Too smart to be a Democrat and too broke to be a Republican.

Funniest thing in this article was Bill Maher "moderator"…Who decided to give him that job? Have you ever heard him speak? I guess he'd be moderate for CNN.

What a bunch of bull.

Dumb and fat…you wish. We have more college institutions than any other country, and fairly long lifespans, with only small percentage differences from those above us…which could be attributed to almost anything. Fewer Americans smoke than the citizens of almost any other country.

This self-hate on our own country is despicable. I'm proud to be an American and I'm proud to be brothers and sisters with my fellow citizens, all of them; whether they went to college or not; whether they are big or small.

It sure seems like the people around my office are brilliant, healthy men and women…

To, Pat SHarp Maine:

"Some of the dummest people I know work very hard. (not on welfare) Their mantra: I work hard and I pay my taxes………………….( as if liberals skip out on paying theirs?) … ( Does tomatoe soup NEED to be sweet?)

Speedy typing, Dan Quayle moment, simply trying to reinforce Gravel's point?

Which is it?

Dolt: A heavy, stupid fellow; a blockhead; a thickskull; dull in intellect
Imbecile: Feeble in body or mind; fatuous.
Idiot: A human being destitute of reason or the ordinary intellect of man. One hopelessly insane.
Moron: A person whose mental capacity is slightly below normal, by psychological standards.
Retard: To delay.
Fool: A person who acts absurdly, irrationally, or unwisely; a professional jester or buffoon.
Dullard: A stupid person; a dolt; a blockhead; a dunce.
Dunce: a leading schoolman; pupil to stupid to learn.
Ignoramus: An ignorant person; a vain pretender of knowledge
Dunderhead: A stupid-head
Stupid: To be astonished or struck senseless. In a state of stupor; bereft of consciousness, sense, or feeling; devoid of understanding.
Dumb- One who is mute; destitute of the power of speech.

Vernacular- belonging to the speech that is naturally acquired.

I wish people would think he is not a crazy, angry man. There is a method to his madness and of course he is absolutely right the way things are going b/c we let it happen b/c we didn't care enough to vote or care about something when it is too late. Instead we think it is way more important to vote in American Idol *eyeroll*

Senator Gravel is 100% right ( correct!)
Dumb because he right wing think tanks; Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute ec. have poured massive amounts of money into dumbing down the public school system for the past 30 years, in addition to which the neo-cons have infiltrated and altered the Publishing Industry. Neil Bush is making software for the school system, funded by the Cult leader Rev, Sun MOON remember that guy who married hundereds of strangers in Times Square I think, ( I still have the Life Magazine cover of that giant wedding,.)
and one of the Russians in exile in London.
If everyone would boycot ALL the major food companies that add high fructose corn syrup into EVERYTHING they make. ( Does tomatoe soup NEED to be sweet?) they might be a little slimmer.I go grocery shopping across the boarder into Cananda sometimes, just to buy canned soup WITHOUT IT! They have a bakery "to die from" much beter tasting breads than in my state, and the Canandian shoppers are SLIM! in spite of the tempting breads…………
Some of the dummest people I know work very hard ( not on welfare) Their mantra: I work hard and I pay my taxes………………….( as if liberals skip out on paying theirs?)
ANd here is the ABSOLUTE DUMMEST OF ALL TIMES.
ABC Extreme House Makeover is happening down my road his week! It's a joke! ABC is Tom Sawyer on steroids! The chosen family is clearly NOT the neediest in town. But the show has whipped up a mythical frenzy of "generous giving Murikans," to get about 300 people to VOLUNTEER their time to build this house in one week! The building materials the food for all those volunteers, and the preparation of, another gift!
ANd if that weren't bad enough! They haven't even made the design of it passive solar, in this cold north country! At my house this morning………the sun didn't shine inthe back of the house at all! ( it has slipped far enough south in the sky ) And will not do so until April 2008!. It now hits the southwest CORNER of the house, and bounces off, and at 3:00 pm or so will shine in the west windows for 2 hours…….It's time to reve up the OIL FURNACE! Sept 14th.
Like the house they just demolished for the new construction… mine is 110 years old, neatly set parallel to the road, not the sun's path. If I could JUST pick it up and turn it 20o it would be a big improvement.
DId they do that for the MAkeover? NO, it is on the same parallel as mine! Wouldn't it have been nice for this family if 2 teachers with 4 kids, some with medical problems, to have been given a break by Mother Nature, and not have to buy so much oil?
WOuldn't it be nice if ABC DISNEY, would use some of it's vast resources to TEACH these things in their programing?

I find it ironic that so many on here post laudatory comments about Mr. Gravel, but turn right around and say they won't vote for him.

People are hailing his honesty and how refreshing it is to finally see a politician speak the truth, but turn around and say they won't vote for him.

He is a 100% correct, "tell it like it is, Mike", but, sorry bub, I'm not gonna vote for you.

Why? Why will you not vote for him? Because he isn't leading in the polls and you want to vote for the "winner"?

If you say, because his stance on gay marriage is too liberal for me, or his wanting to redistribute wealth, those are acceptable answers. If you say because he has no chance, you belong to one of the two attributes he previously described, take your pick on which one it is.

Learn the issues, vote your conscience!

Regards,

First of all…

It's about time you all did an article (even if it is small) on Gravel. The man is a genius and would make a great President. I'd like to see more about him in the news PLEASE. Fair and equal reporting.

Secondly…

You totally set him up on this…

'Maher told Gravel that obesity rates are up and reading levels are down and added that the "definition of a friend is someone who tells you the truth." '

So Gravel does absolutely nothing but rephrase what Maher said, and CNN writes it up as though Gravel woke up this morning, eager to insult us all.

Thirdly…

Gravel is 100% correct. Educate yourself on Mike Gravel everybody. This man knows what he's talking about.

I agree 110% with him!

I agree 100 percent with him, but the problem is that he will get blasted for saying this even though its the truth. Thats the problem, everyone says we want an honest politician but when one speaks the truth he gets his political head kicked in.

Oh there are so many differnt ways to interprate his saying. Yup people are getting fatter and dumber and so are the corporations and politicians. Multinational corporations are getting fatter and our politicians are getting dumber and we the "fat stupid" Americans are the ones to blame for voting these dumb politicians in.

Instead of insulting the American people why doesn't this guy do something about it!!!! You can't make a policy to make people skinny but fix the damn school systems instead of calling us dumb!

Could not agree more after 8 years of peace and economic growth we put G W Bush in place. So long growth, surplus, and the rest speaks for it self. Not only did we allow him 4 years, but then we turned right around and gave him 4 more.

Mike Gravel; Please go finish your twelve step program for anger management and leave the all fatter and dumber people of Americana with deciding who serves the US.

Unfortunately, the "dumber" part is actually a piece of the master plan (the "fatter" part is just an unfortunate side-effect of our corporate-guided, convenience-driven economy). American public school systems have been intentionally and forcibly deteriorated over the last quarter-century because the ability of critical thought makes you a poor consumer. Once you're no longer learning to think for yourself, you need someone to do the thinking for you, and they happily step in. Who are "they", you might ask?

Religion and capitalism - each a good enough idea in and of itself, but unfortunately, each has been perverted to evil ends. Religion is now how they train you to think what they want you to think, and do what you're told to do. It's not about "faith", it's about "blind acceptance" - since you never learned to think for yourself, hey, someone's gotta tell you what to think, right? Hey, I love God, but I'm skeptical of anyone who thinks they can get rich just talking about Him. But even they who have perverted religion to their own ends are only tools of the real beast. The corporatocracy has plenty of goods to sell, it just needs to convince you that you need them. Thank God you've already been shaped into a good susceptible drone! Do what you're told now, give all your money to them, you're too stupid to know what to do with it anyway, remember? Besides, without debt, how would you whine about how poor you are? They're doing you a favor - they're giving you something to talk about in your hair salons and nail places. You should be thankful.
Can't handle the truth? THINK FOR YOURSELF!! Your money is yours, not theirs. Your mind is yours, not theirs. They steal both every single day. DO something about it.

The man's right. You don't have to be a genius to see the truth, but you have to be stupid not to do anything about it.

This guy just proved his ignorance with his comment about teachers. Politicians work MUCH less per year than teachers, and have better benefits and make significantly more. They spend more time making appearances and fund-raising than actually working. A teacher's job is one of the most difficult and stressful careers and I'm tired of clueless politicians pontificating about educators not doing enough. If you want year round school, then fund it instead of a made up war.

I am horrified beyond words that people think HONESTY is a negative trait in a politician! Isn't it time for a friend who tells you the truth, rather than stabbing you in the back and laughing at you?
I for one am very proud to be backing Gravel!

Well, Veronica, not only do most Americans prefer there news in 30 second sound-bites, but most news is watered down to just "human interest" and features. This is due to things like, well, for lack of a better example, CNN and other twenty-four hour "news" networks.

Steve from Denver:

Thanks. I am not going to repeat what you said so well.

I have lived among you for some years now, always "for a while" waiting to be recalled. I espouse your culture, and your freedoms. I am also happy with my 170 lbs 6 feet body. I have had it for a few decades now.

I don't cook, and yes…I exercise ligthtly. The last time I entered a restaurant that the commenters above seem to despise most it was to use the washroom. So, what do I eat? Everything that has no fat–mixed vegetable crunches without the quintessential dip, unsalted corn chips, yougurt and kafir, eggs which we boil, an occasional adequate portion of AAA grade meat, fresh fruits of all sorts, fresh not cured cheeses, roasted mixed vegetables,…and the list goes on ferever. The cost: about $18.00/day between myself and my daughter. Is it a difficult eating habit to maintain? How could it possible be, with such great variety of foods! How long does it take to prepare it? Not one single moment because everything we buy is pre-cut, pre-washed, and pre-packaged, often in front of me according to my instructions, at the fresh vegetables and cheeses islands while I wait.

Steve, Denver CO:

Yes we live in a country where we have the freedom to be fat and dumb but how far does that freedom go? With the numerous health problems associated with obesity I should have a say in our overall health. After all I should not have to pay higher health premiums because of the lousy eating habits of others! I also shouldn't have to pay more in property taxes to arm police officers to keep my neighborhood safe from all the crime due to dumb Americans who cant hold jobs. Yes you have the freedom and right to be fat and dumb but like all other rights, it only goes so far.
I also love how everyone points the finger at the FDA for allowing preservatives etc.. whatever happened to proper exercise and diet? Home cooked meals and not fast food or preprocessed foods? The food companies will push what they want to sell. Its up to YOU to practice self control and discipline and not buy it.

Wow, though I don't care for Gravel, at least I can appreciate his honesty. It is all by design that there is a dumbing down of the school system as well as false teachings.

Right and wrong are not "a matter of perspective." Like it or not, there are absolutes in civil society. One of the absolutes I value dearly is that man has free will. While people have a choice in what they do–if they choose to do something wrong, there are consequences. If people choose to over-eat, then they must accept responsibility for being overweight. If someone decides to believe that an activity that is illegal, then that does not negate the fact that what they do is "wrong." Ask most criminals: they'll tell you that they didn't think what they were doing was wrong.

Unfortunately, he's too logical and makes too much sense to ever be considered for president.

Right and Wrong are a matter of perspective. However his comments do have the potential to be more constructive than destructive.

the "definition of a friend is someone who tells you what their thinking without fearing of your reaction".

If you love and care for someone or something, you have to be harsh to improve that person. He could of picked better words, but the overall message is there.

Yes, we can and should tell our friends and family the truth, even if it hurts. They will never grow and prosper if we allow them to wallow in their own self worth.

The bible clearly states that we are to discipline our friends and family to better them down the road. One of the reasons we are all "fatter and dumber" is such as this. If we become so PC and self centered, we'll all be vain and destroy ourselves. Which we are already doing.

Nancy in KY, Steve in CO, and all you other anti-truth people:

Quit playing the blame game and making excuses for why America is fat and stupid. WAKE UP. If you indulge in such things as McDonalds and T.V. instead of a book, then that is YOUR CHOICE as an American. It's no one's fault but your own. America makes it easy to commit murder, but are you partaking in that? No. Because you CHOSE not to. Both have repercussions, yet you choose to ignore the ones for being fat and stupid. If the whole basis of your argument is shifting blame, then you really are stupid.

Why don't you read some legislation while you're at it. Members of Congress have been trying to pass legislation to address these problems for years now, but it's getting shoved on the back-burner because of I-R-A-Q. You should thank Mike Gravel for bringing it back into the spotlight so that it can get the attention it deserves.

To those who think this man has said something wonderful or great, contemplate this: Do you really want a politician who thinks himself better than the citizens he represents?Do you really respect a man who openly insults the people he wants to serve?

Maybe America needs to hear this. We have lost our competative edge, we have thrown the Bill of Rights to the dogs.

We are acting more and more like the former Soviet Union (i.e. secret prisons, holding people without due process, etc etc)

We are the fattest nation on earth. Rome fell… Look whats happening to us. We need to get it together

From the looks of him and the comments that he makes I say that he is ALL AMERICAN

I couldn't agree more. American's are fatter and dumber. Something needs to be done to improve the education system and we know "No Child Left Behind" isn't cutting it!!! I'm looking for the presidental hopeful who can actually present a plan. A plan for Education, Iraq, Healthcare, etc. I didn't vote in the last election because I was appalled by both candidates. Can't we just get one good Democrat and Republican to run?

His comment brings to mind a quote by the great H.L. Mencken
The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out for himself, without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos.

Gravel is 100% right. He is a no-nonsense candidate. While I haven't decided yet who I'm voting for, he is in the top tier. Our country is in dyer need of a wake-up call, and Gravel is the guy to do it. Forget the rhetoric of such front-runners as Obama and Clinton–they want to stay at the top in the polls so they'll say anything. Gravel has nothing to lose. If either he or Biden are elected, either would truly do a phenomenal job–especially in restoring faith, dignity, and integrity back in the U.S. Government.

Anyone who's offended are obviously afraid of the truth/prefer to live out the "ignorance is bliss" saying. We see that the obesity is increasing and literacy is decreasing, yet we deny there's a problem. Worse, we don't do anything about it. Thank you Gravel for being honest with the American people, and telling us like it is–it's a welcomed change. TELL US MORE!

Mike Gravel is right . The level of education is going down and what used to be considered overweight is now regular size…..this man should be heard more on Tv and radio. TRUE this country is going down the drain…. wake up

Hey!!!

Leave my mother-in-law out of this.
She doesn't even vote!

Why when this stuff is posted that so many people make this a political game; that the reason people are fat and dumb is the Republicans fault!?! People, take responsibility for your own lives! It's not your elected official's problem. We have choices to make and tons of freedoms and privileges in this country to help us be smarter and fitter. We're just not using them. Go to the library and take a walk!

How do you argue the truth of those words. I hate to admit it, but the man is right!

Someone said he should not insult friends by calling them "fat and dumb." It's not an insult, it's the only way to get the point across. "Obese, corpulent, illiterate, unlettered" nicer words but probably over the head of most Americans, including the President they elected.

Seems to me, modern American is what happens when nature doesn't cull the weak, mentally inept and fat out of society. But then again, that's a little harsh. Personally I'd rather just complain about fat and dumb people. The children I hope I'll never have will have to deal with the whirlwind in 50 years, not me. =)

He is absolutely correct. Americans are not only dumb, but a very high percentage of Americans are illiterate and politicians are keenly aware of this. That's why politicans take advantage of this segment of the populace because they are naive, gullible and can't think for themselves.

What we really need to do is vote these bums out office and have a fresh start. But I'm afraid that will not happen because a significant number of Americans are too stupid to separate facts from fiction.

I absolutely agree! I have a business that deals with a broad section of ages, races, genders, education and economic backgrounds everyday. It is disturbing how "fat and dumb" we are truly becoming. Most of all it is really sad to see the condition that children are in. Gravel nails this one on the head.

Who? Like this guy was ever a serious candidate to begin with…the only people who are fat and dumb are those who watching Bill Maher's garbage program and the 5 people who contributed to this guys bogus campaign. The problem with this country isn't it's citizenry. It's the pretentious hacks like Maher who think they're better than everyone else.

I don't care if he gets elected. He said it. IT IS NOT A LIE! That's awesome!

Well, nearly every one of the comments on this page kind of makes Mr. Gravel's point. Spelling errors, poor grammar, childish finger pointing…the list continues.
I, however, am insulted by these comments, and am of the opinion that anyone who is seriously considering holding the highest office in the country, should take a moment to consider his answer to a question like that before he summarily dismisses the intellectual capabilities of the nation he "serves". These fat, dumb Americans voted for YOU, sir, and aren't likely to do it again if you continue to verbally abuse them.
In addition, I think its somewhat amusing that CNN.com's readers somehow turn these comments into yet another opportunity to bash not only the current president, but the country that affords them the freedom to be fat and stupid.
Wake up America, you've all been insulted by someone who represents "the people's party", and instead of defending yourselves, you roll over like a bunch of cowards!

The comments sound rude but true. Let's contemplate … we need to change ourselves and love ourselves more by avoiding unhealthy lifestyle. To much indulgence and conspicuous consumption. Lazy eating habits with all of those out of proportion serving size of fries and other fatty food will just kill the Americans and make us sluggish. This is a suicidal act and our society should take positive actions to mitigate this negative trend. Surely, we don't want the slender stylish French people look like the Swans and we look like … upps! Get up and jog ….

If the government did their job by keeping food manufacturers from putting additives in the food we eat, obesity rates would not be rising in America. Gravel stated "Just remember who put these people in power." I know I did not vote for Bush. The Americans that did vote for Bush got the people they wanted and they are to blame for Bush being in power. As for voting for someone that says Americans are getting dumber, I know I am not going to vote for Mike Gravel for President. He can sit there and say that Americans are fatter and dumber, but what is he or any other politician doing about it? Nothing! In addition, Bush should not be forcing Democracy on Iraq when with Democracy America got the bad end of the stick on the last presidental election.

For all you uninformed "Dumb" people who claim to know nothing about him as a reason to not vote for him. Or for those who claim he criticizes without solutions. why dont you check out his site http://www.gravel2008.us and educate yourselves. He has good views, good plans and can lead us out of the gutter of corruption and campaign finance reforms.
For the person who wonder why he always looks and sounds mad. Its because he is frustrated at the AMERICAN people for falling for the lies every four years. He is passionate about changing what the political culture has become. Add to the fact that he doesnt get much time to answer questions he would rather get a sound bite in then nothing at all. WAKE UP AMERICA. DO YOU HONESTLY THINK OBAMA or CLINTON is the ANSWER!!!!???? Look at all the money they raised. That means they are already committed to lobbyists and special intrests. Which means nothing will change. Or if it does it will be in their interests NOT YOURS!

Well, some Americans elected this guy to office, so I guess that proves the "dumber" part of his comment.

I hear ya, Mikey! It's unfortunate, however, that a majority of American's are fatties, which now means you cannot get the nomination. And, some of those fatties count as two or three people–so that's quite a few votes you're missing out on.

I'd vote for you IF you were the only honest candidate in the race, which would usually be the case. Fortunately, Ron Paul is also running, and thus we are blessed with two great choices (instead of the usual none). If not for Ron, you'd have my vote.

Gravel is essentially saying I'm thinner and smarter than the average American; therefore, I should be trusted because I know better.

Its true, Americans like to eat flavored garbage, avoid physical work, and would rather watch TV and talk on the cell phone than read. I think its also true that Gravel is probably a narcissist.

He is completely correct. Unfortunately, what Americans want in a friend is not someone who will tell them the truth, they want someone who will tell them what they want to hear in a way that leaves them in the dark as to all the lies. Gravel is being blunt, and that is exactly what America needs. You do some digging around Social websites like Myspace, etc, and you see comments next to "Favorite Books:" like: "Books are boring", "Why read when there is TV?", "No time to read, to many shows to watch" and many more just like that. It is really sad how pathetic we have become as a nation. I am a republican, but I agree completely with Gravel here because he is right. We are getting fatter and dumber and the ONLY way we are going to get out of that is to recognize it and admit it to ourselves and then begin the long, hard road back to where we should be.

When will Americans grow up and stop making excuses to rationalize their poor choices? We are a fast-food society, not just in the foods we eat but what we feed our minds. Continue voting for the same career politicians who make empty promises and continue to waste your tax money on ineffective policies. You only have yourselves to blame as the country further declines. WE ARE NOT THE #1 NATION ON THE EARTH. Telling yourselves this over and over does not make it true - it only perpetuates the "feel good" mentality of this nation. WAKE UP AMERICA.

We are not fatter. We are not dumber. Our politicians treat us like we are dumber. Our politicians want us fatter because then it will be harder to throw the bums out. I have been listening to these fat cat politicians for thirty years and we have been getting fatter and dumber to them, all of this time. If it was true, then Sumo wrestling would be Americans number one past time. In fact, most Sumo's types would be migrating to America so they would look thin.
You know, its time we fire all of the bums.

Everyone knows he is speaking the truth except those who are too dumb to get it. Sadly, most people are too wrapped up in their myopic little lives; they just want the adults to be in charge so they can play at life. Trouble is, there are no adults in charge, here or anywhere else…

So is it any surprise we have a government that takes advantage of and hurts its own people? Gore said it in one of the debates with W "If you want corporations in control of your lives there's your man" and that's who took the presidency, twice. Clearly, there are more oblivious idiots in America than smart people.

I love that movie Idiocracy. Unfortunately, that is what our country is actually becoming.

The movie, supposed to be a comedy, is prescient. If you haven't seen it, rent it or watch it.

It'll shock you, because you'll see our current culture in it.

Beautiful! Unfortunatley, we have become so stultified as a society we will run him out because his words are true and hit like a blunt instrument.

Actually, Connie, I could not agree with your more. Though in my case, as well as many others hopefully, I would never give up any sort of liberty just for a little added security.

Indeed…. I'll have another Twinkie and get back to my Playstation now!

When a person says the American public is dumber than dirt and the people respond, as in this column, "yeah, yeah," do you think they recognize themselves? Fat chance.

The truth is what it is. Frankly, in the age of Britney Spears, we are ill prepared for the truth. Did I mention my kids are skinny and smart?

While I agree with former Senator Gravel's comments and appreciate (for once) honesty in a candidate, he certainly didn't come up with the notion of people getting the government they deserve. President Truman said the following in 1952:

"Now, if you want to continue the country in its present greatly prosperous condition, vote for your own interests in November. You know, you the people are the Government. You have the say as to who shall be in power in all the offices which run the Government, from the city, the county, the State, and the Nation. And when you don't exercise your franchise you have got nobody to blame but yourselves when you get bad government. And you get just what you deserve."

dang… you gotta' admit gravel's right on the mark with what he said. BLunt, yes; but most definitely correct, and direct. He was asked to be honest, to the study and gave out a flat-out factual response. He continues to interest me.. he has no chance as a candidate, but he makes for an interesting, sincere (for real), practical, politician..

Right On!!! It's about time someone let people here know they are lazy. This Dem might actually be worth voting for.

He's certainly right people are fatter and dumber in the US. Britney Spears and McDonalds are more important than history and health.

I like this guy!

Everyone who's already commented is correct. The man speaks the plain truth, but unfortunately, as we've seen, speaking the truth is not what gets you elected…and certainly not votes. I mean, why would you vote for someone who insults you (by telling you the truth)?

I am glad someone is speaking truthfully for once. I am disgusted by fat people, and by the general increase in ignorance seen in this country. Not only is the divide between rich and poor increasing, but the divide between educated and uneducated as well.

I DISAGREE
I see more Americans just plain tired of hearing the political antics. Every time I hear comments of this nature I believe it to be an exploit to draw attention to the political party and promote ones self interest. When a president is elected, align your interests, shut your mouth, and promote the will of the people who elected him. That goes for everyone.

What a joke. Americans are not getting dumber-politicians we vote into office make us look dumb because they don't do what they promised during their campaigning. They get into office and "go with the flow" of a completely dysfunctional system that they are too gutless and lazy to do anything to change it.

How does someone "get" dumber? Must be a democrat ability. You do not "get" dumber. You can be educated to a lesser extent than someone else but someone doesn't just "get" dumber. They were that way to begin with. And I can see where Americans are getting fatter. When it takes two incomes per family to make ends meet each month (thanks to unregulated rise in costs of products that could be in abundance), and BOTH parties are tired from working all day, yeah….fast food will win in the effort to still have time to spend with the family. So all in all, the government (or lack thereof) has made us a nation of uneducated, hand-out junkies. Those that have the educated sense to see this though are the ones responsible for the cleanup. Where did individual responsibility go? I'm tired of working my tail off for some able bodied people to sit at home, popping out 3-8 kids and collect welfare, medicaid and foodstamps.

Damn straight. We have become a nation of morons, reflected primary in our choice of president (a man who can't form a coherent sentence on the fly), and by the fact there are still 30% in this country who thinks that waste of human breath has been anything but a train wreck and a complete disaster for this country.

Did we REALLY put them there?

I can't agree more… self-absorbed, lazy, always wanting immediate gratification. America is decaying.

I know I'm certainly fatter & dumber.

Bravo! Americans love to be flattered, such as for helping that poor burned Iraqi boy while forgetting the war they approved of created the situation in the first place. Yet a third of us CHOOSE to ignore facts long known and continue to believe that Saddam Hussein had a hand in 9-11, just as Bush and Cheney SO persistently (and falsely!) hammered into a public who knows EVERY detail about 'American Idol' etc. The 52 million morons who voted the THE moron back for a second term owe the rest of us and the world a heartfelt apology.

He might not have a chance but he's right. And anyone who says "that's insulting" or "he hurt my feelings" needs to toughen up. When did we become such an emotionally tender nation?

This is not "rocket science". All you have to do is take a walk through your local WAL MART. Wide ends galore. And dumb? Well look who is president, twice. Lord have mercy on out poor country.

Thank-you a politician that actually knows how to tell the truth. Unfortunately, most people get offended when they hear the truth. To Sen. Gravel I say congratulations; you have set a historical precedent.

He should watch the movie Idiocracy.

Gravel is right. Too many Americans have become both physically and intellectually lazy. They have taken too much of what they are told by the marketing industry, partisan political hacks and pundits, and ostensibly objective and independent critics that are actually heavily invested in the viewpoint they are promoting to substitute for their own critical analysis of the facts. Their success has been duly noted by our Nation's current administration who has used the knowledge to control and influence public opinion. How else does one explain how voter's would tend to vote against their own self-interests? Had American voters relied on facts, qualifications, and background, not sound-bites and personality, our current President would have been home in Crawford cutting brush full-time. And rather than being bogged down in an unprovoked war in Iraq with straw dogs that we unleashed, the Country would be addressing the issues that still exist.

couldn't agree more….

That's why we won't put him in power.

Those are some harsh words from Gravel. But in some ways yeah he's right. But that's how the republican party wants us i mean look who we elected in '04. A texan who can barely make a statement. I'm a college student and say with some certainty that not all americans are dumb.

Now I understand how the Democrats took over congress.

I can't argue with him.

Honesty is the best policy? They should make it law!
This guy rules - make a clone and post him to Ireland.

Good Luck winning. You're going to need it.

Glad to hear a politician finally say it. We have one of the dumbest one's running the White House right now with his supporting cast of morons!

Here we have an example of the pot calling the kettle black. In his sentence: "And so if things are going bad, just remember who put these people in power." The word bad is an adverb (describes the verb 'are going'), which in the American language requires an "ly" ending.

Didnt Bill Clinton LOVE McDonalds???
Who's Dumb??

Fatter and dumber? Just keep watching CNN News.. They will make you alot fatter and much dumber…Just the way they want you.

Do this meen I have to go to skool an stop eatin' donutz?

Just from this short article…Gravel gets my vote!

I do agree with his first statement, that we are getting fatter and dumber due to the quality of education in public schools and as parents you do need to be diligent and go the extra mile with your kids and their education. However, I do not like his comment about how we deserve this government since we are the ones that put them there.I could go on and on with many different reasons about why I do not like this statement but to put it quite simply often times a politician will vote the way they want to no matter what despite knowing what their constituents from their area wants.

Mein Gott, an honest man? We haven't had one in the political arena since Abe!He could never be elected President in plastic America. C'est dommage!

Oh my god. I have pretty much stayed out of political discussions for one main reason. And this guy hit that right on!!!

America IS becoming fat and dumb. And worse by the second. Roughly compared to cattle, eat your food and follow those who seem big and powerful and talk a lot.

Here's an article for those of you who wish to object. In 2000, people elected a president who lost the popular vote but got the electorial vote. Why? Because the margin was so slim. This means 50% of this nation's voters voted for an idiot KNOWING what he was gonna do! Here's another article. HE WON AGAIN! And by a larger majority. Meaning that the MAJORITY of american voters voted for the same dude AGAIN AFTER he pulled this war out. There's your first piece of evidence of American stupidity.

Let's go over some other dumb things. Unions all over America pushing for higher wages and lower costing health insurance. Hmmmmm I wonder why American jobs are going overseas?????

I guess if our society wasn't so focused on luxury vehicles, 500-700 video game systems, and fancy cell phones that check your email then maybe just maybe the unions (whose leaders are paid by the members every check) wont have to push this crap.

Now how about more evidence? Gas prices. Everyone complains of gas prices. Too high? TAKE THE BUS!!! WALK!!! STOP THE MIDNIGHT DRIVE TO MC DONALDS!!! I pay 65 bucks a full tank of gas, and I dont complain. Here's a lesson for you: Supply and Demand, the less you use, the less you buy, the less the price will be.

Here's something else for you. Forbes list of largest companies in the world.
Citigroup is #1.
Wal-Mart is #17.
McDonald's is #200.
So basically American's spend quite a bit of money borrowig the hell out of their credit, buying dumb stuff, and stuffing their faces. How can FAST FOOD even be on this list if not for the land of the free?

I tell ya this guy probably said the best thing over american air possible. I'd vote for him but it would be pointless. You see what good will my vote do if others vote with stupidity. Vote for someone who will do something. But I say this even more. Stop thinking other people will fix your problems. Figure it out yourself!!

Thomas Jefferson once said, "The purpose of government should only be to keep people from killing each other." Heh, yea thats why we have more laws than any other nation in the world. Wake up people!!!

If your offended, put down the twinkie, get educated the right way and fix this!!!

>What do you want, government-funded liposuction every five years?

Well, he IS a Democrat, right????

He's right about fatter, but that has nothing to do with education, about which he is an idiot.

The reading rate has been static for the past 15 years or so. Pathetically low, but static. The kids in our schools have VERY high reading levels on an international level (please check out the TIMSS report on literacy at 4th and 8th grade), but they dislike reading more than just about any other country int he study and are less likely to do it in their spare time. Our relatively low rates of *adult* literacy, therefore, are not a function of poor initial instruction in the classroom but a result of the fact that our manner of instruction, while successful in getting kids while in school to make big gains, makes kids hate reading. It's largely due to the fact that Americans avoid reading outside of school that makes that apparently excellent instruction far worse than mediocre instruction in the real world.

In addition, claims about declining literacy rates are nonsensical. As literacy rises, it is being redefined in stricter and stricter terms. Once, "literacy" was reading one's name. Now, it's often reading at the 6th grade level.

Year-round education isn't a help, either. The problem in mathematics, particular, won't be helped if you spent three times as many hours in the classroom. The methodology is flawed. Ditto for science. We're actually doing quite well with literacy, overall–we just need to figure out a way to keep kids from HATING reading when we're through!

The only thing I have to disagree with Gravel on is the statement about "remember who put these people in power". The average American might not be able to read at a higher level as in the past, but they still can read between the lines. Our government is no longer a government for the people by the people. It is more like a government for big business by big business. Our country really needs to clean house and get rid of all the lawyers and professional politicians currently in office. This country was built on the common man, yet the people in power are so far from the common man.

FINALLY someone who is not afraid to speak the truth about the american public and it's pestilence.

Gravel said something that many people think but are afraid to say .There is absolutely no doubt that America is FAT FAT FAT. Look around you. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that the number of obese people has skyrocketed. The dumb comment Im not so sure about. Teenagers and young adults who are not educated well always seem dumb to me. A certain number of older adults have always seemed dumb to me, not just lately.

Don't worry folks, Mike Gravel will not be in the running come spring.

Now this guy knows whats going on.

Its the truth America. We're going to sit here asleep at the wheel while we lose our way of life.

heehee– someone did a study proving that if gas goes to $5.00 / gal. the obesity rate will go down by 50 % . Personally I don't see fat people ever being motivated to walk or bike more, but the author of the study swears by it.

You Go Mike!
As I am not, personally either fat or dumb, I'm not in the least offended by this comment…just sorry that I missed seeing the whole forum! I (almost) completely agree with the senator…except for the fact that things are a bit more complex than his statement would imply. Yes, we do, technically, "put these people in power". However the system we are given to work with is responsible for at least some of the problems in Washington. Until (if ever) the candidate with the most $$$$ is not the one who becomes the nominee, we only have certain people to vote for in the first place. And finally Senator, since it appears that my tax dollars will be paying for all the "pork"—(you know, like your bridge?) you've added to legislations, how about giving us some "honest" conversation on that particular subject? Whadda-ya-say, Mike? Oh, and with all due respect, this "dumb" American would say, "going bad-LY, not "going bad".

It's all that Alaskan "pork" that we've been fed a steady diet of.We sure are dumb if we let them spend millions of dollars for a bridge to an island of 600 people and to build a highway in Florida!

Sadly, this sort of honesty and straight-forwardness can only come from an individual who has no chance of being elected. Whoever is elected, it will be, much to our detriment, a polished, practiced sophist.

To Bruce from Palo Alto - I thought scientists were supposed to make rational rather than emotional decisions. I guess no bonus for you this year. What's your third career choice?
To Manuel Hung from Lubbock, thanks I might steal that pseudonym for Fox.

Wow. What a non-issue. The guy responds in the only honest way possible and he makes the front of the CNN web page with a misleading headline.

What a shame. Mr. Gravel dishes out some honest, "tough love" commentary and it is purposefully misconstrued and made headline news because Britney or Paris didn't do anything stupid today that required all of CNN's resources to cover.

Shame on you, CNN.

Hey, the truth hurts. His assesment is correct.

We do get the govt. we deserve. If you like being lied to ripped-off and treated like children or fools keep voting for Republicans and Democrats.

Both parties have sold us (especially our children)down the river.

Shame on us for having such low standards.

The guy's 100% right by the way. We need a new movement in this country that is neither Democrat nor Republican. The politicians have become corrupted by power and greed. Our educational system has rendered our kids into mindless robots. America needs to wake up. Fat, indolent, questioning nothing, accepting everything that makes the masses FEEL GOOD. Log on to unity08.com. There just may be some hope yet for this country. Fire everyone in Washington and let's start over before our children & grandkids find themselves paying homage and being subservient to those who wish to conquer us. Read history.

America's getting dumber and fatter; what right have we to proclaim ourselves to be the greatest nation in the world?

Truth is refreshing. Thank you, senator. You won't become president but you will leave behind a legacy worthy of emulation.

Ha! So true! I'm glad someone's finally got the guts to say it!

Horray for Gavel, a breath of fresh air, to tell us Americans the truth, however uncomfortable it may feel: the future of our country is at risk if we don't swallow our pride and admit that we need to slim down and smarten up! We can not ride on the achievements of our forefathers forever.

Gravel proves his own point by using the word "dumber" which is not a word. He should try opening a dictionary before he speaks! Maybe his comment is more appropriate for every American politician, regardless of the party. I at least agree with his point about who put the people in power.

Sadly his statement is true. As Americans we have been coerced into seeking convenience. This relates to American eating habits as well the lack of desire to strive for greater intellectual ability. Instead of cooking dinner we go to the almighty golden arches. and instead of reading the book we watch the movie. By simplifying our lives we are simplifying ourselves. Hopefully as a society we can come to this realization and make the changes necessary to curb this trend. Today we have growing competition from the east and instead of working to better ourselves we are complacent and therefore lazy. when the power tables turn we will be in an unfortunate position unless we start making changes soon.

He's right. I've been a registered nurse throughout the US for the last 16yrs and I can confirm that American's are getting fatter/dumber and I might add sicker for a variety of reasons. Not only because we are aging, but because we lack adequate preventative medicine or access to good medical care. Our schools are lacking funds/appropriate teacher-student ratios. Overall, we are a big, fat, stupid mess and we continue to vote for those who keep us big, fat and stupid. We are in a medical and educational crisis. God help us!!

A few things: Yes, we are fatter and dumber. We are fat, happy, and oblivious, which is unlikely to change until a disaster worse than 9/11 finally wakes us up.

And to people who think the President DIDN'T know something we didn't… You need a reality check. Not even 50 years AFTER an event when loads of declassified documents are released do we, the common people, know as much as the President did then. THAT SAID, this certainly doesn't mean the extra information justified the war. Not knowing the nature of the information makes that an illegitimate assertion.

If it weren't such a serious problem, I'd laugh at people who think they are qualified to make international policy decisions based on the limited, filtered information they get from CNN or the internet.

The only justifiable position we, as common people, can take is one of skeptical questioning. We don't have the most important information guys, but we can think, ask questions, and be frustrated by the fact that top-secret, sensitive information will likely never come down to us in a timely manner.

Get over it. Or run for office.

Good article! I completely agree with Mike Gravel: a society deserves government its elected. Especially wonderful was a passage about "fatter and dumber"! This is pure truth, just look around: see and listen.

I'm smart enough not to vote for this guy!

Eh, maybe his statement has some truth to it, but I'm sure American voters are going to think that it's not "politically correct" enough to make him a good candidate. That's fine, though, since Fred Thompson is going to win the 2008 election.

Mike Gravel has a solid grip on irony. Fatter and dumber. Just what we need is a double-chinned, white-haired, past his mental prime former senator stating the obvious. We do get what we deserve.

Gravel calls it as it is. I have never seen a candidate so blunt and not afraid to cause controversy.

I agree that we get the government we deserve, also in his comment that the definition of a friend is someone who tells you the truth.

Supersize Me was the first movie/documentary to shed light on how poorly most people eat, especially in public schools.

Gravel knows that the average America is too busy wolfing down deep-fried cheese balls, polishing his Jet-Ski and watching American Idol to concern themselves with piddling things like democracy and our future.

You get what you pay for. If we don't invest in education and we let the TV "babysit" our kids then what other result should we expect?
As a country we spend more time watching celebrities than we do raising our kids.
It's easy to blame the media or the internet, but no one is forcing you to watch YOUTUBE or high speed car chases all night.
The alternatives are out there: PBS, Libraries, bookstores, symphonies, museums, national parks, cultural festivals, farmers' markets, etc. Ah, but aren't these also the first things that get cut in a budget squeeze?
It's been pretty scary for a while, people are just starting to notice it.
Our president (which I DID NOT VOTE FOR) is NOT smarter than a fifth-grader and they aren't as smart as they used to be.

Poor Mike. He and Ron Paul are the only candidates with any integrity. I love honesty. Too bad the American people do not. Nobody wants to hear the truth. For the truth is more often than not an ugly, offensive thing.

It's about time that someone is willing to speak honestly to the American public about itself. It is unwise and unproductive to fail to address these important issues. Health of body and mind should be something that the body politic makes a priority. Reading John Milton's Of Education (written in 1644) would be instructive in this matter.

I totally agree with you but you can't say that in this day and age. I say that every day before I open my store. Walmart and the internet/gaming systems have made us stupid and lame in life. I hope you make it through the primaries!

If the neoCon republicans hadn't been in control of the White House and Congress so long, we wouldn't have these problems.

It is the neoCon republican spend, spend, spend, and bigger and bigger bureaucracy that is ruining the country.

The republicans no child left behind and catsup vegetables that has made us dumb and fat.

All of the svelte geniuses that are posting here should take a step back and quit throwing stones at people of the opposite party. Neither party is exempt from blame in the dumbing down and fattening up of America.

Due to the prosperity we have enjoyed (due primarily to the hard work of previous generations), we have become lazy and made to feel entitled. Until we quit expecting government to provide evrything for us, we will continue down this road and like the Roman empire, we will become but a footnote in history unless we can regain our original identity as a nation.

We are so far from what the founding fathers envisioned. When we "celebrate" holidays like the 4th of July or Veterans Day or Labor Day or Memorial Day or Presidents Day or MLK's Birthday, how many Americans stop and truly reflect on the tangible sacrifices made for us by others. Most see it as nothing more than an extra day off from work and couldn't even tell you what we're celebrating.

Over the past 50 years I have seen a real decline in the fabric of our nation. Parents who don't know how (or care) to raise their kids are primarily to blame, but "progressive" legislation that strives to make everything we do politically correct is also a big part of the problem.

I fear for the future of our nation and the anger and finger pointing of all you political party lemmings is the most telling sign of why things are the way they are. No one has the courage to look in the mirror and take accountability for the mess. It's always someone else's fault. Man up. We're all partially to blame.

Quit being mindless party zealots. you're ruining it for all of us who care more about competency than party affiliation.

1) I find it interesting that no one here, Democrat and Republican alike, assumes THEY are in the "dumb" majority. Of course, there was a study done that showed that most below average people firmly BELIEVE they are above average.

2) About "America Bashing"…saying that America isn't perfect isn't "bashing" anything. It's looking at things WITHOUT the child-like (and childish) tendency to assume that if you love something/someone, they never do anything Wrong. Adults realize they can be honest about things and people they love, know that there are both good and bad sides, and that doesn't diminish the love in any way. I love America, faults and all, and that means I want to see it own up to those faults and try to correct them. Be nice to see more ADULTS love our country, no?

Amen, Mike! We're fat, lazy, complacent slaves to convenience. No wonder most of the world is disgusted by us. Hell, I'M disgusted by us. We used to be an admirable nation. What happened? Too much soft, easy living, I think. WE'RE BETTER THAN THIS, FOLKS! People need to get up off their fat asses and DEMAND a better government! Remember, they work for US!

The only Americans who are getting fatter and dumber is our congress and corporate CEOs. I think they should all be tested in math and science ability,and if the dont measure up cut their pay and benefits or better yet outsource their jobs to China.

I HAVE noticed in the past few years that in general people are slipping in their spelling skill level. As far as the "fat " part of Gravel's comment- think about your mom and grandmother; there are LOTS more fat people now than say, twenty years ago. And I m talking fairly young (aged late 20s to 40s) . When you were growing up , think how many women and men were overweight… not many. Just go any mall in America and you will see moms with strollers. For every ten moms you see, count how many are obviously overweight. I rest my case.

ofcourse not ready for a president who will bother me with what he says without control!

Gravel is right, and it has nothing to do with political party affiliation. Those who need to put a party spin on the comments are only proving his point. It's easier to simply back a horse than do the research to come to your own conclusions. Assuming it's the fault of Democrats or Republicans is falling into the trap of being a dumber American. Corruption and corporate control infect both parties, our educational system and our consumer choices. How can we be surprised when our convenient, entitled lifestyle then produces poor government and malnourished, undereducated citizens?

We need to stop falling into the trap of picking political sides and instead hold all of our elected officials responsible, even the ones we may have supported. I voted for Bush in 2000. I'd vote for his impeachment today.

It is enormously refreshing that someone be honest with his opinions to the American people!

There is no denying he is telling the truth, but for the reasons he gave are very questionable.

I don't understand hating on one party or the other because of a few people from that party made a mistake or could have done something different. Both parties have their flaws. It's called the circle of life. Demecrats rule office for a while and Replublicans end up coming in to fix all of their problems. Once the Replublicans start messing things up, the Democrats come back into play to equal things out.

There is no happy medium. There is no single party that is better than the other. Republicans and Democrats woulnd never exsist without the other; and if it did, I sure wouldn't want to be around to witness it.

Point of this being. It's not just Bush. His intentions were great, but may have been missplaced after a while. Could you really imagine Clinton dealing with this? Didn't think so.

This guy seem like an Independent and he is using facts to devide votes. I don't believe him no matter how honest he seem. He is bringing other issue that don't count at this time. Ofcourse we know people are free to eat what they want. fattness is a sensitive issue in America however we need to have a priorities right now!

Wow, reading the comments I agree with him even more! Some people are obviously fat and displeased with his words (instead of doing something about their eating problem) and then others are blaming someone else for their stupidity. Sad. Whether we like it or not, Clinton is going to beat Giuliani for the Presidency.