We know that when government sends money to a state or organization or buys a product or service 100% of that money comes from a collected tax.

We know that business pays taxes from profits and individuals pay taxes from the wages earned by working for business.

We know that for a country, state or local community or household to grow they need more cash. More cash has to come in than goes out or that entity is going broke. Small town America, with fewer jobs, is spending more beyond its borders than taking in and is shrinking at 1% per year. States and Cities without a vibrant business community are doing poorly. Hence the ads on TV asking "build your business here".

What are earmarks? Instead of deciding and voting individually on what money government will send back to which state or organizaion or buy, our representatives in congress and senate, have got stuck with lumping a lot of spending proposals together allowing "small" unpopular spending projects to attached to large popular spending projects. Voting for one, votes for all. Thus using fear as a tactic to garner votes, voting no because of an earmark or two can be sold in elections like this as voting against the main and popular title.

Small projects, like small town America, when added together represents a huge number coming from our tax dollars.

US government is intended to fund projects that are in the interest of most of the people in the US. Earmarks are a way to circumvent that intention. Some would say introducing an earmark is of questionable integrity because the earmark can be in other than our national interest. The persons introducing these earmarks are hoping to be hidden behind an important project. Major projects are often laced with earmark projects because of that feature. Wouldn't it be news worthy to know who introduces which earmark and their individual running total?

So when we say this state or that received earmarks we need to look at how that state used the funds to be sure that funding was used as an earmark of less than national interest. Bring up, of course, accountability issues.

Where there is money, there is corruption. City after city in the United States have in their history stories of corruption, using public money for non-public benefit.

Corruption exists primarily because of mob mentality, that is going with the crowd and not investigating for yourself. We vote and we need to use that vote wisely. We need to do our own research. If corruption exists it exists because we the people have not kept our eye on the ball, instead went with the mob mentalitiy.

Recent events, admitted bias, in a our news industry have made it very difficult to use output of the news industry as an information gathering resource. In my opinion the news industry is gracefully moving towards mob mentality in search of increasing profits. When there are as many news outlets as we have today there is extreme competition for our attention and thus advertising dollars. Good news has a history of not selling to the public. When good news does not sell the news business, to survive by attracting advertising, needs bad news to sell its products and the news industry has the resources to find bad news. In the end the good news for the news industry is when advertiser pay them for time or space which is a direct result of how their news sells.

Now read this article or any other and ask yourself is the information intended to attract readers? In that vain does this article feed the mob mentality?

Jim

I was impressed with McCain's Vietnam survival story the first time I heard it. And the second, and third and fourth and fifth and sixth and seventh and eighth and ninth and tenth times. But now, I'm tired of it, quite honestly. Lots of good American soldiers survived torture in enemy military camps. Does that mean they're ready to be President of the United States? I want a president who represents change, and McCain/Palin, at least to me anyway, represents more of the same. And I'm also tired of the Conservative Base electing this nation's President and Vice-President. The Conservative Base elected George W. Bush, not once but twice. TWICE! AND LOOK AT THE MESS WE ARE IN. Obama may not have previous gubernatorial/mayor experience, and neither does McCain. But I do know that Obama is intelligent, and thoughtful, and willing to talk to our enemies before we decide we should start bombing and killing them, risk more American lives to try to impose our will on a foreign nation based on lies and deceit. I'm tired of lies and deceit. McCain/Palin represents more lies and deceit, more flash-in-the-pan Republican gloss and sheen. It's time for change, America. It's time for We, The People to stand up to the Conservative Base and take back our country from these deluded moralizers.

With the state of the economy and the war, Obama should be so far ahead in the polls. He is blowing it.

Right now, we need a Wise Leader > Good Soldier.

Peace and Justice.

Obama 08′

I joined the military because I really had no other options where I lived. Can I be president now?

Yeah, and I thought about being a politician. One more thing for the economist Mr Obama… There are TWO Army base on Hawaii (Not counting PTA) which is only a training area: Schofield Barrcks and Fort Shafter… WOW that's A LOT???? How many more ideas (subscript whatever you want but it is synonymous with LIES)?

yes John has 'really fought' for us, he was captured,they 'broke him', and he returned alive with a message to tell the American people

he really should run as an independant!

I am sure he thought about the military for about half a second. Further, I see Obama has had to face some tough questions again…basketball..real tough

Even though you would have served the military well, I am sure people from Chicago are thankful for the work you have done. There are many ways to serve one's country.Unfortunately, you can count on the GOP to dismiss and make fun of community organisers. Hey, they are not rich, they don't make 5 millions a year. But they think being a lawyer of a small village, having to hire a city manager because you don't know what you're doing, looking for earmarks only to deny it afterward and running a deficit is menaningful experience. Go figure.

i'd pay $100 on internet PPV to see that match

Wow, this is impressive! He actually THOUGHT about joining the military. What a sacrifice of time and effort he made! Do all the candidates get to try for credit for what they once thought about? Maybe he thought about taking a stance all those times he voted "present." Maybe he's been thinking about legislation to make the country better, but was too busy writing his books. Maybe he thought his pastor was racist but was too busy to take a stand there. I can't believe CNN is reporting this with a straight face. Obama has some serious messianic delusions … let's not give the man who claimed he "pushed the wrong button" when voting the power to push so many other buttons.

hahaha…yeah…like that wimp would have ever considered joining something respectable like the armed forces…instead he decided to focus his efforts on becoming a career politician…

I certainly respect McCain'sservice to your country and the fact that he suffered as a POW. But what really bothers me is Palin's statement at the RNC referring to Obama….."Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America … he's worried that someone won't read them their rights?" How does this fit in with McCain's POW story that's been told REPEATEDLY during his campaign? Is she saying that basic human rights only apply to McCain? Or is she saying it's up to her to decide who should have those rights. McCain, of all people, should know how wrong that statement was! Her comment made me truly sick, and I've lost respect for McCain. What hypocrits, both of them. Now, I willI think of that comment everytime they bring up that POW story

WOW! He CONSIDERED joining the military!

Well that's something! He is a hero!

Whatever.

Yeah right. He probably found out that he wouldn't get anywhere unless he really performed well. You can't skate in the military.

Obama is a liar.

Obama/Biden 08

I am the same age as Senator Obama and I did choose to go into the Army in 1979. It was not at all easy. The deal the Military had for education benefits was the worst deal since before WW II. The moral in the Army was terrible because of the post Vietnam era condition of the entire structure. Shortages in personnel, equipment and mission were apparent to every soldier. Was it the right choice for me? Probably but the best and worst moments of my life were during my two years overseas. I grew up fast. I think some who choose to not join is their decision and we have this option in America. For Barack to go a different direction and not join was the path that 99% of the men my age took during that era. I took a great deal of heat from my friends for my choice. Back then you joined the military because you were either in trouble with the law and they thought it was a good reform profession or you joined because you wanted the sense of adventure and seeing the world. He put his public service and community service to work for three years and made a great deal less in terms of pay and benefits so I applaud his decision when most men and women of my generation just wanted to go to school to make a big payoff and find a good job.

The job of the Commander in Chief is a Civilian job. We have had good CinC's that did not serve in uniform and we have had terrible CinC's that did serve in uniform. Judgment is key. I believe Senator Obama has a big reserve of this trait.

Obama has written two books. Perhaps I missed it, but nowhere does he mention his mulling the military.

Really. He seems so self centered. Even in the saddleback forum he indicated that growing up and into his young twenties he was definitely self-centered. (showing overall personality traits - people do not change unless there is a whole a lot of pain.) Then it seems, when he decided to MAKE SOMETHING OF HIMSELF he got into Chicago politics, etc. and really began promoting HIMSELF. I do not believe he would have ever made the self sacrifice to actually serve in the military.

Being in the military is not a requirement for president. Obama has never critized those who have served, always has praised those who have. Palin has not served, and having a family member serve is not the same. Why is this relevant? I would like to hear more about military action, strategy, and opinions on foreign policies from Palin than just generic party line statements. Obama has discussed Iraq, middle east, Iran, Isreal, etc. and taken a stand on the Iraq war. What does Palin stand on and think?

I guess CNN must think Obama has military experience because he considered going. This should not even be a headline. Lets talk about Obama's connection to William Ayres.

CNN's paraphrasing of Obama's statement on serving in the military is conveniently inaccurate and misleading, convenient for Obama–naturally. He never says that he considered joining the military. It was an option he didn't pursue. I can't imagine Obama ever giving any serious thought to joining the military and risking his life, or even his career, for any cause greater than himself. The only track record Obama has is one of self-service and self-promotion, and he's been quite good at it.

He thought about fighting for us! Brilliant. But there was only the threat of the Soviet Union so he decided to go to two Ivy League schools and get his law degree instead. What a giver.

So Obama is yet again "almost" there. He "almost" "kinda" "woulda" supported the Surge as well, but can't admit to a leadership problem in his own head. Sometimes you have to stand on your own principles, whatever they are, not your pollsters'.

To any moron who somehow thinks that his statement now makes Obama more patriotic, and there must be some people out there who believe so, I suggest that he try flying without the aid of his star-crossed airplane (great carbon signature, that). Just jump off a tall building, like Superman. "Yes, he can." So could der Führer.

Bottom line: this is lame and denigrating to voters. When will CNN and its flaks like Alma Brown (a.k.a. "Campbell" to be androgynously pretentious, I guess) start investigating Bill Ayers, Rev. Moore and the other loonies that surround this guy?

Regarding Ms. Alma Mae Campbell Brown — youth need to know how many children she has birthed, if she has bred at all, and is she qualified to report only on "certain days of the month" as is alleged by opponents of Alaska's governor like the notorious Washington courtesan, Sally Quinn? I see you rewarded Quinn's bad behavior by pretending that she was a "journalist" on one of your morning shows today, Sunday 9/7/08.

Is it any wonder CNN has dropped so far behind Fox that it is losing commercial sponsors? What has happened to your journalistic standards?

Are you reporting income from the DNC and the Section 527 groups like Soros? – including in-kind partisan communications you are making without observing the "equal time" doctrine? Call the lawyers!

Now that he is not in the military he can say anything he wants. He can even say he once wanted to go to Iraq or combat battles, Cheap talker!!

Miltary service, as I have done, is not the only way to serve this country. Helping out your local community, helping Americans in need and hardships, volunteering for natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes, or volunteering and helping with disasters such as 9/11 attacks or the Oklahoma bombing are all great examples of other way to serve this country. We all serve our country, just in different way. If you watched the Republican convention though, they would have you believe the ONLY service to this country is through the military. THEY ARE PLAIN WRONG.

Mr. Obama may never have joined the armed services, but he sure fights for our soldiers now!

AND he was the only one running in this election that voted NO to Bush's trillion $ a day war! Please remember that when Bush and his cronnies were beating that war drum, it was considered political sucide to make such a stand!

Mr. Obama has earned my respect and my vote.

Palin makes me glad that I am an ex-republician!!!

The thought of Pfc. Barack Obama makes me laugh. How many times did he think about joining. I once thought about going to the moon.

I can't see how a comment like this would do anything other than draw criticism and be a liability for Obama.

Here's what I don't get from the religious right:

When McCain was slightly younger than Obama, he was very promiscuous and finally divorced his wife for a much younger woman - McCain a "good" man.
Obama has been a faithful husband and great father - Obama a "bad" man.

Palin's family sounds like a soap opera - messy divorces, pregnant teenagers - Palin is "good" woman.
Biden has been a faithful husband, and wonderful father- Biden a "bad" man.

Can you say "hypocrisy"?

Wow, CNN even praises him for what he "thought about doing."! I've heard it all now. I am watching you Sun. morning and every time you have each side represented, you give the Dem side twice the time and allow them full interruption. Not so with the Rep side. You slant your questons to try and bring out the problem areas of the Rep side and to bring out the positives of the Dems. You sent a cadre to Alaska to dig dirt on Palin. Your bias will help lose this election for Obama, along with his own ego. He chose Biden over Clinton for VP because he's dull and Obama will never be outshown if he can help it. McCain on the other hand is basking in Palin's popularity. I am a lifelog Dem and I will vote for McCain. Integrity over self-aggrandizement in spite of the issues. The way Obama treats women sure doesn't guarantee he'll guard their issues, anyway.

Obama….don't get in to the gutter of fighting for your biography…put ….your "Country First NOW"? …….not
your "biography first "………

When American asks you about the economy and Iraq…..don't start out with your Biography…….that's a distraction……"Put your country first"…..not your biography….that's lame…..

If you don't have a good answer to the questions of the present….then it makes sense….Put your BIOGRAPHY FIRST.

For us…..

Country first NOW!

Joining the Military is not as important as being true to yourself and the American Public. If you stand firm, tell Americans the truth and not pet the Republican and their candidates, you'll go far (The White House). You will have to hit them hard. REAL HARD!

I would like to ask CNN and other Media stations, when are they going to find out WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL OF THE VOTES FROM NEW YORK (HARLEM) WHERE THEY SAID THAT THERE WERE NO VOTES FOR SENATOR OBAMA? What happened to them? Noone is talking about that!

Former Harlemite

Rochelle

For about two seconds he considered it, thats an insult. And I considered becoming the King of Scotland too? (Sarcasim) He is fully of lies, it makes me sick

LIKE HE WOULD HAVE ENROLLED IF THE VIETNAM WAR WAS GOING ON……RIGHT.

Survival & Death?I'm very curious,what does she know about either in a War Setting?Talking about something she knows Nothing about.If Mcain gets elected with her as VP,We Americans need our Heads Examined!!!Just sit back and THINK about It,This VP pick comes out of nowhere,We Americans have ONLY 60DAYS too be acquainted with Her ,Then we are expected too give her the second most powerful Job in the WORLD???Like I said,if Mcains elected WE need our heads examined !!!

I will be so happy when people who run for elected office don't feel they have to qualify themselves by what war they served in.

Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman VP and was a democrat. you people get inform before who say such thing that this is the greatest history for women since suffrage. No it isn't; I wonder if geraldine ferraro nomination as first woman VP in the history of US was not matter. people are very inform and saying such things makes people want to laugh at your one sided republican guts. Geraldine ferraro first woman nominate VP, Hillary Clinton first woman to ran for the presidency as a front runner for quite a long time and these folks are Democrats. No way, no how, No mcCain son of George Bush.

first he said," I actually always thought of the military as an enobling and, you know, honorable option."
then, he said," it's not an option that I ever decided to pursue."
Obama always say what I you want to hear. someone needs go to Hawaii to investage to talk to his friends to see in deed Obama always thought of the military as an enobling when he was young.

BUT OF COURSE, YOU DIDN'T.

Sure you did, Senator Obama. Sure you did. Somehow, I find it difficult to believe.

Just because someone was in the military does not automatically qualify them to become president. McCain has said so himself many times.

Typical Obama — all talk and no action. Don't tell me what you were going to do or what you will do. Show me what you have done that has made a difference.

One problem with Obama’s story.

Registration for selective service was not reinstated until 1980.

On March 25, 1975, Pres. Gerald Ford signed Proclamation 4360, Terminating Registration Procedures Under Military Selective Service Act, eliminating the registration requirement for all 18-25 year old male citizens. Then on July 2, 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed Proclamation 4771, Registration Under the Military Selective Service Act, retroactively re-establishing the Selective Service registration requirement for all 18-26 year old male citizens born on or after January 1, 1960. Only men born between March 29, 1957, and December 31, 1959, were completely exempt from Selective Service registration. The first registrations after Proclamation 4771 took place on Monday, July 21, 1980, for those men born in January, February and March 1960 at U.S. Post Offices.

"But keep in mind — I graduated in 1979. The Vietnam War had come to an end. We weren't engaged in an active military conflict at that point. And so, it's not an option that I ever decided to pursue."

Now, tell me, HONESTLY, how many recent high school graduates in the 1970's/early 1980's were lining up to join the military so they could go fight in an armed conflict? What a crock from the "wanted to be a soldier but only if I could fight a war" politician.

He discredits those who are willing to serve their country in both peace and war. I served 23+ years during both environments as a pilot and every day was an honor, whether shooting /being shot at or pulling a quiet day of air defense alert.

Ya, right! He was too busy doing drugs at that time. How much goofier can this Obama get!?

Oh..thats rich.

How more phony does this man get everyday?

I had to say to "wow," who commented first on the previous article: "Wow!" Your ignorance amazes even me. Check your facts before you post a long (and irrelevant) post. What did your manifesto have to do with McCain appointing Democrats? As for the story above, I watched that interview in its entirety and was extremely impressed with the manner in which Senator Obama carried himself. I actually heard discussions about ISSUES! He took the high road and did not take the path of snide, sarcastic swipes. Regardless, the right will find fault with the fact that Obama ultimately did not serve in the military. Somewhere along the line they (the right) have tried to corner the market on patriotism by stating things like "if you don't support the war in Iraq, you don't support the troops." In other words, that's unpatriotic. How about Bush the Younger who apparently went AWOL? That's conveniently forgotten. Why is it hardly mentioned that when McCain came home an instant celebrity as a P.O.W. that he almost immediately began running around on his wife? She had been in a horrible car accident that left her appearance markedly different. What did McCain ultimately do? He met Cindy at a party in Hawaii where he supposedly fell in love immediately. He then began the push to divorce his wife. and married Cindy in a grandiose wedding ONE MONTH after his divorce became final. I'm still waiting to see the fallout from the alleged affair Sarah Palin had with her husband's former business partner. Yes, I realize that this particular story is being published by the National Enquirer. However, the team covering this story is the same team that uncovered the John Edwards affair. If memory serves Sean Hannity had the editor of the National Enquirer on his show after the story broke and the affair was admitted. Do you think he will do the same if the story proves to be true about Palin? Yeah, right, sure. The hypocrisy of many Republicans continues to "Shock and Awe" even me.

Um, selective service wasn't reinstated until 1980, so he did not need to consider signing up. And he never mentioned this in his two–TWO–autobiographies?

Nice try, Obama, but us yokels are indeed smarter than you.

I am an independent but I have got to say, this is funny. One might as well say " I was planning to donate 1 million but charities in our country did not need money then". Does make the person charitable,!
I think it is funny that CNN has even covered this…….

So, why didn't he? Every 18 year male still has to sign up for selective service even today.

Does he think he is going to make inroads with todays servicemen and women for votes in November? Seems pretty clear to me, this is a political gesture for military votes.

Everyone should be grateful that The One expressed that military service is "enobling" and "honorable." I wasn't aware of that until he prophesied it. Also, his comments insinuate that he turned away from military service because there was no active conflict. Gimme a break.

He once considered joining the military? I am awestruck by the audacity of this guy. He goes on to say becuase the Vietmam war was over so their was no point? This guy must feel real inadequate when comparing himself against John McCain. It will be real fun to watch the comments on this blog. I am looking forwarding to reading all the comments of the libs trying to defend his latest comments. Oh by the way the military looks down on drug use Obama.

Why is it that people only think you can serve your country is by joining the military? I believe being a community organizer is just as important as military officers and that they both should be respected.
He also had a great example of a military man from his grandfather who served as well. I believe that when he (Barack) fight for VA rights it is because of what he saw when the government turned its back on them.

A lot of Presidents did not have wartime experience. FDR got us through WWII without it. Reagan didn't have any such experience, at least not with combat. Neither have the current President and VP. And having such experience is no guarantee of success; look at the Bay of Pigs.

Obama "once considering" joining the military is almost as lame and weak as Hilary "going down and talking to the Recuiters" who had no record of this, by the way. Oh please! Put on a uniform and stand a watch with the rest of us and stop trying to claim service where there is none!

In listening…..and observing very carefully to McCain

I respect and honor McCain's service ….and sacrifice

but the man said it himself, he loves to fight

I believe at this stage of his life and reflecting on his actions….. his service qualifies him less as a world leader and more as an advocate for mental services for returning troops……especially P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

after all…………….stable mind, stable country, right?

what a bold faced liar. This guy will say absolutely anything to get elected.

by the way, its ennobling with two n's. Do you think Obama meant ignobling? Which would mean "lowly" or "base". Probably what he really thinks.

Don't fret over it Obama. The two super patriots running the White House right now didn't serve in Vietnam, and they were old enough to do so. You are still very much the patriot.

anyone who was tortured for years, does not have the mental capacity to lead my country, in my opinion. anyone 72 years old ,who was tortured for years, is even less capable than that,in my opinion..anyone who claims their military service makes them more patriotic than others is simply wrong. anyone who thinks republicans have a monopoly on patriotism pertaining to their military service is a liar. democrats have fought and died on the same bloody battlefields as republicans and independents. for patriotism to even be an issue in this election makes me sick to my stomach. shame on the mccain campaign.

Obama has a really difficult time thinking on this feet, that's why he makes so many odd comments during impromptu conversations with the press, like the "Above my pay grade", statement.

This is also why Obama is also such a poor performer in debates. I cringe when I hear him run through 3-4 consecutive "Uhhs" before he can gather himself up to answer a question.

Certainly he can deliver a nice performance while reading a prepared speech from a teleprompter, but that only tells me that he's pretty well packaged.

I also can't see Obama joining the military. I think that that's an exaggeration.

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Obama looks and acts like a wimp compared to Sarah…she rocks…

I certainly respect the service McCain gave to our country, and the fact that he was a POW. But, what made me really lose respect for him was Palin's comments at the RNC, reffering to Obama. Here's the quote:
"Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America … he's worried that someone won't read them their rights?"

As a person who has lived in the US for half of his life, but is not a US citizen…

I have looked on while the US has undergone several elections. If I had a say, I would have supported McCain in 2000 and Kerry in 2004.

This election is by far the most fascinating to me… I agree with the general arguments that Obama has less experience and McCain does not differ significantly from Bush. In their VP picks, therefore, Obama went for some more experience, and McCain went for distancing himself with Bush a bit more (in addition to trying to lure in former Hillary voters). Both are understandable political moves. However, in picking Palin, I lost a lot of respect for McCain - I seriously do not see her being one step away from the presidency.

It is not a matter of experience with Palin - arguably she has as much "experience" as Obama. What is disturbing to me is that I seriously doubt that she has had enough opportunities in her life to have thought seriously about national and international issues - immigration, economy, health care, global warming, national defense, foreign relations, etc. that a potential US president should have a firm grasp of. You can say Obama has no experience, but it is obvious that he has thought seriously about all these issues probably even way before he announced his candidacy (probably when he was pondering whether to run or not, and definitely when he was writing his book). He has also debated extensively, not only with fellow democrats, but with the press on these issues for the past year and a half. Tens of millions of voters seem to agree with his basic thoughts on these issues. The fact that we are less than two months away from the elections and Palin is not allowed to talk with the press is that much more disturbing. I don't care if she's a woman - I want to know how much she has thought about these issues seriously enough to be taken seriously.

So now being in the military is a pre-requisite to running for the President of the US and only those in the military can claim patriotism? Being a Harvard/Yale graduate, dedicating your youth to community service and the people of America and being a Senator is just not enough and does not make you a patriot. Come on America, military service is to be honored and it a choice one makes, Being the President is more than just the Commander in Chief….. watch the deficit grow, jobs lost, people struggling to make ends meet, students making chices of whether to go to college or help their families by going to work, our inner city schools that need help….just some of the issues the Prsident will also have to address.

Let's face it; Obama has considered every option, every political position, every nuance. He just can't decide which is more likely to get him elected President. When he figures that out, that is the option/position/nuance to which he will vow commitment.

We were waiting for a savior to save our country we found Bush as Americans personal sevior. Now Bush as a god that kill and distroy economy will send McCain his son to finish the job. No way, No how, No McCain.

I'm glad Barack Obama is continuing to talk about his life and his policies. At least we know who he is, where he comes from, what he stands for, and what his policy commitments are…whether we like those things or not. By contrast, Sarah Palin has not spoken EVEN ONCE to the media without a script. When we she grant an interview. When will she tell us her positions on foreign relations. I just can't, in good conscience, vote for someone who I know NOTHING about, even though she would be knocking down a barrier that no woman yet has. I'm not really sure, that all the blood, sweat, and tears poured into womens liberation and rights for decades (nay, centuries), was done for the benefit of Sarah Palin, who cares nothing for that movement or, apparently, from what little we know, the rights and advancement of women.

John Kerry joined and Republicans made him out to be a traitor. Max Cleland joined and left limbs in Vietnam, but Republicans called him a traitor. Major Tammy Duckworth joined and left limbs in Iraq. Republicans called her a traitor for disagreeing with the Iraq War. Dick Cheney received five deferments because he had "other priorities". George W. Bush spent the entire Vietnam War hiding in the Texas National Guard (allegedly). This military experience canard is only important as a cheap campaign stunt.

Most Americans (I hope) are not stupid.

Well Senator OBAMA now realizes that his hollywod elites are not going to help him to win this election at all. He has to portrait him as a patriotic . I still believe he made a mistake not offering HC the VP spot. We are going to lose this election because of Senator OBAMA's arrogance.

MCCain/Palin 2008

You know that would be great to have Palin and Obama play basketball one on one. The media keeps things so frigging intense all the time. It would be cathartic for America and Americans would love it if everyone would just lighten up a bit in this campaign, and this would probably do it. The best way to get people to work together is to get them to play together. And you know, they'd both come out winners, regardless of who actually won the game, because Americans like it when everyone comes together and works together. What a neat idea.

Obama would only join the military if we were at war? What!! Do you believe this? I don't. Obama will say anything for a vote. Vote for McCain/Palin

Enough already with McCain's "heroism." Okay . . . He served our country and he was a POW. But that's the past. Let it go . . . I was a drug addict and in prison, but that was in my twenties. Now I am an adult and I live a relatively successful life in my fifties. I've overcome my past by not dwelling on it. You can only use your past for so many years and then it's time to move on and look towards the future and living for today because today is all we have.
He was a POW! He couldn't really serve the country by being incapacitated. He was a statistic. And what has Palin done other then shooting defenseless animals? These two will be the total destruction of this country if they are in the office.
Perhaps Obama didn't serve the country in the military, but he didn't have to. We weren't at war. Instead, he prepared to serve our country in the highest office . . . President of the United States!

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

The fact is, most of us who came of age after the Viet Nam war ended opted not to serve in the military. This does not mean we are less "patriotic" than our peers who did serve. Anyone who would condemn Obama for not serving in the military is wrong and a victom of buying into the Karl (The Traitor) Rove's book of lies…

Just one more accomplishment he 'thought' about. His actual accomplishments don't even match up well against the second slot on the other ticket.

What convenient timing!

After this weekend our only choice is Obama/Biden,Biden was excellent in explaining the differences and on CSPAN the reasons why we need an foriegn affairs expert as VP was clearly explain. THe need to choosing people that are likeable and can get only is the most important factor other than Pro Choice. The other tickets are mavericks & fighters. America does not need that now.We need to get alone with each other.

Really - How come he did not put that in his 2 fiction books. He would say anything to get an vote. May be he is playing the military card. I wanted to join the military before I went against it.

You gotta be kidding me!!! Never mentions it before, but now???!!!! This has to rank up there w/ "I tried it, but didn't inhale." Stick to the issues, Obama. You have a good chance of winning; don't pull stupid, amateurish ploys now.

Palins positive rating is allready higher than anyone else that is running. Including Obama and McCain. The Obamabotic bloggers don't know what to do but continue their onslaught of nastiness. Don't be fooled by the overwhelming presence of the Obama Lemmings in these comments Most of them are obviously younger, ignorant and don't have jobs to go to. So they sit at their computers and spew their nasty, hateful, vile slime.
Noticed in the story about McCain working with and appointing Democrats, the lemmings couldn't help putting their monumental ignorance out there for all to see. McCain has a total history of working across the aisle to get things done. Wonder if any of the lemmings ever heard about the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform law? Feingold is a Democrat. All the Democrats in the Senate know that McCain works across the aisle.
Obama, on the other hand tags his name on other peoples legislation and then says he co-authored it, Hasn't come up with any legislation of his own, Guess he was too busy writing his memoirs, campaining to be President. Like when he was a State senator. I guess he was only "Present" and even that, only part of the time.

Palin's state of Alaska:

One of the lowest graduating students from high school.
Was FOR the bridge to nowhere before she was against the bridge to no where.
Went into the mayorship with the city of Wasilla owing nothing, but left it owing millions.
Increase taxes to her fair city of over 30%!
Hired lobbyist to find PORK for her fair city and later for her state.
Her husband and she supported the AIP, wanting Alaska to cede from the United States. Conuntry first? Their motto is Alaska first, forever and always.
Accused of abusing her powers!
She should fit in with the Republicans.

The difference between Democrats and Republicans is that Democrats never pretend to know what God want them to do, and Republicans are all very sure they know what God wants YOU to do.

BS, BS and mucho BS.

WHO IN THE HECK BELIEVES THIS ONE….trying to make him seem patrotic….yep.

Palin said:
"…There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you… in places where winning means survival and defeat means death."

Can someone please explain to me how it is that someone who was a soldier/POW/military person is automagically qualified to be a good president?

Is it the taking orders part or the killing part that qualifies someone? Or the POW part?

Does the Republican party really really believe the only truly qualified candidate is one with a military background?

And if it's true - how does Palin qualify? Does shooting a moose give you a military equivalency degree (MED)?

Probably realized at the last moment that military service required more commitment and accountability than being a community organizer.

Why does John McCain consider himself a Hero? He's a former P.O.W. , spent 5 1/2 yrs at the "Hanoi Hilton" sitting out the "Nam War" while others continue to Die!

Guess He was preparing to become President after G.W.; McCain was a throw G.O.P. Throwback in 2000 in lieu of Georgie! Now he asking You to Stand Up and Fight ! He wants to create a New War Front, maybe this time He'll get it Right at Your Expense and more Kids Life's. But now the G.O.P isn't fooling around, they've recurited Palin and She's Tough, Tougher than an Old Sea Lion !

Also, Palin wants to shoot Hoops against Obama ! Whew

Yah, ok, I'm sure he did. I'm sure Obama considered himself God at one point as well……oh wait he already thinks he is.

As a veteran , I do not hold myself above others that did not serve volunteerly. Had I chosen a political career when I got out, I would not be more qulified to be president than someone who did not serve. It takes more than experience being in the military to president.

Yes, John McCain served honorably, and no body can take the past away from him, but somewhere between being a soldier and now, he lost the values and ethics, and traits we are all bound by. If you are a veteran you know what I am taking about. A hero in the past, does not make a hero for the present or the future.

I urged my sons to evaluate the option of military duty and consider these hypotheses:
1. If we are to be a global community, we have to stop killing each other.
2. US citizens who join the military loose most of their civil rights, and become controlled by military law.
3. My sons lives are their own, and decisions about how they will conduct them are their responsibility and spiritual path.
4. Raising men who don't believe killing in the name of patriotism as a solution makes the world safer for my grandchildren and their future.
5. War is obsolete and wasteful.

Senator Obama only fights for himself. Words, words, Words, over actions is his mantra!

Democrats for McCain!

Funny he hasn't revealed this before!

Wasn't in either of his 2 books was it?

Give me a break - and give me Hillary in 2012!

Mccain Doesnt Want Women To Have Equal Pay!

Oh wow, he considered joining the military — he's got my vote now. What a true American hero.

Well, Senator Obama may have once considered joining the military, but talking about it and actually doing it are two different things.

I am sick to death of the bloggers that say this election is about race. If that were true, it wouldn't be so close. The London Times reports that if Obama loses this election, it will be because the bloggers for Obama have had a boomerang effect back on Obama.

Hard to believe in Hope and Change when the only change Obama has seemed to show is repeatedly changing his positions, ridiculing and demeaning others, bringing up his OWN race all of the time instead of talking about what his plans REALLY are, saying he will fight corruption when he NEVER has, and touting his one bill with a Republican that put up Pork on a website…saying he is against PORK when HE voted lockstep with Democrats for PORK instead of diverting the money to rebuilding the twin bridges in New Orleans, the levees in New Orleans, and the Bridge in Minnesota.

PLEASE EXPLAIN YOUR VOTES SENATOR!

Then why didn't you? That's like saying, I thought about becoming a surgeon.

Obama's answer was jarring in tone; but McCain's answer — "at conception" — is what women should think about. Neither the pill nor the IUD prevent conception. If McCain is serious — I doubt it, but one never knows –, we might get saddled with an administration that will seek to get rid of the safest and most effective contraceptives available. I long for a journalist to ask him whether he considers women on the pill killers…

Look up " Palin Earmarks " she sent 31 to ted stevens for the 09 fiscal year totalling 197 million dollars…! Change? Mavrick? How about bold faced flat out LIAR. Even John McCain can't say that he has never requested an earmark.. Luke AFB… Waste Water Project… Rehnquist Center..

NO WAY, NO HOW, NO MCCAIN!

When Mccain Was A POW He Sold Out His Country For A Cigarette!

He probably once considered a lot of different things… from less serious things, to more serious things … like… what he wanted to have for dinner… if he should buy a new pair of socks… at what point a child is considered a human… his stance on oil drilling… or how he feels about the war and the surge… or if he wants to cut taxes on people making less than 100k or if instead maybe under 250k…
Lets face it, it doesn't really matter that much what he has considered, just the way he chooses. and rechooses…

When is Palin going to answer any questions?

According to Nicole Wallace of the McCain campaign, the American people don't care whether Sarah Palin can answer specific questions about foreign and domestic policy. According to Wallace — in an appearance Joe Scarborough's show — the American people will learn all they need to know (and all they deserve to know) from Palin's scripted speeches and choreographed appearances on the campaign trail and in campaign ads.

I thought she was applying for the job as VP?

Why can't we ask her any questions?

All we get is one speech she delivered great, but didn't write.

VERY strange. Very unsettling

Yeah right

Who cares what he thought about doing? Again, all words and no action.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!! Whatever Obama….nice try! Sounds like a politician's answer!!

Can someone explain how being a POW is training to be commander in chief?

I don't care what Caribou Barbie says. She is a distraction which does not bring change to McSame's boring campaign.

that's suppose to be "this" not ths and "wait" not "what".

I have a lot of respect for men and women serving our country in the military field. I recognized McCain for that, but having said that just because somebody choose to serve in that way that does not disqualify or dismiss the qualifications or patrotism of the rest of the people or citizens of the nation.
Is about time we focus in things beyond the military experience of McCain, economy is horrible right now and I believe that is the number one issue at this time.
Thank you McCain for your service but please move forward, the retoric of McCain/Palin and advocates of Republican party is stuck just in that issue, please start talking about something else is about time now, we need solutions for the economy, health care, education, etc, etc, etc,
Mr. Obama serving or not into the military field has nothing to do with the qualifications required to be President of the United States.

In the meantime, there's this garbage out of Oklahoma:

"I am not questioning Sen. Obama's patriotism, but you have to question why at times he seems so obviously opposed to public displays of patriotism and national pride, like wearing an American flag lapel pin." ~ James Inhofe, Republican

Neither Palin nor McCain wore flag pins at the convention, so they must hate their country. Right?

God help us. ..Palin won't even talk to the media, and this is what we focus on? I am seriously scared.

Who really cares about this? It's clear, at least to me, that the choices he has made in life have been fruitful, he doesn't need to pander to the fans of McCain and Palin. Though maybe superficial overtures to those people would work…

Great! That should give us the much needed Commander in chief experience. Go Obama 2012!

Good Barack! Army is not made for everybody. Joining doesnt make one more patriotic. I have as much tremendous respect for those that have joined than those that have served the country in places like community service. We need our issues fixed and barack is the man for that.
Obama/Biden 08

OBAMA HAS COME FULL CIRCLE IN ACCEPTING 'THE SURGE' ……NOW, OBAMA DELCARES THAT "THE SURGE WAS SUCCESSFUL BEYOND WILDEST DREAMS!!!' FURTHER, HE'S NOW CLAIMING THAT HE WILL NOT RAISE TAXES, BUT LOWER TAXES. HIS ORIGINAL STANCE ON 'CHANGED' HAS CERTAINLY CHANGED TOWARD REPUBLICAN STANDARDS!!!! OBAMA IS A CHARLATAN AND A JOKE!

Lets see, now that McCains military experience is a plus, Obama once thought of joining? I am amazed everyday of this election. I have a warning for the Obama-bots, careful with that Keating Five business, 4 of the 5 Senators involved were Democrats. I was there, it was not pretty. I sure didn't go around bragging about being a Democrat. Obama is the DNC's pick for the nominee, not mine. The party has lost this election. If comparing McCain to Bush is all he has, he is in trouble. McCain is No Bush. Obama plays the race card at every opportunity, and we know how Rev. Wright feels about race. We also know Obama sat in that church for 20 years. We also know he claims to have known people for 20 years, yet has no knowledge of their dispositions? Judgement? I think not! The War in Iraq was not his decision to make either way. How can any of us know how he would have voted if he could have voted, since he seldom votes on anything. Missing Senate votes is not change I can believe in, it is business as usual. McCain has missed a lot of votes as have a majority of Senators.

I'd PAY to see that game!

Many people considered doing many things which they didn't. Those types of statements do not carry weight.

And this is another reason why I don't like ths Palin Chick. I respect the military - considering the fact that my dad is a veteran. But why are they talking as if this is the only way to fight for people? They talk about Obama being Elitist, but they can't get any more condescending.
As an african american female, those who came before me FOUGHT for me to have the civil rights & women's suffrage rights I enjoy today - but they didn't join the army to do so. I thought there was more to America that just defense, but let them tell it, everything else is a waste.

SO if you did not serve in the military, you are a waste of skin - at least to Palin…what a minute - did her husband serve in the military or did she marry a fellow non-military pansy? hmmmmm. What a silly republican parrot.

This is laughable.

there you go he admits defeat on one if confronted and a possibility, of winning on the other. points Palin one and a half to Obama one half once considered joining?

FOR THOSE VOTERS WHO HAVE CONSTANTLY STATED THAT OBAMA HAS NO EXPERIENCE TO BE PRESIDENT OR THAT SO MANY OTHERS WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN, SINCE HILLARY DID NOT WIN IN THE PRIMARY…LETS'E SEE MCCAIN HAS PICKED A WOMAN NO EXPERIENCE, SOME SAY A STEP AWAY FROM THE PRESIDENCY IF SOMETHING WOULD HAPPEN TO MCCAIN…

SOME OF YOU JUST WANTED A WOMAN ON THE TICKET AND YOU'RE GOING TO VOTE FOR HER, AND YET SHE HAS NOT TALKED ABOUT ANY OF THE ISSUES WE FACE EVERY DAY…SO FAR SHE HAS ONLY MENTIONED WHAT HAS BEEN IN A PREPARED SPEECH FOR HER…SHE IS NOT ALLOWED TO TALK TO REPORTERS ON ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

SO WHAT SHE IS GOVERNOR OF ALASKA, BUSH WAS GOVERNOR OF TEXAS, AND WE ALL KNOW THAT SURE DIDN'T MAKE HIM QUALIFIED TO BE PRESIDENT…

PEOPLE IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP AND VOTE ON ISSUES THAT EFFECTS ALL OF US HAS AMERICANS,, PALIN IS SURE NOT THE ANSWER, SHE'S ONLY ALLOEWD TO SAY WHAT THE REPUBLICANS WANT HER TO SAY…

HAVE WE TRULY FORGOTTEN WHAT THIS PROCESS IS REALLY ALL ABOUT.. ..CINDY MCCAIN SAYS SHE UNDERSTANDS WHAT THE AMEERICAN PEOPLE ARE GOING THROUGH, AND YET AT THE CONVENTION, SHE'S DECK OUT WEARING AN OUTFIT ANAD JEWLERY WORTH $300.00 DOLLARS, FOR THAT NOT SHE WAS WORTH YOUR HOME AND MINE, NOT TOO MENTION A PRICE TAG THAT SO MANY OF US DON'T EVEN MAKE A YEAR ON OUR JOBS…BUT SHE SAID THAT SHE UNDERSTANDS WHAT WE'RE GOING THROUGH…PLEASE , SHE DON'T EVEN HAVE A CLUE, NOR DOES MCCAIN… IWAS INSULTED BY THE #00.00 PRICE TAG FOR AN OUTFIT FOR ONE NOT IF NOTHING ELSE…

Liar Liar pants on fire.

I understand that Palin lowered the money for special education in Alaska and now that she has a special needs child stated she will provide for special education.

Question???

1) Why is she reading a text that Bush's speech writers wrote??? Can't she do her own???

OH I forgot two months ago she didn't even know what V.P. does now she is expert on everything!!!!

As the man said it himself, "They think you are stupid."

I truly believe that in his pick of Sarah Palin as V.P. John McCain
should hire someone to test his food before he dines on it.

Obama once considered making a change, too. He just never has done so.

1979 lets see Nixon was impeached, Kissinger had allready gone to China. a ping pong had allready been played and Obama is under the delusion that the Viet Nam War was still going on. What a bunch of Bull***. I believe he would have gone to Canada if the draft was still in place. He is afraid to admit that he would be a draft dogger, if that was still in place.

Is this the kind of change he will bring? More of the same!

CNN VIEWERS: TAKE HEED WHEN YOU COMMENT ON THIS TICKER……A SITE THAT 'REQUESTS AND WELCOMES COMMENT.'
CNN SCREENS EVERY IDEA, THOUGHT, OR RESPONSE THAT IS NOT IN SUPPORT OF OBAMA. DISGRACEFUL LACK OF COMPLIANCE WITH 'FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.' WHAT A JOKE THAT CNN, THE MEDIA BACKBONE OF OBAMA, WILL NOT ALLOW OTHERS, WHO ARE NOT OF THE SAME PERSUASION, TO OFFER THEIR COMMENTS. SHAME ON CNN…..RADICAL LIBERAL MEDIA!!!

How is this news? I once considered becoming a surgeon. I didn't.

Awww, the past.

Political positioning at it's worst– because it's so noticeable.