CNN

I love how the majority of comments act as if they are in agreement, and then proceed to point the finger at only one side of the table. Both parties, candidates, and sets of party extremists are responsible for the disgusting display we see. And it extends beyond the campaign. American politics is disgusting in its current form. Both sides will say anything to get an advantage or to further their party or agenda, regardless of whether it is true, respectful, or decent. There are goals here, and there is no concept of respect. Do what it takes to get elected, that's the only thing in play.

If you've disillusioned yourself to believe that either of the candidates and parties legitimately care about YOU and want to make a difference in your life, as opposed to just wanting to win, I apologize for wasting my time as you've already been hoodwinked.

It's sad that we're going to put a nobody woman and a tired old man in office just because they're white!Obama is clearly the better canidate!How pathetic are we as americans? McCain fighting supposed cancer and Palin with no foreign experience and a pregnant teen daughter?That's who will run our country,no wonder we are the laughing joke of the world.And golden parachutes to those who ruined our economy,we are a joke!

oil prices are the very reason this economy has tanked..are you talking about it..no..

As my friend from London (UK) told me the other day, this election is a like a beauty contest, – republicans going gaaga over Palin ever though she clear has no experience; how in the world does seeing Russia from your doorstep qualifies as experience? America is surely emerging as global laughing stock, – thanks to mcsame.

Will, you are so right. Unfortunately the comments other than this reveal the depth of rancor in the political "bloodsport". Both parties are at fault, and the press feeds on it for ratings. A VERY poor commentary on America.

Great Article... A+

Will,

Maybe it will take you or someone else of your kind to make the changes we need. For what it's worth, I truly believe that despite all the mud slinging, people with integrity and honesty should NEVER be disenchanted from running for public servant positions.

I hope someday you do make the jump into public service if that where your heart calls you. Maybe...just maybe...you could be the one who changes how these campaigns are conducted.

Guys like Will remind us that stooping to the level of name calling and insults is not worth going down the moral ladder for.
SOME POLITICIANS would do well to learn from HIS example.

WHo gives a crap about this guy anyway.

Don't worry dude. After this election we are going to set rules for elections. People should not lie and cheat and get away with it.

I would like to see an elections act with clear rules of conduct. The way a person runs a campaign says a lot about that person..

Obama / Biden '08

Politics is a dirty and dishonourable game. It brings out the worst in people. And who is at fault?

We are.

As long as the citizens of the United States continue to reward (by electing/re-electing) dirty politicians, it would be illogical to expect them to change.

The people of the United States still have the power. It is too bad that we choose not to use it to make politics cleaner.

"Greene: Why Will Jackson will never run for office."

There goes CNN's lack of editorial competence again! Why is it that this news organization can't even proof the headlines to its articles? There surely must be an editor who majored in English, or completed high school – maybe received a GED?

Obama tried to keep it clean, but Americans are not worthy. The repugs could not respect it since they could not recognize what it was. During the Dem primary he was called weak if he did not go for the jugular. Now there is NO WAY that he can afford to turn a cheek to the McCain campaign, they will rip off his head!!!. It's a shame.

Politics is never clean but Sen. McCain has taken it to another level. No amount of detergent and bleach can remove the stain and stench. Sen. Obama wants to be clean but it is working against him.

Cincy to Dayton takes 40 minutes. Driving to that airport to get a cheaper rate is not that big of a deal. I grew up in that area and would often choose between Cincy, Dayton, Columbus, and Indianapolis, to get the best airline deal. I don't know why any of this article was newsworthy.

November 5,2008 New York Times Headlines

President John McCain and Vice President Sarh Palin the two refreshing faces with their Centrist philosophy ,will reform Washington and bring the government back to the people...

So it is Written, so it is Done!

The Muslim Extremist have nothing on the "hate mongering" Obama supporters. Read any of these blogs and you'll see Obama supporters spewing nothing but hatred and name calling. The Far left's Mesiah Obama is not a Uniter all I see is how good he is at getting his supporters to spew hate like no other candidate to ever run for President. His supporters started it with Hillary Clinton, a member of his own Party and now they're taking it to a new "LOW" in politics against McCain and especially Palin. The Obama supporters and their hatred make me very sad to be an American. The Hollywood Elite that have shown no discipline in running their own lives and living their lives like a "Pack" of arrogant, selfish, spoiled and me first human beings now joining the other Obama supporters in spewing their own type pure hatred. I've voted in 12 Presidential elections and I've never seen such Arrogance or total Hatred that I've seen by the Blogging Obama supporters. This Country has more "Hatred" by the Far Left then at any time in America's History. May God show pity on America if Obama is elected and"Hatred" wins out.

Lies Lies and more Lies, that's only another name for Politics!

This is news because?

Nice piece!

If any of you incredibly stupid American voters really wanted something other than power hungry, liars and moral cretins in the government, you would NOT continue to vote the same freaks in time after time after time...

THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT!

YOU SAY SO ALL THE TIME WITH YOUR VOTE!

The only real difference between McCain & Oblama is that one of these guys has a tan – they BOTH WANT THE POWER!

C'mon guys. John's desperate! He couldn't even make it this far in 2000 so what else does he have to do besides mislead the public and flip-flop? What a sad man...

Hear! Hear!

Feel exactly the same way. Was going to run for the DC City Council and decided for the same reasons that my character, integrity, and hunmaness meant more to me than any political office.

John McCain used to be an honorable man, a moral man and a role model. Now he is nothing more than a liar, cheat, self-absorbed and has sold his character, morality, integrity, and humaness to win at any cost.

How very sad and pathetic.

You're right. I always told my kids that if they ever became politicians, I would know I had failed as a mother. In my opinion, and most members of our family, politicians are nothing but liars, cheats, and thieves. The problem is, they keep proving my point. I keep hoping for someone who is honest. It may be a while.

Will,

I agree. Never in my life have I read such vile and nasty posts as the Obama people put on the CNN tickers. Go through and read them all. Almost every one of them is from someone working for the Obama campaign. We the people of the US are not stupid. Your negativity sickens us. And I believe your tactics will backfire. I urge all normal people to go through and read all of the posts on this ticker and decide for yourself who the negative hateful people are. The Obama workers who attack McCain because of his age and Sarah Palin because she is a woman. They call McCain a senile old man and Palin a pig with lipstick. Many people take offense to these remarks and I will bet that you are turning them away because of this.

I think the campaign people r the ones running 4 president not the candidates the reason i think that way they talk too much crap.

If you put the old and new George Bush and mix them up we get McCain ……. dear lord … GOD help us!

DON'T BLAME YOU WILL. I CAN SEE YOU FIGHT AGAINST YOUR OPPONENTS, BUT WHY LIE? JUST TELL WHAT YOU WOULD DO, AND HOW YOUR PLAN IS BETTER. LIKE PALIN THE REPUBLICANS THINK WOW SHE ENERGIZED THE BASE. SO WHAT!!! SHE LIES ABOUT HER LIFE AND HOW MUCH SHE HAS DONE FOR HER STATE AND NOW SHE HAS BEEN FOUNDED OUT. BUT PEOPLE STILL RALLY AROUND HER LIES AND DECEPTION IT MAKES ME SICK.

I agree with Will Jackson, politics is too dirty!

I have become so disenchanted with our presidential primaries and presidential campaigns. I don't ever recall campaigns being so vile and just plain disgusting!

The campaigns have taken their toll on everyone. I want this election to be over! I just hope the right people get into office. And I'm not talking about the one who has a lipstick wearing pitbull.

It is mind boggling to me how the American public continues to let the Republican machine lie,trick,cheat,steal,deceive us. People continue to fall the same old tactics and lines! If you have traveled abroad or served abroad ( I have, I'm retired military ) you know that we are no longer feared and reviled more now than ever before. Countries are sick and tired of us forcing our religion,politics and way of life upon them. I applaud Mr. McCain's service, but am frankly sick and tired of hearing about it, and I can say that because I served and retired! At the end of the day at least he got to come home!!!!! I know to many people who didn't for no reason (oil)!! Iraq is the second coming of Vietnam, just more costly. Let's no be scared into four more years of the worst leadership in American history, because if we do the worst is yet to come. You haven't seen bad.

I'm sure once Obama gets into office and shows the world how to lead, and the GOP is run out of town, things will change for the better.

I think the press could help by doing more "fact checks" like CNN does on this website. Although I don't always feel you're fair in your stories, I do like that - please keep doing this!

Politics hasn't gotten dirty, afterall they've avoided race of to this point. Right now their in the pool splashing water in each others face. Its the supporters and the media pundits throwing mud. Everyone has their on strategy for withing any competition, its all fair play, if the media fails to show an opponents weak point than its only fair to bring the truth to the public. along the line, mistakes may be made, each candidate tries to stay within the truth, and tries not to slander the other opponent, but its common sense to think that neither Obama or McCain sit behind a PC and google the other's info, their to busy for that.
But my question is... who is this guy, and like Pete said, how is his opinion news, why did he get an article on CNN about nothing? he belongs down here under leave your comment so people can overlook it and focus on real issues, like the economy, devestation caused by Ike, unemployment. Who cares that he wouldn't run for office, he needs to raise his self esteem and gain some confidence in himself. Tell him step out of the line and watch as those of us who are competitors and aren't intimidated keep moving forward. He seems misguided or misunderstood if you ask me.

Ron Paul ran a very honorable campaign, he just didn't have his policies in order to where people could understand them. He is a far better Candidate than John McCain.

It's interesting how in this country we have hundreds of millions of dollars to waste on slandering each other over the airwaves, as Americans suck it all in, meanwhile we have people living on the streets, and our economy is headed for the great depression. Maybe changing the election process should be one of the first move on the agenda. That money could be put to better use. As we can see the major companies are spending all of their money trying to hedge their bets. Pathetic!!! American citizens will have more tax dollars to waste before its all said and done. Don't be surprised if something else blows up so McCain can look good.

I agree with Will, that is why I'm not running for office either.

Will, I live in the Cincinnati area too, and I agree with you. It is the part of politics that I just hate.

I can understand the need to run negative ads as a way of contrasting your point of view with your opponents. But that is different from smearing your opponent pesonally. Obama has certainly had some ads critical of McCain, but they always criticize the policies and directions he wants the country to take. Obama has gone out of his way to give credit to McCain as a person, honor his past service, etc.

In contrast, McCain's campaign strategy has been obviously and transparently focused on attacking Obama as a person. To question his patriotism. To question his wife's patriotism, to link him to other people whose patriotism was questioned, to paint a false image of him as a dangerous person. What's crazy is that this sleeze is exactly what the Bush campaign did to McCain in 2000. McCain was personally a victim of those disgusting and unfair tactics and now chooses to use the same against a good, honorable, and extremely talented man. That more than anything has caused me to lose all respect for McCain.

Only in american this happen. Lies win the race guys. If Mccain who is near his death lied to win an elcetion, when will he tell the truth? Maybe he will tell God sorry I just have to win that why I told lied against a mix race man.

Soryy go to hell God will say..hey what do I know!!

Its SAD but TRUE.
The "Uneducated" usually (ignorant) people usually decide who becomes President.

This is exactly why we can't get any decent public servants!! Not only do campaigns cost boatloads of cash (even the elections for our state's supreme court justices run in the millions of dollars with PACs footing the bill) – but anyone who tries to play fair looks weak and succombs to the pressure to fight off smear attacks.

It is sad that too many people pay too little attention to the actual issues. This year all you need to do is go to the candidates' websites and you can read their stance on the issues – and in some cases – get detailed information about their plans for their administration. Yet, people are too lazy to do even that. They are comfortable just taking in the propoganda from the commercials, believing anything fed to them. Very sad state of affairs and a big reason other countries laugh at us. You see posts from people from all over the world on CNN and, unfortunately, they have a much better grasp of what's at stake than 90 percent of the american people.

Will is so correct! But the thing that puzzles me is that even though McCain/Palin keeps telling lies after lies & is obviously running a low down campaign..there are so many people supporting them. Now what do you think is the reason for that? Are so many Americans as corrupted as McCain/Palin?
I think I know the answer, do you?

I'd rather vote for this guy than Mccain. At least he'd attempt to run an honest campaign.

Will feels like millions of other Americans... That's why he is on the ticker. He speaks for millions and every now and then our voices should be heard.

According to Senator McCain, this never would have happened if Senator Obama had done what he was told and held the town hall meetings with him. You know, that 1960's idea he had for running his campaign.

I've said this before and I'll say it again, Senator Obama is a GROWN AAA MAN... Who is running the best, most high teck campaign in American History... He had and has no obligation to do as he was told by John McCain or any other opponent for that matter.

Nasty campaigning, that's a REPUBLICAN trait. They have cornered the market on that....

He is right on target. It still amazes me that so many can say that we have made such tremendous strides but RACE is still a factor in this election.

In my opinion, the strides are not merely enough if we are still dealing with race in this country but most importantly it is amazing how so many media outlets places that subject on the back burner as if it will go away. It will never go away until those in hiding on this issue face the facts that it is absurd to vote based upon race or gender!!!!!

Sad, but all too true for too many able Americans. I am pretty sure that McCain's current behaviors are not what he exhibited in setting the example back when he was a prisoner of war.

At the same time, I just cannot blame the Obama campaign for hitting back. At least they lay the facts out there, and cite the examples for all to check out for themselves. Not the blather that comes from Palin, especially, and increasingly true for Palin-McCain overall. Shame on the once-honorable Republican Party.

sometimes you have to stand up and fight.

If everyone felt like you Will there will be only criminals in office now. I know it might seem like they all are, but I have found some to be ok, not perfect.

Campaigns are tough, but so is life. that doesn't mean you don't try, you just have to be determined to make it just and fair. I am glad Sen Obama and Biden are running, because while I may not agree with everything they do and say, I feel that they have the interest of the US people at heart and they will protect our troops.

WITH ALL DO RESPECT TO MR.JACKSON

HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT.

HE DEEDS TO PICK UP A BOOK OR JUST SPEND

A DAY GOOGLEING. HIS THOUGHTS ARE ONLY

IMPORTANT BECAUSE OTHERS PAYED FOR IT

WITH THEIR BLOOD & SOMETIMES THEIR VERY LIVES.

Mr. Will Jackson you are right “Digging up dirt". It does matter Black, white, brown, pink ,green or poke dot. It's supose to be about what can do for the country. Go Obama/Biden

Someone should introduce Obama to Will. Maybe Obama could learn a thing or two about being a decent human being.

And this is why I respect Barack Obama so much. He and his wife could just live off of their well earned lawyer salaries and never once see BS about themselves on TV or in the paper.
But this man has a vision and a mission for our country. He is gifted and smart and I am excited to see what he will do for our troubled country.
I promise to vote on Nov 4th!
No way, No how, No McBush/Palin!

I agree Will, I have a collegue of mine who is voting Obama, even though he is a conservative. He says he doesnt believe a thing out of any politicians mouth. He is voting Obama because he recognizes, we as Americans need a real change. He admitted to voting for Bush in 04 and won't let that mistake happen again.

My point here is that there are a lot of young peopel including myself who may want to get into politics, but this campaign(and others) have been so negative. I commend Obama for being positive (most of the time). but when someone keeps coming at you with the punches you have no choice but to call them out on their lies.

GO OBAMA 08

McShame's campaign is being run by the same folk that ran Bush's campaign! The TRUTH is checked at the door – Just spread FEAR and LIES! HOPEFULLY THIS COUNTRY WILL NOT FALL FOR ANOTHER 4 YEARS OF THE SAME!

WILL JACKSON IS STILL YOUNG & APPARENTLY

HASN'T SPENT MUCH TIME IN THE 60S AS I HAVE.

BESIDES HE MUST NOT READ MUCH BECAUSE ONE

OF THE TWO CANDIDATES IS SAYING NASTY UNTRUE

THINGS ABOUT THE OTHER & ONE IS BARELY TOUCHING

ON THE TRUE SLEAZE OF THE OTHER. & THEN HE PROBABLY

GOES HOME AND TAKES AN EXTRA HOT SHOWER AS I FEEL

LIKE DOING WHEN I JUST LISTEN TO MCMORON LIE ALL DAY.

McCain seems to not care about starting a war. As one of his supporters said, a war would benefit McCain. This is sick! To jeopardize lives to win an election should tell all americans what kind of man he is.

As I read through the news of politics here and around the world, and I read them quite often, atleast 3 times a day, I realized that people are stupid. Im not saying it in a disrespectful way, but in a sad way, like watching a child walk stright into a wall. You think "whats wrong with you kid, cant you see the wall?" but you feel bad for the kid. That summs up American politics, and people in general for me. People are just stupid, in a sad way. No matter what truths are infront of them, they seem happy and content to close their eyes and walk on until that truth hits them stright in the face, then they react with amazement as if it was a suprise. This country elected the worst president in world history (yes world history) and when I travel to England in 2004, people asked me if I thought Bush would be elected. I said with absolute conviction that it will not happen, there was no way it would happen, and why should it, I mean the facts were all there. And to this day I still cant belive he got elected. And here we are 4 years later and truths are right infront of our eyes, but this time I make no predictions, Im just hoping people dont walk stright into walls and wonder why their face hurts.

Mr. Jackson...public service is noble.....but there are other ways to serve your country besides being in public office...look at what Barack Obama did after he graduated from college....Don't write it off.....things change....and after Barack Obama is elected President the climate may become less partisan

Candidates have to dig dirt about their opponants because voters are so stupid that they will not vote for them other wise.

McCain is the most civil Republican and look what he has to resort to, and look where he landed with all the dirt. Obama was refusing to play dirty until he start loosing, and came back only when he responded dirt with dirt.

Dont blame the candidates, blame the stupid voters.

Amen, Will. I have been encouraged to run for office many times. I always reply by saying "I'm too honest." It would seem Obama took it one step further by saying, "I'm too honest to do nothing."

Ron Paul DID run a polite, insightful campaign. Too bad he let it all deflate by scattering his endorsement across any third party candidate, including Nader who is about as far opposite Ron Paul as you can get. Dr. Paul had a chance to LEAD. He didn't.

All you Canadians should really just keep your mouth shut about this election. Your country cannot even defend itself with the small army that you have. If you were not under the defensive umbrella of the United States you people wopuld be under the rule of another country already. As far as the liberal making the comment about conservatives being uneducated in Canada and the United States. I beg to differ. I keep reading on the blogg about all the liberals whining they are having it so hard and they want more goverment handouts. I bet the conservatives in Canada and the United States are not hollering for more goverment and more handouts. So I would say that apparently the conservatives must be smarter and more responsible.

You know, I was just watching Obama on TV and just now came to relies I want to vote for him, oh yah, he said he can cure baldness and raise my cat bootsy from the grave. I don’t know how, but he held up the hypno coin and I knew it was true.

That is what this man is doing giving his followers false hope. With all the things he says he wants to do taxes will go sky high, and milk WILL be six dollar a gallon!!!

McCain/Palin ‘08 and on

IF ALL THOSE THAT CAME BEFORE JOHNSON

HAD HIS DISPOSITION HIS THOUGHTS WOULDN'T

BE ON THE CNN BLOG & WHATS MORE WOULDN'T MATTER.

Okay...for real...who is Will?

It's sad that the two parties have taken politics to the realm of reality shows and mud-slinging.

Obama said he was above this and would talk issues...but I'm not hearing any issues (or more importantly solutions). Given the possibility to run a campaign any way you want and to show leadership, it is strange that Obama has taken the low road of attack adds.

I'm voting for Bob Barr, because I've heard his solutions to issues. He has experience and is insightful. As a Libertarian, we can expect him to reduce government, lower taxes and restore the ACTUAL job of the President: to uphold and defend the Constitution. McBama is not talking about this. Their plans just stomp on it all the more.

Well at least he told it like it was. Of course politics is a hardball game. What the McCain / Palin ticket will have to watch is what they did to Hillary Clinton moving the same people from caucaus to caucaus to vote again and intimidating voters. It will not work with republican and indepedent voters since they are not as weak and as easily intimidated as democrats are. All the republicans have got to do is make sure that everybody votes only once and that illegals or not voting and watch the poll workers in certain states and certain precincts.

I've been wondering why McCain felt the need to go negative first and then claim Sen. Obama was at fault because he wouldn't meet with him for town hall meetings.

I would NEVER support McCain given his negative attitude.

He's a LIAR!

First off, a revelation to the Obama supporters who dominate these posts. Obama is just as guilty as McCain when it comes to lies, distortions and negative campaigning.

Second. A political campaign is really nothing more than a highly public series of job interviews. The candidates are trying to convince the employers (all of us) that they are the best person for the job. Well guess what, in the private sector, walking into a job interview and telling the interviewer how bad all the other candidates are for the job would get one shown the door real early in the intereview. Negative discussions about other candidates, former bosses, former companies, etc, are well known no-nos for interviewees. Why shouldn't it be the same here. Quite frankly, I wouldn't hire any of these bozos based on what I've seen.

For those who argue that politics is different, I don't buy it. Maybe it is, but consider that it is the private sector and the taxpayers that fuel the engine driven by the politicians of Washington. And it's a good thing for the politicians that the private sector doesn't have the same inefficient approach that the government has. Hey, I'd like a job where you get a 5 week vacation after 7 months of doing nothing, then come back for 3 weeks then disband for at least another 6. But if private industry worked like Congress, there wouldn't be enough tax revenues to pay the salaries of Congress, let alone the other $3 trillion or so the government seeks to spend.

Thank you Will Jackson !!!

Yeah....Obama never lies or changes his mind.

You people are so blind to his change and hope that you do not see that he cares nothing for you and only about himself. He keeps company with former terrorists, criminals and people that have tried to attack or destroy America. Hie tax increases on the wealthy to pay ofr all his hand outs will increase the cost of living on the rest of us while eliminating jobs. That is right people. Simple economics tells us that when costs or expenditures go up for a company (and the rich peole are the ones that run the major corporations) they have to increase sales prices, cut jobs or both. So you get a small tax break but all that is off set by the increase in consumer goods cost and loss of jobs. OBAMA = CHANGE WE DO NOT NEED. WE CAN'T AFFORD IT. Barack Hussien Obama....you can keep the change.

Well, if Obama had done the town hall meetings, then McCan't and his camp wouldn't have gotten so nasty. . .

Yeah, right.

NO WORRIES THOUGH. . .
FOR EVERYONE THAT IS VOTING FOR OBAMA, JUST KNOW THIS:

GOOD ALWAYS TRIUMPHS OVER EVIL!

THERE IS NOTHING FALSE ABOUT HOPE!

YES WE CAN!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Webster Dictionary Defines "Politics" as:

Pol"i*tics\, n. [Cf. F. politique, Gr. ? (sc.?). See Politic.]

1. The science of government; that part of ethics which has to do with the regulation and government of a nation or state, the preservation of its safety, peace, and prosperity, the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals.

2. The management of a political party; the conduct and contests of parties with reference to political measures or the administration of public affairs; the advancement of candidates to office; in a bad sense, artful or dishonest management to secure the success of political candidates or parties; political trickery.

Either you are dealing with the "Science of Government" or "Management of Political Party". It's a personal choice and you can subscribe to one or the other. Blaming "politics" in general for being "too nasty" is a silly idea.

this fellow is right, so what are we stuck with, but same ole people who have been in the system for years. Then when a new and fresh comes along it seems to be a threat to the same old "stuff" this person is ridiculed and beligned for what he feels is right for the country...........So I guess if you want the same old system which as proved fatal to the average American, then go right ahead and vote for McCain, if and I say "if" you want some hope that the futrue will be brighter for your kids and grandkids, then you might want to consider voting for Obama.

I think I prefer a Monarchy, where someone is born & raised learning to lead the country. Not a perfect solution obviously, & need some checks & balances, but my point is that the general public is too dumb to weather the mud storm & decide what's best for them.

I ran for a local small town city council seat and at that level it can quite nasty anymore as well. I ran on a the fact that the council needed someone new on it to give it some ideas...while the gold old boy all encouraged me to run, to replace the person they did not like that I was running against they were also talking me down behind my back, so that the status quo would nto change, and it could be business as usual. The things they said about myu business in their little town, and the fact that I was a "yankee" and not born and raised in the little SC, but would be someone different on council if elected, were all things that they mentioned about me every chance they could.
I lost by 53 votes and the make up of the council is the same now 6 years later as it was then.
Point being...politics is politics,,at any level and will not change.

I agree with Will. Both candidates are running ads that are "misleading" by cherry-picking quotes and information. I guess they figure most of the American people are either too lazy or too dedicated to party affiliation to look at a voting record to find out.

I don't care who anyone votes for, I just hope no one goes into that booth thinking their candidate hasn't played dirty or that he was "just responding to the other candidate." Both McCain and Obama are guilty of it, and the actions of another person do not mean you have to respond in kind. Once again, it seems we will have an election of the lesser of two evils, so to speak.

???? What is this all about. Why in the ticker. Do you (CNN) do this to provoke people into calling your news agency a rag.

It's not a thing of being ugly to win, it's a thing of standing up for yourself, it somebody at work started gossiping about you people decide to either get stepped on or do the stepping or simply stand up for yourself, if you can't can't up to tough talk you don't need to be in politics either because you won't stand for the citizens your suppose to represent

Problem = American voters. Why do we fall for it? Why, despite our agreement with this man, does it continue to work? Both campaigns are horrendously misleading, yet McCain's supporters would have you believe that he gives us "straight talk" and has all this honor, and Obama's supporters accept any negativity if it is against a Republican and fall for his deception as well. The problem is not with the candidates. They are the symptoms of the real problem, which is Americans get their so-called facts from headlines, chain e-mails, rumors and hearsay and if it agrees with their candidate it is the truth and if not it is a lie. Nobody makes an effort to get the real truth, since they honestly believe they have it already... so we end up choosing between 2 liars.

No wonder Will feels this way, look at the dirty comments from fellow Americans trying to slam (mostly McCain). No need to just get attacked by politicians, you will attack as well.

It is a noble tought!

You have to stand for what you believe in, but sometimes that includes running for office to make things happen.

Politics is a game for con men/con women. If you're a nice guy, then stay away, far away.

Save me the google- but don't you think your article should maybe mention who Will Jackson is?

I'm sure he's a nice guy, whoever he is, but plenty of my friends aren't planning on running for president either.

Do you guys use story editors?

I can not believe all the Obama supporters spouting off about McCain when both YES BOTH PARTIES ARE SPEWING LIE AFTER LIE

I think he was talking about all the dirt and lies that were spead about Palin. And he's right. No one in their right mind would want to be the subject of a left-wing witch hunt.

Funny!! I keep reading all the bad stuff you guys are saying about McCain, when 75% of all Obama adds are negative. 25% more than McCain (sorry i rounded). They both lie people! please do some fact checking before you start spewing garbage. This whole campaign season has made me sick! Does anyone still talk about the issues or report the facts? Every station is spin city these days.

I want my politicians to tell me what they think will work and then allow me to decide.

Unfortunately, because of ambition, politicians very quickly go for shortcuts and try to turn races away from issues and toward "character." This is exactly what the McCain campaign manager said they wanted to do.

If McCain can't win on the arguments, it's because the American people want something different. He shouldn't try to trick us into buying the wrong product. He shouldn't lie to get elected.

"For what doth it profit a man that he should gain the whole world but lose his soul." John McCain has lost his soul.

Yeah ummm, Ron Paul anyone? the one guy that stuck to issues only? Oh wait, you can't do anything in this country without backstabbing some one or skrewing them over.....Sorry Ron Paul, this country isn't ready for your brilliance.

I'm waiting for Obama to do an add on Keating 5. This article is right, you need to fight fire with fire.

And can ANY REPORTER get McCain to answer a question DIRECTLY with a "yes" or "no" and stop reciting the POW story?!? I roll my eyes every time I see him being interviewed.

Power comes from the barrel of a gun.

Obama and his camp are the ones who brought all the pure HATE into Politics this election season!

I have never seen anything like it before. They completely destroyed the Clintons, even after all that they have done for the Democratic Party!

The VERY reason I will not vote for the Empty Suit, anyone who attracts sooooooooo many people with HATE in their heart I don't want any part of!

McCain/Palin-08-In a Landslide Victory for All Americans!

Who the hell is Will Jackson?

ONE NATION

I say Will is right, neither of the two major political parties have public service in mind once they are elected. So I say don't vote for either, really vote for change. neither is going to reduce your share of the tax burden, and by the way our national debt is so large, that no matter if everyone rich or poor paid 100% of their money to the government, it will still take 50 plus years to get back to even.
We need to reduce the size of our governemnt, but neither party has anything to say about our debt, and this bailout will only buy time, for the rich to get out, and leave the mess on the backs of the taxpayers.
Our founding fathers split from England for less reasons than the American citizen has today.
I say throw the tea into the harbor!

Mr. Jackson has nailed a prime reason public services misses out on a LOT of capable and willing participants. I'm the mirror of Mr. Jackson. I've got too many skeletons in my own closet to ever consider running for office, knowing full well that my opponent would dig it up and knowing just as well, that I'd do a superb job.

120 days till the end of the Bush administration.

Lies work because the American people choose to be gullible.

When the American people stop being gullible, lies will stop working.

Maybe it's time.

If you have to get dirty before helping the people you love, then you should make up your mind.

Will,

I don't know if there ever was a time where an entire campaign was run with complete dignity. I hope someone reads this and points at least one out.

I agree with you, Will; the campaign trail is not straight and narrow, it takes several really nasty turns. I hope that the usual political mudslinging stops, lest we forget the important things about electing the best candidate.

I also hope that if you ever feel so strongly about representing your city/state/country you will not hesitate. In my opinion, a great idea and a strong leader is simply a great idea and a strong leader, no matter where they come from.

I watched with utter disbelief how McCain ran a dishonorable campaign packed with out right lies yet not even the media called him to answer.

Wonders shall never end!

I think Obama should be applauded just for having the courage to run for President in a country where at least 20% of the voters wouldn't vote him no matter how qualified he is. I know I couldn't do it.

Sadly, we tune in to "entertainment" and if politics or news was honest, no one would watch.

News isn't "News" – you're better off watching Comedy Central for information.

Someone should introduce McCain to Will. Maybe McCain could learn a thing or two about being a decent human being.

I agree with this guy. I am someone who wants to one day do something huge and wide reaching to help the "little guy" in this country and up until a few months ago, I thought politics was the route to take to be able to accomplish my goal more effectively. But after closely following this election I am becoming convinced that politics is not the arena for me.

Stock up on water and ramon noddles,this thing is far from done.

Everything should be equal foir everybody. We want a centralized government and a planned economy! Yes! Vote Obama!!!!! GIVE US COMMUNISM NOW !!! Take from the rich and give to us poor! Guarantee our jobs! Give us health care managed by our government! Nationalize our oil companies! Set wage and price controls! We want Communism and we want it now! Vote OBAMA!

Running for an elected position in just about any level of government is dirty business these days. I'm a baby boomer who's voted in a number of elections. It was Clinton's man, James Carville, who first nauseated me concerning dirty politics. This guy was evil and low-down, and didn't care if you told him that. Smearing people and pulling out dirty laundry was his specialty. His logic seemed to be if you repeat the dirty stuff enough times, enough people will buy into it to make the difference in the election. From the reads in this ticker, it appears he is right on the button again. The demos keep repeating the lies and smears about their republican adversaries, and their appear to be enough believers in that trash to make the difference. It a sad, pathetic lot that voting Americans have become.

It is unfortunate that the most qualified and honorable people in this country do not go into politics. They rightfully refuse to subject themselves to a dirty life as a politician.

To Pete: why is this mans opinion news?
Because it's not your opinion!

Ian
"Actually Ron Paul ran a very polite campaign and addressed real issues."... and where is he now?

Its a shame the campaign of CHANGE did not begin with the campaign process itself for all candidates (from the beginning).

Will Jackson 2012.

The Dems have better nail down their own white voters since it now appears a good number of them won't vote for a Black President, even if it is the holy Messia called Obama. The debates ought to be interesting if Obama can't bring his telepromter along.

He's right, which is why generally good people don't go into politics. And that is why we end up with schmucks running our country.

Will Jackson understands the political process perfectly. All politians lie, make promises they know they won't keep, and distort statements made by their opponents to make it seem like something else. It isn't anything new. They all do it, including McCain and Obama. What I don't like is when someone tries to represent that they don't do it – at least be honest about the political process. To get elected, you have to do whatever it takes. Just look at how Obama became a state legislature – he administratively removed, through loopholes and obscure state rules, every one of his opponents and ran unopposed . That is a brilliant example of political gamesmanship.

I have to agree with him, especially when you want to help others, you get made fun of! At the same time, though, when the other side just lies and tries to destroy your character, just use it against them. It's called Political Judo and Obama has mastered it. We saw it in the Primaries and we're seeing it again.

Stay above the Fray and and get your message across.

@ Pete You asked" why is this mans opinion news?"

You are missing the point.

The point of the article is not about this man in particular. The point is that the 'average Joe' shares these same thoughts. That politics is just too full of liars and malicious slanders. And most people, like the guy in this article, just aren't willing to put themselves in the middle of all of this garbage.

From pundits telling you how you should be running your campaign (curious as to why the pundits won't run for office, since they know EXACTLY what you should be doing to win) . . .

To your competition lying about you, to the public hating the very sight of your image.

Politics is just way too nasty.

Shame on America. Let no American of any portfolio ever open their mouth to speak of any kind of elections in developing countries, especialy Africa. Cos the American politics is the worst and dirtiest kind of politics in mankind. Let me start with change. Any body who preaches change should be an ornament of change hm self or herself. You can't talk about change when you are not practicing what you are preaching. The western well most often blame the third world politicians of bribery anf corruption. America has the worst kind of corruption. They tend to brand themselves as lobbist. Well America you cannot fool everybody cos lobbist are those that practice bibery and corruption. As for the presidential candidates, only time will tell who is telling the truth.

Ian September 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Actually Ron Paul ran a very polite campaign and addressed real issues.
------

And look where it got him. He was portrayed as crazy, and about nine people voted for him.

You can't WIN without going after the other guy.

The day after McCain clinched the nomination. Him and Cindy went for a TV interview and promised that they will run an honorable and honest campaign. What happened to that promised? He lied about Obama raking millions from Fannie and Freddie because of Mr. Johnson. If you really look Mr. McCain got a whopper of $165,000 from the lobbyist of Fannie and Freddie and Obama got a paltry $16,000. Worst thing Palin is parroting the same thing. People do a fact check don't get bamboozled with their lies. Remember lies got us into the Iraq war.

Who is Will Jackson?

If anyone actually read the article, he said "BOTH candidates". He didn't side with one party or the other. BOTH are just as bad. Seems that you Obama supporters just turn everthing into McCain bashing. SAD!

I hope we American's get over this race issue. This the only reason Obama is not further ahead. I would be dissapointed to think that people are willing to endure more of the failed Bush policies because of a man's skin color. The sad part is that most of these people claim to be Christians. How can you say you love me (Jesus) whom you have not seen, but hate your brother who you see everyday. The Bible calls you a liar. Let's get beyond race.

In the real world little children a grown up has to fight in order to survive. That is just the way it is all around the world. Fight and get respect or just be pushed around, God battle evil every day. It is nothing wrong with fighting; you just need to know when and how.

McCain = no change

Obama/Biden 2008

Hey J from DC-Typical uninformed voter–
The Reps put a law together in 2005 which was put off till 2006 which the Dems voted on party lines to kill-
Much like 1996 when the repubs put a bill together for offshore drilling and Clinton Vetoed it-
You read the papers and listen to the media too much–
Need to do your research-Obama is depending on guys like you to put him over the top–
He won't make it !!
Too many of us who don't say much but know-

In response to Pete's comment:

Pete, I can see where you may not see this as newsworthy. But I think it speaks to a bigger issue that is newsworthy. Most Americans would not smear another to get ahead. I would not and Will Jackson wouldn’t either. If we won’t, then why is it okay for these politicians to do it? What does it say about us, as Americans? I don't know.

I'm with you will; However, the only way a clean campaign would run is if we had 2 candidates who really believe in the American people and understand what we're capable of. The candidates must treat the people like adults, talk to them like adults, be straight with them, let the people know to accomplish something great some other things would need to be sacrificed.

I'm talking about 2 candidates that would willingly agree to disagree. And run on the issues and not who as how much as whose religion is as such. In my opinion (choice) I'm voting for Obama because when he's president i see him talking to us to let us know what is going on and what should be expected.

I want an opened administration.

Obama '08

Who is this guy? Can I put up a picture of myself on CNN.com and make a pointless story about me running for office?

Good man...Smart decision! These politician are nothing but devils.

Good grief people, get real here. They have BOTH ran on lies and deceit.......BOTH of them..........I say we have a do-over and get 2 diff candidates to choose from..............these 2 are both bad.

What he didn't say is how responsible the media/ap
are for all the negativity.
They sensationalize everything negtative, regardless
of the facts.
It is sad that we have to take what the media tells us
with a grain of salt as they cannot be trusted for
unbiased truth.

Will is right. Politics has gotten so ugly that I don't know why anyone would want to run.

There used to be such things as lines that wouldn't be crossed and gentleman's agreements.

Now there is just plain sensationalism and slime-digging. Deciding to put yourself through all of that would be a tough decision for those of us who are less ruthless.

Watching Obama lie while smiling is truly disturbing. The way Obama has been playing dirty is going to leave a terrible legacy behind of disappointment. After the cult mentality clears and people wake from the haze there is going to be a bad hangover.

Obama is the biggest liar in the world.

Politics is a dirty game brother Will. People are going to try and smear your name the best way they know how. If their wasn't a such thing as dirty politics, rethuglicans will be out of a job.

There are some campaigns that are run with honor and dignity. Ron Paul did well. I thought Dennis Kucinich did well. But the problem is that in order to actually win, the American people have been programmed to expect and need dirt and sensationalism. McCain and his campaign began the mudslinging and gutter politics and now Obama is starting to venture into it in defense.

Until we fix our broken political system, it will be like this for perpetuity. And that is sad.

Sadly, he's right. It's the coliseum and it's because Americans want to see a fight to the (political) death that our politicians are forced to appeal to us on bravado rather than the issues.

Or Will, you can go Obama's route and just defend yourself with the truth, no lies.
mccain/palin = pathological liars!

Obama has tried to run a clean campain, and any objective reviewer would note that McCain's campaign has been the dirtiest, most untruthful, and the most hypocritical in a long time. The fact that it shames Karl Rove speaks volumes. That's not to say the democratic party or its advocates don't attack, but the Obama campaign itself has mostly focused on the issues.

Isn't it ironic that we respond to this story by attacking one another?

Yes.

I feel you will! It's so discouraging for young people to get into public service knowing that it has been corrupted to the tilt. That's one of the reasons why so many people are drawn to Obama, he tried to play fair, but it seems like you have to play fire with fire or else you will lose. Look at Gore, Kerry and now Obama. It's insane to think that the McCain/Pailin ticket is the way to go after 8 years of disaster, but the American people feed of negativity and ignorance and the good guy always loses.

So many people will be turned off to politics if another dirty republican gets into office with lies and deceit. I shudder to think what this country will look like in the future.

Vote your economic interest or Lose.

Actually Ron Paul ran a very polite campaign and addressed real issues.

why is this mans opinion news?

US citizen,

Four years ago, you appologize to the wold for electing the worse president ever (sorry everybody).

Please, don't do the same mistake and even worse because you should know better. Please US citizen, don't let us down, vote for a real change

For future reference, nayone running for public office should be held accountable for running a sleazy campaign.For each lie told, they should be made to pay for that lie through their pocketbook. That's one way we can get back the economy back on track.

Tell Mccain/Palin Very sad Mccain/Palin lie lie lie just to get elected and this guy call themselves christians we are in big trouble people.

Tell Mccain that he is a 72 years old he probably have two more years to live, but this guy can not seem to say anything truthful, he needs to repent his lying sins before it is too late. Very sad Mccain/Palin lie lie lie just to get elected and this guy call themselves christians we are in big trouble people.

Not Only Do You Have To Say Bad Things About Your Opponant You Also Have To Lie About Them! Mccain Knows This And Thats Why He Is Running The Most Sleazy Dishonorable Campaign In History! If You Can Tell A Bold Faced Lie Like Mccain You Could Be Part Of His Staff! Mccain Is A Deceiver Of The Worst Kind! One Who Hides Behind A Fake Patriotism And A Slogan Of Country First!

I just gave $50 to Obama because I am sick of this economy. In November Obama gets my vote. I know John McCain has no idea what to do, because he said the economy was strong when it is not. Now we have to pay so much money to get the banks out of trouble. So, why are we still spending all this money in Iraq? If McCain wins this election, he will keep spending billions every month in Iraq? I don’t think McCain cares how much the war cost, because McCain and his rich friends will keep eating. They are getting their money now (today) in this bailout. While, the rest of us have to wait to see who gets elected. I have friends who say they can’t see themselves voting for Obama, even though they like him. They say they will vote for McCain even though they don’t like him or Palin. They are just Republicans voting the party line. Still, here we all seem to agree on one thing. If Obama don’t win, the rest of us will get nothing, but more taxes. Then, when we lose our jobs, and can’t pay for our homes. They will take them and sell them to someone else, for half the price. It is happening every day, right here, right now, before the election. Obama needs our vote, and our money to win in November. Let’s support him now, before it is too late. As for the Republican, I tell them to vote Obama or Bob Barr if they truly want their party back.

There should be regulations on what politicians can say about their opponents. I think lying to get votes should be a penalty.

a fellow cant win an election on truth and honesty ,alone. barack has tried his best. but, to beat a vile candidate, you have to show their vileness.

Too bad.

Sometimes you have to stand and fight.

Obama shows there is a way to do it by pointing out lies, not by playing dirty.

OBAMA '08!!

You're right, Will.

After watching the total lies that McCain and his cheerleader spout ala Rove, I too would think that there are better ways to achieve change than through politics.

I am a total bystander to the U.S election ,from a country, thousand miles away from America.. This is the first ever chance for me to watch the U.S presidential candidates and campaign trail on TV. I am absolutely surprised to see John Macain and republican team to be such canny and disgraceful persons who do not hasitate to lie or flip flop or say dishornarable and dishonest tricks just to get into the White House. The future of U.S is at stakes if American people lack the judgement to pick the person who really can lead their country in honor and grace. I truely believe that Barack Obama is the person who genuinely cares about his country and his people.And he is far much more smarter and honest than John Macain and Sarah Palin.

McCain will have one of his foreign country leaders start another "skirmish" about a week or so before the election and you folks will forget all about this economy and vote for "more wars to defeat terrorists"

It happened 4 years ago, you fools will fall for it again this year.