Comments on: McCain challenges Obama to keep his word on public financing

By: Jack

Jack — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:36:28 +0000

Obama, need to focus on Hillary Clinton. This race is not over, she is preparing for a long hard fight. It's possiable he could lose this race.

By: Mike K

Mike K — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:22:43 +0000

Lot of Americans like to have Obama being their president so He can feed them all his poems and live on their dream with this stupid economy

By: Raj Srinivasan

Raj Srinivasan — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:22:10 +0000

I agree. Keep your promise Obama. I do think McCain winning the election would be horrible, but you can't backtrack on a pledge.

By: FiredUP

FiredUP — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:21:49 +0000

It doesn't Matter. Obama will beat McCain with one hand tied behind his back and a rusty nickel in his other.

Obama/Edwards 08

By: chad carvell

chad carvell — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:20:01 +0000

Ind. for huck! If Mccain is the nominee. I will vote for obama...or another 3rd party candidate...

By: David Jones

David Jones — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:18:50 +0000

I WONDER WHY OLD GRAND PA McCAIN IS BRINGING THIS UP...HEAR HIS ANTICS!
McCain had decided to accept public financing of his primary season campaign last summer – but eventually opted out of the system before accepting funds because it would have limited the amount he would be allowed to spend to $54 million until the Republican Party’s nominating convention this summer.

THIS IS A MAN WHO RENEGED ON HIS PROMISE, BUT NOW WANT OBAMA TO DO THE SAME!

TALK ABOUT DOUBLE STANDARD – THE REPUBLICAN WORMS ARE CRAWLING OUT FROM UNDER THE ROCK!!!!

ACCEPT PUBLIC FINANCE, THEN BE LIMITED IN DONATIONS AND YOU GET SWIFTBOATED! NOT GOING TO WORK THIS TIME OLD PA!

GO OBAMA!!!!

By: James

James — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:18:44 +0000

Barack Obama keep your word!!! You were the one who insisted on this arrangement!!

I am shocked that this doesnt seem to be bothering obama supporters one bit, he just signed this pledge less than a yr ago and he's already backtracking on it...wow, well you dont have me fooled Mr Obama from hopenation...KEEP YOUR PLEDGE!!!

By: Joanne, Colorado

Joanne, Colorado — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:18:29 +0000

Just another Flip-Flop (one of many I might add) from the Obama world of "change you can believe in" the kind of change the does not hold you accountable for your actions or what you say. You can make "bonehead" decisions, change your mind several times and not stand behind your word because to quote Obama "it important to right from the beginning". Kool aid anyone?

By: Not Surprised...

Not Surprised... — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:17:29 +0000

Oh, just wait, this is only the beginning of Obama's demise... When the McCain attack machine really gets going, the Democratic party will lament their poor judgment and regret nominating a meek novice over a seasoned fighter. Four more years of a Republican president... what a shame.

By: Rebecca - CA

Rebecca - CA — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:17:28 +0000

Dani.... Here's the inconvenient truth.... poor people can't afford healthcare insurance on Hillary's plan either....so what's your point? They do not purchase it and then they are fined for not having it....yeah, that make's much more sense! I have been poor and now am possibly low middle income. I cannot afford health insurance either, but like Mr Obama has said.... people do not forego having health insurance because they do not want it.....it is because they cannot afford it... I am self-employed. Just in the past 5 years, the cost has become soooo outrageous, people are forced to pay for food and shelter first. As for public financing, seems to me they should have all made that decision before the primaries. Now that McCain is aware of Obama's fundraising potential.seems like he wants to now agree to public financing. I was under the impression that the public was the primary source of Mr. Obama's campaign support. As long as people are restricted to a maximum contribution limit, why should it matter? If lots of people are willing to contribute small amounts of money to help him get his message out, couldn't the same be also true for Mr. McCain?

By: Marcia

Marcia — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:16:28 +0000

I am amazed that the people of this great country continue to follow behind individuals who are unknown, untested and inexperienced but perhaps one hell of a speaker in one way or another to the likes of the Jim Jones followers just waitiing for their cup of Koolaid!!!! Our country is in grave despair and what we don't need is someone who has not proven oneself, reagrdless if we like or not we need someone to head our country that has experience and knowledge to do that and and it is not by far the time to elect someone who gives one hell of a speech, minus substantial backup . Republicans and democrates, where are your heads??

By: Rayco

Rayco — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:15:55 +0000

Jessica, how can you say that Obama is like any other politician and then you say that Hillary would be better or that you would vote for McCain, which one is it? Then how do you choose, what are you basing this on, I sincerely hope you have something better than this to back up your opinion.

How is he not good for your country? I am amazed at all of you high and mighty individuals who change your minds all of the time but expect others not to. Would you rather he be like good ol' George and stick to a statement or policy even if it is wrong. Yeah, that's the kind of President I want..yeah right.

Get over it. If you look at the quote, he said he would pursue it aggressisvely, how does that translate to I promise.

Don't be a sore loser because Hillary is getting swept.

By: Inspirethis

Inspirethis — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:15:08 +0000

I would vote for McCain over Obama any day.

By: Melinda

Melinda — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:14:12 +0000

Before anyone "gets after me," this is my first time on a blog and I'm on because I care deeply about this upcoming election. Sooo...I appreciate any help. Thanks for the interruption.

By: James

James — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:13:37 +0000

I guess this is the kind of change we can expect from Obama!!!!

Typical politician, change, hope, blah,blah,blah. Nice Cuban,Che flag hanging in your Houston office. No vote for you!

By: Adam

Adam — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:10:05 +0000

Obama can never give a straight answer on ANY difficult question/situation. He is the most evasive person when it comes to matters such as these. Yet, he's suppose to be our agent of change?? Doubtful. Maybe they should be saving "Change we can make-believe in".

By: Carrie

Carrie — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:07:50 +0000

Um hello people. There has been no breaking of word. We do not even have a primary winner. Why doesn't everyone actually wait to see what he is going to do before you call him a hypocrit? A little objectivity would be nice.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:07:14 +0000

This is another story left out of the main headlines that shows Obama is a liar. He doesn't want superdelegates making the decision for the people yet hes gave 3 times the amount to superdelegates than Hillary has. He says he 'll be right from day one yet has voted over 100 times in the Illinois senate "present." He accuses Hillary of combing through his "hundreds" of votes and picking ones that highlight his incompetence yet does the same thing to her. I really would like an Obama supporter to highlight for me specific reasons they like him. Specific things he's done that has helped americans. Other than voting present on whether or not Illinois should let sex shops be by elementary schools. Go past all the petty negative comments made about Hillary and listen to her tell people how many kids have healthcare because of her, how she wants to reinforce the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, or how she wants to crack down on employers who hire undocumented workers. Now why do you like Obama other than "he gives great speeches" or he's a "movement!!!" VOTE FOR HILLARY '08

By: ed

ed — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:06:18 +0000

I agree on fact that Obama is already seen as hypocrite.Hi is just a nice talking guy.I find myself in position that is a good choice voting republican.

By: everistus etafo

everistus etafo — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:05:06 +0000

it is sad jessica to just dismiss obama as not good for the country when you dont even know the man ?who is so love by so many maybe its time to overcome your heart and pray for understanding to be in the know! also for those who choose to insult an older man like mccain pls dont ! respect him because he is older! even though we know his not the best man to inspire our nation to a better place!

By: Corinna from Arizona

Corinna from Arizona — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:03:04 +0000

McCain, never, I'm an Independent from Arizona, I can't remember the last thing he did for us here in the last ten years. Please this is just the beginning of the good ol' boy spin they are going to throw at any Democrat. After the competition between Obama and Clinton, go Obama, if Senator McCain wants the funds to be fair I am sure there will be millions of Obama supporters more than willing and able to paint their own signs, create their own shirts, go door to door. I have already seen a car spray painted Obama here.

By: Ann

Ann — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:02:43 +0000

Are you kidding? Now that Obama is the front runner and has raised the amount of money he has, he is not going to abide by the committment he made in the past. He is a hypocrite, and spins his words just like what he accuses of "typical Washington". He will do whatever it takes to get himself elected. He is the same old politician just trying to wrap himself up in a difderent package. When someone is as critical as he has been of the older generation, and the "insiders", he knows all the tricks himself, and will stoop to whatever level it takes. Wake up America.

By: BobW

BobW — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:01:17 +0000

Did somebody throw the Hillary fans and McCain supporters a raw piece of meat before their feeding time? Really folks, belonging to the potentially losing side doesn't mean you have to be so obnoxious. Obama had said previously that he would honor his commitment. Too bad Hillary didn't do the same when she promised the voters of New York that she wasn't going to use her senate seat as a stepping stone to the presidency.

By: beachnan

beachnan — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:59:32 +0000

Finally, someone is calling Obama out on something. It is about time. It seems to me that most of the time, people are walking on eggshells around this candidate because they are so afraid of seeming racist or having their comment turned into something it isn't. A perfect example would be Bill Clinton's comments in South Carolina which were twisted or spun by the media into something entirely different from what he really said. I'm glad someone is doing it, even if it is McCain. If Obama is the Democratic candidate, he will have to answer a lot of questions that are a lot tougher and I predict that McCain's experience will prevail. That's why we need Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee. She has been through the fires before and emerged triumphantly. She has the toughness and the experience to defeat John McCain. Rock star Obama indeed has flaws, and a lot of you need to figure it out, before it's too late.

By: Chris Austin Texas

Chris Austin Texas — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:57:14 +0000

Figures CNN won't post my response to the Lobbyist comment I had. Maybe some of you who criticized me will read this. #1, I wouldn't be bum'd out if Obama got the nomination over Hillary. I would vote for Obama. #2, Some of you need to research what a Lobbyist is. Everyone puts a bad wrap on Lobbyist because they have no clue what they actually are. Not all Lobbyists are "bad". (There are some special interests that we could go without). #3, Obama has infact taken quite a bit of money from Lobbyist throughout his Political career. He also took a bit of money from a Lobbyist fundraising event to start off his Presidential bid. (Also, some of his donations are from self proclaimed "Former" Lobbyists) Taking money from Lobbyist's isn't as bad as people make it out to be. There have been some weak minded people in the past, but Hillary and Obama? I give them more credit than that. I am educated, I did goto college, and I understand politics more than most. ( I won't claim to know everything). But I do my research. Also, if you goto the Hillary website, there is a list of Lobbyist's that have donated to Obama. (These may be the Lobbyist's who claim they are no longer Lobbyist's). Either way. Check it out.

By: Mike Miyake

Mike Miyake — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:56:32 +0000

I just want to find out about from both of the Candidates Obama and McCain, that we have debt so much trillion dollars for Subprime Loan. I want to ask both of candidates to answer how can you do to solve those subprime loan problems that we have right now. And how both candidates can solve those who are out of jobs and we don't have too many to pick from...and what would those candidates can do for American peoples job or how to bring back those Companies here in the United States of America? I understand about NAFTA but we are suffer about jobs. Lots of lay offs right now...what do we have to do those who are out of jobs? We need some one can solve problems with GLOBAL SITUATION. OBAMA or McCain which one can do you think do the best to those matters? Iraq war we still have to solve those too...and boarder from Mexico. Immigration matters...before that we want to solve our inside of America matters to solve too. Please, someone can make them to answer back for us. Thank you for taking my question and comment. From Mike Miyake

By: joe

joe — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:54:39 +0000

Oh Please -- Obama is a shmuck. Cutl Obama will die out soon -- 20 year olds don't hang on to fads for too long -- and if Obama wins the primary -- we are stuck with a kid in diapers that lots of sexist men and black people will vote for -- what a "CHANGE" -- go America!!!! Obama will do what is best for him -- as any other politician will do --he will lie, make false promises like the one he is "taking back" now about campaign financing....but most of all -- the horror of his whole Mesiah image -- is that he won't know his butt from his head if he gets to the White House -- now that is different than all the other candidates. Unfortunately maybe Obama is like JFK -- look at JFK's record people...not so great...catch a clue!

By: remy white

remy white — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:51:23 +0000

why would sen mccain be surprised about obamas,breaking commitments?..... obamas constant flip flopping and flagrant attempts to ignore the issues?wont debate hillary in wisconsin,yes they may have debated 18 times with all the dem candidates ,8 or nine candidates present.....but only obama and hillary debated only once in SC ........and hillary went easy on obama....obama lacks substance,experience and is weak on detailed issues but talks plenty of fluff,obamas got good speech writers....but when it comes to a PROVEN RECORD OF CHANGE,??make no mistake about it,its hillary. i hope wisconsin people,take a good hard look at the choice here......we wont have another chance,if obama were the dem nominee?sen mccain would ponce down hard,on obamas experience as well as his past pracices in college,morals,ethics.clinton would beat mccain.

By: Eddie

Eddie — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:50:53 +0000

I am so happy McCain is calling Obama to the Carpet on things. Why Hillary didnt make more of this earlier is amazing to me. Obama is like a Democratic George Bush, he plans to delegate out his plans to other people because he, him self has no plan. he is not unlike a motivation speaker that is all show no substance. i am an independent voter and i will not vote for Obama. he is too green, too naive and needs more time to understand what the role of the US President is to the rest of the world.

By: lindacisme

lindacisme — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:50:36 +0000

This is the first of many times that Obama will go back on his wispy promises. He's a poser.

By: Judy

Judy — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:48:59 +0000

McCain is too honest to deal with this Obama. Obama will not keep his word, because he only keeps the word that will be good to him, and he never kept any of his words that would be bad to him. He's extremely smart, and he's good at arguing. Whatever he does, even if he kills someone on purpose, he can find a good arguement to defend himself, and the person who accuses him will become a so called "liar"

By: Mary- Lawrence KS

Mary- Lawrence KS — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:48:51 +0000

Is anyone else having difficulties getting your thoughts posted on CNN?

I'll try this again:

What is presumptuous is to act as if Hillary Clinton is not still running a viable race for the Democratic ticket..... Wow..... amazing.

I am in favor of a non-Republican in office for 4 more years.... but this race on the Democratic side is FAR from over.... let's concentrate on that instead of prophecy.

By: Brennan, Seattle WA

Brennan, Seattle WA — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:47:50 +0000

Who cares?

Obama will beat McCain either way.

By: fred

fred — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:47:44 +0000

I wonder if McCain would be bringing this up if he could raise anywhere near as much money as Obama does.

By: Zappy D

Zappy D — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:47:10 +0000

Obama would be crazy to do public financing. I have a modest job and life, but I contribute 25 dollars a month to Obama's campaign. Public financing would prevent me and several of my friends from doing this.

By: Datt Myar

Datt Myar — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:47:08 +0000

This cost me nothing and cost you guys how much ha?

By: Datt Myar

Datt Myar — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:46:07 +0000

Calling On True Americans. Boycott CNN and it's advertisers! CNN is fixing the elections

By: Jesse from Kansas

Jesse from Kansas — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:45:51 +0000

Obama is backing away from a pledge he so strongly advocated just a year ago? Sounds like the same old and tired Washington politics-as-usual to me. He's no different than the rest of them; he just has a more hypnotic stump speech.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:44:08 +0000

Janet you need to go back and read the article again. Barack Obama is the one changing his mind not John McCain.

By: earl illingsworth

earl illingsworth — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:42:53 +0000

Obama can't be intimidated,John!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:40:57 +0000

Barack Obama has already broken his promise to his constituents. He told them while running for Senate that he would finish his term.... by running for President he is already jeopardizing that promise. I do agree with the fact that McCain cannot really hold Obama to this promise though when he did not stick to public funds himself during the primary. McCain is just looking for a way to weaken Obama during the General election. McCain knows that Obama would be able to beat him easily with the campaign dollars that he has already brought in and is attempting to weaken him by holding him to this so-called promise.

By: Corinna from Arizona

Corinna from Arizona — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:40:34 +0000

McCain, never, I'm an Independent from Arizona, I can't remember the last thing he did for us here in the last ten years. Please this is just the beginning of the good ol' boy spin they are going to throw at any Democrat. After the competition between Obama and Clinton, go Obama, if Senator McCain wants the funds to be fair I am sure there will be millions of Obama supporters more than willing and able to paint their own signs, create their own shirts, I have even seen a car spray painted Obama here, and especially go door to door for Senator Obama.

See we are in a situation that more war will not solve, especially the war we are having against ourselves. There are no proven solutions, there can't be its illogical since we have never been at this stage in human history. We have alot of challenges we need to meet, America is filled with people of great mind and spirit, I think Senator Obama is willing to tap into it and demand from people there best and no not just taxes. All politicians in reality use taxes to tap into American wallets. We all know this, what do we actually get for our buck is the question.

By: Southerner

Southerner — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:39:51 +0000

McCain decided against public funds for the PRIMARY election. He had not agreed to anything. Nobody in the Republican field asked for an agreement to all take public funding. Obama DID say he would take public funding if his opponent would, in the general election.

This is McCain's first chance to agree to that. He wasn't running against Obama before.

The question is, will Obama honor his pledge?

It doesn't give an advantage to McCain, it levels the playing field (some), but Obama will still have the advantage in special interest funded ads.

By: Art H

Art H — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:36:10 +0000

Obama made a pledge he made when he started out and is now back-sliding since he finds it more convenient to dip into the larger coffers of private contributions.

None of the Obama backers seem to be weighing in on this issue. Hmmm.

By: Ted

Ted — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:36:02 +0000

Barak Obama is no different than any other politician. He just has not accumulated as much baggage. Given time, he will.

Since we really do not know what we would be getting, I just do not want to have "B. O." in the White House.

Just say No to B. O.

By: Datt Myar

Datt Myar — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:35:47 +0000

ye ha obama

By: Rodney

Rodney — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:35:42 +0000

Oh my, it looks like Dinosaur McCain is running scared...

By: kathleen, illinois

kathleen, illinois — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:35:12 +0000

Whatever, I hope Obama goes with whatever he can
honestly raise and not fall into limits on his fundraising.
I don't know a lot about public financing but I do know
that Obama did very well with individual fundraising. What
Obama said 1 year ago, well that was then and this
is now. Is McCain now upset because Obama has
raised millions from his supporters. Obama was
probably surprised himself at the amount of money
that came in. Does McCain think he is going to stop it now?
On the idea of signing a public financing pact a year ago, maybe
Obama thought that was a good idea at the time, but no one,
including McCain jumped on the bandwagon then.
Having a CHANGE OF HEART is not a sin., nor is it a lie.

By: Change is only a word

Change is only a word — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:35:03 +0000

figures he would back out.....and I thought he was about change.....

guess not.

By: Grandma from MO.

Grandma from MO. — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:34:59 +0000

My name is little Johnny McCain.
I wasn't going to say anything about a agreement, BUT I will because...
I only gots 4 nickels, and none of my friends will give me more!!!!
I gots to get more money, cuz nobody likes me enough to give more.

I know!!! I'll call out Obama...
because he gots LOTS OF MILLIONS of friends...
and LOTS OF MILLIONS of nickels, too...
and MORE pouring in every day.
This is the ONLY way I have a chance against him.
Many people won't see that I am pushing the panic button here!
They will just whine and cry if Obama doesn't agree. Waaaah!