You all can stop chanting the "flip-flop" mantra. This type of brainwashing only remains effective on viewers of FOX News.

…and seriously, it's so 2004.

"RaRrrRR we're so mad this guy is only using money donated by his pledged supporters! flip flopper flip flop flip flop flip flop osama inexperienced don't change a horse midstream swiftboat lapel pin TERROR!"

Well what's wrong with saying "Thanks, but I'll use the money from my supporters and the Democratic Party". Let me ask this; If I asked someone to have 50 bucks, but I came up with the 50 bucks on my own somehow… why would I take your money? See PUMAS? We don't need your money, Obama is a man and he doesn't have to beg. There are not 18 million of your last time I checked your idiotic blog. Let me do the math, since usually PUMAS are bad at that type of thing. I saw yesterday on CNN that 25% of Clinton supporters are not supporting Obama. So that means:

75% of 18 million is 13.5 million
plus the 18 million that Obama had that supported him originally (I know you always seem to forget about us)

That makes it 31.5 million Democratic supporters.
Obama has an 11 point lead on McCain with Independants.
Plus disaffected Republicans.

That Equals:

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!
(You may want to get used to saying it now)

JC IN NJ June 19th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Does anyone out there still think McSame has a chance….?
Honesty and integrity are going to win in November!

Well, that pretty much rules out Obama, since he has been dishonest regarding this.

proud army and navy mom June 19th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Sen Obama is an intelligent, solemn thinking young man who will serve this country with honor and pride.

I trust him with the well-being of my son and daughter in the military.

Since when has a Democrat ever given a rat's behind about anyone in the military. As a military mom, you should be very worried chould Obama become CinC. He will turn this country into a second-rate power in the world.

I simply cannot believe how many of you folks are praising this decision. The man lied about his intentions outright, and all you KoolAid drinkers can say is "Good move, Obama". i really think there should be an intelligence test in order to vote.

Change in position? Isn't that what he accuses Senator McCain of on a daily basis?

Bottom line - he can make more money off of the Obamabots and the Casinos (which have funded him heavily). Of course, Obamabots look at everything he does as a wonderful step towards change when in fact the changes he is making benefit HIM, not necessarily anyone else.

Obama: Change for me YOU can believe in.

Unbelievable,America is lucky to have this young intelligent,forwardlooking and caring man.No wonder America is the leader of the world
OBAMA 08 Power to the people

As an Obama supporter, I'm glad to hear this decision. I worry, however, that as concerns about the economy grow, people will be more prudent with their checkbooks and not donate as much.

OBAMA 08

So if Mister Obama took the federal grant, there would be complaints about that interesting.
Let's say McCain agrees to do the same thing and the federal money from both parties be redirected let's say into school lunch programs that will be scrapped shortly not just (the federal lunch programs) food price are out of reach of alot of schools budgets. So do they pay increasing fuel prices to transport kids and let the burden of providing lunch fall totally on the parents, and thus eliminating food service workers. And this crosses all racial and ethinic boundaries. Sad because McCain continues to flip-flop on basically everthing our saying around here is not when will he flip-flop but how many times per day. We have a pool going.

So let's stay focused on the issues…The kids and security should always be at the top of the list of things to do first. Petty people have petty minds.

Obama / Powell 08

Real change! Yeah, Obama is a joke.

Obama is the hedge funds of politics. There's no limit to the historical successes they advertise. I think those breaking news of records and changing history has one purpose - it's a shameless sting and 352 superdelegates went for it.

There has never been any question in my mind about Obama's high degree of credibility. He is an honest candidate since I switched to him from Clinton, due to her mud-slinging and dirty politics. I completely believe that when he says something, he is sincere to the utmost the statements which he has made.

Nope! No speical interest money here…

I think he may have to ask Laura Bush since it looks like she is running for the spot. Then W could still have his finger in the Pie.

Paul
Austin, Texas

Wow… most people on this blog are plain stupid and ignorant. The public funds are NOT your taxes, you idiots! It's coming from the $1 that you pledge to give when you check the box on your 1040 during tax time. It is NOT coming from taxes.

Barack will raise his money through public financing. People like me who are donating, are publicly financing his campaign. He will continue to work hard to win over more people like myself. McCain will take the 85 million dollar big government handout for doing nothing.

Sorry. I'm not jumping on this bandwagon.

Obama is walking his talk!

Paul
Austin, Texas

I'm glad my tax money isn't going to a campaign. I'm all for allocating that 85 million dollars to something more important. Education, anyone?

All people do on here is hate! Get a grip republicans, I know it is hard seeing your chances of making that easy money slip away to someone who happens to be black. What your really saying is that oh now he is gonna bring his (black) people and they will get that money or contracts that was ment for you! Well let me tell ya, in President Obama's eye we are all his people (Black, White, Brown, & Yellow) Give it up the pot is almost fully melted, so welcome to the new America!!! Land of the FREE & Home of the Melting Pot!

When you idiots are done with your racism
tatics we will be here with open arms, cause
it looks like you idiots need a hug!

OBAMA 08

I don't like Barack. Change is a scary thing.

Obama may have better ideas than McCain, but he offers too much change. Let's stick to the bad policies that we know.

McCain 08!

His flip flop on not only this, but NAFTA, is extremely disgusting and goes against his 'change' rhetoric.

Donate to Obama '08.

Then guard your small investment with your vote in November. That’s how its built from the ground up. We got your back BO.

This is historic. I just donated on-line. Obama is sincerely about change. He talks the talk but also walks the walk. Here is to PEOPLE taking back our goverment.

Yes. The best money can buy your way to the White House. The man has no shame. Watch him go. He will do and say anything, ANYTHING, I tell you, to buy his way into the Presidency. Shameful.

Another instance of Obama saying one thing at one point during the campaign and then changing huis mind a couple of months later. Is this the way he intends to run the nation? Please, the man is a loose cannon and his wife is worse. I have been a democrat all of my life but I really cant stomach these two. I'll be sitting out the election in November. The choices we have really stink!

I wish people would stop use all upper case when giving their comment. That means you are SHOUTING..Not necessary..everyone gets the message and it's rude.- to shout. I have also noticed that most of those who do this also misspell words.

Let the government's $80 million go to Iowa flood victims. We'll fund your campaing, Barack. And you'll be answerable to us - the little people!

Now he is changing his position on free trade as well. It's enough to make your head spin.

Obamanation '08…I like that….

Just gave more HONEST money to the Great One, and no I don't mean Triple H from WWE…

This is what and how you show support by sending money and voting.
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.
Yes we can Yes we will Yes we did

Let's keep on making history !!!

This is to show McCain how it done…

And NO TOM, NOT EVERYONE'S TAXES…

Brian Knoxville, TN STOP CRYING! YOU WERE THE ONE THAT WAS SO POSITIVE FOR YOUR CANDIDATE IN THE BEGINNING. NOW ALL YOU DO IS COMPLAIN AND BOO HOO. I AM GOING TO COLLECT YOUR ENTREES OVER THE NEXT 2 WEEKS JUST SO YOU CAN SEE HOW MUCH CRYING ALL OVER THE BLOG.

He's making history alright..

If he's elected, he'll be the dumbest President we have ever had.

Wow !!! Obama decides to pay his own way with the help of his millions and growing supporters, and the winers say this is a bad thing? Confusing these are the same people who in there own minds are the only ones paying taxes and they foot the bill for everything…NOT. So if Mister Obama took the federal grant there would be complaints about that, interesting.
Let's say McCain agrees to do the same thing and the federal money be directed let's say into school lunch programs that will be scrapped shortly not just (the federal lunch programs) food price are out of reach of alot of schools budgets. So do they pay increasing fuel prices to transport kids and let the burden of providing lunch fall totally on the parents, and thus eliminating food service workers. And this crosses all racial and ethinic boundaries. Sad because McCain continues to flip-flop on basically everthing our saying around here is not when will he flip-flop but how many times per day. We have a pool going.

So let's stay focused on the issues…The kids and security should always be at the top of the list of things to do first. Petty people have petty minds.

Obama / Powell 08

We're proud of you Obama! The American people (or at least those that actually have common sense) are with you 100%!

By denying public financing he is allowing people who actually want their money going to him to do so. McCain is just fine spending valuable taxpayers dollars to fund his greed machine.

"I think, therefore I am (Elitist)"

Just donated.

More and more it's looking like Barack just might be the real deal.

Change we can beleive in and in McFlops words "my friend"

Kelby YOUR EPIDERMIS IS SHOWING. LOL, HE IS NOT EVEN IN OFFICE YET AND HE IS SAVING US HOW MUCH? $85 million!. $85 million! BUSH HAS NOT DONE THAT IN 8 YEARS!

Obama's pledge was conditional if you read the words above it on agreement with McCain on financing issues like 527s. With McCain sidestepping the investigation into his opting out of public financing for the primaries, with the FEC vacancies that can be filled by the Repubicans and with McCain's inability to control the 527s, Obama is honoring his conditional pledge.

So Obama broke his word again. Doesn't anyone wonder how many times he has said that this government is broken and he is going to fix it, just what is he going to do? According to Obama, the whole government is broken, nothing is right. How did we ever survive for over 200 years without his help?

The campaign needs all the money they can get, they have a hugh task ahead of them. Makeover Michelle when a large roll of duct tape would work, but no, they have to hire a full staff. Who will be running the country, MICHELLE.

Obama now doesn't want public money because he is meeting with Hillary's donors next Thursday and will try hard to get them to donate to him and his phony cause. Someone better check, a lot maybe going to his family in Kenya.

obinna
What?

After reading some of these comments, I have one thing to say… SHUT UP! The man is raising his own money, and your saying thats not a good thing?! Your making no sence! What about what hes doing isnt good? Why are you looking for any little thing to critise him on?

captain,
"Everything about this campaign and this year makes history."

Are you referring to the way in which the first woman and the first African American ran competitively for the nomination of a major political party, or are you referring to the way in which the first woman and the first African American ran competitively for the nomination of a major political party only for the media and the supposed leaders of the Democratic Party to screw it all up by displaying excessive bias against one of the candidates and by remaining silent as others displayed excessive bias against one of the candidates, respectively?

No one listened to me when I saidit would be politics as usual with Obama. Remember his Chicago ties — the Daley machine and Rezko. And now we're stuck with him because a dishonest Democrat is still better than a war-mongering Republican. Why didnt the Dems smarten up earlier and nominate Clinton?

The secret to great oratory is that it is possible to reach out and touch people–to really move people (in so doing, to create a movement of people)–if, and only if, the speaker truly believes what he is saying. No wonder, then, that McCain is arguably the most lackluster orator on record, at least since the invention of radio.

This is the reason for Obama's unprecedented fundraising success: people actually believe what he is saying because he does. While McCain supporters truly want to believe and somewhat act as though they do believe, the fact is that they don't and cannot muster the enthusiasm necessary to avert a landslide defeat come November.

Rebecca; Texas: You're so right, but this change is good change, change we desperately need now.

Obama and Hillary are both BUILDERBERG GROUP MEMBERS.

GOOGLE the Builderberg Group and see what it is, you will be frightened.

Bill is a member , John Edwards is a member.

Remember the other day when Obama dissapeared from the plane and left the Media reporters on the plane.

He snuck off to attend the Builderberg meeting and so did Hillary.

You people better wake up.

People are already moving out of the cities and barrying cash,food,water and other supplies to defend themselves.

You peole better wake up

McCain wants to go to Iraq w/ Obama (and "educate" him!).
McCain wants to have weekly forums w/ Obama and even fly on the same plane (you know what goes on on McCain planes!)
McCain wants to have a sit down on campaign financing!
Is he looking for someone a little younger than Lie-berman?

You can't take money meant for federal funding of elections and put it to something else - it is specifically earmarked by donations on the Federal Income Tax return. So all of you talking about the fiscal discipline are missing the bigger picture. The bigger picture is this: Obama is opening himself up to be bought by special interests. He has large powerful, corporate donors and bundlers, including prominent bundlers in the oil industry. Anyone who thinks that Obama's step is anything other than self-interested is completely wrong.

He is so hypocritical, going back on his word to support federally funded elections (which is what makes a truly fair system - complete government funding of elections is what we should really be after), I am just disgusted with him at this point in time.

At least McCain sticks to his word.

"I won't ever bother to check the box on my tax return."

Only a sucker would check that box in the first place.

People, rather than elites, are investing in Obama. Good for him, and for us.

For all of the people who think it is good Obama is not taking tax money to finance his general election campaign, that he has PUBLIC funding, maybe you should try funding our schools in the same way. Maybe you should fund health care the same way. Just have people contribute the amounts they want. You sound an awful lot like Republicans - let the people decide how much to give, NO tax dollars.

Seriously….who cares. CNN is making Obama seem like god, which he is not. the people on this site will get a rude awakening if they venture to other sites and see that a lot of us dont share the same love for obama that they have here.

I think Hillary running for presidend, as the first women, would have gathered more interest from across the party line then this candidate is.

Wake up and see what else is going on in the world….

GOOD GOLLY MRS MOLLIE! WHEN YOU HAVE ONE HALF OF A MONTHLY WELFARE CHECK THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS PAYING FOR GOING INTO A POT IT DON'T TAKE LONG TO ADD UP TO RECORD NUMBERS. REMEMBER WE THE PEOPLE THAT PAY THESE TAXES AND VOTE THESE PEOPLE INTO OFFICE WHO GIVE OUT WELFARE TO LAZY NO GOODS WHO WON'T BOTHER TO GET UP OFF THE FRONT PORCH TO FIND A JOB ARE THE ONES TO BLAME. SO KEEP ON GIVING, AND WITH OBAMA YOU'LL GIVE, AND GIVE, AND GIVE, AND GIVE UNTIL YOU ARE THE ONES ON WELFARE.

This is a backward step. There must be control on the way we use money to influence voters while campaigning, there must be equal balance in funds for Mr.Obama and Mr. Mccain for this general election."Be careful what you wish for "

hmmmm

By reading all of these comments you can tell who really understands what this means and who just dosen't get it.

85 mil could go to those who NEED it!!

He's making it on his own!!

Let's see what happens with McCain….

All you people who are complaining about how much Obama raised, go give your money to McCain if you support him then and stop yapping.

Give me a break

This is a decision based on integrity and strategy. Did he change his stance? admittedly he did. But I don't want a President that is unable to change their mind and choose the rightous course of action (we've had stubborn wrong decision maker in the white house for 8 years now, and it's been painful to say the least).
Those who say he is tieing McCain's hands behind his back, well, I wouldn't want a President in office that so easily defeated. If this is the end of McCain, then do you really think he could survive the trials of running a whole nation, rather then just his campaign?
Give it a break and stop finding pathetic excuses for a man that is simply not fit (physically, mentally, emotionally and financially) to be the President of the USA.
Obama will win, mark my words!

*************************************
THATS WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE. YOU HAVE LOTS OF MONEY TO SPARE. PEOPLE FUNDED CAMPAIGN. STOP THE MADNESS. VOTE OBAMA.

Vanessa Del Rio
Do you truly think that these ideas are original and not being fed to Obama by his team? In every endorsement of him, Obama has remarked that he is going to ask for this person's and that person's input and advice when he becomes Prez, the latest being Al Gore. At first blush, this seems admirable that he would want their input. But what scares hell out of me is that he will need it and require it for his presidency to resemble a real one. He will be running the country as a talking head, just like his campaign.

To have all your funds completely dependent on the whims of the American people. A bold decision indeed.

Good luck Obama. America should take you to task on this. UN-BELIEVABLE!!! He just cannot keep a promise - and the general election campaign hasn't even started yet! LOL!!!!!! So much for CHANGE - that's out the window - it wasn't convenient. (whine)

Smart and honest move again

BTW, who of CNN is a friend of
1. Brian Knoxville, TN (PUMA) and
2. Lynn (HRC supporter)

Both of them can comment whatever they want and it will be posted, Guaranteed.

1.5 Million people donated to Barack's campaign and many were repeat donors. What is so wrong with that and turning down PAC and lobbyist money?

Gosh - so horrible.

One thing the Obama supporters and haters can agree on, he inspires people to get into politics like never before. I have NEVER been this pumped up about any election, I barely knew who was running in past elections, now I am like a junkie. Thanks Obama, history will be kind.

Some of you simply do not understand what he has done, he is refusing to take public money, in other words the taxpayers are not paying for his campaign. I’m sorry but how is that a bad thing? I respect him for doing this; he is not sticking the taxpayers with the bill for his campaign, only his supporters are paying for his campaign. So I am trying to figure out why this is a bad thing and why so many people, McCain included are trying to make it an issue.

Fedup,

Leave Michelle alone.

I think he's right that campaign finance is broken. When he gets into office I want to see him actually change the system though, so that its fair for everyone else in the future. And while you're at it, lets see a presidential runoff added to the presidential election reform bill to allow third party candidates participate, and allow voters to vote for who they think should be the next president instead of having to vote in a 2 party system.

GOOD for you, Senator Obama!

We, the everyday folks in this country, will help you to finance your historic campaign to the Presidency.

My family and I will continue to send you $25 a month, as we have since you began.

My husband and I are in our 60's and, although we thought we saw dismal times during the 60's and 70's, the last eight years of the Bush/Cheney reign have brought this country to the lowest point possible in every possible arena, and we had lost all hope.

With Senator Obama's campaign, we (a woman of Italian descent and a man of latino descent) have regained our faith that maybe, just maybe, greatness can be restored to this beloved country of ours at home and abroad.

Thank you, Barack Obama, for bringing intelligence AND leadership AND political acumen AND good judgment AND articulate clarity back into America politics and back into the White House!

Hope is not only for the young.

This shows that Obama is like any other politician, just telling the American people whatever to get their vote. Obama said that if McCain took public financing, that he too would do the same. Obama is a phony

I just wonder why there are so many people following a idiot and a liar? I am tired of the media making Obama out to be different than any other politician!

Obama will tell the American public whatever to get himself elected. WHAT A SHAM!

WAKE UP AMERICA! see the true Obama, a liar, a politician like any other, that slaps Hillary Clinton in the face! THIS IS NOT THE PERSON THAT I WILL VOTE FOR.

I PLAN ON WRITING IN HILLARY CLINTON'S NAME OR VOTING FOR McCAIN! I DON'T LIKE A LAIR.

Note to CNN.

He shouldn't be lauded for this as making history. He should be derided for attempting to buy the White House and for ensuring that a broken system fueld by $$ will now be the norm. This is disgusting.

why fight fair when you can raise millions off the backs of supporters? It would be hard to fight McCain if Obama is limited to only 85 million, it took more than that to beat Hillary…. Isn't it ironic he will fight so hard to make sure McCain can only accept public financing while Obama will have an unlimited amount of money for his campaign. Is this part of the change thing? looks to me like the same crooked campaign tactics Obama has used all his life against his opponents.

Brian Knoxville, TN wrote:
June 19th, 2008 11:15 am ET

"answer questions from real Americans like me."
_____________________________________________
After reading your posts for several weeks now, I think I can speak for the majority of Americans in hoping that you are not representative of a "real" American. However, you are in the running for biggest moron on these blogs.

Obama will debate McCain several times more than the two debates already scheduled. I don't know how many will be in the "town hall" format. McCain was trying to get them all in his preferred format. I expect you will not be pleased with the outcome when they do face off. The comparison of the two of them on stage together is going to be more striking than the Kennedy-Nixon debates of 1960.

I don't know why anyone is surprised. Obama is a phony and like his mentor Wright said he is a politician and will say and do anything to be elected!!!!!

Barack Obama, will continue to make History, in many area, for an Inexperience Presumptive Democratice Nominee for President, all I can say is Great! I am still looking at the years of experience of his opponents, like President George Bush, John McCain, and Hillary Clinton, and the question is What Happen to these so call people are not NAIVE!

Go Obama 08!

djg

He's making his money the old fashioned way… he's earning it.

Seriously folks… he's simply taking a little burden off taxpayers and running on his own merits. If McCain gets his granny-panties in a bunch about it, it's only because he knows that his lack-of-charisma can't compete.

Bravo to Obama for making a stand against a flawed system. I hope that this is a signal that he's NOT going to put up with the built-in corruption that's pervading politics today. He's sticking to his campaign message of change and is going to make a positive difference by making a stand for what he believes in… unlike how McCain is flip-flopping on every issue possible just to make his corporate sponsors and Republican-masters happy.

it really sickens me and makes me and most progressive citizens sad to read all of these racist comments on these blogs. i would think most americans would be proud of someone who is continuing to break barriers… that is waht our country was founded on.

unfortunately most americans do not know the facts. if you want to know what candidates stand for you wont get them from mainstream news channels like cnn, msnbc, fox… but rather look at the candidates websites to get a comprehensive run down of what they stand for.

if you don't like the man, like his policys

A true politician at work. He never commits himself to anything without giving himself an out first. He is out for himself and he will do what is best for him, not the nation. Haven't we already had 8 years of that type of politics. It's not McCain who is like Bush, it is Obama who is like Bush, arrogant and egotistical.

I think you are making a smart move. You must protect yourself from attack ads. Without money you can not fight. The republicians are now trying to reinstate oil drilling and they have not used the resourses they have been given to drill. They just want to make sure they keep their intrest afloat. We need money to fight those kinds of ads. Why have they not start using the leases they already have. They say green is too far down the road. Their plan would not take place for 10 or more years, what is the difference. It will take them ten years to implement their own plan. So much for developing future alternatives to oil from the oil companies, they are not using existing resources. Should we now give them more titles to explore, or make them use what they have?

I for one am glad. The article I read earlier also noted that one of the reasons Obama made this decision is that McCain has been using private funds for his General Election campaign since February.

He has already been doing what he accuses Obama of doing in bad faith.

Brian Knoxville - Obama is debating him. As I understand it, they have one coming up next month. Also, there is nothing unethical about making this decision. It is funny to me that so many blame Obama supporters for being nasty but you have been consistently horrible and nasty and I think you need to take a break from the computer and really sit back and reflect on why you are so angry all the time.

The way McCain and his crew are crying now can't you just picture them meeting with foreign dignitaries and then crying foul when they can't get their own way?

No wonder McCain prefers to shoot and ask questions later he hasn't got what it takes to hold his own in a diplomatic discussion. Right now he is safe and secure in his own state of organized confusion.

Hey Brian in Knoxville

You really should get off the crap stain of a blog puma pac it is one of the biggest jokes I have ever read. Not one word of truth in the site just lies and garbage! As for you calling Obama a flip flopper and having absolutely not to support your claim I do.

Mc Cain has flip flopped an average of 2 times a week for the last month! he was against off shore drilling 3 weeks ago according to him now all the sudden he is all for it! Those facts can be verified through many different media outlets not just you precious puma pac propaganda garbage! Mc Cain has not offered a fair open debate he offer debates run by fox news and with a crowd staged with his supporters that is what Mc Cain offered!

Get facts not lies and propaganda!

Why don't we just have a pure vote. No primaries, just one election day……winner take all.

California Voter is a moron. McCain has been given a free ride since he won the nomination, nothing he does is ever wrong.

California Voter is an idiot for voting McCain especially in a state like California.

Republicans are just jealous because they can't match the fund raising power of Obama, otherwise McSame would be doing the same thing. The very fact that Obama can raise more money via public donations says people want CHANGE.

Bravo for Obama but he doesn't need the funds so it's quite easy for him to refuse it. And The White House deal? Now it's gotten out of hand! I think it would be ridiculous and outrageous to change the name of the White House just like it would be to change the name of the Vatican or the Taj Mahal. "White" in this case has A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y. N.O.T.H.I.N.G. to do with skin color. Cut the crap!

Obama Rules and will be a great president, he will clean up the government and change the sick policitics of the past!!!

Yeah OBAMA!!!!!

This election is too important for Obama to allow himself to be "swift-boated" by the unlimited spending of 527 groups. Obama already called upon Democratic-leaning 527 groups to only contribute money to his campaign or the Democratic Party. McCain pretty much gave 527s the green light to go after Obama.

This is a briliant move by the Obama campaign. The funding edge will force McCain to spend more time fundraising and also will push Bush into fundraising for McCain. This allows Obama to paint Bush and McCain as "McBush"!

This entire 2008 campaign has made and will continually make history!

DIAPPOINTED DEMOCRAT

I agree with you 100%.

He is aready starting to destroy this country.

to FEDUP:

what would you know about poise and refinement? you are just one of those ignorant people that voted for George W, the liar twice… or are you a democrat in republican clothing?

you are a flaming idiot who needs to do a tour in Iraq and maybe you will grow a brain.

Why would anyone have a problem with this? I know, haters.

Sen. Obama is very intelligent and wise. Why take the governments money if you don't need it.

And for those who are hatin right now ask yourself this question:

The government can use the $85,000,000 to help the flood victims.

It is not that there is a bias in all of the news, it is just that Obama is charismatic, exciting, and doing all of these new things. Hey McCain people if you drop the 95% Bush routine and try something new maybe someone will get excited for the republicans too!

Michelle Obama is a strong, smart, and intelligent woman.
Some of you can't handle that !
Cindy McCain is a Stepford Wife.
I will give her a cookie recipe that is not in a book!

Everything about this campaign and this year makes history.

sorry "sick of obama from florida" OBAMA IS HERE TO STAY!!!!

OBAMA 08!! YES BABY

Change we can count on!

ok feduo…i would love to see you teeth…

blah blah blah, and the media continues to shove Obama down our throats.

CNN, why are you afraid to write articles on Bob Barr?

How come you fail to point out the fact that the McCain and Obama hold ideas and principles about politics that are NO WHERE NEAR what our Founding Fathers believed?

CNN is to liberal loonies as FOX is to conservative nut jobs.

Can we please get an unbiased opinion from the major media outlets? Perhaps some common sense, and a sense of duty to uphold the principles upon which out great country was built? Please? Pretty please, with a cherry and whipped cream on top?

Obama 08

Smart move on Obama's part! He's thinking outside the box….. change that this country needs. We're in it to WIN IT! OBAMA 08!

I can't believe the people who are always complaining about taxes and Goverment Programsare complaining about him not taking tax payer money. Sounds like a contadiction in your views (sort of a flip flop).

America has forgotten that not all change is the good type of change.

I agree with voter

Brian:

Let's not get into a tit-for-tat claiming Obama is unethical. How many times has McCain been investigated by the Ethics Committee and how many times has Obama?

Furthermore, once each party has formally nominated their candidate they will begin debates. Until such time each party is running parallel efforts. It would be highly inappropriate for presumtive nominees to begin same stage debates.

I think we are going to be in for quite an election season, but let's not rush what doesn't need to be rushed.

The Republican seep may weep… but McCain's in DEEP…

BRIAN, you are typing a lot and not saying nothing. By fact, Hillary was a better debator than Obama. but if you think mcsame will be a better debator than Obama you gotta be out of your mind. The man can't even talk. knows nothing about the internet. caught up in the primitive state of mind. And a different policy for each state depending on electoral colleges. He is continuosly getting caught in lies. The fact that Obama is not agreeing to that SENIOR CITIZENS TOWN HALL MEETING, doesnt mean he is scared to debate. His campaign doesnt operate from Mcsame demand. he offered to do 5. And yes he is playing a different type of politics thats why the GOP is confused right now. The book to beat Obama is not yet written and karl rove's book is worthless with this candidate. Obama is running a presidential campaign for a us president not senior citizen president.

AND BY THE WAY SWIFTBOAT MCSAMES MILITARY RECORDS FOR THE 5 PLANES HE CRUSHED

If you believe that CNN is more biased than FOX news, you are crazy.
Only this year, I notice that the FOX comentators are having a harder time believing what their saying (not all, just the more rational ones). Watch their eyes.

I watch them both along with MSNBC and the other networks to see the difference in coverage.

where does the $80M go now? If it was earmarked for the Presidential race and declined does this mean the Government has $80M to go to other needed areas?

Oh man, Brian from Knoxville, please tell me you guys are going to come up with something a bit more original than "he's a flip-flopper." again.. the American people are gonna be too wise to let George W. Bush in for a third term… ermm I mean, McCain, if all you guys have is that old tired criticism.

Brian in Knoxville: Congratulations on being accepted into the Full Fledged Neoconservative Republican Club! If only there were an alternate reality, ruled by McCain and Bush you could live in so that you could continue to enjoy the wonderful path Bush has set us on for almost 8 years now.

Brian in Knoxville TN wrote: "Just another same old trick that Obama used in 1996 to win his seat in the Illinois state Senate."

Are you referring to the CNN story about Obama using election rules to his advantage in Illinois? Are you referring to him challenging his opponents signatures to ensure that they were RIGHTFULLY allowed to run for office? Are you referring to after his attorney's carefully reviewed and investigated the signatures garnered by his opponents it was determined by the rules that those opponents did meet the threshold? Is that the old trick that you're referring to? God forbid that Obama is smart and uses the rules to his advantage. LOL.

The McCain was out smarted by a inexperience Jr Sen. from ILL.
will wondors never quit.

Eat your hearts out baby boomers
eat your hearts out
after what you did to us
2 Bushes and Reagan
and after what FDR did for you
you should be ashamed of yourselves
for what you are leaving us with
shame shame shame
ON YOU

Wow - another FLIP-FLOP by Obama. Why am I NOT surprised?

I've lost count of the number of times Obama has reversed himself on one of his "principled" stances. Does this guy have ANY integrity?

It really is JUST WORDS as far as Obama is concerned — and apparently his words aren't worth anything. Does Obama MEAN anything he says? At this point, everything that comes out of his mouth seems calculated, not at all authentic.

Obama may be the BEST "politician" in this race, but THAT is not the main quality I'm seeking in a president!

With the rich liberals and the middle east muslim countries backing you and the money they are making of off oil would you take public financing.

Sorry about my earlier comment, I meant to say I know Barack (my man) will debate McCain on his terms and he won't let McCain define how the debates proceed (like a true leader). I just really want to apologize for spreading misinformation and beg for forgiveness. I truthfully can't stand PUMA people but am a really weak person who can't make decisions on my own. Please forgive me and I promise to vote for Obama.

Brian Knoxville, TN

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
First of all, the flip flop ploy will not work this time because people are not buying, and they also know that people change their minds. Just like many people are in support of Senator Obama

Second, I dont understand why people would be upset that he is not spending Tax payer money. For the people who are always complaining about taxes and Government programs, it seems like a blatent contradiction in your views (sort of a flip flop).

Everything about Obama's campaign is revolutionary. History in the making. McSame needs to step aside.

Let the Obama-bots pay for Michelles training. She needs lots of it. Maybe they can pay for braces, while their at it. A Jackie Kennedy she is not. Jackie was a real lady. Of course the Kennedys are very rich, and know about poise and refinement.

First of all, the flip flop ploy will not work this time because people are :

I dont understand why people would be upset that he is not spending Tax payer money.

Even the owner of Fox News has stated that Obama will win this November and it won't even be close. It is not that anyone is being biased at CNN it is just that Captain John McCain's boat has a ton of holes in it. How can anyone win thinking that Iraq was a great idea? Does anyone believe it will be a great investment for '100 years'. That is just outlandish and he should have changed his view on that issue to at least make it competitive.

Brian from Knoxville — You can't have it both ways. Its neither Obama played by the rules or was unethicially challenging towards his opponents. It seems your own logic is flip-flopping. Your just scared that Obama doesn't need Gov't money to beat McCain. When you find out that it will take the American people to fight against the 527's smear tactics and a Republican party which has ignored the American people for decades. You will realize this isn't a campaign anymore, it's a movement.

BRIAN AND ANY OTHER MCCANT'S SUPPORTERS……………………..

PLEASE CHECK OUT ENRON LOOPHOLE

CHECK OUT WHO YOUR SUPPORTING……..

JUST IN CASE YOU CAN FIND IT ………GO TO MSNBC KEITH OLBERMANN

WHO IS CONNECTED…….??????????? NOT OBAMA………..

SOMEBODY'S HANDS GOT CAUGHT IN THE COOKIE JAR……GUESS WHO….?

OBAMA /08/12

California Voter maybe you never watched CNN. And you simply enjoy you farvorite FOX new where they brain wash you. Have fun

Where does this money come from. Because as a tax payer I have no desire whatsoever too pay for anyone's campaign. That is money that can go to some of these people who's homes are under water or go towards schools. But definately not so someone can run for office. If you can't raise money then maybe that's says alot about your leadership. If you can't inspire people too donate then what can you inspire them too do.

The Obama Campaign is historic in more ways than one and I am glad to be witnessing it

Ouch! This really ties McCain's hands behind his back. Good move Senator Obama.

Obama is a Lamboghini while McCain is a 39 DeSoto.

McCain wants town hall debates because that's all he can fill. Besides BINGO PARLORS!

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

WE THE PEOPLE PAY THE PIPER
WE THE PEOPLE CALL THE TUNE
NO TO McCANE LOBBYIST AND BIG OIL

Obama 08

with obama we can unit together

this is how president suppose act

So he kept all options on the table, he aint so dumb, a typical politician, yes.

If ya'll want to spend your $$ that way, I mean try and buy an election, more power to you. I just wish I had $$ to throw away now. I sure won't if he gets in office, with the way he's gonna have to raise EVERYONE's taxes to do all the stuff he says he's going to do. Of course all the lazy poor people that don't have any $$ will be happy because he'll just keep enabling them to be lazy and give them handouts.

Don't trust his words… He lies too many times and always have false reasons to back up. No respect for him since he hijacked MI delegates. SHAME on YOU! No integrity!

Why did you stand up not accept the MI delegates that did not belong to you. Your name was neve on the ballot!

You' do not represent change. You represent the old politics .
I am now proud of being Independent. You lost my trust and repect. I hope you will not win in NOV. You're an illegit presumptive nominne like G.B was an illegit president in 2000.

Obama's decision saves taxpayer dollars, and is criticized by McCain and his Adviser, Steve Schmidt! But Trillions for IRAQ is OK with McCain!

Talk about Penny wise and pound foolish!

The Republicans are PENNY FOOLISH AND POUND FOOLISH, and the US Taxpayer and over 4,100 young Americans in uniform pay for their FOOLISHNESS!

Another nail in McCain's coffin!

Mike

Democrat in FL, i'll admit that made me laugh, lol. But in any case I'm donating to Obama, I support his decision and think this is a great move and is changing the face of government, for the better, for the people! He IS taking public financing as it is, all his donations are from people like me, not from special interests! This man is a once in a life time oppurtunity!!

THANK YOU FOR NOT WASTING MONEY. IN THIS ELECTION, AT THIS TIME, IT IS NOT NEEDED. THE PEOPLE HAVE SHOWN AND WILL CONTINUE TO SHOW SEN. OBAMA THAT WE SUPPORT HIS RUN FOR THE WHITE HOUSE.

THERE IS ALOT OF WORK STILL REQUIRED AND A LIMIT OF $85M JUST WON'T CUT IT.

THANKS…SENATOR OBAMA. EXCELLENT DECISION.

A flip-flop of monumental proportions. Shows what we'll get with a sNObama presidency: broken promises and politically expedient backtracks.

McCain 08

(let's see if CNN actually publishes this)

Change is on the way….

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

Obamanation '08

YES WE CAN!

OUTSTANDING!!

History AND a great Tactical move by Obama. We do NOT need another repeat of being held back while the 527s attack our candidate with their bottomless pockets and our Candidate cannot clear his name before the Votes.

The GOP Machine is going to have to find a way to Black out the internet for Months in order to keep us all in the dark so they can launch their attacks.

Hmmmmmm Just a thought. Could this UN_ EXPLAINABLE Doubleing of the price of Oil be designed to keep the regular people like us from having the cash to donate in order to force them out of power????

WE THE PEOPLE for Barack Obama '08

The PEOPLE will finance this champagne and NOT "SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS".

Besides why limit one's self, if one CAN DO better.

Stop crying McCain champagne…

Outstanding Judgent.

Sen. Obama, please keep making history for all America.

You have a mandate from the American People!!

Yea yea…Obama could fart and it would make history.

maybe the $85 million dollars should go to the people who lost their homes, the midwest flodding victims, katrina victims and the over 230,000 people who lost their jobs. just a thought.

America is ready for change and they're putting their money where their mouth is!

Obama 08/12!!!

This was a very smart move on Senator Obama part. After witnessing the "Swift Boat" problems Senator Kerry incountered in 2004 he knows that the attacks against him will be tenfold. It takes money to fight lies and he will need the publics help to do that… We are here for you Senator… YES WE CAN.

Don't forget that Obama is trying once again to use rules unethically to win an election, this time 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 reneging 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.

And 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.

i guess Obama just can’t fight fairly or debate openly. 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!

CNN your reporting is so unbalanced I have stopped watching most of your programming and changed to a station I never watched FOX news. Fox news was never as biased as you were during the Clinton - Obama campaign. Obama was given and is being given a free ride by the more liberal press and I find it a great disservice to the American public. This is the second story about Obama not accepting public financing for his campaign. WOW! You should also mention again that he had originally said he was going to use public financing. So much for keeping one's word.

This guy rocks like AC/DC in their heyday. Seriously folks, this is history you are witnessing. Obama is going to steamroll McCain. Everything he does is unprecidented. The past year has been such an inspiration. I got on board in February 2007. People thought I was crazy when I was donating to his campaign in October 2007. My bro-in-law told me my Obama fleece would be worhtless by late January. I am so excited that I finally have a candidate to be excited about, a man in politics who I can actually admire. The campaign financing decision is simply another reason to get fired up. Can't wait for November.

He is a history making individual, and I wish I was a historian because 2008 and the years to follow when Obama is elected will be years to remember and record accurately.

Bad judgment

We reguluar folk believe Obama enough that we will gladly fund his campaign. When he needs money, he only needs to ask - and he shall receive. How exciting to see the first candidate that has inspired enough people to be able to say no to public campaign financing!

how wonderful of barack to do this. we will support his campaign and that money to go to another cause
the red cross needs it for the flood disasters. this water is horrible, bush finally came back from a non issue trip overseas and is visiting the ares today
to me a day late and many dollars short. the cost for his europs trip could helped many people

obama would have been there for the people so would hillary clinton cause they care

Who is the smartest guy in the room?

Obama 08!

Of course he asked them, he wanted to trick McCain into accepting it and not worrying about fundraising.

As soon as it became obvious he could outspend him he went back on his word.

So much for change we can believe in.

And I'll be sending another $25 to him promptly. How many times does $25 go into $2300? 92 times, thank you very much! Hmm … Let's see here … I must have at least another 80 or so opportunities to donate!!!

That's right set a change example for future presidential candidates…also to be honest , I never really trust that public finance system..

Don't close your wallet just yet, Barak - I'm sending more! As long as you don't take PAC, lobbyist, or corporate money, We The People will keep it rolling in.

Paging Senator McCain - you're going to do the same, right?

Big Deal! Obama Smart move! Kick McCain's butt!

THIS IS WHAT WE DO IF GIVEN A CHANCE . WE DO BETTER THAT ANYONE ELSE………

Way to go President Barack

Yada Yada Yada…he is making unbelivable history. Can we get to the inaguration already!

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

Take all this public money that will not be used and give it to the flooded states for rebuilding…Use it where it's really needed,

I am particlularly happy to read an article in the San Francisco Chronicle this morning which addressed the concern of Republican women with McCane's policies regarding their issues such as abortion.

I think there will be a flood of donations to the Obama campaign, not only from Democrats and Independents, but also from many intelligent Republicans, especially women, who see John McCain as a serious threat to preserving Roe v. Wade, among other issues.

The decision to forego public funding is a wise one, as McCain has shown that he is a begger with a cap in hand, and doesn't care who throws the money in his cap.

We are proud to have donated …….. and will continue to donate, to this decent man.

With ALL the experience McCain has, when it came right down to it, he choose to be on the wrong side of big oil, war, foreign policy…… etc., etc.

A VOTE FOR MCCAIN IS A VOTE FOR MORE WAR (EVEN WITH IRAN)
MORE TROOPS DYING, MAIMED, COMING HOME TO COMMIT SUICIDE! ENOUGH!

MORE NATIONAL DEBT, ISN'T OVER $10 TRILLION ENOUGH??????

Actually it just allowed him to change his mind later if he found that he could not raise enough money himself. So basically he is declining it simply because he knows he can raise more money on his own.

*singing* we're in the money. we're in the money.
Obama is like "I got the check, playa. You can put your pocket book up."

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!! The party of the people defending the interests of the people!!!!!!!!!
No wonder McSame is flipflopping so much. He has to do what he is told to by hismultimillionaire fundraisers. The clock is ticking for you McSame. Read the story of the french revolution and you will know what we are talking about

Obama nomination is historic and he can't afford to loose the election to the White House that the Dems badly need. Adhering to public financing will severely limit his options in a tight election year.
This is a wise decision against a formidable GOP attack money machine.
Kudos to Obama!

The intelligence and integrity that OBAMA will bring to the White House will be refreshing and much needed…. He inspires and challenges the American people to stive to be better people….

OBAMA 08….

I applaud him for declining, the economy is better served by spending that $170 million in tax dollars on more constructive projects that benefit the people … if he can raise the funds on his own it only shows once again just how bright and responsible this candidate really is … Americans should be proud to have such a candidate running for their top office.

History is being made early. Saving money is a very good start. I really believe we're headed in the right direction. Keep Praying.

I don't get it. What does this benefit him?

This is my idea of true leadership, knowing when to take handouts & when to keep people involved, viva Senator Obama. I cannot wait to hear how friends on the otherside of the political divide will throw on this issue.

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

Barack is busting through all kinds of old political routines and that has been very enjoyable to watch. With