Hillary Clinton advisor: Barack Obama's "clinging" to a certain issue

Barack Obama refuses to be put on the defensive as the odd presidential candidate out in the great (though temporal) debate over the federal gasoline tax, steadfastly opposing the call by both Hillary Clinton and John McCain for suspending the levy through the summer.

In Indianapolis today, Obama derided the proposal as the type of "phony" idea that politicians often promote "to win elections instead of actually solving problems." (For more, see this story by Times reporter Peter Nicholas.)

Camp Clinton, however, clearly likes the dog it's got in this hunt. Not only did did the candidate herself press her case today in North Carolina, but consider this quip by one of her campaign advisors, Doug Hattaway, to Times reporter Noam Levey: "The Obama campaign seems bitter about sliding in the polls and they're clinging to these gas tax attacks."

Hattaway, of course, was making a play on words now associated with Obama's mini-sociological dissection of small-town life. But Hattaway also might have been feeling chipper about the gas-tax issue because of where he was standing at the time -- the Auto Racing Hall of Fame, in Mooresville, N.C.

Hard to imagine anybody in his immediate vicinity -- or for miles around -- whispering a word against anything that might lower NASCAR racing costs.

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: Getty Images

Comments

[Deward Bowles]

It is worth noting that the primary in NC and IN and ultimately the election hinge on a bet by two of the candidates that low information voters will believe their preposterous assertions that a "gas tax holiday" will help them pay their fuel bills this summer.
Anyone with a high school level education in economics will tell you a gas tax holiday will actually have the effect of raising gasoline prices. The consumer will simply never see a dime and the oil companies will make even higher profits. Not to mention the fact that it might put as many as 300.000 people out of work when the country is reeling from job losses or drive our debt even higher.

It is simply impossible to even suggest that such a measure could be introduced much less pass through congress before the end of the summer given nobody but McCain and Clinton support it in congress.

We are witnessing an epic and historic clash of old and new politics, one rooted in pander and deception of the past and one with the promise of truth and transparency.

My vote is for Senator Obama

[Jim]

Hillary's campaign is secretly hoping Obama would not cling to Gas Tax Holiday issue.

This issue has exposed them for the idiotic and cynical ("the voters are so stupid they don't know any better anyway: 18 cent discount idea will sell!!") political campaigners they are.

I hope Barack clings to this issue beyond Indiana and NC: this is one that will expose Hillary for the elitist ("these voters are too stupid to know economics") candidate she is.

When there is actually an ISSUE OF RELEVANCE at hand, and one side is a pandering fraud, and the other is telling it as it is, WHY NOT CLING TO IT? It will prove to be the game changer that Hillary has predicted. Just not the way she liked.

[BZ]

Obama is done.
Hillary will win both NC and Indiana. He cannot recover and his ardent supporters are not enough.
His middle ground supporters are defecting because of his scary relationship with the nutcase Rev Wright.
It will not go away. And everyone knows it.

He is on the ropes hanging on....the anger is bubbling right under the skin you can see it.

And, why did he wait so long to address it. His whole approach to this has turned us all off. I don't trust him anymore.

[Roddy]

When Obama loses NC and Indiana, let's hope he has the sense to recognize that he has lost momentum and that he should drop out of the race, or risk tearing the democratic party apart.

[Tomas43]

Dear Deward,
I'm also an supporter of Senator Obama but to claim that 300,000 people might lose their jobs because of a "gas tax holiday" is as absurd as the assertion that such a "holiday" will be of any significance to the voters.

[jdavis]

The gasoline tax cut Clinton is proposing may not sound like much but every little bit helps. I think I deserve it you may not.

[Renaldo]

Obama is an empty suit with absolutely no content to his "change" message. To me, he seems to appeal to largely cult-susceptible, Jim Jones-like Kool Aid drinking, bleeding hearts. At least Hillary has the gumption and initiative to offer up something--as opposed to Elmer Gantry preaching to his choir. Kudos to big, bad Hillary- --80 lb balls.

[hinnis]

The problem I have with Rev. Wright's church, is that Rev. Wright, by his own admission, preaches black liberation theology, which is a very racist theology based upon the conflict between the "black oppressed" and the "white oppressor". That is why, for example, Rev. Wright portrays Jesus as black, and his murderers as white, because that is the only way that the story of Jesus will fit with his theology. That is also why so many of his statements are framed as black and white issues (e.g. "rich white people"; Natalie Holloway was a "white girl" who "gave it up" on an Aruba beach; the "garlic nosed" Italians in the time of Jesus who killed Jesus were "white people"). Consistently making the point that Jesus was black and his murderers were white is very much like the bigoted fundamentalist Christians who continually make the point that the "Jews killed Jesus." We all know what that is code for; that means that the Jews are evil, as a group, and responsible for the murder of Jesus. Rev. Wright is guilty of the same type of bigoted rhetoric.
I would recommend to all those interested that they research black liberation theology, and in particular, the writings of James H. Cone. Rev. Wright acknowledges that Cone is one of his theological mentors, and the church's website recommends his book "Black Theology and Black Power." I have the book, and have read it cover to cover. Here are just a few quotes from the book about this theology:
(1) “To be Christian is to be one of those whom God has chosen. God has chosen black people." (2) "While it is true that blacks do hate whites, black hatred is not racism." (3) "All white men are responsible for white oppression." (4) "Theologically, Malcolm X was not far wrong when he called the white man "the devil." (5) "If there is any contemporary meaning of the Antichrist, the white church seems to be a manifestation of it."
My problem with Obama attending this church for 20 years is that it speaks to his character and judgment. If I were to attend a white racist church for 20 years, and considered its white racist pastor to be my "mentor and spiritual adviser," it would not be unreasonable to assume that I'm a racist. In Obama's case, the converse is also a reasonable assumption.
One more thing: For the record, I don't care whether Jesus was black, white, Jewish, or green.

[Thomas Stinson]

Just left Churchill Downs for the 134th Kentucky Derby won by favorite "Big Brown". "Eight Bells" the lone filly in the race showed a lot of heart finishing second. While on her tour of nearby Indiana yesterday Senator Clinton was asked who she like in the Derby, she replied the filly "Eight Bells" was who she liked. Big Brown's victory was quite impressive and really never in question after he took the lead, Eight Bells attempted to catch him only to bread both ankles and being put to sleep on the track. Senator Clinton might want to look at these results in the morning as it seems Politics could very well mirror Horse Racing.

[James]

John McCain and Hillary Clinton are right to mention short-term options for consumer/trucker relief. It may not be a great idea long-term, but many people are desperate.

Those of you pooh-poohing the plan..tell me...is your income minimum wage?

ANY and ALL ideas - should be thrown out as possibilities. Congress and Senate can (and have) passed bills in 24 hours. THEY HAVE TO THINK IT IS IMPORTANT ENOUGH.

I think what we are seeing is a groundswell of a movement and it's not about a vague hope/change message.

The movement is about solutions and action.

The time for talk and speeches about lofty ideals is past.

Only those of us fortunate to have a lot of money can afford to wait for hope and change.

I voted today for Hillary Clinton. I was for Obama for months. But, more and more - I see that the country needs action and requires a vision based on reality.

[concerned voter]

The voters of Pennsylvania were awed by Hillary suddenly remembering that she duck hunted and now had a great affinity for firearms. In this primary round
she will suspend your gas taxes. I think she should be
commended for knowing just how naive and ignorant
the primary voters really are. If she wins the nomination
we will all deserve exactly what we get.

[LonghornMama]

"low information voters???"

this is exactly why people are right to hate Obama as a candidate. He -- and his supporters -- are the most elistist snobs in the history of running for the Presidency. Even Jack Kennedy managed to look like he understood the little people from his Camelot view. Obama is impossible. May he fail...big time!

[Martha Gilmore]

The irony about the Clinton's "dog in the hunt" is that it has no chance of getting out of its dog house. Congress is just not going to play that game again. Been there and done that. Tax holidays don't work because the oil companies can just keep the price the same and make an additional profit. It's not even a short term fix.

The deceit about this is the Clintons know that it will never be enacted, but they are pandering to the voters ,because their pollsters told them "they could."

The same pollsters told Mrs. Clinton she should vote for George Bush's war in Iraq because it would make her appear "stronger" in her run for the presidency. She didn't bother to read the National Intelligence Estimate because her vote was not about what was right, but what was politically expedient at the time. Of course, times have changed and so has her rhetoric. Poll driven ethics, Clinton style. Not this time folks.

Time for a change that we can believe in.

Barack Obama 2008

[PulSamsara]

My VOTE is for Barack Obama thank you.

I prefer my Presidents to have SOME conviction....
Hillary Clinton's gas tax stance is pandering as well as botched. At the end of the summer the gas price would remain as high as it would have been (see supply and demand 101) while the bridges and highway coffers would be over 100,000,000 dollars in the hole.... but the oil refiners will have made a killing !

Clinton is a pathetic human being.

I voted for her husband twice and her once... I've now written her off as the human stain she is.

[germanguy]

According to Webster's Dictionary the definition of 'cling' is "a: to hold together b: to adhere as if glued firmly c: to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously".

I guess what one of Clinton's campaign advisors, Doug Hattaway said is true. I wouldn't expect Barack not to 'adhere' to his truthful statement regarding this 'tax holiday'. This again is another reason I like this man, he is honest and straight forward. THANK YOU MR. HATTAWAY for confirming what we Obama supporters have always known - we are choosing the right candidate.

[CC]

sniper fire.

[Jaben]

Agreed Deward.

Out with the old, in the with the new. Seriously folks, can't we just move forward? Give it a shot for once?

[Chas]

Hillary is the best! I am so delighted at the thought of having BOTH temporary relief and long term relief from high gas prices. Even the Obama camp has said the gas tax relief will end up with some savings for consumers. I like how Hillary thinks about my problems and comes up with immediate short term solutions and couples them with long term solutions. She also has done this with the Mortgage Foreclosure crisis. She had the vision to see that a crisis was on the horizon. She quickly and decisively came up with a short term solution to stabilize the market and provide immediate solutions to those who desperately need it AND she combined that with a long term solution to prevent what has happened from happening again. This is just one reason why I think she would be a great president.

[wake up america]

Obama is an hypocrite - Obama voted 3 times for Gas tax relief back in 2000. Now he’s saying no. Obama is a flip-flopper.

Democratic Sen. Barack Obama accuses his presidential rivals of pandering to voters by supporting the “gimmick” of temporarily lifting federal taxes on gasoline, despite his own past support for a similar tax holiday.

THE FACTS:
Obama voted three times for a tax holiday.

In 2000, gasoline prices were climbing quickly, reaching $2 a gallon in the Chicago area — a remarkable price back then. Illinois legislators scrambled to offer some election-year relief to angry motorists.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080430/ap_on_el_pr/obama_gas_tax_fact_check

[germanguy]

Stating that as a result of attending a 'questionable' church for 20 years will ALWAYS result in someone becoming a racist of 'questionable character', whether black or white is false. It at best would be an 'assumption' that would not hold water in ALL cases. I make this statement from personal experience. I have researched Obamas past in depth and in some situations even I would question his associations. However, having been in a number of similar situations in which I could have made a choice to move away (figuratively speaking) I did not choose to do so. Today, I am much more in tune with people of all backgrounds as a result of my past associations (which at one time even included the mafia). Based on all the facts regarding Obamas associations and how he used what he learned from them, he was better able to help the people in the communities he worked. I praise any man (or women) that would make personal sacrifices for the well being of the less fortunate.

I must admit, I am still impressed in how well he has dealt with all this negative stuff being thrown at him. I sometimes see this as a sport, where the referees are not calling the fowls when they occur. If they did, Hillary would have been on the bench a long time ago.

OBAMA '08

[kg]

IF SOMEONE BELIEVES "GAS TAX HOLIDAY" HELPS,

HATS OFF TO YOUR INNOCENCE, NO WONDER UNEDUCATED, ELITIST HILLARY GAINING YOUR VOTES.

Here are the details;
Do you know Government never reduces income. Roads needs more than this 18% TAX income. So, there comes the same Government applying double of 18% on to your BACK.

IF McCAIN, HILLARY are TRUE and BRAVE, WHY DON't THEY STOP TAX BENEFITS to BIGOIL and RETURN THAT MONEY TO OIL CONSUMERS?

Because, BUSH/GOP is OIL'y and CLINTONS are SOUDI's. I mean the "EARNED" 2 PALACES "FOR FREEEE" in ABU DHABI worth $11 Million in 2001.

[kk]

"DAMN" YOU GUYS

CLINTONS RUNNING FOR 2012 AND NOT 2008.

Their only goal in 2008 after lost in Mar2008 is to make sure McCAIN wins and ready as 78 OLD "READY TO DIE" "SAME AS BUSH" for them in 2012.

GROW UP.

[Deborah]

The gas tax is a fake - only John and Hillary would say anything to ge elected. I want my bridges and highways to remain safe, by imposing this tax for the Summer we would be in trouble. Do Hillary and John know that it cost over 300,000 jobs across this country? All states depend on these taxes to support the highways. I do not want to hit a pot hole next winter.

VOTE OBAMA 08' - LET'S VOTE IN FULL FORCE.

[Chang]

The economics of this are simple.

We have LIMITED SUPPLY of gas.

Prices REFLECT this limitation.

If PRICES are LOWERED (by 18 cents), then people BUY MORE. They will probably spend same amount of money.

DEMAND increases, SUPPLY doesn't.

To compensate, companies RAISE PRICES.

In the end, consumers LOSE MONEY.

This entire gas-holiday is just a scam. It looks good at first, but it will do more harm than good in the end. Saving $20 over a summer isn't going to do much good. Clinton and McCain are both ignoring the long-term consequences of their gas-holiday.

[MaryB]

JDavis... The whole country is broke, you are not alone... but your $23 savings comes at a huge cost... do you really want to give up the federal fund for bridge repair, to save $7.50 a month over the summer?! People in Minneapolis, I'm very sure, disagree with you.
And Roddy, he is ahead in states, delegates, and popular vote... and gaining ground in superdelegates. Why would HE step down? Tell the witch of the east she should step down. She should have already done it... she is embarrassing herself, the party... continuing on is simply tearing the party apart, but she doesn't care... intelligent voters are screwing with her "entitlement"!.

[Obamacan]

If Obama can Beat Hillary and Bill, He will Mop the floor with Paps AKA Mccain. I can't wait OBAMA 08 - 16 :)

[John]

On this Gas tax issue, John McCain and Michael Bloomberg are on the opposing side, I choose Bloomberg's side, atleast we know he understands economy and he called this Gas tax holiday scam..."the dumbest this he's heard in a long time".

[robertj102]

If Hillary was serious about saving America some real money at the pump, she should put forth a policy with real teeth - cap all gasoline sales at $3.00 per gallon permanently. Good for consumers, truckers and low-wage workers. Bad for oil companies, but it's not like they are hurting.

[mcsummit]

if you drive in limousines, $28-30 is no saver.
Then Obama must be right. You can't be bitter!
But if you are on the minimum wage it is something.
Then Hillary must be right.

[Nick]

A quip is made up on the spot.

How is "The Obama campaign seems bitter about sliding in the polls and they're clinging to these gas tax attacks" a quip?

That's as premeditated as Hillary's loser " Change you can Xerox..."

[Bern]

lame title

lame joke

cool car

[Zee]

Michelle Obama was whining in NC about all the negative attention Obamessiah's been receiving. And how "frustrated" Obama was and she thought she was bragging about how he's "controlling" his anger. Then she went on the attack claiming she was taught "not to rip people to shreds," lol! Who is she kidding?

a, Obama's under attack for his own stupid remarks, his own elitist attitudes, and his own hypocrisy in joining Wright's church for street cred, then tossing him overboard when he began his campaign because he knew full well that Wright "could get a little rough" in sermons! First he was caught by the press, then Wright himself called Obama on his hypocrisy.

b. If Obama thinks this is rough, he's not going to last the general election, let alone the presidency! He's never going to be president.

c. Just looking at the comments of the adherents of each candidate here, you can tell who has the substance and who has all the elitism, baseless attacks, whining and sheer messianic attitude.

[LAKEY]

GUAM 50/50 split!
Senator Hillary Clinton ties Obama in Guam! Pundits like CNN & MSNBC got it wrong again predicting Obama would win by double digits. Each candidate got 50% of the votes! More than half the voters will not vote for obama! 56% who heard speech less likely to vote for Obama, his unfavorable rating among registered voters up 37 percent!! Clinton leads McCain 48 to 41 percent among all registered voters, while Obama and McCain are tied. National lead dropped 10pts now tied with Senator Clinton and he is now losing in IN too. Once 25 pts ahead in NC now just 5pts- They are not going to give this Presidency to Obama because hes black and if we don’t blacks will stay home, so what? American is ready to elect a black man not this black man who recently revealed a major character flaw and again calls into question his judgment and truthfulness of the candidate whose entire appeal has been based on character or his lack there of and not solutions. If Clinton is not on the ballot Working White Middle class will stay home and Obama cannot win on just black votes. David Axelrod said Obama doesn’t need white middle class voters. Axelrod said, “The white working class has gone to the Republican nominee for many elections, going back even to the Clinton years. This is not new Democratic candidates don’t need to rely solely on those votes.”
DEMOCRATS WANT OBAMA OUT NOW!

Obama's Chickens Come Home to Roost too little, too late. The Wright controversy had revealed a major character flaw and calls into question his judgment once again and truthfulness of the candidate whose entire appeal has been based on character. Wright is like an uncle you love and respect As imperfect as he may be, he has been family to me for so many years, I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community” "I can no more disown him [Jeremiah Wright] than I can disown my white grandmother." a woman who once confessed her fear of black men after a black man had tried to shake her down for money. She gave him some, but he kept demanding more. "If the bus hadn't come, I think he might have hit me over the head," Obama says she told him. Rev Wright was right! Obama speech is ONLY for political purposes after the severe drop in polls!

Obama is now declaring himself shocked and disappointed at Wright's unrepentantly racist and anti-American views? Obamas obviously support his feelings of anti-America and white hatred that the church endorses to stay for 20 years and raise young daughters in that atmosphere Obama can no longer plausibly claim innocence in this matter, because he is the one who has encouraged Wright by trying to excuse and explain his views. All of this is why it is no use for Obama to backpedal from his association with Reverend Wright, or to denounce him now, six weeks too late. It was Obama who sought to provide the Reverend Wright with immunity from criticism--and he can't complain when the reverend tries to take full advantage of that immunity. This is the final collapse of the noble promise of the Obama campaign. The man who had once put himself forward as the candidate who would transcend racial politics once and for all has ended up legitimizing a Christian equivalent of Louis Farrakhan--and injecting him into the American political debate. http://www.dontvoteobama.net

[Don]

Why does everyone assume that suspending the tax will lower the price of gasoline? The oil companies are not obliged to lower their prices so that money will go straight to them. This is a give away to Hillary's big oil contributors. Those minimum wage earners aren't bright enough to understand they are being conned (again!)

[ken]

yeah yeah Go hillary lets re-arrange the chairs on the deck while titanic is sinking Actions are better than any ideas to save the ship. McCain will get elected and she will be able to run 8 years from now. Country gets what the majority deserves..

[Jan E]

It is really scary that uninformed voters about the real issues facing their wellbeing are deciding this election. Those are the people who will be hurt the most out of this gas tax trick. I think Obama should stick to his message and stay truthful to the people. This is about honesty and good judgment in the position of power. I am worried that the same folks who voted against their own interest to elect Bush they will do it again this election and plunge the country into another trouble. Please take note folks of the high caliper people who surround Obama and advise him. Those people are the least political people in the 3 campaigns. Clinton on the other hand has surrounded herself with profiteers and ambitious corporate and special interest operatives who stand to gain a lot from her election. Think about that please!!

[Chris]

Since Obama's got this thing pretty much sewn up, I hardly think he's bitter about 'sliding' in polls. I think, like many of the more saavy voters do, that Obama's bitter because the Clinton camp keeps the spotlight on non-issues.

Also anyone with half a brain can see right through this gas tax holiday.

[Sunny Florida]

Thomas Stinson, you are an insensitive, ignorant idiot. To compare beautiful, strong, passionate, hardworking thoroughbred horses and their race to the political race we have going on, is so infantile it is funny, if it were not so tragic for Eight Belles and her family. It is this same trivialization and transparent analogies that demean the importance of the election of a President. My heart goes out to the trainer, owners, jockey, stablemates and adoring fans of this filly. She had more class, strength and passion then many horses and dare I say people. People like you and your stupid comments were best hidden during pre-Internet politics.

[Steve T]

Just how stupid do Hillary and McCain think we all are?! This is cheap pandering, and they know it.
Seems like McCain proposed this, and Hill jumped on his bankwagon. Why doesn't she just resign from the Democratic Party and run with him? He probably won't make it through his first term, and then she could realize her ambition...

[TheXception]

The irony in this article and photo are HILLARYous! She's proposing a Gas Tax Holiday and posing for a photo in the NASCAR Museum.

NASCAR, the competition where stock cars drive fast around a track -- guzzling gasoline -- entertaining the folks (demographically speaking) who cannot afford to fill their gas tanks to go to work --

while their own brothers, sisters, children, husbands and wives are dying in Iraq so that they can continue to sit in the stands at NASCAR races --

which are sponsored by those big corporations (oil & automobile) who laid them off their jobs to rake in bigger profits

who will most likely enjoy even more profits if that Gas Tax Holiday is passed

and the need for troops to remain in Iraq will be even greater as the demand for oil increases -- due in part to NASCAR races and the Gas Tax Holiday -- devised by McCain & the Republicans -- which the current leaders are OIL PEOPLE!

WAKE UP FOLKS!

This is not only sad; it's Hillaryous!

[Deward Bowles]

The estimate of 300,000 jobs comes directly from the government. It is true Obama voted for a gas tax holiday. When the plan did not work because it was found little of the money actually reached the consumer and most of the money went to the oil

If you check the facts you would know this.

My vote is for Obama.

[arthurW from Virginia]

The 'empty suite' is being worn by a woman this time and it is Hillary that is clinging, with audacity, to the hope that the public is as stupid as she thinks it is. Her embrace of McCain’s gas proposal, which is right out of the Bush playbook, indicates a new level of cynicism about the gullibility of the voters. Better to just add 30 dollars to everyone's Fed tax rebate checks than to hand the local gas retailer's this gift. Running the program will probably take 25% right off the top in bureaucracy and forms. Here is a true indication of your 'substance' on the part of Obama and that lack of it on Clinton's part. She and McCain tout themselves as leaders who can bring about change, but where have both of them been for the past 30 years on this issue of energy? Neither have been strongly leading us to the solutions that we, and the world, desperately need today. I, for one, want no part of this kind of ‘experience’ that both Hillary and McCain would like to claim simply by showing up all these years. Rumsfeld and Cheney and their supporters also claimed this mantle of years on the job, and look where it has gotten our Country.

PS, it is the height of Irony to hear some Clinton supporters argue that Obama should step down for the good of the Party! Yikes, as if the Party is anything but an end all for both of the Clinton’s

[Robbie]

Hillary Clinton's so-called gas holiday for the summer for all it's worth could be a thousand dollars or a promise for free gas because it's just an empty promise. No such Bill or authorization will be signed into law this summer. It's pure hype. I shake my head. Pandering to people who don't know any better is shameful. Gas holiday/Hillary supporters don't fall for this.

[alma Ludivina]

Mrs. Clinton proposal in gasolin is like trying to close a large surgical wound with a bandaid! imagine side effects?

But since she is not the nominee she can say anything and more to try to impress people to win votes.

Americans are not stupid.

[COL.[retd]AAA.M.Khajawall]

Dear Fellow Americans,

Our Great-grand Nation, the United States of America
is and will face very critical "Challenges" in coming,
months, years, and decades. It is very essential that
we pick out next President on following criteria.

1. A candidate with "Vision and Statesmanship".

2. A candidate with " Stable Character and Morality" .

3. A candidate with "Presidential Temperament" and
"sound Judgment".

4. A candidate with "little Washington exposure" and
"connectedness with New voters".

5. A candidate who "Inspires us up" rather than
"Tears
us down".

In my professional opinion there is only one candidate
left, who bears all the above qualities aand that is
Honorable Senator Obama.

As an independent registered voter since 1974. I voted
for Carter, voted for Reagan, voted for First Bush,
and second Bush in 2000. In the process last interest
and stopped voting.

This time we can not afford to stay on side lines and
let Washington stay the same.

We can not afford our Greatgreat Nation to become less
than what we are and can be.

We need to send clear and candid message to the world
and some 24 hour partisan hateful media. These media
outlets are trying to deprive, dupe, and derail us
from getting it right this time.

They are trying there best to deny us better rather
than bitter future. { Our Greatgrand Nations people
are
persistently and constantly subjected to Psychological
terrorism" thru these hatful partisan media outlets.

We Americans are not going to allow them
psychologically terrorized us and silence the masses.
I am sure that we will get it right this
time and elect Senator Obama our next President. let
us not get dragged down into racism and sexism.

Let us remember that our Greatgrand is constituted of
family, fellowships, friends, faith, funds, fun,
future with fairness and freedom and without fear or
favor.

We can not afford to lose any of above. Let us stand
up, be counted, save, build our Greatgrand Nation for
centuries to come.

God Bless our Great grandNation, its diverse people.

Our future needs stability, security, safety,
sustained progress and restoration of our due status
in this perilous Global World at all levels.

yours truly,

COL.[retd] A.M.Khajawall
Forensic Psychiatrist.
Disables American Veteran.
Las Vegas Nevada.

[Steve]

Supporting Hillary for the democratic nomination is a vote for John McCain. Hillary cannot win the general election.

Also, if Mrs. Clinton is elected president, at the end of her term in 2012 the oval office will have been controlled by just two families for 24 years (Bush, Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush, Clinton).

[Larry Oregon]

There is a reason Hitlerry is winning the not so smart voters. Thats because the believe everything they hear and can't think for their-self. Wake up dumb America. It is your future this election is all about.

[Seymour White Butts]

Someplace, somewhere a village has lost its idiot.

[JRT]

The "gas tax" is worse than pandering; it's an attempt to buy votes...When political campaigns move away from discussion of relevant issues, to personal attacks, everyone loses. Unfortunately, our media tend to inflame controversy for commercial reasons. It's becoming more and more difficult to get to the facts through their "spin". Regarding Rev. Wright, the Bard said it best,

"...a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

The fact that Mrs. Clinton has made Rev. Wright the central theme of her campaign (in lieu of more important issues) speaks volumes about who she is and how far she will go to get what she wants. She's looking for as much "traction" as possible on Mr. Obama's "negatives", because she is unable to sell herself on her own "positives". This is how America ended up with Bush's second term. Good luck.

[Jerry EZ, TEXAS The BIG state Obama REALLY WON]

OHHH, precious Hillary attracts uneducated people that don't know how to filter out her propaganda or the so called news media such as ABC(CNN) or FOX Republican slime balls that fail the public by giving real attention to these issues, these are the ones that have become parrots, ignorant of what truth is, or maybe according to Bill Clinton thinking, what is our definition of truth!

For the Hillary ignorants, here is some info you should know and I have helped you research some KNOWN truths about Hillary and as the OBAMA supporters know, Hillary is not electable and NOT truly being endorsed by Republicans, it is simple, the wolf pack Republicans will destroy Hillary and they don't have much substance on Barack ( Rev. Wright is not of substance), therefore if Hillary is nominated which the Republicans want, they will regain the White House, which Hillary wont mind either.

Just a few Facts on Hillary:
Corruption:
http://www.aim.org/aim-column/will-hillary-go-down-in-corruption-scandals/
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/clinton-supporter-arrested-in-nj-corruption-sting/
http://www.prorev.com/wwindex.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton_pardons_controversy
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=3866786

Outsourcing-H1B visas:
http://www.jobdestruction.info/ShameH1B/JobDestructionNews.htm
http://www.jobdestruction.info/ShameH1B/JobDestructionNews.htm
NAFTA 1995:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW4XPRA2jIk
Clinton business with Communist China and India:
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-clintonchina13apr13,0,499290.story
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB120097424021905843.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/us/politics/31donor.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=politics&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1209924108-dgsJQRoEf48K0+LY1TvStA

Campaign Fraud:
PART 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq8aopATYyw
PART 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMfUajhL24I
Case Summary
go to link and refer to case number for report:
http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/civilcasesummary/index.asp
Case Number: BC304174
PETER F PAUL VS WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
Filing Date: 10/14/2003
Case Type: Fraud (no contract) (General Jurisdiction)
Status: Pending

Of course the list goes on and on and will continue as the Clintons can't stay away from corruption and scandal, like Dick Cheney and George W. Bush(TWO FOR ONE!). America, Do we need this crap AGAIN for another four years with SLICK BILLARY?

[damitajo1]

To the Obama fan who said that people with a high school level of knowledge about the economy should know that this won't work: how do you explain Obama's 3 votes for a gas tax while he was a state senator -- long after he had graduated from high school? Perhaps, he was playing politics too.

[dragon111]

I am tired of the "Allah" "Allah" Obama. What a bunch of garbage.! This guy is trying to redefine Patriotism. Let him walk a post or due 5 years as a POW! Hell, let him visit Iraq like Hillary. Everything about running for President of the United States falls under scrutiny. Quit your sniveling Obama!!

I am a Hillary voter! She has more determination and heart than Obama could ever dream. She did not quit in the face of tadversity from the Obamanites cultists and she did not bow out like a nice little lady when the going got tough. Obama has whined his way through the entire process. Always blaming someone else for his mistakes.

Now there's president material! Whine and deny! If he win the DNC the Republicans will eat his whine y ### alive. He just thinks poor Hillary was mean to him. If the DNC thinks this guy will win they are stupid and deserve to lose. McCain will win by a landslide!!

[ApostasyUSA]

I'm amazed at how Hillary gets away with telling voters she would pass a gas tax over the summer when it is impossible for it actually happen.

When is the media going to repeat the fact that Hillary will lie to your face for a vote. Just plain lie........and at the same time call every expert that says the gas tax holiday is a bad idea an, "elitist". Hillary is a tool......so is the media…….

Obama in 08……

[SteveN]

It's pretty revealing when you see how many of the anti-Obama comments are from very conservative and somewhat racist types. They pretend to be for Hillary but they know Obama will stand a better chance against McCain. So they want Hillary to get the nomination, even though her odds are very slim.

A lot of these people are filled with a lot of rage at the idea of an independent, self-made black man winning the election. It's understandable, given their extremist, pro-Bush politics.

[toby]

.18 cents a gallon less for the summer...which is roughly a 5% reduction in gas prices...

Umm, I'll take that. It's better than nothing.

[thinkresults]

Wow - the "Clinton Camp" will come up with anything. As usual, they think an idiotic quip by one of her advisors about "clinging" will throw us off the scent. No more folks - welcome to the information age.

Anyway - for those still "Clinging" to Clinton - even after her policy has shown its complete contempt for those of us she she claims to fight for with a plan that actually costs us more - read this from the former Clinton supporter and superdelegate Joe Andrew, who switched away from Clinton last week:

----

"The former Bill Clinton-appointed DNC chairman and early Hillary Clinton backer said Clinton’s latest stand on the gas tax holiday, which he said essentially amounted to nothing more than political pandering, was “really one of the straws that broke the camel’s back” in his decision to switch from Clinton to Obama."
“The gas tax [proposal] is a perfect example of that. It’s also important to point out when someone is pandering and seeking political gain, as opposed to standing up for principle.”
Whether it was Obama’s handling of Wright or the gas tax holiday, Andrew said, “What you see is a principled stand, and that is truly shocking to people like me who’ve been in politics a long time.”

----

Folks - I don't know, maybe you have other, good reasons to vote for Clinton and choose to overlook this. Even Joe Andrew still thinks its great to have her as a choice. Fine. But like Mr. Andrew, I'm just thinking we have a chance here to actually vote for someone, warts and all, at least working in a way we say we want. When you have a chance like that - I say vote for them - whether President or dog-catcher.

I look forward to voting for Obama for President in November.

[thinkresults]

Sorry - had to also comment on the "whining" comment above.

Please. EVERY candidate complains about their coverage at some point. Hello? Remember the "cry"? And the almost constant complaining (or "whining" as you say) from Clinton when the coverage was not apparently going her way? It's when Clinton plays the victim that she was able to turn around Iowa, the multiple state losses in a row and when the delegate numbers looked over. Heck - it's her winning strategy!

Complaining, whining, clinging, whatever. It's over.

[Marley]

I love the way democrats think: well Hillary did vote for the war in Iraq, she did vote for the Patriot Act, she's repeatedly voted for continuing the war over and over again...but wait she's gonna suspend the gas tax for 3 months WOOHOO. Republicans suck; democrats are pussies. Oh,and by the way,Obama has voted for the Patriot Act and the war in Iraq as well. Make mine Ron Paul 2008!

[Don]

I would suspect that the voters who gave us George Bush are now supporting Hillary. This time let the rest of choose, you got it wrong last time. Critical thinking is a wonderful thing.

[Obamamania]

Obama is our Savior. Obama, Ayers, and Reverend Wright are Right! God D*** america! The stupid, bitter, racist "typical white people" of pennsylvania voted for clinton. How disgusting, now they have even more blood on their hands! They ignored their opportunity to redeem themselves for their racim, and evil past -> slavery - to finally make Michelle proud. How sad. Please no hater responses, but you bitter, typical Indiana white people, please stop buying guns and save your money for my reparations check! Obama ''08, Repartions Check, ''09! http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/racism/010827.reparations.html

Anyone not voting for Obama is a racist!!!

[Doug (Cincinnati)]

Gee, how does the president's office usually work - in regards to new legislation? They usually approve or veto - very little originates there. In fact, most starts in congress - in the house, then to the senate. It usually doesn't start in the senate, then to the house then the president ...

So why is the gas tax starting in the senate? Political agendas ... It's been tried in the past and failed, both at local and in federal levels. Why would someone think it would work this time? Insanity is frequently described as doing the same way repeatedly, expecting different results each time.

Why does everyone think the president has the power to implement a new healthcare system? They can suggest it - or provide it by executive order, but those powers are limited and I really doubt it will become a reality unless it comes from congress / approved by the senate and the president [or overridden by 2/3 vote in both house and senate].

Obama has looked at the suggestion, did his homework, determined it would provide little it any benefit, especially given the short time period and the overhead to implement and track the change over such a short period.

This is yet another example of good judgement, that is helping him to stand out as a better choice. For the first time in 40+ years, this republican [and freemason] will jump to the other side - the right change - at the right time - for the right reasons.

[By the way, Jesus was killed by his own people, like so many of the Jewish prophets, but done by the hand of the government [Romans]. The sentence was requested by the Jewish leaders. His title - King Of the Jews - was mockingly placed above his head, often shown as initials - INRI - Jesus Nazarene, Rex {king} Judaorum {of the Jews / people living in Judea}.

Jews from the Nazareth region have a similar skin tone as the Romans & Greeks - olive or white. The fair-skinned blonde depictions are likely inaccurate since dark brown or black hair is prevalent in the region. Blonde hair is more common in the Netherlands, not even a stong trait in Europe. Due to the proliferation of the norse and saxons, lighter hair including reds, entered into other cultures.

Hitler messed up on his history, and many others have followed, thinking blonde/blue eyed was the original core european race traits. At some point, the truth needs to come out. Unfortunately this fact is rarely provided as a correction of his misinformation and the myth continues to propagate.]

[Doug (Cincinnati)]

Toby ... 18 cents is about what the gas price typically jumps each time, then slips back a bit before lunging forward again. What's to keep the company from keeping the 18 cents for themselves instead of passing it along to you?

Remember, recently several gas companies posted record earnings for the past quarter - as they have to pay dividends to their stockholders ... I doubt you'd see any real measurable amount of savings from the gas tax, if it's even enacted before the end of summer.

| .18 cents a gallon less for the summer...
| which is roughly a 5% reduction in gas prices...
|
| Umm, I'll take that. It's better than nothing.
| Posted by: toby | May 04, 2008 at 07:17 PM

[Juraco]

I understand the basic concept of supply and demand, but I don't believe the low and middle income earning people are going to start hoarding gas because of an $0.18 price reduction, especially considering the recent huge rise in price that is continuing. In order for demand to go up, you have to assume these people are going to all of a sudden start tooling around in their gas-guzzling cars. I don't think that is realistic. Non-essential driving was lost to them awhile ago when the price per gallon went over $3.00. Farmers, truckers, excavaters, long distance commuters, taxi drivers will need the same amount of gas to get by today as they did yesterday as they will tomorrow. So, will the demand really go up more that what it usually does in the summer because of a tax holiday? And isn't the demand for oil on a world scale what really drives the price? Isn't this linked more today with the increase demand from India and China rather than the US?

People who scoff at the idea that it ONLY saves people $30 must be well enough off financially not to be clipping those ten and twenty cent coupons to save a few bucks at the grocery store. Good for them, but that is not the case for my family or many other families scrimping to just get by. Too bad they can't see that.