CNN

Most of the people on here are reactionary idiots who haven't even read a SUMMARY of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 (it can be found on Wikipedia).

FISA was established in 1978. It has been a governmental spying act for 3 decades. This bill that Obama is supporting actually makes it HARDER for the executive branch to abuse FISA. It requires them to have more authorization and prohibits them from using "war powers" as an excuse for ignoring surveillance law.

Also, those telecom companies were pressured by the NSA to help with surveillance. If *you* were pressured by a government agency to help them, wouldn't *you* want immunity from lawsuits?

So all you idiots who are screaming and crying that Obama betrayed you need to shut up for a minute and read the actual summary of the bill. It actually gives MORE protection to your privacy, not LESS.

What the hell is going on here? This is the world turned upside down. People don't want to think, read, and make informed judgements anymore. They just want to react. Well you are going to end up screwing youself out of the best presidential candidate since JFK with an attitude like that. Be like Obama! Actually THINK before you react!

Yawnnnn. Did he even propose a solution in this speech? So easy to criticize everyone else.

Belle....If McCain Economic Plan is so great to enlist 300 economists whom signed off on it, WHY didn't this ECONOMIC PLAN McCain has helped the HUNDREDS OF EMPLOYEE"S that are losing their jobs at his wife company. I bet if he would have shared this with his wife, so the many hundreds of people who lose their jobs at her company would still be employed, what better way to have PROVE what he say is TRUE. Again, he did state he knows nothing about the economy...

The commenter who said Obama, had a good sense of human forgot to also include McCains also has one, also......McCain vow to balance the budget by the end of his first term, his first term? unless he's speaking about his close side by side relationship he has with Bush for these past four years

Wow. Interesting comment. True polotics, though, isn't showering critical comments at economists, but rather promising to help ecnomists in their efforts to clean up taxes and prevent recession. It's just a lame effort on Obama's part to say something to a crowd.

He did, however, prove his leadership capability by saying something totally hilarious!

great comeback barack! take this ball and run with it,all the way to the white house!noone's whining!we just want an oppurtunity to make things better for ourselves,but,republicans treat us like a business competitor,and cut our legs off below the knees,to the point we can no longer stand on our own.then they call us whiners and lazy.we were doing fine until republicans came in and took our livelyhoods away.what will they do when noone can afford to buy their bs anymore?

The government can't fix the current housing crisis. Any money they spend on it will create a larger bill down the road. The market will correct itself....always has, always will.

Gramm is partially right. Everyone is blaming the government for everything (personal faults and all) and the media is over-hyping everything as usual.

It's amazing that Americans expect to live confortably and lavishly during a time of war. No one is cutting back, no one is conserving anything. Ask your grandparents about wwII times. Whether you agree with the war or not, the reality is there and most are oblivious to it.

Any anyone who says, "McCain doesn't agree with Gramm's comments," ...

(1) McCain has said he doesn't know much about economics.

OK, then. Rely on great economic advisors.

(2) Oh, wait, your economic advisor is Gramm...who um...yeah thinks the economic decline is just in our heads.

Now what, McCain? Sounds like McCain's camp is just trying to downplay the economy as being the #1 issue because they know they don't have the man for the job. SO TRANSPARENT

Obama '08

please post

Wow, how can people even begin to defend such a crewd statement by the McCain camp. Come on Media. look at how many articles are writen about Obamas every single word. compared to Mc Cain,

Obama 1940
McCain 1060

and that is aCNN FACT!!!

so whats wrong with this picture?

McCain can get away with anything. it is Shame and dis to the American People That we STILL can not be fair. and The media may end up putting McCain in the house. and wonder what went wrong. Just like they did kerry and Bush. Bush LOST!!!! and we still gave it to them.

Go figure.
America Open your eyes and stand up and fight.

I would only like to add this:

I'd like to see Obama go more on the offensive against McCain. It seems like in a good boxing match, Obama is doing his hits when McCain misses a punch or leaves himself open...but Obama has to start throwing some haymakers and really pound McCain.

Take him to task on those flip-flopping charges that he's throwing against him. I say to have him wobbling by the time September comes and early round KO by October.

I think that it says a lot about McCain's "experience" that he appointed Phil Gramm as one of his top economic advisors. Bye the way, Phil Gramm was instrumental in making sure that there was no government oversight of the mortgage industry when he was in Congress. I don't know how much "experience" John McCain has, but I'm not sure our country can survive 4 years of it.

Hmm it's nice to see all the liberals not read the story right below this one where McCain basically tells of Gramm.... But Liberals are just so good at yelling at the top of their lungs and not listening, I"m not surprised. They didn't notice Obama waffling on Iraq, on Campaign finance, on Anonymous Union Voting, On Foreign policy, and on warrentless wiretaping. Why would they notice McCain repudiating the guy right after he talks. Obama seems to like to wait for a few days before doing this, McCain has a history of doing it right away. Politics as usual from Obama, not from McCain. Change without substance is status quo. NO TO O.

I agree that we all are struggling with higher energy and food costs, but Senator Obama does himself no favors by altering the facts to fan the flames of public discontent.

By no measure that doe not include government jobs has America lost 438,000 jobs in the last 6 months.

There is no data that suggests that the typical American family has lost $1,000 in the last 8 years. In fact, every indicator regarding personal wealth points to precisely the opposite. What is more disturbing than the outright fabrication, however, is the blatant hypocrisy or flat out ignorance of economical matters. If you believed that the typical American family was $1,000 poorer today than when President Bush took office why would you want to take more money away from us by rescinding his tax cuts?

More evidence of Senator Obama's elitest view on the average American. Just tell us anything regardless of the facts or contridictions. We all is too ignorant to know better anyways.

He is making fun of it because its true... Otherwise he would simply shrug it off... Must have hit a nerve because he does constantly whine...

Belle July 10th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Oh yes Senator Obama…do your mocking thing again….why don't you actually explain WHY 300 economists signed on to McCain's Economic Plan…why he can vow to balance the budget by the end of his first term….
-------------------------
Belle, sources for your 300 economists statement please. I am an avid reader of political information and have not seen that anywhere. Also, regarding your question about why McCain can vow to balance the budge by the end of his first term...Anybody can vow to do anything. Remember George HW Bush and, 'read my lips, no new taxes/' Just because a politician says something does not mean it will come true.

I am certain the comments by Phil Gramm offended many people who are working harder and making less than they did 8 years ago. I earn a fairly comfortable wage (however, not enough to benefit from a McCain 'tax cut'), yet I am feeling the pinch this summer – it isnot in my head. Those quotes were not 'taken out of context' as even Mr. Gramm states, he attirbutes them to being 'missunderstood.' I think many understood what he was saying just fine and I am glad Obama is making a point of these statements so people can see who McCain surrounds himself with/advises him so they really know what they may get with a McCain presidency (heaven forbid).

You don't have to take the recession seriously when you're worth a boatload of money and won't have to make another cent for you and your family to survive in luxury for the rest of your natural lives.

MCCAIN and his campaign are OUT OF TOUCH!!!

Ha! Read the Politico's investigation of the 300 economists who signed McCain's "economic plan" – they signed a 430 word document months ago – not his new 15-page plan which was completely devoid of his gimmick gas tax holiday and other ridiculous proposals.

How do you pay for $300 billion in taxes by saving $18 billion in earmarks and pork? I know McCain's older than math, but that just doesn't add up!!

To Belle: Show me the names of the 300 economist that approved McCains Economic Plan? Before commenting, I suggest you do your research first. McCain is counting on uninformed citizens like yourself to vote for him.

Belle wrote:

"AND HOW you plan to pay for your programs when they are funded from saving money from a war that is waged on BORROWED money!"

John Mccain claimed those would be his "savings" duh! Barack Obama plans to raise the money he needs by rolling back tax cuts AND divesting us from the money sink that is Iraq. McCain is the one who claims he can "save" money by "winning" in Iraq and using not going into more debt as "savings". He is the one with no plan to actually raise revenues. Read more newspapers.

Belle is just another hood-winked dittohead who places credence in the 'fact' that " 300 economists signed on to McCain's Economic Plan", you may enilghten yourself to find out that this is yet another bogus claim of McCsame:
http://weblogs.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/politics/blog/2008/07/mccain_300_economists_who_may.html
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/07/09/many-of-mccains-300-economists-dont-actually-support-his-full-economic-agenda/

Obama you rock! McSame you are going down in a landslide!

Well then Senator Obama, what is your plan to "solve" the economy? Are we supposed to wish our problems away, or "change" them away?

One thing we must keep in mind: Politicians do not present concrete plans during election cycles anymore. They are too worried about their opponent poking holes in them.

The shame of it is that Obama was supposed to be different. He is sounding a lot like ALL of the politicians that have run for President before.

Belle,

I will explain to you WHY 300 Economists signed "onto McCain's Plan" – BECAUSE THEY DID NOT READ IT. What was signed was a two page letter that summarized his goals long before the specific plan came out. This document DID NOT INCLUDE ANY REFERENCE TO BALANCING THE BUDGET!!!!

McCain LIED when he said these economists agree with his plan and it's conclusions. Many of these economists have come out publically and said that there is no way in H*LL McCain can balance the budget with his proposals and they don't even agree with many specifics in his plan. One of them is even an Obama supporter who said he just got the letter by email from a colleague and should not have signed it.

Seriously, that is a load of bull and no economist believes what John McCain is claiming – google it.

To: Belle July 10th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Give me a break will you! Just because 300 idiots sign off on McCains economic plan does not make it feasible and it most certainly does not make it superior to Obama's. You're just another frustrated Hillary Clinton supporter who continues to whine about your candidate not being the nominee. You dont have to like Obama and I most certainly would not ask you to vote for him, but why the need to sabotage Obama? Why not do as Hillary has asked and support Senator Obama? Go ahead and admit it. You're a Hill-hypocrit and you never really believed in what Hillary stood for in the first place. Take your childish ways, grab your toys and go home. Worse yet, vote for McCain in November. That also would be a very mature response to not getting your way.

Obama '08

Belle,

Perhaps you didn't hear but the 300 economists didn't sign onto McCain's economic plan; they signed on to support him. None of them, I repeat NONE of the them realized what they were signing. Why don't you get informed before you shoot off your mouth. You hate Obama, we get it; but try not to languish in stupidity and misinformation along with your hatred.

Liberals want to have it both ways: first they complain when Bush tries to interfere with the housing and mortgage market. Now they complain that he didn't.
They kept (correctly) harping that economists are warning about impending housing bubble and sub-prime mortgage crisis. But they bought into it anyway and now they pretend that Bush broke that system and they didn't have enough warning to avoid the crunch.
Blind-sight is 0/0....

One thing... If Mr. Obama wants to make fun of people utilizing freedom of speech then he should be able to take it himself without whining...

A story this morning detailing the McCain campaign's fraud in misrepresenting the support of McCain's "300 Economists" who signed on in support Monday of McCain's economic plan. This is a scandal waiting to break, and this should really blow a hole in McCain's Straight Talk Express....

Politico breaks the campaign black eye

People, people, notice how all of mccain's people 'slip' up. Remember that Black said we should have another terrorist attack before the election? And now Gramm saying the nation is full of whiners. They don't 'slip' up, they are exposing how they really feel and how mccain feels, the only problem they have is when the public finds out. And believe me there will be plenty more 'slip' ups before the election because we all know the repubs don't care about ordinary Americans, they are for the rich only.

Back peddeling by Gramm won't save McCain on this issue. It is clear that he was referring to the American people, he clearly states " We have become a NATION, (NATION) of whiners. This line of thought is central to McCain's campaign and the republicans ideology.

Nice one Barack. Someone saying its all in my head when i cant fill up my gas tank. Hammer Mcsame on this. Time for some common sense.

Obama/Clinton 08

cnn u never post my comments why is that? why?
we know you support the GOP, you should support americans.

shame on you CNN.

More denial that the country is in a mess from the McCain camp from one of his surrogates. McCain will get Cindy to help all of you who are havling tough times......

Obama is becoming the punchline to a joke (how many Obamas does it take to fix the economy?). What, exactly, is his economic recovery plan? I've seen his plan to increase taxes. But he is also planning on increasing spending (and lowering taxes for many people). But that just adds money to the government, not the economy. And taxing businesses will just cut into their profits (that's bad for the economy and job creation). So just what is his plan for jobs and the economy. He hasn't said a darn thing that applies. Hope won't be enough!

NObama N'08

Despite what the out of the loop conservatives and liberals say, the reality on the ground is that the economy is hurting due to the failed policies of the Bush Administration, and if you think McCAin can fix it, please please vote for him, but dont cry when your job is next on the chopping block or when his old tail leads you down the hall of doom. You can say what you will about Obama, but he will be our Next President.

And to all of the fake Hillary supports acting as though they are dissappointed at her fair defeat, irrespective of what the media says, we arent counting on you to win this election.

If you get a chance read a book called the "Fall of America" by Elijah Muhhamad.

You tell them Obama!!!

McSame and his crowd are out of touch

he mocks everyone

Obama is right again! So iguess when people don't have enough food to eat and they have hunger pangs they should repeat the McCain campign's mantra "It's all in your head" and the feeling will go away? Or when your car runs out of gas because gas is too high it's just the car's fault. and when all the jobs have been shipped overseas and you don't have one, that's all imaginary too. I'm tired of old rich white men dictating policy for all Americans

Those in the administration and the republican party have lost (if they even had it) with the American people. Their priorities are all wrong.

McCain's campaign keeps affirming one way or another just how out of touch with reality they are. Phil Gramm's comments certainly reveals it.

I don't understand Obama's comments about the average American losing $1,000 a year since Bush took office. Wages have gone up since Bush took office (in all fields) and taxes are about 6% lower than they were during the Clinton administration. I think Obama is a panderer and an idiot and hopefully he has an economic genius leading him. The difference between Obama and McCain on the economy:

McCain- admits the economy is not his strong suit and will have advisors to help with it (like every other politician in history)

Obama- just runs his mouth and pretends he knows all about it when he does not have a clue.

For reference:
Average salary 1999: $23,800.00
Average salary 2007: $31,480.00

Average tax bracket 1999: 28.75%
Average tax bracket 2007: 25.35%

Average Home interest rate 1999: 8.9% fixed
Average home interest rate 2007: 5.7% fixed

The reason gas is $4.00 a gallon in 2008
Because that's what the middle east is charging us for it, and since the libs keep voting against domestic drilling we have to buy from other countries.

The reason gas should be about $2.50 a gallon: because thats what it would cost us to drill, refine and sell it ourselves here in the US.

We have become a nation of whiners who have been filled with the "it’s not my fault" mentality. Many people are losing their homes because they took loans they could not possibly afford and failed to understand the agreements they were signing. Many companies are failing because of CEOs and managers who make horrible business decisions. The government can do more to help people but people need to start doing more to help themselves.

What a politically stupid thing to say. Is there really one person in America that likes being called a Whiner? Obama isn't going to have to beat McCain, he's doing too good of a job beating himself. All he needs to do now is go into another rendition of "Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran!"

Belle, site your sources. Economists discredited McCain and his off shore drilling and his gas tax holiday. Don’t lmake things up please. Thanks.

Way to go Obama.

A dose of reality for Graham.......Now take your reality dose 4 times a day as prescirbed by the American people......by the way......who is Dr. Phi being treated by? Maybe we can make an appointment for a referral for Graham.

Reality check: economists have warned about sub-prime mortgages for years! People kept making them anyway because they thought they had a 'right' to own a home they can't afford. Property values are also only declining because people overspeculated them to begin with. Economists also warned us about this impending property crunch/housing bubble for years. But you weren't listening...

McCain no longer equals Bush. He's much, much worse.

OK, CNN. Cut out the censorship. I am a US citizen and deserve to have my comments posted. What is wrong with you?

hey belle check your facts
more than one of the 300 economists
has stated that they dont support his
plan and signed on months ago before
the plan was presented
find out what non partisan experts
rate the potiental for of success
his plan has
(not very good)
GAO estimate for 2013 deficet under mccain plan: $445 billion
i am not a member of either party
i call it as i see it
his plan makes no sense
the fact that phil gramm is part of his team
should be a red flag

If our recession is only mental, maybe the recovery should be mental as well.

Why doesn't Obama propose a crash program of basic R&D designed to produce a means of personal transportation that is not dependent on fossil fuels. We can then give the technology to domestic auto manufacturers free of charge, as long as they pledge to build the cars in the U.S.

We will have retrieved those jobs in Michigan that McCain said were never coming back. We will substantially reduce our dependence on foreign oil. And we will have also gone a long way toward meeting our climate change goals.

A triple play for Obama!

Jump all over this major foot in the mouth comment Barrack. No doubt McBush would rub your face in it if anyone close to you said anything near this stupid and insensitive.

in before crazy PUMA types a post in all caps

That is why Obama will have my vote in November. I want to know how McSame tends to balance the budget by the end of his first term...

Obama 08

ha ha ha...very funny Obama. Best joke I heard yet by the candidates.

Belle you're an idiot if you believe McCain will balance anything near a budget! Making Bush, his mentor's, tax cuts permanent will only add to the national debt!

Obama in a landslide this fall

I got a good laugh when I saw Obama speak the line about "Dr. Phil" That pretty well sums up John McCain's economic plan-the bad economy is in our head . Which triggers that memory from Animal House. " Remain calm. All is well!"

I'm kind of dissappointed in the "reformed politics" of Obama. Its becoming more and more apparent that he is anxious to pounce on any slight comment made by the opposition, but dismisses any slams on him or his party as "politics as usual". Don't get me wrong, I want the republicans out of the white house, but come on Obama, walk the walk.

Can't blame it entirely on President Bush or the Republicans–we've had a majority in Congress for 2 years that's Democrats. I'm a registered Democrat–what has Congress done in the last 2 years???

LOOK AT OBAMA SIGN:

"For Americas Women"

PANDER PANDER PANDER...

the facts that dr phil support john McCain doesn´t mean that he should not said the true about what is going on in america......and i ask myself the question to know if the republicans are senseless or people are still proud to said (i am a republican)....etc...etc.
well OBAMA we wish you all the beste and cannot wait to see you here in germany.

McCain's plan is to have no plan. Just keep on going with the same stuff that isn't working.

No thanks!

McCain and his team are all losing their bearings!

And what exactly does Obama think the country needs, an inspirational speaker or a cheerleader like himself or Tony Robbins at the helm?

Obama is so unqualified for the office.

Democrat NFIL

lol dr. phil

Sorry, but this 'recession' IS artificial. For years economists warned about sub-prime mortgages. For years economists warned about the housing bubble. For years economists warned about the weakening dollar. People knew about it coming. But they were too greedy to listen. They thoughts they'd get out before it all crunches. Now they complain that they lost money that was based on speculation to begin with.
It's easy to keep blaming politicians. That's what they're there for. First you blame them when they interfere with your greed. Now you complain that they did nothing to protect your greed.
It's time to take a look in the mirror America!

Phil Gramm believes in total deregulation and has no clue about the lives of typical working families.
He thinks this is a "Mental Recession" because he lives in a bubble or aristocracy, corruption and pure amoral power lust.
By the way, the last time the US had no regulation in business, America's families including CHILDREN were forced to work 18 hour days. Hey, maybe that's Mr. Gramm's plan.

McCain is constantly stating that certain people don't speak for him, but he keeps them on as advisors. Grahmm is totally out to lunch with his comments. It's only because he sits up there on Capitol Hill totally secluded from the real world just like everyone else up there. It's just like George, Sr going to the grocery store and being amazed that scanners were used. These men and women that supposedly lead our country, have never lived in the real world.

Obama is funny. And Hillary has good cackle too. Perfect Team!
Obama/Clinton 08-16

Nice shot, Matt from Manchester. I too, will vote for McCain, but his henchmen need to learn not to insult the people McCain is trying to get to vote for him. Gramm belittles people by calling them whiners? Maybe he’d like to be in the same position as all those airline workers who will lose their jobs, and likely their health insurance. Hey, Gramm has a lot of money, and paid health insurance through his wife, probably – maybe he’d graciously pick up the premiums for some airline employees who won’t have any income to pay for their families’ insurance. Whiner? Gramm needs to look in a mirror and stop sandbagging McCain’s chances. Ugh, that voice/accent of his is the WORST, isn't it?

CNN is definitely working for McShame. I can see that. I have tried to post over 20 comments on these blogs to no avail!

Actually, Belle the '300 economists' who signed onto the McCain plan signed on to a statement that was only 403 words long and didn't contain specifics. Many of these economists don't support all of McCain's agenda and one of them is an Obama supporter. If CNN did a better job with finding out the facts instead of kissing up to the republicans they would have reported on this by now.

=====only idiots would vote for mcbush, only idiots!====

"300 economists signed on to McCain's Economic Plan"

Wow - that's got to be like, 0.01% of the nation's economists, right? An overwhelming consensus indeed! Never mind the fact that 99% of the economists who spoke out about the "gas tax holiday" said it was a wholly ineffectual gimmick.

We certainly don't need another know-it-all president either, Mr. Obama! Distort the facts any way you want them, but our economy is still growing ... just much slower. What part of "recession" do you not understand?

Senator Gramm must live in the fantasy world of the ultra rich if he is unable to see the dire economic straits of so many Americans. When one loses his home because of the stew money challenges (less hours at work, higher gas and food prices, the steep drop in the house's value)
please us the dignity of not accusing us of "whining." These rich Republicans, they just don't get it.

I think this is great and can only help Obama. It illustrates how out of touch the Republicans are with the American people. We are not whiners who are whining for the sake of it. People are hurting...losing their jobs and houses; unable to afford gas and food. The Republican party cannot relate to the average American and does not understand what it's like to struggle to pay the bills just to stay above water.

This statement is a perfect example as to why McCain and the Republicans are dangerous for this country...they have no clue what we are going through, and therefore have no idea how to help us.

Way to go Bam! Hit em' hard on this issue! Funny... now McSame doesn't want to be attached to Gramm!

Look who's calling the kettle black.

Obama wants mandatory spanish in schools, next he will be demanding rap music . This man is nuts.

Mccain And His Entire Campaign Is Garbage!

You know, sometimes I wonder if we are in a "mental recession." And if the economy can be "solved."
...really? That's what these guys are saying?

McCain's adviser needs a reality check; he should look at rising commodity costs, lowered housing prices, and every other "non-illusory" metric to judge the economy.

Obama should consider treating the economy less like a Rubik's cube and more like a multifaceted, complicated, and yes, not always "solvable" component of American society.

When will politicians stop pandering grandiloquent solutions and start forcing Americans to face harsh? I'm leaning heavily toward the "never" end of the spectrum, but that's the way it will be until politicians are incentivized to act truthfully and not appeal to the will of the mob.

Gramm's comments are pretty spot-on. We always hear what we can't do. We used to hear about what we can do. We started with an idea to go to the moon and developed the technology and accomplished the goal in only 9 years!! We can do whatever we put our collective minds to. McCain should back up Gramm's comments and use Obama's words against him. God help us if Obama is elected.

This guy is your economic advisor and he doesn't speak for you?

So your economic plan is the same as Bush's. If you do not have rich oil daddy or beer queen to pay your bills then shut your face and stop whining.

The fact that your gas and food bills have tripled and your par has not is all in your head. Idiot!!!! Why would anyone vote for the GOP???

Note, he doesn't talk about his own economic policies, just attacks his opponent.
You know why? Because he has no plan or record on the economy!

People just need to take responsibilty for themselves and not expect the gov't to bail them out.

Belle:

I can find 300 sports fans who will tell you that the Kansas City Royals will win the World Series.

Don't buy the hype!

Obama '08

McBush is digging his own grave.

Way to go Obama!! On the point and quick response!

As for "Belle"... I believe many economists actually said that McSame wouldn't be able to balance the budget by the end of his first term, and would still have a deficit of BILLIONS of dollars!!! Check your facts.

I know it is the "silly season of politics", but leaders and policy makers are so dilusional and out of touch with the people they serve. Why is it okay to borrow money from China to pay for the Iraq war, but it is not okay to intensively invest in our own country.
Maybe Gramm wants us to increase to a 7 day work week, then we won't have time to whine. Work harder, smarter is okay, but we need the playing field to be fair.

Mr.BHO, you of all sheeple should know that you are so full of it while you try to move to the center. I guess that is where you should have been from the get go. We , the center will not vote for you ever because you are such a flip-flopper and will only kill this great country of ours. Go Hillary.....

Awww, we like Dr. Phil.
Why?
Because WE ARE WAYNE AND WENDY WHINER
Whine, whine, whine.

A nation of whiners I think its true to a certain point alot of people want the government and others to always help them out everytime any little thing goes wrong I consider it a weakness.

Nation of Whiners?? He's obviously talking about the PUMA/Hillary people. Now there's your whiners who need Dr. Phil in a bad way!

Hey Belle, July 10th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Obviously you suffer from lack of information because the majority of the 300 economists that signed his economic plan, signed it before the details were made available. They thought they signing a letter of support of McCain himself and his economic principles. Now that the majority of them have seen the plan, they are getting as far away from that plan as possible. Don't be an uneducated voter. Do research before taking a position!!

I forgot.

Obama – 08 baby...
WMEV – (White Middle-Aged Educated Voter)

Hang him from the highest tree...gramm that is.

Phil Graham and McCain are both insensitive, out of touch elitest who don't have a clue, and furthermore, they don't care about anyone but the haves and have mores !
I can
It wait for OBAMA 08 !

To Belle:

Would these be the same economists that signed on to Hillary Clinton's plan? lol

try again

Belle, only 300 economists signed on McCain's Economic Plan? The republicans got 8 years to fix this problem including over 4 years majority in congress; they did not fix the economy, things are getting worse. I don't think that grandpa McCain will fix this problem but it is up to the voters to decide.

There are ten of thousands of economist in the USA, so having 300 is not a big deal. Maybe grandpa should have 10,000 signatures.

Belle – do some research, McCain's "balanced budget" includes "saved" funds from the war too, borrowing more money from China (that's how he's "cutting taxes, he's just borrowing from China) AND is optimistically "estimating" the dollar's value in the future. It's a scam pandering plan.

300 economists back McCain's plan? that's funny because over 2x that many say it doesn't work. These must be the same economists that have backed Bush and the "gas tax holiday"

What happened with Bear Stearns? Why are we still finding ways to bail out other Brokerage firms. Why are we looking to help people save their homes. The high price of oil is affecting the cost of living for most. Maybe you have to be a economic genius and financially comfortable like Gramm to see the silver lining in the economy.

I wish the government would "step-out" and give some families some relief.

Can we get rid of the original Dr. Phil while we're at it?

Belle, McCain's plan is garbage. He leaves off the gas tax holiday and the deficit. How many economists would sign off on it if he had those ridiculous proposals on it?

CNN, WHY DO YOU CONCENTRATE ON OBAMA, AND NOT ON MCCAIN'S

long list of Flip-Flops on national issues and voting records;
lack of Statesmenship re: inappropriate jokes on Iranain genocide;
and light-hearted responses to serious issues?

Obama's mockery of a McCain supporter's comments is nothing compare to McCain's mockery of our country's foreign policies!

Right On Mr. President!

Obama '08

On the 300 Economists

You understand that the letter is a bait-and-switch right? When McCain says in a debate "Over 300 economists supported my economic plans, blah blah blah" he's not going to detail which exact planks of his economic platform they signed up to support. He'll imply that they supported all of his econmic ideas. You can support free trade and tax simplification and the unconstitutional line-item veto all you want but if you don't support all of his economic ideas, it's not a good idea to sign such a letter, which is an endorsement. Your argument simply doesn't float. No quarrels with signing the letter, my org's chief economist signed the letter too but that's just in the hope of some delicious gravy down the road. mmm... pork... gravy....

It also leaves out two big chunks of McCain's economic argument: the gas tax holiday and his promise to balance the budget by the end of his first term - there's literally nothing in the release that mentions the deficit or national debt.

Why does the media print ANYTHING from people from Texas?!

Virginia loves Obama.

Don't knock Dr. Phil

Obama/Hillary 08!! A Super Team:)

Once again, an Obama opponent caught flat-floated and leveled with the the Democratic nominee's jujitsu style.

Gramm's comments were laughable. People know if they're broke or not, whether they can pay the bills or not. The economy is one thing the GOP cannot lie about, which is why they are getting creamed on the issue.

Obama and McCain, I would like you to each make your economic plans available online so I can compare them, side-by-side, to make an informed decision. Thank you.

His plan to balance the budget by the end of his term just proves he's suffering from alzheimers. Thank's to GW's policies, our great grandchildren will suffer the burden of our fiscal incompetence. I don't want to pay taxes for irresponsible spending. If times get tough, then so be it. Extend the tax break? My a–.

Both of you BOZO just admit that John McCain is better than your BOZO Obama. Just suck it up that the Hispanic people will pull through for John McCain. That is why the Liberals Dem ARE MORONS. I happen to be a Dem but OBAMA is not ready to be the Commander of Chief, he Flip Flop, is words are not to be trusted, and frankly OBAMA Suck. Just ask Jesse Jackson he want to cuts his Nuts off!!!!!!

Hispanic for McCain

At least he's talking about it.....and as for why 300 economists signed on to McCain's Econ Plan is because he needs ALL the help he can get. They both need it actually...they are inheriting a mess. To clean this up may be a 4 year job.

The republicans really think the economy is strong!! They just spend money they don't have and we are in a trillion dollar deficit but the economy is great!!

Dr. No strikes again. Shoot at McCain's plan when you heve none of your own.

Belle comment: July 10th, 2008 3:17 pm ET
"why don't you actually explain WHY 300 economists signed on to McCain's Economic Plan…why he can vow to balance the budget by the end of his first term…."

Obama comment:
"Let's be clear, when people are struggling with the rising costs of everything from gas to groceries, when we've lost 438,000 jobs over the past six months, when the typical family has lost a $1,000 of income in real terms since George Bush took office…this economic downturn is not in your head,"

Bella, How will McSame balance the buget if we are stay in IRAQ for 100 years????

I will be SO glad when this is over and McCain is President. We will not have to listen to this drivel anymore!

MCCAIN THE PUPPET AND PHILL GRAMM THE MASTER........

America is FULL of Whiners... every day I here people complain about gas prices when America has had cheap gas and drive huge cars for years! They complain because they lost there house that they could not afford in the first place...

America has been used to WAY to high of a standard of living go live in another country in Europe... Its in your head people... I can not afford to fill my tank of gas but I can still get my $5 cup of joe and oh im in a SUV or Mini Van...

Obama sucks

Nader 08'

Belle my dear the "300 economists" were lied to. It seems that those who see McSame as the great savior of America have also been blindsided. McSame states Gramm does not speak for him then why in the heck is that guy part of his campaign.

Obama 2008!

300 Economists were duped into signing a short statement of "support" which was then attached to the15 page plan. In interviews with more than a dozen of the signatories, Politico found that, far from embracing McCain’s economic plan, many were unfamiliar with — or downright opposed to — key details.

Belle

I know it must be humble pie to the McSame camp supporters who hear that when you go to the pump and pay $4.50 a gallon is not real, it's just an illusion.. LOL

Belle who do you think those economists are? What gives you any inkling that a Republican can fix the economy. The last three have run it into the ground. Clinton was really the only one to spend what money was taken in. There is no way in HELL McCain will be able to balance the budget by the end of his first term (which barring a fixed vote won't even happen). He will keep sinking money into IRAQ and further sell our countries future up the river.

So...apparently the McCain campaign believes we're "whiners" becasue of the mortgage crisis, gas prices, and the cost of our groceries. Certainly sounds like they're calling us "bitter", eh? Better yet, if we're whiners...are we also not being sufficiently patriotic? Republicans are SO out of touch!

Tell them Obama. As a kid whose mother was on food stamps for a time, you can empathize with people in the US that are struggling.

To a man who earns like Gramm does, all people who cannot afford to pay their bills are whinning.

How dare people feel the troubles set by the GOPs for past eight years, how dare people feel the pain. Gramm is angry, he wants people to suffer in silence

Awesome!! We love you Obama and McCain is going bye bye....

I'm whining my way through November when I can vote for someone I can believe in–Barack Obama.

go to Calirfornia, Michigan, Indiana and tell blue collar workers lack of jobs or that lay-offs is all in your head. What a FREAKIN Idiot. Unemployment might be low but if 75% of people are working at McDonald's to make ends meet because the factory was shut down doesn't compensate to the same standard, Hillary Supporters you guys are either racist, lack the political knowledge or... God know what; if you think that McCain stands for the same things as Hillary. Or Maybe just nuts,
I support Obama and donated to Hillary\ thanks America

Actually former senator Phil Gramm was referring to whining leaders.
It appears that Sen. Obama has proven his point.

Belle, please do your research – both McCain and Obama plan on helping the economy from a war that is waged on BORROWED money!

McCain can promise all he wants. There is no way we can stay in Iraq and Afghanistan, keep the tax cuts and balance the budget in 4 years... Who's hoping now? Talk about false hope!

I was elected last month to lead the "Deport Phill Gramm from Texas" program this summer. Ross Perot would be better at it since he was the only that understood that the giant sucking sound was partly our old baffoon Phill.

Now we get to hear all of the McCain supporters bash Obama for jumping all over Phil's stupid comment. Even though McCain and the rest of the GOP still try to revive Obama's "bitter" statement. How does it feel now that the shoe is on the other foot?

Those 300 economists signed on to John McWar's plan because he promised them cushy jobs in his government if he gets elected. That's how the republicans increased the size of government by 60% over Bush's eight years and will keep on doing it while yelling : "Oh gosh, oh gee, tax and spend..."

Phil's right. yes gas prices are higher, but in line with inflation. Yes food is up as well but thats also because our Democratic Congress continues to pay farmers to sit on their arse and not grow. Their are plenty of jobs if you take the time to go to school and work hard. We expect to be paid to sit and complain. Why are so many people successful and others so jealous. Refinancing your house an taking out tens of thousans of dollars to buy new cars then complaining you can't pay the higher house payment. Get real their is no free lunch and housing was going up unrealistically fast. Your house is not an ATM

just imagine what the mcbush believe, that we are a nation of whiniers. pls god make this election to be tomorrow lets go to the polls and see if we are whiniers.

The other day while shopping for groceries at wal-Mart, I saw a woman pick up an apple, weighed it on a scale...she frowned, and literally tossed it back in the bin. I'm with Gramm...these folks need to stop this un-american whining, shucks!!!

McNugget should be grilled the same way Obama was last week over Wesley Clark's comments.

To be fair, McCain should accept full responsibility for the remark and then rebuke himself.

Today McFlip...Tomorrow McFlop!

I wonder if McCain is still against the McCain-Kennedy bill today?

The republicans drive a bus over our feet and now they are upset because we cant walk straight. "Quit whinning about it...atleast you still have your arms" thats what abusers do....they hit you where it hurts and then make you look small for being upset over it. they want to abuse us and get away with it....they dont want to be held accountable for the great depression we are facing

Economists signed onto McCain's plan? Are those the same economists he disregarded to give the people what they want with his gas tax repeal? How do you spell pandering?!
Carly, Phil, Conrad and most of McCains top advisors seem a bit out of step with the old guy-or do they speak the truth of his views? Bit more shuffling of McCains leadership team will be happening. What a joke.

Have faith, Dr. Phill – when he becomes the Secy of Treasury – will fix the economy.

And Mr. McCain will balance the budget $10 trillion in debt+reduce taxes+ pay for Iraq war.

Oops the Iraq war is not included in the budget.

Actually, Belle, if you did any reading, you would know that most of the economists aren't on board, and many listed have openly disagreed with many of McCain's economic plans.

Good try though.

And this clown thinks he can solve things. Please. If we could bottle Obama's ego and put it the gas tank we could solve our economic problems, but alas, it's just so much hot air.

Belle

, I don't know if you heard the lastest news but the story about the economists signing on to mccains plan is a lie and the economist said that. Better do your research before you go telling the story.

Belle – you are a bold faced liar. No one signed on to McCain's economic plan and economist said he it was total garbage and would not work. You can't cut taxes and pay down debt. DUHHH!!!! Don't tell us how he will save a few pennies by cutting ear marks.

Sure save a few million then waste a few trillion with war and tax cuts. Its basic math and easy to understand.

+millions – trillions will always === -TRILLIONS

Mccain's top economy advisior SLAM the American people saying that the american people are A"Nation Of Whiners" and high gas prices and high food prices and people losing thier homes and the working people struggling trying to feed thier families are mental and this is in our minds!!! How DARE Mccain's top economy advisior said or think such a thing and how could any one vote for Mccain because Mccain don'nt understand the economy and what the american people are going through

LOL, this is funny. Keep talking Graham, I'd love to hear what millionaires think about the whiners of the country. I guess he says "Let them eat cake".

Oh yes, I'll be whining all the way to the ballot poll to vote for Barack Obama.

Obama 08

Obama, please stop "whining."

BELLE,

300 DOES NOT REPRESENT ANYTHING WHEN SPEAKING ABOUT THE LIFE OF 300 MILLION.

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

Dr Phil...thats a good one!! I love how quick the Obama campaign jumped on this. Gramm's remarks are not going to help with the blue collar vote. I am sure we will be hearing more from this has-been moron
No country for Old Men

Obama 08'

Well, I am angry that Sen. Obama says it's not all in our minds, because I was going to spend the day telling myself all my bills are paid and my salary has been doubled...but now my plans to be in a better financial state are shot.

Belle..... Where did you get the facts that said that McCain will balance the budget? His website says he is for more tax cuts and continuation of the war..... How will that balance the budget????? Get Real!

mental recession = GOP

How exactly could Gramm's comments have been misinterpreted?

Just who's the elitist, out of touch, arrogant loser?

McCain needs his campaign bus back so he can throw this joker under it.

Gee, isn't that Obama's role? he's the one who continually complains and tries to position himself as the ONLY one with all of the answers.

Hey Barack...shouldn't you be teaching your kids Spanish or French?

Belle, give it a break.... McCain and his party is out of touche ( Maybe you can afford to eat now... but by the time McCain gets into office... a gallon a milk will be twenty dollars..... you will be just ashateful as you are now......McCain plans such.... he can't even spell ECONOMY!

Gramm is seriously so out of touch and McLame, well, they are two peas in a pod. I bet it's difficult for Gramm to see from that Ivory Tower with all his dirty Eron and UBS money blocking the view. What a sad time for the US.... I just hope we make it to 2009. (Belle...you might want to read up a bit more on those 300 economists before you just spew campaign rhetoric.)

STOP in your tracks

enough of bashing
we have a mess in this country and obama and hillary will fix it

@ belle...that 300 economist cosignment is extemely flawed accounts. go to politico.com and they broke it down that those people merely cosigned on small portions of the economic plan, but pretty much all of them disagree with the notion that with this plan the national debt would be balanced within 4 years.

in fact, ONE of those people are actually OBAMA supporters...

I saw this. What a total loser. He really thinks he's the man. He's so arrogant.

Gramm is an economist (i studied economics and believe me all economist are a bit weird) and what he said is totally true. he didnt mention the american people, he was talking about government and media. we are in a growing economy and now this is out the real truth might come out. foreclosures are happening becuase we were all too greedy and wanted to borrow more then we could afford to buy as big a house as possible. unfortunately the economy is always going to be up and down, and now its down so people do suffer. it will grow again though, so just be positive for a change.

Truth Hurts!

Come on Belle...name THREE economists that believe in McBushes policy. Hell McSame doesn't even belive it ! Him balancing the budget in 4 years is about as likely as a snowball making it in hell.

I have a difficult time believing that a 'small intellectual elite' can manage the affairs of the economy better than millions of profit motivated Americans. Obama should stop trying to convince people he has a magic economic crystal ball and let the markets readjust themselvees.

CNN reported for almost 2 years that homes were selling way above market value. People knew that taking ARM mortgages and interest-only mortgages were risky.. McCain's advisor is correct, sometimes in life people need to take responsibility for their actions. Typical Democrat pandering.

Also as a GOPer, I have to laugh...actually kind of witty on Obama's part. Gramm really came across as out of touch and Obama did a good job of making it seem so.

Belle, what 300 economist.. the same ones who rejected the empty gas tax suspension? Oh, lest not forget that McCain requires "victory in Iraq and Afgan to get to a balance budget. Thats like saying we will have a successfull corn crop as soon as I learn how to make it rain..

Belle July 10th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Oh yes Senator Obama…do your mocking thing again….why don't you actually explain WHY 300 economists signed on to McCain's Economic Plan…why he can vow to balance the budget by the end of his first term….

HEY OBAMA I WILL TAKE THIS ONE FOR YOU!!

Hey Belle. It is easy.. It has been reported all over the news that many of those people who " Signed" it not only DID NOT AGREE some were not even privy to most of what it contained. Also MUCH of it was added AFTER they signed it a even some of them DO NOT EVEN WANT MCCAIN for President.

The Backlash was so hot that even MCCAIN HIMSELF had to flip flop once again to add that Social Security and Medicare were not included in his Balanced Budget either....then he just gave up on the whole thing as an issue because hundreds of the people he claimed supported this plan came out and said " uuuhhh NO I Don't"

I am glad to help you avoid spreading false news and when you need anymore help just ask.

That is all.

It really kills me when people don't take the time to go to Barack's website and actually READ his plans before popping off that he does not offer any! Take the time to become informed and you make actually learn something in the process!

Belle,

Why don't you explain why just about every analyst / economist has panned McCain's talk about balancing the budget in 4 years? Pander much?

Give the corporations $300 billion in tax cuts and pay for it by stopping $18 billion in earmarks...that's McCain math for ya.

Obama '08

It's obvious we need a changing of the gaurd... if anyone out there actually thinks we should 'stay the course' with the GOP in the executive branch, they should really have their head examined... by a real Dr., not Phil.

I guess the fact that I was laid off because they closed the store I worked at for 13 years,is a figment of my imagination. I worked for Carrier Air ( United Tech ) for almost 13 years in South Florida.
In May of 2007, the company re-upped for the lease on the bldg. for 5 more years, until 2012.They also spent 50-75000.00 dollars to remodel the showroom.This past June ,they closed the store.
I guess the economy is not bad for people like Phil Gramm.
Dave Platt Hollywood Fla.

Gramn should have kept his mouth shut. If you don't make a statement or divulge a policy until a debate all Obama can do is talk hope and change. His brain is as empty as the suit he wears except for it being full of waste. He hasn't got Clinton for him and his campagin to copy off and make inteeligent statements.I'm glad the far wing left liberals with the democrat leadership stole this election from clinton. She would have won this years general election easy.

The Republicans are so out of touch with America... its really a shame that this is still a race.....

Let's be clear, the republicans have done enough damage!
Its a shame that people have to choose between food and gas!

The American economy is in the toilet because of George W. Bush.

Signed,
an American whiner

That is exactly what rich people like McCain and Bush think. They don't see any problems with $4 gas and depressed wages. How could they when they have millions in the bank. The GOP are the elitist.

The fact that Bush didn't know gas was $4 and then acted like it must not be true since he didnt heat about it says it all. He is not a regular guy. He hasn't had a real job until he was 40 and lived off of dad's money and name. McCain gets to live off he dad's name and his wife's 100 million beer money. Down to earth??? Are you out of your mind?

Strongly agree. Then he comes out and tries to lie to us again. Shame on him and McCain.

This is it? Jesse Jackson's comments about Obama are front-page material for two full days, but Gramm saying American's are delusional gets buried in the ticker, with the headline, "Obama Mocks Gramm", as though you are not-so-subtly trying to make Obama the offender?

Disgusting, CNN.

Excuse me, Belle, but out of the so called 300 economists, most of them did not agree with McCain in the most important points, and some didn't even know he had quoted them. What kind of people talk like this? Phil Graham is just disgusting and always was. I was hoping he had slithered back to Texas for good.

Belle July 10th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Oh yes Senator Obama…do your mocking thing again….why don't you actually explain WHY 300 economists signed on to McCain's Economic Plan…why he can vow to balance the budget by the end of his first term….
----------------------------------–
This deserves to be mocked...unless you feel that you too are imagining $4.50 a gallon and 400,000 in jobs lost...and for the economic story..they were all mainly conservative economists, the report they signed off on had nothign about driling off-shore or abotu a gas-tax holiday and many just simply signed onto it because they supported mccain, even without even reading the report....this was reported on politico.com yesterday

I will be so glad when the elections and these stupid news articles are over with! I don't believe any politician is going to "fix" anything but their own selfish gains!

This is the kind of campaign rhetoric we want to hear from Obama than him defending himself on issues we already know he didn't shift his stance on. He should hit McCain where it hurts. Phil Gramm is one of McCain's campaign economic adivers. So, McCain should not claim that what Phil said doesn't represent his campaigns view. It sure does.

With comments like this-it just proves that the McCain camp doesn't really care about the American people. Ignoring all the facts. They're not true patriots. Why should anyone vote for them? They just want the rich to get richer and the poor to get more poor...sounds just like another Bush Campaign to me!

Humor that makes an excellent point is a deadly weapon.

This is worse then "bitter" gate, clearly McBush is the one out of touch.

Belle,
McCain will never balance the budget in his first term. Stop drinking the Right Wing Kool Aid. Are those same 300 economists that think his Gas Tax Relief is a joke as well? And you can't balance a budget when you are already 400 billion in the hole and climbing from the borrowed war! Nice try though

McCain and his folks really have no idea how bad people are struggling. They are sitting in D.C. with their expensive cars, big houses, maids that clean for them and cook anything they wish to eat. Real America is not like that and we need someone that understands how badly we are suffering. Obama certainly understands that more than McBush.

give them hell Obama. This Repub party is one BIG joke. It is not in my head when I have to pay over $250 in gas for two cars every single week. If it in my head or I am dreaming, please slap me and wake me up!

It's smart of Barack to comment, but I wouldn't trivialize it. This is very serious–McCain's finance manager just said that the dismal economy is in our heads. Don't make light of it.

The Republicans are so out of touch... with America.... its really a shame that this is still a race....

I saw Obama in Georgia this week and he was great. We need a President who can make you laugh when you want to cry and not another President who only makes you laugh because of something stupid he's said.

Ironically, Obama has poo-pooed every idea put out there by either party while failing to come up with even a whisper of an idea of his own. This is the worst kind of politics – the politics of 'No'. Kind of a contrast to 'Yes, we can', isn't it?

Well certainly one thing Gramm said is true, the media panders to bad news, problems, and superficial thinking. In Eugene Oregon, I am fed minor crime stories from the east coast in order to keep up the perception of threat from crime. I read on school shootings in the media and suddenly its the fad and copy cats are everywhere. The media bandwagon, whether for Obama, global warming, or whatever is about a shallow as shallow can be.

Obama is a smart man. Can't wait for him to be president!

Great job Obama. It's good to know I'm not crazy!!!

OBAMA/SEBELIUS!!!!!

What a simple concept: a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Thank you Barack Obama.

Time for McCain to throw Gramm under that Straight Talk Express bus.

He's right... & he made a clever refference to Dr. Phil... isn't this guy's name "Phil"? Who cares? Dr. Phil is well-known & considered down-to-Earth.. maybe they should take it as a compliment

-V

I see he is back to his smart-aleck attitude which I think is his real self–mocking McCain for something he did not say and was not responsible for. I am starting to have a lot of respect for McCain–he has not smeared Obama, but is trying to stay on message. Obama spends a lot of time posturizing, apologizing, and, generally trying to cover his gaffes in the form of this "sarcastic, mocking " attitude. I guess he has to keep his "young " base, who find this lack of respect hilarious and endearing.

Obama is DA MAN!!!! Just his mention of Dr. Phil was awesome. We do have one idiot in our country, don't need another one. Go Obama. You are funny.

C'MON CNN be the first to call this MUCH bigger than "Bittergate"

Okay, I know you'll never post this... but here I go anyway....

When CNN buries stories like Gramm's comments to the ticker section, is that because they've gotten so comfortable over the past 7 years being nothing more than paid cheerleaders for the Republican party that they just want to keep it that way, no matter how bad the GOP is messing up this nation?

Go get him Barack!

Yes we can!

All the way to the White House!

Tell them about Phil Gramm and UBS and Enro`n? To think that Phil Gramm is McCains economic advisor?

Even as a GOP'er, I cracked up when I heard Obama's "Dr. Phil" comment. That was hilarious because they even sound alike too, listen to them!!

One thing about him, he's got a good sense of humor!!

Oh yes Senator Obama...do your mocking thing again....why don't you actually explain WHY 300 economists signed on to McCain's Economic Plan...why he can vow to balance the budget by the end of his first term....

AND HOW you plan to pay for your programs when they are funded from saving money from a war that is waged on BORROWED money!

Obama has never had a real job, never been a boss, never owned
a company basically he just shakes down suckers for cash. How
would he know anything about the economy. The guy is a phony

I have one thing to say. You PUMA/Hillary or McCain people had better get prepared to lose again in the fall

Common Sense Will Win in 2008.

Way to go Barack... tell em'