A guide to 'electability,' as the voting draws nigh.
Comment: I meant to add that I too went through a course of chemotherapy a while ago. The difference, though, I tried to avoid complicated issues that required full cognitive abilities. Doesn't look like you followed suit. I do wish you good health and a return to full cognitive function. In the meantime, you'd do better than to weigh in on the nuances of the 2008 race.
Comment: Now I get your huge bias toward Obama. Too bad your analysis about McCain proved so wrong. You're about to see that the huge numbers you forecasted for Obama (as in landslide) are about to occur. The only problem - those numbers are heading south.
p.s., I'm a current Newsweek subscriber. My subscription ends in August. I'll be saying adios to Newsweek thanks to your non stop bias against Clinton and your attempt to sideline "babyboomers". Your bias was too over the top. And, reviewing these predictions, you're not so hot on analysis either.
Comment: This article is so out of date. I wonder why the editors are recommending it?
Obama is no longer electable. He just sent out a letter to hunters in PA all about how pro-second amendment he is, but he has been given an F rating by the NRA. Check out his gun control position at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Barack_Obama
Maybe Clinton isn't a big hunter, but at least she knows hunters, and knows what hunting is about. Someone would probably have to explain what a tagged duck was to Obama.
And no doubt Clinton knows how to gut a fish. The year Hillary Rodham graduated from college, instead of all expense paid travel abroad, she went to work. She worked her way across Alaska, washing dishes in Mount McKinley National Park and sliming salmon in a fish processing cannery in Valdez (which fired her when she complained about unhealthy conditions).
Comment: AWESOME political analysis!!!!!!!!!!!
Check out the article ???Back Room Deals??? http://savagepolitics.com/?p=279 and ???We are the puppets???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://savagepolitics.com/?p=271
check out http://www.savagepolitics.com
Their articles are like nothing I have read in any of the current media outlets. It is brilliant writing plus it offers a great community in which to discuss. The editor actually takes time to answer and the political humor section is awesome!!!
Comment: Hillary says she "knows guns" so why back in 1999 posted in the New York times is she against guns?????? Guess she is telling little white 'FIBS" AGAIN?????
Comment: Judicial Watch Announces List of Washington???s ???Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians??? for 2007
4 of the so called "top tier" are on this list : Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Barack Obama ,Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Governor Mike Huckabee..... http://www.judicialwatch.org
Comment: THis was comment three days ago.
eddiewhere @ 01/01/2008 3:37:52 AM
Comment: NO ONE LIKES BEING CAUGHT WITH THEIR PANTS DOWN. EXPERIENCE.AND JUDGEMENT. WHAT CAN HILLARY DO THAT OBAMA CANNOT. THIS IS THE QUESTION I HAVE BEEN ASKING MYSELF. I THINK THE WORLD WILL WELCOME OBAMA AND AT LEAST GAVE HIM A FAIR CHANCE. REPUBLICANS WILL SWALLOW THEIR PRIDE AND WORK WITH OBAMA. THEY WILL NEVER DO THAT WITH HILLARY. HILLARY AND EDWARDS ARE GOOD PEOPLE, HOWEVER THEIR VOTING RECORD AND THEIR LACK OF COURAGE HAS LEAD ME TO QUESTION WHETHER THEY HAVE THE RIGHT INSTINCTS AND JUDGEMENT TO BE IN OFFICE. I REALLY THINK THEY WOULD BE MORE EFFECTIVE UNDER AN OBAMA PRESIDENCY. OBAMA WILL NOT TRY AND CONTROL EVERYTHING.
sANDY, EDWARDS IS DESpERATE. thIS MAN FOLLOWED JOHN KERRY. HE WILL DO AND SAY ANYTHING. EVEN IF HE MEANS IT NOW IT IS TOO LATE. OBAMA AND CLINTON ARE TOO SMART, THEY KNOW THAT WHAT YOU SAY TODAY COULD FINISH YOU TOMORROW. ONLY A CANDIDATE WITH NOTHING TO LOSE WILL SAY WHAT EDWARDS IS SAYING. WHAT HAS HE DONE. BE HONEST. HILLARY IS pROUD THAT SHE WENT AGIANST HER pRINCIpLES TO GIVE BUSH A BLANK CHECK. WHY. IT WAS GOOD FOR WESTERN NEW YORK. HILLARY IS NOT STUpID IF THE WAR HAD NEGATIVE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES IN BUFFALO, SHE WOULD HAVE VOTED AGAINST IT. TRANSpARENCY IS SOMETHING NIETHER pARTY WANTS. NO ONE LIKE GETTING CAUGHT WITH THEIR pANTS DOWN AND THEN LECTURED ABOUT JUDGEMENT CALL..
DO YOU THINK BILL WILL VOTE FOR OBAMA OR HUCKABEE IN THE NEXT ELECTION
Comment: http://www.newsweek.com/id/82522/output/comments
http://www.newsweek.com/id/82295/output/comments
http://www.newsweek.com/id/74472
http://www.newsweek.com/id/71000
This article recieved the most comments all year How to Beat Hillary Clinton http://www.newsweek.com/id/71000
http://www.newsweek.com/id/74472, Holy War, was also an article I recieved many comment on. My comments are meant to provide awareness to the voter.
Comment: This is the comment I posted a couple of day agos. I am an American and I know my people. ALL My analysis were correct and backed by facts. I proved to be the most accurate going back months. Hopefully, people will learn that if you research and back your arguments with facts you will find the truth. I like Hillary and Edwards but they need to understand that they cannot overcome their records, they sold out to the same forces that have been "Punishing us for the last decade . Edwards cannot implement what he says and Hillary is haunted by the bill thing that is why she has to be careful not to go to negative. I will offer my advise on what the losers should do tomorrow. NO ONE LIKEs BEING CAUGHT WITH THEIR PANTS DOWN. OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT. DcooPer and deeP thinker you should study THE LIKEABILITy FACTOR and understand that I know more than all these Political Pundits and . Phd's. Did you see kieth OBEIRMAN and all those funny PeoPle on MSNBC. THey are dumb. They really looke devastated. Everything they believed in and all their Pundits were wrong. They were so one sided, Hillary. THe media has to recognize that more and more PeoPle do not believe them. They rePresent corPorations who have been indoctrinating us to sPene like wild animals and go into debt. DEbt financing. YOu know with CHINA. Everyone should read my comments and decide for temselves. Mitt Romney is a true clown just like Guilliani. His lies make me weeP like I said all along. His solution to health care is too offer Packagaes which PeoPle cannot afford. This man has just fliP floP too much and has followed the BUSH DOCTRINE. THAT EX Pired two years ago. I look forward to seeing his comPlete defeat in a couPle of weeks. Romney does not rePresent change HENRY TAFT BENSON. MY PEOPLE HAVE SEEN THROUGH THE MIRAGE. OBAMAMcCain for President. I backed every Post with facts. I am a Proud graduate of UMD in Maryland. I graduated four years ago and I am Part of a movement behind OBAMA that wants the best for ALL AMERICANS, EVEN GINGRICH and some of my friends who ridiculed my Posts. I have also had a loyal following of comment makers including suPPorters of all Parties. GOd Bless America.they have awaken a sleePing GIANT.
eddiewhere @ 01/02/2008 4:21:43 AM
Comment: Deep Thinker, Obama has been a success his whole life, He is far beyond his years and has always excelled above his peers. You need to research his eight years as an Illinois state senator. Obama is very intelligent and has proven it time and time again. He never got a free handout. He worked hard and accomplished more than anyone else his age in his field. That is a fact. What has Obama done that makes you think that he is not ready to be president, deep thinker. NO ONE LIKES BEING CAUGHT WITH THEIR PANTS DOWN. OBAMA/McCain ticket for President. We can move forward or we can go backwards. It is your choice.
Comment: I have to chime in. I'm an Obama supporter from Illinois, living in L.A. That aside, it's deeply troubling to me that Ron Paul is excluded from articles like these, and polls, and debates. It's terribly embarrasing that the media would play into this kind of exclusion. I understand he has his work cut out for him getting elected by people he plans to put out of work (the federal reserve, the f.b.i., the C.I.A, etc.), but not allowing him to compete, or attempting to marginalize him without a fair shot is symptematic of a very frightening shift in our great country. I may not vote for him, but I want him to be heard. Shame on you.
Comment: Hmm... You're missing Ron Paul
Pro
The only anti-war candidate in the GOP. Brings knowledge of *real*, unifying issues - like sound money and noninterventionist foreign policy - to the table when all others are blabbing about man-on-man marriages and immigrants "stealing" jobs, arguments that are only divisive. As a ten-term congressman, has showed unwaivering consistency and demonstrated pricelessness in face of lobbyist money.
Con
Panned by the mainstream media, who fear for their own tails, he lacks visibility that would draw more people to his positions (which aren't determined by poll numbers). At 72, he would be an old-timer - though that doesn't seem to be detrimental to young voters currently supporting him as he's in-touch with Teh Internets and such.
Bottom Line
He's likely the only GOP candidate that is possibly electable in a year when nearly 3/4 of the country want out of Iraq. He's simultaneously further left on the war than most of the D candidates and further right on traditionally-conservative issues than all other R candidates.
Comment: This is garbage. Clinton cannot and will not win a general election and anyone who thinks so is too far removed from the average American to be writing about politics. Spend a week outside New York, California or Florida and you will see that Clinton is a big loser come November. Dems had better wake up and nominate John Edwards, or we will lose another one.
Comment: First off - I miss your weekly interviews on Al Frankin show.
But I disagree with your analysis of Edwards, time and time again - When he is put out there in head to head match ups with the Rep in a general election scenario - He out performs the other dems 9/10ths of the time in all kinds of different states, like Virginia.
Comment: Miss you on Al Frankin show... That being said
Your analyst has alot of good - however, I think you are wrong on Edwards. Poll after Poll - nation wide - he comes out a "most electable" when the top tier candidates are put against each other (DEM v REP). So the electability has already been polled - not on Dems only or Rep only - but head to head match ups.
Comment: Personally, I'd love to see Bloomberg run as an Independent and Ron Paul run for whichever party (Reform, Libertarians, Taxpayer, Constitutionalist) can grab him. Then, Americans might get rid of this WWF two-party, bad-guy-good-guy myth that that currently subscribe to. Bloomberg will grab a lot of people from the center. Paul will maintain his hard-core folks and pick up a lot more if the media gives him time. Whether or not you like his ideas, the reality is they appeal to a reasonable percentage of people who hear them. The upcoming economic mess will make people a little more skeptical of the status quo.
If had to handicap the primaries, I'd say Obama and Romney win. In that case, I think this would be the popular vote in my fantastical 4-way race:
Obama 37%
Bloomberg 25%
Romney 20%
Paul 18%
Comment: Why are Dodd and Richardson on the list of plausible candidates, but Ron Paul (who has more way more money, more poll numbers, and more volunteers than either of them) is excluded? Oh, that's right, you work for Newsweek.
As far as electability goes, I really think Edwards has the best shot of the leading three Dems. Hillary just doesn't wear well. There are so many anti-Hillary folks out there and I think they will become more and more vocal. She is as slick and smart as Bill when it comes to double-speak, but she just isn't as charming. Obama seems like a flash-in-the-pan. There's not a lot of substance behind the style. I wanted to like him, but I can't. Edwards has the most substance. While I don't agree with most of his ideas, he has a lot of them and I don't mind listening to him over and over.
On the Republican side, I think it is a mess. Giuliani's fade will continue as his answers become more and more tired. Huckabee might get the evangelicals out, but he might also get the anti-evangelicals out. He has also come out and said that he doesn't think the government has any role in the mortgage crisis. That will kill him long term as more and more Americans get hammered directly or indirectly by the upcoming economic disaster. They will make him look like a meanie which will ruin his whole feel-good image. McCain would do very well against Obama if the media can continue to confuse the American people into thinking U.S. foreign policy is working. He might be the most bulletproof because his voting record is just so confusing. Romney is interesting. He reminds me of a game show host. And when I think of it, game show hosts are usually really annoying, but eventually you except their weirdness. Think of Bob Barker. Romney might be able to speak most intelligently about the impending financial issues we face and he is good at the "I'll protect you from the evil-doers" song and dance.
Comment: Why are Dodd and Richardson on the list of plausible candidates, but Ron Paul (who has more way more money, more poll numbers, and more volunteers than either of them) is excluded? Oh, that's right, you work for Newsweek.
As far as electability goes, I really think Edwards has the best shot of the leading three Dems. Hillary just doesn't wear well. There are so many anti-Hillary folks out there and I think they will become more and more vocal. She is as slick and smart as Bill when it comes to double-speak, but she just isn't as charming. Obama seems like a flash-in-the-pan. There's not a lot of substance behind the style. I wanted to like him, but I can't. Edwards has the most substance. While I don't agree with most of his ideas, he has a lot of them and I don't mind listening to him over and over.
On the Republican side, I think it is a mess. Giuliani's fade will continue as his answers become more and more tired. Huckabee might get the evangelicals out, but he might also get the anti-evangelicals out. He has also come out and said that he doesn't think the government has any role in the mortgage crisis. That will kill him long term as more and more Americans get hammered directly or indirectly by the upcoming economic disaster. They will make him look like a meanie which will ruin his whole feel-good image. McCain would do very well against Obama if the media can continue to confuse the American people into thinking U.S. foreign policy is working. He might be the most bulletproof because his voting record is just so confusing. Romney is interesting. He reminds me of a game show host. And when I think of it, game show hosts are usually really annoying, but eventually you except their weirdness. Think of Bob Barker. Romney might be able to speak most intelligently about the impending financial issues we face and he is good at the "I'll protect you from the evil-doers" song and dance.
Comment: Catch phrase... you kidding me? Am I going to vote for someone because someone wrote a nifty slogan for them? No. The Issues -- look at THEM. Also... As a general observation: Democrats do what makes them feel good while republicans do what work.
Comment: Catch phrase... u kiddin me? Am I going to elect someone because someone wrote a good catch phrase for them? The issues are the important things. Generally democrats do what feels good, and republicans do what works. End of story
Comment: Repubilans do what works? President Bush has done what he wanted to do for him and his cronies, not what was good for our country!
Comment: i just saw Hillary's two-minute closing argument to Iowans. It was noteworthy. One reason. She came up with what I believe is a very effective, catchy slogan for her campaign. I WILL WORK MY HEART OUT FOR YOU. she says. That's a very catchy campaign-summation phrase, indeed. Some have argued that one problem Hillary has is that she does not have a catchy slogan that identifies her run. Obama has I'LL BRING CHANGE. Edwards says, i'LL FIGHT FOR THE LITTLE PEOPLE. Now, at last, Hillary has her own cathchy identifying slogan. "I'LL WORK MY HEAR OUT FOR YOU." It's a good one , I think..
Comment: I really feel sorry for a country that bases its election on 'catchy phrases'. Would you vote for me if I came out and said 'I'll be the best president EVER"? Matt Damon pretty much summed up the political intelligence of much of America when he said 'I like Obama. I'll vote for him. I need to read more about him.' Translated: Vote first, ask questions later. Luckily, most of hollywood and those who blindly follow them can't be bothered to vote.
Comment: A couple of points on Obama. One is don't be so sure that people who won't vote for Obama wouldn't vote democratic anyway. I live in Missouri and was surprised recently when an old Democratic operative in my county which is a solid Democratic rural county told me no way would rural MO. vote for a black person. The other point is that if Obama keeps courting the independents by bashing Democratic favorites like Gore or using Rebuplican talking points on subject like social security he will take the steam out of the Democratic surge of energy. Democrats want a progressive President
Comment: PS to my comment on the importance of the likeability factor: It occurs to me that George W. Bush has spoled the "likeability factor. He has succeded in giving "likeability" a bad name when it comes to presidential politics. Post GWB, the guideword is: BEWARE OF THE LIKEABILITY FACTOR IN A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE.
Comment: How important is the "likeability" factor in assessing who has the best chance of winning in November? Some here have argued that it trumps all other factors. Obama has it, they proclaim, and that's why he has the best chance of winning, they insist. Does Obama have the kind of likeability that propelled a Reagan or George W. Bush, or Kennedy, or, for that matter, Bill Clinton, to victory? Personally, I don't see that Obama has it.. I sense something "phony" almost Elmer Gantry like, in him which puts me off. But then, I never responded to George W. Bush's much heralded "likeability" either. So, what do I know. My question to other commentators here is: What is it that is it about Obama that makes him to most voters eyes so generally "likeable" that he will win the election? (Note, I see "fresh and inspiring" as attributes that are too studied, momentary and fleeting to be counted in the likeability sphere.)
Comment: PS to my comment on the importance of the likeability factor: It occurs to me that George W. Bush has spoled the "likeability factor. He has succeded in giving "likeability" a bad name when it comes to presidential politics. Post GWB, the guideword is: BEWARE OF THE LIKEABILITY FACTOR IN A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE.
Comment: Ron Paul's support only continues to grow and expand, if you doubt it, do your own research. In fact, check out what his positions are and chances are good you'll find something you'll be passionate about. Have a Happy New Year!
Comment: Gotta love how Alter reminds us that if we DON'T vote for Obama, we must be racists and Republican. Or if we don't vote for Billary, we are too masogynist. How about neither one of them is qualified for the job. He is also wrong in assuming that woman are so simple-minded that they will vote for Billary just because she is a woman (or so she appears). If I was a Black woman, I would be highly offended!
Comment: When are we going to stop trying to elect the President of the Republicans or the President of the Democrats, and instead try to elect a President of the US. The two-party system exists to maintain it's own power and is harmful to the United States.
Ron Paul!
Comment: Are you tired of this being a country for the rich, by the rich - with the rest of us just paying rent to bask in thier presence? Are you tired of no money for wounded vets, but billions for new high tech geegaws? Tired yet of our politicians dividing our country into groups that are easier to control while they laugh at our foolishness in believing the lies? If so, please vote a third party. Any third party. Those who say you are wasting your vote are the brainwashed. Can you see beyond the surface differences to the sameness underneath both republicans and democrats? Until we have the strenght of character to truly change this great country we will veer further down this bizarre rabbit hole in which we find ourselves.
Comment: Ron Paul is very practical. He knows that the growing pace of US debt cannot be sustained, and the only way to prevent a crisis is drastically reduce spending and size of government. He understands that productivity is directly related the taxation of income, and therefore wants to eliminate the Income tax and hence the IRS. Ron Paul is about the only true statesman left in the political arena.
His
Comment: Ron Paul is very practical. He knows that the growing pace of US debt cannot be sustained, and the only way to prevent a crisis is drastically reduce spending and size of government. He understands that productivity is directly related the taxation of income, and therefore wants to eliminate the Income tax and hence the IRS. Ron Paul is about the only true statesman left in the political arena.
His
Comment: ""Only one with a chance of a landslide is Obama...just what this embattled democratic party needs. Senator Obama could change history and bring the Democrats out of the cold. I am excited about the nod from Kucinich too. Obama has a very interesting span of support and appeal.
Comment: Please God, Will somebody else please run?
Comment: Very good article, Thank you. One thing that strikes me is the press saying the Republicans cannot decide. It seems like there is nither a good republican or dem out there!!
By the way, Ron paul scares the heck out of me and he is not electable. What scares me most is the fact that he may go indipendant and then he will give the election to hillary. Allmy RP supporter freinds say he will not go indipenant but I cannot believe him. Also, the Libritarians need to realize that if they wat to play, they need to play by the established rules. Ron can never win with his stance on legal drugs and prostitution.
Comment: Here is the page that has 329 Current and Military Vets on it all ENDORSING Dr. Ron Paul. Dr. Paul is also being ENDORSED by 9 House Representatives and 3 Senators plus Barry Goldwater,Jr. of which NONE of this is being reported on by the LSM. NewsWeak, you and the rest of the LSM are becoming COMPLETELY OBSOLETE and being REPLACED by the INTERNET.
We just checked and your stock is already FALLING and we have NOT even sent out our SELL recommendations as of yet.
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/veterans/
The Endorsement below is from the Drag Racing Hall of Famer Big Daddy Don Garlits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NapSLjheTo4
Check out some of the other Celebrities that have ENDORSED Dr. Ron Paul.
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/endorsements
ONLY A Doctor WILL HEAL Our Country,
Freedom4America Group
Comment: Why do you exclude Ron Paul from your story? He raises more money, has more enthusiastic supporters, has better poll numbers than Guiliani, yet you don't mention him. 70% of Americans are opposed to the Iraq war. If anyone thinks a Pro-war republican will win in november they are fooling themselves. The media is trying to obfuscate the issues from the public. Who tells you to not write about Ron Paul. That is a story that we are all waiting to hear.
Comment: Where is Ron Paul? Your story missed the largest fundraiser in the Republican Party. How is that possible? Who tells you to not report on Ron Paul? 70% of Americans are against the war in Iraq. Ron Paul is the only Republican in the race opposed to the war. He raises the most money and has the most enthusiastic supporters. Ron Paul is polling higher than Guiliani and has raised far more money than Huckabee, Mccain, Thompson and Guiliani and Ron Paul doesn't get a line in the story. Why? That is the real story. Tell us who pulls Ron Paul out of these stories.
Comment: A REAL guide to 'electability'
http://www.skirsch.com/politics/president/comparison.htm
Edwards by far the most electable
Comment: Here is an article about the SLEEPING GIANT we referred to and why the Powers to Be are very worried.
http://www.nolanchart.com/article848.html
As for Obama we like the man but find it hard to support him as President. The site below is Obama's Church site. We live in the USA so we have a problem supporting a President whose religion supports Africa only. We are NOT prejudice either and even have a niece that has an African-American boyfriend. We do not like politically correct terms and rather see our niece's boyfriend as an individual and not part of any group. Here is what it says.
A congregation with a non-negotiable COMMITMENT TO AFRICA.
http://www.tucc.org/about.htm
Maybe one of you can explain to us why we would choose a President that is committed to Africa? We are new to politics but we always thought a US President should be committed to the USA first.
ONLY A Doctor WILL HEAL Our Country,
Freedom4America Group
Comment: If you fall for Clinton's line of BS you are naive. If you recall all the irrational promises she has made and the illogical course of changes she is promoting it is wise to re-read them, she is not able to do any of them or should she. She is an emabarressment to the country and to women. She has no foreign policy experiance and no self respect, a delusional actor who makes false claims.
Comment: Jack3213-Name one candidate in either party who isn't making false claims and couching their statements? If you think Clinton is the only one, you are very naive. She is just trying to maintain a central position to run in the general election. Edwards who is my fav and Obama are spinning. Anyone who understands how politics work in this country, knows that.
Comment: Dr. Ron Paul is NOT out of this race by a long shot. You seem to forget that ONLY 50% of registered voters voted in the last election. Well the other 50% has been AWAKENED by Dr. Paul and will be supporting this great STATESMAN. We know that we are one of those SLEEPERS that was AWAKENED.
NewsWeak, looks like the BIASED against Dr. Paul is occurring still so we still need to send out the 50,000+ emails daily telling people to CANCEL their subscriptions. We were doing that because of the HIT article you did on Dr. Paul. But, with this extra BIAS you are showing toward Dr. Paul, we will also add to our email for people to DUMP your over-priced shares of stock like we are advising owners of NWS to do.
We look forward to see just how low your stock will go.
ONLY A Doctor WILL HEAL Our Country,
Freedom4America Group
To be added to our FREEDOM LIST send an email to Freedom4America@LibertyIsWealth.com with Freedom List/NewsWeak" on the subject line. If you have done so already you need not do it again. We are putting our list together and will soon be sending out updates.
Comment: Remember when Jesse the "Body" Ventura won in Minnesota. I think that is the first time that the media realized that voter's have a mind of their own. What people do not understand is that Obama represents a movement. They like him. Voters like Regan, they did not care about what the media said, they just liked the man. Obama has something the other politicians do not have. And it is that something that will bring victory to Obama. political pundits with their phd's don't get it. If Americans do not like you, they are not going to vote for you. Although a lot of people like Clinton many other do not , for reasons that i think are frivilous. However these are the facts. Did Regan have more experience than Carter in the eighties. No. Regan just had a likeability factor that is beyond an analyst's realm. You either have it or you don't. Obama has it.
Comment: What Reagan had was a staunch belief system, one which he demonstrated in his decisions. He easily and elloquently expressed his views in detail and supported these views with his actions. that is why he got elected. Obama is no Reagan, has no disernable belief system, and generally only appeals to those looking for symbolism, lacking in substance. That is what most reasonable people just don't get...
Comment: Deep Thinker, Obama has been a success his whole life, He is far beyond his years and has always excelled above his peers. You need to research his eight years as an Illinois state senator. Obama is very intelligent and has proven it time and time again. He never got a free handout. He worked hard and accomplished more than anyone else his age in his field. That is a fact. What has Obama done that makes you think that he is not ready to be president, deep thinker. NO ONE LIKES BEING CAUGHT WITH THEIR PANTS DOWN. OBAMA/McCain ticket for President. We can move forward or we can go backwards. It is your choice.
PoliticalAnalyst Good Analysis, makes sense, however Obama will be the democratic nominee and the next president. All recent polls show that Obama would defeat Guilliani fifty one percent to forty three percent. After Iowa and New Hampshire people will begin to realize how strong the movement behind OBAMA really is. people want peace not war. They know that these problems abroad have to be solved. Obama is in the best position to succeed. The outcome in Iowa will be Obama thrity six per cent , Hillary thirty two percent , Edwards twenty eight percent and the other four percent will be split among the rest of the candidates. What is your prediction political analyst. We will see who is right.
Comment: Deep Thinker, Obama has been a success his whole life, He as far beyond his years and has always excelled above his peers. You need to research his eight years as an Illinois state senator. Obama is very intelligent and has proven it time and time again. He never got a free handout. He worked hard and accomplished more than anyone else his age in his field. That is a fact. What has Obama done that makes you think that he is not ready to be president deep thinker. NO ONE LIKES BEING CAUGHT WITH THEIR PANTS DOWN. OBAMA/McCain ticket for President. We can move forward or we can go backwards. It is your choice.
PoliticalAnalyst Good Analysis, makes sense, however Obama will be the democratic nominee and the next president. All recent polls show that Obama would defeat Guilliani fifty one percent to forty three percent. After Iowa and New Hampshire people will begin to realize how strong the movement behind OBAMA really is. people want peace not war. They know that these problems abroad have to be solved. Obama is in the best position to succeed. The outcome in Iowa will be Obama thrity six per cent , Hillary thirty two percent , Edwards twenty eight percent and the other four percent will be split among the rest of the candidates. What is your prediction political analyst. We will see who is right.
Comment: Interesting article. November is a long ways away. I will wait and see what happens. I got my ideas, but, to predict the future, not me. If I could do that, I could win the lottery. And I am registered, but, really do not have any party affiliation as none suit me.
JLH in Tacoma
Comment: A very nice article. But November is a long way off. I will see who actually runs, then I will make up my mind. And I have no party affiliation as I do not see any clear leadership from any of them.
Jlh-Tacoma
Comment: IT WOULD BE A HUGE MISTAKE to bank on the Obama Y-generation appeal factor of being "fresh and inspiring." To do so is not only risky but downright foolish. I do hope the Democrats in the Iowa caucuses and the voters elsewhere will not be so shortsighted as to let the seductive force of roused emotion and momentary glitz persuade them to rely on Obama???s lauded, but by its nature transitory, pro-qualities of -- fresh and inspiring ??? to pull them to the assured victory in November 2008 they are looking for. Long before November, the FRESH will have turned stale, and the INSPIRING will have become hollow. Mr. Jonathan Alter fails to say what or where the proven long-lasting substance in Obama???s appeal is that will sustain an Obama run for the presidency . . . or where the needed gravitas in his unseasoned persona can be found that is essential to any hope of making an Obama presidency a success -- or for that matter, of being able to deliver on any of the promises Obama so blithely now makes.
Comment: Limbaugh has done Thompson no favor by endorsing him. In fact, thompson and Ron paul are done. They have good ideas however they start their campaign too late. They are being ignored because people are just interested in other candidates> Being ignored has caused Ron paul supporters to become angry. They are simply being ignored. Getting Mad will not help Ron paul.
Comment: Limbaugh is the only American that I caterogize as crazier than Al Queda and their Jihad ways. This man is looney in every sense of the word. He just makes money for his station because he is a clown always entertaining people with his opinions.
Race is always a major factor in American politics. Obama is both black and white, his unique race is an advantage in this case. White people, old, young are comfortable with OBAMA. They like him. What is ironic is a lot of black people do not think Obama is black enough. There is a section of the black community that is racist against "light skinned" blacks. Dark skinned blacks often distinguish themselves from light skinned blacks. There is actually animosities between the two groups, it is the new American PHENEMONON. IF OBAMA was pure Nigerian, then I think it would be a different ball game. The fact that his grandmother and your grandmother are both white, makes the White Community feel comfortable.
Comment: Obama appeals to two groups, Black and young, neither of which bothers to vote. Look at the numbers in the last election. Sean Combs couldn't even be bothered to 'rock the vote'...
Comment: PoliticalAnalyst Good Analysis, makes sense, however Obama will be the democratic nominee and the next president. All recent polls show that Obama would defeat Guilliani fifty one percent to forty three percent. After Iowa and New Hampshire people will begin to realize how strong the movement behind OBAMA really is. people want peace not war. They know that these problems abroad have to be solved. Obama is in the best position to succeed. The outcome in Iowa will be Obama thrity six per cent , Hillary thirty two percent , Edwards twenty eight percent and the other four percent will be split among the rest of the candidates. What is your prediction political analyst. We will see who is right.
Comment: Limbaugh is the only American that I caterogize as crazier than Al Queda and their Jihad ways. This man is looney in every sense of the word. He just makes money for his station because he is a clown always entertaining people with his opinions.
Race is always a major factor in American politics. Obama is both black and white, his unique race is an advantage in this case. White people, old, young are comfortable with OBAMA. They like him. What is ironic is a lot of black people do not think Obama is black enough. There is a section of the black community that is racist against "light skinned" blacks. Dark skinned blacks often distinguish themselves from light skinned blacks. There is actually animosities between the two groups, it is the new American PHENEMONON. IF OBAMA was pure Nigerian, then I think it would be a different ball game. The fact that his grandmother and your grandmother are both white, this fact makes the White Community feel comfortable.
Comment: "I am surprised that Huckabbee's rejection of evolution was never mentioned" ...ezra6969, that is because his rejection of evolution does not cut down any of the votes he is expecting from his "base"...supporting or opposing the evolution is not a democratic issue at all. I do not think this question was asked of any democratic contender in any of the debates...and Huckabee was not the only one on his lineup to not support evolution :-)
Comment: Ron Paul garnered more campaign contributions than all other Republican candidates for the fourth quarter of 2007. How is it even possible that he is not mentioned in this article? Is it possible that Newsweek is simply interested in maintaining the status quo? None, I repeat NONE of the other candidates will create any meaningful change in our executive branch.
Comment: Hilary is the most electable Dem. There is no better candidate to move the country forward, reduce our exposure in the Middle East, and return the Presidency to respectability.
Comment: At this stage in the presidential race 4 years ago the press loved Howard Dean as the Democrats candidate.Then he self destructed. Shows you what a reporters analysis is really worth. It's an opiinion, nothing more, nothing less. 1 month from now all some of it could be correct, all of it could be correct, or none of it could be correct. It is amazing how they do drop a few of the candidate when they are giving their personnel opinon, which is what this article really is.
Comment: I am surprised that Huckabbee's rejection of evolution was never mentioned by Mr. Alter. Any candidate rejects evolution has to be questioned about his beliefs of science in general. I doubt that many educated citizens would vote for someone who does not believe in evolution in 2008. This is not 1922.
Comment: I agree with ezra6969, also, I think it is important to know where Pakistan is too if your going to be the leader of the once upon a time free world. As a Democrat I would love Huckabee to be the nominee, the American people are sick of the hypocritical religious right, plus, good old Huck has some skeletons in his closet. Can anyone imagine what his doghouse would cost the taxpayers once he moved the pooch to the White House.....
Comment: I am surprised that Huckabee's strange view on evolution was not mentioned. If he does not believe in evolution, what does that say about his belief in science in general? I find it hard to believe that in 2008 an educated citizen would vote for someone who rejects evolution. This is not 1922.
Comment: 1/2 OF THE PEOPLE WHO VOTE HATE HILLARY. HALF!! I DON'T LIKE ANY OF THE DEMS BUT OBAMA/DODD OR OBAMA/BIDEN IS THERE BEST CHOICE AND LEAK THAT RICHARDSON WILL BE SEC OF STATE. FOR THE REPUBS, HUCKABEE/MCCAIN ( EXPERIENCED BUT NOT NUTS LIKE CHENEY) OR MCCAIN/POWELL( EXPERIENCE AND HONESTY)
Comment: Hilary will be the democrats candidate and the media lover her, but nearly 50% of the public doesn't, and she will galvanize republicans, I think if the dems are serious, it will be Obama/Dodd or Obama/Biden ( change but experience), for the GOP, McCain /Huckabee in any order would beat hilalry at the top
Comment: It???s unfortunate you left Ron Paul out of your analysis. He is polling at 9% in the latest Des Moines Register poll (tied with Fred Thompson and ahead of Giuliani.) Paul is also doing better than Fred Thompson in the latest New Hampshire polls. On a national level, he???s the only Republican candidate who has consistently been against the Iraq War (a significant distinction considering the majority of Americans are upset with the war.) While he may be a long shot he should still be considered in your analysis as he has very strong grass roots support, a positive trend in the polls, a stronger national appeal than most republicans due to his stance on Iraq, and probably the most genuine of all the candidates. I also believe the polls are under representing some Ron Paul primary voters (newly registered, and previously apathetic voters) so I think he has more upside potential than the other candidates.
Comment: It???s unfortunate you left Ron Paul out of your analysis. He is polling at 9% in the latest Des Moines Register poll (tied with Fred Thompson and ahead of Giuliani.) Paul is also doing better than Fred Thompson in the latest New Hampshire polls. On a national level, he???s the only Republican candidate who has consistently been against the Iraq War (a significant distinction considering the majority of Americans are upset with the war.) While he may be a long shot he should still be considered in your analysis as he has very strong grass roots support, a positive trend in the polls, a stronger national appeal than most republicans due to his stance on Iraq, and probably the most genuine of all the candidates. I also believe the polls are under representing some Ron Paul primary voters (newly registered, and previously apathetic voters) so I think he has more upside potential than the other candidates.
Comment: Race is always a major factor in American politics. Obama is both black and white, his unique race is an advantage in this case. White people, old, young are comfortable with OBAMA. They like him. What is ironic is a lot of black people do not think Obama is black enough. There is a section of the black community that is racist against "light skinned" blacks. Dark skinned blacks often distinguish themselves from light skinned blacks. There is actually animosities between the two groups, it is the new American PHENEMONON. IF OBAMA was pure Nigerian, then I think it would be a different ball game. The fact that his grandmother and your grandmother are both white, makes the White Community feel comfortable.
Comment: Oama's skin color has nothing to do with why I am not for him or Hilary . It is the welfare state they want to put our country into. They will bankrupt our country with their political handout or rob us of our hard earned income with high taxes to pay for their handouts. They support the incoming of illegal immigrants and want to grant amnesty to them throwing them ahead of all the immigrants that have come in legally. Just take a few minutes and see the real candidate that will make our nation strong and secure. The media leaves Fred Thompson out of polls and articles so that his true stance as the only strong leader and true conservative in the race will not be seen or calls him out as this one did. But we the readers are too smart to trust where the media tries to lead us and will choose for ourselves. Please take a few minutes and listen to the speech Fred Thompson made for Iowan voters and see the Fred that the media is trying to hide from you. Rush Limbaugh idenified Fred Thompson as the only true conservative in the race and National Right to Life gave him alone their endorsement as have many more. Watch this and join the ranks - http://fredfile.fred08.com/blog/2007/video-freds-message-to-iowa-voters/
Comment: I find Mr. Alter's analysis to be devoid of any facts whatsoever. He claims that Obama has the potential to win in a landslide, but John Edwards is somehow risky. This ignores all of the pollign date and decades of historical data that political scientists have spent thier careers collecting. Certainly a white southern democrat with a populist message is a safer bet to take the electoral college vote than a defined and villified Senator in Clinton or an African American candidate with less than 6 years in a prominent elected position. The last time the Democrats took the White House with a candidate that was not a white southernor was JFK. What about the American voting public leads Mr. Alter to believe that they will check thier prejudices at the door come election day when there is another suitable candidate on the ballot? This is the same electorate that voted for Geore W. Bush TWICE! TWICE!!!! I hope we as a public become more enlightened soon, because candidates should be judged on their merit not their democraphics. BUt I am not willing to bet the Supreme Court on a social experiment in 2008. Too much is at stake this time around given the compostion of the Court.
Comment: Your choice is going to be, Hillary or Mitt. If you believe otherwise you are wrong. Jeff
Comment: Race is always a major factor in American politics. Obama is both black and white and therefore represents
Comment: PoliticalAnalyst Good Analysis, makes sense, however Obama will be the democratic nominee and the next president. All recent polls show that Obama would defeat Guilliani fifty one percent to forty three percent. After Iowa and New Hampshire people will begin to realize how strong the movement behind OBAMA really is. people want peace not war. They know that these problems abroad have to be solved. Obama is in the best position to succeed. The outcome in Iowa will be Obama thrity six per cent , Hillary thirty two percent , Edwards twenty eight percent and the other four percent will be split among the rest of the candidates. What is your prediction political analyst. We will see who is right.
Comment: I THINK IF AMERICANS IS SO STUPID TO EVEN THINK ABOUT THE CLINTON'S BACK IN THE WHITE HOUSE. WAKE UP PEOPLE LOOK AT THE DRUG PROBLEM IN THIS COUNTRY. WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO ABOUT THE GAS,FOOD MEDICAL? HILARY IS NOT GOING TO DO ANY THING, BUT MAKE IT WORST. THE CLINTON'S WILL TRY TO TAKE YOUR GUNS,BUT THEY WON'T TRY TO GET THE DRUG'S OFF THE STREET.
Comment: Drugs are the least of our problems right now. You must be another retarded republican.
Comment: I hear no one talking about the drug problem or the cost of living in this country. WAKE UP AMERICANS
IF YOU DON'T, WE MAY BE IN DEEP TROUBLE.WE NEED TO GET RID OF EVERY ONE IN OFFICE. AND NOT RELECK MORE PROBLEMS.
Comment: I disagree with jmacken. Hilary has shown herself to be someone who can work with the other side. While Obama positions himself as a uniter and the best agent of change, you have to be very young or naive to believe the GOP slime machine won't go after his race and drug use. The real reason the GOP doesn't want to run against Hilary is that they have already spent a fortune and done everything they could to drive up her negatives. The same cannot be said of Obama. They have lots of ammunition to slime him. Trust me. I have watched them for a few years now and they always go negative, but only fools believe them without doing their own research.
The GOP has little chance in defeating Hilary, but Obama would be an easier target for them. He may actually be the only top Dem who could lose in 2008.
Comment: With all due respect Mr Alter, I think you are missing the point on electability in a national election. I don't understand how you place John Edwards, Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama above Joe Biden. When has experience been a bad thing? A man who has written legislation to protect women and their families, put more officers on the street and has stood up to both democrats and republicans to do what is right in Bosinia, Iraq and Darfur. Who is the first senator you all call to gain information about foreign catastrophies? What the media is failing to show or maybe you don't realize that experience is not what is standing in the way of Senator Biden's bid for the Democratic nomination but rather a push from special interest groups that don't trust Senator Biden because he does not always vote in their favor.
It angers me to watch the media push these inexperienced candidates to the front lines. You would have to believe that many of these media centers are helping fund some of these candidates. There is so little that we know about Senator Obama and his voting record, period. Since stepping into office as a freshman senator he has been campaigning for the presidency. Senator Clinton had to move to another state to be supported in her bid for her seat in the senate and her belief that being First Lady has set her up to be the president of our nation is completly without merit. I will concede that Edwards has supporters that are loyal since his first bid for the presidency, but many feel he is wimpy and wishy washy. In many eyes he is seen as a loser. I was so truely disgusted with his performance in the '04 VP debate that I chose not to support him in this years caucus.
If you actually asked caucus goers who they would stand behind you may find some more interesting answers. If you asked caucus goers how they feel about the large amounts of money wasted in this campaign you would more than likely hear that people are disgusted with the three campaigns.
I ask that you report on the experiences and backgrounds of these candidates without their names and let's see who comes out as the future leader of our nation
Comment: Hillary is despise by the conservative Republicans and disliked by independents and moderate Republicans. This translates to vigorous opposition, large donations, and the loss of the swing vote. If the Democrats nominate Hillary, they will be snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Barack Obama is very intelligent, and will do well in debates. He has great knowledge of both national and world politics that will be demonstrated in presidential debates if he is nominated. He really will be a uniter rather than a divider. He will do winders to improve the image of the US in the rest of the world. At home, he may not convert the most conservative Republicans, but moderate Republicans will find that he is reasonable. Recall the keynote speech he gave 4 years ago at the Democratic National Convention. If he is the Democrat's nominee, it will be elected in a landslide.
Comment: When Sen. Obama wins the caucuses, MSNBC and CNN, Chuck
Todd, Keith Olbermann and Mr. Alter are going to be eating a lot of crow !!!
Comment: Clinton's experience and battled-tested conditioning weigh strongly in her favor. This is not the election to take a chance on someone untested on a national stage, lacking critical foreign policy experience, and exposed to the inevitable Republican attack machine (let's face it there's much more to be made of Senator Obama's past -- or in the Republican's case they'll make it up). I admire Obama and I'm as hopeful as he is about our nation, but the person who can get across the finish line to change the direction of our country is Hillary Clinton.
Comment: Clinton's experience and battled-tested conditioning weigh strongly in her favor. This is not the election to take a chance on someone untested on a national stage, lacking critical foreign policy experience, and exposed to the inevitable Republican attack machine (let's face it there's much more to be made of Senator Obama's past -- or in the Republican's case they'll make it up). I admire Obama and I'm as hopeful as he is about our nation, but the person who can get across the finish line to change the direction of our country is Hillary Clinton.
Comment: No mention of the only trustworthy canidate who is not beholdened to special interest and lobbyist and, has the experience in all facets a U.S. president would encounter. and that man is Republican Alan Keyes.
Comment: Mr. Alter's by-the-book conventional wisdom should not apply to Obama.
Doesn't Mr. Alter know that Obama is only a newcomer who has already raised equal amount of money and become a formidable rival to Clinton, considering how much connection and influence an ex-president can transfer to his spouse and how much media attention an ex-president???s spouse can get? Doesn???t Mr. Alter know that to achieve this alone is a testimony of Obama???s strengths and potentials?
Doesn't Mr. Alter know that as a newcomer, Obama has already faced Clinton???s ruthless machine unharmed?
Doesn???t Mr. Alter know that Obama is a self-made man whatever he has achieved until now testified his inner strengths, intelligence, leadership skills and talent? Even though Obama is younger, he is more tested than many of his older rivals.
The test of life can shape and demonstrate a person???s character much more than the test of political arena. Many politicians have proved to us again and again that as long as they know how to talk, spin, plot and play media, political and fund-raising games, they can win. Should we appreciate this type of ???experience????
Obama is a self-made man who has been tested throughout his life. There is no short cuts for him growing up from a single-parent household as an African American. In this backdrop, Obama was able to graduate from Columbia University, Harvard Law School and became the first African American president of Harvard Law Review.
As an elected official, Obama has proven himself again and again that he has the cross board appeal--not only to get supports from Blacks but Whites; not only get votes from Democrats but Republicans.
Among many of Obama???s appeals is his courage and vision. Yes, he can follow the conventional wisdom and avoid a formidable political machine such as Clintons??? by choosing to wait and not to run this time. His audacity to dream and to act against the conventional wisdom demonstrates that he is a real leader.
We are in the 21st century now. The so-called experience in the 20 century may not be relevant any more. In this fast-moving Internet age, many CEOs and founders of today???s great companies are at their 30s and 40s. Nobody accuses them of lack of experience but admires their vision for the future. Likewise, in this totally different era, we need a president at his 40s, so he can have the energy, the vision, the unburdened mind from the past to lead us to a new beginning, where we want to render old political power and ideology obsolete, if they get in the way of common good and collective progress.
Comment: JUST A SMALL PIECE OF INFO ON OBAMA THAT THIS ARTICLE NEGLECTED TO MENTION. OBAMA AND RICHARDSON HAVE HAD LEANTHLY CONVERSATIONS ON FORIGN RELATIONS, CAUSE RICHARDSON HAS GOOD RELATIONS WITH MOST OF WHAT WE USED TO CALL THE "AXIS OF EVIL". RICHARDSON IS A PUTZ [ I LIVE UNDER HIM] BUT HIS KNOWLAGE IN FORIGN POLICY IS UNSURPASSED! OBAMA KNOWS THIS AND LISTENED!!!
Comment: PLEASE, WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT IN THE END. PLEASE, PLEAS,E ELECT A DEM!! AS HISTORY PROVES THE DEMS PICK VPs WHO ARE VERY CAPABLE OF RUNNING THIS COUNTRY. TO KEEP IT RECENT CLINTON/GORE! I TRUSTED GORE MORE THAN ANY VP THE GOP EVER OFFERED, IE: DAN QUAIL, DICK CHENEY, NEITHER WE WANT RUNNING OUR COUNTRY! WHICH IS WHY BUSH REMAINS IN OFFICE. THE GOP PICK VPs ACCORDING TO IGNORENCE THE MORE IGNORENT THE MORE LIKELY TO PICK! THE DEMS ON THE OTHER HAND, IF WE DON'T LIKE THE PRES, WE DO NOT FEAR THE VP RUNNING THE SHOW! SO NO MATTER WHO, PLEASE, MAKE IT DEM!! SO IF WE DON'T WANT THE PRES, WE CAN CHOSE THE VP! AS HISTORY PROVES ARE NOT IGNORENT BUT HIGHLY QUALIFIED! NOW ALL WE NEED IS TO MAKE POLITICS AND CHRISTMAS DIFFER IN COMMERCIAL TIMES!! I'M ALLREADY TIRED OF THE COMMERCIALS AND IT'S BEEN TO LONG RUNNING! IRRITATING AT BEST, AND THE MEDIA NEEDS COMPITITION TO COME UP WITH A CONGLAMERATE TO BE NEUTRAL 100% STYLE! WISHFULL PIPE DREAM!
Comment: Thanks, Jonathon. This is a nicely written summary.
I might add that the differences between the Democratic contenders is less a matter of substance than electability and, if elected, effectiveness. I think Obama would make a truely great President. I also think Edwards could accomplish more as Attorney General in the mold of Robert Kennedy and eventually member of the Supreme Court. Richardson should lead the "Manhattan Project" size effort to free America and the world from our dependence on oil.
Comment: mbzlarry actually stated that huckabee doens't have the experience. That's actually not true. If you want to be literal, no one who has been president has the experience of being a president except someone who has already been president! But, in terms of EXECUTIVE experience... Mike Huckabee has the most, with 10 1/2 years being a governor.
Comment: WOW, I completely agree. I feel that for the democrats, OBAMA is their best shot. A lot of people don't like Hillary. On the republican side, Huckabee is their only chance. Not even McCain. The Evangelical Christian demographic of the country is far too important, and Huckabee seems like the candidate to steal some democrats from voting democratic.
Comment: It is very sad that so much of the debate here revolves around who is "most electable" rather than who would be best for the country. Ms. Clinton is in the pockets of special interests and she is dishonest. Is that good for the country? Mr. Obama and is woefully inexperienced. Is that good for the country? Mr. Huckabee seems honest but also lacks experience to lead such a diverse nation. Mr. Romney looks, acts and sounds presidential but can he be trusted to stick to his convictions? His flip-flopping record suggests not. He, like Hillary, seems willing to say whatever he thinks people want to hear. I believe Mr. Edwards has the best interests of the country at heart but lacks the wisdom to pull it off without creating an even worse tax and spend economy. Is he really ready to take on the special interests that really run this country? Can he? If he does, is there any chance that he can or will succeed? If I believed the answers to those questions were "yes" I'd vote and work for him. Ron Paul is a space cadet who seems to be parking satellites msot of the time. Is that good for America? Let's face it, until politics gets back to what it was intended to be - PUBLIC SERVICE- rather than celebrity, riches and power, we are in big trouble.
Comment: YOU KNOW THE LAST TIME THE TERM "TAX AND SPEND" REFERED TO CLINTON. WHO DID TAX "EVERYONE" AND LEFT US DEBT FREE WITH A SURPLUS SO NOW WE JUST USE THE TERM "TAX" AND IF IT HAS TO BE SPENT AT LEAST IT IS SPENT IN AMERICA FOR AMERICANS. FACE IT 2 BILLION A DAY INTO OUR CURRENT ECONOMY WOULD BE NICE TO SEE AS EVERYONE WORKING FOR BURGER KING COULD GET A MUCH BETTER JOB AND KNOW ALL THERE TAXES AND INCOME IS SPENT HERE IN AMERICA! NOT SENT AND SPENT IN DUBUI!
Comment: Clinton left us debt free with a surplus? Its is this kind of ignorance that keeps special interests running this country. This country has been in debt since the Federal Reserve weas created, period. Clinton never came remotely close to getting us out of debt, in fact his legacy was to increase the public debt as all his predecesors before him did. You are confusing balancing a yearly budget with the national debt. Alot was made of the idea that Clinton actually balanced a budget while in office, imagine that, a government only spending what it takes in! The reality was far different, when you counted the unfunded mandates such as medicaid and social security, his yearly budgets were trillions in the red.
As long as the government grows yearly, more and more americans will be forced into Buger king jobs or even worse. Get your facts straight before looking silly.
Comment: boy do you have a proper perspective [compliment] and you said it Edwards has the best intrest at HEART! Heart and intell and tolerance is needed today for this country, and it's own people! not another country who is the recipient of the 2 billion a day we spend! till it comes back into our economy its not right! Obama is not as inexperienced as all believe, but he does listen and when a good idea comes around he incorperates it into his own. listens, and pulls on those with more experience than he, is a very good trait for a pres, his experience is he uses others who know more than he! NOT STAY THE COURSE! WIERD TO HERE HU. LISTENS, SOMETHING WE HAVE NOT SEEN IN 7+ YEARS.
Comment: If those racist and misogynistic undertones run as deep in politics as they do in most other facets of modern American culture, people may come out in droves just to vote *against* Obama and Clinton, perhaps in equal or greater amounts than the numbers who would come out to support them. Having something or someone to "fight against" can be a powerful motivator. That will be incredibly tough to guage though when determining "electability" because those people probably aren't going to be very honest and will not be accurately represented in the polls.
Comment: Joe Biden is by far the candidate most ready to be president. Unfortunately he does not have millions of dollars to buy the election, and the media is only interested in sound bites and hair cuts....nothing substantive. It takes a serious nation to elect a serious candidate. You would think that we all would learned from the mistakes of the last 2 elections.
Comment: He's also a gun-banning, rights restricting elitist who thinks he has the authority to push his agenda on the Iraqi people.
Comment: The lack of mention of Ron Paul is noteworthy in that it is probably the most accurate. While almost everyone has a warm place in their heart for a politician who appears to speak the truth and match his words with some careful thought and matching actions, Ron Paul's agenda itself just does not warrant much comment since it is pretty much a century out of date. The bottom line on Dr. Paul is that we wish him well and hope he continues to soldier on, whether we agree with him or not.
Comment: A century out of date? His agenda has never been more urgent and contemporary. He alone speaks for the little guy, he alone won't be a paid for mouth peice for monied interests. Any other choice is more of the same, decline of thr middle class, deteriorating economic conditions, prolonged war, deteriorating civili liberties. If these points seem "out of date" to you, then I can't imagine what points might seem important to you.
Comment: Ron Paul is very unrealistic. He wants to abolish the IRS and most of our Federal government. That is pure nonsense. He is part of the "market economy solves everything and government is ALWAYS the problem not the solution crowd". We've seen how Greenspan'
