January 5, 2008
Posted: 09:02 AM ET
The president stayed up late to watch the caucus returns.

The president stayed up late to watch the caucus returns.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – It takes something extraordinary to keep President Bush awake late into the evening, and the exciting Iowa caucuses — which resulted in upstart victories for Republican Mike Huckabee and Democrat Barack Obama — were up to the challenge.

"The President watched the returns last night, he stayed up past his usual bedtime I think to wait for the results to be announced," White House spokesman Tony Fratto told reporters with a smile on Friday morning. "He watched the network coverage of the results coming in. It's something obviously that he's keeping an eye on."

Bush clearly does not want to show favor to any one Republican candidate at this preliminary stage, so Fratto said the President did not place a congratulatory phone call to Huckabee. "I think it's a little bit early to be doing phone calls," he noted.

But in private, the President is expressing admiration about the spirited competition thus far. "The President said that these races are great tests," Fratto said. "You win some and you lose some. And the question is: how do you do in the long run? He thinks it's a good test for anyone who will eventually end up in this job."

"And it's exciting for Americans to pay attention to it — he is," added Fratto. "He understands the range of emotions that candidates go through, both those who don't do as well as they expected to do and those looking forward to do better."

With the Huckabee and Obama victories being widely viewed as votes for change, Fratto was asked if the results should be interpreted as a sign that Americans are expressing fatigue with the President and his administration.

"No, I think it's an election season [and] people are ready for — to get on," Fratto said of the natural transition of power.

"It's good to see change in this job and the way we do it, especially if you put it in to the context of some of the troublesome transitions of power that we see happen in other countries," added Fratto. "We sort of take it for granted the way we do it. We have very competitive, hardly-fought election campaigns and graceful, peaceful transitions of power."

–CNN White House Correspondent Ed Henry

Filed under: President Bush


Paul C, Palmetto Bay, FL   January 6th, 2008 11:14 pm ET

I don't ever want to miss a opportunity to say what a disaster Bush has been to the country.
He will go down in history as the worse president ever and the only people that are more stupid are the millions who voted for him for all the wrong reasons..twice.

Richard, West Palm Beach, FL   January 6th, 2008 10:19 pm ET

"Richards problems with his states history in its part in bush's 2000 election is groundless ,,, his states questionable votes were counted over and over again,,, they just didnt come out the way he would of liked it to,,, sounds like sour grapes"
——————————————————————————
Comments about previous statements should always be based on the words actually used and not wishful thinking. NOT ONE comment was made about recounting votes OR the results of the vote in Florida. (As an aside, it is worth noting that the most complete rules for analyzing votes were supposedly those legislated in Texas and proudly bragged about by their governor, George W. Bush. When Floridians wanted to use those rules, Bush's lawyers absolutely refused.). From an historic point of view, the Palm Beach Post did an analysis that showed that the biggest problem was double-punched ballots where voters didn't understand that they couldn't change their votes. If those votes had been distributed in the same percentages as the valid votes, the results would have been different.

Back to the actual comments. There is much to be said about electing a president where ALL AMERICANS are EQUAL. It is understandable that when our nation began, there was concern that some states could over-power others in the ballot box. Large states could decide what they wanted to do and didn't have to respond to the wishes of the smaller states. It had been over 100 years before Bush when the voters cast more ballots for a losing candidate than for the winner. In that time, we made massive progress in transportation and communication. With tremendous increases in travelling such as the development of automobiles and airplanes, we now have much greater access to our fellow Americans. With the development of radio and television we now have instant access to news. With the incredible development of the Internet, we now have the ability to instantaneously bounce facts and opinions to our fellow Americans all over our nation. Our nation has drastically changed since days when, for instance, Vermont might wonder if they would be invaded by New York. We need to review whether the electoral college is still needed.

mark wilkes barre pa   January 6th, 2008 7:09 am ET

cnn ,,,my comment back to Richard west palm beach was necessary and YOU KNOW it,,, shame on you for censoring my response. did you give him a medal or just a pin for best game playing with others words ? as long as colleges can sheppard votes using the fear of failure to indoctrinate there captive audiences,, and social services can point the less fortunate at the voting precint door ,, the electorial vote is needed and all other checks and balances that go with it !!!!! And I say this fairly pointed at BOTH PARTIES,,, Richards problems with his states history in its part in bush's 2000 election is groundless ,,, his states questionable votes were counted over and over again,,, they just didnt come out the way he would of liked it to,,, sounds like sour grapes

Bill W - PA   January 6th, 2008 2:14 am ET

"No terrorist attacks on US soil since 9/11″

What a load of crap. 9/11 happened on Bush's watch. He was even given intelligence on it before it happened. He's no savior or protector. The attacks were on his watch and were his fault.

He also sat dumfounded in a grade school classroom reading to a child for something like 14 minutes after he was told of the attack. Some leader and protector.

Anonymous   January 6th, 2008 2:10 am ET

"No terrorist attacks on US soil since 9/11″

What a bunch of crap. 9/11 happened on BUSH's WATCH!! And he was presented with intelligence on it before it happened, which he ignored. So he's nt som ekind of savior for protecting us, the attacks were his fault!! Knock it off.

mark wilkes barre pa   January 5th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

becareful what you wish for ED L,,,,,, The popular vote verses the electorial vote,,,,,almost every scenerio of it has been played out over the years,,,,,,,,,,,, imagine your for one party that has noble and just reasons , causes and values that have merit and should be heard but happen to live in a part of the country that isnt as populated as others. Your opponents party lives in the most populated states and is affiliated with all the major universities in their states, are the political leaders in there states highest offices, and the heads of most social services and can organize on a moments notice with mindless followers that dont even now what there cause is but dont want an f from there teachers or to lose there handouts what chance would your party ever have to be heard ? this is why there is an electorial vote,, without the electorial vote it would be a one party rule in america ,,, may sound great to you but, then we would not be a democracy ,, are you ok with that ? I'm not,,,,

Michelle, Pasadena,CA   January 5th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Typical Democrats….blowing smoke up their own asses and talking out both sides of their mouths. Clueless!

Steve, Cedar Rapids, Iowa   January 5th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

I am sure the President and the Republcans stayed up because they ll had hearturn at the record turnout for the Dems. This will be only the begiining. I look for record turnout in this election and high turn out wil benefit the Dems. his cronies can say the what they want but people want change and not the same crappola that Bush and Mitch McConnel have been telling us for 8years.Whoever the Democratic nominee is is likely to be the next president.

Richard, West Palm Beach, FL   January 5th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Ed L:

I agree with you, but actually the electoral college is biased to make votes in smaller states count more than those in bigger ones. It takes far fewer actual votes in New Hampshire to get an electoral vote than in California.

From The North   January 5th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Yes Wanda Niven, and for people like you there truly is a Santa Claus and an American President by the name of Bush that deserves praise! This is genuine sarcasm just in case your confused again Wanda.

Thankfully for our World the number of people with a mindset like yours are not the majority. Thankfully the majority can see today's reality in a clear light and are not wearing George Bush's rose colored glasses and drinking spiked kool aid.

Please America, for the salvation of all peace loving individuals and Nations around the world vote for a peace loving President who is experienced in international diplomacy, who has leadership capability, who is intelligent enough to make decisions on their own without Carl Rove, who has more compassion for their people and less for oil, who knows the name of three international leaders around the world, who can speak proper English, who would like to put something on the market that does not have a tag that says, "made in China, Indonesia, Bangladesh.

Ed L   January 5th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

The Electoral College is antiquated crap and should be scrapped…. it ensures voting power to the big states since winning the big states gives the college win DESPITE the national popular vote. It's a stupid and dangerous "tool" that should be abolished…. It might have made sense 200 years ago but it sure doesn't now. It's because of the electoral college system that we got stuck with Bush… he only had to rig Florida…..

kevin from alaska   January 5th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

"We sort of take it for granted the way we do it. We have very competitive, hardly-fought election campaigns and graceful, peaceful transitions of power."

That's cause you decide them in rigged courtrooms.

Jean truman   January 5th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

THIS PRESIDENT IS NEITHER A CHRISTIAN NOR A RELIGIOUS MAN. ONCE HE REALIZED WHAT THE SO CALLED "EVANGELISTS" BRAIN WASHED AND BLIND -FOLDED MOVEMENT LIKE TO HEAR, GEORGE BUSH STARTED ADVOCATING THEIR IDIOLIGY TO PLEASE ONLY A SEGMENT OF OUR SOCIETY.
THUS, DON'T BLAME GEORGE BUSH FOR ALL THE MISTAKES AND THE DESTRUCTIONS HE AND HIS VICE PRESIDENT CAUSED AND ARE STILL CAUSING.
DON'T BLAME GEORGE BUSH FOR THE DEATH OF OVER 4000 YOUNG AMERICAN MILITARY MEMBERS WHO WERE SACRIFICED IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN FOR "NOTHING" OR AS GEORGE BUSH USED TO CALL IT "NOBLE CAUSE".
GEORGE BUSH DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE IS DOING. GEORGE BUSH DOESN'T KNOW HOW HE GOT TO THE WHITE HOUSE. GEORGE BUSH DOESN'T KNOW WHERE HE IS. GEORGE BUSH DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO SPEAK THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY, BUT HE KNOWS HOW TO BE A SERVANT TO THE KING OF SAUDI ARABIA. GEORGE BUSH KNOWS HOW TO PLEASE CROOKED LOBBYIST. GEORGE BUSH KNOWS HOW TO MISLEAD THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. GEORGE BUSH PROMISES TO FIRE ALL THOSE WHO ATTEMPT TO DESTROY THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN UNDERCOVER AGENTS, BUT DOES NOTHING ONCE HIS CABINET MEMBERS ARE COUGHT RED-HANDED.
THUS, WE ONLY CAN BLAME ALL THOSE FORCES WHO INSTALLED GEORGE BUSH, AS OUR PRESIDENT, IN THE WHITE HOURSE.
SHOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR MORE ABOUT GEORGE BUSH AND HIS SCANDALOUS ACTIVITIES, YOU HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL KING GEORGE IS OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE.
THEREFORE, IF YOU DON'T WANT A CLONED GEORGE BUSH TO OCCUPY THE WHITE HOUSE FOR THE COMING YEARS, EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN, EXCEPT THE EVANGELIST OF COURSE, MUST MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE WHILE VOTING COME NOVEMBER 2008.
THIS IS, OF COURSE, THE ONLY SIDE OF THE COIN THAT WE SEE.
AMEN.

Honorable Kansas Vet   January 5th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

So after two terms in the White House, who does George W Bush owe for his administration- bin Laden.

ted   January 5th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

I'm a registered independent–normally, except for 1 time, i've voted
for the democratic nominee for president.
I personally know 12 people who always vote for the democratic
candidate….None of these people will vote for Barack Obama.
Nothing to do with race…
Right now the independents, who will vote republican in the nationals,
will vote for Barack. They hate Hilary and probably figure Barack is easier to beat.
The younger people don't really examine the issues or all the candidates
solutions…
Edwards cant deliver on his promises,
Obama can't deliver–unless he gets a lot of democratic senators and
representatives.

Jed in Texas   January 5th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

After further review and new INTELL. ————-I must offer our President my Apology.I did not know that the situation in the Middle East was as dire as I now see it be.Some things must never be said for the protection of the American people and the greater good of our Country.I have been overly critical in my statements against involvement in that War.We cannot and should not leave that unstable tinderbox for some other Large Country to eventually try to control.At this time I am leaning toward voting for John McCain,someone whom I did not ever think I could back.I am also sorry to my fellow bloggers if I have affended you at times.Iam a strong defender of the Constitution and believe John is the best man to do the job as President and safe guard our freedom.

Sue, Michigan   January 5th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Oh sam and libby,
The reason you read so many bad things about your hero is that they are all true! I challenge you to read "The End of America" and find errors from Naomi Wolf's excellent history book. When you start to read about the quotes from Hitler and Mussolini that have made their way into Bush's speeches, you MAY see the light. then again, if you think we're stubborn, my guess if you both are as bull-headed as the Dictator (oops "decider") in the White House. If you're happy living in a fascist state with no provacy, where you can be arrested and imprisoned without representation on your hero's say-so. more power to you. I however, would like to see the Constitution upheld, as he pledged to do, and put an end to this shameful deceit.
And I know you're coming back with "But he's keeping us safe" mantra.. Really? I don't feel safer. I would prefer that other countries respected the US. We are not an island. We need our allies. We need to treat every human being with respect, not torture. To use 9-11 in such a blatently political way is sick, but effective, for those who don't know history and don't care about anyone's welfare but their own. This world is full of people who really do need our help, but not with guns and bombs.
The hatred on this board is due to people being fed up with the crap being spewed from the White House. Bush is a puppet of Rove and Cheney, and a sad little man who got drunk on power. I pray he really does leave office (if we don't impeach him first.) We saw in Pakistan what martial law creates…murder and mayhem from your own troops. In this case, it would be Blackwater, who is another example of a failed policy (how can men with machine guns be accountable to NO ONE-what a nice deal for them!)

Ernest C. White   January 5th, 2008 11:57 am ET

You Bush bashers are really a pathetic childish lot. If you were able to see beyond the narrow confines of your small minds, you would most likely hurt yourselfs.

President Bush, like all Presidents before him, inherited the problems/troubles/economy/good will/bad will/and everything else that goes with being the President of the United States. This is not to say that President Bush has not caused some of his own problems or added to the current crop in some way or another. Every President is quite adept at doing that.

I would also like to remind you (insert name of person you currently hate/despise) bashers, there are these things called the Senate and the Congress. When you have to deal with those two, no United States President has total and complete power.

The three branches of the United States Goverment are the Executive…the Legislative…the Judicial in case you needed a small refresher in civics. As we all know, two of those branches seldom if ever play nice. Throw in all the special interest groups/lobby for everything under the sun groups/you owe us for all the bad things your goverment did in the past before we were born groups/(insert your whines here), it is amazing that this county has lasted as long as we have.

So please bashers de'jor, take a break from you cups of liquid spiced grass gotten at your local coffee niche and give your brain a treat. Let it think. Dial 911 if you hurt yourself.

No normal clear thinking people were harmed in the making of this posting

Ernest C. White
Veteran USMC

lastinline   January 5th, 2008 11:43 am ET

I pray every night we don't get another Jesus-Freak in the White House!

Nee   January 5th, 2008 11:28 am ET

Let's do away with the electoral college!

E   January 5th, 2008 11:19 am ET

This president's performance on several fronts is despicable. It's ironic how he touted how his tax cuts for the rich stimulate the economy, but one year before the 2008 election, the economy is on the brink of a recession! Voo-doo economics doesn't work! It never has, never will.

In a recent article yesterday, they mentioned this administration is considering a one time economic stimulus packages (in an ELECTION YEAR, how ironic) that could include a tax rebate of $300 to $500. This shows just how out of touch this Pres. is with any American below the Top 1% of income earners! Wow, a $300 tax rebate will really help out. That might buy a weeks worth of groceries for a family of four or a week's worth of gas. Whatever. It's so comical. Then, yesterday, this Pres. stated in a press conference that the economy and financial markets are solid and strong! Are you kidding? Delusional!!!! If it's so strong, then there is no need for the Pres. to consider an economic stimulous package in an election year! Can people in this country not see how delusional and out of touch this administration is???

Richard, West Palm Beach, FL   January 5th, 2008 11:14 am ET

"But all the while the ballot count never changed it was George Bush by a slim margin in florida. In the end it was the voters, the few that got up and got out to vote that made the difference,,,, what a history lesson for all who hate"

———————————————————————————————-

" the few that got up and got out to vote that made the difference" actually voted for Al Gore more than 500,000 more times more than Bush. For the historically challenged, the VOTERS wanted Gore, not Bush. lt was the electoral college that selected Bush. Whether good or bad, the electoral college is an intentionally biased system that favors voters in small states over voters in large states. If everyone's vote in American counted EQUALLY, Bush would have lost the election.

"what a history lesson for all who" don't know history.

Sensible Cape Coral Fl   January 5th, 2008 11:07 am ET

Travis: I read your blog and knew immediately that you had to come from TexASS.
Your grammar( or absence of it) and your spelling betray you idiots all the time.
I won't waste time commenting on your "facts". Never let an opinion interfere with the truth.

Sensible Joe, Gainesville FL   January 5th, 2008 11:02 am ET

Bush could stay up for this, but he couldn't stay up for Katrina…

As for Huckabee, he's neither a Christian nor moral leader. Christian or moral leaders neither pardon rapists and release them only to rape and kill again nor raise children who, at age 18 and as a Boy Scout camp counselor, hang a dog, slit its throat and stone it to death — then hide behind their father governor to evade prosecution.

From The North   January 5th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Dennis, Tucson Arizona January 4, 2008 4:34 pm ET

"President Bush is the President and is commander and chief, he has protected the US from any more attackes on this soil since 9/11. Thanks Mr President for doing your job. No matter who the President is he deserves respect."

It is this exact mindset from people like Dennis that brought the World Devastation we are enduring today!

President Bush protected the US from more attacks? Really…..then why didn't he Bomb Afghanistan to bits instead of Iraq? And last I heard Osama Bin Laden is still at large? How did Georgie miss him if he's so dang smart?

Thanks Mr. President for doing your job? Are you really serious? Do you mean destorying a country (Iraq) for no valid reason? Do you mean bombing a country to ensure US Oil Revenues? Do you mean bombing a country so your Military has to be put in harms way without proper medical care and VA hospitals to take care of them? Do you mean making the name America the most hated sound throughout the world? Do mean totally demeaning a once proud and respected Nation to the point of it currently being a joke around the world? Pray tell me how did Bush do his Job?

And to your "No matter who the President is he deserves respect." I don't think so….Respect doesnt' come with the position it has to earned and Bush certainly didn't earn respect. He is reviled by every leader around the World and it's people.
You go ahead and sing Bush's Praises but they will be on deaf ears around the World and for all the right reasons.

Helen, Boston, MA   January 5th, 2008 10:33 am ET

"Worst President Ever" hands down
Larry Buchas, New Britain, CT

For someone who is critical of Hillary, I see you have embraced her hysterical proclaimation….which, by the way, emerged just before she decided to run for President. Interesting coincidence, don't you think?

I think it much too early to make such a statement about Bush. History, and history only, will determine that, not some partisan koolaid drinker.

Dave, Evergreen CO   January 5th, 2008 9:46 am ET

I wonder what he thought of Obama's speech?

ImpeachBush, TX   January 5th, 2008 9:45 am ET

Once again our idiot-in-chief goes against the will of Congress AND the American people by allowing Mexican trucks to go anywhere they want. Once again he thumbs his nose at America.

I have to wonder what the sheep still supporting this stupid man will think when they're out of a job or we get attacked again with a smuggled bomb inside a Mexican truck. If it happens I hope they're the ones that get blown away. At least this way the gene pool will be improved.

G   January 5th, 2008 9:42 am ET

WHO CARES WHAT THIS WAR CRIMINAL DOES.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   January 5th, 2008 9:41 am ET

To Travis in Sugarland:

Bill Clinton passed the two largest packages to return cash to the coffers of all-time. Welfare to Work & Military Audits (No more $600 toilet seats).

Clinton had a Democratic majority in Congress for 2 of his 8 years.

Bush has had a GOP majority for 6 of his 8 years.

So, how much could Clinton get done with the GOP hanging everything up?

And yet despite that, Clinton eliminated the largest debt in history, created by Reagan/Bush, Sr., while Bush, Jr. needed less that half that time to grow the biggest deficit of all-timme and anger the world at us!

If that's achievement to you, please put down the hookah before you post!

Or, find someone other than Faux News or Lush Rumballs to get your speaking points from daily!

You're a classic example of what a wasted vote is my friend!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   January 5th, 2008 9:35 am ET

The Iowa Caucuses have taken America's eyes of Bush/Cheney.

When the dust settles, let's see what kind of mischief they were getting into at the expense of the American people!

By the way, Neoclowns, have you found that "vast cache of WMD's" yet, or OBL?!?!?!

libby   January 5th, 2008 9:27 am ET

When a comment, that the President would not stay up for the results, brings
out all the ldiots above.Did you ever hear such silly tripe????????????????
It is scary ,that we have all these uneducated, low lives, in our mist.
They are pathetic, there is no substance to their argument

PW Va   January 5th, 2008 9:00 am ET

No doubt to enlighten himself!

Ray   January 5th, 2008 8:40 am ET

People may make fun of Bush but we should be proud that "HE" was willing to stand up for thr USA. Clinton did not have a back bone against any body. Everybody that is making fun of Bush needs to try is shoes on. I very proud that Bush is willing to stand up for what is "RIGHT"

Amanda   January 5th, 2008 8:34 am ET

As always, Bush's handlers speak for him, offering no knowledge or insight into the political process but striving instead, simply to convince the public that he's aware and interested in it. His ignorance and incuriosity never cease to amaze me.

mark wilkes barre pa   January 5th, 2008 7:17 am ET

louie ,,Louie,,, LOUIE,,,,,, wake up,, you fell asleep at the computer again,,, it's just a dream,,, lol

sam   January 5th, 2008 6:17 am ET

It quite telling that my comments were never placed on this site, the only major difference with them and most of the posts here is that they weren't a book long and they hadn't bashed President Bush. CNN and Time are corrupt news outlets that are full of liberals who want to destroy the republican party, so they can fit in with all their coworkers from around the world that hate and resent America. For all the Huffington Post readers, you are all like Pavlov's dogs you here the name Bush and you all can't help yourselves from writing your hateful, stupid crap, Most of the posts have nothing to do with the article, there just about a bunch a dems fighting over Obama or Hillary votes, that no one but you guys care about. Oh I forgot no one will have a chance to read this post because CNN IS A SHiLL FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY! A waiting moderation, who moderating these posts Arianna Huffington.

mark wilkes barre pa   January 5th, 2008 5:56 am ET

The 2000 ELECTION ??????? OK those stuck in time warp,,,, to the best of my memory at this moment,,,, I seem to remember the 2000 election being a sure thing for Al Gore all the way to the end. I clearly remember the media election coverage giving florida to Gore later in the evening,,, even gloating to the viewers by some particular hosts that we should all go to bed the republican districts are in and we have OUR new president. Then it happened,,,the dem districts,,,,,,,,,,,scores of numbers ,panic in the controll rooms, stuttering news hosts,, This can't be right ????? the worst possible thing that could happen ,,,,happened ,,, Folks it seems we called florida to early. It was silence on the air ways,,, jaws dropped you could hear a pin drop on most news station floors for that brief moment. It was to be just a moment though, because there was no greater embarrasment to the movers and shakers of that time then to be so wrong on national TV in front of all the world and world leaders to see and hear. as the days turned to weeks we heard about falling chads ,re counts after recounts , every avenue that could be traveled was explored by both parties to defeat the other. every underhanded borderline legal manuver was executed by BOTH PARTIES !!!!!!!!!!!! But all the while the ballot count never changed it was George Bush by a slim margin in florida. In the end it was the voters, the few that got up and got out to vote that made the difference,,,, what a history lesson for all who hate

Jonathan   January 5th, 2008 4:16 am ET

Mike Huckabee is an idiot….it's so interesting how the right wing witchcraft practitioners…errrr…evangelicals control the GOP. The Christian Coalition is so dangerous.

Elect a Democrat…any of them…just get us away from these Republican war mongers.

Justin Paige, Hendersonville, NC   January 5th, 2008 3:55 am ET

Graceful…graceful as in the child like way his father acted when Clinton whipped his butt. Granted they are very good friends now..but at that time daddy shrub did not take or do the hand over of power very well.

Tim, Los Angeles, CA   January 5th, 2008 3:13 am ET

Um…"hardly" fought….?

Robert Johnson   January 5th, 2008 1:48 am ET

How can Bush, Cheney & Rove not go to prison? More crimes committed than
anyone including Hussan. Should be thrown out immediately. Congress and
Senators from both sides are weak no good for the poor. Time to stop
crimes by the Rich. Thank you. lamenztz@sbcglobal.net

Todd Fuller   January 5th, 2008 1:05 am ET

I love our country, and strongly admire the success of U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. What current figure of leadership could be better appraised than George W. Bush?

With the decisions of George Bush, America will continue to have energy resources around the globe in the midst of religious hated and international scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the rest of the world will move more towards a centralized point of rulership where common man does no good without the oversight of government.

Chris, Wisconsin   January 5th, 2008 12:52 am ET

Finally a canadate ( mike Huckabee ) a person we can count on to have the moral values that show the world this is a Christian nation and fair nation

Hey, I am a Christian through and through, but this country was founded on the basis of freedom from religious persecution. No one individual has a right to "push" his/her beliefs onto another. Also, do not mix politics and religion, it is like oil and water.

Who wants a preacher as President, we have enough child rapists as it is!!! I want a young bright individual who WILL bring about change for our country.

Obama is fresh and untainted by the aspirations of other politicians; he is the right guy for the job!

Bernie   January 5th, 2008 12:25 am ET

It ceases to amaze me how some Democrats seem to think they are incapable of losing an election. If you lose, it must've been fixed. Never mind that the Democratic Candidates were duds. John Kerry? Dick Cheney could've beat him. Gore was basically an extension of Bill Clinton and no one wanted that either. I often wonder if Gore wouldn't have been such a baby and taken his loss like a man, if our country wouldn't be in better shape right now. The fact is that the way things look now, we will once again be choosing the lesser of two evils. Is that because there's no good candidates available, or because the level of debate in this country has deteriorated so badly that no one worthy of the office will run? The sooner we start looking to the future instead of trying to invent past conspiracy theories (see Diebold voting machine post) the better off we'll be. Until then, we'll just have to deal with the seconds.

Len, Fallbrook, CA   January 5th, 2008 12:22 am ET

So much material to work with and it seems Kool Aid is on sale……

If I recall correctly the voting in Florida focused around "chads" and some really stupid people who know bingo cold but were unable to correctly push a punch thru a punch card. They were told they were confused by who they voted for and all the cards were examined to determine who they intended to vote for by the indentation on the chad, or how many "hanging chads" were on the card. You may remember plenty of vote counters with magnafying glasses trying to determine who the voter "intended" to vote for.

"Every vote should count", and we will count them and recount them until they count for us.

Gore unsuccessfully tried to have all active duty service member abenstee ballots thrown out if they did not have a postmark on them, he failed, great example for a potential Commander in Chief. The Florida Judge, a Dem as I recall said Bush won and said he would not entertain any further motions, but in true Dem fashion they just went to the next higher court and so on. The Supreme Court basically upheald the lower Fl Court. A recount done by several organizations later on confirmed Bush won.

The picture of Kerry throwing some else's medals over the White House fence is again a wonderful example for a potential Commander in Chief as was being a draft dodger (Clinton) who actually became Commander in Chief. His, and Hillary's loathing of the military is well known.

Kerry was smart enough to know he lost otherwise in true Dem fashion he would have taken his case to court, and lost.

Bush did not cause 9/11, it takes a tad longer that 8 months to pull off an attack like that. What helped the attack was the we won't strike back actions by the Clinton administration, a perceved weakness of us by OBL. If Bush was reading "My Pet Goat", the Wall Street Journal, or the latest intel reports the exact same number of Americans would have died.

Bush did not cause Katrina, most of you may be suprised by that, but then again if the kool aid is flowing, maybe not.

The response by individuals in New Orleans to prepare for Katrina was almost Zero. No personal responsibility.

The response by friends and family in New Orleans to prepare for Katrina was almost Zero. No personal responsibility.

The response by the Wards in New Orleans to prepare for Katrina was almost Zero. No personal responsibility.

The response by the City of New Orleans to prepare for Katrina was almost Zero. No personal responsibility.

The response by the Parish in New Orleans to prepare for Katrina was almost Zero. No personal responsibility.

The response by the State to prepare for Katrina was almost Zero. No personal responsibility.

Gee, we have to blame someone! Can't be us!

Has Bush done a good job? Not hardly. We should have been in and out of Iraq by now. Should he have invaded. I don't know as I don't have access to any of the intel, just like all the bloggers on here. Monday morning quarterbacking, a Dem staple would have us wait until all the intel was gathered, no matter how long that would take. Sooner or later you have to make a decision, and be prepared for the Monday morning quarterbacks, like Hillary.

On Illegal immigration Bush quite frankly sucks, But he has a lot of company on both sides of the isle. Clinton, McCain, Huckster, Edwards, Obama, Kennedy, the list goes on.

Somehow all the good paying middle class jobs that left this country for places south did happen under Bush's watch, but I don't believe he signed NAFTA, the small item that started the exodus.

Bradley S.   January 5th, 2008 12:17 am ET

I look forward to the day when President Obama overthrows everything Bush worked toward.

nicodemis   January 5th, 2008 12:07 am ET

Hold our Leaders accountable to the level we hold ourselves accountable.
We do, that is the problem in America today.

I'm all for blaming Bush for all the problems the last seven years, why not, surely he is to blame, who else is there?

Well, there is me, there is you. Oh, the Oval Office has it's problems, ones likely not to go away with a change of the regiment, but take a moment and look at ourselves.

This is a me Nation. Its all about what I can get, how to get that next thing on the wish list, how to do what I want to do. Its about broken families, its about the next fashion or the newest gadget. Even those that fight against it are often drawn into it.

I think, before we going charging the Whte House, we need to take a closer look at ourselves. Where do we spend our talents, time and money, that is where our hearts are. Do we give to our families, our neighborhoods and communities. Do we decide we're satisfied and look to how help those worse off? Some say yes, but for most of us the answer is "Of course not."
We're straining at the TV or computer monitor, searching for the next 'must have' for our lives. We're self obsessed, doing everything to serve ourselves. It interfere's with our marriages, so we scrap the marriages. It interferes with raising our kids, so we leave that to the schools (afterall we pay taxes right?). We can't be bothered for searching for truth when the news tells us what we want to hear.
I mean of course the news just reports the truth , right? There's no agenda there.
ah, the stuff we should be learning from our past, but we have no reason to search, we've been supplied answers that work for our me first lives.

Just a point of reference, on something much smaller then our nations leadership.
A tiger escapes out of its enclosure in the San Francisco Zoo, kills one, injures two more..simple enough , right?

Oh wait, the wall was 20 ft tall, no it was 16, no it's 12.5 and 4 feet shorter then recommended by the accredidation agency which has never cited it. Must be new, no its 60 years old. That doeasn't matter, obvoiusly the Zoo's fault, I mean where was the Zoo Keeper with the tranquilizer.. taking off early on Christmas day?
well what about the foot print on the railing, what about the shoe inside the tigers cage.. wait that wasn't there. What about the slingshots.. no they aren't there either. What about the fact that one of the boys skipped christmas dinner and his Father is calling around looking for him, even calls the two boys he's with.. who say he isn't with them, what about the vodka in the car, what about the same boys being arrested for being junk and being biligerent to the police. then there is a witness saying she saw four boys taunting the lions, wait I thought it was 3. Cafe worker who wouldn't let the boy in. Well of course I'd let some drunk teenager into the cafe while its closed. America is a comp[letely safe place and no one lies, so of course there is a tiger on the loose..and why would it be chasing you??
Yes the news tells the truth.. or does it find a story?

So now we have a bloody lawyer waiting to make these boys millions, I mean they deserve it , right (think of all the papers they've sold, and that internet traffic)?

So back to the great reliable News, where's the truth? Is it truly available to us on really important issues? surely they must get that right?

So what am I going on about?
Many Americans believe what they are told, mainly because its known what we want to hear. Want a scape goat, here's a rotten president for you, want proof, what do you want to hear? It's reported somewhere.

I believe the problem is not in the White House, it's with us. We need to care for our families, our neighborhoods and communities. We need to stretch out a hand to those in true need, worry about things outside of ourselves.

When we are ready to hold ourselves to a higher standard, then I believe we will be ready to hold our leaders to a higher standard. At least their jobs would be much better if we would take responsibilities for our own actions.

So go back to your Bush bashing, praise the new president who will give everyone what they want, solve all the problems (finally my path will be paved for me and I will get all that i deserve). Or maybe stop and look in the mirror and wonder, could I do anything differently myself. You're really the only thing you know everything about, the only thing you know you have all the facts on and the only thing you can directly change.

Butch Dillon   January 4th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

It would be great if late night becomes a habit and it hastens his death.

sam   January 4th, 2008 11:41 pm ET

Oh, we know that all the left wing nuts from Huffington post are commenting on this site, since it's linked to the post. I just have one thing to say to you people, maybe if Clinton hadn't been prowling the White House corridors at all hours and instead slept beside his wife, he wouldn't have had a intern a couple of years older then his daughter giving him his oral sex like some Jon with a ten dollar hooker .

Travis Sugarland, Texas   January 4th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

During Bill's time, how much of HIS stuff went through? Not Newt's stuff, Bill's stuff. How much of Bush's 'stuff' got done? The Supreme Court is powerful…where does it now lean? Aren't the apponments lifetime?

Bush beat moveon.org, the demakooks, and others. I have more news for you, he can't loose in 2008. His time is done.

Sue, Michigan   January 4th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

Mark "Nothing Bush has done in office is impeachable." Oh, no? How about lying about Iraq, illegal phone taps, illegal internet watching, illegal use of banking statements, shredding the Geneva Conventions, putting more signing statements (giving him the power to ignore the law he's singing) than any other President, executive orders that ban protests, allow him to declare an emergency and SUSPEND ELECTIONS, ramming through a bill that protects him and his cronies from prosecution for all their innocent behavior since 9-11–I think you'd better read Naomi Wolf's "The End of America" and then repost. Fascism is alive and well on Pennsylvania Avenue, and anyone who thinks that America is the same place it was in 2000 is not paying attention. "The Decider" really wants to be a dictator, and I fear that he will not leave office next year…he likes the power and money too much., not to mention the billions his oil and reconstruction friends have made from this war.
The only reason he hasn't been impeached yet is that the Democrats have only had a SLIM margin in the Houses for a year, and Republicans are just coming around to the fact that Americans are fed up. The bill is in the works, and moving through the process. It can still happen.
None of that is sour grapes-but fact! Bush has hurt America badly…we may never dig ourselves out of the debt we have to China and Japan.

Tony   January 4th, 2008 11:26 pm ET

I don't think Obama is good enough to be the US president. It is easy to speak about change and other stuff. His speach does not appeal to me. What change is he bringing? What are you going to unite. It is easier said than done. He is just appealing to emotions of the masses. America, wake up!

Kristy Sanborn, Buckhorn, Mo.   January 4th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Bill,
the turnout last night was only the beginning, wouldn't it be wonderful if that happened at election time?
Hillary wouldn't be happy, but…………
And yes, I think the President has worried about this country more than ever, especially since the reality of 9/11.
Angel, believe me, the President does have a sense of what is going on in this world, he is a leader.
Don't forget to vote!
Oh, and thanks keith, sounds just like him huh?
No ones ever told me I sound just like the president, what a compliment!
Only he's a guy, and I'm not.

larry   January 4th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

I live in Arkansas and consider myself a moderate democrat now after the mess President Bush has got the country into. The only Republican that I would vote for would be HUCKABEE. Other than that MODERATE DEMOCRATS

santosh   January 4th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

President Bush just seems like a much grander person of stature compared to the low-quality candidates that we have this time. But I think the President will be able to give the eventual winner good tips in doing this job. The candidate would be well advised to get soem good advice from this battle-tested leader.

Dave Y.   January 4th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

If Obama "won" in Iowa, why does Hillary Clinton have more "delegates" (and is leading the race for the "magic" number of 2,025 delegates).
this doesn't make sense to me.
can someone explain?

dave

drew   January 4th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

Who cares what this bonehead thinks about the Iowa caucuses or anything else for that matter; he'll soon be an ultra-forgettable footnote in our nation's history. Not soon enough, of course, but soon.

babysitter   January 4th, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Please stop using the "if Obama wins, I will vote republican". Who cares? Please just do it and stop all of your belly aching. Enough of the race card and enough of the Hilary is a victim because she is a woman card (She is a strong person who can handle herself). Your ranting and raving on this blog are uninspiring and shameful. I think any of the democratic candidates would make a fine president. It sounds like a bunch of sour grapes. If my candidate doesn’t win, we won’t have a democrat as President. BS it is a democrats turn. It will happen not because of your crying on this board. Get your lazy selves out and go door to door. Tell people about the candidate you want. Help them by donating to their campaigns or raising money for their campaigns. If you not going to do that then keep your big bad talk to yourself. Way to go Iowa. It does not matter who won, it was great to see the people come out and vote in force. It is great to be American because we have choices. One again nice job Iowa.

Larry Buchas, New Britain, CT   January 4th, 2008 9:25 pm ET

"Worst President Ever" hands down.

Every person under 30 has been left with the largest federal deficit ever, a weak dollar, and a step away from World War III. Obama's their best hope from what I can see.

Hillary is too dishonest to admit her vote to invade Iraq a mistake. Was that calculated to blame Bush? No way. She needs to be held accountable too.

Matt   January 4th, 2008 9:23 pm ET

To James and any other Ron Paul supporter, your candidate is an idiot. He plans to bring every single American soldier in Japan, Germany, Bosina, South Korea and elsewhere around the world, home. What are these millions of troops going to do when Paul cuts down the military? He plans to turn all the navy ships around and return them to port. He wants to dismantle the IRS and dozens of other government funded organizations, firing tens of thousands of employees. With 5% unemployment, where are these fired workers going to go?

Ron Paul brings change alright, but it would certainly not be good for the security of the country.

Support John McCain and make your vote matter.

Paul C, Palmetto Bay, FL   January 4th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

Maybe if he got more sleep we would all be better off…like 24 hours a day…

Bush cannot vacate office fast enough to suit me. I don't blame him..he is a know idiot..I blame the millions of people who were stupid enough to vote for him.

Richard, West Palm Beach, FL   January 4th, 2008 9:09 pm ET

"He is not and never claimed to be a war time president"
".. the economy would most likely be better than it already is".

—————————————–

It is delusional to think that a 50% increase in national debt makes for a good economy. Anyone who has their credit card balance increase by 50% knows that things are NOT improving. Bush is likely to create the SEVEN largest deficits in US history, surpassing all Reagan's records.

“I'm a war president. I make decisions here in the Oval Office in foreign-policy matters with war on my mind. Again, I wish it wasn't true, but it is true.” - George "The Pet Goat" Bush, Meet the Press 02/08/04

Please do research in the future.

Wanda Niven   January 4th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Bush will go down in history as a great president when all the dust is settled………He will do great things after he leaves office, because he is a natural missionary who cares so much for all people….Our new President will be Fred Thompson…..He has forgotten more than all the others will ever know about this country and our Constitution…………………….

Jed in Texas   January 4th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Who will go down in history as the Greatest Divider and most hated President of all time?

B   January 4th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Bush stays up to watch the result. Bush wants to make sure he cover his tracks.

Dave-o, Honolulu HI   January 4th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

I wanted to find out if there would be a good time for me to come to talk to your staff about volunteering for ASC. I'd like to do this some time next week if possible.

Our first volunteer orientation is on January 10.

Kevin, IN   January 4th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

"'No, I think it's an election season [and] people are ready for — to get on,' Fratto said of the natural transition of power."

Why do people even bother asking these guys questions? It's not like they are going to give an honest assessment of reality.

keith Franklin, Tn   January 4th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

Where is Karl Rove???

Better keep an eye on that guy!!!!!!

You notice that since Karl/Brain left, there is not much of anything coming out of W except "No"

LuLu   January 4th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Candidates with charming personalities; is not a factor in selecting future Presidents. But indeed, good judgement, fairness & wisdom which comes from one-on-one EXPERIENCE. Particularly, in light of the prevailing circumstances of US Foreign Policies and fermenting national malady. It's truly amazing that two unknown [inexperienced] MEN got away with relative easy wins; is very disturbing to the rest of us.
In the long run, New York's popular Senator Hillary Clinton, despite the results of vapid Iowans vapid choices. Should be nominated based on her qualifications + experience as the best candidate. Due to the former First Lady's years of active participation, both here at home and abroad. Very essential to carry on the business of leading the country on the right track, in these scary perilous times. Go Hillary and bless you!
Best regards

GPSGuns   January 4th, 2008 8:03 pm ET

Disregard previous comments

Change is always good, the way to go forward, the only thing definite in Life…

Lasthorseman   January 4th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

Not "incompetent". Competent completely once the mission is understood.

You are CEO of the world. You have the option of 300 million delusional energy sucking brats who think they are "free".
Or you have the option of 6 billion who will gladly labor away in sweatshop gulags for pennies a day. It's your choice, come on, you want to "win" the game don't you?

GPSGuns   January 4th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Pardon the repeated skepticism:
We already saw this hangover mood and speech from Bush 14 months ago!

He and mr.Daniels perhaps up smooching way too late after the revelation that America will take anyone most against his sick War, "even the Muslim" or the Huck

After the hangover day,
just like the solemn sober fake "acknowledgment" speech
after being soused in the Nov 2006 sweepings;

College Frat the Terminator "will be back"

Bolder, Angrier, more determined than ever to continue and intensify the carnage on the Americans, the Rule of Law, and the Constitution….

Been there, done that. Don't believe it

GPSGuns   January 4th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Pardon the repeated skepticism:
We already saw this hangover mood and speech from Bush 14 months ago!

He and mr.Daniels perhaps up smooching way too late after the revelation that America will take anyone most against his sick War, "even the Muslim" or the Huck

After the hangover day,
just like the solemn sober fake "acknowledgment" speech
after being soused in the Nov 2006 sweepings;

College FRAT Dumbya the Terminator "will be back"

Bolder, Angrier, more determined than ever to continue and intensify the carnage on the Americans, the Rule of Law, and the Constitution….

Been there, done that. Don't believe it

Dem from MI   January 4th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

Maybe he just TVO'd it.

william walsh columbus ohio   January 4th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

its been a very tough 7 yrs hasnt it? we have endured alot, its been like a college lesson in stupid for a very long time, im only trying to stress that ,a man a woman i dont care but if they have the guts to stand up to this oil owned goverment,they have to know that they are not alone and have america behind them 110% you want change? you want economic growth? you want to be envied from abroad? then i say let the dumb ones be gone and the new brought in,youve seen how they work,youve seen what they do, now lets get them out of there cushy jobs and get some real people who know what this country can do, bush,we didnt and dont need you, or your kind, what we need and desire is a person that can lead, im from here, ive got family in arlington and i would fight to my last breath to save her, because im an american, ftds, in a room filled with bad asses that picks on one thats meek, beware for i will stand beside the one, let it be known, i may fall but but with my last breath i will fight to the end,

Rocky   January 4th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

The saddest thing I see in reading these comments is the mis-information and wish-for facts.

Fact: The Eelectorial College has been in place for over 200 years. Seems a little babyish to cry foul when it works againts you. This is not the first time it has happened. In the elections of 1824, 1876, 1888, and 2000, the candidate who received a plurality of the popular vote did not become president.

I am more impressed by comments and opinions what what the next guy will do right, rather than what the current guy has done wrong. Look FORWARD. Make a CHANGE.

Darth Vadik, Diamond Bar CA   January 4th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

I dare the Bush supporters to give me one good thing this man has done, and no you can't say we haven't been hit since 9-11.

Name one, just one thing, and then defend him.

william walsh columbus ohio   January 4th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

i dont know of another event with such glory,in the history of the united states as we know it, in regards to a president leaving office,its downright america at her best, although im sure after reading everyday how thousands of people dont like bush,including myself or his administration, he probly still thinks in his twisted little mind that he was great, but!!!! even tho i think and lay 99% of the blame on his shoulders for the outright lies,schemes and so on that he and his cronies have created , and have done to this country, lets not forget that rice who i hope will move to afganistan, rumsfield, cheney and the rest of this group,there names should never be forgotten,for as much as gw did they were there with him, yeh hes going to carry the brunt of the worst leader ever in office, yeh i think hes and idiot from the word go,but,the rest of this staff, as far as im concerned they all including rice should have been swinging with saddam, the legacy of this administration will linger forever, i only hope that the coheisivness that is now in tact can back a president with the real desire to change,they can not do it alone in office,you have to back a leader who does whats right and not whats best for his and his allies pockets, if we get a leader out of this election that has the balls to stand up against this old school goverment ,,then may i suggest that you fight with him, and let him know that america will not only fight for others but for her own well being

zonie   January 4th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

He knew they were coming over. They wanted those buildings down and it was all about $$. His brother was the twin towers security firm and Silverstein just took out 7 billion dollar policies on these buildings he just bought, specifically naming to be insured against planes going in. The towers were to need asbestos abatement and it was going to cost millions to complete. So it was all about $$.. AND about getting the "Pearl Harbor" event to get people fired up about going over to Iraq. (You know.. the place where Al Queda came from ?? duh. Forget Afghanistan!> )
BUT.. most importantly.. let's ask why Georgie would stay up. Hmmmm could it be that he might be worried about who will occupy the highest office and perhaps look to getting the dogs on this, the worst hoax/ crime on our soil .. in.. ..in.. well, let us say. EVER in our nation's history?!?

anonymous   January 4th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Three words sums up my sentiments on the Bush administration: CHANGE IS GREAT. …. Real CHANGE!

anonymous   January 4th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

One word sums up my sentiments: OBAMA 08.

USMC 98-05   January 4th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Herk

What is the matter with you, Bush a businessman? Every business this idot has had has gone down under. You take the Bushs name and family fortune from this guy, he'd be the guy in a ditch passed out drunk, 5 times divorced, probably still having a mullet.

…and Democrats looking at themeslves, of course they should, but if a bully is bloodying my nose, I will fight him off first. I'm not going to think "well lets just evaluate myself while these punches keep coming".

As far as hating Bush, I don't hate Bush, I hate his policies, his lack of curiosity, lack of knowledge past the bike trail on his ranch.

You had McCain to vote for back then, 100 times better than Bush, actually knows his stuff, aside from being a little crazy.

GV
Sgt/USMC
98-05

James   January 4th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

I don't see how he can sleep after sending our youth to die in an unconstitutional war. And those in Congress who voted for this farce shouldn't be sleeping well either.

"Down the long lane of the history yet to be written America knows that this world of ours, ever growing smaller, must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect."
-Dwight Eisenhower

Vote Ron Paul. Constitution. Integrity. Freedom. Watch, America: Freedom to Fascism and Why We Fight.

stevo   January 4th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

I dont know how the man could even sleep at night !! probably afraid he will never wake up…

Loren   January 4th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

For the person who commented:

"Democrats feel they have none of the blame when it comes to Bush being president. They believe they are faultless, and that republicans are mindless indiots for puting someone like him in office."

Check your election history (and spelling), Gore won the election in 2000 and was replaced by a Republican controlled Supreme Court vote. So, it is the Republican's fault for Bush and don't even get me started about the Senate and Congress which were both under Republican control until last year. The deficit, war, and oil prices are a result of an out of control administration who show complete disregard for the American people and world community.

Barack lacks the experience and Huckabee lacks the broad viewpoint. Enough of the religious conservatives who desperately want to rewrite the constitution to include God (even the forefathers understood the importance of separating church from state). Lets hope New Hampshire has more sense.

Richard   January 4th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Iowa has gone both ways in past elections.. both democrat and republican..

But yesterday 277,000 democratic voters showed up compared to just 120,000 republican voters. This is an early warning sign the republicans will get spanked in the general elections.

Because of Bush and his failures the republican party will be kicked to the curb for a long time to come.

abc   January 4th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

yawn

Lily4Obama   January 4th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

To sm:

Barack Obama belongs to the United Church of Christ, as stated on this website:

http://www3.capwiz.com/c-span/e4/cinfo/?id=157311

Although I do not wish to pay your terrible comment any mind, I would like to point out that pinning an incident of an extremist, terrorist group on an entire religion is exactly the kind of close-minded, arrogant, ignorant mindset that so many Americans are tired of. Please think about the atrocities committed by extremist Christian groups, such as killing doctors who perform abortions or acts carried out by the KKK, before you make such awful remarks.

Kim, Dallas, TX   January 4th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

To Cat in Costa Mesa, CA

If you remember right, the Democratic party went to the polls and voted in 2000, many more than the Republicans. Gore won the popular vote, but the electoral college was tied up in a fight for who won Florida. The election was given to Bush by the Supreme Court. I for one, along with just over 50% of those who voted, did NOT vote for Bush in that election. I do find fault with the Republican party who put him in power….and of course, I find fault with Karl Rove's manipulative ways that helped earn Bush the presidency. In 2004 it was the evangelical Republicans that showed up in droves to help vote for Bush simply because he was against gay marriage and promised a constitutional ban on it. (of course that ended up being campaign promising). He was also still able to lead with his fear slogan and many bought into it once again. (funny how Osama Bin Ladin videos have a tendency to show up just before votes are cast). I do find fault with the Democrats, along with the Republicans, who voted to authorize giving Bush the power to go to war in Iraq. But it's making a huge assumption that all of the Democrats stayed home during these elections and therefore "deserve what they got". I saw through Bush early on, many are just seeing the light now…too late! Last night should show you what the Democrats want…..over twice as many showed up in sub zero weather for the Iowa caucuses to show they want CHANGE!!!

Go Obama!! This Democrat is very tired of the corporate elite running the show….and I will definitely be casting a vote.

mark wilkes barre pa   January 4th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Your all pathetic,, just the mere mention of George bush makes you all loony on both sides. All your beefs with him can be easily dismissed using rational and un biased approach. Nothing president Bush has done in office is impeachable,,,,,,, sorry,,, those who could make it stick would have done so by now, those who could cover up a true offense would have slipped up by now,,,,, On the other side you prop up the president like he knows exactly what to do in regards to Iraq and the war on terror,,, He is not and never claimed to be a war time president If not for this war he would have gone down in history as an average president at best . It was 9-11 that changed everything,, If not for that tradgic day it would have been 4 or 8 years of pissed off dem/libs trying to get even for the impeachment of clinton and Bush ducking and weaving to survive his term. the economy would most likely be better than it already is( leaving out todays events) and all would be right in the world. WE have checks and balances in this country designed to see to it that the right thing gets done most of the time,, and when the right thing slips thru the cracks once and a while,,, thats the price of freedom,, we are not perfect,, not a one of us

Ed L   January 4th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Start packing up your bags and empties, bush…. the countdown now starts in earnest. I can't believe that more than a handful (christian lunatics and corporate honshoes) will mourn your departure…..

BYE BYE BUSHIE…. and GIVE US BACK OUR COUNTRY!

Jed in Texas   January 4th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Keep believing the polls?

Richard, West Palm Beach, FL   January 4th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

"To all you weasel eyed ingrates who go to work everyday or to bed at night or fly all over the place or show up by the thousands at sporting arenas not worrying about terrorists attacking us again, this is the same Bush who is making possible a return to normal life after 9-11."

———————————————————————————–
Anyone who thinks that there has not been a SECOND attack on America under Bush, because of the job he is doing are purely delusional. Is there ONE PERSON in American who believes that Bush is keeping all foreigners from crossing our borders EVERYDAY? Only a "weasel eyed ingrate" could believe our borders are safe due to Bush.

Bush had 8 MONTHS to prevent 9/11. He had every bit of spy intelligence that Clinton had plus an additional 8 months. He was so unconcerned about an attack that he was on vacation the month before 9/11 and never contacted George Tenet. Since then he has let the world's most dangerous terrorist remain free to continue plotting against us and has told us that he "just isn't that concerned" about bin Laden. Only his supporters can be proud of a commander-in-chief who would read "The Pet Goat" while hundreds of Americans died.

elle   January 4th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Vote NO to Hillary!!!

Louie   January 4th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

This election season is turning out to be a very interesting one. I can't wait for next year when I go and watch the inaugural speech in person. It will be such a joy to watch Dumbya turn over his powers to a Democrat such as Obama, Edwards, or Clinton. Bush will go home to play on his ranch and watch his legacy be torn to shreds.

Ajay   January 4th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

With all the anti-Bush Jr. Rhetoric that has helped Huckabee must be a DISASTER in the making for Bush Jr. if he is to venture to work for Republican candidates in 2008 election cycle.

Romney an openly BUSH Jr. Supporter did LOOSE after all!! Says something about Bush Jr., Bush Jr. Administration and Bush Jr. Policies and his standing with American public today.

Hillary / Edwards take the que from Huckabee and bash Bush Jr. for his IRAQ policy and STOP funding the war lest your vote(s) will haunt you in November.

Yes the 43rd President G.W. Bush Jr. has cause for concern:
Having cheated in two elections. First in 2000 from Al Gore who later got the Noble Peace Prize (just in case people do not keep up with the news!) through the Supreme Court then through vote suppression in IOWA, election rigging and SWIFT BOATING (it’s a verb: unfairly depicting someone) war decorated veteran John Kerry in 2004!

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/ http://facts.hillaryhub.com/
For a little national election snapshot: http://uselectionatlas.org/2008.php

John   January 4th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Bush knows the reign of his rule is almost over. He stayed up late to see who might be the one to clean up the mess he will leave behind.

ps i am not a liberal.. i used to be a REPUBLICAN.. but because of the absolute poor performance by bush and the blind support by republican congressmen I have no choice but to support the democrats.

Im feeling an OBAMA victory in 2008

smegma cheesecake   January 4th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

We knew the results before 10 PM! What time does this guy go to sleep?

yellersnow   January 4th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

georgie porgie punkin pie
we are so sick of all your lies
now we lay you down to rest
we can't wait for the best

please leave soon, we count the days
it seems though your mind is in a haze

trust you- no I simply can't
that chesire grin, or dumb look
like you crapped your pants

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

huckabee doesn't believe in evolution. but. . .

how can you look at Bush and not see a chimp?

Steven   January 4th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Ryan in Indy,

Your popular vote arguement is tired. Popular votes DO NOT elect presidents. The electorial college does! Please explain your rigged Florida and Ohio theory. Is it simply because candidate lost?

Steve   January 4th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Yes Steve Franks we know Cheney sat down with oil executives before 9-11 to look at the prospects of getting the Iraq oil fields. So what your suggesting is our industrial engine needs to continue the pillage of foreign governments to build our "Empire". I believe Empire building was outlawed in this country. We are supposed to be a democracy that gains respect through demonstration of integrity and trust not brute force. Yes I understand many Arab nations respect us more cause we are militarily strong and that just goes to show we can't keep expecting our economy to run on oil from the middleast..

Gem   January 4th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

He's loving the democratic Iowa caucus result.

Andy   January 4th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

With the start of the election the primary season starting the President should realize that now he is a lame duck. The country is now beginning to focus on who will be the next president and where we want to head from a policy standpoint (domestically and internationally). All we ask is for this President to ensure that we remain safe until his replacement is sworn in.

Bret Thompson   January 4th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

i bet all of you liberals are just killing yourselves, you were unable to defeat Bush. Ha HA!

Robert Wooller Bradford England   January 4th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

So Bush is not supporting the good old working class Democrats? I know what will happen when the election takes place, he will fiddle the vote, him and his Republican cronies. Come on, Hillary, you have got to win the election!

Herk   January 4th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

I never can get over the amount of hate the democratic party was able to generate surrounding Bush and his administration. Like many other groups in history do to other groups when they don't want the focus themselves.

I never had much love for the man as our president but he was much better than any of the other candidates we had running.

Being a business man and understanding that many decisions MUST be made without 100% of the facts (many times its 25% or less), do you really think Bush and his Presidential staff didn't make the best decisions that could have been made at the time with the information in front of them?

I guess it would have been better to stick our heads in the sand and then we all could have complained when a second large scale attack occurred and how the Bush administration didn't do anything about it.

Hind-sight seems to be a perfect 20/20 on this board and it always makes me laugh.

EM3
USN
94-99

Daniel   January 4th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

It's for sure work has never kept him up late.

Barrister4Hillary   January 4th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Bush can't even tell the truth about his bedtime! First Bush leaks to the media that he's NOT gonna watch, then he watches.

Bush owns nothing. George W. Bush is a pathetic shell of a human being trying to maintain some sort of relevance. And its not working.

I'm more important to Presidential politics in 2008 as a voter than George W. Bush is as President.

John Q. Public   January 4th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Support the Terrorists - Vote Democrat!

Anne E., SLC   January 4th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Note to Cat in CA: To reiterate (that means "repeat"), Al Gore won the popular vote back in '00, which means a sufficient number of those of us who supported/voted for him did our jobs. Unfortunately, five of nine "judges" GAVE the job to The First Nitwit.
Another key factor was Karl Rove, that terminally geeky, nerdy (a litany of other adjectives comes to mind, but those will have to do for now), political
mastermind extraordinaire. He managed to pull off not only one, but two elections for his party — and I, for one, am not convinced he's completely out of the picture this time around.
Incidentally, you are more likely to be taken seriously once you've brushed up on your spelling, grammar, and usage. Perhaps a good starting point would be to read, "My Pet Goat." Never mind…it didn't work for your president, either.

Jeff, Iowa   January 4th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

President Cheney and his buffoon are finally near the end of their reign of terror against the Constitution and anything not Republican, and the history books will soon be updated.

Let us begin with the more Holier than YOU, more patriotic than YOU, more intelligent than YOU, having more integrity than YOU platform of the Republican Party, which enabled them to pull the wool over half of Americans' eyes and put Chimpy in the Whitehouse.

I hope the history books include the Republicans' own sex scandals, the hypocrisy concerning the same, the Tom DeLay influence peddling scandals (investigation ongoing), the lies that led to a oil-war, and on and on….

I'll never forget.
I'll never vote Republican -ever again.

Mike USMC 95-99   January 4th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Fred January 4, 2008 1:19 pm ET

I heard he could sleep from laughing all night at Hillary's 3rd place finish.

I doubt that Fred, Rather, this is what probably kept him up last night…Edwards will undoubtly further investigations into wrongdoing by Bush and possibly instruct his DoJ to charge a former sitting president (and VP) for criminal charges

…Obama, maybe, maybe not….

Ryan Indianapolis   January 4th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Cat, Costa Mesa, CA: I beg to differ. Democrats did show up and vote. G W Bush didn't even win the popular vote either time. He was handed the election the first time by the Supreme Court, and the second time, John Kerry didn't want to make the mistake Al Gore did of whining on and on. Florida was rigged for Bush the first time, and Ohio was rigged the second time.

It is amazing someone in America that has a tv and internet could be so utterly stupid. Democrats really cant get over they got beat by BUSH then and get beat by him daily…….BUSH OWNS YOU.

The Man   January 4th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Excellent job Obama!. Our country need a fresh face of change and integrity. Get the crooks out, they are destroying what has mad our country great. Many of our young military members are paying the ultimate price for Bush administration failure and lack of concern for our nations insurance policy.

Ajay   January 4th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Yes 43rd President Bush Jr. has cause for concern:
Having cheated in two elections. First in 2000 from Al Gore who later got the Noble Peace Prize (just in case people do not keep up with the news!) through the Supreme Court then through rigging and SWIFT BOATING (it’s a verb: unfairly depicting someone) war decorated veteran John Kerry in 2004!

With all the anti-Bush Jr. rhetoric that has helped Huckabee must be a DISASTER in the making for Bush Jr. if he is to venture to work for Republican candidates in 2008 election cycle.

Romney an openly BUSH Jr. supporter LOST!! Says something about Bush Jr., Bush Jr. Administration and Bush Jr. policies and his standing with American public today.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/ http://facts.hillaryhub.com/
For a little national election snapshot: http://uselectionatlas.org/2008.php

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Yes 43rd President Bush Jr. has cause for concern:
Having cheated in two elections. First in 2000 from Al Gore who later got the Noble Peace Prize (just in case people do not keep up with the news!) through the Supreme Court then through rigging and SWIFT BOATING (it’s a verb: unfairly depicting someone) war decorated veteran John Kerry in 2004!

With all the anti-Bush Jr. rhetoric that has helped Huckabee must be a DISASTER in the making for Bush Jr. if he is to venture to work for Republican candidates in 2008 election cycle.

Romney an openly BUSH Jr. supporter LOST!! Says something about Bush Jr., Bush Jr. Administration and Bush Jr. policies and his standing with American public today.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/ http://facts.hillaryhub.com/
For a little national election snapshot: http://uselectionatlas.org/2008.php

cal al   January 4th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Of course Obama isn't and never has been muslim - that was a lie spread by hate radio just to scare folks - though I don't see why it should.
Hillary is not about change - she has supported Bush on virtually every major policy issue she is one step away from being Joe Leiberman

Jaik , chicago, IL   January 4th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

duck duck dodge, typical white house statement, show no preference, use lots of words to say nothing.

JIMBO   January 4th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Maybe he stayed up late because his conscience was finally starting to bother him for all the death and destruction he has wrought overt the past 7years . But somehow I doubt it. Was Karl Rove in that bed too. ?? .Dumb and dumber plotting more disastrous poiicies ????

Jason NYC   January 4th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Jason:

Funny you should use a quote from John Adams to promote your idea of a Christian nation when Adams advocated the separation of church and state. While he did consider himself Christian, he did not consider the blind followers of the christian dogma true Christians (which supporters of Huckabee mostly are). “Howl, Snarl, bite, Ye Calvinistick! Ye Athanasian Divines, if You will. Ye will say, I am no Christian: I say Ye are no Christians: and there the Account is ballanced. Yet I believe all the honest men among you, are Christians in my Sense of the Word." John Adams, Toward the Mystery.

Adams rejected orthodox Christian doctrines of the trinity and predestination. "The divinity of Jesus is made a convenient cover for absurdity. Nowhere in the Gospels do we find a precept for Creeds, Confessions, Oaths, Doctrines, and whole carloads of other foolish trumpery that we find in Christianity."

Finally, it was President John Adams sent the Treaty of Tripoli to the Senate for ratification on May 1797. As you know because I know you did your homework on Adams, Article 11 of the treaty states, "As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."

George   January 4th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Tim F January 4, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Democrats want change. We get that….but you want to change the country by putting a Muslim in office???? I think the dem's really have forgotten about 9-11.

________________________________________________________________

Sorry Obama is not a muslim and if he was, not all muslims are bad. Bush caused 9/11, do your homework!