AMEN!

I think when the ulgy's start, they need to get rid of the candidates and start with fresh ones. Maybe than they can learn to stick to the issues not each other.

I believe politician's are to educated to talk to many average people. I would like to know just three things. What you are going to change? How you will do it and WHO will pay for it.
We need more average people like Sara Palin running for office and it must start at home with the Congress and Senate as they seem to have more authority than the President.

I agree with the guy who said he wishes the media and the candidates would keep the focus on the real issues. In my opinion, John McCain's campaign purposely attacks Obama repeatedly, with the hope that he will be reduced to their tactics, and then the focus of the election will be turned to childish bickering, instead of dealing with the real issues. Because, he knows if people really vote on the issues, then he doesn't stand a chance!

Our country is facing crisis's in both domestic and foreign policy and yet the american people are subject to a Republican campaign that does not want to talk about "issues". If the American public whether Republican, Democrat or Independent, are gullible enough to let this stand, then we will get what we deserve. It is time for Americans to say enough is enough and talk about the problems we face. Our generation cannot be the first to leave our children the mess we have created. It is time to talk issues.

I agree that everyone is forgetting about his white side. I'm sure his mom and her family would have an issue with that fact. They are just concentrating on his black half. He also scares me and a lot of my friends. I know democrats who are now voting republican.

I think the press is mainly the ones who are making a big issue of the lipstick thing. America is a free country. The majority of the press in the US are very bias. Good morning Joe is a bunch of bs.

The way the candidates act make me not want to vote for any of them. I am not sure if I will be voting against someone or for someone, we need adults to run this country not a bunch of children.

Did the McCain voter just refer to our biracial nominee as a "Mallotto" Even if you could spell the word "mulatto" you should know that it is an outdated term unless you want people to assume you are racist (if you are, then forget I mentioned it, just thought you should know). Also, Obama is no more a muslim, militant or otherwise, just because of a name that the father he wasn't even raised by any more than John McCain walks around with a kilt and no underwear just because his name starts with Mc... If you really vote based on that kind of ignorance, it is no wonder this country is falling behind and losing jobs, while a few people profit from the slow death of the middle class.

I'm so sick of the typical negative Republican campaigns. It is disgusting. I think campaign reform needs to address this issue. My suggestion is at the first negative, mudslinging, or character assassination that has nothing to do with issues gets the offender a $10K fine. The next infraction is $20K. Each consecutive nasty ad or appearance and the fine doubles with no ceiling. I wonder who would end up paying the most in fines?! This issue MUST be dealt with instead of brushed under the carpet. Karl Rove has proven underhanded, dirty, lying, mudslinging, character assassination works. It does not reflect well on America but then when did the Republicans care what anybody else thinks of them.

I don't care what color of skin someone may have I care about character and judgement and how they will affect our great country, I want to know what they've done , who they associate with and which direction they can take America. I know alot of people could care less about who someone has associated with but I believe it shows who that person truely is and what they believe.

If I thought the average American had the ability to dig deeper and maybe scratch the surface, I would've voted that "Yes" this should help Americans see who is best qualified to be president. McCain's campaign has gone out of control. Everyday it's something childish and negative. In the last 2 months he decided to change his campaign message to mimic that of Obama's "change" & reform. Yesterday in a forum he said he's been in Washington all this time is a plus because he knows how to change it, b/c he's been in it. That's his argument, no one really asking what changes he thinks Washington needs, and why didn't he run to make those changes earlier in life and Palin will help because she...

He distorts, falsely accuses, and decieves. With his choice of VP I knew he didn't care about America the way he says he does. Even Rove, who gives advice to the campaign, said that this was a political choice, not a governing one. Unfortunately, all alot of American voters care about is politically smart decisions and benevolent appearances, rather than decisions and positions that are beneficial and critical in governing matters. I was never interested before in politics, but now that I am, the hypocrisy, lies, smears and all of this other stuff involved makes me want to pull my hair out.

Everyone around me seems to have no ability to look at things objectively. Preferring one candidate over the other is one thing, but at least be able to have the ability to acknowledge facts when facts are presented.

Yes in many ways we are still in Kindergarten. The uninformed voter will make the difference in this campaign. More people watch American Idol than the evening news. Many news channels are nothing more than tabloids. Most of the news we see are the most outrageous charges of the day and we seldom hear how candidates stand. Some news channels feature outrageous opinion and name calling with minimal actual news. I am totally unhappy with the deregulation of the media which has resulted in 24 hour editorial comment. Like the deregulation of the banking and savings and loans the deregulation of has not been good for the voting public. It has been good for the greedy and the power hungry while the rest of us have been left poorer in every way.

Let's face reality. The Politicians use smears and lies because the American people fall for the stupidity.

Palin has used the same "bridge to nowhere" speech since she started the campaign even though it is a lie. Just seeing the people that McCain has surrounded himself with should scare voters in the opposite direction, but as soon as he started making commercials smearing Obama his numbers went up in the polls.

The selection of Palin on the VP ticket by a sexist like McCain should have been an insult to women, but many have happily jumped on board. The fact that she seems to be Dick Cheney in drag has not altered people's opinion one bit.

The bridge to no where comment was NOT a lie. She did turn it down. If you lived in the state, you would know it was supported by all in politics. Palin didn't support it, but didn't stop it when she was running for Governor. How could she stop it as a candidate going up against the entire political structure of Alaska. Once she took office, she turned it down.

BTW, you shoudl stop with the stupid comments like McCain is a sexist. It makes you look really foolish - he's NOT a sexist just as much as Obama is NOT a muslim. Stop listening to the surface of the news and think for yourself.

Yes, let us hear about the issues. Obama campaigns on change and offers higher Democrat taxes as the same old same old Democrat policy of the past fifty years. Then picks Biden, as an agent of change - - - lived as a senator in D.C. since he was 29 years old. Sounds like change. Where are the issues? The guy has none.

As for person attacks. Obama is the master and the most arrogant candidate I have ever seen! He struts around bobbing his shoulders, and says with a LAUGH "Paulin has an interesting story . . . no really ... chuckle chuckle ... mother, govenor, moose shooter . . .no really" What as AZZZZ.

Palin did support the bridge, she said it was best to get it done while the Alaskan Congressional group could help get the money. Alaska did receive almost $300 million in earmarks that were originally for the bridge. Did she return it? No, she spent it and part of it went to the road to where the bridge would be.

McCain used the same lipstick line against Hillary, he also is known for a famous joke about Chelsea Clinton when she was young. McCain is an adultery and a liar. That is fact not spin.

she rejected the bridge and then took the money for earmarks. She also got rid of her cook and saved $55K/Yr and then billed Alaska for $300/day per diem. Real slick, must be for hubbies racing budget!!!!

It was easy for her to turn down the bridge to nowhere because by the time she came into office, it was a non issue. Alaska still got the money, and she still spent it. She wanted the money, so she supported it until it became unpopular, and then she changed her mind, but still managed to get the money...those earmarks that she's so against. She still spent 25 million dollars for a road that is built to connect to a bridge that wont exist...

And stop the fake outrage.... I am tired of hearing folks respond to comments by saying they are Outraged, Horrified. Stop the misuse of such modifiers. If Ms Palin and Mr. McCain wish to misrepresent the public record. Fine let them be deceptive, let others point out the true record. The same with any statements by Mr. Obama or Mr. Biden. Let us a votes decide at which point do such deceptions make the candidate unacceptable. Right now I wonder why campaign staff are horrified over comments on lipstick and not horrified that so many Americans are loosing their jobs or their homes. Some perspective please.

You have to care about the average Joe to be horrified about their losing their homes. At McCain's convention he spoke about the poor woman who lost her real estate investments. For most people the ONLY real estate investment they have is their homes which they are losing at a rate last seen during the Great Depression. John McCain is not interested in average Joe! If McCain is elected all of the rest of the regulations to protect consumers will be abolished then we will truly see the feeding frenzy of the unethical greed mongers.

Doesn't anybody read anymore: I understand your point of view in the regards to McCains speech remarking about the lady and her real estate investments, however there are alot of us out here in the real world that have no real estate at all and those that have the investments provide us with none, a place to live, so if they lose their investments it puts us on the streets.

just remember when you point your finger you have four more pointing right back at you.

Jenks-

I love it when people give advice they haven't taken themselves. I think you to, should scratch the surface beyond what conservative bloggers and talkshow hosts tell you to think, & think for yourself. The fact that you believe most politicians were for the bridge when she stopped it, when in fact it's unpopularity had grown immensely, shows you haven't done so yet.

I was confused by the "McCain is to Sexist as Obama is to Muslim" comment.

The father that Obama met once when he was what? 6? was a Muslim (I don't know for sure b/c I haven't researched that, I don't care about those sort of things). He lived in Indonesia as a child for what? 2 years? On the other hand McCain cheated on his first wife repeatedly during their marriage, dumped her after she waited on him for 5 1/2 years b/c he wanted to play the field, not to mention how she'd become disfigured 3 years earlier from a car accident. After cheating repeatedly he meets, and later marries young Cindy a month after is divorce. He picks a relatively young woman for VP based on little more than the fact that she has 5 kids and, is pretty and... The comparison doesn't work...

Obviously you are believing the Obama campaign LIES.

Obama hasn't published any lies. The sad part is that Obama has tried to take the high road and even his supporters are telling him that he has to get down and dirty to win. Obama can't stay on the issues because Americans do not respond to reality. The public has allowed their elections to be turned into soap operas.

And for the record: "A pig in lipstick is still a pig" is an old saying, but very applicable today. "A dead fish wrapped in today's newpaper will still stink after 8 years" was directed at you, McCain. You are the dead fish that smells.

But George only one once. The first time he was appointed by the Supreme Court as a favor to his daddy. The second time was less than honest with all the voter fraud that nobody has bothered to investigate.

Kevin Palin was a great mayor, go ask the people of Wisselia

Obama hasn't published any lies, he hasn't published or written any bills either.

Beverly, Here are the FACTS concerning Sen.Obama`s legislative record :

Most of his legislative effort has been in the areas of:
� Energy Efficiency and Climate Change (25 bills)
� Health care (21 bills) and public health (20 bills)
� Consumer protection/labor (14 bills)
� The needs of Veterans and the Armed Forces (13 bills)
� Congressional Ethics and Accountability (12 bills)
� Foreign Policy (10 bills)
� Voting and Elections (9 bills)
� Education (7 bills)
� Hurricane Katrina Relief (6)
� The Environment (5 bills)
� Homeland Security (4 bills)
� Discrimination (4 bills)
If you make less than 250,000 your taxes will not increase
If you make less than 150,000 your taxes will be further reduced.
Now you have the facts, check them , but don`t say you were unaware.

Nevermind that Barry is Barak Obama's real name, yet he chose a MUSLIM name! You know anyone can say aything during election time to be President, the most important thing is that whoever is elected does the RIGHT thing for the country!

Yeah wess - He was named after his father by his parents. Barry was his childhood nickname - sort of like Joe for Joseph, Johnny for John.

Wess, Barak is an admitted Muslim, he himself said that in the interview with Stephenopolis last weekend...Lets stop and pay tribute to those we lost on this day 7 years ago.

and Obama has solutions????
He may say he is in touch with the people but IF by some miraculous mistake he gets in he will be in for himself. His "slip" about the 57 states was not a slip, there are 57 Isalamic states. So who is he trying to get in for??

He is a very eloquent speaker but he most definitely does not have the experience needed to run the country. McCain may not either but we need to pick the lesser of two evils. None of the politians are in it for the little people. Once they get into the good ole boy system they hook up with the rest of them. You want to clean up Washington demand term limits for all offices!

How would you know he is an eloquent speaker? It is very apparent that you have not listened to anything he has said in any of his speeches.

I don't know what Obama's campaign issues are. He uses thousands of words to say nothing. Typical of lawyer-talk. If he really wanted to do something about health care costs, he would work to put a limit on malpractice claims and amounts so doctors wouldn't have to do excessive unrelated tests every time a patient comes in with an ingrown toenail. But, then - he and Michelle are lawyers, aren't they? this isn't new politics. It's old hypocrisy.

ICYMI: "A Debate Obama Cannot Win"

September 14, 2008

"Many voters and critics are still asking: Who is Mr. Obama? He has told us who he is through his record and deeds: a liberal politician who will abandon all his principles at the drop of a hat in order to be elected. This is not new or fresh: It is precisely the 'failed policies of the past' that he brilliantly identified, but cannot surmount." -- The Washington Times

"A Debate Obama Cannot Win"
The Washington Times
Editorial
September 14, 2008

Mr. Obama's "new kind of politics" - which was based on telling the truth, being a principled politician and treating one's opponents fairly - collapsed once he secured the nomination in June. He reversed course with dizzying speed on NAFTA, FISA, public financing of campaigns, whether the D.C. gun ban was constitutional, meeting with rogue leaders without preconditions and the unity of Jerusalem. He even qualified his Iraq policy by stating it would be "refined" according to "conditions on the ground." Most recently, in light of the economic downturn, Mr. Obama stated he might reconsider implementing the tax increases in his economic plan.

Mr. Obama appeared authentic during the Democratic campaign as a liberal champion: In running to the left of Hillary Clinton, he was passionate, fiery and convincing. Yet since his mad dash to the center, he appears uncomfortable: He stammers and stutters in response to questions rather than speaking forthrightly. The polished, Ivy League-educated senator now uses "folksy" expressions. This downhome speaking manner is geared toward attracting white, blue collar voters - and is not in consonance with his impeccable oratory. He is now packaged and artificial.

Instead of being a genteel campaigner, Mr. Obama and his surrogates have spent days attacking Mr. McCain's running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, for her inexperience. He has been charged with leveling low blows and sexism. Highlighting Mrs. Palin's inexperience is a foolish strategy for one whose level of experience is, at best, equivalent to hers.

Mr. Obama has also assaulted Mrs. Palin for not being a true reformer. Yet it is he who has a record of requesting $936 million in earmarks. Mr. Obama's record reveals that he is part of the Washington problem, rather than its solution.

The Illinois senator no longer represents generational change and the future: He selected a vice president that is mired in the past. Sen. Joseph Biden is a Washington insider whose voting record is symmetrical to that of the nominee: liberal and partisan. Together, they fall far short of the "bipartisanship" that was pledged.

Instead of "The Dream Team" Obama-Clinton ticket many Democrats hoped for, the Obama-Biden ticket appears to be the "The Snooze Team," they dreaded.

Mr. Obama stated that voters need not be spooked by his thin foreign-policy resume, but should look to his judgment. These statements were cheered throughout the primaries when the Iraq war was going badly. But once the surge succeeded, Mr. Obama has been unable to convince Americans that his judgment is in fact sound.

For weeks, Mr. Obama refused to acknowledge the success of the surge. Now, he acknowledges it at last, but still does not admit that he was initially wrong in his opposition. Clearly, his judgment on foreign affairs is often overcome by prejudices or expediency. Again, he set the terms of the debate and then failed his own test.

Many voters and critics are still asking: Who is Mr. Obama? He has told us who he is through his record and deeds: a liberal politician who will abandon all his principles at the drop of a hat in order to be elected. This is not new or fresh: It is precisely the "failed policies of the past" that he brilliantly identified, but cannot surmount.

Because Palin used the word "lipstick", no one else can use that word? Is that your theory?? Obama used the word "change" and now it's McCain's stump word for no other reason than because they think that it will get votes. How about if both camp use the work "honesty" and actually have to live up to the definition.

The difference between "war" and "presence" is the amount of people that are killed on a daily basis. There is not just a "presence" in Iraq, there is a "war".

Diane, Its easy to sit here and call someone a liar, its another to get the facts. Its ok that you don't want to cast your vote for the republican ticket thats your right as an American but don't besmurch without facts.

Beverly have YOU checked out any of what you are saying? I`ll repeat what I wrote on another of your false assumptions: And feel free to check the facts:
snopes.com

Here are the FACTS concerning Sen.Obama`s legislative record :

Most of his legislative effort has been in the areas of: � Energy Efficiency and Climate Change (25 bills) � Health care (21 bills) and public health (20 bills) � Consumer protection/labor (14 bills) � The needs of Veterans and the Armed Forces (13 bills) � Congressional Ethics and Accountability (12 bills) � Foreign Policy (10 bills) � Voting and Elections (9 bills) � Education (7 bills) � Hurricane Katrina Relief (6) � The Environment (5 bills) � Homeland Security (4 bills) � Discrimination (4 bills)
If you make less than 250,000 your taxes will not increase
If you make less than 150,000 your taxes will be further reduced. Now you have the facts, check them , but don`t say you were unaware.

Jutzca, Are you not aware of the increases he proposes on big corporations? or did that just not seem important to you...Regardless of how he reduces taxes for those under 150,000, raising taxes on the corp. will be more cost to those under 150,000 in the way of product and services. I noticed you put down the legislative record but it does not say what was actually passed into law and or how many times he voted present.

When Palin was nominated the first thing out of every commentator's mouth was: "Biden better be careful because she a female". Joe Scarbough said that he was in a debate with a woman. He thought that he did well and the next day the media attacked him for "picking on a girl".

One of the reasons that McCain picked a female was so that they could play the "that's sexist" card just like Hillary did every time things didn't go her way. Do we really think that Putin and Kim Jong will "take it easy on Palin because she's a girl"??

I think that this election has set back female politicians 50 years. I'm not old enough to have ever voted for someone based on race or gender, but now I take a negative view at female politicians, and I'm a woman.

I agree. Palin has done nothing but repair the glass ceiling's 18 million cracks.

If you'd like to know where the stand go to the web site...

It should be about people because every issue on the table will effect the people therefore making the whole election about the people.

...and where do we go to find out who Obama is first hand?

Haven't you been paying attention for the last 20 months?

I think we have all been paying attention the last 20 months and what I have learned is that Obama is a man of Muslim faith, supports with money and time a church that supports and Preaches racism towards all whites and America, I've learned that he has supported and associated with Terrorists that feel to this day they didn't do enough to promote terrorism on our land, I've learned that he is a candidate that wants to Unionize all business big and small, raise capitol gains and taxes on big businesses forcing them to move and cause greater devastation to our economic state. I've learned that he has spent most of his time in congress running for president. I have learned that in congress he has voted present more than yea or nah.

Beverly H, please just come straight out and admit that you are a racist, narrow-minded individual who has an anti-Islamic streak as wide as the Mississippi. Being a Muslim is not a negative thing any more than being an Evangelical is.

Fanaticism, extremism, jihadism or any other extreme view of a religion is bad. Lest we not forget the early Christian Crusades, slavery, apartheid, etc.

Ms. H, please seek some medical counsel for your problem. America is in too bad of a situation to have people like you running around without being medicated.

Oh, and by your own standard, provide proof positive that Mr. Obama is a Muslim or stop using the phrase. Otherwise you are no better than those you seek to criticize on this forum.

It seems to me that Mrs. Palin brought the "lipstick" issue on herself when she used it to define the difference between a hockey-mom and a pit bull was lipstick, in her speech, at the Republican Convention . I think all hockey mom's should be outraged that they were compared to a pitbull. I'm a hockey mom and I was outraged at her comparison.

Was the comment just as offensive to you when McCain used it twice to refer to Hillary's health care plan?

And you ARE referring to McCain's many uses of the "pig in lipstick" comment he made to Hillary, right?

Who really cares about lipstick all of a sudden lipstick is a dirty word.

I have yet to make up my mind as to who I will be voting for in this election, although I am leaning heavily toward Obama. The choice of Palin as VP was nothing but a desperate attempt by John McCain to sway undecided women voters. So he went and found a gullible Governor (who no one has ever heard of) to do that. All women should be offended by this choice and as a woman Palin should have told him "THANKS BUT NO THANKS". I have been watching the Republicans very closely and have yet to hear any solutions to issues plaguing this country. They have been regurgitating the same speech from the RNC since they have been on the campaign trail. Are we Americans so stupid that we can't see that?? At least when Obama speaks he says what he will do and how he will help this country. The republicans have yet to address one issue. They just keep puting out these negative campaign adds thinking that they can scare us Americans into voting for them. If most Americans were honest with themselves, they would see that the last eight years have been the worst ever. If you like the way your life has been for the last eight years - McCain is your man. If you want better than the last eight years - OBAMA !!!!!

AMEN!!!!!

I'm sure YOU did with no help from anybody!

cecis

You make a lot of assumptions - "Do NOT expect the federal government to support you, feed you, wipe your noses, educate you, or give you anything but the OPPORTUNITY to do those things for yourselves!!!"

Just what is it you think you know about the people who are posting here?

I 'do NOT expect the federal government to' bail-out (give hand-outs, corporate welfare to) banks, financial institutions, airlines and businesses because officers of the aforementioned are unable to conduct business successfully. And especially when the CEOS of these 'poor' institutions have gotten their cut up front or in the form of bonuses, severance, etc.