First thoughts: Obama as Jon Lovitz?

Posted: Monday, August 18, 2008 9:39 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts, 2008

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Channeling Jon Lovitz: Is Obama having a Jon Lovitz-as-Dukakis SNL moment: "I can't believe I'm losing to this guy"? Well, Obama isn’t losing -- he still has a small single-digit lead in most national polls, and he’s ahead narrowly in current electoral-vote projections. But his tone changed a bit campaigning in Reno yesterday, his first full day on the campaign trail since his vacation. To put it simply, he was much more aggressive on the attack. As the AP writes, “So much for hugging in church… [A]fter praising the Arizona senator as a ‘genuine American patriot,’ the Democratic presidential hopeful got back to business -- methodically tearing into McCain's health care, tax and energy policies and criticizing his advisers. More: "The Illinois senator also criticized McCain's advisers as ‘the same old folks that brought you George W. Bush. The same team.’ He noted many had been lobbyists in Washington before McCain asked them to sever all lobbying ties." We've been hearing for a few weeks that the Obama campaign believes it hasn’t been tough enough on McCain. Might we have seen a preview of a rougher treatment of McCain from Obama at his Reno stop yesterday? And does this mean the convention week will be tougher on McCain than either Gore or Kerry were on Bush?

*** Back in the Saddle(back): We seriously underestimated how Saturday’s religious forum was made to order for McCain, despite the perceptions that McCain rarely talks openly about his faith. On all the questions regarding hot-button social issues, the Arizona senator didn’t have to depart from GOP orthodoxy one bit, except on stem cells. To put it another way, the reverse for McCain would have been him -- in an effort to win over union members -- addressing a forum sponsored by the Teamsters. Still, McCain performed very well, and the reviews seem to back that up. Obama also did well given the venue and much of the subject matter. (Although his “above my pay grade” answer on life begins has generated a lot of discussion, how else was a pro-choice politician going to respond to this?). Nevertheless, Obama spent more time trying to impress moderator Rick Warren (or not to offend him), while McCain seemingly ignored Warren and decided he was talking to folks watching on TV. The McCain way of handling this forum is usually the winning way. Obama may have had more authentic moments but McCain was impressively on message. And McCain being on message should quiet many critics on the right who wanted to pounce on him over his hint about a pro-choice running mate. McCain didn't sound like a Republican who was going to cave on some of these important social conservative issues.

*** Practice and blog fodder: Overall, Saturday’s forum was a fascinating event because the contrast between the two candidates was so clear. Obama better be thankful for the timing -- he seemed a little rusty and clearly has some work to do before he meets McCain face-to-face on September 26, the night of the first presidential debate in Oxford, MS. If there is an upside for Obama, it’s that he might now enter the first debate with slightly lower expectations than McCain. One other thing: The fact that McCain wasn’t in a “cone of silence” during Obama’s portion of the forum -- as the New York Times reports today -- is going to be some interesting blog fodder…

*** Veep watch: According to the CW, Joe Biden -- who’s the subject of a New York Times profile and who also is in Georgia (the country, not the state) -- has seen his veep buzz increase. Meanwhile, Romney’s stock appears down, after numerous pieces about conservative unease about the former Massachusetts governor. Yesterday was also a big VP day on the Sunday shows: Kaine and Jindal were on Meet, Bayh and Pawlenty were on Face, and Ridge was on FOX. A few things to think about this week as we dive into the deep end of VP speculation: Does either candidate believe they need a Hail Mary type pick? With the race so close right now, doesn't this guarantee that both Obama and McCain seek out the candidate who presents the least amount of risk or the most amount of spinning? If this thinking is true, then this would mean bad news for Kaine, Sebelius, Romney, Lieberman, and Ridge. Who does that leave? Biden, Bayh, and Pawlenty. Just sayin'... One other thing: Get ready for the ultimate silly season week. Rumors will be rampant about airplane logos, Web site addresses, Secret Service spottages, signs, you name it. Some of these rumors may prove out to be true, but it's going to be a pain to track them all down. Get ready for the wild ride.

*** License and registration, please: Don’t miss today’s fascinating Washington Post piece, which notes that Virginia has added nearly 250,000 new voters since 2004, many of them in the affluent suburbs in Northern Virginia. “New voters alone won't win Virginia for Obama, Democrats say, but they are a central reason Obama has decided to put so many resources into a state that last went for a Democratic presidential nominee in 1964. Pennsylvania, historically a battleground state, has just 45,000 more registered voters than it did in 2004.” Many polls that are using a 2004 weighting of the campaign show Obama with a ceiling of 47-48% in some of these states; this is why he has to change the landscape to find 50%. And in Virginia, at least (as well as in North Carolina) he's having good luck changing the electorate. The question is whether he can really make up 4-6 points in those two states just with voter registration and turnout efforts.

*** Just askin’: Will Ralph Reed actually show up at today’s McCain fundraiser in Atlanta? We said it last week and we’ll say it again: Given the fact that McCain’s Senate Indian Affairs Committee helped uncover the Abramoff scandal and given that McCain has railed against Abramoff on the campaign trail, it’s striking 1) that Reed -- Abramoff’s former business partner -- has helped to raise money for today’s event and 2) that the McCain camp didn’t disassociate themselves from Reed’s participation.

*** Downballot spotlight: NBC/NJ’s Carrie Dann says Oregon may provide one of the nation's best thermometers for taking Republicans' temperature in the fall. Two-term GOP Sen. Gordon Smith is maintaining an edge in the polls over Democratic challenger and House Speaker Jeff Merkley, but he's not thanking the “R” next to his name for the lead. Merkley, aided by a DSCC that sees Smith as vulnerable in light-blue Oregon, hopes to paint Smith as a partisan water-carrier for the Bush Administration. But Smith has made waves during this cycle's reelection battle for touting his bipartisan collaborations with Barack Obama and John Kerry. Moreover, he doesn't have an official title within McCain's state organization, and he won't be attending the Republican National Convention in September. "If this were an election in a neutral environment, Gordon Smith would probably win fairly easily, but it's just very toxic for Republicans," this year, says Nathan Gonzales of the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report. Unlike other states like North Carolina and Virginia, where Democrats have high expectations for downballot candidates as a result of the presidential race, the Smith-Merkley match-up may be more of a referendum on the current administration than on a future one. "If Merkley wins," says Gonzales, "it will have more to do with the shadow of President Bush than the coattails of Barack Obama."

*** On the trail: McCain, in Florida, speaks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Orlando and then holds a business roundtable meeting in Cocoa Beach. After that, he heads to a fundraiser in Atlanta. Obama has two events in Albuquerque, NM -- a discussion on the economy with local women and then an economic town hall. He later raises money in San Francisco.

Countdown to Dem convention: 7 days
Countdown to GOP convention: 14 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 78 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 155 days

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Comments

All who are wondering about the Cone of Silence & the Story of the Cross, HAVE A DUTY to also ask the Main Stream Media to look into these stories and if they are proven to be true, there should be no wall of silence on these stories. Public has a right to know what kind of character their leaders have before pulling the lever in the ballot box.

• The Politico -- McCain campaign protests NBC's coverage: Rick Davis, manager of Republican John McCain's presidential campaign, called Sunday "for a meeting with Steve Capus, the president of NBC News, to protest what the campaign called signs that the network is 'abandoning non-partisan coverage of the presidential race.' " The trigger was a comment by NBC's Andrea Mitchell, who said on the air Sunday that some aides to Democrat Barack Obama thought McCain might have been listening Saturday as Obama was being questioned during Pastor Rick Warren's "civil forum" (Warren had said McCain would be in a "cone of silence). The McCain campaign says the candidate did not hear any of the Obama-Warren exchanges.

•

Angellight (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:47 AM)

oh and Im sorry, but the fact that mccain wasn't under the cone of silence like rick warren said he was, suddenly doesn't mean anything as to how he preformed, right. McCain was obviously prepared and watched obama during his forum...this election is getting more and more discouraging

Faith Forum: Sincerity Versus Stump Speech
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/08/16/faith-forum-sincerity-versus-stump-speech/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

camie (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:49 AM)

Blow the bugle, sound the horn...
we've got a real contest goin' on and may the
best man finish on top....
That's a no brainer...

Obama'08

BJ, CA (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:50 AM)

Let's play "The Who Am I " game!

War the ultimate power game
Your children, my soldiers.
Take from the poor and give to the rich
Illegal aliens are a security problem
Democrats are a security problem
Technology..security problem
Loose anything ...a security problem
Trade is a security problem
NAFTA is a security problem
Catholics ..security problem
Muslims...security problem
Mormons..security problem
Jews...security problem
North Korea...a security problem
Anything with "bula" or "Al" in it a security problem
Religious left wingers..security problem
Russians are a security problem
Europe ..security problem
China... security problem
Oceans ...security problem
Palestine..security problem
Middle East Asia..security problem
South America..a security problem
South East Asia ..security problem
People I hate....a security problem
People that don't like me...a security problem
Liberals ...security problem.
Blue States..security problem
Popular people..security problem
Obama..security problem
WallStreet your problem
Healthcare your problem
Energy your problem
Taxes your problem
Social Security...your problem
Obama your problem....
Money...your problem
Housing ...your problem
Banks ...your problem..
National Debt...your whining problem...

Enough clues it's time to quess...
And your answer is?
1) GOP
2) John McCain
3) George Bush
4) all of the above
5) I don't know anymore
6) this sucks!
I you answered 1) give yourself 5 point....
If you answered 2) give youself 10 points
If you answered 3) give yourself 10 points
If you answered 4) give yourself 25 points
If you answered 5) give yourself a swift kick in the a$$
If you answered 6) give yourself a cold shower and then a swift kick in the a$$,,,

We are happy voters and we approve this message...

Obama'08

BJ, CA (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:51 AM)

"One other thing: The fact that McCain wasn’t in a “cone of silence” during Obama’s portion of the forum -- as the New York Times reports today -- is going to be some interesting blog fodder…"

I believe this is the article you were trying to link...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/18/us/politics/18mccain.html?ref=us

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:51 AM)

Obama feels it. He sees it. The election is slipping away. Just like Gore and Kerry saw it drift away. The negative attacks of comparing McCain to Bush, of calling white voters racists, of making fun of all the instituations of the country, are just not working.

See'ya Barack.

Candie, Elm Grove, NC (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:51 AM)

Obama seemed a bit flustered at times when he was debating Hillary Clinton. Now he is up at the Major league level and he better be able to swing for the big hits or he is going to be back in the Senate having meetings on Afghanistan......

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:51 AM)

First Read: "Although his “above my pay grade” answer on life begins has generated a lot of discussion..."

And it should. It was very telling. Here's a real Christian, acknowledging that he doesn't know everything, including the mind of God.

Haven't we had enough of the so-called religious warriors who are so quick to tell you they speak for God? Obama, by contrast, presents the kind of humility my Church says we ought to have.

I'm sure hearing a politician make such an allowance is shocking to the (false) Bible thumpers... as shocking as it was to see a young man 2000 years ago question the supposed wisdom of the religious leaders of his day.

And, no, in the above I am not equatting Obama to Christ, as first Clinton supporters and now McCain supporters have been quick to criticize Obama supporters for. Obama isn't the Second Coming. He's not even a prophet. He's a politician and candidate for president. He's just a much better candidate than his opponent.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:53 AM)

You guys are about as bad as CNN on this lopsided coverage if the forum. Did you actually watch it? McCain dodged every question with a story about being a POW. Isn't a clear win for Obama even to be in that forum in the first place? This is the last ... no more Chuck Todd, no more Hardball, you guys are just trying to keep a story line open. It is not news its and its definitely not entertaining. It's junk food.

Last Time I Swear (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:53 AM)

The Warren Forum was tailor made for John McCain and he did great - if you view the world as good versus evil.

Question: If Jesus Christ has not defeated evil yet, how is John McCain going to do it?

I prefer a candidate who sees the world as it actually is, not as they imagine it to be.

I agree that Senator Obama could have trimmed down many of his answers, however I prefer too much thought to not enough.

It seems to me the choice is simple - a continued emphasis in foreign affairs, creating democracies, and "axises of evil" from John Mccain or a renewed focus on strenghening the American economy and standard of living from Senator Obama?

Like John McCain said - I choose "Country First" - as in MY country.

Obama/Biden '08/'12

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:55 AM)

[We seriously underestimated how Saturday’s religious forum was made to order for McCain]

And yet what is never mentioned is that McCain appears in front of Urban League, the NAACP, unions, and never a mention how "made to order" those places are for Obama.

A Democrat is at a disadvantage meeting in a religious setting. Obama and the Democrats are pro-abortion, anti-family, have a pro-gay agenda, and in general are less religous then most people.

I Like Ike (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:55 AM)

MCCAIN CHEATED!!!!!!!!!!!

Can someone explain to me HOW in the world McCain was able to answer 3 questions in a row BEFORE Warren had even asked them???

McCain said: "Yes. Yes. And find bad teachers another line of work."

Hahaha, funny, right? Warren hadn't even asked the question yet!!! And he never actually did since McCain had already blurted out his response ahead of time. But because his questions were the same as Obama's, you can go back to hear Warren read all 3 questions. The first were Yes/No questions, the third had to do with unqualified teachers. McCain seemed to have a response as to what to do with under-qualified teachers before Warren even brought the subject up.

Clearly, McCain's people were listening while in their motorcade and prepped McCain with answers. Such bullshit. And in a RELIGIOUS forum no less. McCain is a pathetic cheater who threw his ethical standards out the window when he won his party's nomination.

Mr. Eko (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:56 AM)

Just one quick comment in the Compassion forum..as a born again christian I found the following interesting:
Did anyone notice how McCain did NOT elaborate on 2 issues that should concern evangelicals?
1. Did not spend time on his Moral failures ( BO elaborated on his )regarding marrying Cindy within 1-2 months of divorcing his first wife
2. For/Against Stem Cell Research....He literally disregarded this question by stating something about Skin Cell research and that in the end the issue would be academic?????? He has been PRO Stem cell research in the past....

Lastly, I heard the questions about choice and marriage...but did not hear specific questions on protecting the earth, poverty and other faith based issues that concern christians....I expected pastor Warren to touch on many of these issues..I believed he failed to do so.

sjl (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:56 AM)

Anybody who watched McCain give quick, pre-packaged answers to Warren's questions, as opposed to Obama trying to actually think them through, can't help but think that McCain had an idea what questions were coming up. Great preparation or listening to the broadcast in the motorcade? Who knows but the non-denial attack by Nicole Wallace to the question of if he was listening makes me even more suspicious.

Ed, Watertown MA (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:56 AM)

sjl (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:56 AM)

sjl (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:57 AM)

Pete -- thanks. Just fixed the link.

Mark Murray (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:57 AM)

Being polite will on get you so far. Obama needs to "wake up". You can trust some of the people sometimes but none of the people all the time. Your friend the Pastor Warren hoodwinked you. The McCain campaign lies about you, the press don't support you, and you will not get the vote of the right white wing crowd in the audience anyway so stop pandering.
It's time for someone in your staff to get tough. No lies or needed just facts.
Following the path of the democrats in the last two elections will only get you one place. That's a seat at home after the election is over saying if I woulder, coulder, shoulder.

He needs to get tough or get out.

Jes S,C, (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:57 AM)

I guess that's all McShame can do is cheat - he cheated on his injured wife, and he cheated during the forum. Oh course, that's just a typical Bush repuke.

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:58 AM)

Tim Kaine Texas Democratic Party Convention 2008
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tBZgzDeHOQo
About Governor Tim Kaine
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/AboutTheGovernor/biography.cfm
Finding My Mission in Life By Governor Timothy M. Kaine December, 2005
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/AboutTheGovernor/FromTheGovernorsDesk/mission.cfm
A message from Virginia Governor Tim Kaine
http://www.vaperforms.virginia.gov/
Governor Kaine grew up in a blue collar household (father was a welder...worked with his father as a welder), and even taught welding to the underprivileged overseas (in Guatemala).
Like Obama, Kaine's grandparents are from Kansas. Tim Kaine was born in Minnesota, graduated from University of Missouri, and eventually graduated from Harvard law school. During law school, he took one year off to volunteer in Guatemala with a Catholic charity. That experience changed him profoundly...which he has written about here.
Tim Kaine met his wife Anne Holton ("soul mate") at Harvard law school. They have been happily married since and have three kids. His wife, Anne is the daughter of a former Republican Governor of Virginia who actually endorsed Democrat Tim Kaine when he ran for Governor in 2006. Kaine enjoys spending time with his family, and plays the harmonica/sings with bluegrass bands. (Anne Holton graduated from Princeton in the same class with Michelle Obama. Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Anne Holton and Tim Kaine are all Harvard Law graduates.)
As an attorney, like Obama, Kaine practiced civil rights litigation for several years on behalf of minorities and the disabled. He then served on the city council of Richmond, then as mayor of Richmond, then as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, and now as Governor of Virginia. (Virginia governors are only entitled to serve one, 4 year term.)
Kaine is very close friends with Obama, was the first Governor (outside of Illinois) to endorse Obama in February of 2007, and unlike, Biden or Clinton, has never said anything publicly that might be considered disparaging of Obama.
Governor Kaine would help Obama with GOTV in the Southern swing states (including helping to possibly win Virginia); help Obama with GOTV with blue collar voters in the Midwest and Pennsylvania; help Obama with GOTV with Catholic voters; help Obama with GOTV with hispanic voters in states like Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico...since Kaine speaks fluent Spanish, has lived in Guatemala for a year, and is a devout Catholic.
I believe Obama is going to choose his good friend, Governor Tim Kaine, to be his running mate.
Gov. Tim Kaine Passionately Supports Barack Obama
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CkQ04Tk7dTk
Vice President Kaine? (RAW VIDEO) WTOPnews.com
http://youtube.com/watch?v=69YMA6B3WLM

Tim Kaine endorses Senator Obama in Spanish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqz9unCxJgM

Fired Up for Change
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dywPZMlEues

banko (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 9:58 AM)

I respect Sen. Obama's tactics thus far but maybe for the sake of the country he does need to do what's necessary. Unlike the RNC using lies, just tell all..the truth about McBlinky. A presidency under that careless old man would be a great national security threat and the DNC needs to do anything it can to prevent it.

subgruvet, ok (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:00 AM)

"gone through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. So it's not surprising then that they get bitter, and they cling to guns, or religion, or antipathy toward people who aren't like them, or anti-immigrant sentiment, or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
Obama will lose just because of this statement alone. Look how good he did in Pennsylvania after he made it and that was just amoung democrates.

Rob Y, Davenport, FL (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:00 AM)

For those hillary supporters still claiming that John Mccain is their man...he left no doubt that he will toe the rightwing fundamentalist christian line when it comes to our bedrooms and bodies.

Jane Doe (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:04 AM)

My Rick Warren comments are writen on the previous blog. Now I would like to comment on Bidden going to Georgia. It is not a coincidence that Bidden is off to Georgia. Of all the people that the Georgian President could pick, he picked Bidden. My guess is that Candy Rice can't get the job done, so let's talk to the future VP, Joe Bidden. Timing isn't great. Joe will need to get back to the US so Obama can announce him. My bet is that Barack is delighted to have Joe go to Georgia. When he comes back he will be right on top of the issue.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:04 AM)

Obama has received more kid glove and red carpet treatment from the media - than any other presidential candidate!
And - McCain is ahead in most battleground states.

carla (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:06 AM)

Nashville fan, that's another point that stuck with me.

Another difference between Obama and McCain is Obama said we must confront evil; McCain said we must destroy evil.

One candidate is more consistent with what Christianity teaches, and one candidate is more consistent with what Marvel comic books teach.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:06 AM)

As a Christian, I was fairly disappointed on two levels- the first coming as really no surprise was that Senator Obama and the Democrats do not represent most of my 'core beliefs'. However, I did appreciate the Senator expounding on his personal and political beliefs and feel like I have a better sense of who he is. Of what role God plays in his and his family's daily life and although I strongly disagree with some of his ideology and beliefs, I found him intelligent, forthcoming and thoughtful.

The far bigger let down was Senator McCain's inability or unwillingness to answer more than half the questions directly. Instead he relied on the same sound bites and stories he has used for years in his political life. He clearly pandered to the audience (which he even admitted to and they seemed to really enjoy) and he spoke well BUT - this was to be a open discussion about FAITH and Christianity! In that regard, I learned virtually nothing new about this man's personal Faith. The way McCain directed his responses to 'His friends'- over and over combined with Pastor Warren's complete lack of follow up, for me was very frustrating.

Overall my impression was that McCain was stumping 90% of the time - instead of taking the opportunity to pronounce his personal faith in God and how that effects his decisions and his life. Which was the supposed intent to begin with. Though the stories were moving- he even added the line, "Just two Christians standing together"- his answers mostly campaign-ish and not from the heart. The very well traveled and easy road, unfortunately.

Granted Obama had to be more forth-coming, as his positions and beliefs are playing to a 'tough crowd'. When he thoughtfully answered though - I believed his inner struggle with issues like abortion and stem cell research. I believe he was honest about his spirituality and acceptance of God into his life. His marriage and family are certainly model examples of how he has chosen to live his life.

Perhaps I'm just speaking for myself but as a fairly conservative but open minded Christian, well...to be completely honest- I wish I could rationalize voting for the man that has clearly exhibited a love for God in his actions and life, a man who could bring people together, that would try and find common ground and lead the country in the right direction in this modern era.

The reality is though- I don't know if I can.

JamesFlaChristian (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:08 AM)

John McCain is a War Monger no question about it. He keep saying " I hate wars, I know how to win wars".
Republicans Suck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66COez-8jpk&eurl

Fox-News Colmes Exposes John McCain's Affair!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koblzAQ-TuM&eurl

McCain - Unfit To Lead (final version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oot9IbQxrI

banko (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:09 AM)

"why isn't Obama winning by more?" Why is this still the narrative?

Anyway, yes, I think it's good when Obama takes the fight to McCain. McCain does not do well on the defensive. Can't explain his way out of a paper bag.

Given the venue and questions were tailor-made for McCain, Obama did really well. He was shaky at first, but got comfortable about halfway through. Really came across well onscreen.

McCain - Noun - verb - POW... DRILL HERE, DRILL NOW, my friends

Of course, Obama was rusty, one day off vacation. Also, remember this wasn't a debate, it was a conversation. McCain didn't converse, he stumped. Of course he was better prepared, how many times has he told those same Vietnam stories? How many times has he said 'the surge worked', 'drill here, drill now'?

Biden's my pick, but Kaine cleaned Jindal and Rove's clocks on MTP this week. Makes me really believe VA is going blue.

Nothing would please me more than a Ralph Reed, John McCain photo-op.

Merkley wins OR. I don't really question this.

I can't wait for the VFW to boo McCain out of the arena.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:11 AM)

Aren't the Evangelicals out there at least a little disturbed by John McCain's hypocrisy? John McCain is not a born-again Christian of any sort. He has supported a pro-choice position... until it didn't suit him anymore. He was an Episcopalian... until he decided to run for president.

To all Christians out there: If you believed a word of what John McCain said at the Forum, you are simply looking for a reason not to vote for Obama. And that's fine, as it's your right. But please know, he's a bigger "Christian" hypocrite than George W. Bush. He does NOT have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He has a personal relationship with politics. And all he wants is your vote, because he's not going to change Roe v. Wade or anything else related to abortion, gay rights, etc.

JOHN MCCAIN IS A LIAR.

Ask yourselves, do you want to be lied to again, or would you rather somebody you disagree with telling you the truth?

Brendan D, Niles, IL (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:11 AM)

One more thought - if Rick Warren is "friends" with both candidates - how does he feel about his "friend" John McCain lying about and covertly endorsing books of lies and daily barages of radio lies about his other "friend" Sentor Obama?

Does it offend his Christian sensibilities?

Sure offends mine.

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:12 AM)

carol burlington (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:12 AM)

look for an announcement today of barack obama's vice presidential choice while in new mexico governor bill richardson. richardson has plenty of foreign affairs experience and experience with the economy being the governor of new mexico. i definitely believe it will be obama/richardson which will bring in an overwhelming support of hispanics and latinos and put texas, new mexico, arizona, colorado, florida and california in the obama electoral column.

arsben jennings (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:13 AM)

I agree with Chuck Todd's analysis on this and I'm a huge Obama supporter. Sometimes I pained to hear the conclusion of Obama's answers while McCain seemingly glided through each one. But yes, this was essentially a base GOP audience..so in that aspect Obama did fine or atleast as well as he could. But he will have to come up with cleaner answers and more canned themes when the debates begin b/c u only have a few seconds to speak to the audience. Debating the moderator does not win over low-info voters or the conservative crowd. I think Obama has either sensed that he can't allow McCain to win on charisma/false attacks any longer...they are in a minor emergency mode. Being even with McCain in any state spells doom for Obama and he knows it.

CJ (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:13 AM)

Barack Obama is a focused listener. This was a spiritual and religious forum. He dealt directly with the moderator and the questions directly, as he should. He showed us his authentic self. I respect him more each time I see him engaged in spiritual settings.

He answered all of the questions in a thoughtful honest way.

McCain showed up using the forum as just another campaign pander- to- the- public stop. And I believe he heard the questions in advance. He was so sharp that I got suspicious. And seeing how dishonest he is and how much he lies in this ads, I believe he was dishonest about that also. Did you notice that he even answered questions before they were asked.

What disturbs me is that even in a spiritual setting, McCain has to lie about something. We have endured 8 years of government lies. I could not stand another 8 years. Please do not vote for John McCain.

OBAMA 08

Andrea, New York City (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:14 AM)

Well that's one smart thing old senile Mccain, he did't flip flop on his right wing conservatives with his answers on on religious questions, asked by Rick Warren. Obama on the other hand when he was running against Hillary, was more out spoken for his liberal supporters. Especially on the gay marriage question. In the primary led most liberals to believe that `one should have the right to marry anyone they so choose, so long as it is another tax paying human being; Not someone the religious right wing, or any other Religion or Government tells them to. Now it seems Obama is pandering to religious Republicians; which he really does't need anyway. Obama better not flop on the people who put him where he is today or he will lose the election.

GE`pa (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:14 AM)

McCain's campaign is whining about NBC News. They say they're being treated unfairly on MTP.

I've got the letter they've written on my site:

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:16 AM)

Once again Bomber showed how shallow he really is .While the msm and msnbc think that giving stump speech answers (while Obama was told to not give stump answers)just shows how Pastor Rick and his ultra conservative church used this much like ABC did.How could the bomber know the questions and answer them before they have been asked?You said that the bomber looked reel comfortable with this event,wouldn't you knowing that pastor Rick has supported Lil Bush.Obama was walking into the lions den and answered his questions with a thought out answer.while the bomber gave his stump speech.Did anyone notice any people of coler in the crowd at this event,or for that matter at any of the bombers town hall fundraisers?

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:17 AM)

It's about time that Senator Obama began attacking Senator McCain on the issues. The past eight years have just about destroyed this country and yet there are some who want to continue these policies by voting for a Republican administration AGAIN. Even the thought of that "defeats" me.

Religion has no place in politics. The two are not related in any way or form. Why can't Americans get that simple idea in their heads. If a pro-life President had the power to end abortion, then President Bush would have done so. The 68% of the evangelical voters who put Bush into office now want to put McCain in his place. By what sense of logic do they believe that McCain can do any better?

There are certainly more issues that are more prominent in our daily lives.........feeding and caring for those children who are already HERE! If we had even a semblance of the same concern for the children who live under adverse circumstances in this country now that we are showing for the "unborn" then there were be far fewer problems faced by our families on a daily basis.

One blogger had a wonderful suggestion - - - all those who are so opposed to abortion should adopt at least one of these "unwanted children". That would make a difference!!!! I am too old to adopt, but both of my children went through Children and Family services and did adopt a child who had been previously considered to be "throw away" by society. Not to another country - - - - not the perfect - - but those in need.

It has gotten to the place where we need to either put our actions where our mouths are - - - or SHUT up. Live your religion stop talking about it.

Political issues are of supreme concern at this point. Will be have energy, will we have food, where will we live if we lose our houses, why are some from New Orleans still suffering, why are children abused, why are children quitting school at an early age, why do we still have people living in poverty????? On and on and on - - an endless list of questions.

pw - illinois (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:18 AM)

The Warren Forum was not objective and I won't be giving CNN much of my viewership from now on. McCain clearly seemed to be getting softballed. My hope is that Obama just dusts himself off and moves on to the next one.

As for the "pay grade" remark, it's so easy to get demonized for not being 100% Pro-Life. The ultimate truth is that it's always easier to make someone's decision if you don't have to live their live and bear any of the responsibility. That, and in a perfect world, no one would even have to consider it. It takes a certain amount of courage to admit that rather than just tell one faction exactly what they want to hear in order to get elected. In that respect I believe McCain on Pro-Life as much as I believe Romney (that is, not at all).

Average Joe, Cincinati OH (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:18 AM)

The story about the cross in the dirt was a plagarized version from Alexander Solzenitzen's Gulag Archipelago. It turns my stomach to think we have somebody running for President with the kind of character that allows him to lie in a church. I'm truly frightened by this man.

Keith, PA (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:20 AM)

look for an announcement today from barack obama while in new mexico for his vice presidential choice governor bill richardson. richardson has plenty of foreign affairs experience as u.n. ambassador and with the economy as governor of new mexico. he would bring an over whelming swell of support from hispanica and latinos which would put new mexico, texas, arizona, colorado, florida and california in the electoral college column for obama. i definitely believe it is going to be obama/richardson with biden as secretary of state or national security advisor.

arsben jennigs, fort wayne, indiana (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:20 AM)

Same old, same old.

If your guy can't win, accuse the other guy of cheating, even though you have no evidence.

The only person who can legitimately be called "McSame" is Obama. Same play from the same playbook from the same party using the same tactics.

Matt M., Fort Bragg, NC (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:21 AM)

Wow you all sound like babies.
he cheated he knew the questions WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.........
Grow up. maybe just maybe he prepared better then Obama, and maybe Obama was use to having a lot of time (Remember all the first questions Clinton got I DO.)

Biased (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:22 AM)

Silly me---I thought it was the job of newscasters to tell the facts, not their opinions. How come no one in the media is mentioning that McCain's story of the "cross in the dirt" during the forum was a story by Alexander Solzhenitzen?

Sherrill Guyette Amarillo,Texas (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:23 AM)

There comes a time when tolerance is no longer a virtue, and you should fight forcefully, though honorably, and without mercy.

Senator McCain, and the GOP at this point in the election season deserve no less. They have been vicious liars, and a win for them in November will be disastrous for America, and the whole world.

It is time for Obama to take out his stone, take aim, and sling it.

donna (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:23 AM)

“The insinuation from the Obama campaign that John McCain, a former prisoner of war, cheated is outrageous,” Ms. Wallace said.
______________

I'm so sick of his constant use of being a PoW as an excuse for anything, and as defense against anything. It's as bad as if Hillary had said "The insinuation that Hillary Clinton, a woman, cheated is outrageous" or Obama had said "The insinuation that Barack Obama, a black man, cheated is outrageous"

The fact is... John McCain HAS cheated... on his WIFE. He LIED on the SC Flag issue in 2000 for "ambition" by his own words. Of course he would cheat to win an election, then lie about it.

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:23 AM)

How interesting a simillar story cross in the dirt told by Mccain and one from Luke Veronis the sin of the cross (comunion issue 8 pasha 1997) pertaining to the imprisonment of Alexander Solzhenitsyn after W W 2 in Russia also told by reverent Graham i believe in the late 1970's and wonder could the same experience happen to 2 different people in 2 differnt war perhaps MSM"s researchers could dig out the truth on this

denis (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:25 AM)

You are right that OBama is not losing, but he better get his act together quickly as polls are looking more and more problematic. Two surveys released on Sunday find McCain gaining 8% in Ohio and inching ahead in Colorado: http://campaigndiaries.com/2008/08/18/mccain-leads-in-third-colorado-poll-moves-into-tie-in-ohio/

Dan (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:26 AM)

I watched the entire Rick Warren religion forum and thought McCain sounded like an old grandfather telling his stories for the up-teenth time. He mostly focused in the past and there was no follow-up questions to his answer about his divorce from his first wife. I felt Mr. Warren was rushing Obama with his thoughtful on-message answers to questions which McCain never took a breath. Remember though, this was not a debate and there were no challanges to McCain answers. I forget which questions it was but Mcain asked Dr Warren if he was going to ask him that questions and Dr Warren stated he would be asking that questions - Someone really needs to go through McCain answers with a fine tooth=comb.

carol burlington ma (Sent Monday, August 18, 2008 10:27 AM)

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