John McCain, Barack Obama offer their VP debate reviews

The first flush of polls gauging reaction to Thursday's Sarah Palin/Joe Biden debate gave the nod to the latter (check out how all-important independents broke in this survey spotlighted by our colleague Frank James at the Swamp).

John McCain, no doubt, is scoffing at such findings -- there was no doubt in his mind what happened in the faceoff.

“How about Sarah Palin last night?” he enthused to thousands of supporters packed into an arena today on a college campus in Pueblo, Colo.

His crowd roared their approval and pounded their feet on the metal bleachers, The Times' Seema Mehta reports.

McCain, who goes way back in Washington with Palin's rival, added with a chuckle, "I almost felt a little sorry last night for my old friend Joe Biden."

He continued: "She did a magnificent job. She’s the news  for the big-spending, smooth-talking, me-first, country-second crowd in Washington and Wall Street. We’ve got a message, we’ve got a message, Sarah Palin and I: Change is coming. … They’re not going to like it, my friends.”

Barack Obama, as expected, gave kudos to Biden as he campaigned today in Abington, Pa. And he made sure to highlight his running mate's links to the state, The Times' Maeve Reston relates.

“Didn’t Joe Biden, a fellow some people call the third senator from Pennsylvania … didn’t he do a great job?” Obama said, as his crowd cheered. “Scranton boy. Done good. I was so proud of Joe. America, I think, saw clearly why I felt he’d be such a great vice president, especially during these difficult, challenging times.”

-- Don Frederick

By the way, you can still get free instant alerts on all Ticket items like this flashed direct to your cellphone by registering here free at Twitter.

Photo credits: AFP/Getty Images

Comments

[An]

Again, Biden told more lies than truths and facts. He did at times link McCain to the same faulty voting Obama did, but he lied. Do voters understand Obama's tax plan? People making 42,000.00 yearly will have an increase in tax. Biden said small businesses make less than 250,000.00 yearly, lies, lies.Small businesses make more than that amount but they have employees and other business cost. Some will be forced to cut jobs, some will go out of business. I 'm between low and middle income, I don't want a health care plan that takes away my choosing my doctor and the number of visits I might be entitle to. This country can be strong again but everyone able should to br responsible for themselves. Do you know many low income people pay NO taxs at all?

[Pedro Cruz]

That Barack is so smart--after a solid performance by Joe Biden, where does he rally? Pennsylvania. McCain went to a neutral haven--Colorodo.

[jeremiah]

Somebody needs to educate Chairman of the Judiciary Committee Joe Biden: Article I of the Constitution is about the Legislative Branch. BTW, the Vice President is also President of the Senate. Get Joe a copy of the Constitution.

[Aycee]

Among all the Palin faux pas during last night's debate, and there were quite a lot (visit factcheck.org regarding her truth twisting, non-factual remarks), I think the one that stands out the most for me is and the final clincher that will habe me voting for Obama and Biden is " well, let's see, I've only been at this for what, 6 weeks now."

[Betty Eppes]

Why is Sarah Palin allowed to brag about her record as Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska and as governor of that while the media does not compare her claims to her record? Perhaps this story has been written and I missed it? If so I would greatly appreciate a link back to the piece.

[Save the Alaskan Parrot]

When you aspire to successfully concealing the overt rank stupidity of your running mate rather than have them logically and rationally trouncing their opponent with their depth and understanding of the issues, you suck.

Soooooo.......

[PleaseChange]

"country-second"

A very sad and untrue statemenet, and another example of divide and conquer politics. You're either with us or against us. Keep going Senator McCain, you're winning us over with your cynical ideas of what patriotism really mean.

[judy]

All Palin did during the debate was avoid questions by changing the subject back to energy or praising herself and McCain as mavericks. She didn’t even seem to know the meaning of achilles heel. She just regurgitated her memorized lines back to the public — there was no thinking on her part, except to find a way to keep from straying from her talking points. Is it too much to ask to have someone who knows and is interested in the issues as our vice-president?

[captbilly]

Of course we all expected Obama and McCain to say their bou or girl did great. The expectations on Palin were so low that as long as she didn't say something completely stupid or incoherent she was going to be considered a winner by the Republicans. In a normal debate if one of the debaters simply refused to answer several of the questions, the voters would be up in arms, but in Palin's case it was essentially already expected. Biden on the other hand was told to just not do or say anything really inappropriate or that could be construed as offensive. He acted as though his brain was in a straight jacket, which I suppose is how he felt. I can just imagine him thinking to himself, "if I give an intellegent answer here they are going to say I am trying to show up Palin", or "if I mention that she didn't answer the question or that her answer is incorrect, they are going to say I am an elitist".

So in the end we got pretty much what we expected. Palin read off bits of the stump speaches that were written for her by the McCain speach writers, and Biden just smiled and answered the questions as simply as he possibly could. On the other hand the only voters that really matter in the debates, the independents like me, felt overwhelmingly that Biden did a better job at everything. In the polls that I have seen Biden beat Palin by at least 2-1 in every catagory. McCain needed a knock out and instead he lost on points. 4 more weeks of this and this election will be an absolute rout. I would expect the really big lies and insults to start comming in the the next week or two.

It's a real shame for McCain though. He was a highly respected Senator, on both side of the isle. He could have gone down in history as a very popular and effective senator who placed America first. Instead he is going to be remembered as the guy who picked Palin, the guy who would do or say anything to win, but lost anyway.

[Newt Brown]

I think Sarah Palin would make a fine advisor to the president should he need advice on grammer school soccer and how to give evasive answers to questions..

[nomorecrooks]

McCain: The Most Reprehensible of the Keating Five
The story of "the Keating Five" has become a scandal rivaling Teapot Dome and Watergate
By Tom Fitzpatrick
published: November 29, 1989
You're John McCain, a fallen hero who wanted to become president so desperately that you sold yourself to Charlie Keating, the wealthy con man who bears such an incredible resemblance to The Joker.

Obviously, Keating thought you could make it to the White House, too.
He poured $112,000 into your political campaigns. He became your friend. He threw fund raisers in your honor. He even made a sweet shopping-center investment deal for your wife, Cindy. Your father-in-law, Jim Hensley, was cut in on the deal, too.
Nothing was too good for you. Why not? Keating saw you as a prime investment that would pay off in the future.
So he flew you and your family around the country in his private jets. Time after time, he put you up for serene, private vacations at his vast, palatial spa in the Bahamas. All of this was so grand. You were protected from what Thomas Hardy refers to as "the madding crowd." It was almost as though you were already staying at a presidential retreat.
Like the old song, that now seems "Long ago and far away."
Since Keating's collapse, you find yourself doing obscene things to save yourself from the Senate Ethics Committee's investigation. As a matter of course, you engage in backbiting behavior that will turn you into an outcast in the Senate if you do survive.
They say that if you put five lobsters into a pot and give them a chance to escape, none will be able to do so before you light the fire. Each time a lobster tries to climb over the top, his fellow lobsters will pull him back down. It is the way of lobsters and threatened United States senators.
And, of course, that's the way it is with the Keating Five. You are all battling to save your own hides. So you, McCain, leak to reporters about who did Keating's bidding in pressuring federal regulators to change the rules for Lincoln Savings and Loan.
When the reporters fail to print your tips quickly enough--as in the case of your tip on Michigan Senator Donald Riegle--you call them back and remind them how important it is to get that information in the newspapers.
The story of "the Keating Five" has become a scandal rivaling Teapot Dome and Watergate. The outcome will be decided, not in a courtroom, but probably on national television.
Those who survive will be the sociopaths who can tell a lie with the most sincere, straight face. You are especially adept at this.
Last Friday night, on The John McLaughlin Show, which features well-known Washington journalists, the subject of the Keating Five was discussed. Panelist Jack Germond suggested that three of the Keating Five were probably already through in politics.
So you spend your days desperately trying to make sure you will be one of the survivors. You keep volunteering to go on radio and television stations to protest your innocence. Last week you made ABC's Nightline.
Not long before that you somehow managed to get James Kilpatrick, the national columnist, to write a favorable paragraph about you. Last Sunday morning, you made it to national television again; this time on ABC's This Week With David Brinkley. You smiled at the panel with your usual studied insouciance. Sitting next to you was Senator John Glenn of Ohio.
Brinkley, Sam Donaldson, and George Will were the interrogators.
It was a sobering scene. There you sat with Glenn, both sweating before the cameras, waiting to answer questions: two badly tarnished American icons.
No one forgets that Glenn was the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth. You won't let anyone forget that you were a prisoner of war. But you have played that tune too long. By now your constant reminders about your war record make you seem like a modern version of Arthur Miller's tragic failure Willy Loman.
Clearly, both you and Glenn sold your fame for Charles Keating's money.
It was a Faustian bargain. It was also a bad joke on the rest of us and a disaster for many old people who lost their life's savings to Keating.
The money was never really Keating's to give. But he never would have got his hands on it if you and the rest of the Keating Five didn't halt the government takeover for two long years while Keating's people continued their looting.
And now, the tab for the Savings and Loan heist must be paid from taxpayer pockets.
On Sunday, Senators Dennis DeConcini, Alan Cranston, and Riegle refused offers to appear on the Brinkley show. What must we make of that?
You, the closest of them to Keating and the deepest in his debt, have chosen the path of the hard sell. You may even make it out of the pot, but to many, your protestations of innocence taste like gall.
You are determined to bluff your way. You will stick to your story that you were acting to help a constituent and intended to do nothing improper. The very fact you attended the meeting makes you guilty, just as every man who entered the Brinks vault went to prison.
You insist that an accounting firm Keating hired told you Lincoln was sound. Alan Greenspan, who Keating also hired, wrote a report saying it was sound. Why shouldn't you believe the people Keating hired? You were, after all, fellow employees.
Perhaps you might silence your own conscience about all this someday.
Just keep telling everyone that it was your wife's money invested in that shopping center with Keating and that you knew nothing about it.
Keep saying that cynical newspaper people don't understand that every move you make has always been for the enrichment of Arizona . . . the education of our Native Americans on the reservations . . . for the love of the elderly in Sun City and Green Valley.
Keep telling them that it wasn't that you were bought off but that Charlie Keating got special help only because he was one of the biggest employers in the state.
Just keep sitting there and staring into the camera and denying that Keating bought you for money and jet plane trips and vacations.
So what if he gave you $112,000? Just keep smiling at the cameras and saying you did nothing wrong.
Maybe the voters will understand you took those tiring trips to Charlie's place in the Bahamas in their behalf. Certainly, they can understand you wanted to take your family along. A senator deserves to travel on private jets, removed from the awful crush of public transportation.
You sought out a master criminal like Keating and became his friend. Now you've discarded him. It shouldn't be surprising that you are now in the process of selling out your senatorial accomplices.
You're John McCain, clearly the guiltiest, most culpable and reprehensible of the Keating Five. But you know the power of television and you realize this is the only way you can possibly save your political career.

[goldieluck]

Good Job Senator Biden. We salute!

Obama/Biden 2008

[Jon Sandler]

Maybe I'm the only one but it just seems to me that McCain doesn't even want to win the election anymore. He's dropped out of Michigan and just doesn't take the issues of the campaign seriously anymore. It's just one "hail mary" after another for him. Check out Palin's unauthenticated debate notes:
http://politicalwire.com/archives/images/palinflow.gif

[elizabeth]

i deeply believe that john mcain and sarah palin are a very good team, at least they can get each other's names' right! "borack america!"

[John]

Why is that Don Frederick shows 1,000 times more onjective integrity IN A BLOG than 99% of the mainstream media in what are supposed to be simple reports? He should be RUNNING the Associated Press, or MSNBC.

[M. J. Bee]

Sarah Palin exposed Joe Biden for the hypocritical fool he is. Those who think Biden won this debate have your progressive (code word for socialist) heads in the sand. Sarah Palin beautifully reminded everyone (since the news refuses to report it) about the comments Biden made about Obama when he (Biden) was running for President. And those phony tears. Please, he's worse than Bill Clinton. Biden, like Obama, is a socialist con man and will say and do whatever he has to for votes. Bottom line: Sarah Palin connects with Americans. She speaks from the heart. She's intelligent, likable, capable, attractive, patriotic and best of all - she's HONEST.

She is BAD NEWS for DEMOCRATS and GOOD NEWS for AMERICANS.

[Max]

Change is coming? I guess that means we can expect Obama to be elected. You know, given that it's his campaign theme, no matter how often you try to hijack it...

Anyhow, I did my part. My state has early voting. I mailed in a vote for Obama this morning.

[Sam Y]

To use the words of Senator McCain, "I feel sorry" for him that he is so superficial in his comments against his opponents. The former POW should be more statemanslike and fair in his judgement if he wants to be the next president. The American people, specially who viewed the debate, will certainly recognise this apparent arrogance.

[Alan Emirzian]

do you mean country-first, me-second?

"She did a magnificent job. She’s the news for the big-spending, smooth-talking, me-first, country-second crowd in Washington and Wall Street."

[Richard Estes]

The debate clearly showed that "you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." There's no way that Sarah Palin can be considered qualified to be Vice President

[Jim Dandy]

It has become very obvious that John McCain is one of the most cynical and disingenuous politicians ever. He makes Bush look good! McCain only appeals to people at their lowest level. He does nothing to lift people up to go beyond themselves. Everything he says is the opposite of what he means. When he says "country first" it is so insulting because his actions belie that at every turn. He is a a purveyor of untruth. When he says he always is truthful he is lying. The fact that people actually are supporting him is a testimony to the total stupidity of about 50% of the people in the US. They are stupid, full of fear, greedy and without virtue. And that is what McCain and Palin are counting on. It is really nauseating.

[Rodney]

John McCain is an acomplished liar. How he can keep praising Sarah Palin with a straight face, I don't know, unless his straight face is due to a stroke.

[pawprints]

For someone who is "yesterday's news", Biden did okay. Sarah Palin, however, was grrrrrrreat!!! A breath of fresh air. I am excited for her to go to DC - so we can see dynamite in action.

[Morro]

This blog (like so many) was not worth writing and certainly no reading. Jeez, what a waste of time!

[jefflz]

Palin didn't make a complete fool of herself again - that performance standard alone tells it all. She repeated the text they prepped her with, not being capable of adding anything more to the debate but the usual clichés about being Joe Six Pack, a Maverick, and a hockey mom. People that support her because she is similarly uninformed must ask themselves if they are ready for the White House too. What an absurd measure of leadership. She never once offered any policy differences between McCain Palin and Bush. Biden , on the other hand, pressed the attack with clear policy statements, and facts - mostly correct.. The differences between candidates were stark, one seasoned and knowledgeable, the other a wind-up Pit Bull with Lipstick who hasn't a clue about how poorly prepared she really is. In this regard, more than 2700 concerned medical doctors placed a full page add in the New York Times today asking for McCain's full medical report in light of his bout with highly lethal invasive melanoma. The unobstructed release of this report for expert review is more critical than ever.

[Truth]

Palin offered no substantive answer on any policy, she was purely out of her league. She is also an insult to intelligent, well spoken women that have real views about the world, our future and our decisions. She is at best is Bush in high heels. No change agent there. I voted Republican last time this time I am not voting for the ticket they have given us. I would be too worried she is a very old heartbeat away from the presidency and that would be a travesty and a bridge to nowhere for the US. Thanks John McCain but no thanks and this bridge to nowhere.

[John Paul Telhomme]

Don,

I almost fell off my chair reading this page today. Don, you are beginning to do regular reporting. That is great! No more that "Obama is nothing and can't ever do anything right" commentary you had in the past. Wow! Good reporting.

[mark]

You (and Dick Chaney) are the one's that needs some education Jeremiah. Article I of the constitution clearly spells out exactly just what Joe Biden says it does. That the vice-president is NOT part of the Legislative branch, as Dick Chaney is claiming in court that he is, which he is doing trying to avoid having to turn over records of his "energy commission" meetings ... where the bankrupting of America began.

How many times do you have to get beat over the head before you figure out who is doing the beating???

[Ernest Ager]

Palin obviously had crammed with tutors so that her terrible display of ignorance when interviewed by Katie Couric would not be repeated. Nonetheless, she simply could not discuss anything outside of her crammed info and cue cards (e.g., VP duties, global warming) and rather skillfully (brazenly?) changed the subject. This woman is so ignorant and inexperienced that she simply should go back home to Alaska and tend to her disabled son and teenaged pregnant unmarried daughter. She ought to leave elections to the informed, the bright, the knowledgeable and those who really care about people.

[Mike Nagle]

Besides Senator Obama being unequivocally and completely qualified to lead this nation out of a 8 year hole, there are significant other reasons why Americans will not Vote for McCain.. here whats in our memory:

# Americans will remember the gimmick of McCain picking a very unqualified VP (for political reasons) only because she was young and a woman and the notion she would invigorate the fundamentalist Republican base
# Americans will remember a failed handling of Hurricane Katrina.
# Americans will remember all the ills associated with the Iraq war: no clear reason for going there in the first place while Bin Laden is still at large, a huge cost to the American people both with human life and tax dollars
# Americans will remember that George W. Bush was handed a $127 billion surplus when Bill Clinton left office. Because that money was OUR money and not his, he did what the rich prefer to do -- spend it and never look back. Now we have a $9.5 trillion debt.
# Americans will remember high employment, high gas prices, low consumer confidence, mortgage foreclosures, a crumbling economy not seen since the great depression. All under the Bush watch
# Americans will remember that there is not much difference between Bush and McCain.

Americans already started to voice their opinion with the The 2006 United States midterm elections. Obama will win.

[Susan]

Wake up America...get your head out of the sand! Voting for Obama is voting for a socialistic society...remember the USSR? Hello!

[John Charamella]

I just wish she would answer a question. Just once in a coherent manner.

[Alex Schrodt]

As far as facts are concerned, Joe Biden's misquotes pale in comparison to those of Sarah Palin's. Biden's mistakes were no worse than giving credit to McCain for acknowledging our current crises earlier than McCain actually had, while Palin unabashedly distorted facts; she often sounded as though she were reciting the Obama/Biden ticket's philosophies while continually contradicting John McCain and the basic principals of the Republican Party. I'm going to cut myself off before I start to overstate the obviously painful truth of the debate: Palin barely showed herself to be competent for federal leadership, which the Republicans consider a victory. This is terrifying.

[Tsiangkun]

Palin wildly exceeded expectations, but all of her answers could have been pre-recorded. I saw nothing that led me to believe that she comprehends the world, merely that she is intelligent enough to remember and recite facts. She definitely beat the spread, but still lost. She would make a great press secretary.

I'm voting against the incumbent party in 2008.

Katrina, endless war, financial crisis, failure to protect liberty, and torture are my top five reasons.

[Jimbob]

Gov. Palin was incredible last night. And discussing the fact that she had only been a candidate for 6 weeks is true, but she's been in politics far longer than Sen. Obama has been in office! It's too bad that Sen.Joe just can not tell the truth even when he is cofronted by someone as honest as Sara Palin. Joe, you and your partner in crime, Barack Hussein are "going down!"

[Dean]

I always find it interesting when people spout about "the facts" or claim someone is telling "lies" without offering any evidence or links to information to support their claims. These are the same types of "citizen journalists" and wannabes that claimed Jobs went to the hospital today and that are now, rightfully, being investigated by the SEC.

As a professional writer, I know how important fats are, and if the facts are misconstrued or misreported, it is important that the public know. However, the idea that we should accept as "fact" the statements of anyone with a computer and a keyboard (and, yes, I'm talking about you "An") who makes a claim of "lies" without offering evidence or supporting information really assumes that we are all merely cattle led by the prods of whomever is speaking.

I hope that as Americans and as human people of conscience we are all able to think critically and carefully for ourselves and not be confused by the deluge of unsupported information put forth by "citizen journalists" and disreputable bloggers who offer noise without substance.

[Derek]

I would like the next person who claims Obama will raise taxes for "People making 42,000.00 yearly" kindly provide a link with evidence.

You see, most non-Republicans do something called "research". They tend to lean towards "facts", and "evidence".

I am an independent, first-time voter. I will not vote against my self-interests. All the evidence that I find shows that Obama's tax plan is superior to McCain's, in regards to the interests of the middle-class, and anyone making under $250,000. I am a single male renter who makes just under $60,000 a year. Obama's tax plans will benefit me more than McCain's. I challenge anyone to provide evidence that could change my opinion.

Several non-partisan sources I have researched before basing an opinion:

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/more_tax_deceptions.html

http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/publications/url.cfm?ID=411750

[Derek]

In response to 'An':

I can see the patently-Republican, Rovian campaign has instilled fear into you and hammered falsities into you brain with classic disinformation. Please do not believe everything you read (or see in 14 sec news clips).

Firstly, you state that low income people pay NO taxes? What's the income limit to have zero tax liability where you live? I can tell you it is not enough to pay rent for a studio apartmen or rent a room in the worst neighborhood where I live, let alone gas and food, etc.

Did you know about 25% or more of CORPORATIONS pay NO TAX. (http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/aug2008/ctax-a15.shtml). These companies are reporting BILLIONS of dollars in income and/or assets each year. McCain has stated he will lower the corporate tax rates even further.

Obama's health care plan would not take away anyone's right to choose what doctor they see, when the see him, or even how they are insured. That is more false information from the McCain campaign. (http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/factchecking_mccain.html) Obama's health care plan will offer an alternative plan that mimics the plan that members of Congress have. I don't hear any of them complaining about waiting for doctors or not getting the care they need. Again, you will have the CHOICE of utilizing this plan, or keeping your current plan (if you have one).

Please do not pass on false information.

[Tina]

Tired of the same 'ol bashing from the Obama camp...I still to date have not heard anything positive from there side nor SPECIFIC plans how they are going to fix the economy, get the war done and be successful at the win, healthcare, education, jobs...the "change" I want some honesty less run arounds....just outright tell me what the heck ya gonna do?!? Can't nobody do that these days or what?????

[ohiopolitico]

If the American people weren't so bent on punishing the
republicans for Bush's disastrous mistakes, they would
recognize what an amazing ticket they have in McCain-Palin. McCain's knowledge and maverick --along with a "true " Washingon outsider in Palin, is the perfect recipe for "change".
Obama and Biden are proving they are not about change; instead, just tax and spend democrats.

[LeeAnn]

I agree with Biden last night, Palin showed no difference between the direction that the "mavericks" would take this country. It seems maverick is more like erratic, it just describes their lurching, campaign suspending, "american's are whiners, the economy is strong" flip-flopping, and Palin's one-day inconherence then next day "Barracuda, Lipsticked Pit Bull Hockey Mom" type of behavior. I don't think we need that type of "mavericky" behaviour. What we need is just some decent common sense and disciplined decision making that has respect for the Constitution and American core values, which has been much demonstrated by Obama and Biden.
Go Obama/Biden 2008!!

[Pamela Leander]

I was apalled when she said that Biden's wife will get her reward in heaven. Teachers need monetary rewards now! Teachers do not go to college to take a vow of poverty.
She is a very unperceptive, conceited woman who should have waited until her own children are grown before she jumped into the national arena. I thought Radical Right, Christian women put family first. I guess that was just another lie I've been told by the right wing of the Republican party. Too bad her lack of understanding of church and state was not brought out in the debate.

[Tim]

Thanks, Jeremiah, for showing all of us on how shallow you are. I mean its pretty clear that the VP is part of the executive- and that's the main role of the Veep.

As VP, and as part of the Executive, he cannot escape oversight. Saying otherwise because of that stated reason is just a lame attempt in escaping responsibilities.

[aguy7]

Palin's a shrewd, savvy politician who understands Jerry Springer America will lap up her homespun hokum.

[PatrioticVet]

hey An, stop your lying.

Biden was very clear: you have to make over 250k in order for taxes to go up with Obama's plan.

Not 42k.

Another independent (registered as such 30+ years) veteran voting democratic next month.

[Mary Anne]

I am from Alaska and Palin as a heart beat away from an old guy with a history of 2nd stage melanoma and a history of hypertension is a very scarey thought. Don't do it America!

[Reuel]

69.9 million people watched the VP debate.
The interest is unlikely to be due to Biden since google search Palin:Biden is 2200:1.

Now the slanted media & Obama still want to lie that "Biden won".

They probably hope so. But judgement cannot be based on hope.

Popularity is not base on how much Obama pays the for advertisments.

Come Nov 4, and one of the CHANGE the people can choose and to make sure that they are not deceived by slanted journalist & damagogues anymore

Obama's economic plan assume that he can tax the businesses & high income earners. It will lean to more business failures and more unemployments.

Obama & Biden should go back to the senate and make more laws - next time without shirking reponsibilities or blaming others.

McCain-Palin should defend USA, bring in victory, bring in Energy independence, get rid of wastage & corruptions and have a unity cabinet to give more jobs, better economic growth and better morality.

[Ali Abdalim]

Did Barack Obama make a mistake in not selecting Senator Hillary Clinton? or is this just destiny?

Here's my prediction: Although Obama wins in 2008, 2012 will be at serious risk.

Palin was chosen to attract the women vote. But she, being the ambitious person she is, will be back to challenge Obama in 2012.

Senator Hillary Clinton won't be allowed to run against Obama in 2012. Even if Obama chose to not run for a second term, it's too late. Palin would handily beat her. Palin is new, Clinton is old news. Palin is a Washington outsider, Clinton is old school.

In an election, experience won't matter, marketing will.

This highlights an important problem with Democrats. There is no long term vision. Had Obama chose Clinton as his running mate, the Democrats could have planned on 12 to 16 years in the white house.

[John]

At first I dislikes Obama but after hearing what he's offering us:
1. "free" college tuition
2. "Universal Guaranteed health care
3. "Univesral" national service" ?????
4. "Universal" 401Ks (gov't. matches contributions for low/moderate income families)
5. "free job training (criminals also)
6. Wage "insurance" (supplement union workers)
7. "Universal" preschool
8. More "subsidized" public housing (who will repair them when they are trashed?)
9. A fatter earned income tax credit for "working poor"
10. Global Proverty Act; i.e. "Marshall Plan" for 3rd World Countries (Africa)

Who's going to pay for all of this? I'm not because I'm going to quit my job; I can't afford all those taxes, then I'll get things "free". That's what America is all about "free" dom.

[JIM]

Looking for Presidential material in Mr Obama.

Mr. Barack Obama's has opinions on many subjects, but has been in very few positions in government where his ideas have been put to the test.
This gentleman, whom I regard in high esteem, is an intellectual who does not have the practical experience required to be Commander in chief or CEO of the United States of America.
This person has one qualification, at this particular time in his life, he can talk, and discuss in a charming manner.
Let him continue his Senate role, gain the practical application experience, then in future years, run for the top job in America.
Talking and promising, is all very well, it has it’s place certainly, but the President of the United States has to consider Congress and the Senate, so the golden voice of Senator Barack Obama does not qualify him to move into the White house with disregard for practical experience of which he has not yet attained.
I wish him well in his future endeavors, but advise him to sit out this particular endeavor and await a future date to continue.
Some thought for the Voters….
Has he got what it takes ..it will be too late after he is elected, and you desire to change your mind.
He is a Lawyer…
How many years has he practiced law, that career is now at an end and he is now giving it up.
He appears as a honest person, but he has not been in any position as such to be a proven honest
He obtained some experience in State legislature, but for how long.
He can talk that is true, he is a great communicator, most lawyers are, and he promises much.
But these are just promises, none of which may come to pass.
He appears friendly that also is true, politicians are always friendly till they get elected.
Where is all his political experience, that I do not see. How many years has he had in the Senate.
Where does his experience come from to be knowledgeable about our the economy and our country..
Where does his experience come from to be Commander in Chief of all the Military in USA.
Where on earth has all his campaign money come from, he is not a rich man, he does however know some people who to say the least, have a reputation that is soiled and associated with people of ill repute..
He is a religious man, but the church he attended appears to have been one he should have rejected many years ago, simply because of his minister, but he even got married in that particular church by that minister.
I am always particularly interested when someone can raise money in the large volume that he has, and it begs an explanation.
Who does he know and what does he feel obligated to do for that amount of funding, from those that supplied the cash.
There is no free lunch , someone is expecting large favors from this gentleman when he becomes president .
It will be interesting to see the outcome in the future.