CNN

Lets keep it up, superdelegates. What about people without a chance to voice their vote?

Oh big news, Obama is in the lead in the delegates, like we didn't know. CNN is on it.

CNN just pacing to post big results for Obama.

What about Ms. Obama's attacks on Hillary. I see thats different, she is an OBAMA!

Just call DC, you all are dying to.

How much those little surragotes sitting in the chairs make? Let see their tax returns. We pay huge cable bills to support shows like yours, its time America knows what you all make.

So the dirty tricks are starting again in the South Carolina Republican primary. That state is a walking audition for the Jerry Springer show. If they're going to vote based on the latest dirty tricks (again) let's just ignore them and let the rest of the country choose a president.

I would like to hear someone ask Clinton about the more than 40 associates who were either murdered, committed suicide, or had untimely accidents because of what they knew about the Clintons.
I would like to hear some ask Obama about the church he attends that has strong ties to Kenya and what is his position on Kenya, being that he has relatives there.

Hillary Clinton's campaign was not marred by negativity or attacks until her opponents released a never ending attack upon her.
It seems Mr Obama has a lot of surrogates using race and baiting. It seems he profits from Mr Edwards playing attack dog.

But Mr Obama seems to be unable to be criticized in any way. Any statement made ir retaliated with a racial undertone. I think that makes it very ugly.

Mr Obama needs to do more than talk about hope and change.He needs to explain his policies with specifics. He is consistent in being vague. This is a time when multiple issues and problems exist. How does the economy turn around and who sacrifices? What is his definition of sacrifice., What is his definition of affordable health care? As a worker my benefits keep getting cut. But privitizing most will only cut them more. Mr Obama is not for national health care. He still retains a private sector solution. I wonder just how long it will take for another donut hole to destroy us? I want specifics not vaguaries. I cannot vote just for hope and a prayer. I need to see someone with genuine solutions.

In one thing Mr Clinton was right. Martin Luthor King fought, but he also knew he had to back politicians to effect the changes he so wanted and make them policy. I want to know the policies, I want to know the specific programs and the specific losses to the taxpayer and who pays. I cannot live just on chance and trust. My vote goes to people with genuine solutions and who clarify for me what they intend to do. Trust me is not good enough.

The sexism and racism does not belong here. We just need someone who can solve problems.

To accuse McCain's adopted child from Africa is his illegitimate child is nothing but ugly.

I am watching US democrat primaries via CNN and I wonder why voters in the United States believe that Republicans will simply give up the white house. If I were a republican party's strategist, I will never choose to fight with some person who fought 2 campaign wars with us and beaten us. I prefer someone new to
the game so we could amass our ammunition to take that guy down. Since no one is squeaky clean as some politicians like to claim. An everyone has own vices. It will be extremely easy to find the chink in the armour of the new guy
rather than thinking of new weaknesses from the democratic nominee. If Hillary were become democratic candidate, all GOP have are failed tactics those did not work twice.

IF I HAVE THE CHANCE TO QUESTION THEM I WOULD ASK WHAT PLAN THEY HAVE TO SOLVE THE MORTGAGE CRISIS?

PLEASE, PLEASE ask the canidates how they plan on funding UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE. It is a wonderful concept. But, it's not FREE. That is misleading to tell the American people. American TAX PAYERS pay for everything the government funds. We are on the verge of a recession. Gas prices and food costs are on the rise. People are losing their homes. Please tell us HOW, in DETAIL, this project will be funded without raising taxes. I also want to know how the American people can be confident that Universal Healthcare wont go bust like Social Security and fall apart like Walter Reed. How can we be confident that we wont be figting for coverage like out Veterans do? I am apprehensive to trust the same governement with my health care that has failed at these other somewhat smaller projects.
PLEASE, PLEASE. I need these answered
Thank you for your time.
Barbara
Ridgewood, New Jersey

Annabelle,
No it is not true that Obama used the Koran to be sworn it. He used the Bible. He does wear the the flag pin but not every day. I might add that neither does Hillary wear it every day. Obama is a true American. What you are hearing is a small part of the Clinton machine dirty tactics. While I am on the subject he is also a Christian and not a Muslim. His father was a Muslim but has not been involved in his life since he was 2 years old. His mother is not a very religious white woman from Kansas. It is so hard for me to hear day in and day out all these outright lies repeated about Obama. If you don't like his plans or don't agree with his policies that is fine but please do not judge him on the horrible rumors started by the Clintons. All these things can be verified by looking them up on the web. Please do your homework and find the truth about everyone running. You will find probably each of them will have something that you don't agree with but at least make sure it is a fact and not a Clinton fairytale or outright lie. Hillary will stop at nothing to win the office she feels is due to her. I wish I could support the first female to be the President because I too am a woman about her age but she is the same old tired politics that has not worked for over 20 years. I want to hope for a better tomorrow and she is just more of the same. I promise the next qualified woman running will have my vote and I will fight for her. I can not do that for Hillary. She is a divider and there will be nothing accomplished or made better for 8 more long years.

"In resonse to Hillary being privy to WH meetings/whatevers – I'm sure she was and I'm sure it was more than pillow talk. She was probably on Bill every single solitary day he was in that office to pass this or review that. If my husband was president, I'd be all over it too."

Only two responses to my post, I am actually not suprised as facts tend to get in the way of some peoples "arguments".

I didn't miss anything on Bhutto, I am not saying she was the greatest thing, I was just making the point of how strong she really was and how much GUTS it took to do what she did. She is the definition of "strong woman".

I never mentioned about Hillary being privvy to anything, but since you mentioned it.

I talk to my wife about work al the time and it involves computers, hardware, programs etc, etc, but yet she is no closer to being an IT Pro than she was when I first married her.

If you and "roger" have no problem with all the factual points I make or simply choose to ignore them, go ahead and vote for Hillary as your given right as a citizen, I ENCOURAGE it, I just disagree with it.

Who cares about Obama's religion? I don't. I care about the facts:

1. He said he wouldn't support the Patriot Act but he did.

2. He said he was against the Iraq War but voted to fund it. You can't run on a campaign where you say you're the only one that had good enough judgement to stand up against the war from the start and then vote to fund it when you're in a position to stop it.

3. He criticized Hillary Clinton for her vote on Iran but he himself didn't even show up to cast a vote himself. What's more telling is that his campaign's intial response to his absence was that he didn't get enough notice of the vote. When it was disclosed that he got the same notice as everyone else and Dodd, Biden and Clinton left the trail to stand up for what they believe in unlike the so-called change agent he quickly retracted the statements of his campaign and told the truth, he was out campaigning instead of doing the work he was elected to do.

4. In early 2007 he said he'd release his papers while he was in local government. He called Hillary Clinton out for not releasing her papers as First Ldy, even though 75% of those papers are public record and the others are being released in a steady stream. Then after the debate the media asks him to release his papers. He says he doesn't have any papers. Which one is the truth and which is a lie? Either he lied earlier in the year when he said he'd release his papers or he doesn't have any papers. Either way one of his statements is a lie.

5. He says he's against lobbyists but he employs former lobyists in his own campaign. He was associated with powerful lobbyists during his time in Illinios and there's a real estate scandal going on right now where he might have done some crooked deals with lobbyists.

6. He says he's the change agent, but in addition to skipping the Iran vote, he skipped over 120 votes when he was in Illinois by voting present instead of for or against major legislation. If he can't take a stand on the issues with actual action, how can he be a good President?

7. Further, during his short time in the Senate he has not authored ANY major legislation to change anything. And if you look at his voting record, he has voted lock-step with his party on almost every major piece of legislation.

8. He says the system is broken. He's right, but as President he will inherit that same system. If he's proven that he can't work within the system to make change happen by now, how can we trust he'll do anything as President?

9. Now let's talk about his foreign policy stances for a second. He said he'd bomb Pakistan if he had actionable evidence of Bin Laden's whereabouts. Even with "actionable evidence" it's no a sure thing that you'll get him and in the process you'll be killing innocent civilians. This will enrage the Pakistani people, they'll seize control of an already unstable government and potentially use their nuclear weapons, which they have, against us.

10. Then he says he'd negotiate with anyone, no matter if they're an enemy or not. Good idea but let's do the proper background work first okay. Look at this Isreali/Palestinian peace summit that was just thrown together by Bush in six days without laying any groundwork ahead of time. Big surprise, it's not working.

11. On health care he can't decide if his plan covers everyone or not. He's said it does and he's said it doesn't. He thinks the solution is to make health care "affordable," but no matter how affordable you make it, certain people still won't be able to afford it. It's just common sense. We need universal health care for EVERYONE, not just affordable health care.

People, these are just the facts. They can't be disputed. Forget about all the mudslinging about religion and drug use. We deserve the facts before we put someone in the White House again that makes a lot of promises and doesn't deliver. He says he's a new politician but going around talking about hope, being a uniter and long list of things he will do if elected seems like politics as usual to me. What politician doesn't talk about a better future for America? What politician doesn't make promises, false or otherwise?

Make no mistake, this is nothing new.

In response to Tom -
Hillary is a professional and extremely driven. She is providing our country with a very good example of what is to come from more and more women – soon. She is not the 'where do you girls want to go to lunch' type. She is business. All business. Can she help that it is in her 'makeup' so to speak? I see her as trying her best to relate to every one (not just women) on a more 'warm and fuzzy' feeling because she realizes that, as a woman, most people expect that from her. She was genuine in her moving 'teary' eyed speech. There's a certain 'lump & swallow' women get in their throats when they are speaking and emotion takes over and I saw that with her. She'll be back to all business soon enough and that is were she belongs and that is her choice.
Bhutto – go read some more true reports on her, you've missed some stuff.

In resonse to Hillary being privy to WH meetings/whatevers – I'm sure she was and I'm sure it was more than pillow talk. She was probably on Bill every single solitary day he was in that office to pass this or review that. If my husband was president, I'd be all over it too.

Tom Dedham Mass-Everybody has baggage even the ones you applaud so dearly... just like all of us have different opinions of Senator Clinton & former President Clinton, I do not agree with alot of the things both have done BUT alot of people have judged them on accusations which is not right, they both have been investigated so much ( paid for by the tax payer) I feel confident that had either done anything wrong other than what we already know they would have been sentenced to LIFE in prison by the right wingers...I personally feel Senator Clinton represents women very well, she is a politican like all of the other candidates she just happens to be a very intelligent women. Had she & President Clinton went their separate ways they would have been just like most of the GOP candiates who are on there 2nd, 3rd, or maybe 4th marriage & these are the candidates who represent the party with the high & mighty moral standards. How she & President Clinton deal with their personal problems is of no interest to me as long as they do the job they are elected to do...

Think it's ugly now, what'll she gets back in the WH.

Just to refresh everyone's memory ......

http://prorev.com/legacy.htm

It will get ugly if Hillary gets the nomination. The country has been polarized by either Bush or Clinton the past 20 years. When will we reject these dysfunctional candidates?

Never mind a recession. We're moving closer to world war III.

It gets ugly with both parties because of the media they stir things up & they misquote things intentionally to get the headlines & something to talk about for 24 hours...look what they attempted to do to Hillary after Iowa they had her dead.. thanks to the independant thinking people in NH they made their own decision... the media gets real defensive when someone calls their hand....Cafferty gets real defensive & Wolfe just kinda ignores the fact when confronted...nothing personal just my thoughts....I have loved politics my entire life but after the corrupt Bush administration & the biased media toward individual candidates I am losing interest rapidly....if you listened to the media during the Iowa caucus you would have thought it was the general election, the bounce for the winning candidate is caused by the media if you did not win you are totally ignored or prounced dead...but again I give the NH people credit they did not let the media influence their vote....

What I find very interesting is that over the last few days I have been hearing how blacks should vote for Obama in South Carolina because he is black. I just saw an interview on CNN this morning about Michelle Obama and how she can sway the black female vote in South Carolina by saying I am like you, so vote for my husband.

After Obama lost New Hampshire, Roland Martin and other black males in the media took swipes saying that they think racism had something to do with Obama not winning.

My question: Why is it about race in a bad way when Obama does not do well or the Clintons question his resume; yet, it is good to talk about race when the Obama's and the media see an opportunity to use race to their advantage and to help Obama win in South Carolina?

Such hypocrisy. By the way, I am a black female and this notion of using race when it is to your advantage and then try to make non-blacks feel guilty if they don't vote for Obama is insanity. This is the oldest trick in the books for blacks because they know they can make a lot of non-blacks feel guilty still about slavery and segregation. I wish the media would call them on it. There will never be true equality until this stops, and the fact that the Obama's are playing the game this way is an insult to me and the notion that Barrack talks about bringing all people together.

hello

RE Vertigo's comment, "I think that Obama will have a solid plan for America once he gets the rest of these democrats off of his back."

Gee that is funny. It seems to me the rest of the candidates in the field have already done their homework and figured out what their plans will be... while they've had to compete with one another all along! What's Obama's excuse? He's got to make his case to the American people that includes more than fanciful writing and some charismatic speeches. The clock is ticking for Obama and his time is almost up. We saw right through to the truth here in New Hampshire. Obama's win in Iowa was a fluke... a bunch of young people who think it will be cool to "break the mold" in electing him president. President Bush's botched comments may serve Obama well: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me! He sure as heck couldn't pull the wool over our eyes here in New Hampshire. My instinct tells me that the rest of the country will soon follow suit.

RE Vertigo's comment, "Really, all presidents have aides that write most of them plans anyway. None of them are economic professors or anything."

Is that so? The current president may be an idiot, but Clinton was an internationally-recognized Rhodes scholar. Hillary is no dolt, either. They are by far two of the most intelligent and brightest politicians in my time (I am in my early 20s).

Wolf:
Why don't you ask Obama to explain his change theme. Is it to dissolve the poorly rated congress (18% approval rating) and get new players in Washington. THAT WILL BE A CHANGE THAT WILL BENEFIT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. However he cant do that . So I don't see what change is he proposing or they are just buzz words that resonate with the Americans.

Obama is a liar and a fraud.
And this has nothing to do with race. I am so tired of people screaming racist everytime anyone dares say anything against Obama. I dont care what color, sex, sexual orientation or religion a candidate is. He could be a green Muslim for all I care. Obama makes statements he cant back upo on a daily basis. He is an empty suit that can make a good speech and thats it.

John New York, NY January 10, 2008 4:40 pm ET

It doesn't have to be ugly.

Not if Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee and Mike Huckabee is the Republican nominee.

They are two honest, good men who have publicly expressed their genuine respect for one another.

geez john does this mean that obama doesn't believe in evolution either?! maybe the two of them can sit and wonder where all the ships go that fall off the edges of the earth cuz it's flat....

do you baby lambs EVEN know what the different party platforms are?? do you honestly think a pro-life and a pro-choice candidate will ever come together in unity?!

And as long as newscasters, such as Blitzer, continue to feed the fires with half-truths and innuendo, it will get hotter still.

Jake

You say you can bring the dirt out on Hillary anytime. But that is just not the way you do things. oh! aren't you playing nice should we give you a cookie ? I say you already tried that. And you found no dirt!

joe

Everyone has opinion. And listening helps change others view. Do we all listen? Nooo
It just takes one individual to spark change. Joe I am listening.

They haven't brought out any of the bad stuff against Clinton yet.

john august olsen

What beautiful words! But they are just words! Just like the word CHANGE.
Unless you can back the words up with action they are just words!

everyone knows that the white house belongs to the Clinton's...it is there birthright...

What will Bill Clinton do when he becomes first man of the white house? What christmas ornament will he select for the tree? How will he entertain guess? Will he redecorate the game room? Just imagine Bill as your host with the most. LOL. I bet he is already making out a guest list for the first event!

vertigo

well your name speaks for you? definition of vertigo is dizziness!

Actually, the media is making it ugly.

Every networks' reporters are out there trying to out-ugly each other by asking 'tough' questions to candidates, and forcing an answer. The ugliest portion of the sound-bite is taken out of context and thrown at the rival candidate, and the reporters ask, "your opponent is saying that you are so-and-so. What do you have to say to that?"

More and more, the 24-hour news stations that were created to inform us are running out of material, so they are getting into the news-making business, rather than the reporting business.

Thank god for PBS.

Wolf, you're one of the worst. Reporters who have to repeatedly say, "There's more to come" are nothing more than advertisers of their own programming.

Try some more in-depth coverage. Do some more research.

Ask some tough questions- if evidence is found that torture was committed, and specifically authorized by the White House, would your administration bring War Crimes Charges against the Bush Administration?

If lame duck President Bush informs you that he has a strike team ready to launch an attack into Iran on December 15, 2008, what would you do as the President Elect?

Pakistani President Musharaff has specifically said he will not allow US forces to launch an attack on bin Laden within his country's borders. What will you tell him if your sources inform you that you have a 2 hour window to strike bin Laden?

The sub-prime meltdown seems like it will have no stop. Are you prepared to take action to save the borrowers, and also the financial markets? Is a bailout similar to the RTC in the early 90s in the works?

With all the stuff going on in the world, the only thing you have to talk about is how ugly this race is getting?

I think the media is responsible to Obama's second choice in NH!!

Why thank you captain obvious for stating the what is bound to happen with an earlier primary and a drawn out presidential race between the two parties. Hopefully the ugliness of it will convince both parties to move the primaries back so that we don't have to put up with crap overload for a year and then some before the elections even take place.

If Hillary get nominated, count me voting republican or staying at home and never bother!!

Talk of election being rigged already!

If you like corruption and "rough and tumble" Chicago politics, you have got to like Obama. He was groomed by Chicago Mayor Daley and his cronies to run for the Senate and eventually President. Obama is as dirty and corrupt as the rest of them, he is hiding it for now, but the Republicans will destroy him in a minute if he is the democratic candidate.(Remember "Swift Boating"? The press, including blitzer, need to do some investigative reporting on this guy who we nothing about....look at his long-term association with Daley, Madigan, Rezko, Blagojevich, Stroger, all of whom were Obama's friends and supporters, and all dirty as can be... do we need that kind of graft and corruption in Washington?Chicago politicians are licking their chops on the possible spoils from their spokesman and figurehead Obama. Look into this, press and CNN, before the Republicans make mincemeat of Hussein Obama in the general election!!The guy is a liar and a charlatan run by the machine from Chicago.

A disgusted Chicago Democrat

"SHE (HILLARY) EVEN HAD THE CLASS NOT TO MENTION HIS DRUG USE! AND I'M SURE THE REPUBLICANS ARE DOING THEIR HOMEWORK VERY WELL RIGHT NOW. VERY, VERY WELL."

Actually this is false. Hillary's democratic chair and others in her campaign sent an email around Obama's teenage drug use which Obama discussed in his autobiography. I believe Hillary's NH demo chair also resigned over the issue.

I think Obama has been very gracious.He has never mentioned in public that Hillary is running on her husband's experience in office, which includes his impeachment and being sued for sexual harassment.

For me, the two-fer issue that the Clintons represent is a problem. When people vote for Hillary, they're going to get Bill Clinton (who is forbidden by the Constitution to run for a 3rd term) as her co-president, just we got Hillary as Bill's co-president. I didn't vote for them either term. I am disturbed by a woman that thinks it okay to violate the constitution. The reason Hillary will not release her notes or explain her experience in exhaustive detail is because she would have to admit that she and her husband broke the law. Hillary told us that Bill Clinton would not sit in on National Security Council meetings in a Hillary White House. She said that he would not have a security clearance. However, the truth is as a former president of the United States, he retained his above top secret security clearance when his term ended. All former presidents do. When Hillary Clinton made this statement she was aware that he had a higher security clearance than she does as a senator. First ladies do not have a security clearance. So the question is how did Hillary obtain the strength and experience that she claims to have. if Bill Clinton was incapacitated during his presidency, then power should have passed to Al Gore, the vice president and NOT the First Lady. Based on reports of his behavior on the campaign trail, it's possible that Bill Clinton was incapacitated during his presidency and Hillary stepped in. I think the media needs to vet the experience, and readiness she claims to have for the presidency.

Jon B

Why is it so important to defend obama religion? How can you be so absolutely sure he is a christian? His grandmother is from Kenya. And he may have family that is muslim. Does that make a differents to you?

Kate

Obama may be a christian . But he does have family members who are muslim. and that been said. He may have a different political agenda for the middle east and for you.

It shouldn't have to become ugly if Obama received same treatment as all candidates. We wouldn't have to lose 3 exceptional candidates who could impart their wisdom, focus on content and keep a balance in the race. Media should be ashamed for manipulating the images of candidates/campaigns. Many realize the danger now and express their concern for an electorate that may not challenge all candidates on the real issues.

I recommend an article about Obama and his views about whether or not Dems should continue to 'refight the nineties"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rep-barney-frank/refight-the-nineties_b_80751.html

Excerpt:
"I fully agree with Senator Obama that we should be arguing for the policies we advocate and the values from which they derive in a manner that appeals to the broadest possible segment of the public. His own ability to do that is one of our great assets. But I worry when people on my side underestimate the difficulty of our most important work, and I believe that is what Senator Obama does when he dismisses our efforts to fight the right wing in an earlier period because it suggests to me that he does underestimate the difficulty of the job. I think the best way to summarize my concern is that if you tell people that we should not be willing to refight the battles of the nineties - including many very important ones that we are far from having won - and if you tell people to refuse partisanship, you may be inviting people to leave the battlefield to those with whom we have the biggest differences. Racial fairness, reproductive rights for women, an end to discrimination against sexual minorities, universal health care, the right of working men and women to bargain collectively with employers - these battles we waged in the nineties remain essential to our vision today, and I do not understand why we should either be embarrassed about having fought hard for them, ten, fifteen or twenty years ago, or why we should not be determined to keep fighting until we have achieved success."

How can an impeached President (Bill Clinton) with a trail of scandals , be in the White House? What about National Security? Why are you wasting votes.

Obama does not take fedeal lobbying money. He does accept money from state level lobbies. The federal lobbies are a very nasty business. I worked for one of the national organizations a 501c that lobbied under the guise of "outreach and education". But what they were really doing was meeting with Congress to get congressional earmarks to support their particular issue. This is very important because senators should listen to what is being said at the state level. 501cs are part of that shadow government. They have a huge amount of influence on the character of federal laws, which ones get passed and which ones get funded. I think they're a cancer on our system and I agree with Obama, they can have A seat at the table but they can';t have the table.

The era of the Clinton's is over. Republicans will not be given the mantel again after 8 years of George Bush. The time has come for new progressive democrat to lead this great nation. Senator Obama has an energy that I have not seen in this country since the era of John F. Kennedy. We will see after super tuesday and the dust has settled. God save us all.

If it gets ugly, Barack Obama will stay above all that makes campaigning ugly. His character time and time again is showing America and the world that he responds and thinks in a different way to what we often expect in American politics. And that is why so many people are watching and are drawn to him. Think of this – without
Obama in the race we would have a boring 2008 election. He woke up American
Politics.

I think that Obama will have a solid plan for America once he gets the rest of these democrats off of his back.

Really, all presidents have aides that write most of them plans anyway. None of them are economic professors or anything. And really, if Bush could get in to the White house, after failing as a governor in Texas and as head of the Texas Rangers, and with a DWI record, then anyone could get in.

It is all about perception, I am willing to go with the guy for now that at least you can talk without using improper syntax or saying good ideas like they are against Bush, even though they have voted several times in support of them.

Plus do you know that the Bushes and the Clinton are distant cousins, but they also have been sighted at other picnics and events together in the past. They really are just pushing the same stuff, just wording their language differently. Maybe Obama likes to take big lobbying money as well, but at least he advocates for the return of habeus corpus, and I think that is a good start.

I hope that Democrats realize both our main choices will need to be able to repair the damage we do to ourselves to win the big race! That was why that weasel Rove tried the cheep shots at Obama (who should consider the source). We, just the Democrats you republicans can rip deep, need to be looking ahead!

Here is an interesting take. During the New Hampshire debate, the republicans went out of there way to praise Mr. Obama and talked highly of him. Did you all believe them? Not me. I'm convinced they want him to be the dem. candidate. I think the party knows some pretty bad dirt on him, and can't wait to get it out there once he is chosen.

I noticed Hukabee especially talking highly of Obama. Didn't you all notice how Hukabee beat Romni despite the millions spent by Mits campaign? It's no accident. This country is still very much concerned about the religious views of their candidate. The republicans are also taking close notice to this and gearing up to blast Obama on the issue. Is it right? No. It will happen though, and it will hurt Barack bad unless he can show some really "faithful" background.

GO EDWARDS!

Yes it is going to get ugly or should we say uglier.
Looking at where we are starting from.

Clearly we have a prominate candidate standing out .
and that candidate is Ron Paul.

Knows the Constitution and will stand by it... and Defend it....

About time.......................

oh yeah Human Rights and Freedoms
Liberty
Respect

that will all come back with Ron in office.

Honestly, all the other candidates need to back Ron Paul.

Lets claim America back

Ron Paul for President 08

ken locke
Ron Paul Riders
Journey for Justice Seven

Nancy....not true.

Click on "continue to website" and you can read anything on Obama you want without joining his campaign. The link is in the bottom right corner.

If it gets ugly, Barack Obama will stay above all that makes campaigning ugly. His character time and time again is showing America and the world that he responds and thinks in a different way to what we often expect in American politics. And that is why so many people are watching and are drawn to him. Think of this – without Obama in the race we would have a boring, 2008 election. He woke up American Politics.

There are some very difficult decisions to make in the next 10 months, that will determine the future of our country and effect each and every one of us and generations to come.
After reading the comments here I just hope that people will let go of all their petty attitudes and drop the nasty remarks against all candidate and make their decisions based strictly on facts, and the opinions and abilities of the candidates. We cant afford to make another mistake this election. Lets not let ourselves get manipulated again with "fluff", nice smiles, good speeches that really say nothing, or down home cowboys. Been there, done that...we truly need to get very serious this time around...we are running out of time, money and in danger of losing our way of life.
I am personally supporting Hillary Clinton and glad she is willing to take on the responsibility and the hard work it will take. She knows how to do it, and has the will and energy . I have nothing against the other candidates but feel she is best prepared to take over immediatly.
The next elected president of our country will need all the support and help we can give them, regardless of who they are. Lets skip the petty hate this time kids, we havnt the time for it.

Pretty serious stuff when you quote a former President from Arkansas. Bill Clinton, whoa! No credibility problems there. Just so he keeps the cigar in his mouth.

Guess old Wolfie needed some face time with the media folks. See you next election, Wolf. Now, say good night!

Bert, did you used the mouse and select LEARN on the top of the Obama's website?

Oh, one other thing, Bloomberg, an independent, talk about a flip-flopper. He can't make up his mind if he's a demorcrat, republican, or an independent. He will on take votes away from one or the other and leave the waters muddy.

Nancy: That's a good question so I'll ask Obama if he can do anything to change that. But until then don't believe all the negative and unfounded slander. Trust me, our Government has thoroughly investigated Obama's background from the time he was a child. If you have ever applied for a law enforcement or Government job, as I have and cleared, it is an experience you'll never forget. That's why I say again, the slander against Obama is unfounded and nothing but slander. I don't like these dirty politics played on any candidate or anyone else for that matter.

Wolf, love your show. It will get uglier especially if Obama, Oprah, the media keep bring up race. The first race card was played by Oprah, mention Martin Luther King, and you stir that pot. Obama refers to Kenya more and more and talks of slaves of the past< he is playing the race card and it will backfire.

John of New York wrote this:" It doesn't have to be ugly.

Not if Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee and Mike Huckabee is the Republican nominee.

They are two honest, good men who have publicly expressed their genuine respect for one another.

I think Barack Obama will win, but on election day, people will come out in droves to vote for two choices they feel good about."

John, you couldn't be further from the truth. How on Earth could you think Obama is honest and good? If that were true, why did he skip most of the "big" votes in Congress during this freshman term? He did it because he was running for Pres and did not want anyone picking apart his voting record. So, he didn't vote. That's cheap. He's lying to us and he's lying to himself. He doesn't know what race or religion he is either. He's confused. Oh, and the Red Sox are better than the Yankees!

Nancy... perhaps you can't navigate the site? From the front page, click "Continue", then look through the "Issues" drop-down at the top.

CNN can only report democratic news in terms of Hillary Clinton– If Obama is winning, then the story is "How does Hillary come back?". If Obama is losing, it's "Hillary makes comeback!". She got more "free airtime" then all the other candidates put together for her teary moment which was run twice an hour for two days.

And don't get me started on CNN waiting until after the election to bother running a brief story about Bill Clinton completely misrepresenting what Obama had said– That's fair and balanced reporting for you. It's sad to see the Clintons stooping to Karl Rove's level in this campaign, and it's sadder to see CNN helping them every chance they get.

Indyin Illinois:

I am also from Illinois, but I have an entirely different take on "corruption" in Illinois-you leave out our infamous, shameful George Ryan, former Govenor before present-Governor Blajegoyavich (sp)......Ryan now sits in prison for corruption charges. Before he left office, Ryan also dumped a huge Illinois budget debt on the present Illinois Governor to deal with. Republicans have a way of doing that. And, people don't get elected to office except by a majority of the people. Apparently, the fact that there are Democrats running most of Illinois now shows that the people of Illinois were fed up with Republican corruption and "threw the bums out", like the American people are preparing to do to the Republicans on the Presidential level in the 2008 election.........

Let it get ugly, I'm now done for a couple months. I cast my ballot yesterday in California and mailed it in. I don't need to listen to any more racist comments from women who think I am sexist because I don't like Clinton. My view to any who cast the sexist stone is that they are racist because they don't support Obama.

To those who aren't name calling, pick your candidate whom ever it might be and good luck to you. It is an exciting season when people who have never voted get out there participate. Just leave the name calling at home and enjoy.

Unite The Democratic Party !!!!!!!

Let's make the 2008 Democratic Presidential Team Clinton/Obama.

Obama will be the heir apparent in the 2016 election, too.

We ALL can win, and Hillary could put the rest of the
Democratic hopefuls to work in the Clinton/Obama Administration !

It doesn't have to get ugly – just give Hillary the nomination she's so obviously entitled to by virtue of being married to a president for eight years. Just like it didn't have to get ugly for the Kathleen Wileys out there – outta the way, everybody – Team Clinton coming through!

Annabelle – you can check out the veracity of email rumors on Snopes.com. Snopes is a website that fact checks all of those erroneous emails that are sent around trying to catch people like you who tend to believe everything they hear without researching whether they are true or not. Almost all of them are on there. Go to Snopes.com and look on the left side at the hottest urban legends. Barack Obama is right on the top. I wish we could lay this to rest for good. I can't believe there are so many people out there who will still believe whatever they hear even if it is totally made up. There is always a way to check the facts.

why isn't rove in prison?

Annabelle,

Get your facts straight!!! Obama not salute the flag? I think " the rumors" you heard refers to a photo that was taken with some of the other candidates where he did not have his hand over his heart. The other candidates had their hands over their heart while the National Anthem was being played NOT while saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

I imagine there ARE a lot of rumors going around. I didn't know that being a Christian was a prerequisite for the job. Who cares? I am sick to death of this "Christian" thing. We've had "a Christian" in office who has managed to offend the world, lie, responsible for thousands of deaths, graft and corruption everywhere, resort to ignoring the Constitution and make his own rules, surround himself with corrupt people, and make sure that he and his buddies have reaped what they can in making the rich richer and themselves as well. Oh, I could go on. If being a "Christian" is so important to you, take a real hard look at the shame our country has endured because someone calls himself a "Christian". America is a melting pot of all religions, skin color, and beliefs.

Educate yourself and take a little time to see the whole picture. It is ignorance to assume that being a "Christian" is necessary to run a country, not in this day and age. There are too many pressing issues to deal with and undo the disasters our "Christian" President has created.

Tristan – It'll be OK

Yes, it will be UGLY ! And I for one, can't wait. What else can we possibly find out or care to find out about the Clintons? (OK, there is that one thing, but it'll never be proven) But on the other hand (the one on the Koran), well, that will be quite INTERESTING. And Hillary – please let Bill speak as much as possible when it does turn to the nail bitting fun.

7/26/07 Vote 284: H R 1: This amendment to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 was made in order to implement the recommendations made by the 9/11 commission. Different versions of the bill were passed in the House on Jan. 9 and in the Senate on July 9. A modified version of the bill, with conference report changes, was revisited on July 27 and passed by a vote of 85-8. The bill requires the inspection of all cargo traveling on passenger aircrafts and establishes the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. This panel, suggested by the 9/11 commission, is responsible for advising the president and senior White House officials maintaining respect for privacy laws and civil liberties. Other provisions of the bill include grants to states, urban areas, regions, or directly eligible tribes to be used to improve the ability for first responders to react to and prevent terrorist attacks, according to the Congressional Research Service. The bill also outlined details regarding the detention and treatment of captured terrorists. The bill was signed into law by President Bush on August 3. Not Voting – obama . HRC voted yes.

Bert,

Why is it you can't go to BarackObama.com and learn anything about his background or positions without first logging in to join his campaign?

ANNABELLE, anonymous

Nice try. I wonder you guys thing every one in American is naive like you two.

Oh guess what.. I saw a picture of George W and Osam Bin Ladin on the internet, do yo guys want a copy, send me your emails.. I swear I am a nice guy, I won't abuse your email...

waiting!

Hey Wolf, just a suggestion for the next debate you moderate: try to be fair this time around and quit throwing Clemens-like, steroid-induced fastballs at Obama while tossing softballs up to Hillary. Yes, I am an Obama supporter, but your bias during the last CNN debate was quite obvious.

People have to realize that Obama has absolutley no type of experiance and you need to look at a persons record and not let your self get cought up in the glitter and fame that the so very nice media has given to Obama. The fact is that in a general election he is going to get raked over the coals, and the same outcome that happened in New Hampshire will happen in the rest of the country people say one thing and when by them selves do the total opposite, its the american way.

Thank You Dave in Spokane and Bert pointing out the oft-repeated lie that Obama is a Muslim and Obama used the Koran when he was sworn in.

I expect that there is a long line behind Carl Rove when it comes to dissing Sen. Obama's presidential bid. It's the nature of the game. With that said, I can completely understand how Carl Rove would sing Hillary Clinton's praises. They are both experts at sleaze, corruption, and divisiveness. A vote for Clinton is a vote for the return of an impeached president and the politics of personal destruction in the White House. I'm voting for OBAMA.

And Carl baby keep it coming!!!!

From FDR's "New Deal" to Johnson's "War on Poverty" to Regan's "War on the Middle Class" to Bush's "Starve the Beast" (Social Security and Welfare).....Ron Paul is breath of fresh air. If the USA was truly democratic, then the people would run Politics, but since the majority is poor, this is the wealthiest individuals greatest nightmare. I am not a Libertarian, but I would vote for Ron Paul against the present Feudal system, the Republicans are currently encouraging.

fair tax!!
no libs please
save our country!!!

I believe wolf,,, just look at that mug on him !!! Aface only his mother could love,,, lol

Nita, if they were idiots we would be far better off!
These people are just shrewd enough to be VERY
dangerous. Their allegiances are to big money, the entire petro-chemical industry, profit over people at ALL times, concession after concession as "owed" payback of one type or another. There appear to have been crimes against the Constitution, and the average American totally beyond belief.
Keith Daggett, Liberal Democrat
Mojave Valley AZ 86440

BARACK OBAMA IS NOT A MUSLIM!!! Or a religious extremist of any ilk. How many times does this lie need to be dispellled??

Let me guess – you believe the swift boat lies even after they were difinatively proven to be lies.

The presidential candidates speak for change. They do not provide a specific
substance, other than that they have “experience”! Experience in what...?
The only real change has been bigger and deeper whole,
trillions dollars of debt, hopes of empty promises – brain washing the
people, filling their coffers, ignoring their duties, responsibilities, plunge
the country into a war for over 5 years and lost of lives.
A true change of substance will be when the people can express
“THEIR WILL” on “ALL MAJOR ISSUES”. The duties and responsibilities
of the Congress should be and must be ”strictly construed”.
Amend the Constitution for the people to “express their will”
on ALL MAJOR ISSUES! We need that “change” now – today!
The future destiny, liberty, freedom to live, work etc. should be in the POWER
of the people to “express their will” on ALL MAJOR ISSUES!
It is time to stop granting unlimited – absolute power to ANYBODY
now – today, rather than to relinquish “HOPES” to express
“THE WILL ON ALL MAJOR ISSUES”!
The Congress did not comply with their duties, responsibilities and accountability!
The truth is the "Government is dysfunctional! There is no accountability today...”!

For the greatest democracy in the world, we really need to reconsider whether or not the example we are providing inspires or arouses disgust. The best way to encourage the spread of democracy and freedom is to demonstrate the dignity and decorum with which our electoral process can be conducted. Anytime we resort to vilifying and belittling those that disagree with us, we mock the process of reasoned discourse and dialogue. The political advisers of the last two elections brought the process to new lows, engaging in dangerously superfluous attacks, all the while detracting from the important issues facing our country. We need to avoid the disgruntled, negative static, and force the candidates to address the real and unavoidable problems they will face whilst in office.

No kidding Obama is a Christian, a preacher background too. Why do you think he gets along with Huckabee, as noted by John in NY? A better reply though was from J.M. who basically noted why the Koran would be different then the Bible?

To John, I can't say anything about Huckabee, but before you start singing the praises and trying to disect who is the honest man, you should know what your talking about. I suspect you haven't heard anything about Obama's ties with currupt Chicago real estate developer. It's a genuine story (with all major news publishers for almost a year now) that has been buried and one where Obama has acknowledged on many and very different levels...from "it was a bonehead deciscion" to "I don't know what I said to him".
It may be innocent enough, but it looks much worse then innocent and similar if not worse then Hillary's "investment scenarios" that caused her much more scrutinay. Worse, it's burried. So many voter know next to nothing about this guy or his background, good or bad. Most are taken with the hype and his speeches and I will agree they can be excellent.

Like everything else, time will tell, but who will we loose in the meantime? Americans need to stand up, GET EDUCATED ( before they weigh in), then vote!

We are in trouble.

If we are so bitter over Bush, America voted in Twice, and cannot see the potential of a politician. What we look for is what we find. Our thinkinking can empower us or no thinking keeps all things the same. Our Choice!

Change is thinking outside Washington is what we need. With Obama, we would have a listen ear. Dead ears rule the status Quo until they loose. Now all are change agents.

If Hillary was about (change) she would have voted no to Bush plan for Iran.
What happen to change.

Bidden Motivate people better than her.

To Cry is not a good tool with other leader when things do not go your way

Humility

If I were barack I'd spin Rove's comments back at him, but most importantly, back at the Bush administration. It would go something like this: "Here is a man, the brain behind the most divisive administration in American history. He leaves abruptly from office on the run from possible corruption charges. Seeing Hillary Clinton up in the polls for the last 12 months caused him to send me an open letter 'teaching' me how to attach her. And then suddenly, as soon as I have started winning elections he is attacking ME! His main objective is to create discord and divisiveness within the Democratic party in order to better facilitate a Republican victory in '09. The actions of Karl Rove goes to show that, as a man with much influence in Washington the last 7 years of this administration, is what represents the Bush administration... Divisiveness, political gaming, causing confusion of the public's reality, etc... This is the very reason I am running.. to get rid of this very thing within our Government."

The above would be a great way to spin it back against the Bush administration and give Karl Rove a real good reason to shut his mouth for good.

Well, Obama has not been able to convince the civil rights Guru's such as the Rev Jesse Jackson and the illustrious Rev Al Sharpton of his blackness. The onlu thrue believer he has so far is Oprha Winfrey. I think that between his flirting with the Koran and his whiteness attitude, it will detract some of the established black community from backing him up.

I agree with John in NY, NY except for the outcome, which will clearly be a Huckabee victory. If these two are the nominees, it may be the most civil election in history, except for the PAC's, they will fight like rabid dogs.

O'bama is an outsider? Come on give me a break. Last I looked he was a US Senator. Isn't that the most exclusive inside club in the nation? Do you think he will leave the Senate once he is done with this current blatantly hypocritical attempt to fool the american public.

Why would any self respecting person, Democrat specifically even give ear to what Karl Rove has to say regarding the presedential candidates, inparticularly the Democratic candidates. This man undeniably ducked and dodged prosecution (with a little help I might add from the Bush elite powers that be) when he worked for the George W. Bush establishment. NOW he's trying to stir up the Democratic race in an effort to divert attention away from the Republications in the hopes that a fight amongst the Democrats will cause chaos and dissention which would give them, the Republicans a chance to pounce and ultimately win the race. That is of course, unless it's stolen again.

As for the ugliness, politics is, will be and has always been ugly. I can't believe the American public, the general population is weak minded enough to believe everything they / we hear the politicians say anyhow. People can't make up their own mind anymore because they are accustomed to having EVERYTHING spoon fed to them, everything. Let's get back to the basic and place the power back into the hands of the American public. We'll decide the best candidate and elect him/her ourselves. What a disgrace we've become in this country... And we call ourselves "FREE".

Ugly , Smugly!
All I have to say is if John Edwards is not the Democratic nominee I will change my registration from Democrat to Independent and may not cast a Vote for the Presidency at all!

Do you think that is what they mean when they keep talking about "Change"?

Annabelle: Hi. You are free to vote for the candidate you desire. Please do not distribute false information. There is enough of that going around already. Mr. Obama has nothing to do with the Koran. Please don't listen to the first 'kook' you see spreading false information around. Mr. Obama attends Trinity United Church of Christ. He and Michelle are highly educated, talented and dedicated individuals. I will be proud to have Mr. Obama as President of the United States.

It,s will get urgly out there when the republicans starts mentioning Obama as husein, Husein being a muslim name and it is quite clear that Americans will not go for any one with a muslim link as president. they will praise him now to help get rid of hillary and then grind OBAMA to win the presidency. WAKE UP america!!!!!.

Let it get ugly, Mr. Blitzer.

I'm sure you'll slink out of it, just as you did when you moderated that Dem debate.

Annabelle, only cowards who have no proof would make such an allegation in their answer and not quote their source. Don't believe it until you can confirm it and validate it. Otherwise, the warmongering cowards win. Go Obama! By the way, isn't freedom of and from religion among the rights postulated in the US Constitution?

UGH!

Annabelle -

Barack Obama was NOT sworn into the Senate with his hand on the Koran. His hand was on the Bible – because he is a practicing Christian!

Barack – Christian – Bible
e-mail – fraud – meant to scare you

As for the hand over the heart during the national anthem that was blow way out of proportion – Information can be found here: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp

At an event Mr Obama did not put his hand over his heart during the playing of the national anthem – he sang along – I do not think he was trying to be offensive or make a statement – though I bet he will never not put his hand over his heart during the national anthem again!

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

It is a rumor. Go to snopes.com. Anonymous you are an id10t

Mr. Blitzer: It's not a foregone conclusion that things are going to get uglier. Lies are what are ugly. Truth makes one free. Obama is an excellent orator, but is he truthful? I do not believe so. It seems to me that he is a person who could take either side in a debate and win, whereas Clinton may not be as polished an orator, but her passion and caring outweight glibbness. That she can lead this nation to a better future convinces me that we should listen and not make snap judgments about her ability She cares and that's not ugly, it's beautiful.

Hillary may not be a great orator, and you can see I'm not a great writer, but this is how I feel. And there's nothing wrong with hoping, just as long as that hope is based in reality.

I really don't care if yu publish this or not......I'm not running for anything.

Here's one of my favorite words in the English language: "Combativity." That's what we voters (of either party) need in their chosen candidate just as much as "electability." Bob Woodward made an important observation the other day right here on CNN: about how important it is when a candidate behaves deeply (not superficially) confident even when they LOSE. To me, that's a full half of what makes for combativity. I don't perceive hostility as combativity, insofar as hostility is rooted in personal weakness, whereas perseverance with one's convictions is rooted in inner strength. My main point is that, whichever party we identify with, we need a candidate who can TAKE a punch just as well as they can give one, because there is no doubt in my mind this year's election process is going to keep turning into a WAR. So, when deciding which candidate has that greater combativity we need, keep watching who turns even their defeats into victories....and even their victories into defeats.

Actually no, Sen. Obama did NOT put his hand on the Koran when he was sworn into his Senatorial Office. He put his hand on a Bible because he is a practicing Christian. Most people use their religion's holy book for those sorts of important oaths. At present Congressman Ellison is the only sitting member to be sworn in using the Koran.

And Sen. Obama DOES salute the flag by placing his hand over his heart. This is an old story that he did not salute the flag during the national anthem. The truth of the matter is that he was taught by his grandfather that a person puts their hand on their heart for the Pledge, but sings the National Anthem instead of putting their hand on the heart.

I really don't suggest listening to Internet rumors about Sen. Obama, Sen. Clinton, or John Edwards. If you want to find out a fact, check their websites for official comments on the subject. There is so much lying and false attacks on the internet this primary season, I'd almost say to avoid most message boards of a political nature right now.

I'm praying seriously for Obama vs Huckabee. It will be a civil debate – one that the American people deserves. This country is sick and tired of this rubbish.

Our children are tired of watching and listening to garbage from people who want to lead a nation of decent people.

WE NEED NORMALCY!

Check this link. That rumor about Barack using a Koran for his swearing in is absolutely untrue!

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2007/dec/20/chain-email-gets-obama-religion-wrong/

Wolf,

( " Drawing distinctions between the presidential candidates is totally appropriate; it’s part of the democratic political process that we cherish. That is what elections are all about – making choices about our leaders." )

You've got that that right! And i hope they keep drawing these " distinctions" between each other , and what i think is most important is that they stop talking about who can bring about the most CHANGE but answer the question with how they plan to do so! so when we go to the booth to make our choice on who our leaders will be , i hope they have given us insight into there plans.

ANNABELLE – That is NOT true!! Barack is a devout christian who is very involved in his church. He didn't even have muslim parents! Keith Ellison is muslim – and black. He used a Koran, but please don't believe this ridiculousness. People must have confused them – happens a lot with black people.

Check Snopes.com: Obama did NOT use a Koran for his swearing in.

Sounds like Blitzer is trying to create a story Like Gergen is trying with Ron Paul.

Whats the matter Blitzer, can't get enough attention at home, trying to create a story that hasn't developed yet.
Of course it is going to get ugly, politics always do that, have you forgot 2000 or 2004, what are you a knucklehead or what.

Things got ugly then, it will again, geeze your such a geniuse Blitzer.

Get a shave and a haircut Blitzer and go sell papers instead of trying to be in them.

Many people bemoan the "dirty" nature of politics in these kinds of posts and the Obama supporters constantly castigate the Clinton campaign for their tactics of attack and defend, react and adjust.

This is not a Pollyanna, "pie in the sky" kind of game. The stakes are enormous.

Mr. Blitzer's article makes the correct observation that whether the Democrats nominate Clinton, Obama, or Edwards (unlikely, in my opinion), and the Republicans nominate McCain, Romney, Huckabee or Guliani, in the general election, the gloves will come off like we've never seen.

You cannot beat a bare-knuckle fighter with hugs, kisses and flowers.

To the Obama supporters, if you think the Republican machine is going to practice the "new politics of hope" rather than the tried and true "politics of dirt and innuendo", then you are all naive. Can anyone say "Swiftboat"?

We know all about the dirt of Hillary Clinton, it's been hashed and re-hashed...Ken Starr and the Republican machine have made sure of that for years.

We know little about the skeletons stored in Mr. Obama's closet. The hatchet men are looking for that dirt now and they will find it or make it up!

Yes he is from Chicago, famous for rough and tumble politics, but I wonder if he has ever been hit in the face with the political equvalent of a hard right cross!

I think our elected officials should use a copy of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
to get sworn in while draped with an American Flag.

I agree with you, Wolf, it'is getting extremely uglier and uglier. So now we all know whose side you are on.

I just learned on your show that experience does not count if the person does not have personality.

On that basis, you should resign immediately, since you have the personality of a petrified log.

THAT IS NOT TRUE. OBAMA DIDN'T USE THE KORAN! PLS STOP THIS MADNESS.

No Annabelle, it was not Barack that laid his hand on the Koran....it was Rep. Keith Ellison....that's a fact. As for the salute to the flag....they were singing the national anthen, not saying pledge of allegiance, but regardless, this photo was taken seconds before Barack did place his hand on his heart. As a former White House staffer for President Carter, I know my facts.

No Annabelle, Obama did NOT use the Koran for his swearing in ceremony – no matter what "anonymous" might proclaim. I am Muslim by the way.

McCaferty hit it right on the head.

So the GOP unites in declaring that Hillary will be the easiest candidate to defeat,

So Karl Rove starts throwing barbs at Obama.

So the GOP wins the White House again.

Wake up America.

Karl Rove continues his mischief.

Funny, isn't it, Annabelle, that those who spread ugly and untrue rumors always seem to have the same name: "anonymous"!

If democrats don't play this well, they will lose. Here's what I think: The black vote is very important and if they keep the black folks home, republicans will win. I hope Clinton is planning to chose Ford Jr as VP if she wins the nomination.

Your right if you keep showing WOLFE'S BLIZTERS PICTURE ON THIS WEB SITE
EVERY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Um, do we need Wolf Blitzer to tell us that it's going to get ugly? Nice observation, Einstein!

This is exactly why Hillary should be the Democratic nominee. Obama would not survive the intensity of the Republican attack machine. Hillary has had years of SUCCESSFUL experience dealing with Republicans. The media is giving Obama a pass on his ultra light resume, his lame voting record and the insubstantive rhetoric of his schtick about 'change' and 'different'. The Republicans will not be enamored like the media is. The Republicans took down Al Gore and John Kerry; they will have an easy time of it with Obama.

More on Obama the Christian . . . with real reliable sources . . .

Obama Has Been A Member Of Trinity United Church Of Christ For Twenty Years. Monroe Anderson stands up for Reverend Wright's ministry, "For the past two decades, Barack Obama has been a faithful member of the congregation at Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ." [Chicago Sun-Times, Monroe Anderson, 3/25/07]

Obama Was Baptized And Attends Church Once a Week When He is Able. In the Audacity of Hope, Obama wrote, "I was finally able to walk down the aisle of Trinity United Church of Christ one day and be baptized." In 2004, he "attend[ed] the 11 a.m. Sunday service at Trinity in the Brainerd neighborhood every week - or at least as many weeks as he is able. His pastor, Wright, has become a close confidant." When asked about his decision to be baptized, Obama said "Kneeling beneath that cross on the South Side of Chicago, I felt I heard God's spirit beckoning me," he said of his walk down the aisle of the Trinity United Church of Christ. "I submitted myself to his will and dedicated myself to discovering his truth." [Audacity of Hope, p.208, Chicago Sun Times, 4/5/04; AP 6/28/06]

Obama Reads The Bible, Finds Time to Pray On Campaign Trail. The Chicago Sun-Times wrote, "Obama says he reads the Bible, though not as regularly as he'd like, now that he's on the campaign trail. But he does find time to pray. 'It's not formal, me getting on my knees,' he says. 'I think I have an ongoing conversation with God... I'm constantly asking myself questions about what I'm doing, why I am doing it.'" [Chicago Sun Times, 4/5/04]

Obama Held His Personal Bible When He Was Sworn-In As A U.S. Senator. "...Even before the makeshift office was up and running in the basement of a Senate building, even before he raised his hand Tuesday to take the oath of office as the junior senator from Illinois, Barack Obama was already a political rock star and a celebrated new face in Congress. He arrived Tuesday, his first official day in the Capitol.... In the circles he runs in now, celebrity status is checked at the cloakroom door...When it was finally time to take the oath, he held his personal Bible, as family from as far away as Kenya watched from the visitors' gallery above. His daughters, Malia, 6, and Sasha, 3, in velvet dresses and patent leather shoes, bounced in their chairs when he looked up and waved." [Los Angeles Times, 1/5/05]

Karl Rove is so transparent (too bad he isn't for more transparency in government, like it would be under Obama). Rove would like nothing more than for Hillary to win the Dem nomination. He was elated as much as she was by the New Hampshire results. It is a simple math problem: Hillary falls short against anyone the Republicans throw up there in the general election. The math isn't nearly as comforting for Rove when it comes to Obama. He beats everyone on the Republican side one-on-one. C'mon people, wake up to Rove's manipulations or we are going to have yet another Rove-decided election.

Things don't have to get ugly, if we keep our heads and adamantly refuse to be taken in by lies. Passionately caring about the unfortunate and downtrodden is the antidote to ugliness. I admire Hillary Clinton's explanation as to why she is running for the presidency. I do not see how Hillary can do anything other than run, because she feels so passionately that she can do the job of leading America back to its former glory days in the world - How? By caring about what happens to you and to me. And LEAD she will. And I for one will be happy to follow her. I respect her judgment and acumen and will follow where she leads. She has shown that the ugliness of the past 7 years can and will be overcome.

ANNABELLE DON'T YOU BELIEVE ANONYMOUS FOR A MINUTE. OBAMA DID NOT GET SWORN IN USING A KORAN. GO TO OBAMA'S WEB SITE FOR SOME FACTS. THERE ARE THOSE WHO WISH TO DISTORT FACTS FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES

The uglier the better, and soon. I am appalled at the support shown for unelectable candidates of marginal qualifications on both sides. They should all out each other's significant flaws in direct and unexaggerated terms so we can pick from a brutally vetted field.

I am for Hillary, we just have to be rid of the idiots that are in power now. An answer from anyone would be great.

LOL seriously though...all you hitlery supporters and campaign plant rumor starters...

OBAMA IS A CHRISTAIN!

Quit spreading lies and the politics of fear....

Either way, Restore the Republic, Vote Ron Paul!

KORAN, BIBLE WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?????

It is an absolute lie that Barack will not salute the flag. Barack is a Christian, and absolutely did not use the Koran when he was sworn in. The guy who did use a Koran is a different guy, and is a member of the House, not the Senate. Barack Obama is a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ. Take a look at Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_obama . All that Koran stuff is a deliberately spread lie in an attempt to “Swiftboat” Barack.

Re the Koran comment – we have had several presidents who questioned the very believe in any kind of higher being, let alone use a Koran. Know your history, then you can comment on the present.

The thing that worries me the most is what they're not saying. There's a constant undertone of "if you think this is bad, just wait 'til they really dig up the dirt on so and so." In some cases, it sounds so sinister. Just what America needs to hear right now :+( Isn't there a single individual left out there that is honest and trustworthy?

I wish John from NY were correct and it didn't have to be that way. How do we really know if Obama and Huckabee are "two good and honest men." There's some major trash just waiting out there to be released on Barak Obama. Is he just being set up? Then too, I've also heard criticism of Mike Huckabee for his work habits and for being manipulative. What's the truth?

The media is so quick to jump on the bandwagon and blow any kind of negative comments totally out of proportion. Add special interests to that equation and I don't know if we'll ever know for sure what's up. Look how duped Americans were by George Bush – twice.

Add another possible factor. I've heard of several independents in my area who figured Senator Obama was a shoo-in, so they took Republican ballots to vote for Senator McCain.

Annabelle, on the off chance you are really looking for answers, and not just an especially lame troll – Anonymous is full of it. Barack Obama is a Christian, sworn into office in a Bible. He's not a Muslim and only ignorant people keep repeating this rumor. Obama (whose parents obviously named him decades ago, long before most of the world had ever heard of Saddam Hussein or Osama bin Laden) has repeatedly explained the one press photo that had other candidates with hands on their hearts, though he did not. Look it up.

There are rumors about all the candidates online, some true and some ignorant and some just plain malicious. Anyone can get to the bottom of them by using the Internet, as well as in thousands of magazine and newspaper articles, many of which will be at the local library; considering the bias of the sources; and using their brains. Visit the candidates' websites to learn what their positions on the issues are – in their own words. Be an informed voter. Do your own research instead of asking people on message boards to tell you what to think!

you ignorant hilljacks – Obama is a Christian (not that it should matter). Stop listening to all the hateful xenophobes you come into contact with.

Barack Obama voted to BAN all semi-auto handguns.

That is NOT an American president!

Yes, Annabelle, Obama was the first Senator to use a Koran for his swearing in. Keith Ellison also laid his hand on a Koran for his Washington swearing-in.

Wolf,

Its ugly alright! you said it ! the ugliness of the voting system that is not honest . Your CNNNews always brings up the injustice in other countries, without checking out ours first! I think this whole process is nothing more than a show and humiliation for us Americans.

I am 36 years old. I have never voted republican in a presidential race. After Obama talked down to Hillary in the last debate, I will never cast my vote for him. He talked to her like she was his child not a respectable Senator of the US. If Obama's cocky ways and lack of substance speechs win the ticket, I will be voting the big R the first time.

Hi Annabelle,
Obama has refused to wear a flag pin on his lapel. (I consider that a red flag, no pun intended)

As far as the Koran goes, I think you're thinking of Keith Ellison who was sworn into office using the Koran, he is the first Muslim in Congress.

With all the reporting on the polling "catastrophe", is anyone investigating why instead of wondering? One media outlet dissected and compared the results with the polls and discovered the only HUGE discrepancy was Clintons outcome. Why were the percentages almost dead on for Obama and Edwards? Clinton out of nowhere won New Hampshire. MY GOSH, IS IT AT ALL CONCEIVABLE THAT THE CLINTONS SOMEHOW CHEATED?

Didn't they have many people from other states drive in to her rallies?

Obama is the future and the old establishment is scared...very scared. We will need to wear very tall boots to get through all this mud. YES WE CAN!

Wolf,
I feel your standing as an unbiased journalist is in serious jeapordy. Why bother to bring up anything that Karl Rove says? I guess it's a guarantee for ugliness...

And someone please tell me why it's okay for him to say things arrogantly like "Oh, you're likeable enough," and "Oh, Hillary is so silly," and attack her by challenging her foreign policy experience and not call that "TAKING LIBERTIES?"

SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY IF BILL CLINTON AND HILLARY CLINTON SAY THINGS LIKE, "YOU KNOW – THE NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN HERE IS NOT MINE. IT'S HIS. I HAVE NOT CHALLENGED HIS RECORD OR CHARACTERIZED HIM – BUT IF YOU LOOK AT HIS VOTING RECORD AND WHAT HE IS SAYING ON STAGE THEY ARE TWO ABSOLUTELY DIFFERENT THINGS."

That's playing dirty? That's "taking liberties away from Obama?"

God have mercy on us if we can't see through this man. GOD HAVE MERCY ON US IF WE CANNOT SEE THROUGH THIS YOUNG, INEXPERIENCED POLITICIAN WHO CAUGHT A WAVE!!!

THIS IS OUR COUNTRY ON THE LINE!!!! HOW IN THE WORLD IS IT OKAY FOR HIM TO SAY SUBTLY SEXIST REMARKS ABOUT HILLARY BUT IT NOT BE OKAY FOR HILLARY CLINTON TO ADDRESS HIS RECORD????

SHE EVEN HAD THE CLASS NOT TO MENTION HIS DRUG USE! AND I'M SURE THE REPUBLICANS ARE DOING THEIR HOMEWORK VERY WELL RIGHT NOW. VERY, VERY WELL.

WAKE UP!!!!!! HE'S A GOOD SPEAKER, HE'S A NOVELTY, HE'S A NEW FACE - BUT DON'T BE FOOLED INTO THINKING THAT 3 YEARS IN THE SENATE (AND WITH ONE OF THOSE CAMPAIGNING TO BE PRESIDENT)... IS ENOUGH TO CHANGE THIS COUNTRY.

... WHAT DID HE SAY? "I'VE NOT BEEN IN WASHINGTON FOR LONG, BUT LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW IT NEEDS TO CHANGE?"

OH GOD... THAT'S LIKE SAYING, "I WENT TO LAW SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND I'M GOING TO BE THE DEAN BEFORE I FINISH THE COURSE!"

THIS IS NOT FAIR. PLEASE.... WAKE UP AMERICA!!!! PLEASE... WAKE UP1!!!!

BLACKS, WHITE, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE PEOPLE. DON'T MAKE THIS A RACE ISSUE PLEASE!!!

HILLARY DOES NOT SEE COLOR – SHE SEES HUMAN BEINGS – SHE SEES AMERICANS.

PLEASE, DO NOT MAKE THIS INTO A RACE ISSUE!!!

Watch out Wolf,I fear a backlash from the rabid Obama fans out there.Has anyone ever wondered why anyone questions anything about the man,they are automatically labeled as a Racist?If I am not allowed to question a mans' objectives or patriotism without being smeared,then this country is truly in trouble.I am not even sure if a woman will be allowed as President,because all anyone seems to know is attack-dog politics.What are you trying so hard to hide behind the "Race"card Obama?And before you try to label me racist,just know I have a black sister-in-law whom I have loved since 1969.

Sadly, it will get ugly. I'm especially fearful of what the Clintons will pull out of the hat. . .true or not. They are together clearly determined to take back the White House no matter what the cost.

John New York, NY,

What you've just described is absolutely boring – Obama and Huckabee are two most boring candidates out there – nothing but rhetoric and no action. Sorry, I wouldn't vote for either one of them.

Mr Blitzer.... Campaigning is indeed Poetry.... My letter to the editor in the Spokesman Review in Spokane Wa Sunday January 6th. Warm Regards Gus

A Sea Change is Coming…. Flowing Gently…
Pushed by The Breath of Hope Residing in all Hearts.

The Gentle Warm Breath of Equality Caring and Peace.

The Rising Tide of Caring and Love for our world continues to Grow and Wash the Seeds of Doubt Despair and Fear from this Earth.

Dry Small Seeds no longer allowed to Germinate and Grow into Trees of Hate and Violence.

Senator Barack Obama is that Sea Change…
Hopeful Youth that once revered John and Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King….
Nurturing those Tender Tendrils Sequestered in the Hearts of Humankind…..
Raise now Your High Hope that the time Finally is Now.

Consider the Truth of Senator Obama….
Truth in Consistent and Constant positions for the Lives of “other” in our Families, Cities, States, Country, and in the World at Large.

John A Olsen O.D.
Spokane Wa

Copyright 2008

It has always been ugly in American politics! Sometimes it's too ugly that normal people just cant imagine!

When Blitzer bashed Bill Clinton and the Hillary campaign on New Hampshire primary election. day...for "attacking the media" I wonder how much of his sneering was due to his polling predictions?

it already is ugly, Wolf. come on. voter fraud already happening this early. people we must unite to make our votes count. no more Diebold electronic machines. and the public must be allowed to witness counting.

John, New York, NY:

I agree. I'm a lifelong voter and think the two of them have remained the most civil. They've had to stave off some of the sideshow antics from the competition, but for the most part, have remained gentlemen. I find it very odd that the MSM of all entities, derided Huckabee for showing his negative ad exclusively to the press but never complimented his good judgment in pulling it. But then, again, there's no ratings or money without that sensational drivel. Sad, very sad.

Wolf when are you going to start talking on the incoming trial of Rezko in Chicago. It's schedule to start in Chicago this Feb 25 and will be alo tof news about Obama's deal and association with this guy for almost 15 years.

As a resident of Illinois I have long been disgusted with the "under the table" corruption that runs RAMPANT here. What disgusts me even more is that when blatant evidence is exposed, the accused individual always finds a way to "make it go away". Chicago Mayor Daley is the chief source of most of the corruption in the state ("Operation Silver Shovel", etc.), but somehow he's always able to walk away with his hands clean. Oh, by the way, he's a big Obama supporter. Also, Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan (and current Illinois Democratic Party Chairman) was under investigation by the Feds. No problem. He and the Illinois Democratic Machine got Madigan's daughter elected Attorney General of Illinois. Gee, what ever happened to that investigation...........As far as the Rezko case, Obama is not the only one having a connection to Rezko. Rezko was a fundraiser and close friend of the current governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich – a governor who is also being investigated by the Feds for his own corrupt practices. (Ironically, Blagojevich came to power by vowing to clean up the corruption created by Republican Governor George Ryan.)Those of you who still aren't convinced that Barack Obama is yet another cog in the Illinois corruption machine should look up the Todd Stroger Cook County Board election scandal. Barack Obama unabashedly threw his full support to Todd Stroger despite the dubious way Stroger even got to become a cadidate. Why would Obama even endorse such shennanigans? I don't have enough time to go into this one, but trust me, it's a beauty. Look it up!Whether Obama himself is corrupt is yet to be determined, but his associations do cause alarm. Are these the same associations that would follow him to the White House? Obama is not "squeeky clean". We in Illinois know better.I will close by saying that I am not a Republican. I am not a Democrat. I have been forced into cynical independency from Illinois polititians that continue to disappoint.

Isn't time CNN starts some balanced and objective reporting.

The initial strategy was to weaken Clinton during her ‘inevitable’ coronation as the Democratic presidential nominee. Now that a wave of hope and change has been sweeping through registered Republicans and Independents alike, the Republican’s attack dogs are at it again. Even they have come to realize the strength and inspiration of Sen Obama – captured in his vision and manifesto for a better and unified America.

Republicans do your worst… then again, the Clinton Machine is currently doing just so.

DG

In response to John in New York:

Barack, an honest man....really? How do you characterize his inconsistent Rezko explanations?

How do you explain his ongoing associations with lobbyists while insisting he doesn't do business with them?

Answers, please.

I do not think that this race is going to get ugly. In fact, when Edward drops out, you will see a positive based on issue race. Based on recent interaction between the candidates, i believe they will rise above the nasty politics that is Washington.
Yusuf, Arlington, Va

I Felt the remark by Bill Clinton was a little distateful about Obama being a fairy tale even Tho I do like Bill Clinton and Hillary
Barack Obama had as much right to throw his hat in the ring for president as Hillary
They should try to avoid too much negativity as when push comes to shove they are all democratics and want a change and the oval office
I think Barack needs to focus more on the 'issues' instead of the "Change message"
Besides if one or the other wins hopefully they can get past the negativity and share a ticket one way or the other!
that would be a sure win for the oval office!!!

If the Clintonistas are involved it will be ugly, and dirty. Count on it.

Hmmm…Hasn't Rove also gone after the likes of Gore, Kerry, Valerie Plame, and the fired federal attorneys? They're all still standing and its Rove who is going hat-in-hand to anyone in the media who will give him the equivalent of table scraps of attention. Sadly, in the end, despite his obsession with power, it seems he will go down in history for being the bride on the top of the Bush legacy cake, while his primary adversaries have gone on to do things like…well…win the Nobel Peace Prize.

You can see the ugliness now by reading through the comment section of each new post on CNN.

As much as Obama talks about uniting, his supporters are not getting the message. You may not want to post personal attacks against each person who decides to have a different opinion than yours. A uniter and not a divider looks for common ground to bring people together. Try posting a negative comment about Obama and watch the childishness start.

Hillary supporters seem to do this too but not as much as the Obama supporters.

This is suppose to be a forum of opinions about a news article. Does anyone truly believe one post here is going to change someone else's opinion because they read what you have written? Highly unlikely. Especially when the conversation turns ugly. It only inflames the division.

Well, it is ok to get nasty so long as Mr. Clinton doesn't twist stuff.

We can bring out dirt on Hillary any time, as and when we want to but that's not our campaign style. We believe in telling the American people what we are going to do for America not digging people's grave yeards for dirt. It will only set us back.

if you dig dirt, just make sure it is dirt that is actually there, don't make up your own dirt.

And who cares about Karl Rove anyway, I am surprise he is still breathing!

Who cares...it's not going to be any different than it has been in previous elections. We all know that the republican machine is a bunch of slime buckets...the good thing about is that their days are numbered.

OBAMA08

I completely agree that things will get ugly before this campaign is over, I am looking for an answer to a question, an e-mail would be great. There is rumors going around( on the internet) that Barak Obama will not salute the flag and used the koran when he was sworn in. I am for Hillary, we just have to be rid of the idiots that are in power now. An answer from anyone would be great.

Wolf, it's looking like a combat zone when it comes to politics. Ever played role-playing games, like multimatches? It's dog eat dog eat dog eat dog. Everyone saying they want to protect the flag, but, willing to destroy everyone else in the process. Politics is meant to be messy. It's meant to be a battlezone. Or, some cases, a major auto race, where everything goes. No rules, just find a way to be first, and wreck everyone else. Find dirt on people, expose skeletons, blame things on everyone else, and claim that you are the ONLY ONE that can solve their problem, by CONSTANTLY SHOWING the blame!!

Doesn't anyone ever watched, "The American President"? Lovely examples about politics. A flawed movie about flawed people trying to either keep the Presidency, or knock off the current reigning President.

Just curious, if you say "drawing distinctions between the presidential candidates is totally appropriate" why have the news media, including CNN, refrained from reporting on Obama's record and several inconsistencies in his actions? If the media, including CNN, continues to paint this guy like the second coming we'll be headed for another Republican candidate because the Republicans won't hold anything back. A big part of the negativity towards Hillary Clinton is because of how the Republican machine has treated her, but she's still standing and fighting on. I wonder if people will still support Obama after various truths become known to the public as this year progresses.

It doesn't have to be ugly.

Not if Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee and Mike Huckabee is the Republican nominee.

They are two honest, good men who have publicly expressed their genuine respect for one another.

I think Barack Obama will win, but on election day, people will come out in droves to vote for two choices they feel good about.

I have belaboured this whole fact. The Obama folks know this deep down.

bickering about slight differences within the Democratic party and who is ready to 'change' is one thing. Defending yourself against someone you have little in common with is another.

He will have to battle a hard and tested Republican Candidate -either McCain or Guliani or whomever, and he will be torn to shreds on issues he takes for granted right now being in the democratic party.

The republicans are keeping quiet right now so he gets in.

KARL ROVE IS JUDAS, DON'T LISTEN TO HIM. HE IS ATTEMPTING TO DESTABLIZE THE DEMOCRAT PARTY IN THE INTEREST OF HIS REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES. HE IS THE REPUBLICANS PARTYS' NUCLEAR WEAPON TO DESTROY THE DEMOCRATS PRESIDENTIAL WIN. THIS IS A DOWN AND DIRTY POLITICAL TRICK.

There's nothing that brings out the nastiness in men more than a woman who can compete with them mentally..

That is exactly what the problem is! I yearn for a time when candidates rely on intelligent debate as opposed to personal attacks and slander. Politics have become far too personal and the profound lack of respect candidates demonstrate for eachother is frankly appalling.

Stick to the issues. Defend your position. And may the best candidate win.

How ugly?

I like wolf blitzer and all, but he's really running out of material! The past couple days have been some of the most mindless, "DUH" articles ever. Yes, we KNOW it will get ugly! This is american politics after all!!
Wolf, maybe it's time to take a vacation, read a book or two and relax! When you come back hopefully you'll have some more compelling articles.

I see it getting ugly between Obama and Hillary and to a lesser degree Edwards. But other than that, I don't think it'll be any more contentious than last election...