Get used to the SWIFT BOATING Obama. There will be lot more in the General Election from the Republicans this election cycle.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/

His comments is like calling the kettle black. His campaign people are making calls and asking for contributions and when they are told they are supporting a different candidate, they respond by telling the person that by contributing to Obama that they would also be supporting their candidate of choice. I know that this is true since it happended to me.

Joe Ossai from Bedford, NH, an Obama backer says, "Too many people on this board are idiots. They can't read. Please people read the whole speech before you post."

And then, "God, what happen to logic or common sense."

I guess he is calling Hillary's supporters (and those of Edwards) idiots.

Mr. Ossai, your sentence, "God, what happen to logic or common sense." has lots of errors. First, you need to replace "happen" with "happened." Then you need to put a question mark at the end, not a period.

Why don't you take some grammar lessons before posting messages?

Obama says his mother was a Christian?? That's a big lie. She was an atheist. This man will say anything to get elected, just like the Bushies.

Obama is a liar.

Richardson 08

Too many people on this board are idiots. They can't read. Please people read the whole speech before you post.

God, what happen to logic or common sense.

For Edward supporters, unfortunately America don't like to vote for losers. He already lost with John Kerry.

For Hilary supporters, sorry that ship has sailed. The lady is a loser. Republicans and Independent voters hate this woman with passion. Without some support from these two groups you can't win a general election.

Folks, Obama has retreated from his comments on Chinese toys. What a flip-flopper. See this:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071223/pl_nm/usa_politics_obama_toys_dc

Why is Obama going negative? Didn't he talk about politics of hope? He whines like a kind, needs to grow up.

I feel sorry for the spouses of these hyper sensitive people on this board who call Obama's comments "an attack". Gimme a break.

Obama has been very civil throughout this campaign. Edwards has (mostly) been to.

Y'know what I consider "an attack"?
The under handed sneaky dirty campaign tactics from Hillary's camp.
Like Implying that Obama was a drug dealer, or repeating the word "cocaine" over and over to get it into people's minds, and forwarding dishonest emails full of lies that Obama's some secret muslim who'll take down america, or purposefully misleading and misrepresenting the opposing candidate's healthcare plan.

Hillary has run a dirty campaign. Obama has made some pointed remarks, but they've been related to politics and issues, and he's said nothing that has come even close to the Clinton sleaze machine.

What happened to hope and unity? What happened to his positive campaign promise?

What a doofus and a liar.

He is a cooperate lawyer, that is all that I can remember…

Yes edward,Yes, give out money to buy votes. Santa Claus is coming to town.

Truth must be told. No doing things behind closed doors!!

I find it interesting that Obama would mention that Edwards didn't do enough to curb lobbying practices and PAC's while in office. Hasn't Edwards ALWAYS distanced himself from these PAC's; didn't Obama TAKE money from them "until about 2 months ago"? Another interesting point to note is that I personally know a member of the Obama camp in Iowa who disclosed that various "hand outs" are still being accepted, but one of the volunteers will accept them outside of the headquarter doors so as to keep up the illusion.

Barack Obama has stormed the Democratic race for the nomination — can he and his supporters be stopped?

And I say, NO, no way he can be stopped. Alittle too late!

While Senator Obama appears to be gaining on Senator Clinton in both Iowa and New Hampshire, the following poll taken a week ago, shows Clinton still running very strong. Unfortunately, as she is not my choice, I believe she will be the nominee unless something changes very soon!!

Why Senator Biden is at 3% blows me away!! I wish people would pay attention to the candidates more closely and not their “celebrity,” which is what got this country in trouble with George W. Bush!! Again, Al Gore, your country needs you, please??!!

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Dec. 6-9, 2007. N=429 likely Democratic primary voters nationwide. MoE ± 4.5. Fieldwork by TNS.

"If the 2008 Democratic presidential primary or caucus in your state were being held today, and the candidates were [see below], for whom would you vote?" Names rotated. Includes leaners. For 7/07 and earlier, includes second choices of Gore supporters.

Hillary Clinton, 53%; Barack Obama, 23%; John Edwards, 10%; Bill Richardson, 3%; Joe Biden, 3%; Dennis Kucinich, 2%; Chris Dodd, 0%; None of the above, 1%; Undecided, 3%.

I read much "wishful thinking" here; I wish I could believe it; I don't!! Senator Clinton will be the democratic nominee; everyone should either pray something drastically changes or begin accepting it!!

WAKE UP VOTERS!!

So NOW Obama realizes Edwards is a threat? Love it.

Yeah CitizenJ, Hillary is looking more like the Iowa #3 than ever before.

I'd guess the Register endorsement will only irritated the anti-Hillary crowd even more– unlike 4 years ago, when the Edwards endorsement gave hesitant voters some home-grown intellectual cover to vote for the New Young Guy, this time around the endorsement of Hillary is a totally different animal.

The media would like to say that the Register endorsing Hillary has turned the tide for her, but her issue isn't the media narrative, her issue is that a majority of Democratic voters do not like her. Period.

Obama and Edwards can battle for 1st and 2nd

Go Obama Go!

Both Edwards and Obama are right. Edwards did **** all in the senate against special interests. Barack's idea of attacking special interests is more realistic but too conciliatory.

The Clinton campaign is done stick a fork in it. The race in Iowa is coming down to Edwards or Obama. The Register endorsment means nothing never picks the winner ask John Edwards four years ago. If people look at everyones records John Edwards is the only one who has spent a career sticking up for the little guy.

How about the race for first is in full swing? The key to IA is in rural areas and i am glad Obama is not ceding it to Edward. We all know Clinton can't compete in this area, thus, she is no factor.

Clinton is going to be the biggest looser in IA; perhaps, she is going to come 4th.

Obama — 1st
Edward– 2nd
Biden — 3rd

It is a mistake for Edward to take Obama for obvious reasons. Edward is claiming that he is strong and can fight interest groups but he has no record to prove it. On graduation from law school, he went to work as a trial lawyer specializing in malpractice health insurance and became a multi millionaire. That is not a trajectory of a person who devoted himself to public service. When a trial lawyer wins malpractice case in court, the insurance company will raise their premium on doctors and doctors will pass sum premium to the consumer. John Edward case is a person who made money as a trial lawyer and wanted to use his wealth to pursue power in the public service. Edward’s lifestyle has not shown convincingly of a person who dedicated his life fighting for the underclass but he only wanted to use his rhetoric for fighting for them as a cover for seeking presidential power. Compare Edward’s career trajectory with that of Obama and the difference starts to stab us in the face.

May the candidate that you finally decide on give you all the things you voted for. We voted for the war now let us decide to vote again if we vote in error. We the average citizen, may never get a chance to make decisions like our leaders. Hopwever, we can vote them out if we don't approve of their votes. How long will the corporations rule us through lobby groups? Think about the three D's used by State Farm and AllState insursance companies. It was covered by CNN two days ago.

Finally, I hope we all go out and get our neighbors to vote. Vote your own interest not party. We just might see some new changes.

Oy, enough already! This guy is SUCH a whiner. He didn't say anything when independent groups were attacking Hillary, but now that its affects him, he's crying foul. The double standards from this guy are nauseating. He just does it to raise money. He is sooooo annoying!

I think we should always attack when neccessary, or?

Now Obama is getting some much more intense major criticism from the left about his position on health care — and mandates.

I wish Edwards react to Obama's attack stronger. He should attack Obama back earlier becaue Obama has taking advantege of Edwards for so long, very smmoth ride.

To all college students and young people, I urge you all check this site to get the truth.

Vetting Obama, the Ongoing Saga
http://www.taylormarsh.com

Mr. Obama, people can take contributions without becoming a slave to those that give them. I think you have only made this a campaign issue because the special interests don't support you.

So now Obama is going to whine about independent groups advertising. I bet if they had decided he ws their favorite candidate he wouldn't be complaining.

I was originally leaning toward voting for this guy. When he made naive statements I then was hoping he would be VP, where he could gain some valuable experience. Now I just hope he fades away.

It's interesting… Obama has spent his entire campaign attacking the other frontrunners, especially Hillary because she was ahead for most of the time in Iowa and New Hampshire. But there is nothing wrong with that, according to Obama.

Then Hillary comes along and attacks Obama a few times when she is slipping a little in the polls. But now, Obama calls foul. Why is it okay when he does it, but not when she does?

All I can say is, I hope the primaries come along, Hillary becomes the nominee, and doesn't even approach Obama to be the VP candidate. I've had enough of him. Edwards would be a better choice for VP, but I'm leading towards Biden.

Go Hillary!

I agree that Obama's free ride appears to be over….the press finally grew a spine and begin to dig into his views just like they have been doing with everyone else. Talking about attacks…he's been attacking all in site and the press is just now shinning a light on it. I'm hoping now, I will finally get to understand his records and the diff between him and hillary and edward. No one should have a free ride in an election, black, while, mocha or not…..I now want to really really understand what experience he can put on the table to convince me he's the man for the next four years to handle foreign policy..possible terrorist attacks…the economy…healthcare and education.

I see your point Pam from OR. But they have to go at each other a little bit. At least it's nothing dirty and it's mostly on showing their differences to the voters.

Obama can do and say anything to become President. Dude is frustrated.

The key word is "Proven" ability.

I trust I am confident Hillary will be our next President. Obama talks about changing the usual way of doing things in Washington BUT he has never identified one thing he is going to change and he has never mentioned what he wants to change it into.

Obama is just a Cry Baby. He knows pretty well he does not have the experience required to lead a world power like the USA. Now he is gone into Scare Mongering. C'mon dude, talk issues. Is the sky falling over you yet? Run and hide under Oprah's skirt..!

Hilaary .. 08

Personally, I don't see an Obama Edwards ticket at all. What good would it do for Obama when John Edwards failed to deliver his home state of North Carolina in 2004? I would rather see a Clinton/Richardson ticket in 2008!

Well looks like OpraBama is using Hillary's "Clinton Political Handbook" again. Hillary has nearly conceded to Edwards strong popularity and momenum–now it looks like Obama is feeling the heat. It's going to be a nasty Christmas!! By the way–where is his rich mentor Oprah–looks like she has backed off big time from the limelight. I wonder if it truly helped him gain any women voters?

I think America could be proud once again to have either of these candidates.

As O’Bama says, it’s realistic to accept that health care change needs the involvement of Insurance, Pharmaceuticals, etc.. Maybe John Edwards calls that a fight. When King John signed the Magna Carta was that working together, or was that a fight?

Elijah from LA, I hear ya about this ticker and the media grabbing snippets from the candidates and turning it into something larger than it should be. But I have heard BOTH edwards and Obama make big issues out of PACs, lobbyist contributions to candidates, and these 527s at 2 debates.

Sadly it is not just a ticker taken from a discussion, it is a ticker that Obama has been saying for the longest time.

Some one hand Obama a tissue, he sometimes sounds as if he is crying that the bullies are beating him up after school with his comments on Edwards and Clinton.

Just say something substantial and maybe we will forget all about the 527s that tell us Hillary is the smart choice and Edwards is an OK second choice.

SAY SOMETHING worth a headline, Barak.

MILFORD, N.H. (AP) – Hillary Rodham Clinton is dismissing rival Barack Obama's claim that he has more support from her husband's administration and says that – even if it were true – the statement is "silly" because voters pick the president a based on experience and not a brain trust.the campaign isn't between lists of advisers but about which candidate has the experience and qualifications to be president on day one.

In Iowa on Friday, Obama caught in another LIE, suggested he had more Clinton administration figures than Clinton. Lists provided from both campaigns quickly showed hers is twice as large and growing.

Obama's Changing Views
By The Associated Press –
A comparison of some of Barack Obama's views over the years, based on candidate questionnaires in 1996 and 2004, interviews, presidential debates and other comments:
GUN CONTROL:
_1996 (from a questionnaire for his state Senate run): Supported banning the sale and possession of handguns in Illinois.
_2004 (questionnaire for his U.S. Senate run): A ban is "not politically practicable."
DEATH PENALTY:
_1996: Did not support capital punishment.
_2007: Supports capital punishment for particularly heinous crimes.
PATRIOT ACT:
_2003: Would replace the "shoddy and dangerous" USA Patriot Act.
_2006: Votes for updated Patriot Act he says contains only modest improvements.
HEALTH CARE:
_1996: In principle, supports single-payer health plan at federal level.
_2007: Says single-payer is not practical.
GAY MARRIAGE:
_January 2004: Opposes repealing Defense of Marriage Act.
_February 2004: Supports repealing Defense of Marriage Act.
CUBA:
_2004: Normalizing relations would help the Cuban people.
_2007: "I would not normalize relations."
ABORTION:
_1996: Opposes parental-notification laws.
_2004: Opposes if they lack a bypass provision.

i always ask myself is Hillary really unelectable?
i am very suspicious when republicans tell me who they can beat in the general election. let me ask, if some one was not a threat to you would you bother spending money and time to bring them down, i think the answer is no. we have Rudy basing his campaign on the fact that he can beat Hillary, we have mccain spending money in new hampshire just to tell people that he is best equipped to beat Hillary, we have the republican candidates attacking Hillary in every debate they have and we have Karl rove giving obama advice on how to beat Hillary. can they really beat her or they are trying to get rid of her in the primaries? i personally think if they could beat her as they claim, they would let her win the primaries and then deal with her in the general election. i can't believe that Karl rove wants obama to win, that's ridiculous. the Republicans will do all they can to make sure they do not face Hillary in the general elections. democrats we need to wake up and open our eyes. we have the republicans and democrats attacking Hillary because they know if she wins, she will be unstoppable. stupids democrats are falling in the republican trap once again. she was leading in the polls and they attacked her left and right by making us believe she is unelectable. i strongly believe that she so far the best candidates the democrats have and they will be loose the elections if they elect someone else. i would like to see obama be our next prsident but the truth is, he can not win against any republican. do not believe the polls, polls lied that john kerry was going to win and they also lied that Howard dean was going to win the primaries. if polls were right bush would not be the president today. let's give the republican there medicine.

go Hillary

Quit crying and move on.

Go JOHN EDWARDS!!!! Recently free ride for Obama from political press and it feels besieged it has to bat away incessant questions with Obama's significant shifts/ flip flopping on issues such as Patriot Act, Defense of Marriage Act, Fast Track trade authority and benefits for same-sex couples. Given how little experience, campaign doesnt want any focus on his record, clearly raise questions about his electability and serves reminder about how little the public knows about his positions. Illinois chapter of the National Organization for Women, Obama said he would vote to repeal the Patriot Act. In 06 Obama voted for the redrafted version of the Patriot Act that made only minor changes. On Defense of Marriage Act Obama answered No, to the question: "Do you support repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. On Fast Track authority, which requires Congress to vote yes or no and without amendments on pending trade deals, Obama opposes Fast Track authority. Benefits for same-sex couples, Obama said he would need to evaluate the fiscal impact before extending Social Security benefits to same-sex couples. Obama is involved in a suspicious real estate deal with an indicted political fundraiser, Antoin Tony Rezko. Obama also linked to an alleged influence peddling scandal and was nabbed conducting campaign business in his Senate office, a violation of federal law. In addition three political aides on Sen. Barack Obama’s payroll are registered lobbyists for dozens of corporations, including Wal-Mart, British Petroleum and Lockheed Martin, while they received payments from his campaign, according to public documents. The Oprah Winfrey endorsement might have generated a lot of press for Barack Obama, but not a lot of impress, particularly among younger women, a poll released wednesday shows a third said they were less likely to support the Illinois senator because of the Oprah support. Older women, over 65, also showed they were ruffled by Ms. Winfrey stepping "out of her pew," as the daytime diva herself described it. About 17 percent of older women said the endorsement made them less likely to support Mr. Obama. "Oprah's endorsement represents a disconnect to me between what the community needs and her motives, which are likely strategic and brand oriented," he says. "More than a black president, what black America needs are an economic environment that is conducive to optimal job creation and a radical reform of the public school system, and in both instances Obama is not the guy."

Obamas running a negative campagine, he's strugglng now that oprahshow didnt help him? Guess the voters will have to start looking NOW at this senate record on issues and how he avoided to vote yes or no on many issues and his stands on important issues,he appears republican…Like we all knew…He isnt ready!

Do all of you (commentators) really love to read your own words? Your cleverness is neverending, is that what you would like to hear? And "jmaya," do we really have to resort to that horrible association? I know in your mind the "less-than-human being Saddam Hussein" is rotting in hell, and we can squabble about that, but making a link to Mr. Obama is philosophically pedomorphic of you and you should be ashamed.

I'm also finding that while reading through these comments, the majority actually have nothing to do with Mr. Obama's actual comments. They are moreso attacks on the man's character. Does what Mr. Obama have to say in this ticker snippet actually ring true? I think he is appealing to something true, so how do we comment about that? Is it really a low blow? I personally think that Mr. Obama has "bigger fish to fry" as they say, and I think he knows that. This Ticker bit is probably taken from a sentence or two of a very informal discussion. It's not as if Mr. Obama is campaigning on this anti-Edwards/527 platform.

posted by Tom from San Leandro, CA: "Obama's supporters better pull out their checkbooks again because now there is an ad running in Iowa that praises Edwards."

LOL that always reminds me of the song by Janis Joplin – here's a little take off that's been circulating the blogs:

"Dear Oprah, won't you give me a Mercedes Benz? My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends. Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends, So Oprah, won't you give me a Mercedes Benz?"

"O'bama, won't you bring me a color TV?
Dialin' for Dollars to stop Hell-ary.
I wait for delivery each day until three, So O'bama, won't you bring me a color TV?"

***EVERY VOTE COUNTS***

This is an absurd and desperate attack… poor Obama can't cut it in a debate with Edwards. (Edwards is even better at attacking Hillary, remember Obama taking the gloves off, and the Edwards destroyed her, and Obama looked like that kid who followed the tough kids around saying "yeah, that's right". )

So what we get is this pathetic attempt at "ripping" Edwards on 527s. Like this somehow makes Edwards a hypocrite.

it's a non-issue first of all. The candidates have nothing to do with them, and cannot by law. 527s do this by issue and on their own. The candidate owes nothing to them. It's no where near similar to taking corporate lobbyist money directly.

Obama does walk the walk though… he walks the walk to the (poltical) right (of Edwards), right against labor.

Hillary might even be more liberal than Obama.

I've been told that AFSME has mailed flyers attacking Obama's healthcare plan using quotes from Edwards. AFSME has endorsed Hillary so they are trying to take down both her rivals with the same mud. Expect more of the same from Hillary.

I think an Obama-Edwards ticket would be virtually unstoppable in the general election come November. Hillary needs to stay as far away from the nomination as possible. New polls suggest she wouldnt beat Huckabee or Giuliani.

other way around….edwards/obama 08. obama needs more foreign policy experience…should we really be putting someone in office who has already damaged ties with both china and pakistan….

Edwards fired back at Barack Obama over lobbyist contributions. "I'm proud of the fact that I've never taken any money, unlike Senator Obama, never taken any money from a Washington lobbyist or a PAC [political action committee]."

The Hill: Lobbyists On Obama's '08 Payroll
Three political aides on Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) payroll were registered lobbyists for dozens of corporations, including Wal-Mart, British Petroleum and Lockheed Martin, while they received payments from his campaign, according to public documents.

BUT still Senator Obama's supporters insist he has no faults?! Come on peeps as much as it may pain you to admit: NO POLITICIAN IS PERFECT INCLUDING SENATOR OBAMA… sigh.

BTW Someone should advise Hillary it isn't necessary to keep buying her suits at WalMart b/c it appears Obama already has them in his pocket.

AND if Senator Obama was going to go with an oil lobbyist why didn't he at least stick w/an American one like EXXON (oh too much baggage I guess?!)?? ho ho ho (or to be "politically correct" = ha ha ha)

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Politics = NOT (well, at least Senator Obama talks a good game… Edwards couldn't even beat Cheney in the VP debates in 2004 I was sooo disappointed. But then again talk is cheap = GOP JAWS THE SEQUEL smells blood)

I agree, actually…I think Edwards would make a good VP for Barack. I don't think Edwards is electable as a Presidential Candidate at this time in his life. But I do think he and Barack would be able to work well together.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. Of course, I am pulling for Obama. I have been very impressed with him from the start.

I agree with Pam. Obama/Edwards '08! Either that or Obama/Biden '08! Either way– Go Obama! Change the world!

Keenly, with the sweetened skills of a silver surfer riding the Big Kahuna, fantastic Barack acquires great powers in his fight over the Fearsome Twosome!

In this episode, he tangles with the Barking Puppy, who being dispatched by the Source of Secrecy herself, trying to fend of the snipes at his fleet footed ankles, dancing around the vicious pup, like a pug in the ring about to unleash with a vengeance!

Will the Source's most loyal ally, The Consort be the next to attack at our hero's exposed underbelly? Find out in the next episode of Obie The Dream!

What Dreams! What Future! What Promise! What Hope we have in our anointed redeemer Obama! Save us Obama, from the dynasty of evil that attempts to stave off even the most righteous challengers with deceit, death and slander at the hands of surrogate warriors under the spell of the Source of Secrecy herself!

kthxbai

Obama's supporters better pull out their checkbooks again because now there is an ad running in Iowa that praises Edwards. Obama doesn't think its fair because a third party group is responsible. Wait a minute, didn't he brazenly use a third party in the form of Oprah Winfrey recently? Who paid for the stadiums, travel arrangements, hip-hop dance warm-up act, etc.? Was it Oprah? I really don't know, but I do know she was really advocating his election. How is she, with her millions, any different, morally, from any other third party? This guy, Obama, is so quick to cry "foul" and yet so quick to intentionally misrepresent his competitors' positions, sling mud, and downright lie. Such a crybaby, now whining about an ad that Edwards supporters are running. I'll tell you, he'd better grow some thicker skin in a hurry, because he's only seen the tip of the iceberg as far as personal attacks are concerned. Just think how he'd crumble if he ever got "swift-boated" the way Kerry did in the last election.

Well so much for positive campaigning The frontrunners in Iowa would do well to remember what happened in the 2004 Caucuses. That's why the rest of us got stuck with Kerry!! Hopefully this time the other 49 states will make their own decisions as to the best candidate to represent the Democratic party.

So much for Senator Obama being the hope for change and the great Uniter.

1st Hillary and now Edwards – Guess Senator Obama is no longer feeling the love. Oprah needs to reread the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have A Dream" speech calling for all God's children to be equal and to come together in peace and harmony….

SENATOR, ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & WAR….
AND POLITICS. IF YOU WANT TO WIN YOU
HAVE TO USE THE SYSTEM THE WAY YOUR
OPPONENTS DO. WE'LL FORGIVE YOU FOR
IT. YOUR DECISION.

I think attorney general.

Interesting thought, Pam. Obama/Edwards.
They'd take it home, I think. A great, electable pair.

"Come on Barack…go easy on him. He would be the perfect VP for you!
Obama/Edwards 08
Posted By pam Eugene OR : December 22, 2007 10:56 pm "

Lol. Biden is probably just as good if not better, but agreed.

Obama crying boy; what about buying supporters with PACK money boy!

just say NO TO BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!

I don't trust Obama !!!

Sorry PAM of OR. I think you can forget about an Obama/Edwards ticket just like you can forget about an Obama/Hillary ticket. John Edwards has already been a VP candidate on the Kerry ticket. This is probably the last presidential run for Edwards. Even I think Edwards is good candidate, I think Obama is great candidate. Plus I have always asked myself, why is Edwards running? He has ran before unsuccessfully. His wife has reconcurrences of cancer with young kids in that situation. I would think the most important thing for him would be to spend time with his wife and kids as a family.

obama is attacking everyone like a pitbull..aren't they banned.

Come on Barack…go easy on him. He would be the perfect VP for you!
Obama/Edwards 08