CNN

To all of us that supported HRC.. If HRC had won, and all Obama's supporters did not unite around her, could she have had clear shot.? If No, then the time has come not to forget, but to forgive, unite and also support the representative of our party, that has also been endorsed by HRC.. The stake is too high, the opportunities are enourmous.. Dem 08..

McCain claimed he was going to run a clean campaign, but what are we seeing, all sort of lies and distortions from him. He is not an honest person!

I really feel that McCain still does not get it.He is constantly talking about winning and losing.It was and is the wrong war!It is time we start to worry about AMERICA and let Iraq take care of itself!

If the surge is working so well; why did we lose 1,000 plus soldiers since the surge? Had we left as Obama stated; we probably wouldn't have lose additional people.

Dan: what are you talking about dude??? McCain's decision to support the war caused over 4,121 deaths...if you think that's good judgement and "saved lives", then your a nut-job

SO McSAME HAS 26 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE SO WHERE HAS IT GOTTEN U.S A WAR THAT WAS TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR ACOMPLETE BLUNDER THAT SHOWS HIS JUDGEMENT IS FLAWED. AND HAS BEEN FLAWED FOR THE DURATION OF HIS PUBLIC SERVICE. 95% OF HIS VOTES IN THE SENATE HAVE BEEN ALONG PARTY-LINES(GWB YEARS). OBAMA "08"

To Dan,

Have you ever considered his iniital judgement of being against the war in the first place and how most Americans feel it was a mistake to go to Iraq. Us not going to Iraq would have saved thousands of killed and injured soldiers. This whole "surge" argument is going to blow up in McCain's face since this whole week he said nothing in relation to his policies, all he did was distort and criticize Obama's. Folks want issues, people want substance and Obama gives substance and a plan. I have heard no plan from McCain, just everything anti-obama. I am glad that everyone is going to Obama's position on the 16-months (see Iraqi Prime Minister), the focus on Afghanistan (see McCain and joint chief of Staff) and to have some type of diplomatic talks with Iran (see President Bush). All these things Obama called for a while ago and McCain is just now getting on board. Obama is leading the trends and the discussion and has clear foresight and judgement to be an oustanding leader of this country.

Obama 2008 AND 2012

With all of McCain's criticism of Obama's stance on the surge, and McCain's repeated questioning of Obama's judgment, can someone please ask McCain about his judgment in being a vocal supporter of this war in the first place.

If this is indeed going to be an election based upon judgment, as Hagel (and I) hope it will be, we should at least be talking about the whole story of this war and not just the surge. Even if you are granted that Obama was completely against the surge (and by the way, according to Petraeus, the goals of the surge, i.e. political reconciliation, have not yet been achieved, so we can put our mission accomplished banners away for now) can we still agree that on the far larger and more important decision of how to pursue the "War on Terror" that Obama's judgment was correct in that going to Iraq was a mistake and that Afghanistan and bin Laden should be our focus.

McCain was one of the primary supporters of attacking Iraq, while Obama believed that we should remain focused on Afghanistan and finding bin Laden and AQ. Whose judgment should really be in question here?

Why does McCain continue to want a pat on the back for a war that never should have occurred?? Of course, sending more troops is going to be effective. However, why are we there in the first place? There were never any WMDs – remember? So, why do we want to stay there? Doesn't anyone see the irony in this? Perhaps it's true that Bush et al only want to stay there for the oil! That seems to be the only thing that makes sense in why McCain feels the need to want to stay there when supposedly the surge has been effective. We seem to get more and more to the reason why we went there in the first place.

Our economy is suffering and people are losing their homes in record numbers. Yet, McCain wants to continue spending $10 billion a month – yes billion – on a war that should have never started and when we have an opportunity to pull out successfully.

...And McCain's only interest is in winning??? How do the Iraqi's win here? We've lost over 4,000 men and women there. However, what you don't hear much with the media is that the Iraqis have lost 20 times that amount. So, how do they win by the US pulling out in 16 months. McCain, it's not about losing or winning. It's about getting rid of your pride and saving this country before our children not have a future to look forward to.

I get a kick out of McCain. He talks about success and failure but doesn't define either one. He talks about the dramatic change in Iraq since the surge. Yeah, maybe violence has gone down in Iraq, but it's up in Afghanistan. The last report I read said that around 200 fighters overran a U.S. observation post and tried to take a post. This is supposively a common thing. Am I the only one realize that the surge has just caused the terrorists to reallocate themselves to Afghanistan? What McCain thinks we need is someone to confuse Iraq and Iran, Shiite and Sunni, etc., but I have to disagree with him "on this very important issue."

Obama/Hagel '08!

I question McCain's judgement for voting the war in Iraq. Why didn't he question Bush preemptive war then?

I agree with Reed. There are at least two too many important problems to waste any time listening to what John McCain has to say.

Hey Dan and other McCain supporters,
The biggest question is if you think McCain has good judgement then why did he vote to limit the troops in Afghan and start the unwarranted war in Iraq?
Shouldn't we have gone after Al Qaeda? Wasn't that our mission? If so then we had to get them in Afghan & Pakistan border. Why were we even in Iraq?

By the way, if you think that the surge saved lives imagine how many lives would have been saved if we didn't go to Iraq? How much money would have been saved? Time saved since McCain wants to stay in Iraq forever?

As for "Voter" comment, you happen to have forgotten what happened when McCain went to the Middle East. McCain looked like Lieberman's puppet. McCain made the mistakes then Lieberman had to explain everything to McCain!

What war is <cCain talking about that he would rather win than be president? The Irak war was over years ago. What we now have is a police action to try to unravel the mess we made when we invaded an innocent country. How much blood shed was there in Irak before we invaded their country took over their oil wells and had their leader hanged.? If he is proud of that,and wants to waste more American lives, then as comander in chief, he must be thinking another(little) war would be nice to show the world we are a strong and peace loving people.

Will McCain give an impromtu speech overseas when he is president? Did he look presidential when he was overseas? Why doesn't he excite people like Obama? It is apparent that the people overseas know smart when they engage in conversation.And it certainly isn't McCain. He is redundant. If I hear about that surge again, I will scream. After all, we have become a nation of whiners.

Hey "Dan", if it was up to Obama 4000 people would have never DIED in Iraq.

So, sorry...a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 41 point blowout is not a game breaker.

Oabam 08'

We did not need a "surge" to last as long as it did. A Surge is suppose to be a short period of time so in fact it has not accomplished what it was set out to do. Of course things got better, but look we are still there pretending it will become a perfect union. That is just not reallistic. I'm sure the generals don't want to say much since Bush is still Com in Chief.

2nd yes we have lost many of lives and trillions for a false war. It is what the country know and Obama, I even think Bush gets it now.
Way to recognize we need to move on! GIve the USA some love and concern!

DEMS 08'

calling the "Surge" a success is like Bush claiming "Mission Accomplished" in Iraq.

Dan, for the record, John McCain did not bring down the violence in Iraq. John McCain has not raised a single weapon against an "insurgent" in Iraq. The fact that you would credit John McCain with what is going on in Iraq is a shame. One would hope that you would credit those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in the armed forces for bringing down the violence, and not some politician who is bound to this (alleged) "war" by his ties to its ill fated origin.

If you want to look at past decisions, why simply stop at the "surge"? Why not go back to the origins of this "war"? John McCain said the invasion would be quick and not produce much American bloodletting. Those comments turned out to be untrue, and he is smart to keep them out of the conversation, and continue to focus on the surge.

It was John McCain himself that said only a fool loves war. Well, go to youtube and watch the clips of him talking about this war in its pre-invasion stage and be sure to check out the smile he wears on his face as he talks about the war. Only a fool, indeed.

What do you think they are going to say... he has no experience so he has to say he has good judgement.

He has neither (with a Rev. like Wright and friends like Rezko and Ayers who can trust this creep)

Of course judgement is more important than the so called experience. Obama is too young to have the "experience" old Mr. McSame has.
The only thing this old man is talking about is surge surge surge .....
Sounds like a broken record already.
Obama's explanation is making much more sense than the old man's insistence. Hey, Vietnam is over a long time ago, but McSame makes it sound like we are right in the middle of it, talking about "victory" etc etc. But he gives absolutely no explanation re. the meaning of it.
I hope that's not the only thin he can up with. It is absolutely painful to watch this man speaking. Sometimes I feel sorry for him.

These are intelligent, well-respected members of Congress who are providing positive feedback on BO's overseas trip. Those against Obama might say that Reed is pandering and supporting his party's candidate, but what excuse can you give for Hagel's very obvious support of BO over his friend and party's candidate, McCain? He is crossing party lines in order to give his honest opinion as to whom should be the next POTUS. I thank him for his candor and his willingness to buck the Republican machine.

With the nauseating experience the Republicans have provided, time for a change. Obama and his advisors' good judgment and vision have our vote.

Voter, awww, you must be really jealous "little" man. I know these are scary times for you, don't worry, I'm sure someone will hold your hand through all this. *sniff*

McCain is a confused old man who likes war. He needs
to retire. I think the man is dangerous. Period.

Who do this pundits on TV supporting McSame seem to confuse? Not me anyway. I listen to the candidate not spins or somebody's personal opinion. America be smart and trust your own judgement by listening to the candidates not pundits.
The future of your nation is in your hand not in the hand of pundits with personal interests.
Hope this will help

McCain also bragged he knows how to get Bin Laden but wouldn't reveal his secrets during an interview with Wolf Blitzer. This was right after he said he knows how to win wars! Imagine all those wasted American lives dying for these two causes while this man sat back and kept the answers all to himself....the audacity.
I must say I was struck dumb thinking you all have such a brilliant man among you who knows how to solve these two pressing problems yet he just grins and keeps it to himself. He says if he were elected he would do these things. Sounds like blackmail to me............or severe dementia!

The decrease in violence has mainly been caused by the Sunni Awakening, the Al-Sadr ceasefire, and altered tactics of making your enemy your friend by the US military. These events were not caused by the surge. The troop surge has been helpful but is only one small part of the story. There was never a great battle where the US simply overwhelmed the opposition in sheer numbers.

We would not have needed a surge if the RIGHT decision had been made about the Iraq war to start with – and that is to NOT go to war with Iraq but take care of Afghanistan first. If the surge is so successful then why are we not bringing troops home? Right now it is just an occupation of a country.

After listening to McSame and Obama tonight I am more convinced than ever that we do not need McSame in the White house. He claims that he knows how to win wars – which war did he win? As I recall he was a POW.

No – we NEED President Obama not a repeat of George Bush.

Mccain Lacks The Judgement To Be President! He Is Also A Liar!

We should get that Cathholic Priest to do a take-off on MCain. His constatnt pleading to anyone who will listen is reminiscent of the Priests' ridicule of Hilary, where she bawled about being entitled to the nomination.. He seems so whiny about insisting that he be given special recognition for the success of the Surge. He feels that this entitles him to be president. The fact of the matter is that we could invade and occupy any country, and would encounter resistance, but with our superior military technolohy, would eventually wear down the resistance...as long as Americans were willing to bear the cost in blood and treasure. Look out France, you may be next.....especially the way your president fawned over Barrack.

hey DAN, if people had sense enough to listen to Obama's good judgment five years ago then it would've saved 4000+ American lives and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi ones. Just because the "surge" has slowed the violence, doesn't mean this joke of a war is suddenly a success. No one should be patted on the back for slightly improving a miserable ill-planned quagmire. McCain is going to continue to leave our troops in harm's way for NO REASON WHATSOEVER. I dare you to tell me what this war has accomplished.

Dan, I feel sorry down to the bottom of my stomach when people of limited knowledge like you would not find out the fact before jumping into the arena of intellectual discussion thereby making themselves fools in the public. The fact remains that your candidate-McCain voted to authorise the death of over 4000 Americans in by dragging us into a civil war of another far away country that has nothing to do with the savety and security of our USA; all because of his bad and wisdomless judgement. If you care to know, Americans are tired of war loving President we want a Peace loving President. Barack Obama is a peace loving candidate, and he will be our next Peace-loving President.

Judgment more important than experience? Looks like Obama stands very close to King Solomon himself on judgment.

Dan /SAVING LIVES why don't you wake up ? can you read or have you forgot McBush/Cheney and all their crooked lier fallowers went in to Iraq and started this war for no reason .............................. just to fill their bank accounts /Mc Haliburton and have not only killed over 4,000 Warriors and injured thousands for the rest of their lives not to mention all the Iraq thousands of People killed /injured .
Put your surge in your ear since you don't want to hear the real truth about the McBush gang.
The reason McWar got in Naval accademy \was his Grandpa / Daddy in Military paving McWars was /he had lowest grades of all there . If it was any other person with no smarts as McWar they would not be admitted ........
It wasn;'t what he knew it was who he knew his old Grandpappy and Daddy.

DAN July 27th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

The surge is working and save so many lives and that's because of McCain's goog judgement while Obama was and is still against the surge. How many lives has Obama 's judgement saved since he's become US senator? 0. Obama was hoping the surge would fail and many more kids would get blown up for his own political gains. Obama has had no plans or judgement on saving lives. Who would you trust your kids with? McCain who dramatically brought the monthly violence down or Obama who has done nothing to save your kids in Iraq except criticize the surge. Obama has no judgement when it counts.

Wow i thought people are smart now not just say things just because they hate but say things with facts.The surge in iraq worked cause america had to bribe the tribal leaders in iraq even if you ask a 10yrs old will tell you why it worked it was in the news so many times but i guess you are to deaf to hear facts before criticizing and let me ask you why are you not in iraq fighting too let me gues you did your part already and that will be vietnam which was a war america never won and maccain lead not to even say he knows about war ask a kid 13yr old in africa they know about war and know how to win one.
Get your head out of the basket and quit drinking so that you may know what is happening around you.

"Hagel says judgment more important than experience"

....and boy does Obama have bad judgement.....Wright, Bill Ayers..

ONE THING HOW IS MCCAIN GETTING CREDIT FOR SOMETHING THAT BUSH DID HE IS THE PRESIDENT L;EAST UNTILJAN08 , THIS OLD MAN TAKE CREDIT FOR A LOT OF THING HE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MCCAIN WHAT A JOKE HE IS.

Mc Cain supported the war in Iraq from the start .. yes, he lacks judgment as a man who claims he has military experience this was a HUGE NEGATIVE for him ..

And those claiming the Surge worked should know that other factors contributed towards the the quell in violence in Iraq .. this could have also been the case without the surge

If we never went into Iraq into the 1st place there would have never been a Surge, we wouldn't have wasted billions on dollars in and unnecessary war & we wouldn't have lost over 4000 Americans soldiers on this unnecessary war

All you hear from Mc Cain & his pathetic supporters is "A NOUN, A VERB & SURGE/IRAQ

MC CAIN LACKS JUDGMENT NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

You talk about the surge like it's a good thing. This surge was brought on by so many American soldiers and innocent Iraqi citizens dying day after day. The war has cost billions of dollars and more importantly thousands of lives. I feel like we now live in fear more because of this war than before. The only war we should be focused on is in Afghanistan. McCain talks how the surge is a good thing for us. This is only a good thing until the terrorist start recruiting more. Remember that McCain also said we should be thanking Bush for the oil prices falling. Isn't Bush the reason that the oil prices skyrocketeed? Why would I thank a person who has made my life worse? Obama 08/12

Spoken like a true war hero....I meant Hagel and Reed. Our own troops are praying for Obama as President. Those that doubt his Commander-in-Chief status should look to the troops for guidance.

this is to Dan!
I've never seen somebody so dumb in my life. How dumb? Maybe you forgot that it was McDumb that colaborated with his twin brother, bush, who unlawfully invaded, killed sadam and many other iraqi civilians for no sensible reason whatsoever.

I'll be thrilled if McIdiot could come out with not a old-man-reason for not applying a good judgement for going to Iraq in the 1st place. And he said "we are not succeeding in Iraq, we have succeeded." If we have succeeded like he said, why still wanna stay there for 100 more years.

He also wanna claim the credit of somebody else work by suggesting that the so-called "surge" happened before it was introduced bush in 2007. He just wanna keep running a fact-free campaign by whinning, lying, criticize, attact, attact and attact his opponent.

If he keep on doing these and the conservatives in main stream media keep helping him get away with it by not calling him on it, and if Obama do the same, likes of the whole Faux news, Anderson 000, wolf blitzer, Lou dumbs and others at CNN, afternoon Joe and David gregory and co. at msnbc would help re-enforce the criticism from mcbastard camp-pain.

July 27th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

DAN: The surge is working and save so many lives and that's because of McCain's goog judgement while Obama was and is still against the surge. How many lives has Obama 's judgement saved since he's become US senator? 0. Obama was hoping the surge would fail and many more kids would get blown up for his own political gains. Obama has had no plans or judgement on saving lives. Who would you trust your kids with? McCain who dramatically brought the monthly violence down or Obama who has done nothing to save your kids in Iraq except criticize the surge. Obama has no judgement when it counts.

If Obama had it his way...no soldiers would have died.....he opposed the illegal war....Dan you are such a DUH!!!

Dan -

You make it sound as if McCain has personally gone out and fought the surge all by himself.

By the way, if Senator McCain's judgement is so great, why does he keep appropriating Senator Obama's ideas as his own? Seems like if Senator McCain is all that smart, he could think of better solutions without stealing them from someone he has been constantly denigrating for the last few months.

To Dan and anyone else who thinks like that, consider some real judgement. Obama OPPOSED THE WAR! OPPOSED IT! MCCAIN SUPPORTED IT! We would have over 4,000 men and women still alive if we had not gotten into this stupid war with a country that never attacked us. Even Bush Sr. knew after Desert Storm when we kicked Saddam out of Kuwait that taking Iraq was a bad idea. We could have done it then but cooler heads prevailed. Then, after 9/11 hysteria sets in, guys like Bush jr. and McCain lose their judgement. But what do they care? They are just some rich guys who like war and don't mind sending young men and women to die!

McCain jokes about going to war with Iran while Obama speaks of dialouge and is made out to be soft. Don't fall for it!

Obama '08

Bush started the Iraq war with McCain's feverish support. Now the Pentagon refused Obama's request to visit wounded troups without cameras, and McCain lies about it. He was comfortable with Bush's lies; and he's comfortable with his own.

Really DAN (1st comment)?? Did McCain's good judgement protect the 4100+ soldiers (mostly kids) that have died as a result of the war he voted to authorize which we now know was waged under faulty pretenses? Why should we trust him with our kids when he already misjudged so badly by supporting a war he mistakenly thought would be quick and easy, that would pay for itself, that would be over in 3 months... he was SO WRONG then...why should we trust him now?! Your memory is incredibly short-term.

McCain is the worst person to have in the Whitehouse!! He can talk about the surge all he wants, the fact is a surge would not even be inthe picture if he has the JUDGEMENT to not fight a war that should not have been waged in the 1st place!!

But then again McSurge=McWar=McBush

McCain is a fool. How can anyone factually say that a strategy would not work. Obama had a strategy in place of the "surge" and McCain seems to believe he's a physic who can see that any other strategy wouldn't have worked. The surge happened over 1.5 years ago. It was supposed to originally be for 6 months, then a year, and now this. Has it stopped violence in Iraq. Yes, at the same time the violence in Afganistan has increased substantially. Basically the surge just pushed the insurgents out of Iraq and into Afghanistan. So McCain's surge helped Iraq while at the same time hurt Afghanistan. Why is the media not reporting any of the statistics of the violence going up in Afghanistan just as the surge in Iraq has quelled the violence there? Look at the facts. McCain is a moron.

McCain is an idiot! He can't read a tele-prompter. He declines question and answer conferences. That's because he can't answer questions. What wars has he won? What bread and butter issues did he discuss when he had the chance. All he did was whine and criticize Obama when he wanted him to go overseas. Be careful what you wish for?
If McCain is elected, we are all in trouble. He is a warmonger with an explosive temper.

Mcsame support of the war cost the life of 4000 U.S. soldiers and more then 100.000 Iraki lifes. Obama opposing the war mean if he was commander in chief it would save ALL OF THESE LIVES.

McCain being right about the surge is minor compared to him being wrong about invading Iraq in the first place.

And how can Republicans say we're going to lose in Iraq when they've told us we've already won at least 10 different times already?

It's great to see a Dem canidate that doesn't get trapped into playing Republican's silly swiftboat games, and outright rejects their made up false arguements.

You too bloggers above are cowards trying to hide your racism behind bogus criticism of Obama. The surge is one small tatctical issue that McCain is trying to make overshadow his vote for the invasion at the onset. Guys come out and say what you want to really say...."YOUR NOT COMFORTABLE WITH A BLACKMAN AS PRESIDENT !!!" I can respect that because we have had all white presidents since that job was created. Be men about it....get it off your chest and then fall in line with "Change" because whether Obama wins or not, "change is uhh comin."

Great the surge worked (depending on how you define "worked", much like "mission accomplished").

But WHO CARES! Winning a pointless war that should never have been fought is no more honorable than leaving a pointless war where we are not wanted.

i am not a physician but i think john mcCain need a head CT scan becos if you listen to this guy he is all over the place and he does not recollect things. I do not beleive he is lying but i do beleive something is wrong somehow and somewhere. Old age has nothing to do with this but based on his medical history.

Obama's Irag policies have already been endorsed and put into action under code name "Time Horizons" by the Bush Administation. So once again McCain is late and wrong......

DAN, you're not human. No sane person would come to your conclusions based on logic and fact. You're only hurting yourself by becoming a tool for propaganda, rather than performing some simple research to come up with an informed point of view.

Neither McCain nor Obama is evil, and I'm sure either one would be trustworthy enough to watch your kids. The surge has worked, because violence is down overall, and some sense of balance has been achieved in Iraq. But, this balance is tenuous at best, and the whole point of the surge was to achieve political reconciliation. It's simply not possible to define a "victory" in Iraq. Either way, we've done quite a bit of damage there, for all of the good things that have been achieved. At best, we can leave with some sense of stability and the new shia-based Iraqi government will hopefully not create an Iraq/Iran superpower.

Please show some reason and respect in your comments, people. We're all Americans, and humans on this planet trying to live together without destroying each other.

I don't understand why the media doesn't cover the deaths of all the innocent civilians, mostly women and children, that have died because of our occupation... Who are we really defending? Definitely not our economic or national security..Maybe just hallibuton's and Bush's cronies...
Why don't we bring world justice on and convict Bush and his administration of WAR CRIMES... The world would be a much more peaceful place if we got rid of the radicals on "both" sides of the fence

Dan, I trust Obama HANDS DOWN to McCain if my own kids were in Iraq.

Of course the surge would work to curb the violence TEMPORARILY. A blogger astutely used the analogy of putting police on every corner of a drug ridden neighborhood – as soon as the police leave, the problem creeps back again and there needs to be a more nuanced approach that escapes John McCain. McCain's "goog" judgement as you say has little vision for the future other than the occupation of a sovereign nation.

I'm so glad Obama was received so well by the troops. THEY ARE THERE and see that he is the real deal. Hope people like Dan and Voter wake up and see the gift we have been given in Barack Obama.

I would trust Obama's decisions over McCain in a heart beat. McCain is selling his military experience but he was only in Vietnam and was shot down and a POW for 5 years. Tell me what is his experience? Is it, how to survice being a POW? They are both senators, no executive experience to speak of, I am making my decision based on what see happening now. McCain just don't do it for me.

i get a feeling like these neocons here are like klingons... "coward" who says it the most...

Let's see Hagel (a Republican) says judgment is more important and says the ad by his own party is inappropriate. Hagel would make a good VP for Obama as would Gen. Wesley Clark or Joe Biden. President Obama has a nice ring to it.

With Obama's superior judgement we would not need for a surge nor would we have lost 4000+ troops and hundreds of billions of dollars in the first place . That is superior judgement.

Real men? Surely you don't mean McCain:

"I said, 'O.K., I'll give you military information if you will take me to the hospital.'" – John Mccain in his own words

No, Hag, experience trumps. "Judgment" is simply practice during gaining of experience.

Some of you republicans are so ignorant you should be ashamed to even attempt a post. It's repulsive to know such repugnant, idiotic people live in this country.

I agree judgement is more important than experience in this election. Because experience in this case means more McBush or worst.

Who says Mccain is more experience he doesn't know his geography, he does not support the troops, crashed how many planes and got himself captured?

I'm appalled that I'm even thinking it, but DAN and Voter's comments make me want to reconsider literacy tests for voters . . .

MCcain lacks the judgement to rule this country, he contradicts his stands on every issue and no one seem to care.He said the surge has succeeded,if this is true why does he want us to remain in Iraq inspite of Al malaki's insistance for a timetable. what are we missing here? do we love Iraq than Iraqis themeselves? who is fooling who? please bring our troops home and save our economy.

I love McCain and the many wars he will start. I heard he was a general in the army. The soldiers like him more than Obama. He gave more autographs to the soldiers. When will he give his first world war speech. In Berlin?

Most of people talking about Obama military service has not served this country. Go Obama...Tex Vet for ya.

McCain's actions are truly disappointing. If he had a case, he wouldn't have to lie and distort Obama's positions.

McCain discredits Col. MacFarland when he tries to give all of the credit for the reduction in violence and the Anbar Awakening on the surge. Anbar was prepped in June of 2006, and the revolutionary meeting happened on Sept. 9th 2006 (long before December like McCain claims). McCain is using the military to lie to the American people. Very, very disappointing.

I love how the media or McCain's supporters haven't questioned McCain on his poor judgment for authorizing a war based on all lies. If Tim Russet was alive today, I know he would get McCain to take back his vote just like he did with Hillary Clinton during the primaries.

Experiences is overrated. McCain's experience failed him when he cast his vote to send American troops into Iraq based on all lies. If it wasn't for McCain and all the other robots in Congress that voted for the war thousands of family wouldn't be morning for their fallen soldiers.

P.S. To Voter: With all do respect to the men and women of uniform, a uniform doesn't make you a better person. It's how you wear that uniform that makes you a better person. The fact that Obama did not serve in the military has zero baring on him being the best person to be our next President.

Obama '08

I didn't know that Mc Cain did the surge him self. A good commander and chief.

Hagel said "John (McCain) is treading on some very thin ground here when he impugns motives and when we start to get into, 'You're less patriotic than me. I'm more patriotic ... "it's just not responsible to be saying things like that."

He also said "I do not think it was appropriate" regarding McCain's ad bashing Obama for not visiting troops in Germany

Obama is a wise leader. People are jealous of him because he has a lot to offer America. He can't help it if he is attractive.

Go Obama!

If I hear him rant on the surge one more time, I'll faint. Even if the surge was a brilliantly strategized maneuver, (and not a mere coincidence of other factors at work) What else can he lay claim to??? Certainly NOT good judgment. He flubbed that when he failed to discuss anything else! I can't figure out how this guy emerged as the Repugnant nominee.

Judgement is knowing what war to wage and with whom to wage war with. Going into Iraq was a strategic blunder that costs us lives and money. Our economy went down because we are fighting two wars. The war on Terror is in Afghanistan when Al-queda is located. Stop fulling yourself. A commander in chief has to consider more than a general on the ground. It takes a REAL man to make the world believe in America again. It was a man that suggested 16 month timeetable. It was a man that suggested talking to Iran. It is a REAL man that can excite the troops. A Real man that can draw 200,000. Obama will be president.

I personally think that all of the experience in the world won't get Mcshame elected. He is a dishonest moron, with whom I have no ounce of respect. Arizonans who have lived here for 30 years have told me that he hasn't done one thing for Arizonans, what makes you feel he will do something for the US?
We need Obama in the office. We need change that only O can give. I rather have someone who is willing to learn on the job, than someone who follows old, failed ideas such as the ones employed by Bush.

Go Obama.

Hegel for Defense Secretary!!

In an Obama administration, of course!

Judgement is more important than experience, but judgement is also a product of experience.

Dan, don't be ridiclous. Speaking about McCain's judgement with regards to saving lives. What planet have you been living on? Didn't McCain vote for a frivolous war that caused more than 4000 American lives? Oh by the way, Obama voted against that war. If people like Bush and McCain had listed to people like Obama, we could have spared 4000 American lives. McCain still hasn't admit that he was wrong in voting for a war that we should never had begun. I will trust my kids with Obama. At least he wouldn't send them to fight a war that we have no business fighting.

McSame will continue to have us in Iraq fore years to come. Judgement says (as do the leaders of Iraq) that we went into the wrong place and fought a war that has NOTHING to do with teh War on Terror.

Onlt Bush and Bush II (McSame) are the ones who want us to stay when even the leaderrs of Iraq support a phased draw down of 16 months or so. Judgement matters. Obama is right on the war, right on phased withdraw, right on a leadership that unites us to are friends rather than the old man who wants to stay for a 100 years or so.

Our kids will appreciate being home and safe rather than in a war zone where we are doing nothing except standing between people who want to kill each other.

Lastly, the time has come to stop putting our kids in harms way and for each of us to stop paying for the development of Iraq while their governments has BILLONS in budget surplus. Let's get home and rebuild our econmy and country. I vote to send W and McSame to Iraq for a hundred years. Get the rest of our heros home, now!!!!!

To post made by DAN:

How many lives has Obama 's judgement saved since he's become US senator?

If he were president, that number would be over 4,000. The U.S would not have entered the war and none of the service men and women would have lost their lives.

Does that answer your question.

Obama has given the correct answers to the correct questions.
Should we have gone to war in Iraq–No
Should we have focused on Afghanistan–Yes
Should we remain in Iraq–No

Obama is 3 for 3. Mac is a big old 0 with the wrong questions and the wrong answers–until he follows Bush's lead which was finally that of Obama's. MacCheese is just an old tired joke.

Is that a threat, "Voter"?

Of course he took real men with him. Do you think he would take imaginary friends to the Middle East?

Obama has stated why he never joined the military. He figured he could do good here in his own country, providing services to under privilaged people. That takes an amazing amount of courage; almost on par with joining the service.

And to "DAN": McCain did not do this single handedly. You make it seem as though McCain is some omniscient and omnipotent being. He is a man that 'voted' for the real heroes to go and make sure the surge was working.

Obama has judgement: He obviously knows how to look at the facts and make an informed decision; not just look at the facts and see what he wants to see. Taking Hagel and Reed was the best choice.

I am not a fanatic, but I am proud to vote for Obama in November. I will be equally as joyous when McCain loses, and long with him a part of hatred and vitriol

Actually Obama voted against the war before it even started. How many lives would he have saved if they'd listened to him?

In other words: those are not really arguments.

If a person can lay brick but cannot explain how to do it could you call him an experience brick mason.no. The same go for politic if you cannot commucate your thought and ideal clearly the general population want know what you stand on anything. An experience speaker can communicate with the world in this time and age without given away our value as a world leader.

DAN! McCain's initial decision in favor of the war has resulted in 4100 dead American soldiers and nearly a trillion dollars lost forever. In that vein, Obama's original opposition to the war would have saved as many lives. mcCain's good judgment..???.I'd think hard about that.

Dan , Voter get alife I bet the both of you idiots voted for Bush both times.

Is it just me, or does it seem like McCain's campaign does nothing but wait and watch Senator Obama's every move, word, or even thought to come up with an Ad to run to the people?

It feels like a little child running to tell on his/her sibling about EVERY LITTLE THING that he/she does!! It's as if they have nothing better to do but to run Ads on what Obama does, instead of what McCain will do if he became President!!

I have a ton of respect for my elders, especially someone whom fights for the country we love. However, I am honestly having a hard time trying to discern which candidate is actually the elder of the other!! Which to me is very sad, considering their age difference (not intended as a knock to Senator McCain).

McCain continues to play dirty unfortunately. And I'm with Hagel...ability trumps experience in my opinion. For proof, just ask yourself this – George W. Bush has more political experience than Barack Obama, so does it follow then that Bush would be a better choice for President if he were allowed to run again?

I didn't think so.

Dubya Bush has ALMOST EIGHT YEARS EXPERIENCE as BEING the President, but would you vote for that meathead again? Experience means nothing. Judgement and logic and intelligence is everything. Manyu of the founding fathers of our nation were in their 30s. Obama will make better decisions. He's a brilliant person. He finished magna cum laude at Harvard. McCain finished 894 out of 899 students at Annapolis when he graduated. McCain is another buffoon. We don't need that. We can't afford that right now. Vote Obama. He's young, but that doesn't mean he isn't qualified to make brilliant decisions to bring our nation back to being a world leader. Vote Obama.

very impressive.

Obama had to take some REAL men with him.

What a COWARD! You won't catch Pretty Boy in a military uniform!

A guy could get hurt doing that!

The surge is working and save so many lives and that's because of McCain's goog judgement while Obama was and is still against the surge. How many lives has Obama 's judgement saved since he's become US senator? 0. Obama was hoping the surge would fail and many more kids would get blown up for his own political gains. Obama has had no plans or judgement on saving lives. Who would you trust your kids with? McCain who dramatically brought the monthly violence down or Obama who has done nothing to save your kids in Iraq except criticize the surge. Obama has no judgement when it counts.

Did he say, flocking out of their duty positions? Isn't that a NO-NO? You can't abandon your duty station. Obama and his campaign staff organized this whole trip and I think it stinks. We, the taxpayers, paid for this campaign trip.

Can someone tell the religous leaders that the church age is over ?

During the past week's debate over what should be credited for lower U.S. casualties in Iraq (the surge of 30K additional troops, the Anbar Awakening, MacFarland's clear/hold/build strategy, etc.), there was little discussion about the U.S. policy of bribing Sunni leaders to tamp down violence. I've been asking my foreign-policy friends about the current scale of such bribery and its impact on the decreased violence, but they shed little light. Among the few pundits who did broach the subject were Wes Clark and Juan Cole. The latter wrote:

Proponents are awfully hard to pin down on what the "surge" consisted of or when it began. It seems to me to refer to the troop escalation that began in February, 2007. But now the technique of bribing Sunni Arab former insurgents to fight radical Sunni vigilantes is being rolled into the "surge" by politicians such as John McCain. But attempts to pay off the Sunnis to quiet down began months before the troop escalation and had a dramatic effect in al-Anbar Province long before any extra US troops were sent to al-Anbar (nor were very many extra troops ever sent there). I will disallow it. The "surge" is the troop escalation beginning winter of 2007. The bribing of insurgents to come into the cold could have been pursued without a significant troop escalation, and was.

Beyond the question of how the bribery's impact could be clouding the retrospective debate over McCain's judgment on the surge, how much of a wild card will these bribes be when the U.S. pulls out of Iraq? I imagine bribes can be a smart, short-term tactic to elicit the support of undesirables. But over the long term, regular payments seem like a cure for the symptoms of unrest, not the underlying disease. If insurgents are suddenly yanked off the dole, how much will violence flare up again? And will those funds come back to bite us if they're used for weapons against our troops or allies?

Yes.. we already saw the response from entire world.
Not only America, but the world wants Obama to be their leader.
OBAMA (2008 -16)

Sens. Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska) and Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) spoke to media this morning ......Reed attended West Point and retired as an Army captain, and Hagel earned two Purple Hearts fighting in the Vietnam War. Reed recounted the experience of traveling to military posts with Obama. experience does matter,” Hagel said. “But what matters more in my opinion is character and judgment. And judgment meaning who is it that you bring around, who is it that you listen to? Can you make the right decisions for the right reasons on behalf of your country and the world?”

THANK YOU SENATORS!!!!!!

I agree with Hagel – they are both smart, capable, decent and both love our country. The difference is that Obama would be good for the Country and McCain would mean four more years of what we've had with President Bush.

No, it isn't.

McCain is showing his desparation by behaving like a retard. He continues to lie and does not care if you believe the lies. His mental abilities are in question. He does not have the judgement or capabilities to be president of the United States. He changes his mind and position and then acccuses Sen Obmama of being a flip flop. Americans, please look and listen to this tired man with tired ideas. He has not idea what he is talking about!. The media does not reveal his screw ups and you will not know what is going on unless you hear all of the issues and comments from each of the candidates. Please do not let the rhetoric of ruthless men who are currently in office or perceived by those in office!

i would love for Obama to pick Kathleen Sebelius as his V.P but Chuck Hagel would be a great choise too, i don't know why he is not been veted. Obama talk about working with him during the primary, talked about him in his book and this guy has a military back ground that Obama is lacking and that would show the world that Obama is willing to work with ppl from any party just to make america and the world a friendlier place. (can no man make this world safer. read the bible)

Could not agree more, the abilty to listen to the experters and make a decision based upon good judgement and the facts as presented.

Believe me when I say that a partial stint in the Texas Air National Guard is not a qualifying tour of duty, the demonstrated lack of judgement and refusal to look at facts bear me out.

I truely believe that Obama, can lead this nation out of the mess that has been made of it by the current lack of administration.

So Hagel is NOT willing to endorse Obama? Sounds like the guy would rather remain loyal to his party that jump on board the Obama bandwagon.

I think the add by McCain's campaign - calling out Obama for canceling his visit with the troops - is right on the money.

This election is about the character of the man who will be our next president, and Obama's descision the CANCEL a visit with the wounded troops (a visit that HIS campaign arranged) was another example the man's lack of integrity.

So he couldn't make it into a PHOTO OP...but Obama should have followed through with the visit anyway - without the media!

Hagel and Reed are so correct. How can one argue that judgement is not important in our everyday lives. Do you need experience to know if you walk in front of a Big Mac truck what the results are going to be, no. But your better judgement makes you think more than once about doing it. McCain continues to use poor judgement by opening his mouth before he thinks and his own self experience of doing that hasn't taught him anything.

OBAMA YOU DID IT, YOU HAVE PROVE TO AMERICAN PUBLIC THAT YOU CAN REPRESENT US, I CAN WAIT TO SEE IN THE WHITE HOUSE. HIGH FIVE

McCain is busy pushing the idea that Obama is unpatriotic because he doesn't agree the McCains positions.

McCain is putting out distorted and untruthful ads because Obama chose not to pull the wounded troops in Germany into what would have been portrayed as a publicity stunt.

John McCain does a terrible disservice to our men and women in uniform when he uses them to score a cheap political shot.

I believe he has dishonored our troops, dishonored our country and is showing enormous disrespect for Americans when he falsifies issues and makes things up.

John McCain owes an apology to every single American for his unbecoming nasty and petty behavior.

“Even in retrospect, he would choose the path of retreat and failure for America over the path of success and victory,” said McCain. “That's not exactly my idea of the judgment we seek in a commander-in-chief.”
So Mr McCain, knowing all the falsehoods and mis-information that are now known about the invasion of Iraq, you still insist that you would do nothing different..............I wouldn't exactly call that sound "judgement".

Yes, the McCain ad is more of the same old negativity that McCain has been using. McCain is twisting things, trying to make everything negative about his opponent. While his opponent is trying to continue focusing on the issues. I'm getting really tired of the McCain negativity.

When JFK was trying to get Macnamara to join up and was being told sorry "I just don't have the experience for the job" JFK told him that "there was no manual that came with being president either"

That's why Hillary made most people nervous. She told everone she was ready to hit the ground running and all that crap. First lady doesn't come anywhere near training for president. Nothing does.

Then you have McCain who doesn't care what a president is suppose to do. The wise old sage that knows more than anyone else will ever know. Such arrogance is what bothers people about America. If I hear Mcoldie talking about the surge working one more time I'll throw something at the TV. 150 thousand troops and 4000 lives of Americas best thrown at one city, OF COARSE IT WORKED! WHY is Obama so wrong for not wanting to spend those young lives on an ungreatful nation for absolutely no reason? Keep in mind this is long after everything Bush told you was a lie.

Every time you throw the experience stone at Obama or the judgement stone it leaves a mark of proof that he is the right choice, because history proves that the old way just doesn't work. The last time a US president had a positive effect on the world was with a Democratic one.

I noticed that CNN fails to mention most of Hagel's criticism, namely that McCain was questioning Obama's patriotism and it was beneath him.

McCain, McCain McCain

you are simply nothing but a baseless, desperate and distorted house rat tcomparing time to Obama went to gym to visiting wounded troops. Shame on you, because you cant go the gym yourself..........

why dont you face the issues that matter to us than spend half of your time instilling fear into the good American people.

McCain God forbid you are president

"you suck" "you suck" that's the point I'm trying to make, "you suck"

Oh... You mean like when choosing a pastor and church for 20 years? This that the kind of judgement your talking about??

Senators Hagel and Reed were very sincere and serious in their response on the show today. They also said that the ad mccain was running about Obama not seeing the troops in Germany was not accurrate and in poor taste. They also agreed that the decision Obama made about not going to see the troops with all that was going on was the right decision.

Sen. Hagen, you are a moron. Tell me how can you have judgement without experience. Do not try to twsit words here. Barack has no experience and he needs to go to school. Vote John McCain. I am sure CNN will moderate and delete this message as they have done it before.

Obama has no judgment......or character. I flat-out don't trust him.

Was for Hillary, now for McCain!

PUMA

Looking good...President Obama.

To the general public. Expect a public endorsement of of Obama from Hagel this week.

Obama / Hagel 08

"Reed and Hagel also addressed a new ad from the McCain campaign. The ad’s script says that Obama “made time to go to the gym, but cancelled a visit with wounded troops.” It continues, “Seems the Pentagon wouldn't allow him to bring cameras.” Both Hagel and Reed said the ad is inappropriate."

Gee, must have missed something. I thought the ad was crystal! Thats exactly what Obama did - lifted weights, according to one reporter who talked to him in the gym, preening himself like a peacock for the nightly news - while our guys are being rehabilitated and fitted with prostheses in military hospitals. I guess Obama just has to have those cameras and the limelight. Its a shame our courageous guys are fighting and getting wounds for the like of that slick hustler to make another and another and another pretty speech!

Hagel - you should really be ashamed of yourself to be toadying and stepping/fetching for the Magnificent Obama. What has happened to you? I have no respect for you any more!! Go home and take a long vacation.

Hagen is a really stupid has been.

Obviously, Obama had demontrated the judment to start making changes from day one on the job.

The mess that we are in now can not continue. Thing are difficult as a result of the Bush Mcain mishandling of the economy and the wars, and countless of job losses of the labor force.

Landslide Obama 08/12.

I agreed with Senator Hagel and Senator Reed. Should America gets to choose between Experience and judgment, I believe in my view that judgement should prevail.

Take it from Dick Cheney and Rumsfeld, no one in Washington has more experience than these two guys. Well, look what they done to America. The whole administration is full of well qualified people, however, because of their lack of judgment, they will go down to history like the worse administration in the civilized world.

No one never questioned the Patriotism of McCain, the honor and sacrifice that he did for this great Nation, however, his lack of judgment, his continued stance of the Surge Worked will put him at odd with the American people when comes November.

At time, McCain seems to be a very confused individual at time with his rethoric, mabe his age and the demand of the Presidential campaign really take a toll on him. His constant Flap on Yougoslavia, Iraq-Pakistan border, Suni and Shia, the Surge, he just confused the responsibility of the Commander in Chief and the responsibility of General Patreus. America cannot afford anymore of the same.

Obama may the correct judgement of opposing the war and had they listened, they would not be having discussions about this so called surged. 4000 mens and women died for a lie and this is wrong. McCain would rather starts wars and never stop fighting. This about your children and grandchildren, at least Obama is willing to talk about it first.

what experience is mc cain talking about ? give me abreak.no republican president that did handle presidency very well.they do made mistakes.we have seen obama with ten world leaders and discussed worldly issues what an experiance?

Judgment is more important than experiance John MCbush flip flops half the time, and doesn't know what he's talking about the rest of the time.

Hagel probably won't endorse Obama, either out of respect for McCain or due to his disagreements with Obama on some social issues, but he has done quite a bit for Obama by providing a very credible voice in support of Obama's foreign policy positions. McCain may have a lot of experience on foreign policy, but Hagel and others feel (rightly in my opinion) that this does not always translate to making the right decisions.

Chuck Hagel is a good man. I suppose the republicans should now try to discredit his purple hearts and military service.

If BO did visit the troops McCain would accuse him of using the men and women in uniform as a propaganda for his campaign...now for reason unknown he canceled the trip now he is being accused of not visiting the troops. Any move, any word of BO is being scrutinized by Sen. McCain. Even his speech, the surge....as an experience person watching Gorilla warfare BO was right by saying that the surch will not work, why? Even with 200,000 troops the surge would not work if you are fighting Gorilla's, the US commanders call them insurgents. 130,000 troops are fighting 20,000 insurgents for over 5 years with no end in sight... tell me anywhere in the world were the Gorilla's lose a battle. Etiopia, no, Eritrea, no, Cuba, no, Somailia, no, Lebanon, no, Iraq for over 5 years no, the Russians against the Taliban, no....the reason it appears that the surge has worked is because coincidentally we had the Sunny awakening, together with the ceasefire (still in effect) of AlSadr militia army. So, Barack was right, it is not the surge that cause the violence to go down, it was the reason given above. But McCain is taking the credit....He has military experience my nose, even with 200,000troops and no Sunny awakening and the Sadr army still fighting...we would have more troops casualties because of the surge.
I rest my case....

If judgement is more important then I guess Obama is in trouble since he plans to go forward for his plan of withdrawing in 16 months no matter what the military commanders have to say. Which is particularly funny seeing as this is the same type of reasoning that finally got Rumsfield kicked out. We don't need another commander in chief who thinks he knows everything and thinks that a bunch of retired military leaders who are sucking up to him and telling him what he wants to hear know the situation better then the guys who are actually there.

Barack Obama has the judgement – no more wars. No more warmongers.

I'm very proud of Barack Obama – and so are most people I talk to. We finally have hope. Something we haven't had the last 8 years and something we do NOT feel with McBush.

If the McCain's media stop covering for him and ask him about his judgement in the begining before the War and make him say it, he will stop trying to get Obama to say what he wants him to say...

Hagel (a very experienced man in Washington) agrees that experience is not the deciding factor. Nice to hear from a republican.

I guess McCain is chewing on the carpet when he reads that.

I am pleased with everything in this article but one mention.
Senator Obama should have stopped to visit the living testament of the Wrong War, our wounded soldiers.
It is not the best situation to cite 'how would it look to voters back home' if I did this???
He should have just panned the cameras and did it.

I am sorry he did not.

Judgement – I guess that's what Obama calls opposing the surge before it worked.

And AFTER it worked. He won't even admit he was wrong about it. That's the difference between Obama and McCain. McCain doesn't have an ego the size of a football field and can admit when he is wrong.

That's why Obama will give his acceptance speech from a football field.

The desperation of McCain and his campaign is laughable. No matter what McCain says or does, the truth is that he has been an ardent supporter of this Iraq war that Bush and Cheney misled us into. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 and did not posses WMD. McCain has been a willing accomplice of this lie that we are now all paying for in the form of a deep economic recession.

Obama might get more Republicans vote than McCain.

It is apparent McCain doesn't know what he is talking about. You see....

JUDGMENT trumps experience

I agree with Senator Hagel.

Coach John Wooden from UCLA used to put it this way: "Experience is good, but young talent that is more talented than experience is better."

I wonder why people can't think for themselves, what does experience mean? experienced in what? there are experienced criminals, experienced murderers, and so many experience in the wrong stuff, McCain is well experienced. he cheated on his first wife, and was so good at it that uptill today, she is still in the dark, Cindy too is experinced in husband snatching.
Let's give them the credit they deserve. EXPERIENCE COUNTS

Hagel and Reed said what many of us said. You can someone that is experienced but judgment is very wrong. A McCain administration would leave the U.S. isolated. He does not emphasize U.S. partnership with the world. McCain may have a slightly different policy than Bush but it is still a GO IT ALONE policy. There are too many issues that U.S. needs cooperation with our allies. If not, then the U.S. taxpayers will be paying a huge price paying for the wars McCain will have us in. It is time that the U.S. work with our allies to in the U.N. and NATO to share the burden. The cost savings the U.S. can get from cooperation can be used to help the U.S. economy.

Mr.Obama does not seem to have the qualities of someone who is DIPLOMATIC. I would think someone who is DIPLOMATIC would listen to all sides of a debate before coming to a conclusion. As Mr.Obama demonstrated before going to Iraq-he already had his mind made up,so what was the point in the trip. Part of someone who is DIPLOMATIC is to be open to criticism. It does not seem to me that Mr.Obama exihibits Good Judgement or is very Diplomatic. I was hopefully Mr.Obama might learn a thing or two....but before one can learn, one must be open to the fact that one does not have all the awnsers.

I do really admire these two gentle senators who accompanied the DA. What metters is judgment and the people you pick to help you accomplish your duty. Bush were surrounded by experienced people like Rumsfeld and Cheney and with what results: More than 4000 American lives, billions of lost money, a damaged reputation. Can Obama team move the nation ahead? Or can Mccain do a better job than Obama? that is the kind of debates one ought to hear instead of stupid ads that translate a quick temper that is that basic character of this former military man.
May God save America from another bad pick for presidency. I know Obama will do it and his trip oversea has clearly shown it.
Nganenu

I haven't been on the CNN website for several weeks because of the bias here. And, apparently it is still happening. What happened to my post about "judgment and experience" and how Barack Obama cannot even come close to that which Hillary Clinton has to offer us?

I hope the Delegates change their votes to Hillary Clinton on the Convention floor. THEY ARE ALLOWED TO AT ANY TIME – EVEN ON THE DAY OF THE CONVENTION ON THE CONVENTION FLOOR- right then and there.

I hope they do. We have so much to lose in this election and we have two candidates, neither of which can do the kind of job Hillary Clinton can do for us. I hope people come to their senses!

Judgement should have been, NO WAR IN IRAQ. America has a voluntary Military, the 'Draft' no longer exist. We did not have Troops necessary to engage in 2 WARS. What about this does Senator McCain not understand. Is it that he's consumed with the idea of losing the conflict in Vietnam...McCain frightens the LOGIC AMERICANS.

someone posted the correct definition of surge:
DEPLOYMENT OF TROOPS TO LOGICALLY-CORRECT BATTLE ZONES.
but for mc c it is easier to say surge than spell out those other words without his teleprompter.....hehe

Why is McCain such a rotten old fogie? It kills me when he accuses Obama of wanting to take the high road with the Iraq war. I donot count staying in a country because we messed up until god knows when to save face as being a victory. The more of our troops killed does NOT make a victory. Pulling out of Iraq does not count as failure. Its logical to bring our family and friends home if them being there is NOT WORKING! Let the Iraqis fix it. We got rid of Saddam for them so we should allow them to rebuild their country the way they want it.

I, for one, would like to hear Senator Hagel explain how one can attain good judgment as President without experience dealing with similar problems required of that office. Perhaps he figures that Obama's tour will give him that experience, but again reading flowery speeches is perhaps the least kind of experience required. To date, several examples of his judgment are not that impressive, especially his church of choice and his continuing to deny the success of the surge.
I'm sure this man means well, but how does he know what he's "getting into" with so little experience. I think we should just look at former presidents we've elected to get the answers to these questions.

Oh, gawd! It will be so nice to have a president with an IQ above 60.

Obama '08

people want to come back home live with their family. Mcwar wants them to stay another 100 years. mcwar please please go home!!!!!!!!!!!

Go Barack! McCain, you are SUCH old news.

Please McCain, tell us your definition of victory and success.

Judgment AND Experience is even better. That is what Hillary Clinton possesses.

Regardless, though, Barack Obama's judgment is sorely lacking. He's a mess – very scattered – novice. He cannot even come close to Hillary Clinton with regard to what she is able to offer for us.

I hope the delegates decide to change their votes in favor of Hillary Clinton on the Convention floor. ALL DELEGATES AND SUPERDELEGATES CAN STILL CHANGE THEIR VOTES, even on the day of the Convention on the Convention floor.

I hope they do.

john "oil spill" mcCANE's judgement to visit an oil rig during an OIL SPILL should be mentioned over and over and over again!!!

What can McCain say about the economy? He wants to make the Election be about the war but he's weak on every other issue...and quite frankly he's not even that strong on the war issue either. I can't wait till the debates start and Obama takes McCain to the mat!

McShame is jealous.

Sen Obama as proven his good judgment. If we had followed his judgment we would not be at war in Iraq today. We would be concentrating our efforts on the real enemy that attacked us in Afghanistan.

McCain cannot not make a comment or give an interview without bashing Obama. I am so tired of his whining about the media. While Obama is telling us what he plans to do McShame is continuing with smear politics. Why cant he just say what HE's going to do.

No way can McCain ever draw the thousands and thousands of supporters OBAMA does here and abroad. What does that tell you? Forget the polls. There is no way Obama cant win the presidency.

McShame is jealous.

Sen Obama as proven his good judgment. If we had followed his judgment we would not be at war in Iraq today. We would be concentrating our efforts on the real enemy that attacked us in Afghanistan.

McCain cannot not make a comment or give an interview without bashing Obama. I am so tired of his whining about the media. While Obama is telling us what he plans to do McShame is continuing with smear politics. Why cant he just say what HE's going to do.

No way can McCain ever draw the thousands and thousands of supporters OBAMA does here and abroad. What does that tell you? Forget the polls. There is no way Obama cant win the presidency.

I am proud to call these two sentors American Heros. Thank you Sen. Hegal and Sen. Reed.
You make us all proud

If Senator McCain's military experience is seen as a credential of what is needed to be President, I'll take Obama for two terms !

I agree with Hagel, character and judgement are moe crucial to the Presidency than military experience and/or in McCain's case no experience. McCain's only experience is what he learned from being on the sidelines with George Bush. In my opinion that is as far from experience as one can get! The only thing one could learn from George Bush is how to initiate the greatest world disaster in the history books of America with zero solutions on how to reverse it.

We went into Iraq to rid the region or nuclear weapons. To said that we would lose a (war, invasion, conflick, or whatever McCain want to call it) if we sent our young men and women home is crazy. What we realy went over there to accomplish was to KILL Shadam. Now that said and done lets get our *&%# HOME. Good LUCK Obama.

PS.. The older generation of whites that are not voting for Obama need to stop looking at the color of ones skin and do the right thing for this country that they say the LOVE so much.

Judgement is usually based on ....

"EXPERIENCE!"

PUMA

Sen Obama as proven his good judgement. If we had followed his judgement we would not be at war today. We would be concentrating our fighting of the enemy that attacked us in Afghanistan.

McCain cannot not make a comment or give an interview without bashing Obama. While Obama is telling us what he plans to do McCain is continuing with smear politics.

No way can McCain ever draw the thousands and thousands of supporters OBAMA

CNN: Please ask John McCain to define victory! Why are you allowing him to accuse Barack Obama of concession, surrender and defeat when Obama is advocating leaving a sovereign government of Iraqi people in charge of Iraq? What conditions does McCain expect to leave on the ground before he is willing to declare victory and leave Iraq?

McCain and the Republicans are using rhetoric and sound bites to cloud Obama's message and you are letting them get away with it.

Senator McCain: please describe your envisioned 'victory' in Iraq. Do you expect Iraq to look like New York, California or Des Moines? To have an uncontested democracy, no terrorist activity and a chicken in every pot? If so, Barack Obama is not the naive candidate in this election.

Hagel is right on the money. McCain wants to point out that he supported the surge so he should be president. By that logic you can say Obama should be president because he said we shouldn't even go into Iraq. What comes first, the chicken or the egg

McCain is indeed more experienced than is Obama. But that experience is what has caused and is at the base of all the problems we are having in this country today....Old School has proven to be the wrong approach to today's global economy and national security problems.....A Masters Degree obtained in 1930 is not the same as a Masters Degree today, most people would think.....McCain's experience leads him to judgments applicable to yesterday's world, while what we need is judgements for today's issues; Obama has judgement applicable to today..... McCain's position was obtained not because of merit or qualification, but rather because of money and family.....He felt entilted to it and it was given to him for that reason.....In a global situation positions must be earned based on one's knowledge, ability, intellect, cooperation, and effort....Obama is working to earn the presidency, while McCain is striving to receive it as a gift.

Sick of you criticising Obama all the time.

I watched this program this morning and seen the respect these men showed for Senator Obama. I started weeping to think that this country can not get beyond the fact that this young man is black.He has shown from the beginning of his campaign that he is the most competent person to become president with the overwhelming job ahead. I have many friends that have said ,well I like him , but he is black. Old white women for Obama.
Connie from Indiana

DEAR SIR,

I DISAGREE WITH MR. HAGEL. EXPERIENCE IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN JUDGMENT. JOHN MCCAIN HAS BEEN IN A WAR BEFORE AND HE KNOWS HOW IT IS AND HE HAS THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE.

Obama's judgement is a winner. Now McCain and Bush are interested in a timetable for Iraq withdrwal. His judgement against the Iraq war and now his decisions on Afghanistan. He is qualified to be the next commander in chief. OBAMACAN' 08

I am amazed and disappointed by Senator McCain's comments and ad about Senator Obama's decision not to visit the military hospital. I just hope the news media realizes what appears like desperate attacks. Honestly, just because Pentagon did not "explicitly" tell Obama that he could not visit the hospital does not mean that Pentagon's message did not suggest or imply that it may not be a good idea to visit. I, therefore, respect the Senator's decision to err on the side of caution and not appear politicizing the trip.

I very much respect Senator Reed, who, although Republican and could have easily sided with Senator McCain, stood on principle and rejected the "inappropriate" comments and ad.

I would like to see the media not obssessed with comments (from both camps) that do not add materially to the serious problems facing this nation. So far, the media seems eager not only to broadcast, but also to keep on repeating negative comments that have nothing to do about truth, integrity, and positively advancing the country's wellbeing.

Mike, NJ.

Other than surge and lies McCain has nothing to say. He is a tired old man screeching at the clouds.
Obama 08

I've seen that McCain ad..the one in which he puts country first, unfortunately, in that same ad, he puts truth and honesty, a distant second. Shame on you John McCain

Obama/Hagel '08!!!!!

Obama had the right judgement to avoid the Iraq war. Mccain's poor judgement got us into the Iraq war. Mccain's answer to the Iran problem is bomb, bomb, bomb--another war. Does'nt anybody find that scary???

SPIN......SPIN.......SPIN.

Welcome back senator Obama, job well done. You made people all over the world to know there's still a United States of America.

McCain's distorted and petty propaganda smear campaign reflects poorly on him and is indicative of a general contempt for the intelligence of the American people. But the truly scare thing is that some Americans are falling for it. I am sad that some Americans are so easily manipulated.

“Each candidate has strengths and weaknesses, and experience does matter,” Hagel said. “But what matters more in my opinion is character and judgment. And judgment meaning who is it that you bring around, who is it that you listen to? Can you make the right decisions for the right reasons on behalf of your country and the world?”

?????????

The McCain camp sounds desperate. Is all they know is to say negative things, throw mud, and speak half (or no) truths. I live in a strong Republican county in S. AL, but I fast lose respect for any politician who seeks to tear down the other. Tell me the positive programs you are promoting.

I agree because didn't Bush have "experience"?

Look what he has done to our country

High gas prices
Home foreclosures
Job losses
Preemptive War in Iraq (Big Mistake)
Failures of Hurricane Katrina
Ignored the real war in Afghanistan
Secret prisons allowing torture
Energy crisis
No concern for the environment
Trade deficit
Failure to catch osama bin laden

I'm sure there is more, but we need judgment and a president who will be concerned about the average person rather than their rich friends.

Thank you senators Hagel and Reed. In "The Audacity Of Hope," Obama spends a fair bit of time recalling and analyzing the situations and methods of past collaborations between republicans and democrats.

I get the feeling that Senator McCain is kind of caught between his instincts and those of the baser parts of his party, and I hope there is a way to bring the whole process out of the gutter.

America needs this to happen, or it needs for voters to send a message that this isn't the way to win a campaign in America any more.

JUGEMENT NOT TO ENTER THE WAR IN THE FIRST PLACE WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE ILLUSION OF THE SUCCESS OF THE SURGE BY JOHN MCCAIN AND MURDOCH REPUBLICANS MEDIA MACHINE (FOX, WALLST JOURNAL AND WASHINGTON POST).

Hmmm...sounds to me that Senator Hagel would be endorsing Senator Obama for President were he not more loyal to his party and of better character than the likes of Joe Lieberman was to his. Having just finished the trip with Obama, Senator Hagel came as close as he possibly could to an endorsement when he said, "“But what matters more in my opinion is character and judgment. And judgment meaning who is it that you bring around, who is it that you listen to?"

I am glad that Senator Hagel also had the decency and honesty to refute the inappropriate and vile accusations of McBush that Obama didn't have time for wounded troops. The Republicans might have done a lot better nominating someone with character like Hagel than the opportunist and Bush clone McCain.

We may have two choices but the only sensible and sane choice is the man who just made America look good again on the world stage.

Berlin got "Barack-ed" and they loved it! We as a nation have a reason to be proud again.

OBAMA '08

YES WE CAN!

In that been said by the two senators senator reed and senator Hangel I believe the Americans peoples are fortunate to Have Obama as they public servant to represent them in this desperate world who are ungry and wants to be love again.God Bless America .

I was just wondering if the USA or the next USA president will actually
do something about Angola and the Angola president that has been in powewr longer then Robert Mugabe, we the Angolans leaving outside of Angola think that Eduardo Dos Santos has paid the USA and EEC with oil so he can keep on power even get enough time to make is own son the next Angola president this guy has killed millioes of Angolans and sold or privatised most of Angola oil companies, why aren't the so call West talk about him its no fair I just hope Barack bama starts to get this corrupted and dictators out of Africa... We know that Angola is not free and there is non Freedom of speech, why is CNN not telling us the people the real lobbis and Washigton M'shame that lead and deal with Africans dictators that are in power by foprce and comunist power... pleaseee help Angola we need freedom ASAP

McCain has all along promised a decent campaign and not resorting to the old politics of smearing your opponent, telling untrue things about your opponent in order to saw the seeds of doubt among the audience.
The current statements about Obamas trip abroad forthcoming from Mr McCain convey a diversion from his own promise and shows that the gentleman we know here in Europe for his openness and fairness is showing signs of desperation, resorting to extreme wording regading his experience viza avis Obamas on issues partaining to Irak, the Middleeast, Afghanistan and Europe at large.
Mr McCain is repeating his contentions on Obama not being serious about matters concerning security especially in Irak. The tactic seems to be, repeat that Obama is naive, is reckless, lacks experience and would put americans´ life at risk. Do this time and again in order to plant fear so deep sitted in the hearts of the good american people.

When I listen to what Obama says about security, I think that he is in tune with the world of today where buiding alliacies is an important ingredience when fighting the ills that face us all including that cancerous terrorism.
I admire both these two gentlemen when they are at their best explaining issues plainly with confidence and fairness. What puts me off, and it might even do for the many people watching, waiting to see which road America chooses next turn when it elects a president, is the dirt that an opponent is prepared to throw at the other even when it is unworthy of the cultured way we should do things in the west!

I only hope that both candidates retain high grounds on morals when propagating the issues. This is where Mr McCain comes in because he promised to diverge from the kind of campaigning that destroyed his chances of winning the nomination last time around when he campaigned against a well too known gentleman.

McCain is a GRUMPY OLD MAN

UPDATE: Rhode Island Democrat Sen. Jack Reed responds to McCain's ad:
I was with Senator Obama last week as we met privately with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Senator Obama listened to their concerns and expressed his gratitude for their service without press or fanfare. He cares for our troops deeply and has worked hard to give them not only the resources they need, but also honor their service with a clearly defined mission and by providing them with the support they have earned when they come home. And just as Senator McCain's support of President Bush's veto of funding for our troops doesn't mean he does not support them, neither does Senator Obama's insistence that we not give George Bush a blank check.

UPDATE: Rhode Island Democrat Sen. Jack Reed responds to

McCain's ad:
I was with Senator Obama last week as we met privately with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Senator Obama listened to their concerns and expressed his gratitude for their service without press or fanfare. He cares for our troops deeply and has worked hard to give them not only the resources they need, but also honor their service with a clearly defined mission and by providing them with the support they have earned when they come home. And just as Senator McCain's support of President Bush's veto of funding for our troops doesn't mean he does not support them, neither does Senator Obama's insistence that we not give George Bush a blank check.

With the Exception of McCain, who is bought and paid for!

It's all Obama, all the time. The Messiah rolls on and CNN and MSNBC prostrate themselves at his feet. You are both pathetic.

Thank you both!

Thanks for traveling with Obama and telling us how the dynamics played for Obama!

Go Bam!

Ha,ha,ha,ha....... McSame! You looked like a mad-man while Obama looked very well like the C-I-C!

No duh

No, it isn't!

Shouldn't we change the rule that you must be 35 years of age to be the President? My three-year-old exercised excellent judgment when he decided to use the potty this morning. Clearly he has demonstrated that he is qualified to hold the highest office in the land. Why should his lack of experience hold him back?

McSame and his supporters are always crying about how little experience Obama has but they do not elaborate on what kind of experience. If we are talking about experience dealing with people, then he is not lacking. If we are talking strictly about presidential experience, then none of the candidates can boast. W. Bush had no presidential experience and still has none. Hilliary has none she would have to rely on Bill's. McCain's only experience is from a prisoner of war perspective which does not qualify you to be commander in chief. They need to find another word on Obama. Carter was a farmer, Reagan was an actor for cryin out load. Chaney had experience misused it. We need some one who is intelligent with common sense. Obama 08'

Retreat and Failure vs. Victory and Success? What idiot still believes in a world that clear cut.

McCain still hasn't defined victory and if and when he does, it won't be a military victory. War is a final option of politics. It is applicable when we are trying to destroy a WMD program. That hasn't been the mission for FIVE YEARS.

Although war can lead to political stability, it is not necessary and can be counterproductive.

Frankly, the position of Obama and McCain is essentially the same as to the goals in Iraq, it's the strategy of how to get there they disagree on. Only history will tell who's right. History has already told you who was right about initiating the war in the first place.

I will follow Hagel's lead...and not endorse either candidate!

Green Party for rebellious folks, and Clinton supporters!

Senator Obama has the enate ability to make right decisions and to recognize the need to make right judgement calls. Senator Obama has developed great powers of intuition because of his humble beginnings, his commmunity work and his good work in congress. He has hand on experience that has come from the school of hard-knocks. Senator Obama is not a failure and he would never let America be one.

It seems like quite a few of republicans are behind Barack Obama. Are there any democrats behind Mr. McCain? I believe as we get closer to the general election alot of republicans will come out and endorse Barack Obama. Both democrats and republican see the leadership ability within Barack Obama. As shown in the past his batting average is very high based on the jubgements he's made in the past. No more Mcbush! I believe McCain will be worse then bush and have the United States standings in the world at an all time low.

I still haven't herd McCain define victory in Iraq, or his plan for victory, all he does is criticize Obama for his stance on the surge. Why doesn't the press ask him about his definition of victory, and what he plans to do to achieve victory? Remember he is the one saying he won wars and knows how to win wars, where is the evidance of these claims.

Hagel is right – judgment is more important than experience. Obama will win with a landslide victory and this country will be back on the path it was 7 and 1/2 years ago.
Obama/Clinton (I hope) '08 !!!!

McCain says that Obama would choose the path of retreat and failure? Is this in reference to the war in Iraq? The war in Iraq was a horrible mistake. Look where we are now. Higher gasoline prices than every before, oil companies making ridiculous profits, the Taliban are back in action in Afghanistan and we don't have enough troops to do what truly needs to be done there, the youth around the world are disgusted by the war and more Anti-American terrorists are being created with every civilian death we cause. The war is a failure and I lose a little respect for John McCain each time he defends it. Even the Iraqis are agreeable with Obama's plans, as reported by CNN. McCain needs to tap into the pulse of America, which is that we want this war to end and we want the respect and love of the international community back.

Senator Obama, what are the CONDITIONS under which you believe the US should withdraw from Iraq?

you should give a little more credit to the people.

we can take it as long as you're honest and straight with us.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE the intelligence and courage of the people,

including the iraqi people.

it's more than clear to both peoples, american and iraqi, that

the gap between what the neo-cons want and what overwhelming majority of both peoples want

is insurmountable and irreconcilable.

stand with the people if you have courage and integrity.

McCain has no room to taalk when criticizing Obama on visiting troops. Especially since it occurred due to military regs. McCain has voted against every benefit to retired/ex military that comes up. Even Bush, McCains hero, is coming around to Obama's view on troop withdrawal, taalking to iran, etc. The iraqis agree with Obama ,Europeans agree with him. McCain is soundind more and more like a bitter old man! With all the mistakes he makes on borders, insurgents and so on, it sound lik McCain may be in the early stages of alzheimers.

True, Hagel, very true. Obama lacks good judgement.

“But what matters more in my opinion is character and judgment. And judgment meaning who is it that you bring around, who is it that you listen to? Can you make the right decisions for the right reasons on behalf of your country and the world?”

Obama has listened to Jerimiah Wright's sermons for twenty years. Wright was his friend and mentor. He has done business with Tony Rezco. He has changed his stance on most issues since the primary elections.

I thank God that I am gifted with good reasoning. I can't believe so many people can be took in by the Obama campaign and the news media. But, this may be God's will that people are blind to what is going on. This could be the beginning of the end. In that case, I recomend everyone start reading John 3:16 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible and be prepared for the tribulation.

Obama's international leadership (military and political) will be tempered by the Cabinet and advisers he surrounds himself with. Given the people he has already drawn to him both Republican, Democrat, politician and military, there can be little doubt Obama will enlist the very best to help him with his presidency.

Bush has experience and so does McBush. But it's the kind of experience the country can do without for future generations. No thank McCain. We don't need another Bush.

McStupid is not a "capable man" - he is so unbelievably stupid that he makeS Bush look SMART!

This morning McStupid said in response to a question: "I know and the people I know, know that I know when I say I know how to solve that problem!! (WHAT??!)

With that statement, Hagel acknowledges that
Obama's experience is lacking compared to
McCain.

No John McCain, Barack had chosen the right path all along, you can't be defeated, if the war which was NEVER supposed to happen, and in fact hapened for all the wrong reasons, was never waged!!

John you are out of touch with American, its citizens, and I hope when this is all done, you go crawl into a hole never to resurface, you war mongering fool!

Obama 08!

Judgement does matter. I hope people get that through their heads. Obama should pick hagel for VP

First, John McCain blasted Sen. Obama for not going overseas to further examine the overseas dilemmas in Afghanistan and Iraq. So, as a result, Sen. Obama heads overseas for what seemed like a whirlwind superstar tour that captivated not only the troops but Afghans, Iraqis(including the Prime Minister!), Germans, French, and Brits. And not only was John McCain bitter about the effect Sen. Obama had overseas but, I believe that he was jealous at Sen. Obama as well as the media coverage regarding the trip. So, John McCain, PLEASE MAKE UP YOU MIND!!! His personal attacks mean nothing. He proves to be a "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" type of politician who doesn't offer anything close to the change this country needs compared to the previous 7-8 years Now, that's not change that we can believe in...

obama tells the world after the election he is taking our troops out in 16 months, has not changed his idea on this illegal war that mcbush made up and now what i hear as an attempt to hide what bush and the PM of iraq agreed to–his 16 months to get out. IF HE CAME TO MY HOUSE I WOULD TELL HIM NOT TO HAVE ANY DEBATES WITH MCBUSH, TO GO TO THE PUBLIC. the debates are bush defending Iraq, the economy where bread may go to $5.00 a loaf because of Iraq and really bad economy things this admin has done. DO NOT DEBATE THIS OTHER PARTY-DON'T HAVE TO AND FRANKLY I DON'T WANT ANY MANURE ON MY SHOES BEING AROUND THEM.

Mccin has become the major attack dog, from politicizing campaign to Obama not visiting the America wounded troops. It just shows a lot about the irony of his straight talk express. Right now I seem to have forgotten almost all the stands that Mccain has for the country. He thinks he can distract the people from the main issues, but i guess he will loss in a landslide if he continues this way.

i agree,, sometimes one has to listen and cant always go with expeience but then only expeience mccain has is being a vet,,, if he truely understood things over there (1) he would do things differently not listen to bush and (2) he wouldnt complain all the time,,,, mccain,,, advice from americans,, RETIRE AND TAKE A LONG VACATION!!!!,, you wont win anyways,, go obama 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Give it up Hagel!

Obama has neither judgment nor experience – just arrogance, audacity, egomania and a huge lust for power.

Obama has no moral center and no core principles but he does excel in political expediency. This all adds up to no character!

Obama did a very good job with his trip and he stands out as a well-informed leader.
McCain is just full of sour grapes.
In fact, McCain is worse than that: he is not inspiring, he is not up-to-date on world events, he is old and grumpy, and he appears to have a thinly veiled really bad temper. I hope we don't end up having to live with that temper for the next 4 years.

and I agree with Senator Hagel. In my opinion Senator McCain's judgment is in question because he chooses war over diplomacy.
Most of his statements are about the war....the surge, surge, surge.

That was yet another briliant move on Obama part to have witnese on this trip, even more so that seems to be media becoming fearful to report about Obama positive effec on the rest of the world.Shame. We cpould be proud !!!!! Poor McSame until now he was screaming you should get to know this gay ,let send him abrod so you see...And now screaming why is there interest to know how things go and how this gay is doing ...away with him I will tell you all about him....even media shouldn't let people know who he is . Since when people have chance to get to know him , gess what THEY START LIKING HIM . What a threat for poor McSame.

"And judgment meaning who is it that you bring around, who is it that you listen to".

In Obama's case that obviously will be his liberal political advisers who tell him how many votes he'll get by promising a troup pull out without considering the situation on the ground in Iraq or eventually Afganistan if he does become President.

Well that was a improvement, now I will see if I can get in that Obama is a serial flip flopper. He has flipped again on the war and now has had four position, some of which he has given twice.

YOU THINK BUSH IS BAD?

MCFLIPPER IS A GERIATRIC VERSION OF BUSH.

IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, HE WOULD BRING THIS

NATION & THE WORLD TO THE SORRIEST

POINT WE HAVE EVER BEE. WARMONGER JUT WANTS TO

BLOW UP THE WORLD, BOMB, BOMB, BOMB.

Well, my comments were moderate and true, yet you sent me to moderation again. I can only guess the reason and I believe that its because I have "PUMA" with my name.

Dumbama has neither.

Hagel just sunk McCain with his Judgement more important than experience remark. Of course all McCain's experience is in Congress and most of it since the Bush regime has been a bad experience with him supporting Bush 95% of the time.

Obama has proven he has superior judgement.............just voting against the illegal invasion of Iraq highlights that fact.

McCain has some experience in Congress but bad experiences should not be hailed as credentials. His voting record shows he votes against women and veterans on almost every issue. Now that is not a good experience.

LISTEN FOLKS !!! YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT A MAN THAT HAS

ALL THAT "EXPERIENCE"???????

CZECHOSLOVAKIA-BROKE UP 16 YEARS AGO, 16 YEARS!!!

PUTIN IS NOT NOR HAS HE EVER BEEN PRESIDENT OF

GERMANY. MCBUSH HAS MORPHED INTO A GERIATRIC

BUSH IN EVERY WAY HE CAN REMEMBER. GIVE US A BREAK.

HE IS A DANGEROUS SHADY MORON THAT CAN'T THINK

HIMSELF OUT OF A SMALL ROOM WITHOUT HELP.

I have no clue why I am standing here with those 2 old men behind me.

Coming from a Republican:

Hear that PUMAS? You have just as much judgement as your old man... NONE!

The main issue is who supported Iraq war in the first place...
McCain is a war monger and he will do every thing possible to stay in Iraq for 50 years...
We have no choice but leave Iraq ASAP

GWB had experience. Enough said on that. Obama's judgment has been brilliant so far and he has been right on everything so far. And, if he manages the country like he has his campaign America will be great again! Speaking of judgement, with all john mccain's so called experience he still voted on the war.

I took my honorable discharge from the USMC just one month short of 60 years ago, If I was enlisted today and that obama became commander in chief I definately would not re-up.
Hagle and Reed are a couple idiots and I wouldn't expect anything different from them. They are just sucking around for some kind of favoritism if the obama is elected.

Chuck Hagel is AWESOME!!! Should Obama win, I hope that Senator Hagel has a spot in his administration (in the VERY LEAST, Defense Secretary)!

Obama is one big empty suit.

WHAT EXPERIENCE?

WHAT EXPERIENCE?

WHAT EXPERIENCE?

HE IS AN UNACCOMPLISHED SENATOR WITH A SHADY PAST,

WHO HAS SUPPORTED ALL THE BUSH FAILED POLICIES TO

THE TEE. & PROMISES IN EVERY WAY TO CONTINUE THEM.

WHY IN GOD'S NAME WOULD WE WANT ANY MORE

OF THAT ?????

what part of this story am i missing sen. obama said that general patreus was not in favor of a time table withdrawal. so much for listening to you commanders on the ground. unreal. here is a person who as never been in the millitary has never even been in the reserves but he feels he is better qualified to make a millitary judgement. and the way he spoke about the general listening to his two or three stars. not two or three star GENERALS (that would have shown respect) BUT SIMPLY HIS TWO OR THREE STARS shows the total lack of respect this person as for anybody. if that three oclock phone calls ever comes ?

Senator Obama and I visited the combat support hospital in Baghdad to thank those nurses, those doctors, to see patients that were there, to bring a bit of greetings from home and profound thanks," he said. "That should be in the ad that Senator McCain is running.

In Baghdad, Senator Obama made a point, at the end of a very exhausting day, to go in and see these magnificent young Americans and those doctors and nurses that give such tremendous care – without a lot of fanfare, just to say 'Thanks.'

They went to Jalalabad to see the soldiers of the 173rd. They stopped in Basra to see our soldiers down there. They went into Anbar province to see soldiers there.

McCain New Ad Is Wrong and Very Distorted,

You bet it went well especially the work out at the gym with Bild Zeitung reporter Judy who informed us that his hip did not sweat. CNN itself saw fit to report this profound observation.

If the Berliners want to influence our elections, let them immigrate to the US, become citizens and vote for him. We welcome immigrants, unlike most of the countries Obama visited.

Umm.....who cares about surge?

How about we shouldn't have gone into IRAQ in the first place?

Where was McCain's judgement then?

Give me a break.

McCain thinks we're dumb. He thinks we're worried about surges when in fact we're thinking about gas and food prices, home foreclosures...my student loans are killing me folks!!!

He thinks we're dumb and that just isn't right.

Dudes and dudettes, this is guy McCain is just lame.

It is clear that Hagel and Reed are going with their hearts. Just not the party they belonged to. We have had a hard core administration. Now it is time for a BRAIN TO BE CEO OF THIS COUNTRY. Bush listened to Cheney for too long making him probably the weakest president to date. I think the older crowd...not all but the ones that dont think Obama will not do a good job..again think about what you got in MCcain. He is OLD, HIS IDIALOLOGY IS NOT OF THE 21ST CENTURY. IS THAT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE KEPT. THE 20TH CENTURY. A CENTURY OF WAR? Think about what this country needs and What this world needs. The WORLDS eye is on us.

I suppose McCain should learn to watch what he asks for. He challenged Obama to go to the Middle East ... and he soared!!

Amen Sen. Hagel. A sharp mind and good advice will win out every day over "experience" and mediocre thinking.

Now let's see how the neo-cons try and smear Senator Hagel. I'm sure they are squirming and making voodoo dolls in his likeness at this very moment .

How ironic the McInsane campaign decided to use DoD footage of Barack Obama shooting basketball when he (Obama) was with the troops?

McInsane get a clue.....you don't accuse someone of not visiting the troops with a photo of said person surrounded by American troops.

Inept

McCain seems to use any means at his disposal to take away from the fact he voted to invade an innocent country and is guilty of murder in the first degree. Hundreds of thousands of innocent women, men and children have been killed and maimed because of McCain's get oil at any price tactics.

Trying to cover up by saying the world is better off without Saddam Hussien simply means McCain is willing to kill anyone he thinks is bad according to his frame of mind. Using this criteria he has a lot more killing to do in this world and he could get a good start on it with the present administration as they are just as guilty of murder as any tyrant in the past.

OBAMA/HAGEL IM HOPING!!!!

Oh by the way if we had listen to Hagel we would have lost. He has the same fiew as Obama "cut and run". With officers like him no wonder we lost the war in vietnam.

I am a registered Democrat, I don't necessarily trust Republican politicians, but I trust Hagel and Reed if they were for McCain I would trust their judgement. On Face the Nation, they spoke on the inappropriateness of Mccain's ad. For someone who said they would run a clean campaign, he must have meant he would only if he were winning. Somehow I think McCain thinks the Presidency is owed him. I await his temper to rear it's ugly head, so the real McCain can be seen.

What Reed says is amazing to me . I am retired and live around fort Hood and know people who have family members and friends who where at these locations that Obama and his group went to and said that he spent all his time including meals with the officers and not the enlisted. He did have some supporters . Most of them were black and just like the blacks not in the military are voting for him on skin color only.As far as Reed being a West point graduate and leaving as a captain it seems a little strange . Most of the time if a west pointer leaves at that rank they were (RIFTED) in other words put out of the military.

McCain = Crusty old curmudgeon

Just last month Big Mac was criticizing Obama for NOT going to Iraq and Afghanistan. Now he is attacking him for going. McCain needs to be positive and stop griping. If he wants to lead our country, he needs to show some vision.

I have both.

Just go ahead and say it Hagel...Obama 08!

This man would say anything to make sure the next President is
Democrat, even lie to the people as Bush did.

Shame on you Hagel.

True, look at Bush, Cheney, Rove and Rumsfeld's resumes compared to their judgment.

Remember folks this is a fellow Republican and a very long close friend of McCain stating this. He is backing Obama and it speaks volume... loud and clear.

I agree with the two Senators. Amen!!

be careful what you wish for McCain,it's the lesson you should take from insisting Obama take this overseas trip.so stop whinning and start talking issues........you earn respect,you do not demand it,Obama is earning he's...stop demanding for it....

Well....he may be right. Look at what all of the 'experienced' folks in Washington have done for us.

Its time to turn to people who have exercised good judgment instead of clinging to the good old boy system.

I would LOVE to see an Obama-Hagel ticket... I am sick and tired of partisan politics.

Reed and Hagel also addressed a new ad from the McCain campaign. The ad’s script says that Obama “made time to go to the gym, but cancelled a visit with wounded troops.” It continues, “Seems the Pentagon wouldn't allow him to bring cameras.” Both Hagel and Reed said the ad is inappropriate.
--------------------------------
I agree with Hagel and Reed. How low can the McCain camp go? Apparently to Hades and back...

"But what matters more in my opinion is character and judgment. And judgment meaning who is it that you bring around, who is it that you listen to? Can you make the right decisions for the right reasons on behalf of your country and the world?”

FINALLY, a public figure speaking out on this; hagel is 100% CORRECT!! experience means ZILCH if you abuse your political position for personal gain, and that's exactly what this white house has done. they have made billions by USING this country as a cash register! it's time to stop them; they're robbing us blind and you mccain supporters are STILL standing their holding open the drawer for them. mccain = keating 5, in the pockets of lobbyists and big business, same ol same ol thievery!

Hagel for VP! A moderate with military experience.

Great Job Obama, The 200,000 in Berlin showed up because they wanted to. No Apology needed.
The Haters Are So Jealous.

I wonder how McCain's gonna cry about this...

"Wah! Vote for me cause I have experience! I don't know anything except war! Vote for me, the experience man!"

Right on, Sen. Hagel!

Obama/Hagel '08

Hagel is wrong. Look what happened when we got Bush and he was inexperienced in foreign affairs. He messed everything up and so will Obama. We can't afford another inexperienced president. The country is in too much trouble.

Somebody explain me why is experience could be that important when you see that 600 000 000 000 dollars have been spent and people are facing foreclosure ...What is EXACTLY the surge for????

At least for this election cycle, I'll take judgment over experience any day.

Obama '08

Even in retrospect, he would choose the path of retreat and failure for America over the path of success and victory,” said McCain. “That's not exactly my idea of the judgment we seek in a commander-in-chief
McWar you are an old War Mongering IDOIT!!!

Would be a real stunt if Obama got Hagel to be his VP.

I think Hagel would be happy to serve in an Obama administration.

I agree with Hagel that Judgment is important. Obama has poor judgment and no experience

He is risky for sure. you never know what he will say or do to get elected then he will fine tooth comb that position,. I say risky.

He is the flip flopper of the Democratic party.

I just don't trust him. He says he was against the War in Iraq. So what was his rationale? All the congress voted to go to war and all the intelligence services of this country and foreign countries said Iraq had WMD and Saddam, said he had them. But obama the new messiah said no. What a clairvoyant figure he is. Maybe he will give us some stock market tips.

THANK YOU SENATOR HAGEL. MOST PEOPLE IN THE U.S .KNOW THAT BUT ARE AFRAID TO ADMIT IT.. THEY REMAIN IN DENIEL.
HOW SAD. HOW SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!

They were just being Diplomatic, Mr Obama...

Experience is good judgement is besser.

The Republicans have had 10+ years to saturate media, polling organizations and voting equipment manufacturers with their secret, and not-so-secret operatives (e.g. Diebold, Wall Street Journal,). Polls at this point are being corrupted by these operative in every way untraceable to suppress or distort presentation of opinion contrary to their intent.

Obama has a mostly terrific international tour (I think the Berlin speech was too much of a circus), while McCain stumbles repeatedly, is caught lying about the surge, and has his essay rejected by a newspaper that endorses his candidacy. Yet the polls show nothing.

Ignore Opinion Polls for now, and MAKE SURE voting machines are not set up to delete valid Democratic votes and manufacture false Republican votes, as happened in Florida in 2000.

Thank you. Judgment and character are the key. McCain has proved that he has neither.

1. McCain was one of the biggest drum beaters for the war. Even until recently, he talked about 100 years there, then until 2013, now who knows.
2. He also showed a lack of character by his "treason" comment about Barack. Add to that the Keating 5 scandal (which the media won't discuss).

McCain needs to shut up, hand over the election to Barack, and sit his butt down in a retirement home in Arizona where he can BBQ-it-up all he wants.

Obama/Sebelius 2008/2012.

Hagel and Reed say the McCain ad is inappropriate, what was inappropriate was how Obama blew off some of the Military especially those in the German hospital, that is not what a CIC does. He had the freedom to vist those countries because of the Military who protect our freedoms. Obama's trip was nothing but a farce, he said his visit supported his point of view about the Middle East. All he has to do is read the paper, we all know what is going on over there. Does he really think that people are that stupid. Actions speak louder than words and Obama is full of words and NO actions. This guy has not accomplished one thing during his 143 days in the Senate.

Thank you Senator Hagel and Reed - we need more of your type of men to stand up and be truthful.

Is CNN the official Obama campaign website with it's 'join the Obama campaign button"?

So much for McCain's argument that Obama isn't ready to be Commander-in-Chief. It looks like McSurge's campaign is crumbling around him. I'm beginning to think that the only logical thing for him to do is to cast his vote for Obama in November and then retire! Obama is the best candidate in decades! Maybe we won't be the punchline of the world's jokes any more!

bi-partisan support?that can't be beat!thank you,chuck hagel,for being a man of honor and integrity,at a time when mccainism republicans are showing a lack of both.their constant attacks against obama are not anywhere near honorable,and their integrity is in question,because of mccain's support of the current failed administration.

John McCain is the LAST person I would want to see become Commander in Chief. He would have us in World War III within the first two years of his term.

All Mccain Can Do Is Attack Obama Because He Has No Issues He Can Stand On! He Doesnt Have The Judgement To Run A Decent Campaign! He Doesnt Have The Vision To Move The Country Forward! He Is A Liar And Panderer Only Out To Keep The Failed Bush Policies Going! Mccain Represents A Third Bush Term At Its Worst!

I don't know to whom McCain is fooling by telling the surge is the factor in curbing violence in Iraq. The truth is we could have done this with less military and resources if we know how to do the right way from the beginning. The good example is the first Gulf war. We don't need more and more our service men. Our 130,000 service men as good as other 30,000. The only problem was we were arrogant in the beginning. So we abandon Iraqi army and rejected the Sunni folks just because Saddam Hussain was Sunni. We learn the lesson hard way. Now we have Sunni shaiks on American payroll to fight Al-Qiada. This credit goes to Gen. Petraeus who know how important is to work with everybody Sunnis, Shias and kurds to have peace in Iraq.

he proves a point..i think he is very right

welcome president Obama.

John McCain is running the most dishonorable campaign in US History. Obama's plans reduce taxes for more people than McCain's plan and reduced the deficit more than McCain's plan. McCain is in love with taxing people and spending their money. That's what we should expect for someone who has been a government employee paid by taxpayers his whole life.

Okay, right-wing dissenters need to organize into a single file line and wait your turn before venting unfounded animosity.

These two men can see the genuineness of Senator Obama. The repubiCANT'S throw words like "surrender" and "retreat" around as they have since the 60's and expect the American public to keep buying into it- NOT THIS TIME!

Even Hagel and Reed are surprised at John McCain's behavior and
attitude this past week. He has become a part of a "Campaign
of Whiners".

I am proud to be in the same country with Barack Obama, Chuck Hagel and Harry Reed. Can we have two Vice Presidents. Obama I feel so bad for you. You are challenge with picking some of the greatest men that America will ever know to be your VEEP. Good luck our future President. I just love all three of you for going to European country and testifying by showing your presents that we are good Americans that want to be friends with our Allies. I am proud to be an America.

Debra

Chuck Hagel, what a guy! It is so good to see someone willing to spout common sense, not the party line. The estimations of these highly decorated soldiers, as well as the ones visited in the field on this trip tell us much.

Yes Grandpa McWar flip-flopped and yes he lacks the judgment and knowledge to be a good commander-in-chief. His experience has helped get this country going the wrong way. He has presented NO DOMESTIC POLICY and OFFERS NOTHING BUT REPEATED ATTACKS on Obama's judgment, knowledge, experience and now character. He thinks that's all he has to do to win the election but these tactics won't work this time.

Obama '08

Are some of these McCain ads pretty desparate? I think if John McCain behaved as if he was simply addressing "ISSUES" he could earn some trust. His often getting the true facts before allowing these attack ads hurts his crediability. Too bad.

McCain suggested Obama go to Iraq and Afghanistan. He did. Then McCain decided Obama shouldn't go because it was political. McCain offered to go with him! Is he upset he wasn't the Republican asked to go with Obama? Maybe those long flights wouldn't have been much fun for Obama with someone sitting beside you that slanders you at ever turn.

I cant wait to hear what McShame going to say to Sen. Hagel, a Republican who is siding with Obama. This ad tells how desperate McBush camp is.

The praise is well deserved. Obama was adroit, intelligent, on message and yes....Presidential.

McCain, my friend, you cant run from the judgment of going into Iraq in first place... And that without having a plan for Iraq...
Just like your judgment tells you not to support the GI bill that would have helped our veterans...

America's brain washing continues sponsored by Fox News, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and America's Right Wing Public Radio.

The majority of American people do not know how to investigate and learn for there own insight. Everything that the media outlets listed above presents to America it must be gospel. If Obama was Japanese 55% of the American people would believe it.

Further, if ask them how do the know that? They say I read on the internet or I heard it on Fox News. Those people are so closed minded they refuse to listen to another view point. Fox News wants to demonize Obama as someone evil and out of touch with America and someone who is un-patriotic. So of course alt of Americans just follow along with the crowd and say, OK, Dah, Ok.

Thank God some Americans will at least give this man a fair chance to make his case for the presidency of the United States of America.

Obama 08/12

Wow. If other Republicans are saying McCain's politics are becoming gutter-politics, then he really needs to rethink his campaign tactics!

Mcsame will sooner or later admit this...