If obama wins, I'll vote republican.

I was watching CNN results tonight on the election and was happy to see Mr. Obama win, but lets not fool ourselves because the expectation was for him to win there. I'm an African American but I am a realist also South Carolina is just one state the remaining states will tell the true story. I've been listening to you guys and ladies talk for months about Mr. Obama being possibly becoming the first black president. Read your history, that honor belong to John Hanson. This was before George Washington. He serve for only one year. Secondly, the last thing we need in America is another President that has know experience. Bush should have taught us a lesson. There are thing out there in the world that I don't think Mr. Obama is prepare for. He is still a rockie as far as politics goes. Experience is what this country need. I will not vote for someone because it makes me feel good but because it's the correct thing to do. Mr Obama good luck but I would have to vote for Mrs Clinton because she has whether the storm and you have not even got your feet wet jet.

if he is not willin' to resite the pledge of 'alleigence'? then he doesn't deserve to be even a citizen of the USA ! am i right !! we are a proud country and its lil' things like that , thats makin this country 'slide down the hill' if you will !

why this strong comment on target or running again after 2008?these people are humans and are totaly free to share their hopes and fear but i thought they were open which is one of the characteristics of good leadership.

FREEDOM OF RELIGION CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION. THIS AMENDMENT FORBIDS CONGRESS TO SET UP OR IN ANY WAY PROVIDE FOR AN ESTABLISHED CHURCH.

LET ME START BY SAYING I'M NOT AS ONE WOULD CONSIDER VERY RELIGIOS. HOWEVER I WAS RAISED NOT TO PASS JUDGMENT ON ANYONE. THE ONLY THINGS I HAVE TO FEEL PROUD OF IS MY COUNTRY AND THE CONSTITUTION. IT IS WRITTEN THAT RELIGION AND STATE ARE SUPPOSE TO BE SEPARATE. WELL WERE DO WE DRAW THE LINE. FOR EXAMPLE OBOMA TAKES CAMPAIGN MONEY AS A SENATE REP AND CAMPAIGNS IN CHURCHES NOW TO ME THAT SHOULD BE CROSSING THE LINE. BUT I'LL DO ONE BETTER. HUCKABEE AND TELLING HIS FOLLOWING THAT HE WANTS TO MAKE OUR CONSTITUTION MORE GOD LIKE. WHO'S GOD JEHOVAH /ALLAH /BUDDHA. WHO'S GOD!!!!!!! I FEEL LIKE THE U.S IS BECOMING MORE LIKE THE MIDDLE EAST !!! WE SEE WHAT MIXING THE TWO DID THERE IS THIS WHAT OUR COUNTRY WANTS. JAMES.

Any way nominate Obama & Mc Cain will get the job so you live to regret the 8yrs he will be in power.I love Obama but the office is too big for him besides he made amistake running against the machines(the clintons) you just dont do that.why couldnt he wait till he becomes49?he wanted arecordbreak then he has just missed it

Look at the Jealousy towards OBAMA!!! WELL GUESS WHAT??? GOD HAS THE LAST SAY SO, NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU THINK!!!! SO GET OVER IT AND STOP HAVING YOUR NERVOUS BREAKDOWNS BECAUSE THE JEALOUSY IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OBVIOUS. I'LL LIKE TO SEE YOU ARGUE WITH GOD AT THE END RESULTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I sit here thinking after hearing the comment ( IT IS NOT TIME FOR A WOMAN TO BE PRESIDENT) I am irate, to think how hard my great grandmother, grandmother, mother have fought to get to this point in history. Have this women forgotten history. Look all over the world, of great woman in office, Queens, Prime Ministers, etc… THIS is the time, NO BETTER time, THAN NOW to have a WOMAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE, that we all know is strong, experienced, who has brought change and will continue to BRING CHANGE!
I have sat here numberous hours lisening to the debates, I have made up my mind and have decided to stir away and vote for the Woman, who will bring Change, to my country AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!

A WOMAN WHO WANTS CHANGE!

obama is a man to run for this elections.he got what it takes to win the public.
the only question is,does he have what it takes to lead the nation?
some will say yes and others will say no.
but i think he is a person who will be willing to dialogue at anytime, with any group of people.
'its obvious,bill clinton will be re-ruling behind the scene if hilary wins the contest'
its not a dynasty,we don't need that.
OBAMA,its your turn,be the man you are.

Abraham Lincoln had only limited legislative experience, but many years practicing law. Yet he is recognized among scholars as one of the three best Presidents of the United States. His oration and argumentation was stellar yet accessible, and attracted wider and wider audiences. His able leadership in a time of great upheaval is undisputed. I am more and more convinced that Obama shows the same brilliance in articulating how problems can be solved, and his inclusiveness of all stakeholders (the exact opposite of the Bush approach) is thoroughly refreshing.

I heard this on NPR news. I think this was a ill-timed mistake. It brings into question exactly who will be making the decisions in the While House, and it sounds like a kind of blackmail.

They both appear very ambitious, so I can't believe that they wouldn't "try, try again" if he fails this time. When that happens, you can be sure the other candidates will point to these comments and question his honesty.

I like him, but I'd like him a little more seasoned.

President Bush was Govenor of Texas for just two years before he became president. He had lots of experience just by having the "Bush" family name and as Senator Clinton, had lived in the white house. We choosed Bush over Senator Kerry, disregarding kerry's experience in the Senate. Now, we have allowed the enemies of change to sell us the idea that Senator Obama is not ready to be president, he needs more experience! What a falacy! Was Bill Clinton more experienced when he became president, what about Kennedy?
What is killing this country is an unrepresented government. A government that is influenced by big money. Just ask yourself where Senator Clinton's millions are coming from, then you will know who she will be representing come "oath of office". If we need to fight that we have to start now and stand by the person whose hands are not in the soup. Money corrupts absolutely!! Please, for the younger generation, it is our life, don't let them take it away.
Gilbert, Houston,TX

Well better never, than put our country in the hands of a Jr. Freshman Senator with no experience. We are in crucial times. Our country will be facing many challenges and I can not with true conscience put our Country in the hands of Mr. Barrak.Obama. My vote will go for the person that will make a difference, that will bring the respect back from around the world. We can not vote for Mr. Obama, this will only mean another 8 year of Republican misadministration. Reopublicans are salivating at the thought that Mr. Obama may win, so that they can once again take over the country. God help us if Mr. Obama should win..not that he does not seem like a very nice gentleman..but do we really know who he is??? How long has he been working for our Country? What changes has he brought to us? Does he have experience to deal with the grave grave challenges that we will be facing with
the terrorists? No we can not risk our Country, our future our childrens future on a person that Maybe can do the jov…We need to vote for someone that CAN DO THE JOB-THAT HAS THE QUALIFICIATIONS THAT CAN BRING THE FAITH AND THE FEELING OF BEING PROUD AMERICANS-
Mrs. Hillary Clinton has the stregth, experience, passion and conviction to make the difference that we so desperately need.
Hillary'08, she will make us proud…. Mr. Obama next time around and if Michelle says now or never then better Never! than being sorry for not caring enough to
know, we need experience to run our Country…God Bless America!

Actually, I think Stephen's comments were right on. And, he was good enough to own up to his error. I share his concern about Obama's Muslim background and find it interesting that he "converted" in the mid 80's. I believe it was done purposely to allow him to advance his political ambitions here in America. Time will tell, but again I agree, people need to be informed.

A final note to Jack Staples. Coments like yours are what tear America apart. It is good to have disucssion and disagreement, but you took it a bit far, don't you think?

Sarah,

Orange County, CA

Reality Check:

Senator Obama treats his wife with respect, as an equal marriage partner.

President Bill Clinton treated his wife to a steady diet of Bimbo eruptions. How does that qualify her as a strong leader. Her own husband treated her with the utmost disrespect through out their marriage, and what is worse, she accepted it, and continued to enable and cover for him.

If she did not respect herself, then how is she supposed to regain respect for America.

TO: JAKI, Tamarac, Florida

" He is a broken record with the "change" and "hope" factor."

He's no more so than Hill with her "experience" that she spouts ad nauseum!!! To my knowledge her only political "expereience" (prior to becoming a Senator) was being Bll's wife…I hesitate to call her FIRST lady with Bill's reputation still fresh in most people's minds.

I think people need to choose their president on the basis of right now, not hope that they run again in 8 years. All those people who say Obama should run later just are not thinking straight. No one can know what the situation will be in 8 years. If you like Obama now, vote for him now. If you like another candidate then vote for them. Obama was just explaining that you can't count on anyone being in the position to run for President in the future. Politics is such a volatile situation. You cannot predict who will be in position to run that long from now. I think Obama is ready and right for us now. I will be voting for him because I want to actually get things done and I think he is the only one with the talent to do it.

They make it sound like the election process is one of those Road Rally Races to them? And they're not having as much fun playing as they thought they would!!

And only someone who has not matured enough to feel comfortable about their own identity would worry about being "changed too much in 4-8 years." We can change our reasoning as we mature BUT Michelle makes it sound like she and Barry are planning to change for the WORST = Is that being hopeful and optimistic?? They are saying that they themselves are probably going to be corrupted by Washington?? They'd better pack their bags and go home to Hyde Park now if that's the case, before Sigorney Weaver takes over their bodies!! Heaven knows we don't need any more illegal aliens in this country…

TO: Ray, Chicago IL

Your comment was most eloquent and right on target. With individuals like you and many more across this land, we can exact change…much needed change!!!

PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE!!!! 2012, 2016??? Not good enough!!! THE TIME IS NOW FOR SENATOR OBAMA AND CHANGE!!! Why, you ask??? Due to the manner in which the present administration has mismanaged the country on every conceivable level, notwithstanding the lies, manipulations and cover-ups (with ALL of the candidates on the Republican side pretty much in lockstep with them) we cannot afford to lose another 4 years to the reprehensible shenanigans of the GOP! Further, at the rate the present administration is going, there very well may NOT be a country left to govern!!!

Well, Michelle, when your husband DOES NOT get the nomination, you and he must promise that he will never run again…Okay?

OH NO –> If he takes his bat & ball and goes home - how are we ever going to be able to finish the game?

Oh woe is me!! How does the old saying go = don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out…

He & Michelle must not have consulted with all those Clinton era advisors? And Oprah has been curiously silent lately — what does SHE have to say about Obie's running for Prez again??

Inquiring minds want to know

Wow, so much hate in this country. With so much hate, everyone is practically an enemy to you unless they agree with you.

I listened to Hillary's response to Bhutto's assassination, and I can see how she will hit the same roadblocks as Bush has. Hillary's can only see from the American's point of view. Obama have seen America from the outside, and he can see how America is perceived, its strengths and weaknesses, and has a better chance of breaking through the roadblocks.

Oh man! I still can't believe you people. If you're Hillary supporters I understand because you're desparate to get her into office. Yes, yes, yes I know you say it's going to happen anyway but it's like y'all look for any bad about the candidate, Edwards and Obama (expecially Obama) to say that person should be president. You people truely scare me in how you stay behind this woman no matter what. She could call Obama an 'N' and Edwards a cracker and some of you will still strongly support her. If Bill said the same as Michelle y'all would be saying "He's right, now is the time to vote Hillary Clinton as president not later, Hillary 08!". It's absolutely said how she has split the democratic party apart. If you can remember to this summer, Hillary attacked Obama because he wanted to get rid of terrorist in Pakistan. Now look, Bhutto is dead. If she and others didn't vote with Bush to go into Iraq maybe this wouldn't have ever happened. We would have been protecting our ALLY Mrs. Clinton. Not fighting a mistaken and occupational war in a nation with no WMD. Guess what, Pakistan actually has them. We can't vote Hillary president solely because she has bad judgment and claims of experience when she was in elected office 7 years compared to Obama's 11 years. She is not what we need right now.

Keep cruising on Obama. These Clintonians will never give you a break with negatives. We like you and will love you more being our president!!

Bulls or Bears?????

Go Obama!

We need a President with staying power. This does not represent the type of person I would like as President. I will vote for the one who has proven their abilities, and power to stay true to the ship. "Senator Clinton for President 2008″

C'mon, Give me Obama anytime!

I am for Obama because I think there is so much hype in the country about Hillary. If the goverment can hype the country for Hillary's sake, how about the killing of pakistani former prime minister, doesn't that come about during this election so that Hillary can be seen experienced and we change the topic.
I just think this country is going the wrong direction.
Hillary=Bush!

I just love the obama's. Go Obama!

It is amazing to me how this is a serious topic for discussion!!!

I am more than certain that there were much more important issues that he and his wife spoke of during this event in Iowa. CNN, please explain how this is the only thing that you found important? and then explain why this was so important? Sorry to be in awe here…but a husband and wife should discuss any issue that effects there household. Hence, a marriage is a partnership! In addition, if you are a man (straight, gay or other), and you partner doesn't submit to you and vice-versa, then there is no partnership. Even in business, a partnership is a partnership! Get it! If you have made all decision on your own without any input or feedback from anyone else, I could careless, your opinion. George Bush made several decisions on his own or better yet w/ his willy lynch'em buddy. His worst one was this horrible mess of an act, that has us divided straight down the middle. Barack has gotten more flack for his hopes of doing something good for this country then Bush has gotten for committing crimes against other countries!

Maybe, just maybe…Bush's wife should've put her foot on his neck and told him HELL NO to this war!!!

We need a President with staying power. This does not represent the type of person I would like as President. I will vote for the one who has proven their abilities, and power to stay true to the ship. "Senator Clinton for President 2008″

I think this article really hits on what sets Obama apart from the others, and why we can't wait till he's more 'seasoned'. This opportunity will only happen once. If we miss this, it will be a long time, if ever, till we have the chance to get an honest agent in the White House. There is alot of dirt to clean up right now, and we need someone with integrity to get it done so we can get back on our feet, and hold our head up as a nation.

"Given the sacrifice the Obama family gave in the past year"
What sacrifice ? Name some ? 130 big number "present" voting records ?
Give me a break.

As I always say, media pushed Obama to the frontline. Obama he himself never walks to the front. This is another example, "elxperince "matters. I felt so unbelievable when I watch him comment on Bhutto's death, even his cheerleader Chris Matthew reacted "That is so cold". Actually, that is just the real Obama. Take away his speech, his notes, he can't talk right, he can't make sense, like someone has speech problem. Wait, he is a speech guy, right ? All his ads are all same theme, speech, speech, speech.
By the way, did anyone get his latest comment on CNN ? I,I,I,…… Wolf did a good job and did not buy his trick.

The remarks were taken from a Magazine Article ~ so for all you 'HATERS' out there …. I'm so sorry Obama doesn't match up to a Hillary (who has awesome EXPERIENCE as a 'First Lady'), or Edwards (who considers himself a champion of the downtrodden while he gets $200 haircuts).

Obama is a breath of 'Fresh Air' that will WIN in Iowa and the Democratic Nomination because he's a Statesman that has a grasp of the World and an Idea on how the counrty can aspire to be that 'Shining City of a Hill'!

The policy of 'HATE' in our National Politics will wilt away when Obama sits in the White House. And melting away also will be all this narrow mindedness that stunts not only Individual Growth ~ but National Growth as well.

I think the Obamas are honest people and here too they are just telling it like it is. They all will be different people in 8 years. Their oldest daughter will be on her way to college if not already there by then, the U.S. will again be different, there will be different players, and Obama's 'fierce urgency of now' will no longer be because you can't have your time twice. You can only have your time when it's your time, and this is Obama's time. They both too will be in their 50's so maybe they'll be fat and unmotivated, who knows. Maybe if Rosa Parks had not decided it was 'her time' to sit in the front of the bus, blacks would still be sitting in the back of the bus, so I understand what they are saying here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xV-HMmNZO8

This is a man who would not put his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. What does that say to you America?

You see the thing about Clinton people that is so much like madam Clinton herself is that you are weak and naive. You have taken this as Obama being defeated…
And you sound so happy with it too!

You wait and see the real results. All these CNN polls have been cherry picking!

The real results will begin to throw some light on who is who….hang on, its just about four more days!

Many of you are missing the point. A lot of voters are saying that they really like Obama, but they have a sense that they can wait, and vote for him in a future election. He is running now. Their future votes are useless to him now. He is saying that his family is only going to go through this once, so if you want me, you better make your approval known this time. Tomorrow is promised to know man.

I love the Obama family. His wife is terrific, and I love the fact that Senator Obama is man enough to let it be known that his wife is an equal partner in life.

If that revelation from the Obamas has made you declare that you would never vote for him, then you were never going to anyway, and were just looking for some excuse. If Michelle Obama having a real say in how their marriage will be conducted scares you, then you are the weaklings and cowards. All misogynists are.

I guess he looked at the latest polls and decided to get his pitbull to come out and tell the people- that maybe if they don't get elected they probably won't run again. If the american people fall for this BS, then we really need to lose our country to the islamic muslim radicals. He knows that this assination of Bhutto has shown the american people that "experience" is a must to be able to handle arising problems such as this one. His speech was so flat and he hesitates alot when he spoke of her death. Sometimes his hestitation gets so studdering that I feel like going to the television and smacking him to speed it up. He is a broken record with the "change" and "hope" factor.

Maybe Michelle can explain why her husband was the ONLY ABSTAINING "PRESENT" VOTE against school bullying? And against children being protected from pornography while he was an IL state Senator??

"Mr. Obama was also the sole present vote on a bill that easily passed the Senate that would require teaching respect for others in schools. He also voted present on a measure to prohibit sex-related shops from opening near schools or places of worship. It passed the Senate.

In both of those cases, his campaign said, he was trying to avoid mandates on local authorities."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/taylor-marsh/obamas-present-vote-ig_b_77713.html

In light of the tragic school and mall shootings, and the rampart child pornography on the internet why does Barack Obama keep getting a free pass on his position on such vital interests to the welfare of America's children?! What does this forbode for the future of the United States Supreme Court — when he's NOT even willing to stand up and publically commit to taking action for our youth and the vulnerable??

Why do his supporters continue to GLOSS OVER what public records that still exist??!!

Here's what how he "defends his positions"

This statement is a mistake and will hurt him. There is just now way to read this article and come away with anything positive. Edwards may be the Dems only hope since Hillary just may not be electible.

Funny how you talk about the sacrifice the Obama family has made in the past year. The media has given them a pass on all the things other candidates have been and are being crucified for. And if they think a campaign is tough, what about actually doing work? Something that even his supporters admit he has not done in federal government. Obama would have to actually do difficult things for a change instead of reading his empty words from teleprompters and notes written on his sleeve.

It's sad to say but many of the people here have really lost it. C'mon! You get mad at him for threating to band toys from China if they don't change the ways they make and paint the toys (IN LEAD). Do you care about the safety of our children and yourselves, did you know lead poisioning causes mental retardation? Then y'all go on to attack him for listening to his wife, isn't that what a good husband is supposed to do? If he cares about the well being of his family wouldn't he the American people (Which I hope no John Edwards people are attacking because is wife was one of the problems in the general election because of her health). C'mon America, you got a guy who want to change the nation. Hillary just in the last few week has been using this change thing. Only really John and Obama (maybe Biden and the others) have been using change all along. And, and if you talk about who's puts on the pants in the Obama family, they both do because they are married with children and both are in this thing together to win it. Would you put your children through the Republican attack mechine and Clinton attack mechine another time if you had a wife/husband and kids? C'mon, you have no idea how bad it is with completely untrue rumors floating around everyday. How would you like it (if you're not Muslim) to be called Muslim. Don't forget FOX started that thing about Obama too, and now Clinton supporters are using it. Does that sound right America? We need to do research, listen, and think. This is truely the most important election possibly of our time.

Big picture folks…

Shys away from making decisions by voting "present" if he even shows up for the vote.

No real world experience at anything significant.

Open borders amnesty supporter which 75% of the voting public (remember us?) do not support.

Nice cute remarks but without substance.

Excellent track record of spending other peoples' (taxpayer, remember us?) money.

Not now, not ever.

To me, this comment futher illustrates Obama's inexperience and his inability to persevere when things get tough. I know a lot of people want "change," but do we really want to put this political infant in office; a person who can't invision going through the rigors of another campaign? How does he think he is going to do once he is neck deep in the crucible of the oval office? Personally, I'd rather have a candidate who doesn't give up and isn't afraid to tell you exactly what he thinks; John McCain. The guy was a POW, subjected to torture, yet he survived and thrived. He ran for president in 2000 and was subjected to the GW Bush capaign's dirty tricks and smear tactics, and yet here he is again, still trying. Personally, I'd prefer my leaders have a "never say die" attitude rather than crying about how if they don't win they're going to punish us all by never running again. Give me a break! Obama will make a great talk show host someday. Maybe Oprah can hook him up.

Another wishy washy candidate who would say whatever you want to hear.

For me someone who speaks what he believes and has voted for consistently is a real leader.

We need a truthful leader not another Gestapo master.

RonPaul2008.com

Am I the only man on this blog that has a spouse…?

Judging from a lot of the comments (mostly from men who are against Barack), there seems to be a huge issue w/ a spouse who has an opinion. I truly love and respect my spouse valuing everything she brings to the table. With that being the case, the decisions we make (most importantly regarding our family) we make as partners, not as her being the women and me being the man. Such a decision as running for President, is one that would definately require his wife's opinion.
Everything that he is subjected to she and there children have to bare as well. She has her on life her, on goals and going thru the things that they have experienced on the campaign trail would be enough to make any of you never wish to repeat.

Look at Gore, who would be the most logical candidate if he were available. For those of you who state that Hillary has so much great experience. He would not even step his foot anywhere near this race. Why not, it is the slime involved and he has dealt with the Clintons enough to know to steer clear, which is why he is not involved in the process in anyway shape or form. Gore has completely distanced himself from the Clintons. Is this because Gore is a bad person??? No, this is because he knows the beast that he was in bed with in the 90's and would not dare challenge it.

All of the perceptions regarding Barack have come specifically from one camp. First was the experience, then the naive remark from Hillary (when he suggested that we should be focused on al-queda and the taliban were they are and destroy there camps, not in Iraq). In addition, she fires a few campaign workers for sending emails that he is muslim and that he is trying to take over America for the "muslim world". There are so many other attacks and none of the attacks had anything to do with Barack Obama, as so many of you riding the Clinton wave like to repeat 'Barack Hussien Obama'.

Yeah and Clinton has so much experience, she is capable of coming right in and leading the country! Says who, those who know that Barack is capable, but want to limit him for all the claims listed above. I have a boss right now with tons of experience and has been with my corporation for years. If he makes all the wrong decision and can't manage properly, most of you would still want to give him a promotion because he has been there. But back to Clinton, she has made tons of decisions with little to no evidence of what she has done. Things that we do know that she has done, make no sense and were done for political reasons. We all know that she should have never voted for the war in Iraq, all the time knowing that Iraq had nothing (absolutely nothing) to do with the attack on our soil and was no were near a threat to the U.S. Even after this knowing how reckless 'Curious George' is, she still signs an agreement to label Iran terrorist, giving him further authority if he chose to munipulate us and act to attack. Hillary has truly display the wrong type of leadership and experience and I will not be a follower.

Obama, thinks outside of the group think tank and has chosen to put everything on the line and offer his services to this great country in hopes of restoring the values that we live by, after a low that this country should've never experienced. He has made it completely clear who he is hiding nothing. The Clintons hide any and everything and love the game of distortion, corruption and deceit for there own political gain. America is no longer viewed in the world as the most just. We are consumed by the elite (corporations and politicians), who think JUSTUS. We can no longer allow the continuation of such a divisive, destructive and elitest path.

It is amazing how we claim to have such strong values and carry the title of a true free country, when so many (sorry men) expect this man's wife to shut up and not have an opinion. And you all fear Barack is muslim! See this man as he is and not as someone who doesn't look like you or all of the prior Presidents of this country and you will see an extraordinary individual who's time could not be better to lead us to a brighter future for our wives/children and also the respect America deserves abroad.

You people who think this is a sympathy bid haven't been paying much attention to Obama in the past 10 months, he has said from day 1 he will not run again.

Try to educate yourselves about a candidate before jumping all over his case!

To Nancy, in Dallas (above), who observed……"(Obama) is completely submissive to her. His behavior and remarks bespeak a conciliatory role"…..I instantly noticed it, too…..and you're right to conjecture that his imbalanced marital relationship would transfer onto OUR country's relationship with the rest of the world if he were to be elected. We would go from now being led by CON-ARTISTS to the other extreme of being led by SUCKERS. We need a President who'll neither dominate nor submit to other countries…..

hey just because he listens to his wife, and reasons with her, he is now a sucker? gimme a break, he show he has a healthy respect for his wife and her views matter to him, would you rather a president who disregards his wife by having numerous affiars like u know who? it doesnt mean he will be weak, its shows good judgement and being open to the opinions of others , he shows good leadership skills, the same way he wont do anyhing alone or without his wife, it shows he will not do anything as president without the consent of the people, now thats who you want leading you, grow up!

In so many of these comments people are saying Obama is the only one with good judgement may I ask what that good judgement is? It's easy to say I was against the war from the beginning but he was not in the senate when that vote was taken, he was not given the information that the senate was given, so no one really knows how he would have voted under the same circumstances. My son is in Iraq right now and I want him home safley and as soon as possible. I want a president that has a voting record that I can see, not one that says I would have done this differently, anyone could say that, but with Obama we will never really know will we?

It’s interesting to read these comments and realize that they come from the general electorate in this country. So many people with reactionary responses and poorly researched facts. Only about 10% of the comments are well thought out or well researched. Well, I guess that is the way in a democracy – emotion and pride rule decisions and opinions.

It is also true that our nation’s leaders come from this same electorate. Clearly most (if not all) candidates have their entire campaign “scripted” because they are by nature prideful and emotional – not to mention too powerful to connect with common folk issues. Campaign managers orchestrate their every move to insure a connection is perceived. Everything they write is edited and sanitized. If they did not do this they would write like commenter Carl here that posted twice and still could not figure out the proper spelling of “due”.

At the very least Mr. & Mrs. Obama both seem to often defy “scripting” - and that is a big plus in my book.

We must all understand that Leadership is a perception. True leadership is defined more by how well you delegate and how good you are at picking the right people to which to delegate. We should be asking ourselves who among the candidates has the ability and resources to find the right people to surround them and advise them? We have seen over the last seven years what poor decisions in staffing can mean to a presidency and a country.

I urge all bloggers to “think” before they respond. Be constructive and insightful whenever possible. Consider what you want in a leader rather than what they want you to “perceive” from these scripted campaigns. Do not let yourself be told what leadership is. Figure it out for yourselves.

By definition, true leaders are themselves hard to lead. Campaign managers have a difficult time “controlling” the campaigns of true leaders.

And so it should be.

I don't see anything wrong with his comments. Why are people here fretting over the Obama family trying to woo the voters with the emotional agenda. Anything and everything that is going to get him more votes….the obama campaign should go for it. He already has made his intentions clear and spoken his heart out on all important issues. For the voters who are undecided, I will ask you to take a look at one of his books. This guy is young and energetic and full of hope. If he spends more time in politics it is very likely that with time he will become like the rest of them -if not scared, then at least wary of change. DEBATE WITH SMART PEOPLE AROUND YOU. Focus on the candidates strengths. Make a better decision that what americas have been doing for the last eight years.

Obama says eight years is a long time. Why eight? He knows Hillary is coming and getting elected in 2008 and will stay in the White House for eight years.

Obama is getting away with murder and nobody in the press is raising a finger. His State Senator record of hundreds of votes as "PRESENT not VOTING" has not been questioned. He touts his judgment but does not leave a record trail behind to debate his judgment on issues / bills?

Obama may have the press honeymoon for a while but he can not get the nomination without greater scrutiny. And scrutiny we need. Operations Research on Obama is not a "racist" action but part of legitimate politics and campaigning.

For example: "Kerry Apology for MUSLIM remark on Obama":

Kerry does not have to apologize for STATING FACTS:

He said "It's probably not something that appeals to him, but I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama and his father was a Muslim and this his paternal grandmother is a Muslim,” he said at the time."

Yes Obama's father is/was a Muslim and his mother an American White female.

So what! Hillary/Bill do not have to get defensive about their comments, language, remarks on any forum be it Charlie Rose Show or Kerry's event endorsing Hillary. There is no parsing or apology required.

Obama needs to be brought down from the pedestal if he has to compete fair and square in this election cycle of 2008.

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

Any man or woman who is decent and responsible knows that you do not run for office without the support of the family, especially the spouse. Those who do NOT value and care his or her family will not truely care about you, the ordinary Americal people, as well.

Mrs. Obama had been cynical about politics before Obama convinced him a few years ago. Given the sacrifice the Obama family gave in the past year, I can understand Mrs. Obama's words. The Obamas are honest and decent. We owe them a lot for getting the right voice, ordinary people's voice, heard.

Many of the comments in this blog just showed how shallow many peopel are. This is why they deserved Bush for 8 years, then probably Hillary for another 8 years, and then cry innocent for a savor. The Obamas will be fine without the presidency (they have never wanted it for their own sake). The question is, "Will you be fine with the Obamas?" My guess that time will tell that the answer is "NO."

What irony: Clinton supporters claim that Hillary gained experience by being the wife of a president, yet when the Obamas speak about their modern marriage where major decisions being mutual they are all over them declaring wives have no say in a president's decisions. Can't have it both ways folks.

We are living the poor judgments and actions of these "experienced" candidates. These peo-ple are running on their own past, failed policies and decisions. It is time us baby boomers retired to advisors roles and turned the reins over to the next generation who understand this new, dangerous world we live in.

Time for change: Obama or Edwards 08

This is irresponsible game-playing by the Obama's; they're trying to hold the democratic party hostage by saying "you better make me the nominee this time because you won't get the chance to do it again". They know that most Americans believe he's just not ready YET. So play your little game if you want, Obama. I see right through it, and I bet alot of other people do too. What you SHOULD do is eat some humble pie, take the VP spot for Hillary (who's going to be the nominee this time) and run in 2016. Wait your turn and stop acting like a petulant child.

To all those who say Obama's wife wears the pants in his family, who wears them in the Clinton family? Bill dropped his during his second term in office.

Just what this coutry does NOT need; another 'first lady' telling the President how to put his pants on every morning. Too much influence could be part of the problem with the way things are mis-handled now…

what does that mean?

By the way, I forgot to mention. Those Obama's supporters who are here 24/7 waiting for the posts or attack those who don't vote for Obama, now you guys did a great job, pack and go home, enjoy your rest holiday. Obama doesn't care about you, He doesn't. Time for you all have a normal life, no need to stay here 24/7 and argue for a shallow empty speech guy.

This go to show what kind of a candidate Obama is he is saying it is now or never. Is this a threat? When I see Obama campaigning it truly shows what a fake he really is. This guy was just inflated by the media in the hopes that he would be nominated instead of a more worthy candidate. Obama is all talk and no show. He has not beenscrutinize like the other candidates that is why we know little of what he is all about we have realied only in what a bias media has thrown at us.

And does Obama think anybody cares?

Reading these comments makes me ashamed to be an American…

Just like when 55,000,000 people voted for George Bush after having 4 years to see what he was all about…

Just like when 12 people voted to aquit OJ Simpson after having 8 months to see what he was all about…

I left a recent Obama rally thinking, "America would be so, so, so very lucky to have this man as president."

But, perhaps this country so filled with violent fools, racist haters, and detached ignorami that it does not deserve such a man.

You suck, America. The average American is less than average–and apparently, many average Americans have chimed in here.

We do need a change; Obama will provided it and the rest of the world will look at us approvingly and will be more willing to cooperate with this great country. The so called "lack of experience" is a strange jundgement about the Senator because experience can be quickly acquired when the mind and the soul of a leader are dedicated to our best interest. No President, no "common man" has
experience in everything, but with an open mind, experience in various fields will be obtained. The ones that claim experience did and are still doing a poor job and besides the glint in their eyes and the smile on their faces bothers me, the glamour of the Presidency is what is most important to them. Go Obama, this country needs you

ATTENTION VOTERS: IMPORTANT !!!
It is so great he let us know it NOW, better than AFTER caucusing.

Voters should do him and his family a big favor, let him go home. Be with his family. We have many outstanding candidates in this race, anyone is more experinced than him. We really don't need him in this race.

What is the deal with Obama and the American Flag? The fact the man delegating for President of our country don't salute the Flag of our nation and refuses to wear an American flag pennant on his lapel bothers me.
Is this the kind of person we really want running our country? The flag represents everything about our country. Many lives were given defending that flag, it represents, pride, honor and devotion to our way of life and the freedom we are fortunate to enjoy. Obama, No support or recognition of the flag of our country means I have no room for you in the White House.
How come noone has picked up the fact he does Not recognize the Flag?

To serena1313 (above)….Thanks for sharing your positive views of what Obama has to offer…I respect your views, especially when they're so well-worded and are grounded in good principles. I just want to share with you in return that although I, too, see Obama's many strengths, at closer look they don't seem to me any greater than the other Democratic nominee's. In fact, the other nominees all seem to have those same strengths as a more solid and more deeply-rooted aspect of their characters. The resulting impression I have of Obama is that he's suspiciously over-packaged….and the package seems disappointingly light when you pick it up.

CNN censored and alter my blog twice in two days they are apart of the Rothschild Family Corparate machine. Oh yea Rothschild and Rockerfellas own this election, your votes don't even count. If Obama was elected he would be killed six months after he's in office because he's not in the circle. The Clintons and Bushs are all in that circle. Skull and Bones, Check their family linage youll find they share royal bloodlines traced to England and share relatives in the States.

I am so incredibly impressed that such a capable, idealistic and realistic person like Barack can make such a viable run for the president. I understand entirely his reluctance to stay on such a fast political track if his wife is not totally behind him. This race must be such a trip to a young man who not very long ago was this laid back kid hanging out on the beach in Hawaii. I think part of Barak's appeal is that he does not have years and years politics in his psyche. It seems that the longer a person is in the political spotlight, the more it drains away his/her energy for making significant progress in what needs to be done in this country. Have we every had a two term president whose second term came near accomplishing what his first term accomplished? Without question Abraham Lincoln was one of our two greatest presidents. Look at the amount of national political experience he had when he became president. Give me a fresh politician of personal moral vision and of intellegence to an experienced politician any day of the week.

Why would they say that? How would they ever get through a general election?

If Obama gets to be president, he won't be our president, Michelle will. she obviously runs him. And that scares the heck out of me, because I haven't seen anything even remotely presidential out of her. She has a very definate "attitude" and look at her–she has mean eyes, and always a sarcastic or defiant look on her face.
As far as them not running again–she says they won't do it again. If she is sick of it now, what shape will she be in after 4 years as "first lady" and the responsibilities this entails??
Let's get a grip, people. NEITHER ONE of this pair are ready for the presidency. We need someone with experience, someone capable and brilliant, and ready to lead on day one. We need Hillary.

I understand the arguement of Barack Obama's experience but that is a very weak agruement in my eyes. Benjamin Franklin once said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. And that what we are doing to some degree we are choosing that same type of leaders with the same type of background and thinking that the country is going to change for the better. People look at the Clinton years and want to go back to that but first remember Hil is not Bill and secondly we all ask the question if the Clinton Years were so great "which they were better" how did we go from Clinton to Bush?

This man is a great speaker and a great motivator. This recent story and headline is bologna. Whatever, now it transparent of his politics. I've lost respect for this man. He'll be at it again when he loses.

I'm from Illinois and Barack is supposed to be our Senator yet I have seen nothing from him as a Senator. What's his voting record? Oh, that's right; he's not around to vote because he's spending his term as Senator running around the country campaigning to become president. The people of Illinois did not vote Barack into office so he could run around the country trying to drum up votes to become president. Based on his track record as Senator I cannot support him or vote for him as President.

And let's be real, the Obama's with their high salary jobs, million+ dollar home
and high profile lifestyle are already out of touch with the regular folks. They want to present themselves as being one of us when they are clearly not. Most politicians are not regular folks.

Barack needs to do the job he was given as US Senator for the people of Illinois. Show us some kind of track record, voting record, etc. before asking for my vote for President.

Maybe you could be Hilary’s running mate as Vice President.

Obama has no real experience to speak of,..certainly not when it comes to the responsibilities of being the president of the most powerful country in the world. It concerns me that his wife can so easily dictate to him his future in politics. I wonder how that would play out in his presidential decisions. Pretty scary.

Then by all means drop out and go home to your wife, Obama. Sounds like trickery to my ear anyway.

So now we know who "wears the pants" in the Obama family.

To Elvirea, Linda in Kansas City, and similar: what kind of husband and father wouldn't take his wife's opinions into consideration on something like this? I bet this kind of remark ("My wife won't let me….") has been made by every president since George and Martha Washington. He's not making threats or being a baby, he's making a mature statement about what makes him, now, the best candidate.

Y'all are missing the larger point here. What Obama is saying is that he will never be as close to the issues that concern ordinary Americans (paying off college debt, having to shop sales at Target to make ends meet, raising kids) as he is right now. He is now in the best position to truly understand what it means to be a middle class American. Wealth and fame have not yet fully insulated him from what the rest of us experience.

If you believe that Dubya is a "man of the people" because he can put on a cowboy hat and hang out at his own private Dude Ranch, then you won't understand what Obama is saying.

Maybe it's just that you've been lied to so long, you can't recognize an honest statement when you hear one.

I don't think he's running to soon, I think he's running just in time. He's just being realistic, he knows what needs to be done and it doesn't take much Senate or congress watching to figure out you don't necessarily accomplish much from those chairs. Although, politics is a tough game and I was hoping that he would come back next inning if he loses this round. I don't know why any of them bring there family's on the campaign trail anyway. I would not be having my husband do speeches for me. I am more likely not to vote for someone, if I think that what I am really voting for is someone else's views instead. My husband knows better and rarely has any views, but always does the grocery shopping.

I think Obama points out something important about the presidency: the lives of those who seek it are very very different from the lives of middle-class Americans. They live in a world that is very different from ours. They spend a lot of time talking and not so much time reading and thinking. The believe that the first obligation of power is to remain in power. The Clintons have spent their adult lives in office or running for office. So have most of the other candidates. It would be nice if citizen candidates emerged from the middle class, were somehow recommended for election, installed in office, and then return to their middle class lives.

The ancient Athenians would fill some offices by lottery, drawing names from a hat more or less. The names were all of free adult men - women, slaves, and the lower class were ineligible for office - qualified for the office. After holding office, at his own expense as a civic duty, the selected individual had to defend his conduct while in office. I would prefer selection of the president by lottery of qualified people to our current process, which selects among those who are willing to run for the job for five-ten-fifteen years.

I am suspicious of those who actually WANT to be president. It is a killer of a job. Look at photos of a president on his first and last days in office. Jimmy Carter aged 15 years during his four. A former president once remarked that his happiest days in office were his first and last days. I cannot imagine a mentally healthy, mature adult that would even consider running for the presidency. Those who select themselves as worthy candidates should be excluded from consideration for the position.

When Obama repeated his wife's comment that win or lose she was not willing to go through the election process again, I considered supporting him for the first time. Perhaps he is different from the others.

Ho Boy - We all better re-thick. The Obama will be gone for ever. Canot stop crying.

As refreshing and inspiring as Barack Obama is, I think the best and most viable ticket for '08 is Edwards/Obama. Obama is no doubt a superstar in the Democratic party, but as it has been said before, he will be slammed on his political history (or lack thereof) in the run-up to general election. Hillary is too polarizing, and I'm keeping fingers and toes crossed that the woman does not get the nomination. If we Democrats wish to take back the White House, it is essential that we select the candidate that is most electable.

I know that any of the Dem potentials running would far better represent my interests, values, and wishes for the future direction of the country than any of the Republican potentials, but when it becomes crunch time, we have to select someone who can win. I think Edwards is the most palatable Democratic candidate to all of the country (because honestly, we can't forgets that some of the citizens who will be voting are bigots who will vote for the specific reason of not seeing a woman [specifically Hillary Clinton] or a "black" man in the oval office), he is likeable and he is still young, he's from the South, and he's seasoned. It's time to save our country from drowning in this abyss of ignorance, arrogance and short-sightedness that we have sailed into in the last 7 years.

We need him to win - watch this to see why http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXuPetLHeQo

The audacity of this! Grasping for straws and using his own weakness to do it. If his wife won’t let him run, how can he be expected to run the country in such times as we are living? I’m sorry, but “my wife won’t let me” is a clichéd joke best saved for dated stand up comics not for someone running for President of the United States to use as campaign or political strategy.

This is yet another in a long line of foolish gaffs in Obama’s speeches that needs to be better addressed by the media. Stop giving this guy a pass every time he says these things.

So…do we need to listen to the wife or the husband? This question applies to both Hillary and Barack. Whomever the president is, he needs to stand on his own two feet.

Is it just me — or does that picture make it look like Michelle is ready to strangle her husband?!

Where does CNN come up with these goofy photos and sillier stories

YEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAWWWWWW

Nobody believed that Michelle wears the pants in the family! But not to worry cuz the country ran just fine for 8 years under Nancy Reagan didn't it? I'm sure Michelle is equally as capable too.

BTW studies have shown that Target attracks the more upscale yuppie crowd, while WalMart and KMart caters to the more average ordinary folks all across the country (heck WalMart probably isn't even in Chicago Hyde Park is it - as they tend to stick with less crowded urban areas and go with more rural. PLZ have Obambi's crazy Uncle Cheney give her pointers on the responsibilities of owning a gun

Anyway this is the golden opportunity to FINALLY elect the mantra of the 60's = Don't trust anyone over 30 and we need to get rid of the establishment NOW. Well Nixon (and Kissinger) at least got us out of the Vietnam War pronto as promised — but power went to Nixon's head and we ended up with Watergate. How many of the youngsters here know what Watergate was?? It was the name of the hotel where the Democrats had their national headquarters in 1972, the theory is that Nixon became paranoid during his reelection and had some "operatives break in" to see what the Dems had going against the GOP!! Some "busybody insomniac" called the cops and the rest as they say is history… That's how Jimmy Carter essentially got elected (while he has matured into a great man of vision and an elder statesman now, all in all his presidency wasn't every effective = hence we got Nancy Reagan for 8 years, no big deal) . NOW we have a chance to not only GET IT RIGHT this time, but to elect Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's DREAM into office too. What more could anyone ever hope for? It's now or never — all we are saying is give love a chance…..

Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I can't stand all these candidates fighting with each other all the time, it makes me sick. I just wish they would stop it and act like a potential president should. This fighting does not make me feel good about voting. Stop the fighting all of you. If you can't say something nice then don't say anything. I am so tired of fighting all the time.

Senator Obama is not an everyman.

The more he tries to sell this "I'm just a normal Joe" image, the more laughable he becomes. He is an empty suit, with no credible credentials to become President. He is not even qualified to be a U.S. Senator. And his recent foreign policy comments are not only bush league, they are also frightening.

It pleases me to no end that when this election cycle is over, according to Mrs. Obama, we will not have to hear from him anymore.

I like Obama but I don't feel he is ready for this job - yet. This thing just shows me how unready he is that his wife rules in his own home even on his career. Do I want someone to run this country who can't run his own home and his own career? I don't like Hillary but I respect her guts and determination so she is getting my vote because the collossal mess the next president will inherit will need someone who can negotiate and win over people and allies. They have dropped away from the cowboy bring em on. I can't see a Republican winning for dog catcher next year much less for president because they have remained supportive of Bush and will go down with him. It is pretty simple that I won't vote for any person who has actively supported this war policy and Bush's stubborn refusal to be realistic. Katrina showed us how prepared we are here for another emergency or attack at home. All of our monies and supplies, equipment and men are so busy rebuilding Iraq that those poor souls in New Orleans got the shaft. But of all of them Obama was and is the smartest just not well enough seasoned to do the job.

I'm still undecided, but his comments struck a cord with me. Being lower middle class I have never felt millionaire politicians who have been on the professional fast track since leaving college or law school could identify with my struggles.

My grandfather supported a family of 12 and purchased a home doing manual labor. With the help of millionaire business people and politians, in only two generations a family now requires two incomes to live a moderate lifestyle with only two children. And those incomes need to be fairly high. Much of America is being denied the dream although we desperately need the services they provide and with high rate of divorce and lack of family values in this country two income families are becoming increasingly rare.

I like that Barack has faced the same struggles I endure daily and I have to admit I'm leaning toward giving him my vote.

hey man america has been here long befor you and will be here long after you.
so pack your bags and go to indonesia

Believe me, the Obama's have already lost touch with reality and they have the campaign staff to prove it. I worked for the Kerry campaign but was not deemed good enough for the Obama campaign because I have a degree from a State University, not an Ivy league one and my trust fund just isn't big enough to compete with that of the people they want representing the campaign. Oops, actually, I don't have a trust fund or a Hollywood name. Oh yeah, and Hillary actually hired me, a woman over 40 with a recent degree and no trust fund or Ivy league education. Women, don't get sucked in by Oprah on this one, Obama does not have your best interests in mind, he probably doesn't even know what you need.

Don't run this time!!

The media has probably picked the worst picture of her to depict a villian. African Americans-and any other person of color have always been portrayed as less than 'normal'. Whatever that is.
Get to know people before you judge. Sit back in the fringe and let your soul decide what is good and what is bad. Rather than some freelance photographer and rogue editor that is obviously contributing to the fire that burns within your adolescent cultural education-or lack thereof.
Mrs. Obama has a lot to say about 'ordinary people'. You know? People that post comments on CNN's website after reading a story. People that go to work and earn a living. You and I. Here is what it is. "The Obama's will work for the working-class".
Bush said thatn too. He came from money. Knows nothing but money. So what would you expect? If you voted for Bush either time well shame on you.
Why doesn't America open up their minds and try something new?

Ignorance is repeatedly trying the exact same thing and expecting a different result. Perhaps 'we' should try something DIFFERENT.

This is to address my earlier blog, and specifically the responses from Linda from Chandler, AZ and SEC (she did not indicate where she was from). I believe in right is right, and wrong is wrong. And I was wrong about Obama being sworn in with the Koran, and for that I apologize. I do, however, stand by statement questioning why he refuses to use his given middle name of Hussein, and his involvement in the Muslim Community up until the mid 1980's.

And by the way Linda, being wrong does not make one ignorant, racist or otherwise. Sometimes we, as human beings are just wrong. In this case it was clearly me with regards to the Koran.

You asked if I "got it". I really do. You really don't believe either he or Hillary will be elected our next president anyway, do you? It is simply not going to happen for either one of them.

What a wimp. And he expects to be president? Now I understand why he didn't show up for 80% of the votes in the Senate. His wife needed him in the kitchen.

Oh… If mrs Obama says so.. Then it just has to be!!
I have never heard such a load of nonsense..

He will run again if he isn't the candidate now. But maybe someone who now feels a bit worried now about his experience thinks it's "Now or never" and gives him the vote on these grounds..

Please don't be so easy to sway as that!!
/M

It is all over for Obama. This "one shot" comment will sink him like a stone.

First, it shows that he is not committed to the call of politics, and he has to win first time, or not at all. No Abe Lincoln here.

Second, he is treating voters like a cheap ad that declares a now or never "opportunity" to buy a product at a great price.

I would never vote for someone who insulted me like that.

So sorry that is the case Obama….by next elections you just may have matured enough, in the political sense, regarding experience, foreign policy, etc. ect. and, please start voting on issues….it will help you and American citizens.

May Hillary people help me out. Im having a hard time knowing which of the Hillarys is running for President. Which Hillary should I vote for on Thursday?

Campaign Slogan
1.Hillary the Change agent
2.Hillary the experienced person
3.Hillary the likable person

Policy Positions
1.Hillary that voted for the war in Iraq
2.Hillary that opposed the funding of the war she authorized
3.Hillary that can bring people together and then
4.Hillary that turns on the heat on Republicans

Campaign style
1.Hillary that wont attack her opponents then
2.Hillary that two weeks later wanted to completely destroy his chief rival
3.Hillary that cant manage a small campaign then
4,Hillary that purports to manage the greatest nation in the world

SO WHICH OF THESE HILLARYS will actually be running on Thursday?

Well for Obama, I can easily decide to vote for or against him.He's stuck with his message of change from beginnning to end, I can judge him but there are TOO many Hillarys running , so GUYS help me out.

oh, a male candidate can say his wife won't "let him" do something. I don't think people would think the same if a female candidate says " My husband won't let me"
It seems that all the males are playing up the "wife" and how they "listen" perhaps to present a softer image.
I don't buy it. When the political, power and control bug hits—it doesn't easily go away. maybe he'll run with a another wife!

I think he is the best man we have running right now. He is an old soul in an young mans' body. He has knowledge, and compassion that works with his
wisdom.. He has values that are based on thought through principles. He was one of the few to stay out of Irag because he saw through history there never has been peace among the people themselves. He to me is a breath a fresh air. He isn't going to run ahead and make mistakes, but take each day as it comes; plan for them as best as he can an; implementing for them as they present themselves. Lets not let bias or prejudice get in our way.

HEY OBAMA SUPPORTERS… GO TO YOUTUBE AND SEARCH "OBAMA OBJECTS TO RECITING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. I THINK MICHELLE GAVE HIM A TIME OUT THAT DAY. HE SAYS HE DIDN'T DO IT FOR RELIGIOUS REASONS…… ALL THE CHRISTIANS I KNOW ARE PROUD TO PUT THEIR HAND OVER THEIR HEARTS AND PLEDGE… HOW IS HE GOING TO TAKE THE OATH OF OFFICE IF HE CAN'T PLEDGE TO DO SO. ALSO SHOULDN'T HE HAD DONE SO JUST TO SHOW RESPECT FOR THE FACT THAT HE IS RUNNING FOR THE HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND. OR IS HE THAT ARROGAN? THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMMM

Obama proved me wrong. He is dumber than I first thought!!

Republican all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And those of you who dish President Bush….real Americans you are who cannot stand behind your President. Bush has had to deal with the war on terrorism for 7 out of his 8 years as president. President Bush has had a lot on his plate during his term and if you have the nerve to think or say he has done a bad job then you need to go scr_w yourself!

What a lame way to try and get people to vote for him. What is he saying? I won't run again if you don't vote for me now.

He should have saved himself the embarassment the first time around and not run for President in the first place.

What's wrong with shopping at Target?? If she's "keeping it real," she should shop at K-Mart!

Much as I'd like to believe in the energetic idealism that Barak seems to have, this comment by his wife is disturbing!
If she is complaining now, then where are they going to get the stamina to lead the country. ..for the next four years at the least.?
This is not a sporting contest or game, this is the Presidency of the United States of America!!
You better have commitment, conviction and the will to go all the way!!

These comments by him and his wife underscores the simple fact that he does not possess the strength of character to be the President.

He's simply not ready to lead yet….maybe later, but not yet.

Well I see the Clinton trolls found a home at the clinton new network!!! Thats good!!!
Hey I'm sorry if your canidate takes everything Obama says about Government needing change, personal, I guess if the shoe fits wear it!!!! And I have to say I love it when you blame Obama for smear tactics, since most of what you call smear tactics are him responding to stuff Clinton camp puts out. But luckily most people don't listen to your Clinton camp talking points! I mean if anyone still think's he is a muslim, they either to stupid to caucus anyway, or they live under a rock and probebily won't come out to caucus.

As far as Obama saying he won't run again, why should he if the American people like what they have in Government, if politics as usual is fine, and they don't want change now, why would they in 4 or 8 years.

If you want an experanced canidate I would say Biden, if you want the same old politics, then clinton is your girl. But if you want a President that will lead us (the American People), and give us back our government, Obama is your Man!!!!
That's what I love about him, he will lead us, he will open Government to us, he knows he can't change government, but he will lead us in changing Government. Like he says change doesn't happen from the top down (personally that sounds like the Repub economics), but from the bottom up.
Together we can change the world!!!!
Obama '08

please, stop trying to scare the american people by telling them this is their only chance to vote for Barack…what a cheap move to motivate people to vote for him…if Barack listens to his wife's rather callous ultimatums on this important issue, what kind of influence would she have on his presidency if he were elected?

I'm a Hillary supporter but I'm more than a little tired of the Internet rumor mill. Barack Obama did NOT get sworn in on a Koran. http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp

Good gravy, I cannot believe the things people say on here, even though CNN always has the most idiotic commenters.

RE: Stephen Teichmann, Irvine, California "Get involved and be informed."

Physician, heal thyself!

Barack Obama is NOT a Muslim. Duh! Google is your friend.

Keith Ellison of Minnesota is the US Congressman who was sworn in with a Quran. DUH! Wikipedia is your friend.

RE: Bean Counter

You've written the sanest post here. And you are correct.

Many believe experience is the defining issue without qualifying it. Every individual has experience. But unless that experience translates into wise decision-making based on sound judgment it is otherwise useless. Obama's experience working in the trenches as a community organizer dealing with people with intractable demands and resolving problematic situations provided invaluable insight and knowledge that has been tried, tested and true which gives me confidence in his leadership and problem-solving skills.

Obama's strengths including sound judgment tempered with intelligence, a sense of balance and justice are admirable qualities, not readily seen in the other candidates. In stark contrast to the cookie-cutter-type answers most politicians give Obama's are measured and thoughtful. Patience and reasoned logic indicates someone who is responsive rather than reactive. The current administration's reactive policies proved ineffective and dangerous. And after 7 years of that the nation is more than ready for change.

Experience is not an end to itself. Although Obama has plenty of experience it is his judgment that makes him stand out from the rest of the contenders. Instead of using military power Obama is more apt to utilize a host of tools available that actually solve problems rather than create more. What a welcomed change.

A commitment to competent governance necessitates objective reality. Pure politics, ideology, and/or party loyalty create false narratives. Those claiming to care about people without acting on are paying lipservice. However organizing poor neighbourhoods, taking on genocide in Darfur, opposing military action in Iraq are proof Obama is a man who acts on his convictions.

Furthermore not only does he appear to understand the complexity of issues that challenge the nation requires someone with communication, negotiation and diplomacy skills, Obama has those skills. Equally important with his sincere desire and yearning to lead the country in a different direction Obama can and will do so successfully given the opportunity.

To Nancy, in Dallas (above), who observed……"(Obama) is completely submissive to her. His behavior and remarks bespeak a conciliatory role"…..I instantly noticed it, too…..and you're right to conjecture that his imbalanced marital relationship would transfer onto OUR country's relationship with the rest of the world if he were to be elected. We would go from now being led by CON-ARTISTS to the other extreme of being led by SUCKERS. We need a President who'll neither dominate nor submit to other countries…..

hahaha..you Obama supporters are too much…Obama could come out and say he is GWB best friend and you guys would still find some way to justify it and beat the Obama drum. He's not the best candidate to win the General Election..yes he can possibly "hijack" the primary from Hillary , I'll concede that.. I am African American and I am telling you as an insider every major African American outlet is touting Obama, so Hillary will lose the African american support she had coming in to Obama. Not sure if that will give him the Primary, but it is definitely one of the reasons her numbers are dropping. Yes Obama is a decent person, but there are a majority of African Americans voting for him just because he's african American and they don't care about experience, electability or anything else…theres a brother runni