Building the Team

The writer fails to mention that McCain's military record is suspect and more of an Achilles heal than an asset. While the amnesia-ridden media characterizes him as a "war hero", his military record is extremely vulnerable to attack. He has been publicly criticized as a POW "songbird" for his alleged disclosures of military secrets during captivity and has a terrible record as a pilot, crashing five jets, four of them in non-combat training. Arguably, due to his father's rank as an Admiral, McCain's failures as a pilot were completely overlooked as he was apparently awarded 28 medals for only 20 hours of combat service--a rate of about 1-1/2 medals per hour of combat. How many veterans can claim a similar success rate for recognition of such marginal performance?

The writer fails to mention that McCain's military record is suspect and more of an Achilles heal than an asset. While the amnesia-ridden media characterizes him as a "war hero", his military record is extremely vulnerable to attack. He has been publicly criticized as a POW "songbird" for his alleged disclosures of military secrets during captivity and has a terrible record as a pilot, crashing five jets, four of them in non-combat training. Arguably, due to his father's rank as an Admiral, McCain's failures as a pilot were completely overlooked as he was apparently awarded 28 medals for only 20 hours of combat service--a rate of about 1-1/2 medals per hour of combat. How many veterans can claim a similar success rate for recognition of such marginal performance?

Mr. Obama is seen by most Americans as an excellent orator but to that end that is where Obam lacks the credentials to be the commander and chief of the US. It is without question that Mr. Obama who is black will try to use his color as a means for electibility rather than his voting record in the senate. Obama wants everyone to believe that hecan move both parties to the muddle but it is without question that Mr. Obama has voted with the Democrats 98% of the time so to say that he will try to bring republicans and democrats towards the middle is more of rhetoric than actual substance. Mr. Obama has sounded like someone who has no clue at all as it relates to foreign policy and his only way to fend off his critics is to say that he will surround himself with capable military advisors. It will be impossible for Mr. Obama to overcome these deficiencies and he will surely be taken to school on thesubject of worldl affairs and national securityt by Mr. McCain. Americans have not all forgotten what happened on 9/11 and as much as George Bush's popularity has sank Americans will all agree that they feel safer today than they did 6 years ago. The nail in the coffin for Mr. Obama will be the US economic recovery and stronger dollar of which will gain traction right before the election and this time instead of it failing for George Bush Snr. it will cost Obama the election. The economic climate in the US will be the gamebreaker for Mr. Obama simply because most Americans own a piece of Wall Street in one way or another and many will not like the idea of the enormous costs that a national health care plan will cost most Americans. Without question there will be change but the only change that will be occurring will be the baton changing hands from Bush to McCain.

I disagree. It would be best to get the most qualified (and most effective) players if Obama does indeed have the finesse, and force of will, to rein in some of these "power elite" individuals.

I disagree. It would be best to get the most qualified (and most effective) players if Obama does indeed have the finesse, and force of will, to rein in some of these "power elite" individuals.

No to bloomburg, he is not any more trustwothy than the clintons. He will not play second fiddle to anyone. We do not need him as the power behind the throne.

I don't trust bloomberg any more than i do the clintons. He is just as power hungry.

I'm going to disagree. While I get Bloomberg - one CEO in the Oval Office may be enough. I don't see Bloomberg working for anyone at this point in his career.

And yeah, I get the thinking behind Nunn and Hagel. However, I don't think it necessary. First, the dynamic in this electorate seems to be playing away from McCain's strengths. College educated people are a key driver among whites. And we get what Iraq was all about. A Bush vendetta driven by energy interests. Mission accomplished. Saddam is dead and oil profits are in the billions each quarter. Let's turn the page.

Not sure McCain's military credentials (which are unimpeachable) mean much in the present national context. It's the economy! It's the reconstruction of the American brand! (So horribly terribly managed!) McCain offers more of the present course but with a more congenial face? Our military is barely winning the most expensive war in American history. It has the highest budget level it has ever had in history. Is McCain actually going to run on we need a stronger hand? A better military? Please! McCain's best possible promise of 'let me close the deal' in Iraq is not really that compelling. We want Iraq (and the Middle East oligopoly) made irrelevant through technological advances.

I see Hagel and Nunn if we think this election is going to be about terrorism AGAIN. Somehow, I think we've moved on. And shame on us if we haven't.

Wow nothing to offer but other peoples ideas and accomplisjments. No wonder Carter was such a failure.Once again the Democrats will choose a lefty and hand the election to the Republicans. Imagine our economy i 4 years. Tax the rich. Why does everybody pay 15% of their income? No the rich pay 40-50% and the poor 15%. Right about Iraq? he would wait until its too late. No Thanks. One Carter was enough for this country.

All Barack Obama has to do is point out that he was right on Iraq. Just as he did in the debate with Hillary. McCain is attaching himself to GWB on Iraq, which will be an albatross around McCains neck. The American people still have a huge animus against GWB for the unjust war in Iraq that was foisted upon us with lies, manipulations, hype, and Bush's predisposed agenda against Iraq.

how surprising: another pundit in love with the new deity Obama. I must admit this was sweet, all those lovey dovey words about his brilliant campaign and the heartfelt advice on how your boyfriend can win in November. I hate to burst your love bubble bit there is one tiny fact you overlooked. The millions of Americans who are allready sick of the daily Obama love shoved down our throats. Many of us don't drink kool aide and therefore we will have to vote for someone with substance. For many democrats that means holding our nose as we vote for McCain. Not all of us are willing to gamble our futures for the new cover boy. I need a president who nows where Pakistan is. We have allready suffered under an idiot who was voted because he seemed so genuine.

No, to barak.
What does Obama plan to do if he is elected President? Who can tell since his opinions change week to week. He has little political clout and even less experience.

Clinton may have more experience, but she alienates too manny voters by her snooty attitude and standofish personna. Many voters will not vote for her because she is a woman.

Despite his stand on Iraq, McCain will win by default as the two Democratic candidates sling barbs at one anothe. Even though voters are tired of the Bush Republicans after 8 years of fiscal mismanagement Right now voters are more concerned about a failing economy, unemployment, rising prices, the loss of jobs in the near future, the threat of a recession, the lousy housing market, expensive healthcare, and illegal immigration.

Wow, this is like putting the cart before the horse. He hasn't won the nomination yet. Listen carefully,
The fat lady hasn't sung yet. Then and only then will it be over. I would lose respect for Hillary if she dropped out now. There is still hope AND she still have a chance. Obama has been getting a free ride. One more thing if people really like his xerox speeches, they'll love the xerox results. Hillary won Massachusettes for a reason even though the deck was stacked with the support of the Governor, John Kerry, and the Kennedy's (Caroline and Teddy) for Obama.