What about all the other scandals they were involved in?

No offense, but all I can remember in my life is Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush.

It's depressing to people of the under 30 group. how can we be a nation of change when we're potentially in an era of political dynasties and in-fighting?

I'm a registered republican and have a deep desire to see "change" just as much as the next person. For this to occur we must get away from "old politics". Both McCain and Clinton promise fresh new ideas, however I feel that they are both from the old guard. A person cannot hold "inexperience" against Obama. This is another way of saying we want to keep things status quo. I haven't made my mind up totally, but perhaps Barack is the breath of fresh air this country is in need of.

I'm a registered republican and have a deep desire to see "change" just as much as the next person. For this to occur we must get away from "old politics". Both McCain and Clinton promise fresh new ideas, however I feel that they are both from the old guard. A person cannot hold "inexperience" against Obama. This is another way of saying we want to keep things status quo. I haven't made my mind up totally, but perhaps Barack is the breath of fresh air this country is in need of.

"Hillary has been at the forefront in the battle for civic rights, children's and women's rights, abused children and women, families ("It takes a Village") and health care."

Hillary was at the forefront when she sat on the board of Wal-Mart and listened to the anti-Union stuff that the board spouted. I think the record shows she sat silent. Let us also not forget that her chief adviser, Mark Penn, is the CEO of a business that counts Erik Prince of Blackwater as one of its clients as well as other union busting "folks"....Now, I have some problems with that.
I am totally amazed that no one has brought up the business dealings of Mark Penn. It seems to me that if she is offended and suspicious of Rezko and demands Senator Obama explain his connection to him, she certainly should be ready to explain Mark Penn. I for one would like some answers on that. Should not all the "experience" she has tell her that continuing to have Mark Penn "advise" her could become a problem? Of course, she probably figured on running against McCain and he certainly isn't going to bring up that fact is he? Having your best friend/advisor's company taking money from Blackwater for public relations work certainly seems like a conflict to me.

And before you ask, I am a life-long Dem, over 50, a woman, rural, and poor....I am her coveted demographic...LOL...

Will a reporter ask Hillary this question, at a debate, or for an article:

Dear Hillary,

In an editorial in The Washington Times, Mark Goodman argues that if the full Barrett Report is released to the public, which likely will happen if you are the nominee, your candidacy would be a "GOP Ace in the hole." Will you support releasing the Barrett Report now to show you have nothing to hide?

Mark Goodman is a veteran journalist and author of the novel "Hurrah for the Next Man Who Dies."

I'll take Obama as president, even in these turbulent times.

So would Maine - just called for Obama by at least two news organizations.

Obama´s rethoric is not plain American blunt speech. He plays a different game. Can´t figure it our yet what it is but it is different. I have lived 10 years in China and many more in third world countries. His promises smell "populist"...seen many of those leaders..I´m 83 years old.

Guess what people under 30. We who are over 30 were ALSO under 30. We have been exactly where u have been , and you have NOT been where we are now.

You guys have NO IDEA what it takes to be president.

Just because Obama SAYS he will change everything does NOT mean he will. Its very , very simple. All you under 30 folks NEVER look at Obama's record, just that he isnt the same age as your parents.

Elect him cause he is the youngest and LEAST experienced candidate ????

This is why the country is NEVER RUN, nor dictated to by people under 30. Nor in ANY society , in any time in history.

They dont have a clue what they are talking about .

I wouldn't vote for Hilary or Obama. Maybe you all should watch the Clinton Cronicles and see what values Hilary holds dear to heart----Power. Obama just keeps promising change...he just never bothers to elaborate on what that change would be. I'm like the gentleman above...he called it populist, I call it socialism. Wake up america before its to late and you lose your freedom. You all think just because Obama speaks of change it would be in your best interest....he is just like Hilary...he has his own agenda and its all about him.

Barack Obama started a fad by demanding (and promising) "CHANGE", but has it ever been defined? Does even he know what changes will be forthcoming? "Change" has become a buzzword with little substance. Shouldn't we, as voters, demand to know exactly what Obama plans to do, aside from make speeches which sound like Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Huey Newton, and Malcolm X, rolled into one? Sure, those speeches are getting votes, and who can argue with success? But we need to know what happens AFTER November!

I CANT BELIEVE THE AUDACITY and ARROGANCE OBAMA IS SHOWING...

He and his campaign are becoming so nasty, narcasistic and egomaniacs...

HE IS SHOWING HIS TRUE COLORS OF DIVISIVENESS AND OVERALL CONTRITE FEELING...

1. saying Clinton voters "will go to him" but Obama voters "won't go to clinton" I'M A CLINTON SUPPORTER AND I WILL *NOT* SUPPORT OBAMA

2. parelleling himself to the messiah... YES HE HAS DONE SO IN SPEECHES (see abcnews.com)

3. continued & trouble MISLEADING ATTACKS ON HILLARY

4. media and his supporters being SO BLINDED by his Rezko ties, 'present' votes in Illinois senate, flip-flop on the war, AND SOMEHOW PRETENDING THATS INVISIBLE...

Gavin, I agree 100%

Obama's popularity will fade quickly. Narcissists never last.

Tom,
Is that why Bill Clinton got elected because under 30's wanted him because he was younger than there parents? If I remember correctly he was younger than Obama when he first ran. I believe my generation is much more open and believes that we can change the world. I cannot stand the fact that during Hillarys speach today on CNN she used the phrase YES I WILL. Sounds like she is trying to sound like Obama. The world needs more people with the under 30 mentality who realizes every one is equal and should have every oportunity to better themselves and our country. Your under 30 years probably were very different than mine but I have ideas, hopes and dreams for this country and pray my children will when they are under 30. I hope there are alot less pessimistic people like yourself around shooting down there hopes and dreams.

The last time the country was asking for drastic change, we elected Jimmy Carter. The worst president that I can remember. Wonder if Obama is the next Jimmy Carter. That would be sad...20% interest rates and no respect by anyone in the world.

Other countries may not like us now but they do respect us and know not to mess with the United States of America!

Barack Obama does quite well among and will continue to win independent voters, and even a small but growing contingent of disaffected Republicans (who, I might add, are not all "monsters," nor, despite occasional appearances to the contrary do they march in lockstep). Hillary Clinton, though in many respects a fine candidate, does not. John McCain draws well among independents, but Barack Obama attracts even more of them than the Arizona senator.

And since *no one* can win the presidency without the support of the majority of independent voters, with whom shall we cast our lot, my fellow Democrats, independents, and like-minded Republicans?

rmberryman - has Obama's call for change ever been defined? Sure.

You may want to check his website rather than coming to a political blog looking for that kind of information. These blogs are all about the horserace, rather than designed to educate voters about positions.

Or if you don't want to look at Obama stuff, you can also find information about his positions and proposals from neutral sites.

Bob - I was around during the Carter candidacy. It wasn't a call for sweeping change. His appeal was the apparent (and actual, for the most part) lack of corruption. We were coming off the Nixon period, and a southern peanut farmer sounded just fine.

Carter wasn't an effective president, but not because he was a southern peanut farmer. First, odds were stacked against him, in terms of the economy and other events. Second, he was a micromanager, and therefore an innefficient executive. Third, in my view he didn't have a decisive nature when confronted with a crisis. The stagflation and OPEC issues weren't his fault, and he did have his successes such as the Israeli-Egyptian peace deal, which for the most part has held since. But I really think he ought to have taken a harder line in response to Iran's hostage taking.

Tom - I'm well over 30, something of a news junkie (therefore have some idea what's going on) and I'm white to boot. I'm an independent for Obama, who couldn't support Clinton. Sorry to violate your generalities.

Paul -- Always enjoy your thoughtful, articulate, considerate comments and observations. I think sometimes you're the only "big kid" around here, myself included!

Any thoughts on potential endorsements from Senator Edwards or Vice President Gore -- for whom, and when?

My guess would be Edwards for Obama, prior to the March 4 primaries. As for Gore, given his current stature, I suspect he has too much to lose by risking backing an unsuccessful candidate at this relatively early stage. That said, should he opt to endorse sooner rather than later, that would be a genuine vote of confidence in the recipient!

Obama is more like Bush. Full of feel good promises of change without telling us, nor us asking, what kind of changes.