I guess McCain already knows who he's up against.

McCain is weak in the economy arena and he just hopes he gets to debate Obama because he'll squash him like a bug. I don't think he's too sure he could debate Hillary on any subject and win. Running against Obama would be McCain's dream come true.

It's crystal clear. If you think things have been fine the last 7 1/2 years vote for McCain. If you think this country can do better, then vote for Obama 2008!

I bet McCain come prepared

: )

McCain admittedly knows nothing about the economy, he knows plenty about upopular wars. Did Humphrey win in '68? No, and neither will John. How can we take him seriously when he ignores our economic weakness (tax cuts, what about the corporations that don't even PAY taxes, year after year...) and looks to widen an already upopular, and far too expensive war overseas. (Bomb Iran? Jesus he's NUTS!) At least with the alterative we wont be threatened with nuclear war. Anybody that proposes pre-emptive tatical nuclear strikes in absence of negotiation right away, is NOT fit to be President!

Obama does not have the expertise or credibility on issues like this. If he stumbles in the debates or uses his rhetoric and not answer the question, McCain will pound him. With Hillary, McCain cannot do that. She can discuss taxes toe to toe with him and not flinch.

Obama graduated Harvard Law School with honors. McCain finished at the naval academy fifth from the bottom of his class in a class of over 800 graduating students.

Obama will rip him to tiny shreds and he'll do it with a smile on his face. McCain will be easy pickings for someone of Obama's intellect. Just wait for that first debate. It's gonna be like pitting a tarantula against moth. OMG!
McCain didn't support the tax breaks originally claiming that it was because they favored higher income brackets. Then, he changed his position and said he didn't support the tax breaks because they didn't include a decrease in spending. Now he says those tax breaks should be made permanent.
TYPICAL POLITICAL DOUBLESPEAK.
Get ready for a blowout "my friends".

JOHN MCCAIN is toying with BARACK OBAMA. He is trying to knock OBAMA off his core message. What is the economic substance of OBAMA's message of hope? So far there is no substance. The last time OBAMA sought out an economic advisor it was a guy named REZKO involving the purchase of a house. If you think that MCCAIN will decide who the prospective nominee is last time I checked MCCAIN is not a Democratic SuperDelegate, and there are over 350 uncommitted SDs still.

The expiration of the Bush Tax cuts is not all or nothing. Obama is for keeping and even increasing those for the working and middle class, he is also for letting those for people in the upper 10% and higher income brackets to expire. Arguably these are the people least hurt by the current economic issues and in least need of the tax breaks. McCain was very clear that the thought the tax cuts were an exceptionally bad idea, especially during a time oif increased spending, but now that seems to have changed. He for extending and expanding military conflicts and giving tax cuts at the same time, and calls it fiscal responsibility.

Oh, Jill, Jill, Jill (and Jim). Though you even have West Coast Messenger, the Hillary plant, echoing your sad refrain...

McCain is toast in November, no matter who wins. But Barack Obama will wipe the floor with him in a debate, while Hillary treats "her friend, John" with kid gloves!

Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!

Cynics are still trying to discount Obama although he's clearly demonstrated the "will to win".

Still talking about Rezko? (No news)
Wanna whine about 1 of 5 pastors in Obama's church that has pastored contributed positively for 40 years? (Gotta come better than that)

Superdelegates? In case you've been away on planet nowhere, superdelegates are daily announcing support for Obama. Since Texas and Ohio, I think he's picked up 9 since then and Hillary has lost another one.

Pelosi - The Queen Bee with REAL EXPEREIENCE slapped Hillary, essentially closing the door on any chance of her being in any way associated with the Presidency.

McCain doesn't speak about Hillary at all as he knows she's done, as most in this country and the world confirm the same.

Again, keep searching for negatives to fuel rhetorics. However, you have no teeth to chew a 12 oz porterhouse.

If McCain can't understand the economy by his own admission, AND wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years, but can't see how the Iraq War correlates to economic downturn, debt, etc., then how in the hell can he hope to win a debate with Obama on taxes??? All he does is repeat the same line he's heard all Republicans say "No taxes". Sheeeeesh, this country is thru. This is just a slow death of stupidity.

WCM: people like you make it not worth even looking at the comments.

Have you ever looked at Sen. Obama's economic plan? Have you ever heard him talk about it in his speeches?

Yes, Hillary has similar plans in many respects, but I don't trust that she will a) want to implement them to benefit the poor (given how many special interest groups have her in their pocket) and b) be able to implement them, even if she wanted to, with a senate and house minority, which is what we would be heading to with her as a president.

"Jackt51",
Obama is not going to rip anybody to shreds in a debate because he hasn't been able to do that yet. He is good at campaign style speaking but is third rate at debates. Hillary Clinton has outperformed Obama in virtually all debates but one, and that was where Obama and Edwards were tag teaming. Since Edwards has gone Obama hasn't been able to step up to the plate.

So, the primaries are over and the candidates are decided? If that THING gets the democratic nomination, I will write in Clinton's name before I vote for him. I'll even vote Republican for the first time in my life before I vote for him.

Lisa: so he's not even 1/3 of a person now, now he's a THING? Way to hold up the golden standard for acceptance. The media is reporting he Clinton campaign turning into an epitome of racial hate and division, and you're falling right into the pattern.

It's sad that it takes a campaign that lets its supporters speak like that to bring out the hidden racism we've all been breathing for centuries.

It appears that Lisa has the "Ferraro Syndrom". May I recommend a prescription of a good deep tissue massage along with smiling for 3-5 days? Also, go DECAF.

Don't be such a sourpuss!
Sore loser!

Radster, Obama takes money from special interest too. It is disguised as money from state interest groups and individuals who run or represent those interest groups. Hillary will try to implement her plan. "Don't trust her" How do you know? Everything you said about Hillary can be applied to Obama.

What is McCain talking about? Obama plans to *lower* taxes for the middle class, not raise them.

Obama *does* plan to let Bush's tax cuts for the top 2% ($200,000+/year) expire. That's because there's a war on, we have a $500 billion deficit, and our infrastructure is literally falling apart. (Think the levees in New Orleans, the bridge in Minneapolis, education, health care, veterans, etc.) It's called leadership.

McCain, meanwhile, has said he won't raise taxes, yet he wants to continue the Iraq war for 100 years at the tune of $12 billion a month.

My friends, those two things don't add up--and McCain knows it.

Jill Mitchell:
You're Dreaming!
John McCain will Clean the Clocks of
Either of those Two Lightweights,
Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in
the Debates and in the General Election!
As your buddy John Kerry said in 2004,
Bring It On!

Andy What are You Talking About?
The Next Time the Democrats and I mean any Democrat does Anything for the
Middle Class will be the First Time!
They have been spouting this
pro-middle class Mantra for the past few years hoping some people will
believe it!
The Only thing the Dems will do for the
Middle Class is take their hard-earned
money and Spend it on Government
Handouts and Giveaways! Get Real!

There are two reasons why McCain always goes after Obama and leaves Clinton alone. The first is that he knows he's most likely going to be running against Obama. The second is that both John and Hillary are under the impression that she is his vice presidential running mate. He'd hate to mess up that arrangement. Did you catch the video where they're sitting side by side and they each tell the camera that the other would be a wonderful president? Mrs. Clinton certainly has no understanding of party loyalty does she? She persistently campaigns for John McCain at the expense of the other democratic candidate. I suspect when she looks in the mirror in the morning she whispers, it's all about me every day in every way.

Jim: So the money is "disguised". Just like his secret religion and secret plan to destroy America.

Why doesn't anybody expose these "disguised" donations for what they are?

As of February, 90% of his donations are under $100. The average donation was $109. Over a million people donated. But I guess they all have a special interest. To have a president that will listen to them.

Listen to what you're saying. If you want to see conspiracy everywhere, you're already down the wrong path. Let's get back to burning witches and prosecuting Communists now, why don't we?

Constant whining about what you think "might" happen hasn't done anything positive for this country. Neither have the policies of the past 7 years, and getting worse as we speak.

Take it from Bush and McCain:

"My friends, due to the mismanagement of the President, the US economy is experiencing tough times."

TRANSLATION? You're in deep doo doo Reaganfan.

Also regarding special interests:

If you seriously suspect anybody would donate money to Sen. Obama's campaign so that they would be favorable to them, you've got to consider that:
* with his million+ grassroots supporters, he doesn't need them. ($100 from 1 million people goes a long way...)
* they have a candidate (or two) in the race that have a TRACK RECORD of defending special interests (does the "lobbyists represent real people" defense ring a bell). my guess is that's where their money is going. i'm hoping it's as bad as an investment as it looks right now.

It is too naive and pre-mature to think McCain be beaten easily in Nov by Dems...

The chance for both Dems candidates to win Nov is still 50/50... it could be worse if Dems were divided itself...

Obama has to convince American he is the right one to defend the country, solve the international crisis, rescue US economy, health cares, etc.. But so far he has not been successful to convince half of his Dems yet with his hope/change tones. Without approven accomplishment records, it would be harder for him to convince the whole nation. He has to work harder...

Those with any critical thinking skills can easily see that a General Election with Obama and McCain will be a massive blowout for the democrats. The "trend" in politics will not only reflect a historic change in the White House, but in all aspects of House, Senate and judge appointees. Regarding the bigger picture, the appointment of Supreme Court judges will be the ultimate cherries on top.

Fear is no longer a platform for election. Bush played the okey doke card on that and Americans are tired of war, partison bickering, loss of jobs at home, deficient schools and low taxes for some of the richest corporations in the world.

Get ready for history to be made in the evolution of a New America.

Joris:
You're living in a dream world!
We don't vote on History!
We vote for the candidate who has the
most experience and steadiest hand to guide us through these troubled times!
The War on Terror is Not about Fear it is About reality!
Like 3,000 civilians killed on 9/11!
That is not Fear it is reality!
It may have been a mistake to go into Iraq but we cannot afford to lose!
Aside from withdrawing and declaring
defeat, what is Obama's plan for Iraq and the overall War on Terror?
Hillary Clinton wants a do-over on her vote to authorize the Bush to go to war with Iraq and Obama wants to pretend that Islamo-fascism doesn't exist!
The choice in 2008 is clear, John McCain!

All Dems thought this election would be a golden opportunity to re-gain W.H because the failure of Iraq war and weak economy...

However, if Dems don't have detail strategy how to end of War without jeopadizing national security and international interests, or any solid plan how to stimulate economy, which can beat Rep's economic proposals, then what is good about Dems???

Maybe some one can describe here how either Dem candidates can win over mcCain on all important issues in Nov..

Reaganfan:

Stop spouting those tired old republican lines. As a Vietnam Veteran, I can tell you that we DO NOT have to keep going in Iraq to prove some point. The war was wrong going in, it is wrong now, and aside from almost 4,000 dead american military and countless Iraqis, the war has tanked our enonomy and taken us away from the real mission -- to stop Al Queda. In fact, we've made things worse!

No more years of Bush/Cheney lies which only enrich their corporate cronies like Haliburton and its subsidiary with the Cayman Islands address to avoid paying social security and medicare taxes for its employees so that it could lowball its bidding.

And so much more... Say no to John McBush and his freudian slips such as 100 more years in Iraq and bombbombbomb, bombbomb Iran.

A few economic facts related to Iraq:

Price of oil prior to Iraq invasion = $36 a barrel.

Price of oil today = $111 per barrel.

60% of all domestically produced oil is sold at OPEC prices.

The US Military is the largest consumer of petroleum products in the world.

Oil & gas companies and defense contractors have always been significant contributors to Republican political campaigns and lobbies.

Who benefits from keeping the fires burning in the Middle East? Those who own shares of domestic/foreign oil companies and defense contractors.

I have no doubt McCain is very aware of these economic benefits for his party.

hillary's a snake and a fake who contradicts herself often. She pretends to be a friend of obama yet she stops at nothing and stabs obama in the back. She never apologizes for anything she does wrong which is plenty and she's constantly playing dirty. Obama's a man of God and realizes two wrongs dont make a right, he just beats her down with a smile that glows like Joel Osteen. As far as McCain who ever votes for him would rather live 4 more years of crisis then see a black man or a woman in office. And some have the audacity to say racism no longer exist. Very funny.

DCVoter:
The current price of oil has nothing to do with the war in Iraq!
The increased demand from China and India has everything to do with the
current price of oil!
By the way what did Bill Clinton do to
get us away from oil dependence and
into alternative fuels?
Oh I forgot he was busy with Monica!
As far as the Oil Companies go Your
hero Al Gore has significant investments in oil companies!
Check it out!

I want to see the McCain v. McCain debate on taxes.

He got it right the first time but reversed himself for political expediency.

If he wins in November he will give new out-Bush Bush, and in the process cripple our national security which directly depends on a strong economy. Remember, Predators don't come from the Missile Fairy.

reaganfan - the price of oil is directly related to the prices set by OPEC, supply and demand (which OPEC controls by production levels), and the value of the dollar. The invasion of Iraq drastically reduced available oil supplies and drastically increased oil consumption. The increased national debt caused by the costs of invading Iraq drastically lowered the value of the dollar. This in turn drives the price of oil up because of the exchange rate to foreign entities for oil. It does not matter where the oil comes from... OPEC is in control of pricing... even of our own.

What? McCain wants to continue to spend trillions without coming up with a plan to pay for it? He who votes for war needs to have the guts to come up with the taxes to pay for it too. His line that we shouldn't look backwards at why we are in Iraw is horse hockey. Why should we believe if he is elected he won't try to get us involved in Iran like the neocons want? I want to know exactly how he justifies the enormous expense for Iraw coming out of the wallets of every current voter, their kids and their grand kids wallets...

DCVoter: You're entitled to your
opinion and I won't debate this with you
endlessly. However Increased demand from
the growing economies in China and India
are driving the price of oil!
Opec could not get the price it wants
without the high demand!
If the U.S., China, and India suddenly
dropped their high demands for oil.
the price would drop like a lead
balloon!
While the Iraq invasion took their oil out of the mix the percentage of oil they were producing would not have
made the price of oil spike very high!
By the way the Iraqi's are pumping oil again and have been for awhile.

Have you ever heard McCain speak? He stumbles over his words too much to win a debate. What he does do though is attack and hit below the belt, like he did Mitt Romney. Now they're best buds though, I guess. I for one don't want to see any leftovers from Bush's presidency after November. I think that's all McCain has to offer. Even if he wins the debates, is a good debater all we're looking for?