Comments on: Crowley: McCain talks his way into a 'lightning round'

By: bt

bt — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:17:05 +0000

I would love to know why CNN thought John Mcsame did such a great job this evening...were they all called into a meeting and told to say certain things just like John Mcsame was given a list of all the questions to review...come on people are not that crazy... we all know Mcsame can't think fast enough to ans questions so promptly and he was never placed back on target to ans the questions as asked....all of America could see thru tonights comedy hour..it is just difficult for White Folks to give a Black man credit for anything...You all know he will (Obama) run circles around Bush and Mcsame and if you put all your racism aside for a few moments you may be able to see more clearly that America's only way out of this mess is Obama...I will be glad when the debates are scheduled...lets see how fast Mcsame thinks on his feet we have already seen that numerous times already...who or what will he forget this time...u people are too much..

By: AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:02:34 +0000

As an educator, it infuriates me when I hear politicians discuss educational policy without addressing the socioeconomic factors behind education. You can have a wonderfully gifted teacher in a socioeconomic disadvantage area who's student overall do not perform as well as the students of a teacher who is working in a community with a better socioeconomic condition. How do you establish a fair system for merit pay? Where does the money come from? And when will we realized that the sucess of our students is based on the foundations established by parents. We want America's educational system to be ranked the best in the world, then we need to develop strong families. By the way, it is statistically incorrect to compare America with other countries when in America everyone is entitled to an education, while in most countries, only the brightest test into secondary school. In America, we provide an education for the Downs Syndrom kid and the kid going to M.I.T.

By: Vivienne

Vivienne — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:55:55 +0000

John McCain definitely answered some questions for the democrats tonight. They have to decide if they want someone like John McCain for the next four to eight years running this country right into the ground. We are about to enter into war with everyone and everything as he trys to satisfy his boy hood dreams of being a warrior. I found it interesting that he was about war, abortion, judges and drill, drill, drill.
He was just like GWB. It was sad.

I hope we elect the thoughtful guy who wants to hear the opinions of a vast number of people. I don't think we can survive another round of Republican rule. I don't want Lenzy Graham and Lieberman running my country. CheneyBush has us back in a cold war with Russia because they had us in a war in Iraq and have ignored all of our other interests.

Barack was dead on correct about the Iraq war and Afghanistan and the fact that we have ignored all of our other interests and how foolish this has been. Now we are seeing what he said was correct.

I want the smart guy who seems to think about consequences before taking action.

By: An Independent Perspective

An Independent Perspective — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:44:39 +0000

I don't understand how people could decipher what Obama was saying with his halting speech style and non-committal answers- is this supposed to be "thoughtful" and "nuanced"? No, it sounded like he was unprepared. Obama answered only half the questions in his hour that McCain eloquently did. Despite both candidates getting the questions beforehand, it's unbelievable that the great "orator" of the 21st century, Barack Obama, came across as practically unintelligible. I can now see why: a) Obama doesn't want town halls with McCain b) Obama didn't want any more debates with Hillary c) The accusations made by Hillary that Obama parrots her answers when she answers questions first are, in fact, true. McCain is the next President of the United States- and no amount of hype or money is going to stop him because McCain proved that he has substance, and embodies the American character.

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:41:19 +0000

Mccain gave very narrow minded answers to hard tough questions with no vision for the American people It is clear Mccain vision for the American people is war. and his war stories, Obama vision for the American people is broad and well thought out with excellent policies and good directions for the American people and thinking situation through before action. Mccain clearly will just act before thinking. Mccain was awful.

By: Arland Otte

Arland Otte — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:37:46 +0000

Bill Schneider and others may praise the format, but if the Obama people continue to permit a very partisan audience to project the images they did tonite on national TV, Obama is going to lose a race he should win by a landslide. Politics is a contact sport; you do NOT give your opponent an audience that loudly cheers every partisan comment McCain makes! I am appalled at the naivite of the Obama campaign to agree to this conservative religious setting and angry as a democrat. Even the cameras were focused on Cindy McCain with no apparent presence of Michelle Obama. Color me furious!

By: Vig

Vig — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:35:55 +0000

Obama has about as much depth as a rock star.

By: Jackie C

Jackie C — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:25:54 +0000

Hey Rebecca Rose, why don't you vote for Obama?

By: John G

John G — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:25:53 +0000

Oh for the love of....

These comments are ridiculous! The Democrat loses (clearly) so obviously the Republican had the questions before hand (holy conspiracy theory Batman!)

My personal favorite comes from our good friend tedious898 though when he says:

"white america would never support Barack. I think its racism"

You are correct sir! You believe that white people cannot support a (half) black man for the presidency because you are racist.

By: shay

shay — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:20:29 +0000

Pastor said no stump speeches to Obama but not to McCain. I thought this was going to be Apples with Apples instead it was Apples and Oranges.

One with fresh ideas and the other with the same old stories to tell.

By: Nija

Nija — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:18:38 +0000

Tedious898 you just nailed it. We are not far from 1964.

By: Cali

Cali — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:13:26 +0000

They both did well. Depends on how you like questions answered. If you like short, simple and decisive punch-line answers you would have liked McCain better, if you like answers that are thoughtful and have explanation and conversation you would like Obama better. An example, the question about rewarding teachers according to merit. Both agreed and had the same opinion but Obama explained his position, talked about some of the grey areas and how they could be handled while McCain said, "Yes, yes and find the bad teachers another job" and then he talked about education in America in general. I imagine this is what the debates will be like too though this wasn't supposed to be a debate but a conservation on their beliefs. I tend to like the more thoughtful detailed answers but thats me, now what the rest of America likes, I guess we will see in November =)

By: Shirley-Ohio

Shirley-Ohio — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:10:15 +0000

THIS WAS A BOGUS UNINFORMATIONAL FORUM.

Everything Obama said I heard him say it in his speeches and McCai spoke of nothing but the war. He had to have known what he wsa going to be asked because he turned towards the audience with some much confidence. We all know McCain is not that quick on his feet.

THIS WAS JUST A BOGUS FORUM.

By: Michael

Michael — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:10:11 +0000

It is obvious to me as a teacher that John McCain has no idea about the education system. First of all, charter schools are FOR PROFIT schools. A school's main priority is to provide the students with the best possible education, and not to make money. Secondly, the biggest challenge to the education sytsem is the LACK OF FUNDING. Only Barrack Obama talks about providing more funding to schools. If John McCain had a clue about how to fix education, he would talk about providing the necessary funding that has been lacking for so long. Thirdly, who is John McCain, or any politician for that matter, to accuse any teacher of being a bad teacher? A person who goes to college for four or five years, goes into a profession that gets paid so little and gets even less respect, should never be judged by anyone but another teacher. Teachers all over this country perform miracles every day, and do more good for the world than John McCain has ever done. Lastly, the idea of school vouchers is a joke. Instead of fixing a school, lets pick a handful of students to go to a "better school". So by John McCain's plan a couple of children are lucky enough to leave a "failing school" and hundreds of other students get stuck in a "bad school". Only someone who knows nothing about education would propose such an awful idea. While Senator Obama's education plan isn't perfect, it is a step in the right direction, and far superior to McCain.

By: Shirley-Ohio

Shirley-Ohio — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:04:03 +0000

He was clearly given the questions ahead of time and he talked of nothing but the wars. Trust nobody Obama, they tried to set you up but you held your own with a variety of answers. McCain has nothing other than the fact that he was in the military. You just got to have more than that.

By: jane in CA

jane in CA — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:55:00 +0000

At least McCain did not get his from Wikipedia like the story of Georgia this time. Obama was humble.

By: moonmaiden from lake michigan

moonmaiden from lake michigan — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:53:38 +0000

Same old Bushie politics. McWar had rehearsed and was prompt so well just like the debates with Kerry and Bush with Bush's little box tucked in the back of his suit jacket. Repuke tricks. Well Obama is on it and we are ready for the change.
Obama 08

By: Larry

Larry — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:42:54 +0000

I will vote for Obama so our children can look at a role model and feel free to experience drugs. Go Obama !!!!!!!

By: McCain stump speech

McCain stump speech — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:42:16 +0000

Crowley where were you tonight printing up all this McCain build up which never happened ?
Cnn are you lacking news Martin was the only truthfull person on the panel.
McCain just proved again his time frame thinking is from 1800's ,he thinks ,sleeps war ,he knew what the next question was before it was asked ,he rambled off all night for self pity ,it was a stump speech the pastor may as well have left the stage he had no control and perhaps never wanted any ,war, war his opinion is the only opinion ,woman have no say according to McCain.,would not answer what rich was.
If t this was an interview between 2 people then betterv change the meaning of interview.

By: druid

druid — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:39:53 +0000

I respect McCain but he did poorly on the debate. All his answers he quote from other president or tell stories. Is this the way he is going to run the country when he meet other heads of state? Tell them stories about other people instead of dealing with the issue that is on table at that time. When I look at McCain I see someone who never forgive or forget. He is someone who holds on to grudges. He can talk all the straight talk he want's but he never stated the reason why his first married fail like the Obama did on the same question. As for Crowley I'm sure you know that when someone comes across the crowd as aggressive that does not tell well on person character. American better have a thoughtful president than an aggressor. By the way McCain should think before he speak.
by the way McCain should think before he speaks

By: True Life Candidate

True Life Candidate — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:38:19 +0000

Marianne,

So, you're confused about how someone can support war and be pro-life on the issue of abortion at the same time and be considered truly pro-life. Well, if you life in black and white terms, then I can see how you would be confused. However, the "pro-life" McCain was referring is better defined as standing up for the defenseless. That's why you go to war (there was genocide in Iraq with the Kurdish people ... ok, and oil, too) and you do what you can to overturn the unconstitutional debacle that is Roe v. Wade. You're sticking up for people who have no voice or power to defend themselves.

Obama said he shares that perspective, too, but his actions betray his words.

By: LaTrice

LaTrice — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:34:40 +0000

Candy Crowley needs to stop drinking the McCain Kool-Aid because it's severely messing around with her brain! THANK GOD the "intelligent viewers" don't take her analysis reports seriously. John McCain was dodging most of the questions including his position on HIS faith, taxes and who HE considers to be rich people. Where were the clear explanations here? Ninety-five percent of the time, his direction in answering questions went straight to National Security and stories even when it was irrelevant. NO REAL ANSWERS – NO SUBSTANCE. Candy Crowley is a joke. CNN – it's really time for some new blood to take over. A lot of us are tired of her Anti-Obama views. We need to start seeing more integrity and balance please.

By: Ivan, Chicago, Illinois

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:33:21 +0000

Tax Cuts verses Tax Inceases.Read the book "The Politics of Bad Ideas" by Jones and Williams. In it they show that since WWII that income taxes have been changed in four major stages.
The Kennedy tax cut, enacted in 1963; the two Reagan tax cuts, 1981 and 1987; and the GW Bush cuts in 2001 and 2003. Rates have been raised twice, in 1991 and 1993, under GHW Bush and Clinton respectively.
The health of the nation was damaged by each tax cut except the Kennedy cut, because of the booming economy which of course the supply-siders always cite. In all the other tax cuts, they quickly brought large yearly budget deficits that future generations had to pay back. The national debit rose with each tax cut after the Kennedy tax cut, and fell after each tax increase.
If you all you Republicans handled your personal finances the way you handle the Country's you all would be in bankruptcy court.

By: Marj,Paso Robles, Cal

Marj,Paso Robles, Cal — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:32:11 +0000

Uhbama looked like a lost little boy. No teleprompter, just his usual 'UHH UMMM UHHH WHAAAA UHHH HUH? BUSH LIED' Uhbama showed his total lack of knowledge and displayed the arrogance he is known for.

By: chuck k

chuck k — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:31:15 +0000

Cindy, how many times did he say Cindy. My Lord, this was a campaign speech and set up. He reminds me of Rove/Bush in the early debates. How silly the News Media can't divide the truth to a REAL question answer, and a story. McCain was playing to the clients in the seats. I'm glad to see intelligent comments here, I mean most are right on about how McCain really is just a Republican, like Bush ..MOre deaths, more wars and he surely knows how to Win a War, give me a break

By: mike

mike — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:30:59 +0000

OBAMA KOOL-AID. Some of you must have had an IV of this stuff while you were watching. According to you IT IS BAD IF YOU...
1) answer questions directly and quickly
2) answer questions clearly with no room for Interpretation
3) served in the military
4)have experience and are old
5) tell true stories (THE KEY WORD IS TRUE)

OBAMA LOST THE ELECTION TONIGHT...I'm really sorry. In 4 years he will be back to try again...but can now...can he beat Hillary??

By: Wishing I could vote for Obama

Wishing I could vote for Obama — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:29:48 +0000

Question 1-Vietnam
Question 2-Vietnam
Question 3-Vietnam
Question 4-Vietnam
and so on and so on....Everyone know you served in Vietnam...Would somebody tell him to pick a new topic?

By: In awe

In awe — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:26:59 +0000

We have suffered 8 years of the most horrific policies foreign and domestic,and we still can not decide strictly by contents of ones ideals,but by which whom seem more conventionally correct to sit in the white house for the next 4 years. We will never get to a new beginning, if we keep up the some ole' stuff. Mccain has been in service for several years,and all the answers I receive from him as been the same as, that great orator who has singlehandledly rip apart this country for the past 8 years.So, people ask yourself "Are you better off now than you were 8 years ago? How about this can you stand another 4 years of this?!

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:25:19 +0000

Haha, has anyone else noticed how positive McCain comments are always from "Mother in Colorado" or state something like "He's such a maverick!". I bet half of the comments in his favor have already been written and the republican party hired some poor soul to sit and refresh the ticker until something comes up so they can post their comment. What a joke. I'm so happy a democrat will be in office next year.

By: ellen

ellen — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:10:05 +0000

Wow! After tonight I know I will vote for McCain. He blew Obama away.
I'm glad he finally got the chance to show how sharp his mind really is.
I know he is not a great speaker and it is almost painful to listen to him
making a speech but that is one smart man and I will be proud to
vote for him for president. Also shows what a huge gap there is between
youth and experience. Obama has a long way to go. No to Obama, yes to
McCain.

By: JOHN

JOHN — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:07:25 +0000

Thats all Mccain wanted was a town hall meeting so conservatives and compare him with Obama. This whole thing was a hoax. I didn't see anything special about Mccain and he didn't say anything different than he said before. He's a war monger and the conservative base didn't trust him then and all Mccain did was make democtats and independents angry because were not going to allow him to sure up his base with their agenda.

By: eye's of the wise

eye's of the wise — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:05:11 +0000

Candy Crowley really dissappointed me tonight, she is really bias against Obama, it is showing more and more

By: Brooklyn Girl

Brooklyn Girl — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:02:11 +0000

I see by the number of anti-McCain post, that Obama must have paid his people/supporters to come on this blog to defend his weak performance tonight. Hmmmm!

By: Electress

Electress — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:00:11 +0000

McCain was to the point, and excellent on his responses. Yes, Yes, on education, and yes to parents having the same choices as he and his wife does. He brought up Katrina (Obama never did), and said yes, yes, the charter schools, vocher schools, home schooling, they are working, and every child should have equal opportunity to enroll in schools with the best teachers, otherwise let the teachers who are not up to par find another line of work.

McCain was rather attractive tonight!

By: Rod

Rod — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:56:47 +0000

Define bad teachers McBush... Maybe those who do not measure to a one size fits all standard test or maybe those who belong to unions?

By: nelda

nelda — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:54:27 +0000

Obama seemed much more relaxed and spoke on a personal level. Almost as if he was sitting in your living room, sipping coffee and conducting a pleasant conversation. McCain seemed over-powered and went off the subject and began on these long "speech" campaign talks.

McCain went off the topics because he already had his mind set up not to.

By: Bob In Providence

Bob In Providence — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:53:48 +0000

Obama did a good job! McCain, came on and was better!! One for McCain.

By: Penelopep

Penelopep — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:52:58 +0000

All that evangelicals wanted to hear was -pro life, marriage is between a man and a woman, the republicans wanted to hear no raise in taxes or lower taxes, oh and tax credits.
That's what Mc Cain gave them, Didn't matter how long or short the answer was.

By: fromaBadteacher

fromaBadteacher — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:52:36 +0000

Your intelligence amaze me, my friend, let me tell you McCain there's alot of first year teachers that will struggle with difficult students and we should not listen to the problems under your leadership we should just GET RID OF TEACHERS! Was that your excuse for lack of knowledge? "Bad Teacher"

Teachers are in big demand and that just goes to show YOU ARE OUT OF TOUCH My Friend!

By: Mike Conley

Mike Conley — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:52:26 +0000

John McCain would not answer the question on who is he's going to tax. He's adopted the same old line that he's not going to raise taxes. Apparently he plans to keep rolling up deficits like GW. He'd rather win the presidency than confront the real issues and the real sacrifices that Americans need to make. John McCain More of the Same.

By: Brooklyn Girl

Brooklyn Girl — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:51:56 +0000

"the public is getting tired of the obama shuffle and it is showing up in the polls."

Wow. It only took the whole Primary Election for this to happen. The American people sure are quick.

Thanks.

By: Independent fromTexas

Independent fromTexas — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:50:52 +0000

McCain answered his questions vaguely, with little to no explanations. He was more of a story teller than anything else. Notice how he just barely mentioned his failed marriage. He "quickly" went on to talk about America's moral failings. He missed the point.

By: Arlene Hayles

Arlene Hayles — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:49:14 +0000

I watch the forum and there was a great difference between the candiate tonight. I believe that Sen Obama was thoughtful, humble and sincere in his response. He wasn't telling the people things that the want to hear but to speaking from a clear conscious. I pray he will continue staying true to his core values.

Sen. McCain was pandering the audience and saying things to the audiennce the things that they want to hear. Which i beleive it is dishonest. He spoke alot about his war experience. I do respect his services to this country. I pray that Mccain will stop politicking.

Pundits...on CNN..I pray that David G and others will do more reflection on the forum before opening their mouth. I believe both men did well in their own perspective but this election will be won by generation gap. I will contine praying for the media and the american people who are independent thinkers....we are at a critical point in our time. The conservatiove votes will be divided in half this election.

God bless you

By: xddy4u

xddy4u — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:44:23 +0000

McCain didn't have to know the questions in advance. All he needed to do was answer the question the way an Evangelical would answer them, for which McCain did. Next week he would give a different answer if the Evangelicals changes their stance. I said at the very beginning that Obama was stepping into a vipers den, with King Cobra asking the questions.

By: Rosemarie

Rosemarie — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:43:46 +0000

Is McCain blaming his teachers for him graduating 5th from the bottom? What a DUNCE. This whole thing was a joke. Shame on Pastor Rick!

By: LLMTruth

LLMTruth — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:40:34 +0000

The fix was in; McCain was allowed to re-work the questions in order to give the answers he wanted. Cute little antidotal stories was not what Pastor Warren asked for, nor was it what I expected. My question is; why didn't the Pastor re-direct McCain to stay on point more often. This so-called forum had the putried smell of being contrived in favor of McCain.

If I expect to see the real candidates, I guess I'll have to wait for the debates where what is being said will be more under control. This was very disappointing.

By: Geri

Geri — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:37:38 +0000

Both of them were given the questions in advance. What surprised me was Obama said he would take advice from his G'ma (he threw her under the bus with Wright) and from his wife(I've never been proud of my country and America is a mean country). WOW!!!!!!!!!!! That itself was a mistake.

By: Carl from MI

Carl from MI — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:33:29 +0000

They both had the questions FAR in advance to be able to respond to them like they did. This was a no-brainer!!! Plus, these questions were lobbed-in softballs!!!!!!!! Let's see how McCain does on the fast-pitched, hardball questions that he DOESN'T have in advance. Then we'll know the truth of the matter. McCain can't talk about anything other than GOP talking points. It was the same 'politics-as-usual' that GWB uses.... another reason why he has earned the name 'McBush'!! And another reason why he's going to lose this November by a landslide!!! And Candy... can you be any more OBVIOUS about which candidate you favor and are going to vote for? Whatever happened to objective reporting? Somebody should have gotten you a baby's bib to soak up all that drooling you did over McCain tonight. You're on the wrong network... Fox News called and said you've earned your 'fair and balanced' stripes!!!

By: Flo

Flo — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:32:51 +0000

Old trash-talking, blow-hard John wrote big checks that he nor the Saddleback crowd can cash! The bravado sounds good but let 's see him ride roughshod over Russia with those antiquated, Vietnam era ideas .

The landscape has changed dramatically since Vietnam – Knowing the position we have placed ourselves in, Russia is "in our faces" daring us to engage them in direct conflict. Rather, like an old dog with no teeth, the entire world watches while all we can do is make empty threats with nothing to back it up.

Our chickens have most certainly come home to roost...we now find ourselves in the very difficult position of being stretched so thin in two wars that we cannot even SAVE face – how are we to SAVE Georgia in the currently Georgia-Russia debacle. We muscled our way into Iraq based upon lies and garbage – now all we can do now is tuck our lil' tails and slink away in disgrace because we are guilty of the same things!

By: H. D. Weaver

H. D. Weaver — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:27:13 +0000

McCain seemed to know the questions before Pastor Rick could even get them out of his mouth McCain was interrupting with a story. I think that Obama did wonderfully and was thoughtful in his answers. The right would be critical of him if he had quick answers. What some people seem to be missing is that the substance of Obama's answers was real and really important. Bringing people and opinions together to help make decisions, study and consideration! Amazing concepts to have in the office of President.