I don't know why anyone in 2008 would want to vote for someone whose entire platform is based on the 90's or being a woman. She has no character and Bill is the dirtiest politician this century has known. America tell me again why anyone would want them back in. I for one don't want to go back to the 90's and there are a lot of women better suited.

American needs better...America deserves better...America will get better with Obama.

Bush/Clinton, Bush/Clinton has either been a president or vice president of the United States for straight 28 years. These two corrupt families have almost transformed the United States from been a democracy to beign a monarchy. We need some space and fresh air. It is about time the Bush and the Clinton names be deleted from the political scene. They have had their time; it is only be fair that other families try to turn the page. It is just too dangerous to allow these thugs to continue to destroy the United States. Enough is enough!

For those Obama supporters who find us Clinton’s supporters baffling, let me explain. Hillary has long been an advocate for children. She has advocated such programs as the family leave act when Bill was President. They have both championed education, especially in after school programs when crime rate among teens go up. Hillary has done various works that support her philosophy in her book "It Takes a Village." Something you may want to read, along with her autobiography. People say Obama votes like her. Well she has voted based on her convictions. Hillary Clinton, ready to think, take a stand and make a decision on day one. As leaders should. Obama's Illinois "present" votes one hundred and thirty times; not voting on Iran just recently makes him not capable of being right on day one. Obama has chosen not to vote unless he finds out which way the political wind is blowing. Therefore, considering that they vote similarly, that she does in fact have real experience in policy changes that benefit Americans; she is our choice. I will take it even further in regards to the History Making aspect and say; Obama is black, but he is still a man. A woman in office will be the REAL change, especially considering that women were last in getting the legal right to vote. Why should we always be last? Hillary; qualified, experienced and willing to take charge and make decisions on day one.

he's right. hillary is the favorite

he's right hillary is still the favorite and always will be.

obama is not stupid - he knows he wont win

Despite the 24/7 Obamathon - it sounds like someone is trying to spin their future Super Tuesday losses into a positive - even though its Saturday.

Hmmm, wasn't there an accusation of that after Clinton won by 2% in NH?

Or that she was spinning coming in 3rd in Iowa? Well she was. But what about our pal here? She's the favorite, yes she is, so if I fail like a dog, well, she was the favorite - better pull in that pointing finger Barrack, it might get smeared in that BS.

Obama has seen the polls and despite the fact that the media is not explaining this very ugly fact to you all - over 25% of the big states HAVE ALREADY CAST EARLY VOTER BALLOTS. Way back, when Hillary was ahead by 30 pts before Barrack decided to call foul to his race and get them in droves to vote race over substance. That means a quater of all Cali voters cast their votes long ago. So bye bye L.A. Your newspaper wasted its endorsement and knew they were wasting their endorsement - because they knew the votes were already cast. So why join the Obamathon, LA Times? To cash in and try to look good. It's image before substance America, that is all that counts.

So that means, chances are strong, that this surge in the polls will go down in flames, in every big state in the nation.

Over and over we are hearing the death knell drum beats for Clinton.

On Wednesday, when she is NOT dead on arrival, what then? Another prediction of her impending doom?

The Republicans have been predicting her impending doom since she was on the counsel to assist in the Nixon hearings. in 1972. 35 years ago. And to what end? She made the Governor's house with Bill, passed the most comprehensive Childrens Health Bill by pushing through the state house, though she was just the First Lady.

Then she's on to a successful law career again, then she's in the White House. Then she is told to act like a lady, by Barbra Bush - a do nothing fraud who pretended to be sweet and nice and was just plain evil ('Hillary's something that rhymes with witch, but starts with a b' - you f-ing old cow!). So what does she do? She goes around the world on missions from Bill, she tries to do something about health care and gets slammed - what have any of you out there done to get us all health care, nothing so shut up. Then she runs for Senate. And wins. Even in upstate NY.

And then what? How dead is she? She wins re-election by EVEN MORE with a greater support amount from republican UPSTATE NY.

And now, she is pronounced dead after Iowa and comes back and wins AGAIN, barely, but a win is a win.

So here we are, pronouncing her D.O.A.

Based on that track record, I wouldn't be too sure, Obamians.

The Obamathon will come to an end in the media, it always does. But remember this, when it does, don't you DARE cry race, cause that argument will be - - - - D.O.A.

Where is our conservative leadership? Are we patiently waiting to see Mrs.Clinton to be our President or we still have some kind of little feeling towards Gov.Romney?,because Gov.Romney changed to prolife OR we already gave up to the drive-by media to the coronation of Sen.Mccain to be our nominee?It's so sad to see the party of Reagan going along with the left and the socialists!Common,the conservative leaders of our wing should call Huckabee and say,not to kill our party by projecting himself as the real son of God to run on the religious principles to make this world Hell or Heaven?All the conservative leaders in the Feb 5th states to come out and proudly support Gov.Romney,the only one left with who is close to the principles of Reagan,viva GOP,viva USA,jt.

Duck Soup: Good article, hit the nail on the head. Sure hope that poll continues the way it's progressing.

2009whereareyou; YOU ARE AWESOME. You make me so proud of Hillary people!

I can not vote for Hillary because othe Iraq war votes and all the money raised by lobbyists to run this campaign. Her hands are not clean and she will owe them all something or why would they support her? Follow the money. the people have supported Obama's campaign and we the people own our canidate, he will owe the American people and that is what really counts. Just because Hillary is a woman doesn't mean she doesn't come with the same dirty baggage as other politicians. And look Bill just recieved a $100 Million dollar donation to his library, that will buy alot books for the Borat people.

YES WE CAN!

Jenny, I am glad that you are a young person who wants to vote Democrat. The people do not want to go back to the '90s as great as Bill Clinton was as President. He didn't make it in twice by mistake. However, you wonder why with the "Crucible" witch hunt investigations which proved something about Bill we didn't want to know, had nothing to do with the policies that benefited most Americans. This isn't about going back, this is about going forward with someone we actually know and trust at the helm. Plain and simple

Hillary is the brightest individual in this race .. R/D ..I think Obama is
jealous of her accomplishments .. Giving
money back admits to spoils and then
critizes Hillary's judgement ..look
who talks ..Beware of the politician who
lies and then denies ..

There is no doubt, even for an Obama supporter that Sen. Clinton has been involved in some great work for this country and the average American. However, when we could eliminate so much of the political machina that brainwashes so many uniformed voters we
also see that Sen. Clinton is often, perhaps too often motivated by political and persan gain. She campaigns as an advocate of unions yet follwed status quo as a board mewmber and share holder in Wal-Mart. She is a fervent war opponent now, but she spoke before the American people supporting the President war policy. She talks about unity on one hand and never fail to isolate independant and republican voters. Her campaign stresses what SHE will do as President, Obama speaks of what We (America) will do. There is no doubt a female presidentis historic and long overdue but the same can and must be said for African-Americans. And, in response to Irma - they have all been men and they have all been white. Sen. Clinton once live in the White House and met in the Oval Office - a opportunity never given to a person of color. In response to the present votes - Leader of NOW have rushed to Sen. Obama's defense, as the present votes represent strategies in countless votes. Sen. Obama stood tall for drivers licenses for Illegals, the reverse of DOMA, exhausting dimplomacy in Iraq - all against conventional politcal wisdom., in fairness the same can not be said for Sen. Clinton.

I close with this, I respect people who suppot any candidate, it is their right but the truth is Sen. Obama is more than qualified, more than consistant. He has proven his ability rally Americans together. He has proven his ability to energize the electorate beyond all expectation. And most of all he has inspired a nation to roll up its sleeve and get to work...together.
That's what a leader does!

Yeah, 2009, someone with Ugo as their name said something about me typing things up under various names. I thought he was kidding, but you're right, they'll think huh? Funny...

"she’s still the favorite"

Yep, he's right.

With so much more experience she's my favorite too!

Hillary 08

I think Barack Obama says that he is going to help his race have a better life than any other race. He is going to look out for his people.

It would truly be a breath of fresh air to see someone other a Bush or Clinton in the white house. The world would see the US in a whole different light. I believe Obama would be the best choice for the US right now. Clinton is the favourite but if Obama can stay on message then he may have a chance.

The Clintons are yesterdays news and will take politics and this country back to sqaure one. Just look at the way she is running a negative campaign. The Republicans are salivating to have Hillary get the nomination.

>>I think Barack Obama says that he is going to help his race have a better life than any other race. He is going to look out for his people.<<

You need to get out more often and perhaps mingle with people of different races and ethnicities. Being interracial that would be looking out for both blacks and whites!

3/4 of the democratic party is on Clintons side. check out the super delegate tally. All you Obama folks here is about John Kerry and Ted Kennedy and a few others. Clinton has 10 govenors, including the COVETED swing state Govenor of Ohio. She proved she can crush Obama and Mc Cain in Florida.

Of course Clinton is the favorite. The only chance obama has if he somehow WINS super tuesday, causing the rest of the super delegates to cave in and endorse him. If Clinton is 200 ahead, then Obama is on life support.

You all talk about her experience...really now, what experience? what major accomplishments does she have? nothing.

Everyone says that Hillary Clinton as having a lot of experience...let's look at the experience..
Born 1947, Yale Law School 1969, First Lady of Arkansas 1978 - 1992, 1993-2000 First Lady of United States, 2000-2008 US Senator.
I'll leave the question of judgement, accomplishments, and style of leadership to the most intelligent voters?

this is a very biased piece.
especially inappropriate coming in the days leading up to Feb 5.

"I don’t think that there’s any doubt that Senator Clinton -– she’s still the favorite."

What is the context of this quote? Why is this not presented?

how could people talk about obama like of exp.? when president kennedy was also freshmen senator! then went on to become greatest president ever!

Hillary is Smart, and she will be a GREAT President.. All you Nay Sayers can go pound sand.. You know , just like your boy bush has been doing for the last 7+ years.. The Great Decider.. What a joke.. I remember 9/11 seeing bush sit there for 7-8 minutes

If Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee, I'd like to see him pick Bill Richardson as his running mate.

Cost of Hillary's Iraq war vote = 4000 invaluable lives of our finest, pluse 40000 iraqi civilians, for a war based on lies.

cost of (100/4000 2.4%) of Obamas vote = NOT as damaging as as the above.

Hillary could have a better defense of her war vote if she voted present(abstatind) for the Iraq vote.

So, don't bring the vote issue Hillary supporters .. evreytime you bring the vote issue you disugst me by shwoing not respect rather insult to those 4000 and ther families.

I am amazed at how the media supports Obama. Today Rasmussen has Hillary gaining 3 points since the debate and has a 8-9 point lead, also see the polls below.

REAL CLEAR POLITICS AVERAGES
Election 2008
Republicans
Democrats
National
McCain + 12.4
Clinton + 9.8

California
McCain + 8.3
Clinton + 11.7

New York
McCain + 31.3
Clinton + 21.5

Illinois
McCain + 14.0
Obama + 28.3

Missouri
McCain + 5.0
Clinton + 12.0

New Jersey
McCain + 17.3
Clinton + 10.0

Georgia
Huckabee + 5.7
Obama + 8.3

Tennessee
McCain + 5.3
Clinton + 17.3

Alabama
McCain + 6.5
Clinton + 1.5

Connecticut
McCain + 22.0
Clinton + 3.4

More Feb 5 States
Republicans
Democrats

Delegate Race
McCain + 34
Clinton + 76

I definitely support Barrack when it comes to healthcare. I believe universal healthcare will be paid for through hard working American income. I personally pay enough in taxes and medicare, now an added deduction will come with universal healthcare. I am a healthy American at this time and I don't want more of my money deducted for healthcare universally. I'd rather choose my own plan and pay for it as it suites my family, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS MORE AFFORDABLE. I also agree with parents providing coverage for their children until the age of 25, because most young adults dont take their health seriously. Also, in the other countries that have universal healthcare, they are not as sick as the average American. We are at the top for being overweight and suffer from several diseases that are related to obesity, (MEANING MORE COST FOR TREATMENT). Preventive medicine is nothing new, it just have not worked much, because people dont care.
Clinton will say anything to be elected, universal healthcare will be deducted from everyones income, because IT HAS TO BE PAID FOR.IT WOULD BE CATASTROPHIC TO THE AVERAGE AMERICAN.

Hillary's ambition has no limits. Every assignment, association or vote is cynically crafted simply for future public consumption:

-- She voted for the war authorization as insurance against potential popular support that never happened.

-- She got on the Senate Armed Services Committee because polling indicated that a woman as commander-in-chief creates concern

-- She ran for a lay-up senate seat in New York because polling indicated she was perceived as incidental to herhusband's career

-- The office in the West Wing, the closed door development of her failed health care plan, the unwillingness to release any papers that indicate she had any substantive role in the accomplishments she now claims

It's all about perception. She is an expert in hiring people that craft a personna that does not exist. Then she memorizes their talking points.

George Orwell only got two things wrong... the book should have been "2008" and it will be Big Sister, not Big Brother.

The reason so many hate Hillary, is because she has the nerve to challenge the traditional role of women. Hillary got into trouble when she decided to be a real first lady, and actually do something other than smile and bake cookies. People were mad that Bill gave her the power he gave her. If Hillary was not a woman, she would be waking away with this nomination. I don't understand how people still feel women are not suppose to be strong, intelligent, goal driven, accomplished, bold, aggressive, ect. It is the 21st century. Obama wants to talk judgement, yet he let Rezko help him buy a house he couldn't afford, while Rezko was under investigation. He called it a boneheaded mistake. He misvoted at least 6 times in the Illinois state senate, saying he hit the wrong button. What an idiot. He rarely shows up to vote and when he does, he hits the wrong button. This guy is so not ready to lead our nation.

some of the comments of you Hillary supporters really show your "35 years of experience", just because Barack said she is the favorite, you think she is really? duh, dumb people. You lull your opponent and her loyal corrupt supporters into a sense of complacency, and you know this race is so close, thats when you take them out by suprise.
WISDOM IS JUSTIFIED OF HER CHILDREN and the last time i saw, none of you have that.

OBAMA 2008

To Hilary supporters 35 years experience does not make you a leader.
A leader leads by example and by inspiring those that they lead to unite for and persivere towards a command beneficial goal. Where in her 35 years of experience as she united both demps and GOP to achieve something. Not health care even with democrates holding both houses in 1993.
As an ex soldier I know of many old experience officers who have lead their men to their death, while the young inexperience insperational Lt get his men to follow him to achieve the objective without loss of life.
America, no the world needs you to pick a leader that will inspire all of us to work for a better world in which we live in.

I’ve heard this all before. You don’t like Hillary because:

-She’s a strong woman.
-She doesn’t bake cookies.
-She went outside the traditional role of a First Lady.
-She’s smart/intelligent/competent/(insert your favorite way of saying she’s got a good brain here).
-You’re a woman hater.
-You’re hater.
-You’re a Republican.

I have two words for Bret: Condi Rice.

Stop thinking that why some people don't like Mrs. Clinton, is that she's strong, challenging the traditional role, or any of that CRAP! She's an extremely unlikable person. This does not mean that no one could like her; rather, that it's easy to NOT like her. (Don't worry Bret, I realize that nuance is hard for you, but I think other people will understand.)

My family is full of strong women . . . very strong women, yet I don't like her, nor do most of these strong women. Why? As for me, it's simple.

*She is obviously ambitious (not the good kind of ambition).

*Hillary is smug.

*She lectures like your older sister.

*She'll say anything to get power, such as telling the world that she can control Bill, as if . . .

*Her work for children was not for children, as such, but a group that advocated a certain position for children. I'm sorry Brett, you might have trouble understanding the difference, but here it is. One type of group believes in helping children with food, and clothes, and medicine. Hillary's type of group believes in gaining political influence and power so that they can make sure that there are government programs to get public money set aside so that OTHER people (a bureaucracy) can do something for children at a much higher cost/benefit ratio. Of course, the side benefit to the second group is political patronage.

*Hillary has spent most of her time riding her hubby’s coattails.

*Hillary is smart. Big whoop! Jimmy Carter was one of the smartest presidents in our history. He was also one of the least capable. And if she’s so smart, do you think she might have been able to explain to Bill what the “meaning of the word ‘is’ is” at any point since 1998?

*Hillary cried crocodile tears for the cameras when she thought she might lose to Obama. (Or do you want it both ways?)

Oh, and as for not baking . . . I had an aunt that built a successful business (a chain of bridal stores) and made some of the best food you ever tasted. SO don’t feed me any more nonsensical CRAP about baking and being a strong woman being mutually exclusive.

Which reminds me of another strong woman, Julia Childs.

"The reason so many hate Hillary, is because she has the nerve to challenge the traditional role of women . . . "
Posted by: Bret | Feb 3, 2008 12:41:00 AM

So Tammy, I guess you don't mind that Bill Clinton just took a 31 million dollar donation to the Clinton library along with the pledge of 100 million more from a uranium mine broker.

Think about it -- there's only one use for uranium, right? And now that sweetheart donor has three plum mining contracts in an area that doesn't respect human rights. Do you know where that uranium will go? I sure don't.

Hillary Clinton couldn't be bothered to read the intelligence reports on Iraq that showed there were no weapons of mass destruction, choosing instead to send thousands of our troops into Iraq and onto their death.

She applauds the saber rattling with Iran, suggesting even more carnage in a renewed Clinton administration. And of course, I don't expect Mr. Clinton to sit idly by and knit during her administration, which also is concerning.

There are good reasons to support a candidate, and good reasons not to. But criticizing someone for fighting as hard as they possibly can against a bill they had no chance to win because of the legislators that accepted the big lobby money is not a good reason.

Of all the blogs posted by Obama supporters none that I've read ever claim that HRC is not smart, that she is not capable and that she is not hardworking. None. What many do point out is that her experience has largely been tied to her husbands political aims and objectives. Like comments on her general intelligence, this statement should be taken as a point of fact. Her experience in public life is linked to her husband's political achievements and initiatives, with the exception of her time in the Senate.

As for her experience prior to the Senate it is not outside reason to assert that, on balance, the Clintons squandered a tremendous amount of the progressive momentum they brought with them into the White House during the first "one hundred days" with such memorable legislative battles as "Don't ask/don't tell" and the beginnings of HRC's poorly executed attempt at healthcare reform. Their administration's early policies also aided the rise of "shut-the-government-down" Newt Gingrich and the Republican driven legislative agenda called the "contract for America." So much promise and potential wasted because of poor management and leadership on the Clinton's part. Was/is Bill Clinton smart? You bet. Intelligence isn't the only measure of a leader. Nor is hard work.

When I hear Hillary use the "I'm ready on day one" line I wonder about her role in the "day one" planning of the first Clinton administration. If so, that does not bode well for the country. From day one the Clinton's set in motion a partisan mood that resulted in a huge mid-term election loss for the Democrats and raised the level of vitriol in DC to epic levels. They didn't do it alone, I realize, but they certainly contributed regularly to the remaining 6 years of national melodrama that we all had to endure. Boy, I felt really sorry for Hillary during that period, and respected her poise. Yet the thought of a "season 3" return of the political-drama "The Clinton's Rule Washington D.C." makes me want to give my television away.

As for her experience, since she has been an elected official, the most important vote had to be the Iraq war resolution. She got that one horribly wrong. There was plenty of reasoned Democratic opposition to that vote, and HRC voted against reason. In that regard, she is no different than John McCain. Nor is she any different than him on the more recent vote on the Kyl-Lieberman resolution; another example of poor judgement not unlike her vote on the bankruptcy bill. In all three cases her vote was one of political expedience.

I was always, and remain, against the invasion of Iraq. I am a yellow-dog Democrat and have always voted a straight Democratic ticket. But I personally cannot hold my nose and vote for HRC because of her Iraq war vote.

She was wrong, and the idea that she needed more information then to make the right decision is disingenuous. There was plenty of solid intelligence, the personal judgement type of intelligence, to guide her. And with a vote like that she claims national security experience...

In 2004 the anti-war vote was buried with Howard Dean. This year we all have a chance to elect someone who showed good judgement on the most important decision our nation has made in this century; a decision that will affect generations to come.

Anti-war bias aside, I hope that the nation does not choose to invite more drama and divisiveness back into the national household. It's not about giving a woman a turn, it's about putting our nation on a different course. A return to past leadership will not move our nation forward.

Barack will unite america,
Hillary will try,
Barack is more honest,
than she is,
her campaign has been accused the most of lies telling,than any other.
Barack has less negatives,
than she does,
Both will be blackmailed by corporate contributors,
Hillary, much more so than barack.
Barack can get youths, independents, and republicans to vote dem. in november,
Some democrats will vote republican just to keep hillary out,(remember 40% uncommitted ?).
With barack the world will love america once more.
with hillary...maybe.
Barack will inspire americans to achieve the seemingly impossible,
Hillary...not so much.
Hillary will be a good president.
Barack will be a great president.

And I don't anyone that would get on a bridge with Teddy being built back to the 60's.

Lets see. It just came out today that of all the people in the Senate, Obama has the most liberal record. Now, I am looking to see when the last time was that a person with the most liberal voting record in the senate was elected president. Hold on I almost got it.....
NEVER.

Yes... she's considered the favorite. Unfortunately, however, Obama and been catching her via the slow bump. Obama's message is more transending. Obama has is crushing individual fund raising - $32M in one month. 500,000 individual contributors. Over 250,000 of which were new contributors.

Yes - he is liberal, however, he's tough on national security... right on the war the first time around. Has a tremendous amount of integrity. And probably the biggest thing - he's much more motivational and inspiring. This country has been rob of its personal rights. He listens to his supports. I mean really listens - there have been several occassions his team has accepted advice on ideas for the campaign and put them to work.

Yes we can.

Anyone with half a brain cannot compare Barack Obama to Hillary Clinton with respect to ethics. The Clintons have taken lobbyists and PAC money for decades (Obama does not --like John Edwards). The Clintons have taken MILLIONS of dollars of illegal money they have had to give back (does the name Hsu ring a bell?), and have been tied to many unethical operations, Whitewater, Rose Law Firm, Lewinsky-gate (I could go on). So PLEASE do not stand there in your glass house and throw stones. Obama has as much experience, has better judgement, has more integrity (can't say that she has any), and is an extremely intelligent person. He gets my vote (and by the way--I'm a white woman in my mid-40s).

I am shocked and stunned by the large amount of Obama supporters who say "electibility" is not a big factor when voting for a candidate. Wake up young people of America, "electibility" means your President. Your setting Obama up to be blown away by any Republican. He has no idea how vivoius they are.

I just found 7 other polls that show Clinton is ahead in all those states.

Look at the facts. Bush said during his first campaign Washington politicans can not be trusted to fix Americans problems. So elect me George Bush. Obama has said the same thing. Neither had or has any idea what their talking about.

Inexperince has gotten thousands of brave soliders dead in Iraq and no way out. And inexperience cost hundreds of New Orleans their lives.

And Obama is a politican who has burned bridges and played games to become the Senator he is today? How do you think he got the money to run his campaign? Being a politican makes you dirty in the first place. Favors for political contribtions goes back to George Washington. There is no Mr. Clean politican out there, only a con job on the American people. Voters do your research. The only politican above it is a politican that you have never heard of.

C DEPP - All presidents are inexperienced except when elected to a second term. HRC was part of the inexperienced crowd when she sent our brave soldiers on a fool's errand in Iraq.

Your cynicism is awe inspiring.

If there was more dirt on Obama the Clintons would have already thrown it at him. Obama IS the most electable Democrat. He brings in new voters, independents, and some Reppublicans as well as a majority of Democrats. Hillary brings in about 50% of the Democrats---the rest wouldn't vote for her if she was running aginst a rock. And if she is the nominee, the Republican party will chew her up and spit her out. It won't be pretty.

You people need to grow up! These two people are great Americans who are doing something that none of you can because you are scared... they are putting themselves out there to be scrutinized from every walk of life... To me that says something about these individuals... As for the accusations of be corrupt, I would hope you people can back your statements up with actual and factual proof and not something you heard on some news cast that came from a friend of a friend and we put it on tv or in print and it becomes truth... As a second year law student I now realize that facts and truth are to different thinks... facts can be manipulated while truth is just that and it is unwavering and constant... The Republicans can't do anything that they already have not done to Hillary... Barack looks like he can handle his own also... We need to realize that Clinton and Obama are on the same team at the end of the day and you people need to stop taking things so personally. History will be made and I want to be apart of it either way it goes...

Obama keeps saying that he was "against" the Iraq war. Why do so many people not stop and think. Obama was NOT in the US senate at the time when the original vote was taken. (Neither were you or I.) Still, as a private citizen, I also was "against the war.) The big question is how would I have voted, if I was a member of the US senate and given misleading information. Possibly like many senators and General Powell??? Since Obama could not vote "present" as he did over 100 times in Illinois, we really do not know how he would have voted. However, when Obama did become a US senator, he did vote for additional funding for the war! The point being, is that commiting to a vote is completely different from just saying the word "against".

I addition to the above, there is little that we really know about Obama other than his great oratory ability. I have read and heard many negative things that cause me to have concerns. I will not list them here as I am sure, after checking, some of these will prove to be false. At this time, I only ask that those who read this post will ask themselves: How was Obama able to get elected to the Illinois state congress, senate and then to the US senate in such a very short time? Stop and think!

Election 2008
Once again, the Democrat voters and voters in general, are going to let the Republican Party dictates how they should vote. The “Fear Tactic” was use in the 2004 election and now in 2008, it is the “Likeability Tactic”.
The Republicans Party knows they will lose if Hillary R. Clinton wins the democratic nomination. They are also aware they will win if Senator Obama wins.
Yes, we all know Senator Obama is more likeable than Senator Clinton and Senator Edwards but what does that means when it comes to voting for the candidate to become our next President?
Republican Party’s Likeability Tactics:
Dictate to voters, whether democrats, independents, and republicans for that matter who’s thinking of jumping ship, to vote democratic by using Senator Obama as a decoy to distort the voters’ choice.
Mitt Romney alluded to this tactic in the latest Republican’s debate. He said “the Republicans Party is ready and excited to run against Hillary Clinton and they (Republicans) know the American people don’t want the Clintons to run the country again”. They want the American People to like the idea of casting their vote for Senator Obama rather than Senator Clinton or Senator Edwards because Senator Obama seems/appears more likeable than Senator Clinton and Senator Edwards by democrats, independents and by republicans as well. I heard someone said “He (Senator Obama) will be the nominee that can bridge the gap in the parties division”. No one can bridge that gap because both parties have different agendas and values. They see the country in a different way from a different binocular. Therefore, there’s no bridge to gap and there’s no reaching across the isle. The Republican party is belligerent when it comes to making decision that will benefit them not to benefit the Democratic party.
The Republican Party knows if they put enough support behind Obama, he will mostly get nominated and it will be a win for them come November.
This is the reason why you see Obama is receiving a lot of support from Republicans alike in these caucuses and primaries.
The Media as well is biting on this tactic by displaying the likeability factor of Senator Obama in the campaign trail. The more likeable he is the more publicity he will get and the more the name Obama will resonate with voters.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not lack of confidence that an African American cannot become President of this great nation. Furthermore, I’m not alluding that Senator Obama should not win the nomination of the Democratic Party but due to his lack of experience in the Senate and/or in politic, the Republicans will use that factor against him to become victorious come November election of 2008. I’m not saying Senator Clinton is the right choice neither, but she can sustain the blows from the Republican Party. People seem to forget Senator John Edward is also running. He’s a capable individual as well who can do a better job than both Obama and Clinton. What I’m saying is voters need to wake up and be smart when it comes to voting for any candidate in this election. Our great nation is facing the greatest threat and it’s not a terrorist threat; it is the threat of self-defeat. We are defeating ourselves which is the reason why we’re becoming more vulnerable to terrorist around the world. They are attacking us when we’re at our weakest moment. Let’s be smart and vote consciously. Pick a candidate that you know can do the job and not a candidate you think can do the job.
Vote for a candidate you trust will be a factor in the upcoming election and not fresh meat for the Republican Party to use as a treat. Choose a candidate that will sustain against all of the Republican Party bullying. Make a choice you know that’s right and not one you think is the right thing to do.

Kerson L. Raymond

Phyllis, I'd be delighted if you can share your findings with me.

if you vote obama that a vote for the people of 911 same contry were i come from plus he now nothing yet only 2 year and senate i was not there for vote for the war bush not toll people the trout hope hillary win if obama win i vote republican

Obama

Honesty

Intrgrity

Moral Values

____________________

Clinton

None of the Above

first of all I'm a democrat who will vote for Hillary for so many good reasons for primary and will vote for democrats for general election regardless who wins.
I wonder: Who is racist...or who is using race...no offense I think many African/America (A/A) are. WHY...for simple reason, when A/A supporting Hillary the A/A supporting Obama will creticize vehemently the For Hillary. I wonder what they are thinking...the support of A/A to Obama is more than 80% in some states. This is clearly racist. And then if some A/A favored Hillary they get offended and attack those followers! For all A/A for Obama, if you want 100% A/A support for Obama then that made you 100% racist!
By the way I'm an asian and a keen observer...

Phyllis,

How did he get elected so quickly? He's smart, committed, and genuine...much as he appears.

As for Obama's opposition to the Iraq war, he made his opposition public, which is more than any of the Senators who voted for it did. Certainly not HRC.

I sort of like "CHANGE the EXPERIENCE" e.g. as a nation let's choose change (Obama) over the divisive, past experience (the Clintons...not just HRC)

We all know Obama will be RIGHT on day one. Dont you know that Presidents are ALWAYS RIGHT? Dont you know that everything they do turns out fantastic? of course, this is just another PYSCH show by Obama.

You want to talk dirty politics? I dont think I have ever seen such low psycholigical warfare as I have seen continually from the obama camp. I watch both their speech rallies . Obama constantly POUNDS the pysch job of change and 'status quo' and Clinton continually stays on ISSUES.

You Obamaniacs keep coming up with Clinton's decision on the Iraq INVASION. Is that all you have? What about BO's decision to befriend Tony Rezco? What that a good decision? Even after Rezco turned the heat off for 6 months for Illinois families, BO continued to take his contributions? Are you so sure that BO's contributions are all from average people? NO, they are from corporations too...as someone said...follow the money trail! You'll see that BO has made so many promises that there is no way he'll be able to keep them all without this sudden excitement being turned into a national disappointment. Great, lots of new, young voters, but the thing is keeping them for the future...what happens when they see that all you've said meant little and promises made are not promises kept....they will run to the right so fast! Now, Barack says a vote for Clinton will be a bridge back to the 20th century...nice soundbite...but what does that mean for his suddenly wrapping himself in the glow of the 60s with the Kennedy mantle? Certainly not a bridge forward!

Listen, we all want change...change from the Bush and Republican policies of the past eight years...and either dem candidate can and will achieve that..but BO is making so many promises to take us far beyond that...to utopia...and he knows he can't achieve that because he will have to work within the Washinton environment...the environment he appears to running from...but what it all comes down to is he a typical Washington politician and he will say and do anything to get the nomination. Next year, we will have to tackle all of the problems left by this republican administration and move forward....there will be no time to say, ok let's look at how we can fix the rules first before we get a solution...we need someone to make decisions immediately on solutions first, then fix the problems afterward. The only candidate who is ready to do that from the start is Clinton!

Ida - What is honest about selling out your constituency for money and support from major energy companies? Read today's NYTimes piece about how Obama gutted legislation he originally authored to protect his constituency from Nuclear Power Plant leaks and then took money from the very company he originally made charges against. Bottom line - he sold out to the energy company interests. And this has happened within the past three years. I don't think his actions go along with his rhetoric. This is why I will vote for Hillary Clinton.

It is always difficult to believe that something a whole lot better could happen. We have been programmed for low expectations over the last eleven years. The Bush/Cheney/Rove years have taken a serious toll on American idealism. The Clinton years, while not being entirely bad, were in obvious ways, disappointing. I am energized and encouraged by the Obama campaign. I am encouraged by the prospect of actually being a part of the governing process. By the prospect of having a voice. It is amazing to hear a political figure have the humility to say that he wants strong people around him who will tell him when they think he is wrong. This could be "a government of the people by the people and for the people" again. Of course no one can predict the future, but,I would rather dare to be positive and expect good surprises than settle for more of the same.

Irma, I applaud your desire to learn as much as you can about the candidates. It speaks volumes about voters who take the time to educate themselves on the issues. That said, I respectfully ask that you read more about the procedures behind the "present" votes in the Illinois legislature. It means that, while not voting against it, one also doesn't agree with certain parts of a bill. For instance, on one bill that dealt with abortion, Mr. Obama voted "present" based on a recommendation from Planned Parenthood. It's not a copout or an attempt to avoid difficult decisions, it's a strategy that best serves the people. Thank you!

Hillary is the typical Washington politician, not Obama. To think that she will be able to forge legislative consensus on a progressive agenda, which is really what will need to happen if any change is going to occur, is folly. She may well be the female "decider" but making decisions and barking orders isn't all that is needed to effectuate change.

Moreover, why are so many Democrats falling so readily in lock-step behind another Clinton? Is it a failing with our civics curriculums or just our lack of collective education and national memory? The notion that two families ( Clinton and Bush) could alone be elected to govern for the past 20 years (and possibly another 4) makes America seem like a constitutional Monarchy rather than a democratic nation. While I don't think the discussion about "turns" is useful, I will say that at the very least it ought to be someone other than a Clinton's turn. It's time to break the dynastic cycle.

That a Clinton could be the favorite shows a serious, society wide sickness! Go Obama!

What is more important to you? Is it more important that Hillary get the democratic nomination by the party? Or, is it more important that the democrats win the White House in November? If you answer yes that it is more important to win the White House, then you should get out an work to make sure that Obama gets the democratic nomination and gets enough votes to make it past Super Tuesday. Despite how wonderful it would be to have a woman president, despite the fact that Hillary has "earned" the white house to some degree, she will not be able to win a race against McCain. The country is split 50/50 down partisan lines. The young people and independents will decide who the next president will be. They will lean toward McCain, not Clinton, in the race for the White House. They will lean toward Obama, not McCain, in a race for the White House. Be smart. A lot is at stake in Super Tuesday, including the White House.

This is something of an anomaly to me. Most people I know wouldn't let a person who Lied Under Oath, or was proven to be a Sexual Pervert, in their own home. Still yet there are those that would put someone like this right back in the White House. I don't get it. Doing the same thing in repitition expecting different results is the definition of "Insanity".
We need a change, different from anything we've ever seen before. OBAMA '08!

It is amazing hopw ignorant the public can be! Who really knows Obama, aside from a stump speech he admittedly stated if he was in the US Senate at the time of the Vote on Iraq, Obama said 'WHAT WOULD I HAVE DONE? I DON'T KNOW' which he contends was politically correct to do!

Delve into Obama and look at all the sleeze and dirty behind him and quit being so blind people, Republicans won't be, they will destroy him faster than Swiftboat!

It's funny to hear Hillary supporters just restate her rhetoric,"Experience, 35 years of experience, blah blah blah." How about 35 years of being a sellout to lobbyists and corporations. Half the country already hates here so Obama is the only real chance for a Dem. to be in the White House againg.

He can't win, they can go to the gutter, while he has to stay above the fray. Dirty politcs always wins over the voters, no matter how much they claim to despise it.