reagan run for office. You have many conservative commentators at Foxnews and MSNBC and CNN and on talk radio (like your $400 million man Rush Limbaugh) filling the airwaves, but yet you want any liberal commentator to be quiet and not offer their views. It's incredible--why do you FEAR any dissenting POVs?

Posted by: briwil2 | Oct 15, 2008 4:36:25 PM

Cindy McCain looks like a mannequin but McGrampa is too old to have an affair. Remember, its the issues stupid and not the candidates spouses/family. Let's not go there.

Posted by: Offended | Oct 15, 2008 4:30:24 PM

Glad to hear that "Concerned". Maybe I can hit a couple more before I sign off... I won't count on it though (smile). Tough audience.

Posted by: Smear Police | Oct 15, 2008 4:29:46 PM

Nice post Smear Police.
I don't agree with a lot the things that you post, but this time you are right on. thanks

Posted by: concerned | Oct 15, 2008 4:26:27 PM

"The LA Times, of all publications, chastized CNN for running on with this story, when there are no facts, to conclude that this is true. At least for Mrs. Palins part."

CNN is a joke. They try to hide their bias, which makes it all the more ridiculous. They have a token Repub on there that agrees with Roland Martin on most issues.

Posted by: Mack | Oct 15, 2008 4:25:06 PM

I hope Mickey Mouse does win.

Posted by: treason4all | Oct 15, 2008 4:22:29 PM

Obama has been "pledged" by the best. He has more than earned the privilege to be nominated. He has gone through hot coals and storms with the Clintons, and has weathered the storms of accusations on a weekly basis, since he has been in the national eye.

McCain has gotten a free pass, for the most part. Since Obama's campaign does not focus on attacking McCain, we do not read and hear about a lot of the associations, and questionable acts of McCain.

McCain seems to be miffed, angry, and even rattled at times. Obama stays the course, and is showing himself to be fairly level headed. I do not trust politicians very much, but Obama seems to be the most reliable and trustable of the two. I do not want to go through another 4 years of anything that comes NEAR to resembling Bush's policies.

As far as education is concerned. Between McCain and Palin, they have a degree in journalism from the university of Idaho (that took attending 5 different colleges to get), and a bottom 1% from the Naval Academy... is this supposed to be impressive?

Are those credentials offered, supposed to gain the respect of other countries and the U.S. citizens, such that we would place into their hands, the responsibility of governing over the most powerful country in the world?

Obama and Biden have between them, two juris doctorates in law, one of which is magna *** laude from Harvard, two political science degrees, one of which has a specialization in international relations, and a degree in history. Besides Harvard, they offer Columbia University, Syracuse University, and the University of Delaware.

One side wants to keep padding the pockets of greedy oil magnets. The other wants to help most of the citizens of america get back on their feet, and offer a plan that gives EVERYONE a realistic chance on having health care.

As for me, I know more than enough people, who are sick, and/or who have died because of the inability to provide money in exchange for their lives. That's pathetic.

To me, there IS no debate. It's just a formality.

Posted by: Vince | Oct 15, 2008 4:20:35 PM

Ugly and unnecessary post Cool. Not everyone voting for McCain is racist or uncaring. For many I've spoken to, he's the lesser of two evils and they are loyal to their conservative position, or party and yes for some race. This race is not about race. We must stop saying that because as a black woman, I have to say that if black people think this possible bin is about a new day for black people, it not just about us. It's about Americans ALL.

Posted by: Smear Police | Oct 15, 2008 4:20:31 PM

I am not concerned that Micky Mouse or Jive Turkey will vote on election day. But it has been the strategy of the liberals and the Acorn Organization to sign up hundred of thousands for the purpose of overwhelming the local election boards and clerks. It should be Acorn's job to ensure that the registration forms are accurate and only 1 per voter, not one person signing up 72 times.

Posted by: concerned | Oct 15, 2008 4:17:56 PM

Sadly, this is what passes for news these days at ABC. I'm surprised there was no Bill O'Reilly quote.

Posted by: News? | Oct 15, 2008 4:17:23 PM

'accident' tee hee hee......

YOU'RE talking about it FOR THEM!!!

Posted by: kravitz | Oct 15, 2008 4:15:23 PM

Jeanie I said NOTHING about race. Good try.

Posted by: Susan | Oct 15, 2008 4:14:07 PM

Believe it or not... No news medium is totally unbiased. Individuals make every effort to remain unbiased, but a journalist is an artist and artists work with a filtered view. None of us can be gullible enough to believe ALL that we read or see. Formulate a constructive view based on facts actually go to the gov websites and view the actual voting records. When it all boils down neither candidate is perfect -- vote your gut (with as little spin and or predjudice as possible) and then do your part. That's all we can do.

Posted by: Smear Police | Oct 15, 2008 4:10:57 PM

is this like when ronald r stole jimmy carters play book before a debate?

Posted by: john | Oct 15, 2008 4:10:52 PM

Jack47 - just a suggestion - PBS FRONTLINE available online - if you're up to it.

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 4:03:53 PM

Posted by: Jack47 | Oct 15, 2008 3:54:38 PM

Nonsense.

Posted by: Mack | Oct 15, 2008 4:02:15 PM

Jeanie - I'm glad you're up on that - to mention a comment I received from a 70 year old ex-Marine yesterday - his concern about the "rehabilitation" of Ayers - Ayers found out that bombing wasn't as beneficial as getting to the young college student minds through "Liberal" Education. A widespread practice starting in the 1960's - I went to a liberal school (grade school through junior high). Indoctrined, no, but I certainly understood the environment. I was raised in a Democratic family - I questioned many things - I was considered a radical because I simply questioned - sound familiar?

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 15, 2008 4:02:09 PM

Is he suggesting we raise a race of Super Kids?

Posted by: John | Oct 15, 2008 4:00:52 PM

"For those concerned about Mickey Mouse voting in this, or any, election... do you really have so little regard for the various voter registration departments as to think that they would allow that? Good grief, they have the obligation to check out every new application for voracity and accuracy."

They are bogging down the system with their bogus registration forms.

Posted by: Mack | Oct 15, 2008 3:57:13 PM

NOBAMA

Posted by: rick | Oct 15, 2008 3:54:59 PM

msa123.... I agree that intelligence does not guarentee character, morals or good judgment. Look at Cheney and McCain. I mean, Cheney shoots people... ok, bad joke. But more seriously, look at Palin and tell me someone who has embraced the Alaskan Independence Party with her husband has some deep love of the United States. The Alaskan Indpendance Party's only aim is to get Alaska to leave the United States and start their own country. Palin's husband joined this party and Palin herself endorsed it. She remains a very bizarre choice for Vice President, especially with McCain's age and poor health bringing her very close to being President. But to the point of intelligence, Palin clearly cared little and understands less about today's world and today's America than millions of Americans, millions of better choices. Even her ability to learn and work in a truly competitive world is in doubt. It took her five tries to get through