CNN

I hope nobody is harmed by this event, and I commend Obama for his efforts... truely inspirational

I notice Pres. Bush made the same dicision not to go to N.O. for the same reason. HE DIDN"T WANT TO GET IN THE WAY.

McCain is just trying to look like he's Pres. at the expense of people in need.

People this is definitely not the moment to focus in politics. Even though I am voting for Obama, I commend both candidates for doing what they can to ensure that our brothers and sisters in the Gulf Coast do not go through what they went with Katrina.

Yet another JUDGEMENT call by the next President Of The United States !!!
I'm waiting for my text, help is on the way...

Obama/Biden '08/'12

i think some people on this blog are just saying ridiculous stuff to get people to react. people really can't be as dumb as some of these comments are..... can they??

So, Obama chose NOT to go for the photo op so he's not underfoot or siphoning off law enforcement to guard him that are desperately needed to manage the situation on the ground. But he's ready with aid and wants to roll up his sleeves and help, like any good neighbor would.

That's what I want in my president. Can't wait for November.

Obama/Biden 08

Kate, of course the Republicans are canceling their major speeches (not their convention) - they wouldn't get a lot of coverage during the storm. C'mon, think a little.

Great job Obama... unlike McCain who has to use this horrible thing for publicity and go out there and be in the way. People could be helping others instead of media ambushed there to record his stupid speech in hopes to help his campaign. If he was truely honestly concerned totally only about those people needing to be evacuated and helping he would stay out of the way and do it from afar and let the law and those already there that are organizing it do their jobs and keep the media and his political entrouge away.

didn't mccain get chastised for getting in the way during the flooding in the midwest? he was asked not to come there and he did anyway LOL!!

> You notice Obama never lifted a finger during Katrina.

Oh, and he was also invited to give the commencement speech at Xavier University in New Orleans in recognition for all that he had done for the state. You really are dumb.

> You notice Obama never lifted a finger during Katrina.

Sept. 2, 2005: Obama holds press conference urging Illinoisans to contribute to the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Sept. 5, 2005: Obama goes to Houston to visit evacuees with Presidents Clinton and Bush.
Sept. 7, 2005: Obama introduces bill to create a national emergency family locator system
Sept. 8, 2005: Obama introduces bill to create a National Emergency Volunteers Corps.
Sept. 8, 2005: Obama co-sponsors the Katrina Emergency Relief Act of 2005 introduced by Senator Harry Reid
Sept. 8, 2005: Obama co-sponsors the Hurricane Katrina Bankruptcy Relief and Community Protection Act of 2005 introduced by Senator Russ Feingold

You Republicans must think that we are as stupid as you are.

H,

Not a very good thought.....He is ready to lead.

Obama 2008

THIS IS REALLY GOOD. WHAT PEOPLE DONT KNOW IS A PRESIDENT PLUS A GOOD SURROUNDING IS WHAT MAKE THEM GREAT. AFTER THE GOP VP PICK, I KNOW MCCAIN IS SURROUNDED BY DUMMIES. WHY NO ONE TOLD HIM WHAT ARE YOU DOING/?

It is not being a celebrity to speak about the police protecting him. As a candidate with Secret Service, their is a level of protection that is required and coordination with the local police is necessary. Either candidates, as well as the president, WILL draw resources away from the people who need it. Neither McCain or Obama need to be in the area.
Obama 2008-2016

It sad that the rep., will use this to their poor advantage on some ad. If the intent is good so be it, but if it to get support, shame on them. As a vetern who is not a 'Hero', would recon the area then send support. Just like our next President , SEN. Obama is doing. Tell me that this OB move, show how capble this individual and his 'TEAM', are!! Let me know where a dontion need to be send. God Bless American!!

obama is more sensble. no pandering. just mobilization for support for those who will need our help. i pray for the folks in the gulf AND for obamas election to the presidency. who better to unite the nation in times of need? if it were mccain i would vote for him. but,he is a divisive politician now he's in bed with bush/rove.

Please let's all have some dignity during this critical time of our sister staes in the Gulf.

How about we actually ACT like true Americans and stop the squabbling back and forth about politics!

WE SHOULD ACT LIKE HUMAN BEINGS WITH DECENCY AND INTELLIGENCE FOR JUST A LITTLE WHILE??!!

These vile posts and attitudes towards each other (based on political affiliation preference) are what's really hurting America and why we continue to suffer as a people and a Nation! This CNN Ticker is being viewed by hosts people from all walks of life and we Americans are displaying some foul attitudes during our sister cities' time of uncertainity.

We are members of UNITED states - not INDEPENDENT states!

PLEASE show some sort of humbleness!

So sad.....

REDICULIOUS REPUGS
PRAYED FOR RAIN AT DENVER CONVENTION
HAVE A PLAIN JANE AS A RUNNING MATE
AND ALL THEY WANT TO DO IS HATE
BUSH AND CHAINEY WILL NOT BE AT THEIR CONVENTION NOW
MCCAIN IS LOVING THAT BECAUSE BUSH IS A DRAG
WHILE OBAMA/BIDEN GOT THIS THING IN THE BAG

Stuck on himself Obama, is really scared of the storm but hides behind the idea that law enforcement would protect him rather than a citizen. What a jerk of a celebrity. Scared, say scared.

Can he compliment her without being sexist. Yes, she is young and good looking since it is Joe Biden who said it; it is sexism.
When you talk about taking women seriously, the democrats take women more seriously than the republican. Since the 1980 the democrat been putting women on major political ticket. Geraldine Ferraro was a democrat VP running mate in the 1980. Tell me a mojor republican woman that hit that miles stone in the 1980; none, zero. Hillary Clinton was the front runner in this race for quite a while and she is a woman democrat. How can you talk about democrat think women is no brainer when they are the one who introduce them to hold these big political position. What you can say is that John McCain is using a woman to try to take some of the people that was fallowing Clinton by using a woman to do so since Hillary was a woman. McCain know how a lot of Hillary's suppotters feel about her been treated unfair and pick a woman VP to see if he can get their vote very manupilative.

If Obama sets up a special donation fund for the folks of Gustav, I'll give.

I think he reaches more people via the internet and other net-working than any other candidate in history.

Can he do that and not get in trouble?

This is just another prime example of what a take charge leader President Obama will be. There will never be another national disgrace like Hurricane Katrina on the Obama/Biden watch.

Grandpa McCain's choice of VP is laughable. She's certainly no Hillary . The angry old feminists who supported her won't be fooled.

YES WE CAN!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Lets see who is more helpful and service-oriented when it is all said and done....right now Republicans are ahead for cancelling their convention.
Kate, Springfield MA

John McCain and his twin brother were late on Katrina too. They are only reacting because this is an election year, and the GOP wants the White house. They could care less what happens to the people of New Orleans, or in any other state in the Union. It's about power and money, and people don't matter.

DEMOCRATS UNITE!!!

He once again is tail end charlie. McCain has been in MS for a spell when Obama woke up and said let's do something.

McCain is acting presidential while Obama is playing catch up. Not to be unexpected as Obama has no experience in National Disasters or National Emergencies.

I'm afraid obama is the risker of the two candidates.

Don't roll the dice, Stay with McCain

McCain makes quick decisions. Obama thinks through everything he
does . Americans will be safe with Obama and Biden.

OBAMA COULD CARE LESS ABOUT NEW ORLEANS AND THE OTHER HURRICANE VICTIMS. HE JUST WANTS TO MAKE A NAME AND PEOPLE DOWN THERE TO REGISTER THEM TO VOTE. IF IT WAS A NONE ELECTION YEAR HE WOULD CLOSE HIS EYES.

JUST MY THOUGHTS.

Leave it to the democrats to try to turn a natural disaster into a political situation. How pathetic. The liberal newscasters can hardly contain their happiness and glee over a horrifying hurricane – they're actually giggling and jumping around. Disgusting.

bk- Obama was NOT the president then nor did he have any political leverage when Katrina hit in 2005..he had only a small volunteer base

ree- excuse me?!! Bush and McCain were celebrating Bush's Birthday and eating cake when Katrina hit. What're they and Cindy McCain doing now besides photo-ops?

As I said, Bush and McCain did NOTHING when Katrina hit. Obama's attitude is not wait-and-see, it's look-at-the-facts-and-briefings-from-officials-then-send-volunteer-base.

Like the midwest floods, Obama will NOT take credit for anything. The credit goes towards those millions of Americans who heeded Obama's call to help the Midwest flood victims. As he's doing now.

Godspeed, Third son of Illinois!

The Way To Network Obama.
Good Look-Out!

Robert.
"CNN censorors makes sure nothing that truly questions Obama is put on this site"

That might be simply the fact that most of you have nothing intelligent, sensible, or even factual to spew out of you minority-hating mouths. You all most likely can't even spell well enought to be taken serious as an adult.

See these animals...They will do anything to "win".

Country First indeed.

What exactly is McCain doing while he's there. What purpose is he serving. Maybe he's loading up the Straight Talk Express and helping to get people out of town?!?!?! Hope the cameras are ready.

Obama is the right one to lead this country. No McCain.

Obama is the man with the plan.McCain is the man with the pander.

dorothy dooley,you seem filled with hate,the issue at stake is Gustav,why all that rant? spear us all that.truth is there is very little the Mc Cain Camapaign can do for our embattled citizens out there with their presence other than draw on the emergency resource.the Repub;icn pary will best have adviced their presumtive flag bearer to try cordinating help from his campaign HQ,Arizona,St Paul minapolis , etc.he could as Obam, has said find out what they need mobilze help and make sure it gets to them while asking citizens in nearby states to give a hand.i guess the GOP is hangin g on Gustav to hide what is becoming clearly a failed campaign.someone just rightly noted that John wanted to expand his donating collection window to eneble him collect more $$ to place critical negative adds in swing states before close of the window,as for bush and cheney Gustav is an excuse not to show up as John belives that it doesnt help him.the democratic party has put up a superbly organised and historic convention which by its very superior organization has signaled first and formost the new spirit of the democrattic party,the readiness of Obama/Biden ticket to move the United states in a new direction and the support which the Hillary /Bill support base can bring to the democratic family.i think Obama and Biden,Hillary/Bill an others jion the entire nation in praying for the Gulf states.God willing Gustav will make soft landing on the coast and the GOP will then go to China or to Libya to come up with fresh excuses

NOT CNN, BUT ONN (OBAMA NEWS NETWORK)

McCAIN/PALIN 2008

Surely those people saying either cmpaign should donate funds specifically given for a campaign are aware that it is illegal to do so. Heavens, Hillary Clinton had 20 odd million donated to her Presidential campaign, and she couldn't, by law, divert those funds to pay off her primary debt.

You can't by law, pcik up funds donated to a political campaign, and spend them elsewhere.

Michael- Obama's not raising money, he's sending his volunteer base to the Gulf Coast like he did with the floods in the Midwest.

obama is a"superstar" no wonder why he can't relate to the blue collar voters. his elitism shines through once again!

Thank you, Senators Obama and Biden:
It is very kind to offer support to those people who will be on Gustav's path. And it is wise to wait and provide help where is needed the most.

Even though the Gulf Coast States are better prepared this time; they are still going to need a lot of monetary and emotional help. It is 'deja vu' again to have this storm hitting precisely almost 3 years after Katrina.

As soon as the best way to help is determined, I am ready to do my part.

We'll keep praying and hoping for the best. God bless you and America!
Regards,
J. Wilson

second off the line as usual. so make excuses as usual. I'd have been there sooner but too much media ect, you know it's hard for a personality like me to move around, get my drift, know what I'm saying.after everybody does their thing I'll be more than happy to tell you what i would have done yeah vote Obama

John and Sarah should get out of the way and let the police and other officials do their jobs. A cheap photo op on the backs of the poor residents of the Gulf Coast. Disgusting.

Isn't John PRESUMPTIOUS for going to the region? He's not the President.

Rewind back to three years ago wasn't McCake celebrating his birthday cake with buddy Bush when Katrina struck? Oh the audacity of hypocrisy. When will America ever learn?

Robert did you not read the message above yours?

It's stuff like this that keeps us divided as a nation. We need to stop with the red and blue stuff and remember that the people in LA and MS are AMERICANS that will need ALL of our help.

Robert,

If that were the case then what are comments like yours and a lot of others in this thread doing here?

Obama is always slow to respond, and then he copies someone else's idea! He would be a dangerous president.

Once again Obama shows the correct judgement and reacts appropriatetly. He is analyzing the situation and letting everyone do their jobs before flying off the cuff and getting in the way.The more I see Obama's judgement the more sense he makes and the more he and Biden look Presidential.Most important is that we all pray for what is about to happen and not allow any party to pander and go places they need not go.

Bob (NC). This shows that Obama has good jugment and cares for the people unlike Mc Cain who want to jeopardize their life by drawing the police help away from where it is really in need. Boooo Mc Palin.
By the way Dorothy/Dooley the opportunist are Mc Palin.
Go Obama /Biden "08 / 12"

Leave Politics out of Gustav blogs, please.

Obama is a follower! I wondered how long it would take him to copy McCain. Too bad he already wasted mega bucks on his really big show!

Still fighting in the midst of someone else's potentially catastrophic hardship...
go to the blogs that outline the Obama/McCain's Gustav response and

Dems say McCain is pandering for photo opportunities...odd objective since he never seems to get any press to follow him at all.
BUT THEIR GUY IS THE MAN.

Republicans say Obama is following McCain's leadership.
THEIR GUY IS THE MAN.

Heaven forbid any of you get out of bed on 11-04 to vote.

bk August 31st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

You notice Obama never lifted a finger during Katrina.
-----

Gee, maybe because he wasn't the President back then? Who was that–? (Snaps fingers) Oh, yeah, Bush. We'll rectify that as best as we can this year, okay?

Robert, that's just wrong. If you have been following CNN you see that they have pundits who question Obama continuously....and sometimes with unclear or misleading information. I sit there, pulling my hair out at times when I see it!

Obama's clearly not interested in turning Gustav into a Political Stumping Ground the way McCain is. His concern for the people of the area is clear – get the millions in his network to help rather than running down there so that he can look like he saving the day. Where was McCain during Hurricane Katrina, when it WASN'T a photo op? As Katrina was roaring ashore in southern Louisiana on Aug. 29 , he was celebrating his birthday with President Bush!

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/08/images/20050829-5_p082905pm-0125-515h.html

How about you take some of the money you milked from your campaign contributors, Obama? Or are you saving that for another vulgar Las Vegas style extravaganza?

As for me, I will donate to the Red Cross, NOT a campaigner's slush fund!

This former Hillary supporter is 100% committed to McCain/Palin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very smart decision to wait until the call for volunteers goes out. Many well meaning people just show up without waiting to learn where help is needed the most. This only adds to the chaos and confusion. If you want to do something now, get connected with a disaster response organization. There are plenty of them out there that would welcome your help. Organizations such as the Salvation Army, American Red Cross and the hundreds of faith based organizations who have disaster relief teams. A coordinated response working together with local emergency management officials will go a long way. From the looks of this, the need is going to be long term, so you have plenty of time to get connected with disaster relief groups. In fact many faith based groups are still working to help displaced families in response to Hurricane Katrina, we just don't hear about them anymore.

"Obama is afraid of pulling law enforcement people away from their other duties…?

WHAT?!

If law enforcement chose to follow him versus protect its citizens then they need to be updated on what's most important.

I can't believe Obama said that! What a celebrity figure."
------------
Guess you've never been to a political event with a presidential candidate or other Secret Service protectee. Local law enforcement has to coordinate with and provide backup to the Secret Service whenever someone who is protected by Secret Service visits an area. So Obama going there, even if he went all by himself with no staff, would have diverted resources from local law enforcement.

I am proud to see that Obama supporters are just that-supporting Obama and not the USA's efforts in Louisiana. It reinforces my decision to vote for McCain. He has not said anything about 3 years ago-rather focused on today. I feel sorry for our country if they close their eyes to the destruction of our country and elect Obama. God help us then.

So was Obama's presence in Iraq a distraction? Sometimes a candidate needs to take a hands-on look.

He's just making excuses because he didn't go first.

Thank you Obama for staying out of the way while the emergency people do their job in helping those who need it to get to safety. Offering help that is needed from a distance and specifically what is needed rather than guess is also wise. While McCain is pandering once again, Obama is showing sound judgement. I will gladly help any way I can and will follow Obama's lead and check the site often.

Obama/ Biden 08

Obama is trying to score some points here. I think he has awakened quite late. Barack your judgment and experience is so minimal./ You have to go to school to learn it. Biden is thinking that he can captain the ship but he is on the wrong side of the coin. Barack, it is time for your to go home.

Hey Independent in NC-

Obama was very active in the midwest flooding and helped bag sand WITH the people and didn't just talk about it. Also, he set up information and donation links on the Obama website. Do your research before you post ignorant comments.

Good thinking, Obama.

Stop, look, listen, and then respond. Never just charge in! Obviously, Obama understands good incident command directives.

For now, I'm giving money to human AND animal rescues agencies that will be helping during this. And, praying for those in the path of the storm....

Obama you know what to do...good thinking .

CNN censorors makes sure nothing that truly questions Obama is put on this site

What leadership? Obama is an opportunist who flip flops when the agenda serve his purposes. Good judgment? good judgment is when he left Rev. Jeremiah Wright after 20 years sitting on the pew and not knowing that his Reverend was preaching hatred. Taking money from the rich and given to the poor will not solve our economy is not change. Spending more money to subsidize welfare will not solve our economy is not change. Choosing Biden who ran for president himself twice and lost because he plagarized himself, is not change that we can believe. It's call taking the same old democratic partisan rhetoric and calling it change.
News alert, everyone is already involved in the Gustav. Mr Obama just donate most of your corrupt money that you receive from special interest to the relief. Now that a change that I can believe.

Sure NJ, so that Obama doesn't have the money to fight the negative ads coming out of McCain's camp. I'm sure you'd love that, but the rest of us (the smart ones) want Obama elected.

You Republicans are so hypocritical. I don't see McCain or his 527's donating any of THEIR money.

as Obama has said, we all put our country first. not just dems, not just repubs, not just independents. This is an american effort with no one party being more in control. we are all in control. donate wherever you would like. if you feel better thinking repubs will do it better then so be it. If you donate to the dems thinkiing they will do better then so be, but in the end, they dont matter. the american people matter and the fact that we all pull in together is the real meaning behind this.

i would wish mccain would change his campaign slogan though. it is very insulting and partisan. we all put our country first.

McCain "arranges for a charter flight," Obama offers 2,000,000 folks to help. And people on this blog claim that McCain is ready to lead? you guys are just plain odd....

Can people flush their petty political views down the toilet for now? We have a lot of people who are evacuating southern Louisiana headed our way (I'm in Natchitoches, LA) for safer havens.

How about we all concentrate on making sure those living in LA, TX, MS and the other Gulf Coast states are as safe as possible as Gustav barrels toward us, and do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. The crap spewing from these comments sicken me.

Leadership is important yes, but don't you have to be voted as President before you start taking over?

November cannot come soon enough !!!
OBAMA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wow a smart plan and helping anyway he can.

what was bush doing when the last major hurricane hit???

Oh thats right celebrating McCain's birthday in Arizona.

Obama, the man that sent millions of dollars to slum lords in Chicago is going to save everyone effected by hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods, and erupting volcanos. The great and powerful Obama! or JUST ANOTHER TWO FACED POLITICIAN WHORING FOR THE CAMERA.

Leadrership? If you are a general in battle, you visit the front lines before the storm and during the storm. You do not hole up in your safe HQ broadcasting. I did not hear Senator Obama stating that he is willing to donate the hundreds of millions of dollars he already has in his war chest. That will be putting your money where your words are. Words are cheap

Good judgement Obama!

And another thought, where was this mobilization when the midwest was flooding? Or did the candidates figure that voter base wasn't going to help them win?

Hey Sylvia-the prez doesn't call in the national guard. That is up to the state to do. In Katrina, the Dem governor failed to do so. Now, in the case of Gustav, the state is much better prepared. The Republican governor has already activated the guard and ordered evacuations. Obama had nothing to do with that. Please give credit where credit is due. Your Messiah Obama is not the savior in this case.

I am on Obama's email distro list and would have ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM VOLUNTEERING if he needs me. This is what a president should inspire in people!!!!!

8 is ENOUGH!! Obama/Biden 08!!

Brian in the middle east:

May be you should just do your job in middle east as BUSH/CHENEY/MCCAIN told you to. Stay there for 100 yrs, because you don't know what leadership looks like when you see one.

Sure, just what we need, a bunch of unqualified, untrained people traveling into a disaster area. I'm sorry, but where was this volunteer raising during Katrina? Oh right, that wasn't an election year.

I wish both candidates would stay out of it and let the current president handle this. They would be much more valuable doing their jobs in Congress – I'd be curious to see if either goes back, or if they stay on the campaign trail.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the inhabitants of the gulf coast. Mr. Obama, your leadership example on this issue is one that all Americans, Republican or Democrat, should be proud of.

I want to help in any way.

Ready to help America.

Democrat or Republican--TIME TO UNITE TO HELP OUT.

Obama will not even help half brother living on less than a couple of buck a month but give him the opportunity to be on TV then he is ready to show that pretty smile

Leadership and Judgement we can BELIEVE in. OBAMA isn't cutting any cake on the TARMAC. McCAIN running to MS/AL is all politics as usual.
OBAMA is correct mobilized "tons of millions" of volunteers. You see what he is going to win, it is because people listen to him. It is "WE THE PEOPLE" not big government or BIG BUSINESS! OBAMA-BIDEN

A CHANGE GONNA COME!

No Hillary = No Obama, I have read your post and can tell you are Republican. Clever name though. Don't make this unfortunate event a political one. You would loose anyway.

Obama puts the needs of the people on the ground over an opportunity for a cheap photo-op and the flimsy appearance of being "in command."

That's judgment and leadership.

McCain's history. Obama is the future.

At this kind of situation, we need someone who has a cool head. I am amazed by Obama's approach. He could easily decide to go to the coast to get some news exposure. Instead, he is gathering information to decide next step and he has a strong network to do that even he is not a president yet. He is more like a general in the war time. Presidential!

Now that the chosen one has authorized it I can feel safe.

BTW, it should have been Romney and not Barbie. Thank you for insulting Southern Men.

Obama has a plan of action to help and will do anything in his power to help using his network of campaign workers.

YES WE CAN AND WE WILL BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!!!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08

ROCK ON OBAMA!!! You are the TRUE leader!

If this happens to New Orleans again, I'm going there to help in any way possible.

Neither of the presidential candidates need to to get so much involvement in tackling the hurricane Gustave. It is the responsibility of the FEMA and the incumbent administration led by George Bush to take care of the support the victims need. There is o reason to politicize this natural calamity in advance by the election campaigns until something big really happens. The FEMA officials and local governments are doing everything they can to minimize the impact of the hurricane Gustav. So, please take it easy everyone.

A leader who can rally the people for a common cause, that is what is

LEADERSHIP.

Smart move Obama NOT going to the region. It's just like McCain looking for the photo op and diverting resources to take care of his entourage that should be TOTALLY focused on the emergency. What can he bring to the pre-hurricane efforts that's not being done by those that know what they're doing.

yet another illustration of how more qualified Obama is over McCain...Obama has a plan, talking to those he needs to, takes the people into consideration first, seeks his supporters help and contributions, sets a goal, and makes a great decision....McCain, well McCain charters a plane and a photographer....no consideration of the distraction he will be (that is IF anyone notices he is there anyway), just pull the trigger and see where the bullet lands...he just does not get it does he?

Obama now has to demonstrate that he's not an empty suit.

Way to Go Obama and Biden. You guys are on top of things about Hurriance Gustav. I hope and pray that everyone will be safe from this storm. My prayers are with the people of Lousiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida; who will be effected by this hurriance.

Obama and entourage couldn't go (maybe he should leave all his media at home and it wouldn't be so disruptive), but he thinks HE has the right to make the call on McCain (who doesn't need or want a big entourage) going to lend support. Apparently there's no chance for a photo op.

It was a republican administration who let people down 3 years ago in Katrina. I was there. I will never forget. John McCain wants to act concerned and is just waiting for a photo op to make Americans think he cares. McCain is more worried about the oil in the gulf and how it will affect his friends. Nothing the republicans do will EVER make me forget how they let us down.

It will be so good to have a competent, smart leader in the White House for a change. All McCain can do is go off half-cocked before analyzing the situation.

Go Obama!

Obama trying to play President again eh?

A day late and a dollar short.....

Susa, what is Obama's plan of action? Pandering to the press. I'm sure he wishes it was the DNC and not RNC convention about to start so he could set up a Jerry Lewis telethon. And Shirley in Ohio, you want Barack to tell you what to do? Are you that naive? The elected officials on the ground and federal agencies coordinating with them are who people should be listening too. Not a some freshman senator from IL who was on vacation while Russia invaded in Georgia. And finally to Politically Speaking you don't think Obama is pandering? Then you are also naive.

This guy is ready to lead. He proove it again with the sens of repnsability. He understand the emergency the N.O need. Well done senator.

Tap his donors?

Bush failed New Orleans without question but need I remind everyone that the Democrats did nothing except sit back and watch the crisis unfold. I am not sure what is worse, Bush's utter failure or the Democrats sitting back and creating a political opportunity and photo op to be used in the future. Glad to see both parties have learned from their mistakes.

hey Ken, yes they have been evacuating for two days but you know there are people that are stubborn and wont' leave. He is encouraging them to leave. Republicans for Obama!!!

Obama will send thousands of volunteers where it will be needed while McCain will pose for a picture handing a bag of ice over to some kid surrounded by 300 police. You dont fool anybody McCain.

McCain/Palin have no business detracting away from the preparations ongoing at this Command Center or others.

They need to do like Bush and stay out of the way. They're doing nothing but interfering with preparations and adding to the burden the managers and planners already have on-hand.

Quite your posturing and photo ops at the expense of the residents in these areas.

Obama is afraid of pulling law enforcement people away from their other duties...?

WHAT?!

If law enforcement chose to follow him versus protect its citizens then they need to be updated on what's most important.

I can't believe Obama said that! What a celebrity figure.

Unbelievable.

John McCain headed to the region on Saturday but Obama said he was hesitant to do the same because he was afraid of drawing away local law and emergency resources that are needed whenever he travels.
-–
Obama's exactly right. These people need to be able to focus on recovery not worry about protecting and catering to McCain's photo op!

Let me see, Bush and Obama realize they should not be drawing resources away from the effort to evacuate folks to save their lives, but McCrypt sees it as a way to appear "presidential" for a photo op?

Not very sound judgement to me.

Tell us what you want us to do Obama and we will respond in record numbers.

You and Binden are our leaders and you know what is best for us and how to go about handing crises.

We truly trust your judgment.

Brian from the middle east. This is not a politicl matter. This is a matter of peoples lives. If he says he hopes to help people withi his campaigns what could be so wrong in that? CNN has been saying it all day, so has MSNBC, its ridiculous that you could use that against him man.

This man is truly amazing! Barack is urging immediate Gulf Coast evacuation and he is mobilizing his campaign's supporters for hurricane aide. His willingness to help others is impressive. I appreciate his concern for the safety of these people.

This is GREAT ... change is already coming..!!! Prez Bush has no network nor does Mccain...OBAMA does and as he said he's willing to do anything to help America....Iam glad hes is going to use his campaign network as a way to help america...bec. if doesnt NO ONE WILL not mccain nor bush (or palin)

YES WE CAN
YES WE WILL
YES WE HAVE

i do not understand what is so wrong with Obama coming out and urging people to leave and hoping to donate money from his campaign. This is not a political matter Brian from the Middle east. This is people's lives we are talking about man.

I'm glad to see both candidates taking this emergency situation seriously. Like the soldiers in Iraq, the storm affects all people of both parties.

Republicans, Democrats, Independents... all are in harms way. All help is welcomed, and it should not be used as a campaign photo op.

THAT IS WHAT I CALL LEADERSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOVE YOU OBAMA AND BIDEN

Senator Obama is showing clear presidential leadership

Great McCain will now waste police resources on securing his campaign entourage just so he can get a silly photo opt. Way to go McPhony once again proving Obamas point you just dont get it.

Leave politics out of this. Obama has an organized network of millions of people ready to give aid to displaced people and he wants that aid to be effective. McCain is campaigning in the Gulf with Palin to show the people there that he cares. I guess both candidates are doing their part to help.

While Obama stays clear of the region, McCain goes in. McCain is a doer, and as President, he will stand with the people in a crisis, not just send surrogates. I have to agree with the commenter "brian in the middle east" - I think the nation is suffering from "Obama Over exposure". I just turn channels, and close web pages that showcase Obama. McCAIN/ Palin is the people's candidate and I am looking forward to more media coverage of them.

Thanks BO they've only been evacuating for 2 days. Way to be on top of things. BTW, YOU"RE not in charge.

McCain should NOT be in Mississippi taking police away from the job they need to do...the shameless pandering continues.

I'm proud to hear of this. I am sending the campaign some money right now.

Obama is such a copy cat. Now he will grab onto the coat tails of McCain's pro-active decisions. Let's see Obama walk the talk that keeps pouring out of his mouth.

I'm glad he's not going to waste resources to make a photo op out of it.

Hoping for the best for everyone in Louisiana and elsewhere.

Good work, Senator Obama. You've thought this through and it shows. I'm sure your volunteers will pitch in if needed. Let's just hope the storm weakens considerably before making landfall.

McCain needs to stay home and out of the way. No one has the time or resources now to worry about his safety. He is not proving anything except that he is a idiot.

Obama is doing this right. I'm sure the republicans will turn this into a media circus for their benefit.

I WOULDN'T HAVE EXPECTED ANYTHING LESS.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

WE ARE ALL WILLING TO HELP OUT OBAMA.

THIS IS A VERY SMART THING TO DO.

GOOD JOB.

Im really getting tired of all this Obama publicity. Why did you put McCain at the ending of this paragraph? I dont care that Obama gives McCain permission by telling him "fine". He, Obama, acts all powerful and pretends to know what he is doing by meeting with the head of FEMA and stressing to people to leave, as if they couldn't figure that out on their own.

WAY TO GO OBAMA, TELL US WHAT YOU WANT US TO DO?

Hat tip to Obama.

Good job.... don't go down there to pander to people by seeming to care, sometimes the best action is to stay away. There is NOTHING that McCain, Bush or anyone else visiting the region can do except try to get votes.

Lets hope Bush did something right and the federal government has prepares as it seems the state and city have. Wish everyone there the best and hopefully this one does not end like Katrina.

VERY SOLID THINKING, NOT A KNEE-JERK DRAMATIC REACTION TO PLAY TO THE VOTERS: DEMONSTRATES AN ABILITY TO CONSULT EXTENSIVELY; FINDS HE HAS REASON TO BE CONFIDENT IN THE PEOPLE ON THE GROUND (THIS TIME) AND IN THE GENEROSITY OF ALL CITIZENS; SHOWS HE RESPECTS THE INTELLIGENCE OF CITIZENS ENOUGH TO NOT TURN THIS INTO A VOTE-BEGGING OPPORTUNITY; VERY PRESIDENTIAL.

This is leadership: thoughtful, sensible and willing to consult before taking knee jerk actions: putting COUNTRY FIRST. No wonder he received such respect from world leaders.

Johm McCain on the other hand panders and marches off without any plan other than to pander and "play" president. How is rushing off and getting in everyone's way going to help the situation??

We again see the difference between Obama and McCain campaigns. McCain doesn't think twice about injecting himself into something without thinking it through. Stand back and let the appropriate people do their. What does he think his tour wii resolve? Las time I looked he was still only a candidate.

wow its really good that the ONE told those people to leave because they would not have thought of that on their own and i guess no one else was saying they should go. what a guy. (p.s. this is sarcasm, for you dems who "just don't get it")

Leave it to OBAMA and his world tour he'll try to out do the other guy and lets not forget all the cameras he will be taking for promotional purpose.

GO OBAMA – If it is money that is decided as a way to HELP – your supporters "GOT YOUR BACK"!!!

He's putting his human-element... Human-investment where his mouth is..... This is bigger than Money

-V

I will go. Thousands of our own country men and women will need as much help as they can. There well-being is more important than mine during this time.

Considering all those email addresses from the middle east, just how are these contributions going to be funneled to New Orleans? Or, are they just going to fill Obama's coffers?

The Obama volunteer forces can probably do more in one day than FEMA can do in a year.

You notice Obama never lifted a finger during Katrina.

A True leader we can beleive in...

Obama/Biden 08

I don't think they need him to tell them to leave. Their Gov. are doing a great job. John and Cindy McCain are doing a better job then Obama. His wait and see attitude is so like Bush three years ago.

He does want to go to the area because he needs so much resources when he travels. Give me a break. Why doesn't he leave some of his people home. What an attitude, what a big head. After it is all over he will email his supporters to help and then take all the credit.

I don't think this is an act of God against the RNC like Michael Moore is saying and some of Obama's people and supporters. CNN your not doing your job my not reporting this.

No way, No how Obama

I find it interesting that two days after McCain said he might convert the Republican convention into a telathon to raise money for Gustav victims that Obama says he will try to raise money for the same from his supporters.

Most ready to lead? Looks like that would be McCain, who would also give up his convention for the greater good. Obama looks like a copycat follower.

SOUND LIKE A PRESIDENT TO ME!!!!!!!! MCSAME DIDNT EVEN SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THOSE FOLKS IN NEW ORLEANS

This is a storm surge Obama not a military surge The best thing Obama can do is stay out of the way and let FEMA and the state and federal governements handle it

More than Bush did.

Obama is the man with the plan. Good judgement as always. John McCain is for the photo ops. McCain visit is just going take up the security and official time and provide obsolutely no help at all. Obama
instead chose to stay here and work the phones to see provide services where it is needed. Intelligent well organzined, humble and ready to lead with substance.

Thumbs up to you Obama!

This is where our national guard and military comes in. If Obama was president, he will send the national guard, the red cross, volunteers from across the country, etc.

It seems to me that Obama's choice to wait and see what really needed makes much more sense than McCain's "showing off". What real help can he give to the people in affected areas, except that to brag about this trip similar to Iraq? Obama has network of more then 2 millions supporters that can be activated by e-mail, and can get some real help in money, supplies, volunteers, etc. Real help against show – no questions.

That's what I am talking about Obama. Don't let those Republicans turn this into "their" Gustav. We all know they are going to do it and we have to be prepared to protect ourselves from their political exploitation of this event. This is a storm that Americans will battle together; not in the Red America or the Blue America but the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

YOUR A 'GREAT PRESIDENT', SENATOR OBAMA. . .

YOUR JUDGEMENT HAS ELEVATED, ABOVE ANY TASK THAT MCCAIN COULD EVEN IMAGINE!

AMERICA NEEDED YOU 8 YEARS AGO, BUT BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. . .GOD BLESSED AMERICA, BY SENDING YOU TO US.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08-'12

Good to see Obama is following McCain's lead. Too bad Obama's campaign that he doesn't come up with the ideas himself.

and I'm ready to make a donation. Just let me know where to send it.

Democrats Unite!!!

Real leadership opposed to McPalins photo op.

Very presidential. Obama really seems to have that desire to keep the American people involved to create a change.

McCain just wants a photo-op.

Obama has a plan for action. McCain only has words. Who is more Presidential? OBAMA/BIDEN 08!

This is why he's qualified. Actually receiving information about a problem before throwing any solution he can at it.