CNN

I know i am no body for the American presidental election,but there is somthing i have to say ,since i am one of the meber of the world it concerned me for world poltical situation and say something. Americans should show there fuel support for OBAMA race to be US president.If they are putting racism for It these is time that any one can understand how Americans do not accepted equality of human being in the eyes of GOD and they should also be carfuel for their sing of "democracy" for the rest of the world who they want to rulled .

I know i am no body for the American presidental election,but there is somthing i have to say ,since i am one of the meber of the world and trhat also concerned me for its poltical situation; Americans should show there fuel support for OBAMA race to be US president.Unless It is time that any one can understand how Americans do not accepted equality of human being in the eyes of GOD and they should also be carfuel for their sing of "democracy" for the rest of the world who they want to rulled .

I know i am no body for the American election,but there is somthing i have to say ,since i am one of the meber of the world; If Americans donot show there fuel intintion for OBAMA race to be US president. It is time that any one can understand how Americans do not accepted equality of human being in the eyes of GOD and they should also be carfuel for their sing of "democracy" for the rest of the world who they want to rulled them.

Finally, a pro-Obama comment that actually says something. Thank you for bringing an opinion to the table! I was getting bored with all these people supporting Obama and not giving any reasons for doing so.

Obama is the best choice to change this country if you want some thing done , because he knows how to bring people together and find solutions. I see Obama's lack of TIME in Washington as a HUGE asset. Obama understands that real change comes from the bottom up , and with the will of the people behind you,all things are possible.

If you like the DO NOTHING way Washington is now , times that by 10 and vote for Clinton, she divides the country before she even gets there.

OBAMA 08

Wow! That was insightful! Just a little advice – if you would like anybody to take you and your political views seriously, I'd suggest you learn how to write. Maybe we should elect you as our next president so that the transition from one president who can't speak correctly to the next wouldn't be so hard. Is that why you support Obama so much? Because he actually can put a sentence together? I hope that's not the case. Also, I would reccomend that if you feel strongly about a certain candidate that you give examples as to why he/she would be the best choice. Resorting to name calling? Morons? I can only speak for myself, but I can not find one instance in the past two things that I have posted that could qualify as being moronic. I am simply stating my opinion about the subject at hand, and hoping to inspire people that agree with me to stand up and be heard, or to hear what those people who disagree with me have to say, and try to consider their points. You, however, have failed at both. You do not give any reasons for voting for Obama. But you do bring up a great point – for some reason, Edwards feels the need to agree with Obama on everything, especially when it comes down to attacking Clinton. I'm glad that you caught that one. Maybe Edwards feels that his campaign is going nowhere fast, so if he latches on to the popular candidate (Obama), maybe he will choose him as a running mate. I guess Edwards is a bandwagoner just like many of the Obama supporters out there. Furthermore, since I am assuming that when you say "Obama haters" that I am included in the mix. I can say that I do not now, nor have I ever hated Obama. I think that he is a great man, a great politician, and one day will be a great leader. I just feel that Clinton is the better choice for president in 2008. I would question why you love Obama so much, or even why you hate Clinton so much? I'd love to hear what you have to say in regards to that.

Yeah you Obama haters, hey I got idear hows about Hillary this time then Jeb Bush and by then Chelsey Clinton will be old enough to run for the presidency and she'll have tons of experience cause she'll have lived in the white house twice.

MORONS!

OBAMA/EDWARDS-08!!!!!!!!

To not vote for someone because you do not want the succession of presidents to go Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton makes about as much sense as voting for an idiot over a flip-flopper to be president. Sound familiar? We've already tread this path before. Clinton is as polarizing as the media tells you to believe, just as the media is selling you on Obama being this 'rock star' of a candidate. What this country needs is a President who knows Washington, because let's face it, Bush surely doesn't. The candidate that knows Washington the best is Clinton. There is no disputing fact. Obama is an upstart who would be better suited to run for president in the future after more time understanding how things work. But, the best choice for 2008 is Clinton.

I think it's going to take a fresh face like Obama to unhook all the corporate interests. We need fresh DNA in this corrupt Washington gene pool. Do we really want our list of presidents to read Bush, Clinton, Bush Clinton? What ever happened to the democratic idea that anyone from any walk of life who is a citizen and loves their country can be president? This is about ending the old dynasties and taking a step to a brighter, more unified country. Clinton is a huge polarizer with a long list of enemies. Obama makes me believe that we have hope!

The problem with Obama is, and dont get me wrong, it is coming across to the mainstream public that much of his support is coming in the form of bandwagoners, who are just latching on because it is the popular thing to do. I would love to question how many people that are pledging their support for Obama actually know anything about his campaign platform or even the differences between the three leading Democratic candidates. Obama preaches "Change We Can Believe In." If I am not mistaken, every single candidate, both Democrat and Republican alike, is preaching "change." Why? Because over the past 7+ years with President Bush, this country is ready for change now more than ever. But to say that Obama is the candidate that will give the biggest change for this country is ignorant. Let's face it, the Democratic nominee will either be Obama or Clinton. They both essentially stand for the same things, and represent the same values. The main differences are age, race, and gender. Yet, the only news you ever hear is how this person and that person are endorsing Obama. I ask why? If the reason for liking someone or endorsing someone is solely based on what the popular thing to do is, then this country has much larger problems than it seems. I have watched the debates, and I have read up on the issues for each candidate – not just the top 3. I hear Obama preaching about the importance of words, and how this country needs change. Yes, I do agree that words are important, and that this country needs change. But no matter what happens in November, this country will "change" merely because we will be electing a new president. However, to rely so much on the power of words, and to give them such credit is a mistake. What good are words when there are no actions? If I'm not mistaken, President Bush told this country that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, which completely justified an invasion and subsequent war. Wow, words really did have power there. My point is, talk is cheap. Until you can prove that what you have said or say is what you have done or will do, then I dont want to hear it. Of the three leading Democratic candidates, Hillary Clinton is the only one who has backed up her promises and "words" and actually made a change. I question anyone to say anything to the contrary. This country wants change. Do we want a change that we can believe in, and hope happens? Or do we want a change that is proven, that we know will happen? How many more years are we going to waste asking ourselves that question? It's already been seven. Are we going to make it another eight? Promises v.s. Proven. Who has more credit?

Let me say that we all dislike the war. I'm a service man here in the desert, I know for a fact that most of the soldiers that I have come across don't approve the war and are tired of being here 2 or 3 times. But the worse we can do about the war is not funding the troops. I say more power to Obama and others that fund the troops to provide them with the necessary equipments needed for us to keep the sustainment leavel out here. Thanks senator OBAMA.

Les, I hate to sound rude. But it seem like you have the RACIST notion planted in you. If you are talking about smooth talking, you better revist all the smooth talks politicians and leave Obama alone. We all know that the senator is all about change. Hes not only speaking it. He has the plans to implemet them. And with that, I'm willing to cast my ballot to see a good plan being implemented.

JJ, I just have to say, that you have to make the right research before coming on here to Criticize Obama.

Just a couple Clintons VS Obama issues:
1. Hillary criticizes Obama for being against the war, then voting for the funding!
Way to go, Hill, send our trooops there, then cut off supples!
2. Billary rants that Obama's HOPE for the future IS a fairytale !
Did anyone ever tell him that fairytales have happy endings?
Of course that depends on what his meaning of "IS" is, I suppose!

Just a couple Clintons VS Obama issues:
1. Hillary criticizes Obama for being against the war, then voting for the funding!
Way to go, Hill, send our trooops there, then cut off supples!
2. Billary rants that Obama's HOPE for the future IS a fairytale !
Did anyone ever tell him that fairytales have happy endings?
Of course that depends on what his meaning of "IS" is, I suppose!

THE ENDORSEMENT OF A GOV WHO LOST HIS OWN REELECTION BID IS SOMEHOW A WONDERFUL THING FOR OBAMA...GIVE ME A BREAK!

It is interesting when you read the comments directed at Obama just because he doesn't have "experience." Look at what "experience" has gotten us: a no win war in Iraq, the lowest confidence level in the President since Carter, a gridlocked and totally ineffective congress and senate, a bust in the domestic housing market and an erratic and negatively trending stock market (despite what Mr. Jim "Mad Money" Cramer would have you believe). I voted for Georgy Boy in 2000 and 2004 and will remain a lifelong registered Republican. However the time has come for change and a new direction. I am voting for Obama in 2008 and encouraging every red bloodied patriotic American to do the same. Sometimes no experience is better than a ton of bad experience.

Obama 2008 and 2012!! The time for change has come.

If you havebeen apart of the past, you havebeen apart of the problem. The change we need isn't that of a black president but and honest president with new ideas and visions, and that candidate is, Obama. I would be ashame if I was Hillary or any of the other candidates to say they have experiece and have served time in the office making changes. What I'm trying to say is, look at our world today and were it stands, and listen to the candidates bragging about being apart of bringing it to this place. A lot of people just don't get it, especially the other candidates. If Obama was white or any other race I would support him for his belief, his vision, and most important of all, his inexperience. I really wouldn't support him if he had the kind of experience that have our country in the state its in today. New ideas, new visions is what we need and if a white, black, mexican or other can bring this about, I'm all for him. K-Romeo Southfield MI

Endorsements won't affect an independent thinker, one who listens, reads and researches for self.
It doesn't matter to this person, who endorses whom–gonna make up my own mind with what he candidates are proposing. I have chosen John Edwards because he has the courage to say and continue to say that Washington is bought and paid for by special interests.
Just one opinion, as valid as any of the pundits; anyone who doesn't see it, has to have their head in the sand. I will ride with Edwards to the end.
As a resident of South Carolina, Hodges doesn't impress me.

Way to go! Thank god for these endorsees good judgement. I can't wait to caucus for Obama on super-tuesday. Mama 4 OBAMA!

For all you folks spewing lies and spreading racism, it typical U.S trash we can never regain our place as the world leader if we are still fighting battles of the 60's. I don't care who you vote for but I do know this we need a change from the impurities of ignorant people that embrasses this great nation every day, with their racial trash and gender bias. Don't vote for Hillary because she's a women vote because you believe in her no fault in that, don't vote for Obama because he's a man going up against a women or he's black vote because you believe in him. Anything less you are in part what we need to change from.

Hillary went to Yale

Obama went to Harvard

Regardless of race or gender they both intelligent and smart.

I'm an independed you dems sound like backwood uneducated bafoons have some pride. Rep have always consider themself to be the smart wealth class that's above the dems pettiness, you guys are proving them right with your let's move back in time and make this a black/gender issues or man vs women issues.

I have as your neighbor, always been interested in your politics for many years and during all the year not just at elections. In 2000 I was amazed that you voted in a jolly inexperienced cowboy because he was (1) someone you would have a beer with and (2) he was a christian so he would be a uniter not a divider. What a mess we have now world wide. Gore along with the Clintons was respected by the rest of the world. Now it is making me shudder to think you will again make the same mistake and choose Obama who is still wet behind the ears over Clinton who already knows the pitfalls and the ways and means to bring your country out of the mess. At the same time she is respected by the rest of the world and I hope that matters to you.

Lisa January 7, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Does anyone care that when Obama took the oath of office he would not swear on the Bible but was sworn in with his hand on the Koran

_____________________________________

Lisa and others who are propping up outright untruths like the one above:
Get the FACTS. Obama was sworn into office on HIS OWN PERSONAL
BIBLE and NOT THE KORAN. Your comment is a lie that is circulating
around the internet.

Please, may we all debate from TRUTH and NOT LIES?? Remember the
LIES/PROPAGANDA of HITLER that led to the HOLOCAUST!! And remember the French citizenry said Marie Antoinette disparingly said against them, "Let the eat cake, which started the French Revolution and led to her and her husband, King Louis IVX being guillontined. Of course, history has shown Marie Antoinette NEVER said those words. It was a LIE!

"Rise above lies and hate and live in truth and honor!! I pray this country can rise
above hate and narrowmindedness that only destroys rather than builds.
When I look at all those states that are not yet supporting Obama, I
pray it's not because of this country's long history of hate against his
heritage. Let's be honorable Americans and respect each other
and each candidate and leave the lies out of it.

Barak Hussein OpraBama

_______________________________

Let's lose the cheap shots like this one above.
Barbara Streisand endorsed Clinton and other
celebs have endorsed other candidates but
no cheap shots made there (and I"m not
suggesting them just making a point.)

We can talk until snow turns to candy about
the pluses and minuses of each candidate
from our personal point of view. But what
ultimately matters is possession of character,
integrity, and intelligence in order to excel as
President of the United States. Obama
possesses all the the qualities and a humble
heritage to sensitive him to the everyday struggles
of humanity. GO OBAMA!! YES WE CAN!!!!!

Depressing!!! That's the only way to describe some of these posts. Republican Democrat...does it really matter, it certainly hasn't in the last two decades. The only way this changes is if we the people change it. As long as we are fighting each other the folks that own the folks in washington aren't gonna change anything. The only candidate that even talks about empowering 'we the people' is Senator Obama. So go ahead make your choice but think about the price you will pay.

Oh and to the folks who think Hillary will run better than Obama in November...check out some republican web site...they have so much negative ammunition ready for her you will need buckets to catch the lead!!

mabepko January 9, 2008 2:29 pm ET

You know how to use your computer to reach Obama.com?
Everything is there.

You can't believe that a highly intelligent, highly educated and highly competent University lecturer wouldn't know to have specifics on his national subject matter; do you? LOL

Please, Obama is not a high school drop out. LOL

I enjoy a charismatic and inspirational speaker as much as the next person...but can any of you referring to the grand 'vision' of which Obama speaks actually articulate what it is?? Please explain it to me!!.............all I am hearing are extremely vague cliches.....from him as well as those that support him.

WAKE UP! This is the oval office we're talking about, not the pulpit of some idealogical First National Unitarian Church!

Four years of a republican in the White House is enough.We need to get the
country back on track.Wether it is any of the big three from the democratic party
we need change and that starts at the top.Bush destroyed the country with his inablity to get things done,he lied to us about the warand he is responsible for the kinnings of our troops.We need a leader not a puppet.We need someone to lead us out of the mess that Bush has created.You can not blame Clinton becausehe has been out of office for eight yrears.This mess falls on the shoulders of the president and the republican party

America is such a great country. Yet people who called themselves educated bunch is tarnishing the ones who have their goals. OBAMA is a brillant and very smart man. The SAVIOUR who will save America. Women wake up and smell the coffee. We are the ones that our decisions seem only to make sense when others want it to. Don't we have a choice of choosing who we want to have our children for. Well, are we forgetting that Barack Obama is the son of a caucasian woman. So does this not make him one half black and one half white. He is the SAVIOUR. One that can relates to all of America.

Obama on the other hand never choose to differentiate between Black and White. Why are we so concern with race. Is it not only one race "the HUMAN RACE" ?. Never, have I heard this genius, authentic, decent young man speak of being black or white. Yet we are making choices for him. Give him a break, wait until he is president. The man has visions. I am sure, he has no intention of breaking his campaign down to black and white, but to have changes, and to get rid of the disease that is killing the American society; to bring home our caucasian sons and daughters, blacks, spanish etc from the war and to give all of us a chance of a better tomorrow. Hillary, though she was not the president, but the first lady who bragged about her many 35 years of experience and putting up her fake crying, is still Bill Clinton's wife. So, go ahead, get Hillary in the White House, if you want Bill Clinton's policies . So, whether we are caucasian/black, chinese, indian, italian, Jewish – whatever, everyone deserves a good turn. God bless Obama.

Lisa wrote:

"Does anyone care that when Obama took the oath of office he would not swear on the Bible but was sworn in with his hand on the Koran?..."

Sorry Lisa, that's a mistaken reference to a different politician, Minnisota congressman Keith Ellison, not Barack Obama.

Snopes.com has a extensive report debunking much of the Urban Myths going around about Obama, particularly his religious influences.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp#quran

Why would I vote for someone who won't even honor the U.S. flag code?

Obama might want to say "Thanks, but no thanks" to a Hodges indorsement... he wasn't mich of a Governor, at least to those SC voters who didn't vote him back in office.

In reading some of these comments....I wonder if these Dems that really say they are Dems and then say that if Obama wins the nomination they would vote for a Republican. Sounds more like a bunch of Republicans trying to pose as Democrats just to hate on a man that inspires a change in course. Also, for the first time in a long time we have a great group of Democrats that we could chose from. Any of the Democrats are by far a better choice than any of the Republicans.

I'll even say that I was a registered Republican years ago when I voted for Dole, then Bush, but when I realized that the Republican Party had been hijacked by the Fundamentalist Christian Right and really became the "BIG SPENDING" party not the Democrats......and when the Republicans continued to show little compassion and little promise of a hopeful culture for me a struggling man in America. Infact, the Bush tax cut that Republicans talk about amounted to maybe 300 dollars for me. But rising gas prices, a declining dollar, a faultering house market, and even recently a troubled and unstable Stock market.....Bush's Tax Cut did little to help me at all. Republicans have long since ceased to being Republicans. The last great Republican was Ronald Reagan.

I switched parties in 2004 and I voted for the lesser of two evils, John Kerry. Then it was a sad race. This year I would vote for any of the Democrats running for office this year and it wouldn't be a choice of the lesser of evils. We have an African American, a Woman, a Hispanic running for the Dems......Republicans the same old thing every year.......Rich White Guys. LOL!!!!! Are you serious?

America! This is the greatest Election year for us. We have great candidates on the Dem's side of the isle. We have a choice that no matter who wins we have someone who represents a clear choice against any of the sad excuses in the Republican party.

I personally......Stand With Obama.

So all you fake Dems who hate on Obama.......and say that you'd vote Rep if he wins.....are either "Racists" or "Republicans posing as Democrats" well actually I guess that would be the same thing anyway wouldn't it?

There is a common misconception amongst americans that more taxes are terrible and must be avoided at all costs. The fact is our country is in one of its biggest deficits of all time because of a war in Iraq that continues to drain and strain our economic infrastructure as well as our government. The only way to solve this is to start chipping away at our debt, which a good portion of it is to China, one of our top world contenders. Though the prospect of China calling our debt on us is daunting, what if it happened? We must move to raise the value of the dollar and decrease our debt. This will not be done with tax cuts! President Bush waved the tax cut flag in 2000 and 2004 as a means to put more money in the pockets of the american people, but what he really did was put more money in the pockets of only a few americans, mainly those in the upper class. The middle class is the backbone of the nation, where the prodominant population and thus core lies. It is from the middle class that the majority of the war is paid for and from the middle class that it will be paid off. More taxes equal less debt and less debt equals less foreign dependency. What Obama wants to do is put this into action. Strengthening the family is bringing the middle class back to prominence and through bringing the middle class up, you have a strong america. Sacrifices will have to be made in the beginning because of what the republicans have done in the middle east for the past seven years. It's time we started worrying about what America is doing and less about what the rest of world is doing. Fighting terrorism does not mean you have to be in everyone's business, and strengthening the american family is the first step towards practicing good politics...

TO ALL THE AVID FANS OF OBAMA! HAVE YOU ASKED YOURSELF SERIOUSLY AND HONESTLY THAT A GUY YOU DID NOT EVEN HEAR ABOUT UNTIL LAST YEAR WILL SAVE THIS COUNTRY! AMERICANS ARE NOT THAT GULLIBLE, RIGHT? COME ON BE REAL THE ONLY REASON YOU ARE SUPPORTING HIM IS BECAUSE YOU DO NOT LIKE HILARY. BE HONEST AND USE YOUR BRAIN OVER YOUR HEART AND BE SMARTER THAN THE MEDIA WHO IS DECIDING FOR THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY.

WE ALL KNOW AMERICANS BUY WHAT THE MEDIA AND ADVERTISING SELLS.
PRESIDENCY IS NOT A LIKE THE LATEST "IN THING TO HAVE" IT IS NOT THE LATEST GADGET LIKE AN IPHONE, LOUIS VUITTON PURSE, PRADA SHOES...THAT EVERYONE HAS TO HAVE. THIS SERIOUS WE ARE AT WAR, RECESSION, MORTGAGE FAILING, DOLLARS GOING DOWN THE DRAIN AND YOU HONESTLY THINK THAT VOTING FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT EXACTLY POINT OUT HIS SPECIFIC PLATFORMS AND PLANS WILL BE A BETTER RISK.

TO ALL THE COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO ARE THE MAIN ROOTERS OF OBAMA, WHAT ARE YOU GUYS LEARNING IN THOSE EXPENSIVE UNIVERSITIES? BE REAL IT`S NOT ABOUT KEEPING UP WHAT`S NEW AND TRENDY........IT`S ABOUT CHOOSING WHO WILL BE MORE EFFECTIVE AND LESS OF A RISK.

Government is not suppose to strengthen family's. Family's need to take control of there own family issues and there problems. Good behavior and morals are to be taught by the parents, not the federal government.

Does anyone care that when Obama took the oath of office he would not swear on the Bible but was sworn in with his hand on the Koran?

America wants a President that proves that they can lead...I reasearched the Webster definition of leadership and this was my favorite definition "a person who has commanding authority or influence"...I would consider myself an independant..I understand that since the depression of the 30's, republicans and democrats have had fundamental differences with solving America's (mainly) economical issues...Recent issues like the Iraq war and terrorism are not what truly distinguish the parties...Most people choose to be republican or democrat because they've been brainwashed into believing that the other party is in some way evil...NOT TRUE!!! We are (in most cases) talking about the most educated people in America (epsecially in Congress)...Lawyers, Doctors, and other professionals that in many cases leave their lucrative professional careers behind for a desire to serve their communities...Don't get me wrong; Congressman are well payed; but, the road to the senate is through city council, then state legislature and these guys are getting payed percentages of what Congressman make! I am a CHANGE voter; and I believe that OBAMA, CLINTON, MCCAIN, and to some degree HUCKABEE truly want to make change...But, only one of them truly understands that they can't do it alone...Only one of them is trying to unite the country and influence people to really make a change...I choose OBAMA because he chose ME

Senator Obama is by far our best choice. My brother and I converted from republican to democrats last year and we are voting for him.
I see some very uneducated posts on this site, it is important that people listen to each candidate. Go to each candidates website, see what they are for or against...etc..etc...
Do not listen to your buddy or family member etc etc..and do not judge anyone by their sex, skin color, age, etc etc....
This is the year 2008, we need to get over that stuff.

Note to Judy who wrote:
will not vote for Barack Hussein Obama. He cannot win in the general election. Think about it! Rush Limbaugh already calls him "Osama." What do you think the Republicans will call him in their attack ads?
___________________

Gosh, yes... that's exactly how I will decide who I will vote for.... whomever can stand up the best to the snarky Republican propaganda machine...yeah, that's the credentials we need in a Democratic candidate. Who makes the "smallest" target.

Bring on the attack ads!!! Bring them on. We are not the same, sad uninformed electorate we used to be. The Swiftboat propaganda fiasco and so many years of Repubican small minded name calling will backfire this time. Obama will not name call back and negative, petty name calling will back fire on those who do it this time.

Rush Limbaugh? Don't you have anything better to do than listen to and pass on his gas?
Does anyone really care what Rush Limbaugh and Anne Coulter say just to get attention. Pathetic. Their influence and audience will go the way of the Bush...... Forgotten. Wait and see.

and a note to Susan Kay..... If you do not know what Barack has accomplished, whose fault is that? Go buy his books, read his history, inform yourself.... I don't think he owes you a personal phone call. He's busy becoming our next President.

Let's be honest here. The majority of white people (especially in the south) will not vote for Obama simply because he is not white. The statistics clearly show the racial split. In their small minds, only a white male could ever lead this country. I bet the majority of people who have said they wouldn't vote for Obama, voted for George Bush twice even though he should be impeached for what he's done (torture, illegal invasion of a country, lying to America, etc., etc., etc.). Even though his pre-President record was abysmal.

Notice I did not say "because he is black" as he is as much white as he is black. Unfortunately the "one drop rule" still holds for many people in this country.

So go ahead and blindly vote for the white male. Don't do any research or make a truly informed decision. Just don't complain when all your rights have been taken away, the dollar continues to fall in value, the price of gas continues to rise, the bring back the draft (to fight in this illegal war), global warming continues and the rest of the world continues to hate us.

Note to Judy who wrote:
will not vote for Barack Hussein Obama. He cannot win in the general election. Think about it! Rush Limbaugh already calls him "Osama." What do you think the Republicans will call him in their attack ads?

Judy
Keller, TX
---------–

Who knows what they will call him – sounds like you are ready to listen to those adds. What difference does his name make – we have a George in the White House now who in anti-intellectual, ignorant, stubborn, unaccomplished and damaging. He has also set the Supreme Court back a generation. Yeah, stay home at your own peril.

Note to Susan Kay:

And you think you'll get any of that from ....Hillary? Get real. She is resume building. She has no passion about anything – business as usual and politics as usual with that scumbag husband of hers lurking around the White House creating havoc. Is that what you really want? I actually like Hillary and I want to see a woman elected President, but another member of that family will NOT get another vote from me....period! Thirty-five years of experience doing what – being Mrs Rodham-Clinton (oh, I forgot, she doesn't use Rodham anymore!). Give me a break with the disingenuine, calculated, poll-driven, dishonest, controvery seeking Clintons – Enough already!

I think its time we let the politicians come up with their message instead of name calling. It will be unfortunate for America to refuse to elect someone who is going to unite them because of illexperience or race. I recommend that some of you should please listen to Obama`s address in 2004 national convention and see that he has forsight and knows what he is set to achieve for American and the rest of the world......UNITY

I am listening, reading and tracking the results of all the races and candidates. What I am not understanding is what exactly does Obama stand for? Okay, I got that he wants change but exactly what kind of change is he going to do? And please, try not to repeat the words of Richardson, Clinton, or Edwards. It is hard for me to back him. One, I do not know his record or experiences. And yes people that matters! I do not know how he is going to fight the Repulicans – when it comes to a head to head contest. We need to stop getting caught up in the wave and start thinking about how we are going to take by the White House. WE can't out talk them but preaching about changes. We have to have substances and guess what? I haven't heard anything from Obama. As an African-American Woman, my vote is not locked into Obama b/c we share our culture. I need someone who is going to lead the country, fight to take back the White House. I want a candidate who appeals not to motivate me by preaching ( I get that at Church) but to tell me HOW we can re-gain the WH, bring home the troops. So far, Obama is hype. And if people can't see this, they are setting up the Democratic party for failure again! And guess what, the republicans whould love for him to win.

Oh yes! Barack Hussein Obama is arrogant! If he is the nominee, you will see record numbers of Democrats stay home on election day or even worse, vote Republican.

Judy
Keller, TX

Take a long, quiet look at the responses on this blog. Read them over. I am thrilled. People are waking up. Remember the movie where the guy yells, "I've had enough and I'm not going to take it any more?" Well, finally....finally, the majority of the intelligent among us has had "enough." The incredible exhaustion now felt by the people in this country as a result of the divisive, controlling, constantly negative, petty, TWISTED, desperate, shove it down your throats, Republican philosophy (think the Anne Coulter types among others...) has finally reached the point where it will turn back on itself and propel even those of us who usually don't step up and get involved to TO STAND UP, get in line at the polls, place our vote for Barack, and step back and cheer!

Hillary Clinton is a strong leader, I DO respect her....and I hope she continues to work hard for the Democratic ideals she embodies. But, I do not want her to become my president. I do not want to have to listen to all the nasty, vitriolic backlash from all the folks who do not like her, which will spew forth for all the coming years, if she would get in office. Even a large group of Democrats who hold her same philosphies just do not want the nasty backlash her presidency will bring out. The Bushes, the Clintons......are over. Halleluia. What a sad era in our country's history. We could not be more ready to move on.

As a result of Barack Hussein Obama, many, many people are finally starting to step up and take a stand for uniting our country and the world again, for decency and honor. It is beginning to feel to us that we truly have a candidate that can follow through on securing that for us. Any apathy is dissapating. Barack Hussein Obama is the first candidate in years and years (and years) that embodies what the real majority of folks in the United States and the world, for that matter......believes in. Think it over and then, vote for the candidate of your choice. Obama supporters respect that. Do you?

Oh my dear racists: if you will vote Republican just because Obama is the nominee, then you were never really a Democrat in the first place. Obama talks a good talk, and walks an even better walk, he is hands down the best candidate and if he were a white man, the media would be all over him even more. Obama has been an elected politician LONGER than Hillary Clinton and john Edwards. And on top of that, the man will unite this country. Every good person meets resistance. Shut up and watch history!

OBAMA 08.....I was screaming that in 2006!

I will not vote for Barack Hussein Obama. He cannot win in the general election. Think about it! Rush Limbaugh already calls him "Osama." What do you think the Republicans will call him in their attack ads?

Judy
Keller, TX

Senator Barack Obama won the Iowa Caucuses. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson placed fourth. But did they really earn their finishing positions? The answer may be surprising. In the now past ABC New Hampshire debate before the January 8th first-in-the-nation primary, the rules were that only the candidates who finish in the top four slots in Iowa could participate, meaning that second-tier candidates who placed fourth could live on to continue their campaign another day. In the last hours before the Iowa caucuses Obama, who wanted to pad his victory and hedge his bets, approached Joe Biden with this, proposal: In precincts where Biden had a local official loyal to him, and if Biden wasn't viable, then Senator Biden would tell his organizers to move his supporters over to Obama en mass. Conversely, in precincts where Obama had more than enough supporters, he would lend people to Biden to ensure Biden a fourth place finish so that he could,continue Joe Biden actually considered the proposal. An anonymous source close to Biden told the Washington Post that the strategy could be "viability for victory."When the media found out, Obama's camp admitted that the conversation took place. Biden, who when asked about the proposal at a campaign event said that the deal could "probably" help both campaigns; however he later rejected the deal on "moral grounds," a source in Biden's Iowa organization told the Rev. Rob Times on condition of anonymity. History recorded that Joe Biden placed fifth in Iowa, and subsequently dropped out of the race. On January 4, the day after the caucus, the New York Times reported strong rumors that Obama made the same deal to Bill Richardson that he previously offered to Biden, only this time the deal was accepted.The Times article describes not only the rumors, but gives an eye-witness account and confession of an Obama official telling Richardson supporters that a pact had indeed been made between the two candidates. "That's what the leadership has said," admitted Deb Copeland, an Obama volunteer as reported by the New York Times. "What we're concerned about is we heard of a few people going to Hillary. And we want to keep you together," she told the Richardson supporters at the 64th precinct. Volunteers for the Biden campaign told the Rev. Rob Times that Obama organizers used the same speech about a "pact" to lure supporters in at least two precincts where Biden was only a few supporters shy of viability.Representatives from both the Obama and Richardson campaigns deny that such a deal was ever struck, yet first hand testimonies clearly paint a far different picture. The Effect in the end, the effect of backdoor wheeling and dealing between campaigns is that Richardson's fourth place finish could be artificial, and Obama's victory margin is larger than it would have been in a democratic system. Our democracy is based, in part, on the concept of "one man, one vote," and a vote by a secret ballot, free from the judging eyes of neighbors and the media, free from bribery, and free from the influence of political activists. Had the Iowa contest been based on a ballot, and had caucus voters cast a single vote for the candidate of their choice as is the most fair method of picking a president, then Obama may have come in second and Richardson in fifth. If Obama's victory margin had been smaller, or if he placed second, then the dynamic of the race would have changed drastically. Edwards, Clinton, and even Biden may have all come out of Iowa in stronger positions than any of them have.In part, the system is to blame, but those who took advantage of it and exploited it for their own purposes, namely Barack Obama and Bill Richardson, are not without culpability and their misdeeds should be remembered in the minds of voters.

Senator Edwards, I would NOT vote for you because you are making your case only on of the expense of Hilary Clinton.

Gentleman?! What is it? On the debate you ware like a Hyena over her, before her suit... Is that a simple jealousy lire most of American women (surprise for me, even Pakistanis are more advance in this meter and Bhutto was killed from her enemies).

Second, do you deny that "Clinton's machine" work peaty well for americans for 8 years ?

It is partly your fault. Why didn't you win the Election in 2000? Now you are blaming Hilary that America is really in a big ...

You still play your ego agenda, Sur! Obama will be chewed and spit from Republicans, because he has not very much to offer then word "Change" (He sounds to me like those communist leaders who had been feeding the people only with nice word and hopes of future almost heavenly life; UTOPIA, eh , worked for some period).

Americans , please, just do not compare him with JFK.

If you really are talking from your heard, it is not late you to make some REAL CHANGE- make sure Democrat to be in the Oval office this time even that is not you.

As I rite on a CNN goes a Braking New about Iranians? I imagine Senator Obama in the Oval office with pence full of..

Wake up Americans, it is very serious , do not blow it again!

Obama is Bush donned in a different clothing! He is a sweet talker and people are just falling for that! SAD!

a vote for Obama is a vote for the republicans.. I'd much rather see a republican get it than him. So if he is the candicate for the demos then I will vote rep.

CNN, STOP PUSHING HILLARY CLINTON DOWN OUR THROATS! CLINTON IS GIVEN 3 TIMES THE AIRTIME GIVEN TO OBAMA & EDWARDS. AND IN ADDITION YOU THEN USE YOUR SO-CALL "OBJECTIVE" REPORTERS TO EXPLAIN AND PUSH THE CLINTON AGENDA! WE ARE NOT BEING FOOLED! I HAVE STARTED CHANGING THE CHANNEL EVERY TIME YOU START APOLOGIZING FOR CLINTON. ENOUGH ALREADY!

And yes, I was shouting.

You didn't vote for experience when you elected the peanut farmer.
You didn't vote for experience when you elected the actor etc.

Senator Barack Obama is a self made man, he worked long and hard . He has dedicated his life to acually helping people to get to where he is. Hillary Clinton, is the wife of a Vice President, that does not entitle her to say she has experience. Experience doing what living in the White House? I am not interested in someone that wants to just add another page to their resume. No "Status Quo" here Hillary!

What has Hillary done for New York? Except ignore her constiuants' calls for help. She doesn't care about what our concerns are. I don't speak only for myself but numerous others I hear complain of her ignorance. If she does that now God forbid what she would do if President. We don't want a goverment that will continue with the dictatorship mentality which Hillary is a part of.

You need to know "that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Now is the time for change and Barack Obama shall bring about that change. Barack Obama is Of the people, By the people, For the people.

At no time in the history of this country DURING THE CRISIS SUCH AS THAT WE ARE IN RIGHT NOW we have elected candidate with little or no experience. You want to talk about JFK he was 30 years old and during his first term as a congressman and all these was when the contry was not in the crisis.

I am Canadian who passionately watches your politics. You are our Big brother.
Wake up Americans!!!
Why don't you choose your president based on substance and proven abilities, not based on "likability" for example.
Are you planning to marry Mrs.Clinton, or you want an iron lady to fix the big domestic and international bubo that the "likable " guy has done. (By the way chosen by you)
Did you really forget what was America during Clintons? 5 trillions surplus??!!
Everybody works, international respect...Everybody was envying you.
As an Canadian I was trying very hard to get a green cart those days.
Please do not be silly, give you country and yourself a brake. At list 4 years, then B. Hussein Obama is still here. Do not experiment again, because the suite talkers cost you ... how many billion up to know??...5-6..

The next President can not afford to have even a "Haney Day"!

J.J. Wrote: "Obama is a watse of a vote! He did not show up to vote in the senate often in his short time there, missed 130 votes out of 153"

You people really enjoy lying don't you? First of all your numbers are WRONG. He has missed 37% of the votes. Clinton has missed 23% of the votes. McCain has missed 55%. What is your point. If there is legislation that is absolutely pointless, petty or stupid, why should they return for the vote? I would consider legislation such as H.R.847 as waste of taxpayer money and a waste of time for our government to even bring to the floor of Congress. Would you not agree? It was stupid, useless and a waste of time, so why would he return from a rigorous campaign to vote on stupid legislation such as the one listed above.

FYI, if you are not familiar with that piece of legislation....it is the bill that recognizes 'Christianity and Christmas. It was stupid...if you want to read the entire legislation look it up at thomas.loc.gov

What a waste of taxpayer money.

You 'people' have got to be kidding. The only way the Democrats will win is if Hillary is the nominee? Hillary DOES NOT attract ANY Republicans nor does she attract independents. The only people she attracts are other Democrats.

Obama is absolutely correct about Hillary. Half the country absolutely despises Clinton. The ONLY chance the Democrats have is to give Obama or Edwards the nod, and as far as I'm concerned, Edwards was rejected once already, nobody wants to vote for a previously failed campaign.

GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT 2008!
For Generations the youths in America have be left out of the elections process,had no motivation to vote ,here comes Barack Obama,now the once silent voices have a voice,he reached out,he listen to their concerns and he planted a seed of hope.

Obama is more original,truthfull,likeable ,and represents change that we desperately need,Ms Clinton is now talking about change, but change is not what she represents,she is now trying to reach out to younger voters because of her loss in iowa. "Ms Clinton,be original"! you had your chance,its time for real change and not just change of titles. Give this guy a chance, Obama for President 2008!

Ms Clinton has flip flop on many issues like illegal emmigration and the iraq war she voted for the war because she thought it would boost her chances for a Presidental bid ,also ,like many others she thought it would have been a weekend war
Obama voted against the war,so why should we believe Ms Clinton now?why should we believe that she can bring about change?

Change is Obama in 2008!

THE MADIA IS BIAS TOWARDS HILLARY BUT IT'S OK. THEY WILL CHANGE THE HUSSEINMANIA ON SUPER TUESDAY 05/08

NEITHER EDWARDS OR HUSSEIN BARACK OBAMA WILL BE THE NOMINEE.HRC WILL GET THE MANDATE AND SHE GET THE WHITE HOUSE AND MAKE THE CHANGE THAT THE WORLD NEEDS

It's amazing to me that so many of the bloggers on this site refer to Hillary as if she were the incumbent President, not Bush. As if she would continue to govern the same way this moron has. Come on, people. Who really believes this? This idea of Bush/Clinton is a disingenuous argument. There is no comparison between Bill and Hillary and the George Bushes. The younger Bush isn't even in line with his own father, politically. A vote for Hillary is still a vote for change. Change and experience are not mutually exclusive.

I've heard of I-reporting (sending in photos, films that demonstrate what is viewed). Now we have I-punditing (regurgitating what the media is spoon feeding one and presenting it as an original thought). The urgency of now? The audicity of hope? The biggest campaign is done by the media... Change versus experience. Look at the pretty flag in the background.

For those regurgitating words such as inevitability, elitist etc.. you get the phrases from the media. What are you talking about? You obviously have the internet. Go look up a voting record.

For those that debate 'campaign machines'... go read a book on history, govt, or politics. At least go read the Constitution.

Voter apathy isn't decreasing no matter what the media spoon feeds you. (Can anyone spell 'sheeple'). Apathy (another good book, the dictionary) is lack of interest or concern. We the people have had 7 years to get up to speed on history, military conflict, domestic policies and challenges, voting records and positions. The fact that the majority are still undecided demonstrates apathy is rampant. Need proof our education system doesn't work? Don't look to test scores. Watch the election results.

OF COURSE it's politics as usual. The end of divisiveness is touted while the political process has devolved to 'I Hate Hillary' versus 'Obama-rama'.

OF COURSE it's politics a usual. We the people develop so-called opinions regarding foreign and domestic challenges from vague media spin and impressingly vague solutions from media diluted campaign spin.

OF COURSE it's politics as usual. We the people are undecided. We the people spent 7 years watching entertainment shows and then race to the voting booth.
Care to explain the conflicts in Arabia? Know a good website to get good numbers on social and corporate entitlements? Going to rely on media spin on how to resolve them?

OF COURSE it's politics as usual. This is a process whereby we the people try to determine who understands and is capable of resolving issues while we the people ignore and don't understand issues.

OF COURSE it's politics as usual. We the people 'buy' the advertising presentation that a person who runs a Bush style campaign, gives Kennedy/King speeches, is a CFR member and NAU supporter and surrounds themselves with Clinton advisors is 'NEW'.

OF COURSE it's politics as usual. We the people would rather sit in front of a computer screen like good little drones and I-pundit other pundit's ideas rather than read and develop a truly original thougt of our own. It's the same old, same old. Voters will watch the pundits they agree with and then go to the polls. We the people will conveniently forget we slavered over the sales pitch.

No, I'm not undecided. Yes, I own liberal, conservative and moderate writings. So if you'll excuse me, a cup of tea and one of those books are calling my name.

Can anyone say 'petulant two year old".

I am always surprised - i shouldn't be at this age.. when people start throwing words like "empty suit" around. do You really think that a Havard educated lawyer, who also happened to be the Law review editor is empty.. I don't think so. Many of the anti -Obama comments are probably from people who can't own their own racist mind sets. Wonder if they mentioned empty to GWB or ever wondered if a texas governor had the experience be prez... what about property taxes in Tx. What about Reagan..what was sooo special about his qualifications.. he was an actor.. just be courageous enought to admit that many of the standards that you are attempting to apply to Obama would not apply to other candidate..

It is about time we have someone in the white house, regardless of skin tone, that can juggle more than one thought at the same time, and not be beholden to special interests. I believe that this country will be a whole lot better off with Obama.

John Edwards 2008! He is the true candidate of change, and he has a plan to accomplish it. Obama just tries to mimic Edwards every step of the way.

Quick! Name one person running now having Presidential experience. Name me one candidate who can build bridges across various demographics.

There is only one running and his name is Obama. He has charisma.

I see a lot of racism on these post and a misconceptions.

Hope is what America needs right now. We also need a healer. Do not elect Obama and it is going to be biz as usual. America will contiue to be sore too!

Hello Everyone.

You can look at all the minute details about Obama, Huckabee and McCain all that you want. The bottom line here I believe is we have 3 rare politicians who actually stand for something other than the financial and political Elite! Obama coming from a more humanistic view, Huckabee from a Christian centric humanistic view and McCain who actually loves this country more than his pocket book or cronies! Add to this these three men connect with large swaths of both sides of the isle means a ground swell of potential change in favor of the middle class in this country. I think that most of us blogging on this sight come from this large block of middle class voters. Finally we have a choice not of lesser evils but of lesser goods WOW! I am a Democratic centrist by nature and although I disagree with Huckabee, Obama and McCain, on some issues, I believe that if one of these three men wins the presidency we will come together as a nation and safe face in this world as a power needs to survive. We need a leader who can unite us in victory or defeat in Iraq and a leader who can unite the middle class to take back our country and bring us into the future with, not against, the powers of China, Russia, India & Iran.

As I read through the ignorance of our American People.... it saddens me. The very first post by Xtina was so well written yet full of lies. I would hate to call her a liar because the sad thing is she probably doesn't know any better. As its been mentioned before, US Senators have little impact on the local economy. Your vote for your City, County and State elected officials are what increased the taxes in Chicago (where I reside). I dont remember seeing Obama's name on that ballot. CHECK YOUR FACTS! What else amazes me is how people call him Arrogant...? He has run a clean campaign working towards bridging the gap, hasn't dragged any candidate in the mud yet hes arrogant. No.. He is a confident black man with strong beliefs and a powerful message who is not afraid to make a stand. How arrogant is he when compared to Hillary "I've been doing this job for 10 years" Clinton? Lets not mention George "I'll do what I want when I want and how I want, this is MY COUNTRY" Bush, whom YOU elected... You have a candidate that is willing to agree to disagree, but move forward with whats needed to conduct change. You speak on his record, hes only been around for 4 years. What is your point? How many presidents of corporations get hired in and turn a company around? I'll say what Obama shouldn't, Putting the same people in the same place and expecting a different result, IS STUPID... Doing the same thing, expecting a different result is the definition of INSANITY. (Just look at G.W.Bush, part 2). What has changed? Nothing, this Country is going to hell on a rocket, and you would rather put someone in office who has been the navigator on that same rocket? I'm so hopeful yet so frightened all at the same time.

The romance with Obama is still too new to see if it will last. I loved him at first, but the Messiah/Beatle hysteria is starting to wear thin. To me, he's JFK, a fine figurehead who didn't accomplish much, while John Edwards is Bobby Kennedy, the passionate fighter for real change. Hillary seems vindictive enough to "kneecap" Obama somehow, with some sort of scandal. It'll be interesting to see how to all plays out. Nothing could be as bad as Bush.

Democrats better think deep in voting for a nominee. Obama is a good Senator but he cannot win the Presidency against the Republicans. If he is nominated we will be giving the GOP another 4 years in office. Obama will drop in the polls with one dirty Republican campaign ad

Obama may win Iowa. Let us be reality rather than dreamland. He has no experience and he never been in any office other than few years being Senator. I read some info about him that he never took his position as senator serious and that he missed many vote.

Yes, change is good thing but he bring many wishful thought and we know it is impossible to do all of them in 4 yrs and also CAN he deal with all of pressure as President of US which required budget, education and reform. We need president that have experience and willing to start work on help America people and rebuild America. I do not know if Obama is ready for this.

LADIES AND GENTLEMAN THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES-
BARACK OBAMA!!!!!!!!
OBAMA '08

How can we believe that Hillary can "catch" Osama bin laden.....when she couldn't even "catch" Bill!

The only problem I see in Barack Obama becoming the next President of the U.S. is his obvious "decency". He'll have to swim with the sharks...and not bleed!

I wish him the very best...and support him in every way!

I agree with Iglaw...its so discouraging to see some very disrespectful, UnAmerican, and just plain dumb comments from the participants in this conversation.

Personal attacks on Barack Obama are unnecessary – he BY FAR is the most intelligent, down to Earth, assertive, and most organized candidate.

Americans want change, but when faced with it THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO GO THE DISTANCE will vote for Barack Obama those who talk a good game, but dont want to FIGHT FOR IT will settle for second best....vote for the candidate who wants a better life in America FOR ALL! Vote for the candidate who is the PEOPLE'S PRESIDENT...and cannot be bought.

I love this country and I want a better future for ALL OF US, Obama can take us there!

OBAMA 08!! Dont be afraid of change, EMBRACE IT!!!

I don't think I would have put THAT in writing....especially if Obama wants to win in South Carolina. Other than getting the lottery passed in South Carolina, Jim Hodges was one of the worse governors we ever had....if not THE worse. He proved that during Hurricane Floyd....ask ANYONE in South Carolina.....especially if they live in and around Charleston.

I think Obama is the best candidate for the Democratic Party and for the United States. Not even an endorsement from Jim Hodges will shake my support fo Obama (although it comes cloae)

It's curious, tiring, and a bit depressing to scroll through so many "thoughts", most of which seem more like knee jerk reactions, premeditated if not preprogrammed promos, or mean-spirited slams of "the other guy/gal". Does anyone want to look up the meaning of "discourse" and raise the level of this conversation? If you've read anything lately by any of the candidates (or even Gore's book), concerns about an increasingly illiterate electorate being swayed by the political machines and less than objective, sound-bite crazed media outlets look like the most chilling threats to our freedoms and the fundamental premises of a democracy accountable to its citizens. Can we require better information, more civil dialogue in this public square, and tone down the diatribes?

Or, as somebody else put it more succinctly: "Come now, let us reason together......

There are some "TRUE" loyalists in here that would rather see an unqualified candidate get elected. Remember that we already have an underqualified president, lets try to put the more qualified person in office and try to get off the experience or lack of experience bandwagon. Its experience that have americans in an unending war, its experience that has the "Rich" being represented and not the middle class, so, as far as the experience rhetoric goes, well umm, try again. Vote for representation of america as a whole and not just one group of americans, please look at all the facts and the current condition of our country. Vote for being "ONE NATION" not two, three or four. It is unity that will keep this country growing strong.

After the glorious Obama win, you can clearly see that Hillary got taught a lesson – Americans want change more than experience. Even her message has changed throughout her campaign: few weeks ago, she was bragging on about her experience and her husband; now, she's saying she's the 'agent of change, trying to splice the two 'hot' concepts together! Even in her speech after the caucuses, she's using the word 'change' a lot – I'd say she was first feeding off her husband, now she's feeding off fellow democrat Obama...

I think this just shows how dishonest Clinton is in that her policy is dictated by polls and political trends, rather than Obama's authentic desire for change in America.

I hope Obama wins the nomination – we don't want a Clinton-Bush dynasty ruling our nation for decades...

It's ironic everyone keeps saying this person isn't as experienced or that person has the experience, but the fact of the matter is none of the candidates have experience being a President of the United States, yeah they have other experience but unless you've been a President you truly donot have a clue as to what it really is like. Being a wife of the former President, doesn't equal experience leading a country as President, so on that respect they are all equal as far as experience. Our vote for a candidate shouldn't be because we believe some secret conspiracy is going on with Republicans voting for Obama and therefore any winnings he obtains are a Republican conspiracy. Please, that is just an insult to the countless people who have voted for Obama and it's just plain silly to think that thousands of republicans would foresake voting in their own primaries to prop up a puppet in the democratic primary so they could ensure winning in the November election. I think we as Americans are intelligent enough to realize that the number of fools it would take for such a feat to succeed could not compare to number of us who are not. Besides that, in some states you could not do so unless you are specifically registered with the party you want to vote for and changing your party affiliation beforehand would still require the fools to outnumber the other intelligent people who are voting their belief.

Our vote for a candiate should be because we believe in our particular candidate and what they stand for not out of fear that some conspiracy is going on and they aren't a really legitimate candidate. Regardless of who your candidate is, if you are simply blogging or commenting and never show up to vote when its your turn, then both you and America truly loses and any passion around your blog entries is nothing more than hot air.

I'm an Idependent who has voted both for Repbulicans and Democrats in the last 4 presidential elections and yes I do believe it is indeed time for a Change and that change will not happen with a Republican President. So whether it be the Primaries or the 2008 Election, my vote will go to the Democratic candidate, not because I am a Democratic, but because I believe they are the party that can help put our Country back on track. My vote will not be swayed by Conspiracy Theories or pundits who say person X can't win, but by the fact I believe in the candidate of choice. Only then when we stand up for who or what we believe in will it be clear it's not the polls that decide who wins, but us the people who truly decide who gets to lead us. If you're not voting, your simply along for the ride and not really putting your money where your mouth is.

I indeed will vote for Barack Obama when it's my turn, because I believe he is the most viable candidate to shake up the status quo we've come to know as Washington. And he more than any candidate demonstrates how to bring people of various backgrounds, ethnicities, age groups and classes together for reaching a common purpose. And if it turns out that someone different from the Democratic party wins the nomination my support will be for that candidate.

Stand up America, like the voters in Iowa did, We want Change and we want it now, the Status Quo will not do for us anymore!

I will vote for the rep. nominee if Obama gets the dem. nomination. I am not paid by anyone. How sad it is when the person who can do the job either finishes third in Iowa, get 2% or leaves the race. Biden is gone. Maybe the only Dem. who could bring everyone together and have a strong foriegn stand. Now we have to all get together and back Clinton. She has the respect of our friends and enemies. Clinton has far less work to do to bring our country together, than Edwards or Obama. Clinton is change, period. If Obama is a empty suit; I cnnot say. He has not moved me in anyway. I come from poor white farmers from Texas. His race is not an issue for me. I believe Dodd, Biden, and most of the lower tier guys really want the best for this country. Edwards and Obama come across as good motivational speakers, but as with any pyramid scheme: the one's at the top get all the spoils and the one's at the bottom pay for it. Maybe someone out there can change my mind while using the facts. If Obama only makes you feel good then don't responde. Kennedy lover wanna-be neede not responde.

CNN Moderators are biased. And CNN is trying to control the elections. Hurray.

With all of the ignorant and narrow minded views being expressed against Senator Obama, is it any wonder 'we',as a country, have elected so many presidents over the last 28 yrs. who have the integrity of a wet paper bag? The electorate is as easily led or misled as steers to slaughter.

It is sad to see this once proud democracy being tail-wagged by the most uninformed among us. The internet has allowed the most illiterate and illogical to fling their opinions around as if they were cleaning a horse stall. The bickering back & forth in the opinions above are a mirror image of what our 'electorate' do everyday. And nothing changes.

I'm all for having options and expressing them, but not one single response attacking Senator Obama had a positive solution to offer. I would pose the question to every single person who attacks any of the candidates –> what is your solution? who DO you support and why. It is very easy to criticize -> much, much harder to figure out solutions. WE definitely need BIG CHANGE in this country –> Who REALLY is vested in leading the way?

Talk is cheap - voting and taking part in revamping America in a positive way is everyone's responsibility. Let's DO something POSITIVE for a CHANGE.

property taxes are decided at the state level, not federal. and dems arent raising taxes on the middle class...you're dumb.

Coleen, West Springfield, MA January 2, 2008 4:27 pm ET

I agree with Les! I am a lifelong democrat and WILL NOT vote for Obama if he is the democratic nominee. Several of my liberal friends feel the same way. The only way we democrats can win the White House back AND be proud of the job the next democratic president does is to nominate and elect Hillary Clinton

Coleen. The spirit of your post exhibits racist and misoginistic undertones and is quite offensive. NOTHING in your post backs up your assertions in the least. NOTHING Obama has done deserves the moniker "empty suit". If you do not know what he stands for then you haven't done ANY research at all. I see nothing wrong with reforming the tax code to make it simpler to file (i.e. prefilled forms to expedite the process). I see nothing wrong with mandated health care FOR ALL CHILDREN. (as opposed to HRC's plan which will mandate it for everyone which is completely unworkable and the Repubs will kill it before it gets out of congress!!). I see nothing wrong with facing our "enemies" overseas and letting them know EXACTLY where the U.S. stands. This makes us look stronger and engaging which is a sharp contrast from where we have been the last 8 years....MOST IMPORTANTLY....I see NOTHING wrong with ending the loopholes that take American jobs out of the U.S. and employ people overseas.....keeping American jobs in the U.S. is a major pole in Obama's campaign.

Those are facts..those are ideals I can stand behind. I can't support HRC just because she was married to Bill..and quite frankly for someone so much "experience" as she claims I find it FASCINATING that she didn't even know the difference between the PRESDIENTIAL elections in Pakistan and the PARLIMENTARY elections. If nothing I've posted here makes sense to you...you have a LOT of reading to do in order to catch up with current events and I'd advise you to sit this election out!

The notion that because he's black, he should be president is absurd. He has NO resume. If he had something , anything that I could weigh and measure as to his fitness as president of the united states, I would give him careful consideration but , sadly he has none. I wont even consider him. The person who replaces the imbecile in the white house must have substancial gravitas to undo and repair the great harm done by the current criminals who occupy that office.
I'm also concerned by reports I've seen about Obama's relationship with a muslim businessman in Illinois who is a rabid racist{hates white people).

Response to xTina – Chi. IL – I think you are confused. Property taxes are a function of the local government, not the national government. Obama really has nothing to do with it. If you want to be irate with someone, get mad at your county assessor.

Obama has the character, style, and general feel good notion to turn this current debacle of a government back to a credible and well liked nation that we should be. The Current "leader" has helped out the rich and screwed the poor. I'm not even going to get started on Iraq. God save us all if Clinton wins. We will most likely fall deeper into a hole if she wins. I respect her that she is running but outside of the western world a woman leader is disgusted and would make us look dumber than we are already portrayed. VOTE OBAMA because the change train is in full effect and its our time as citizens to finally have our government for the people by the people

if OBAMA, isnt an issue, i guess no body would be writing all this, but i want to remind you that, all the candidates are intimidated by him because he' s got all the qualities of a true US President

All it is time move this activity to another arena, the voting place. Please remeber to cast your vote, it makes more impact than 20 blogg entries

OBAMA Tapes Message For People of Kenya

Here is the link:

http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-01-02-voa60.cfm

BTW I am disappointed that CNN wants to tell us that Hillary had tea with Benazir Bhutto in order to highlight her "experience" but ignores this current development from Obama on the Kenyan issue.

can anyone run down what Obama has done as a Senator that did not involve taking more taxpayer money? Name just one thing on his resume that shows leadership, making difficult decisions, solving problems without resorting to taxpayer money, and reducing the size of government. Name just one business decision or one thing he has done that shows financial smarts.

As an independent voter I find it interesting that the Pro-Hillary, Barack-Bashing, demagogue Democrats are on here using the oldest trick in the REPUBLICAN playbook!

You guys keep going on and on with your ridiculous scare tactics just like the Republicans! It's hilarious.....clearly those of you who have sworn to vote Republican if Barack is the nominee, aren't TRUE Democrats anyway.

In addition, it speaks to the Hillary Clinton Campaign & Republicans fears that Barack IS going to WIN Iowa and the General Election in November, so of course all of her devoted bloggers are out in full force! The fact is only a few short months ago all of you were fine when you thought that Hillary was the "Inevitable" nominee.....Now that Barack has caught fire with the electorate and shows strength in the latest Des Moines Register Poll, you guys have resorted to the same old "Washington Politics" that Barack is out to change!

When will you get it? It's this silly and petty fear-mongering that keeps propelling Barack to the TOP!!!!!!!

I say let the voters of IOWA and America decide who they would like to be the Democrats' nominee.....refrain from all of the Obama bashing because it's so petty and useless. The beauty of our country is that it is a democracy and we all have the opportunity to speak our preference through our vote.

I say GO OBAMA in 2008!!!!!!!!!!!

All gender and Nationalities for OBAMA 08 I love my country and the people.

To all of the bloggers who are Democratic that would vote Republican if Obama is elected: GOODBYE. It's obvious you're not diverse.

And the bloggers who keep trying to poison Obama election by constantly saying Barack Obama Hussen and the governor who's trying to make people think the reason SC governor is endorsing Obama to help with black votes: YOU'RE IGNORANT. We don't need this, we need to come together.

Graduated from Colombia and Harvard ranking first in his class.
We need Brain in that White House. Obama is that brain

To Carol: "If you're not for Obama, don't post any more messages here because they clearly don't matter." What? Who do you think you are to make a statement like that? I understand that it is tough for Obama's fans to have to read (and here I'm assuming they CAN read) criticism of their darling boy. But no one, including Carol has the right to try to stifle dissent.
Some of you are critical of those of us who can not vote for Obama. It has nothing to do with hate and everything to do with wanting a candidate who can win the presidency. If he should, by some horrible circumstance, become the candidate, I will either have to abstain from voting or will vote Republican. I simply can't, vote for someone so unseasoned, power-hungry, and shallow as Obama. I almost think it would be better to have a stable Republican in office.
PLEASE! ANYONE BUT OBAMA!!

OBAMA HAS DONE NOTHING...HARDLY EVER VOTES AS A SENATOR...TOO AFRAID...What will he do, if the USA gets threatened...Tell the terrorists he's PRESENT.

"Here" said Obama to Osama. "I'm present. I'm too to face you and afraid to vote because it could tarnish my record and then people will do exactly what I am doing to the others–criticize the vote."

"So guess what? I won't vote. And Osama if you are out there to get us still. You're it! Because I am hiding from facing the bad guys!"

You can't find me because I didn't vote! I don't even have a record anywhere in the US except for in Illinois where I got elected easily (no one else that was even considered serious ran against me!)

The republicans will vote for me as independents, too. I will be nominee by default!
De-Fault of the idiots who will give this Democratic chance away!!!!

Ladies and Gentleman. Please stop bashing and go vote! Let your voice be heard at the polls!!

PEOPLE, we are at a defining moment in history. Our nation is at war, our planet is in peril, it is harder to save, harder to retire, and we are working more for less..The dream is slipping away! College tuition, gas at the pump, healthcare issues are not going away either. We need someone who will bring about change! Someone to shake up Washington's "politics as usual" that is destroying our country.

We know no mission was ever accomplished. We know we were promised compassionate conservatism but got KATRINA and wire-taps. We know we were promised a uniter but got a president who couldn't lead the republicans. We know it is time for CHANGE!

November 2008 America will be ready to lead! I cant wait for BARACK OBAMA to end the genocide in Darfur, finish the "real" fight with al qaeda, shut down gwantonomo, and take Iraq money $ and give some school scholarships..lol.

I am "sick" of Washington politics as they are and can't wait for CHANGE!
OBAMA 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was out knocking on doors today in NH as a canvasser, and let me tell you a news flash!

Many, many Republicans have registered Independent and they are voting for Barack Obama. Why? The answer came straight from their mouths...

Because they want the Presidency but not for Obama but FOR A REPUBLICAN! I was told that they are voting for Obama to squeeze Clinton out because they KNOW FOR CERTAIN that they can beat OBAMA in the real election.

They don't care at all which Republican gets in as long as it is a Republican.

EXACT WORDS: "Obama is an easy victory for the Republicans...Anybody but Hillary"

That is the Republican goal people! They have Democrat friends who will vote in the general election for McCain, Huckabee or even Romney before they would put their lives on the line with an inexperienced President like Obama.

This is what is happening!!!! THINK ABOUT IT! Dems you are throwing it away on OBAMA. We will lose.

GOD HELP US! Four or eight more years of this?

DO NOT LET THE REPUBLICANS WIN BY PLAYING THEIR GAME!!!

If Baral Obama gets in, it will be the best thing that has happened to this country. He walks soft but carries a big stick, don't under estimate this man. If the truth be told he is the best man running for this country. You want CHANGE, stick with Barak Obama. You want crook, stick with the rest of them.

tyrone you say this race is about racism and islamophobia. what do u expect this is such a big change out of the norm. its bound to happen. remember that cuz i am right u arent. not to be rude but i am.

i just want whoever that writes this stuff that it doesnt matter who is in any office anymore. reason being we are already on a hard downward fall to the end of days. there is nothing we can do anymore. it is to late. government is what did this to us. THIS IS MY FIRM BELIEF!!!

Thank you Governor for your endorsement, it shows leadership and i beleive a victory for Obama in Iowa tommorow night will give a clear indication that the nation is heading in the right direction for a change that we can beleive in.

GO OBAMA 08!!!

"Sounds like the paid Clinton bloggers are out in full-force today."

My thoughts exactly! I actually wouldn't be surprised if they were all the same person, just changing screenames.

Clinton backers, time to back someone else. The dominoes are falling, and your candidate won't be the nominee.

Obama '08!

Scott, sometimes truths are resented.

Anti-Obama are talking against Obama for president. One thing I know for sure, in all the candidates both Dem and Repub Obama is the most electable, and he is the only one that has the wisdom to lead this country without divisiveness. I think Majority of American people know that he is very intelligent, and those of you who were saying rubbish against him were anti-Obama. I think everyone knows he is far better than Hillary when it comes to wisdom, knowledge , and every other thing it takes to be president. The only thing why the anti-Obama were saying these trash is because he is not like those liars in the White House that can do anything in order to get elected. I do think Obama will win this primary election and general election, because it has been foretold; nobody can change what has been destined. He has the most experience to lead this country and unite them, and he will remove all the barriers for racism in this country with those lobbyist that hinder majority of Americans from progress. When you hear him speak, you will know he is the messiah who came to bring change in the White House and the entire country, which has been corrupted by the corrupted politicians. Hillary Clinton might be the one sending you people to poison the minds of American people because he speaks the truth. “For ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free”. (Bible). If American people refused to elect Obama because of his race, I think American will continue to lose their super power, and will be ceded it to other nation. I think those people, who will vote for Obama has found the truth, and truth shall remain in them and they are free. Hillary is never an angel, and will never be; instead she will continue to ruin the white house in the name of politics. She has started fighting bcos she is dropping from polls, and she is ready to fight physically if law requires it; she is ready to shoot and kill if this election is taken away from her. She is the most corrupt politician among all, and she can never say an atom of truth. When Americans find out the truth about her, she is gone forever, and that is why she is beating about the bush when a simple question is being laid on the table bcos she is liar, and the mother of all liars.
Vote for Obama because he is the ONE.

I"f Obama is the nominee for the democratic party, I'd vote for any republican nominee. I'd rather vote for a bible thumper, womanizer, a mormon or old vietnam vet compared to an EMPTY SUIT who has the notion being black and smooth talker is enough to make him President. AT LEAST any of the republican nominee is way MUCH BETTER than Obama.l

elements of racism...and barack is mixed..his mom is white and even though his mom is green, it makes no difference. he is qualified to lead.

People who say they would never vote for Obama, yet will vote for Hill Clinton or the Repubs make me laugh! How ridiculous does one sound. You won't vote for Obama and the change he represents, yet you'll vote for Hillary and her baggage or the Repubs and their Bigotry? It looks like some people have deep seeded issues. Or, maybe they're just ignorant! I have see some misused info on here, like the "Obama voted present" argument. Obviously those people didn't do there research and find out how the Illinois senate works and why he voted present 4 percent of the time! They've been blinded by Hill! And if you'd rather vote Republican than vote for Obama you're not a Dem anyway because the two sides are like night and day, so much so that you can't seriously think that any of the Repubs are what we need and think I'll vote for Hill or any other dem! So, don't vote! Be intelligent. Vote intelligently. Vote for real change, not the status quo!

Obama '08

It's very uncalled for for someone to talk trash against a candidate one doesn't wnat to vote for. One should be smart enough to understand what the real truth stands for; anyone who cannot see through Obama is either a sinner or a traitor. The truth is there for you to see, because one has erred from the actual truth. Truth is always bitter, especially for those who have mistaken falsehood for the truth. I am not a Democrat or Repub, but the fact is that Obama is such a smart guy who is able to lead, bring people of all kinds together and get things done in appropriate ways. America needs someone with intellect and God given Wisdom to lead this great country that has lost its values around the world. I think majority of Americans understand that Obama is the best candidate to restore American values, and will end this contagious disease called racist and division of all kinds. Americans are knowledge enough to know the true one. One should not judge by color or gender; is not natural. One should be rational in all things. So be wise to choose the right and truthful candidate, and forget about those who sent you to talk stupid things against a candidate. Obama and Huckabee have the right stuff to lead the country period.
E E.

Hey Clinton News Network! Why won't you post MY comments? I haven't used any nasty words – Is it because I speak the truth to power by pointing out all these people who refuse to vote for Obama are either Racist or Islamaphobic?
Or are you Prjeudice too?

Stop being Racist and Islamophobic!
Obama 08!!!!!!

Last time I checked, insanity was defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So let's just keep swapping dynasties, trading millionaires and keep the who's-your-God-wheel spinning, and we'll all continue to lose the game.

Remember sheeple, some of our best presidents didn't have to pad their resumes with so-called experience – (Washington code word for bought and paid for by corporations and embedded in slash-and-burn, fear-based politics) – prior to occupying the White House.

Unions will ruin the country. Bless Hillary for crossing those pickett lines.

Thank you, Gov. Jim Hodges for standing on the side of 'Hope', and end the divisiness in this country.

Simon, IA: I resent your characterization of Obama supporters as "dumb Americans".

I would love to know which candidate you support, and see your explanation of how their campaign is flawless

Endorsement by Hodges means very little in SC. Hodges could not even win a 2nd term as governor. He was a one idea politician. He was elected only because of his backing from the gambling industry to get a state lottery. With the lottery in his voters had no need to go to poles to vote him in the second term. I am a democrat but voted republican in effort to keep Hodges out. If Obama is the nominee I will swallow hard and vote republican in the presidential race. I have voted republican for president only twice. As a young and first time voter I voted for Dewey and again once for the first George Bush because of the shadows following Clinton. I have seen what happens to our country when a republican goes in and it is not good. I think the country will be in more trouble with a young orator who is unproven in such high level decision making. John Edwards has my vote because he is clean, knowledgable, has worked his way out of poverty and has a clear vision for the future. Anna from SC

All Democrats are known for one thing: TAX and SPEND! You can make that two things if you want, but the two go together for Dems.

If Dems get in power, they'll raise taxes on the rich, who will then pass that on to the middle calss, who will then pass that on to the poor. Who the Dems are really hurting in the end? Not the rich, because the rich will always look for ways to stay rich or get richer.

If Dems get into power, but especially Hillary, she will rund the fed like a socialist government. The government will provide everything for everybody, which means the government has to find lots and lots and lots of money to fund these programs. Where else to find the money other than increased taxes? And guess who gets hits hardest in the end?

I don't know that strict socialism is the best way, but would like to see a mixture of social empathy and enticing business incentives from the feds.

Wow , a Federal lobbyist is now supporting Obama and he is fine with it. Hodges is registered as lobbyist in both in the state of So Carolina and also in the Senate June 2007 Federal list.

But Obama already is taking lobbyist money via state channels. Read this:

"When asked by reporters on the call why Hodges could work with the campaign even though he is a lobbyist, campaign manager, David Plouffe, said the campaign's policy for limiting lobbyists' influence applied to taking money only from federal registered lobbyists and PACs. "

Talk about hypocrites.

And some dumb Americans follow him like a cult.

How can ANYONE claim Obama is respectable, THREE LOBBYISTS are WORKING for his CAMPAIGN right NOW. As SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN for European Foreign Affairs, he has NOT held a single hearing! He doesn't have any ounce of leadership nor he had shown one while in the US Senate. One year after he was elected as US Senator (no opponent in Illinois that's why he won the election easily), he start RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!

NOBODY talk about the deal of Obama with TONY REZKO that made him a profit at taxpayers' expense. While in the US Senate Obama busied his self crisscrossing USA while in the PAYROLL of EVERY US TAXPAYERS selling his books!

And you Obama supporters call that leadership?!?!?!

Oh yes! Obama will change this country alright, he'll change it FOR THE WORSE, MUCH WORSE THAN BUSH!! AND if that FUNK will be the nominee for the Democratic Party, I'd vote republican!

Let's see....
Clinton.... experience, name recognition, most electable
Obama.... inexperienced, new blood, consensus builder, most likable

conclusion....
Clinton.... same old same old, divisive process
Obama.... fresh start, new direction, new ideas, trustful...

Do we need a new direction? Different outcome? End party bickering and stand-off's?

This is not a Deomocrat or Republican issue. This is not a black or white issue. this is an American issue. Who would best serve the needs of this country at this time?...... OBAMA

Hillary is crossing the picket line to go on Letterman, what a scab. Say goodbye to the union vote you scab!!

I support Obama. He may be young and somewhat inexperienced but I believe he is honest and trustworthy. He will have excellent advisers and surround himself with qualified people. Unlike Bush or Clinton he is not too arrogant to listen to others.
Clinton recently misspoke about Musharraf and instead of just explaining what she really meant to say she felt the need to lie. I honestly believe she can't help it anymore. Lying comes so naturally to her it would never cross her mind to simply say "I was wrong". She actually prefers to lie rather than admit a mistake.
I want a leader that I trust to tell me the truth and that is Obama.

well said, Ron from TX...

you can spot paid Clinton bloggers on this site pretty easily. They make a lot of comments like "92 of my friends and I would never vote for Obama" and "Hillary is the best!" without any support or reasoning to back anything up.

On YouTube.com Now!!!!!

"Obama Portrait Music Video by Bjarne O"

Obama in '08!!!!

The bloom is off the Clinton rose.

The respectable obama. Is good man and A true American Patriot.

The problem is he is an amiture political rookie. The African American community
would do better to send a more seriouse seasoned political heavy weight like Jessie Jackson.

This is'nt American Idol, we need a Heavy hitter politician like Edwards Or Hillary
To take on the Neo cons, and return the dignity to our dear America.

WOMAN WE HAVE COME SO FAR TO STOP NOW! CLINTON 2008

by Mrs. Lyndon Baines (Ladybird) Johnson
Former First Lady, United States Of America
Women can move beyond the struggle for equal status and for material goods to the challenges and opportunities of citizenship. Quality of goals and the achievement of goals which will mean a better life for all. For me, it was the beginning of seeing how politics can bring tangible results. I always hope that the very best of our people will go into politics, and I am sure that some of our best are women. So, I say: "Don't hold back. Don't be shy. Step forward in every way you can to plan boldly, to speak clearly, to offer the leadership which the world needs. Let us today earnestly resolve to build the true foundation for Eleanor Roosevelt's memory–to pluck out prejudice from our lives, to remove fear and hate where it exists, and to create a world unafraid to work out its destiny in peace. Eleanor Roosevelt has already made her own splendid and incomparable contribution to that foundation. Let us go and do likewise, within the measure of our faith and the limits of our ability. Let Eleanor Roosevelt teach Us all how to turn the arts of compassion into the victories of democracy.Eleanor Roosevelt taught us that sometimes silence is the greatest sin.

I just read in the Huffington post that staffers in the Bidden, Dodd and Richardson camp are also telling their supporters to go with Obama if they do not reach viability.

If there sources are accurate this could be a big win for Obama!

Does this guy have a lobbyst background? How was that claim by Obama he will not accept support from lobbysts and they will not be involved in 'his White House'?

The respectable Obama is a good may and great patriot,how-ever this is'nt Amarican Idol, This is a seriouse drive to get the parisite neo cons out of the white house. Obama is to much of a amiture political rookie.For the love of our dear america vote Hillary or Edwards.

Guys:

Remember, it takes a minimum of 60 votes in the senate to make REAL changes occur! Support Obama and the othe Democrats and you will see a BIG Difference in possitive growth....

I completely agree with Bruce Taylor. Among other negatives regarding Hillary Clinton, the most offensive to me is her ability to manufacture the truth. Everything seems to always be so exaggerated that it becomes impossible to believe. Let's get a fresh start with someone who has a very high intellect and a responsible outlook. Obama is that person for me.

Sounds like the paid Clinton bloggers are out in full force today bashing on Obama.

Great endorsement Obama! Expect the Clinton backers to get more and more angry and vile as the next few weeks progress. They're JUST NOW starting to realize that they are backing the most hated and divisive politician, EVER. And I guess it's getting under their skin some.

Obama's the one ! I am a Republican who's voting for him.

Congratulations to CNN for allowing posts that are all but incoherent. I'd like to see REAL thought and opinion on these blogs rather than a bunch of text message and IM lingo that makes us all sound like a bunch of 13-year olds.

PROOFREAD people! You all sound like 8th graders talking trash about your assistant principal. No one can take you seriously when you use phrases like "my candidate is way much better," and then give no evidence to back it up. Come on. What does that mean?

I appreciate that everyone is engaged in the debate, but if this is the intelligence level of the average voter in America, we're all in trouble.

I agree with Les! I am a lifelong democrat and WILL NOT vote for Obama if he is the democratic nominee. Several of my liberal friends feel the same way. The only way we democrats can win the White House back AND be proud of the job the next democratic president does is to nominate and elect Hillary Clinton.

Great Minds think alike. Keep the endorsements of Obama pouring in.

I think Obama will win Iowa,New Hampshire,and South Carolina.
Senator Obama will win because he is able to find a connection between all people,formulate a vision,and get diverse people to work toward that vision .
The edification of the Clinton mythos is being undone.As John F. Kennedy said: “The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.”
The desperation of the Clinton campaign is omnipresent.It has become like the scene in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ where Toto pulls back the curtain.
My two sisters and my mother are all strong women who hold forth the strength and ability of women to do anything they choose and to choose any dream they wish. However,they realize that this election is not about gender or simply a change of party.That is why they are supporting Barack Obama.
Considering that the only major foreign policy decision ever made by Senator Clinton was to enable President Bush’s headlong rush to war in Iraq ,any talk of experience is rather subversive of the truth. Coupled with her husband’s debacle in Somalia, the pictures of them touting experience leaves the mind spinning to say the least. The segue from the first Clinton adiministration to the Bush White House was seamless indeed and the circle would be complete with the election of Senator Clinton. The methodology,the lack of probity,and the ability to manufacture truth are all there. It is the responsibility of the American people to at some point demand something other than their own indifference and to do something more than simply assuage their vote. Change begins from the people up.

I agree with DJ and Les.

OpraBama is an empty suit. All talk and that's it. If it weren't for Opra Winfrey, this guy would be down in the Kuscinich numbers. (Another of Opra's bad picks)

He will get this country in more trouble than any of the repubs. He's arrogant yet comes off carismatic, he's egotistical yet portrays himself as humble...I think mostly he's an opportunist who thinks he can waltz into DC and ALA-KA-ZAAAMMM, wish things to be different, and then they are...what a concept!

It's a more dangerous world today than ever in our history. It is not a time for a charasmatic, egotistical wanna be that thinks he can wish a deed done and it be done!

We need someone with knowlegde, experience, skills and a comprehensive knowledge of Washington politics. Someone who knows how to get things done, and indeed gets them done.

That would be Hillary or Richardson or Biden.

It is not Barak Hussein OpraBama

If you are not for Obama by now, please don't post things that don't matter here because they clearly don't matter!

xtina chicago il

There is alot obama has done for chicago. May be you don't see it because is out of the ordinary like when he worked in the south side of chicago. Don't you think it was better for him to go and take a cooperate job with a six figure income?
I just fail to think how human being think!

Thanks for the endorsment Gov. Hodges. Now we need you to spread the word in the SC Democratic caucauses and get some other guys like Rep. Jim Clyburn, and Rep. John Spratt to endorse Obama.

Obama in 2008! Absolutely to right call governor.

To: xtina, chicago il

Property taxes are levied by the County in Illinois where you live, not by the United States Senate. You can stop crying about Obama not caring that Illinois has money for roads, schools, police, firemen, etc., he doesn't vote on them. You should have paid attention when you went to one of those Illinois schools.

It was the Republican credit card Congress, backed by Bush, that spent money like a drunken sailor. The Democratic Congress has tried, over the obstructionist Republicans, to offset spending with income increases. It is called paying your bills and not passing them on.You should have paid attention when you went to one of those Illinois schools.

As for any accomplishment on Obama's record, one of the things he has done is bring people together and taught them to accept selfish dolts like you as having value, while you and yours divide and conquer. You should have paid attention when you went to one of those Illinois schools.

Eight years of incompetence, selfishness and ignorance is enough.

did a poll of my family of 24 lifelong Dems.not ever one would vote for obama. He was the only one none of us would vote.Iwould hate to miss voting,so i just may have to hold my nose and vote rep.

To... xtina of chicago il................................

You are so busy hating on Obama that you have your information and facts wrong. As Wayne of Greenville, Tx pointed out, property taxes are controlled at the local, county and state levels. As an Illinois state senator Obama would have had input on property taxes but not as a US Senator. Secondly, Hodges is a former Governor of SC, not a SC senator.

Next time take time to read the entire ticker and candidate profiles/positions, instead of taking the lazy position of just responding because you see Obama's name in the political ticker title.

i think obama is the right man for the job
my wife and I will vote for him.
I have faith on him and i believe he will restore the face of America

Please tell me what Barak has done. In IIIinois he voted present on hard issuses, not yes or no, is that how he will get things done in the white house????????

If Obama is the nominee for the democratic party, I'd vote for any republican nominee. I'd rather vote for a bible thumper, womanizer, a mormon or old vietnam vet compared to an EMPTY SUIT who has the notion being black and smooth talker is enough to make him President. AT LEAST any of the republican nominee is way MUCH BETTER than Obama.

He just picked a loser, although that may get him some support from his black voters.

Thank you Governor! You did some great things in office, and I'm happy you decided to back the Senator. I believe we will win. Obama 2008!

xtina chicago il January 2, 2008 3:04 pm ET

I fail to see how we will accomplish "strengthening of the family" by the Democratic plan to raise taxes in order to give Congress more money to waste. I would think it would "weaken" the family if you continue to bleed us in taxes. Strengthening of the family is putting the focus from an early age on a traditional mother and father family, faith, personal responsibility and hard work. Obama didn't do anything in Illinois other than fly around the country while we just got hit in Illinois with a 40 percent (avg.) property tax hike ! Does Obama care that the neighbors he left behind in Illinois are now saddled with a 40 percent increase in property taxes? So if anyone such as this So. Carolina Senator can name some accomplishment Obama has on his record that DIDN'T involve a tax increase (or new entitlement program for lazy people) please tell us because I don't see any qualifications or leadership decisions Obama has made .

You're talking apples and oranges, xtina. Property taxes are controlled at the local, county and state level – as a US Senator, Barark Obama has nothing to do with your property taxes (other than paying them on whatever property he owns in Illinois).

And speaking as a life-long Democrat, I believe that the Ddemocratic method of ensuring everyone pays their fair share of taxes (including the ultra-rich) is preferrable to Bush's method of running up the deficit and borrowing billions from the Red Chinese to finance an illegal war......

Barak Obama is looking better and better with each passing day....

Obama is a watse of a vote! He did not show up to vote in the senate often in his short time there, missed 130 votes out of 153! bashes ALL the other 72 senators who voted for the war based on the intelligence they were provided by OUR PRESIDENT, but he will not answer any reporter on how we would voted at the time. But his record after fact shows he supports the war, voted twice in 2006 against bringing America's troops back home. He votes for war appropriations giving our money to Halliburton and Blackwater. His latest bit of posturing S 433 allows the Bush Administration to suspend any troop withdrawal!!!!Which if not suspended, still keeps the troops in Iraq for a long time to come? Obama when faced with tough choices always gave in to pressure from the Bush administration or corporate lobbyists. Such as Obama voted for Bush's energy bill, sending more than $13 billion in subsidies and tax breaks to oil, coal, and nuclear companies. Obama voted with Republicans to allow credit card companies to raise interest rates over 30 percent, increasing hardship for families. Obama voted for one of Bush's top priorities – expanding Nafta to South America – even as President Bush obstructed all the top Democratic priorities. Obama voted with Bush to make it harder for ordinary people to hold big corporations accountable when they do things like sell toxic toys, poisonous pet food, or just plain rip you off. Obama was the Senate's biggest Democratic advocate of subsidies for liquid coal, even though liquid coal produces twice the global warming pollution of the crude oil it's meant to replace (Obama "backed off" this position after being pummeled by environmentalists for several months, but still voted for increased subsidies, albeit with conditions)Obama, a Hamiltonian believer in free trade and supporters of globalization has lent his support to the "Hamilton Project formed by corporate-neoliberal Citigroup chair Robert Rubin and other 'Wall Street Democrats' to counter populist rebellion against corporate tendencies within the Democratic Party. Obama provided assistance to pro-war candidates (such as Joe Lieberman). Obama voted for "business-friendly 'tort reform' bill that rolls back working peoples' ability to obtain reasonable redress and compensation...from corporations!!! Obama considers single payer universal health care too socialist and has stated that he prefers voluntary solutions. He has no substance. He has provided no solution to any problem until Hillary, Edwards or even Mitt Romey publically expresses theirs, then he copies, He’s been constantly negative with everyone.

I fail to see how we will accomplish "strengthening of the family" by the Democratic plan to raise taxes in order to give Congress more money to waste. I would think it would "weaken" the family if you continue to bleed us in taxes. Strengthening of the family is putting the focus from an early age on a traditional mother and father family, faith, personal responsibility and hard work. Obama didn't do anything in Illinois other than fly around the country while we just got hit in Illinois with a 40 percent (avg.) property tax hike ! Does Obama care that the neighbors he left behind in Illinois are now saddled with a 40 percent increase in property taxes? So if anyone such as this So. Carolina Senator can name some accomplishment Obama has on his record that DIDN'T involve a tax increase (or new entitlement program for lazy people) please tell us because I don't see any qualifications or leadership decisions Obama has made .