CNN

The truth is — no candidate takes money from oil companies because it is illegal to accept donations from corporations. But companies employees can give — either individually or through political action committees.

Obama does not take money from oil companies — but he has received nearly $214,000 from oil and gas industry executives and their families.

Yes, he takes money from those very same CEO's that he now says make too much money..

So I respect John McCain. He’ll be a worthy opponent.
Barack remember these words.
If you are the democratic nominee which I don't believe you are going to be you not even imagine what the republicansy would do to you with the specific reverend Wright .

Hillary 08

Let the corporations do what they want and not watch out and you have another ENRON AND SHAREHOLDERS WILL LOSE AS WELL AS THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WITH THERE 401K PLAND WORTHLESS. So McCain and his do nothing ways will have us all broke and in the streets. The way it seems with him is the corporate knows what is best. What a joke you know it is the old boys club to the max and McCain is a charter member.

I'm not sure where people are getting the idea that Obama is getting payouts from "Wall Street Billionares" unless it's from the Fox network, which is notoriously right-biased, and constantly broadcasts distortions about anyone that doesn't toe Bush's party line. Obama is not getting payouts from Wall Street. His campaign funds are being given to him by little people, and others who are contributing within the law. Whether you like who is giving him the funds or not, just like Hillary, he's getting them legally. At over twice the rate that Hillary has been able to do. Hmmmmm...people are giving him more money than Hillary. I wonder if anyone would care to guess what that means........ I gave to Hillary early on. Now I want my money back.

It is a pity that Americans are still not ready for the truth they still want to go to war. In as much as human relationship is concern the Americans should think about their future not to bank on sweet talks from the republicans . They know nothing than to establish problems where there is peace.. For how long should Americans be misled.

Thanks
Larry

ONN=Obama Netwk News.
Too many Sheeps are here drinking Kool Aide. I better move to FoxsNew

I read more folks than makes me comfortable saying "if not Clinton than McCain" and even some who say "if not Obama than McCain."

I'm an enthusiastic Obama supporter and a republican (up until I voted for the first time since Gary Hart's first presidential run in the Texas democratic primary, so I guess I'm a democrat whatever those labels mean anymore) and if Obama somehow fails to secure the nomination, I'm working my tail off for Hillary. The republicans have raped this country in the last 8 years, they've lied, they had the greatest opportunity to unite this world following 9-1-1 and they blew it , they weakened our military and strengthened terrorist organizations, and they did it all out of selfishness and in spite of contrary opinion. They deserve the dog house and not the White House.

So for those who think that McCain is even remotely better than either of the potential democratic nominees, I offer the last 8 years as testament to making a different decision. If we don't we're going to be more sorry than is readily within the reach of imagination.

Well nothing I have ever posted has made it into the discussion, but I will try anyway.

April in Texas... Please do me a favor. Explain Senator Obama's and Senator McCain's economic proposals to me, Including figures, so that I can make an informed decision between the two. You seem, through your tax comments, to know something about them. Please enlighten me! For instance, what does "wealthy" mean to Obama? In other words, what is the income cutoff for receiving/keeping the Bush tax cuts? I do know that my taxes went down and my paycheck went up; however, I don't make enough money to pay my bills every month so I hope that is not taken away from me IF Obama is elected. If so, I will just be further behind, and believe me, I do not make a lot of money. SO, if you can convince me that I will still benefit, maybe I'll vote for the guy.

"Believes in Hillary"

Every time I hear someone bashing Obama, I see the name Rev. Wright. My goodness...people are dying in Iraq, the economy is in the tank and you are going to vote for a third term of Bush-onimics because of a 10 second clip of something that someone else said. Are you kidding me? We know the real reason why some of you don't want to vote for Obama and now you have a nice little excuse....

If you want to be upset about some ex-pastor and see another 4000 caskets shipped back from Iraq over the next 4 years then you deserve your McCain. Hope you’re in the higher tax bracket and don't have any close relatives serving in the military. I am and I don't so go ahead and cast your vote for McCain.

Obama '08

WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE ON THIS WEBSITE USE ALL CAPS IN THEIR COMMENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU'RE ALL NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO BACK TO YOUR TALK RADIO!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!

Hey Trip..... Did your mother fall having you and that's why she named you like she did????

I'm a democrat, but I also believe issues like this should be determined by shareholders not politicians. The problem is that shareholders are apathetic and do nothing. They should demand that boards and compensation committees force CEO's to be paid on performance, not promise. This is a slippery slope. Once you legislate CEO pay, who is next? COO, EVP's? Let the market determine salary by insisting on balanced boards without personal ties to the CEO. Last time I checked, we were still a capitalistic country.

If this BLOG for this article is any indication (it is not a "scientific poll".)

Voting for:

Obama 44
Clinton 18
McCain 25

With a possible error of 8+/-....

Adding my own spin, Obama wins by a Knockout..

– ANYONE else, just not More-Of-The-Same-McCain...

PS... McCain is NOT a moderate.

"If you let them take away money from rich people, they might do the same thing to you when you get rich! Let us keep our money and then you can keep yours someday when you're in our place!"

Story ime's over. You're not going to be rich. You're going to work hard all your life and earn enough to get by. If you are lucky, you might even earn more than that, but you will never, ever earn as much in your entire life as the CEO of Exxon Mobile did last year. You have absolutely nothing to gain by continuing to allow corporate officers to maintain enmeshed relationships with their boards so that they can set their own pay levels–to the detriment of the shareholders, by the way. Demanding that directors and officers adhere to the laws of corporate governance so that the corporate entity functions as it was intended to function is NOT socialism, so stop letting them frighten you with that bogeyman. And stop letting them trick you into thinking you'll be "one of them" someday. It's how they get you to feel bad for them. Don't feel bad for them.

"How can we trust Obama, after hearing on Cable TV that he is getting hundreds of thousands, millions of dollars from Wall Street and billionaires. Aren't these people the ones getting these huge compensation packages. Come Obama stop sending smoke screens. You have been caught, but for some reason some of your follower are deaf, dumb and blind. But, they will wake up and you will lose because you are lying to all the voters. I really think you should be brought up on fraud allegations. Why would Hannity & Colmes lie to the public?"

Fox News not lie to the public? Are you kidding me?

Yes, by all means, let's have the government set the salaries for ALL workers... starting with big mouth Washington Politicians, sports figures and empty-headed Hollywood types. Then after even those buffoons all balk at the notion, we can move on to more pressing issues, like why Economics IS NOT a mandatory K-12 required course.

John McCain is by far the worst choice this country could ever hope for. He is another George W. without any doubt or hesitation. I can say many nice things about Obama and Clinton – but when it comes to McCain – UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I encourage everyone to look deeper into our choices for presidency before making judgement.

Are you focusing on logic or emotion?
Are you focusing on each candidate's policies or do speeches/ads/marketing/image matter more?
Is age, race, religion, or gender a significant attribute, or do you care more about experience and leadership qualities?
There are so many issues...have you done your homework to know where each one stands?

Any politician can say anything. Shouldn't actions be more important?

Obama is all talk. Obama has yet to do anything. McCain at least has a record of action. Obama uses words like courage too easily in his speeches. We need a president who has courage to do what is right. Obama has never needed courage, because he hasn't done anything.

The government has NO, absolutely NO, constitutional right to say what is fair pay or not. They have no right to get involved in the free market, no matter what that market does, READ your contsitution people.
This country was built on the premise of small government, not BIG.

Why is it that we are now telling people how much money they can or cannot make?? This is America, the land of opportunity... what right does anyone have to tell someone that they cannot make as much money as they are making if they are making it legally???

I do not have time to get upset about how much money a CEO makes, it's the amount of tax he pays that makes me mad.
Give me a flat tax system, no deductions for anything. I pay 20% he pays 20%, the FED will have all the money it needs to fix this country.

MATT: I agree. I said that if Obama was the nominee, for the first time since I was old enought to vote, that I would sit this one out. However, I got to thinking the same thing. As terrible as I think he would be, anyone, even Obama (I say with jaw clenched) is better than another McCain(bush) term!

We have to hvae a Dem back in the White House!

Oh yea. This from Obama, who secured a $1M dollar deal for his wife's employer which also, by the way, gave Michelle more than $200,000 pay increase. Obama, don't preach to me about CEO pay.

yep, when all the other side can say is "it's a cheap political attack," then you know you are right. CEOs are overpaid. The failed policies of sending it all to the top will only bring ruin.

To Michael, ATL

You do realize that all of that profit from the oil companies that you are talking about amouts to only an 8.2% profit magin don't you? That is just above the industry average. By contrast Pharmaceuticals make 18.5%, Banks 18% , House hold and Personal products 11.4% .

Ah, but how much does a drilling rig cost.

The truth of the matter is that we wouldn't even be having this discussion if Exon and Mobile hadn't merged to have record profits last year. If you split them back into their separate pieces, then they would be no wear near the top.

Oh, by the way, you do realize that the federal government makes far more on a gallon of gas than the oil companies do, don't you?

And they squander every last cent.

Name one rich, powerful man or woman whoever truly had anyone's interest at heart other than their own. The more power and money the have and get, the more they want. Politics is a filthy business. Everyone is in bed with everyone else and as long as they keep the power and the wealth within their own circles they all play the game. TALK! TALK! TALK!

I don`t get it.Does Obama want to dictate how much people should get paid?Does he want to dictate the price of everything?America is a free market economy,everything is determined by supply and demand,not the Feds.Obama and Hilary always attack oil companies for making profits and they fail to point out that consumption of oil is going through the roof all over the world.A price increase is inevitable.You would think that someone who went to Harvard would know that.

Also,you cannot dictate what people should get paid.It is the shareholders that do that,not the government.I would like to know what what his solution is.Why doesn`t he complain about the ridiculous demands that unions demand every year?Last but not least,why doesn`t he start by asking Oprah and those oil executives on his campaign to take a paycut?If you work in corporate world and you support the Democrats,you are biggest idiot that ever lived.

Toronto,Canada

What exactly has Obama done about CEO pay that gives him the moral high ground here .... ummm, well, NOTHING. Once again just more blah, blah, blah talking from an unexperienced and unqualified candidate.

Corporations are not government agencies and thank god for that.

Corporations exist as long as they make a profit. When they don't make profits they go under. 3 Airlines went kaput this week alone.

CEO's of these private corporations earn their money. I cannot say that for the bureacrats in Washington and the elected officlals such as Senator Obama. He has been on the Government payroll and has not performed his job from day one. He has been on the campaign trail trying to be CEO of America.

Guess what it will not happen. Obama does not have the qualifications to be CEO of a waste disposal firm, much less CEO
of America.

Earn your pay before you begrudge others their pay.

This is the problem with Obama and all politicians. "Excessive" CEO pay is the DIRECT RESULT of Congress' attempt to curb what they viewed as excesses a few years ago. Then, they enacted a stiff income tax for those earning above $1mm (Bill Clinton is apparently exempted).

Companies responded by tieing CEO pay to company performance using stock options (Congress at that time said that CEO pay too independent of company performance).

Now Congress is "shocked" to realize that options allow executives to earn more than what they were earning before.

I am continually amazed at the stupidity of elected officials. America, wait to see the fraud that results from Congress "fixing" the mortgage "crisis".

McCain is wrong to blame CEOs and companies for responding to stupid legislation.

Obama is simply, unbelievably and dangerously naive. What a disaster his presidency would be.

I do not care for McCain.

But he is the lesser of the 3 evils running for president and he is too far left of center for my taste. The Dem's will love him.

Hillary is just power hungry and not to be trusted. She is also too far to the left for my taste.

OBama is eloquent and a hypnotizing speaker, but the man doesn't have a clue. He says that he will bring the country together, but he has yet to reach across the isle to the Republicans to work together, so how can he make that claim. He is about as far left as it gets. His voting record even puts him left of Ted Kennedy.

The sad part about this fiasco is that you and me will wind up paying it in the end.

Executive pay is extreme in some cases and actually hurts the companies these CEOs work at. I'm glad to see McCain is addressing it, and it's sad that Obama has to attack him for it.

Obama is not being much of a "uniter" lately, is he?

Two liberals aren't going to unite this country – only a moderate will be able to.

McCain '08

I urge the American people to take a LONG, HARD look at what you are being told and what is actually been done to support those promises made by this Administration and it's supporters. Now look at the Candidates apart from what they are doing to win this election.......what do they stand for and what are they saying? Please do your homework and understand that:

1) It is your duty and right to VOTE, so do so and do your homework beforehand (make sure it is YOUR decision and don't vote for a candidate to spite yours not getting the nomination.......if you BELIEVE in your PARTY, then vote accordingly)
2) Don't blame anyone else for the state of things if you don't vote

We all have a stake in this and this will possibly be heralded and go down as one of the most important elections in U.S. history solely because of what is at stake, nevermind that this Administration put us here, but there are too many things affecting Americans and our way of life to ignore voting and truly ensuring our voice as a nation is heard and the RIGHT LEADER is elected based on what this country WANTS.
REGISTER and ready yourselves to vote, it is supported by all employers and is the right and duty of EVERY AMERICAN ELIGIBLE to do so.

To Stacy Clarks: That is quite possibly the best idea I've heard this election. I'm a fierce Obama supporter and I've always thought that I'd go McCain in November if Hillary got the nomination, but I'm starting to realize that if she can't count on my vote, why should Obama be able to count on Hillary votes? So now I completely agree that either way, let's make sure a Democrat gets in office so we don't have another Bush term.

Obama > Hillary > McCain 08!

Obama keeps "puttin foot in mouth" and needs to stick to his "an inspirational speech" that his speech writers write. When he attack Hillary she most of the time has to "blow it off" or be accused of being negative and or has some racial implications. McCain is not going to blow these remarks off and he is going to answer in kind. If Obama is so lucky to become the nominee this is a very minor taste of what he is going to get in any general election. The Rev. Wright remarks, the Rezko affair, the nuclear thing, the $100,000 contribution and the $ 8,000,000 earmark benefiting a defense contractor,etc. is going to be jammed down his throat and in other places I can not mention. Polls today show that McCain has wiped out a 10 point advantage in the last two weeks and now leads him by 4 points, whereas Hillary has held her own and now leads him by 3 points.

That's all Obama does, criticize others. He is a Senator. If he wants to call McCain on this issue, do it in the Senate floor. And don't just vote present. We want to know where you stand on the issues.

To Look Byond....

The picture you paint of a socialist nation in which the government manages the economy so tightly–it even defines CEO pay for private companies. A government that have us would believe keeping Saddam Hussein in power–is a good thing (even though he was taking pot shots at our fighter jets 1-2 times a week for years, and using oil for food money to sequester funds and buy weapons. A nation that believes a President is a member of an ethno-centric church headed by a racist minister!!!

I can't look far enough beyond the horizon to envision any of us supporting a government or a President like that in our constitutional and capitalist society.

Of The two:we should avoid "Out of frying pan into the fire"

Obama is saying McCain is all talk? Gimme a break.

All Obama has going for him is his speaking ability. Take that away, and all you have is a liberal record with little action to show for it.

McCain '08

This is an important issue. Last I checked the CEO a Company is one person. It takes an army of skilled personnell to make a company successful, and yes the guidance that a good CEO can provide in getting to that success should be well compensated. However when the CEO is getting paid 20 times what some of the other members of the Co. are being paid it's an even, and prevents the good fortune of the company from trickeling down to everyone els.

And what do you call giving tax breaks to oil companies that already clear 11 billion a month, Steve? We talk about the moral responsibilities of capitalism but the government jumped in with 30 billion in taxpayer money to bail out Bear Sterns the instant it collapsed. I guess it isn't socialism as long as the wealth is reallocated to bail out bug business, eh?

If you really believe people should rise and fall on their own merits, live with their choices, and cope with the consequences of a risks they willingly took, then that should go for investment bankers as well as welfare moms.

OBAMA CONTINUES TO BE A THREAT TO NATIONAL MATURITY.

AFTER MONTHS OF LIP SINGING EDWARDS AND HILLARY HE IS NOW TAKING ON MCCAIN!

OBAMA IS A PATRIOT AND A GOOD MAN BUT THIS IS'NT AMATURE NIGHT AT THE ROXY!

Yeah! Go Obama! You preach that SOCIALISM!

Why do people support this man? I love how he says that the government "leaves people on their own". NO KIDDING! THE GOVERNMENT ISN'T A BABYSITTER!

Go McCain

McCain wants to push Obama to a corner where he doesn't challenge him because even when he challenges his policies he pretends it's unfair attacks. Explain yourself McCain...what are you saying on the economy....we want to hear what you've got. Obama is very intelligent and he will challenge your logic big time. Get used to it!

Can't wait for the gov't to tell me how much money I can make.

BILLIARHILIARY ARE TIRED AND NEED TO SLEEP! SO DOES MCCAIN. ALLL THESE MISPEAKING AND MISTATEMENTS ARE BECOMING OUTRAGEOUS. WE NEED SOMEONE COHERENT AND ALERT AT ALL TIMES.

BIHILIARY'S CHICKENS ARE COMING TO ROOST! THAT IS WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT. THEY KEEP DEFENDING LIES HILARY AND BILL, WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE TOO SMART–BILL YOU THOUGHT YOU WOULD OUTSMART US? NOT THIS TIME AROUND. YOU GOT YOUR CHANCE WITH MONICA AND WE FORGAVE YOU, THIS TIME YOUR PATTERN OF LYING HAS RESURRECTED AGAIN. NO MORE CLINTONIAN LIES!

Turning America into a Socialist state?

Why do people think that? Just because the separation of the educated and un-educated keeps growing. Businesses keep reaping record profits, quarter after quarter. Business over individual. Corporation over Individual. Fear is planted into every agenda the government spreads. Occupation of foreign soil lets other countries see how easy it is to get away with invading other countries. And America's main administration completely evading questions about their priorities, defying the will of the greater majority and maintaining a very damaging status quo. I keep thinking that maybe the three-tiered system of government that America has devised needs an overhaul. The word fair keeps coming to mind.

Sounds like Socialism might be closer than you think.

As for Clinton or McCain... please read more about both or them.
They are not the same. And one or the other won't be good for America or for you. Obama isn't a saint or "the Answer".
Living in this hidden-agenda America doesn't need an answer.
We all know what is best for America, we just don't do anything to move in that direction.

People are saying that there is nothing wrong with being a Muslim and they are right........so why then does Obama denies having any affiliation or any blood relatoin with Muslims. He grew up in Indonesia, he had a father and a step father who have Muslim backgrounds, his environment in his growing years was Muslim so whatever foundation he has is Muslim.
Being a young, aggressive, ambitious men, his main objective is to be in power. That is so normal for someone his age........how he can hold power and use it for his own personal gains.

Mind you Americans, once he is elected you will then start seeing unbelievable things which is exactly the opposite of what Obama is protraying in this campaign. When that happens there is no turning back and you are stuck with Obama. Please wake up and look at the people who had great influence in his life......Jeremiah Wright, Michelle Obama who has written a thesis in her senior year regarding racism (it will be interesting what derogatory comments she had in that thesis), and many others who are of similar nature.

Hillary, for whatever human imperfections she has, is transparent and proven to be the better candidate. It is so scary to have someone be nominated whose background and true self will only be uncovered after the campaign. We don't know who Obama is. Conflicting statements.............please review all what was said and done during the campaigns and you will see that Obama has made more conflicting statements than any other candidate combined. Even his inspirational speech on fear wasn't original and he was going to keep it as long as it is not discovered. He made no attribution to the speecah he copied rather implied that it was his own. Who now is the liar? Media has really been unfair to Hillary.

Obama will have Wright as his speaker for a fund raising event and guess when ...............after the primary at Penn. That way, voters cannot reverse. Please wake up. You don't want a leader who doesn't walk the talk. Praying for the best president and believe Hillary is the better and electable candidate.

MARK,MI – listen what has McCain said that matters? He does not even have economic "smarts", which he has already admitted. But holding the CEOs responsible – please where has McCain been all these years supporting them as Bush and Clinton have.

GO OBAMA

I worked at a factory for a time a while back. Every year, we were suppose to get "bonuses." These bonuses were based on how sales from the current year were better than sales of the previous year, it had nothing to do with performance of the individual employee. So when in 2006, sales were only about 10% better than the previous year, we got no bonus. Shortly after that, we got our yearly statement mailed to us from corporate, showing how the company board made six and seven digit salaries, and gave themselves bonuses of 2 to 3 times their salaries on top of it. Seems irresponsible to me when the board can get 7 million dollars in bonuses, but the employees get no bonus because sales weren't good enough. Apparently none of that 7 million dollars could be given to any employees, even say 10 dollars to each employee. I have no problem with CEO's making the money that they do, but you'd think they could do something for the employees that keep the business going so they can get their comfy pay.

I love the ignorance of the two above statements. As if Clinton or McCain WOULD do something, neither of them have offered their suggestions on how to CHANGE this issue either. Obama's words hold weight, otherwise there wouldn't be millions of people going to the polls to vote for him. Governments are, in essence, legal mafia's. Senators Clinton and McCain are part of the old Mafia that promises things but fails time and time again to follwo through with their words, give this so called "upstart" his change to proove his money is where is mouth is.

Independant for Obama '08

Hey Mark... "with McCain," huh? Stop kidding yourself. You are NOT a Democrat. This goes for all others willing to vote for a warmonger and corporate sellout with no economic plan. I simply cannot see the logic behind you "Democrats" willing to vote against everything the Democratic Party stands for. Truly short-sighted and petty. Please post this, CNN.

We are in a recession, everyday people are losing their jobs, houses and any hope for a bright future. We are in a country that had nothing to do with 9/11 and soldiers are dying. Voting for McCain is the same as voting for Bush all over again. I will not vote for Clinton because everything she says is one big lie. Being a POW does not a President make.

Mark, MI
You have got to be kidding! This man stays up at night dreaming
up what in the hell he has to talk about. He doesn't know any thing
about the economy. These are pipe dreams. He wants the rich
to keep making lots of money, that includes CEO's they are his
friends, for Gods' sake.

Obama is absolutely right on this. It's a key defining issue between the parties. The Republican Party's control over the last 7 1/2 years has meant a 7 1/2 year "party" for the large companies and their CEOs, while the average American has borne the brunt of the economic downturn.

Its the republicans who wants socialism. They are all talk about no government action and nothing else. Yet it was under the Bush administration that the power of the government has grown. TRILLIONS of our tax payers dollars are going to sponsor the government and their expansion. Where is the low government policy there? Every single pledge that George bush gave before the elections have been overturned and he has gone back on every single one of them.

To all democrats who think that McCain is better than Obama, I ask you where has the republican party lead us thus far? Into a war? Spending more of your money? Higher gas prices? McCain is a respectable figure no doubt, but this individual has completely changed his tone and has tried repeatedly to be in line with republican policies of the bush administration. If you liked the Bush presidency, then by all means vote for McCain. However, if you truly want change, vote for the democratic party irregardless of who the nominee is because I can guarantee you that they support democratic ideas.

People who intend to vote Democrat.

If you want to pay higher taxes, you can simply make a donation to the US Treasury Department. That's all you have to do. Those of us that don't want more of our hard earned money taken away can then keep it.

Mark, from Michigan: what has John McCain done…except of course to change his policy on key issues like this, the Bush tax cuts, the state of the Iraq war (worse now than when he said our strategy wasn't working), immigration, and the homeowner/real estate crisis. Tell me?? What has he done that includes action over words (within the last 8 years, meaning not including the fact that he's a war hero) which would make him more credible to you than someone within your own party? Positions that he held so dear just two years ago, so dear that he went against his own party to defend them, are now issues that he has completely given in to the GOP on. So you let me know…if actions speak louder than words, what does John McCain's betrayal of his own convictions tell you about his leadership qualities? Clinton or Obama 08…no more American $$$ for Iraqi civil war!!!

This issue in my view can never be completely resolved. Compensation should be linked to performance! I'm all for CEO's making millions of dollars, they put in amazingly long hours, traveling, stress, responsibility etc., however, I am not a fan of these heads reaping millions from a golden parachute when their firms are losing investors millions, even billions of dollars. An independent board can help curb some of this nonsense, and having the chairman of the board, not the CEO himself as in most companies, would also help with this. My problem is how independent can a borard really be. Its human nature to become attached to the people you work with.

McCain is attacking Obama because he's the only one who could beat him.

The Dems don't want to do anything but help average Americans. It seems that we keep getting screwed by the right wing and you all keep asking for more. What don't you understand about the economic mess the Republicans including McCain have spearheaded this last 7 going on 8 years. And frankly speaking I think McCain is to old and can't remember a thing to be a president during these trying times that your man "Bush" put us in. You people need to put aside your attitudes and for once vote for your best interest, not for no other reason.

Exactly what are you "with" McCain about on this issue? McCain hasn't done squat either. A month ago he didn't think homeowners should be bailed out in any way shape or form, but now he's suddenly changed his mind and suggesting homeowners should be refinanced at the market value of their primary residence. That's nice but Rep Barney Frank (D-MA) already beat him to it.

McCain is just trying to catch the political wind. I don't think he's the least bit sincere. I expect him to be a typical Republican and hop right in bed with big-bizzness if he's elected.

Barack is right. Look at McCain's record–hello Keating 5?

Obama 08

mark you apparently need to do your homework go to his web site see his plans then post again also if you look at his past that most you Clinton supporters claims he has none. you will find even when he was a state rep he fought for these reforms do your homework or don't post Mc Cain and Clinton can not support this because CEO and large corporations is who pays there bills or in the case of MC Cain they are barley doing that.

Well, McCain supports more tax breaks for corporations, so it makes you wonder if the CEO thing is all talk. Also, why is it that McCain's advisor Rick Davis has huge ties to a lobbying firm that, among other things, has a long relationship with the pro-Putin, anti-Western side of Ukrainian politics? Why isn't this reported in the news more?

GO OBAMA....

McCain is full of lies, and its the same thing served up differently with the republicans!

John explain the bully pulpit to hold them accountable?

A socialist country might be better for Americans. The way things are going it appears America really doesnt care for its own citizens.

Senators, Congressmen and Presidents are also overpaid, especially since every penny of their paycheck is lifted coercively from the pocketbooks of the American Taxpayer.

Shame on both of you.

Most Americans, including myself, applaud the prospect of a man of color becoming president. However, the majority of the American people have come to view Sen. Obama as an unacceptable choice. While all would agree that Sen. Obama demonstrates a keen intellect and eloquence, it is simply unconscionable that we would elect a virtually unknown freshman senator with questionable judgment to the most powerful job on the planet.

Americans for McCain '08

I was under the impression that several of Barack's good friends were very well compensated CEOs. I haven't seen him turn his back on them.

Hillary '08

Sounds like a Bush presidency to me!!!

How can we trust Obama, after hearing on Cable TV that he is getting hundreds of thousands, millions of dollars from Wall Street and billionaires. Aren't these people the ones getting these huge compensation packages. Come Obama stop sending smoke screens. You have been caught, but for some reason some of your follower are deaf, dumb and blind. But, they will wake up and you will lose because you are lying to all the voters. I really think you should be brought up on fraud allegations. Why would Hannity & Colmes lie to the public?

What's funny is that CEO pay in most cases is already fully disclosed and shareholders are free to comment as they see fit.

Just another smoke and mirror populist push by BHO.

His judgement is already suspect.

Just look at the company he has kept for 20 years!

Mark, as you speak mr. nObama is pushing a bill through congress that will place the huge pay packages CEOs are receiving under greater scrutiny to hopefully cut the amount being thrown at them.

how's that for no action

Here's a great idea for helping struggling families. Instead of "extending or making the 'Bush tax-cuts' permanent" let's do away with taxes altogether, except those necessary to provide for the common defense.

I could find better uses for my money than any of these jokers.

"In the first month of the newly Democratic-controlled 110th Congress, Obama worked with Russ Feingold (D–WI) to eliminate gifts of travel on corporate jets by lobbyists to members of Congress and require disclosure of bundled campaign contributions under the "Honest Leadership and Open Government Act," which was signed into law in September 2007"

And that's just from Wikipedia. Please do your research next time Mark.

When is Obama going to limit my pay too?

McCain does NOT care what the CEO's get paid. He wants them
to make bundles of money just like Cheney, and his other cronies.

To Steve, Not a "Socialistic Country. A fair Country. We want fairness
in our Government. We want the fat cats to stop spending our taxpayer
money on their own self-appreciation.

McCain's campaign is run by a lobbyist. Anybody who understands the role of lobbyists knows that their concern is not that of the average American. I believe McCain should break ties with all these powerful lobbies before we can allow ourselves to believe that he actually cares about transparency and accountability of greedy CEOs.

obama only does what best interests him. he decides florida & michigan dont count cause its not "good" for him. Now he has fliped on campaighn finance cause it would hurt his chances against McCain. Havnt we had enough of a president that thinks about his best interests!

Obama is taking another cheap shot at his rivals. He is politics as usual and anyone with half a brain understands this. They say his supporters are the college educated Democrats. I say this college educated Democrat knows a thing or two that his supporters fail to acknowledge – mainly that he plays politics in the way that they accuse the Clintons of. His is the most hypocritical campaign I've seen in my life.

The cheap political attack my friends, is going to be the constant THIRD TERM GOVERNMENT OF GEORGE BUSH that will be implimented when JOHN MCCAIN IS elected.

We all know that "WAR" is the top agender of the MCcain campaign!\

We are sick and tired of wars and rumors of wars, Let's bring our troops home, and let's send their children to a CIVIL WAR that America cannot win in Iraq. The war in Iraq is a CIVIL WAR or lets say a tribal war between the sunnies and shiittes and the other more ethnic groups in Iraq.

Saddam Hussein was the only ruler that can bring these tribes to order, and now he is gone.
We have a big problem to solve and in other words this problem cannot be solved by AMERICANS.
It has to be solved by the IRAQis

The real fight for terrorist is in Afghanistan, where Bill Laiden and others are hidding.
The Bush administration knows that, and the question is, why are they not going after the real terrorist?

Do we need another George Bush government or do we need CHANGE?

What about the ENRON, and other CEO's who have dupped the 401k's of innocent employees. Talking about CEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think Obama is our true leader,.
America wake up, we need drastic change in Washington, and the new change is a new approach to the real issue, which Obama will bring to the table for all Americans.

Lets united behind Obama, and bring this country back to where our founding fathers believed this country should be at.

That is the world's SUPERPOWER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For
Mark, MI April 11th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

"As a democrat, I'm with McCain here…. "

My friend, you are not a democrat anymore....you think you are but you are not...somebody's gotta do some soul-searching!

p.s. Notice that Obama is using the same old political charges that have caused so much rancor in Washington, and he says he wants to bring 'change'? The kind of change he is talking about is the three cents left in our pockets after he raises all our tax rates.

So what is Obama planning ot do about it. Obama's brain (Axelrod) is trying to make him look like a populist. Only problem is.... Obama is not a populist.

I'm with Mark. MI all talk and xeroxing Clintons plans and ideas doesn't give Obama a good chance in Nov. Their ideas and plans are so similar because he's copied everyone of them with a few little changes to make them look original but ALWAYS, after Clinton has rolled out her plans. Not buying talk, actions speak louder. We need someone with experience with the way things work right now to clean up this mess, we can take on congress to clean up their acts in the next 12 or 16 years. 4 or 8 for Clinton & 4 or 8 for Obama after that, once he can show people he isn't a racist and get some experience.

It is interesting that when rhetoric gets in the way of meaning,
that we get politics.

When words are placed in a particular order as to attack, inflame or
dishearten, we know we have politics.

John McCain's spokesman should re-read his words and where he has Senator Obama's name, he should substitute that of Senator McCain. Platitudes will never solve an issue, rectify a bad situation, or stop an illegal occupation.

Maybe Senator Obama was referring to the growing list of golden parachutes awardees who reap millions while losing millions for their shareholders. It certainly can't look good to your average American who purchases gasoline at CEO's corporation's gasoline stations. Or buys food at CEO's corporation grocery stores. Who gets socked again and again every time these failures are allowed to continue without repercussion. Failures that keep reaping millions. I think they call those bruised and beaten people, the American taxpayer.

Besides who knows more about "typical Washington shenanigans" than John McCain. He's stepped into his fair share.

Obama is T-A-L-K-I-N-G to try to divide the country between the haves and have-nots. He is trying to impress the poor African-Americans and others that he will take care of them at the expense of the bad old rich people that stole all of their money....

I think Obama is buying this election, including all this media anchors and reporters.
CNN never had any positive heading for Hillary, including today's poll that she is beating John McCain by 3 point while darling of media is trailing.
Media should ask him why he visited Pakistan?
and in India why Hydrabad (muslim majority) and not Mumbai, Delhi or Agra

The "bully pulpit of the presidency"? We've had a bully for 8 years already and we certainly don't need another one.

Go Obama, Go!

It is true he is all talk. I have been following these campaigns and remember what McCain said about big corporations,which is they deserve the tax breaks because after all they are the driving force of the economy. Now he is attacking the CEO of these corporations, oh I get it another senior moment.

Obama 08!
Yes We Can!

I'm with Mark. MI all talk and xeroxing Clintons plans and ideas doesn't give Obama a good chance in Nov. Their ideas and plans are so similar because he's copied everyone of them with a few little changes to make them look original but ALWAYS, after Clinton has rolled out her plans. Not buy talk, actions speak louder.

you can't consider yourself a democrat if you're so biased against the democrat being presented in this article before even reading it.

Obama and dems are channeling the ghost of Mussolini again!

This is america, the land where ANYONE can make as much money as they want. No one is stoping ANYONE from getting out there and making money, opening businesses, selling products/services, and so forth. We are only limited by our own capacities.

Yes because asking that CEO's not getting $100 million bonuses when their companies are being federally aided is a step towards socialism.

Look in the mirror, Obama, YOU ARE ALL TALK, and everyone knows it by now.

Shish!

I like McCain's stance on this issue. He is right!

If America doesn;t vote for Hillary, then SHAME ON YOU.

HILLARY and Nader for America's families. 2008

Mark, from Michigan: what has John McCain done...except of course to change his policy on key issues like this, the Bush tax cuts, the state of the Iraq war (worse now than when he said our strategy wasn't working), immigration, and the homeowner/real estate crisis. Tell me?? What has he done that includes action over words (within the last 8 years, meaning not including the fact that he's a war hero) which would make him more credible to you than someone within your own party? Positions that he held so dear just two years ago, so dear that he went against his own party to defend them, are now issues that he has completely given in to the GOP on. So you let me know...if actions speak louder than words, what does John McCain's betrayal of his own convictions tell you about his leadership qualities? Clinton or Obama 08...no more American $$$ for Iraqi civil war!!!

CEO compensation–should be determined by the market...and each companie's board of directors.

Some CEO's put in 70 hours per week...and more. Every venue attended–the CEO represents the company 24/7.

How can Obama (always a 9-5 er) possibly understand the exceptional demands, sleepless nights, and risks of a corporate CEO?

What we do need to do however...is take a serious look at our return on investment when it comes to the congress and the President. We sure aren't getting our monies worth from those fat cats–and with Mr. (we should be socialists) Obama-we'll see even less.

Lot's of talk–no basis in American reality.

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH OBAMA. YOUR THE ONE WITH ALL THE EMPTY SPEECHES FULL OF HOPE. GIVE ME A BREAK.

Obama is ALL talk NO action, and the only time he makes sense is when he's repeating what Hillary said. Come to think of it, that's also the only time that he actually has solutions instead of just empty words.

The best thing he could do for this country is go on a permanent vacation and take all his crazy followers with him.

If not Clinton, McCain!

To: Mar, MI

I'll take McCain. But when I see you write "Clinton" as one of your options, then I question your judgement.

Even McCain has a little bit more integrity than that lady.

You might as well write "White or White '08"

Hispanic, Woman, AND NOT FOR BILLARY!

Mark, MI, when he is Commander in Chief, he will do something. Obama is more likely to do something in this arena than McSame as Bush.

Little by little leading Dems wants to turn the U.S. into a Socialistic country. Very scary!

not sure how mccain cain hold any body acountable for anythine .
when mccain was questioning gen. petraaerus he seemed to forget
who was fighting whom in ariq. must have had a senior moment.
wink wink.

Maybe Obama can start taking action against excessive CEO pay by talking to his girl Oprah about much she is raking in.

The fact that you refer to Obama as Nobama is indicative of conservative-minded voters who have pre-judged Obama before casting their vote. John McCain is much more a political insider who has moved and circumvented issues as a Washington insider than Senator OBAMA. His tenure in Washington versus OBAMA proves this. Additionally, has Senator McCain proposed any legislation to curtail the ever-increasing pay of CEOs???

This is consistent with the negative attacks always coming from the Obama campaign

MCcain has never done anything about it before when he had the chance and that is proof!

He is a sorry excuse for a presidential Nominee

I find it absurdly hilarious that McCain's response is that if he's president the thing he'll do to put a leash on extravagant CEO pay is to... talk. For those unaware, that's what using the 'bully pulpit' is really. As president, you can rail about something and bring attention to something. But in a situation like that with this issue, that ain't gunna do a thing in all reality. The boards that abuse their power don't really care what the president says. The only things they care about are making money, and staying in power. If that means paying off their CEO at the expense of the low level workers, then that's what they'll do.

I can fully expect a great number of responses to this will be of course that Obama is all talk and no action, as McCain seems to claim. I hope the irony of McCain's talk solution isn't lost of those whom actually read the entire article.

When companies are folding and executives are getting paid millions in stock and comp while employee from ENRON, Coutrywide and etc are walking away Millionaires....questions have to be raised. I am glad to see that Obama is not afraid to ask these questions.

Oh geez it sounds like Obama has the nomination wrapped up from his comments above. The Bush years are gone if Obama hasn't heard the news yet. McCain as President will have the clout to institute what didn't get accomplished in previous years.

Wasn't there a piece today (Washington Post, maybe) reporting that about half of the money Sen. Obama has raised is from corporate fat cats? I believe he's been telling us that it's from small contributors. New politice?

Now I am really "rolling" my eyes here. Obama has a "magical" answer for everything it seems. Except a plausible one for his 17 year relationship with Rezko, his 23 year relationship with Wright, and a board appointment with Ayers and he says he would have fired Penn? Hillary is my candidate and if not her then McCain.

Clinton 08

I am not surprised by the comment of Mark. good luck..but that will not stop Obama winning...

Obama is for the minimum wage, now he's for a maximum wage? I wonder if he wants Oprah to take a pay cut!!

LET THE FREE MARKET DECIDE!

If every time Barack points out a difference between him and McCain and McCain cries"unfair" or "cheap attack", it's gonna get really old really fast. McCain just needs to respond with details of how his positions or plans would benefit Americans and let it at that.

Folks, let's face it, we all know Obama is right!
Mccain is now talking a "little bit " about he economy jst because he is pressured to do so. But he has no real plans, actually he said that's it's not the government busisness to help with this crisis.

Obama thinks he's soooooo cool, running on about McCain and Clinton. I bet it backfires on Mr. Cool, he's got a lot of skeltons in his closet.

How is this a cheap political attack? Obama feels McBush has not done enough?

It's a cheap political attack to not just simply respond with the facts, instead mcbush sends his little peons out to say 'oh no obama is being mean to me, i can't handle this is my poor frail decrepid state'

If the board of directors, voted for and approved by the share holders want to approve a CEO salary... why is that any of the Feds buisness... and people wonder why companies are leaving America...

If they are going to regulate that... how about doing the same for the over paid unskilled union workers who get 30+ dollars per hour too turn a wrench?

This country has become so entitlement based is almost sick...

As a democrat, I'm with McCain here.... I don't see how NOBAMA will do anything about this. It's great that he is TALKING about this issue, but he has not said anything about how he is going to CHANGE this issue.... talk is worthless, do SOMETHING with your ACTIONS, NOBAMA.

Clinton or McCain 08!

Keep it up Obama moving more and more into that left box that you won't be able to get out of. Since Carter the American people have rejected every Domocrat who ran from the left in favor of the Republican candidate. President Clinton ran from the center and won two elections.

Lets face it- Rebublican's are soft on corporate cronyism, period. McCain is no different.

Obama is "all talk" – no more public financing for him based on his speech today.

Add it to his growing list of lies, back tracks and re-statements of things he said.

- Former John Kerry supporter who now supports John McCain '08!

I soo agree with Mr. obama on this subject why should we make minimum wage so the CEO can make 15 million!!!! Imagine if they took a pay cut to a paltry 5 million we could afford to pay those who now get minimum wage about a $3 per hour increase HOWS THAT FOR AN ECONOMIC STIMULUS!!!!

Please do not ask Mccain more than one question a day. { HE Might/Will] givea stupid answer and you will tie up CNN and Msnbc for a day trying to cover it up for the old man. It is disgraceful that a was honorable profession has become shills for [not the american public] but for there selection or favorite choice to run the country. This is the lowest level and quality of REPORTING that I have witnessd in my 78 yrs. No wonder forieigners fight so hard against our present day values and ideals.

i love the way Obama says McCain will be a worthy opponent,
isn't he taking things for granted? As far as I knew Hillary is still in the race. We shold all listen to Obama on the issues after all he voted
present over 130 times.

HILLARY 08

Obama is just plain common. There is nothing extraordinary about him. He really isnt very intelligent if you listen to him. I wonder who writes his scripts? We will be in a bad mess if he wins. But God is still in charge, and I dont think He will allow Obama to win. I think He will give Anerica another chance to get it right. And that is NOT Obama.

Obama is all hype no talk. McCain has a history of actually working a bipartisan way. I beg all Obama supporters to actually look at both candidates records.

John McCain is only paying lip service to the CEO's, you know he wont do anything about it..

AND POINTING THAT OUT IS NOT A CHEAP POLITICAL ATTACK

This is just another example of the Obama being high and mighty on the one hand and doing the same inside the beltway bs on the other hand.

No, really, is John McCain really going to try to play both the "experienced" and the "outsider" cards? Johnny, this isn't 2000, man; you sold your soul to the conservatives within your party. In 2000 you were Arnold Vinick, the idealized Republican candidate; now, you're a hack. Stop pretending and be whatever kind of Republican it is you want to be this week.

Perhaps we should define what a "cheap political attack" is.

Actions speak louder than words. John McCain has consistently left corporations alone to do what they will and saying that corporate boards have the power to do something isn't the same thing as actually doing it.

Tucker Bounds has great command of the English language, but if you read and understand what he says, you'll discover that he doesn't say anything at all. Have the power is not the same as exercising the power, could and should are no substitutes for real actions like do and are.

What you have from the McCain campaign is words without meaning, intentions without follow through, and proposals without merit. Just the sort of thing we've had for the last eight years, but hardly what we need going forward, unless of course, that direction doesn't appeal to you.

Welcome to the wonderful world of socialism. What a CEO is paid is between him or her and the company's stockholders – the government has NO business whatsoever in the equation. As for the housing bill not doing enough to help struggling families – let's be real. Many of these families are in homes that they could never afford to begin with. Most are losing homes that they shouldn't have bought . While the government steps in and "saves" them, allowing them to stay in their homes, those of us who were more responsible with our finances and bought homes we could actually afford, will continue paying our mortgages and our taxes, so that we may bail out those who were not as responsible. Doesn't anyone see anything wrong with the government dictating how companies should compensate their managment while at the same time bailing out irresponsible homebusyers???

Republicans don't understand even the most basic ideas of what makes a fair campaign. Discussing what your opponents views or positions are IS NOT being negative!!!!

Lying, decieving, and outright shameful swiftboat tactics are what defines a negative campaign.

SO BECAUSE OBAMA SAYS HE DOESN't WANT TO RUN A NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN MEANS HE HAS TO GIVE McCAIN A FREE RIDE FOR STUFF McCAIN HIMSELF HAS SAID??? G'me a break!

I'm waiting for Hillary Clinton to start attacking McCain as well, because he is her real enemy.

Maybe she knows she has no chance at getting to the general election, so why bother?

As far as the disappointed Clinton supporters who claim they are going to vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee...remember that John McCain once voted to toss the Clintons out of the White House two years early (remember the impeachment trial?) He also reportedly joked that Chelsea Clinton was so ugly that her father must have been Janet Reno.

Obama or Clinton – we will give the little guy a voice with some power to back it up.

McCain – I will wag my finger at the CEO and tell them they should do better while stripping the little guy of any legal recourse.

Well McCain wants to give a tax break to those who are wealthy and to heck with the middle and lower income people.. Can you say the rich get richer and the poor get poorer..

Nuff said!!

Obama 08

Obama you busted again you have very close relationship with William Ayers
Hillary 08

Really John? Ummmmmmm

Everything now is a cheap political attack, what kind of race is McCain running?!?!?

are you running for president, or kindergarden hall monitor?!!??!!??

DEMOCRATS 08!!!!!

The McCain campaign quickly responded, calling the comments a "cheap political attack."

I would say the American people disagree!!

**

Do we really have to wait ALL THE WAY until November for McCain to lose??

Oh suck it up Grandpa.....this is a political campaign aimed at changing the disastrous course this country has been set on by the Republicans....ANYTHING GOES!

******************CHALLENGE TO DEMOCRATS***********************

OKAY, STARTING TODAY, I AM CHALLENGING EVERY OBAMA SUPPORTER, AND HILLARY SUPPORTER TO SAY SOMETHING POSITIVE ABOUT THE OTHER CANDIDATE (YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUPPORT THEM, BUT JUST SAY SOMETHING NICE) AND FOLLOW IT BY SAYING 3 NICE THINGS ABOUT YOUR CANDIDATE, AND WHY WE SHOULD VOTE FOR THEM….(POSITIVE CAMPAIGNING)

LET'S TURN THIS WAR WE HAVE STARTED ON EACHOTHER IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY INTO POSITIVITY!!!

I ENCOURGAE EVERYONE WHO THINKS IT WILL BE A DETRIMENT FOR THE REPUBLICANS TO WIN TO COPY THIS POST, AND PASTE IT ON EVERY BLOG YOU WRITE ON

LET'S GO DEMOCRATS!!! LET'S GO AMERICA!!!!!

*******************CHALLENGE TO DEMOCRATS**********************

Cheap? Maybe, but if its true .....all's fair in love and war.

Typical Obama crap. If not Hillary then McCain in 2008 and beyond.