CNN

It is important to remember the only politicians who realistically effect change of any degree or fashion usually possess a viable foundation already established.

When one looks at the failed or failing policies and institutions in the present day United States - it is quite clear improvement or at least the first step to curbing any of the disrepair can only come from someone who both the Senate and the House of Representatives will cooperate with regarding new policies (I will refrain from including lobbyists). We as individuals, as well, should take note of our own personal responsibilites which may assist with bringing forth a more positive outcome for our country.

In an ideal situation there would be a choice between a diplomat and a politician. Yet, this is not the case. For better or worse: Authentic diplomacy has long been replaced by lobbyists and economic power on the domestic and international scene. Since reality only offers a few viable options - it is extremely significant for voters to base their "choice" for both the Democratic and Republican primaries on the candidate's public record (as in laws they endorsed, policies implemented and supported by them - not just giving an elegant speech).

Some people choose not to vote due to corruption, the power of the electoral college etc. The inaccuracies of our election process is but another reflection that we have a long road to go as a nation. If realistic, positive, effective change is desired, it is imperative to vote intelligently and informatively. Only when our elected officials realize their constituency is informed and is willing to work with them in improving this nation will genuine change for the better occur.

The torch is being passed as we speak. Those who continue to play old politics, MOVE OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!

For the Billary supporters, how can she stand for change when she voted for the Iraq war? Seems like she is simply towing the company line. That's not change, not even close.

"I don't understand the constant negative comments (especially Hillary) on politicians "flip-flopping". Mrs. Clinton took a stance in the direction that she believed her constituents (including future ones as President) wanted her to take and when she realized that the majority of these people wanted something else, she changed her stance. This is a sign of strength and maturity, not weakness." Alan

Speaking for myself I don't want politicians that tell me what polls say I want to hear. I want politicians that tell me what "THEY" believe in, what "they" want to fight for. I then select the one that wants to fight for the majority of things I want fought for.

If a politician doesn't believe in my cause but only chooses to advocate it because it's popular I have no faith they will truly work to get it done.

I want politicians confident enough in their own beliefs and intellectual capacity to determine the right course of what should happen that they stand to be elected to fight for "THEIR" beliefs. If I want a politician to fight for everything I believe "I'll" run for office.

Triangulating just tells me they will fight for whatever will get them elected. That means they will become beholden to donors that give them money because money is a key aspect of getting elected. Tell me what you want to do and I'll decide if I agree with enough of it to vote for you.

For me democracy isn't about chasing polls, it's about choosing those who believe in what I believe, not mouth the words.

Les,

you posted:
"I've already made up my mind when Obama said he'll attack Pakistan if he finds out they have Al Qeada in their country. "

That is a misinterpretation

Obama said if President Musharraf does not act...we will.... if we have intelligence that tells us that Osama bin Laden is in the country.

Edwards just reiterated that he would do the same thing during Saturday's debate.

I am sure any reasonable president would do so.

That is not preemptive warfare (because he- bin laden- attacked us first) and it IS CERTAINLY NOT "attacking Pakistan

some people are incredibly ignorant;
I do not find it suprising that most of Hillary's supporters are those without a collegiate education.

tombay....why must you preface your comment with "i'm a black guy"

i didn't preface mine with "im a white guy and not voting for edwards"

To the poster "Me of Course":

Yes, you are completely right. (Not)....Republicans and Independents are voting for Obama because they think he will be easy to tear down.

This isn't some kind of grassroots conspiracy!

Republicans and Independents are voting for the man because he says he will reach across the aisle and work with all politicians to get things done....unlike the decisiveness that is Hillary Clinton and George W. Bush

i am an independent.

Jimmy...If your teenager is using Obama as an excuse to say drugs are good than he was probably too stupid enough to make an intelligent choice anyway.

I'd rather have a president with integrity than one that lies.

"I tried it...but didn't inhale?" -bill clinton

what kind of crock is that?

Obama won in Iowa because of "second chance vote". He also hauled college students from Illinois attending college in Iowa to caucus for him. He also offered to pay for gas of anyone who had to drive a great distance to caucus for him. This is a different kind of vote buying, this is corruption. People should cast their vote because they wanted to not because of bribery. I thought that only exist in third world countries, USA now is tainted by it.

Richardson have lost his credibility, I called his office in NM when I heard about it in the news asking his supporters to vote for Obama if after the first round he's not viable. My first call, the gal in charge of their office told me right away "that's not true," I called again after three hours, this time the answer I've received was different, the person said " we can't comment on that."

I don't know what to think of Richardson anymore, but I knew he alienated a lot of his supporters around the US that hasn't yet cast their vote.

Will Obama be the nominee for the democratic party? He won't be due to the fact other states of the Union don't allow independent voters to participate in their primary who they wanted to represent their party. Iowa and New Hampshire allow independent voters in their primary, in fact 40% of NH voters are independent.

Bill Clinton lost in Iowa and NH, he became President twice. I know a some republicans in Iowa and NH and other state of the Union will vote for Obama, they wanted him to be the nominee for the democratic party, a win for Obama is a win win situation for the Republican Party from the Whitehouse all the way to Congress.

Behind the scene work of Karl and his closest aide propping up Obama is working like magic. Ask yourself why neoconservative like Karl released an OPEN MEMO advising Obama how to defeat Hillary.

That doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.

I've already made up my mind when Obama said he'll attack Pakistan if he finds out they have Al Qeada in their country. That is PRE-EMPTIVE strike that Bush did that took this country in deep trouble right now in Iraq. We are heading towards recession, FEEL GOOD WORDS offered by Obama will not solve the problems we have right now. Words does not make changes, it is action. Obama is lacking on that department, he has been neglectful of his Subcomittee chairmanship duty with European and Foreign Relations.

Obama is the candidate that will bring back the UNITED States of America. It was amazing... watching the debate on Saturday night. When you really think about it Hillary Clinton does not have any more experience than Edwards or Obama. It actually became abundantly clear when Richardson was rattling off his resume for the umpteenth time. Hillary is trying to win on the tail of her husband's experience. One thing that we must understand and I'm also talking to Black America also is that Hillary is not Bill. They are different people. Look at her for her, don't have glazed over eyes, don't believe the hype.

I believe that Obama brings all people together, regardless of race, class, or party. I agree with the person a president does not have to have a particular type of experience. Obama was in the Illinois legislature for 7 years before he became a senator, is a bestselling author, graduated from the top universities in our nation, taught constiutional law for 10 years. How is that a lack of experienceto lead a nation? For one thing, if he had been president we would not have been at war in Iraq. Good judgement is key. He is honest, straight forward and just the type of person we need.

Once again, being in Washington D.C. for many years is not a negative. I think it is a positive for you haven't had time to be bought out. It is truly hilarious for me to watch the large media conglomerates struggle with admitting that he is beating Ms. Clinton. Obama is the one! He has been raised up for such a time as this. Vote Obama in the primaries and in 08!

Does it really matter if there was something organized? I doubt that it would be done by the national campaign. There might have been local supporters that saw that there was little chance in their region and had friends who were Obama supporters. Why is this continuing problem?

I think that it is growing less and less likely that Richardson will make it much farther. We will see Tuesday night or Wednesday after the primary. If Richardson wins the nomination, then Edwards might be a good V.P. among others. On the other hand, if Obama wins, then Richardson would be a good V.P. because of the wide foreign policy and diplomatic background.

This whole thing is stupid. At 51, I've never set foot in a ballot box.

Dear poster above: get a life.

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.

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Obama campaign violating state law by placing automated phone calls to numbers on the Do Not Call list. Former State Rep. Sandy Keans, a from Rochester, said she received a call.“This afternoon, I received a pre-recorded phone message from the Obama campaign attacking Senator Clinton even though I am on the Do-Not-Call List," Keans said.

1) Richardson does not want to be Hillary's VP. Just because you were friends with someone and served under her husband, does not mean you want to be her VP. While he may end up being on an Obama or Edwards ticket, or in a cabinet position, he is running because he truly feels he would be the best president. If you had the chance to meet the man and see it in his eyes and hear his words like we did in Iowa, you would know that.
2) Vivian – it is his real hair without a doubt. Might not be the coolest cut from a young person's perspective, but its real. You can google pictures of him over the years, none even show the hint of balding that he would want to cover up.
3) Jimmy – as a parent, if my child said that, you use it as an opportunity to tell him that he could never have been a presidential candidate if he kept doing drugs, he regrets the time he wasted doing it, and use it as an example of what a person can do with their life if they live clean. There are real people in life that do drugs, not just people who live in gutters.
4) Go Marma and Nick!
5) It was great to see Hillary Rodham Clinton (she changed her name once again just before she announced that she was entering the race because a poll said it would be a good idea) slip by 10 points in a NH poll OVERNIGHT! Won the debate? Give me a break.
6) Bill had the best line of the night at the recent debate – "I've been in hostage negotiations more civil than this!" – a slam on Hillary, a show of his great sense of humor, and an example of the vast foreign policy experience he has that is unrivaled by the others on stage. This may not be his year to run because of all the celebrities running, but his true experience (not tea-party experience) has no parallel.

I am a black guy but certainly do not support Obama. Obama is a novice. He is cajoling Americans with his sugar coated words. Americans wake up from slumber and face reality. Obama started by attacking Hillary when he was trailing behind her. Now is ahead, he portrays himself as holier than thou. Go for hillary `08.

Look. Theres a big red line dividing the old guard and the new Change that is giving so many so much HOPE!

The comments of some make me more excited about doing away with the politics of old. But SOME don't get it....

Hillaryians keep fighting and talking like the old timer politicos.

Your notions of some kind of set up by independents sounds like something that would come from the clinton or bush camp.

fear mongering doesn't work either.

There is a change coming.

What kind of experience does one need to be president?

Is there just one kind or set of experience required to do the job?

I think that successful presidents do not fit into one kind of mold...they are the right men(so far, but I,m not opposed to a woman) for the time.

Obama's time is now

Ignorance breeds so deeply...some people seem to believe anything that someone wearing a suit tells them to believe; start thinking for yourself!

Here's a reality check...

Obama can't change squat. You can 'say' you're going to do alot of things, but do you really think that congress is going to go along with the ideas Obama has? Absolutely NOT. Why? Because they sound good when you say them, but don't actually work when applied, especially when you have to get through half a congress that despises what you have to offer.

I like Obama...but he is DANGEROUS. He is dangerous because has has shown himself to be almost completely ignorant of foreign policy and very little understanding of what he could and could NOT do as president.

So to put it bluntly, if Hilary doesn't win; I'm going to vote Huckabee.

Do I agree with Huckabee's policy? Not overly so, although like any candidate, I like portions of what they stand for...but when it comes right down to it, I have to acknowledge that our country simple can't handle someone as inexperienced as Obama in office. I'd MUCH rather have Hilary than Huckabee.

This isn't about race, gender or pride...this is about common sense.

Common sense says you don't put the rookie in when you're needing a heavy hitter, especially when that rookie doesn't seem to know the difference between a Homerun and a fieldgoal.

Why is Richardson still in the race? He came out of Iowa with only 2 percent of the votes. He should be excluded from further debates. We need to hear the three main candidates who stand a real chance of winning in November.

A President is only as good as the cabinet they surround themselves with. Bush has shown us that.

To Richard, Steve and Jay,

Talk about stupid. I did not say all mixed race people are for themselves. Most blacks have some white blood anyway. I said Obama is for himself. Check out his record in Illinois and you too will vote for Hillary.

He is considered black by the majority of voters in this country. The constituition still says 1 fiftth of black blood means you are BLACK. You people (voters who think Obama can win) "do not know your history and are doomed to repeat it."

It's called "divide and conquer". The democrats are so caught up fighting and you Obama supporters are so naive. As long as voters think that supporting Obama is the way to defeat Hillary, Obama will continue to win.

However, those same people who are voting for Obama now will not go in that booth in November and vote for him. Stop listening to the press and go check out your history.

This country needs someone as president who will heal the wounds of the Bush administration. Only the Clinton's know what that position was like before he took office and they (Biden as Hillary's runninng mate) can make it work again.

By the time this race is over no one, democrat or republican will negotiate with Obama on any issue. Tell me how is he going to get any legislation passed without help from either side of the isle? Don't bother answering that qustion, because he will never be president in this country. The voter backlash in Illinois will boot him out of his senate seat if he dares to run again.

It helps to understand the caucus system. There was nothing out of the ordinary happening here. In my caucus the obama camp sent 6 people to Richardson to give him a quorum but 4 hillary supporters where sent to to make a quorum for Richardson and take a delegate away from Edwards. That is the name of the game and Richardson was the beneficiary of the undecided group who supported other nonviable candidates.In reality Richardson is running for Vice President if he can amass enough delegates to have some leverage. I believe Grahm from Florida would be the better choice but Richardson would be a good choice also.

As a Richardson supporter I know quite a few other Richardson supporters. Not one of them will be voting for Hillary if Richardson were to leave the race. We are change voters who look at Richardson as a pro second amendment, tax cutting democrat as significant change. He is also significant experience but we want change.

Some of us will go edwards some obama, the foreign policy voters who knew iraq was a mistake in 2002 will go anyone but clinton.

We recognize Obama as no slouch you don't become editor of the harvard law review if you are an intellectual dolt. We recognize edwards has a legitimate passion for the middle class.

This is also Hillary's way of clarifying Richardson won't be her VP candidate as if there was any doubt before. She is running as if she is a foreign policy expert pulling Richardson would confirm she feels weak in the area.

Obama likely wouldn't as while he has succesfully not played the race card in the primary a double minority ticket might just seem to be doing that.

If Richardson was to cut a deal with anyone it would therefore have been edwards. But then edwards is a crusader and Bill is a mediator as anyone that watched him diffuse the tension last night realizes.

Reality is Richardson legitimately believes he would make a good president. In a TV age he may not have the Charisma to get the job. That's less a reflection on his readiness to serve than our preferred media's emphasis on image. If he's pulling poll margin down on any other candidates it's Obama and Edwards however.

judith escalona January 6, 2008 11:46 pm ET

It seems to me, once again, that Clinton won the debate — the media commentators notwithstanding. It is becoming clear that experience combined with a humanistic agenda will triumph over simple inspirational words.

Were we watching the same debate?

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

me ofcourse January 6, 2008 11:34 pm ET

Nobody cares!!!
At the end of the day Clinton will come up with the most delegates….Watch and see how it works… Like it or not..

Yo me,

That's what they said about Iowa too.

OBAMA/08!!!!!!

In all honesty, I like Bill Richardson and Hillary. If one of these two don't get it, Id probably vote Republican. Edwards flat out scares me to death, and I don't think Obama is a sane choice either. Neither one of them have a great deal of national experience. Look where voting in inexperience got us in 2000. yuck.

For those espousing experience as the most important characteristic in our next president: Dick Cheney and Karl Rove both had many, many years of Washington experience, and look where that got us.

Mixed race, gender, all of that aside–what we need is a strong leader. We need someone who HASN'T been in Washington and has Washington's warped view of the world and the country. We don't need a strict father, we don't need a preacher, we don't need a career politician, and we definitely don't need a "caring mother." (Remember when your mother lied to you about Santa Claus? Or the tooth fairy? Or whether you were a mistake? Whether that was for your own good or not, it still hurts to be lied too and mothers are FAR from perfect.)

Honestly, what we need most of all is a change. We need a hope for the future and not the same people who've been controlling Washington for the last 20 years.

This is my first presidential election that I'm eligible to vote in, and honestly I don't want the same two political dynasties controlling the White House my entire life. According to basic elementary Social Studies, that is called an oligarchy.

NOBODY is UNSTOPPABLE!

That's pretty much for you JAY... and also for Michelle (Mrs. NObama), who calls UNSTOPPABLE: STINKY!

Regis, I think Sherry is right, you are wrong. People, speically young people are misled by Obama's inflammatory speech. I couldn't figure out why he won in Iowa and leads Clinton in NH by the polls. Obama's political view is dangerous for our Country's future because he doesn't have enough and strong political foundation like Hillary Clinton so he will use existing political members in his administration. Obama likes to change to fresh face, but Obama will work with old politicians and already elected Senators eventually, he couldn't change all of politicians in Washington to like Oprah, college graduates and teenagers for his cabinet then what is different? It is not a change and not safe for our Country in this situation. I hope people think seriously and choose the right person for the White House. I worry about campaign, I think people move to the wrong direction again. Likability doesn't equal with leadership for the Country, I strongly suggest Hillary fights back until win the nomination.

Even if true, so what? A candidate who loses is free to endorse another, only here the "endorsement" would have been conditional and made in advance. It's to be expected under Iowa's kooky process. Hillary's problem is her sense of entitlement to the nomination and the Presidency. No doubt she'd have much such a "deal" for herself, if only she could have. It's my hope that this duplicitous, self serving and arrogant person is crushed in New Hampshire and thereafter. She is bad for the Democratic party and bad for the country.

Obama/Richardson would be a darn good ticket, and Richardson's extensive experience could prop up Obama's lack thereof. He's been a pretty darn good governor of New Mexico. Both are very close from a policy perspective, and Richardson, like Obama, seems to want to focus on the issues more than being divisive and attacking others. Richardson is way wonkier than Obama, which would give Obama the substance he needs to be more viable against the Republicans. There would be no need for Hillary's fake "experience," Edwards' hatred of private enterprise or both of those candidates' divisiveness.

I'd prefer Ron Paul, but I don't think he's got a chance in the general if he runs as an independent unless Hillary and a hawk Republican are the nominees, making him the default anti-war vote.

Sherry,
If you think Hilary is going to give this country a "mother's love" you are not thinking clearly. Do you remember when Bill was in office? He was the more nurturing parent by all appearances. Hilary is no warm, nurturing mother, loving on anyone. She is a calculating, power hungry person, with little real experience in accomplishing anything in politics to her own record. She, like her husband before her, changes her opinion according to the latest polls and what might be popular at the moment. Thankfully, people are waking up to her game and are voting for change. I also don't understand why you would think she is electable when polls have consistently shown such a high number of people who say they would never vote for her.

REGIS WHY ARE YOU SO BLINDED? HILLARY IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE THAT CAN GET US BACK IN THE WHITE HOUSE. SHE WILL HEAL THIS COUNTRY AND THE WORLD.

Nice try Richardson. I'd deny it, too, since Bill Clinton named you Energy Secretary. Such loyalty. With friends like that.....Richardson, Biden and Dodd all talked about "experience" too. Have all known Clinton(s) for years. Worked side-by-side with Bill and Hillary for years. That's why it is so hard to swallow – that they all stabbed Hillary in the back. When it became obvious in the polls that the three weren't viable, there is no question who they should have supported and thrown their supporters to. The same person that has supported them in the Senate – Hillary Clinton. Which makes the betrayal that much worse. Their egos made them cut deals, as if any of them could really be helped. Now, with their exposure by the media in behind-the-scenes shenanigans (and by precinct captains who were recorded stating, "You can vote for whoever you want; I just know I was supposed to tell you to support Obama") they look even smaller in the public eye. I know I lost respect for all three (Dennis Kucinich doesn't apply) because of the ultimate betrayal, not just to Hillary but the entire Party and country. The saddest part, too, is that Obama was laughing all the way to the proverbial bank. He used them for his own immediate political gain, and even worse, ended long-standing friendships and working-relationships. The power that intelligent people are abdicating to Obama is unbelievable. The power that our dumb-downed BET, uneducated society has turned over to him is not electrifying, it's more like electrocution. I sense a Republican stampede (if it's not already too late) like never seen before. Thanks for helping ghetto / gangsta culture hijack the most important election in the history of our country. New handle? The three stooges.

Ths would be smart if he wants to be HIS vice president.

Obama used several intimidation tactics against the elderly to win Iowa. I saw it I was there.

I live in NM. I don't thihk I would take Richardson's comments at face value without proof. He is a liar-get it.

Sherry, wake up,.. does bein mixed race make him any less, that's a really Ignorant comment, no differnt than what I expect from a Clintonista. Idealism is alive and it is time for a change. Obama is full of Hope, and idealism, that is what we need in this country again. We don't elect Presidents base on experience, we elect them base on their "VISION" for America and the World. It is so amazing that OBAMA will be President, "can you feel what OBAMA is cooking,...HOPE"? It is so funny Hillary and others like you try to discredit him, but you know it was LINCOLN a Republican that put this country back together again, and during the wars of the 60's in this country (the Civil Rights Movement) it was Democrats from the South that try to deny Blacks and Minorities a voice. You tell me now what will Hillary do for us, she in no way can unite the country, she keeps talking about fighting the Republicans. That is the very point OBAMA is making, we don't need no fighting, we don't need no segregation base on Party Affiliation, all we need is HOPE and to have a "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" where we all bleeds RED, WHITE AND BLUE! Hillary will keep the country divided, and will cause the DEMOCRATS to lose the CONGRESS in 2010. OBAMA will ensure a TIDAL WAVE for the DEMS in 08!
We hope there is a God without ever seeing him, we hope for change and it happens, if we have faith, and HOPE for a brighter tomorrow it will happen. OBAMA knows very well you have to Hope for things not yet seen, but if you trust in your him and in yourself we will raise up a mighty nation come November 2008.

I truely believe that if Hillary is elected President, we will be much worst than we are today. It would be historic and great to have a female President, but Hillary Clinton is not the change agent she claims to be. How can she be, the country will be at a stand still for the next 4 years, we can't afford that mistake, or risk at this critical junture, not Now!

Hope is the belief in and for things not yet seen. As BARACK so elequently put it,
"Hope is the bedrock of this nation, the belief that our destiny will not be written for us but by us." Barack Obama, 08

IN BARACK WE SHOULD TRUST, HOPE LIES ETERNAL, YES, MY FELLOW AMERICANS, WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD, BARACK IS A BEACON OF HOPE THAT WE ALL CAN BELIEVE IN, HE REPRESENTS US AND WE WANT CHANGE. THIS IS NOT ABOUT POLITICAL AFFILIATION, BUT ABOUT AMERICANS!

NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR OBAMA- PLEASE CONTINUE TO PASS THE TORCH FROM IOWA TO NORTH DAKOTA AND SEA TO SHINING SEA.

OBAMA FOR AMERICA-CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN, OH DID I SAY I AM A REPUBLICAN FOR OBAMA AND I AM IN THE US ARMY!

Ok, so let me get this straight Sherry...

You're saying Barack Obama can't win because he is neither black or white...? First of all, that sounds pretty biggoted to me. Second of all, if you base your decision to vote for someone based on if they are black or white – or like you say, neither – then you are down there among the ranks with many Republicans to me... To me, what you said was the most unAmerican thing you can say. No matter how "honest" you were trying to be. Also, if he does go on to win the nomination, will you vote Republican, or just not vote?
This is what Obama truly means by "change." Not change just from Bush, but from hate filled politics like you, Sherry, have just demonstrated. In the basic form of change, Barack Obama provides that change just because it isn't another Clinton. I was too young during Clinton's presidency to have a truly informed opinion on him, but I know enough people on the Republican side don't have favorable opinions of him. Or her for that matter.
I have never heard ANYONE supporting Barack Obama say that Hilary Clinton can't get elected because of her gender. I think enough people have moved past race-based electability and sex-based electability issues to get him into the White House. Please, join us and get with the times.

Sherry – dont believe everything you hear...the reason Obama got Richardson's votes is that he has the capacity to bring people together.

Hillary is part of the same broke-down political machine that has gotten this country nowhere.

Talking about Obama's race demonstrates how little of an IQ you truely have. Are you sure your not a republican!

Sherry, I too am mixed race and I don't see how being mixed race means that Obama is in your words 'for himself or lives for himself'. Obama is giving hope to all, democrats and republicans. Clinton acts like a spoiled child. I HOPE Obama wins in NH, and if he does, he'll be unstoppable.

It seems to me, once again, that Clinton won the debate - the media commentators notwithstanding. It is becoming clear that experience combined with a humanistic agenda will triumph over simple inspirational words.

Let Iran take over Iraq with its nuclear weapons

Pull out and say welcome to hell.

Nobody cares!!!
At the end of the day Clinton will come up with the most delegates....Watch and see how it works... Like it or not..

Politics is not about looking good or trying to lecture people...Obama is the one beeing artificially prop up, not Clinton. The latter can actually do the work and bring us back to stability and confidence. Gop supporters and Independents are voting for Obama because they want somebody that they can easily tear down during the general election.. Think about it! In real politics race can not play a big factor, but experience count... This is the first nation in the face of the planet... Carefully select a 'Leader', not a talker or an immature.. Let us not mention Edwards; he's looking @ obama shoulders for running mate like last time; but this time he is not getting.. Even the most sublime forces of nature will not let it happen or let America in the hands of 2 immatures!! If they get the nomination, that will be it for the Democratic party!!! Thus, I'll be campaigning and voting for McCain or any other GOP nominee..This is not personal or the race for the Senate.

After watching the debate on Saturday night, it is easy to see that Obama is the best suited of the four to get into the White house. Hillary may talk about how much experience she has, and the changes that she has already made, but none of that matters, because she can't handle scrutiny. She blew up on John Edwards after Edwards pointed out her attacks on Obama. If she can't handle small comments like that, how is she going to be able to handle criticism from Republicans, and the nation as a whole?

Barack Obama was faced with criticism, and he took very good care of himself. He addressed the criticism head on, and he began to lay out his plans in a clear and precise manner. Edwards noticed that, and that's the reason why he sided with Obama over Hillary in that debate.

I could be alone here, but I would love to see an Obama/Edwards ticket after the primaries are done. I think that those two men could very well be what this country needs to get out of the rut we're in now, and to exemplify the superpower status that we've almost lost over the last 6 years.

Obama is of the human race and the presidential race, as well as a couple of other races and experience with additional races. I hope people can think from eyes of hope and not of fear.

I don't understand the constant negative comments (especially Hillary) on politicians "flip-flopping". Mrs. Clinton took a stance in the direction that she believed her constituents (including future ones as President) wanted her to take and when she realized that the majority of these people wanted something else, she changed her stance. This is a sign of strength and maturity, not weakness. It shows that she can admit when she's wrong, unlike the current President. I'm sure we all know people whose "strength of conviction" make them intractable and difficult to communicate with. This is no different for politicians. In fact, we've had just such a person in the Oval Office for the past eight years. Barack Obama not only lacks the necessary experience for such a job, his obvious beliefs that he knows what's best for the country borders on arrogance. He's not ready. Let Hillary have the chance to make some changes and give Obama the chance to gain some experience. He'll make a fine President in four to eight years. Experience in this job is not only important, it's necessary.

Richardson's supporters didn't all go to Obama....some went to Edwards. Hillary may be the first choice for some people, but she clearly is not the second choice.

Sherry–

1: What the heck? Are you trying to say that mixed-race people are "for themselves"? What? If Obama's mother was black or his father was white he'd be more selfless? WHAT?
2: You're telling me that you're rooting for Clinton because we as a nation need a "mother's love"? Are you joking? We're not voting for a parent, we're voting for a president. Your blatant sexism aside (as if fathers can't love every bit as much as mothers), the idea that electing a "mother" figure who'll heal the nation is so ridiculous that it's only matched by the sheer lunacy of believing that as figure as divisive as Clinton could possibly *be* that figure. Good lord.
3: If you're concerned about who can win in November, you might want to consider what we saw in Iowa: Obama drawing in young voters, Obama drawing in Independents, Obama drawing in moderate Republicans. Clinton's support came almost exclusively from Democrats–people who will be almost uniformly voting for whatever Democratic nominee wins the primaries. You want to beat the GOP next year, vote for someone who'll get votes from across the spectrum. That person isn't Clinton.

I have no real problem with Hillary, and I'll happily support her should she win the nomination. But this bizarre need to deify her while battering her opponents–all of whom are basically good, decent, capable people–is truly disturbing.

What does race or gender have to do with it anyway? being married to the president does not qualify one to become one. Clinton was (is) corrupt and power hungry. Why doesn't anybody ask why all the FBI personnel files ended up in Hillary's office when her hubby was president? Can anyone imagine all the abuse of power there will be if Hillary was elected? I think that this lady is not clean...

My teen ager just told me it was ok to smoke pot and snort crank because Obama did. Obama YOU BETTER EXPLAIN TO MY CHILD NOW> I WILL HOLD YOU RESPOINSEABLE> YES I AM ANGRY

Edwards 2008

Dear Sherry , you need to keep it real as you speak, I'm "of mixed race" myself and I'm glad that people like you are part of the past , It's really time for a CHANGE. I cannot believe that someone can be that stupid. I can't wait to see Obama in the white house. Anyway I don't think Clinton can handle those nasty republicans, she flip/flop so many times already.

OK. Here's a comment so Bill can feel like some one cares.
"Hey, Bill. Why don't you swap some more water out of Elephant Butte to the Texas dems for there support?"

If that is true it is despicable.

There is no way Obama can win in the general election. Keep it real. Obama is neither black or white. He's of mixed race. He is for himself, by himself and lives for himself. We are a battered nation and in need of a mother's love.

She alone can pull us out of this quagmire, and do something about all the
issues we face in this country and abroad. We had better wake up or the republicans will win this thing in November.

I was watching the the debate on ABC news of Sunday night and wondering if that was Bill Richardson's real hair or was it a wig? There was a noticable color difference in the front of his hair line. It was very distracting and it was hard to focus on what he was saying. Is his platform For change" a change of hair color?

Governor Bill Richardson is still the best-qualified candidate in the race. You could scrape together all the "experience" Clinton, Edwards and Obama have, and it still wouldn't come up to Richardson's knees.

The press really needs to be paying more attention to Richardson's terrific presidential credentials, achievements, and platform, rather than to the school-ground rumours about him likely coming out of the sore-loser Clinton camp.

My mom was in the caucus for Joe Biden. When Biden and Dodd proved non-viable, their people quickly moved to other candidates. Kucinich's people went next but they tried to get people to join for Kucinich, but bailed when it became obvious Super K wasn't viable.

The Richardson people, who had about half the people they needed to be viable, held out, trying to convince people from the other candidates to come over to Richardson just to keep him available as an option with only one delegate. Nobody budged so the 70 or so caucus attendees for Richardson went their own way. Many went to Obama, but there was certainly no organized effort to do so.

And they held out until the end.

if it's typical politics, then why would Obama be any different than any other candidates.......what is hope if you can't delivered???

This is typical politics. Why would it be a big deal even if it were true?

Hillary...you can't stop a tidal wave...especially one of HOPE!!! Suck it up...stop your "whispering" campaign and either move on or get out of the way!!!!

Would have been good advice anyway. Bill, you are a good man with a proven track record in the second tier. But as a top office candidate, and extrapolated to if you were a President, you lecture and pontificate too much. You missed the cut, and have overstayed the party. Go home.

This would be stupid if he wants any chance at becoming her vice president.