Barack Obama gets under John McCain's skin

Election Day is still more than five months away, and Barack Obama has yet to obtain the "presumptive nominee" tag in the Democratic presidential race. But if the verbal brickbats John McCain hurled at him today are any indication, a prospective general election matchup between the two will bear little resemblance to the reasoned, civil campaign both have said they will strive for.

It's been fairly obvious for some time that McCain not only has less respect for Obama than Hillary Clinton, but that it's easier for the senator from Illinois to get his goat. McCain's reaction today to a barb Obama directed at him removed all doubts on those fronts.

Obama, taking to the Senate floor in the morning before returning to the campaign trail later in the afternoon, personalized an impending vote on a veterans benefits bill by noting McCain was against it. After making a nod -- as he almost always does when mentioning him -- to McCain's military record, Obama said, "I can't understand why he would line up behind" President Bush in opposing the measure.

A release from McCain, who was campaigning in California, followed quickly, notable for the unconcealed contempt expressed toward Obama.

It begins with a bold-faced quote from McCain:

"Perhaps, if Senator Obama would take the time and trouble to understand this issue he would learn to debate an honest disagreement respectfully. But, as he always does, he prefers impugning the motives of his opponent, and exploiting a thoughtful difference of opinion to advance his own ambitions. If that is how he would behave as President, the country would regret his election."

So much for the Senate's tradition of collegiality.

Then, in the longer statement that follows, McCain has this to say about his potential White House rival:

"And I will not accept from Senator Obama, who did not feel it was his responsibility to serve our country in uniform, any lectures on my regard for those who did."

In the past...

... McCain has been loath to play the "I wore the uniform, you didn't" card. After all, he could have laid it on the table during his often bitter battle with Bush for the GOP's 2000 presidential nomination. And it was available again -- to be directed at both Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney -- during McCain's intense strategic disagreements with the administration over the Iraq war.

It was telling, in terms of his attitude toward Obama, that he set aside that resistance in his statement (all of which can be read here).

Obama, in a response statement, referred to McCain's comments as "schoolyard taunts" that "do nothing to advance the debate about what matters to the American people.”

The dispute over the veterans bill -- sure to continue to figure in the presidential campaign -- also will figure in some congressional races.

A liberal activist group, Americans United for Change, has produced an ad that will target four Republicans who opposed the measure in the House -- Reps. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, Steve Chabot of Ohio, Tom Feeney of Florida and Randy Kuhl of New York.

According to a release from the group, the ad, entitled Lip Service, will air over Congress' weeklong Memorial Day recess in their districts.

The spot can be previewed here.

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: Associated Press

Comments

[Steve Rhodes]

The strange thing about the statement is he attacks Obama, but praises his friend Jim Webb for taking the exact same position.

Why does he say Obama have "less than zero understanding of" the issue while saying he would "never suggest that [Webb] has anything other than the best of intentions to honor the service of deserving veterans."

McCain can't have it both ways. He seems to be so over the top in his (or whoever drafted it for him) attack. If Obama has zero understanding, then it seems Webb would. And if Webb has the best of intentions, than it would seem Obama does.

[Elizabeth]

The reason why Obama gets under his skin is he knows he's a formidable opponent and he's worried. He knows that Obama has a point on this issue that makes him (McCain) look bad.

[Chris]

Maybe McCain should take time out his schedule to show up for a vote that benefits veterans. Maybe McCain should do that instead of raging at someone asking a legitimate question.

John McCain: There for Veterans....Unless He's Busy Campaigning

[AJ]

the straight-talk express is :

NEVER .......

straight and: mighty "slow" !

[Cranky_Old_Batt]

Me thinks McCain doth protest too much.
If the barb was made by one who's views are without merit, then why dignify it with a response? This makes McCain sound very insecure (not to mention immature).

[AB]

Clinton Asks For VP Spot, Obama Says No
Posted by Ashish on 05.22.2008

Report says that Clinton's new aggressive attitude is because Obama turned her down for VP...

Al Giordano reports that Hillary Clinton has now directly asked to be Barack Obama's running mate, and that Obama has told her no. This would explain her behavior yesterday and today where she raised the topic of Florida and Michigan again and framed it as a civil rights issue, demanding all delegates be awarded in full based on the January elections (keep in mind that Clinton and her supporters in the DNC are largely responsible for FL and MI being stripped of their delegates in the first place).

The Field can now confirm, based on multiple sources, something that both campaigns publicly deny: that Senator Clinton has directly told Senator Obama that she wants to be his vice presidential nominee, and that Senator Obama politely but straightforwardly and irrevocably said "no." Obama is going to pick his own running mate based on his own criteria and vetting process.
Al also backs up what TIME Magazine is reporting, that being that it is Bill Clinton who is pushing Hillary for the VP spot, not Hillary herself. With Obama not bringing them on the ticket, we should see the final desparate attempts at relevancy from the Clintons in the next few weeks.

http://www.411mania.com/politics/columns/76190/Clinton-Asks-For-VP-Spot,-Obama-Says-No.htm

[Arlo]

McCain's tone has grown ever more strident over the past week or so. Obama makes him see red. And I think it is more than a matter of personalities or philosophical differences.

I believe McCain really doesn't understand Obama's positions - that Obama is genuinely smarter and better equipped for the debate than McCain. So, too, McCain's staff is baffled by Obama's statements and quite simply knows not how to respond.

Add to this the fact that folks in the McCain camp are already noting that the standard Republican strategies are backfiring according to ALL internal polling. In other words, Rovian attacks DO NOT stick to Obama.

This is a first. And it's VERY scary to Republicans.

One McCain staffer said recently, "Senator Obama is in a different league - different than all the candidates this year. And that's got everyone running a little scared."

So, the rage in camp McCain is born of fear and a complete inability to grapple with the issues at the same level as Senator Obama and his team.

[foo]

McCain is a war profiteer, and his wife is a coward not to release her financial records to prove it. McCain is just like her, and should not be president. Period.

[mampang]

I dont know Mc Cain well. Had he been tortured when he was captured by the viet? Like waterboarding?

[Jan E]

This man (Obama) has certainly earned my respect in the last few weeks since he started campaigning against McCain. I did not think he had it in him fighting the republicans machine .. I now stand corrected!!

[Valerie]

I am one of the millions of Clinton voters who will vote McCain in the fall. Obama is the sneakiest of characters in this drama. He is appalled and offended when he is attacked and begs for "change" in the tone of campaigns, and yet he often thows the first of many mean-spiritted jabs himself. Obama is a con artist and I hope that McCain and the republican unleash hell on him. The bias press and sexisit America won't tolerate a woman throwing verbal punches, even to a black man. It is culturally acceptable for a man to go on attack though. John McCain is an honerable and decent man. He has crossed the line many times in his own party. One third of his own party can't satnd him because he is too liberal. I believe the Republicans will tow the line for the most part and McCain will pick up Independants and Clinton supporters who can not stomach the novice. John McCain IS the "change in politics"that Obama always rambles about. I hope McCains fire and passion come out in during the next few months. He is hilarious and might say anything during press clips and debates. Experience and wisdom over arrogance and immaturity.

If not Clinton.....McCain 08

[Benjamin]

Damn McCain, how could he have been more respectful? Does he need to get down on all fours and kiss your arse?

McCain should try leading by example and give the respect he wants to receive. The reply seems way over the top to what was said. Reminds me exactly of how Clinton responds to things. Play the victim. Hey McCain, victims don't make good leaders. Quit acting like a victim and start acting like a leader or you're not going to be residing in the whitehouse.

[mary smith]

They both are losers. McCain is too old to remember. Obama doesn't know what he doesn't know. Go figure!

[DoTheMath]

"After making a nod -- as he almost always does when mentioning him -- to McCain's military record, Obama said, 'I can't understand why he would line up behind' President Bush in opposing the measure."

So that's "impugning the motives of his opponent, and exploiting a thoughtful difference of opinion to advance his own ambitions?"

Wow. Since McCain is so thoughtful about this difference of opinion, why didn't he just explain what the difference was instead of attacking Obama's motives for wondering about it?

[Ron]

He wore the uniform....He only took it off when he met Cindy while his first wife was a paraplegic waiting for him to return from Vietnam. I know a lot of people who served. I have never heard any of them brag the way McCain does.
He basically followed in the family business......... What McCain failed to mention is that during the War in Vietnam there was a draft and Obama was not old enough to serve.
How does being a prisoner in a POW camp give you the ability to lead ?

[Bob]

I like McCain's response. The Obama Kool-Aid is not going to taste so good to these people when they see how he will turn us into the United Socialist Republic of America. Then again, maybe they will enjoy the lessons that the socialist governments in Europe learned over the last 20-30 years.

[Mike]

Whoever criticized McCain for missing the vote (which passed easily anyway) must have forgotten that Obama voted "present" about a 100 times in the IL senate and wasn't voting in the U.S. Senate for most of the past 16 months.

Everyone knows that the new GI bill is just a veiled attempt to tie the pentagon's hands regarding Iraq. McCain voted against the new GI deal because he believes at this particular time, it threatens are national security by creating an incentive for folks to leave the military (and the ONLY reason the Dems are voting for the bill is to gain credibility with veterans and to make it even harder on our nation to WIN in Iraq since it benefits them if we are forced to leave).

Obama's comments were classless and his "new kind of politics" claim is complete BS. What a hypocrite.

[Top B.]

I am amazed that anyone still continues to imply that President Bush's service in the Guard was not an honorable thing to do. It is a slander on all reservists and guardsmen perpetuating the old myth that the "weekend warriors" are somehow not as brave or dedicated or patriotic as their fulltime active duty counterparts. I served 21 yrs active duty in the USMC, my last 5 with a reserve KC-130 unit and can attest to the fact that the reservists are every bit the dedicated professional warriors as their active duty brothers and sisters.
President Bush was a fully qualified fighter pilot flying a single seat aircraft and apparently performed exceptionally well. Are we to believe that all reservists and guradsmen from that time were not serving honorably or was it just him? John Kerry was also a reservist whose unit just happened to get activated. One never hears the same charges leveled against him. Oh no, on the contrary he was a "hero" for his brief stint in theater, regardless of his despicable actions upon his return. What if his unit had never been activated?
Our nation depends on the many warriors in the Guard and Reserves and we have to stop maligning their service with these false attacks on the President.

[that1guy]

Speaking as a vet myself, McCain's lack of advocacy for a bill to help veterans only tells me that he has no real compassion for his comrades. He's using his status now with cold pragmatism, focused only on winning--perfectly in accordance with the ruthless strategies favored by the Republicans.

I used to admire him, but this behavior truly reveals who he really is. Let's also not forget the prevailing attitude of senior career military officers: kiss up, kick down. We enlisted men adhered to a somewhat higher standard in this professional aspect.

[max]

"If that is how he would behave as President, the country would regret his election."

Is McPain for real? He should apply this statement to his own party and uhmm the President himself, what a phony, ambitious, hypocrit.

[James Pearson]

McCain can remember, or changes his mind all the time. He would want the GI Bill if he was still a member of the armed services. If something is to his advantage at that time it's good, if not he's again it

[Richard Garcia]

John Mccain, Is the man who should be in the White House
its all about MORALS FOLKS, John McCain has the moral backround OBAMA WILL LEAD OUR COUNTRY STRAIGHT TO HELL with the way he thinks, all the tatooed white trash are going to vote for him and others whos moral compass
is bad bad bad wake up people and start doing the right thing
before its to late and GOD PASSES JUDGEMENT ON US ALL
AND WE ALL WIND UP WITH NO HOMES NO JOBS

[Dan the Man]

"If not Clinton....... McCain 2008" Pretty sad that your doing what the republicans want. What is so sneaky about Obama? What isn't sneaky about Clinton? Freedom is something idiots shouldn't have.

[Billw]

Someone saiid re Obama:

He often thows the first of many mean-spiritted jabs himself. Obama is a con artist and I hope that McCain and the republican unleash hell on him.

Obama has met his match with McCain.

[Julie in Burbank]

Bob, how can you like McCain's response when others in uniform -- not just Jim Webb -- are lining up to help our ailing military guys be able to afford school and benefits that will help with armed forces retention?

Our guys and girls are being sent on 3rd and 4th tours and not getting the same sort of help benefits as my veteran grandfather and father did when they returned from the Korean War, Vietnam and so forth.

McCain should be standing with Webb and these GI Bill drafters for the good of the servicemen, not standing with Bush and his cronies.

If he wants to criticize folks for not wearing uniforms -- especially those who were able at specific times of war, he can start with some of those draft-dodging GOPs.

There are plenty of Americans who respect his service to the country but are losing respect for McCain beyond that because he's showing himself to be more like Bush everyday and less like the upstanding independent thinker he used to be before he joined the cult of Bush and flipped on the Bush tax cuts, which have helped ruin our economy.

[Patriot]

Wait until we start getting the ads with Ted Kennedy, who will "hope he lives long enough to see someone like Obama take office"... The next six months will be disgusting.

[RonTn]

Old John was apparently too lazy, tired, or uninterested to make it to the Capitol for this vote today. Many vets won't forget that the McCain was AWOL when they needed him to stand up for their interests. Standing with Bush is what McCain is and has been about. Some maverick!

[Tim]

No one ever said Senator McCain was the sharpest tool in the shed.

[Charlie]

McCain attacks Obama for not understanding the issue but what part of the issue? Why didn't McCain vote for this bill? I want substance from the media and the politicians but I guess thats too much to ask.

[max]

Someone posted this phrase which is appallingly sexist and racist and I guess this is the sort of people who are cross dresser republicans and they don't know it.

"The bias press and sexisit America won't tolerate a woman throwing verbal punches, even to a black man"

[George Bush Sr]

I agree. McCain is nothing more than a war profiteer which is why he would say something like keeping our troops and our tax money in Iraq. This could be clearly shown by his taxes but they were and will not be released according to him and his wife. McCain in the withe house is another Bush and another government run by lobbyists. America needs to wake up, understand that the strategy that politicians are using against us for their own benefit. FEAR. thats how bush got his election run 2, and we all felt for that. But now is time to wake up and I think that obama isnt perfect, but is the best out of the pack. McCain is a dog, Obama is a pedigree, same thing yet different. They all make something up there but I think obama is less ambitious and therefor will hurt less than McCain. I mean, if you hear the guy talk you kind of sence, hes a great mentor and I think he has the best intentions. I just hope he opens lots of investigations that never took place during bushes run and we get some of this profiteers where they belong, in Guantanamo. That would make me prouder of America than the killing of Saddam Hussein, seriously.

[jimb]

"If not Clinton....... McCain 2008" is not a hillary supporter. she is a republican imposter. rush limpballs told her to post that because they have the false hope that keeping the main even alive will somehow help mcbush.

[Swannie]

Obama has never served anything but his own ambitions ... and it sounds as if Mcain gets under his skin rather than the other way round ... Obama did not debate the issue which was that the bill did not include veterans families which Senator Mcain thinks is important ..among other real issues with that particular bill . so instead of debating the actual merits of the bill Obama throws the schoolyard taunts and takes cheap shots and accuses of Mcain of being the one doing so which I have come to see is classic Obama , especially when he doesnt have actual knowledge which is often .
of you observe him his main tactic is to accuse others of exactly what he is doing . He needs to be sent packing back to Chicago

[Josh]

What I don't like about Obama is that anything that is said against him that he has no response to he just says, "The American people don't care about this" or "these statements divide us" or something along those lines. How can you be a "uniter" if all you do is dodge topics. Obama is good at dodging things.

[Brian]

Notice how McCain attacked the messenger but never addressed the very relevant question? I am abhorred that he would not support a bill to help GI's with college, but is in full favor of military corporate welfare by practically unlimited funding for military equipment.

McCain's priorities are crystal clear. Supporting the troops? Hardly.

[Levi Cro]

Poor OLD Mcwheelchair... lets wheel him into the sun.. with a glass of wine and a nice warm blanket.. he can watch the sunset... he doesnt have that many left... he should be drinking them in... heck.. Ill join him... it will be fun... lets do it Mcwheelchair... what dya say..... Ill read stories to ya.. it will be fun....

[hesingswithfrogs]

I think its legitimate for Obama to call McCain out on not supporting the troops because it shows a disconnect between McCain's words and reality. He says he supports the troops, but then he doesn't support benefits for the troops.

These veterans need our help. Bush sent them off to war where they're seeing the most horrible sights the world has to offer, risking death, leaving behind their loved ones, and coming back emotionally scarred for life. We ought to take care of them when they get back. We already know that Bush doesn't support the troops, or he wouldn't have sent them to Iraq in the first place.

It disappoints me to see McCain cower to the republicon machine, operating in the shadows. He has become a puppet, his mouth and mind moved for him by someone else. These shadowy people have the illest of motives. Greed and abuse of power is what drives them. If you've seen the Men in Black, think of the alien parasite that took over the bodies of the unwary.

Its would be bad enough to have Raging McCain in the president's mansion. It would be a catastrophe to have the parasitic vermin that would come with him.

[Doc]

McCain loves to talk tough, but his days of real courage were over long ago. That is evidenced by the fact that he let George Bush and Karl Rove impugn his wife and daughter in the 2000 Republican primary, and then he supported Bush throughout both terms on the promise that he could be the nominee this year. If he's willing to sell his wife and children out for personal political gain, who won't he sell out? We've had 8 years of being sold out to the oil industry, the pharmaceutical industry, Haliburton, and the list goes on. Now McCain is selling out our veterans. The last thing we need is another president who lacks the courage or character to stand up for rank and file Americans. McCain is utterly lacking in every character trait we desperately need in our next leader.

[cha]

I think those who say that they would vote for mc cain because clinton lost are very sad people. i believe in sticking together, team work and togetherness in order to fulfill the deomcrats dream of having the next president in the white house. It always amazes me how people can be so mean spirited and sore losers.

go obama

[Ethan]

It's not a secret that no one likes Obama.

Check out Karl Rove's interview with GQ where we all but states he has no respect for Obama.

And before anyone starts with the attack "Well of course because he's stronger," remember you're talking about a man who says he wants to work across party lines when no one respects him.

That's gonna work.

[cole]

Obama is full of hot air. He is a liar and a snake. He tries to tie McCain to Bush but McCain is much different. At least he has the guts to stand up for what he believes and has a RECORD of change, instead of just "preaching" change. Obama wants to spend $300 BILLION A YEAR more, in a recession. Where will the money come from? Let the democrats pay that. His ideas are a stolen mirror image of Jimmy Carters that lead to double digit inflation, over 40% tax bracket, extreme deficits. Bureaucracy grew 40% in the last few years, Obama will add to that. McCain WILL cut that back out. I hear everyone say government is too big, expensive, etc. His wife resents this great country, (as she has stated) and probably wants reparations too. Educate yourselves people and do not be blinded by his "Change" message. Quit jumping on a band wagon without researching things! He wants a socialist society! He is a rookie and his proposals have failed miserably by earlier presidents, that is FACT. He has a hidden agenda and you people are his sheep! Congress creates change anyway. Would you rather have the older experienced doctor operate on you or the 40 year old who has only done this a few years? Who do you think will have more respect of his peers and get things done. Think about it.

[Koronin]

To think he would send reserves/guard to Iraq and then not support them getting an education because it's too expensive? This, from a so-called war hero?

I don't recall anyone coming out and saying McCain saved their lives or anything particularly herioc about him, on the contrary when it comes to the accident on the Forestall.

In the face of the Iraq war, nothing should be expensive. End this war.

[McLooser]

Mc Cain is a traitor who instead of fighting to the end surrendered to the Viets and cooled off his heels while his comrades were dying.

No the cowards, who has so far been wrongfully praised and honored is calling others names. Its amazing how cowards and traitors like McCain and bush can impugn the character of patriots like Kerry, Web, Hagle and Obama.

While McCain and Bush would divide and rule, Obama would Unite and lead. Let's call these traitors what they are.

[Sue]

I can't understand why someone who says they would have voted for Hillary, would vote for McCain. McCain thinks military solutions are the solutions to everything, and wants to go to war against Iran. The Republican machine is already releasing the same kind of misinformation about Iran that was foisted on us about Saddam Hussein and "WMD." That McCain would oppose the bill in question because it would have given those serving now a good reason to leave the military is DISGRACEFUL; he would deny them what former generations of servicemen had - an opportunity for an education! - in order to keep them enslaved in repeat tours in this failed war. Someone who would have voted for Hillary, who votes for this guy, isn't thinking.

[Ericka]

I am a veteran that just graduated two weeks ago with an undergraduate degree and although the GI Bill was a big help I still needed loans, grants, and a part time job to cover all the cost of college. It sounds like the newly passed 'veto proof' GI Bill would go a long way towards giving veterans the chance at truly affordable higher education. I think it is terrible that McCain would not even decide to show up and vote. Instead of voicing an opinion about this vitally important issue McCain decides that campaigning is more pressing. I can only hope that all veterans take note, because this one sure has.

[that1guy]

"GOD PASSES JUDGEMENT ON US ALL
AND WE ALL WIND UP WITH NO HOMES NO JOBS"

Gee, Richard, isn't that a lot like how things are...RIGHT NOW?

There's no other word for it: prostitution. That's what McCain is engaged in now. Should've realized it when he remained in the Republican Party after being visciously smeared by the Bush campaign in 2000 (dare I use the term 'swiftboated'?) The guy will do anything he's told to do by those who call the shots in his world, which was shut up & color until 2008.

Beginning to think that his 'independence' was merely spin preception as well. It's pretty easy to pretend to champion causes in Congress, but it's damn hard to make them happen. Haven't seen too many of his supposed pet ideas actually come to fruition.

[Daniel Kirsner]

InSane McCain is PROUD he dropped BOMBS on CIVILIANS?

[judy]

Obama is a scunk, he does not know antyhing about thic country. He does not have respect to anything.he does not know what does it mean to be a patriot!

[Lew El]

In ref to previous post by "I am one of the millions of Clinton voters who will vote McCain in the fall" who stated:

"The bias press and sexisit America won't tolerate a woman throwing verbal punches, even to a black man."

Even to a black man? The person that said this is clearly racist and thinks that black people don't belong at the table with whites. God forbid Obama is elected President of the US by the people.

[BIKO]

One wonders how long it will be before Senator MCain's legendary anger explodes. Now its that young man, soon it will probabaly be that boy....Oh well, the young man may just teach the older man something soon.

[raseveready]

I am appalled that some people here will jump from supporting Hillary who is a liberal democrat, to supporting McCain the hawkish conservative. What gives? I see that the two of them have something in common- they are both very ANGRY!!! Doesnt seem very presidential to me. Obama is showing his strenght as the days go on. I am very proud of him!!

[Rom M]

I think that the Bush-McCain argument goes like this. Because we have mismanaged the war we are not able to recruit well to many men the war has been a losing slog. The troops have been kept in Iraq for such lengthy periods that re-enlistments are less than desired. So what we have is the troops commander-in-chief and his imitator McCain who do not appreciate the service of these men are trying to trap them into service which they no longer are motivated to give. It has never dawned on either man that their braggadocio in the face of a deteriorating condition in Iraq could be the cause of the recruiting failure. Acknowledging their service in a concrete manner can certainly not hurt re-enlistment. So the troops who have been taken advantage of should be further abused by not giving them education when they get out. It takes a warped self-centered mind to think this way but this is how the Republican party views our current situation. Save face and don't admit failures, pretend things are under control and when the troops stop believing the lies punish them by withholding benefits.

[Randall Sanchez]

This is another sad issue of ignore everything but the honeypot issue. While the bill was helpful to veterens it was also packed full of alot of junk that had nothing to do with veterens or anything close to it. The media of course is going to look for something sensational and poof its a McCain hit. And yet the excessive spending by Congress has been one of McCains big points which this bill demonstrates. Yeah, extra money for vets..which should have been its own bill along, but filled with alot of other pork. The other sore point was the military funding with stipulations about Iraq which the president outright said he would veto. Ah throw in some vet benefits and suddenly it becomes bulletproof with an upcoming election year. To vote or not. Damned if you do, damned if you dont.

I still don't understand why we have to have a few dozen earmarks packed into a single bill that have nothing to do with each other. This kind of underhanded trickery is not helpful to the Nation. It does prove to be great strategy when someone wants to keep their Congress job though and thats all that matters to them.

[Benjamin]

Ethan - You use an interview with Karl Rove to determine that nobody on the other side of the party line respects him? Were you aware that just recently one of McCain's own campaign staffers stepped down because he had too much respect for Obama to want to be involved in running against him? How often does that happen?

Rove is a blowhard like Clinton. The only people who like either of them are the hardliners in their own parties. Neither of them is relevant to any serious discussion of working across party lines.

[JSG]

Bush/Cheney/McCain show us how conservatives support our troops- disposable heroes, to be dispensed and discarded at whim.

Republican is just another word for traitor.

[that1guy]

Judy...consider spell-checking your posts prior to posting?

Very illustrative, actually. The definition of the word "patriot" is fairly fluid these days. I could claim it because I am a combat vet, but I think I am more so because I feel that I'm participating in the democratic process by carefully considering issues and the character and past performance of candidates as objectively as possible.

Another definition seems to be having served in the military in any capacity whatsoever (pure political gold on the right, apparently, based on Bush)--nah.

Yet another would be to wear a flag pin, presumably even in the shower, to show your solidarity with the troops because you were too busy/connected/ambitious/scared? to serve yourself. Oh, and by the way, you're also too wealthy and important for any of your children to even consider serving a millisecond in uniform, after all....

I cannot describe the level of nausea I feel every time one of these chickenhawks expresses their patriotism. Surely the Founding Fathers are spinning in their graves at the fact that such transparent chicanery is swallowed whole like fishbait by such a gullible population in what was formerly the most prosperous and successful nation in the history of the world.
.

[Aaron]

"McCain attacks Obama for not understanding the issue but what part of the issue? Why didn't McCain vote for this bill? I want substance from the media and the politicians but I guess thats too much to ask."

Exactly. Why did McCain not vote for the bill, why DID Obama vote for it. What exactly is this measure they are arguing over? None of this is referenced in the quotes, and certainly not in the article. This reads more like the latest installment in a soap opera than a piece of news.

[Eugene]

Maybe if the posters here were more civil, it could encourage more civil level of debate among all the candidates.

[Mark]

I love reading the almost unintelligable comments made against Obama. Here you have a situation where McCain says one thing and does another. Obama calls him on it and McCain has NO CHOICE but to attack Obama. Not explain why he would BETRAY his fellow veterans.

He betrays them because he is a REPUBLICAN and this new generation of Republicans have bankrupted our country fiscally, mentally, and emotionally. OUr dollar has fallen, we are in an endless war, and who helped him? Hillary CLinton. She voted for the wat. Or do you McCain voting CLintonites forget that?

Whatever, go vote for McCain and sit in your house proud your children will not be able to afford college, or eat, or put gas in your tanks because most likely theyll be dying in Iran.

[Ernie]

McCain is not a bad man - probably the best of the Republican possibilities. I'd vote for him if the Democrats didn't have anything better to offer. But he's not even in Obama's league. And I don't think he knows it.

[Don]

hmmm McCain, Obama or Clinton?

I would rather have Clinton as the Democrat Candidate than Obama, and If Obama gets the ticket, I am definatly giving my vote to McCain.

Both Clinton and McCain have experience.
McCain has greater experience concerning the military (much more than Bush) And lets face it, THE U.S.A is a war machine. ANd frankly if there's going to be a president, that president has to have experience with the military.

Remember, the purpose of any standing military is to Kill, Break, Destroy. both on the Offensive and the Defensive. And that include giving aid to our allies.

Our president cannot and must not hesitate to
push the button" if the situation calls for it. remember as Americans we are fighters by birth and by right. both as individuals and as a nation.

Now why will I not give Obama my vote?

It's because he said he's "African American" . lets face it. he has a "white" mother and a "black" father. And he calls himself and "African American" . Now if he had made a statement as simple as "I am neither black or white, I am AMERICAN" Then I and many others would have beleived him when he said he wasn't going to play the race card.

People all over the country sit there and say "I am black, white, german, irish etc etc" when the fact of the matter is we are all mutts. the United States has been and will always be a melting pot of cultures. And above all that we are all Americans.

If you want to claim something, Claim that and claim it with pride.
Now chew on that.

[PAUL HERNANDEZ JR SFC US ARMY]

I am a Vietnam veteran and my son just returned from his second tour in Iraq. It turns my stomach that John McCain my vietnam colleague does not support Jim Webbs GI Bill legislation. His reasons that it might not help us keep our troops on to their second and third reenlistment and that we cannot afford it are immoral. My family supports Barack Obama proudly and we are joined by a very large amount of veterans as well. If you doubt that our troops deserve Jim Webbs GI Bill please visit a local veterans hospital and see first hand what their sacrifice looks like. If you agree with my family then please contact your congressmen and let them know to join the rest of the majority and vote it in. If George W. vetoes this bill it will be overturned and it will make his decision against our veterans another reason we need to turn the page and bring in the CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.

VOTE BARACK OBAMA AMERICA IT IS FOR OUR OWN GOOD!!

AIRBORNE

[Richard P. McDonough]

McCain married for money, is not terribly bright, did suffer ...as did many others whom he would prefer not to help...in the war, has primitive views on foreign policy and world power, has to many bad connections to the old republican financial community, fibs about his connections to lobbyists, and has a short fuse.
Given that intellect and judgement and choice making of the candidates are the concerns that one should give highest standing to in choosing a person to lead a country, I just ca't imagine McCain being elected in 2008. But then we are the same country that elected the shrub twice.

[Sheldon]

McCain saeems to be as flabergasted by the Obama phenomenon as was Hillary Clinton, his Senate pal. Barack Obama will continue to get on McCain's nerves as the general election campaign accelerates. I think Senator McCain will be no more effective than Hillary Clinton in competing with the Obama mystique.

[Jean]

I believe Hillary Clinton should be the next Commander in Chief. Hillary is smart, has a plan to get the troops out and has a sure medical plan for all americans. Hillary is the better candidate of the Three. If she does not get the nominee for the Democratic Nomination, I will not vote for Obama, who is the devil himself, any Man who has a Pastor that has been with him for as many years as Rev. Wright was with The Obama Family and he denounces him is a coward and can not be trusted to run this Country. He will sell us out alo. To all the Black people voting for Obama, you are being brainwashed as usual, just because he is Black does not say that he has your back, remember this Man has belief that are anti-God and the true him will come shining through once he becomes President if you allow that to happen, I sure am not. If not Hillary, Then McCain, Obama should not be on the ticket.

[Andrew]

I just want to say that Obama is being a sneak now. McCain probably should have voted for the bill. Asides from that, I would like to say that the person who responded to

"The bias press and sexisit America won't tolerate a
woman throwing verbal punches, even to a black man."

by saying :
Even to a black man? The person that said this is clearly racist and thinks that black people don't belong at the table with whites. God forbid Obama is elected President of the US by the people.

I would just like to say to him that that is really not racist what he/she said. People call things racist way too much in this country and it's time to stop. People can criticize white people for everything and no race cards are pulled but if you start criticizing black people people say "OMG That's racist!".

I think it's time to change that.

[John from NC]

For a pipsqueak novice, Obama sure has our old soldier McCain against the ropes. Kinda makes you wonder if McCain really has it in him. If McCain opposes the measure, let him explain why. "It's too complicated for me to explain" is no way for a presidential-wannabe to get my vote.

[EARL]

WOW, LOOKS LIKE EVERYONE IS PAYING ATTENTION!!! I ENJOYED READING THE COMMENTS. THANKS

[Bubba_Bob]

Valerie: "The bias press and sexisit America won't tolerate a woman throwing verbal punches, even to a black man."

Wow! That is amazing!

Valerie, I think it is obvious that you are a sick and bitterly twisted racist. You are an example of the very lowest, most ignorant, and least human elements of our species. The tragedy here is that you are likely too stupid to understand what I am talking about.

Just reexamine that sentence of yours, particularly this part -->even to a black man<--.

You are correct that overt bigotry is no longer tolerated in public discourse. You may not approve, but it is a sign that our species is becoming more intellectually mature. Unfortunately, not all portions of the human race will intellectually grow up at the same time. Ignorant, bigoted white trash like you, Valerie, are holding the human race back. Please kill yourself (or vote for John McCain...the two gestures are identical).

[smarterthanyou]

Mctool. thats all I have to say.

[John Quimby]

Why is it wrong to ask senator McCain to explain himself?

Furthermore, why can't he explain himself?

Senator McCain: A flag pin and your former service will not exempt you from answering families (like mine) who sent our sons to Iraq. Those of us who oppose Senator Clinton for approving this Gilbert and Sullivan production will not be mollified. Your honorable service is no better than the honorable service of my son in law.

[Brent]

Finally... a charged American public leaning forward off its collective GMO duff. Interesting (and typical) - that the hottest wind blowing (5/22 - 7:51pm) in these recent blogs really DOES parallel the republican party. Do we want that kind of breeze... again? Obama has the integrity to speak his mind. McCain has his history of riding coattails. Follower, or leader. Which...?

[Bubba_Bob]

Josh said :"What I don't like about Obama is that anything that is said against him that he has no response to he just says, "The American people don't care about this" or "these statements divide us" or something along those lines. How can you be a "uniter" if all you do is dodge topics. Obama is good at dodging things."

Josh, you're an idiot. Obama is in an election campaign. If he brushes off an issue that you think is important, then don't vote for him...it is really as simple as that. The fact is, however, that people ARE voting for him, and in the millions. If Obama refuses to address some "issue" raised by Rush Limburger or BillO and then Obama claims that people don't care about that issue, then watch the voters. If millions of people still vote for him, then maybe Obama was correct and no one except sock-puppets and ditto-heads thought the point was worth discussing.

Face it, Josh; just because a few ignorant clowns like you dance on cue when the talking heads screech about lapel pins does NOT make lapel pins an issue. Obama is perfectly justified in treating "issues" like that with disdain.

[An Observer]

Its unbelievable how shallow some voters have become. Stating that if they don't have it their way, they shall support their enemy, geesh, they have no spine and no integrity.

Where did honesty and integrity end up. Well I guess they follow their leader, the one that makes up information to fit a goal, changes the rules when they life goes astray from the set goals. Their candidate has clearly shown that the White House is too big of a chair contrary to statements made early in the campaign. Prepared is not a quality shown by this candidate even though it was a theme in that campaign. Finally, economics, millions in the red, and continues to press on. What do these people see in that particular candidate boggles anyone with a bit of common sense, cause its absurd.

I agree the new comer is unknown, and many have rightful issue of fear of the unknown. Though in the past year, the new comer has shown integrity, stood by his word and knows how to manage his campaign both in results and economics. Shows that he has what it takes to lead people and obtain results being profitable at it.

The hero is worried, cause not even with the 50% of people who decided on their emotions and not on whats best for them will he be able to pull this out. The past month he made so many blunders and he is tainted with all the wrong choices of the recent past. His economic plan is just worthless. Get him in a room with either of the other candidates and our hero will need a lot more than a glass of water.

The next presidential term, will see us face the worst economic stress the country had to face in its history, and yet those with sunglasses in their eyes will make the wrong choice, if they get their way. I hope they don't complain, like those who did nothing the past couple of terms. You get what you choose for.

May all voters make wise choices, all our future depends on it.

One advice.

WATCH ACTIONS NOT WORDS SAID BY THEM OR OTHERS. ACTIONS SHOW A CANDIDATES COLORS.

If the recent past hasn't taught you as much, as a voter you will be disillusioned by your choices and you will have to lay in the bed you made. Unfortunately we all will, this is the reason for my post.

[mary smith]

It is very sad to see what this country had chosen Obama and McCain. Can't we find better candidates?. Where have they gone hiding under?.
Obama what? Don't pick a liar. He will tell you anything to please your ears. Don't be stupid about it. I cann't see him in the Oval office. I will get sick in my stomach if that happens. And, his wife, remember?. She hasn't been proud as an American until she though she might has a chance to be a first "Bitch".
McCain, he is just like Bush. No feeling, He used his power to get ahead, and doesn't care if millions are killed.
We need Clinton in the office to work for us. She has experience to do the job well.

[Roxi]

McCain doesn't run on his military record because he doesn't want people looking at it too closely. Now that he has brought it up, it is fair game to explore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFM1xqqTX_g
http://www.usvetdsp.com/smith_mc.htm
http://judicial-inc.biz/82jjohn_mccain_and_the_uss_forresta.htm

[carolchall]

I don't believe this should've been taken out of context as it has. McCain did not oppose this plan completely. He wanted a graduated education benefit. Why should someone who's served only 3 years get the same benefit as someone who's retired after serving 20 years? My husband and I both served 10 years in the military during the first Gulf War and though, I personally, will never regret the time served, I have nothing to show for my sacrifice. With the advancements in technology, an individual is able to attend classes in the remotest places in the world and the military offers a fantastic tuition assistance program while still serving. The intelligent recruits realize the current GI bill is available to them and it's a good program if one uses it. When one joins the military, one does not read "Government will ensure college education is achieved after serving a predetermined amount of time." It is up to the individual to make the most of what is offered to them.

The one thing that should have been in the benefits package is more assistance to the families left stateside while the member is away. Housing should be improved and made more readily available for the lowest ranking individuals. There were plenty of times when a family consisting of both spouses being members of the military had to apply for government aid to feed the family. While the military gives its members a stipend for living off-base, it doesn't come close to covering the cost of housing. The medical coverage for current GIs and veterans needs to be improved. The military has gone primarily tri-care for most routine medical care, which means a member goes to a local civilian hospital and pays a co-payment for services rendered. While still in the military, going to base hospital, remember being asked if I had private insurance and if so, the clinic wanted to know the particulars so they could try to recoup some of the costs. One assumption every service member makes (or used to) is that they will always have medical coverage, especially if they retire.

While, I can understand the uproar about McCain not voting for this bill, I believe there are better ways to support military members. I do believe this was just a ploy for Obama to "point the finger" at McCain. I am a democrat but I honestly do not know if I will vote for Obama; I don't trust him. If he's using his judgment as a means to being elected, I believe he's failed in that respect (Wright, Ayers, Rezko, etc.)--I'd be afraid to see who he surrounds himself with while in the WH. He also has no record to speak of as a legislator--just a bunch of "present" votes which to me, says he's afraid to take a stand on issues. So far, Obama's rhetoric is second to none, but that's all it is, just empty words--no substance.

[Gabriel]

John McCain wasn't even in Washington to vote for this one, Barack, so be easy on him. He wishes you were Clinton, right? That's easy to understand, given that she's his drinkin' buddy and all.
After you're through with him, they'll most likely need eachother, mate.

[Lauren Donnellan]

TIME FOR A BIT OF HUMILITY:

I'm a devoted Democrat, but McCain is right about Obama's standard operating procedure: the motives of those who criticize, or oppose him, in any way, are immediately dismissed as somehow sleazy or corrupted by "old politics".

Senator Obama and his online-supporters have all too often shown a self-righteousness and lack of charity towards those Democrats who oppose his nomination. So just imagine how they're going to demonize and belittle those sitting across the aisle during this general election season. Will they claim that everyone who votes for McCain is a racist? Or somehow morally compromised? Or politically corrupt? Or just ignorant?

Senator Obama's message of "unity", of "working together," begins to ring hollow when followed so readily by moral condescension and character attacks. He'd better learn a little humility, quick, or we'll be ruled by the GOP for another four years.

- Lauren D.

[Jugi K]

"The Angry Clinton Supporters switching to McCain story" is being peddled all over the blogsphere comment sections by Clinton campaign strategists. It is completely absurd to think that McCain would somehow represent any of the important Democratic values that Hilary stands for. How utter stupid would it be to switch from Hilary support to McCain.

It's a spin.

[Diana]

The Obama supporters are now turning their vicious attacks to bring down Senator John McCain. That's all Barack Obama and his supporters do, tear down people. Speaking as an Air Force retiree (served 8 yrs active duty, and 15 in the Reserves), I understand why Senator McCain does not support this G.I. Bill. Does anyone remember the beginning of the Gulf War in January 1991 when so many reservists and guardsmen were being activated to deploy to Iraq? Alot of reservists and guardsmen were protesting and declaring themselves conscientious objectors who had joined the Reserves or National Guard because of the educational benefits, not to go to war. Going to college is not for everybody. Senator McCain supports a G.I. Bill similar to Senator Webb, except that he would transfer those benefits to the reservist's or guardsmen's spouses or children if the reservist or guardsmen do not want to use it. Barack Obama is clueless about this issue and can't understand because he never wore the uniform. I wish everybody (males and females) upon graduation from High School would at least go through basic training to understand what military personnel go through to make them love the American Flag, our country, and respect our country's ideals. Obama supporters sound like a bunch of far left liberals. Senator John McCain is his own man, and may not be perfect but is perfect when compared to Barack Hussein Obama.

[Bart]

Biographies of McCain have said that if he feels another politician, (even one who is a liberal Democrat),
has earned his respect and is a man of principle, he will in turn treat them with respect and tolerance. People who studied McCain say he considers Obama an "upstart" who hasn't earned his reputation and his standing by years of hard work and sacrifice. I am not a Republican but I think McCain has a point.
McCain has sponsored a lot of bipartisan legislation over the years- immigration reform with Ted Kennedy (whom he likes and respects), a "patient's bill of rights" with John Edwards, and of course global warming legislation with Lieberman. And Obama? He was in the Senate for two years before running for President, and then touted himself as the candidate of "Change" and of a post-parisan new political approach.
Obama is style over substance. I can see where McCain is coming from with his attitude towards Obama.

[JFW]

Valerie writes:
"The bias press and sexisit America won't tolerate a woman throwing verbal punches, even to a black man."
The choice of the word 'even' in this sentence betrays a racial bias.

Given the degree of flip-flopping McCain has engaged in during this campaign, it is hard to believe that you would spend any time at all even considering his candidacy seriously, regardless of your own views.

And on that last subject, I take it you agree with the twenty-something percent of the people who believe that Bush is doing a helluva job, considering McCain is offering more of the same.

Hillary appears to be intelligent, articulate, and competent, not to mention pugnacious. In any other year she would have been a winning candidat , but this year she's up against someone who sees the world from a more refined perspective than hers. Obama really could be the leader to take us out of these dark ages, during which time fear has been used by mendacious schemers to turn our consciousness away from the light into the dark recesses of our own minds.

[Avant Strangel]

Plain and simple McCain is trying to deflect because he knows when it is time to throw with Obama, McCain is going to get a schoolyard style a$$ kicking of unheard of proportions. It will be "Fist of the North Star legendary." McCain is going to be the schoolyard bully who just so happens to pick on the guy who is Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and ROY JONES all rolled into one.

McCain has no idea what's coming his way... or maybe he does?

[MisterSym]

It was worth reading through all these comments just to hear Ernie's last comment: "McCain is not a bad man - probably the best of the Republican possibilities. I'd vote for him if the Democrats didn't have anything better to offer."

Most of you are too caught up in partisanship to realize that you cannot lump all Republicans or all Democrats in the same boats. Each party has its own moderates, extremists, and political oddities.

I think Thomas Jefferson said it best when he wrote, "I never submitted the whole system of my opinion to the creed of any party of men whatever, in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else, where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent."

Get past the party labels and try to look at each candidate based on his or her own stated viewpoints and voting records. Don't take your preferred party's or candidate's word without question. Actually look at a candidate's website or check his/her voting record to see how & why he/she holds the view or votes the way they do. Personally, I see John McCain's point, and I see Barack Obama's point. I think there is are benefits to both of their supported proposals. I would press for a hybrid of the two.

What vexes me is why McCain would not put in a vote on such an integral military issue. Voting for benefits doesn't mean you can't push your own. Woudn't you rather have some G.I Bill improvements, rather than none?

[Mike]

Valerie | May 22, 2008 at 07:51 PM wrote:
"I am one of the millions of Clinton voters who will vote McCain in the fall."

Valerie, you smell like a Republicon.

[Aragorn]

McCain finished near last at Annapolis. He then crashed 4 or 5 planes while in training, with no enemy within 5000 miles. Then he went out to bomb N Vietnam and he was shot down almost as soon as he took off.

Wow!!! What a hero. What EXACTLY did he do for his country? He destroyed a lot of US gov't property, then he got caught by the commies, that's all I know he did.

Inquiring minds are eager to know.

[Anto Chakko]

As a non-American, I am bit amused when I read comments despising Obama and in favor of Hillary Clinton... Very funny, mostly when I see who wrote those, it would be women.. Come on.. so much femminism to the extend of hatred is bad..

[frank viola]

MSNBC,CNN, streak up his leg,Matthews, wacked out Olbermann,he needs valium,and Mika, a Carter clone. They are all so in the tank for that phony Obama. There has not been a mention of Wright, Ayers,Farakan, all his idiot gaffes, 57 states etc. They protect him, like their money filled wallets.They are a despicable bunch of biased sob"s. This guy Obama with his spewed rhetoric and lies, is nothing more then a con man, backed by politicians who want this country to be socialist or worse. Surrender, high taxes, social medicine, redistribution of wealth,government control of our lives. If elected, this racist, muslim, Obama, along with the cowardly Dumocrats, will take the country down a road to third world status. Then you will see problems in the world no one could imagine. Obama is the most dangerous man in America. If it weren"t for the black vote, "talk about racism" , 90%, he would be back in Ill. eating arugula with Wright. Wake up all you cool aid drinkers and figure this guy out and send him back to Kenya.

[Vectorpedia (Rick)]

Sounds like the straight talk express has an explosive short fuse.......McCain should disclose his mental health records

[KIZFED]

It's not a secret that no one likes Obama.

Check out Karl Rove's interview with GQ where we all but states he has no respect for Obama.

Good god, Ethan, You give a crap about what Karl Rove thinks?
You make me laugh.....

[Tom J]

John McCain's reaction to a fellow Senator? Contempt and snarkiness.

John McCain's reaction to people concerned about Hagee and Parsley? Up until yesterday, contempt and snarkiness.

John McCain's reaction to NOKD (not our kind, dear) people, such as gays who want to get married? Contempt and snarkiness.

John McCain's thought on foreign governments? Contempt and snarkiness.

I'm seeing a trend....

[kenmattos]

Again, Senator McCain: Why did you vote against expanding and funding these benefits for veterans per the amendment? Putting all other things aside, such as personal aspersions, how do you justify your vote?

[BOO-HOO]

NO WONDER THAT WACKO HILARY BROUGHT UP ROBERT KENNEDYS ASSASSINATION AND IS CONTINUING HER LOSING CAMPAIGN...SHES WAITING IN THE WINGS JUST IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS TO SENATOR OBAMA...WHAT A PIECE OF WORK. THE CLINTONS, ALL THREE OF THEM, ARE NOTHING BUT POND SCUM AND SHOULD GO BACK UNDER WHATEVER ROCK THEY CRAWED OUT FROM UNDER.

IF SENATOR OBAMA, FOR SOME REASON OR OTHER, DOES MAKE HILARY HIS VP THEN HE IS NOT THE MAN I THINK HE IS AND I WILL VOTE FOR SENATOR JOHN McCAIN.

[Anna]

You Barack Obama supporters can post all the hate about McCain you want, most voters are going to vote for McCain instead of Obama. We know that McCain has his own thoughts abourt leading this country if he becomes president and he is NOT George Bush. If you are going to link McCain with Bush then you should also link Obama to his many anti-american, criminal, racist friends and associates. Here are the names of some of them, Re.Wright/Ayers/Rezko/Farrakhan/ etc. I hope the republicans remind Obama of them.

[Steve]

I was considering John McCain about one year ago. I kept hearing McCain, McCain, McCain. McCain is independent. McCain is ethical. I apologize for this long epistle that follows. I was seriously considering the "man" but cannot do so any longer.

I started reading about McCain. The chronic, lifetime pattern that emerges makes me re-examine any consideration of him. I am looking at the major, chronic issues that keep coming up with McCain. I am not looking at the details and the "he said, she said" or things should be done this way or that way. There is an unbroken thread that weaves a repugnant picture of McCain that makes me not want to vote for him. I now understand why he gets upset if someone fails to show him the respect that he feels he is "entitled to" - he is touchy for good reasons. Read what follows and maybe his short temper about not being respected focuses the picture clearly.

He was considered a "punk" at his high school according to his own yearbook. He got into Annapolis because his father and grandfather were admirals in the Navy. Once he got in, he barely got out of Annopolis. He married a fashion model before he went to Viet Nam. His fashion model wife was seriously injured in a wreck while he was in Viet Nam. He failed to show loyality, respect and ethics to her when he had affair after affair while still married to his wife who was disfigured and no longer a fashion model. While he is busy having affairs during his marriage, he meets another fashion model type whose family has money. I am sure he told Cindy, his future wife, that he was a Viet Nam war hero. That was probably his selling point to get her to look up to him and "respect" him. He divorces his crippled wife who needs him and marries this next beautiful woman whose family just happens to have money. Big John and Cindy got married about 30 days after he divorces his crippled wife. Jumps ship - nice job rear admiral McCain! He gets a job with and/or through his new father-in-law. He gets into ethical problems in the Senate with Keating. He then becomes a "campaigner for ethics". He still gets into conflicts of interest after that. I enjoy a good joke even if is on me and I can laugh at myself. However, I do not enjoy a cruel or mean spirited joke that is meant to degrade or demean another person. In 1998, McCain, a "mature" man of 61 years of age tells someone at a function the following joke. "Do you know why Chelsey Clinton is so ugly? ... Janet Reno is her father". I do not think I have ever heard a more tasteless and revolting joke in my life.

The other candidates reveal their tax returns. Not so for Mr. and Mrs. McCain. She keeps her tax returns under wraps.

This candidate, McCain, has never achieved anything on his own. He puts others down and gets angry if he is not shown the respect he feels he is entitled to. He seems to ride the achievements and character of others and talks about how ethical he is and what he has done in life.

In closing, if McCain is so ethical and trustworty, why doesn't his wife of thirty years tear-up the pre-nupital agreement? My argument is Cindy knows him for who he is and how he really works. If Big John's own wife does not trust him, why should the public or myself, a voter, trust him?

Steve

[Anna]

Barack Obama wants you to think that he's nice and quiet and that he wants to bring all people together everywhere around the world. HOG-WASH. Obama is an undercover racist who hate america's views the same as his former pastor Rev.Wright and the new pastor of his church does. Obama is so power hungry that he will promise everyone anything to get their vote. He often changes what he said, sometime appear aloof and lie constantly. McCain Is experienced and more qualified for president.

[lnardozi]

Wonder what's going to happen when whoever gets the nomination finds out they'll have to run against Ron Paul with the full backing of the RNC's war chest. He has maybe 1% of the negatives of HC or BO and 20 years of NEVER ONCE voting against his beliefs. Combine his pristine character with the absolutely scurrilous ads the party or affiliates will run attacking the Democratic nominee. Now consider he won't retract or condemn any one of those ads because he believes in free speech. All that tinfoil hat crap will get stopped pretty quick when the pubs back his platform - which is incidentally the traditional Republican platform. McWar is a train wreck and everyone knows it - which means even pubs should get it in a month or two. Will it be soon enough?

[TRUTH]

Blinded, you are..
Not see this, how can u.... (Yoda lingo)

If MCain was president...
60+ LOBBYIST ( minest the 5 that left his camp recently hmm umm hmmm.....) would be in the whitehouse working for US AMERICANS? ?? really... ?

Obama easily Exposed the lobbyist and special interest, and SO there is no issue. Obama =Good McCain= Bad

[Robert]

Most Aussies would vote for Obama cos he seems like a decent bloke who knows what he's on about. We don't care if he's black (or not), who he prays to, or how much cash he's got.

From an Aussie point of view - americans are paranoid, racist, and obsessed with gossip. But deep down they mean well -- I think.

[alee21]

Obama is a mosquito that McCain will swat away.

[kandy]

John Mc Cain better worry about his cancerous face, I
can't beleive people would vote for this old, ugly creep
whose health is questionable..he won't make it thru the
first term...they probaly will people more skin off his ugly face before it's over...lol

[We take no prisoners and we eat the wounded]

Reading this condemnation of McCain and then Don's piece on Steevens of Alaska one gets a good measure
of Don's objectivity whenever republicans are concerned. And while murderers,traitors and racist
preachers endorse Obama,Mr Frederick seems oblivious
of the scandal.