Now she's saying that she knows who "the bad guys are, ok?". It's like she's talking to a bunch of morons - but wait, she is! The bad guys are apparently everyone who hates America - which, after Bush, is like…. most people in the world. What she doesn't talk about is how to fix it. Hate doesn't do it, Sarah. Innuendo doesn't do it. Inciting to riot and to do violence definately will not do it, Sarah. What else do you have, eh?
Maybe the American people will wake up from their 8 year nightmare soon… but not if they keep on subscribing to ignorance and hate. The McPain team seems to revel in it. Sorry state of affairs for sure.
From CANADA: good luck to the decent American people voting for Obama who are left to fix the mess.

As a Democrat, I surely do not want to see a Democratic run Congress, a Democratic run White House, and a Democratic run Senate. The leaders who have gotten us into this mess are some of the Democratic leadership themselves, and we know and have heard of a few (Dodd, Pelosi) and a few others, in which most of the Republicans did not have the Power of stop because the Democrats outnumbered the Republicans in votes. Of course not everyone in power is totally clear of this mess, but we can surely look more closely to see which leaders/party were behind all this mess. America let us not use fear to make this matter worse by giving power to one entire party. Let us not be blinded with anger and outrage that we cannot see the road ahead of us. I believe John McCain is the man to put in the White House, who will noT allow certain leaders to get away with what they have gotten away with in the past. I believe that for all John McCain has gone through throughout his entire life, will never disappoint his Country, because it was not the Republicans, Democrats, Independents and/or Conservatives who have gotten him this far, it was God, and I believe that John McCain will give back more to God and his Country before he leaves this world. John McCain will give his ALL TO HIS COUNTRY. I cannot see John McCain disappointing the American people, in the last stretch of his life, for any political reasons or future career. America, let us give John McCain the chance he deserve because he will never fail us.

Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are digging themselves ever deeper into a hole every time they utter disparaging and untrue remarks.
Doesn't Palin know that branding Sen. Obama a "terrorist" for
being on the same board as a former terrorist is nonsense?
Either someone else is putting words in her mouth or she is an
utter fool. Does Palin living with a man who once belonged to the Alaskan Separatist movement make her a Separatist? One cannot get much closer than that!

Why would Obama play the race card. I don't think any person that is biracial would do that. The reality of it is Obama informative years he was raised by a World War II veteran and his wife. Obama was most likely brought up in a conservative household. His closet relationship he had growing up as a child is with his grandfather. They were very close. So I can't really seeing the way he loved, honored, and cherished that man that he would ever play that kind of race kind.

McCain has ourageous negative/hate ads on things that are from the past and do not matter right now.Obama has negative ads about policies and issues that are important like health care.There is no comparison between who is mostly false on fact checks and that would be McCain.Republicans are lucky that there are no negative ads against Palin cause you could run 24/7 with all her lies and embelleishments.She is even trying to hoodwink Ameicans into thinking she has Executive experience because she was a volunteer hockey manager.She does not even know the difference between executive experience and volunteer experience and some want her for VP

WHERE IS JACK CAFFERTY? When will he be back?

Obama has got to be outspending McCain in advertising on national networks. Every time I turn on the TV I see one ad after another from Obama. Was considering voting for Obama - but now I see how he uses his funding…throwing away money with constant attack ads. Can't imagine he would use taxpayer dollars wisely.

Thousands of voters have been purged from the system illegally in battleground states. MSM would rather talk about ACORN than about voters possibly being disenfranchised. Please, please find out if you are still registered so you will not have a unwelcome surprise come Nov. 4th.

you know maybe if palin knew a little more about politics and read more about the last 20 months since obama won the primary with 18million voters voting for him she would know all the crap she is spewing now about obama. he was heavily vetted before he could run and his background was turned upside down by hillary. the ayers story is old and has been explained numerous times and yes…we even know all about rev.wright sooooooo sarah palin is the ignorant one by not even keeping up with our nations biggest event. she just needs to remember, obama was elected and she was selected by one grumpy old man having a senior moment.

Tracey is right. McCain has to campaign against the Obama/CNN and MSNBC ticket

Gee, this is surprising. The Dems keep saying it is only the Republicans putting out negative ads. Can we even believe the Dems?

The cult personality swimming around Obama is terrifying, people are just laying themselves down in sacrifice to his propaganda machine. Empty promises and tactical lies. Stop drinking the kool-aid people Obama is a hypocrite and his ideas will bankrupt us. All of you who follow him like he is the Messiah, I can't wait to see the looks on your faces when he sells us out to Chinese investors; or perhaps you would like that seeings that China fits nicely with the fascist left.

Plain & Simple, you speak negatively against Senator McCain (ageism=accepted), speak negatively about Gov. Palin (sexism=accepted), they did the same thing to Senator Clinton.

You speak negatively about "The Almighty Obama," (racism=NOT accepted).

Give me a break!!!

McCain/Palin!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Obama did not want to run any negative ads. If you listen to hom he moves away from it and tries to focus on the Issues. If we do not get our economy right WE Republicans or Democrats can say good bye to our jobs. Palin has nothing but nasty comments, anger and hate producing speeches in her arsenal. She steered Rep. supporters up to a point where McCain had to calm them down. Then of course, the Rep's. have not one single issue they can talk about. Everything is broken.

Hey folks i have a question.Why does the media cnn ,msnbc and fix news not question Mcain on his comment "i know how to find Bin Laden and i will get him".If he is the great patriot and is truly country first why is he not telling anyone .Seems unpatriotic to me and selfish. Wake up America you have the potential to elect a great leader,the world is watching. <<<<<<<<GO OBAMA

I swear to god that if Obama gets killed by some "joe-six pack" im leaving this country because mccain at this point is just getting people angry to enough to want obama dead

************PLEASE POST CNN****************************************

McCain and Palin have been inciting hate and anger.

Palin was found guilty of abuse of power.

A citizen's watch group found that ONLY 34% of Sen. Obama's ads are negative.

Not only are McCain's ads negative, they are lies.

Its time for us, Americans, to reject the politics of FEAR, HATE AND LIES!

people should just start booing even before McCain/Palin start with their rhetorics. they should let it be known that the path they are trying to take the people is unacceptable. Let them know that sleaze wont get them anywhere and that the people are sick and tired of it. Tell the people what you are going to do instead of who your opponent is and what he cant or wont do. Enough is enough…..

Lying to us is not presidential.
Barack Obama do not abuse his power to fire no body wrongly. The investigation was not tainted; it was a bipartisan investigation and they caught Sarah lying. She is a no brainer power abuser who will fire you if you divorce her sister. What is a shame. We do not want power abuser in the white house. Joe Biden never abuse his power.Ethics verse trust. How can we trust the GOP? They had lied about it for so long and refused to coorparate because they knew that they were guilty. They are so desperate and have nothing else to talk about but lies. Do not let them deviate your thought about the economy.

Well, if it is true half and half, why did you selecte the half that shows Obama in a negative ad. More free press for your man mccain.
As long as CNN is covering this electon, mccain does not have to match Obama spending power. CNN has mccain's back.

Oh, and don't forget wooden teeth dobbs, the hater of Obama.

I don't have much, but, there goes another $100.00 to 08bama from me!

OMG. McSame's nastiness makes OBAMA's look like angelic.The McSame/F A I L I N campaign is running on NEGATIVITY only - it's like running on EMPTY.

This is silly. The headline is that both campaigns are equally negative. That is what it would lead people to believe. However, actually reading the article makes it clear that Mccain is 100% negative while Obama only runs 1/3 negative adds. Again, the ridiculousness of false equivalency.

WAKE UP AMERICA! This proves that Barack Hussein Obama lied to the American people when he said that he would run a different kind of race that any other candidate. Well, he was wrong, for he is no differnt that any other kind of politician, he will do anything to get elected, and that includes lying to the American people.

NOBAMA 2008

McCain/Palin 2008

Hillary Clinton 2012

Obama is a phony. He's trying to be all things to all people. He'll
raise your taxes….he'll ruin the whole economy. You are sometimes
judge by the company you keep. Duh…………

Sen. McCain is one of the finest men I would trust to run this country!
Who in the world is Obama! Where did he come from, what has he
done? Nothing to speak of. So, how can you trust this man from
no where to run the country.

McCain for President!!

Barack Obama do not abuse his power to fire no body wrongly. The investigation was not tainted; it was a bipartisan investigation and they caught Sarah lying. She is a no brainer power abuser who will fire you if you divorce her sister. What is a shame. We do not want power abuser in the white house. Joe Biden never abuse his power.Ethics verse trust. How can we trust the GOP? They had lied about it for so long and refused to coorparate because they knew that they were guilty. They are so desperate and have nothing else to talk about but lies. Do not let them deviate your thought about the economy.

Obama's ads are attacking McCain's economic policies, McCain's attack ads are trying to label Obama as a terrorist … a far worse charge that has the real possibility of encouraging actual acts of violence.

obama has to fight back with truth even if it is negative. republicans introduced this tactic and it used to work. no more. obama will win and those tactics will no longer be relevant. next time repubs, show some integrity if you know what that is!

John McCain has a record of reform.
Why would anyone believe Sen. Obama's promises of change when he has never demonstrated it during his career?

Americans for McCain '08

it is sad, not right when politics turn nasty. Each of them has good and not that good qualities, but this doe not mean that they will be so negative to each other - ideally. But what is ideal on this world? How people make- up their mind?
whom to pick, whom to trust?
A lot of people are so confused.

I guess we need a third party which would gather the best from the two, and eliminate the worst of the two.

it is sad, not right when politics turn nasty. Each of them has good and not that good qualities, but this doe not mean that they will be so negative to each other - ideally. But what is ideal on this world? How people make- up their mind?
whom to pick, whom to trust?
A lot of people are so confused.

McCain has nothing constructive to say, his smile is creepy and his runningmate is an idiot. He has no choice but to make up scary stories about Obama. All we can hope is people will read the facts and vote for CHANGE!

Vote No to Mccain/Palin. Sarah Palin lied about Obama Paling around with Terroist and Sarah Palin was found Guilty of Abused of Power.The question here is who is the really Sarah Palin? We have to not reward bad behavior Sarah Palin will take that bad behavior to the white house if elected, We must work hard to elect Obama/Biden to the White House we the people are tired of lies and corruptions that is what people will get if another Republican is elected to the White House in the likes of Mccain/Palin

America is knows world wide as a melting pot "Bring me your tired, weary ..". that's what makes it the Great USA. I wish McCain had told that woman in the red shirt "Sen. Obama is an AMERICAN just like you.. instead he has insulted American Arab men, are they NOT good family men ? He just doesn't GET IT.

For every negative that McCain puts out, Obama or some surrogate plays the race card.

Touche liberals, it is politics as usual. Your poo stinks too…don't ever forget that.

call a spade what it is. that woman palin leaves a sick feeling in my guts from what she says just to win an election. Has she stopped to think what could be the consequences of anything happening to obama as a result of the hatred she is sowing among her supporters.? It will be disastrous for everybody,simply by looking at her supporters and telling them blatant lies about Obama is enough reason for any right thinking AMERICAN to reject her .Obama should continue his honourable campaign and don,t let a drowning man and woman drag him down. i am watching from outside the USA, GOD BLESS AMERICA WITH A GOOD LEADER.

CNN you are a joke. You post nothing but pro Obama rhetoric. Has Obama contributed to you too. I guess you will all be happy when he puts his socialist agenda into place.

That is odd. "Not presidential"

Didn't they just say a few months ago that Obama was acting TOO presidential and needed to know his "place"?

Strange how they can have their cake and eat it too, but cry foul when the Democrats have any contradiction in the slightest.

I believe the definition for that would be: hypocrite.

With the McCain campaign engaging in the worst inflammatory campaign since Nazi Germany. the Obama campaign has to react.

The republican campaign has completely given up on issues and is now engaged in lies and distortions at best.

Wrong. Obama's ads attack McCain's policies, not him personally.

If Obama had an ad that said that McCain is an old, angry fart, and at 72 years old, he needs to go retire, sit down, and shut up, then I would consider that negative ad.

Get it together CNN.

Obama/Biden 2008/2012.

"Not Presidential" what does't mean really? Not white????????

What a waste of money. Oh, how we need reform. Candidates should not be able to buy their way to the presidency. Obama $21.5 million spent on ads vs. $9.2 million for McCain. At a time when the average American is hurting financially, these parties throw away enormous sums of money, sums that exceed all campaigns of previous years. What a disgrace!

I suggest each campaign receive the same dollar amount. It would force the candidates to be creative and would not give one an unfair advantage over the other. Plus, it would help the American people keep their money in their own pockets. Too many people have squandered their money with their bets!

It's a good thing I don't fall for mudslinging.

I agree with most of the people here, Obama seems to be attacking McCain's policies, whereas McCain is attacking Obama's character. BIG DIFFERENCE. I know this is probably a cliche, but the McCain of 2000 could have gotten my vote, (though I was 10 at the time.) This guy scares me. He is using the same tactics that derailed him in 2000 against Obama! Isn't that a little ironic?

Unfortunately, many people believe everything, even though a simple google search can prove the ads wrong.

McCAIN state that he wanted to run a clean campaign… What happened????????the polls started to tank, then out comes the crap…..I don't know if this a mental problem, but he is so desperate that he will try anything. Has anyone noticed that when a republican is asked a question that they can't answer or the answer would not be =constructive for them, they start on Obama, I heard it this morning with Rick Davis. Mr Davis was asked about the money he got,until recently, guess what, NO answer, then he was on Obama. Listen to them, anytime they get their butts in a sling, they start on Obama.

MCnasty is sleeze the same form of filth used against him in 2000,by bush&rove he is now using against Obama in 2008.

Doug—

You're right. Believing in bullcrap does not make it true. Neither is believing in lies and ignorance.

Attack Someone's Lies, Polices & hypocrisy is Negative Campaigning??? … come one .. CNN …..

All Mc Cain has is personal attacks … & Smears

Obama DID NOT hit first, McCain did. Obama is only defending his character. His adds are an answer to McCain's attacks. Obama/Biden are NOT negative, McCain/Palin are.

McCain and Palin are running an "arrogant" and "ignorant" campaign preying on the innocent and confused people hurting from this economic downturn. Their leadership CLEARLY demonstrates WHAT a MCCAIN PALIN ADMINISTRATION will comprise of in Washington. Lets be clear….that if this attitude is the last resort in desperate moments and "crisis" then the American people can expect a dirty, low-down indespicable LEADERS as president and vice-president of AMERICA! But the good always prevails…OBAMA only needs to STAY FOCUS on the MESSAGE!

Barack Obama is much more Presidential than that blowhard McCain and his trained show dog.

GO OBAMA/BIDEN '08 and '12!

I suppose it was presidential for McBush to call Obama "that one".

I hope we Americans don't vote for the cheater or we'll be cheating for the next 4 years. We don't want a thief to be our president do we????

Poor choice of graphic CNN…not what you would call objective!!!

There is a difference between initiating a negative attack and responding to it as so many Obama supporters have already noted.

Even Republicans are agreeing that McCain's campaign is erratic and lurching as they huddle THREE weeks before an election to put forward an economic plan. I will be interested to see how many of Obama's policies will be in this plan as was the case in the changes Obama wanted made to the bailout/rescue package.

Go with the real deal not the campaign that lies, smwears and plagerizes!!!!

CNN, a lot of this is your fault. I used to think you were the best in the business for reporting unbiased news. I don't think so anymore and I am going to go elsewhere for my news. CNN keeps leaning toward the GOP. The headline on this article is just another example of CNN's failing.

Should something "happen" to Obama or HIS FAMILY because of
McCain's dirty Rove tactics in attacking Obama ruthlessly, I will personally blame McCain!!!! How can McCain run a campaign like this and be able to sleep at night!!! And Alaska, can have Palin BACK. We don't want her! ABUSE of POWER is what the BUSH ADM. DID for the last 8 YEARS!!!! MCCAINS Dirty, rotton campaign tactics will go down in the HISTORY BOOKS and American minds, forever!. No matter what trick he brings out of the bag this time!!!!.

CONNECT THE DOTS: Rove, Palin, Hannity, Bush, Ann Coulter,
Limbaugh, McCain, Cheney. All rotton eggs!

Should something "happen" to Obama or HIS FAMILY because of
McCain's dirty Rove tactics in attacking Obama ruthlessly, I will personally blame McCain!!!! How can McCain run a campaign like this and be able to sleep at night!!! And Alaska, can have Palin BACK. We don't want her! ABUSE of POWER is what the BUSH ADM. DID for the last 8 YEARS!!!! MCCAINS Dirty, rotton campaign tactics will go down in the HISTORY BOOKS and American minds, forever!. No matter what trick he brings out of the bag this time!!!!.

McCain is still at 46%- Tell me, Where is that a gain? Give me a break. Go Obama/Biden 2008/2012

Should something "happen" to Obama or HIS FAMILY because of
McCain's dirty Rove tactics in attacking Obama ruthlessly, I will personally blame McCain!!!! How can McCain run a campaign like this and be able to sleep at night!!! And Alaska, can have Palin BACK. We don't want her! ABUSE of POWER is what the BUSH ADM. DID for the last 8 YEARS!!!!

MCCAINS Dirty, rotton campaign tactics will go down in the HISTORY BOOKS and American minds, forever!. No matter what trick he brings out of the bag this time!!!!.

I am sick of the finger pointing and mudslinging. I have lost more than 5k from my 401 and McSame is doing the same old Washington Mud Dance. Let us misdirect the people so we can get a few more dollars in our own pockets for another 4 years.

I was undecided until this past debate. McSame talked about nothing. Gave no remedy. Gave no plans in the last week. Palin just added to the fury - Abortion? We are losing ground on our financial stand in the world and in our own borders. Why the heck are they just pointing fingers.

The statement was correct - no plan = no win.

Talk is talk. This is all an old man and a overly dressed, confused woman can do…… Talk about nothing and wink like it's just SO dang cute.

Should something "happen" to Obama or HIS FAMILY because of
McCain's dirty Rove tactics in attacking Obama ruthlessly, I will personally blame McCain!!!!
How can McCain run a campaign like this and be able to sleep at
night. And Alaska, can have Palin BACK. We don't want her! ABUSE of POWER is what the BUSH ADM. DID for the last 8 YEARS!!!!

MCCAINS Dirty, rotton campaign tactics will go down in the HISTORY BOOKS and American minds, forever!. No matter what trick he brings out of the bag this time!!!!.

I guess after being the "great deregulator" for 26 years, which got this country in this mess in the first place; and after embracing Bush's failed economic policies 90% of the time McCain is running eractic and frantic to come up with something new to get his campaign out of the toilet. But he fails to realize that the American people are on to his schemes and do NOT trust him to lead this nation.

Currently McCain's negative rating is 51% and his positive rating is just 27%. He does NOT have the experience, good judgment, nor temperament to be Commander-in-Chief !

It's time for the American people to get it right and NOT vote for McCain-Palin, instead vote for change. It's time for this country to turn the page and seek a new and better future for ourselves and our children.It's time for REAL change in

Obama-Biden are the wiser and stronger team to solve the crucial challenges we have in this nation and abroad !

Why does this article describe Obama spending 34% on negative ads as just under half? 34% is almost exactly 1/3, so why not call it that instead of trying to make it sound closer to 1/2 than it actually is?

And of course, if the news media reports what is happening fairly! The McCain Camp is going to say that it IS THE LIBERAL MEDIA BIAS! There is no way to win with these people! The only way to WIN is to EXERCISE THE ONLY POWER WE HAVE…. AND VOTE THEM OUT!

Let's call an attack ad an attack ad!

McCain is sowing hate and discontent. He is attacking Obama's character! McCain is appealing to the lowest level of Human Mentality with fear and hate!

Obama is attacking the issues and McCain's wrong headed plans that mirror only the Bush Policies!

There is a BIG difference!

What?!?!? The saint Obama is spending just as much on negative ads as the eeeeeeeeeeeeeevil Republicans?!?!

How can this be?? Obama is a DIFFERENT kind of politician, right? Isn't that what we've had crammed down our throats for the last years??? He's going to CHANGE Washington!!!!

So sad that it took CNN this long to figure out what everybody else already knew. Obama is the textbook definition of a Washington politician.

I cannot beleive a McCain spokesman would have the nerve to say that he didn't know where the people came fron and that they may be there to disrupt the event. OMG. Come on media call these people out.

While both campaigns are getting more negative, McCain's negative ads are personal attacks and Obama's negative ads are on policy. So which one is really negative ads? I think it's McCain. When you have nothing to offer, you attack the other guy personally. Who said that, John McCain.

John McCain and Palin have nothing left but attack Obama instead of attacking the real issues, the economy. The kind of attacks McCain and Palin are using do not take in considering all the ethnic groups we have in our military that are fighting side by side, what kind of message is McCain sending them. McCain of all people should know better if he expects Americans to recognize and honor him for his military service.

I think everybody should call on MCsenile to repudiate all the trash being put out by the Republican party along with the nut cases.

I'd prefer a candidate that tells me what they are going to do for the American people rather than sling dirt at their opponent. I think the Republicans ads are nastier and less truthful, although I have a liberal bias so it could be that I just find the Republican ads more annoying.

I think they ought to give the candidates more time to answer the questions in the final debate. Sure it'll mean less questions but there might be more substance in the answers. One could only hope.

Need to know the difference of Obama's contrast ads about policy and the negative ads of McShame being very very personal…the two types cannot and should not be compared!!!!!

Obama attacks policy, McCain attacks character. That's why we are so disappointed in McCain, and that's why he will lose.

Again, Obama supporters are purposely missing the point, Obama has run a dirty, nasty campaign from the beginning. He won against Clinton by labeling her a racist. If she was such a racist, why is he now asking her to help him win. Obviously he was saying anything to win. The man has run a negative campaign from the beginning, his fans are just to hypocritical to admit it.

Well, Obama wouldn't go negative if McCain hasn't gone negative. In fact, I was hoping both men would be civil and have a civil debate on issues. While Obama criticized Obama in McCain position on policies, and those are the issues that should be debated, McCain's campaign attacked Obama personally. But between their attacks and what we observe personally because Obama is out there campaigning for more than a year, it just reveals those people in the McCain campaign are blind and full of anger, and McCain doesn't quite know how to deal w/ this.

Jack - Where are you? Where is the Cafferty File? We need you Jack, it's getting ugly out here. God bless you and give you strength.

I am really getting fatigued by all of this politicking, especially the negativity, when we all should be focusing on preventing an economic depression (I used the "D-Word"). Having partisans as guests on a "news" program creates heat (really good for ratings?) but not much in the way of constructive dialogue towards a comprehensive plan. The American people and many folks around the world need imaginative, resourceful, and brave leadership right now from governments, industry, and the news media.

Equating a tough issues attack ads with ads which essentially equate the opposing candidate as a 'bad (dangerous possibly terrorist) person' is ridiculous. There is absolutely nothing wrong with attacking the other candidate's policies. But there is something profoundly wrong with attacking the other candidate's CHARACTER. CNN, get a clue and please quit trying be "fair and balanced" at the expense of rationality and reality!

"The difference is Obama's "negative" ads are for McCains lies and failed policies not personal or negative innuendos."

That's exactly what I was going to say.

»HURRAH for the GREAT man John McCain,our next President. Of course.

McCain spends 100 per cent of his money on negative ads.
Obama spends one-third of his money on negative ads.

CNN- you guys should research: "How to Lie with Statistics".

OB08
GOTV

Obama needs to run more negative adds about John McCain and Keating 5. He also needs to hit Palin on her ethics voilations.
This needs to be front and center right now.

With that said, I am just amazed that any of this matters with the economy in the turmoil it is in. But– what McCain and Palin have been doing seems to be resonating. So we need to hit them right back. Poltics as usual I guess.

100% of McCain's desperate campaign has been negative.

The majority (66%) of Obama's campaign has been positive. You decide.

Obama/Biden '08
Hands Down.

Define negative. The Obama Ad's do not inspire Neo Nazi Race Hatred.

In 2000, McCain said any candidate running almost 100% negative ads has nothing to offer America.

Now, McCain is that candidate running nearly 100% negative ads that even his supporter and financer of factcheck.org have called lies from McCain.

Until Obama spends his 22 million on his 30 minute adds. I'm glad that when he feels everyone is doing so poorly, he can go and waste $ like that. Shouldn't he be trying to redistribute the money in line with his socialist political plans?

Sometimes I swear I can see the 2000 McCain struggling with the 2008 McCain for possession of his soul. It's a shame; I used to like and respect him, and if he stood now for the things he stood for back then, I'd probably vote for him.

Let me define negative for you: A negative ad is one where McCain attacks the character of Sen. Obama with ads that misrepresent the truth is not politics; it's personal. An ad where Sen. Obama attacks the accomplishments or non-accomplishments of McCain is not negative-it's called a political campaign. Please get the facts right, and stop misrepresenting Sen. Obama. Thank you.

Lets see jay from New Hampshire: proactive for Clinton and Bush years would have been attempting to talk and keep the Terrorist from killing millions, it would have been getting NATO to issue 10's of sanctions against Hussian over 10 years that did not work, to try and get peace in and around Isreal that didn't work, on and on, how many years of being proactive, sitting and talking while our enemy gets stronger do you want. Being buddies with the people that want to eliminate the USA really hasn't worked for 100 years or so. What is the President of Iran going to say at the table when barack says what can we do to get you to like us? answer: kill all Americans and Jews. that should work well, ya think?

I think McCain needs to tone it down he looks crazy when you see his eyes bulging he scared my grandchildren as we sat down to watch the debate I wonder if he should be allowed to have adopted children he may be to erratic to give them a quiet safe home he is very scarry and I worry if he keeps this up the cities may burn and hurt young innocent people I find it hard to believe anyone could want the White House that bad? I thought he put honor first but I guess that was a lie too like the rest of him and Palin they tell lie after lie well she is just empty headed but I used to respect John but not any more I see a lot of anger in that man he should seek counseling or stay away from the white supremisist groups he acts like a skin head?

The difference is Obama's "negative" ads are for McCains lies and failed policies not personal or negative innuendos.

Mcain has only nastiness and negativity in his campaign. This is not the man we need for president. We need an intelligent person with a cool temper, and one who tells the truth to the American people.

Let's elect a leader who will lead us in a new direction.
McCain is a follower, not a leader. He will follow George Bush in his policies and America will be forever lost to ignorant arrogant elitist extremists like McCain and Bush and a vote will never matter. We are losing our basic American rights in the current administration, and it would be a sad day if we lost our right to vote and have an effect on government, but that's the direction McCain wants to go. The Republican party is only a disguise for the corporations that have hijacked and are currently running our government. Don't be stupid about this. Don't vote for John McCain.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!

Years ago the whole world was watching the USA due to this country having slaves. The USA amolish this law because the World was saying you talk about how moral you are and you have slaves. The whole world is watching again. Is abuse of power againt the law are what? IThis is the question. Are we following the rules are we breaking the rules? We are going through this now. We are breaking the rules now. That is why the banks are falling. Just do what you want to do. There is noting wrong with taking a man's money and nothing is being done about it. If you don't think the world is watching us you must be crazy. Abuse of power this is where it started. !!!!!!!!

Amazing fact if you consider that Obama supporters continue to swear that Obama does not go negative..there is nothing negative about asking Barack Obama about his past connections..We would do this with any candidate..Obama just refuses to answer and the MSM is afraid to ask.

Make sure that you see the small difference in the messages of the adds. Obama states facts and shows how he is differnet from McCain. McCain tries to attack the person. When people want answers they do not like to see McCain attack the person they want to know how he has a better plkan.l McCain clearly has no plan, because if he did he woulod tell us what it is.

No PLAN NO VOTE NO WIN McCain

This article is misleading. Through it's headline and focus, it implies that Obama and McCain have the same focus with their advertising, but gives little importance to the fact that 2/3 (66%)of Obama's budget is going to positive advertising as compared to 100% of McCain's budget going to negative advertising. The headline should read: McCain 100% negative, Obama only 34% on negative advertising.

It is telling that McSame told one of his supporters at a rally last week that Obama is NOT dangerous, while his attack ads allege that he is.

McSame's campaign offers exactly what his presidency would deliver. Erratic, confused, disorganized, shoot-from-the-hip behavior is not what we need in the Oval Office.

Mccain's ads are more offensive. Obama is sticking more to the subject.

In other words, the McCain's campaign is barely keeping up with
the Obama's campaign in terms of ads, negative or otherwise.

Is there any way to vote for McCain without voting for Palin?

Hey your right McCain is always negative, but look at what he's got to work with, obama,biden,f.raines,t.howard,j,johnson,j.wright,a.sharpton,j.jackson,t.rezko acorn, mrs.obama, come on he'd have to be telling lies if he wasn't telling the truth about barack oh boy and his pals. wake up people, believeing in bullcrap doesn't make it true.

Susan, you grow up! Obama has consistently outlined his proposals…instead of complaining about not hearing enough, why don't you just go to his website and click on ISSUES! Obviously you must not be paying attention but you have enough time to post your comment on here so maybe take a little extra time to go to his site.

Also, McCain's ads are filled with lies and personal attacks! The only reason Obama isn't 20 points ahead is because people are too lazy to look up information!

Would it not be wonderful to go back to the spirit of the Lincoln Debates where personal attacks were avoided. McCain and Palin have put Obama in the position to respond to their dirty lies and innuendoes. The way he does it continues to show him as the more astute leader.

Okay, let's ask this question: Which candidate is spending more on positive ads designed to give the public an understanding of that candidates vision for the country?

I'd like to see them address the fact that world economies are collapsing, including ours, and what their plans are for when the global depression arrives and the US dollar becomes worthless.

That's more important than all this mudslinging stuff.

I for one am glad Obama is not just 'taking' this - if you really look at the dialogue and timing, Obama did not enter this negative ring until McCain/Palin started slinging arrows that had absolutely nothing to do with the presidential race - it was and is so personal its disgusting.

Interesting, McCain has lost all of his integrity and Palin is just egging him on and he allows it to continue - guess that shows McCain's 'real' judgement…..

Why do the candidates invest time and money into negative ads?

Because they work.

The "low information voter", which I fear makes up a majority in this country, is affected by these negative ads.

They work. It is sad but true.

That is a Karl Rove, Republican, tactic to put things out there to scare people into voting for the Republican candidate. The American people are truly frustrated about what is going on with the economy and how it affects their lives. Senator McCain offered his buy back solution and if I understand it correctly it will put an extra burden on taxpayers. I am blessed to be able to cover everything right now but if something like that were to come along with the already increased gas prices (thank goodness they are dropping some), increased food pricing, and everything else that increases when your paycheck doesn't. The American people want to hear what these candidates have to offer - not attacks. It seems as if for some time now tht all Senator McCain has done is attack - I guess he has no platform to offer as a solution. Senator Obama has no other choice but to attack back - he has no plan to let them swiftboat him like they did Kerry and I don't blame him for that.

WOW One day you say McCain is 100% Negative ( The rest of the media agrees) Then you try and backhand Obama and make it look like he is doing the same thing as McCain is???

Whats wrong CNN? The Polls going against McCain scareing you??

How dare you say Obama is just as bad as McCain. No Wonder your channel is goin gdown in flames.

You can be sure that Sen. Obama's life has been examined, investigated, and scrutinized more than anyone who runs for President. ENOUGH!!! Gov. Palin comes out of an investigation with a "bad" grade on her report, and she is still given an "A". Gov. Palin's attacks and negative comments regarding Sen. Obama is creating an atmosphere of hatred and racial divide. Her radical behavior may cause some adverse problems. We do not need another Civil Rights Movement. I think Sen. McCain did well trying to calm it down. They'd better listen to Rep. Lewis. He's been there and have the scars to prove it. Negative ads should be suspended from both parties. I am sick of them and it's a waste of money. Let me know in detail, what you can do for to eliminate some of the problems we are facing today. I know that eight years of bad political decisions cannot be resolved right away, but I want to know Sen Obama and Sen. McCain's intentions. What I don't want to hear from Sen. McCain is, "I can do this". He's been there for 26 years. Why wasn't it been done? He can find Ben Laden…Why not tell the military forces trying to find Ben Laden? COUNTRY FIRST????????????????????

The way I see it, the republicans are using fear tactics ,which is very dangerous, are they willing to take responsibility if some redneck that Palin entices,attempts to gravely harm Obama???? My guess is no,I would expect for her to claim innocence like she's been doing about other things ,which she knows she is responsible for.
To put it in context Charles Manson is still in prison for acts he enticed!

It is tii bad that Republicans have nothin good to say or finding solutions for today problem. All they could do is to play the fear games for 8 years and now continue with McSame.

No one said thaqt the Govenor did not have the power to fire someoen. The issue wasz ethics SHE ABUSED THE POER OF HER OFFICE and EVEN WORSWE LET HER HUSBAND ABUSE THE POWER. IS that what we want in WASHINGTON? Do we want to have 4 more years of the VP abusing the powers of the office?

SHE IS DANGEROUS!

Hey Sarah & John, to know the REAL Obama, please read Frank Shaeffer's article that states that Obama will be one of the Greatest and Most LOVED Presidents in History.

please stop being such GIRLY BOYS and OVERLY SENSITIVE women.
There is nothing new about this type of campaigning; 200 years plus

There is a fundamental difference between ads that question McCains policy plans and those ads that try to "scare" americans into believing that Obama "pals around with terrorists.

This shows very poor leadership qualities on behalf of McCain in reining in the rhetoric coming from his surrogates…especially the 'hockey mom" who is clearly drumming up hatred at her rallies.

These last attempts by these two are so apparently desperate, due to a failing campaign, sinking in the polls with no answers.

McCain is clueless and his vp pick is a joke.

Obama and Biden will be in the White House and the Repugs are angry….get over it.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08/12!

You are neglecting to mention what the RNC is spending as well on negative ads–combined, the McCain Campaign and RNC has significantly more money than Obama and the DNC combined.

IM SO SICK AN F-N TIRED OF THE RACESICM IN THIS CONTRY , I CAN'T WAIT TILL THIRTY 30 OR 40 YEARS FROM NOW WHEN THE CONTRY IS MORE THAN 90% DARK SKINED ,AN ALL THE OLD PEOPLE FROM THE 1900s DIE !!!AN THEN WE CAN LIVE AS A PEOPLE AN NOT RACES !!!! ,AN YES I IM A PROUD BLACK MAN . SIGNED : ITS TIME TO MOVE ON

Hey, CNN censor, how about letting in a pro-McCain comment once in a while. My very tame comment was just deleted off of this blog. I simply stated that the Obamites are far more hateful than any McCain supporter that I have heard. How about trying to be a little unbiased and let every side have a say.

WHEN SOMEONE STARTS THROWING ROCKS AT YOU AND YOU HAVE NOWHERE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. THE ONLY THING YOU CAN DO IS PICK UP THE SAME ROCKS AND THROW THEM BACK AT THE PERSON WHO THREW THEM AT YOU. THIS IS A ROUGH ANALOGY BUT IT IS BASICALLY WHAT IS HAPPENING. oBAMA HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET HIS PLANS FOR AMERICA ACCROSS TO AMERICANS BUT WITH THE FACT CHECKED LIES BEING THROWN AT HIM THE ONLY WAY TO COUNTER IS TO THEM BACK. IT IS A SHAME BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO? A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE TURNED OFF BY THIS ME FOR ONE. I WAS LEANING TOWAARD MC CAIN UNTIL PALIN STARTED HER SUBLIMINAL RACIAL SLURS AT OBAMA AND MY MIND CHANGED IN A HURRY. GO OBAMA

YOU ARE RIGHT, BUT OBAMA DOES NOT DO PERSONAL ATTACKS, MCCAIN AND PALIN ARE SPREADING LIES AND FEARS.

Why is it not a big story that Sarah Palin abused her power as governor of Alaska? She is running as vice president of USA . If MaCain dies she will become the president. Is this the person you want to be preident of the USA? There is something wrong with this
thinking and I blame the media for not talking about this story. this should be the talk of the World. This person has abuse her power as governor why would she not abuse her power even as vice president.
the people we trust should have morals and to take the job of another person based on his not want to be inmoral is a very dishonest,. Just remember she could become president. God forbid anthing happen to McCain and you guys don't think this is a big story. The American people are not fools. People break the law and it is ok like abuse of power . This is outrageous the law dosen't mean anything to you guys in the media. No morals or respect for the USA.

Praying for his defeat ? LOL I prayed once as a kid because my parents forced me to but when I grew up I realized that I was talking to myself.

Here we go again! Senator Obama and his campaign are injecting the race card again, this time against Senator McCain and Governor Palin just like they did during the primary. Then, they framed President Clinton and Senator Clinton as racist.

Also, Senator Obama’s campaign insults voters by implying if they vote against Senator Obama they are racist.

Guess what, I will vote against Senator Obama because he has little experience and displays a lack of ideas and judgment.

This Democrat will vote for McCain!

McCain is going on the attack, that is all he has left & that is what he is going to continue doing. McCain started the negative & down right hateful campaigning & ads, Obama had to strike back. McCain/Palin however, have crossed the line. They need to do more to calm their crowds down. McCain has started doing some, but not nearly enough & it should have been done the very first time it happened. Instead they just more or less condoned it & stood by & watched the "mob style" reaction. John Lewis is right & I am glad he spoke out, i hope John McCain takes his advice. McCain/Palin has run a hateful, racist campaign, I am sick of them. No McCain/Palin, No Way, No How.

There is just too much negative stuff coming out of the mouths of the republicans. They are playing to the less educated people, the ones who have missed or never had the opportunities some others had.

This is not protecting the vulnerable - it's abusing the vulnerable. I have lost all respect for McCain, and I'll never forget it.

People really have to stop acting like this is some sort of football game, guess my other post was a little too "hate filled" for a democrat so i doubt itll be posted but honestly, this is pathetic, you would think people would vote for the future of their kids but its almost gotten down to a pathetic contest on who can mislead the others crew the most, and its no secret that the McCain campaign is built around that idea. You cant deny that Obama has tried to stick with the important subjects but hes constantly having to turn around and attack back in the same fashion that hes attacked, i dont agree he should stoop that low but ya gotta do what ya gotta do when its come down to a football game like atmosphere. Tough thing is so many have been wrong, and so many were Republican, and so many cant admit when they are wrong and i think that BS pride is whats really fueling the anger, the fact that people were wrong, and here we are, but theyd rather keep walking us off a cliff then admit it. Pathetic.

CNN and all others news orgs, for the love of Steve, could you please recognize that there is a huge difference between "negative" and "dirty"?

What do you know…CNN didn't close this comment page after only 1 or 2 submissions, what's up with that?

And Obama's surrogates like Rep. Lewis calling McCain a white racist just like Wallace is not negative and hate mongering? I guess not among the anti-american leftists here. The only ones bringing up race in this campaign has been Obama and his people.

Only 34% of Obama's adds are negative? Whose doing the fuzzy math here..Barney Frank? Chris Dodd or Chucky Shumer? Remember that these are the folks who gave us the freddy mac and fannie mae mess and if you believe that's not so and that it was the republicans behind it, than why are the democrats not holding special committee hearings to root out who was the culprit? Because it was the dems who started this ball rolling.

isn't it ashame the that the media only focuses on McCain's negative ads, and that Obama supporters excuse his negative ads. Hypocrites, the whole bunch! The decry violence on the Republican side, while excusing it on the Obama side, they should be condemning both sides, but their Messiah has spoken. It's kind of scary the depths that people will sink to support Obama, just ask Hillary Clinton what it felt like to be on the receiving end of Obama's ideas about hope and change.

Governor Palin's current family crisis (troopergate findings, pregnant daughter, Todd's indiscretions) is sure to have a psycholgical impact on Mrs. Palin and her extreme right wing positions.

It depends in great if America wants to move forward from the Rove years.

Hopefully, McCain,72, will retire now.

They may be spending the same, but all that means is that Obama is buying more expensive airtime (primetime) than McCain. Obviously that doesn't necessarily equate to him having actually more negative airtime than McCain.

McCain and Palin have actively campaigned hate and divisiveness across the country. I have not heard of any one at an Obama or Biden rally accuse McCain of being an Arab. I have not seen uniformed law enforcement on the podium with mic warming up crowds with inuendo and inference that the McCain or Palin have ties to terrorism and God fearing Americans need to be afraid for their safety if McCain and Palin are elected. I have not heard of people yelling for the murder of another at an Obama or Biden campaign rally.

The effect of McCain's and Palin's negative campaign, which sets a new low for America, is chilling. And McCain keeps endorsing that message.

McCain is getting caught up in his web of lies and the American voters are finally seeing the truth……John you have just royally scr&wed your legacy…and all because you felt the Presidency was owed to you….just like Hillary !!!!!

I just watched the HBO movie "Recount". It shows how republicans stole, literally, the 2000 election.

Through stirring up anger, even hiring actors to portray protesters and hiring people to intimidate election officials, the campaign sending death treats to county officials, hiring lobbiests to convince state officials not to do a recount, and hiring republican recounters to protest every vote, stalling the recount. A lot of other nasty stuff just to get the corporate puppet, Bush into the whitehouse.

It was the same playbook the McCain campaign is using, only without the racism.

I am disgusted and am going to vote democratic this year.

It would be nice if they would stop all of the negative ads but that won't happen. I think some are really bad. It just needs to stop,because so much of it doesn't matter. I feel that one side is so full of hate, that really needs to stop NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a joke to put this picture and caption on the blog CNN!!! Not really an objective choice.

Aftter what happened to Senator McCain in 2000, I still have a hard time believing this is the road he's chosen to go down. I'm pretty sure the McCain of 2000 wouldn't even recognize the McCain of 2008.

On another note…CNN stop closing the tickers so early. 9 comments spread out over the last 4 topics. If you're going to open the articles up for comments, at least give people the opportunity to write them. Thank You.

Seems there are two types of so-called negative ads - one that are attacking the other on policy and others attacking on character using fear. Both camps have both types - but McCain camp seems to be attacking on character more than the Obama camp.

I have no problem with policy-based attack ads - but the character ones breed fear and hate.

McSame is almost entirely negative because he is desperate and has no positive vision to offer American voters.

We are sick and tired of Bush/Cheney/Rovian politics. Voters will reject the negative message offered by McSame/Failin.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Both negative yes. But CNN you're not mentioning that McCain's attacks are primarily character attacks, Obama's attacks are primarily on policy.

It is apparent to me that Palin has taken bad cop position so McCain can play steady good cop position. What the two did puzzled me over tha last week until I realized what they were doing. How pathetic to rally their base with scary hate tactics. I lived through the 60's, I pray we don't repeat it.

Margaret,
Boise, Idaho

Early voting is the way to go.

Registered Republican voted Obama/Biden 08.

I agree Obama didn't do it in person but pay people to do it. Like rage & booed at the McCain's and Hillary’s campaigned.

Compared to Obama, McCain has a much higher percent of ads going for character attacks. The largest percent of Obama's negative ads attack McCain's and the Republican party's policies - not questioning McCain's patrioism or claims of being a Christian.

There is a finite difference in the ads Obama's running and the ads McCain's running. Obama's ads point out the shortcomings of McCain's proposed legislations, while McCain's ads incite hatred, linking Obama to "terrorists" and "racist" ministers. I can guarantee you McCain would stand a chance against Obama if he followed suit - that and punting Palin back to Alaska.

Sen. McCain constantly emphasizes his record on reform, especially his joint legislation for campaign reform. So, when does the McCain-Feingold legislation take effect? In our lifetimes??? It makes me sick to see how much money is spent on both campaigns. This issue may not be up there with the economy or terrorism, but surely at a time when so many people are losing their jobs, homes &/or retirement savings, such waste is obscene (equal to the arrogance of AIG & their thumbing their nose at the American taxpayer by going to a spa!).

How do we ever expect to quickly resolve the economic issue when the So Called experts and elected government officials cannot agree on almost anything???

They seem to all let their partisan polotics stand in the way of open minded reasoning to resolve the issue. Who cares who has the right or a great idea if it will benefit everyone at this time of crisis.

I wish they would all get off their High Horses and come to earth to work together to find the solutions and to Hell with Party Politics or Ingrained, brain washed believed or otherwise differences and become more open minded to each others input.

They may not all fully agree on things and how to do things (even within same party) but do not put roadblocks on any good ideas due to polotics or party biases, but only based on supported sound reasoning to do so. Stop turning or ignoring things just for political reasons.

Matt

Anger on the Republican side is stemming from 1. The DVD "Obsession" was freely sent out to unsuspecting voters. I did not watch it, I took it down to Congressman's office and complained. Second, there have been no separation of church and state in the last two general elections which caused a lot of Christians to stop going to church, these Christians are democrats. These democrats are not only mad about the economy, but also a number of other issues. But the heat has been fired up primarily by that DVD "Obsession" and the lies it has in it.

Why isn't the Palin abuse of power getting more legs? If this were a charge against Senator Obama or Biden the GOP would be attacking them 24/7 over it. Is this because Palin is a woman that she is able to get away with it. It was actually her husband who was the most guilty using his wife's executive position to constantly pressure numerous state officials from the governor's office and recourses. Sarah and Todd did not pressure people to fire their ex-brother-in-law on their own personal time. They pressured people from the governors office on government time with government resources. They pressured subordinates under Sarah Palin who she could fire at any time to fire their ex-brother-in-law. This was a personal vendetta they had. It is absolutely ridiculous that Sarah and Todd Palin are getting away with this.

John Lewis (D-GA) is NO Civil Rights icon. He is full of hate. I realized today, that if Barack wins, we're going to hear Race Hate, Race, Race Hate for the next four years. All this hate will take the focus off our country's real needs. I'm sick and tired already of "It's Racial". From Rev. Wright, to Michelle Obama's beliefs, from Bill Clinton to John Lewis' hate - I'm turned off. I don't want to hear anymore Racial allegations… I'm sick and tired of it.

I've decided I'm not voting for Barack because I don't want 4 years of, "It's Racist".

One thing I have noticed about the McCain campaign is his attack ads are far more personal than Obama's. I agree that Obama has launched just as many ads however to me it seems like they are more policy attacks than personal attacks. Another thing I have noticed with McCain and his campaign is they are purely reactional. In business they teach us to proactive and not reactive and Obama is certainly more proactive than McCain. The word "lurching" while questionable is a pretty good analogy of how McCain is acting. And I personally feel that this is how he would run the country. Reacting instead of being proactive. We don't need four more years of that.

It's a WASTE of money. We want to hear what the candidates can do for our country, not the mud-slinging.

This negative bashing is getting old & tiresome.

GROW UP candidates!

Nice to see that for once the Democrats won't back down and let the right wing sleaze machine dictate how the election goes.

I would rather not have to see these negative ads at any point of the campaigns, but there are comparisons between candidates that must be explored for the public's education. I imagine that these confrontational strategies are concocted by the candidates campaign managers, who's goal is to inflame emotions in the public. This is where ignorance wins the game, and it's the uneducated (republican conservative) voter who listens, and believes what they hear.

There is a big difference calling an ad negative if it only points out the problems with the other candidates policies. In contrast when you air ads designed to crucify the other candidate and stir up hate and division then this is close to being illegal.

McCain is a very deeply troubled man, i have know him for the better part of over a decade and he has some serious emotional baggage. He ill advised us on the Baptist Foundation of Arizona financial mess in the late 90's at our Church North Phoenix Baptist Church, to his lack of ability to tell fact from delusions on his emotional issues. Since the Veterans Admin. has determined him 100% disabled and unfit for continue service that in itself is scary. I wish and and Cindy and the family well. But he would be a disaster to our Nation and it's freedom's.

He is NOT fit for President nor does he give good or sound financial advise since the BFA scandal we all lost millions at Church.

Why is it that people make remarks about Barack Obama not wearing the flag pin when I NEVER see John McCain wearing one.

I was a teenager in the 60's. McCain and especially Palin ARE sowing the seeds of hatred and division. Representative John Lewis is absolutely correct. With our financial crisis, the fear and hate will spread extremely quickly. McCain has opened the doors to something that he will not be able (and I doubt he is really even willing) to contain. Any resulting violence will be on McCain's head and conscience…if he has one (and I doubt that, too). By: White female and ex Republican after this election who will be voting for the respectable Senator Obama this year.