May 21, 2008
Posted: 03:20 PM ET

From
Blitzer: Obama and Clinton have escalated their war of words over foreign policy.
Blitzer: Obama and Clinton have escalated their war of words over foreign policy.

(CNN) — John McCain is not letting up on Barack Obama. Virtually every recent day, he has gone after Obama’s national security stance. He says Obama’s willingness to meet with leaders from Iran, North Korea and Venezuela is “reckless, and demonstrates a poor judgment that will make the world more dangerous.” In his latest statement, McCain calls Obama’s approach “naïve” and “based entirely on emotion.”

Obama is responding in kind. “The Bush Iraq policy that asks everything of our troops and nothing of Iraqi politicians is John McCain’s policy, too, and so is the fear of tough and aggressive diplomacy that has left this country more isolated and less secure than at any time in recent history,” Obama said Tuesday night.

Still, there is no doubt that McCain’s strategy of hammering Obama on a nearly daily basis on foreign policy is deliberate. McCain certainly feels very comfortable talking about national security. He sees that as his major strength. And most observers agree McCain would much rather have national security on the agenda right now than the economy where he and his fellow Republicans see themselves as rather vulnerable..

By attacking Obama, moreover, he is helping to frame the debate and put the Democratic candidate on the defensive. That’s the strategy for now.

Filed under: Wolf Blitzer


Mel   May 21st, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Wolf Blitzer I don't actually care whether you post this comment to your web site or not. What I do want to say is that on television as on this web site your commentary is extremely bias in what questions you ask (and of whom), how you frame the issues, etc. Most fair-minded commentators think Senator Obama is handling is own on the foreign policy front and Senator McCain is getting no traction. He is repeating himself and going nowhere and he is finding little traction. Ironically Israel is more pragmatic in Middle East, negotiating with its enemies. Republicans like Gates and Chuck Hagel are challenging McCain within the Republican Party. Finally on issue of domestic policy. You claim Senator Obama has a "problem" with white voters in Appalachia. Does Senator McCain have a "problem" with black and racial minority voters across the country? Balance would be geat.

Troy   May 21st, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Everyone talking about democtatic foreign Policy with Obama, What Foreign Policy? the democrats have total control of Congress and still nothing is happening. Republicans can't do anything about policies because they are now controlled by Nancy the PoleCat from California and she can't lead a pack of dogs, Obama won't talk about his polices where solve any problems. He is too Radical and I shutter at the thought his radical wife will be a First Lady! I think Not! I would love to know what Obama's real policies are? I as A Democrat am wishing for a strong 3rd. Party Canidate, because Obama bin Lauden won't be able to lead our County be he sure as hell will be able to sell us out with the rest of the Democratic Party. Are we in a mess!!!!!

Maria   May 21st, 2008 5:43 pm ET

America, wake up! Thanks to Bush's McCain policies you've lost respect of the rest of the world, and have become the best allies to terrorists, while losing the battle to them without even noticing it.
In the last 8 years your citizens have lost a lot of their privacy rights, are fearful of a terrorist attacks, the country is no longer a human rights and democracy champion.I guess Osama bin Laden didn't even dream of such success, with just one attack. You haven't had another because there is absolutely no need for it And the invasion of Iraq was what Osama needed to consolidate his power and expand his network, that is a lesson that Mao taught, if a foreign nation invades, as Japan did with China, it is much easy to recruit people because you transform from a terrorist or a guerrilla into a fighter for the country's freedom of foreign occupation.
Why not look at countries that fought against terrorism and won? Take Peru for example, when the military rather than the politicians where trying to fight it, things got worse. The military tend to retaliate without any concern of human rights and usually mistake the targets, and the civil population caught in between trying to survive usually helped both sides, out of fear. The one thing that did the job was to capture the leaders, other things helped like setting permanent police posts on every small town in the areas affected.
Hope for the good of the american people that Obama gets elected.

Ty   May 21st, 2008 5:43 pm ET

You want to hear 'straight talk'. Here it is. McCain is old, and I mean OLD. He ran as an independent against George Washington and lost. Would you trust your grandpa to drive a school bus? I didn't think so.

OBAMA '08   May 21st, 2008 5:42 pm ET

BTW I think Darth Vadik, Ca and I were seperated at birth or something…….
Always love your posts Darth

:)

Alex   May 21st, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Wolf, who is putting heat on who, as far as I know it McCain who started flip flapping to defend his friend, George Bush’s Speech. In addition, to flip flapping McCain is twisting Obama’s words to confuse voters with the help of journalists like you. If you just biased reporter you would not at least this title. But we know why you are supporting McCain. Anyway it is sad to see you loosing your objectivity when you are close to your retirement. The truth is Obama is challenging McCain whether he is still behind some of his popular views or he has abandoned them to please the right. McCain instead of answering the question he is using from Bush’s communication style of deny deny deny.

Canuk   May 21st, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Let's be serious Jan, it was your elected state leaders that disenfranchised you when they moved your primary up knowing the consequences.

Daniel from California   May 21st, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Obama wanting to actually create a foreign policy should be a good thing. But the problem is too many Americans are used to diplomacy under George W. Bush. I mean Bush wants nothing to do with Spain's new Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, because he removed Spanish troops from Iraq like he promised if he won. And Zapatero of course has said himself that he won't step foot in Washington until Bush leaves office.

The two leaders don't see eye to eye on too many things. How about the United States steping up to the plate and helping Myanmar? The Military Junta there has shown the world that they don't care about their people. They want every type of aid for themselves first. The U.S. has three ships on the coast of Myanmar, but can't enter unless they get the approval of the dictatorship government.

McCain will only continue W. Bush's foreign policy, he will do nothing to change in another direction. McCain will continue the war till 2013, that's a joke to tell the American people that. U.S. troops have been dying there for nothing, and he wants to keep them there till his first term expires. The American people aren't too fond of that at all. McCain is doomed, the nomination was the only easy thing he could win. But with an unpopular war, and unpopular president McCain is in trouble to convince Americans to put him in office.

True   May 21st, 2008 5:39 pm ET

McCaine has nothing of interest to the American people, we don't need a racist running our foreign affairs, neither do we want him to run the country…

LatteLovingPriusDriver   May 21st, 2008 5:37 pm ET

It's nice to see George McCain and John Bush so closely aligned in attacking Senator Obama…..it's wonderful to see. It GUARANTEES a McPain loss in November.

You can smell the formaldehyde in McPain’s speeches when he's awake and drooling on his notes.

He’ll win the bitter ‘I hate men’ Clinton vote and the racists white Kentucky -W. Virginia vote.

The country will see a rebirth in pride as the WORLD celebrates his victory. Wait and see when you see countries come forward to partner with the US on how to battle terrorism INTELLIGENTLY and how to solve the global economic crisis and how to address food shortages.

The darkest 8 years of American history WILL BE OVER. The war-avoiding cowards of Bush and Cheney will end their reign of terror.

fairness   May 21st, 2008 5:37 pm ET

diplomacy, yes - but cautious, superb, Obama did not have any chance to show us his diplomacy yet. So far it is most of speeches ( not diplomacy, just show), complaining, attacking, changing his mind and mainly: he had so many times trouble to express himself clearly = he had to explain what he really meant by saying that or this……this is not sign of good diplomacy to me.

?   May 21st, 2008 5:35 pm ET

True question for anyone, where is mccanes exp what has he done that say he know what he is doing, was he calling the shots way back when, has he done something eles since then?

Please don't me the POW thing because being a POW and running a country don't go hand in hand.

One last thing how do problems get solved if you don't talk? When crips and bloods just start shooting each other is that not the same as it my way or no way?

Wayne Philips   May 21st, 2008 5:33 pm ET

How can Jimmy Carter, Jr. expect to get rational thought from an irrational man who believes the Holocaust never happened?

Barack would be a second term for Carter, THE worst president ever!

–p.

mother too   May 21st, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Wolf,
there was one section on home page that Clinton is being asked to reject racist votes. Everyone ( Obama, McCain) then should do the same, not only her … right?
The double standard, the enormus push by some people to get her out is not right.
She and the others should be allowed to stay till the end. The elections should take just 1-2 days in whole country with all delegates, and then the one with most votes would have the presidency. This way a lot of money would be saved, and all people would have the voice. It would be only fair.

hmmmmm.....sounds fishy   May 21st, 2008 5:33 pm ET

yes people the half black guy is out organizing and outfundraising the others……hhhmmmm I wonder why……probably because he has put the right people were they need to be……..you can call him a whiner or complainer…….he has only been fighting the democratic party of the last 20 years and he is winning……..so tell me people is he smarter and more prepared or is Hillary losing to someone she should have beat……….either way it won't be the black guy stealing anything here…….because he won it fair and square

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   May 21st, 2008 5:32 pm ET

psc nc you posted

Yes Greg I agree. However, your spouses achievement will not and can not be translated to your own achievements.
If your husband is a doctor, will they allow the spouse to prescribe drugs ?

Thanks for responding. i was directing that question to another, but that is ok.

I was referring to Bush in 2004. I do agree about what you said about the doctor . hay it looks like dems and reps can talk with out killing each other. PCS you have a good day

Alex in TX   May 21st, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Hey Marie, only a fool, AKA a Republican, would equate foreign policy with the military. Just because you eat up what the Republican machine has been feeding you about military = foreign policy = anti-terrorism, doesn't make it so.

Go vote for McCain and add a couple million more terrorists in this world ready to blow us up.

noemi in los angeles   May 21st, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Article Part 1

Sept. 2007

Michigan and Florida did not want to miss out on the election-year fun, rejecting the anonymity of the Feb. 5 mob scene. Defying DNC rules, Florida moved its primary to Jan. 29 and Michigan then went to Jan. 15, not specifying whether it would be a caucus or a primary. The early states responded that they would adjust their own dates to make certain that they voted first. The DNC imposed sanctions on the rebellious states: loss of their national convention delegates and prohibition of candidates from campaigning there. The word in Democratic political circles was that Florida and Michigan would get back their delegates before the convention and that nothing could stop presidential candidates from campaigning there.

But all Democratic candidates a week ago agreed to follow the DNC rules. Contending that early primary states "play a unique and special role in the nominating process," the Clinton campaign statement said "the DNC's rules and its calendar provide the necessary structure to respect and honor that role." What the statement did not say is how much she actually welcomed Michigan and Florida breaking the rules.

win   May 21st, 2008 5:28 pm ET

It was announced yesterday that Israel is having peace talks with Syria, an enemy of Israel. I suppose Bayou Joe and others on this blog would also conclude that Israel is appeasing its enemies????

Obama   May 21st, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Good for McCain - someone needs to put the heat on Obama. He has gotten a free ride so far. And yes, we are all on the same page concerning Obama. The DNC is in for a rude awakening in November for picking Obama over Hillary. They will pay the price.

And just for Obama supporters information - screw your scare tatics - we can think for ourselves. Same goes for the scare tatics on the abortion issue. You act as if you have the final word on telling everyone what to do.

We WILL vote for McCain if Obama get the nomination. Now, put that in your big mouths and chew on it for awhile.

Jan from Michigan   May 21st, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Obama people getting desperate? begging people to forgive Barrack for disenfranchising Fla and Mich?

Vig   May 21st, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Obama has ingratiated himself to America. McCain doesn't mince words - Obama will be backed into a corner sooner or later.

Matt   May 21st, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Marie,

Where is Clinton's armed forces experience??? You are the one looking like an idiot.

Theracists   May 21st, 2008 5:21 pm ET

The Democratic party is the most racist party in the U.S. All of you are still fighting either the Civil War or the Civil Rights battles. Get over it,
The party of Lincoln (Republican) has already forged ahead and you can join us in November when we take down the Radicals from the Left Wing of the Democratic Party. We are Americans not hypenated americans as your party would like to label us.

R.I.F.   May 21st, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Anybody track the Gallop Poll from the day that Bush and McCain statred this Iran debate? Obama is about +8 since then against McCain so I would tend to think that McCain is losing this battle which is suppose to be his "strong" point. If Obama goes +8 over foreign policy then wait until we get to healthcare, the economy and education.

Darth Vadik, CA   May 21st, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Now Hillary is comparing Florida and Michigan votes to 2000 and slavery? What is wrong with her?

Phong Nguyen   May 21st, 2008 5:21 pm ET

S. Obama should be taken to task for saying that he would not have known what to do if he had had to vote on authorizing the President to use force on Iraq at the time when he was interviewed by the New York Times on 7/26/2004!!!

Fredi   May 21st, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Where in the world did McCain get the reputation that he is competent in foreign politics????????????????

bernie   May 21st, 2008 5:17 pm ET

wolf it would be better if you would turn the heat on the jerk that ask all the stupid questions every day.i can;t believe you pay jack cafferty for any of his comments.he is angry and mean old man.give him an obama pin to wear on his white shirt. tell him his job is to report the the news not try top make the news.

5Jayne   May 21st, 2008 5:17 pm ET

I have lost all the respect that I used to have for John McCain. He has flip-flopped so many times, he is beginning to look like a dolphin. Wasn't he the guy that got the Sunnis and Shias mixed up, 3 times? He is too out of touch to be the president.

Theracists   May 21st, 2008 5:16 pm ET

I trust Hillary to deal with the foreign government leaders more than I trust Obama. She at least knows how to dodge the bullets as she comes into their tents. I can picture her walking into the mountains of Pakistan and sitting down with Bin Laden to talk some sense into him. Barak would probably invite him over to his place in Chicago for coffee with Rev. Wright and Bill Ayers. Now that I would pay admission to see.

Obama: No, We Can’t   May 21st, 2008 5:16 pm ET

As Obama claims the Democratic nomination (despite Hillary Clinton—like Al Gore —having won the popular vote), he just continues to make rookie mistakes. Mitch Berg notes another example of Obama saying something sure to hurt him in the general election. Obama made the following statement in regard to global warming:

“We can’t drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times … and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK,” Obama said.

“That’s not leadership. That’s not going to happen,” he added.

“Yes we can!” has now morphed into “that’s not going to happen.” So much for Obama’s positive message of “hope.” Apparently we can hope that Obama is merciful in dictating what we should drive, eat, and what temperature we can set our thermostats to.

Texas Democrat   May 21st, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Has everyone (especially the media) forgotten that Barack Obama does not have some staggering lead over Hillary Clinton? If Obama was truly the CLEAR winner, wouldn’t he have already secured enough delegates by now? Everyone is up in arms about Hillary supposedly dividing the party but that is ridiculous. If half of the party is divided between two people, why isn’t anyone looking at it as Obama being the divider?

If this is supposed to be such a free and democratic country, why is Florida and Michigan being disenfranchised like this? This wouldn’t be the first time Florida could have changed the entire election.

Hillary needs to run on the independent ticket. Have McCain, Obama and Clinton run against each other in November and then we will see just who the country thinks the best person for president is.

Dana H. in Bay Area CA   May 21st, 2008 5:14 pm ET

McCain is a coward for not wanting to talk to our enemies, that what it really boils down to. Also that's the only argument he has. Once Obama is declared the nominee he's going be blast McCain on all the other issues he cowering away from like the economy and gas. Obama is smart for letting McCain get all his arguments about foreign policies out and done with. They have a long way to go and once the heat has died down on that, McCain's days are numbered. Even people in his own party is telling him that talks with our enemies is a better idea then him following Bushes lead. Actually I hope McCain keeps up his miss guided Bush thinking so his loss in the fall will be guaranteed. And personally I would rather have someone with no experience then someone with the wrong experience. At least the person with no experience can learn where as the person with the wrong experience will be hard to change.

taylor richmond virginia   May 21st, 2008 5:14 pm ET

McCain is like a bad record with a skip in it. I think I would rather be waterboarded than tortured with his nutty mantra.

Anonymous   May 21st, 2008 5:14 pm ET

I'm getting very annoyed of those thinking that McCain's military experience should be the criteria to become president. If thats the case, shouldn't all the presidents be military generals instead of civilian politicians? Or you have others who complain that Obama doesn't have experience. No presidential candidate has experience unless he's running for his/her second term.

What makes a good president is integrity, ability to lead people to a greater good, the ability to unite people, and the ability to elequently convey his thoughts to people of different view points, etc.
The actual subject matter expertise will come from his/her advisors who the president chooses to surround themselves with, provided that he/she is humble enough to listen to their opinion and intelligent enough to see all sides and make an intelligent and informed decision.

Proud American   May 21st, 2008 5:13 pm ET

McCain "Blah, blah, fear, blah" and more "blah, blah, fear, blah". We've been hearing it for 8 years already. You guys in the Republican party are old and senile.

gerard morei   May 21st, 2008 5:13 pm ET

To: Nikole, Harerta, BC girl, Francis, Jeanie, Helene,Pam, Maureen, Maya, Sara, Elizabeth, Carla< Fat Lady, Jennifer, Lilla, Mary, Kathy, Mary-Lynn, Evelyn, Judy Reed, Lucie-Lee, Maria, Mary: I hope you are not the women that complains all the time at work because are not treated fair by they male bosses, and complain also because are not getting equal pay- to equal possitions against what men gets paid. Women being looking all their lives for equal rights, now you have the opportunity to elect a brilliant woman for the most important job in the world and you are turnrd your back on Hillary, Jeoulosy? or you like to be dominated by men? You will not have another opportunity like this to elect a woman for President, I guarantee that. You have nothing against Hillary, She never give anybody a reason to be hayed like you hate her. So, please reconsider your support.
Thank you.
Please CNN post this comment.

Terry in Fl   May 21st, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Obama has one foreign policy. Open the doors and welcome all terrorist, communists and mad dog heathern into our country. We will be destroyed if that man makes it to the White House.

Warmonger   May 21st, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Like Bush, McCain is a war-monger. He wants a war, he wants to talk about war, theorize about war, manage a war, and most of all be at war. He's talking about Iraq being over in 2012, what year do you think McCain would say a war with Iran would start?

Just so we’re all on the same page   May 21st, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Just so we’re all on the same page:
1. We can listen to, but we can’t comment on or respond to Michelle Obama’s political statements.
2. We can’t reference Barack’s middle name.
3. We can’t refer to any of Barack’s friends or colleagues.
4. We can listen to, but we can’t respond to Barack’s positions on foreign policy.

Am I missing anything here?

Bayou Joe   May 21st, 2008 5:08 pm ET

It is not scare tactics, it is called the truth. You don't appease your enemies, you destroy them. History shows us that when one country tries to stop the other from invading it, but giving concessions. They end up in the control of that country.
It is no different today than it was during WWI and WWII, except we are dealing with an enemy that hides behind women and children,
destroys their own temples, kills it's own people and has the ambition of bringing the world into their ideology. No one can win an ideological war by diplomacy, They can only do it by destroying the ability of ideologues to carry out their mission.

In this case we are doing it with our votes. We the true blue American die hards will not allow our country to be placed in the hands of Barak Obama.

George from Minneapolis   May 21st, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Just because you were in the armed services and a pow does not make you an expert on foreign relations.

obama makes more sense than mccain. the old way of doing things is over, they dont work. if they did work our name would not be mud around the world.

obama's ideas are superior to mcbush's ideas on foreign policy.

209Politics   May 21st, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Susie have you read about Jimmy Carter? Do you even know why Carter won the presidency in 1976? Carter won because he painted incumbent President Gerald Ford as a part of mainstream Washington.Before Carter took office, many American's still had Watergate in their minds. Carter attacked Washington in his speeches. Carter would be the first candidate from the Deep South to be elected to office since 1848.

Carter inherited an economy from not one, but two Republican presidents'. They (Nixon, and Ford) would never imagine this would happen. Although Carter should have handled the Iran Hostage Crisis better. This is why all of Carters successors would never engage in diplomacy with Iran. This needs to change, and under an Obama Adiministration this would change, with help from Congress.

Hans-Erik Iken   May 21st, 2008 5:07 pm ET

McCain claiming to have the upper hand on foreign policiy is ludicrous. A man that thinks 'Bomb Iran' is funny is a joke himself.

McCain is a dinosaur with likewise ideas: outdated and oldfashioned.

I think the GOP made him the nominee so they can lose this election without losing a valuable candidate they might put to good use in 2012. He is just a pawn in the political chessgame and he is being sacrificed.

The GOP know this year they are going to lose, they know that Bush and Cheney made the GOP toxic to the majority of the electorate.

I just hope that Obama will deliver on the promise to rebuild the USA to its former glory and standing.

Donna in California   May 21st, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Well, McCain had better find something to go after OBAMA about because Obama is leading in the Polls right now. I feel sorry for Mccain because even his friends ate critizing his untrue statements about his weak,failing foreign police.

Go Obama!

Sharon, Los Angeles   May 21st, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Managing a campaign is minor compared to managing this nation. What’s key is a talented staff with respective skills in finance, budgeting, coordination and advising. Fortunately, we get to peek these skills in our candidates prior to casting our vote. So far, only one candidate shines in all of these areas, and that’s Barack Obama. We can’t ignore this, because it’s not about the candidates, it’s about us who will be affected by that elected person’s judgment.

I’ve listened to McCain talk about Obama’s inexperience, yet his campaign-staff selection has been faulty (like Bush’s), and a few has dubious ties (also like Bush’s). It’s my thinking that an acute leader would never’ve let them in the door. And, surprising, Hilary Clinton realized way too late that her campaign was going array. That, to me, is not any different from the messy style of management that’s in office right now. Compared to McCain and Clinton, Obama outshines them both. He is the better candidate.

Debbie   May 21st, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Go John McCain!

Continue to claim that Ronald Reagan made the world more dangerous.
Reagan met with Iran to free the hostages.

The longer this goes on, the more Republicans will vote for Ron Paul.

R.I.F.   May 21st, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Wolf, you are so bias Before Obama started talking about Iran he blasted McCain on all of the lobbyist running his campaign after 10 years ago saying that lobbyist shouldn't run campaigns. You are the one contolling what you want us to think.

Obama '08

Hillary backer   May 21st, 2008 5:05 pm ET

How naive some of these Obama people are. They really think Michigan and Florida people do not watch TV or listen to radio! They are now begging Florida people to forgive their Messiah for refusing the revotes in ichigan and Florida. He is laughing at all of you for enabling you to do his dirty work–that way his hands appear clean! Oh, for some common sense to go along with that education that you so freely throw at us McCain/Hillary supporters!. PS I am not a Rush Operative–just an independent thinker-not a robot.

Robin Country Club Hills   May 21st, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Pakistan and the Taliban just reached an peace agreement. Viewed as a victory for Bin Laden by the U.S. government.
Hezbollah and the Lebanese government just struck a deal which allows Hezbollah veto power over the Lebanese government .
And last but not least Isreal is in negotiations with Syria.
Can you believe this? Appeasement has broken out all over the MidEast. Maybe we need to rethink our Foreign Policy (or lack thereof)

Jason   May 21st, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Furthering my point that education does not mean intelligent. Obama supporters are starting the dillusional statements against Mcain also. No Reagan never spoke with Iran. The US has not spoken diplomatically with Iran since the Shah was overthrown in the 70's. MCcain hasn't flip flopped HE SAID he would meet with HAMAS only if they stopped terrorist activity. I am a democrat and am sick of Obama's supporters calling people uneducated all the while they don't know or remember recent history in this country. I for one will not blindly follow someone because he gives a great hope speach while his followers are propagating a racist generalization that if you don't vote for Obama your either dumb or racist BS

allen b   May 21st, 2008 5:00 pm ET

To the kind lady who said where is Obamas military experience as if it's a prerequisite to understanding foreign policy…it's not.

Loser   May 21st, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Obama sucks.

He stole the nomination from the more qualified Hillary Clinton.

Winning by cheating is not truly winning.

I will never vote for Obama.

I will, instead, go with the most qualified to lead. i will WRITE IN Hillary clinton.

Kim   May 21st, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Yeah right, like I am going to take any republicans word for who would be best at foreign policy, arent you the same geniuses that put that idiot bush into office? You can save your analysis of either of the enough that you need to seek treatment..

hey --lay off of my wife   May 21st, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Then Obama, sweetie…

Get her to shut up.

If you take her out of the public spotlight, you can claim that she’s not a public figure. But every time she speaks in public, it’s public.

Wise White Guy   May 21st, 2008 4:59 pm ET

To LOL. Obama is the only one with the experience that matters. He is the only one using any kind of reasonable judgement. Get over the ridiculous experience argument. Unless it is a second term re election no President has experience as there is no job like it. Obama has demonstrated that he makes the correct decisions the first time. McCain has demonstrated that he cannot remember what his own positions are until he contradicts them and is told about it. Why is it so hard for people to just pay attention to everything objectively and make up their own minds on things. Best thing you can do is avoid Fox News and Rush because they lie to you daily. Yes I do know becasue every so often i tune in and if the issues were not so serious it would be hillarious. Unfortunately the environment, energy, soldier death, etc are not funny issues that it is ok to lie about just for ratings or fear that you may have less take home pay on your check. It is a serious time and needs some serious dilligence by all.

Mike, Syracuse NY   May 21st, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Mike from Weschester. Your rationale leaves a lot to be desired. Of course Washington as the first president had no previous experience as President. He did however lead the Continenental army for the entire revolution, so knew how to run a large organization. Teddy R. and Clinton were both Governors with exectutive experience. No way can JFK be considered a great President. he had about as much experience as Obama, and like obama could give a good speech. 3 months after entering office he allowed the disasterous Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba. However he so mucked up the plans (prepared by Eisenhower) that the invasion failed. As a result Castro declared Cuba a socialist state, and cozzied up to the USSR resulting in the Cuban Missile Crisis, which almost ended the world. JFK also supported a coup in of all places Iraq, which brought the Baanth Party to power. You remember them, Saddam Husseins party! JFK also increased the troops in Vietnam from 800 to over 16,000. starting the buildup that continued under Johnson. clinton's clainm to fame was a good economy, which you should really thank alan greenspan for. Clinton also missed multiple opportunities to take out bin Laden well before 9/11. So yes, Mike experience does matter. So does doing some research before you let yourself get hypnotized by a good stump speech. oh, and yes, in a far simpler time, Lincoln had similar experience as obama, except I doubt if he voted 'present' over 150 times in the IL senate. Frankly Obama is a far cry from Lincoln.

Olivia   May 21st, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Wolf…you sure gave Obama a lot of time to waffle his way through trying to explain his foreign policy. Bias.

Samuel   May 21st, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I really feel very pity and sorry for John McCain. This is someone who has been in the senate for such a long time and you will think he should be on top of issues like the economy and foreign policy. Apparantly, he is not. If that is the case why should he ever consider to be our president? Does this means Americans do not deserve the best anymore?

When Obama or Clinton talks there is always something that one can learn from. They almost always add value to our lives. Though, I should say that Obama has more to offer than Clinton in my opinion. McCain is becoming a disgrace day in day out. Please tell us what you do and what are your plan as a president. We need issues with substance and not the mere attacks.

McCain is making us look like we can not think. Guess what, Mr. John McCain we are tired of the politics of the past. You are an old man but you can do better than this, so please do it, will you?

Rick Lilly   May 21st, 2008 4:56 pm ET

I find it appalling that a prospective president would not sit down and talk with our enemies. Didn't John Kennedy meet with Khruschev in the first year of his presidency? Didn't Nixon go to China? Didn't Ford meet on a number of occasions with Breshnev? When did it become wrong for our leaders to negotiate with our enemies? Those who won't negotiate scare me a lot more than those that will.

jim   May 21st, 2008 4:55 pm ET

i once heard you refer to hugo chavez as being a dictator.you are wrong,he has been elected by his people and as lulu of brasil has said he is anything but a dictator. you americans have a bad habit of calling anybody who does not agree with you dictators.i spend six months of every year in cuba and i think they have as much freedom as you do.you have the freedom to stand on the corner and call bush a jerk but what good does it do you. do not forget that the u.s.gov has supported and continues to support dictators all over the world.the u.s supported batista in cuba in the fiftys and believe me they do not want to retur to that.

Ding, Washington, DC   May 21st, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Senator McCain was released from the prison because of tough negotiation with big tim enemy. What is he talking about. He is nothing short of a fool.

Eleanor   May 21st, 2008 4:55 pm ET

wolf I would much rather place my trust in Obama than a war monger like MCBUSH
you would honestly think he was the only POW out there
news flash…hes the only glorified one
I wonder how many are around without even a roof over their head
MCSame is the same old third term Bush war monger
Obama 08

Wise White Guy   May 21st, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Great, keep up the good work for the Democrats John. Continue to align yourself with Bush and see how that works out for you. It has worked so well we are at peace everywhere and no Americans are dying for your precious oil. Is this really their strongest issue? Let me think…if i talk to my enemies i may learn some intelligence, get an idea of what makes them tick, find out what they are upset about and maybe calm the situation down. Or i can just tell them to do what i want or i will wage war on them. Hmmmm, which might result in less American death….hmmmm its a stumper!

Demagogue   May 21st, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Sadly for Americans, we are now seeing that Obama only shines when he is delivering a prepared speech without any interruption, at a pro-Obama event.

Outside of that environment, he apparently can not express himself well, he is unable to state any position clearly, and he struggles to think on his feet.

Now we know why he avoids debates at all costs. He can only parrot scripted lines to anticipated questions. He can not spontaneously think for himself.

Too bad for Americans if he becomes president. Every crisis, every issue, every response to the world will have to be put on hold until his speech writers can prepare the perfect speech for him.

Until then, we have to watch him struggle to organize his thoughts and we must listen to him stutter while he searches for words and makes a fool of himself. That is JUST like Bush. And, he is just as arrogant and cocky also.

He is one sorry excuse for a leader.

Carl Abernathy - Florida   May 21st, 2008 4:52 pm ET

We were not warned before the attack on 9/11. You dummies, why can't you see that terrorists don't care what we want or think; they just want to kill us. Fear monger - NOT!! Realist –YES!!

russell   May 21st, 2008 4:52 pm ET

for all you young people out their , think about this " voting for mcain will certainly have serious afffects around the world ,and then their will be a war with Iran and the you'll be drafted because our military is stretched too thin ……..think about that because voting for mcain will bring everything we know and love too an end…………………please postcnn.

Jeff, Boston   May 21st, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Bad strategy. McCain should rely solely on the character/I Love America card.

Focusing on foreign policy brings attention to Iraq. McCain may think he can win that argument on its merits; and that shows why he's going to get crushed by Obama. The War in Iraq was different from the The War on Terror. Bush tried to blur the lines, McCain bought into that worldview, and Obama is going to make the Republicans pay for it.

Even on Iran, it'll be hard for McCain to make the case that Obama's view of engagement is wrong. After all, the British talk to the Iranians; so shouldn't we at least try?

McCain is going to get smoked in the general.

Republican in Idaho   May 21st, 2008 4:51 pm ET

McCain you are a joke!!! Shut up!!! I am so sick of your negative crap. Why aren't you talking about how much experience you have. Give us details. All that I have heard from your mouth is how you plan to continue a civil war in Iraq and continue putting our sons and daughters in harms way because of your and Bush's ego. Talk about how you are going to fix the economy when there are so many oil company hands in your pockets? I am so tired of the republicans using fear to get people to vote for them. I have voted republican for 10 years, and this year I am not. I am a dedicated teacher who is sick of watching students being punished because they do not achieve at a level the republicans think they should. I am sick of the republicans caring more about money and power then the American people who are paying their paychecks. I am voting for anyone other than McCain.

Barack Obama: Gaffe machine   May 21st, 2008 4:51 pm ET

*Explaining last week why he was trailing Hillary Clinton in Kentucky, Obama again botched basic geography: “Sen. Clinton, I think, is much better known, coming from a nearby state of Arkansas. So it’s not surprising that she would have an advantage in some of those states in the middle.” On what map is Arkansas closer to Kentucky than Illinois?

“There was something stirring across the country because of what happened in Selma, Alabama, because some folks are willing to march across a bridge. So they got together and Barack Obama Jr. was born.”

Obama was born in 1961. The Selma march took place in 1965. His spokesman, Bill Burton, later explained that Obama was “speaking metaphorically about the civil rights movement as a whole.”

*Earlier this month in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Obama showed off his knowledge of the war in Afghanistan by honing in on a lack of translators: “We only have a certain number of them and if they are all in Iraq, then it’s harder for us to use them in Afghanistan.” The real reason it’s “harder for us to use them” in Afghanistan: Iraqis speak Arabic or Kurdish. The Afghanis speak Pashto, Farsi, or other non-Arabic languages.

209Politics   May 21st, 2008 4:50 pm ET

John McCain's foreign policy is full of gaps. He wants to continue President Bush's foreign policy of not speaking to any of Americas enemies. If you think about it this would be bad for the international community. Ronald Reagan brought a conclusion to the Cold War, not by threatening the Soviets milatarily; but by diplomacy. And by the early 90's the Soviet Union crumbled, and Russia became democratic. I'm not implying that Iran will crumble because of diplomacy, but they will cool down some. Iran feels threatened that there is U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A McCain Administration would not solve any of America's problems here at home or abroad. Even his fellow Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel is speaking against what he said about Iran. Obama knows that becoming president you have to deal with foreign policy issues. This is a man that's not running just to take the spotlight away from Sen. Hillary Clinton. But he's running because he wants a different direction for America. Remember you just don't become a Senator over night. Its very difficult to run your first campaign for the Senate and win that seat. Obama knows what hes talking about he's tired of "cowboy diplomacy".

Tim   May 21st, 2008 4:50 pm ET

McCain accusing Obama of being "naive" is one of the most richly ironic things I've ever heard. His cartoonish good vs evil version of foreign policy is a reckless joke, Obama is simply living in the real world. Frankly, I'll side with reality.

Denial   May 21st, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Obama needs to go on the offensive .. and attack him on the domestic issues … Mc Cain is trying to distraction the American people from what's really important ………….

Gosh i hate these Republicans …………..

DEMOCRATS 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Barack Obama: Gaffe machine   May 21st, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Barack Obama? The guy’s a perpetual gaffe machine. Let us count the ways, large and small, that his tongue has betrayed him throughout the campaign:

* Last May, he claimed that Kansas tornadoes killed a whopping 10,000 people: “In case you missed it, this week, there was a tragedy in Kansas. Ten thousand people died — an entire town destroyed.” The actual death toll: 12.

*Earlier this month in Oregon, he redrew the map of the United States: “Over the last 15 months, we’ve traveled to every corner of the United States. I’ve now been in 57 states? I think one left to go.”

*Last week, in front of a roaring Sioux Falls, South Dakota audience, Obama exulted: “Thank you Sioux City…I said it wrong. I’ve been in Iowa for too long. I’m sorry.”

King of NJ   May 21st, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Cant wait untill Mccain gets a verbal whooping In the 1st Debate between the too! then Americans will see Mccain for what he is … the same bumbling grunting BUSH part2… we need a smart president …
Mccain graduated 6 from the bottom of his Naval Academy….

Laura Taylor   May 21st, 2008 4:48 pm ET

McCain has spiritual advisors who suggest things like the following: John Hagee, the controversial evangelical leader and endorser of Sen. John McCain, argued in a late 1990s sermon that the Nazis had operated on God's behalf to chase the Jews from Europe and shepherd them to Palestine. According to the Reverend, Adolph Hitler was a "hunter," sent by God, who was tasked with expediting God's will of having the Jews re-establish a state of Israel.

I don't think McCain exhibits good judgement by surrounding himself with people like that, especially when it comes to the tenuous nature of the Middle East and foreign policy

Bitter Sweetie Hussein   May 21st, 2008 4:48 pm ET

"Clinton, Obama Converge on Florida"
You are sickening Clinton News Network! Does it pain you that much to put Sen. Obama's name FIRST in a headline??? SEN. OBAMA planned to go to FL FIRST. Pathetic, forgot-me-not HilBillary followed him just to keep her sorry tail in the news. Your reporting of this nominating fiasco and your negative innuendo(s) have become as laughable as HilBillary's dilusions of somehow winning (stealing) this nomination, not to mention her math abilities.
*Doubt you post this…

Obama 08/12

kamenwati   May 21st, 2008 4:47 pm ET

John McCain is a joke. His strong suit is supposed to be foreign policy yet he has demonstrated time and again that he doesn't understand the differences between Shia and Sunni in the Iraq conflict, nor does he understand the political organization of the Iranian government as evidenced by his latest gaff pertaining to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Without his little nurse maids (Lieberman and Lindsay) to coach him he comes across as just as dumb as Bush.

It's been fifty years since the U.S. stopped talking to the Cuban government. Cuba is located only ninety miles off the coast of Florida. How hard can it be to reach out to our neighbors and try some tough negotiation to change the status quo? Apparently too hard for the tiny little fossilized brain of McBush to contemplate.

rbt   May 21st, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Why is it always the democrat that is "on the defensive" when talking about national sexcrity issues. I would respectfully suggest that it is McCain who is on the defensive, trying to defend Bushes failed plicies for the past seven years, that clearly have not made us safer. My entire voting life, I have watched the democrats shirk away from these arguments , believing the right wing noise that is echoed by the MSM that these issues are bad for the dems. Well they are bad for the dems because the dems don't engage. Lets take a page out of Karl Rove's handbook and attack the republicans on their perceived strength and destroy their arguments. I want a democratic candidate that will take a stand and fight for it. . .. I think Obama is that candidate!

Scott   May 21st, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Isn't it funny how conservatives seem to think that foreign policy is directly related to military service. I don't believe Thomas Jefferson ever served in the military. Bush claims to have "served" so how does that fit into your ideaology?

Daniel from San Diego   May 21st, 2008 4:45 pm ET

What heat? McCain is part and parcel of George Bush's failed foreign "policy".

Randy - Denver   May 21st, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Chris -
the answer is YES THEY ARE!

This entire argument is foolish, foreign policy experiance is a misnomer. Even bush noted that things change rapicly in the world so what you KNOW today is most likely WRONG tomorrow.

What matters is knowing HOW to deal with others. Simply put foreign policy is a matter of :
1) Knowing what you want from the others.
2) Knowing what you are willing to give to others
3) Having the ability to enforce any agreement you make
4) If you cannot enforce it than having the ability to actually convince the other that you can.
5) Having enough information about the otherside so that you know what they REALLY want.
6)Treating the otherside with the respect DUE them (This can vary ALOT depending on who you are talkign with)

There is only one way to have a foreign policy and that is to ENGAGE with foreigners.

Even bush knows this (although he does not recognize it) He admits that faulty intelligence (whether by the intelligence agencies or bush imself I will leave open to discussion of others) caused him to invade a foreign country. Maybe if he had actually TALKED with them we would not be where we are now.. maybe not but is sure is sad to know we did not try. So how do oyu get intelligence? Oh you mean ENGAGE with them? maybe talk with them.. naahh couldn't be.

And as for the comments about the bully and how you should tell your child to stand up to them.. i laugh at you non-parents.. all that will happen is your child will get his butt kicked and you will cry to the school that they did not take care of your little Johnnie.. the better response is to figure out WHY, Johnnie is being bullied and the take actions to defuse that.. it is amazing how many kids have been able to defuse a fight by using their brains instead of their fist…

susie   May 21st, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Having Obama in office will be like another 4 years of Carter.

rhetoric isn't enough   May 21st, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Obama can deliver a speech.

But to do that, he must know in advance what is going to happen- and prepare his responses accordingly.

He must speak without anyone interrupting him and without anyone posing any questions.

Unfortunately that is not what leadership demands.

Leadership demands quick thinking and rapid responses to the unexpected.

Obama is not qualified for anything but repeating lofty rhetoric.

MAC CHAMELEON   May 21st, 2008 4:44 pm ET

MAC FLIP FLOP is the true DRAMA KING. Yesterday as soon as the camera went on, he pretended to be crying when he heard new that Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. What a fake and reckless evil. Get a life. Your campagin theme song should be KARMA CHAMELEON by BOY GEORGE!!!

Michael   May 21st, 2008 4:43 pm ET

McCain + Hanoi + Temper + Bush Foreign Policy + Presidency =

A mushroom cloud

NO-BAMA   May 21st, 2008 4:42 pm ET

MCCAIN WILL EAT OBAMA ALIVE….

I'll get popcorn and watch the onslaught as this "SLOGAN-CANDIDATE" (OBAMA)….tries to use "hope & change" when talking to Iran…

please….

WE NEED
CLINTON IN HERE!

hah hah   May 21st, 2008 4:42 pm ET

haha all you democrats can bash on mcCain all you want but a democrat wont get elected haha

laf   May 21st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Listen-I hope to God you are right. Our country is in desperate need of change. Last night as I was listening to the news, it occured to me that our country is on the path of being heralded as a third world country. Think about it. The price of living is soaring above the budget of the average Americans. Jobs are hard to come by and that situation is only going to get worse with the current economy. WE need desperately need change for our economy (let alone numerous other policies and plans!) For me, the only candidate that has shown that he has the right ideas on how to get us out of it is Obama. Heck, he is the ONLY candidate that has been able to keep his campain above the red. Quite frankly, that knocks out Hillary Clinton and McCain out of the running for me. Anyhow, I hope there is enough change brewing that people can get past their ignorance and embrace a candidate that I think will be able to kick start America back into the powerhouse we were and will hopefully be again.

Mike, Syracuse NY   May 21st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Oneil, do you really think talking to Hitler helped? He talked and bargained with England and France, all the while planning to conquer Europe. He signed a nonaggression treaty with the USSR only to stab them in the back anyway. There are some people you can't talk to. I'd say that people willing to fly planes into buildings in suicide attacks that kill thousands of innocent people fall into that category. Or maybe after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor AT THE SAME TIME THEY WERE NEGOTIATING WITH US; we should have just gone back to tha table to talk some more. Diplomacy isn't the way to deal with people like Bin Laden, laser guided bombs are. Wake up, there are people out there who want to kill us. It's us or them!

Sorry, Barack, but the rules are the rules.   May 21st, 2008 4:40 pm ET

A fair and equitable solution going by the rules:

1) Strip Michigan of 50% of their delegates, as the rules dictate.

2) Award delegates to those candidates whose names were on the ballot. Candidate “Uncommitted” is just who the name says.

3) Seat all of Florida’s delegates because they TRIED to keep the FL Leg from moving the primary up.

4) Strip any candidate who campaigned in Florida of their delegates, as the rules dictate. Obama’s ads are noted as campaigning.

Sorry, Barack, but the rules are the rules.

Letha   May 21st, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Good, let Obama dance so we can see the real weakling come out before the Obamanation groupies put him in office which he is not ready for.

Willis, Texas   May 21st, 2008 4:39 pm ET

"ONCE A ADULT — TWICE A CHILD". This is a fact to the aging process!

McBush keeps saying the same thing because he has entered his second childhood! Remember: children are repetitive and very annoying when they want their way!

OBAMA NEEDS TO IGNORE MCBUSH — FIRE SOME SHOTS AT MCBUSH!

TALK ABOUT THE ILLEGAL LAND DEALS, SHOW THE PICTURE OF MCBUSH CELEBRATING AT HIS RANCH WITH BUSH DURING THE LOUISIANA STRESS CALLS! YET, MCBUSH SAID IF HE WERE PRESIDENT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE TO HELP THOSE PEOPLE.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE PRESIDENT TO HELP?

Anonymous   May 21st, 2008 4:39 pm ET

We should push forward diplomacy when we see a major oppurtunity like right after Afgahnistan and Iraq when we got Pakistan to start fighting their former allies the Taliban, we got Libya to turn in all their WMD research and denounce terrorism, and Iran offered to talk about all issues between us and them but bush didnt think they were serious.

Darth Vadik, CA   May 21st, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Uncle Sam,

When your policies don't differ from Bush, specially on the war, you are Bush 3rd term. Oh except that global warming thing, he believes in that, but what else is different? You have to go on facts, not opinion, and something you read on newsmax.

And McCain is a warmonger, and old, and senile. And I don't want to have a president who is a warmonger, and old, and senile. Notice how hew makes up facts around things only to be smacked down minutes later, how many times has he retracted stuff? How many times? For God's sake he has Lieberman behind him all the time, to correct him me he wonders off into the la la land. And you want that.

Now, do I know what kind of president Obama will make? No I don't, neither do you so don't even try. He could be a dud for all I know, but I am sick of politics as usuall, and Obama seems to be different. He is playing different.

I could be completely fooled, but I know what McCain is going to give me and I dont want it. You may be a battered wife who does not leave the house, but I am not.

PCS / North Carolina   May 21st, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Greg wrote Pottstown, Pa. May 21st, 2008 4:16 pm ET

"under what president did America hit its record low unemployment ?'

Yes Greg I agree. However, your spouses achievement will not and can not be translated to your own achievements.
If your husband is a doctor, will they allow the spouse to prescribe drugs ?

enomisa   May 21st, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Obama loyalists, are you sure your own motives are noble and pure?

Are you certain that you don't just prefer the cute, young, smooth talking black man to the older white woman?

Are you sure that you are not just sacrificing qualifications and substance to image?

Remember… Obama has only one gift- delivering a prepared speech well. Do NOT confuse that with intelligence and leadership.

To the contrary, Obama has not demonstrated any ability to think quickly nor well on his feet. He has not been able to clearly respond off the cuff to any questions posed to him.

He can give a speech- he can not deliver solutions.

In fact, he has not shown himself to be any better than Bush at

tom moriarty   May 21st, 2008 4:37 pm ET

i wonder how many people know that obama has a PHD in constitutional law. who, between mccain and obama, is more likely to respect and honor our very much abused constitution?

pawns in their “fix”.   May 21st, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Yup. Edwards removed his name too. Hmmm… Some say Obama (and Edwards) did this to try to make Hillary look bad. Pure dirty politics at its best at the expense of voters rights. Our state Democratic chairman was interviewed awhile ago on local news and as I recall he explained that there were threats made by Iowa and New Hampshire Democratic Party officials as to a candidate losing support in their election ya da, ya da. Maybe Obama made one of his famous “backroom deals” with Iowa who knows? In any event Hillary wouldn’t be swayed and many of us Michiganders love this about her. As usual she’s the one sticking by the American voter. The best thing about this primary campaign is that we are seeing who the candidates really are and what their “true colors” are. I’ve come to admire and respect Hillary Clinton so much more watching her continue on and stand up for what’s right. Obama will never get my vote and I will vote against him. How dare Obama, Edwards and the DNC mess with our civil rights by using us as pawns in their “fix”.

UN-SOMETHING   May 21st, 2008 4:36 pm ET

—Uncommitted 40%—

That is such a ricuculous misrepresentation of events.

You are eith UNinformed or choosing to be UNtruthful.

Lee , PA   May 21st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

McCain keeps talking on a subject he is not familiar with his chin above water until the CHANGE bus hits him. The bus has not arrived there yet; surely coming. He has experience as a legislator (not as impressive) but not as a foriegn policy expert. He is one of the members of the gung-ho group and I do not think he believes in the power of dialogue with an enemy (to keep them in check). With the might of our NATION, we had crushed our enemies already swiftly and long ago but thank you, republicans for leaving this country messy abroad as it is today. If you would have had the sense of civility, citizens and many servicemen will not be in these predicament. OBAMATIZE McCain 08.

)Banana Republic indeed.   May 21st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Banana Republic indeed.

If the Obama bots are so sure they’ve won, then by all means why not seat Florida and Michigan right now–today? If there is no way that she can catch him, then what is the issue? Isn’t he worried about dissing the people of Florida, whose votes he will need in November?

Isn’t Mr. Hopey concerned about the ethics of disenfranchising 2.3 million people? How cynical is that?

This is McGovern all over again. Obama supporters want to LOSE to John McCain in November. It’s obvious to me. Every single indication is that Obama is ONLY likely to be the nominee because the system has been rigged for him. And that will be revealed in November, when he loses in a landslide.

Dear Obamabots: You are to blame for this. You are going to give us 4 more years of McSAME with your insistence that we run a candidate who can not win.
Roe is on YOUR heads, Iraq blood on YOUR hands. You are forcing us to run a LOSER, and destroying the party in the process.

wyliffe, NJ   May 21st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

the OLD MAN has lost direction…….. Bush fooled us twice, these time we will fool ourselves if we agree with this warmonger.

Francys   May 21st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Let McCain have is run while it lasts. In a couple of weeks Obama wont have to fight on both fronts between Hillary and McCain and the debate is going to shift to economy and we will all see that it is a no contest between those two.

Mike from Westchester   May 21st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Hey Marie

Where was Lincoln's military experience? How about FDR's?

Tim   May 21st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

I'm a 20 year veteran and I can tell you that being in the military in no way makes John McCain automatically qualified to be commander in chief. It doesn’t mean that he understands foreign policy either. He was wrong on Iraq. He is wrong to think we don’t need to talk to our enemies. McCain even admitted that we went to war over oil. He will be eaten alive in debates with Obama because his stances are no different than President Bush’s. Also, Senator Clinton has no experience either, no matter how you try to spin it. Unless she had a security clearance when she was first lady, she had little to do with foreign policy. Senator Clinton as well as Senator Obama will have to rely on advisors with experience so the argument that one is nore qualified than the other doesn't hold water. Democtats are Democrats. It's interesting to see how people react when they don't like how something turned out. To heck with the fact that it was right. Stop acting like spoiled brats that are mad becasue you didn't get your way. Senator Obama earned the nomination fair and square as the rules outlined. FL & MI will be seated, but will not be allowed to change the outcome of the election.

Obama 08/12

Eleanor   May 21st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

wolf I would much rather place my trust in Obama than a war monger like MCBUSH
you would honestly think he was the only POW out there
news flash…hes the only glorified one
I wonder how many are around without even a roof over their head
MCSame is the same old third term Bush war monger
Obama 08

Joe, Northern Virginia   May 21st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

McCain's claim of foreign policy experience is questionable and it changes with the direction of the wind. (it blows in any direction as it pleases) Sen McBush should to talking to Sen Hagel more and less to Sen Lieberman. Maybe he will catch a clue after talking to Sen Hagel.

DNC did what RNC could not do (take hillary down)   May 21st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

I usually return their e-mails and letters with the words NO FLA NO MI NO MONEY.

There was a better idea last night at the tm site.
Put monopoly money with chickens drawn on it and return the mail to the DNC on their postage.

Veteran in Kansas   May 21st, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Not talking with ones enemies is a formula for disaster. Giving ones enemies what they want is a formula for disater. But guess what, talking to those that you disagree with and openly airing your differences is movement in the right direction. Do I think Iran, North Korea, Cuba, etc are the same as Soviet Russia, of course not, Iran and North Korea are by far more dangerous that the Soviet Union ever was in its history, why, because they are isolated and some are trying to back them into the corner.

The current foreign policy of not talking with our enemies is a poor policy that does this nation more harm than a year of talks with nations that this administration refused to have communication with.

A CANADIAN PERSPECTIVE   May 21st, 2008 4:31 pm ET

McCAIN SOUNDS LIKE AN OLD, SCRATCHED, AND WARPED BROKEN RECORD. WAIT TILL OBAMA CHALLENGES HIM ON HEALTH CARE, THE ECONOMY, AND THE IRAQ WAR….." MY FRIEND…. WAR……MY FRIEND… WAR….MY FRIEND….WAR…'"

Mike, Syracuse NY   May 21st, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Gretchen in CA, As a matter of fact, no Bush didn't meet with the Leader of North Korea, and no Reagan never met with the leader of Iran. If someone from the administration is meeting with Hamas, it's not Bush. mcCain's point isn't that you never meet, it's that the President doesn't meet without preconditions being achieved. Try getting your facts right before you decide who to vote for, or stay home.

Brent   May 21st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Wolf, far be it from me to tell you how to do your job but maybe you should ask McCain and his supporters a couple questions:

1. how has the isolation of Cuba policy worked out over the last 50 years?
2. isn't demanding Iran stop enriching uranium ( something they have a legal right to under the NPT) before the US will speak to them the abandonment of intelligent diplomacy? wouldn't getting them to stop enriching be the point of diplomacy?

I don't understand why McCain and his supporters aren't challenged more vigorously on this claim of superior foreign policy credentials.

Appeasement   May 21st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

The manipulative Obama camp is so obvious and transparent.

For months they have been blogging, "never Hillary, ANYone but Hillary, If Hillary is the nominee I will not vote or I will vote for McCain".

Now that it looks as if the nomination has been given to Obama, they have changed their tune. Now they try the guilt trip. If you won't vote for Obama, you MUST be a racist. If you don't vote for Obama then you are not a TRUE democrat.

Now you all pretend that you'd vote for Hill IF she were the nominee. It is safe to say that, since you don't believe that will be the case.

But here's the thing. This is not China nor N Korea. We do not have blind loyalty to a party. We will vote for whomever we feel is most qualified to lead this country. Obama is a very poor THIRD choice for many Americans.

There is NO way you can manipulate us into voting for someone who has done absolutely nothing for his country. Obama just wants to fast track himself into history.

PCS / North Carolina   May 21st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

marie wrote May 21st, 2008 3:50 pm ET

"Where is Obama's military experience…??? anyone??? Obama fanatics??? How many years has he served our country's armed forces?"

How many Presidents in the U.S.A had military experience ? How about Hillary ?

"Rumsfield and the other Iraq war douches had plentry of military experience but were still inept….so much for mission accomplished."

Yeah, Donald was a friend of "Axis of Evil" Saddam Hussain when it was for our benefit. Probably he was negotiating the commision for the Haliburton.

Dilly WA   May 21st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

McCain is a dangerous old man. Hero or not, he is angry,dishonesrt and tied to multiple lobbists who have earned money supporting dictators and facists. He has a giant chip on his shouder and an unstable temper. If you want endless wars and lobbiest ties to dictators vote for him. If you're ready to try diplomacy and military action agaisnt the correct enemies to acheive the right ends vote for Obama

Linda, Kentucky   May 21st, 2008 4:27 pm ET

To Marie,

How many years has Bush served in the armed forces? He got out of it, didn't he? How about Bill Clinton? How about Hillary? Cheney got a deferment. Just about everyone in the White House got out of serving in Vietnam. Should Obama have gone there? He was still in elementary school.

What this boils down to is if we want a president who threatens and bombs or one who is willing to negotiate from a position of strength. I vote for negotiation. It's cheaper, and it saves lives.

Caryn, WDC   May 21st, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Stop ganging up on Marie folks.

Hillary has plenty of military experience…it takes someone with quite a lot of military experience to dodge sniper fire…

Oh wait…

Mike from Westchester   May 21st, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Republican scare tactics are NOT going to work this time. The American public, including many Republicans, are really pissed off at the mess Bush and his neo-cons have made of our country.

No more BS. You had your chance and you blew it big time. Step aside and let us clean up your mess. You have shown you cannot lead, so either follow or get the HE!! out of our way!

Rose - Baltimore, MD   May 21st, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Blitzer, I am not seeing what Mccain has stepped up. He sounds like a broken old record.

noemi in los angeles   May 21st, 2008 4:25 pm ET

I don't think Clinton can argue with a "sexist" bid. Nobody has been sexist here. She's playing the victim. EVEN IF they had been sexist, she can't complain when she's played the role of a typical housewife who forgives her husbands infidelities… yes, he had more women than lewinsky. look it up. What kind of woman allows her husband to cheat on her and still stay with him?? How can any women stand by her after this, especially feminists?? This does not show any character, it only shows us that she's willing to put up with Bill in order to have political power…. because who votes for a divorced politician?? Whatever, I'm a woman, and I don't see Obama as sexists. Clinton is simply spinning any story to get elected. Remember, she's the "Do and Say Anything Candidate".

Chill out, Woman!!

mmartin arkansaw   May 21st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

this is not a military dictatorship anymore ,marie.you don't have to be in the military to be president.that's just a right-wing myth,'sweetie'.

Leave It Alone   May 21st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Military Experience: Where is Hillary's military experience? Did she serve?

Inexperience: Bush had no experience and now what?

Naivety: You are if you think things will get better voting for McCain.

I find it funny if Hillary doesn't get the nomination sit home, because you will not be able to afford the gas prices when McCain becomes president!!!

If you don't want to vote for Obama have a legit reason………or just say it you are prejudice and you are not ready for a black president.

STOP THE MADESS!!!

laf   May 21st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

I know CNN won't post this. I am sitting here almost banging my head on a hard surface reading these blogs. I find it hard to fathom how people in our country can be soo stupid and so completely ignorant. Seriously, if just being in a war zone makes you experienced in than why isn't George Clooney running for President.

HILLARY HAS THE POPULAR VOTE!!!!!!   May 21st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

YOU KNOW WHEN YOU OBAMA SUPPORTERS GET ON HERE AND CALL THE HILLARY SUPPORTERS NAMES IT JUST SHOWS THAT YOU ARE IGNORANT!!!!!

GROW UP!

YOUR GUY CANNOT GRASP THE LEAD! SORRY!!!!!!!

KEEP IT UP HILLARY!!!!!!!!

R.I.F.   May 21st, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Sharon Minnesota May 21st, 2008 3:59 pm ET
Wolf, why is it every time Obama gets a little heat, you are right there to give him free air time. His speeches are getting a little monotonous. The only people worth watching on CNN anymore are Lou Dobbs and Glen Beck.

RIF identify yourself and go ahead have a field day. Yes, golly, gee, I'm a closet Republican, you got me!! NOT permanently, only until the lefty winged Obama is gone from the scene. Then I can go back to my wayward party, maybe this year yet.

Obama supporters should try thinking up some of their own comments for a change instead of negatively responding to everyone else's
____________
If there's a 00000.1% chance that you were a democrat, please don't come back. You're way too good at being a republican. Glen Beck is a conservative and Lou Dobbs just hates Obama because Obama called him out once. I guess you like Pat Buchanan, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reily as well? Just like any other true life-long democrat. Throw in a little Rush Limbaugh and your day is complete.

My first comment on this ticker was a comment and not a response to something silly that you or your fellow dittoheads said.

What's up with this identify yourself stuff? You said the same thing about Obama. What do we need to identify? Go to Obama's website and you can read all about him and all of his polices.

HILLARY HAS THE POPULAR VOTE!!!!!!   May 21st, 2008 4:22 pm ET

THAT IS INTERESTING BECAUSE OBAMA DOESN'T KNOW SQUAT ABOUT FOREIGN POLICY!!!!!!

HILLARY DOES, AND SHE COULD MEET WITH THESE PEOPLE AND KNOWS A LOT OF THEM ON A PERSONAL BASIS!!!!!

I CAN IMAGINE HOW THEY WILL LAUGH AT THE US IF WE NOMINATE A GUY NAMED BORACK OBAMA TO BE OUR PRESIDENT!!!

THIS GUY IS NOT QUALIFIED AND WILL BE MADE TO LOOK LIKE A FOOL!!!!

HE IS NOT ELECTABLE!!!!

MY TRUST AND VOTE GOES TO HILLARY CLINTON!!!!!!

Jim D   May 21st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

For those of you who want "change", don't forget that it will mean:

1) Across the board, spiraling energy costs as we remain enslaved to foreign oil because we can't develop our own traditional energy sources or develop alternate sources because they will "damage the environment".
2) Having a health care fee taken from your paycheck, just like Social Security, to pay for everyone's healthcare.
3) Increasing food costs as farm land is redirected from food crops to ethanol-production use.
4) Total political collapse of the middle east as we decrease support for Israel and quickly leave Iraq and Afghanistan (also, see comment 1).
4) Having a college education fee taken from your paycheck, just like Social Security, to fund higher education for anyone who can't or won't pay for it on their own.
5) Illegal immigration will continue unabated, depressing labor wages and allowing entrance to potential terrorists.

Vote Hillary   May 21st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Re:Crazy LA May 21st, 2008 3:55 pm ET

"Go McCain! Mr. "Flip-Flopper" Obama is a complete fool on foreign policy.

If no Hillary vote McCain"
Oh i will not only vote Mcain i'll work my heart out for him,Mcain all the way 08……….I love the way Obama is trying to squirm his way out of the unconditional talks with supporters of terrorist's he uses the word "preperation's" now it's disgusting the man knows nothing except how to memorize written pretty speaches, America wake up put the Kool Aide down! Why Why would you even give the time of day to people who supply the guns,ammunition etc; to kill our brave men and women why why?? NO OBAMA 08!! Vote Mcain all Hillary supporters if she's ripped of the nomintion Vote Mcain God Bless America

hill.bill.y   May 21st, 2008 4:20 pm ET

if we need experience, how about George Bush, he has the most experience. Can we vote for him?

Paul   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Let's face it. Our foreign policy has recently been a disaster. Half the world hates us, in spite of the fact this is the first place they turn to when earthquakes, typhoons etc hit.
We should talk to Cuba. McCain has to attack him on something.

Val   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

To LOOK BYOND

Did you notice LOOK BYOND how gas prices skyrocketed shortly after Democracts took control of Congress in November of 2006? Did you ever think that maybe the US economy is allergic to the Democrat-controlled Congress and is having an allergic reaction now? Think about. Right after Democrats took control gas prices started climbing up and real estate market crashed. Coincidence? I don't know.

Mike from Westchester   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Joe

Did any of the dozen or so candidates have previous experience as President of a large country? Was McCain President of Japan, Germany, Bolivia?

Let's see - inexperienced Presidents…. hmmmmmm… Washington, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK, Clinton. Not bad company, huh?

Actually, our more experienced Presidents tend to be the worst. There is an inverse relationship between experience and performance. Could that be because when we don't have a visionary, inspirational, natural leader available, we tend to go for the old mediocre candidate?

Good thing we don't have that problem this time.

Obama 08! Yes we can!!!!!!

shelly in IL   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

"Violence never redeems it only makes things worst".

mmartin arkansaw   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

this is mccains only hope.he hopes a crises erupts so he can scare americans into voting for him.i wouldn't put it past this administration to cause a 'crises' with iran,to try and influence the election,this fall.remember i told you this,wolf.we will need the media to remain unbiased,and for the rights of americans ,if the right-wing establishment uses a criminal tactic,like starting a war with iran.

Jeanne, San Diego   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

McCain needs to stop channeling Bush and adopt a more moderate & sensible policy. I can't believe this guy is "experienced".