Obama Attacks Too Softly For Some

Washington Post: Some Democratic Strategists Want Candidate To Hit Back Harder Against McCain

(Washingtonpost.com)  This story was written by Jonathan Weisman and Perry Bacon Jr..

---

Barack Obama released a television advertisement yesterday that questions John McCain's claims to be a "maverick," and he charged in a campaign appearance that the Republican displays independence only when it suits him politically.

Obama aides said Democratic hand-wringing about polls showing that the presidential race remains tight had nothing to do with the volleys.

"We are not going to base our campaign on the concerns of so-called campaign strategists on cable TV," spokesman Bill Burton said.

But the ad and the Democrat's rhetoric in Indiana appeared to up the ante in a campaign that took a distinct turn toward the negative last week.

"The price [McCain] paid for his party's nomination has been to reverse himself on position after position," Obama told a crowd of more than 1,000 at a high school gym in Elkhart. "That doesn't meet my definition of a maverick. You can't be a maverick when politically it's important for you but not a maverick when it doesn't work for you."

The parries come more than a week after his Republican opponent launched a string of increasingly personal attacks on Obama. McCain has said that his rival would lose a war in order to win a campaign, accused him of going to a gym rather than visiting wounded troops, and, while aides asserted that he had "played the race card," hinted that Obama has a messiah complex and portrayed him as a celebrity comparable to Paris Hilton or Britney Spears. That final line of assault continued yesterday with a new McCain ad, again mocking Obama as "the biggest celebrity in the world."

Such attacks have raised worries among Democratic strategists -- haunted by John F. Kerry's 2004 run and Al Gore's razor-thin loss in 2000 -- that Obama has not responded in kind with a parallel assault on McCain's character. Interviews with nearly a dozen Democratic strategists found those concerns to be widespread, although few wished to be quoted by name while Obama's campaign is demanding unity.

"Democrats are worried," said Tad Devine, a top strategist for Kerry who thinks Obama must stay on the high road. "We've been through two very tough elections at the national level, and it's very easy to lose confidence."

Obama's latest ad may be his toughest yet, using words and images to link McCain to President Bush and concluding: "The original maverick? Or just more of the same?"

But Democratic strategists said that it is nothing like the character attacks by McCain, and that the response could be far nastier, perhaps raising McCain's ethical scrape in the Keating Five savings and loan scandal, mocking his family wealth and designer shoes, or highlighting his age. After McCain economic adviser Phil Gramm suggested that the United States has become "a nation of whiners," Democratic strategists said Obama should have immediately started an ad blitz.

"If somebody attacks you, you have to frame the attack: 'This is the same old politics, or better yet, the Bush-Rove politics,' " something Obama has done well, said one Democratic strategist. "At the same time you do that, you have to counterattack. You don't want to look like a whiner. You want to look tough."

Said another Democratic consultant: "There needs to be a negative McCain track beyond the Bush policy stuff. One of the great strengths of the Obama campaign has been to not listen to the D.C. chattering class. They have a plan and they stick to it. But clearly, the D.C. chattering class are all wringing their hands."

A liberal advertising consultant said: "There's frustration there because they're watching these childish ad campaigns, and they know exactly how to answer it, but they're powerless to do so."

Powerless, that is, because most of the independent groups that would have taken the lead in such an independent campaign have been sidelined by Obama's insistence that Democratic donors channel their money to him, rather than outside groups. Obama's efforts have succeeded in maintaining message discipline in a campaign predicated on what the senator from Illinois has called a new kind of politics.

But that has hamstrung what would have been one of the three fronts on which Democrats had hoped to wage the 2008 campaign, said Donna Brazile, Gore's 2000 campaign manager. Obama's team was able to push back quickly against McCain's character attacks, she said, and the Democratic National Committee is beginning to engage the Republican National Committee in a more cutting effort, yesterday starting an "Exxon-McCain '08" campaign that portrays the Republican as the running mate of the oil giant.

But the surrogate groups remain dormant, Brazile said, because of Obama's decision to cut them out.

"There are no independent groups. Everybody's walked off the field," said Tom Matzzie, who left MoveOn.org to form Progressive Media USA specifically to launch a massive attack against McCain. The group has since disbanded for lack of funding.

So far, said Eli Pariser, MoveOn.org's executive director, the best response to McCain's celebrity attack has come from Paris Hilton herself, who released her own ad Tuesday calling McCain "the oldest celebrity in the world, like super old." (Read more about the Paris Hilton video)

Consultants close to Obama say the Democrat has good reason not to risk his own campaign by following McCain's lead. Because McCain has accepted public financing for the general-election campaign, he must spend all his primary campaign money before the party conventions. Obama is focusing on turning out voters, while airing a mix of positive ads and responses.

And more ads may not help, according to a Pew Research Center poll released yesterday. Nearly half of respondents -- including 51 percent of independents -- said they have been hearing too much about Obama lately, and 22 percent said all that news has made them feel less favorable toward him. On the other hand, significantly more Americans view McCain's ads as mostly negative than say the same of Obama's.

Because Obama opted out of public financing and the spending limits that come with it, he will be free to swamp McCain with television spots in the fall. If he needs to become more negative at that point, he can -- knowing that McCain would be hard pressed to reply.

Obama spokesman Burton said the campaign sees no reason to shift strategy.

"This is a classic Washington story, anonymous quotes from armchair quarterbacks with no sense of our strategy, data or plan," he said.

Bacon reported from Elkhart, Ind.

[peterp111]

Speak softly and carry a big stick- always worked in the past, to win any fight.

[afsc30574]

"Sad to think that this is what our election system has deteriorated to, isn''''t it??"

The campaign between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson is widely accepted as containing some of the most bitter and personal attacks in presidential history: that was the 3rd election.

I do wish there was a little more of the pre-60''s decorum. I don''t think that is going to happen, but certainly pointing fingers isn''t going to lift anyone above the fray.

Unless the people denounce all parties that use negative, personal attacks, then they are just contributing to the partisan noise-making.

Otherwise, a brief look at history will show that this is nothing new.

[old300d]

McCain has a leg to stand on.

Obama does not.

To attack you need a leg to stand on.

At least Obama understands this.

[jmurrieta1]

"Nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public"--H.L. Mencken


Obama is hitting hard on McSame''s policies, and needs to keep on hitting hard.

But of the two candidates, McSame has quickly abandoned his erstwhile position against personal attacks, while Obama has continued to attack on policy issues.

This is why Obama is the more presidential of the two. McSame has shown himself to fit his Annapolis nickname very well--"Punk".

[fstop100]

the junior senator is too wet behind the ears to be running for president. this guy should not be president

[emperorlotku]

At least the attack ads are being done with a sense of humor. If they weren''t we would be constantly reminded what a sad pair of candidates are running and what a pathetic do-nothing congress we''ve elected. Maybe humor is the best pill to swallow. Paris Hilton''s response is brilliant and she would make an excellent VP choice for Obama (both have equal political experience).`McCain should thank Paris for her efforts in comedy. At least he''s getting exposure. His next commercial should be 30 seconds of Ozzy Osborne blithering like an idiot with the tag line "why would you vote for a rock star?" Mudslinging, if done with humor, could be a lot of fun.

[mycommentspg]

Study the real issues and the real candidates, your choice is easy! http://mycommentspage.blgospot.com/

[johnbush2-2009]

Obama is a wimp. The fact is Jesse Jackson has already cut his nutts off. Look between his legs, there is nothing there.

[emperorlotku]

It''s great to be popular, and it can get you elected, but popularity does not forge character. Years and years of experience, hardship and leadership opportunities forge character. The myth of popularity being great is not real. Look at all the rockstars, hollywood icons, rich and famous alike that have died tragically either with suicides, drug overdoses etc. or have completely ruined their own lives and the lives of those around them. Shooting stars always burn out. Obama is a shooting star without 1/20th of the experience that McCain has.

[johnbush2-2009]

And more ads may not help, according to a Pew Research Center poll released yesterday. Nearly half of respondents -- including 51 percent of independents -- said they have been hearing too much about Obama lately, and 22 percent said all that news has made them feel less favorable toward him.

(from article above)

The fact is voters are sick and tired of hearing about Obama. The more Obama ads there are, the fed up voters become. There could be a backlash against Obama by his own liberal supporters.

[hasher471]

John McCain''s years of experience and leadership:
1954: Can''''t get into Naval Academy. Daddy gets him in.
1958: Graduates in the lower 10% of his class.
1960: Graduated flight school where he earned a reputation as a "party man" and the %u201Cworst flight student ever%u201D.
1963: Stationed abroad the USS Intrepid and USS Enterprise where he crashed twice and once collided with power lines.
1965: Marries Carol Shepp, who he will eventually cheat on and leave when she is badly scarred in an automobile accident.
1967: Assigned to the USS Forrestal where he caused an accident killing 134 sailors.
1967: Out of cowboyish stubborness, disobeyed orders resulting in him getting shot down, beaten, and sent to a POW camp
1968: VC realize he is the son of the Commander US Forces in VietNam and provide "preferential treatment
1969-1972: Makes propaganda films for NVC.
1969: His wife suffers crippling/disfiguring accident. She does not tell McCain because she does not want him to worry.
1973: Released from POW camp.
1979: McCain meet Cindy Lou Hensley. McCain starts an affair with Ms Cindy Hensley. McCain leaves wife.
1980: McCain divorces his wife of fifteen years.
1980: McCain marries Cindy Hensley.
1980 to Present: been sucking off of Uncle Sam%u2019s and Cindy%u2019s T I T ever since

[ariel133]

Hasher 471- You''re an idiot.

Obama''s experiance to lead: A BIG FAT ZERO.

[hasher471]

Cindy Hensley McCain: In 2000, she became chair of the now $300-million-a-year Hensley & Co.[37] ...
By 2007, she had an annual income of over $400,000 from Hensley & Co. and an estimated net worth of $100 million.
Ref: wiki

Income seems straight forward.
So what is so SECRET about her income tax returns?
What is in there that she doesn''''''''t want people to see?

Maybe all that ''''soft'''' money from big business going to John McCain in HER name.

[hasher471]

Obama''s experience:
Starting with his work as a state senator -
HEALTH CARE and PUBIC HEALTH" 233 bills.
2003: A number of measure that would extend health care converage for those just above the federal poverty line.
2004: A bill that would establish a commission to develop a plan for providing universal health care in Illinois.
2005: A bill that would permit embryonic stem cell reserch. - bill voted on after Obama left office.
POVETY and PUBLIC ASSISTANCE: 125 Bills
1997: Abill that would initate a long-term study about welfare success rates, making the information available to universities and research institution.
1999: A bill that would provide job skills training for recipients of federal aid [to get them off the dole]
CRIME: 112 bills
1997:A bill that would establish a program to help juvenile offenders re-integrate into the community.
2003: A bill that would require police to videtape interrogation and criminal suspects.
continued

[hasher471]

Obama''s experience continued:
CIVIL RIGHTS: 60 bills
2003: A bill that would initate a study of the race of people stopped for traffic violations.
2003: A bill that would allow officers to stop cars for seat belt violation.
2005: A bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation - Voted on after Obama left office.
ETHICS: 21 bills
1998: A bill that would ban nearly all gifts by lobbyists and barred the personal use of campaign money.
2003: A bill that would add state inspectors to investigate ethics violations.
ENVIONMENT: 20 bills
2005: A bill that would require utilities to purchase a portion of their energy from renewable resources - voted on after Obama left office.
GUN CONTROL: 15 bills
2001: A bill that would require applicants for a firearm identification card to meet with a law enforcement officer as part of the [background check] - bill failed.
IMMIGRATION: 1 bill
2003: A bill that would create an office of immigrant assistance to provide education and outreach serves.

[johnbush2-2009]

Why are muslims rushing to volunteer for the Obama campaign??

The obviously know for a fact that Obama is a muslim!

[whitepicks2]

''Attacks too softly for some'' = ''attacks on the issues not personality''

[hasher471]

Obama%u2019s Work in the US Senate (110th):
S. 3358: A bill to provide for enhanced food-borne illness surveillance and food safety capacity.
S. 3142: Preventing Stillbirth and SUID Act of 2008
S. 3077: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008
S. 3047: Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2008
S. 2519: Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2007
S. 2433: Global Poverty Act of 2007
S. 2428: National STEM Scholarship Database Act
S. 2392: National STEM Scholarship Database Act
S. 2347: Prevention Through Affordable Access Act
S. 2330: Veterans Homelessness Prevention Act
S. 2227: Success in the Middle Act of 2007
S. 2224: Nuclear Release Notice Act of 2007
S. 2202: Renewable Fuel Standard Extension Act of 2007
S. 2147: Security Contractor Accountability Act of 2007
S. 2132: A bill to prohibit the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of children''s products that contain lead, and for other purposes.
S. 2111: Positive Behavior for Effective Schools Act
S. 2066: Back to School: Improving Standards for Nutrition and Physical Education in Schools Act of 2007
S. 2044: Independent Contractor Proper Classification Act of 2007
S. 2030: A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require reporting relating to bundled contributions made by persons other than registered lobbyists.
S. 1989: Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007
To be continued:

[hasher471]

Obama%u2019s Work in the US Senate (110th): Continued
S. 1977: Nuclear Weapons Threat Reduction Act of 2007
S. 1885: Military Family Job Protection Act
S. 1873: Improving Emergency Medical Care and Response Act of 2007
S. 1824: Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2007
S. 1818: Missing Mercury in Manufacturing Monitoring and Mitigation Act
S. 1817: A bill to ensure proper administration of the discharge of members of the Armed Forces for personality disorder, and for other purposes.
S. 1811: Lead Poisoning Reduction Act of 2007
S. 1790: Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2007
S. 1713: A bill to provide for the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Rosa Parks.
S. 1574: Teaching Residency Act
S. 1513: Predominantly Black Institution Act of 2007
S. 1430: Iran Sanctions Enabling Act
S. 1389: Climate Change Education Act
S. 1324: National Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Act of 2007
S. 1306: Lead Free Toys Act of 2007
S. 1271: Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight (HERO) Act
S. 1222: STOP FRAUD Act
S. 1181: Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act
S. 1151: Health Care for Hybrids Act
S. 1084: Homes for Heroes Act of 2007
S. 1068: Healthy Communities Act of 2007
S. 1067: Healthy Places Act of 2007
S. 976: Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act of 2007
S. 906: Mercury Market Minimization Act of 2007

[hasher471]

Obama%u2019s Work in the US Senate (110th): Continued
S. 823: Microbicide Development Act
S. 795: Citizenship Promotion Act of 2007
S. 768: Fuel Economy Reform Act
S. 767: Fuel Economy Reform Act
S. 737: Voter Advocate and Democracy Index Act of 2007
S. 713: Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007
S. 692: VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2007
S. 674: Transparency and Accountability in Military and Security Contracting Act of 2007
S. 453: Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007
S. 433: Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007
S. 133: American Fuels Act of 2007
S. 117: Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007
S. 116: STEP UP ACT OF 2007
S. 115: Oil SENSE Act
S. 114: Innovation Districts for School Improvement Act
S.Con.Res. 96: A concurrent resolution commemorating Irena Sendler, a woman whose bravery saved the lives of thousands during the Holocaust and remembering her legacy of courage, selflessness, and hope.
S.Con.Res. 46: A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.
S.Con.Res. 44: A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued honoring Rosa Louise McCauley Parks.
S.Con.Res. 25: A concurrent resolution condemning the recent violent actions of the Government of Zimbabwe against peaceful opposition party activists and members of civil society.

[hasher471]

Obama%u2019s Work in the US Senate (110th): Continued
S.Con.Res. 5: A concurrent resolution honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer in the field of organic chemistry and the first and only African-American chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.
S.J.Res. 23: A joint resolution clarifying that the use of force against Iran is not authorized by the Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq, any resolution previously adopted, or any other provision of law.
S.Res. 628: A resolution expressing support for the designation of Disability Pride Day and recognizing that all people, including people living with disabilities, have the right, responsibility, and ability to be active, contributing members of society and fully engaged as citizens of the United States.

[hasher471]

Obama%u2019s Work in the US Senate (110th): Continued
S.Res. 600: A resolution commemorating the 44th anniversary of the deaths of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi, while working in the name of American democracy to register voters and secure civil rights during the summer of 1964, which has become known as "Freedom Summer".
S.Res. 383: A resolution honoring and recognizing the achievements of Carl Stokes, the first African-American mayor of a major American city, in the 40th year since his election as Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio.
S.Res. 268: A resolution designating July 12, 2007, as "National Summer Learning Day".
S.Res. 133: A resolution celebrating the life of Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson.

[johnbush2-2009]

Sen. Hillary Clinton told a gathering of supporters last week that she''s looking for a "strategy" for her delegates to have their voices heard and "respected" at the Democratic National Convention -- and did not rule out the possibility of having her name placed into nomination at the convention alongside Sen. Barack Obama''s.

ABC news

Can we have Hillary back?

[zerato-2009]

Obama needs to name his vice presidential nominee, so that nominee can start pointing out at mccain''s many weaknesses. That will keep obama above the fray. Or else he needs to unhandcuff the democrats 527''s. If he doesn''t obama will drop in the polls as mccain keeps pounding on him

[hasher471]

you convienently leave off his 1989 banking experience.
Posted by gop_forever
---------------------------------
In the words of Obama..."is that ALL you''ve got."
Big deal, the guy got .04% shaved off a loan the a bank was competing for his business.

You Repugs are pathethic :-)

[ramos937]

Obama has too much respect for McCain''s war record which he should respect. But, everything else is fair game especially when McCain fired the first negative ads.

Obama has to use everything in his power to attack McCain. He has to unleast his machine, the 527s and his VP (when known). Sooner or later, McCain''s famous temper will eqrupt and Obama can then almost coast into victory.

[johnbush2-2009]

As a former Hillary supporter, I know Hillary is still telling her supporters that she strongly doubts Obama can win this election. Hillary and Bill doubt Obama''s capability to lead this nation.

Well the fact is 18 million of her supporters don''t trust Obama too.

[hasher471]

Obama needs to name his vice presidential nominee, so that nominee can start pointing out at mccain''''s many weaknesses. That will keep obama above the fray. Or else he needs to unhandcuff the democrats 527''''s. If he doesn''''t obama will drop in the polls as mccain keeps pounding on him


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by zerato at 11:46 AM : Aug 07, 2008
--------------------------------
TOTALLY AGREE!!!!

[hasher471]

I don''t respect McCain service record.
Crashing 2 planes.
Clipping the wing of another plane on power lines.
Causing the accident on the USS Foresstal which caused the death of 134 of MY shipmates.
Getting shot down in Nam...cause HE refused to cancel his mission as directed.
Making propaganda vid''s for the NVC.
Phooey!!! He been ridin'' that false war hero K.rap for way too long.

[zerato-2009]

I watch some of the reporters that cover the campaign and they keep saying that they do not believe mccain likes to go negative. The years of mccain has spent cultivating the media is paying off.

They, the media, are somehow under the delusion that mccain is a different type of a republican candidate. But the reality is that he is another run of the mill republican cadidate using the republican dirty tricks machine to get elected.

[mycomment-2009]

Causing the accident on the USS Foresstal which caused the death of 134 of MY shipmates
Posted by hasher471 at 11:56 AM : Aug 07, 2008

You''re a liar on both counts about the cause of the accident and that you were there.

[TommyCraig]

What Presidential campaign has ever been without personal attacks?
Hasher471, you need to get your facts correct on the USS Forestall incident. You continue to spread the myth. The rocket took off from a plane across the tarmac from him!
Can we get two more nominee''s please!
The democrats have been so dissalusioned from the past presidential nominee''s that they are looking for a messiah and are willing to vote for anyone willing to give a good speech with promises of grandeur. On the other side, the republicans have a nominee that up to a year ago, they couldn''t stand because he was too much of a maverick.
I believe that we need to work together and unpolarize from the extreme points of view. I say to never give up your strong beliefs on certain issues, but work together as a government meeting the needs of the people.

[peterp111]

Today on the trail Michelle Obama is telling military wives not to worry for they wil have all their heaslth care needs takne care of with universal health care- Military vets already have free healthcare- and yet her husband did not even stop to see them on his 1st vacation. She also failed to mention it is the first time she is proud of this country.

You all who are disrespecting McCain ''SHUTTY''

[drillusion4u]

Obama Attacks Too Softly For Some

well we are used to seeing carl rove tactics from the republican extremist

[realpatriot1]

Obama doesn''t need to lower himself to McCain''s level and he shouldn''t.

People mock Obama for talking about change. Well, change begins by not following the course that everyone else follows and change in Washington will only come when the partison heat is lowered from boiling.

This election isn''t about obama or McCain, it''s about the country and the problems we face. Obama understands that; McCain clearly does not.

[peterp111]

Today on the trail Michelle Obama is telling military wives not to worry for they will have all their health care needs taken care of with universal health care- Military vets already have free healthcare- and yet her husband did not even stop to see them on his 1st vacation. She also failed to mention it is the first time she is proud of this country.

You all who are disrespecting McCain ''''SHUTTY''''
You are disrepecting the USA, as well.

[flreason]

"popularity does not forge character. ...years of experience, hardship and leadership opportunities forge character."
Posted by emperorlotku

Apparently putting yourself through college, working and organizing in inner city Chicago, a PhD in law with honors, and running a successful campaign against the Clinton political machine, doesn''t count as experience from your POV. For Obama to have accomplished what he has argues a high degree of intelligence and determination.

McCain showed courage and suffered as a POW, but his life has been privileged. He was a child of Navy top brass, which is the only reason he got into Annapolis. He never worked outside government, so he has no clue what it''s like in the real world. He admits he isn''t good at economics, and his knowledge of world history and geography are abysmal.

McCain also voted against every increase in benefits for vets and enlisted until public opinion forced him to change. He has caved in to neocons on every issue. Is someone that willfully ignorant, and with that poor a record of support for rank and file, really a model of leadership? We tried that model for eight years. The result was a war based on lies, a corrupt justice system, record national debt, record high oil prices, no-bid contracts, and an economy in shambles. Do you really want more of the same?

[drillusion4u]

Peterp111 - stop spreading your bull$hit talking points here!!

[realpatriot1]

Peterp111,

We''ve all seen what kind of healthcare the military has through the V.A. system; there''s plenty of room for improvement.

What "1st vacation" are you talking about? Do you know? Obama hasn''t taken his vacation yet. He visited troops at every stop he made in the middleeast and he''s been to VA Hospitals stateside without the fanfare.

I don''t like it when people slam the military service of McCain or anyone else. But then, I don''t like it when peole slam Obama''s service as a community organizer..that''s also national service that should be commended and not condemned.

[johnbush2-2009]

51 per cent of independents surveyed by Pew said they are sick and tired of hearing and seeing Obama in the media. That percentage will increase as the MSM continue to show more of Obama.

[noloyalisti]

Yes, I agree, we can''t let him Kerry the party. I say no quarter for the right wing nuts. We know what they want (war, torture, spying, welfare for the rich). NO compromise, no political peace and none of them in our government for the The People. Sieg Heil GOP!

[drillusion4u]

I am a illiterate that has to rely on my wife for all of the assistance I can get. -after being asked whether us uses a Mac or a PC - john mccain

mccain the out of touch candidate

[howdydoody6]

Hasher 471 I want to see the proof that John McCain, the greatest American who served our country and dedicated his life to our coutry, made propaganda VD''s. As for crashing 2 planes you idiot, he didn''t do it on purpose, he had no choice. As for you, you wouldn''t have lasted 5 minutes in a POW camp being tortured and interogated day in and day out, living in squalor conditions while you were sitting on your rear end enjoying all the freedoms America had to offer.One of my closest friends who was a Lt. Colonel was also a POW for 7 years so don''t tell me I don''t know what I''m talking about. Obama wouldn''t even go visit the wounded soldiers in the hospitals on his European trip thats how much he cares. If you think he''s going to get the vote of the military and their loved ones, think again. Howdydoody6 Aug.7, 08

[peterp111]

My talkingpoints?!! Blow it out your A-- Your talking points are worthless and ignorant- As for those who are supporting Obama- You are just naive fools.No black man will ever lead this country. Wake the F up.

Obama''s Projection of himself- :
''It''s like these guys take pride in being ignorant,'' he says in response to the McCain campaign''s tire gauge stunt that mocked his suggestion to keep tires properly inflated.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[howdydoody6]

When did Obama everrrrrrrr serve his country in the military??????? Howdydoody6 Aug. 7,08 12:00Noon

[drillusion4u]

the greatest American who served our country and dedicated his life to our country?

what the hell? just because he served in the military does not mean he is a better american you - now thats BS, mccain was doing his job, thats what we sign up for, every time he flew his jet he knew the hazards of his chosen profession...

[flreason]

Peterp111:

Actually, Obama did stop and visit wounded troops at Walter Reed, and visited a combat hospital in Iraq. He chose not to take press with him either time. Sort of suggests that he takes those visits seriously, doesn''t it? The last minute cancellation in Germany was Pentagon torpedoed. He had no plans to include the press in the visit. What''s notable is that he could have cried foul and blamed Republicans...but chose not to.

[drillusion4u]

Howdydoody6 - he is serving his country by being a senator!!!

[drillusion4u]

Howdydoody6 - you talk a lot of $hit for someone that has not served our country!!

[realpatriot1]

johnbush2,

What percentage of independents did the poll say were sick of seeing McCain talking about Paris Hilton, tire guages,topless bikini contests, and name that tlking point contests?

What percentage want to know what he''s going to do to address the problems his party created?