Referencing Falwell? Give me a break.

Not sure what any of this has to do with Senator Obama. I guess people are willing to grasp at any straws they can when they don't have a more intelligent argument.

what does this have to do with Obama exactly?

Thought so.

Did Obama say this? Did he approve of this?? People of this site have lost all credibility. No wonder this country is in such a mess and the joke of democracies worldwide!!

Usually you print that someone had apologized for a remark; but, here it's before. So far, no apologies. Like they haven't commented on Palin, they probably won't apologize.

Get over it.
He said what millions of others thought.

How about Pat Robertson talking about how New Orleans suffered because they accepted gays?
Where's the apology for THAT?

The best part of this election is that the Youtube world is going to help Republicans. Whereas McCain gets grief for not being "hip" with the Internet, it will be the firsthand reports like these that balance out the liberal mainstream media. McCain may get less airtime from the powerhouses of media, but with clips like these, the Democrats will not be able to hide just how hateful they are to each other and anyone else that they can't use to get elected.

welcome to the NEW party, now officially the Demagogic Party.

If I were him, I'd sooner reference James Dobson's very recent prayerful request for torrential rain to fall on the DNC convention. I'd sooner buy that than a Falwell reference six years after the fact.

Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Don Fowler and Michael Moore believe God is on there side by destroying a City and killing people. What a party. These bitter people only bring God to the forefront when they thing they can claim they have power with him. Read 1Tim 3:3. Yet they have thrown God out of everything from school to court rooms to trying to take it off the US Money. God will one day be their Judge Then they will Know his power and then every knee shall bow, Including theirs.

The first thing that i thought was about all the rightwing church people who prayed a huge storm would rain out the DNC. If i were the type of person who thought god punished sin… it would seem telling. But i'm not a religious nut.

come on..my first thought upon hearing Gustovs' path was that this is proof God hates Republican policies!

Are all you guys serious? It was just a silly joke meant for no one's ears but the person he was talking to. If America did actually stand for freedom the article would be about a man's invasion of privacy. Instead it is an article condemning a man for what he said. You all sit there and call him disgusting for making a comment about a tragedy but do nothing yourselves to aid those who are going to be affected. Good job, you guys are political activists!

Meanwhile people to the far right constantly say things like this but don't apologize or even feel the need to do so.

God is always on the side of the suffering. Too bad no major political party is.

Let's not get our knickers all twisted over it. It was only a joke - maybe not too tactful but get over it. Democrats can be just as stupid as Republicans - in many ways Democrats tend to be sarcastic and Repubs insensitive, so what's worse?

Well, I guess it's as stupid as Focus on the Family praying for rain on the DNC convention. People say dumb things - but surely politicians constantly in the public eye should know better?

Oh please Anonymous. Quit using "swiftboating" in such a negative way. You and I both know that the swiftboaters in 2004 were factually accurate with their claims, and that the spinmasters in the media and abroad have given the term it's negative meaning. Honestly, I'd just wish people would actually look up the claims of the ad before making such ridiculous comments…

Remember, just a couple of weeks ago, Rev. Dodson who is an ultra right conservative who asked for all to pray for bad weather for Obama's speech? You can't control what an individual say and then blame it on a political party! Gosh, folks!

I would rather have a stupid comment rather than a stupid action anyday. McCain's pick of Palin borders on being insane. Who wants someone with no foreign policy or national security a heartbeat aways from the Presidency. She is also under an ethics investigation, who has said some questionable things in the media and who knows what she won't say on the campaign trail and in the the debates.

An unfortunate comment made about a life and death situation for people in harms way but…. We are seeing more responses to the Carl Rove, Dr. Dobson and Rush Limbaugh type of strategizing. thinking and public speak. People sometimes without thinking first respond in negitive ways because they are simply tired of being beaten down by these unyielding hacks. Dobson had people praying for a rain out in Mile High stadium! Do you seriously call this preacher a person with moral or ethical correctness?

Fowler has apologized for his private statement to Spratt. Of course it can be made into something public because of a rude recorder phone snoop who wanted a moment in the gotcha sun. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN PERIOD!

It's almost an insult to hear "God" coming from the lips of these leaders of the Democrat party.
I wouldn't hold my breath for an apology from any of them.

Jerry is spinning in his grave. This is not even big news.

just typical of the dems…..can you imagine the headlines if a republican said something like this?

You apologize by saying "I was wrong. I am sorry." You do not apologize by blaming a dead preacher for you poor judgment.

Wait…. didnt Pat Robertson blame Katrina on gays in New Orleans???

Didn't another televangelist say they should pray for rain on the night of Obama's speech???

There is bad taste all around, stupid politicians and preachers on both sides.

Don Fowler "apologized" for his remarks and then later called the person who recorded him a "right wing nutcase". He explained that his remarks were intended to be facetious and satirical and reflective of comments by the late Jerry Falwell. That means, I suppose, that we are all supposed to laugh. Well, HA, HA, HA. Now the dictionary defines the word facetious as humorous, amusing, and entertaining and satire as the use of mockery and derision.

Now if Don Fowler really thinks that the residents of New Orleans might enjoy a good laugh at the impending devastation coming their way and that the ridiculing of both the late Rev. Falwell and the person who recorded Fowler’s remarks constitutes an apology, then he doesn’t have to do any more than look in the mirror to find the real “nutcase”.

Mr. Fowler's remarks were tasteless and inappropriate.
The Democratic Party which at one time was a respected political party is now nothing more than a group of people who bite, bicker and backstab.
Thank goodness my father never lived to see what the Democratic Party has become. If he would have this would have definitely turned him into a Republican.

Stupid comment. I'm sure that James Dobson of Focus on the Family who told his followers to pray for rain of biblical proportions during Obama's acceptance speech will be especially outraged.

To get in the middle of the road, the government PERIOD failed the people of New Orleans and other gulf coastal areas when they didn't make much of an effort the last time, so cut the crap about the party of the people. It's about making them all responsible that we are American citizens and needed to be treated with humanity. True, since Bush was the head honcho he too needed to have done more, and great that they are trying to do something now. I guess you can use that saying better late than never.

To even think something like that is just sad and pathetic. How disgusting.

Where were all of you people with your self-righteous indignation when that preacher jokenly asked everyone to pray for rain during Obama's acceptance speech at Vesco field?

Then some poster said: "Democrats are always committing the sin and then lying saying Republicans are doing it." Is this person on the level? You see what I mean by 'self-righteous'? Didn't Paul teach that we have all sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God? Doesn't that include REPUBLICANS as well? Geeez, some people sure act high and mighty.

Right, what a caring party of the people…

BTW, the NO people are from his party…oops

I am completely exhausted with this whole bickering back and forth. it's very sickening to hear people bash a man for daring to change America. Republicans are so desperate at this time that some are willing to just about sell their souls to get Mc Cain and Palin, two flip floppers if I've ever seen any, into the White House. If I recall correctly, Obama has just recently started his attacking. during the primaries, he was the one attacked and he still WON fair and square! How could he have single handedly divided the party??? WOW! I understand u are bitter because Hillary didn't win but ur absolutely ridiculous. The party is divided because of people like you who refuse to accept the fact that Obama won the primaries..if u don 't want to vote for Obama that's ur choice. u obviously rather see Republicans controlling the White House for another 4 years which is fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Just keep your mouth shut for the next four years!

Gosh, you never know who to trust on a flight…or anywhere for that matter.

How does drivel like this story get on a CNN site?

Look guys, this is a weapon for those who hate DNC and every little talk will be tie to Obama, even if he was not aware or no nothing about the person who made the comment.

There are some DNC member who do like OBAMA as well and this period they talk bull…. to make Obama looks bad.

One thing you should know, Obama is out there campaigning hard tell you his feeling about suffering people and his hater will tie other people's comment to him. That is shameful.

Black people suffer most last time, but every America felt the shame when our government failed to act. Please please do not tie this to Obama….

I'm just SO proud of the democratic party.

Haven't they been the model of grace, equality, respect and justice.

Remember how wonderful they treated their own loyal party base during the primary?

Remember the deference and respect they showed the great champion of the people- HRC?

Now that Obama stole the nomination, the Obamation and its thugs are gearing up. Respect, sensitivity, tolerance- those things are not in their vocabulary.

They prefer the vulgar, nasty, dirty tricks that Obama encourages them to use to ensure he wins.

Sorry folks… not for me. I prefer inclusiveness and grace and empathy and respect.

would anyone disagree that falwell's comments were hateful?

It was clearly an ironic a joke about the religious right! I think it was in poor taste, but to claim that it was taking the effects of a hurricane lightly is to forget that it was our dear President Bush who did that 3 years ago. Irony.

It has become inceasingly clear that CNN has made a predetermination that their ratings require them to keep the presidential race as close as possible through their polls and nightly/daily commentaries to uplift McCain and diminish Obama. If anyone out there shares my view and believes in decency and fair play, I urge you to register your distain by boycotting cnn until the third presidential debate and turning your television channel to another channel. Ibelieve that this sort of action will appropriately refocus this network to report the news as opposed to making it. DK

he is not sorry he said it. he is only sorry the wrong person heard him say it.

This is all getting very ridiculous.

Wasn't it Dr. Dobsen who was praying fervently that rainstorms would wash out the Democratic convention?

Yes, people say stupid things, but I'm praying that God has a sense of humor. By the looks of comments by both parties, He does indeed.

Sick. Interesting what you learn when people think they are in private. No excuse for joking, also dragging in a dead man to try and justify it. Do the Dems really think that most Americans are that stupid?

Just goes to show you that the Dem leadership really don't care for the people, just themselves.

Didn't take long for Fowler to crawl out from under his rock and pretend this was all a joke. Pathetic democRATic scum with no regard for people. How long before Obama denies ever knowing Fowler and the congressional sap sitting next to Fowler on this flight.

This is not surprising considering the source of this comment is someone totally useless. A politician. The very thought of a politician conjures up a vision of total uselessness if there is such a thing. Perhaps parasite would be a better choice.

How is the seriousness of this situation political fodder… BAD FORM

As McCain have said…get a life.

And tonight, Keith Obberman will not report on this or will report that God DOES hate the Republicans and here is proof…He is a joke of a journalist…I loved his commentary back in the ESPN days….Like many rock stars, they are great until they open their mouths and talk politics…

It's so funny when republicans get on here and starting linking every little thing a democrat says to OBAMA. Obama didn't even make that statement. This man isn't responsible for every little thing a democrat says. My goodness — and even if he denounces them — guess what — McCain still isn't getting their support or vote and he certainly isn't getting mine.

Well you know what I can link to republicans — the KKK, job loss, a f@cked up economy, high gas prices, the war, both BUSH presidents, the list goes on…

Yes — that's a horrible thing to say — plain disgusting — but don't crucify Obama over it..

Good grief!

HEY CNN I MADE A COMMENT ON THE STILL CLOSE RACE WHY DON'T YOU PUT MY 1 COMMENT UP

In other news, Republicans are now IN FAVOR of shocked and breathless political correctness when it serves their purposes.

Why aren't you all denouncing Stuart Shepard of the Family in Action who told people to pray for rain during Obama's speech.
Republicans are hypocrites and so are those who call on Obama to take action.

Joking about people dieing is not funny, period.

"Another Republican smokescreen at work"??? How about another example of liberal aka Democrat insensitivity. Not only is he using the potential suffering of a population who is just starting to recover from 3 years ago but he is making fun of a dead man? Of course he is just following the lead of that other liberal stalWART, Michael Moore. This is more of an example of the audacity of hate. Were I to stoop so low I would say Obama is just another brain aneurysm away from finding another VP. I might also say I am beginning to believe that liberals suffer the same malady as Teddy… brain cancer. Of course I prefer to take a much higher road and would never say those things.

WHY IS IT THAT EVERY ONE NEEDS TO SAY I'M SORRY,
WHAT WAS SAID IS ONE OPINION,
WERE IS FREE SPEECH?
STOP BEING SORRY FOR EVERY WORD THAT COMES OUT OF SOMEONE'S MOUTH, DEM.OR REP.

Dumb, just plain dumb. I can just imagine what other things they may have said we don't know about. These same kind of people probably make racist remarks too; especially being from SC,

More dispicable and tasteless behavior from among the Obama-inspired.

Can you imagine what an entire Nation of zombies doing the bidding of their supreme leader, Obama, would be like?

Hatred and chaos flooding the streets of Amerika.

The democrats could not even be civil to each other and their own candidates throughout the primary.

Obama seems to bring out the lowest basal instincts in his supporters.

Know what I hate? The Republican Party getting people to think they care what happens to the Little people and the stupid redneck idiots that believe it. Mr or Miss Lower Income American, do you really think Mr 7 house McCain cares one bit if you lose your home or car or job? If you do you are a flaming idiot and deserve to lose them.. the only thing he doesn't want lost is your vote!! WISE UP…Dems 2008!!!!

He should never be aloud to be on tv or radio again.

Rev Haggee had no problem with calling Katrina a judgement against New Orleans for it's sin- Too bad the news media didn't ride that one all the way to the logical conclusion.
I think it's time the media quit taking jokes and satire and concentrated on the ISSUES.
There is nothing funny about a hurricane-at all- but to turn Hagee's remarks around has been done by many of us in the last few days- and the media needs to focus on WHY the Country is in such horrible shape.

At least he was man enough to apologize for his inappropriate joke. Why didn't McCain speak out against Reverend James Dobson who prayed for it to rain on the final day of the Democratic convention when Barack accpeted the nomination?

This man has lost touch. That is the most insensitive inappropriate thing someone could say, let alone leadership. I would expect that kind of disrespect from an abusive out of touch 13 year old boy who has to be dragged out of the grocery store by his mother and sternly told not to talk that way.
I love that SO MANY in politics have such a difficult time taking responsibility for what they do and say… It was in response to reverend so and so please find your soul and do some reconstruction. Mr. Fowler needs to spend some time with people who are hurting.. Lord have mercy

I think what he was saying was that Karma has come around and bit the Religious Right in the @@3. Telling people to pray for rain of biblical proportions at Obama's speech in Denver. Well, who's convention is getting rained out? The group that started all this praying for rain in the first place. Be careful what you pray for or at least be really specific.

I think the real joke is all the republicans trying to act like they give a crap about Louisiana. I think its funny how the republicans go on and on about god and religion and now god is punishing them by putting a big hitch in their convention. Between the extremist, unqualified VP candidate they just nominated and the hurricane, I hope this is the last nail in the GOP's coffin this election.

Laughing at the timing - not at the people suffering.

Get a life, CNN, and GOP (in bed with each other)

The storm is an act of nature and the manner in which the Republican party and in particular John McCain handles this in conjunction with the convention will determine in large measure the success of the convention with the nation at large both Democrat and Republican. From my view at this early stage I recognize McCain at his best. I can expect and therefore not surprised by this talk from a person such as Michael Moore but from a sitting congressional representative is reprehensible and then to couch it in terms of 9/11 is so transparently false as to be immediately dismissed.

The blame only goes to the person who said it. To use this against Obama is stupid.

Gee Whiz. Isn't this the "Biblical" rain that the Rev. Dobson was praying for to fall on Senator Obama's speech? I guess God is a Democrat who doesn't like low-lifes like Dobson jerking him around.

The man apologized. It really isn't that serious at all. Why do people like to make EVERYTHING political, and/or try to link EVERYTHING to the candidate. Obama's people have said dumb stuff, and so have McCain's. Truth be told, there is plenty of irony surrounding Gustav. For example, many GOP members were praying for rain during Obama's open stadium speech; how ironic is it that a hurricane is now disrupting the Republican Convention. Again, these are simply observations and do not insult or belittle the people that are being directly affected. My heart and prayers go out to all in Gustav's path.

I am always amazed about how inexplicably dumb some public officials can be when making remarks. One person noted that certain observations should be left to the bloggers. No public official need comment on something so obvious. Trust me, the irony of Gustav's timing did not go without recognition.

Also, blaming Obama for what Fowler said makes about as much sense as Blaming McCain for neo-Nazi racist acts and rhetoric (plenty of neo-Natzis support McCain). Don't try to attribute the actions of one individual to that of another. There is not correlation.

Keep it Real, not asinine.

It may be in "poor taste."
But it is something to think about!

Good Lord, must Republicans pounce on everything some Democrat says somewhere and make it a strained connection to Obama? And I thought the Republicans were big on "personal responsibility?" So let the guy who said it take responsibility and make his apologies. It's not Obama's job to personally apologize for the gaffes of a guy simply becaues he's of the same party. Quit with the politickin' already!

I hate that he made those remarks, but I know truthfully he ain't the only one thinking that, but at time like this, you need to keep your mouth closed and truly have some sincerity. Also, stop having Obama condemn everything someone else in the party says, we have a responsibility to ourselves and what we say. He can't control what everyone says. That even goes for McBush if his surrogates says something. Need to judge the man, so unless Obama/Biden or McBush/Palin is saying this, then I wouldn't put much thought in it. It's affortunate and I'm sure deep down he is sincere when it comes to the cititzens of New Orleans but just was making a point that how convient it fell on the time fram of Katrina and the same spot.

So are we even now?
The Republican's ask the congregation to pray for rain on the Dem Convention.
This makes me SICK.
Both parties disgust me. People's lives are on the line here.
CNN you should be taken to task for even reporting stuff like this.
Politics has no place in ANY OF THIS.

It was in poor taste yes - but this has nothing to do with Obama so stop trying to spin it that way. If we want to call out party officials making bad jokes, what about Dick Cheney's joke about people from West Virginia? So people on BOTH sides make stupid jokes.

What a fool.

It is often in the private moments that one's character is best revealed. Don Fowler's character has been revealed. He should be denounced by Obama promptly and stripped of any responsibilities.
And Fowler's response? He blamed the right wing nut case who taped it. He and Howard Dean are a pair, aren't they??

Dumb comment…now let's get over it.

Remember, McCain was eating birthday cake on the tarmac in Phoenix while Katrina was destroying New Orleans.

House divided……you're kidding right? After all of the hate the Republicans have spewed on Democrats since Reagan???
Please get some perspective.

South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson sharply criticized Fowler's comments, saying, “The outrageous behavior of two of the Obama campaign's highest profile supporters in the south is despicable, a cynical polarization of life and death. I call on Barack Obama to immediately denounce Fowler and Spratt and demand sincere apologies from these members of the Democratic leadership.”

Filed under: Uncategorized

I also find this despicable…..what type of man is he ????????????

Do you "sick" psychopathic people REALLY think you have a direct pipeline to the Almighty — where "he/she" punishes the Republicans?

How utterly, utterly SCARY!

Just more reason to vote for REALITY rather than SICK PSYCHOPATHY: McCain/Palin — living in the REAL world!

What a moronic comment. Unfortunately, it is no different from other stupid comments made from the republican side too. Isn't anyone good ever going to run for office.

Of course, if he runs again I am sure he will get elected again.

And so it goes…

It takes all kinds, and we have seen them at Conventions.
Jack CArlson
Seattle WA

fowler is sorry he got caught. My dad, from the old country, thaught me to think before I say something. Don't go around apoligizing. If one is not ready to back it up, face up to it, one should not say it. This is a purported politician. Weasel is what he is. That is an ugly thing to voice, esp. if you're a politician. Not that I have a very high approval for congress, the dems are the worst. I agree completely with 'A House Divided'. - Done !

It was a very stupid comment made by one person. This has nothing to do with either candidate or even a party- both of which have reacted graciously to the impending hurricane.

This is election period, joke of such has no place in the situation.

Any DNC or GOP member comment will be tied to their candidate, but this man is not working for Obama and Obama will not condon such comment.

I know the GOP was praying for the rain to spoil Obama convention, DNC members should live it to their ignorance.

God will protect everyone and their properties.

Oh, good grief. Get a life. It's a sorry day for free speach when a person has to explain every off hand remark that they make. And when people try to blow up a comment made by one person in a personal conversation to represent a party or a nation.

Well wasn't a republican that had a video out there asking for republicans to go out and pray for it to rain on Thursday the day that Obama was suppose to have his speech. I wonder who was behind that camera that film. Oh yeah, and spy or a backstabbing democrate. I can't wait until some video come out of another dumb remark from the republic side.

It is pretty funny though, you have to admit. Especially after Dobson asked his followers to pray for rain during Obama's speech. I miss the days when McCain would denounce them as agents of intolerance, rather than kissing up to religious nutjobs.

Why is Obama being held responsible for what these people said?Are the Republicans going to denounce the comments from their right-wing supporters saying that hurricanes are "wiping away" sin?

Now Don, let's dump on Jerry Falwell, he's only been dead for a year or two, that will endear the BO campaign to the Evangelicals. You and J. Sprat go from bad to worse.

Isn't there some way you could have worked Ronald Reagan into the deal?

The fact is that God could be angry that a Muslim was nominated to be the Democrat Candidate for President. How could someone say such a horrible thing is beyond my comprehension. The conventions should have both been early in the summer to avoid these late summer nightmare.

Remember a week or so ago the right wing so called pastor james dobson said to all right wing christians they should pray for bad weather on Dem. Convention in the stadium. Now it seems like fate has it's own since of irony. Maybe God did make a choice between the heart (Dem) and the heartless (Rep) .

We need to stop blaming people as only God is in control of rain/storms/natural disasters, etc. - NOT Humans..I have been taught that one can only pray to God to present our desires. God determines the outcome of our prayers - sometimes we get exactly what we asked; sometimes our prayers are not answered; and sometimes the prayer is answered, but the answer is not specifically what we requested. We can not blame democrats! We can not blame Obama! We can't blame the Republicans who specifically prayed to God to send rain during the convention. Two weeks ago all of the National Press/Media, etc. were showing "Focus on the Family'" Preacher Dobson saying that he has asked his followers to pray for rain during the convention…. it should be expected for people to remember what was shown on the television and question whether or not Rev. Dobson is receiving his answer. In reality, Rev. Dobson and his followers prayers were not answered in the manner expected - but the prayers have been answered. I do not believe that anyone should be viewed as "Making Fun" of the natural disaster which may occur on the Gulf Coast.. I have heard many people discussing the irony of the Rev. Dobson's request to his followers to pray for rain to ruin the convention (Democract) last week to what is happening to his (Rev. Dobson) convention (Republican) this week.

And to use some comments made years ago by some one who is dead to explain away such disgusting comments follows the democratic operandi,blame some else never take responsibility and make sure you throw in a republican as a excuse for your behavior.

I do find it ironic that Stuart Shepard of "Focus on the Family" had a video on You Tube praying for 'torrential rains' on Obama's acceptance speech.

And now look………hey……the irony is pretty stunning.

Get over it.

What a foolish, weak excuse: he said it because of something that Falwell once said?! Just apologize AND STOP TRYING TO RATIONALIZE! It was a stupid and inexcusable comment. Just apologize and it's done.

Anonymous August 31st, 2008 8:21 pm ET

It was in poor taste, however until McCain denounces some of his swift bost ads, the remark was apologized for, and that is more than enough! Another Republican smokescreen at work.

Anonymous:

The problem is that what McCain did not publish anything false about Obama in those ads. It was true.

Both the Republicans have left their roots, but what we do not need is a hard left wing socialist like Obama. Even the Socialist Chinese have learned that getting away from the socialism is what vastly improved their economy.

I just think it is ironic that this religious nut prayed for rain during Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco in Denver. Looks that God don't like ugly. Whose parade is being "rained" on?

THATS THE MORTALITY OF THE DEMS. OBAMA HAS BROUGHT NOTHING BUT HATE TO THIS ELECTION. YOU NAIVE O.B. SUPPORTERS ARE RIGHT IN HIS CATAGORY. I NEVER SEEN SO MUCH HATE IN A ELECTION RACE. O.B. WILL TELL YOU ALL EVERTHING YOU WANT TO HEAR ,BUT CANT DELIVER WHAT HE SAYS.YOU CANT CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT,WASHINGTON OR CONGRESS.HE IS NOT GOD OR A MAGICIAN WITH A MAGIC WAND. YOU O.B. SUPPORTERS WILL BE KICKING YOURSELVES IN THE — IF HE GETS ELECTED AND NOTHING HE TELLS YOU WILL BECOME. GO MCCAIN/PALIN

Bush and McCain did worst three years ago, more shamefull

A house divided - you are an idiot if you are trying to blame this man's words on Obama. By your argument, everything that the loser Repugs say should be blamed on McCain - right?

HHMMM didn't the rabid Right group Focus on the Family pray for rain last Thursday night in Denver which was a beautiful day for 85,000 folks to hear Obama's acceptance speech? Isn't Monday night the night HRH and The Dick were to mumble and rale? Gustav is now scheduled to hit on Monday.

Using the rabid Right's Focus on the Family logic, that must mean that God is on the side of Democrats, since there was not a cloud in the sky last Thursday. I am pleased God rebukes the Republican party which invokes His name to judge and condemn. So, do not blame the Dem's we were only applying that same twisted religious zealot logic so advocated by Focus on the Family.

The Republicans should now offer up prays of thanks for Gustav during the Republican convention, so, they can use the storm as a cover and close early and hide the fact that it would have closed due to lack of interest.

And since HRH has decided to skip the RNC, this should free him up so he can do another flyover the devastation and then ride in on an Army convoy on Thursday 4 days after the storm, for a photo op.
Silly me, I forgot my native Louisiana now has a Republican governor, maybe he will move the photo op to Wednesday. HRH and McCrypt did not seem to let Katrina disrupt McCrypt's birthday party, we would not want to miss that, gotta keep those Republican priorities! Yeah, that is right, still bitter after 3 years, but only because it was so callous, cavalier and so Republican with the "let them eat cake" attitude so prevalent in this election.

The Democrats seem to be stooping to new lows with this campaign. Blaming a dead man doesn't make it any better.

This must be some of the change Obama is promising.

Seriously, does anybody expect that Dems subscribe to high standards and civility?

Oh, the GOP is so innocent.

Where was the GOP outrage of Rev. Jerry Falwell's comment about God allowing the 9/11 terrorist attacks? He certainly wasn't joking. Perhaps so many of the GOP agreed with Falwell it wasn't possible to call it an outrage?

The Democrat Party has a large share of idiot behavior.

It was a JOKE!!!!

GROW UP!!!!!!!!

I am so sick of all the babies in these forums.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08 . . . THE LOGICAL CHOICE!

What about the joke McCain pulled the other day by choosing an air head that has no inkling of what to do if number one was out of the picture. A joke is a joke but the high and mighty republicans can't get it, they want heads to roll, what about John McCains lies about the swift boat fiasco, this wasn't a joke just a down and dirty lie?

I'm pretty sure countless of people have made this joke across the country (and the world). So some people need to loosen up.

here we go, again

denounce and reject any comment anyone made

good grief

DOUBLE STANDARDS. IT IS FINE WHEN THE REPUBLICANS SMEAR AND SLANDER WITH ALL THEIR LIES. BUT OH NO, DON'T LET ONE JOKING WORD COME FROM A DEMOCRAT. THE HOLYIER THAN THOU COME OUT OF THE WOOD WORK. LIKE MCCAIN SAYING OBAMA DIDN'T HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO RUN THIS COUNTRY. THEN LOOK WHAT HE COMES UP WITH. THEN SAYS THAT SHE HAS VAST EXPERIENCE. WHAT A BUNCH OF BULL.

The Rev. Falwell NEEDS to be poked fun at!!! That man is a complete and total IDIOT!!! He deserves to be ridiculed and rightly so!!!

And for your SELF-RIGHTOUS Republicans… James Dobson's boy Stuart Shepard and Focus on the Family prayed for rain on the Democratic Convention… but that was OK for him to poke fun at the Dems because he's from the Radical Religious Right and that justifies it!!! That was funny stuff, right? That was OK to do… because I didn't hear ONE SINGLE REPUBLICAN DENOUNCE THE MAN AND DENOUNCE THE ACT AS BEING ANYTHING BUT CHRISTIAN-LIKE!!! THEY ARE THE DESPICABLE ONES!!

So you Republicans can just cry me a river… it's OK to dish it out. But when you get it dished out right back in your face, you become a 'Party of Whiners'!!! Hmmm… as a matter of fact, that's the same tactics you use on a bully!!! It's OK for the bully to dish it out, but when you give it right back in the bully's face… they go crying to their mamas!!!!

It's a sorry day for Republicans… maybe this is God's way of sending their prayers for rain on the Dem's convention right back in their faces. And I, for one, am the first to admit that they HAVE IT COMING!!!

WAKE UP, AMERICA!!! VOTE SMART…. NOT SENILE!!!!

who is the mean party?

The joke is the Republican Party. Yes, Democrats are fighters we're not going to sit by and let you cheaters rob America this time around.

Democrats are always the ones who take the …..
Each time, we get a little bolder, and a little stronger and this time
we are coming hard. You like to play hard ball right. Well this time we bringing our A game.

We are unified and it scares you. We are the most organized, team players we've ever been and you know it. We're coming, so watch out.

Why is it that Barack Obama has to be held accountable for everything anyone supporting him says? Are we not all adults and responsible for our own actions? To suggest that somehow this reflects on all Democrats or Obama himself is ridiculous!!

Get a grip. Obama did not say it and was no where near the conversation. I am sick to death of Barack being held responsible for what everyone says. Baback speaks for Barack!
Why don't you republican idiots get that?
We are all praying for the people of the Gulf Coast. Stop POLITICING for a minute folks.

right wing nutcase? guess that makes fowler a left wing nutcase. it is good to know how the democrates really feel about america and the possible upcoming natural disaster.

I Think This Was Just A Bad Sense Of Humor, No Harm Done. Im Not Happy About The Storm But I Am Happy The Republican Convention Is In Shambles! I Would Have To Watch That All Week! All Day They Would Be Trying To Spin This Mccain V P Choice As The Greatest Ever! There Is Not Enough Spin In The World To Make Me Beleive This Woman Could Fill The Role As President Should Something Happen To Mccain!

It's ironic that conservatives were praying for rain during the democratic convention. I wonder what the universe is saying with Gustav?

i beleive with the man is saying because they had a billboard up in denver telling all republicans to pray for rain on the day obama gives his acceptance speech in invesco field . all i got to say is god dont like ugly

The some right wingers "prayed" that for it to rain in Denver. Usually when one "prays" for the demise of others; it usually happens to the one who "prayed"; that is, when you dig one ditch, two should be dugged.

Hey "a House Divided"…you are not a Democrat–you are a Republican who is following your guru, Rush Limbaugh's strategy of fomenting discord in the Democratic Party.
As a Republican, you have some nerve accusing Democrats of not caring…let's see…AIDS crisis in the 80's…Health Car in the 90's…Katrina in the 2000's,,,,the environment since 1964…the list goes on and on…
See you in November "House" you and the Limbaugh's Coulter's O'Reilly's and Hannity's of this great nation will be relegated to the dust bin of history.

Don Fowler is a part of Democratic machine under Barack's command. This is what it is. Meanness and do-not-care attitude. I wonder what NAACP has to say. CNN will not publish my comments because it will really hurt them. Truth really hurts. You cannot expect good things from Barack or his gang.

I am sure it was by mistake or taken out of context…unlike the negativity of the McCain swift boat tactics

This is silly. He wants Obama to denounce and reject comments from some guy no one knows or cares about. Obama wasnt there and could probably not care less what this joker says. Fowler is irresponsible with his private comments. Falwell is irresponsible with his public comments. Come ce come ca

Christian rightwingers PRAYED that it rains and floods during the DNC convention. Politics of the past eight years of divide and rule, I suppose.

so far all we know is that there is a storm hitting and politics taking advantage of this ,, wen did we becomne so souless?

Obama/Biden 08

WHAT MCCAIN WAS DOING WHEN KATRINA HIT?
EAT HIS BIRTHDAY CAKE?

No, what needs to be done is to have President Bush and all of the republicans apologize for the way the folks of New Orleans were treated when Katrina hit. Actions speak louder than words, and Bush's actions as he flew over New Orleans when Katrina hit, SPOKE LOUD AND CLEAR!!! Stop blaming Obama for everything!

Oh Jeeze! Repubs grasping at straws to make anybody on the Dem. side appear in a negative light of some sort but shhhh!–let's don't talk about the Repub minister who called on an entire Repub rally to pray for rain the week of the Dem. convention—shhhh! Let's keep that mum, folks!! LOL!

People have very short memories. Focus On America created a video, asking politically-conservative Christians to pray for rain on Aug. 28, in order to disrupt Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention. I guess trying to "use God" goes only one way, huh??????????

this is the problem with many of those on the religious "right" (and i know, because i was once one of their ranks): they aren't sophisticated enough to understand or appreciate satire. when everything has to be completely literal, we all miss the real truth . . .

I am a strong supporter of Obama, but I'm sure liek Obama in no way condone these comments. maybe a little more done than by many of Mccains staffs actions. Did Mccain ever apologize for the joke he made of how ugly Chelsea Clinton was, calling Janet Reno her dad? You Clinton supporters may want to remember that when you think about casting a vote for Mccain.

Actually that was exactly what I was thinking…God is for Democrats this year- esp after that Conservative Republican Dobson asked everyone to pray for bad weather during Democrats convention.

A house divided:
what in the world does his statement have to do with Obama. Please get serious to the topic.
Keep hating, hater.

Hey, wasn't it the right winged christians that were praying for rain on the last day of the Democratic convention? Ha ha, they said, can't you take a joke? Well, now GOP, the joke's on you! You always thought God was vengeful to everyone but you…or else Falwell wants to show you the error of your ways.

When my children were young I used to tell them to think before you tease,make fun, say something ugly, because once those words leave your mouth, you can't take them back. You have already hurt someone else and saying "I was just kidding" will not wipe out the bad feelings you have caused.
I think all sides need to learn that lesson especially the Michael Moores of the world. And the ex leader of a party? What kind of leader is that?

yeah I'm sure it will all blow over by the election. Are these two jokers up for re-election. If so I guess it will be time for payback in November.

I was a Democrat for 30 years, but this new bunch is just disgusting. Obama preaches hope and change, but all these nasty little comments put out by his surrogates are just to much. How do his nasty comments unite us, how does his constant demeaning of women unite us. Now Obama supporters are demeaning the birth of Governor Palin's Down Syndrome child, really is that how low you want to go. I think attacking her and her children is his new talking point, I read it on every blog. . Remember he's a uniter, LOL!

It just sounds like a nervous, off hand, smarty thing that was said inappropriately - nothing more. I think it had a lot more to do with "my team vs your team, and we just got a handicap", and had nothing to do with the potential suffering of the gustav victims. Both parties have had people finding themselves being accountable for comments made in supposed privacy, to a friend. A certain amount of accountability is, of course, expected, but these people are human, too, and mostly don't say things that other people, who are not so scruntinized, say in an off-hand manner at times.

McCain's endorser Hagee said Katrina was the punishment of God on New Orleans. Some other fundies called for national prayer for rain to wash out the night Barack Obama was speaking.

Now McCain is so "concerned" about Gustav, when he voted against relief bills for victims of Katrina and Wilma.

Who are the hypocrites and who are the real Christians?

It was a sad day, when McCain called American whiners!!!

Typical democrats. They are scum and you never know when a camera is around. This shows they are back-stabbers.

obama didn't say it and he can't control what people say. about mcain spiritual adviser rev, mcgee that stated that what happen to katrina was a curse from god. that wasn't right and these people wasn't curse.
please don't be judgemental

Political correctness has gone to far into "neverland".

How did this become Obama's falt? Guess like McCain's add saying High gas prices where Obama's fault, everything bad in world is his fault. Not the man in the Whitehouse.

a house divided

you forgot Hillary and Bill Clinton

McCain who has kow towed to the James Dobson wing of the GOP, is the the guy going for a photo op in the Gulf Coast in his "American hat." Dobson prayed for there to be rain on Thursday night at the Denver stadium rally for Obama. Maybe Dobson is out of favor with God. I can't imagine a so-called man of the cloth making that kind of prayer anyway.

Hey McCain's 527 group was praying for rain to wipe out the democrats in Denver in an Ad. It's about Karma

So what about the Republican preacher that was praying for it to rain on the DNC, so chairman Dawson are you saying that it was ok. Thats why you have to be careful what you pray for.

South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson firsat needs to demand her state do something about the divisive racist confederate flag the SC GOP is so proud of.

The comment was in poor taste but hardly as bad as some of the dumb stuff that ends up on these CNN threads by various neocons, racists, facists and republicans.

@ a house divided
why so bitter?

as far as this video goes, it was a joke, and while in bad taste, nothing more. who doesnt joke around with friends about things that arent really a joking matter? everyone does, it just so happens this was recorded.

people need to move on and accept jokes for jokes.

This is politics why is Obama's name even being brought up? The two men made a poor decision and as men they should be responsible for explaining their own words. Going down this road you need to ask what is a bigger travesty? The GOP controlled hourse, senate a executive branches utter failure in dealing with Katrina. Pictures of the current president and the GOP nominee cutting into a birthday cake and celebrating as Katrina hit landfall is work a thousand words. While I respect McCain's decision to be more proactive people need to stop acting like it is McCain is sacraficing here or showing great leadership. We are two months away from an election and we act like he is doing this based on his principles. No principles are voting for funding to help Katrina victims, cancelling your birthday party with the president as one of the worst natural disasters hits the US. The media is eating this up but remember a test of character is not when the lights are on you and everyone is looking. A test of character is when no one is looking. God bless New Orleans!

Obama is not liable for everyone on the democratic party. Obama just took control on Thursday. These people are grown and entitled to there own opinion. Now if it was his campaign staff yes he shoud Denounce.
I must admit it was a poor choice of words and that person stands alone. because all democrate don't think alike. personelly I am praying for everyone.

Dear A house divided

I missed your post when Stuart Shepard of Focus on Family Action called for a national prayer vigil to ask God for rain of Bibilical proportions on the last night at of the DNC convention. But as it turns out, you lucked up … Bush and Cheney are no-shows tomorrow night.

Are you relieved or disappointed ?

What if he is right?

OH PLEASE. Are these the same republicans praying for rain on the day of Obama's speech?

Seems to me that I remember one of the GOP supporters, a minister, asking that his people and GOP members pray for rain on the stadium in Denver when Obama was delivering his speech….

Guess what….! Ir will rain - but not on Obama

I remember being taught as a child never to pray for something that would hurt another person and of course the possible consequence was that the 'bad' thought would return to you….

This is outrageous and trivial. Several Republican, McCain Aides and Evangelicals publicly said they prayed that Obama's speech would be rained out or a tornado would destroy the outdoor speech. Talk about that. I can't lie. I also found it ironic that they said the timing, announcement and decision of the Palin pick was to steal Obama's thunder from his speech … and 1 day later … All the news coverage is poised on the storm Gustav, not … Ms Palin. So please .. as McCain always says …. 'You got to keep your sense of humor'. My prayers go out to the Gulf Coast families … but Repubs get no sympathy in this!

if obama is truly a god, he will divert the hurricanr back out to seas. otherwise, he is a false god and will be vanquished in the election

Oh please. If each of us have to denounce every one in our lives that says something that is either inappropriate or misinterpreted, we'll all be pretty lonely people.

And is there no privacy anywhere in the world any more?

COME ON! SOMEBODY ANSWER ME… HOW CAN PALIN RUN FOR OFFICE WHILE UNDER INVESTIGATION??? WHAT IF SHE'S FOUND GUILTY? tHE RNC JUST SWEEPS THAT UNDER THE CARPET???

The Right said it first about praying to God for bad weather to pour don on the DNC WHY WAS THAT NOT MENTIONED?

Have no fear. We've got them just where we want them. Obama and Biden will show the great leadership that our country needs.

Yeah, a house divided indeed. By whom, ignorance.

Obama is the balme, right. Don Fowler is a grown man and he made those comments. How can just link everyone else's comments to Obama?

If you do not like him, vote for whoever it is that you want. But, if you're going to make him responsible for something another individual said, it's sad.

How amazing that the Republicans were praying for rain last Thursday!

Better than Fallwell or any other Republicans did after they made horribly appalling comments about Katrina.

What a surprise, a Democrat APOLOGIZED for making a mistake. That's not BAD news, but if a Republicon-man ever apologized to anyone for anything: STOP THE PRESSES!

Swift Boat Ads? Are you serious? The Swift Boat Ads were never proven false, and none of them praised something that could possibly involve the deaths of many, and the destruction of whole cities. What an idiot you are. There is no moral equivalence, and you trying to equate the two is ridiculous.

Dobson, Focus on the Family et al had asked their followers to pray for rain during Obama's acceptance speech.

Did the McCain campaign denounce them?

Well said, house.

Please, do not put politics and weather in the same bucket.
Not good at all.
What happens happens, and if you are a good person, you will be ready to help.

Those of you that think mankind can alter the course of nature, I have a great idea! Let some other idiot explain smoking causes hurricanes,and that way the overwhelmind majority of Americans will demand a federal law against smoking after millions and millions of years the surface of our planet has undergone millions and millions of changes. Human beings are not capable of changing nature for better or worse. So all the northern ice is melting most likely it has come and gone thousands of times! So, if you want to believe chicken little then the sky is falling!

While I am a hard core supporter of Barcak Obama and I take my share of pot shots at Senator McCain, this coming storm is no time to be politicking against either of them. I think the remarks were insensitive and out of line. I am ashamed that, not a Democrat, but a human being would make lite of this pending disaster. I offer my apologies to all that were offended including my self as I was offended too.

Don't blame the DEMS, blame the Repugs; they were the ones praying for rain to ruin Obama's speech in INVESCO. Be careful of what you pray for, it may have the wrong intended effects. That said, I have family and friends in NOLA who lost everything during Katrina; they just rebuilt their home in NOLA east. Now this again. I pray that GOD watches over the city of NOLA and it's people.

Praying for mom and Kimmy–Praying for East Feliciana Parish.

To the person who brought up the Swift boat ads:

1) Name one statement in the Swift boat ads that isn't true;

2) This statement wasn't in poor taste, he was hoping for a hurricane to hit New Orleans to get political advantage.

So much for the Party of the working man.

…grow up and get over it…..listen to Hillary if you believe in what she stands for and wants to see her biggest goal of Health care come to reality…

Yet another example of how the Democrats look for political gain in American misfortune.

This absolutely deplorable. I don't believe the media is letting this slip by. I can guarantee you that if a Republican had made that type of comment, it would have been the lead on every newscast. I just hate this type of politics. The democrats are so low………