CNN

We've got your back, Obama.

Well put, John Catholic-

I find it hilarious that Clinton supporters, invoking the behavior of their candidate, now claim martyrdom. They endlessly claim that they were mistreated... by Obama, the media, the world at large... yet it was clearly Hillary and her campaign who went negative and eventually fell on their own sword (not planning anything past Iowa, not campaigning in caucus states).

So now, the only word to describe Hillary supporters for McCain is "scorned." Scorned to the point that they are willing vote against everything that matters so much in this election (war, Supreme Court appointments, to name a few) simply out of spite. Congratulations, women, you're only fulfilling the ancient adage: "Hell hath no fury..."

FINALLY a true man of the people. Thank you, Obama! We're with you.

He is a typical Lawyer/Politician who will get lots of Corporate and Union donations for access to him so why should he limit himself to federal funding. The Union Lobbyist/Liberal Agenda Lobbyist are as bad for American Families as any Corporate Lobbyist. McCain went to a school where integrity was taught and enforced (Naval Acadamy) Obama went to Harvard Law where they give you a license to steal (Law Degree).

McCain is a hipocrate – he made a similar promise about his primary campaign and then broke that promise. The DNC now has a lawsuit against him. Why should Obama play fair against someone that won't honor the same commitment?

Wow, Obama not following through with his word. I can't believe it.

I am amazed at the ignorance of his followers.

Heck yeah! John McCain... BRING IT ON. We don't NEED the dirty money you plan to wallow in! We can still beat you! Yes, we can.

I think I'll go donate another $10. It seems like so little, but put the 18 million of us who have voted for Obama together, and it's HUGE!

Obama/Biden '08

I REALLY CANT WAIT TO SEE HOW THE NETWORKS ARE GONNA SPIN THIS TO MAKE OBAAM LOOK LIKE A HERO HERE

So why is half the country backing a first term socialist Senator with no experience, a skimpy voting record and is anti 2nd admendment?

What it means is that he is not going to be limited to 85mill that the govt allows...because he knows he needs to spend more then that to win!

Axlerod = Rove

No OBUMA! LIES! LIES! – Hillary used the same tactic in Michigan by leaving HER name on the ballet. Grow up...

Barack Obama the Peoples President!
You are a brillant and courageous man.
May the force be with you!

The elections financing system needs a reform. Something we can´t expect will come from Mc Caine.

THIS PROVES THAT OBAMA IS A LIAR AND UNTRUSTWORTHY.

Why everybody else can't see that? Looks like you've been fooled... or brainwashed.

Obama's campaign is publicly financed through small donations from people all over the country. Republicans have turned public financing of political campaigns into a mockery. They've done the same thing with every federal agency that has been instructed not to perform their oversight duties and alter facts in reports to suit the Republican agenda. McCain's campaign finance commitment only lasted until he needed more money. There is too much at stake for Democrats to allow Republicans to trick them into commitments that only the Democrats would have the integrity to follow.

Good. Instead of the government giving $80 million to a campaign, maybe they can give some kids health insurance.

Any Republican who is against this isn't really a Republican... (hint, hint, you're supposed to be AGAINST government spending)

Thanks for not using my tax dollars. You are a gentlemen and a scholar. I'll decide how much of my money you should have. Great move, I hope McCain follows. This will save the American Tax payers a few pennies. Please don't tell Bush, he'll surely find away to waste the savings.

Obama '08 & '12

quote: YOU COULD JUST END THE DRAMA BY JUST VOTING OBAMA. IT WOULD MAKE THINGS A LOT BETTER FOR YOU AND YOUR MOMMA. end quote

I'd rather vote for your momma...than vote for Obama

This is NOT a broken promise of staggering proportions!! Obama had said he would get together with the republican nominee to preserve a publicly funded general election.

McCain went back on HIS promise to have public financing of his campaign, probably hoping he could use his supporter George Bush to help him raise tons of bucks. But he is not getting most of Bush's supporters to send him money. Meanwhile, McCain flip-flopping on HIS promise allows Obama, who has raised more money than any political campaign in history, to continue to raise money from mostly small-time donors.

Shame on you CNN for not pointing this out!!

Can someone explain why it would be 'bad' for Obama to refuse public financing? To me, it seems like it's a respectful decision to make regardless of where his intent might have been in the past? I'm really confused by McCain's remarks on this– it sounds like telling someone who decides not to order dessert at a fancy restaurant when someone else is paying that they are being a bad guest because ten minutes earlier they were considering the dessert menu

I keep seeing these post about Sen Obama's are just words....well let me see here....How many times has McClain changed his mind on positions since the yesterday? All of you who think Sen Obama a joke have you heard Sen McClain lately. Keep your votes and when he wins you have the right to change your minds too.

You are the "man'; Senator 'Obama', our next president of United States of America.

A.M. Saqib
Houston, Texas

John McCain's Campaign has been so wishy washy on the public financing, that I'm not positive which route he was going to go. I think he's being sued again, regarding some campaign finance decisions he has made.

Obama has made a very smart, business decision. He has much more money in the coffer's, without taking public financing, and can use pretty much as much as he wants.

Good for him.

Hey Seyi,
I have a small novel of proven facts from reliable sources (not the MSM) that support conclusions such as Schmidts. Fact is, CNN won't post them! Can you offer any factual evidence that this is not the case?? Any facts, evidence, or justification that is not campaign rhetoric??

As closely as the candidates and their finances are being scrutinized, time will either prove Obama as a man who maintained his decision to decline public financing or as a man who didn't.

As of today, I'm favorably impressed with this candidate.

Funny, he can change his mind now. LOL But when he said it before it was not because he didn't think he could get the money to run he said it because he knew the PRESS would eat it up... as they did ... and give him loads of press.

Obama is no way a man of change! This would have been the biggest change he could have brought to a political atmosphere that wastes HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of million dollars just to get into the white house.

So much for being for the people ... the little people. Think how many people can be feed, housed, given clean water in this country with the amount of money we SPEND on the presidential election. When all is finished I think it will be close to 2 billion dollars with the primaries and election all included!

DISGRACEFUL

oh, Obama is a liar. Just on this matter ... so far

Good, accept private donations and not PAC money.

Fisher Indiana wrote: "Obama supporters who booed the mention of Hillary Clinton, watch out. We'll vote for McCain if you aren't nice."

Okay, so you're going to vote for McCain because average Americans booed Hillary. Such well-thought logic.

LOL! There are an awful lot of comments about Obama using "Oprah's money". We might as well start saying "John McCain is entirely financed by al Queda". Both statements contain the same degree of reality.

Grow up people, we're trying to discern what's what in a campaign; we don't need people wading through your deranged fantasy ramblings.

Jimenez,

He's getting his money from the American people, $25.00 at a time. Maybe if you put your money where your smearing mouth is, your candidate might have a shot, but I doubt it.

This train is moving a little too fast.

NO HIJACK IN MICHIGAN, IF ANYTHING CLINTON TRIED TO HIJACK THEM... BUT I GUESS YOU GUYS DON'T REALIZE THAT.

LOL!! He's got the GOP running scared.

Yes, change you can believe in. Ha! He is only doing it because he can raise more money from donations given through fundraising. This is not about him taking the high road, it is him playing politics and making the system work for him. He is the biggest politician out there. Does he have any suggestions for fixing this "broken" system? I haven't heard of any. All he is good at is pointing out what everyone else is doing wrong, he doesn't bring any alternatives to the table, unless someone else has already verbalized them. Well, I guess he does bring change, the change that suit his needs at the moment. Have you seen his group of national security advisers? Now, that is a group of "old politics" at work. Madeline Albright, and many gray haired men. Gee, I thought Obama wanted to bring change to Washington, why is he surrounding himself with people who have been there for ages. Oh I know, experience does have it's benefits.

Wow, this is awesome to know. The GOP talks about the dems pork-belly spending, and yet this democratic nominee turns down public funding by the government in lieu of allowing only those who want to donate to his campaign to do so. This is definitely change we can believe in!

It's refreshing to know that this funding that came from our tax money will likely go towards something better than a presidential campaign. Thank you Obama, for not living down to the expectations of the naysayers!

Flip Flop Obama, he signed to take public financing with McCain a long time ago and now he does not want it. LOL
Flip Flop Obama again.

God, I love this guy! An awesome move! Which I'm sure the Republicans will attempt to demonize.

For the record, all the sheep justifying this hypocrisy with the 527 excuse are ignoring the facts. The left 527s (moveon.org for example) are just as numerous and have outspent the right wing 527s by a substantial margin thus far. But then again, when have Obama supporters ever been constrained by logic and FACTS?!?!?!

"Senator John McCain has already pledged to accept this fundraising pledge. If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election." – Barack Obama

Can anyone say empty shirt?

Good for you Obama. You already have public financing! It's the little people like myself – at $5, $10, $15, $20, & $25 a month – that builds a movement for change!

McCain = GEORGE BUSH'S THIRD TERM

Right on ! Change we can believe in !

Obama is walking the walk, not just talking the talk. I can't understand how this could possibly be twisted to be a bad thing. It is mystifying to me, b/c WE are the public and WE are raising money. Not like the GOP and its corporate money machine. The Repugs and the doubters who are attacking this most excellent move are bitter, angry, and will make up anything against Obama because they know they are going to LOSE BIGTIME in Nov. ! Obama will wipe the floor with McCain. It's going to be hilarious and a little sad.

Sorry, Repugs, you're going down on this one.

i guess I am lost here, why are people hating on a man who is willing to do somethng different. I admire John McCain for what he has done for this country, but as of lately I am trying to figure out why is He trying tobe like Bush in his actions of lately but his rhetoric is against what Bush has done to this country, sounds like confusion to me. One day he says he hate wars and knows thier consequenses and the "flip flops" and say we have to finish a fight that we all know we are obviously losing and is illegal from the get go. Even if Barack turns out to be a loser, at least I kow my son won't have to go to Iraq.

By the way, I agree with many of the contributors here, I am part of the public and I will continue to help finanace Baracks campaign. The McCainites sound like a bunch of sore losers, as rodney king said, "Can't we all just get along"...That 80 million dollars can go to the flood victims in the midwest for i am concerned.

This is an election the Democrats should win, given the poor economy and the Bush factor. I understand why Obama would forego public financing because he has raised alot of money. But remember, the Dems also have 527s that smear the Republicans, like the recent MoveOn/AFSCME ad, and the Supreme Court has said that independent groups have the 1st Amendment to express their views. My concern is that while Obama's decision may help Obama and the Dems this year, we will be hurt in future elections when the Republicans raise more money than our candidate. This sets a bad precedent that can come back to haunt us.

Everytime one of the bloggers calls Obama a racist, an idiot, or something else that is a lie it only shows how you have nothing really to say and have to resort to personal attacks. It really makes these posters seem stupid. I can respect but not agree with someone who doesn't agree with his policies but not someone who just can throw out personal attacks.

Vicky – I totally agree with you there!

Those people really could use that money.

While I see the concern about Obama who wrote an Op-ed stating he would accept public financing if his republican counterpart would do the same I don't see him opting out of public financing as a moral dilemma.

His average campaign donation was near $100 per person the last time the fundraising numbers were reported. This effectively makes his case that he's well positioned to stand up to big money lobbyists as he simply doesn't need their money.

What a work of art, in the begining wanting public financing, but when Obama saw how much money he could raise, chucked that idea out the window. Obama now has the gull to say that receiving small individual contributions is also public financing.
If Obama really wanted to bring change he would have keep his pledge to accept public financing, period.
Where and when does changing the system beginning?
With Obama turning his back on his on public financing I am turning my back on Obama.

To the poser who had posted under "No OBUMA! LIES! LIES!"

First of all, you have no idea what you're talking about. "political agenda" ? What are you talking about?
Second, No one believes you're an ex democrat. You're too stupid to ever have been a democrat. Republican part is the part for stupid people.

And lastly, with regard to the MI voters, he didn't hijack anything. He just played by the rules. Hilary wanted to change the rules mid-race, and that's why he got awarded those voters. Then again, you're a moron, so you wouldn't get that.

To: No OBUMA! LIES! LIES 11:18am

I suppose in your mind Hillary didn't lie. You probably are still a democrat and can't even figure out how to change to and Independent.

Sen. Obama WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. And you will just have to live with it. Loser

To Jerry: "This is the end of America as we once knew it. All you people who think this is a good thing are in for a real shock."

Isn't what Bush has done to our country qualify as the 'end of America as we once knew it?' Aren't we all currently in a state of shock at what is going on in our nation at this very moment?

Wake up and smell the thorns!!! Like Obama could do any worse than Bush has for the past two terms... when you've reached rock bottom, the only place to go is up and Obama is going to take us there!!

I'm setting up an Obama Kool Aid stand. You lemmings need to open your eyes. He is nothing but a a bag of hot air. No different than any other politician.

He made a promise and broke it when it was convenient for him to do so.

No change.
No backbone.
No integrity.
No vote from this guy.

No OBUMA! LIES! LIES!

I am a Hillary supporter and I know that Obama won fair and square. We were not supposed to get any delegates our of MI and FL, we should be glad that we half. I tell my kids that if you break the rules, you will be penalised not awarded. I am sure that my kids won't be Clintons when they grow up.

I just voted for Hillary because I thought he is a stronger candidate having appeal to white voters and who can defeat McCain in November. My target in no more Republicans in White House.

Why should he take public funding when he has Oprah's deep pockets?

The difference between Obama and McCain is McCain signed a contract stating that he will use public financing. Obama said it was a good idea, but, never signed anything. He was smart enough too know that who knows what the future will hold. John McCain typical politician says whatever sounds good at the moment and then when things change he's stuck. We need someone in that office who can think on their feet. And most of the time when you come from a privileage place in life the thinking is done for you. But you have too work for everything that you have you have no choice but too think on your feet.

Public Funding?

Who needs public funding when you have money men like G.S. backing you and Oprah and her money backing you, and who knows what other hidden money is coming into the country funneled through the 725.

Does anyone smell corruption?

In REAL news today:

The House, under Democrat leadership came to an agreement with Republicans to continue to fund the war in Iraq.

How does it feel Democrats? This is what you voted for in 2006, right? Change? An end to the war? Think it'll be different with Obama?

Idiots.

A message to Jack Murtha: You need to apologize to the Marine Corps for your despicable comments about the Marines who served during the Haditha incident in which so far no one has been guilty of.

You friggin' moron, you.

Another new day , another Obama lie. He will never become president of the USA. Obama is a fraud people.

---No OBUMA! LIES! LIES! June 19th, 2008 11:18 am ET
Obuma uses this tactics as political agenda.
I was a democrat and changed my party to INDEP..
He hijacked the MI votes! -----

My friend (like McCain't says), you're wrong, Barack never hijacked the MI votes, get over, his name wasn't even on the ballot so please, stop telling lies. Too bad that you changed your registration, I only hope you'll consider your thinking again, before it's too late for you...

That's a great decision, no money from lobbyists, PACs or special interests, a campaign fully founded by US, the people of the USA.

Great Barack, the American people will have a clear choice between another insider, a clone of Bush surrounded by dangerous lobbyists and special interests, and a real reformer, a guy like all of US who intends to deeply change things in this country.

Jimenez June 19th, 2008 11:17 am ET

"Someone needs to investigate where this guy is getting his money."
_______________________________________________

He's getting his money from the over 1.5 million Americans donating mostly small amounts to his campaign (I believe the most individual donors in history – EVER!). You don't need an investigation, just read the required monthly reports that are publicly available.

I don't think you will read the documents, however, as I expect that your comment was meant to cast aspersions through innuendo, not to get at the truth.... but I always appreciate the opportunities people like you provide for us to correct the many misconceptions being peddled about Barack Obama, his ideas, and his campaign. I believe that in the end, truth and justice prevail, even if they are suppressed for say – EIGHT YEARS.

I think it is great. He has loyal supporters who will send in money, no matter how small the amount. Small amounts add up.

Dear Emma,

Please DO NOT send any more contributions to Obama. First, he has enough money already and YOU will need the money to pay for the tax increase that Obama's going to enact his first year in office.

The gall of McCain's campaign, calling Obama a flip-flopper when John McCain is the BIGGEST FLIP-FLOPPER in this campaign.

Obama and his campaign are smart and who says they aren't being publicly financed? Saying that is slapping his millions of supporters (we, the PUBLIC) who have donated to his campaign and will continue to do so.

The GOP is just scared because this is the kind of movement they haven't seen before.

It doesn't make sense to go with public financing since the candidates are burdened with the unpatriotic profiteering of the media when it comes to running political ad and messages.

Hello obats, you can see the hypocrisy and lie already. Don't be blinded by Obama's excellent delivery of a stale message.

NOBAMA ever.

Let the crying begin, Waaah, Waaah, he's going to outspend me, people don't believe in me enough to donate money!! What's the internet? Man up McCain, Barack will need every penny raised to defend against the Rove playbook and the hot air hacks like Hannity, Limbaugh and Faux News Network.

"New Politics" = New DECISIONS, Jerry. Instead of crying about being out spent by Sen. Obama. Go with the old saying if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. WaaaaaWaaaaa I can't get enough actual voters to support me financially, I'll go ask my buddy George to help...But don't tell anyone...and close the doors...

Obama says he does not want money and Mcflop supporters are enraged. I am surprised. Cindy has $100 million why not just use it or tell big oil about it

Obama 08

Emma,
I will join you with my donation of $50 for the Obama campaign (I need gas). God keep the people of Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois during the flooding.

Dems '08

CNN POST MY COMMENT PLEASE!!!

To all of you who are talking about Obama Backtracking he is not. If you all read the document you would see he said he would CONSIDER the option of using public financing. He did not say he will take it. Now he has considered it and has decided against taking it. People please do your own research before you open your traps.

Awesome, this is beyond politics.
Great judjement !!!!

I am glad that I along with a million other people have the opportunity to take part in owning a piece of this campaign which is truly making history.

If I am wrong, please correct, but didn't Obama agree to public
financing when he agreed to run for President????

FLIP...FLOP...

By the way, what about the Muslum lady that couldn't sit behind Obama because she had a scarve on, does he have something to hide? hum,hum.

As a former GOP member, I too support Obama. Why? When the GOP nominated bush as the best the party had, even I could see the train wreck coming. 7 years of total government control by the GOP has gotten us NO Immigration Reform. NO Healthcare Reform. NO Border Control. NO Infrastructure Repair. And of course, NO BIN LADEN.

Why? Because bush is a poor leader who has at best a tenuous grasp on events in and around this country. Now we have mccain who used to be 'the mavrick' but who now has publicly supported bush's inane policies and has flip flopped so much he sounds like John Kerry.

Then, of course there's Obama. A fresh faced, thinking, articulate person with the drive to change the country's direction, and actually listen to the people.

He's got my money, and more importantly, my vote

Well those people that says that obama candidancy is just words well i have on on word for you,words do matter words inspire on on nation and intire world so stop the jelousy and join the team.

The media acts like this is a big surprise. Did you think that this man was going to keep his word. It hasn't been worth nothing yet. The media can make up that lie all they want to about individual donors, but anybody with a brain knows that is crap. He has some latta drinking liberals who have donated probably the max to his campagin but do you think that these college students are able to donate very much and you know as well as I do that most blacks are on the low end of the totem pole in making money. But you will never investigate it. I would say look at them individual donations being made in the names of people and you will probably find that the money is being doled out to people or made in their name by rich liberals, black nation of Islam in america and from Muslims countries in the middle east. Do you really believe that reverend Wrights church is a real church of christ. If you do you still believe in the tooth fairy.

I am a 23 year old graduate student who is low on cash....but i will forfeit my "going out money" strictly for the purpose of donating to Obama's campaign which IS being funded by the Public!!!! Yes We Can!!
Obama '08!!

Ok I know it's not much but I'm sending this guy 5 dollars when I get home! I'd also like to donate to the democratic party I just need to find where I can do it. I've donated to Mr. Obama before, any little bit helps, whether it's 5 bux, 25 bux, or 125 bux or more, it adds up and we can show the government that they don't need to be controlled by special interests and lobbiests, we are willing to invest in our government and our own interests if need be! This is truly a once in a lifetime oppurtinuty, Obama is changing the face of government for the better, for the people!!

Obama and his total campaign is so corrupt, no wonder he does not need publuc financing. He has received millions from questionable groups and peoples including terrorists, criminals and religionous fanatics.

I really need to contribute to the Obama campaign

Barak's compaign would be financed by people while McCain's compaign would be financed by his Washington lobbyist.

McCain's adviser, Steve Schmidt, criticizing Obama for not taking tax money – while McCain says Obama will raise taxes!

Talk about MIXED MESSAGES FROM McCAIN!

McCain says one thing ... and does the opposite!

Another nail in McCain's Coffin!

Mike

Schmidt is shocked .......got ya...we will out raised you and whip you Celtics style

Young Americans for Obama ...YAO!!!!!

I will write Hillary Clinton on my ballot. If it is wasted, so be it. I cannot vote for either one of the candidates who will be on the ballot. I hope Hillary does not become his VP, that would be the biggest mistake she could make. I am glad to read the single mom can afford to send Obama money. I guess our economy is better then I thought. I will not send any money to the DNC, Obama or McCain. I can afford to, I just choose not to. Let them, eat cake.

GOOD! People like me ARE public financing! I'd rather my candidate get his funds from millions of individuals rather than the government.

How can anyone complain about "Republican 527 Groups" with MoveOn.org spending millions to support the democratics nominee?

He can change his mind. And Iam proud that he admits it and moves on.

Obuma uses this tactics as political agenda.
I was a democrat and changed my party to INDEP..
He hijacked the MI votes!

He's an illegit presumptive nominee. I have no respect for him. He has no integrity when accepting the delgates that did not belong to him.

The McCain people are trying to bring Obama down because, even with $10 and $25 donations, Obama's fundraising outpaced McCain's nearly 3 to 1. So what do McSame's people do? Badmouth him.

Go Barack! They're just jealous that your message is resonating with people, and their feeble attempts aren't.

Someone needs to investigate where this guy is getting his money. Maybe he can help bail out the DNC.

I say give all the candidates IQ tests and then pick who will be president. I say this because I know Obama will win. Doesn't the USA want a president that is intelligent for a change.

awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are 100% behind this decision. The republicans would manipulate the system to gain a financial advantage. This is why he'll make a great president. He makes decisions based on reasoning and logic. Not on ideologies.

Vote with love for Country, Vote Obama..

You people that agree with Schmidt's quote, please do a little more than re-writing of the quote please. Give us an EXPLANATION of the quote, give us EXAMPLES of how those words are emptier, backed by proven FACTS from PROVEN SOURCES, not just personal hatred and GOP bigotry and propagandas. Otherwise it just look like you have a hard time thinking for yourself or you don't know what the quote means and you're just following an ignorant herd.

To John, Catholic,

I have to agree with you whole heartily. Hillary supporters will only hurt themselves and suffer more, by voting for McCain. By the way, that's fine with me. Just don't complain, because you deserve what you get. I hope you suffer so much that your heads fall off!

We the Public Fund your Campaign sir so YOU are Accountable to us, the people not the LOBYISTS!!!

DEMS 08!!

Look how far a person can go with Oprah's money in their pocket. One could finance an eloquent village idiot with her bank roll and get the same result. Shameful how our system has come to a battle of money with the "have" group while the "have not" group doesn't even have a true vote in the matter anymore.Shameful.

This is the end of America as we once knew it. All you people who think this is a good thing are in for a real shock.

At this point, EVERYONE'S campaign is based on speeches. Neither one is the current Commander-In-Chief, therefore, they both have to just talk about what they're going to do. The main thing is to elect someone that will be able to accomplish what they say to better this country.

For those Hillary supporters who say they that they'll vote for McCain, that's the dumbest thing I've heard. Hillary and Barak were pretty much the same on most major issues. To say that you'll go to vote for someone who is opposite to Obama's/Hillary's view's shows that you didn't care about issued one bit! The attitude to decide to vote for McCain is basically something you'd expect out of people in grammar school, not adults. This also applies to those who say they won't vote at all.

Like I said the Obama haters (repubs) will spin his good and HONEST intentions into something negative but I understand it's all you guys have. You couldn't really attack him with something substantitive so go for the petty stuff, you guys are great at it.

Even before the news outlets were privy to Sen Obamas decision....He let all his supporters know in advance. Because we truely DO fund his campaign.. And will continue to do so one small donation at a time.

Good choice my donation is on the way cha ching cha ching....

Change is coming to Washington...

I guess McCain and his croinies thought (HOPED!) that Obama was going to throw away one of his biggest weapons (fundraising) and go with the public money.

Obama knows a good weapon when he sees one.

Let McCain have his little bb gun, Obama has the big guns.

I have sent 40 bucks to the Obama fund and will be contributing more.

Jerry - You are right on the mark.

Like you, I realize that the lies, manipulations, and outright hypocrisy demonstrated by OBAMA throughout this campaign is simply business as usual in the current political climate = doing whatever it takes to win. Why pretend otherwise?

WHAT bothers me is that OBAMA professes top be "above it all", and then criticizes his opponents for thier "business as usual" approach to politics. This tactic by OBAMA has turned my OFF completely.

I will not be voting for "saint" Obama...because he's a phony!

Yeah!! You can say what you want but one thing you can not say is that he will not owe the people of America. Obama will have to answer to us and that is alright with me.

OBAMA 2008/20012

He's not opting out of public finance to take money from big donors...instead he is getting public financing but instead of taking it out of our taxes, he is funding his entire campaign with small funders, who donate on average, less than 100 bucks....that is public financing

Obama supporters who booed the mention of Hillary Clinton, watch out. We'll vote for McCain if you aren't nice.

Does the hypocritical double-talk ever end with this guy???

Watch the McCain people WHINE, WHINE, WHINE. They will whine because they can't match Senator Obama in raising funds. Obama has more money than they do and they are going to whine like 3 year olds about it.

If McBush had a personality perhaps he could raise more money.

Hmm...They talk about Obama's words. To me it seems Mccain's words look sooooo much emptier. I cant believe a thing i hear from that old geezer snakeoil salesmen

Awesome! If they insist on spending the $80 million of our tax dollars from a system that that is already grossly in debt and that Obama does not wish to particpate in, then they should donate the funds to the flood, tornado and economic disasters going on in our country. It will be better spent and Obama can better support his campaign by accepting funds from those that believe in his message of change, and I think this most recent message of change and to reject the funds should be respected and appreciated. Obama has my support!

CHANGE!? WHAT CHANGE!!??

The DEMs are coming baby, we are attacking the fear and lies machine from all sides, and in every state...the South is up for grabs as well.

Smart move.

Look out Sen. McCain, Sen. Obama's knights are on the move and you are still on the 2nd rank playing the smear game.

i am with you–will send more money....You are practicing what you preach....

And where is this vaunted change? backing out of your promises now are we Barrack? This is simply more sleazy chicago politics and the lemmings are all running off the cliff together...

Since Mcwar raised roughly $100 millions, half the amount Obama raised. The Repubs have become masters at gaming that broken system. Mcwar are you going to accept public financing or flip flop on the issue? I bet you wont even exceed $50 millions in fundraising this time around. That is why you wont return the $300 000 to your misogynist friend.

McCain's just jealous.

I would have approached it in a more tactful and grown up manner, but honestly, that's really all it boils down to.

He is only doing it because he knows he can raise more than 85 million, if he couldnt he would have took public fianancing nothing genious about this decision.

OBAMA KNOWS HE DOES NOT NEED PUBLIC FINANCING. "Since January of 2007, has raised over $272 million." There are many American people that still beleive in the American dream (which is not just buying a home). It's the freedom from any type of oppression. That is the dream this county provides.....

OBAMA 08....

$80 million dollars..who needs eighty stinkin' million dollars, I am Barack Hussein Obama and I am the next president of the United States.
He should donate it to McCain, the poor guy needs it!
Hey Republicans, McCain should pick one of the greatest republicans ever Colin Powell....That's right, he is an Obama supporter too! Aww you will find one soon don't worry!

I like how they simply dismiss the public financing system as "broken" and move on without any specifics, but then again, I've learned to not expect any specifics from the Obama campaign.

If Democrats was so great they would have been in the white house the last eight years. People say they want change, well let me tell you people, you may get more change than you want. If you do your home-work you will see a lot of what is going on now was started by the democrates. Do your home-work! you will see that McCain is the best of the two evils. He is experianced has been in the military. Please, he is not to old, after all people live to be one hundred and over these days, we need a God fearing man, one that has compasion and if you do your home-work you will see that McCain has all the above. Best man for the job.

True, 1.5 million American citizens donate to your campaign is public financing. HOWEVER, the difference between Obama and McCain is simple. Accepting Public Financing from the Gov't is directly from the taxpayers who have no say to where their money is being funded. As a Democrat, I do not want my money sent to th McCain campaign under no circumstances. Obama's method for raising money is strickly from the people who want a change in office.

That's the diffrence...it's a brilliant strategy and I applaud it.

how can we trust this guy when he clearly doe not follow through with his promises. Liar.

Why is Obama afraid to debate McCain fairly?

Toward the end of the primaries and caucuses, Obama said that he’d debate McCain “any time, any place.” But now he’d rather debate McCain behind closed doors, avoiding the joint town hall appearance by fighting McCain over technicalities about how to run them, than debate McCain publicly and answer questions from real Americans like me.

And now I read on CNN’s website that Obama is trying once again to unethically use rules to tie McCain’s hands behind his back. Just another same old trick that Obama used in 1996 to win his seat in the Illinois state Senate. That’s right, early on in the nomination process, Obama promised to use only public funding if he were to become the nominee. Now that he had limitless resources, he’s reneged on that promise. Even so, he’s not above using his new power over the DNC to press for an investigation aimed at forcing McCain to use only public funding to fight Obama in the general election. Obama, you’ve got to be joking.

i guess Obama just can’t debate openly or fight fairly. Just look at his record…

Doesn’t look like Obama can take the heat, and he’s willing to say one thing one day and the exact opposite the next…

OBAMA-FLIP. OBAMA-FLOP.
FLIP, FLOP.
FLIP, FLOP.
OBAMA DOES THE FLIP, FLOP.

Puma PAC RULES!

I'm donating more cash to the Obama campaign. Crushing the Republican with my $25 bucks here and my $25 bucks there. I just love it!!!

Democrats 2008

They should both take public financing. Instead of donating hundreds of millions of dollars to candidates, how about giving the money to charities.

I've already made a donation, and they will keep coming! This election is too important! Why should Barack be criticized for not taking lobbyist and special interest money? Give me a break! Obama 08!

Don June 19th, 2008 10:11 am ET

Something about this seems shady. I think he has billionaires ready to give him the money like Oprah, so he can state that he is above the rest by not accepting this. Anyway, this is not a new policy issue how will Senator Obama help gas prices specifically and the economy in general i need specifics. Not speeches.
****************************************************************************

First off, regardless of how much money a person has the max they can donate is still $2,300. So Oprah and his other affluent friends can still only donate as much as the next guy. Anyways, most of his money has come from small donations. People sending in $5-20.

ALSO,

IF YOU WANT SPECIFICS GO TO BARACKOBAMA.COM AND CLICK ON ISSUES AND STOP WAITING ON CNN TO TELL YOU HOW HE STANDS. SOME PEOPLE ARE SO EFFIN LAZY IT MAKES NO SENSE.

FRAUDBAMA'S DOING IT AGAIN. HE HAS THE AUDACITY TO SAY, "I SUPPORT A ROBUST SYSTEM OF PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS," AT THE VERY SAME TIME HE ANNOUNCES HE'S OPTING OUT OF THAT SYSTEM, TO GO PRIVATE. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE HYPOCRITE! Obama supporters, do you ever think about what Obama actually says?

Once again this guy shows he's ready to back up his talk, no matter how difficult the situation must be.

Integrity and honor being brought back to Washington!!! I love it.

What's the deal with people saying "smalldonors = public financing'?" It's the EXACT OPPOSITE of public financing! Say you support private financing of campaigns if you do, we'll disagree but you're at least making a real point. Saying that private financing is public financing just shows ignorance. Reading the comments on CNN political news shows me how people like Obama and McCain can be nominated – the avearge American is a fool who will believe whatever the talking heads tell him.

Barack Obama:

President of the United States of America.

SOUNDS SO GOOOOOD!

Want Change?

Opt out of public financing!

Barack is such a bamboozler!!

–rd84

Once again, Obama forgets what is right and does what is best for him politically. What else is new? Will he try to make McCain drop out so he can run unopposed again or just get his network or supporters to work their insidious attacks. Obama is the worst kind of politician.

See...this is excatly why I have no doubt this man will make a change that is so needed in this country. I've donated over $200 to his campaign and will gladly to so again!

Obama '08!

He turned it down only because it would limit his spending. If he needed it believe me, he would take it. Remember, in the beginning he would take it. Filp-floper

I am with you @ Emma! I will send $$$ because I want to help this country's next president.

Obama is a fraud. He is every bit the ambitious, dc politician that he rails against in speeches.

what about Mcwar and lobbyists? no spending of public money. channel to infrastructure ,health care and education.
GoBam

Folks, now that's CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN! And, I'll be the first to make another donation to his campaign!

YES WE CAN!

FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP – FLIP FLOP –
SAME OLD, SAME OLD. THIS GUY NEVER CHANGES HIS TUNE, HE IS JUST LIKE ALL THE REST. WELL... HE WILL LOSE JUST LIKE THE LAST 2 DEMS LOST THE GE. WHAT A LOSER HE IS!!
PUMA

Thank You President Obama.
The People Need to Determine their President and we believe you are that person. Let me go donate another $10 after sending this email.
Stay away from McCain FLIP FLOPs as he takes public financing with one hand and lobby money with the other. He thinks the American People are foolish to believe in the Stright Talk Express BS.
Not this time!

Obama 08

On Iraq, the economy, guns, and God, McCain is to the right. On immigration, campaign finance reform, and global warming, McCain is to the left. Sort of reminiscent of John Kerry back in 2004. McCain went after Barack Obama yesterday for proposing a windfall tax on the oil companies. A month ago McCain said he was willing to consider a windfall tax on the oil companies. What about offshore drilling? During his run for president in 2000, McCain was against it. Now he's for it, saying the state should decide if they want to drill for oil off their coastlines. This could cost him big-time in states like California and Florida which are very environmentally conscious. Then there are the Bush tax cuts, McCain was against them – twice – now he's for them. McCain has also called for the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay to be closed down, and torture banned. But last week he criticized the Supreme Court's ruling that detainees there should have access to U.S. courts, calling the Supreme Court decision one of the worst decisions in the history of this country. So here's the question. How clear is it where John McCain stands on the issues? – Jack Cafferty

I will help you baby!! I will send NOW!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited for him and the american people .republicans can just stay home this election.i can almost hear the screams of victory thanks Obama.

You and your advisors are always one up!! Not only does this move cast you in a favorable light, it will be a crippling blow to the McCain camp!!! Of course with the numberous organizations-Planned Parenthood, Move On.Org., SEIU, and Pro-Democratic labor union AFC CIO poised to spend MILLIONS to help get you elected, there is NO STOPPING YOU NOW!!!

OBAMA '08

There seems to be a lack of Pro Republican groups gearing up to help elect their candidate. I wonder why?

As you can plainly see he is wanting to take the US in a new direction by starting with his campaign funding by stepping over the pit falls that others before him have created and still rely upon

Well of course he is going to decline public financing. How else would be able to claim all the money he is getting from Hollywood, Oprah and those other mysterious sources that still have not been revealed. It is amazing to me that someone with ZERO political experience, ZERO new ideas, and ZERO substance can supposedly raise this much money. I am not claiming conspiracy but something stinks in Denmark if you know what I mean!

Good for Obama. Why should he have to limit his donations from his small donor base to take public money.

You can't be the only one taking public financing and following rules that will in the end hamstring the campaign when McCain will play this little game he's got going to seem to follow the rules but then get virtually unlimited money from the RNC and it's corporate and PAC sponsors behind the scenes because that isn't regulated money.

The media will most certainly give the smear campaign of the Republicans plenty of time to play hypocrites on the public airwaves, however.

moderation is not the answer. The truth is what matter most. I don't play around with moderation attitude or life style. Guess what? our gas problems today was all moderation and this is the result what's happening in our country today. so much moderation, people are suffering because of it. No jobs and people are getting laid-of by the thousands. You probably is better of than most of us, going around telling moderation is good, maybe!!! for you perhaps...how about those people who spent 3/4 of their family budget on gas and foods, and no relief on sight, how can you say moderation is more important. why don't you line people up and give them finanical support.....instead!!! huh????

For all those people that voted for Bush...now would be a good time to say I'm sorry!!!

Another broken promise from the great reformer. Obama is a fraud, period.

Is it just me or have the comments on here been MORE ridiculous this week?

Please educate yourselves before posting. thanks.

I think it's a good choice. It means that this presidential candidate will be fully funded by the people.

Best news I've heard so far today. Really smart move. Go Barack! We've got your money back. You can count on me and my family for funding. Now, for the rest of the political day we will hear from the Repugs how terrible this is. He's so scary, he doesn't keep his word. My answer to this... Eat S...t and die. Who cares.

Obama continues to make historic changes in todays politics. Everyday you can see how he is different. Not accepting government money should make republicans happy since they are not for government spending of taxpayers money. The decision may have even been bad if he was only recieving money from corporations, but he is not, he is receiving majority of his money from small donors, the kinds of donors that should fund the election. Of the people, By the people and For the people of the United States. The US people will really determine the election this year...if they don't support their candidate then he won't win. This is a historic day for american politics.

Obama moves will absolutely scare the crap out of K. Street. Slap in the face of lobbists but really good for Americans. Now, we can count on Obama because he will count on us. Good deal.

So sad i was even thinking about saving some money and contribute in his website.well this on on good example by obama.but i can still buy machandise from his website.

MASTER OF THE GAME – you guys must see this old movie. Obama sees that McCain wrote his own loan rules early on, so the Obama campaign is going to use his own fundraising money. Too bad so sad McCain, looks like the young democrat just did a check mate on your azz.

Dems '08

Smart move! I'll support you!

The Obamabots again, leave their saviour off the hook for saying one thing and doing another. It doesn't matter what he does, it's ok with his supporters. But, another candidate does something like this and the Obamabots jump up and down with scaithing criticism. This is, without any doubt, the most hypocritcal campaign ever.

Oh yeah, another thing – there are plenty of 527s on Obama's side, too. They've sprung into action as quickly as John McCain's have.

I'm sure the anti-Obama crews are ready to fire away with insults about an Obama flip-flop on public finance.

When this race started, Obama didn't know that he was going to be the money machine that he is today. Why allow McCain to out-raise him by taking public funds? It would be political suicide. But of course, that's what the right-wing wants. We already know what the talking points are going to be in the upcoming news cycle from the right. They're so predictable.

Good on him. That money would be much better spent helping flood victims, building schools or helping those in need. If he doesn't need it, why take it?

It's refreshing that for once a candidate seems to be able to raise significant funds through small contributions rather than corporate donations at the upper limit allowable by law.

Obama for America. We're behind you all the way.

Emma since you're sending your surplus to Obama, can you send some to me! just kidding

No need for public funds...the funds of the public are with you!!!

Bravo Senator Obama. Bravo. You will continue to see my regular online donations to your campaign. I've been on board since October 2007. I admire your courage to take on this beast called "Old School Washington" and especially one of the "Old" old schoolers, John McBush. John "Keating Five, Vicki Iseman, Donald Diamond, Votes against veterans" McCain must be stopped. He's seeking Bush's third term. We don't need that sort of toolbox ineptitude in the white house for another four years. VOTE OBAMA!!!

Good decision! People who donate money are accordingly more motivated to show up at the polls on election day!

I guess keeping one's word means nothing anymore. The Public Financing "machine" hasn't changed since Obama first pledged that he would take public financing. All you Obama Nuts just choose to look the other way.

He continually goes back on his word and "fancy's up" a response that makes him look like he's taking the high road.

It's easy to tell that you supporters are young and uninformed and ready to follow anyone who makes speeches and hands out concert tickets.

Call me old and cynical, but that sounds alot like brain-washing and bribery.

Well this is good news. I would love to see the republicans try to make something bad out of this. If they do than you know they have no real discussions on anything but to talk about Obama. Am sure he won't need public financing he has great supporters.

Funny how its always okay to liberals to go back on their word when it messes with the Republicans.

Double standards for the man who consorts with terrorists and wants to meet with dictators.

As a hard-working American, I choose to make some of my tax dollars go to public financing of this campaign when I file my return. I find his action revolting. As a Hillary Democrat, I know Hillary would have done the honorable thing and taken public financing. The party is heading for disaster in November and this election cannot be won when it being bankrolled in this way. Happy that I will not be part of this maneuver.

right when i think he is at all time high for his greatness
here he goes again, i wish bush had cared as much for our finances
we would not be in such a mess
thank you barack and god bless

Obama has public financing! The public, including me, is financing his campaign. People are donating a tsunami of cash precisely because he's cut the lobbyists and boardrooms out of the loop – it's what we the people want and Repugs can't function without.

Now this allows him to raise unlimited private funds... You might want to read up on *private funding*... what a horses butt

That's all Obama's candidacy is: Words! Slogans! Cliches!

Riding into Fantasyland on hopes and dreams. Waiting for Santa.

Maybe it feels good to some but it is bogus.

Aren't we supposed to be grownups? Don't we all know that change takes hard work and know-how?

Obama has no legislative accomplishments. Nada. Zilch.

When is the media going to wake from their stupor and vet Obama?
I have NEVER seen anything like this in any election coverage.

How about making a point that Obama is politics as usual?

How about emphasizing that he kicked his mentor
off the ballot on a technicality so that he could run unopposed for the Illinois Senate?

Are all the investigative journalists gone? How about digging
and finding the truth about any connection between Rezko and Obama? Where are the real stories? Where is the truth?

Instead of investigative journalism, we get stories about Michelle being warm and fuzzy on The View.

Is it true that Obama's campaign is going to start limiting media access? This is major!

Media, start doing your jobs, please. You are not supposed to be press secretaries for Obama. Do the bloggers have to do your jobs for you?

WOW. This man is serious. Guess I better go make a contribution...

I'm too am glad he opted out of public financing. I also believe that ALL candidates should be forced to use public financing to level the playing field and remove the influence of corporations in the electoral process.

Until the playing field is level, i have no problem with private financing at all – why cripple youreslf?

Very good move because he will need more than the 80 million to help fight all the lies, smears, and rumors that you keep putting out there before confirming and checking the facts yourselves.

Barack is actually relying totally on public financing ... as his individual supporters/donors small and large ... WE are the 'public' helping to change the dynamics of the election process and the course of politics in this great country of ours! Yes, this is OUR country and with our financial support behind Barack ... CHANGE is coming!

I wonder if McCain is going to feel any pressure to follow Obama's lead...

But...lord knows McCain needs any money he can get.

Should be interesting

Don't worry Barack, we have your back. I am sending another $50 today!

I am sure the McSame will criticize Obama for changing his mind but it says something to me, about how many Americans feel about the his campaign, that Obama can fund his campaign on donations from regular Americans. I can't afford to donate millions or even thousands of dollars but I can give something. A s many people like me give a little; we now have some ownership in this candidate and as a result some ownership in the process and the outcome.

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!!!!

2008!!!!

Wouldn't it be nice if all the money that has been involved in this rigged election could have gone to the Red Cross to aid all the people who are homeless in the floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Our American values are all screwed up.

I think that we should call it what it is...campaign rhetoric.

This is why it's so annoying to constantly hear how Obama is going to change everything. Umm. No.

He's already shifted his position on NAFTA, which is ridiculous given that his campaign certainly pushed out a lot of distortions regarding Hillary and NAFTA.

Live and learn.

Way to set the bar high for McCain!

Obama '08!

Good for him! The fact that his campaign has raised RECORD BREAKING (W. raised 200 million) money, from everyday ordinary people donating $20-$100 on his web site SAYS A LOT. ALL the nay-sayers can say all they want but there is a huge movement in our nation who wants change!

McCain= more war, more troops dying, more national debt ($10 TRILLION is not enough?)........ more of the same!

just bought n obama t shirt!

Heres another historical angle to this campaign-Never before has a candidate being nominated who has shown the depth of Hyprocrisy that Obama has....condone divsion, hatred and corruptions for years with friends like Wright, Pfedger and Rezko while running on a unity, new and improve message. Now, further evidence has come out to show that his will do anything and deploy any tactics attitude to gain power has again emerged with the discrimination of two supporters who just happened to be muslims. How can one reconcile the integrity of the Unity message of a candidate when the same candidate has only showned consistent tendencies to divide the races, take advantage of gender bias, profile poor working people and now discriminate against a group of people that he feels poses a threat to his political ambition for the whitehouse. Yes, this is another historical angle that is disburbing and even more so when the media is not shinning a spot light on it.

Good for you Sir! You can count on my donations as you did in the primary!

GOP 527 cash is the poison fueling GOP candidates like McCain.

Until the GOP surrenders its political crack pipe, there is no reason for Obama to surrender his funding edge.

McCain: Go out and earn some honest cash.

My friend.

Of course he refuses it. He is bending the rules to help himself just like all other politicians. He looks at what will benefit him and then tries to make himself look good in the process. He has learned the game well. Now, he'll turn around and talk about change. In the US, we will always vote for the lesser of the evils. Nothing changes.

Gee,

The next thing the flip flopping McSane camp will say is " Obama stated he put his shoes on starting with right foot however breaking news footage states he starts with his left" However Obama wants to run his camp financing is his bussiness. McSame and team keeps throwing up these non issues lets stick to the issues at hand. Our ecconomy, bringing our son's and daughters home, the envirioment, but basically domestic issues that needs to be tended.

Barack Obama is a freakin genius! He is not only a brilliant man that anyone can look up too in all walks of life, he is a true leader and we are ready to follow you Barack! Let freedom ring!

OBAMA 2008!!!

Who needs $80 million dollars when you are raising campaign funds like Barrack Obama?
The reason why he can afford to turn down public financing is because he doesn't need the financing. HE HAS THE PUBLIC!
I don't know who is polling who, but the support around Obama is palpable in the very air we breathe.
The support is around him and the Democratic party because we the American people are looking to them to save us from this Republican debacle that has been the last 8 years.
The race to the White house has already been decided in the Democratic primary process. The November election is just a formality at this point and the race is actually over.
We can't afford more Republican policy. John McCain will loose because of his politics alone.
The Republicans will lose because their policies suck. They are for business and not THE PEOPLE.

DEMOCRATS '08 AND FOREVER

This campaign is disgusting. We have put the highest office up for sale to the highest bidder. There needs to be spending limits because this is showing how the rich are buying the Presidency. This goes for all parties.

Good for Obama. Good for the U.S. Obama is getting most of his money for his campaign in small amounts from large numbers of ordinary citizen donors from online contributions. This is very democratic and as it should be. The public financing initiatives were designed to eliminate the corrupting influence of big donors (the very rich and corporations) to make very large donations (bribes and influence buying). Barack Obama has refused money from lobbyists and corporate PACs. He is abiding by the spirit of the intent to eliminate the influence of the few and the well-heeled. By accepting small contributions from private citizens, Obama will be "obligated" to serve the "people." McCain, on-the-other-hand, does accept money from lobbyists and corporate PACs. McCain is being bought by and would be obliged to do corporate bidding, if he were to be elected. The very intent of public financing has been circumvented by previous campaigns. Barack Obama is doing the democratic, populist thing by accepting support of supporters and not taking funds from taxpayers and the Treasury.

I don't question Barack or his campaign decisions. They are doing an excellent job so far, and their camp has given me an excellent return on my money. Press on O-camp, I'm with you all the way.

Why shouldn't he? He is supported in the most part by "public
money" anyway and the GOP will have hideous 527s out there sliming him and his family.

Go for it, Barack. My next check is now in the mail (or actually over the net to his web site).

That is change! Good for Obama; good for setting a standard. We can't fix a broken system if we continue to use it.

This makes me like Obama even more, I can't wait until he's swept into office and our generation can finally have a real leader that can bring us out of this hole created by the far right in this country.

Why shouldn't he? He is supported in the most part by "public
money" anyway and the GOP will have hideous 527s out there sliming him and his family.

Go for it, Barack. My next check is now in the mail (or actually over the net to his web site).

I have been telling my GOPer adversaries. Dont under estimate Barack Obama. He ran a well organized fund raising campaign vs Hillary that left her $20 Million in debt. He will do the same to John McCain. Mccain will be left in the dust and in debt before its all over with.

Obama 08

i can't wait for this man to become president! it's so exciting!!

Good for you Senator. We the people will fund your campaign. Let the master Mc' flip-flopper, complain all he wants, we know he has already abused the public financing system. His ploy didn't work.

It's okay to change your mind, if he didnt he would be like Bush, having the citizens caught up between a rock and a hard place, that is one of the things I can say about McCain, I have watched him in the course of this campaign change his mind on every issue.

It would be a bigger mistake for Obama to accept public financing because he's competing with McCain who's got enormous name recognition and has been on the national stage for decades. Obama is smart to realize he's gonna need the cash.

A broken promise of staggering dimensions? If that's true, then what words can we use to describe things like: "no tax cuts for the rich" to "I support tax cuts for the rich", what about "I am in line with President Bush on all major issues" (MTP, 2005) to "I will not be a third term for President Bush" (2008), what about "Saddam has WMDs" to "Iraq needed Democracy"?

Is there no limit to the ludicrousness of McCain's campaign statements?

In order to achieve change, start from day one.

Good! I think Senator Obama should opt out.
Here's another breaking story-McCain has known about the Enron loopholes and voted against closing it when he voted against the Farm Bill. McCain knows there is speculation going on and benefits from it and is misleading people with his ridiculous attempsts to bring prices down. He knows better and is duping Americans, just like Bush has with the war. This is major news!

Can we have that public financed $80 million sent to farmers and families along the Mississippi River who really need some help right now?

Can we get to Obama's inaguration already?

.......I lOVE This GUY..!!! I am sending a contribution TODAY..

.................This Red STATE is a BLUE STATE in Nov.. 2008

So....while Michelle Obama gets unprecedented campaign staff (one that could not be afforded in public campaign finance donations), she gets her hair done and appears on the View....

Cindy McCain is in Vietnam where 100 children are having clef chins fixed. (One behalf of her charity, not funded by politics).

What I really find amazing is the fact that John and Cindy McCain adopted a daughter from Vietnam, also with a clef chin that was fixed.

It is one thing to be rich and squander your money...quite another to use the money you inherit for the greater good.

Obama needs to stop backing out on his word. He is the one that says rules are rules. He made a commitment...does that NOT mean anything at all to him?

He already has a real public campaign. This while Sen. McCain has a 527 RNC funded campaign.

Public campaign funding is a cornerstone of our electoral system designed to provide candidates with equal footing. There are rules that must be followed with public funding that are designed with the goal of ensuring a president is chosen on the merits.

Obama wants nothing to do with transparency, integrity, and honesty. No wonder he declined.

More money = more spin and more lies. We all watched the primaries, we all know what Obama is about.

RNC now do your part ! Stop criticizing and playing counterstatements game. Break from public financing! No more words RNC, No more stump speeches. We want action!

Funny that Steve Schmidt should accuse Obama of the EXACT same thing McCain has done. Poor Republican cry-babies know they can't win in a fairly financed fight. Like Obama said, Republicans have become "...masters at gaming this broken system."

What's next, Republicans? How about a 'Swift Boat attack' on Obama... maybe he didn't really earn his degree from Harvard. How about pulling a 'Karl Rove' and push-polling the idea he has a white, mexican, or asian child somewhere? Even better, let's say his use of a celebratory 'hand bump' with his wife is a 'terrorist fist-jab' (oh yeah, Fox News already used that one!)

Really Republicans... is it any wonder you're going to lose by a landslide this November? It's time for your party to 'grow up'!!

Talk about a flip flopper. Isn't it convenient that he takes a vow to accept public fundraising but now that he knows he has raised more money he is backing out. It goes to show that the one with the most money always wins. The US presidency can be bought. It goes to the highest bidder. I hope people will wake up and see that Obama isn't the candidate of hope and change but the candidate of empty promises and false dreams. He is in it for the power and advancement of himself and is just another sleezy politician. America needs to wake up before its too late. I mean, Christ's sake, did any of you read what his campaign did to those Muslim girls? He promises change and unity and then his campaign discriminates against Muslims. Barack Obama is a hypocrite and a liar!!! Wake up America! At least McCain is honest!!!

So this get's two (so far) entries, but the STORY that HIS CAMPAIGN WOULD NOT ALLOW 2 MUSLIM WOMAN in a photo op, get's a quickie with NO CHANCE to comment on?

Imagine if John McCain's campaign pointed out two black folks and told them they could not be in the picture for "political reasons", his CAMPAIGN WOULD BE DONE and it WOULD NOT BE BURIED.

True, campaigns plant people IN, all the time, but NOBODY EVER omits a certain group.

The actual audacity is they are "remaking his wife", imagine that, someone has to be re-made, meaning Obamabots, that what you will be seeing is not what SOMETHING REALLY is.

They can whine about Republican smears and throw the race card down, but the Clinton's are the ones who RIGHTFULLY brought her own comments up and it was Bob Beckel that mentioned a whitey tape and he is NO Republican.

The continued love affair with this windbag of change, who is an empty vessel with empty promises is glaring, but totally expected considering what has gone on so far.

November is a long way off.

I will change my votes to McCain. Both Hillary and McCain has the experience and dealing with the problems of the country. This young person will screw things up. Having Rookie in the white house is not a game, ti's not a place for someone for basic training. Hillary should have been the choosen one, a woman is a big change, I believe she can manage to do a better job, like a mother eagle she understand the terrain and see from above the enemies of time is very importance, not tomorrow but now is?. She been there before and knows exactly what she has to do without much adviser following her around. Obama, on the other hand, if people will listen to him, all talks and no solution...etc. the same old stuffs!, I get too tired listening to him. I have to shut-off the T.V. because nothing new! old junks......

You go Obama!

Obama can fund his campaign by using individual donations from his many supporters, instead of wasting tax dollars that should be used on something constructive. Imagine how $80 million of public funds could help those facing hardships from floods in the Midwest now. Just a thought.

I believe Obama is a candidate of principle rarely seen at this level in politics. It is exactly why I have joined many Americans in donating to his campaign (for the first time in my life). It's worth it!

Obama '08

This should let the people know who is more popular...................

Obama is a smart man, I think that this decision is for the better, no special favors to anyone.....Get em Obama!

He is truly a candidate of virtue.

So Obama wants to go back to privately funded campaigns. Why? Just because he can. He outspent Hillary 3 and 4 to 1 and still lost most of the last primaries. The Obama camp knows that on equal financial footing, Obama loses. He has to spend 2 or 3 times as much money as his opponents because he is such a flawed candidate. So who cares about past promises, that was just words and we all know how much words mean, don't we?
McCain/Clinton 08

Well said schmidt, thats exactly right

This just proves he is all about being a politician and winning. He's not running to stand on principles or ideals. He's running for personal power and influence.

Say one thing and do another. So much for change we can believe in?

every word out of the republicans' mouths these past couple weeks has been tinged with jealousy.

As long as there are those "swift boat" type non profit advocacy groups you have no choice but to establish the resources to fight against it. If it was only McCain's group that you had to worry about, public financing would be a non issue, but as we know it is not.

Smart move. I will give to Obama's campaign.

Not surprised. Politics as usual people!

If Obama's funding is from individuals – the most individual donors in history for a campaign, AND he's not accepting money from federal lobbyists / PAC money: Isn't that ideal?

I salute you Senator Obama, in the the wake of the devastaion in the Midwest maybe this money can be put to rebuilding lives there. With the country spending so much in Iraq every other cent that can be used to build lives should be used & your efforts no to use Public Funding shows how in touch you are with the nation.

Learn a lesson there Senator McSame.

Excellent strategy. Anything that Obama does McCain will have to do or answer for why he failed to do so. As it is known that McCain cannot raise a dollar to save his life eliminating sources of income for a presidential bid is a brilliant tactic!!

To be president you have got to able to afford to campaign. That is a qualification that no one can deny!!

At the same time Obama removes the limit on what he can spend!! Very, very good idea!!

when some one says NO to money then there is something up....his contributions mostly from the internet...suppose the internet and the world...... i mean the REAL WORLD.....the underground.....the underground world of GEORGE SOROS Reszno was just a money launderer he helped barrack get his house every body has friends like that...,.. while you are at it look into the death of DONALD YOUNG trinity church choir master..... ask Barry he may know...ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS.... look into this yourself beforee AMERICA GETS VOTED DOWN THE TUBES

HEY SCHMIDT.... IS THIS THE ONLY WAY YOU GUYS CAN STAY IN THE RACE??????????????

BARACK THE VOTE PEOPLE...............

Obama has a point, he is new to all this, and its a smart move to count Mccain and his 527 supporters. Mccain has done this campaign thing before and knows why he is accepting public funding. I bet he was hoping to get one over Obama.
Flip Flop by who, This is not a policy position, he is responding to his ability to get support from ordinary americans. Flip flop is Mccain switching his policy position on Not Drilling to Drilling in America's reserves for a less than 1% gain in oil production that will come good in 10yrs and have absolutely not impact on rising oil prices.
Go Dems

Like I say , he is being funded by his rich friends I bet. Does he have the money to fund his self ? if not who then. After all Clinton used her own money, does that make history. Let's get real, in past history future Presidents had very little money, didn't need it to buy votes.

Steve Schmidt, i suggest U retract...u wil need a job come October

Look, he's already saving the government money. Once he gets elected, Obama will turn that deficit into a surplus in no time.

My thought is this, Go Barack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do it different than everybody else. I think it says something that your campaign isn't being funding by PACs or special interest lobbyist firms! Me thinks the McCain campaign is a bit lemony because they know they can't raise as much as Sen. Obama can't. Where I come from, we call those types of folks HATERS!!!!!

OBAMA '08
DEMOCRATS '08

I'm sure McCain would love to have Obama use public financing when McCain intends for Karl Rove's 527, Freedom's Watch, to do all the heavy lifting for his campaign in terms of attack adds, smear campaigns, and the rest.

McCain is just trying to box Obama into a corner. Good on Obama for refusing to kow-tow to the Republican bullying.

I totally agree with ""Obama's candidacy is based on words and it seems like everyday that passes, those words look emptier and emptier when judged against his actions," Schmidt said.

Mc Cain – accepted the public funding when his campaign was broke and then he went against the rules.

I do not want that kind of leadership in office.

Obama is right for the entire America.

Mc Cain represents only a portion like G W Bush.

Although I disagree with his stance on same gender marriage and Abortion.

I want a uniter and not a divider in office.

Check out Obamas top Corporations.... Mortgage Bank galore....

He has taken over from the last election, from Fli[p an Flop, ( Kerry , Edwards )

Wonder who writes his Script , it sure is not Oprah .

All he know's is $$$$$ , he must have his own printing hardware.
He is not worrying, run short , Charvez will bail him out should Oprah wise up.

Yet who Votes for O B , don't cry when you get your change, for that is all you will have to live on is change , no more $'s .

NNOOOOOooooooo Obama ,

Take time to check up an see how he became the Senator , another behind the doors trick. No oposition , Found a way they could not run against him .

Please give me a break this nonsense, so what if he wants the people involved. He changed his mind due to us "The American Vote" a Change we can believe in!

I'm more concerned on the flip flop of policies isssues. Where do McCain stand??? It is confusing to some that really care about our Economy and our future Environmental concerns as well as Social Security. So when I hear the words confused I see why.

We are clear on 2 things McCain wants more of the same on tax breaks for the wealthy and to continue war any war you name it and he's for it.

McCain is afraid that he can't match our fund raising ability.

Obama 08

It is a very good decission for him, if we could give him more
money than public financing . John macain we do same.
GO OBAMA GO 08

It's a good decision. The Republicans have abused the system by allowing groups like the Swiftboats to circumvent the spending limits. In such an important election, Obama should not allow the Republicans to attack him while he's got a hand tied behind his back.

Is it November yet? I am so sick of the negativity, lies, and word twisting of the low life republicans. McCOld's handlers are making a big mistake if they think people don't know what is really going on with all the off-topic attacks. It did not work for you-know-who and It ain't gonna work for McCain either...Not this time.

Good for him. If he can raise the money, and do so without selling out to corporations and lobbyists, power to him. Hell, my lifelong Republican grandma gave him $50 from her social security income, because he gives her hope for the future of her grandkids, whereas McCain reminds her of some of her old, senile, angry friends.

We love you Obama!!!

once again our canidate, changes they way the game is played now lets see if the GOP can put up or shut up in the same way. Obama for the people, he will be the next President. For the first time in my life I gave to a canidate and I will give more to Barack. Not just words, but principle actions to back them up. A man of his word. I love this country, GOP you better take notice, we are taking back our country. Things are going to change.

That's the only way you can effeciently overcome the crooked Republican smear machine

I think that the McCain Champagne is scared. They need every drop of the "special interest" money to help them run their champagne. Barack ACTUALLY KEPT his promise to turn away those groups. He has his champagne ran by THE PEOPLE! Not shady groups...Please, Sen McCain learn what the people really want...

I think this is where I'm suppose to say the McCain is "out of touch"...

Steve Schmidt – take some advance from Luke Russert, people change their minds and what empty words are you talking about. By the way what is Mclobbyist /McFilp-flopper doing. Nada!!!!

The Repugnants know they are about to get their bootys kicked!!

Go Obama....we will be donating to your campaign!!

Smart decision. Only hypocrites will cry foul. With the Republican 'swift boat' groups out there, Obama needs all the money to counter their lies and expose the Republican's lack of vision for the country and the world.

Imagine this scenario people:

Gore As President in 2000:
There would have been no Iraq war and Iran would not be be posing a threat now. Furthermore, Osama and his group would have been killed in Tora Bora mountains in Afghanistan.

Kerry as President in 2004:
American troops would have pulled out of Iraq and believe it or not, the Iraqis would have solved their problem without the loss of more than three thousand American lives and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.

2008 President?
The whole world is looking to the American people to set sentiments aside, ignore the visionless Republicans and make the right decision this time around.

Alright Senator Obama!!! I will continue to donate money to the campagin on a regular basis. It's time for real change and reform in Washington, and President Obama is the man for the job. With his Lovely wife and daughters at his side. America will once again be the proud country our founding fathers intended for us to be.

To all the Hillary supports who threaten to write her name in please do so. By doing so you effectively waste your vote because. Hillary supporters like to say that Obama cannot win without their vote, yet they fail to realize that she cannot win without the votes of his people either. Writing her name in will not make her president. However writing her name in will assure that the vote does not go to McCain. As such it is a vote not cast to help the opposition and a vote that will not achieve victory for the name listed. Hence your vote is a waste. We thank you for your use of fuel to cast your wasted vote as your need to buy more will help stimulate the economy.

I am tired of people trying to persuade or cajole BITTER supporters over. Do what you will do! For often in life we learn that when we get what we asked for it was not what we wanted. You want Obama to fail and McCain to succeed, so be it!! Most of Hillary supporters were blue collar workers and women who will suffer the most should McCain win. If they choose to cause Obama to lose out of spite than they will be rewarded by having to suffer more than anyone else under McCain. So by all means impose more grief upon yourself. I am not a woman nor am I blue collar so I can afford to wait out a McCain term or two. Indeed while I am an Obama supporter I may just vote for McCain to teach you people a lesson. Maybe after you suffer more for four more years you will realize that you got what you asked for and it was far from what you wanted!!!

I am so proud of Obama! He has a true sense of intergrity. Unlike what we have seen of McShame, as he refused to give the money back from that controversial guy last week.

This is exactly what the US needs as a President. A stand up guy we can be proud of. Way to go Obama!

-A proud OBAMABOT!

I know the republicans are reelling about Obama's decision.
I expected that and most American expected that. This campaign is a campaign funded by the American People for the American People, less lobbysts.

Outstanding Judgment!!

That is the judgment we need in the OVAL OFFICE!!

Everytime either Obama opens their mouth, the opposition starts a fire. Why limit your funding to 80M when you constantly have to deal with attacks from everywhere?

Get over it McCain!! If the play was fair, he could accept the public funding.

Hardly surprising. Democrats like Senator Obama were all in favor of public financing when they were being massively outspent by the privately financed Republicans, but the second the shoe is on the other foot, they change their tune.

Of course the Obamabots will rationalize, parse and justify this latest example of hypocrisy like they always do...

My problem with Obama isn't that he's a manipulative hypocrite. ALL politicians are manipulative hypocrites. What I loathe about him is that the central plank of his candidacy is his "New Politics". He claims to be above all the petty bickering and sleaziness of Washington insiders, but in reality, he's no different to any of them.

The same people who despised the Bush/Rove Machiavellian hypocrisy of 2000 and 2004 ("I'm a Uniter not a divider") are now prepared to overlook the similar tactics of Obama/Axelrod, simply because they're on the right (Left) team.

GOD BLESS YOU OBAMA ! GOD BLESS AMERICA !

WE ARE DOOMED!!!!!!!

I am a card carrying devoted populist, progressive Democrat, and I will vote for Obama even though I supported Hillary but all of you Obamabots have succeded in truly destroying this country for good. John McCain will wipe the floor with Obama. The only difference between Obama and any other politician is he lies, cheats and minipulates more than the rest of them!

The more I see and hear of Obama, the more I like him. He is refreshing-he has integrity!

Naive and inexperienced. How is spending more money on political races a "change?" Combined with his track record of choosing exactly the worst people to surround himself with and this has all the makings of a train wreck.

God help us all if this naive noob is elected to run the military/economy/country...

So what if Obama changed his mind on public financing. McCain's mindset has changed to pander to the far-right. He's no longer the "maverick" that he portrays himself as. Here's how he's flip-flopped on his abortion views (credit to SFgate.com):

-------------–
John McCain on abortion
– "I'd love to see a point where (Roe vs. Wade) is irrelevant, and could be repealed because abortion is no longer necessary. But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal Roe vs. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to (undergo) illegal and dangerous operations." McCain said he would support legislation banning abortions in the third trimester. – Interview with The Chronicle, Aug. 20, 1999

– "After a lot of study, a lot of consultation and a lot of prayer, I came up with a position that I believe there should be an exception for rape, incest or the life of a mother ... (the issue) is one of the most difficult and agonizing issues that I think all of us face, because of our belief – yours and mine – that life begins at conception." – Reported in the New York Times, Jan. 22, 2000

– "John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench." – McCain for President Web site

--------------

McCain cannot be trusted. His views change with the political winds.

In Ft. Hood, TX there are several reports in the growing number of homeless vets. These are men and women who had served well, usually several tours, most have been wounded and now have lost everything and living on the streets or in shelters if they are lucky to find one. They are families who have sacrificed everything, who have missed countless family milestones and who if given the chance would continue selfless service.

That America is a disgrace.

We should all hang our heads in shame.

So I say, take the 80 milllion and use it to help the needy, the poor, the homeless, the vets. We already have too many political attack ads.

Shame on cnn for not posting THE COMPLETE STORY!!
Obama never agreed to accept public financing AS IT STANDS.
He was interested in DISCUSSING the possibility of changes in the program with McCain.
Get the story straight, cnn.... You're beginning to sound more and more like Faux News

I think we spent way too much money and time on this already. This really needs to be changed.

There is no way to protect candidates from being attacked from 3rd parties, so I agree, money would need to be available to counter those attack ads. Obama is doing something that is unprecedented by raising astronomical sums of money from small donations from many donors. He should be commended for this, not demonized. Matter of fact, let me find my checkbook so I can donate another $100 to Obama! McCain has very few advantages in the campaign and I don't think that Obama is willing to give him any if he can help it. Obama '08

What a surprise! "Let's change politics as usual, except when politics as usual benefits me." Senator Barry Obama

awesome !!.. We are 100% behind this decision. The republicans would manipulate the system to gain a financial advantage. This is why he'll make a great president. He makes decisions based on reasoning and logic. Not on ideologies.

Vote with love for Country, Vote Obama..

He doesn't have to Opra and other stars are funding for him.

Of course the Republicans will criticize this, but for the average citizen, who understands it anyway? All I know is that these campaigns go on for far too long, and cost way too much money. With the common man just trying to make his mortgage payment and buy gas and groceries, I doubt many people can afford to donate to any campaign. I know I am not sending anyone any more money.

Schmidt is only upset because McCain's campaign can only take $80 million and that's it. Basically, their whole budget is that amount and they have to give all the other donations back. Obama raises $80 million in roughly a month, so he can afford to live up to his promise.

Sorry, McCain, better luck next time.

GO OBAMA!!!

I am pride of you Obama. This change we can believe in.

YES WE CAN!!!!

Obama '08

We all know about the fat cats in the Republican Party.... John McCain can afford to take public financing, his honchos will spend in the hundred million mark to attack Obama. We cannot have the swiftboat people do the same thing that they did to Kerry , because the DNC is practically broke. The Republicans can cry all the want....... Obama is changing the way that the game is played... that's a sign of a true leader.

"Just based on words.." – McCain Team.

This just in from the Republicans: "Hey millions of Obama supporters who are young and college educated! You aren't listening or studying!! You are naive DESPITE your intelligence and vigor."

The only "clear and present danger", Republican politicans, is that of sounding out of touch with reality.

I don't understand this decision. If Obama would only propose realistic policies to back his outcry for energy independence, then I would vote for him. Blocking the drilling and refining of oil and natural gas in congress, and then blaming Bush for a "failed energy policy" is politics as usual. His proposal to research alternative energy will not help our energy independence for at least a decade. So much for "change".

My friends I too broke a promise when I tried to weasel out of my public finacning agreement that saved my bid for the Presidency. If you all can re-call in early 2007 my campaign had no money.But it is ok for me my friends because I have flip-flopped this entire election. For example on the President's Tax Cuts, On my own campaign financing, On Cindy's baked cookies......might I add she stole a good recipe from Hershey, I've even stumped against two bills in which I've co-sponsored. My friends if Senator Obama flip flops like me one day he'll have more meaningful acheivements by which he can hang is hat on and run for re-election.

Washington-1
Obama-0

Why do people never use "everyday" and "every day" correctly?

THIS IS JUST ANOTHER PLOY TO GET VOTES!
BECAUSE THE PEOPLE DID NOT COME TO HIM AFTER THE NOMINATION, NOW HE IS GRASPING AT STRAWS!
THE DNC MADE A BIG MISTAKE NOMINATING OBAMA!
THE PRESS CAN BUILD HIM UP ALL THEY WANT, THE TRUTH IS, THAT THE PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF BROKEN PROMISES AND LIES, THEY SEE RIGHT THROUGH ALL OF THIS!
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WILL PAY THE PRICE, WITH A LOSS IN NOVEMBER!

Of course, he wouldn't take public financing. $85 million is nothing to sneeze at, but certainly a mere drop in the bucket when compared to what he could raise from private donors. Obama came out as a freshman with ideals nobody could match; only to find out that in order to survive the dirty world of politics, one has to get one's hands dirty, as well.

Respectfully said to an actual veteran, unlike Bush and Cheney and all the other chicken hawks in the Republican party,

go away John McCain and Company and take that slime bag Phil Gramm with you. We do not need nor want "public serpents" as public servents anymore.

good for him.

This is the CORRECT decision for Obama...

Because...

He can fundraise the GOP blind folded!

This is the BEST way to be sure he can fight all the 527s that are poised to attack him and his wife!

McCain has already shown that he'll denounce such ads but has absolutely no power to put a stop to them... And since the GOP can't win this election on issues all they've got left is Swift Boat style dirty campaign tactics!

Glad to see that Obama will NOT give them an inch here!

I do not agree with Schmidt statement. I listen to Obama speeches and most people will agree that he setting up good examples leading to his election as the President of United state. He is the kind of man who will walk what he speaks.

What else is Obama to do? I had tons of concerns about him, from his patriotism to his plans for the economy and war. And he has addressed all of this to my liking. The funny thing is as a republican I hate to say i'm actually considering voting for the guy.. I also like the fact that he is more knowledgable about scripture and christianity then McCain. I don't know what to do..Should I stick to my parties candidate or go with the young guy who I actually have more in common with.. This sucks!!! Oh yeah I also had a problem with rumors about him really being a muslim.. But what I found out is that any true muslim who takes part in anything that has to do with christianity is not only a trader and not liked, but to the extreme muslims is targeted for death.. Is this true??

"a broken promise of staggering dimensions."

Let's talk about broken promises, McCain. Let's talk about how you flip-flopped on every MAJOR policy since being nominated.
We can start with tax breaks for the wealthy and continue to when you said you support most if not all of Bush's policies.

We have endured 16 years of Presidents who refuse to honest and forthright with the American people. You can sugar coat Obama's decision to not accept public financing however you want but when you get down to it the man went back on his word. He lied to the very people he hopes to lead and our citizenary should not be foolish enough to reward him for it. The politcs of change... hardly. This is how most politicians would play it and only proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Obama is just another politician. Don' be fooled by the wolf dressed as a sheep.

Bronx N.Y.
Unfortunately the McCain campaign does not know what else to grab onto. Maybe they should grab on to the helm of Christ, that may be their last hope.
It fraustrates me when he goes on about his service as if he was the only one on this earth. My father was in the Army 35 years 2 wars, purple heart service. So we all know how many times my dad was injured.
People should realize as I did as a little girl that Military people that served to this extent not only are they mentally unhealthy, but absolutely love the excitement of war. Open your eyes folks.
OBAMA 08

"Obama's candidacy is based on words and it seems like everyday that passes, those words look emptier and emptier when judged against his actions," Schmidt said.

I could not have said it better myself...

"A broken promise of staggering dimension?" I'd ask Mr. McCain about much more profound broken promises such as his being strongly against torture tactics in the name of our country, then flip-flopping on this word; standing against a hideous deficit fueled by tax cuts for citizens who hardly need those cuts, and then flip-flopping on his word; being against senseless offshore drilling in an effort to appear to address our petroleum dependence, and then just this week joining GWB in calling for a reversal; being behind our brave citizens fighting in Iraq without reservation, except when it comes to supporting them financially and unequivocally when they return to the states - "too expensive" Mr. McCain says. GWB says the same, of course.
Broken promises? Staggering dimensions? McCain proves each and every day that he will deliver yet more of the biggest broken promise of all– upholding and standing unequivocally for the good name and the honor of America - a promise Bush has miserably failed to deliver and McCain promises more of the same. We are exhausted by broken promises, Mr. McCain! You and Mr. Bush can peddle false hope this time, but we're far wiser this year. Not now. Not this time.

Alright for Obama and his whole team. The constantly show how smart and shrewed they are. He's in it to win it and not going to be tricked in to this trap of public funding laid down for him by the Republicans, who desperately need him to accept public financing because of McCain could never raise the millions Obama continues to raise! They just want to strip him of one of the many and advantages he has going into the general election. The want to let level the playing field and the Obama team is not falling for it . There ready to wield that money like a club on McBush's head! Let the battle begin!!!!!

Thank You President Obama.
The People Need to Determine their President and we believe you are that person. Let me go donate another $10 after sending this email.
Stay away from McCain FLIP FLOPs as he takes public financing with one hand and lobby money with the other. He thinks the American People are foolish to believe in the Stright Talk Express BS.
Not this time!

Obama 08

Totally indefensible. Obama is a fraud and a liar.

Zero respect for anyone who can't keep his word about something he stated as unequivocally and publicly as he did with regards to this issue.

Business as usual. Anything to win/buy an election. He is just as bad as all the other crooks. So much for "change."

For Sale: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Schmidt is full of it... Obama never agreed to accept public financing, the letter he wrote to McInsane (posted on the net') clearly states that he would, if nominated, speak to the red nominee about a form of public financing.

Once again, the McSame camp LIES, LIES, LIES. But when is the last time a republican ever told the truth?

Gosh, Steve Schmidt just described Bush, and Bush being a Republican, Mr. Schmidt verbally slammed his own party.

Schmidt most likely doesn't realize that his opinions reflect Bush, McCain and the Republican party.

McCain and his advisors are a joke, and have had absolutely nothing to say that will benefit our future. To this point, they have spoken worthless gibberish.

"Obama's candidacy is based on words and it seems like everyday that passes, those words look emptier and emptier when judged against his actions," Schmidt said.

No, I don't think so. He knows he's up against the unregulated "soft machine" of the GOP. He's going to fight it with all he's got.

We won't get fooled again.

My friend.

Every article on campaign fundraising talks about the fact that Obama (and Clinton, too) raised so much more money than McCain, but none of them remark on the situation: Obama and Clinton were in a hotly contested, highly publicized, very public campaign for a very long time. McCain, on the other hand, has had no opponents to speak of (in his primary campaign) for a very long time. There's no reason for people to donate to a campaign that has no opponent. Rather than telling us how much better Obama did when running against Clinton, let's see what happens when the race between Obama and McCain truly begins.

ianrandalstrock.livejournal.com

Well, it doesn't matter whether Obama has fundraised a lot or not.

First, that crazy Hillary was knocked down.

Now, McCain will get rid of this guy!

McCain08!!!

Now who's flip-flopping? While I understand why he's doing it, that doesn't make it right.

Good news-so Obama-if the system is broken-give some pointers on how we can fix it???-once again words, words, words, NEVER a way out of the broken system-I always thought action speaks louder than words!

From a skeptical Independent.

This guy can't tell the truth. First he makes a pledge to accept public financing, now, because it's convenient, he makes a claim public financing is broken, and he's not going to accept it. He doesn't believe anything he says, will say anything, lie, deceive, fabricate and bend reality to fit his agenda, and people...he hopes you won't notice. The sad part is, most people won't notice. Yikes, this guy is dangerous.

I think its great what Obama is doing!!! He's beating the republicans at their own game!!!!

I am pleased with his decision. Instead of criticizing him, why don't John McCain take the same route?

Obama’s candidacy is based on much more then words. His words convey the hopes and dreams of a huge number of Americans.
He has demonstrated that he is a savvy politician; otherwise, we would not have placed our confidence in him to deliver a government that works for the people. He made the right decision, based on the current situation, to be able to spend more money then he could to enable him to get his message out as well as to counter the spin and lies coming from the other side. Had he chosen any other option, then he would have let down all those who are now supporting him.

Given how well Obama was and is raising money from a wide group of contributors, is it any wonder that he isn't going to take federal money? I mean, this is as close as some have come to a fully publicly financed campaign. Granted, it isn't 100% clear as to who is contributing and how much, but I have to say I have less fear that there are groups of specialized interests that focus solely on their own needs that are contributing to the Obama campaign.

I guess that McCain can't really say that he has that broad appeal. Is he going to take federal campaign money or not? The other question is did he apply for federal money and then decline it? Can you do that; start to take it and then decline to take it?

The only reason McCain is critical of Obama "backtracking" is because he knows he can never compete with Obama in fundraising.
Basically, McCain's position is "it's not fair that Obama has more support."
And if we're gonna discuss "backtracking," McCain has quite a few more important issues in his closet than this.

This is why Obama should be our next President. He will be running the White House with out a broken system.

Obama 08-12

Smart move. Everybody and their mothers know that even if he opted to go with public financing that McCain and his outside groups will game the system. Obama has the fundraising advantage, and he should be able to adequately respond to all charges level against him as McCain ship takes on more water. I say, wise move Obama.

WAAAAA, WAAAAA, poor McBush can't hack it with Obama in fundraising and now he's crying because it will look bad if he takes the money (which he so desperately needs) and Obama doesn't. This is a new style of campaign and election and I guess like they say...you can't teach an old dog new tricks. And and old dog is exactly what we don't need in the WH to go forward in this country and world.

I don't see what is so great about government-managed public financing. McBush & Co. will cry about this, because they have so few supporters and can't raise as much money. I'm fine with seeing a senator who is against the new GI Bill, and for slashing of Veteran's Benefits cry, because he's not much of a man anyway.

Those who doubt Obama's viability need only look at these numbers.

Those who question his experience need only look back to a 43 year-old phenom named JFK.

Those of all points of view who ready for a robust debate on the issues- welcome to the process.

Those who wallow in nothing but hate and ignorance- pity. Our cherished American system of government has no place for you.

Since there is a cap on personal donations (and people can't give to the limit and then give again) he's setting himself up bigtime for fraud.

What a stand up guy.....if he take the public funding what would he tell all those special interest groups that give him money if he couldn't spend it!

Geez...wake up people!!! He is no different and there is no change!!

Those NAFTA contributors will be really made if he can't spend there money....funny how he's changing his position on that one now.

With the money we pay in taxes already, the presidential election should not be privately funded.

Give each candidate so many millions each, and say good luck.

This "private donation" garbage is making it more like the senior prom than anything else....

is this what our democracy has become?

If Obama really wants to score some cool points he'd try to at the very least introduce the idea of some of that money going to flood/tornado vicims that have been stricken by these natural disasters this year. If he could find a way to do that then he would definitely be THE MAN! Think about it; politicians can find money for campaigns and wars but none to feed the poor.

Obama did SIGN A PLEDGE to take public financing! Everyone ready for a George Soros et al puppet government?!?!?!? Add in the group A.C.O.R.N. (Responsible for voter fraud, registering dead people who voted in 2004 for example; Obama has helped trained their leadership) and we have "masters at gaming this broken system."

CNN's home page "Obama declines more than $80 million". Why doesn't CNN report is as story for what it is; Obama abandons principals and opts out of public financing. Obama claims "the system is broken", HA! This guy will spin anything and everything to reach the White House and the media allows it. It is a sad time in America when the media conglomorants control our policy. In retrospect, the media is owned by the huge corporate conglomorants (CNN, ABC, NBC, etc.), so in reality who is running the country.

STOP nOBAMA!!!

No problem......until they fix the loopholes, I agree with obama. I see no backtrack here. Mcbush is not using public financing either.

We most certainly do have crisis in this great country, but it is not energy, unemployment, homelessness, no, not even the economy or border control. I believe the most depleted resource in this, the most powerful country on the planet, is common sense, if that doesn’t deserve crisis status I don’t what does. It seems clear our elected and TRUSTED officials have evolved into a political sporting event of two Titan teams sparing it out in a perpetual muddy stalemate that we call Congress. What a shame and waste of time, talent and money. I feel the media has driven a wedge between the two parties in the name of entertainment, aka the news. One can’t be taken serious unless they are a tambourine banging conservative or a far left loon! What happened? Did we miss something? We all know the middle ground is where common sense abides, wake up congress! Is it time for a congressional kick in the butt? Hello, you still work for us.

Brad Neill, TX

Mr. Schmidt stop your crying, were you asleep when Barack's internet fund raising amounts were announced each month? Did you really think you would not be out spent in the general? Sorry his capaign didn't fall for the trap. Don't worry, your candidate can flip-flop and take public funds, you can use the spending cap as the reason you will lose in November. Maybe Cindy will make loans the campaign money or not charge for use of the company jet. I'm sure you can save money by having the hacks at Fox news give you free publicity, that is until their ratings dip. Good luck with all that!

I am a single mother of three, a citizen of the u.s. As far as I am concerned, I AM THE PUBLIC. And he will be getting a steady stream of my finances now through November. How ya like them apples?

Barack – the new politican walking the same old road of lies and promises that can't be kept. How are you all fooled by him? Wolf in sheep's clothing!

The McCain campaign's rebuttal = our wealthy GOP donors are going to get crushed by a grassroots organization

My $25 is going to Obama.

Take that McBush!!! i'm sure you'll go to your oil executive friends who want to drill and pump up their coeffers....OOPPs, i meant to help consumers.

I am so glad we have a Democratic canidate who does exactly what he promises to do. Oh wait we don't

I SWEAR TO GOD THIS GUY IS AN ANGEL. WE NEED HIM.

HE IS TRUTHFUL, HONEST AND WISE.

Dirty rotten scoundrel!

It's very simple: McCain wants to continue fighting dirty, illegally coordinating with special interests and 527s; Obama has chosen the high road to forgo public financing and build a campaign "by the people, for the people." Anyone who's upset at Obama for taking this historic action is simply narrow-minded and unwilling to accept that not only is the system broken, but also corrupt, and Sen. Obama has shown a willingness to truly change how it's done. Bravo, Sen. Obama. Out with the (Mc)Old, in with the new.

Remarkably the campaigns of both of these dark horse candidates–will likely be the best funded in history!!

Yet conclusively, both enjoy only the voter support of 50% or less of their party faithful. What a pity.

The millions of other undecided voters are apt find themselves stuck with a new President who represents their desires/ideology even less than GW Bush!!!! What can be done!!!

The Libertarian Party.
A place for conservative thinkers of all stripes–who desire real change are absolutely dissilusioned by the two major parties.

Barr 2008
Needs your donations and support in order to get on the remaining 22 state ballots.
(We may not win–but when you vote you won't lose your dignity and self-respect!)

Steve Schmidt said Obama's campaign is based on "words." I hate those things, those, those... words. They just get in the way of everything, don't they? Those darn things always got Bush in a lot of trouble too, those darnded words. I'll tell ya.

Obama doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. He is amazing and his promise of running an open campaign are being lived out. Of course the disgusting repubs will criticize all Obama's attempts at doing the right thing cause mcwar can't hold a candle to him.

Goodbye John....Hello president Obama

Sounds like sour grapes for the GOP. All the GOP does is game the system and find ways to get around the $80 million cap so I think it's smart for Obama to opt-out. Considering the fact that his average donation is $96 and he's raised $272 milllion to date, it would be stupid fro him not to.

And before you Hillary supporters say anything, considering the fact that she raised well over $200 million as well, she would have opted-out as well.

Interesting to see if he can still raise that kind of money. I generously donated during the primary but was snubbed at a function in St. Louis and thus will not donate during the GE or host any fundraisers unless I get an apology and I seriously doubt he is going to call an ordinary citizen. Several others have reported similar experiences.

I don't think Senator Obama is directly to blame but his inner circle staff are elitists that are already sizing up their jobs at the White House. Reports about invitations being withdrawn, muslims being denied access, and those in power being moved to the front of the line are only a small portion of many negative stories that are starting to surface within the Obama Campaign.

The Senator needs to get a handle on the situation quickly or this is going to be his Swift Boat if he isn't careful. Folks like me really had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to donate at the top level because we believed in him.

Smart man he know that the 527 will eat him alive if he takes public finacing now he can match there negative ads with postive adds smart move Obama Smart Move.

Good call Barack

Empty promises from a politician? What a surprise.

You Obama supporters need to understand that he is a politician, just like the rest of them. Barack Obama is nothing new, just more of the same.

Lesser of two evils: McCain 08.

Obama blames his own flip-flop/ flat-out-lie once again on Republicans.

But America is smart enough to see through that though....

...aren't they?

"Obama's candidacy is based on words and it seems like everyday that passes, those words look emptier and emptier when judged against his actions"

Can I have an example please? Mr Schmidt, what you are saying is "empty" if you don't give an example. Three examples would be even better.

With regards to this comment alone, this leads me to believe that you are just trying to portray Senator Obama in a negative light without any justification.

Examples PLEASE

So much for doing things different. He's just another lying politician. He says one thing to get the nomination. Now that he has it, he's going to go against what he promised. He's a liar!

Wait a minute.. Is Barack backtracking from his words. I thought he was better than that.

Does beating someone at their own under-handed game (e.g. the Republican fundraising tactics) sound like the politics of hope and change?

This, along with the entire democratic party not accepting money from lobbyist, are two steps in the right direction. Now taxpayers are NOT involuntarily partially funding Obama's campaign. McCain SHOULD do the same. republicans have always had problems with spending taxpayer funds... on certain things.

As much as republicans are trying to put a negative light on Sen. Obama, a lot of things ARE going to CHANGE. Republicans... I don't see how this is the wrong kind of CHANGE.

Before I worry about whether or not Barack accepts or does not accept public funding Mr. McCain, I will worry about why you support this illegal war that we are mired in due to you either being gullible (at best) or knowingly supporting the lies (at worst). I will also worry about why you think 100 or 1000 years is acceptable to remain in Iraq. You seem to indicate that because we are in Japan and Germany that it relates, the problem, Mr. McCain, is that we have not been in either of those countries for 100 years. I will also worry that you don't think it is important when we pull our troops out of Iraq and that you do not support the troops with the new GI Bill.

How can this man claim to be past partisan bickering when he tried to trick McCain into taking it then went back on his word?

Despicable.

McCain's fundraising has been pathetic.

Barack has over a million ordinary Americans giving 10 dollar donations and he's built an amazing campaign.

McCain may need more money to come up with some more lies about Mrs. Obama.

The right thing to do. Sen Obama don't let the Republican try to limited what you can accomplish. Steve Schmidt, a senior McCain adviser should worry about Sen McCain campaign fundraising. GO OBAMA

Does this really come as a surprise? Obama is the master at crafting the debate so that anything he does is acceptable but everything Hillary or McCain does is politcs as usual. At the end of the day, it is Obama who is the biggest liar and politician of them all.

Something about this seems shady. I think he has billionaires ready to give him the money like Oprah, so he can state that he is above the rest by not accepting this. Anyway, this is not a new policy issue how will Senator Obama help gas prices specifically and the economy in general i need specifics. Not speeches.

i j ust donated 200...glad he did opt out..now let mcshame do the same and see if he can raise some money thru the internet..i doubt it..

The only reason that McCain is using this as a political ploy to make Obama look like he is all words is because McCain can NOT compete. Eeven his best supports with lots of money dont want to throw good money on a lost cause.

whatever!!!
Bottom line...Contributions FROM THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE will make BO indebted TO THE PEOPLE....on the otherhand, considering McCain accepts Federal Lobbyist and PAC financing...he will be indebted to them...

I think I'll take the guy who is raising $$$$ over the internet!!!!!

WOW! A campaign for the people by the people. I cannot wait until this man becomes President. My fellow soldiers believe the same thing. Now this is change you can believe in!

I couldn't say it better than Mr. Schmidt did. It's another decision that Obama made and then backed out on. This line of broken decisions is getting longer all the time but we're supposed to believe what he says in other matters? His billionaire buddy has financed his "grass roots" campaign and I'm sure will continue to do so but we should also take notice of the fact that he dropped out of a decision that would have capped the total money spent – that's supposed to be the guy who's going to get us out of a financial crisis?

I don't know what Mr. Schmidt is talking about.
Obama happen to be very congruent with his words.

Well, I guess all the speeches of hope and change from the politics of old means nothing when you see that staying out of public financing does buy your way into the White House. I guess I can safely presume that his message of hope means that we all could have hoped he would have been a different candidate by his words but once again our dreams of a new politics have been shattered by saying what is politically expedient at the time and then doing something different when it comes time to prove you stand behind your own words. Once again this is doing nothing more than any other politician would have done and that is say anything and do anything to get you where you want to go. This is not anything different that he decries in others.

Im glad he did not join in. We the people will find his campaign.

Now lets see what Mr. McCain does.

He flip floped on major issues this week.

Against drilling now for it. Where were you and Bush before the problem got bad.

For gay marriage now against it.

For abortion now against it.

This guy is joke and is in for a thumpin this November.

Man has got to do what a man has to do to win!

Go Bam!

You would think after viewing CNN's website, that Obama is the only candidate in this race.

Certainly, McCain has not received nearly the 'air time' that Obama has had.

Mr Schmidt,

What is worse, Obama's flip flop on campaign financing or McCain's flip flop on oil drilling, or McCain's flip flop on the Bush tax cuts or McCain's flip flop on illegal immigration?

It is amazing how the McCain campaign makes a big deal out of such small issues like Obama's campaign financing, VP vetter's, the SanFran comments, Michelle's comments, when McCain has flipped on issues that will affect our nation.

I don't lie in bed at night worrying about presidential campaign financing.

I can't wait for an Obama vs McCain debate!!!

McCain should stop whining and just get on with his campaign. Did it start yet? I can't tell. His speeches are so boring and dry that I thought he was still speaking from the senate.

his actions are commendable..

Obama has demonstrated that he is just another politician who is willing to sacrifice the interests of the country for his personal spending pleasure. By opting out of the public finance system, he has doomed it for future elections. All future candidates will need to raise as much money as possible and accept no spending limits, if for no other reason that they may face Obama's successor. The system may be broken, and Obama has just destroyed it. He will never be able to get it fixed because nobody will trust him.

Yes, Senator Obama is clever and is setting Senator McCaine under pressure. Let`s wait for his answer

So now my taxes will be paying for John McCain's campaign and not Obama's. Another reason to love Obama and dislike McCain.

Obama would be very mistaken if he didn't decline public financing because his opponent is more than happy to employ and take millions of dollars from the special interest groups and PACs in Washington. John McCain's top officials are mostly lobbyists some who have a direct hand in lobbying for deregulation and policies that has had a major impact on skyrocketing oil and gas prices we are facing today. In fact, McCain has high level advisors on his staff that have very shaky relationships with ENRON and Big Oil. These are the very same guys who lobby for these types of companies which have had a direct result in the US economic woes we see today. Obama would rather count on the support of the average American rather than McCain who loves to count on these special interests and lobbyists whose interests are in the pockets of large corporations rather than the average American. John McCain wants public financing for this very reason, he has a large crowd of lobbyists and PACs ready to back him up while Obama refuses to take their money.

This is shaping up to be a bad week for Obama. He's looking really soft on terror (I don't know why he felt a need to bring up the Bin Laden marter thing) and John McCain has out maneuvered him with off shore drilling by providing an actually long term solution that Obama as a Democrat can not afford to back. Now h'e made a move that can very easily be labeled as "Washington Politics". The daily tracking numbers are reflecting these hits already and he hasn't been pressed on them yet in a debate. I'm an Obama supporter but I have to call it like I see it. If he looses this race, this will be the week I'll trace the loss to.

Well, all of these donations look like very well from big pharmacies to get rid of Clinton, vicious Iran and muslim countries. There will be bigger corruptions under Obama because they can manipulate him easier than with Clinton or McCain. He needs help from everywhere because he is just not ready for the job.

This does bring to question the truthfulness of Obama's words when he previously committed to accept public financing. Can Obama's words be trusted? Obama said he never heard Rev. Wright preach words of hate during his 20 year attendance at Trinity United Church of Christ. Can he be believed on other statements he's made?

Not good Obama....not good!!

The people fund Obama's campaign.

They gladly contribute to his campaign for a change.

Unlike the Republicans funded by big businesses and

special parties where one big person can give a lot.

America is awake this year. Go Obama go!!!

A powerful step to the "Change We Believe"!

Change the old game in D.C.! Yes we can!!!

since NObama couldn't beat Clinton in big states by outspending her 4-1 ... I guess he hasn't learned that money isn't enough to win an election.

FIRST.......I WILL BE SOOO SURPRISED TO SEE MY COMMENT POSTED.... BUT THIS IS CNN.....

...OBAMA HAS MADE HIS MIND UP ON BECOMING AN AGENT OF CHANGE AND AMERICA IS BEGINNING TO GET TO KNOW THIS MAN WITH (NO EXPERIENCE, BUT A CONSCIOUS). WHAT ABOUT SENATOR MCCAIN, WHO IS UTILIZING SENATOR HILLARY'S ATTACKS AGAINST OBAMA. THAT IS NOT CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN "MY FRIEND", AND I QUOTE SENATOR CLINTON, "THAT IS CHANGE WE CAN READ".

DEMOCRAT '08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Simply put: It was in McCain's best interest for Obama to accept public financing and not Obama's. If you look at prior elections, Republicans have been notorious for manipulating this stystem. Obama's campaign has been fincanced by the public, and not by lobbyist like his opponent. He has broken campaign fundraising records during the Democratic primary season, raising over $272 million, mostly with $25 donations from hard working Americans of all nationalities.

Hypocrite – you signed in favor of it. "Gaming the system" is just a cop-out that your campaign has centered its entire existance around.

Give me a break – typical politician from Chicago...

Schmidt is full of hot air...the republican noise machine at work. Obama will be successful without public financing. A man of his word. He has always kept consistant with his words. Obama 2008!

It speaks volumes that Obama's supporters are willing to finance his campaign. We can use the $84Mil from public financing for other things. Go Barack!

Barack '08

Schmidt is the new Wolfson. The just keep finding ways to demonize Obama, and it probably won't end until Obama takes the November election.

McCain and people in his campaign are witch hunting missteps at Obama's campaign and the democratic party. Obama has been truthful all along throughout the primaries. McCain and the republicans are oil machined corrupt politicians with Clinton style attack and no substance to the fact and business at hand. Obama is going to win the election for '08 because McCain has no vision for the future of our nation.

This is really the campaign of the future. The Obama campaign promised to be supported by grassroot supporters and is staying with it. The Republicans are afraid because thay lack the fundraising capacity that we have. We will continue to support this campaign to get rid of these warmongering repugs and restore our country to prosperity and respect. We will support Obama to fight the smears that the Repugs are using. As Obama once said: " they can take the low road if they want to, but it will not lead this country to a better place". The Repugs are done and we will win this election in a landslide. The politics of fear will not work this time. Smart move Obama!!!

Yet I am not surprised. So much for the promise about not operating as a typical Washington insider. Business as usual when it works in his favor. Obama has already shown he will buy what he cant earn. And if that fails, work technicalities in his favor to strong arm the process.

Obomo supporters, you have been duped, lied to and taken for a ride. You are all master of blogging, lets see what clever little spins you try and put on this. From the beginning he promised to do the public finance bit and he has gone back on his word. Yet you will still be willing to give him 4 years to do this over and over again to you, promise one thing and do the opposite.

In the end he is a lawyer, I think that speaks for itself. As an independent I can sit back and laugh but he outspent Hillary, he'll outspend McCain, lets just hope the results are not dictated by who has the deeper pockets. For all you that bashed Hillary and called her a liar and a thief etc, it shows Obama is no better, he postioned himself by outspending her and now his lack of morals and ethics and the ability to hold to a commitment are now all to clear.

Suckers...

What I don't understand here is why by saving the public $80 million dollars that he is doing a bad thing.Republicans have a very special way of turning things that don't go thier way into something wrong or deceptive on the competetions part.Way to go Mr. Obama for pointing out another broken system in our 15th century English Law based government.

So all you Obama supporters should carefully read this article, and the article about the woman in the head scarf. Obama is showing his true colors. First, a pledge to accept public financing that he has just broken, along with a brainwashed excuse. Secondly, his refusal to allow a Muslim woman sit behind him during a campaign event, while he talks about unity and overcoming differences. Obama is trying to speak out of both sides of his mouth at once. I wish Hillary were still in it. Shady dude.

So...NObama...exactly WHERE is all your money coming from then???? Overseas? Tony Rezko? Oprah???
Ug. Wake up voters. He is a phony - CNN should pull up his voting record and actions in Illinois (he hasn't done anything!).

VERY GOOD I'LL SEND YOU SOME TODAY.........

Of course the McCain camp objects to Obama's position on the financing of the general election...Obama has collected much more money and this gives the Obama machine more flexibility. If the situation were the opposite do you suppose that the McCain people would be objecting? I think not!.

Mcbush cannot criticize anyone for changing their mind, considering he does it on a daily basis.

He's just mad because he won't be able to lie, cheat without Sen Obama being able to fight back.

It is absolutely amazing to me my the gop thought mc-old is a viable candidate. he is too senile and out of touch entrust him with his grandchildren, let alone run a country. Not to mention, his wife is was a drug addicted thief.

Barack knows that $80million will not be enough to persuade enough voters to vote for him. He is smart to decline the funding based on past donations. I gave to Hillary, but I will not give a dime to him.

Not surprising. Keep the Change '08.

P.S.
I'm contributing $50 right now.

Fired Up, Ready to go!

Steve, my earlier comment was not posted for some reason. Don't talk about Barack changing his position. John has given a completely new meaning to the word "flip-flop" since he decided to run for President. Just can't keep a count of how many positions he has changed, with the recent one being asking for oil exploration in off-shore waters off the coast of Florida!! Don't throw rocks when they can hit your house too!!

AJ

I hope this comment makes it for other to read

This is a great plan to slow down Obama's fundraising so Mc can catch up. Point out the flaws in a fundraising system that the Reps. have exploited for years. But this time the people are not throwing there money to them, but to this young upstart of a Sen.

Do you not get it yet? Every time you try to slow this man down he raises to the challenge and excells. Every time you point out the flaw in the system that you have placed in the past for profit. Now is seen and pointed out for the public to see and for him to fix.

I have to say I was so aganist O-bomb in the beginning of this race that I forgot all about him. But your attacks have showed me so much of this mans character and his mindset. I've watched him and looked for chinks in hes armour and i be darned if i can't find a one.

LOL you have forged this humble man of no name into the best hope for this country and you didn't even realize it.

Now, that is a leader we can believe in... Will McSame do the same move? Ha! Don't think so... too many shady groups of interest and lobbies behind this guy. Then he says he represents the people... Who and for how long is McSame fooling? In the battle of showing honesty, moral and principles, Obama is also beating McCain... in a landslide.

This guy is amazing. Turning down $80 million and decided to trump McCain by trusting in the American people. I will be donating $25 every two weeks. Obama is transforming the way campaign fund-raising is done.

Independent for Obama '08

It has become very obvious that Sen Obama is just another politician.He is a man of "many words"but is NOT a man of HIS Word.How can that possibly represent change ?

McCain gets the benefit of daring Obama to get the same amount of funds he would get, while knowing full well that the rich and corporations will outspend everybody to ensure that Obama is not elected. Obama is just leveling the playing field by not falling for McCain's ploy to outspend him through third parties. Luckily, the "third parties" in Obama's corner are the individual citizens like me who send Obama $25 when we can afford it. This is truly "public" financing and I am not surprised that Obama is not going along with a system that is broken. Maybe, when he is elected, he can fix the public financing system to bar corporations and the rich from running a parallel system which minimizes the voices of the average American.

Why is Schmidt concerned about Obama's decision! It is clear the GOP is worried about Obama's mega fundraising.

Go Obama all the way!

A taxpayer voting for Obama...is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders

Slick move, Obie. By declining public funds, you avoid the campaign spending cap and give the impression that you're levelling the playing field, but nothing could be farther from the truth. This simply leaves you open to outspend the opposition by nearly 3 to win, which is the only way he can hope to win. What a snake!!

McCain wants to opt out, too. So what? If McTotallySameasBush could get $250 million, he would in a heartbeat.

Hey, FL, he wants to ruin your coasts as well.

Why he should run a campaign under circumstances being defined by the Republicans. The whole financing system needs to be reformed. As long as he has no power to cure the system it´s better to follow his current way of success.

Senator O, I can live with this broken promise. Good for you! Make history baby!

Its great that normal people with small income can support Obama while the special interest can support McBush. The reason for Obama sucsess is that so many people find his message correct. And this year the people will win and not the few. Obama 2008-2016!

Good on ya' Obama!

I don't think we've ever had a candidate in the history of politics whose actions have been further from their words. The man calls for change and then breaks his own promises faster than you can spell Obama. The only man in this race who has stood up to his own party, acted in a bi-partisan manner, and has acted with integrity the whole time is John McCain. I know most of us want change and a new course of direction on Washington and it pains me to no end that you have all bought into Obama. McCain is the candidate who can deliver on what you ask for, not Obama.

You make Obama sound so nice when you title the story about how generous he is to turn down so much money. Why isn't your story focused on how he backed out of his commitment to use public money? How about "Obama backs out of commitment to use public funding" or "Obama's more interested in money than keeping promise"? Surely if McCain had done this, that would be the focus of your story.

You need to do a better job at telling the real story, not what you think people need to hear so that they will vote for Obama.

It would be stupid for him to accept Public financing, especially with the Repulbican smear machine and thier 527's...

"a broken promise of staggering dimensions"......really?!?!....he decides not to take our money and this guy is criticizing that harshly?!?....wow.....this is better than reality television....if only we coulds set their lives up on camera 24/7 and scrutinize every pointless comment or action or percieved opinions whilst ignoring every important issue.....

hmmmm

I'm an avid Obama supporter, and I agree this looks a little bad, but what always makes me laugh is the McCain campaign's constant hyperventilation over the smallest perceived transgression.

Here, it's "a broken promise of staggering proportions." When Obama misspoke about his great uncle's experience in liberating Dachau, McCain's people said it called into question Obama's judgment and ability to lead.

The stench of desperation in the McCain camp amuses me and makes me feel very good about November.

I congratulate Hon. Barak Obama for that respectiful decision which he has taken.Hon Obama it is now your time to rule over the USA aand the whole world dont wory you aare our man and we shall keep on supporting yhou though we are far from America

Barack Obama is using more of an honest money system than the public financing system– isn't honest better than broken? Just because it's public doesn't mean it's actually good. It is not rational to lose trust in Barack Obama if he is taking individual donations that he does not have to weigh debt on, and therefore he maintains his impartial judgment.

Hey McSenile campaign, how are those words empty? Obama spoke out about the public financing system, then he declined to take the funds. It would be quite another thing if he spoke out against the system and decided to take the money anyway.

status quo is going down obama 08, never again

[Thank you CNN for posting my message!]
Yeah, right! If he goes for public financing, he'll regret it because McBush would take more money than him without reporting the most of it. Why? Because Dubya knows how to do that. He's got the tricks and the dirty money from bloody oil! McBush got they means of diverting that money and outspend you. Smart move, Barack! Keep up the good work! Meet you @ the White House after November!

Thank God Senator Obama is in the financial position to refuse public financing. He will be closer of the two candidates who will be supported by the people . Also, he can better protect has campaign against the republican attack ads.

LIAR LIAR – WHERE IS THE CHANGE BARACK????? YOU ARE PURELY POLITICAL AND WILL CHANGE NOTHING!!!!!! HYPOCRITE!

DUH...what did we expect him to do...then he couldn't use Oprah's money or all the special interest money that he has used all along!!

Suck it up Steve...McConfused will do exactly the same if he were in his shoes !!!!

Here' the proof, THE FACTS that show B Obama is changing the way the country works. He is not affraid to stand up for US, The united states and once again earn that title UNITED States.

Thank you for your honesty and true honorable approach to a position many (like Bush) has taken for granted. Please stop him before he completely ruins the world.

THE GOP needs to stop whining. As if Obama is going to be swift-boated

LIER OBAMA, YOU ARE A LIER!!!

Good. Now the govt should set that 80 mil aside and go after the futures and commodity speculators, the ENRON loophole and ICE.

So Senator Obama has flipped-flopped once again... and who is surprised at that?

He promised to serve out his term as an IL Senator, and then became a presidential candidate.

He attacked NAFTA, now he enbraces it.

There are many more instances of his flip-flop and many more to come – especiall on Iraq.

Yes, this is the CHANGE candidate... he CHANGES his mind as often as the wind changes direction...

This Jr. Senator from IL will SAY, DO, THROW ANYONE UNDER THE BUS, as long as it helps him get in the White House – BIG CHANGE!

I guess the McCain campaign is banking on the uneducated of this society again. When Obama talked about taking public money, it was before his fund raising effort smashed all the records. Since the conditions have changed, he has a right to change his mind. McCain cannot talk because for every flip flop he tries to call Obama on, Obama can call out 10 flip flops of McCain's. Finally, it's ridiculous to think that if McCain were in the same position, he would give that all up and cap his funding at a much lower limit. Obama would be stupid to give up his funding advantage.

I think that this is a good decision. Too many people want to be a part of this campaign. For the first time, Democrats will raise more money than the Republicans and I'm thrilled.

Lot of money -to pay for the demise of the system to Socialism–
You will have only yourselves to blame-
You paid for it-
What is really interesting is that -most of the venom on these blogs comes from the Dems–Plain Nasty -!!
Does anyone of you remeber Bill Clinton Veto's on drilling back in 1995 which would have prevented this or that he had Osama Bin and did nothing–
We keep blaming Bush and I agree he has not done everything right–
The problem we have goes back further than 7 or 8 Years–

McFlip-flop is a co-author of the Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002 yet feels no need to abide by it at all. He has the Republican PACs doing the dirty work for him while his campaign goes around calling out Obama? No wonder Bush supports him so much.. what better way to have history judge your Presidency in a positive light than to have a complete moron follow in your footsteps.

Obama is such a fraud. Are his followers really this blind? Do they not realize they are being taken for fools? God save us all if this guy gets elected.

Obama will take a stand. If it doesn't agree with public approval, wait a day, he'll take a different stand the next day.

I hope he knows what he's doing, I'd hate for him to go broke before November...I know I've donated $5 a week for about a month now. I'll continue until he's elected. We support you Barack!

Smart move Obama..You dont need public finance..the public is already behind your campaingn and your candidatecy..the Republicans will rave and pout over any goood decision that does not favoure them.

Steve, another note for McCain campaign. Cindy McCain brought the issue of Michelle Obama being "really" proud of the country for the first time for accepting an African American (the likes of whom we have seen only once earlier in our lifetime in MLK) for the highest office in the country. She said she was always proud of the country. Give me a break!! When she might have said to her children or her husband John that she was proud of them for achieving something, did she mean she was proud of them only for that day, or that day onwards or was she proud of them always??

AJ

Having 1.5 million American citizens donate to your campaign IS public financing!!! It's not like he's opened the door to PACs and lobbyists, these are just average Americans who feel passionately about their candidate. And if McCain is going to sit idly by while other members of his party launch negative attacks on Barack AND Michelle, acting as if he's powerless to do anything about it, then Barack should at least give himself the resources to defend against that. Obama wouldn't need to take this step if McCain had run the "civilized" campaign he said he wanted to in the beginning.

If McCain is worried, it's because he knows that his supporters aren't nearly as passionate about him as Obama's are about Obama.

Obama, just words, when will the world realize that with him we will not be safe, and with out him we will be safer. Please american turn this empty suit back into the drycleaners, otherwise he will hang us all out to dry! One Word "Taxes".

18 million voters and they can't even give her $1.00 to help her out of the hole. What kind of support is that? All day they come on here and TRY to smear Obama with the same LIP service that they give Hillary. If you REALLY love her PUMA People and want to help her then send her your money and if you don't you are just full of HOT AIR. Show us how strong you are by wiping out her dept today. Now go vote McSame and shut your mouth.
OBAMA08 with or without you. You can take that to the BANK.

This is bad for America. Very bad! I have lost faith in our elected officals. They cannot be partial about anything. Its all about the money.

Sure Obama, now that you have already won the Dem nonmation with the gazillions that you already spent from private and public monies. You are sure to have lots left. And it looks good to say, Ok I really do not want anymore of the publics monies. Really!

What this shows about your messiah (very little "m") Obama is not so much his financial strength, as it does highlight his nervousness that he'd need to spend McCain out of the race. I guess his meaningless and mindless mantra of "Yes We Can" should be "Yes We Can For the Right Price!"

LIAR!

It's a shame that a man who founded his campaign on the principle of changing the way Washington works just used a typical Washington excuse to get himself out of a promise he made almost 2 years ago. He wasn't saying it was a "broken system" when he challenged the Republicans to fund their campaigns in this manner – it's when he got a taste for such a robust campaign fundraising season that he decided the only way he can win is by drowning the opponent in cash – just as the Republicans did to prior Democrats and just as he did to Hillary Clinton in the primary. Shame on you Barack Obama – you hypocrite.

Obama is looking out for our citizens best interests, passing $80 million. Let's see if McCain is willing to do the same.

Obama didnt promise to accept public funds. He told the Mccain camp that if he received the nomination, then he would make his decision then. Seems like that time is now. Mccain love to twists Obama's words!

Obama 08

His decision to refuse public financing of his presidential campaign should come as no surprise to anyone. The system isn't "broken"; all it means is that he would have to trade his nearly $300M campaign for an $80M one. He'll need all the money he can get his hands on in order to fight all the TRUE attacks on his character. As we've already seen this election, money truly does buy anything. This man lies about everything. He doesn't know how to keep his word. He will always do what is best for himself first......and everyone else last. Thank God he won't be president.

McCain himself has not accepted public financing. Obama never committed himself to public financing, he said that if he won the nomination AND the Republican nominee also accepted public financing then he would to if proper guidelines were in place. Since McCain has never indicated that he would take public financing, and since the RNC has actually out raised the DNC and since there are many 504s or whatever that are already airing adds in support of McCain, none of the conditions for Obama taking public financing have been met.

I don't understand the subject enough yet to make a quotable, unbiased and educated decision but I will say that I am growing tired of both of these candidates flip flopping on issues and promises. One minute you're for it and the next you're not. One minute you say something the next you're apologizing for something you obviously meant. We've witnessed more apologies this year that it's hard to believe anything either of the candidates and all other parties involved have to say. As for McCain, he starts out saying we're gonna have a respectable campaign for the election and he comes out and does the exact opposite. What's up with that? As for Obama, he hates NAFTA, but now NAFTA's not so bad after all, but he hated it and demonized Hillary for it during the primaries. These politicians are hysterical. Where's Hillary when you need her??? We need a person that says "Hey you know me, here are my faults and short comings, my baggage is open for all the public to see, I'm not ashamed and I'm not hiding it, it is what it is. I'm human, I make mistakes, I'm a proud American and I love my country. Let he or she without error cast the first stone. I have the experience and the know how and I'm ready to be president on day one"!! Which neither one of the other candidates can boast.

I don't blame him. he doesn't need the money that comes from lobbyist and special interest. If he raised over $200 million from ordinary people on the net, think what he can raise as the Democratic Nominee. Top donors who gave during the Primary could only give $1300. During the General election it is $28,000. Do the math. Mccain does not excite his own base. He NEEDS the funds, Obama doesn't.

So much for that promise from Obama.

Fraud.

And folks around here will applaud his decision to break his word. Unbelievable.

The movement that Sen. Barack Obama has created has grown to a dynamically unprecedented and unstoppable force in this nation...and all results point to the proof of it. No matter who you are out there, what party you're from, the color of your skin, what religion you are, or what your thoughts of him are........Barack Obama WILL be the next President of the United States of America.

Obama in '08

Oh my God! A politician actually TURNED DOWN $80 million in PUBLIC funds... how in the world does that equate to "a broken promise of staggering dimensions" If I were McCain... I'd fire Steve Schmidt.

Good for him. Agreeing to a campaign spending limit while 527 groups that support your oppenent are free to spend as much money as they wish to attack you would be foolish. Obama is nobodys fool.

This should shut those idotic repubs' mouths up...

I guess this is the CHANGE he has been speaking about.....Changing his mind.

Good!! Our tax money can go elsewhere. High school graduation rates in this country are shameful, put the miilions of dollars he has declined to take towards them. If a candidate wants to run for office than they should have the know-how to raise the money they need without sucking uncle sam dry. Obama has proven that he has enough supporters that are willing to put out money to ensure that the past 8 years are not repeated.

Obama's campaign is "public" financing in its truest sense. As long as the republicanmachinery will spend millions in 527, the limited publica financing is meaning less.

Right move Barack ! We will start pouring down our pennies

and we are in tough economic times..... oooooook!!

Now that that's out of the way, it is Obama's choice. It is perfectly fine if he does or chooses not to take public financing. McCain officials have to criticize him for things like these because they realize there is a serious mismatch – the stuff that's out there for McCain to be criticized versus the criticism material in the market for Obama. I like Senator McCain but feel bad for him.

I'm going to make another donation to Barack Obama our next President.

TEXAS

HERE WE GO!!! THE FIRST PUBLIC LIE TO BE EXPOSED. I HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT HE WOULD GO BACK ON HIS WORD, AND A SIGNED PROMISE TO ACCEPT PUBLIC FINANCING. HE AND JOHN MCCAIN BOTH SIGNED, AND MCCAIN CALLED HIM ON IT, I KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN. BUYERS REMORSE IS GOING TO SET IN. HE CANT KEEP HIS WORD, ESPECIALLY ON SUCH AND IMPORTANT ISSUE TO VOTERS. THIS MAKES ME SICK. AND ALL OF YOU SHOULD BE SICKENED AS WELL. THIS WILL NOW ALLOW JOHN MCCAIN TO GET OUT OF HIS PROMISE AND HE WAS THE ONE WHO INTRODUCED THE BILL IN THE FIRST PLACE. HOW SAD THAT OBAMA IS GONNA TAKE THE MONEY TRAIN ROAD TO THE PRESIDENCY. UP UNTIL RECENTLY I WAS A TRUE DEMOCRATE. NOT ANY MORE. LETS FACE IT ANYONE CAN PURCHASE THE PRESIDENCY.

Let's be straight about this: Obama said that he would pursue a truce with the presumptive Republican candidate to forego private donations and McCain agreed to go along. McCain then backs out of his agreement and he's blaming Obama for this? McFlip-flop better start barking up a new tree if he thinks the public are stupid enough to fall for this.

The system was just as "broken" when he promised to take public financing when deciding to run for the Presidency. I find it sad that he is already breaking one of his very first promises. And now he is also flip flopping on NAFTA. i'm waiting for all those Obama supporters who criticized Clinton for flip flopping on NAFTA from 20 years ago to criticize Obama for doing the same thing (in only a 3 month period). His excuse is more pathetic, saying that things get heated in the primaries and you say things that may be an exaggeration. Hello, it's called lying! But hey he says a lot of politician do it....yea, so much for him being a "new" type of politician. It's one thing for a politician to lie about something, but it's another thing to say you are going to tell America the truth, and then we find out he was lying.

Good for him! I don't trust those Repubs as far as you can throw them and I definitely don't trust John McCain! The only reason why McCain has to take public financing is for legal reasons! He's such a hypocrite of huge proportions! There is no way we're going to allow Repubs to swiftboat us this time. This is the people's campaign.

I'll send in my $100 !

Just like they said at Tim Russert's memorial...people are allowed to rethink things and make better decisions. I don't think Obama's decision to forego public funding is a big deal. Give me a break already.

I'm going to make another donation to Obama's campaign today.

I applaud Obama. And I don't understand Schmidt's words or his viewpoint.

Calm down McCain. I am sure your new on-line "crib" will get you all the money you deserve! You just have to figure out where the money comes out of the computer. HA HA

Just WOW!!!!! Where is my checkbook!

P.S. His wife needs a large staff to keep those feet out of her mouth.

Keep drinking the kool-aid people, just be sure to come up for air every once in a while.

It's amazing that he claims both forms of financing are broken, yet selects the worst of the two. He isn't about change people, he just tells you he is. Why has he not introduced legislation reforming public financing while he's been in the Senate?

It's not broken, he just wants to be able to outspend 3-1 again and maybe eek out a 1-2% win.

VotePact

** Nader/Gonzalez 2008 **

let's go Barack!

I'm fired up and ready to roll...we gone' get dem repugnants' outta da white house!

Obama has been making smart political campaign choices from the beginning. No doubt, this decision is one that is well thought out and will work to his benefit.

Go Obama'08 – Landslide Victory!

I would much rather see Obama "flip-flop" on public financing instead of changing his mind on getting our men and women home from the war abroad. The GOP has had the field skewered in their favor financially for far too long, it is about time that Democrats have someone who can take on all of their big pocket donors and beat them with numerous, smaller donors. Going to go give another $50 to Barack's campaign tomorrow!!!

Mccain is trying hard to drag Obama down to his level in fund-raising.
The Mccain people are simply scared of Obama's success in raising money.

This time is like no other !!! The GOP old tricks won't work this time because they 've got an opponent who is simply too hot for them to handle.

That's Obama – Yes we can !!!

The purpose of public financing is to get the special interest PACs out of the campaign, and out of politics in general. The rich and powerful have dominated Washington for decades. Now, the Obama campaign has revolutionized politics by financing the majority of its campaign through small-donor contributions. Obama has gone one better than public financing. The millions of small donations he's received represent the democratic process at its finest – Obama's message is getting through to the grassroots and we're responding.

McCain, on the other hand, manipulated the public finance system during the primaries, using the funding as collateral for a large loan, then opting out of public financing when there were not enough members of the FEC to enforce the rules he had broken. McCain will, of course, claim that he has taken the high road.

The public will financially support who they know will be the next president. Ask Clinton and McCain.

Great news and a smart move. Do not let the Repukes dictate the rules and win another election with their slimy 527s.

What a joke. The guy opts out of public financing, which would actually cap ridiculous campaign spending, and CNN makes it look like he gives up $80 million. He's going to have more $$ to spend.

This is a good idea. After all his campaign is well organized and does not need that money.
Obama for President

Well good for Obama. I have and will continue to donate to his campaign and I have even gotten my mother to match whatever I donate. It would have been really foolish for him to accept public financing when he has the ability to raise more on his own.

I am glad that I along with a million other people have the opportunity to take part in owning a piece of this campaign which is truly making history.

OBAMA 08!!!

Nobody really cares. Only people who are decidedly anti-Obama will cry foul, and the supporters will be very defensive. Those of us who are undecided probably think this is not an issue. At least, I don't. Anyhow, the comments to these news stories tend to be very predictable.. I don't know why CNN even has them.

This thought will probably keep my post from ever seeing the light of day...

the ball's in your court, john-
and the world is watching...

I guess this is the change we are all looking for. He is changing into the typical politician he rails against in his daily speeches. Congrats Barack!

Barack Obama is a pandering liar.

McCain is going after Obama for deciding against taking public funds when he is already spending millions of privately donated funds. He wants to get on Obama, but how ethical and fair is it to be spending private money in the general election and then go off on Obama? I used to have some respect for McCain, but it is quickly disappearing.

Liar...is this the kind of change we can expect....CNN why so many stories about MICHElle's MAKEOVER..is this also the kind of change we can expect..it seems like Obama's new politics are old . Obama changes alright like when he sees that the public does not like something (like Michelle) his campaign changes.... tries to change our perception....Is it too late to CHANGE the nominees? I thought Obama said a FIRST LADY just goes around the world having TEA with others...why would Michelle need to change her style if she is just having TEA?I am a life long Democrat and I am sick and tired of hearing how smart the Obama's are and how they could do no wrong ..I do not like any of the nominees....

from food stamps to the White House, only in America! Try to do that in China or England

It should be obvious that Obama is opting out because of his tremendous fundraising advantage over McCain.

Combine that with McCain's unwillingness to clean up the independent 527 smear groups, and Obama really had no choice.

Good for Obama

I will donate every payday until he wins in Nov.

Go Obama 08

But there's nothing wrong with McCain zooming around on his wife's private jet for free, right?

broken promises..again..why no ticker on NAFTA and his – "I changed my mind on that too"

Typo: increasingly

ops.....

Obama: 2nd Carter Term

I'm convinced. OBAMA '08!

-Former McCain Supporter

Gee, Obama isn't even waiting to get into office before starting to break promises. That IS a change isn't it? Pretty lame Obama.

After he went crawling to Hillary so she could set up a meeting between Obama and her supporters.He raised a record amount–he also spent a record amount– Why is the DNC and their convention committee brOke?More spin on top of spin.

Oh please! is there nothing to small for McCain to grab onto.

Not the first thing Barrack has flip-floped on, and won't be the last.
NAFTA.
This man is an empty suit that said whatever he needed to say to get the nomination.
Thanks but no thanks.
Anyone but NoBama

lol...we all saw this coming. I thought when he said "the public financing of presidential elections as it exists today is broken, and we face opponents who've become masters at gaming this broken system" was etremely hilarious. I wonder how much he would raise before November.

No tax money should go to political campaigns! All canidates should have to raise their funding dollars on their own without the aid of the federal government!

Obama keeps backtracking on his commitments to the voters.

He backtracked about running for President in his first term.
He made a commitment to accept public financing and backtracked on that.
He now says NAFTA is a "Good thing".

The war in Iraq is being won. There is a good chance troop withdrawal will begin before the the end of the year....Iraq is beginning to take charge of their own affairs.

Cuba and China are going to drill for oil off OUR coastlines....which is better...letting US companies do it, or letting China do it? If American companies do it at least we'll know they are obeying environmental laws....

It does appear, after watching the interview with McCain, that he actually has a better ability to unite BOTH parties. He has a proven Record of crossing the aisle.

As a Democrat, I am more impressed with McCain than Obama. Obama continues to speak in broad strokes, refuses to actually do town hall meetings with McCain, so voters can actually ask the questions instead of pundits.

Of course John McCain will accept public financing, since he is criticizing Obama for not doing it, right?

Yeah that's what I thought.

McCain used to have my respect but he is not the same man since getting the nomination. He has sold his soul for his last chance to be president and is nothing more than a puppet for the RNC. What a shame.

Poor, poor McCain. He wants to cry foul because he knows Obama will double or triple what he is able to raise over the next four months. Good luck, McCain. There aren't enough souls in this nation who want to donate to your campaign and its promises of more war, fewer civil rights, less equality, and no tax breaks for the people who really need them.

Good, he can get more money otherwise.

i do want to say that's it's getting increasing hard to contact a real person online. The message box is full. Can the Obama campaign look into that situation.

Also, I don't want to give more money until Hillary's debt is paid. I don't want my money going to Hillary, period.

Another note: When Obama meets with the women on Capitol Hill, I hope they tell him to stop kissing so many women supporters. It does not look presidential. Everytime some woman introduces him on stage, he has to kiss them, why?

Barack Obama: previous commitment to accept public financing and now going the other way. I can understand why he is doing it. I would like to point out this falls under the same "box" that many Obama backers would call McCain a "flip-flopper" on. So the next time the flip comes up remember this. Again I can understand why he is but if you use the flip-flop stamp you need to use it here also.

Obama: 2nd Cater Term.

Sure Republicans like to take all Private and Public money and do nothing but Barack has surely put his principles and ethics before taking public money and do something.

When are you going to see that Obama isn't some messiah, but just another politician peddling the party line?

I don't want a democrat or a republican in office, i want a real American who holds the principles and beliefs of our Founding Fathers.
McCain doesn't, and Obama is closer to Marx and Lenin than Jefferson and Adams.

From a McCain Spokesman :
Um Mr. Obama your obviously a fund raising giant and since we "The McCain Campaign" can not match your monsterous fund raising abilities we whole heartedly request that you place yourself at a minor disadvantage by limiting your cash flow. PLEASE...Pretty PLEASE....

Why does this article not mention that McCain is currently in violation of election law in his use of public funds?

I believe that the purpose of the Matching Fund Option was to STOP Special Interests, lobbyists, etc. making large donations and then expecting favors from the politician. Clearly Obama does not need that type of contributor nor the baggage that goes with those kinds of donations. Besides, the Govt. could use the 85 million someplace else......like paying back social security vouchers ... or making an interest payment on our Iraq war debt. Go Obama

"I support a robust system of public financing of elections," says he? Sounds like Clinton (yes, Clinton) double-speak. Lies and more lies.

He probably could have won even with the limitations of public financing, so I'm not sure how I feel about this, if only because it is something that McCain can criticize him for.

It is legitimate to point out that Obama's campaign is by far the most grassroots-financed political campaign in history. Despite the attacks by Obama haters, who will jump on this story like fresh meat, his money doesn't come from some sinister conspiracy of moneyed interests.

It comes in small donations from people like you and me, and that will probably enable him to continue to raise unparalleled amounts of money between now and November.

a REPUB is complaining about the money that a DEM can raise
very interesting

Finally...someone with morals

I'm confused. How is this a broken promise of staggering dimensions?

This is exactly why we need Obama in the White House. He provides the change that we as Americans need to see occur in modern day politics. I hope we can get behind this candiate that supports change and provides a hope for the future.

According to Obama is there anything in this country that is not broken. If everything is wrong and he is the only one that can fix it why is he surrounding himself with all these people that have been in
Washington all along.

The sad truth will be that he will change nothing.

Barack Obama/Caroline Kennedy 2008!

"Some see things as they are and say why, I see things that never were and say why not." (RFK)

Great! I know he believes in public financing but why tie his own hands when we all know the republicans will bend the rules? They will respond now and call him all kinds of names but that’s nothing compared to being financially disabled.

Good for him. He should use his own money to spread his socialist, marxist propaganda.

When the heck is America going to wake up? Obama can speak well, but do you listen to what he is saying?

He wants the government to redistribute wealth. Yeah, Exxon made 40 billion dollars, but what Obama won't tell you is that only about 2-4 billion of that was made HERE in the U.S., which puts Exxon on par with other giants like WalMart, ect. Oh, and their profit margin is only about %8, and for you liberals who don't know business and economics (its obvious you don't), thats not really all that oustanding.

He wants the government to be in our faces and have more control over our lives, via government run health care.

Look up the topic of the Senate's chain of restaurants... Run by the government, its lost millions of dollars and adds about 1 or 2 new items to the menu per YEAR. That is garbage. Pretty sad.

If the government can't even run a restaurant, do you really want them in control of your health care?

NO OBAMA, NO SOCIALISM.

Is he really going to bring about change? I don't care what he said earlier about public financing, but it would have been nice to see him and McCain (who has made campaign financing a center piece of his political career) sit down and discuss how they could make campaign finance better during this election and maybe just maybe other candidates would follow. That would have been real change.

has anything positive come out of the McCan't camp.

When the Vision is right.
When the Message is on point.
When the Messender has integrity

People WILLINGLY support the campaign. It is that simple.

Any politician with money troubles isn't resonating with the public.

Mr. Obama is a transformational candidate for the next phase of America's greatness.

This is a very good move by Senator Obama...Thank you for making a wise decision. Hope Senator McCain will do the same..

Fight for the people's interest!!

Smart move by Obama. He'll need every penny he can raise to fight the republican smear machine and the swift-boaters. To accept public financing would give an advantage to McBush and his rule-bending cronies and limit Obama's greatest asset: The millions of people who have donated what little cash they can spare in order to ensure that we don't have another clueless republican in the White House.

McCain needs to get a grip, just because the GOP isn't funding his campaign,

What a change! Is this the change he talking about?

Who are you kidding, Steve. Don't throw rocks when you know that your candidate's glasshouse will get shattered also based on several flip-flops he has done since he announced his candidacy.

AJ

Change is in the air. I can smell it.

So much nicer than the smut that's been hanging around DC for way too many years.

Way to go Obama !!!!!!

Nice move, lead by example.

Smart decision... The republicans will go after him for it, but only because they know it's a smart move that is going to hurt them and had they've been given the choice themselves, they would've jumped at it.

Unfortunately for them, they're stuck with McCain who can't raise funds very well and Bush who's great at it, but cannot be seen with McCain in public.

Well, it seems to be final. Change you can believe in is just an empty slogan. Obama just blew up the campaign finance system. No system is perfect, and a refusal to limit spending because the system is not perfect may doom us to never again having public financing of presidential campaigns because we will never have a perfect system. This short term gain for Obama will come with long term pain for the country. Richard Nixon must be laughing in his grave. I thought Obama was better than this. I thought Democrats were better than this. I guess I was wrong.

I would too if I was outraising my rival by more than double.

Barack Obama is already taking public financing in the form of small donations from millions of individual supporters, and he's absolutely right about the other system being gamed. He is already doing, in principle, what the other system claims is its noble goal, so why change course?

I'm pleased he's talking about this.

Oh the republicans are looking for anything to discredit Obama. It's looking desperate. Obama is simply trying to alter a system that is broken and this is inline with his promises...good for him!

This man has so much integrity! I am about to make a donation right now, let's all support him and contribute so there will be no limits in our quest to take the white house in November!

While hardly unexpected I see this as something that is a non issue. Republicans will make it an issue but as others have referred to previously (Namely Luke Russert) people change their minds all the time and there is nothing wrong with it.

The backlash to this will come from McCain because he is scared of losing so we will have to brace ourselves for a few days of purse carrying and whining but overall good move by Obama. (My check is in the mail!)

All I can say is WOW!! This man is rewriting history as we know it. America is on the move! John McCain has learned how to game the system and revived his campaign bid using federal funds. Can the Obama nation be stopped. Stay Tuned!!

Two faced: I'll get us out of Iraq – tell the Iraqi Government not to listen to my campaign retoric. Its a shame that John McCain hasn't condemned the attacks on my wife – maybe I should have said something when the DNC went after Mrs McCain. I'm against NAFTA – tell the Canadian government not to worry.
He's sounds alot like other politicians to me.

This is for all the people who think Barack will not deliver real change.

IN YOUR FACE.

And just think, he's not even president yet and already making much needed reform.

Change we can count on!

Oh yeah.....John Mccain can lecture ANYONE on the flip flop LOL that is rich!

I am glad he opted out of public financing. I would rather be able to give my money directly to the candidate that I believe in and not just check the $3 box on my tax return and have that money go to any democratic or republican candidate.

Good for you Obama. Don't cater to the Neocon Right and John McFlip Flop. McBush has flipped on every single issue.

Immigration
Bush Tax Cuts
Iraq
Climate Change
Gas Tax and Off-shore drilling
etc...

So Obama I would not worry about their attacks on this issue. I imagine that the GOP is not too happy that they wil most likely be behind in fundraising 3 or 2 to 1.
My check will arrive every month Senator.

Republicans for Obama
Americans for Obama

Obama is keep'n it real.

Good Move, Barack. The American people will support you all the way.

I don't blame you.

I have sent five contributions – 4 @ $250.00 and 1 @ $120.00 and I am ready to send more.

Senator Obama will need money to fight the Republican machinery that will try and define him and his wife.

I got $500.00 waiting to send..................how many will join me? If you believe in Senator Obama then open your purse strings to help give him a fighting chance!

NOW this is where the Haters will claim he is doing somthing wrong BUT Ignore them. McCain is the one who used his PUBLIC FINANCES as COLLATERAL on a loan then backed out of the agreement.

Do you think YOU or I could put up Collateral for a Loan , get the Cash, then NEVER PROVIDE THE COLLATERAL...Guess what people that would get US a FRAUD Charge.

Doesn't matter though we the people will assure Obama has 5 times the $$ the GOP will Raise and OURS will come form PEOPLE not CORPS, OIL sand LOBBYISTS!

Ok, what is McCain's problem with this? Obama is saving the government's money, and he is critical of that? He's damned if he does, he's damned if he doesn't.....

Oh well, McCain isn't either. No big deal to me – just don't let speical interest groups or PAC's get involved. That's the best way.

Small donors have really stepped it up for the Obama campaign. I believe it was over 1.5 million people and most were repeat donors.

Obama 08'

Sen. Obama has backtracked from his previous commitment to accept public financing? I am shocked. Shocked, I tell you.

WOULD YOU PLEASE TAKE DOWN THE STORY ABOUT THE PIGS, THIS IS BAD NEWS, SOMETHING WE THE PUBLIC DO NOT NEED TO KNOW, REALLY DO NOT NEED TO KNOW, IF YOU HAVE TO MAKE THIS YOUR TOP STORY YOU ARE PATHETIC.

Look deep into your hearts people, past any hardened notions of partisanship, or disliking Democrats simply because you have for so long. John McCain is not suited to lead the most powerful nation in the world.

Obama is young, intelligent, clear-headed, eager and above all else has proven fantastic judgment. His plan, much like Abe Lincoln, is to fill his cabinet with members from both parties. He will choose the best people, not the best Democrats.

John McCain is going to stock the entire gov.t full of hard-line republicans that will continue to dismantle our social programs, overturn a woman's right to choose, keep the behemoth war machine rolling along, and eventually destroy our nation from within.

Don't do it.

Now that's change (read: business as usual) that you can believe in

Obama has a point, he is new to all this, and its a smart move to counter Mccain and his 527 supporters. Mccain has done this campaign thing before and knows why he is accepting public funding. I bet he was hoping to get one over Obama.
Flip Flop by who, This is not a policy position, he is responding to his ability to get support from ordinary americans. Flip flop is Mccain switching his policy position on Not Drilling to Drilling in America's reserves for a less than 1% gain in oil production that will come good in 10yrs and have absolutely not impact on rising oil prices. May I go on.
Go Dems

VERY SMART MOVE.

The system IS broken. Now McCain will make it look like he backtracked. but NO he would be stupid to accept public financing.

No lobbyist money, no public finance money, next thing we know he'll tell oil companies to shove their money you-know-where! Obama Ba-rocks!

THAT IS FUNNY, THE REPUBLCANS GETTING UPSET BY A DEMOCRATE FOR NOT TAKING MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT, AND A REPUBLICAN BEING INVESTIGATED FOR TAKING TOO MUCH MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT. YOU COULD JUST END THE DRAMA BY JUST VOTING OBAMA. IT WOULD MAKE THINGS A LOT BETTER FOR YOU AND YOUR MOMMA.

Another great step for who will surely be a great leader! Go Obama! America needs you, the world needs you. It's time for us to change the vision of America for so many!

Go Barack! We'll help you get there.