CNN

Danny in Chicago June 24th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Go ahead and bash Chicago. Go ahead. It doesn't matter. Chicago and Obama are rising to the forefront of politics in America and the world. WE gave you Lincoln – and US in Chicago believe that Obama is worthy of Illinois. What kind of history credentials do you have to go against that? SO QUIT BASHING CHICAGO

---------

Dude, you are an Obama staffer, right? No one else can contridict himself so fast. Either we can "go ahead and bash Chicago" or we need to "QUIT BASHING CHICAGO". Pick a position and stick to it!

Oh, yeah, Obama is your role model so that last was totally lost on you...

For all those who say Obama is buying the presidency, you are mistaken. He is funded by the PUBLIC, not corporations. That means "us" the people, 2million people, myself included.

McCain was crying about this way back in Feb. when Obama was pulling in 55 mill. He knew what was coming.

President Obama. Get used to it.

PeterE-finally someone who has a level head
Do you people even understand what public financing is and why we have it?
Please do a little homework before you post your ignorance (lack of knowledge) and you will understand why people are saying BO is 'buying' the election. (and research BO's prior election and see what he did to get elected)
And please lose the race thing-this article is about money, not color.

The problem for pubs is not that Obama has become big. The real problem is that he is getting bigger and bigger every day. At this rate he will become a giant by november and simply stomp the mission McBush.

Denouncing tax dollars but accepting tax payers money (not that of lobbyist and corporations) is a coup that the pubs have no answer to. Lobbies and Corporations will not throw their money on a losing horse. Only true lovers donate regardless of expected outcome.

Get a grip on reality Sanchez of CNN. OBAMA IS NOT BUYING LOVE as you implied. The fact is LOVE IS BUYING OUT OBAMA as his lovers are pouring in their $5 and $10.

All the lobbyist are mad, they fear losing their jobs, they will do whatever they can to demonize Obama for this.

A quick message to those who are against Universal Health Care:

In most, if not all states, everyone who owns a car must have car insurance.

Isn't that the same as Universal Car Insurance? Where would we be if only some people had car insurance?

So what is wrong with making it possible for every person to be able to afford health insurance?

Let's see if you still disagree when you lose your job and can no longer afford health insurance, and then you need brain surgery or something!

On the other hand, in your case, that would be minor surgery!

The point is that for YEARS Obama has piously championed public financing, only to hypocritically throw it under the bus when it was convenient to do so.
McCain has worked for years, in bipartisan legislative efforts, to reform the political campaign process so offices do not go to the highest bidders. I am proud of his decision to stand steadfast on this issue and keep his word.
It is amusing, yet sad also to see the spinning & rationalization going on here by the Obamabots to justify these actions. Obama is like a reed that bends in every wind, while McCain is like a rock on his principles.

Well, its funny that people have a problem with Senator Obama making a good business decision and they had no problem with the current administration telling them over 900 lies to get us into a war we have no idea how to get out of. Secondly, has anyone realized that Back in November Senator McCain opted into the public financing to use it as collateral for a couple of millon dollar loans to run his campaigne. Then is opted out and didn't want to use public financing, now he wants to? Now that is what I call a flip flop not to mention its illegal. I encourage everyone to get the facts and don't hate on Obama because he can walk and chew gum at the same time.

When I read comments like Brian's, I find it very hard to be proud of my country. First of all, adultury is not limited to black people. What is wrong with him! I loved Bill Clinton, but the last time I looked, he was white, as were Roosevelt, Kennedy, Eisenhower...Plus why can't we be adult about these issues like the French? I get angry at the Obama people for thinking that every criticim against Obama is racist, but I see it's nitwits like Brian who have made them that way!

"Texas Trail Dog June 24th, 2008 11:08 am ET

ANYTHING BACKHANDED AND CROOKED I'M SURE OBAMA AND HIS TEAM OF JACKALS WILL COME UP WITH IT. AREN'T YOU OBAMA SUPPORTERS GOOD AT WORKING LATE AT NIGHT WHILE EVERYONE ELSE HAS GONE TO BED.

AS FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT HILLARY NOT MANAGING HER MONEY WHEN ONLY HAD ABOUT HALF OF WHAT OBAMA MANAGED TO BRING IN FROM HIS WELFARE PEOPLE. SO SHUT THE HADES UP ABOUT THAT. AFTER ALL IT WAS THE CLINTONS WHO WERE THE FIRST TO EVER BALANCE THE BUDGET WHILE IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND LEAVE OFFICE WITH THREE TRILLION DOLLARS IN ESCROW WHICH DUYHA QUICKLY GAVE AWAY BACK TO YOU WELFARE JUNKIES. SO IF YOU WANT HILLARY'S SUPPORT OF OBAMA I WOULD GIVE A LITTLE TO HELP HER PAY OFF HER DEBT. AFTER ALL YOU'RE GOING TO WANT HER IN FOUR YEARS AFTER WHAT MESS OBAMA WILL MAKE OF THIS COUNTRY."
--------------

Such bitterness...

So let me get this straight.

First the Democratic leadership finds a palatable black man (half white) to run for the Senate for the specific purpose of running for the Presidency shortly thereafter.

Then they convince the naive college students that they are going to change everything in the snap of a finger.

Then they race-bait to lure the African-American voters.

Then they collect as much money as they can from these idealistic Americans, many of whom can scarcely afford it, fooling them into believing that their money is going to some great cause.

Are Americans really as dumb as people think? Oh, I think so!

Wake up! BOTH political parties are despicable.

"susie June 24th, 2008 11:25 am ET

At least, we now know that Obama doesn't keep his word. All his speeches are just talk, you can't believe what he says."
-------------------–
There's no such thing as a politician who keeps his word.

I challenge you to name one, living or dead.

Even George Washington lied about chopping down the cherry tree!

If McCaint can't raise money, don't blame it on Obama. McBush is just a poor excuse for a presidential candidate. He sets a poor example in his personal life by flip flopping on wives. He sets a poor example in his professional life by flip flopping on issues

I am trying so hard to like Obama since I have been left with no choice but to vote for him unless I want to see more young people killed in Itaq, and all the polar bears killed in our wilderness, and Roe v Wade overturned...but the man acts a helluva lot like a conservative Republican. His decision on campaign funding is one that a well financed Rebublican like George Bush would make. Obama's supporters see him as the second coming - but they will be sorely disappointed - Obama is like the second coming of Mayor Daley - back room politics, money, corruption, Rezko....

"Texas Trail Dog June 24th, 2008 11:50 am ET

YOU AFRICAN AMERICANS MAKING SUCH LOW DOWN DIRTY COMMENTS ABOUT JOHN McCAIN AND HIS EX-WIFE SHOULD SHUT UP AND BE ASHAMED. UNDOUBTEDLY YOU DON'T OR DON'T WANT TO REMEMBER WHO WAS THE WORST ADULTERER'S OF ALL TIME WERE.

YOUR GREAT BIG TIME LEADER, "REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING AND THE REV. JESSE JACKSON." Isn't adultery not in you people's religion."
--------------------
White people are saying it, too!

"sm in nyc June 24th, 2008 11:55 am ET
OBAMA = VANITY
OBAMA = "PRESENT" BUT NOT "FOR" OR "AGAINST"
OBAMA = SHELL-PAC LOBBYING
OBAMA = RACE CARD CHAMPION
OBAMA = EN VOGUE YET OUT OF TOUCH
OBAMA + BETTER THAN BITTER"
-------------------------
MCCAIN=OLD
MCCAIN=TIRED
MCCAIN=CONSTANT FLIP-FLOP BETWEEN MAVERICK AND CONSERVATIVE
MCCAIN=BS-TALK EXPRESS
MCCAIN=VOTED FOR BUSH TAX CUT BEFORE HE VOTED AGAINST IT
MCCAIN=CAN'T GET CONSERVATIVE SUPPORT
MCCAIN=CAN'T WIN BECAUSE HE'S BROKE AS HELL

Why should I check a box on my returns to fund someone I don't care for? I think Obama has the right stuff that is real campaign reform. If you can get small donars to support you enough to donate to you... WHY NOT? This is fair and square.

Why is it that so many of you out there find this so hard to understand? Buy the Presidency? Would you prefer that all the Lobbyists bank rolling McSame buy him the Presidency?

hmmmmmmmmmm you voted for Bush Twice you get what you deserve. No jobs, No health care, high gas prices... whatever but you will sit down and go on and on about the 25 dollars that I donated to Obama – using my unemployement check no less... go ahead give yours to MacSame and see if maybe you will continue to get unemployment checks if ANY....

It looks like John McCain really shot himself in the foot this time.

He gambled that, if he accepts public funding and Obama doesn't, he could make Obama the bad guy.

Unfortunately for him, whether Obama is right or wrong, his supporters will forgive him. And they vastly outnumber the McCain supporters.

Since he hasn't broken any laws, he can now force McCain to waste money in the red states, and thereby cripple him in the battleground states.

This is precisely the way he beat Hillary.

Obama/Anybody '08!

If I remember correctly, Obama never promised to use Public Financing, but he did say he would consider it if and when he became the Democratic Nominee. I also wanted to point out that Texas Trail Dog's comments are very telling of what is wrong with this country. PUTTING UGLY COMMENTS IN ALL CAPS doesn't make the posts any more interesting, just maginfies the ignorance. I might just invest in some big Pharma stocks after Obama wins in Nov..I feel many peeps will be taking anti-depressants.

I am laughing at how people are saying he is buying his way in. He is using PUBLIC financing because it is from 1.5 million Americans who did it!

Let McCain so the same then, if so many people support him, they can send in $20 too and raise the money.

It's not unfair, it's giving power to people. They directly support their candidate!

Obama 08'

Wow, Little Lulu and Texas Trail Dog BITTER MUCH!!!!

CNN where is the moderation or downright censorship of these posts!

Jan From Boca Raton, Fl....
Can you please tell me when Barack has lied? What has he done that's sooo bad. Is it because he's a black man? Peaple say he cheated to win the primaries.... can someone please tell me HOW?

Wow. I'm surprised that CNN's moderators would allow racist rants from the likes of "Texas Trail Dog" to be posted. This just feeds into what most people think about Texans. Thank you for calling them "AFRICAN AMERICANS." I know what you wanted to call them.

Jan from Boca Ratan – you make me laugh – he is buying his way into the Presidency? Like my $100.00 will make him owe me a biggggg favor. What school did you go to? It is the Big Lobbiests that donate the biggg bucks so the candidaates don't need our littl drips and drabs. The difference is, the lobbiests want something for their money, I wan't nothing more than the representation that we all deserve, government of fo and by the people, Not govertment by cororate thugs.

To Randy S:
You mentioned that... "Poor people have been voting for democrats for at least the last 60 years, and they're still poor. Something wrong with that picture."

However, you should note that the majority of the Republican party is made up of poor people. The Democratic party is generally made up of more educated, rich, urban and subarban people. Get your facts straight!! Thanks

I'm in SHOCK of obama and his ARROGANCE – but hardly in Awe – this guy is a FRAUD! What a WASTE of $$$$$$ – he could CHANGE the country with all that cash. BUT – he will use it to try to BUY this election!!! Sorry – the white house is NOT for sale!

Once the republicans vote on running a campaign of integrity,
forego the support of lobbyists, special interests and big
corporations, well than public financing will work. Get rid
of all the slimey loopholes.
At this time it is honorable for Barack to rely on his
supporters, at no cost to tax payers, with no funds from
lobbyists, Pacs etc. We volunteer to support the man who
will lead our country out of this mess. It will not happen
ov ernight, after all the republicans had to work for almost
eight years to try and destroy us, but it will happen.
Our government will once again be" for the people, by the
people",

Hey Obama Folks,

Lets see what your candidate is really made of...

You want real change, challenge Obama to pledge now that he will donate any leftover campaing money to charity after the election.

The comments were closed for the ticker earlier about John McCains bandaids on his head (oohh big story). The big story for me were the hateful, childish, ignorant postings by the obamites. You obamites are the most sickening bunch of petty little bratts ever to grace a cult like Obama's.
What does this have to do with this story? Well, I imagine that you obamites will have to dig into your pott money to help Obama buy this election. Don't worry, when Obama legalizes pott the price will go down and it will be all worth it.
Gee, what are the chances CNN will post this.

I just got my $600 economic incentive "Bush" money. Thank you dubya!. I just made my second $100 contribution to the Obama campaign. Four more donations to go to put this economic stimulus money to work.

I'm not certain that using this Bush money in this manner will work as intended by the economic gurus, but it's nice to have so that I can support a truly good and honest campaign. Anyway, thank you U.S. government for allowing me to donate so graciously to Obama. I appreciate it.

"Shock and Awe"??...to fool everyone into thinking he's not a socialist, I'm sure. Sorry, but he is. Do you want free healthcare? Get a job!

SOCIALISM IS UN-AMERICAN!!

Thanks for posting my comment CNN, I can't imagine you'd try to censor public opinion. Not everyone is along for the ride with Obama; there are some American citizens who are able to think for themselves. I happen to be one of them.

Huh?? Texas Trail Dog

And how do you know who is African American on these blogs and who is not. Are you generalizing a whole group of people with no proof on what you think we are? Isn't that the definition of discrimation or pretty close? Just when I think we, as a nation, are color blind. I get brought back to earth. Thanks for shattering my dream.

Hey Dummies,
Obamas win will be because the American public got him in office. The American public financed and voted him in. Last time I checked that is what true Democracy is suppose to be. Geez.

How can you possibly say he is "buying" the presidency?! He is raising money from donations made by millions of average Americans. He's not using his own money, the party's money, large corporate donations, nor tax dollars!
Please – stop and understand at the source of his campaign financing and don't believe the lies from the anti-Obama people and Republican-supporting defense and oil corporations.

Obama is doing the most scaremongering out of anybody. He's more of a bush 3rd term then McCain could ever be

He can shock and awe as much as he likes but most people are so sick of his face and his preacher voice that it wont make a difference.

Jan from Boca Raton, FL:

You either have to STUPID, BLIND and CRAZY!!! How in the hell do you come up with electing Senator Obama would be another eight (8) years of g.w. bush. Is being a racist pig patriotic? I guess you must be REAL patriotic, because that's what you sound like on every comment you make. GROW UP FOOL!! If this country was rid of people of your caliber, it would definitely be better off. I'm praying...

Lets Go Dems!!!!!

mccain and his immoral followers,will need to find a new country after the election.they are no longer welcome here,after destroying our nation.republicans are unpatriotic, unamerican,and criminals for their misguided attack on a sovereign nation,and should be held responsible for at least 4106 american lives lost in their illegal war.TRAITORS!

People misunderstand the point of public campaign finance. No it's not about giving people the tool to buy the election for their candidate. It's about putting the candidates on equal foothold so that the election would be based primarily on the merrit of their stances and records, so that people are free to THINK for themselves and make the right choice. Unlimited spending destroys individual thinking (the basis for our democracy) by outmuscling some candidates by simple amount of advertisement.

Why, you thought Obama is using that money to talk about his record? Of course not! If the primaries are a trend then he'll be using it all for negative attack ads against his opponent!

So who said you can't buy the Presidency? Obama LIED to all of us, by promising to accept public funds. Now he sees he will have to bombard the people into submission with ads and more lies in order to have a chance to win, so he continues his practice of deceit and lies.

Add in him continuously using the race card, and calling anyone who doesn't agree with him a racist, and you have yourself a candidate that has demonstrated his word cannot be trusted, and is tainted by lack of color-blindness.

Geez, now I think I have to vote for McCain. Hmmm...

What happens to the $84 million taxpayer money Obama doesn't use? Can we have it back?

I really believe if the media is going to be outraged at Obama, they should be equally outraged at McCains unnoticed flip-flop during the primary in which he stole $50 million dollars in public funding after opting into public financing when he was broke, taking the money, then opting out when he realized he would break the cap.
Ariana Huffington is the only one courageous enough to write about it.

From Little Lulu on Obama and his supporters:

"...you are a bunch of racists..."

"Let's put it this way – he just better not line anyone up to build him a basketball court at the White House. Besides, he would be supposed to be busy running the county, not eating watermelon, drinking koolaid and playing basketball"

A watermelon-eating basketballer, eh? Thanks for that non-racist characterization. Unbelievable.

I do wish Obama would use at least SOME of that money to present his stances and his record, unlike in the primaries where it was used entirely on cheesy and empty slogans, and an overabundance of negative attack ads!

But I guess his record is really not his strength... slogans and attacks against opponents are...

The video version of this piece is a poorly disguised slanted piece of journalistic garbage.
CNN' Preston run's in its entirety a Republican trash Obama AD saying 'this is an example of how they lie" And CNN runs the ENTIRE disgusting piece, thus promoting the lies and giving satisfaction to those perveyors of hate who produced the trash in the first place.
CNN has turned into the Enquirer /Soap type journalism on television lately.

By the way, I am part of the public and I helped finance Obama. I sent in $ 25.00. and plan to do so every month. This is the type of public help that has the right spirit of support. Save the 84 million and donate it to the Veterans coming home from the war.

I do wonder how dare all those democrats keep talking about financial hardship and gas prices when they seem to have no trouble spending millions of dollars on a total hack...

He's buying the election.

Funny how in 2004 democrats criticized Bush for doing the same, despite Bush having raised more money from SMALL donations than Kerry. Hypocrisy!

And do you think Obama will be spending that money to talk about his stances (ever-flip-flopping) or his record? (scarce) Of course not! If the primaries are any indication he'll spend 25% of the money to make cheesy ads that parrot his slogan and his name, and 75% on negative attack ads against his opponent.

HOW GIVES A BUTTCRACK ABOUT HOW THESE CANDIDATES MAKE MONEY TO FUND THEIR CAMPAIGN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO GIVE THEN GIVE IF YOU DONT SHUT THE HECK UP!!!!
WE HAVE BIGGER PROBLEMS TO HANDLE THAN TO WORRY ABOUT CAMPAIGN FINANCING!!!!!!

IF OBAMA WAS A WHITE MAN NAMED GREG OR MATT, WOULD PEOPLE BE THIS UPSET AND JUDGEMENTAL ABOUT A NON WHITE DEMOCRAT WINNING THE WHITE HOUSE? HE IS BY FAR THE BEST CANDIDATE WE HAVE HAD IN THE LAST 40 YEARS AND PEOPLE CANNOT SEE THAT. WOW NO WONDER THIS COUNTRY IS IN THE MESS THAT WE ARE IN NOW. LOOKING AT THESE POSTS REALLY SCARES ME ABOUT HOW PEOPLE REALLY THINK. IF HE WAS WHITE, HE WOULD NOT BE BASHED AS MUCH AS HE HAS BEEN. OBAMA WILL WIN THE ELECTION AND HE WILL SAVE THIS COUNTRY. I JUST HOPE NONE OF THESE HATERS DO ANYTHING STUPID TO TRY AND DERAIL OBAMA BECAUSE HE IS A NON WHITE PERSON. UNBELIEVEABLE.

You Obama followers who think that he is raising those millions and millions of dollars from his "poor" black supporters who donate a few dollars at a time better think again... There are people with very deep pockets out there trying to buy him the presidency. Check it out and you`ll find that he has lied about where much of that money came from..

What's going to happen if Obama loses this election? I mean can you imagine the chaos that will ensue in the DNC? I would love to see it.

However, if Obama is elected, we will be allowed to finally see all of these great ideas come to life!!! HA HA HA.... People will be begging for President Bush to come back when they realize that their wallets are bare, their investments are poor and our country is in danger.

Being on the Right, sure feels Right!!!!

First of all, for those of you who keep saying/impying that Obama will "buy" the election, please don't forget where this money is coming from..THE PEOPLE (small donations from large numbers of people). It's not like he is taking special interest money, from billion dollar companies, to fund his GE campaign.

If he raises 20 times the amount of his opponent, it's because of the millions of people who want a change.

I kinda like this strategy of O-Blah-Blah, outspending McCain on TV commercials and such. The more that mainstream Americans see and hear this empty suit, limousine liberal, the quicker they will flee to the Red side.

NO-Bama EVER!!

When we all die, the person with the most toys wins.

Given his reversal on public financing, the cornerstone of his "change" candidacy for president, I wonder: What would Sen. Obama have to do to lose support? Create his own presidential seal?
Oh wait, he's already done that.

BV,

Don't waste your time on people who make uninformed, false claims about Barack and Michelle. Until this race I have never witnessed such hatred from everyday Americans.

Sen. Obama will be a GREAT PRESIDENT because he is intelligent and wise.

I say to the haters, hate on Sen. Obama all you want. He will be our President.

Lulu

Please pay attention!

Start at the very first comment on this article, take down every single attack or dishonest or otherwise INSULTING REMARKS made by BARACK'S SUPPORTERS about Hillary!

Now when YOU ARE FINISHED, take a good long hard look in the MIRROR, where you will find your RACISTS.

Now read the comments again slooooooooooooowly, and you will find the majority of these comments are being posted by people like YOU, who are REPUBLICANS POSING AS BARACK SUPPORTERS!

BV,

Don't waste your time on people who make uninformed baseless comments about Barack and Michelle. Until this race I have never witnessed such hatred from everyday Americans.

Sen. Obama will be a GREAT PRESIDENT

Bob Barr in 08!

John McCain is running his campaign off TAX dollars. Obama will be running off all of his supporters. I will give him $10. Thats all I can afford, but I will give as much as I can up until the deadline. We are going to put McSame into debt, just as Clinton. [ We are gonna help her out though].

Jimmy Carter? You Conservatives REALLY do not want to start comparing PAST Presidents. Just the mention of George W. Bush hurts McCain.

OBAMA = VANITY
OBAMA = "PRESENT" BUT NOT "FOR" OR "AGAINST"
OBAMA = SHELL-PAC LOBBYING
OBAMA = RACE CARD CHAMPION
OBAMA = EN VOGUE YET OUT OF TOUCH
OBAMA + BETTER THAN BITTER

YOU AFRICAN AMERICANS MAKING SUCH LOW DOWN DIRTY COMMENTS ABOUT JOHN McCAIN AND HIS EX-WIFE SHOULD SHUT UP AND BE ASHAMED. UNDOUBTEDLY YOU DON'T OR DON'T WANT TO REMEMBER WHO WAS THE WORST ADULTERER'S OF ALL TIME WERE.

YOUR GREAT BIG TIME LEADER, "REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING AND THE REV. JESSE JACKSON." Isn't adultery not in you people's religion.

Obama used the same spending to force Hillary to spend more than she had the money for. Well, it seem she still didn't learn the lesson after that: when you don't campaign, the well-known candidate wins. That happened in MI&FL but she and her surrogates, such as Ickes, still argued that MI&FL were fair primaries and the DNC "took away Hillary's delegates to give to Obama". No one campaigned there and of course Hillary "won" the beauty contests. In PA, she should have won it big (20% margin) but of course that was not the case (only 10%!). Even for a well-known candidate, campaigning is the key as well!

Go ahead and bash Chicago. Go ahead. It doesn't matter. Chicago and Obama are rising to the forefront of politics in America and the world. WE gave you Lincoln – and US in Chicago believe that Obama is worthy of Illinois. What kind of history credentials do you have to go against that? SO QUIT BASHING CHICAGO

You better start dealing with the reality that this man is going to be your next president. We had to deal with the reality that Bush is our president now, so now it's OUR TURN!

Funny thing, when the Republican were the fund rasing champions of the free world and used this common campaign strategy, no one accused the Republicans of "buying their way into the presidency". Now that there is Democrat who has the snatched the financial mantle from the Republicans they are buying their way in. It's just laughable!! This is big boy politics!! If you had a candidate who could raise the money Obama is raising, you would not hear any Republican crying. GET THE DIAPERS OFF, run on the issues and lets elect a president the way it should be!!

In regards to Obama being a flip-flopper, You are hanging your hat on an issue where Obama is using VOLUNTEER money and not tax dollars. Can you find other issues to make your point!! Lets take McCain's record of flip-flopping: TAXES, IRAQ, OIL DRILLING, IMMIGRATION. Who is John McCain? Can you TRUST him?

Two, very funny, observations seem to be themes with postings on this artcle.

First, I laugh at the number of folks who chastize CNN for the stories on which they choose to report, saying "X happened today – where's the story on that?" Ummm...The very fact you're posting that shows that they still have your loyal readership – Not the most blue chip of a barganing tool to achieve more "responsible reporting."

Second, it is humorous that folks are treating the idea that he/she who raises the most campaign finances has some scales tipped in their favor come election time. This is new? Didn't we hear the same arguments about Kennedy (not to mention the arguments about his experience, and his ability to make speeches).

Then again, all he did was kick our space program into high gear and require accountability of American citizens. Let's not get carried away or anything.

You know, it would be nice if the media would report all of the facts once in a while. Instead of continually harping on Obama's supposed edge in funds now that he's decided to forgo public monies, why not report on the fact that the RNC already has a 2-to1 advantage over the DNC and this number will only grow as the campaign season kicks into high gear. Instead of explaining how the publicly financed system has consistently been abused by the Republicans and their corporate sponsors for the past 30 years, the corporate media drones on about a Democrat who has the audacity to actually want to LEVEL the playing field! OMG! A Presidential candidate who's not beholden to the multinational corporations and who actually campaigned with money contributed by the American PEOPLE!?! We mustn't have that!

I find it ridiculous that there are so many Hillary supporters claiming to "switch" over to McCain on these comments.

It goes to show you how much twisted reasoning, distortion, and ignorance there is in the American voter populace. Grow up.

I just worry that Obama is this overspender. more than Bush. SO far he just spends the money people are giving him. The voting should be based on the qualities and plans of the candidate, not spending. If Obama is so strong among people, then he does not need to spend so much on commercials – by the way, I did not see any of them...I am not watching tv all the time, I have to work for living, and do not have the luxury of being glued to TV screen. And even if, I do not make my decisions on base of tv commercials. I am not alone in this.
Obama and McCain should have debates, this is what makes people to make up their minds. Not some iffy commercials.

Good Lord Gary, get a grip. It's getting old. Why would anyone want to put themselves in the position that Senator Obama has if he and his wife were not patriotic. It goes beyond words to defy that sense of logic. His dedication is to the American people. With the world and the US in the shape that it is in, who, but a dedicated individual would be working as hard as Obama to full fill a better existance for all of us. Get over what Michelle said in her speech. She has explained and re-explained it over and over. Do you think that she would want anything but the best American has to offer for her and her children? Do you really think that? No, she wants what is best – that is why she and her husband are working together for that. Everyone, even Hillary, has mis-spoken at one time or another. Really look into the heart of the matter and stop being a lazy copy cat. Get the real facts on the people who are giving all that they can to better America for all of us before you start in on old crap that so obviously doesn't represent who the Obamas are. The racist crap is another one that gets to me. Who is Obama racist against? Blacks??Whites?? Women?? (Yay right, he's got a wife and two daughters) Now it's Muslims. He can't win can he. If you open your arms to one -you're racist against another. If you hug a Muslim, then he's a Muslim-if you don't then he's not fulfilling his promise. Even if he tries to meet halfway someone finds fault with that. How can the man win??

What is the big deal. Player Haters Sen McCain is singing the blues it's all about the DOLLAR DOLLAR BILL

Who says you can't buy an election???

No matter what the short minded and easily seducted Obamanites will try the facts are that Mr. Obama he will not be elected . My poll tells me that on November 5th.,/08 the Republicans will have 53% of the popular vote, the Democrats/Liberals/Socialist will have 42% , Libertarian 3% and Non- Vote and others 2% .

Any takers......???

Are we going to let this "New" Politician get away with doing the opposite of what he said he has going to do?

He has the same integrity we have come to expect from “Old” Politicians. Don’t see the “Hope” or “Change” with this one!

You can buy an election when you have a base that doesn't know any better.

The system isn't broken and BO's camp knows it-that is what bothers me the most, his LAME excuse that holds no merit.

McCain 08

Maybe you can fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time. To become president you just need to fool enough of the people at election time.

Before Obama said he would debate McCain anytime, anywhere. NOW he won't. He is a flip-flopper.

At least, we now know that Obama doesn't keep his word. All his speeches are just talk, you can't believe what he says.

Look, you will win this election, "Hands-down".......................................Save your money for the "Victory" party in Nov. 2009.................

Obama's just another politician from the Chicago school. How do you think he won his other elections? His experience??? We still have a lot to learn about Obama, most importantly why he attended a black liberation church for 20 years and never blinked an eye at the Rev. Wright's sermons . . .or are those his core values?

Senator O is a man with a plan.

LOL!

No wonder Obama supporters like "to Jan" are so confused, they think we are still in the 20 Century!

Boy, you guys are really ignorant, no wonder Obama has you all fooled!

Jan From Boca Raton, Fl. June 24th, 2008 9:27 am ET

Does anyone realize that B. H. Obama is buying his way into the Presidency. ?????

-----------–

Jan, just another stupid comment from someone that needs to educate themselves or not vote.

How is he buying his way into the Presidency when the money is coming from his supporters $5 at a time?

As i read the comments on here a lot of you invoke God when you want to talk negative about someone. Remember this God only deals with things that at positive, unifying, uplifting, and just down right GOOD. Don't use God's name in vain when you want to talk bad about someone. It doesn't help your argument, it makes you and the christians everywhere look more like hyprocrits. Obama is a breath of fresh air. Something new. I guess being black keeps people from seeing that. How about you pray that God apoints the right person to lead this country of a rut no matter what color he/she maybe. Pray for that.

Obama's flip flop on public financing is disappointing and yet another reason he cannot be trusted.

Stop complaining about Obama's campaign financing strategy – His money came from the people, over a million and a half of us so far, and NO SPECIAL INTERESTS. The Republicans can cry all they want, they're still going to get steamrolled by the WILL OF THE PEOPLE, which they IGNORED during the entire Bush presidency.

Hi Jen from 9:27 fame and fortune,
I'm guessing you wished Senator McCain would've flip-flopped on his first wife after her debilitating accident for you instead of the current Mrs. McCain?
As a Christian, he should've not done that. But for our self-righteous Christians, it's overlooked. Hmm, I wonder why?

Apparently you Obamies don't know how to spell it. It's "I-N-T-E-G-R-I-T-Y".

ANYTHING BACKHANDED AND CROOKED I'M SURE OBAMA AND HIS TEAM OF JACKALS WILL COME UP WITH IT. AREN'T YOU OBAMA SUPPORTERS GOOD AT WORKING LATE AT NIGHT WHILE EVERYONE ELSE HAS GONE TO BED.

AS FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT HILLARY NOT MANAGING HER MONEY WHEN ONLY HAD ABOUT HALF OF WHAT OBAMA MANAGED TO BRING IN FROM HIS WELFARE PEOPLE. SO SHUT THE HADES UP ABOUT THAT. AFTER ALL IT WAS THE CLINTONS WHO WERE THE FIRST TO EVER BALANCE THE BUDGET WHILE IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND LEAVE OFFICE WITH THREE TRILLION DOLLARS IN ESCROW WHICH DUYHA QUICKLY GAVE AWAY BACK TO YOU WELFARE JUNKIES. SO IF YOU WANT HILLARY'S SUPPORT OF OBAMA I WOULD GIVE A LITTLE TO HELP HER PAY OFF HER DEBT. AFTER ALL YOU'RE GOING TO WANT HER IN FOUR YEARS AFTER WHAT MESS OBAMA WILL MAKE OF THIS COUNTRY.

Must be nice to be selected , and use the little peoples money to buy the election He knows if he took the 84 million he would not be able to win against McCain. He had millions against Hillary and still came bearly making across the finnish line with the help of the supers. I bet the young people who send him could use that 20.00 for gas. All the money sent every 4 years is disgracefull. McClinton 08

TO LEE:
YOU SAID IT BEST!!! people like you and me are going to take out the garbage come NOVEMBER and my donations are but small investments to insure that this happens! B. Obama will only be obligated to us.. his donars who fund his campaign and bid for presidency.. and i think its funny how all the haters who WONT(or at least say they wont) Vote for Obama and instead will vote for that old warmonger wont contribute to HIM... If your hate for Obama is so great...THEN PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HATE IS!!!i didnt think so.. so just shut up(or put up)

Let me understand something here. People are angry because Obama is not using their tax dollars to campaign with. Personally I think this is good. I think that donations to campaigns should be done on a voluntary basis. I don't want my tax dollars going to McCain. Ok he went back on his word. McCain has flip flopped on just about every issue and Hillary was a compulsive liar. Take your pick.

Why are so many saying Obama is buying his way to the Presidency? Is that your way of saying your vote is for sale? How much are you being paid for cast a vote for him? What is your price tag?

I'd love to see all of these Obama supporters fund their welfare and social programs through their personal contributions instead of tax dollars. Now that would be change we could believe in.

And by the way, if Obama does indeed win, it will be interesting to hear all the explanations and excuse generation from you Obama supporters a coupe of years in. I'm quite sure your finger pointing and blaming others (something that Democrats excel at) will be finely honed by that time. But prepare for a mountain of criticism if your Golden Child doesn't get the job done.

Hey were is Jimmy Carter been? Did they silence him too? And why don't they mention Caroline Kennedy anymore? Just they learn as they go! What's the do nothing congress up to?

Dear "Typical,"

Where do you think those "donations" come from when people mark the box on their tax returns? Of course, it's tax dollars, and as long as our nation is in debt, it would seem we cannot AFFORD these tax dollars going towards presidential campaigns. Just a thought.

BO always says-I'm not going to do this or that, or the system is broken-hey here's a new concept...OFFER UP A SOLUTION-instead of just stating the problem-Words, Words, Words-but never any way out!!!

Jane from Boca...

...experience, honesty and patriotisim...

We've had career politicians running this country for the last 100 years. Politicians used to go to Washington from private industry, serve, then go home. We don't need more experience in Washington, we need less. That's why the president has a term limit!

Honesty....really, Obama isn't honest?...stop letting the media feed you and think for yourself

Patriotism....one picture of him not putting his hand over his heart during the pledge and not wearing a flag pin....if doing those things is your definition of patriotism then your patriotism is superficial at best. Patriotism is standing up for someones right to scream at the top of their lungs things that you despise and make your blood boil. A flag pin is not patriotism.

How come the media never cared when Republicans outspent Democrats all those years? Why is Obama's decision to opt out of public financing such a big deal? He has raised so much money from small donors like myself...he will be less beholden to special interests than most presidents, and he has gotten a lot of people engaged who have never donated before.

The American people are GIVING him the cash why should he not take it?
He should because he has to defend himself from all of the dumb Flag Pin, Rev Wright and I are twins, my wife is a racist fake, i think the USA is bitter, and lastly my favorite-I am secretly a Muslim spy, commercials that the slimy opposition will bring up. McCain has stuff in his closet too but I am proud to say that the man I support has NEVER looked in McCain's dirty laundry. He runs on the issues and that is why I will be donating again to add to his mountain of cash!
Come on America elect a smart leader this time please!!!!!

Don't trust the pundits on this... The RNC & McCain already have about a $40 million advantage over Obama and the DNC. Obama has a lot of ground to make up! The irony of this whole process is that Obama was attacked for opting out. But in reality, he did so because the Republicans already have so much more money the Democrats. Opting out was really the only way to be competitive. But don't take my word for it, research for yourself - look at the money McCain and the RNC have raised, as well as the "cash on hand" and then compare those numbers to what Democrats have. Ultimately, McCain's campaign will have $84 million from public funding + the 80-90 million the RNC raises; they already have about $60 million in reserves. The DNC has about $4 million... The success or failure of the Obama campaign is completely in the hands of American citizens.

Republicans think they are all high and mighty on the defensive stance. Stay in IRAQ, it will make us safer. Obama has a clear strategy here. A perfect attack strategy to crush the GOP with a flurry of attacks, promotional ads, and counter-attacks so that we can bring out the truth.

Anyone who says that isn't SMART POLITICS is not smart. Anyone who says that having a clear-cut strategy with the intent of destroying the opponent on all offensives is a bad thing, is stupid.

What's more democratic than having the supporters of a candidate fund his election? What's more democratic than letting the people speak! If we don't want OBAMA to speak, then we don't give him money. Its that simple. But we will.

Also, stop talking about hillary. She stole all of Obama's coolness during the campaign (he says yes we can, she says, yes we will?) I mean, c'mon. She ripped that dude off.

You don't know anything about Barack Obama, you are telling the lies here.

Why not talk about McShames solutions, bringing america out of this mess.

Wake up Repubs, we are in the 20th century whiole you are still holding on to 19th century politics.

Obama is the future, go to rest and come back here in 2009.

To those of you out there who are so willing to vote for McCain simply because Hillary did not get the nomination, you need to ask yourselves how you will feel if McCain is elected and becomes responsible for the next Supreme Court appointment? Or for that matter, how will you feel when he follows the majority of Bush's policies regarding the Iraq war and other basic economic issues? Is your bitterness towards Hillary's defeat so deep that you are willing to suffer through another four to eight years of Republican dominance?

To those of you out there who are so eager to point out Obama's flip-flops, perhaps you should take a long hard realistic look at the number of times McCain has conveniently changed his mind in the last number of months for political purposes, as well. And, I also suggest, that if you think for one minute that McCain would not have made the same decision regarding public financing of his campaign if he had the opportunity to do so, think again.

The problem here is not the money. It is the fact that Obama went back on his word. Another lying politician. But that is OK because it is the chosen one who has lied.

Arkansas, North Carolina and Georgia are going to support Obama about as much as Utah, North Dakota and Idaho are going to support Obama.

The republicans have bought the election for the past 8 years and always laughed at the democrats for not being able to do the same. They and the lobbyists who put them in office are making $$ from their policies (oil, Enron, blackwater, big business, etc).

Obama is supported by the every day hardworking Americans who know the only way to put someone in the White House who will work for them is to donate to him and help him outspend the republicans.

As for the hillary supporter who went to McCain – you're a shame to women. Vote for the policies. If you put McCain in office you will be setting women's rights back decades – if you believe that is a good thing go ahead, but don't be ignorant about what Obama or McCain stand for. Obama and Clinton are so close policywise – it's hypocritical of you to vote for McCain if you supported Hillary for any reason beside that she was a woman. If you don't understand Obama's policies educate yourself.

As for being corrupt – you've got to be kidding. That's just another scare tactic. He was a community organizer and actually worked for the public instead of making tons of money in politics. Learn the facts.

The issue is not how Obama raises and spends money, but that he went back on his word to accept public funding. There has been no change in that process between then and now, hence there is no valid excuse for doing so.

Move along, the only changes here are ones that personally benefit Obama. We do not need that running our country.

Obama nor anybody else forced Hillary to spend money she didn't have. You people blame Obama for all of Hillary's issues. Where is Bill, he let her do it. See what greed, arrogance, obsession, dirty politics, lying and pandering will get you. Obama is not buying votes either. If he gave out a check I didn't get mine. You people who attack
Obama on changing his mind about public financing are missing it. Didn't he say he was going to change the way the gov't works. BYe Bye old, broke down, insufficient, crooked, big business and lobbyist friend. HILLARY LOST!!!! GET OVER IT. Where are her 18 million voters now. GIve her $1 each and get her out of debt. Hillary had the money, the voters (so you say) then why is she where she is. She looks terrible. She was playing the political game but Obama outsmarted her as he will do with McCain. You have to know when to play their game and when to shift to change. Its a new ball game people. It takes more than politics to win now. You need wisdom, money, politics, business skills, people skills, I think I just described Obama.

He's not buying the presidency. It's not given by default to the one with the most money. Remember Mitt Romney and John Kerry?

Obama had a choice to keep his word or reneg for his own benefit. he chose to reneg. At a time when politicians are viewed as self serving, he had a chance to be different and blew it. Is this change? The presidential decision would have been to stick with public financing as he promised, rather than cave to self-interest. Every time the going gets tough, he bails. He was against NAFTA, now if for it. He was for public financing, now he's against it. Rev. Wright was a mentor, until he got inconvenient as was thrown under a bus. the same with his church. Obama rufuses to take a stand on anything. maybe that's why he voted 'present' over 130 times in the IL Senate. Does anyone want junior negotiating with the bad guys? He'd sell us down the river.

I am donating to Obama. Let Hillary learn her lessons!

I am proud to have made a donation to help take the country and the Constitution back from those would delete it entirely.

GOBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Senator Barack Obama is always a step ahead of the rest of them. They thought that they would be able to swing mud at him from every angle; but the senator has said not so fast you uneducated 527's. I too have something up my sleeve. I will stand up and hold my head up high and say that I HAVE CHANGED MY MIND. I have not stolen anything from the American Taxpayers, I have just simply changed my mind. My money machine and my message of change will wipe out all you hateful, ignorant people. I will win by having enough money to compete and I will win because I have the integrity, intelligence, strategy and the "Audacity of Hope". Please you haters read both books this man is just brillant. He has laid his whole life story out in "Dreams of my Father", which I read many years ago and liked him very much when I read that book. Loved him even more when he spole at the Democratic Convention in 2004. Remember these words from his speech? I will paraphrase – there are no blue states or white states, there is no white america or black america. These are the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Love of country has always been one of the corner stones of Barack's life. He had the good fortune of being raised by white americans and intergrated himself with black americans.

Barack Obama will be the next president of these United States of America.

God Bless America and God Bless Barack Obama.

P.S. I am going to keep on giving my $50 a month to help fight the swift boaters!

Cheers!

If Hillary is so broke, how bout asking that loudmouf Lanny Davis for some coin? He seems to have something negative to say about Obama EVERY SINGLE CHANCE HE GOT ON CNN ("...and that's a fact!") so he can help Hillary out with her money woes. I can't stand Davis anymore than I can Clinton.

A democrat on the offensive? Wow! Never thought I'd see the day!!!!!

YAY!

As that old saying goes, put your money where your mouth is. Regardless of how one runs a campaign for anything, it takes money and it takes smarts on how to use the money. Obama obviously knows this and the Republicans don't like being out smarted. Go Obama.

puff June 24th, 2008 10:26 am ET

DON'T FORGET, HE OUT-SPENT HILLARY 3 AND 4 TO ONE AND SHE STILL WON THE STATES WHERE THIS HAPPENED.
________________________________________________
In May, when all of you idiots were complaining about him out spending her "3 or 4 to 1", he spent a total of $26 million and she spent a total of $19 million. How is that 4 to 1, or 3 to 1 or even 2 to 1.
It is actually about 1.37 to 1.

And to people like 'still for hill' who said she will not donate to Hillary if she supports Obama: I guess you irrational hate for Obama outweighs you love and respect for Hillary. Look out, your true colors are showing.

As we get closer to an Obama presidency, the anti-Obama corp is going to get more and more frantic. Expect it to get really ugly (like it's not already). We are going to need every penny our donors can muster to counter what promises to be the biggest smear campaign of all time.

Obama 08! We are America and we want our country back!

I am curious what Obama came up this month in $$ wise. He is already near 100,000 donors since friday. Thought I can't figure out if each person donated only 5,10,15,25. Unless the same donors donate again and again... small amounts?

Randy S.

More people became richer (millionairs ) under the Clinton administration than any other time in American history. Democrates!!

More people became poorer (bankrupted) under the Bush administration than any other time in American history. Republicans!!

Why would poor people want to vote for a republican???

IT IS ABOUT TIME TO FULFILL THAT OLD SAYING - "WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND'. FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS ' THE PEOPLE DESERVES IT. EVERYTHING IS SKY-ROCKETING OUT OF SIGHT AND THE ONLY THING THE REPIBLICANS CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT NATIONAL SECURITY. WHAT GOOD IS SECURITY WHEN YOU CAN'T EAT.

The man will CONTINUE to get 5$ a week from me and the people around me. I got a phone call the other day not ASKING me to continue to donate but THANKING me for my routine donation....

I WAS SHOCKED AND AWED!
and toward the final months of this race we will increase it significantly!

I think its awesome that Dems actually dont mind having their money wasted on terrible political ads that espouse falshoods. If Barack wanted my vote he'd actually DO something with his hundreds of millions. Actions speak louder than words and that would be a change I could believe in. Wasting working people's money on a media blitz shows he doesnt care – he just wants to be the president.

It worked for Reagan against the Soviets. It worked for Obama against Clinton. It will work against McCain as well. Call it buying a campaign, call it money winning in the end. What it is is one candidate being smarter and using the resources he has better than the other. It's a candidate reaching out to the people to support his campaign as opposed to the using money that some taxpayers may not have wanted to go his way as well as money some large corporations have placed too much in with expected returns on their investments. We are looking at a president with the capacity to think about the solution and not focus on the problem.
Noticed how every little hot topic that comes up, McCain has a new answer for it, even if it means going against what he has said in the past? Obama doesn't play in to that. He is thinking long term. He is thinking about permanent solutions, not thumbs in a dam.

WHOAAA...LETS NOT FORGET HE WAS THE NEW GUY AND HAD TO SPEND ALOT.... OH YEAH AND HE WON THE NOMINATION...... YOU CANNOT COMPARE THE AMOUNT THAT HE SPENT COMPARED TO CLINTON, SHE IS A WELL KNOWN NAME, HE WASN'T, HE HAD TO INTODUCE HIMSELF,SHE DIDN'T... HE SPENT MORE.... SHE WENT INTO DEBT....................

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

Jfk was only 43, young and gloomed by his dad. Obama has built his way up and that is the reason he will succeed. I am going to donate through November. Alot of lessons to be learned through Obama!

jim – phila. June 24th, 2008 10:26 am ET

"Liberals can't win on the issues so they will try and buy the stupid that don't read."

People that don't read tend to be single-issue voters, and I think the republican party has the lion's share of those -
pro-life
pro-gun
anti-homosexual
etc.

Hows FEAR feeling Republicans?You should love it,its your favorite tool.Get used to it,your gonna spend at least 4 years under our collective THUMB.

Say what you will, but it is obvious that among McCain, Clinton, and Obama, Obama is the clear fiscal manager. Clinton's debt is of her own doing and her own disastrous mistakes. I see no reason to give her a penny to pay back what she loaned to her campaign. BillyBob only needs to go on the stump with his cronies to get that back in a few months. Let them do what millions of Americans are now doing in this economy, tighten their belts, cut back on trips, eating out, vacations, and what not.

Whenever anyone tried to tell her she was fighting a losing battle, she claimed that they were being sexist and demeaning. They were right - but facts have never bothered HilBilly. And anyone who can throw away $10 million on a sure loss doesn't deserve public welfare.

Obama is smart, and has proven time and again he knows how to manage money. There is little anyone, as President, can do about the gas or the economy - but I'd rather have someone who knows how to make a buck and how to spend it judiciously.

10 years sober!

jim – phila. June 24th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Liberals can't win on the issues so they will try and buy the stupid that don't read.

____

Sorry, Obama carried the most college-educated voters in the primaries. We can read, thank you. Wait, what am I typing here I can't read I don't know what I'm saying help me!

"I thought Obama was about change, how can he justify spending all this money on a campaign during our current economic crisis?"

That is possibly the dumbest comment I've ever seen. ANY domestic spending helps, especially if it isn't borrowed from the Chinese like those $600 checks were. What DOESN'T help is spending $4000/sec in Iraq.

Obama is such a sleaze. He is supposed to be the agent of change. This sounds like old time Chicago politics to me. The only thing that I am shocked an awed by is Obama's willingness to get into the mud. Obama is just another dirty politician with a good con. I have been a democrat for 30 years, but I will not support Obama in the fall. Obama is as corrupt as they come.

Message to John McCain – it doesn't matter who you pick as "VP"
I will not vote for you because I don't like you.

Proof that he's not trying to "change" anyone or anything.

This is 100% political strategy at its best. For someone who wants to "change Washington" he's sure trying to get to the White House the same 'ol way as every other politician.

He's not running on the issues – he's running a political marketing campaign.

Voters aren't people – they are red/blue dots on a map.

No change here.

Senator Obama is only doing what McCain wishes he could do. If McCain wants to have more money to spend like his opponent has then maybe he should change some of his issues to reflect the will of America. Don't be a player hater!

I guess money can buy everything – even the presidency. Oh wait, what about respect? Any, albiet minute, respect I had for Obama evaporated when he broke his promise. If you can't trust a man's word. Taking into account his church of 20 years, Father Phleger, Rezco, Chicago politics, breaking his word has been by far the most disgraceful and dishonorable behavior exhibited by this man. Those that hold honor and integrity high in their lives will not overlook this.

As for the person above referencing McCain's aide stating an attack on the US would benefit McCain, you must be a new observer. It has been said for years, talked about by all the pundits, news organization and anyone in the know, that national security matters do benefit the republicans. They were saying it in the 2006 elections, as long as there wasn't a national emergency, the dems would take over congress. There wasn't and they did (for as much good that has done the country). Point is, this is a known fact that has been debated for years – nothing new and nothing earth shattering. Just a figment of the press's hyped up imagination.

McBush is done.

I'm not a Dem. But because Sen. Clinton had such a rough time of it. If I was rich I would pay off her bills. The media picks the winners. Not fair but life is not fair.

He is not buying the election. Me with my 100 dollars and millions of people who contribute to him will buy the election. that is how it suppose to be. Work for majority with majority money.

MAN I SURE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE OBAMA GETS ALL HIS MONEY THE LATE MAYOR DALEY OF CHICAGO WOULD BE PROUD OF HIM WITH HIS WHEELING AND DEALING, ME I REALLY AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH EITHER CANDIDATE BUT I WILL VOTE JOHN MCCAIN BECAUSE OF OBAMA AND HIS WIFES LACK OF PATRIOTISM IN OUR COUNTRY

this shock and awe is a poor choice of words given the US has troops in harms way. and are coming back home physically and mentally scarred for the rest of their natural born lives. HOW DARE YOU USE THIS TERMINOLOGY. your ignorance is not excused. its like the saudi's who state that opec should side aside 1billion dollars for some sham excuse for saving energy. look how about you peopel that belong to this oil mob cartel set aside some billions for the lives and families you peole have destoryed. while they fight for the safety of your oil fields. i tell you this kind of nonsense makes me sick to the stomach. where is your humanity while you mock us w/ your we'll pump more oil for the customers and them same customers and their families on fighting a war for your benefit and your oil interest. "you can't make this stuff up". the continued insults coming out of saudi arabi and the go along lackeys that consist named opec.

Whenever the race was between Hilary and Barack I used to read these 'blogs' to get other point of views, but now that it's between McCain and Obama it seems that everything is so negative.

I'm starting to think that the McCain Supporters/Obama Haters are posing as Democrats and displaying their disgust to hopefully bring some uneasiness to Obama's campaign.

I know the battle between Hilary/Barack was long and was painful for the supporters to see Hilary step down. But I feel even the most bull-headed people would realize that voting for McCain because Hilary isn't on the ticket is just ridiculous.

That's why I believe the Republicans must be paying 'bloggers' to get on here and try to stir up some uneasiness among the Obama/Democrat supporters. I just hope everyone is smart enough to see past the craziness.

I didn't think it was possible for me to dislike a politician more than I dislike George Bush. But Obama has proven me wrong - I absolutely cannot stand him and will never vote for him.

Obama has bought the presidency and the DNC. Plain and simple. We are not fools. His arrogance is unfathomable. This man cannot be trusted. Obama is still receiving money from special interest groups. He has not changed at all. He is still an elitist, arrogant, disrespectful, etc. etc. etc. I am still a Hillary supporter and will continue supporting her all the way to the convention. STILL HOPING THAT HILLARY CLINTON WILL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!

Bishop June 24th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Quick question. Can someone intelligent explain how Sen. Obama is "buying" the election? The Americans are saying they want to WIN!!!

Obama = WINNER

…get use to it…

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

I am not saying it or think that, but you should remember that many Obama backer were yelling the same thing about Clinton back when.

sad thing is, the money will not buy us the best president. good marketing techniques do not equal a better life for all americans...

Of course it benefits Obama. His Obama-Bot followers continue to be easily swayed by the smooth talking Obama. The more ads Obama runs where he promises to throw more federal billions at problems, the more likely you lemmings looking for a mommy to take care of you will head to the polls.

Look for lots of commercials showing Obama promising to spend...spend...spend our way out of problems. He'll promise billions to hire more teachers, billions to fix broken levies, billions to prevent foreclosures, billions to train displaced workers, billions to pay for free health care, billions to shore up social security...(have I forgotten anyone yet?)

Of course when he's elected, look for Obama to begin backtracking on all of his promises...which is exactly what he's doing now. Look at his statements regarding NAFTA in Fortune, listen to what he now says about withdrawing from Iraq, hear him threaten to bomb Iran, etc etc etc.

This guy is the ultimate fraud and it is too bad that so many of you out there fall for his snake-oil rap.

I could care less about how he finances his campaign. Howerver, it is just ANOTHER way he shows he is a true Washington Politician. He says one thing and does another. The only change he is for is changing his mind when it suits the ability to get elected. He is nothing more than a novelty.

CATHY........... ....Obama thinks he's buying the PRESIDENCY.He' so full of himself i can not stand him.When they put him on tv i flip to another channel.I HOPE to GOD that he's not elected.............TUNE IN TO THE SOAP OPERAS............SEEMINGLY YOU have something in COMMON !!!!!

Joann said: There's nothing this guy can say or do to justify his going back on his word!

Have McCain explain to you why he used the federal "public funding" as collateral to get a loan when he was broke during the primaries and now he has no option but to stick with the $85M funding for the General Elections. That just gives you a snippet of what gambling McCain will do with the US economy. Obama secured the option to opt out of public funding with the electoral commission a long time a go and everyone new about it except for a few of you who wait for McCain to explain ½ truths to you.

Oh, please, people. Name one President in the last 30 years that didn't buy their way in. In politics, as in all things American, how much money you have is the only thing that truly matters.

Senator McCain receives support from Corporate American and from tax payer dollars.

Senator Obama receives support from the Average American citizen contributing small amounts.

Who is complaining and why?

If the media was not so busy being the mouth piece for Senator Obama, they would be writing about how he and other Senators have been running for president for the past 17 months, being paid full salary and benefits as a United State Senator while they travel around the country campaigning.

The average person can not afford to run for President since they are not on the public payroll to begin with. What a scam.

The Press is not doing its job when they just talk, and do not bother to think about what is happening.

Change he can believe in, when it benefits him. Look for many changes that are with Obama's views – not necessarily for the public.

I guess it's OK to go against your word if you are Obama. The man has no faults.

Good luck to Obama ......lets face it .....he has to spend millions on "TV" advertising because the literacy rates of the avearage American appears to be so low. Americans obviously can't read..... example is shown by the fact that you elected Bush twice before you figured out that your country is now bancrupt.

DON'T FORGET, HE OUT-SPENT HILLARY 3 AND 4 TO ONE AND SHE STILL WON THE STATES WHERE THIS HAPPENED.
AMERICANS ARE HAVE STARTED TO SEE THRU HIS EMPTY SUIT.
i AM NOT WORRIED, THE PEOPLE WILL HAVE THE LAST DECISION ON THIS GUY AND SEND HIM BACK TO CHICAGO WITH HIS GOOD FRIENDS.

Liberals can't win on the issues so they will try and buy the stupid that don't read.

Let's throw money at the obamanation machine. He can raise cash, but can he show EVEN ONE time when he tried to work with the Republicans? Even one time when he had an original thought. Even one time when he didn't tout the Dem party line?

Of course not – so lets throw tons of money at this election to make people forget that he's the most liberal member of congress who won't do a thing to work for change beyond his single party desires.

All talk and NO SUBSTANCE

DOWN WITH THE OBAMANATION!!!

If I were bashing Obama, you'd certainly post it.

Ooooh protect the war-monger.

BAM is the man of the hour...and decade.

I personally imagine McCain is flaunting his POW status to gain more sympathy from the easy to buffalo sheeple tommyboy. Sheeple easily falls into the 'glory' of military bravodo, war jingles and flag waving despite the real truth behind what's really going on. The GOP loves sheeple. They're easy!

Along with that, it's also generating that same old fear factor that the GOP has been pushing for as long as I can remember.... just as you have stated in your response. Anything war related today in the GOP's ads and McCain's mouth is to protect us from the global terrorists (excluding Washington) and the newer threats of terror coming from Iran, Syria, N Korea, Cuba and Venezuela. They best focus on our Washington terrorists and kick McCain to the curb!!!

That's what I've been finding to be interesting as well tommyboy. Who are these people/posters who are protecting this McCain POW circus act today??? I'm still digesting this strange phenomenon taking place lately

America can see McCain for what he is, namely, Bush Light!!!

McCain – 2008 = Dole – 1996

The GOP have succeeded in ruining this country, single-handedly, and now they would have us believe that staying this course of disaster is the only way?!?!?!

OBAMA '08!!!!!!!!

Correction: McCain would have done the same thing if he had the internet supporters to do so.

Obama lied about participating in public financing when he was not a popular candidate. Now he is, so he not only changed his mind but also tried to make himself seem virtuous. Like Bill Clinton, "an uncommonly good liar."

Lay off the man, he is a brilliant policitian. DEAL WITH IT. He was masterful in creating a movement and a change. He has a real message and some in this prejudice country hate it. There are those who are still in SHOCK and AWE that a black man could get this far with the support of millions. He raised this money honestly and legally and still all this chatter. Yet, McCain used the system to get a loan, then back out and then begin receiving private donations. Where is the focus on that. Why isn't the media telling the world repeatedly about that??? Just about everything McCain does go unnotice. Well, some are watching, listening and judging for ourselves.

Obama is no fool.
He's doing exactly what he should be doing to win. If not, the GOP will destroy him anyway they can!
The republican machine is going to attack hard in the fall, and he has to prepare now.
We want someone with brains running things, and Obama is showing his leadership skills.

Barack....inexperienced and young yet he outplanned Hillary and has now thrown a curve ball to John McCain that he wasn't ready for.

Barack is the MAN. McCain is underestimating him just like Hillary did and we all know what happened there. The republicans have nothing better to do than attack the man's wife. Give us a break. You can't come stronger than that? Especially with Cindy's background. They're acting like a bunch of punks.

.......... I am a member of the PUBLIC...

............ I donate to Barack Obama for President..

..........I AM PUBLIC FINANCING........... (in the true sense of the word).....

Red State Turning Blue in Nov... OBAMA 2008

Correction: article is from Monday 23 June 2008.

please post – it's a good read!

If you donate to the campaigns I dont want to hear any of you complaining that you cant fill up your gas tanks on your SUVs. Public financing was put in place to limit spending. Obama just made it so he can spend more. Choose your battles, financing a campaign, or filling up on gas. You cant complain about both.

Well good for Obama for not accepting public financing. People need to stop hating on Barack Obama, and realize the man is very intelligent and he knows how to win. John McCain is too old to be president. I don't want my grandchildren's future in his hands. We need change in this government. Yes, John McCain has years of experience but where has this lead this country? We are on the verge of bankruptcy. The war is raging on, gas prices are not going down , food prices are high and climbing higher. This man has no knowledge of economics. He's too old , he can't remember what he even saids from day to day. If he wins he will be a puppet. I am all for Obama and he will win with a landslide, the way this economy looks.

I trust the smart, intelligent guy, Obama, who is a refreshing change from all of the old school players of Washington. Did you see that documentary on CNN out of gas? It is very scary scenario. This is what may happen if we continue with the same government policies of George W Bush. YES WE CAN AND WILL!

People, John McCain will do same if he is a fund raising machine like Obama does. I will have been very disappointed if Obama has not opted out so that he can use the money that millions of American are donating to him ranging from $5 to $100.

Republicans feel very jealous, to say the list, that Obama can raise funs four time as much as they can. For the first time in history Republicans are on the defence. Well this is just the beginning. Obama is changing the way politics is done in the USA. This is OK because it is good for all.

I am a white guy and all my current friends are white. We were discussing politics while watching a ball game. We all agree to vote for Obama because it just makes sense to do that. He hsa done remarkable things in this short period and we hope that he will do good things for all America. Let us face it folks, John McCain is not good enough so go OBAMA 08. It's that simple.

The shock is increasing but the awe is fading. Yesterday's shock was the New York Times article about the Ethanol greasing his pocket and his campaign. The day before, the shock was the Cuban-Americans protesting ties his campaign advisors have to Mr. Castro. The day before that it was his breaking his promise on the campaign financing.

Yes, there is lots of shock to come, but most of it will be coming from the right and directed at Mr. Obama, who is now gettting the "vetting" he always needed but managed to avoid.

In the meantime, the awe is decreasing. The bloom is off the rose, as they say. But Obama shouldn't need people to be in awe of him, that's for Castro. He just needs people to trust him, and the Hollywood PR blitz may just not do that.

In a reply to Jan from Boca Raton, Fl:

It's funny that you say a president should be elected based on experience, honesty and patriotism, and you are using that argument against Barack Obama. Also saying that he is buying the presidency...

Some would argue that if Clinton had won the Democratic nomination, she was merely buying the election her name recognition and flying on her husbands coattails.

And should patriotism be the reason we elect a president? Really? All McCain can talk about is the war and his experience as a POW. Do these things make him more qualified to lower the price of health care, make college affordable, produce jobs or turn around the economy?

I don't feel patriotism is something that we should wear on our sleeve or our lapel. I commend Senator Obama for being who he is. I don't put my hand over my heart during the national anthem. Does that make me unpatriotic? Define patriotic then...

I just think the experience, honesty, and patriotism mantra is complete and utter lunacy. To be frank, President (and I cringe saying that) Bush claims to be as patriotic as they come, and he has more experience than anyone else in the world at running our country. Would you vote for him again based on those criteria?

THIS IS RICH. ONE WHO IS $20 MIL IN DEBT, AND THE OTHER WHO, AFTER BUYING HIS WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE WILL BE BEGGING FOR 'CHANGE'!
MCCAIN '08.

This vote is not for sale.

Same old politics as usual – buy yourself what you want and make yourself look better than everyone else while doing it. However saying his money worked to get him North Carolina is pure fiction. What got him NC was the likes of his supporters and mainly one important House member coming out and making false charges of racism against both the Clintons as well as one of his campaign co-chairs calling racism on National TV re Katrina.

I DO NOT want experience back in the White House!!! It has proven sooooo bad for Ameircans. Maybe good for Iraqies, but very bad for Americans!!! I want new fresh, educated, young ideas with NO ties to Washington or lobbiests!!!!! Lets try something NEW! It just might work. Also, McBush is toooo old!!!! I'm 64 and ready to retire–says it all!!! Oh, I also sent Obama $25 right after he pulled out of the crooked "public financing" and I like Obama's kind of "public financing". I get to choose where my money goes!!! What a novelty!

For those who say Obama is winning this election by buying the election, did you read what McCain's top advisor said yesterday? That McCain would "benefit" from another attack on our country? (Read the Ticker article from 5:01pm Tuesday 24 June 2008.)

McCain's Camp is Creepy!!!

Quick question. Can someone intelligent explain how Sen. Obama is "buying" the election? The Americans are saying they want to WIN!!!

Obama = WINNER

...get use to it...

The Republicans are donating to the RNC so McCain can take 85 mil from taxes. They will then use both moneys to campaign for him. To suggest that poor McCain will be outspent is ludicrous. So stop the pitty party. The RNC and McCain will probably outspend any previous republican candidate in history. But they have to put out there to get sympathy votes and money from their supporters. Pay attention people. Barack will outraise them for sure but he will certainly need it.

Funny thing about online contributions. You can be in the UAE or Gaza and donate as long as you check the box and SWEAR you are eligible to donate...

Jan From Boca Raton, Fl. June 24th, 2008 9:27 am ET

A president should be elected on his experience, honesty and
patriotisim and Obama has none of the above.
___________________________________________
Really, those three qualities are the only important ones? Leadership, vision, judgment, the ability to inspire and being on the side of the issues that most benefits our nation and the majority of its people are not important? These are all things that heavily favor Senator Obama.

Barack Obama is as patriotic as either Hillary Clinton or John McCain and certainly at least as honest. As has been posted here before by me and others, some of our best presidents have been of modest experience, such as Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK, and Bill Clinton. Conversely, some of our most experienced presidents have been the worst.

Barack Obama is not buying the presidency. He is supported by the over 1.5 million donors and hundreds of thousands of volunteers. The most donors and biggest army of volunteers in the history of the country. If you walk into an Obama office in September or October, you will find an energetic beehive of activity with people who represent all ages, races, religions, educational levels, and social & economic statuses. We are America and we want our country back!

All the talk about how much money Obama has raised for his campaign is cracking me up. Every candidate had the same open door and they blame him for walking through it. True he changed his mind but we all change our minds. Have you just listened to McCain lately and Hillary you drove yourself into that debt by not listening to not just your campaign but other advisiors to get out. I dont think there is a single american that doesnt have some kind of debt but do you here is asking you for help

"Soon as I heard I sent in 5 bux. It's not much but it adds up, I'll give em more later down the road, I do feel it's a bit early but I'll be donating every month or so, I just had to give em money right away after I heard to show my support and hopefully make up that 80 mil quickly and save taxpayers some money."

Thanks JIM!!!

The Beatle song comes to mind when I think of Obama

"money cant buy me love"

nope, and you are starting to use the same money tactics against McCain, I hope his team is smarter than HIllary's was and not feel
forced to put money where it isnt needed.
By the way, the adverstisement using the baby and mother about
"John McCain, you cant have my child" in reference to Iraq, is totally
absurd, the child is only a 6 months old at best, talk about dirty politics, I just cant get over it, that and seal, what a joke

STOP WHINING YOU REPUB LOSERS AND BE GLAD THE SMARTER MAN OBAMA WILL WIN AND GET US BACK ON TRACK. MCCAIN COULD NOT GET INTO A TOP SCHOOL WITHOUT HELP AND NOW HE WANTS TO BE PRESIDENT WHAT A LAUGH..................

Mary in AL, It doesn't matter how much McCain raises from donations, if he opts to accept public campign financing, he is only allowed to spend $84.1 M from the end of the conventions to the general election.

Jazzy June 24th, 2008 9:43 am ET

I am interested in whether or not Senator McCain was a POW of was he a War Criminal by the code name of Song Bird.

jazzy, go to your room, lock the door, pull the shades and put on your tinfoil hat. Sheesh!

you people are ridiculous. if this was the GOP your lips would sealed.

"buying the election" ? this is precisely what every candidate does, every elections cycle, in every election. The candidate with more support gets more money, which brings them more support. What don't you get about that?

It would be one thing if Obama was a billionaire who was spending his own money, but he is getting money from "the little guy" who wants him elected. HE isn't buying the election, the PEOPLE are. And the PEOPLE are fed up and want change.

I have an idea... everyone that thinks Obama is crazy for what he did.. go ahead and give a small donation to all Americans making over 250,000 dollars.. help continue the bush tax cuts and while you are at it.. go ahead and put on your uniforms and YOU go fight the 100 year war in Iraq!

I agree with one of the commentators on CNN who stated that for him to go with public financing and abandon this incredible fund raising machine would have been "political malpractice". As far as I'm concerned Obama's campaign has been publicly financed! I have never contributed to any campaign till this one and I plan on contributing more over the summer and into the fall. Very few Americans who contribute to the public finance and then who are the candidates accountable to?

I plan on MAXING out just to make sure the Republicans DON'T win!!! I'll even donate to HRC to really show I mean business!!!

Obama/Doesn't Matter '08

Mo' money! Change you can believe in! Cha-ching!
He may be inexperienced, but this man knows how to fool the little people and flirt with the rich ones.

If the republicans are smart they will figure out the states that or vulnerable to the democrats. I would run a cheap add in the states of arkansas , georgia and north carolina. Arkansas is an easy win for the republicans with Obama running . Overall they are a conservative democrat state and will not vote for a left winger like Obama. With clinton it would have been a different story she would have taken arkansas. Unless demographics have changed georgia and north carolina will go republican. He might have to spend more there to get the vote out . Both these states have a fairly large black population and some colleges. He wouldn't be spending the money to garner these votes for the blacks are going to vote for Obama just because he is black. He may be able to pull some of the college vote that has not been imported in from the liberal east or west coast.. It is amazing to me that Imus is back in the news for a percieved racial statement and reverend AL and cnn is wanting to run for it, but it is ok for the blacks to make racial statements and unpatriotic statements about america. I guess I should have been born black and then to the media I could say anything I want to that is racist and unamerican but I am forgiven because my ancestors were slaves. Study history , ever race has been a slave at one time. Get over it . The rest of the races in the world have and have progressed. Keep crying and listening to them idiots like Sharpton and Jackson and you as a group will always be losers.

yes jan from boca raton, obama is "buying the presidency" with small donations from millions of Americans. Sounds just evil.

If you educate yourself on the foundation of this country and what it truly means to be patriotic, you will find obama to be hundreds of times more patriotic than bush and mccain. I love how repubs prey on stupidity and symbolism while tearing our once proud country to shreds. And people like you, jan, buy it- hook, line, and sinker

So, what's the problem with Obama not taking federal Tax dollars?
The GOP has not yet figured out that this is not their election cycle. The biggest holdouts are in Michigan where the GOP policies of pro-business have given them the royal shaft on job loss, Texas, Where the oil boys congregate, Florida where the people who vote actually like the dubious politics of the like of Charlie Crist.
It make the GOP madder than hell that they are also stuck with a mind changing over the hill candidate whose only allegiance is to protect lobbyists. They cannot raise money because of Bush. And their candidate is a Bush clone..... Helllooooo.

Obama has shown that he is not a man of his word. He is a liar and a flip-flopper. He does not have to worry about money because Oprah is going to pump all he needs. Hillary had it right, Obama is a politician that we cannot trust. So much for change we can believe in.

wd in calgary – it is not tax dollars that fund presidential campaigns. There is a place on your tax return to designate a DONATION to the presidential campaign fund.

To John in PA:

Level the playing field???? that hate tv station(faux news) is doing everything they can to propogate deceit and out-right lies again Sen Obama and his wife.

If Mccain had the money and resources, he would be doing exactly what Obama and the democratic party is doing. you people are a bunch of hypocrites.

you faint from the sheer unfairness of it all, but if it was the candidate you were backing, it would be perfectly justifiable and legal......

by the way, to the Hillary supporters that won't help her pay her debt, you are patheic. you encouraged her to continue, now you are leaving her by the wayside to beg.

To Hillary, you courted these undereducated, hard-working people. looks like you are getting exactly what you asked for.......nothing!

If the "shoe was on the other foot"........What do you think McCain and the Republicans would do ????? OBAMA2008

Sen Obama is not "buying" his way to the presidency... In all my years, the Republicans have always had a slew of money to advertise. Always outspent the Democrats. Sen Obama is just leveling the playing field. He is going to be financed by us, his supporters. Not lobbyist, PAC or special interest groups. If that is buying your way to the White House...I am all for it!!!!!

So CNN stop putting ideas in the citizens of America's heads. You, again, are being opinionated..not factual. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 50 state push. Unheard of, unusual, but very refreshing.

It is funny to see the Obama backers say how it is good for him to attck 1st like the repubs do. To those that are saying that here is a question. Is that the change Obama is going to bring? Act like a repub? That is fine with me but please do not say it is not the same old stuff that always goes on. The only change he brings is he is using the word change in a slogan.....no wait a lot of people running for office use that word......I guess there is no change. This is fun to watch. No matter what happens in Nov. the USA will carry on. If McCain wins my sides will hurt from laughing at the "stole" and the "people are dumb" stories that will be everywhere on these blogs.

Obama = 2nd Carter term. Obama said he was willing to negotiate with those enemies directly and "without precondition" that sound like Carter. This is why I say Carter’s 2nd term. Would he have done this with Hitler in 1940? Would you? I see many 3rd Bush/McBush terms and no one questions it. I had added why I think the 2nd Carter term after being asked about it. Obama backers claim to be open minded and yet some bag on views different than the one they have. I am not against Obama b/c of lack of experience. That is a non-issue IMO. I am against him for his views and lack of them.

You know, I am sick to death of you Obama supporters calling HRC supporters "Rabid". Can you take a minute and read some of your sick pathetic comments? Then see who's rabid. You are a bunch of racist and are doing more to damage Obama than he can do to himself – and believe me, he's doing a good enough job all by himself. Just keep up the nasty hateful comments and see where it lands you. Let's put it this way – he just better not line anyone up to build him a basketball court at the White House. Besides, he would be supposed to be busy running the county, not eating watermelon, drinking koolaid and playing basketball or making childish seals for himself. It's time to grow up if he (and you all) want him in the WHITE HOUSE!!! Now go moderate CNN – that and promoting Obama is about all you know how to do.

Funny how a majority of those individual donors work for special interest groups, oil companies, unions and other liberal billionaires. i.e..., people with an agenda

Change!? What change!!??

Why CNN has not cover the issue that was discovered last week ref John McCain comment about his lack is love for his country. However, when Mrs. Obama made her statement there was constant media coverage by major media outlet.

Why has CNN refused to make the same level of coverage and awareness to the American people?

HOW IS HE BUYING THE PRESIDENCY IF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE GIVING HIM THE MONEY TO BE PRESIDENT BECAUSE WE WANT HIM TO BE PRESIDENT??

PLEASE STOP THE SPIN. THANK YOU.

SMART MOVE on Sen. Obama's part. This removes the "red tape" pressures of having to "owe" anyone for his winning the Presidency. The less people or organizations you owe favors to, the BETTER off you will be as President.

I think his "cleaning house" mentality is going to benefit him in the Oval Office. He can then appoint people to high cabinet position without having to "owe favors" to large lobbyist or corporations.

VERY smart move. His move to also move the DNC Headquarters to Chicago is also a very smart move.

I think overall, Sen. Obama is very savvy on how he maintains and operates his entire political campaign, he's got the BEST qualified of the BEST working for him and that makes a big difference.

The American People are not the big contributors to Obama's general election campaign, Corporate, Union, and other Special Interest Groups will be the big contributors to Obama. Just more proof he can be bought like any other politician/lawyer. Integrity is not a lawyer's strong suit. The ruthless/cutthroat attitude of this generation of lawyers is what prompted a friend of mine to retire early form his law practice. 950,000 unemployed lawyers would be a good start to drop the cost of medical care in America since they are probably the biggest cost contributor. (1/3 of the cost in NY in 1985 when I lived there, no one will say how much it is now?) McCain had integrity instilled in his character in his higher education, I doubt Harvard teaches it after its liberalization in the 60's.

Barack is not buying the presidency...his 1.5 million supporters are donating small amounts every minute to his campaign because they do not want one more minute of Bush or one minute of McCain. Why should Barack level the playing field when the field is filled with mountains of Republican cash donated by lobbyists, PAC's, 527's and other special interests that have no other purpose but to defeat him? Obama will improve the health and well-being of our country.

People who say Obama is buying his way to the White House is laughable. McCain would of jump on the same opportunity in a heartbeat. As my 10 year old niece would say, "Don't hate the player, Hate the game."

So what does it mean? the more money someone has the better off?
what a democratic way...

Rob from NC

frustrated democrat, probably voting Republican

What to say....

McCain made a pledge before any primary began, to only use the public financed money to have the fairest election possible, this is what the democrats wanted all these years...... ONLY OBAMA said he would do the same.....
But we know how that turned out...

So know he will buy his way into the white house....

Can't really blame him though.....

And you shouldn't be surprised, he has been pulling these kinds of things since he started as a state senator.....
Look it up...........

**************************************************************************
Jan From Boca Raton, Fl. June 24th, 2008 9:27 am ET

Does anyone realize that B. H. Obama is buying his way into the Presidency. ?????

Bill Worcester June 24th, 2008 9:30 am ET
**************************************************************************

To Jan, Bill and others who share these same view points what it comes down to is this if Barack did not have to defend himself against the republican right wing machine 527 groups he could do it with just 80 million.

You guys seem to be missing the point and not understanding that its the defense that he is going to be able to have at his disposal to fight off these negative attacks.

That’s how so many races have been won by the so called conservative republican who are NOT so christens nor are the conservative.

The republicans are a bunch of control freaks that have destroyed this country by controlling the minds of other on the bases of fear but NOT this time.

They have trick and fooled this county in to a bad war, wrecked this country and put the economy into shambles with high gas prices, out of control spending, high food prices, great job loses, homes being lost at record paces, jobs are being lost at record paces and the list goes on and on. 950 pilots at United Airlines to lose their jobs in layoffs.

We can't keep going down this path... we must have a democratic president and controlled house and senate to take back America.

Obama is just like any other oprotunistic politician. He will still need Hillary's financers. All obama's buddies and their family's are online pretending to be average americansdonating money.

Personally, I would much rather my candidate be able to compete using MY money (and other little guys like me) rather than some corporate lobbyist's dough.

Maybe then he or she will remember who they work for.

It is a fiscally responsible not to waste tax dollars on presidential campaigns. The funds should be used for something more constructructive, such as paying off debt, helping flood victims in the Midwest, etc.

Dem '08

US?!! Accept your own shame, Jan! I have no shame because I did not vote for the Lame Duck President we have in office!!!!! Nor did I help re-elect him! Do you think Mr. Bush only spent the public financing funds that were given to him during his campaigns? (Oh, did I mention part of that is your and my tax money?!) Stop deluding yourself. It's shameful! Mr. Obama is raising money from those who WANT to give it to him. Presidental experience is something you only get when you are a president. What makes Mr. McCain a patriot? His military service? Boy, are there a lot of non-patriots roaming the the U.S. by that standard. (Ooops, did I forget to mention we have those serving in our military that are not even naturalized citizens of this country?) Jan, name one thing you know that Mr. Obama has been dishonest about...not what you've heard the media speculate about, but that you know for a fact is dishonest. You make a claim of dishonety only when you have proof of the dishonesty (innocent until proven guilty ring a bell?). Otherwise it is an opinion. I don't know if I trust the opinion of someone who accepts the blame for others who have no reason to be ashame. (i.e. everyone who did not vote for and re-elected Mr. Bush)

People needs to pay more attention to Obama....get through the "change motto" and see his for who he really is....FAKE! WAKE UP PEOPLE

Soupy June 24th, 2008 9:44 am ET

I hate to break it to you anti-Obama people, but he isn't buying the presidency by buying more TV time.

Soupy, don't be so naive, if he spends 3-4 times what McCain spends, that is a huge advantage, that has been borne out through the primary season.
The fact is, he didn't flip-flop on campaign finance, he LIED outright. I'd like someone to give me an example of some of the proposed changes he's supposed to be all about.
He's filling his staff with former Clinton-ites (Bill's, not Hillary's), he's espousing energy proposals that are already proven failures from the Carter administration, his past is full of less-than-respectable characters(and downright criminals [Rezko], and basically, without a teleprompter, he's an empty suit.
Something puzzles me: Poor people have been voting for democrats for at least the last 60 years, and they're still poor. Something wrong with that picture.

Call it whatever you like – but it was a brillant move on Senator Obama's part. If Senator McCain had the capacity to do what Senator Obama is capable of doing fund raising wise, he would not done the same thing. Why make a big deal of it? McCain has the 527s and surrogates who all will come out and attack Obama. McCain has been attacking him even during the primaries when he did not know who the Democratic nominee would be.

You better believe that McSame is "disturbed". Now his 527 groups won't be able to go into a district right before an election, run a bunch of defamatory ads without fear of reprisal from Obama, like they did to Kerry in 04.

Anyone that votes Republican after the last eight years has lost all contact with reality.

To some of the above, and the countless people who WOULD LIKE THE AMERICAN PUBLIC to believe that BARACK is FLIP FLOPPING on taking PUBLIC FUNDING!

Please get the FACTS straight! BARACK IS BEING FULLY FUNDED BY PUBLIC FUNDS! The difference is very simple!

Barack is opting for HIS PUBLIC'S FUNDING. I wish that people in general, would THINK CAREFULLY before expressing OPINIONS!

Barack is responsible for the HUGE AND UNPRECENDENTED TURN OUT OF millions of DEMOCRATIC VOTERS, people who NEVER expressed their RIGHT TO VOTE! If Barack accepted The TAX RETURN PUBLIC FUNDING, he will be leaving out of this process, MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF PEOPLE who NEVER completed TAX RETURNS or those people who never donated via TAX RETURNS!!

BARACK OBAMA IS DOING THE EXTRAORDINARY, HE IS BEING FULLY FUNDED BY PUBLIC DONATIONS OF ALL OF HIS SUPPORTERS, ENSURING THAT HIS SUPPORTERS ALL GET THE CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCESS, EVEN IF THEY CAN ONLY AFFORD A $5.00 DONATION.

JOHN McCain knows this, BUT HE SPINS THINGS TO SUIT HIMSELF.
Don't forget McCain has all of those unregulated "527" organizations supporting. Don't think that he is limited to $85million spending, this is only the legal and regulated part!

CNN, please pleeeeeeeeeeeease POST this comment it really is important!

Thank you CNN

So way to go with the NEW politics. The more money the better chance of being elected. David Axelrod is the Karl Rove of the Dems and he and his cronies have created Barack as the candidate just as GWB was fashioned. We all know how well THAT turned out.

Guess what guys?!?! Now we can gamble!! LOL!!! Na'h, na'h I'm just playing, LOL!!

CNN.........The better-funded Obama is likely to force McCain to spend money on TV ads in Arkansas, Georgia and North Carolina, said Evan
Tracey, CNN's Politics as usual.........Jan FROM BOCA RATAN ,FL.......
If Obama is elected we are in more serious trouble than the last 8
years with Bush...................No ONE can top BUSH'S TROUBLES!!!!!!

There's nothing this guy can say or do to justify his going back on his word! It's not about the money it's about his word which is good for nothing. He is a "spin" Doctor.

I hope you post this:

Whats funny & SAD is that 80% of people have already made up their minds as to whom they are voting for.... the choice is clear... the differences are stark....
so let the "haters" hate..........

None of the spending truly matters... what will be is what will be...

-V

It's really entertaining to see how Obama's detractors come up with the lamest criticisms and accusations regarding the way he finances his campaign. If "The People" shower Obama with the resources to spread his message effectively, that's not Obama "buying the nomination or the presidency." That's "The People" buying the nomination and presidency. Clinton and McCain depend on funds from Big Government, Big Corporations, and Big Lobbyists. Obama depends on funds from $25 here, $50 there, $200 from the generous folks, etc.

THIS IS DEMOCRACY IN ACTION!

Clinton wants help with campaign debt?
I thought she said she’ll unite the party? By asking for help to retire her campaign debt, she has simply opened the old primary wounds and salted them too. I am not sure how much the joined appearance in “Unity NH” will do for Obama, I think they should go to “Davision MI”. HRC continues to make poor judgment on every turn. I am sorry; this is the Ed McMahon foreclosure version in politics.

Obama bashers, Die Hard CLinton Suppoters & Pumas .. instead of wasting time bashing Obama .. go to Hilary's website & donate some cash ..... she's in dying need of some monetary donation .. to relieve her from her 20 million dollars in debt .........

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

SHOCKER! That's a real change there. The person with the most money to spend is going to win the election. I'm sure Obama is beholden to no one but "small donors". Obama is no different than McCain, they are both already empty suits who have been bought and sold.

The truth of today's politics is that money does make a difference. The insightful measure of a candidate is where the money comes from; is it the Federal Treasury (debt), the "little people," or Wall Street interests. Individual donations are limited to $2,300 for both the primary and general elections, or $4,600 total. It is exciting to see the financial outpouring of the "little people" to fuel a dynamic and extremely well managed Obama campaign. [Also, only a reported 10% of taxpayers check-off the public campaign box on the tax form making the program non representative of the taxpayer base.]

Proud to be investing in the future of our Country by contributing to Barack Obama for America!

OBAMA '08 and '12

Why is it that CNN doesn't report on the fact that it was John McCain that flip-flopped on public financing? John McCain used public financing as collateral to take out a bank loan when his campaign was in trouble early in the primary and then tried to opt back out of his commitment to public financing when he won the primary and paid the loan back. McCain cannot have it both ways...

Barack Obama was right to opt out because his campaign is not being supported by PACs, Lobbyists, 527 smear campaigns, and other special interests, as is McCain's. He will need all the money he can raise to fight these nasty folks who want nothing more than to keep status quo in the United States and I, for one, want none of it. I only want Change We Can Believe In.

For those that say Obama is BUYING the presidency....

It's OUR money. AMERICAN'S money. Not his. Not the parties. Not the government.

He's doing it the right way.

Now sit back and watch the corporations BUY McCain's presidential bid.

Just win baby, you can't change anything if you lose. It's time democrats stopped being rolled over by these lying thieves.

I am neither a McCain or Obama supporter here, but if he truly thinks he is the better candidate, why not level the playing field and agree to spend just as much as his opponent? Being able to far outspend McCain does not make Obama a better candidate. That is a dangerous situation for this country to be in. The Presidential playing field should not and cannot be so tilted in order to stay true to our Constitution.

By the way, McCain will receive over half of his funds from the private sector . Estimates are around 75,000,000 to 100,000,000 in addition to the public financing he will receive. The RNC is very fruitfull, but then the republicans just want to focus on Senator Obama declining their version of public financing. . Good for Senator Obama for making a smart, wise decision. The republicans are the ones trying to be decietful with their rhetoric.

Obama 08

Somebody has to investigate where all his money comes from.
It's unbelievable what money can do in this country.
People, just think abount this.
Wake up!
We don't need unexperienced who thinks he can buy everything!

This is great... but i can kind of see where he (OBAMA) is headed... inorder to change the game you have to learn the rules of the current game. This is how you win... You can't change what you have NO control over...

$ wins

You go Mr.President !
I am not a US citizen.But for the first time in my life, I donated to a political party/candidate fund.

Obama 08-16 !

Good strategy-

Even if we double our 527 efforts to Swift Boat Obama, he'll still have more money to combat them-

McCain would switch too, but he can't raise 85 million in donations- he's better off spending the taxpayer's money-

I guess it's all up to Hannity and his 1000 listeners

If Obama picks Hillary for veep.......they together can win!!!

There is no significant political office in the US that has not been "bought" by campaign cash of some sort or another; blaming Obama in this regard is silly. Of course, your country could conceivably decide to become a democracy, to implement representational politics, to abolish a system by which a South Dakota vote is worth twenty times as much as a California vote, to force all candidates to campaign with public funds alone, etc., but surely, nobody's holding his or her breath on that one, right?

???? WOW I guess no one gets it. The "Shock and Awe" of this announcement is just ignorant. If a republican could raise money like Obama they would plain and simple. No one is buying the presidency thats absurd,but what is happening is people who support CHANGE and TRULY believe in a candidate are donating money, it's that simple.Nothing shocking about it, it's just the republicans did not think of it first..........

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

I thought Obama was about change, how can he justify spending all this money on a campaign during our current economic crisis?

HE ISN'T BUYING THE PRESIDENCY AND IF HE WAS THATS GOOD . COMPLAIN ABOUT THE TRAITORS THAT SOLD OUT THIS COUNTRY . HOW PATRIOTIC OF THE NEOCONS.

Hillary could have saved a LOT of money had her HEAD not been so big she had too know she was beat way before she droped out..THAT WAS STUPID.

Great! More intelligent ads from his campaign like the one run in Texas (and most likely other states) which claimed his education plan was to "hire a new generation of teachers" and put the blame on parents, "it starts at home". What a bunch of nothing.

I agree, parents need to be involved but how does he expect the federal government to control that? Either you care or you don't.

It's unfortunate Sen. Obama feels he needs to "buy" his way into the Presidency. I don't think it is going to happen, but if it does, what does that tell us about ourselves?

VotePact

** Nader/Gonzalez 2008 **

I hate to break it to you anti-Obama people, but he isn't buying the presidency by buying more TV time. People still have to vote for him. If you make up your mind to vote for someone because you have seen that person's ad and haven't seen his opponent's ad, then you are allowing yourself to vote out of ignorance and you should be ashamed.

Jan From Boca Raton, Fl.,

Obama is not buying this election, the people that are financing him are buying the election, which are 1.5 million donors in small donations.

If you wanna gripe, you can say that Hillary was buying the election because she used some of her own money. Obama is not doing this, he is letting the little people finance him. I'll take that any day.

We are spending so much time on public money as given on the federal income tax form versus money given to Senator Obama from the public funds he solicits that we overlook issues of importance. I am interested in whether or not Senator McCain was a POW of was he a War Criminal by the code name of Song Bird. Is he giving America a true picture of what he will do under pressure, if this information appearing on the internet is true?

It is funny to see the repubs back on their heels for once. Obama is running a perfect campaign so far, keeping them on the defensive and beating them to the punch by telling us what sleaze attacks they will attempt so when we see them we are not surprised. Simply brilliant! Had we done this 8 years ago, we would not be in the mess we are in now after Bush.

TO JAN;

GET A JOB AND BLOG YOURO NEGATIVITY ON A WEBSITE FOR BITTER, NEED TO GET A LIFE. COM .... ALL YOUR BLOGS ARE NEGATIVE.....LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SMILE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE...MAYBE YOU WILL HAVE A BETTER OUTLOOK ON LIFE!!!!

OBAMA '08

they actually tell you before hand "we are going to depend on ads to get your vote." And you all watch them?

Wonderful. We have become an oligarchy. It's ridiculous that candidates don't have an equal platform for presenting their ideas to the voting public. Although I would probably do the same as Obama is doing were I in his shoes, I do have to say his tactics are quite devious.

Obama thinks he's buying the PRESIDENCY.He' so full of himself i can not stand him.When they put him on tv i flip to another channel.I HOPE to GOD that he's not elected.

God help us!!!
He is going to "buy" this election just like he did with the primary process

What a weasel!!!!!!!!

I am seriously afraid for this country if his arrogant, inexperienced self gets elected

I pray every night he will not be elected!

thank God for 527 groups lol

So... let me get this right... People are upset that Obama will not consume 85 million of their tax dollars? Wow, you people are ridiculous.

We know what happened last time a president used a "shock and awe" strategy.
Obama is change. Right back to the days of unlimited campaign fund raising and spending as much as one could raise. Richard Nixon would be proud of Obama.

Obama is being called young and inexperience by his political foe! However CNN also wrote: "Obama's decision to pour millions of dollars into Pennsylvania forced Clinton to spend more money in the state than she would have wanted to in order to secure a convincing victory. But it came at a cost, because she had less money to dedicate to the remaining primary contests including North Carolina and Indiana."
That's Judgement Vs. Experince in play! Who have the last laughs? Need not say more...

A SMART MAN AND HIS TEAM GIVE SOME RESPECT FOR THERE TALENT AND DONT HATE LEARN SOMETHING YOU IGNORANT PEOPLE....

This election will be bought and paid for by the far left wealthy Marxists.

Say good-bye to America!

I think we all know that the candidates with the most money in the bank wins the election. In this way, elections are bought – not earned. But it's also a common Republican line that unegulated use of money is freedom of speech. Lets see how they like it used against them.

Senator Obama needs to be prepared for those ads which are total fiction, but show a little bit of coincidental truth. That in turn becomes the talking point that then "backs ino the legitimacy" of the false ad by those attacking him.

We've seen him put together his website to counter any smears or falsehoods against him. We also have seen how he put together a staff for his wife so that she stays on message but also so her views aren't inoccrectly distorted by the other team.

To pull his money and message together is truly a smart, laid out gameplan. To see it unfold simply demonstrates the shrewdness of Obama and his team.

I plan on fliping the channel when political ads come on. They are all fluff on both sides.

It's now come down to whoever has the most money to buy the presidency. Obama claims to not be politics as usual yet wants to go back to the old days of whoever has the most money controlling government.

She can pay her debt off have her husband go out a make a speech

Does anyone realize that B. H. Obama is buying his way into the Presidency. ?????

A president should be elected on his experience, honesty and
patriotisim and Obama has none of the above. He has flip Flopped
and lied to the American public over and over again when it is
convenient for him.

If Obama is elected we are in more serious trouble than the last 8
years with Bush.

SHAME ON US.

But, technically he didn't forgo public financing. He's being financed by the public that wants to support him, not check a box on a tax form.

Hey CNN...4 more Americans died in Iraq! Where's the political story on this?

Soon as I heard I sent in 5 bux. It's not much but it adds up, I'll give em more later down the road, I do feel it's a bit early but I'll be donating every month or so, I just had to give em money right away after I heard to show my support and hopefully make up that 80 mil quickly and save taxpayers some money.