You are exactly right KEP, I knew that and let my anger get in the way of my brain….

Tim, I watch Fox among others and I find many of their shows have panelists with differing viewpoints, yes even conservatives.

That's why it is easily number 1, not just a one world view unlike many other news or network outlets.

The electoral process is a complete joke. 2 parties are automatically on the ballots of every state where everyone else needs to petition their way on. National debates only allow candidates from those two parties (unless independant candidates buy their way in). There was at least 5 candidates for president on the ballot in my state in 2004. I knew of 3. If I remember correctly, there was more than 10 candidates on the ballot in Florida. I'd be willing to bet that less than 1% of Florida's population knew that before they hit the voting booths.

This country has gone to complete crap because people are more intrested in what a celebrity is wearing than what potential choices they have in political candidates.

Paul Simon has been publicly commenting on politics ever since his anti-war, anti-establishment songs were huge hits in the '60s, and he successfully continues today (latest album rocks!). People HAVE and DO care what he has to say, and why not? A thoughtful, intelligent, worldly, peace-loving guy who just happens to be enough of a celebrity that he can rally some votes for change…what's wrong with that? Still crazy after all these years? Good for you, Paul. Rock on.

I wholeheartedly agree that a cap should be on spending for politicians. It should not be about money but hasn't it ALWAYS been the MOST POPULAR, the MOST MONEY that wins at everything?

As Paul Simon says "when I think back on all the crap I learned in High School", well here he is spewing it!
Get back to Hoolio in the schoolyard, please employ the Sounds of Silence, Slip slide away, your nearly branded communist cause you're left handed. Stick to folk music, Paul. America is fine, like you said yourself: "Cathy I'm lost.. I'm empty and aching…", "but it's alright, you can be forever blessed".
You, the Dixie Chicks and Neil Young should stick to the guitar you play so well and stay out of running the country. As bad as the politicians are, liberal leftist progressive enlightened musicians are at least that bad plus all the drugs. Check out your people's book, The Torah, if you want the truth.

Paul Simon probably pays more taxes than anyone on this board, myself included. That, along with his Constitutionally-provided right to free speech, allows him to say whatever he wants! I agree with him, and I won't drink the Kool-Aid that some people do, which makes them believe that entertainers are what's wrong with our country.

I'd vote for Garfunkel

Firstly, everyone needs to stop wasting people's time by making them read stupid comments like "Why do we care what so-so has to say". Every candidate by the end will have celebrity advocates who ultimately have no clout in the legal process tout their candidates accomplishments and rally for their nomination. The fact is, if people are listening, then what they're saying matters. Moving on…

The fact is, our process is pretty worthless right now because all of the people in office won't compromise to obtain what is right for the American People. I know the immigration bill wasn't perfect, but at least pass something that will enable law enforement to set up better border control. But no, Kennedy and McCain had to get their precious bill through despite the loose ends. Anyone who knows a little about the system should have known that that was this congress' only chance to do something about this problem. In two years when we have a new president and new congress, let's see how zealous they will be.

Education: Why the heck are people barking for college tuition when we have schools that can't even prepare students for college?!

Energy: If the farming industry is in shambles, why not create a new demand for their crops (ethanol)? Because the oil companies are taking our $4/gallon and giving it to these law makers to "procrastinate" the issue.

Terrorism: The right says "use military" the left says "use deplomacy" both say "Don't do what the other team is saying." HEY CONGRESS, TRY USING BOTH AT THE SAME TIME!!! We pull out of Iraq, we will go back to war eventually. We abandon diplomacy, we will go back to War. We stay in on both fronts, we may have a chance.

Abortion: It's not going away folks. Courts don't have jurisdiction (per roe v. wade) Let women have their procedure, but why do women get all the say? If the mother can choose to keep it, effectively roping the father into supporting the child according to the present law, but not guaranteeing visitation at all, they father should have the right to relinquish parental rights if he wants to "abort" his involvement.

Death Penalty: WHY ARE YOU WASTING MY MONEY ON ALL OF THESE REQUIRED APPEALS!! Let the killers live in hell (the prison system) before dying in jail and really going there. I promise it will cost less money.

Essentially, politics will be stagnant until some intelligent moderate (preferably a libertarian) decides to take an initiative and create a legitimate middle party. The process isn't worthless (except the electoral college), it's only congested. Get the snot out of Congress, and America will breath better.

Peter of Miami writes: "Why in the world would ANYONE care about what Paul Simon thinks about ANYTHING????"
Good question, Peter. So consequently, why in the world would ANYONE care what YOU think about ANYTHING? Quite often, well-educated, well-traveled, up-on-the-issues people - and Paul Simon's one of them - have a lot more to say than, well, the average U.S. flag-waving moron.

Wow! What I'd really like to see happen is for Robin Williams or George Carlin to run for President.. (Remember back a few years ago on the net?) Things might be better… things might not… but at least they would CHANGE…

Who cares about Paul Simon??? Why are you even reporting that???

Well, CNN allows the comments of other entertainers such as Lou Dobbs, so why not Paul Simon?

Chris Who?

The point is what Mr.Simon said, not who he is. If you can't ignore his fame and discuss the content of the things he said, you don't deserve to participate in the discussion. Freedom of speech is subtly different than the right to spend money any way you want. As a matter of fact, we have lots of laws that restrict the right to spend.

I've seen several postings that make reference to Tucker being on CNN. He's not on CNN anymore but MSNBC. So my question is: are these people who are posting on this site even viewers of CNN? Where have they been?

The system will never change until the press is held accountable to give every candidate airtime. Anyone ever watch the news the night before an election? I always ask myself when did that guy decide to run for state senate? Last night? Oh wait… he's a liberterian thats why I didn't hear about his running for office. Good thing they showed us something about him during the end credits of the 11:00 news.

Perhaps the fact that Chris Dodd's campaign is using musicians to make its political statements rather than Chris Dodd making them explains why hardly anyone even knows he's running for President in the first place.

Damn, now I have to boycott Paul Simon as well.

I am sick to death of the criticism President Bush has recd since he first took office. I am completely baffled by the remarks the people of this country are making against a man who has done nothing but pick us up from the ashes to get a job done. What happended to our support after 9/11?
Have we turned into the cowards that al Quaeda says we are? Has this country and its people no regard for the soldiers, sailors and Marines who risk life and limb for liberty? Don't tell me you support the troops out of one side of your mouths then condemn the effort out of the other. If you want a mealy-mouth liberal to run this country into the ground then elect your Hillary or any other democrat and see what happens. The Clintons have made us a the laughingstock of the world with his philandering and the wife only added to it.

So the story is that Chris Dodd had a buddy endorse him?

I notice that Paul Simon finally stopped wearing that stupid bow-tie. Oh, it's not that Paul Simon. Oh, you mean, it's the former pop star showing what happens when you spend too much time over the years using mass amounts of marijuana?

Sitting on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon.
Going to the candidate's debate.
Laugh about it, shout about it
When you've got to choose
Every way you look at this you lose..

From "Mrs. Robinson" by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel

Not that I necessarily disagree with Paul Simon, but why should anyone really give a darn what he thinks? Just because he used to be a popular musician/artist? I daresay he knows less about the political process than many people-including myself-know.

This country needs to accept the fact that it is a country of corruption. Throughout our history we have had leadership that does not embrace the philosophy that we were created by. This country's interests are only for the benefit the elite. If we want to true leadership there should be cap on the wealth of a candidate. None of politicians have anything in common with the general constituency because they are all wealthy and do not have the same concerns the average citizen has. They don't care how much food, gas, education or living costs because there out wasting our tax dollars with no oversight. Campaign signs for all parties should read: Dog for Sale!!!

CNN.Com - Media et al, Still waiting for Paris Hilton's opinion on the presidential candidates! Stop slacking…..

By the way, where are the continuous, in-depth story lines on a broken Congress, misguided White House, and a corrupt 2 party political system? That's what we should be reading and watching. How about honest journalism, responsible journalism that affects positive change for all citizens?

Wait, have to stop now. I have to go read about Britney Spears' bizarre apology!

Whats ironic is the only reason he is with Dodd is because of his fame from singing songs not because he is an ordinary citizen. The ordinary citizen has been left out of the political process because he/she does not have the money to make a difference. On the other side if people really cared about the issues they would look at ALL the candidates not just the pretty ones with all the money, but they won't, they will only listen to the ones on tv or the radio and not really dig into what the candidates stand for. I for one am a republican and am fed up with both sides and wish we had a true independent candidate that took the best from both parties, wouldn't be that much they don't have any good ideas. I am a middle class white male and have become so digusted with our process so on that part I do agree with Simon, but I won't be on stage or my speach won't be published on CNN.com

It doesn't make sense that organizations, corporations and people would donate to a candidate without knowing his/her positions on the issues. So they must be getting their information from the candidate and the candidate's people directly. The media obviously know where the candidates stand on the issues because they are busy making their own donations and campaining for their favorites. The media don't share their information because they don't want people to make up their own minds and maybe vote for someone else.

Peter has hit it on the nail. We need to get private money out of campaining and politics in general. We also need to require that corporate media "donate" airtime to the candidates. The media makes huge money off of the airwaves which is really public domain. We could also mention other corporate takeovers of public domain such as water but that's a totally different subject.

And the "slam" part comes in where? Excellent headline.

What qualifies Paul Simon as a legitimate political analyst worthy of coverage by a major NEWS outlet…doesn't this belong on the Entertainment page?

I will care what Paul Simon has to say about the political process when he cares what Newt Gingrich has to say about songwriting.

Hey respondants, Paul Simon is just giving his opinion same as we are. Do most of you really think that money is good for politics, or is it just jelousy that people appear to listen to a singer and don't listen to the rantings of a bunch of web nerds sitting around on a work day writing to CNN?

Clearly, many do care(including myself), what Paul Simon has to say as evidenced by the fearful comments that follow. As one who has traveled much of the world, communicated intimately with many common folk from other nations, and is certainly a keen observer of human nature as seen in his lyrics, who better to give insight to our country? As for those lack of experience in congress comments……..LOOK WHAT EXPERIENCE HAS GOTTEN US! Don't fear the unknown, change resides there. Than k you,Paul!

who are any of you? you all have such strong a opinions and want your heard(posting your comments here casein point), but Paul Simon should be quite and make music??? Well people have been listening to him for how many decades and to you how long? Grow up people your kids are dictated everyday wether it is a wash downed version or a great replica of Britney Spears and JTimberlake. Money is and always will be the driving force behind human being for all that it represents. Christian? where, where in the bible does it ever say anything about money being the end all be all to our happiness and our salvation, anyone watch ACooper last night? Babies die everyday and africa and you are all so apethetic and so wise…… sad sad state we are in….

Another entertainer telling me what's wrong with the system. What would I do without them to do my thinking for me?

And CNN only adds to the problem.

"the number 1 rated Fox for being biased", watch it too, but don't see how Sean Hannity and Bill O or biased…ever watch it yourself?

For as much time as Simon has spent in 3rd world countries recording music, I think it's funny that he would critisize our political processes. He should know better.

Randi Rhodes? Didn't she and Al Franken already bankrupt a radio network with their one way views?

If you throw Tucker off, who will be the conservative voice on the network, oh that's right, liberals for years have HAD the monopoly and they want it totally slanted again (see fairness doctrine as a case in point).

Funny how the same people that hammer the number 1 rated Fox for being biased (ever actually watch it?) have no problem having liberal views FORCED down people throats.

I want fairness in the press, teachers, professors all right down the middle.

Don't care for Paul Simon, but he makes a good point.

Why in the world would ANYONE care about what Paul Simon thinks about ANYTHING????

Dodd is a good man. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Peace Corps.

How many of you critics have done such noble service to the nation?

Laugh out loud. When the music industry stops its constant promoting of drugs, violence, sexploitation and other deviant and abhorent behavior, maybe the political opinions from its leaders will be relevant. Until then, lets not look to the music industry for thought leadership.

Paul who?

Notice this blog does not talk about a single issue. It simply reinforces the fact that America is fascinated with popularity and celebrity. By and large, the country doesn't want a serious discussion on the role of government, the validity of federal involvement in every aspect of our lives, taxation, etc. Instead, we care about celebrities–how Paris Hilton feels after being released from jail, or (in an article ostensibly about politics) the fact that Paul Simon was wearing a baseball cap, a button-down striped shirt with sunglasses hanging around his neck. The only thing that is going to change this country is something so huge and shocking that we'll be forced to change–like the total collapse of our economic system (and with the way the Fed keeps printing money, that actually may happen soon). Until then, special interest groups, big corporations, and career politicians will continue to run the nation into the ground.

I absolutely agree with Peter (first post), now that's smart thinking.

I find it odd that the entertainment industry "billions of dollars" continues to offer it's opinions when their bank accounts are disgustingly large. If clebrity wants to remove the money from politics then lets stop paying the celebrities to perform at 1000.00 a plate fundraisers for the candidates.

Peter of Easton, Pa has it exactly right!

Get with it America or the future is RollerBlade…

Are there really "issues" that separate Clinton, Obama and Dodd? The latter's candidacy is extraordinarily puzzling at best: as a resident of Connecticut I've seen him secure in his position for years–for life. Being a career politician is the only thing he will have done with his life, and he's always voted with the left. Does that qualify the man to be president? Has he distinguished himself in any way, at any time, in the House or the Senate? He has a safe seat. That's not enough to be president: so, right now, it's all about raising money more than a year before the election. And people wonder why the American electorate is so cynical and apathetic about the process. We'll be told weeks before the election in 2008 who's going to win–and the electoral college obviates any real voice in the process in a 'blue' or 'red' state anyway.

enough with Glen Beck already…
he already has his radio show, then his hours nightly on headline news, then last night his own hour special on CNN…???
Get rid of him, take Tucker with him and Give Randi Rhodes her own show and us liberals will be happy as will your ratings….that girls knows her stuff. Glen really has a hard time "keeping the balloon in the air", and what he does say, he can go say on fox noise.

Finally some common sense thinking. The media continually focuses on the money and window dressing rather than substance, and the shallow public can't get pas the their star struck mentality. We should be giving our time and effort to electing qualified leaders for a change like Dodd, Richardson, or Biden

And Paul Simon's political opinions matter why?

Not sure why Paul Simon's opinions on politics are newsworthy or warrant home page headline on CNN.com, not matter if right or wrong. What's the point?

Like Paul Simon's personal opinion is of importance - it is to no one but him self. As my 90 yr old mother so often says: "Who gives a r…. a..?

even if i conceded the point that paul simon is making, is he offering a practical solution to what he feels is the overemphasis on money in our political process, most importantly, a solution which does not violate our freedom of speech?

Hey Paul; how long has dodd been in congress? stick to music

Its a shame that all these corporations have tons of money to give away to all these politicians. However these same companies can't seem to find the extra cash to pay for health benefits and pensions for their employees. All this record fund raising means one thing: NOTHING WILL CHANGE UNDER THE NEXT ADMINISTRATION!
We need to get money out of politics. We need it to go from a popularity/fund raising contest, to getting the best candidate that AMERICA has to offer. How do we do that. We require all TV stations to air debates, we offer free equal airtime for campaign commercials. We need to give free travel and lodging for those on the campaign trail. Once we get all of this paid for by the GOVERNMENT and not through political contributions by Lobyists and corporations then AND ONLY THEN will power in America be return to the citizens. Only in America are the people afraid of the government. STOP BEING AFRAID AND DEMAND CHANGE. STOP BEING SHEEP! STOP VOTING DOWN PARTY LINES! Demand action from your public representatives or vote them out. RALLY FOR CHANGE. DON'T HOPE FOR IT GET OUT THERE IN GREAT NUMBERS AND DEMAND IT!