Comments on: Hagel laughs off - but won't rule out - joining an Obama ticket

By: Dana in north Carolina

Dana in north Carolina — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:09:32 +0000

George in FL, thank you for your honesty. It goes a long way to explain to some of the folks who want to say that African-Americans are racist for voting so heavily for Obama. What these folks don't understand is that African-Americans liked Hillary and Obama about the same, and that their policies are almost identical, but that if faced with a choice, some but not all would go ahead and give Obama the benefit of the doubt if for no other reason than folks like you who would not. Then comments made by Bill and now Hillary sealed that deal. Yet even through all of that, most would still vote for her if she got the nom just to stay with the dem party. Can you say the same?

By: Frustrated Fem

Frustrated Fem — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:08:38 +0000

I can't believe anyone but frustrated feminist could vote for Hillary

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:07:28 +0000

To Venus: Get your panties out of a knot!! Its people like you that are making us Clinton supporters defect to McCain. Dont be mad because the Clinton supporters do not share your views of Obama!! We dont care about him and we dont care about you!! Stop being so "SPRUNG" on this man. Get a life.

Hillary or Bust!!
or
Hillary or McCain!!

By: Sean McM

Sean McM — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:07:19 +0000

The old saying:

How do you remember your original objective was to drain the swamp when you are up to your 'fanny' in alligators????

Clinton, and those of us supporting her, know she IS focused on the present FOR REAL REASONS i.e., problems that MUST be dealt with, very directly and right now!

Obama comes to us with "ignore the alligators, they are a mirage", don't focus on the present, look to the FUTURE .....HOPE your way out of the swamp.

Nomination to Clinton, for OUR sake...our being AMERICA, unqualified by racial references....we are all in here together folks!

Vote CLINTON '08

By: Sidney McCain

Sidney McCain — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:07:13 +0000

Pretty funny how Chris calls Obama supporeter hateful as she calls for HRC running as an independent. Anyone else find that a but "emotional"

By: Alex in San Diego

Alex in San Diego — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:06:54 +0000

Hillary Supporters that won't vote for Sen.Obama Come on folks, The two canidates have similar positions on just about every significant issue. Do we really want things to chage, if we want a shift in policy from our leaders, we need to grow up. Do you realize how idiotic that sounds, "If Hillary doesn't get the nomination, I'm voting for McCain". If that's truly the case, you don't really care about this country's direction. Anyone who will do that should come to grips, that stance is driven by one of two things, overwhelming bitterness, or sheer racism. I would at least have respect for those that would just be honest.

By: Deb.

Deb. — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:06:20 +0000

Check it out Hagel backers. He's against the war now, but so is almost everyone else who voted Yea just like HE did. Google the rollcall and see who else voted for it like John Kerry. Why didn't Obama condemn that error is judgment when he gave his kiss-up 2004 convention speech? Can you say hypocrite?

By: Miro

Miro — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:05:44 +0000

VP: sen. Webb.

By: Farrell, Houston, Tx

Farrell, Houston, Tx — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:05:41 +0000

Gen. Colon Powell would also make a great V.P., but if Hillary is the choice I support her also. Hillary undoubtedly is a great First Lady and it's unfortunate her quest for the nominee did some damage, but she will recover.

By: Roger

Roger — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:05:35 +0000

We need to get the message through to Hillary that she needs to run as Independant. She may already be planning on it and that is why she is staying in this race.

Hillary going independant would actually bring in a lot of votes from the republican party and the democrat party that aren't happy with their nominee, but don't want to cross over to the other party, but wouldn't mind voting independant.

By: Sean McM

Sean McM — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:05:32 +0000

NO TO CHAMELEON OBAMA for NOMINATION.......AN ABSOLUTE DEMOCRATIC AND MEDIA SCAM !!!!!!!

By: Ed Andrews

Ed Andrews — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:05:02 +0000

Clinton has the less educated white vote(fact), Clinton wins the dems nomination(highly unlikely), then Clinton becomes Prez(highly improbable). What does this say about the educational level and racial standards of the USA in 2008?

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:04:48 +0000

Well said Marshall. As a true democrat, I would vote for Hillary even though during this campaign I truly dislike her but in the end what truly does matter is a democrat in the White House.

By: Aaron M.

Aaron M. — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:04:27 +0000

Hagel would be a very good SecDef, but not a VP. I'd like to see Jim Webb be the VP.

Definitely not Hillary, I just don't think that it wouldn't be the right match for Obama.

By: Mind

Mind — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:04:13 +0000

Marshall–count me in.

By: North Carolina Graduate

North Carolina Graduate — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:02:52 +0000

Obama is only winning because of the black vote. 89% to 91% of 26% or more being the black population can help you win many states. If Obama was not black, Hillary would have already won.

By: Joe - Wilmington, DE

Joe - Wilmington, DE — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:02:51 +0000

Wow!!! A pretty good choice - Hagel's been a great leader/legislator. Fat chance though. I can't imagine the powers-that-be in the Democratic party agreeing.

By: charlie z

charlie z — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:02:26 +0000

we need to unite the party, not tear it to pieces. obama and clinton share very similar viewpoints when it comes to the main issues. i think obama's appeal has been that he's just a more positive campaign. it seems that most of the contentions that clinton supporters have with obama were brought to light from clinton's own smear-campaign against obama. to say "if not clinton, then mccain," is only going to hurt us all in the long run. please don't let your emotions overwhelm your rationality. choosing what is disadvantageous to the self out of bitterness is just plain idiocy.

By: JP, Downers Grove, IL

JP, Downers Grove, IL — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:59:37 +0000

Veterans for Hagel and Obama!!! End this War!!! Bring the Country together!! Restore our credibility!!

By: Roger

Roger — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:59:35 +0000

Obama is in the lead because African-Americans started noticing a black candidate in February. Before then, hardly anyone knew who he was. Call me idiot but you all know it is the truth.

By: Independent

Independent — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:58:19 +0000

I would love to have Hagel on the ticket. He brings much experience, including foreign policy with him. I so so thrilled that we will have Obama as the nominee. To those who keep screaming that Hillary run as an Independent- she cannot do that – look at the rules, oops she doesn't like playing by the rules now, does she! Obama o8

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:57:19 +0000

If Obama picks Hagel, I would be pleasantly surprised. It would prove to me he isn't just about lip serivce. That would be one way to get this Independent to switch from McCain to Obama.

By: Chris (CT)

Chris (CT) — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:57:06 +0000

Chris, I must speak out against you, my namesake. Chris, take a deep breath and relax, you're not being rational. Your shortsightedness is alarming...please tell us you're not really that out of touch? Also, where do you live? I want to make sure I stay clear, the water has obviously gone bad.

By: ella

ella — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:55:09 +0000

I dont understand why Clinton's supporters especially the women will not vote for Obama. As a mother I teach my children to handle defeat and move on. If HRC was in the lead and the nomination was given to Obama I could understand but she is not, so why on earth are they so upset. As mothers what are we teaching our kids. Its so sad and its a HUGE shame. If the men come out and say they wont vote for Hillary if Obama isnt nominated, that will cause an uproar. We are better than that as women.

By: doc-Molly

doc-Molly — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:54:56 +0000

I have to disagree with you Brian – Hagel does have a personality – ok more like cinnamon oatmeal – but being a democrat from Nebraska (a rare thing) Hagel is an outstanding Republican who stood for what he believes in and actually I think he would be PERFECT on the ticket. Obama wants to unite us – then prove it by the choice for vice...

Obama/Hagel!!!!!

By: Dee

Dee — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:54:29 +0000

I am a Republican- really believe in Republican values but really tired of Conservative Republicans..That is why I have become Independent to vote for Obama

I will never vote for Obama if he has Clinton as VP as that will not serve what Obama is standing for...

By: Calett

Calett — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:54:26 +0000

Well if Obama-Hagel ticket sound great
how about McCain-Clinton, simple unbeatable, this way the country will be united.

By: NJ

NJ — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:53:57 +0000

As long as Hillary isn't the Veep... Lord knows if Obama picked her he'd be dead by the inauguration and Hillary would become president by "default"

By: Judy

Judy — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:53:08 +0000

Kim, if Bill give Hillary some money then proably she would, go out on her own but I don't think her backers would apprepriate that right now. She needs and wants to be top dog.

By: Marshall

Marshall — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:52:13 +0000

CNN – Please Post or do you want a divided party?
People...I am guilty of bashing. Yes, I can admit it. But we all are. It is time to stop blaming each other. Both sides did it. It wasn't just the Obama supporter or just the Clinton supporters. IT WAS BOTH SIDES.

We need to get past the he said, she said playground justice and focus on the real issue...KEEPING MCCAIN out of the White House.

As I said before, I am guilty. I bashed on both sides. I started supporting one candidate and later changed sides. Who I support doesn't matter because their stand on the issues is almost identical.

Rush wants us to continue to bash and to keep us weak because he knows we could get anyone elected if we stood together. He fears US...A UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY!

So let's leave the name calling and finger pointing to the children on the playgrounds and act like adults. Once again, me included.

Let's end the negative and focus on the challenge...Beating McCain.

This is my pledge. Who stands with me?

By: Brenda

Brenda — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:52:08 +0000

Sen. Hagel will be an excellent choice for VP candidate. Barack Obama should welcome him as his running mate. Also Huffington Post reports that Obama has gained four superdelegates today. In addition, Jack Johnson, a pledged delegate of Hillary's is switching and he plans to endorse Obama at the August convention.

By: Shirley, Silicon Valley, CA

Shirley, Silicon Valley, CA — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:50:53 +0000

Anyone but the Clintons!

The Clintons' negative baggages will be a huge target for GOP to attack.

The DISHONESTY AND UNTRUSTWORTHYNESS of the Clintons will destroy Obama presidency!

It would be a DISASTER Dems are asking for! The Clintons are huge SINKHOLE draggging everybody down!

By: Yolanda/S.A. Texas

Yolanda/S.A. Texas — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:50:42 +0000

You know it's interesting to me that all of Hillary's supporters call the Obama supporters names and the same goes for Hillary supporters. But listen everyone...If your a die hard "DEMOCRATE" what is the problem. I could also bring up a lot of issues myself when it comes to the news media emphasizing the demographics voting for Hillary...Let's see the one that really stands out..."Un-educated" voters comes to mind. But Hillary has done her part..." McCain is better than a Democratic" Obama.."the Bitter remark"...but overall both have made some serious remarks that tarneshes them both. So DEMOCRATES stand for change! that's what we want regardless to who is in the top. We don't wish to have another 4 years of Bush politics..Or do we??? I believe we all are smarter than that. Aren't We???

By: Carmen

Carmen — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:49:35 +0000

Yes think about it but we want someone who will be with Obama for changing this nation.

By: CAT

CAT — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:49:02 +0000

Hillary has shown she can be just as racist as the next guy. She is not talking about the
issues as much anymore, she is only talking about the White Vote. She is only talking about her winning these states as if Obama could not do so against McCain.. Hillary is playing divide and concur and she does not give a dam what that might do to the party in November.

She is willing to sacrifice her ideals and respect with cheep shots and prejudices statements just to get votes and to me that is sad.

By: milo in MS

milo in MS — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:47:59 +0000

They gonna need a white man on the ticket if dey wanna win

By: Mario

Mario — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:47:34 +0000

Obama/Paul 08 would be the dream ticket that would align the stars, and part the clouds to let the sun shine through.

Obama/Paul 08

By: Yes we can!

Yes we can! — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:46:08 +0000

EVERYONE THAT VOTES MCCAIN AND SUPPOSE TO BE A TRUE DEMOCRAT DESERVES TO HAVE THEIR VOTE STRIPPED...HOW CAN YOU SAY YOU CARE ABOUT THE ISSUES AND WANT A REPUBLICAN BACK IN THE WHITE HOUSE....YOU ARE JUST THAT SPITEFUL THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO DROP YOUR VALUES, MORALS AND CARE FOR THE ISSUES JUST BECAUSE YOU DONT LIKE OBAMA....WHAT HAS HE DONE TO YOU...HE HAS SHOWN UNITY AND GREAT STRENGTH AND GREAT JUDGEMENT....HAS OVERCOME GREAT CONTROVERSEY.....WHAT YOU FAIL TO REALIZE IS THAT THE MAJORITY WANTS SOMETHING NEW, GET OVER IT AND EMBRACE IT CAUSE HE WILL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT. AND I WAS A MIKE HUCKBEE SUPPORTER, NOW THAT SHOWS YOU HOW MUCH OBAMA HAS CONVINCED ME HE IS THE BEST CANDIDATE!!!!!!

By: Tony

Tony — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:45:21 +0000

Besides saying that he will "bring us all together", what has Obama really DONE? How does being arrogant and politically inexperienced enable him to be president? What great things has he accomplished, which qualify him to run the country? How is bringing in someone, who by being so in-experienced allows him to stand for change, make it right? WHY IS EXPERIENCE SUCH A BAD THING? Oh, because, it's Old Washington? So, automatically, Obama is better? I just don't see the logic. Obama is just another privileged, insulated rich person who has no idea of what it means to struggle. I believe that there's too many people who feel obligated to vote for him, because he's (half) black (And not African-American, but African) - "to show the world how much we've moved on"... Noble yes, but as a Senator maybe, not for President. Why do all of you arrogant and nasty Obama supporters say (Shut up, you know you are and so does everyone else), if you even question his qualifications, that you're an idiot? But you people don't have any answers for that - you just get HOSTILE and say we need change. How is that bringing people together? Obama is ALL some pie-in-the-sky image, NO substance. And, no matter what you say, he is a WIMP. Do we want an unqualified wimp to be President? I do not.

By: KATY

KATY — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:44:24 +0000

CHRIS... YOU ONLY WISH US OBAMA SUPPORTERS WERE BEING HYPNOTIZED AND UNDER SOME SPELL. LOL. IF HE DID HYPNOTIZE ME, THANK GOD! BECAUSE I FEEL GREAT KNOWING THAT I'M WITH A CANDIDATE WHO HAS NEW VISION AND WISDOM FOR THIS COUNTRY. IF YOU ACTUALLY SPENT THE TIME TO "READ" ABOUT HIS STANCES ON ISSUES AND NEW IDEAS...INSTEAD OF JUST LISTENING TO SOUND BYTES ON TELEVISION, YOU WOULDN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE SAYING THAT HE IS ALL "TALK." HE ISN'T...AND HOPEFULLY SOON, YOU WILL SEE THAT. OTHERWISE, I GUESS YOU'LL HAVE TO JOIN THE REPUBLICANS...LIKE YOU SAID. OH WELL...NO LOSS FOR US. MORE AND MORE REPUBLICANS ARE SWITCHING SIDES TO SUPPORT OBAMA. I THINK WE COULD HANDLE THE LOSS OF YOUR UNHELPFUL SUPPORT. THE TIME WILL COME...AND YOU'LL SEE WHAT BARACK WILL ACHIEVE FOR THIS COUNTRY. GREAT THINGS ARE GOING TO COME. YES, WE CAN.

By: E. POWELL I MD, E POWELL MD II & ER. POWELL MD

E. POWELL I MD, E POWELL MD II & ER. POWELL MD — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:44:05 +0000

AS A REPUBILICAN THIS MAN HAS ALWAYS GAVE US THE FEELING THAT HE THINKS FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. UNLIKE MOST REPUBILICANS HE IS NOT STILL IN THAT "LEAVE IT TO BEAVER" MINDSET. GOOD MAN!!!!!!!!!!!

By: KAB

KAB — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:44:03 +0000

Wow George-FLA Thanks for your honesty, I wholeheartedly disagree but I am so glad someone had the U KNOW WHAT"S to say it! It's a shame though I don't not like Hillary or MCbush because they are white they just don't care for me or my struggles and my life is not as important as yours seems to be to "those people". I truly thank you for that comment, and i don't take it personal at all. That's the reason right there that she will win WV and KY!! WOW!!

By: Miro

Miro — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:43:37 +0000

Hillary running as independent is 100% SURE victory for McCain and 100% SURE defeat for both Obama, Clinton and also for Democrats for next 20 years.

By: Anna

Anna — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:43:24 +0000

He is a straight talker. Thats nice.
Someone from Nebraska in the White House would be groovy.
GO BIG RED (as in football)

By: 60 YO white female , Springfield, VA

60 YO white female , Springfield, VA — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:43:12 +0000

Obam – Hagel 08

That has my vote !

By: Rick FL

Rick FL — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:42:57 +0000

I still like the idea of an Obama/Clinton ticket, but the prospect of an Obama/Hagel team is definitely compelling. Unity '08 would coincide Obama's message of transcendence.

By: Ray

Ray — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:41:55 +0000

TO: Disappointed in California

Why is he in the lead then? Pledged delegates are not just handed out, he is winning because that is who the majority of voters wanted to win! Spite will get you no where and no matter how you spin it, she lost. Deal and get on board so we don't have another 100 years in Iraq!

By: Jed in Texas

Jed in Texas — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:41:42 +0000

Obama and McCain both need a red stater to carry the south.

By: Sean P. in Bremerton, WA

Sean P. in Bremerton, WA — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:41:41 +0000

I know CNN won't pots these comments oh well here it goes to give the moderator a good read. Everyone who says "Clinton or McCain" realize that Obama voters are some of the youngest and/or most educated in this country. If Hillary costs Obama this election in November from her campaigning in the next election those Obama supporters will still not vote for Hillary because of what she has done in this election. Not to mention those who support Hillary will be dwindling in 2012 problem with the older vote is that it may not be around in four years as much as the "younger" vote. Not only will Hillary not win in 2012 simply because the Obama supporters will remember every screw job, rules change Hillary has tried and won't let her get away with it. We, the educated, have long memories and we'll remember the division Hillary has caused that will in all likelihood put another republican in office. And Hillary will be ostracized, blackballed, and usurped...uhh for you Hillary Supporters all those big words mean "KICKED OUT and OFF" her Political seat. Her Political Career is over after this election both in the Senate and in any hope of EVER being president. We Will Remember, and We'll NEVER Vote Clinton again, mark my words.... Obama/Sebelius 08&12,,,hopefully.

By: Gin

Gin — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:35:46 +0000

I liked Hagel until I learned that his voting record has been at least 97% with George Bush. He talks one way, then votes another.