Same old junk. Plays great in the old folks homes. Problem is, Obama's not runnin' for "Alzheimer-in-Chief"

You old fart strategists are gonna' ride this outdated junk all the way to also-ran in November.

It was nice knowin' ya…don't let the screen door slam ya in the rear an the way out.

Is Penn actually on McCain's payroll? He really should be since he is doing such a great job campaigning for him.

If all you numb skulls HATE this guy. He must be very smart. Cheers to you Wolfson!

mark penn and karl rove–what a couple of ugly people–they have no character at all–rove is eltist and should be in jail(we would be if we ignored a congressional subpeona) and mark penn well hes proved how great he is—further john mccain may have been an american hero but just continues to lie in his ads–time and time again and the media doesnt really call him on it–but he want running THAT kind of campaign! funny but the clinton people dont really seem to have party loyalty(not the voters) the support staff–they want to help all of us get back on track yet they seemingly would throw us to the dogs with mccain–the same policies that dont work!!

To Pam (10:48am): Why does the media keep reporting this? Because it is in THEIR interest to foster discord, thereby driving up their ratings/page views. It is disappointing and counter-productive, but hey, if it makes for a better story, no matter how unsubstantive, then why not? CNN is quite guilty of this. (And therefore, I doubt I'll see this posted).

McCain Supporters,
Below are only a few position McSurge has changed positions on:
1. McCain opposed off-shore oil drilling; now he supports it
2. McCain strongly opposes a windfall-tax on oil company profits. Three weeks earlier, he was perfectly comfortable with the idea.
3. McCain thought Bush’s warrantless-wiretap program circumvented the law; now he believes the opposite.
4. McCain defended “privatizing” Social Security. Now he says he’s against privatization (though he actually still supports it.)
5. McCain wanted to change the Republican Party platform to protect abortion rights in cases of rape and incest. Now he doesn’t.
6. McCain thought the estate tax was perfectly fair. Now he believes the opposite.
7. McCain pledged in February 2008 that he would not, under any circumstances, raise taxes. Specifically, McCain was asked if he is a “‘read my lips’ candidate, no new taxes, no matter what?” referring to George H.W. Bush’s 1988 pledge. “No new taxes,” McCain responded. Two weeks later, McCain said, “I’m not making a ‘read my lips’ statement, in that I will not raise taxes.”
8. In 2002 McCain said, it is OK for Bush to detain suspected enemy combatants in Guantanamo bay, without bringing any charge against them. In now (2007) he is against it, and even wants to closedown Guantanamo bay.
9. In 2006, McCain said he was the “greatest critic” of Rumsfeld’s failed Iraq policy.
In December 2003, McCain praised the same strategy as “a mission accomplished.” In March 2004, he said, “I’m confident we’re on the right course.” In December 2005, he said, “Overall, I think a year from now, we will have made a fair amount of progress if we stay the course.”
10. We can’t have a time-time for Iraq, and It’s OK to stay in Iraq for 100 years;
……….. 4 months later McCain appear agrees to an18-month time-table for a withdrawal
McCain is no straight-talker….so…If you support McCain…. could you tell him to rename his bus/plane….. the FLIP-FLOP EXPRESS ?
By keeping “straight talk express” on his bus & plane, McCain is insulting the intelligence of every American. Even a dummy, can easily tell McCain is the king of Flip-Floppers
……..FLIP-FLOP EXPRESS …. This is a better description of McCain, isn’t it ?

I don't care what they say. Obama has my vote. Simple as that. I'm just here waiting for election day to go vote for Obama. I don't even care what the news say anymore.

the end is near

Unless a strategy stems from the gutter (ala Swiftboaters), I tend to admire it's authorship. Such is the case of the Obama/Paris/Britney ad which confirmed the celebrity status he showed with his rock-star audience in Germany. I don't believe even Mark Penn would have put that stop on his calendar. Now, Obama's lack of on-the-job experience is accurately displayed by comparing him with McCain in their respective reactions to Russia's invasion of it's next-door friend of America. Why did McCain's reaction and words give off an aura of American confidence while Obama's seemed out-of-character and less effective? It's because it's true. Obama and all his supporters should be thinking positive instead of trash talking about his opponent And of Hillary.

Oh calm down Obamites, your boy's career won't be ruined by Penn' remarks!!!!!!

Obama is self-destruction. He has proved to Americans that words are matter, not actions! So please continue to talk …….blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

This just showed why hillary did not win so all you puma and the rest need to wake up and start living in a free world and stop letting people brainwash you like Hillary did.

You know guys, and people wonder why I'm getting tired of the Clintons and that they should be left in the corner.

I've liked them in the beginning but last time I checked, when my boy makes a mistake, he admits it but when Hillary's "insiders" make a mistake, is Hillary knowing how to play the game, huh? And let me remind people that my boy has not had ONE incident like this before. Yeah, there were some people who mcight've said something but overall, my boy's campaign has played it right but Hillary's though, I say let them march and while they're marching, I hope they cry…I really do.

McCain has no problem wallowing in the gutter with the Bush's. He's had is head up their behind since South Carolina. He enjoys the stench.

…CNN must be running out of substantive news-worthy events to report on. This guy's comments shouldn't even be a headline. He's a complete nobody!

This is CNN stirring up trouble. He was not "praising" it, he was merely saying that negative ads can be effective. You are trying to make it seem as if he is praising and encouraging McCain to do more and he is against Obama. I happen to agree that Obama is a celebrity empty suit but do not agree with how you try to sensationalize news with misleading headlines. It is irresponsible and unethical to do so.

CNN. . . Stop reporting nonsense, try to stick to real issues.

Penn may be a jerk, but one fact still remains…
Obama has NO EXPERIENCE to be President!!!!!

Plastic Jesus is an outsider.

Penn should go back to lobbying and shut up. I am an Obama supporter and have been from the start, but I believe Mark the pig Penn lost the nomination for Mrs.Clinton.I agree with Angela after what the republicans did to McSenile in South Carolina you would think he would do better. But when you lay with dogs you get up with fleas.Old, poor white women for OBAMA/BAYH 08
Connie from Indiana

One has to be skeptical about Mr. Penn's analysis and abilities.

Has the McCain ad really done it's job? Was the 3 a.m. that successful? Just because it's in the news doesn't mean people are buying the message.

If mark Penn was a good strategist, HRC would be the democratic nominee. McCain's ads, although tailored to low information voters, did not work. The ads validated McCain's crankiness and that he is not in touch with the voters. Voters are seeking solutions to the problems that McCain and the Republicans created. However, McCain, thus far, has not offered anything new, except for character attacks on his rival.

I think he is right. He might be a pig but I think he hits it on the mark on this issue. Did you see Pairs Hilton's ad? Her energy policy makes more sense then both candidates.
jojogetbk 21

Plastic Jesus is a bottomless well of hate for his minions.

Mark Penn’s narcissistic behavior continues! Get lost clown! John McCain's ads only work if you’re an idiot, a republican or racist. Anybody who has any common sense knows the GOP is desperate, jealous and reaching for straws.

I agree with "Pam" WHY ARE YOU REPORTING ON THE DESPICABLE STUFF THAT MARK PENN SAYS OR DOES…….. OR WHAT THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN WAS PLANNING TO DO?

Seems to me that CNN, along wit other media is doing their level best to destroy Sen. Obama!

Seldom do I see anything questioning McCain! FOR EXAMPLE WHY HASN'T CNN DONE AN EXPOSE ON THE PHIL GRAMM/MCCAIN "ENRON LOOPHOLE"……. OR MCCAIN'S LONG HISTORY WORKING WITH LOBBYIST? OR HOW MCCAIN & CINDY STARTED THEIR RELATIONSHIP WHEN THEY WERE BOTH MARRIED TO OTHERS?

There is plenty do report on. PLEASE, let's talk about the RECORDS, ISSUES……… let's leave the "Clinton-Penn-Wolfson" Drama DIE!

Who cares what he thinks? Hillary fired him for running a lousy campaign. Maybe he should work for John McCain, since (as many Republicans have said), Mr. Mcain is running one of the lousiest presidential campaigns in history. Mr. Penn should fit right in with McLame and his pathetic campaign staff!

Yup Mike, TX, and the proceeds from that book are going to charity. Before you call a group mindless, perhaps you'd better look in a mirror.

If the Democratic Party is ever so stupid as to let Penn near a campaign again then they deserve to lose. First, his firm's hired to tout the virtues of Blackwater, next he lobbies for a Columbian free trade agreement that Hillary's opposed to! How does loose cannon sound?

Mark Penn sucks

With the recent leak of internal memos and the public statements by former Clinton advisors. It appears to me this is a last ditch effort to get Hillary the nomination or setting her up to run in 2012. And the longer this goes without a complete condemnation by Hillary. The more I am left believeing Hillary is behind this or at the very least is in agreement with what's going on.

Two-thirds of U.S. corporations paid no federal income taxes between 1998 and 2005, according to a new report from Congress.

But please keep supporting the Republicans and the Big Bussiness, we wouldn't want to tax these poor slobs more.

Fact check this all you want it is TRUE!!!!!!!!!

Wake Up America, Stop Being So Gullible!
The Spin Masters Play Us like Puppets.
We Americans Are So easily Manipulated.
Package It Right, Them We Go Brain Dead,
We've Become A Tabloid Society, We See, We Believe!
This Is Why These Ads Work, And we Have People Like Mark Penn.
How Sad, This Is Really Nothing To To Be Proud Of America!
What Happen To Our Common Sense.

Mark Penn to Sen. Hillary Clinton said Negative Ads are often effective in forming public opinion around a candidate!
Ask Ourselves Why!

Mike, TX August 12th, 2008 10:25 am ET
I just realized exactly who Obama. Obama is really Omarosa. Talks a lot, doesn't say much, totally ineffective, brags a lot, very self centered.
Obama's followers are as mindless as their hero
——————————————————————-
…but not quite as mindless as establishing the basis for an opinion of a candidate for president on a reality television show…Thanks for the giggles, mate.

CNN put a ticker for Dubya telling Russia to "Reverse unacceptable course in Georgia".
Here is the “pot calling the kettle black”. Bush with the support of McCain and his likes morally bankrupted the USA leadership in the world and here is the true definition of empty words. Can Bush or McCain right now get any support from any other country in the world to help Georgia whose sovereign nation is being raped by Russia? Guess what Russians knows empty words when they hear them. With US troops buried in Iraq until victory is secured (whatever that victory might be), America has its hands tied behind its back and Bush has his foot in his mouth gagging trying to tell Russia to respect Georgia’s sovereignty. What a joke! And this is beyond lame. My 5 months old SON is better than this, he says a lot that I don’t understand but I we communicate and understand each other very well.

Yes and we all saw how effective Mark Penn was for the Clinton campaign.
I am trying to figure out why anyone would report what this guy says as anything but what it is, baloney!!!

In light of the Atlantic story, it is no surprise this backbiting idiot favors McCain.

Watch CNN continually push this Clinton vs. Obama non-story, its laughable.

Obama 08′

Negative ads only work on the ignorant, and in this country, we are loaded with them.

This is what "we" have allowed our politcs to come too. We can look at an ad and judge someone….

McCain is talking about washington as if he has not been there for the last 30 years… and we sit and want to believe anything he says because you are stick to a party line.

we are lost and stupid to put up with this crap…

THE CLINTONS AND THEIR SURROGATES ARE STILL BITTER!

FOR SOMEONE WHO WAS BUSY LOBBYING FOR COLOMBIA TRADE DEALS INSTEAD OF CAMPAIGNING FOR HILLARY, THIS TWAT SHOULD SHUT UP ALREADY!!!!

HILL AND SOR LOOOOOOOOOSERS, GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA '08/'12!!

How would he know? He botched the Clinton campaign.

No, it was not effective. It made McCain look like he is grasping at straws and Paris Hilton smacked him right back which is exactly what he deserved.

Penn is a pig, and that is why Clinton fired him. Thank God she didn't
do everything he told her to do.

The best news of the day, I was at a Chamber Of Commerce monthly
meeting and 90% of the member will vote for McCain if Hillary is
not on the ticket with Obama. I'm glad people are coming to their
senses. And no i am NOT RACIST I just don't trust OBAMA.

Mike, TX, I guess your hero is the guy who wants to give MORE millions in tax breaks to companies who lied on their taxes and didn't pay any!! There your hero LOSER! It's funny how you call dems mindless and yet it's the repukelicans who follow BLINDLY!! They say pay, you say how much!! Your the VERY person they want supporting them, give your money to them and don't ask any questions, trust us, your life is good, your life is good, remember your life is good!! AND YOU BELIEVE THEM!!! LOLOLOL WHAT A TARD!!!!

Mike from TX HERE IS YOUR IDIOT CARD!! WEAR IT PROUDLY

"I'm an idiot repukelican"

" KICK ME" lolololol

TARD!

Why does the media keep reporting on this guy?
In what magazine are his memoes being posted?
It is apparent that he is a loser. It is clear that he is very sore about losing the job he had in the HRC campaing which equaled a total revocation of his ideals. He is sore about the campaign loss. Right now, he is having a catharsis through CNN.
I think CNN is seeing a one sided race and they are doing everything they can to make it exciting. Rev Wright (the media gift that kept on giving) is out of the public light. He needs a replacement. Mark Penn is that replacement. But his story is not gaining the type of traction that Wright did. They are still looking to raise doubt and debate on Obama. I don't trust the polls and now I don't trust CNN.
Are you the most trusted name in news? you were

The last paragraph indicates that Mark Penn may be an American FIRST and a Democrat SECOND. Bravo! All Americans, Democrats AND Republicans, should be Americans FIRST and partisans SECOND.
Evan L. Lehman, M.D.

Lots of hatred here. You far left liberals pretty much expose your true nature when things get tough. It's just one post after another of Hate hate hate. Oh yea, lots of practice hating Bush too. I am neither Republican or Democrat. I actually want the Moderate Dems to win this cycle so we can finally focus on worker's issues. But man, you libs are just hate filled people.

The truth comes out about Clinton's campaign. The staff was egotistical (like Clinton), they fought each other (fighters like Clinton), they sabotaged each other (like Clinton). The management of her campaign reflects who she is.

It's all coming out now. So….Clintonites, the truth, as we have been telling you idiots is that she lost because she cut her own throat and Obama is a better candidate.

But again, her supporters reflect her (the can't accept responsibility)

Obama's not a celebrity.

He's… intelligent, motivated, team player, fighter for the people of america, family man, humble & next world leader and our next President!

Now you know why Penn got fired.

I think reporting trivial remarks such as those expressed by Mark Penn only hurt the image of U.S. politics both here and abroad. It's no wonder why candidates resort to attack ads. No one pays attention until the mud starts slinging.

"This man needs to go back in whatever cage he came out of. Sen. Clinton needs to reject this kind of support because it is not needed in the Democratic Party."

You know, the more this guy talks, the less respect I'm having for the Clintons. And no, is not Hillary's fault or her family but I gotta tell you, their inside people they pick, I'm questioning their judgement.

Sorry Clintons, that's how I do business…

CNN, Why are we supposed to care about anything that the former Clinton campaign has to say?
Get over it, she lost and this guy is one of the main reasons why.

MARK PENN, SHUT UP YOU LOSER.

Whatever Mr. Penn you are not running for President and niether is Hillary Clinton. So get over it.

Listen to all the Obamaites whine when the lights are pointed on their poor little candidate – as he runs for the shadows. So glad the moderate Dems are waking up to reality. Obama is not qualified and he doesnt share western values! Plus his wife is scary! AnNyone but Obama. Remember: NObama 08!

Gee just what the country needs, a rock star as the next President. What happened to picking someone for their brain and not their looks?

What is up with Hillary's and her campaign workers? Stop reporting on what these guys say!!!!

This guy's a real winner, isn't he!! Filled with hate and apparently knows nothing but dirty tactics. It's not attractive.

Real question is, who cares what he says anymore? He was fired by HRC. Why is he given any credence, other than just trying to stir up more hate and divisiveness in the Democratic party.

Could he be paid by the Republicans under the table?

The only good the ad did was to further convince America, that McCain has nothing to offer but insults to the other guy.
i would like to hear one thing from McCain, that is good about himself and does not attack Obama.
Sen. Obama, has run a clean campaign, and I believe America is seeing that for the first time in recent politics.
We are so tired of the same old stuff that dominates every other politician running for office.
Obama does offer change, and the campaign is proof of that change.

a democratic Karl Rove, is this country blessed or what??

Iis true and these ads (unfortunately) work! It is the reason many people, including me, questioned Obama's electability from the very beginning. The Republican's are going to go at him from every angle they can think of. Ignoring it will not get Obama elected.

Shari, NY said it best in the another post: "One camp relies on the nation’s ignorance and the other camp relies on one’s intelligence. It will be a tight race."

CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT ARE AMERICAN VALUES? DOES AMERICAN VALUES MEAN THE WAY THINGS WERE IN THE 40′S 50′S 60′S AND 70′S? YOU KNOW PEOPLE KNOWING THEIR PLACES!

JUST BECAUSE SENATOR OBAMA IS NOT WHITE DOES NOT MEAN HIS VALUES IS DIFFERENT FROM ANYOTHER AMERICAN. IF HE WAS A WHITE MAKE WITH ALL THE ATTRIBUTES DISPLAYED NO ONE WOULD QUESTION HIS VALUES. I BET MANY MORE WOULD BELIVE HE IS THE GREATES HOPE IN RECENT HISTORY.

NO ONE WANTS TO REALY CONFRONT THE ISSUE OF RACE DRIVING MANY PEOPLE VIEWS ABOUT THE SENATOR. THERE ARE MANY WHITES WHO ARE WILL TO LOOK BEYOND THE COLOR AND THEN THERE ARE MANY ANGRY ONES WHO CANT BELIEVE DR. KING DREAM IS COMING TO LIGHT.

THE CLINTONS ARE REALY TRYING TO DERAIL THIS CANDIDATE WHO LOOKS A LOT LIKE THE FORMER PRESIDENT'S CORE SUPPORTERS.

Why would I want the opinion of the strategist who's candidate lost. The McCain ad back fired big time. If anything it showed the international appeal of Obama at a time when the Republicans have made America the most hated nation on earth.

The Paris Hilton slap hurt McCain even more.

For those people who support McCain and call Obama and his supporters mindless.

McCain – wrong on the Iraq war
– flip/flopped on Bush tax cuts
– flip/flopped on immigration reform
– doesn't know which countries Al Qaeda is in
– doesn't know which countries are Shi'ite & which are Sunni
– admits he doesn't know much about the economy
– wants to spend the next 100 years in Iraq
– wants to bomb Iran -neocon – Christian Zionist
– wants to reduce interest rates to 0% – inflation would go
through the roof & the value of the $ would plummet, oil
would cost a fortune
– energy plan is drill. drill, drill, it would take years before this
oil came online. His plan doesn't address energy
conservation or alternative sources of energy

I use to be a fan of McCain in 2000 but he has sold out

I vividly remember the last general election night and early on CNN giving the election to Kerry based on exit poll results. Uncle Ted Kennedy was referring to President Kerry and look what happened? The American people will wake up and realize Obama is just another "snake oil" salesman saying all the magic words you idiots want to hear.

The Democratic Party NEEDS a major! overhaul!. Forget about 2008 (Your guys's gonna fell out short, no 270 EV come Nov.) or 2012 Tthe electoral college's gonna change because of the 2010 Census). So start thinking about 2016. You got 8 yrs. You've! been! warned!.

The truth sure does hurt. Obama is a serial flip flopper, who now has been on alll sides of every issue. Mention a truth about Obama and his supporters, paid and volunteers, come out of the wood work and try to control the comment sections. Not just here, but at MSNBC as well. Instead of discussing the issue like adults, they engage in name calling and nasty remarks. Looking forward for their return to school.

Carlo, you're way off the mark.

David Axlerod is Karl Rove in a Democrat's clothing, not Mark Penn. Like him or loathe him, Karl Rove was one of, if not THE most effective political operatives of modern times. Mark Penn is an idiot.

You watch, in 10 years from now, David Axlerod will be despised by the right, just as the left now hates Rove. They are cut from the same cloth.

Can the Hillary nonsense please stop.
She lost.
Get over it.
Stop crying.

She can run again in a few years.

McCain im sure is loving all of this…

I love the awful picture of him too, it makes him look even worse, haha.

this POS needs to STOP talking. mark penn is SLIME—-and unamerican, just check out his disgusting client list at burson-marstellar. basically, anyone who did something hideous goes to mark penn: saudi arablia after 9/11 (notice THEY didnt get much flack, amazing considering almost ALL of the hijackers were from SA), backwater, etc…. totally repulsive people getting help from a vile and repulsive slob!

not to mention that HE'S WRONG—-i dont knwo what world he lives in but everyone i've heard thinks mccain's celebrity ad backfired. especially since both of the twits they used are republican supporters!!! and the 3 a.m phone call ad was a JOKE!

these people are trying to help mccain win, and i'm getting really PO'd at the clintons and their staff. they better STOP now, there is not a chance i will vote for hillary in 2012. if she, bill, and her staff dont start campaigning for obama NOW, she will NEVER EVER get elected in 2012. if they get us stuck with 4 more years or repugs, she has NO CHANCE of winning in 2012.

Before Democrats get all crazy, everything he said was right. Research has shown and Obama poll numbers shows that negative ad works.

If Obama and Democrats want to take the "high road" and think that we are somehow "above it all" then Obama will be another, Dukasis, Mondale, Gore and Kerry and Republicans will win and our country will suffer, just like it has over the last 8 years.

Democrats, liberals and Obama need to get over themselves and start fighting back, hard.

Did not this guy help facilitate a losing campaign? Do his opinions and suggestions matter?

How can the mind be so small that we vote against someone instead of FOR someone?

McCain has offered less detail on almost every subject and spends more time talking about Obama rather than himself?

It is working though… my friend who agrees with Obama on a lot is now voting for McCain because he "hears to much on Obama"

What a shame – NO WONDER the US is in the state that it's in right now!

This guy seems to have everybody's ear, eh?

Well then, why doesn't he go ask, and report back to us on, how Senator McCain was promoted way ahead, and I mean way ahead, of more qualified flight school candidates when he graduated?

Comments and actions of the Clinton surrogates just make Obama look better and better. I knew I made the right choice when I voted for him, albeit in one of the smaller caucus states that Hillary herself dismissed as unimportant.

It's nice to finally hear someone speak about the Obamessiah (PBUH) as he truly is — foreign and out-of-touch with regular Americans….

The media is really behind Exxon John.

LOL

As a political ad, I tend to agree with the effectiveness of the Paris Hilton/Britney Spears spot. Also recall the infamous "Swift Boat" ad that portrayed John Kerry as less than honorable.

Sadly, such "attack" ads are central to American politics these days. The result of the recent Obama-Clinton campaign indicates that it isn't capability, wisdom, or experience that matters in this election.

So, let the ads be. At least a little humor has been injected into this otherwise lackluster contest!

I have to question the fact that this is the second aide of Clinton in as many days to say something that can damage the credibility of Obama. Two things can be taken from this. Either she is unable to control her people which is what I suspected when she was running and was the main reason I was against her in the first place or she has lied and is not truly committed to getting Obama in to the white house. She can put a lid on all of this if she wants to. If another story comes out about her people running the mouth, I'll have my answer.

Note: Like Penn or not, the ad was very effective as it IS the question everyone is thinking if not asking. Please debate the issue and the comment, but don't rip the person apart. That's childish and you Obama supporters are vicious, if you wouldn't say it to the person's face DON"T WRITE it in a blog.

If you knew something, Hillary would win the nomination. Please never ever ever say anything again!

Mark Penn: the Peter Principle in action. Rather than be excoriated by the press for his disastrous strategy and conduct while driving Hillary into deep debt and political exile, instead he's lionized and allowed to bloviate on matters he's clearly not qualified to analyze.

Mark Penn's still around? I thought he disappeared already after his bungling of Hillary's campaign?

Can't he just go back under the rock he came from?

This from the man that destroyed Hillary Clinton's chance at the White House?
McCain's Paris Hilton Bittany Spears ad was about a tasteless and and "Presidential" as Penns rumpled, food stained shirt!
If Penn was looking for his "daisy" ad, he found it, HE then proceeded down the dirty poltical road…and LOST the election for Hillary with his dysfunstional running of her campaign!

I would expect no less from a man of his caliber….LOBBYIST!

Ha Ha! So the 3 AM ad was effective? Then we saw how Hillary was so tired at 3 in the afternoon that she couldn't remember that she was not shot at in Bosnia. So much for effectiveness.

McCain's ad effective? Sure, until you look closely at what McCain has done to win the nomination. He has flipped on his own co-sponsored legislation. He is as phony as a politician can be. When a politician says they would not vote on their own bill, you have to wake up and smell the coffee. This is a campaign based on being a media creation. The "Maverick" is a zero. There's no there there.

"His roots to basic American values and culture are at best limited. I cannot imagine America electing a president during a time of war who is not at his center fundamentally American in his thinking and in his values"……….So who give you the right to question anyone's roots…..So we are to believe that Bush has the so call more then basic American values and roots? THIS explain a lot about your opinion of someone with what you think has values and roots, the war that had no WMD. “he has our center fundamentally thinking as far as his values“, great for him because our economy is the worst in years, gas prices are supporting their pockets with no regards to the 98% that is barely making it, millions without health care that you and the GOP have courtesy of our tax dollars, and homeowners losing their Values, THEIR HOMES…How do the rich know or can judge anyone’s value and roots when they have benefited from the many loss of the American people?

CHANGE is a must…..not the same old good old boys….all about self and buddies.

Obama 08

Obama 08

Penn needs to spend his energy trying to collect from HRC.

It's my understanding a lot of her supporters have sent money to resolve her debt issues. He needs to get his share before the little vendors take what they earned.

Oh well – Karl Rove seems to be/have a seriously infectious disease called hate.

We have GOT to get this negative crap out of our political system – one way or another. Demerits for negative or mud-slinging.

At least Andrew (August 12th, 2008 10:47 am ET) is one honest democrat amongst many sheep on this message board.

Baaaa baaaa – vote for Barack – baaaa baaaa – I use ridiculous, meaningless names like McBush, McLame – baaaa baaaa – "vote for change", "yes we can" – baaaa baaaa.

Low Life scum has knows no particular political party. The Republican Dirt Machine is doing a number on the truly thoughtless. Penn wants to be part of something — ANYTHING!

James in Ohio,

Obama is clearly lacking substance. I'm no fan of McCain, but I certainly don't want a repeat of Bush. McCain is qualifed and certainly is no Bush. Repubicans think McCain is too liberal! Obama is arrogant like Bush and on the stump he even sounds like Bush (gaffe after gaffe). Didn't we learn from the last 8 years of Bush that we need someone with some experience? Many of us are just shocked that people would even consider Obama and that's why we are trying to make people like you realize it would be a big mistake to elect Obama.

KARL ROVE IS BEHIND MCCAIN'S ATTACK ADS AND JOHN MCCAIN APPROVES OF ROVE'S DIRTY POLITICS. KARL ROVE, JOHN MCCAIN, BUSH AND CHENEY ARE ALL THE SAME SO DON'T BE FOOLED.

Penn is right. You Obamabots should read the new Newsweek piece suggesting that Paris Hilton should run for president. The Republicans are simply pointing out the obvious, that is, both Paris Hilton and Obama are products of a celebrity crazed media culture. Both are equally clueless and equally without talent. Voting for Obama is no different than voting for Paris Hilton or Brittney Spears.

Why would anyone report what Mark Penn says when he nearly single-handedly sunk HRC’s campaign? He has NO credibility. Pundits of all political persuasions have stated the ad was stupid, the low road, using false analogies, covertly racist, beneath John McCain, unfitting of a would be CIC and totally useless. Likewise, the polls are showing that Obama’s lead is growing and/or remaining steady so the American people reject the implications of the ad which is that 18+ million people in American plus the 200K in Germany, plus the majority of our US troops are blazing idiots and John McCain who finished 4th to last in the Naval Academy is a genius. I don’t think so.

I love how people are saying the Penn is simply a "Republican in disguise." Is it possible that the Democrats themselves are simply no better than Republicans?
Oh the arrogance of those Democrats to paint every single person who they disagree with as a Republican.
As a Republican (most of the time) I laugh at their completely inept way of dealing with controversy.
Obama is a sham. He is simply a convenient person for specific interests to place on the ticket with a promise of "CHANGE" that will go nowhere. What exact sort of "change" is Obama going to bring? I'd certainly like to know because this man is like a popover. Sure looks good on the outside with all his talk but on the inside he is full of nothing but air. ZERO substance

That's right McCain campaign….start taking your advice from this guy. You can see where it got Hillary.

It's time for a shake up in Washington! Electing Obama will send the message the "business as usual" in our government will no longer work. The American people are tired of how our country has been run over the past 30 years.

Mark Penn just telling it like it is. Good job! Mike from Tx, you hit the nail in the head. Obama is Omarosa in disguise. A BIG drama queen. He is Obamarosa!

Hillary should have fired Mark Penn a long time ago. He has now partnered with Karen Hughes from the Bush administration. Enough said.

Obama's background represents many aspects of American diversity. His candidacy offers an opportunity to transcend some past divisions and demonstrate how far our society has come in the 21st century. Obama '08

Obama didn't need to answer the ad…. Paris did an excellent job of making McCain look like a fool… she also did an excellent job of pointing out his age and arguing the fact that he just may be irrelevant. The man constantly mis-speaks, mixes up countries and has a hard time finding words to express himself.

Now we have this bozo Penn spouting off… they are both long past the "sell by" date and totally out of touch.

I love that that is the only picture you have of this idiot!

Like him or not, Penn makes a good observation. the ad hit at Obama's strengh: the fact that people act like he's some kind of celebrity when in fact he is all fluff and not much substance. McCain is not much better but it looks as if things on the world stage are playing out to his advantage. Conincidence? don't think so. Main stream media is not potrying the Geogia-Russia conflict correctly. The US-Israel backed Georgia has been put up to this proxy war. Does anyone realize how much arms has been supplied to them by th US and Israel? Does anyone know how many US and Israeli military advisors are currntly there? Does anyone realize there are mercenaries (Blackwater) fighting for Georgia? You won't because MSM doesn't tell us.

I'm fairly sure that Mark Penn has no room to talk about what any candidate should or should not have done, considering his abysmal failure as a strategist for Hilary Clinton.

Keep on talking about the issues Obama! Thinking voters will acknowledge that this is the mark of a true leader. (check out JFK's Speeches).
I hope women who are still hurting over the loss of Hillary will take another look at Obama's voting record re womens issues against McCains. NO CONTEST! OBAMA 08

He should have been given more power under Hillary's campaign, then she would have won.

With his track record, not too many politicians should be rushing to take this man's advice. The dream ticket would probably have been a strong probability if advisors and supporters like this man had not mismanaged and tarnished the Clinton campaign. Senator Clinton might have been better served taking more of a leadership role in her own campaign and now needs to distance herself from these people. With friends like these, who needs enemies.

Mark Penn's op-ed says more about him than either candidate. He is a scumbag who has now publicly admitted that it didn't matter whether the 3 A.M. ad was fair or not and has been exposed in his private consultation work as a racist.

Now I know why Hillary lost! What an idiot.

The fat on Penn's frame has infiltrated his brain.

Mark Penn and Dick Morris – now that's a real TEAM!

This guy is not finished with his sour grapes yet! He should be ousted from the democratic party. A guy who made millions doing nothing and pulling down his candidate (Hillary) doesn't have any credibility.

The only memory the Paris Hilton ad gave me was that of Obama inspiring millions of people. Thank you John McCain.

Didn't all those candidates mentioned as having a "successful" negative ad lose???

Everyone in America has foreign roots. Hillary should denounce this racist, anti-American clown IMMEDIATELY!

Who cares about this guy? And why is the media making such a big deal out of the "secret" memos and playing down other stories such as how obama flip flopped on full votes to michigan and florida which would have in march given this nomination to clinton? why?

With this secret memos, ideas were presented, clinton shot it down. isn't that a good thing? what this shows is that there are some definite weaknesses that anyone could exploited about obama but Clinton chose NOT to. I am sure obama's team also has a lot of dirt that they decided not to use. why don't we expose their memos… geesh let's just move on.

Republicans have mastered the art of fear and smear – in fact, they invented it. That being said, it's time for Democrats to stop being gracious wimps – and big election losers besides. Barack waited too long to hit back at McCain's silly ad – just as John Kerry did after the Swift-Boat attack ads in 2004. Wake up (!) hit them back, good and hard. "Marry" John McCain and George Bush – NOW!

Those negative ads got Hillary CLinton where she is Now at Home watching the Campaign instead of Being in the Campaign Penn is a Nasty Person and that is why not a dime of my Money will go to Clinton No matter what My man Obama has to say I will send him money everytime he emails me Except on the behalf of Hillary because she still owes this scum 5.3 million dollars.

"Fair or not, as advertising it did its job…"

So, in other words, it doesn't matter if it is accurate or if it is a fair ad, the only thing that matters is getting results.
Again – one reason I'm backing Obama. He's not pure as the driven snow; I have no illusions about that. But he seems to be more above-board than others. I really expected better of McCain. I'd hoped to see a good clean campaign. I guess that one's out the window now with people like Penn and the Rove proteges running the campaigns.

Someone needs to sew Mark Penn lips shut. I never scene such childish behavior like Clinton supporters.

This just goes to show you what really happened to the Clinton campaign. It had nothing to do with the media or sexism. Granted there may have been some sexism, but not to the point that it cost Senator Clinton the nomination.

I've said before this was "hers" to lose. Her campaign let her down as evidenced by these reports from Mark Penn.

Senator Clinton didn't help either falling into the trap of inevitability. By the time she started to really campaign, it was all but too late.

I hope her ardent supporters now realize that it was her own campaign that caused her to lose, nothing else. Both candidates received about 18 million votes, Senator Obama won more delegates and more super delegates (unfortunately it had to come to that). He's the nominee.

BTW – those that are complaining that it was faulty process need to remember that it was the same process that nominated President Clinton, Al Gore, and John Kerry. I don't remember anyone calling the caucuses "illegal" then.

Why is there so much anti-McCain writing posted on your comments page? I have a feeling you are not posting anything but pro-Obama comments. These readers are terribly mis-informed about McCain. If it's one thing I know – he is a good and caring man and a great American. Further, Penn should be allowed to speak the truth without people putting him down. He is merely telling the truth.

The ad was fair and was very effective, in my opinion. Obama needs to realize he's not competing on American Idol. He's running for the toughest job in the world. His reactions to criticism and his behavior clearly indicate to me that he can't handle the job.

This guy is an idiot. He ran a horrible campaign for HRC and is the primary reason she did not win. Why in the world the media even listens to him anymore is beyond me. How is his opinion important.

Anything that grabs attention and gets people talking is effective. I find it interesting that candidates and their handlers often seem to second guess or disagree on when to and how to respond to the opponent's ad. Nobama missed the beat on the McCain ad.

What is Penn & others trying to do – give McCain a supposed blueprint on how to beat Senator Obama in order for Hilliary to win next election? They must realize that if this happens – there will be a campaign of Anybody but Hilliary and she will not win in 2012.

And so the fabricated fantasy of a united Democratic Party collapes like the house of cards it always was…it's not news to me.

Looking forward to seeing the blood spill all over the convention floor.

Don't forget to bring your hip-waders!

I can't figure out what his angle is??? Why is he still talking?

Obama '08

This Penn jerk need to be locked up….He is a piece of crap.
Stupid

Can we say…sore loser?

Its true, people hear only what they want to hear.You can now thank the MSM for the choice you have,happy voting Americans.

This Clinton political machine is an evil monster.
They, together with McCain, are emblems for what is wrong with US politics.

Why do you put this fat pig's comments? You want Lanny Davis's commetns too?. There are more credible people ton the earth to comment on a few subjects. Are you encouraging division?
Don't do National Enquirer journalism.Atleast they are doing a better job.

It’s time we ask the question; is all the bitterness from Hillary’s supporters about Obama’s political stance or his color.

I must say his opinion is correct. As a strong minded democrat, you cannot escape the reality that the Mccain ad is really speaking to the Democratic fear "are we banking on a man that exists because of his love from the media"

Are we backing a man the is again speaking on what will be broken hopes and dreams? Obama is quite obviously the best choice we now have, and that comes through his uncertainty factor. If American's clearly knew what he stood for this would create obvious factions.

I truthfully felt effected by the ad. My opinion is not swayed. In the primaries, I must say Obama's celebrity driven ad's were on the tackier side, and had undertones of celebrity driven propoganda.

I will vote for Obama because he is the best choice to date.

Right, this is the guy who helped to destroy Hillary's primary campaign.

Yes, and we all saw just how effective Mark Penn and Hillary were. Seems to me they should shut their pie holes and just be gracious losers. Thanks to them, my boy McCain is having to run against Obama… instead of Hillary, who McCain could easily have mopped the floor with.

And this is the mindset that Clinton wanted to bring back to the whitehouse? Are you true democratic Hiliary supporters paying attention to this (not you fake PUMA's)?

This is why she lost. Not sexism. Not infatuation with Obama. Not the caucus system (which she didn't bother to strategise for but only saw the need to criticize and belittle it), not the super delegates "coronating" the other guy.

That's right. Obama supporters are mindless. Not like those smart McCain supporters. Fossil fuels cause carbon emissions. Drill here! Drill now! Carbon emissions cause global warming. Drill here! Drill now! Global warming is causing an increase in natural disasters. Drill Here! Drill now! The environmental risks of oil drilling and transporting is much safer since Valdez. Oops, close down the Mississippi river! A tanker is leaking! Nuclear energy is much safer since chernobyl. Oops, our nuclear sub is leaking radiation! I wish I was as smart as you republicans

Someone made the comment on one of the Sunday talk shows that Obama should not have gone to Hawaii for his vacation (even though it is a state) but should have gone to Myrtle Beach instead since that would have sounded better. Where do people come up with these ideas? Mark Penn is in the league with the Republican slime machine. Why would anyone hire him?

Hillary supporters please take note of the following excerpt from the September issue of The Atlantic magazine. “Clinton's campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination went from front-runner status to failure for a number of reasons, from badly managed money to blistering warfare between advisers. Clinton, the candidate who said she was ready to lead on Day One of her administration, did little to quell the infighting”.

what a joke. This guy has the brain of a chihuahua. As do most PUMAS. Cut off thier noses despite thier faces.

The media keeps reporting this because they need stories. They will recycle trash daily if it keeps them working and advertising dollars coming in.

I say bocott the companies that advertise with these various news outlets when they run crazy stories like this.

Obama will win this year, and if he does well, he may win in 2012, but what ever happens we must make sure that McCain looses and the republican party takes a significant hit in Congress.

AND HILLARY WANTS THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS TO HELP PAY THE DEBT SHE OWES THIS FOOL? NOWAY JOSE.

THIS GUY WILL NEVER GET A DIME FROM ME.
ASK JOHN MCSAME TO CONTRIBUTE.

Is this the same Mark Penn who drove Hillary's campaign into the ground? Well then we know if is uneffective thanks Mark you clarified that for us!!!!!!!!!LOSER!!!!!!!!!

Truth is Hillary was the Republican in drag.She lied from beginning to end.

Shari, NY August 12th, 2008 10:43 am ET wrote

Show me an American (except the Indians) who do not have foreign roots!

Indians come from India. If you meant Native Americans, please remember that they came across the land bridge from Asia.

The point is that his upbringing, including the two most influential men in his mother's life who were both Muslims, does not lend itself to identifying with most Americans. Most Americans don't get "scholarships" to private schools. Most Americans don't get preferential acceptance to Columbia University because of Affirmative Action. And most Americans didn't grow up in a socialist environment.

Hawaii is the place that gave us Hawaii Housing Authority v. Midkiff, 467 U.S. 229 (1984)[1] – a case in which the United States Supreme Court held that a state could use the eminent domain process to take land and redistribute it. Chavez probably used that as his model.

It also has a state tax rate higher than Ma$$achusetts!

This idiot is a lone wolf in Democrat (or would that be Rethuglican) clothing.

WHINER!

That's the reason Barack Obama will be the 44th POTUS. Penn obviously is not in the Democrats corner and it's not worth the time
of day what he thinks. He lost Clintons campaign because Axlerod
beat him at his own game, a smart, POSITIVE well ran SUCCESSFUL
strategy.

Obama '08

The ad simply states the truth. Obama has substance.

Didn't your candidate lose and you ended up being fired for dealing with a nation who your candidate said you weren't dealing with? Yeah…you're a good gauge of what works and what doesn't…NOT

Come on folks all you have to do is look at this guy's haircut to realize that he's a TOOL! Who cares what he has to say. It is a little disheartening that he sounds like he's making talking points for the Repubs, and he was Hillary's head campaign guy. More of this and I'm witholding my vote for her for her next Senate run!

OBAMA 2008 + 2012

america, meet your new idiot.

leading strategists says it did the job…..what job?….Same old TRICK, lies and focus is off the MAIN issues of the 98% of the American voters………..GOP one thing you forgot this election, we are not the fools you thank we are, may have worked in “2000” & “2004” to state "it did the job" by using an advertising that forgets to put McCain in it, ops………that's right wrong ad……..men who cheat on their first wives for woman with millions show, would be more like the type of ad needed.

Leave it to the GOP to let us be the last they worry about, instead of so much focus on Obama celebrity, when are they going to run ads that will prove that McCain will produce all these jobs he promising, also promise and prove how low he can get the gas prices, also promise and prove how he will make sure we all will have the same type of healthcare he and his camp has with our tax dollars and an ad that also promise and prove how he will help the thousands of homeowners who lost their homes, financially get back into them. THIS IS WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED GETTING THE JOB DONE…..WOW, again trick of the mind by the GOP…….this a dumb statement for a leading strategists to say, when 98% of us are struggling from day to day…….again taking the voters for granted and thinking we will forget how the media has shown Bush and his administrative celebrities for the last 7 ½ yrs. With mostly negative news that has caused his rating to be below 25%, this is what the ads should be explaining to the American voters…THIS TO WOULD GET THE JOB DONE……won't work on us this time GOP.

Obama 08

Just proves that many Americans love gutter politics.Slander,lies and half truths.

Another unhappy loser that is afraid of those that don't look like him.

OMG, that is SO not fair! McCain is just as mean as Simon. Now what is that phone number again to cast my vote?

I have high praise for the NutraSlim ads that show Mark Penn in the "before" pose. They are highly effective at pointing out what a fat bag of crap he is.

He's a coward of the worst kind. He'll never stand on principles, he doesn't have integrity or morals, but he's going to attack someone who does. He was perfect for Hillary, two peas in a pod. The sleazier you are, and the less character you have, the better for the Clintons.

This man is NOT going to prevent me, or most Americans from taking our country back. Yes, I know with slithering snakes like Penn, country and honor are not on their list. What a wonderful surprise he'll get in November. I would love to see his fat, doughboy face on November 5th, the slime ball.

Negative slimeball ads like this one are effective with one segment of the U.S. population…mindless idiots that cannot think for themselves, like the ones that re-elected the worst president in the history of this country…George W(orthless) Bush!

Sir, your hair is falling off

Well it definitely showed OBAMA like Britney and Paris as the dumb BUTT he is. and is no way prepared to lead this country through the crisis years we have ahead. His supporters need to face facts he was not the peoples choice and he is not qualified for the job.

He's a coward of the worst kind. He'll never stand on principles, he doesn't have integrity or morals, but he's going to attack someone who does. He was perfect for Hillary, two peas in a pod. The sleazier you are, and the less character you have, the better for the Clintons.

This man is NOT going to prevent me, or most Americans from taking our country back. Yes, I know with slithering snakes like Penn, country and honor is not on their list. What a wonderful surprise he'll get in November. I would love to see his fat, doughboy face on November 5th, the slime ball.

Obama 08

Whoa!! the hate spewing forth from the Obama supporters. How dare a fellow Democrat say a Republican has the right strategy to use against their candidate. The Manchurian Candidate from the far left (born in Hawaii but claims he's just a commoner like us) has followed MCain in changing his mind on off shore drilling to following the good Senator from Arizona's lead in the Russian/Georgia conflict. Except when it comes to getting the UN involved. Russia sits on the Security Council with veto power. Don't go to the UN. Senator Obama; pay close attention to Senator McCain and learn how a real Commander-in-Chief would handle the bad boys from Russia without having to go to war.

"Stupid is as stupid does." -Forrest Gump

I hate Hillary Clinton more than I have hated anyone during my lifetime. She has done more damage to this country than anyone in the history of politics. She is a dispicable, horrible human being and so are her stupid, anti-american, anti-democratic supporters who continue to stir up trouble and continue to keep the party divided. You should all be ashamed of yourselves and should grow up before we have that horrible, terrifying old man as our president.

Hi hater's!

Who gives a rat azz about this over blown bag of winds opinion
NO One!!!!

Hillary and Bill have paid this creep to come out and smear Obama.
The Clinton's can not accept their loss. I feel they are behind the John
Edwards leak because he supported Barack. They are evil and
vindictive.

Mike, TX – Stay out of the sun, it's cooking your brain.

There is a disguised strategy from the Clinton camp to destroy our Obama . Two top supporters raising doubts on Obama at this moment is well calculated, but American people are not stupid. It's already engraved: Obama, our next president!

To Mike, TX,
You are pathetic!

who cares what he has to say , we are so over the Clintons

Can you say slimy? Sums up Penn in one word. Anyone that supports his BS is either racist or stupid – Basically a republican!

The ad was houmorous but also hit the sore point in Obama's campaign – a total lack of experience. The recent reversal of his position regarding Russia's attack against Georgia is just another example of Obama's total lack of experieince and leadership ability. Throughout Obama's total primary campaign through the present, A,erica has seen countless examples in debates with Senator Clinton, on the campaign trail, in interviews, and in reactions to national and world events where Obama has shown hesitancy in taking the lead – answering a cruical question before others have weighed in, and waiting for national pundidts and polls have given him a clue as to where he should come done on important issues. This is a tell tale sign of inexperience and a lack of leadership qualities. America cannot afford to seat this individual in the most powerful position on the planet — it would be a sisaster waiting to happen.

Well from someone whose strategies were on the LOSING end I'd say that's good news for Obama. And hopefully McCain and his crew will continue to seek out the praise and reinforcement from Mark Penn.

CNN, you are full of crap. I do not believe what you report most of the time.

Although Clinton lost, she did so with respect for Obama. At least she didn't take Penn's advise to take the low road of lies and deception. Those are the politics of fear.

Obama 08.

Mike, TX and all the rest of you who keep saying that Obama has nothing to say, you're not listening or even willing to listen. Obama has made VERY CLEAR his policies. So why aren't you listening? I don't want to use the "R" word but if Obama keeps repeating his policies on Iraq, the economy, health care, energy, education, etc. etc. etc. and you keep saying he doesn't have any policies what else can be the reason? You may not like his policies and that's fine. But if you say he doesn't have any, there has to be a reason you refuse to hear.

How in the world did HRC hire this man for her campaign. Its just proves that she has bad judgement. Well, Obama is a celebrity and does that mean McCain is a career politician. He has been running for President forever and he is going to die old doing that.

I hope African Americans will wake up to the fact that all that glitters is not gold. There are some ruthless people out there who pretend they're working for the Democratic Party, but in actuality, they're working for themselves.

Hillary has fired this guy, and he's still working for her. Why? Because there's more money where that 5 million dollars came from. If he has to throw principles, people and his mother under the bus, so be it.

As an AA, I don't blindly work for the Dems any longer (thanks to Hillary); I question the motives before giving my time and energy.

re: Mike from Tx

Project much? Do you really want to discuss which supporters are mindless? Which supporters constantly vote against their interest? Don't open a can you can't close.

When you stand back and look at it : EVERYONE is subtly against Barack. Hillary used the same man that McCain is now using to attack Obama using the same nasty tactics. I think Obama realizes this. Obama is playing a chess game with amateurs. BA ROCK the Vote!

OBAMA HAS TO START FIGHTING BACK, I CAN'T UNDERSTAND THE PEOPLE RUNNING HIS CAMPAIGN, THE PEOPLE RUNNING MCCAIN'S CAMPAIGN ARE VICIOUS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO SLING MUD AT OBAMA'S EVERY MOVE, IT IS KERRY ALL OVER AGAIN !!!! PLEASE SOMEONE HELP, OR WE WILL BE RIGHT BACK WERE WE WERE BEFORE……. MCBUSH, {GOD FORBID}

It is obvious that the media publish Obama story more than McCain, but these stories are base on lies.
How could Americans be fool to believe what is not true.

All the people who are attcking Obama often admit they just want to mislead the public and they also believe these negative ads works.

Do you people think with your head mind and soul?

Here they tell you " they want to have fun with their supports play on you mind" said McCain. McCain campaigning for presidency if not fun.. let the people think clearly not rumour mongery, negative campaign.

Penn is silently working for McCain so that his lobby job can be protected.It wont work,not this year not this election because people want their government back.
GOD BLESS AMERICA,GOD BLESS BARACK OBAMA
OBAMA 08

This guy is speaking with the endorsement of the Clinton’s; they want Barack Obama unelectable for their 2012 bid.

This is shameful coming from someone who is suppose to be on your T.E.A.M.

Although it is frustrating at times, the silver lining is the majority of the American people understand what we need to bring this gr8 country to higher levels of consciousness.
Let me say it again:
THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE IN THE GREAT COUNTRY KNOW TRUTH WHEN THEY “FEEL” IT, AND THIS TRUTH IS Barack Obama.
Amen.

I agree with Penn. The thought of the United States electing someone to the highest office who does not openly showed his pride in America is a very scary thought.

You won't have to worry about $4 gas or other economic issues if the safety and security of America is not protected. Of the 2 choices we have… McCain is the only one who would put our security first.

The 90's were a good time for a Rockstar President. But now we need a President who will fight to protect our way of life.

who is this guy?……his mom does not even care about him.

The political news is pretty boring since Senator Obama is on vacation. McCain needs to take this opportunity to start his campaign for the White House, or is he on vacation also? Complain all you want that Obama receives more press. It's obvious that he's more exciting and makes for more interesting reading. Watching and listening to McCain is like watching paint dry. OBAMA 08

That is because there are a great number of Americans that take pride in being mindless ignorant rednecks that have for too long been the voice of this country. The vast majority of us are waking up and will reject this way of culture when we vote in droves come November for Obama.

Penn took a campaign that was pretty much a sure thing and not only lost but took down a much loved former president in the process, right? So, why are we listening to this hack, again?

This is the guy who helped kill the queen.

His commentary is irrelevant regardless if it is true.

A LOSER

The democrats run a campaign that would make Karl Rove blush.

Someone needs to be held accountable for the attacks and lies spread by the Obama campaign.

I guess when you don't get paid one becomes angry and spiteful. Poor Hillary had to put up with this bum!!!!

Negative is what I see in Mark Penn a big ball of resentment. Get over yourself!

Does he really know what he's talking about? I'd say no, since who he represented is not the nominee.

"Fair or not, as advertising it did its job: It used humor, stuck viewers with memorable images and created a debate, just as Lyndon Johnson’s 1964 ‘Daisy’ ad, Walter Mondale’s ‘Red Phone’ spot 20 years later and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s ‘3 a.m.’ commercial in 2008 did," Penn wrote.

Hmmmmmm! The Daisy ad was used by a candidate (LBJ) who was going to win in a landslide anyway. Despite Mondale's Red Phone ad, he still came close to losing every state. And Clinton's 3 a.m. ad certainly didn't win her the nomination. If these ads "did their job," then why did two of the three candidates who used them lose?

Mark Penn could have saved Hillary Clinton 20 million dollars of her own money by merely planting Korans in WalMart stores across America. As long as McCain made good on his promise to veto beer, the nomination would have been sealed with the ‘isolationist-xenophobe-bigot-fear vote’ for Hillary.

Instead Hillary was reduced to crying sexism and proclaiming that Senator Obama would lose the General Election because he is black. Let’s not forget her coy flirtatious smirk when she announced her Robert Kennedy strategy of still claiming the nomination in August.

At least the PUMA people are still listening to him.
Speaking of, has he been paid yet for his work in the Hillary Campaign?

I dont understand one thing. Looks like CNN noone is willing to talk to CNN except this Scum bag.

From yday I am seeing you guys are interviewing this idiot or the other dog Howard wolfson…

Very Very bad job folks..You guys are not covering Olympics well instead you are running behind piece of scum like this idiot.

Mark Penn needs to be in prison. He is a crook. I guess now he is working for John McCain. They are just alike. They both lie, cheat and steal.

If these ads truly did work then what does this say about the intelligence of Americans?
Keep fighting Barack, you have enemies everywhere from the PUMA nuts to the idiot Mcbush. You have consistently taken the high road and I respect you for that.
There are only a few months left so stay strong, no one said the road to the white house would be easy, especially for a black man.

Connecticut for Barack!
Educated and Intelligent Voters for Barack!

right Penn, and negative ads got your girl into the nominee slot.. look where it got you.. whining, owed money and rejected by public opinion..

The high road is always best… even a navy man should recognize that instead of bring American down with negative oppression..

Yes..We…Can…

Barack Obama in 2008 & 2012……..

How can you call Obama followers mindless when the majority of them are college educated. The mindless people are the ones making the accusations. First you call us Latte drinking elitists, and now you are calling us mindless. Nice work… Half of you think Hillary Clinton is still running for president. Who's minless now?

So if you were born in Hawaii, you're not American? Who taught him geography–Attila the Hun?

This guy is full of himself

It is not a coincidence that Penn and Wolfson are coming out at the same time, before the Democratic Convention. They have a stake in Barack losing the general. So it's all about money, not principle. What a bunch of losers. No wonder Hillary hired them; she's just as selfish as they are. They will put themselves before millions of Americans who are hurting and suffering because of the Bush Administration. These political thugs would rather see McCain continue the Bush practices so that Hillary can win in 2012, then support the Democratic ticket. It's not American, it's greed.

I dont see how you are all led like sheep. Move to Europe and live your liberal/socialistic lifestyle. If you want change maybe we should look into an overhaul of congress starting with fake nose Nancy. How bout that for some liberal name calling

Penn Looks like a Neo-Con, Talks like a Neo-Con & Acts like a Neo-Con .. So he must be a Neo-Con

His last paragraph says it all, plain and simple. Lets see just how much experience does Nobama have, 143 days in the Senate, now he and his followers think he can follow in the footsteps of former Presidents! How much exp does McCain have, 26 yrs in the Senate, a distigushed military carrer, and lets not forget a few yrs as a POW. Not a togh decision here. Go John, eat him up, and spit him out.

Penn, who was ousted from his formal role with the Clinton campaign last spring, faced fresh criticism earlier this week after newly-released campaign memos revealed that he advocated painting Obama as foreign.~~Shut your big Lying Mouth~~~You are a Reject
and a Scumbag …..Why is this Guy in The NEWS?

If the voting publick makes voting decisions based on this type of ad instead of serious consideration of policy issues, the publick will get the government they deserve. They could choose to ignore this crap and I really wish they would.

CNN once again pushes the story that they see as detrimental to Obama. Those who think this is a pro-Obama website are either blind or biased or both.

He would know. It is effective becuase it pokes fun of the truth. Paris is a superstar for nothing but her parents money and a sex tape. Obama is a hyped up media persona, but has not achieved anything of SUBSTANCE. Wake up people.

If Hillary really wanted Obama to win, she'd tell this man to shutup!

this guy sound like Elmer Fudd. get over it sir.

Obama supporters certainly dont think for themselves. If they did they would realize that Obama is junior Senator with no experience at anything. He has flip flopped on every issue so that he could be more in line with what people actually want from a candidate He belonged to a racist/radical church until that became a political liability. And on top of that he was the least qualified of the Democrats.

I think the McCain campaign should take a lesson from Mark Penn.

It'll make Plough's job that much easier.

He's right- It effectively made McCain look like a bitter, angry, stupid, petty, mean little dork, with nothing of substance to offer America (except really ignorant ads).

I sincerely hope the old man doesn't think we're all as dumb as he is.

And Mark Penn would do well to just fade away. You lost sir, get over it.

And please see to that horrific hair cut.

Sounds like something out of the Karl Rove playbook. Unfortunately, people in America blindly believe negative things about candidates without doing research. What a sad world. After all, Bush was elected in 2004 after 4 years of office! It makes me want to move somewhere else.

Yeah, Penn the guy who McCain should listen to.

Then he'll be able to lose 20% in a few months as well

Everything about Obama speaks to American Ideals and the progress made in the country. If he is not "centered" in American thinking and values then America must be in denial about our identity. Obama is a self-made man who comes from a background of both struggle and sacrifice. He is bi-racial background should remind Americans of that cliche portrait of the "melting pot."

If any one is not fully centered on American thinking and values, its the Bush Administration that has disregarded any type of honest leadership.

Will someone please get a memo to all the former Clinton staffers that reminds them they lost. Now.

What America doesn't realize is these people are campaigning for 2012. I've never seen anything like it. There candidate lost the primaries, and their still fighting for Barack to lose the general. So it's not about idealogy or principles, it's about MONEY. Hillary paid this guy 5 million dollars, and now he wants another 5 million for the 2012 race.

How low this country has sunk, to think that we would continue fighting a race that is OVER.

This guy is like the Karl Rove of the Democratic Party, except for the part where he sucks at his job.

Who cares CNN. Will you please stop telling us what this fake Karl Rove says or thinks. Obviously his advise does't even work.

And why is this guy even talking? He was released from Hillary's campaign because of his backroom dealings.

Also, why anyone is still bringing up Hillary and how or why she lost is really getting very, very old. Grow up and move on.

Why does the media keep reporting what this guy says?

i sure hope he's right! we see how effective he was for the clinton campaign! looks like a winner, folks…

Look at all the ads he quoted as "effective" and look where it got the candidates who used them.

Who in their right mind would ever pick Penn to be their senior strategist? He's working for the other side!?!?!

The ad was very unbecoming to Senator McCain's before now above board stature. This deminishes him.

Just like the most recent ad run by one of the more disgusting groups calling for biblical proportion rain during Senator Obama's acceptance speech. Hmm….hasn't our country suffered enough with the most recent floods in the midwest and also the loss of New Orleans? Now what, Denver needs to be flooded to punish them for hosting the convention?

After what the bushies did to Senator McCain in South Carolina one would not think he would wallow in the gutter with them.

Mark Penn is an idiot. No wonder the Clinton campaign fizzled out. A person without backbone can do that to a campaign. Furthermore, "Jenny Craig" is recommended for him at this point.

Even as a Democrat, I can appreciate the ideas because they are effective. I'm not just going to bury my head in the sand and pretend otherwise.

Penn is a sleaze I cant belive hillary actullay hired this sleazeball!!!!!!

Political silly season continues among the Clinton supporters. Let's move on and see what happens when we wake up on the morning of November 5th and we have a new African American President.

Obama for President!

Add Bob the Builder's childish motto to rabid liberal fans and paparazzi news anchors…, and what else would you call him, if not the neo-political celebrity??

Oh boy, it's Alex Mooney doing what he does best, writing articles to please his Republican controllers. No objectivity, just pro-Republican spin wrapped in a "newsworthy" article.

Great, a graudate from the Karl Rove School of Advertising get a microphone. Just what America needs, more garbage.

O/08

There is something very fishy about all this Clinton stuph surfacting 2 weeks before the convention.
Penn needs to crawl back under his rock.

If these ads are effective, it depicts the very sad state of minds of those who these silly, stupid, and idiotic ads matter to.

Do these people actually exist who get influenced by these ads versus ads laying down a candidate's agenda of how he/she will fix the health care, housing, conflicts in iraq etc etc.

There's a reason this guy was replaced. I think he's trying to justify the 5 million dollars Hillary paid him or owes him. It's sad.

Barack will win, and he'll be job hunting.

O/08

this guy is really hating or what!!!

get over it, you lost, and so did clinton!

now stop being a baby and get behind the democratic winner, OBAMA!!

on second thoughts, we really don't want you!

wow, what a LOSER!!! CLinton and her serrogates are becoming more Neo-Con every minute!!!!!

OBAMA '08!!!

or vote for the same…..

Mark,

You still will not collect that $10 million that Hillary owns. Your crap didn't work in H. C. campaign and it will not work now. Go marry Carl Rove and maybe the two of you can make hell happy.

Mark Penn is antiquated. How is he relevant? Because I was born overseas (to American parents), does that make my core values as an American less than others who were born on American soil? No. Mark Penn is full of hot air. Please post CNN.

This has nothing to do with the above article, but I must say I am tired of seeing Obama's paid for campaign add everytime I open the political ticker! I guess money buys everything here in the US, even the presidency.

Show me an American (except the Indians) who do not have foreign roots! Soon they will say that Hawaii is not a part of the mainland and does not count. In an attempt to woo people they are stooping lower and lower by being very intolerant as regards the background of many Americans.

Yeah right, let's hear what works and what doesn't from a –sore– loser…

Hillary Clinton is, through her operatives, continuing to spread her poison. If she thinks this will give her a shot at 2012, she is wrong.

I agree with Penn the add was masterful and to the point and now Obama and his campaign are saying the add is mocking supporters which a third grader knows that wasn't so. The media put Obama on this pedastal not the McCaign campaign. Obama is an empty suit and doesn't take a stand on issues until its someone else's idea like his Russia statements now agreeing with McCain. He did the same in the debates with Hillary he would copy her answers just like high school stuff and because he is the more popular kid everyone takes it as his idea. It was really cringe worthy to watch. I hope McCain has kept back some of his solutions for our country in the debate to throw the Messiah off balance.

Just another clown seeking a spotlight. Keep the focus on the real news and shunt Penn to the digital roundfile.

If you don’t mind being a hypocritical liar who doesn’t stand for anything honorable, I guess those toxic ads work.

McCain's ad's are the very BEST out there. I love the humor. Have you seen "the FAN CLUB"………great and the ad's are so true. Finally, someone is putting this clown in his place…….which is Chicago!!

What a shame that you have to dumb down your speeches and put out negative ads in order to get ahead, politically. American politics are hurt with the media's obsession with polls, red/blue maps, and teaching about a two-party-only system in schools.

Why is CNN ginving more space to this bubble headed racist. Anyone who gets all their information on a candidate from a negative ad deserves the mess they get.

When will we learn to think for ourselves. It is time to take matters into our own hands and reject Mark Penn and John McCain. Advertising strategy determines who will be president and not policy and leadership? I'm mad as hell and I will not take it anymore.

Obama '08

Here is what attack ads do — they get coverage from the media for which their campaign doesn't have to pay. Instand amplification beyond any market they actually _could_ pay for. CNN, for instance, regularly provides links to McCain's attack ads and covers them with glee. For free, needless to say. Just another instance in the total degradation of this country's political culture.

I think McSame just hired Penn. Kill the humans hope and the human will die automatically. Osama also hiring Penn soon.

Oh boy with guys like this who needs a doughnut! LOL Fatboy has no idea the world is changing now not in 2050!!!

Obama 08

A Carl Rove wannabe.We, as a people, should worry when a lowlife like him becomes a hero.

I have supported the DEMs since 1984 and I am not about to give it up.
Clinton and her diehard supporters are nothing but a distraction to the DEMs and the Obama campaign and nothing more. All the, coulda, shoulda, woulda, do is open old wounds and salt them and that does NO one in this America any scrap of good. I am still waiting for more “coulda, shoulda, & woulda”s for Clinton before Aug 25th rolls around. Worst part is Hillary is not showing any sense of leadership by putting America and DEM party above herself and be very clear on the future of America. Sorry to say but Hillary is slowly but surely losing her place in history, with her entitlement crap. I’ll not blame the re-thug-licans on this, we all know for sure Hillary has been involved in whisper campaigns and as we all remember Clinton stated it very clearly: “it’s not over until we have a nominee at the convention”. All the public pronouncements about unity amount to nothing until Hillary stops her whisper campaigns. 13 days and counting if Clinton’s name is on the roll call at the convention, the DEMs can forget the WH come November and is that simple.

Penn needs to crawl back from the hole can came out of.

This idiot need to shut up, he is irreilvant he had his chance and he was a disaster to the Hillary compyagne who listens to this idiot, CNN please report other important things besides Mark Pen.

Nice hairdo!

This man needs to go back in whatever cage he came out of. Sen. Clinton needs to reject this kind of support because it is not needed in the Democratic Party.

Penn is a vindictive, angry, bitter fool. Oh God, I just described McCain.

McCain Supporters,
He is not a maverick, but rather a flip-flopper.
Below are only a few position McSurge has changed positions on:
1. McCain opposed off-shore oil drilling; now he supports it
2. McCain strongly opposes a windfall-tax on oil company profits. Three weeks earlier, he was perfectly comfortable with the idea.
3. McCain thought Bush’s warrantless-wiretap program circumvented the law; now he believes the opposite.
4. McCain defended “privatizing” Social Security. Now he says he’s against privatization (though he actually still supports it.)
5. McCain wanted to change the Republican Party platform to protect abortion rights in cases of rape and incest. Now he doesn’t.
6. McCain thought the estate tax was perfectly fair. Now he believes the opposite.
7. McCain pledged in February 2008 that he would not, under any circumstances, raise taxes. Specifically, McCain was asked if he is a “‘read my lips’ candidate, no new taxes, no matter what?” referring to George H.W. Bush’s 1988 pledge. “No new taxes,” McCain responded. Two weeks later, McCain said, “I’m not making a ‘read my lips’ statement, in that I will not raise taxes.”
8. In 2002 McCain said, it is OK for Bush to detain suspected enemy combatants in Guantanamo bay, without bringing any charge against them. In now (2007) he is against it, and even wants to closedown Guantanamo bay.
9. In 2006, McCain said he was the “greatest critic” of Rumsfeld’s failed Iraq policy.
In December 2003, McCain praised the same strategy as “a mission accomplished.” In March 2004, he said, “I’m confident we’re on the right course.” In December 2005, he said, “Overall, I think a year from now, we will have made a fair amount of progress if we stay the course.”
10. We can’t have a time-time for Iraq, and It’s OK to stay in Iraq for 100 years;
……….. 4 months later McCain appear agrees to an18-month time-table for a withdrawal
McCain is no straight-talker….so…If you support McCain…. could you tell him to rename his bus/plane….. the FLIP-FLOP EXPRESS ?
By keeping “straight talk express” on his bus & plane, McCain is insulting the intelligence of every American. Even a dummy, can easily tell McCain is the king of Flip-Floppers
……..FLIP-FLOP EXPRESS …. This is a better description of McCain, isn’t it ?

With all of this effort spent telling us why NOT to vote for Obama, you'd think we'd hear a little about why we SHOULD vote for McCain. Which candidate is truly lacking substance, I wonder…

Penn is an idiot.

Too bad he was Hillary's top guy. Bad Judgement Hillary.

Mark Penn is a pitiful man – He campaigns failures and it appears he is campaigning for the soon-to-be-failed McCain campaign

I'm sure McBushes Paris Hilton ad will be accepted by people that don't have the brains to think for themselves. Then there are those that are smart enough to look into the issues, and think for themselves, and come to a decision concerning the candidate they wish to support. So much for that.
As far as the slimebag Penn goes, well just look at him. It's clear what kind of guy he is. Just can't let go of the limelight. Doesn't matter, people like him and ads from McBush mean nothing.
Obama is gonna win hands down !

A sloth at best.

shut up

For me, the most interesting part of this article was the Idea of attacking a candidates strengths rather than weaknesses. Interesting and effective strategy to say the least.

Republicans are the best, aren't they?

Says the strategist from the worst run campaign that ended up over 20 million in debt.

Anyone who believes ads like this should require an IQ test before casting their vote.

Penn, go get yourself a $400 haircut and attitude adjustment, will ya?

Another Republican in Democrat's clothing. What a loser.

The people who are effected by these ads are fools.
Who cares if the president is a celebrated figure. That's what a presodent is isn't it? Oh no…how horrible it would be to have a president that is adored and admired around the world rather than feared and loathed. That could ruin America's tough guy John Wayne image and we would get no respect if no one feared or hated our president.

Wake up America. Obama inspires. That is a good thing.

Mr. Penn, you lost a campaign for a front runner and your opinion, at best, is that of the losing side.

By now, most have decided which candidate they are voting for in Nov. I doubt this ad will be as effective as McCain or Penn has hoped.

Why are we not surprised? It was obvious from the get go.

Obama/Biden '08

Scum

Effective, maybe.

Good for the country, no.

I want more optimism, and less warmongering.

Obama '08

Obama's response to the Russian invasion of Georgia shows he's not ready to lead. He called for a UN resolution. Oooh, I'll bet the Russians were shaking in their boots at that. The world loves Obama because they know he'll be someone they can roll over.

Are you serious to use a statement from a man who railroad Hillary Clinton's camp? Mark Penn should help payoff Hillary debt. If McCain has to use negative ads to gain voters then we don't want those votes anyway. That shows the type of people he has around him. My friend, that's not a good thing. Stop being stupid!

Fear is not a factor for us this year.

Can we hear something on McCain plans for the economy. Oh wait, you really don't know anything about the economy huh?

Obama'08

There are many questions about Barack Obama's background. Where is his real birth certificate,does it need to be a secret ? This is a man who won't lay all of the cards on the table. When he tells us something and we check, there is nothing to back it up.
Civil Rights attorney? He never filed any action. This guy, Obama, is just more mystery meat.

I never thought I'd see someone more unattractive than Karl Rove, but then Mark Penn came along. how telling that mark penn is now siding with mccain and trying to destroy obama's message. this is why i refused to vote for hillary in the first place, she's been surrounded by so-called democrats who CLEARLY are republicans.

saw samething that made me happy today and it said…

"I'm over the HIll and I'm voting for Obama."

I love it.

Mark Penn is fluffy and useless, he is a major part of the reason Clinton's Campaign resulted in all-around loss, his injection of degrading, baseless negativity, and in the end, good wins out.

Why should his opinion even matter? Everyone knows that he is a Hillary Clinton backer and is doing everything to undermine Obama. They want him to lose this is why all of her supporters are trying to raise doubts about him right before the convention hoping to get her thrown in as the VP or the nominee. Frankly, I've grown sick and tired of Hillary, Bill and their supporters. These are the same people who said Obama should suck it up during the primaries. Maybe they should take their own advice. They have successfully killed any chance Hillary had of being president….EVER!

HAHAHAHA!! And this Bloated geezer single-handedly lost the Primaries for Sen.Clinton why should anyone listen to him?

Mr. Penn hasn't exactly displayed stellar judgement as evidenced by his running of the clinton campaign. Why would his opinion have any substance? He's been wrong too often to use as a credible source.

And where is Mr. Penn's candidate- writing her non acceptance speech. This guy, still talking.

Regrettably, Mr. Penn's remarks highlight a huge and perhaps unsolvable problem of modern American democracy. A campaign can be controlled by, say, Mr. Penn's ads versus Mr. Rove's ads, and there is no "referee" to call "fouls." The closest group available to be a "referee" might be the press, but the calls will be inconsistent and not many people will listen anyway. The result reminds me of my college pick-up games in the gym of "bloodball."

Does anyone, anywhere, actually care what Mark Penn thinks? This is the man that made millions running Hillary Clinton's FAILED campaign – obviously he doesn't have a clue as to what will work in this election year.

Oink,oink.Once a pig always a pig.

Penn should go work for McCain. He is a negative and cynical moron just like McCain's people. They make a great match.

He's just upset that Hillery can't pay him because she lost the nomination. Well, Obama was work to pay off debt for her and McCain is not going to pay you a dime.

Who would take advise from a looser….your strategy didn't help your canidate win either…..

Yeah, it's effective – for the intellectually lazy and simple-minded. Otherwise the ads are downright annoying.

So Hillary can thank Penn for losing and and a loser we don't need to hear Penn's opinion on nothing!!!

PENN get lost!

I don't like this man. Who gives him the authority to judge anyone? How can he declare personal values of another person??????

Mark Penn is a republican in disguise. The more we learn of him and his thinking it seems clear to me he is only on the democratic side because there is money to be had. He apparently has no party allegiance and has no problem with providing fuel for the republican party.

I just realized exactly who Obama. Obama is really Omarosa. Talks a lot, doesn't say much, totally ineffective, brags a lot, very self centered.

Imagine, Obama's writing another book. This isn't a campaign. It's a book signing tour.

Obama's followers are as mindless as their hero.

Ahh, here comes the Clinton saboteurs to attempt to set her up for the nomination in 2012 should Obama fail…

Penn is a pig. Go back lobbying and stealing millions of tax payer money.

Mark Penn is Karl Rove in a Democrat's clothing. If Mark Penn says your campaign strategy is on the mark, then you know you're in big trouble. Ask Hillary.

Oh Mark Penn..blah, blah, blah..you're the one that pretty much ruined Hillary and now you're giving advice..blah, blah, blah

And this from a man who thought California was a winner take all state, was lobbying for Columbia whne his candidate was running for the nomination, cause huge infighting within her campaign. My God, this man is an idiot!