October 31, 2008
Posted: 11:00 AM ET

From
 Sarah Palin is campaigning with Mike Ditka on Friday.
Sarah Palin is campaigning with Mike Ditka on Friday.

LATROBE, Pennsylvania (CNN) – Barack Obama may be one of America’s most famous Chicago Bears fans, but the team’s legendary former coach Mike Ditka isn’t returning the sentiment — he’s campaigning with Sarah Palin.

Ditka, who also coached the New Orleans Saints and is now an analyst on ESPN, hit the trail with Palin on Friday in western Pennsylvania, where he was born and raised.

“Thing I know about Pennsylvania, you're great people, you're hardworking people,” Ditka said, introducing Palin in Latrobe. “No-nonsense people, and that's what this is all about. I'm not here because I'm a Republican, which I am, and I'm not here because I'm a conservative, which I am. I'm here because I am an American.”

Ditka proceeded to challenge Obama’s campaign mantra.

“We talk about change,” Ditka said. “Change from what, to what, and how? How you gonna do anything? Don’t talk about what you’re going to do, prove you can do something! If we're smart, the only option we have is to elect John McCain and Sarah Palin. Put ‘em in the White House, and let ‘em redirect where we're going.”

It's not the first time Ditka and Barack Obama have found themselves on opposing teams — the mustaschioed Super Bowl winner saw his name floated in the 2004 Illinois senate race as a possible Republican opponent to Obama.

Departing somewhat from John McCain's argument that failures on Wall Street and in Washington have imperiled the American worker, Ditka argued that anyone seeking employment can find a job — as long as they’re willing to make an effort.

“This is the land of opportunity,” he said. “It's not a land of handouts. If you’re willing to work, you can find a job. If you're willing to work, you can find a job.”

Filed under: Sarah Palin


Matt   October 31st, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Hey "ken"

I'll see your threat of redneck riots and raise you a national state of emergency if the Republicans cheat their way into the White House this election.

linda n carolina   October 31st, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Ditka: I hear Mean Joe Green, Jack Ham and Jack Lambert are looking for you.

Dazed and Confused   October 31st, 2008 12:19 pm ET

@ AValasquez:
You are delusional. Do you think Barack can do anything right this second? You have already made up your mind, so don't be offended when you are out of work and have no healthcare, can't pay your bills and live in a cardboard box because you choose to go down the unethical road paved by the Neocons. Are you an idiot? How long have you been in this country? I ask, because no citizen that has been here for their entire life should want to go through what we have for the past 8 years. You hear me knockin? Well let me in……

CANADIAN CLUB   October 31st, 2008 12:19 pm ET

MIKE DITKA HAS TAKEN TOO MANY SHOTS TO THE HEAD, TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. AMERICANS SHOULD LISTEN TO COMMON SENSE AND NOT WASHED UP HAS BEENS.

Nelson Colorado Springs Co   October 31st, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Palin should do a fact check on Sen McCain Republican opponent Sen. John McCain criticism of Obama's relationship with Rashid Khalidi, an Arab studies professor at Columbia University, by suggesting that McCain also had a link to Khalidi. It said, "John McCain should answer why, under his own chairmanship, the International Republican Institute repeatedly funded an organization Khalidi founded, the Center for Palestine Research and Studies, over the course of many years." Put foot in mouth

T   October 31st, 2008 12:19 pm ET

OH GOD PLEASE SAVE US!!!!!!!!! OBAMA ANTI-CHRIST 08

lm, texas   October 31st, 2008 12:19 pm ET

you talk about how mccain has talked bad about Obama. all i see is hypocracy. if someone doesn't aggree with you all you do is beat them down and talk about how stupid they are. how smart are you not to see that?

John McCain is a LIAR   October 31st, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Senator McCain you are no hero, you are in fact a terrorist.

Your campaign advisor & "Transition Chief" William Timmons was a Saddam Hussein lobbyist for 5 years.
You pal around with Gordon Liddy, domestic terrorist.
You are a member of "The Project for a New American Century" – a radical extremist terrorist organization.
Your VP candidate's husband Todd Palin is a domestic terrorist in the Alaskan Independence Party.
You accuse Obama of knowing Rashid Khalidi, yet you yourself have given Rashid Khalidi & the PLO $500,000.00!!! So by your logic, if Obama is a terrorist sympathizer like you claim, then you Senator McCain are a state spronsor of terrorism. You are, by your own twisted logic, a terrorist by your own admittance.
You have met with Chilean Dictator Pinochet, a terrorist.
You're coordinated effort to use FOX NEWS, the Bush Administration, your campaign, Sarah Palin, and The Justice Department to commit voter fraud, voter intimidation, & voter suppression is an act of terrorism.

John McCain you are a disgrace to your uniform & to your country.

BS not Maverick   October 31st, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Thats what happens in football, you get your brains knocked out, and you do stupid stuff that makes people think twice as to why they hired you to do ESPN.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 31st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Nothing here folks – move on.

McWarmonger and Caribou Barbie just bad-mouthing the workers that lost their jobs, and trashing Obama.

What are their policies? Where are her medical records? Where is John's military history? Songbird failed his test in NAM. I don't think he should get do-overs by sending our kids into IRAN

Voted early for Obama/Biden – for ALL OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

ken   October 31st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

CNN, Ignore MCCAIN supporters as you do and figure we will just go away but our voices will be heard November 4th and than it will be you who is scrambling and pointing fingers. Just don't incite riots with more rhetoric. The NO BIAS and NO BULL is in your hands

P.J.   October 31st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

First John McCain claims the economy is fundamentally sound. Then Mike Ditka and Sarah Palin tell us people who don't have jobs are simply too lazy to go look for work. Out of touch doesn't believe to describe this crew.

Stupid is as stupid does   October 31st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Mike Ditka? I thought he was dead. Can you be any more desperate. Obama gets support from A-list people. McCain is scraping the bottom.

Matt   October 31st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Helmets weren't as effective back then as they are now.

IA Voter   October 31st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Ditka is a hack. He couldn't even keep his QB under his grasp. Eat another hot dog mike & watch the show….

ekk   October 31st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

If you pay close attention to what both sides are talking about- it would be clear who to vote for: I am Independent and I plan to vote for a winning Team -Obama/Biden

Andy   October 31st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

It is pathetic that "Joe the Plumber" has become McCain campaign's foreign policy and economic advisor. The campaign comes across like its not McCain but Joe the Plumber running against Obama. They bring common people to represent, but most of their agenda is favoring rich getting richer.

lm, texas   October 31st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

do you people realize that the celebrities in hollywood support obama? i'm pretty sure there are a lot of wealthy democrats who support obama. the republican party is made up of HARD workers who do not accept handouts. Hard work build a little character!!! I am not about to give my country over to a man to be in charge of our wealth. I want the freedom and liberty to succeed on my own with my hard work!!! Mike Ditka obviously understands that. His hard work paid off. He didn't get to where he was from handouts!!!

A Unified Nation - Reaching out Beyond Ideology   October 31st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

As much as I admire Ditka's on-field accomplishments and foreys into entertainment, I am not going to rely on a multi-millionaire football jock to tell me what's in my best interests.

Alaska can be "socialist" like Venezuela's Chavez, because it HAS excess oil revenues… McCain is CLUELESS on the foreclosure plan, because there ARE NO models to give "fair" value to mortgages when no valuation can be done with a market in freefall. This pair is SO FULL of contradictions, the only Party with a record of economic success that ties security into international markets are the Dems in the last 25 years.

Let's rid Wash, DC of lobbyists who draft legislation and work for "special Presidential advisors" (see Cheney and Rove and Bush). We need to clean house and start with rational thinking, realism, and a long-term horizon that offers hope: We need Obama/Biden. It is going to take 25 years to undo the Bush/Cheney damage, but Obama is the right man to start the job.

Joseph, Los Angeles   October 31st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

When I saw that caption I had to click on it, I thought, wow Mike Ditka; gotta see what he has to say. Gee Whee CNN, what are you doing?

Go out and Vote!
Obama/Biden 08

kaz   October 31st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Sara Palin than Jo "The Plumber" and now Mike Dikta, what is next ?

brian   October 31st, 2008 12:15 pm ET

What does it say about the McCain campaign when they constantly need to bring "special apperances" people…

Annette   October 31st, 2008 12:15 pm ET

What happen to McCain fellow colleagues in the party? How come I don't see Rumsfeld, Cheney, the President, and list goes on?

Demorat to the bone   October 31st, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Prepare for a avelaunche on Tuesday. Obama all the way.

Miller, IA   October 31st, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Can CNN ever post one of my comments?

What does Ditka know about getting job. He thinks that everyone that is unemployed just sits at home not trying to find a job, guess he doesn't know what it's like. Doesn't know that to keep getting unemployment benefits you have to attempt to find a job, and that more jobs are being cut then are being created. Not to mention all the illegal immigrants taking some of our jobs. There businesses in SE Iowa cutting jobs everyday, maybe he should create some jobs with all his money. Oh yeah that's right that would be spreading his wealth around and we all know what he tries to do with his money, using his chariteis money for his own personal gain, The repubs really know how to pick them. Obama may serve on committees with some people, but McCain gives them the money.

stacey   October 31st, 2008 12:14 pm ET

haha, Smart move to have Palin, you gotta vote for someone pretty…=]]
just kidding

Charla in TX   October 31st, 2008 12:14 pm ET

====================================================

OH HOW I MISS CHRIS FARLEY………………

====================================================

nightshade   October 31st, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Very strong contrast on who goes on the stage with the candidates :D .

Doris,Memphis,TN   October 31st, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Dumb and Dumber on the trail!

Melvin   October 31st, 2008 12:13 pm ET

She is not ready to lead if something to McCain. She is making
attacks against Obama and she do not know him. He have not
attack her personally. This is dirty of her party to go on these ugly
attacks which Obama grandmother have to listen to on TV. He
or his party have nothing hurt her family or McCain family. This
sad they they do this in a fair way,McCain said he will not have a
dirty general election,but he lied as well. Tom Delay, was very
ugly as well,Obama have not said anything about him, Just the
party being ugly when their is nothing good to about the issues.

ken   October 31st, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Why awaiting Communist News Network (CNN) when others posted after mine have been accepted?? Are you waiting till it moves out of sight with the thought that noone will read it. Freedom of Speech 1984 OBAMA

Jeanie, PA   October 31st, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Any woman who will lie because someone told her to lie is not my idea of a leader. She's a puppy dog.

We're suffering here, we need solutions, not suck-ups.

Obama/Biden 08

Saundra in Maine   October 31st, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Ditka says “This is the land of opportunity,” he said. “It's not a land of handouts. If you’re willing to work, you can find a job. If you're willing to work, you can find a job.”

How rude. I am sure all the people who just lost their jobs and are desperate to feed their familes and pay their bills will appreciate Mr. Ditka's insistance that they aren't looking hard enough to find a job. WOW, he needs a realty check.

Kim in Texas   October 31st, 2008 12:13 pm ET

“This is the land of opportunity,” he said. “It's not a land of handouts. If you’re willing to work, you can find a job. If you're willing to work, you can find a job.”

You know the economy is bad when they have to lay off teachers. Dallas ISD had to release 500+ teachers this year. If you have vested years to a profession, it is very difficult to accept a minial job, much less ask for a handout to help you make it past the month. How out of touch can you be??

Obama/Biden

insanity   October 31st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

What's sad about this whole election is to see McCains reputation go down the drain. He was an honorable man, and I think for the most part he still is. This is apparent with his unwillingness to make race an issue. He deserves more credit for that.
Having said that, it should also be pointed out that this happened to McCain because he chose the wrong people to run his campaign. People who know nothing but attack politics. So in a sense he deserves some of the criticism.
I think the fundamental problem with McCain is his lack of competency. (compared to Obama) He did the wrong thing in every pivotal point of this election. Palin, Pick, suspend his campaign, debate/no debate, loosing all three debates, to name a few.

Brandon from Ohio   October 31st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Agreed with the others in this thread. Mike Ditka has so much money, he'd be stupid not to try to support McSame — the guy that's gonna help the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

cool onlooker   October 31st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

When can we end this Drama Queen's show?

Four days seem too long for this circus show. But at least we can get over with this dummy performance.

Let's count down the days till we see victory

Jeff R   October 31st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Interesting that Ditka supports Palin and McCain. He spends his time fighting for retired NFL players to get health insurance coverage. If he supported Obama those players would get coverage and he could spend his time doing something else.

I wonder what the Republican voters would think about him fighting for a union to support workers!!!!

pam Eugene OR   October 31st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Where are the smart people for McCain. I am sick of the jocks, fake plumbers, Divas and wack jobs thinking they are experts.
Oh, that's right, the smart people are for Obama!

Billy J , TX-   October 31st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Oh yes.. I could find a job, at Burger King or back in construction. But what a waste that would be, since I have been in the computer and networking business, for 15 years. But, you are right , Ditka. I could find a job, I could stand outside home depot and get work laying concrete or perhaps digging up someones sewer line with a pick and shovel. I feel better about the economy and where this government has steered it already.

Oh and by the way, past performance is not indicative of future results. Ditka… you have been a losing coach for decades now.

Matthew   October 31st, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Oh, if only Ditka would had entered that Senate race in Illinois four years ago. No one would ever know who Obama was today and Hillary would be poised to win the White House giving us a president who actually knows what she's doing. Wishful thinking I guess.

Andy   October 31st, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Its funny to hear the previlidged one talking about work. Yes, people may be able to find work flipping burgers at a minimum wage. Even that is getting tough with retailers cutting back. Is that where he wants the country led? Also, what credibility McCain has to lead to this country in right direction now, when he sided with Bush for over 90% of the time?

george from alaska   October 31st, 2008 12:11 pm ET

trick or treat…

ditka has always been a sell out clown. remember the "superbowl shuffle"?

anyway, i'm from alaska…mike ain't. i know that palin is a backstabbing, lying, opportunistic, egomaniacal witch…boo!

mccain gave her the break of a lifetime, and she is now backstabbing him just like she backstabbed her way into the governor's chair.

she is ultimate proof that people will buy anything.

Sarah & Mike Are Clueless   October 31st, 2008 12:11 pm ET

The two of them are LOST IN SPACE.

Moving on to a better America—Obama/Biden 08.

Levae   October 31st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Mike Ditka is such a Bone Head. He is really Rick Williams daddy. They are both air-heads. hehehehehehee

Bradley Gelder Tempe AZ   October 31st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Ditka could play football, but hje was a lousy couch and he's a lousier political analyst. Tell him to stick to what he does best – making commercials.

Selfish   October 31st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

I saw a comment about the "selfish" Republicans, just because they want to keep more of what they've EARNED. Who are really the selfish ones?

It isn't selfish to want the government to stick it to someone else so you can get your piece.

One contributor here says "My husband and I will pay more taxes and guess what? WE DON'T CARE!"

So, have been been writing an additional donation on the last seven April 15ths to help those less fortunate than you? Nope, didn't think so.

Another poster says we need more "programs" to care for __________________ (insert your pet cause here). Aren't there already enough programs?

Sarah, Not Qualified.   October 31st, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Christie McCullough was a wonderful person and a great teacher. She died in the Challenger disaster. I think we were ahead of ourselves. We sent Christie in space when our space program was not quite ready.

I feel the same way about Sarah. The world is not quite ready for her. She's likable and downhome and folksy, but she lacks the basic skills for the job as VP and potentially president. Christie was going up in space as a teacher and an observer. Sarah can't just observe, she has to act and she quite frankly is not qualified. Don't make t he same mistake we made in sending Christie up too soon.

God bless Christie McCullough, she did everything right. WE were at fault for sending her in space too soon.

Obama/Biden 08

Ivan   October 31st, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Mr. Ditka knows football, when it comes to politics he has as much knowlege of politics as the fans he berated about they're knowlege of football who called his radio show when he was the Head Coach of the Bears.

Lee   October 31st, 2008 12:09 pm ET

What I don't get is manufacturing plants are closing daily, thousands plus are losing their jobs at one time. Who da hell going to hire that many people at one time. Also, Exxon/Mobile made over 14 billion in one quarter; can anyone tell me how many people they hired during that quarter? That why tax cuts for corporations do not work, only shareholders make out!

Matt   October 31st, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Mike Ditka knows football…apparently not much else tho.

Independent   October 31st, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Really?"there is a job if you go out and look?"what country is Mike Ditka living in?760,000 jobs lost so far this year and he wants to slam the American people like they are too lazy to look for jobs?This is why John Mcain will never get my vote.

Rick from Illinois   October 31st, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Ditka sucks anyway! One glorified year as a coach, he is and always will be a blowhard! Who cares! Maybe he can coach the Alaskan Igloos next year to help his new buddy out, the female clown, Palin…

No Hillary = No Obama   October 31st, 2008 12:08 pm ET

There are stark contrasts in this gallop to the kingdom. Obama is more fictionalized than substantive; his campaign more contrived than transparent. McCain is non-fiction; his campaign down-to-earth. Electing a president based on a book of fiction, that's the media for you.

Sarah, Not Qualified   October 31st, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Christie McCullough was a wonderful person and a great teacher. She died in the Challenger disaster. I think we were ahead of ourselves. We sent Christie in space when our space program was not quite ready.

I feel the same way about Sarah. The world is not quite ready for her. She's likable and downhome and folksy, but she lacks the basic skills for the job as VP and potentially president. Christy was going up in space as a teacher and an observer. Sarah can't just observe, she has to act and she quite frankly is not qualified. Don't make t he same mistake we made in sending Christie up too soon.

God bless Christie McCullough, she did everything right. WE were at fault for sending her in space too soon.

Obama/Biden 08

W Spivey Merritt Island, FL   October 31st, 2008 12:08 pm ET

McCain is one scary individual, and that is coming from a Republican

Tom in S.A.   October 31st, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Sure are a lot of people screaming about the 700,000 laid off workers, gee I wonder how all those people got jobs, oh yea, it was under GW's watch. As a matter of fact no one is talking about how many jobs were created the last 8 years, just the lost ones, real good MSM for ya.

Dave   October 31st, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Ditka should have run for president. In an election between Ditka and Obama who would win.

Ditka- 538 electoral votes, Obama- 0

polish sausage…..Ditka…….Ditka…….Bears……Ditka

linda from South Dakota   October 31st, 2008 12:08 pm ET

mccain and palin are into this man for his money,, cos they are runnin low,,, theres no way this man truely supports mccain/palin,,, and if he doesmm its a pay-off,, trust me,, mccain will and does do anything to get what he wants,,,,,,, hes no canidaite for president,, and plain?…lol,, no way ever,,, she needs to take care of her business backin alaska,,,,, obama/biden, 08 and 12

truth hurts   October 31st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

who is Dirkita, what relavence does he have in politics

weneedstrongleadership   October 31st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Anyone here been noticing Sarah is back in her Macy's clothes, also both McCain and Palin are no longer wearing flag pins.

Undecided for Obama   October 31st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Another one bites the dust

Perplexed   October 31st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

People also seem to be throwing around the term 'socialist' without clearly understanding what it means. If welfare is considered a socialist concept, then we have been a socialist nation for decades. The concept of a progressive tax plan (people who make more money pay higher taxes) has also been in place in this country for decades. Reagan was actually a huge supporter of this concept. I think nobody would consider calling him a socialist. This idea that socialism stems from the government taking your hard-earned money and doing with it what it sees fit is rather silly too, since that is essentially what taxes are….and we have been paying taxes to a government of some kind since we were an English colony. We have not been over run by socialism in our 200+ year history of paying taxes, so I'm pretty sure a minor tweak in the current tax rates (3%) is not going to throw us over the cliff. In fact, before Bush was elected, we did not consider ourselves a socialist nation. Bush gave additional tax breaks to the very wealthy while in office. Obama wants simply to remove those additional breaks, bringing the tax rate for the very wealthy back to were it was 8 years ago. Nothing more.

Peter (CA)   October 31st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Independent (yeah,right)–

The right wing joke is as lame as the campaign. There is a difference, I gave MY $150 to Obama for his cause. I have no interest in any of it going to McCain and his campaign of lies.

Oh, if economics were as simple as the right wingers want to pretend it is. Socialism is alive and well in this country. Not only for Wall St. banks but subsidies for oil companies and factory farms. Wealth gets spread around. The only difference is it is the Republicans only want to give it to their rich friends.

Tony   October 31st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

This dimwit needs all the help she can get!

Veteran for Obama   October 31st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

McCain continues to allow unqualified people to comment on political issues.
And isn't the stage getting rather full. There's the V.P. candidate with her disfunctional family parading behind her. There's Ole Hank who has live off of his father's reputation his entire life.
There's No Show Joe who hasn't figured out yet that he is being used.
And now here's this guy from the wide wide world of sports criticizing the folks who got locked out of the plant that just moved its production facility
to another country.
People are looking for jobs that ain't there. John McCain is doing the same thing. He just doesn't know it yet.

Jay   October 31st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Why such a big deal now?

a sympathetic Canadian   October 31st, 2008 12:05 pm ET

you biased CNN! Tabloid things like dresses and outfits of candidates are news to you, but the fact that 76 (seventy-six) US nobel laureates endorsed Obama is not worth reporting by you. SHAME!

and of course,critical comments like this will be supressed, like most of the time, eh?

John   October 31st, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Mike Ditka has been hit in the head too many times to make and reasonable judgment. The fact that he is wealthy points to his self serving nature of I have mine, screw the rest of you. Well, I have never been a big fan of this gum throwing idiot who can't control his temper any more than McCain, they make a good pair.

JJ   October 31st, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Poor Palin needed a 2nd Dude to go around with her since Joe the Plumber don't seem to be on time.

Bob Indianapolis IN   October 31st, 2008 12:05 pm ET

WOW, Ditka? Is that all you got? Sarah obviously likes to pal around with guys with anger management problems…

Thomas   October 31st, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Wow!,
Another angry old guy at her side !
GO BEARS!

ark   October 31st, 2008 12:05 pm ET

nothing good from McCain? at what point did he get this bad for the so called POW? the only way out for McCain is working on bringing his lost glory. it could get really bad he'll lose his wife's vote.

Ditka stinks. he's unreal and lacks understanding of current issues – where are the jobs? they (the rich) are all looking for helper in McCain

Good bye repub

weneedstrongleadership   October 31st, 2008 12:04 pm ET

I heard Arnie Parnie Scwarzaeneager will be campaining with mccain today. Well go ahead, I would be surprised if he were re-elected as governor if he does. Arnold I used to like you, I have several of your movies on DVD, but I'm going to pawn them all and keep my Sheryl Crow CD's….

PA for Obama   October 31st, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Just changed my mind about trying out that new restaurant of his…

tylenol666   October 31st, 2008 12:04 pm ET

is that the best they can come up with?

Mike Ditka?

Heck my Gold Fish Susie has a broader appeal!

xcusme   October 31st, 2008 12:04 pm ET

How many characters are they going to trot out. First Joe the fake plumber now the jock.

Funny, Barack had a president stumping with him.

Mike Ditka…wow. who's next Hommie the Clown?

ATLian   October 31st, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Easy to find a job? Spoken like a true millionaire.

Shawn_T   October 31st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

did anyone hear McCain is going to be on S e N i L e on saturday?

Joe PA   October 31st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Ah what makes them think a bunch Steelers and Eagles Fan care about the former coach of the bears. And correct me if I am wrong wasn't Ditka on the Cover of SI with Ricky Williams in a wedding dress? Whats that say about his Judgement

Sam from Ohio   October 31st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Ditka,
Please don't give us advise on something you know nothing about.
Keep your nose to the football and next time take Sarah with you to the games. Make sure you take a jar of honey for the bears!

Dawn   October 31st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

To scare everyone….to all the wiccan/pagans Happy New years, (Celtic) Happy Halloween (Samhain, pronounced sowan)…

The Terminator is coming to tear you apart, Sarah?

Remember Arnie is married to a Kennedy! Loyalty divided!

Obama/Biden 08/12

Reagan   October 31st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Look at the people rallying for McCain/Palin vs. Obama/Biden.

Real Americans, with realistic values and goals for McCain.

Over rated celebrities with too much money and too little brains for Obama.

Carlos Hodges   October 31st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

OK…let's not mix the facts here.

Mike Ditka played a huge part in the superbowl victory for your Chicago Bears. He is and will always be remembered and respected for this accomplishment.

Like people all over the world, Mike has a right to his opinion and if he wants to push the McCain/Palin ticket, more power to him. However, when you hit the trail Mike, please be honest with the things you speak about and please don't belittle yourself repeating the same lies that have been spoken bu the McCain/Palin campaign.

That aside, I personally would love to see "da coach" back on the sideline doing what he does best.

GO OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Chipster   October 31st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

I love it when some filthy rich guy talks down to working people and tell them, "If you’re willing to work, you can find a job." If the NFL closes its doors, where would football coaches find a job? I'm sure some of them could but when auto plants lay off thousands of people, American Express lays off 7,000 people at one time, and this is happening all across the country….don't talk down to the working people who are struggling to make ends meet.

Ditka – talk to me again when you're trying to feed a family of 4 on a sales clerk's pay! How out of touch can Republicans be?

slickingdom   October 31st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Does Mike Ditka really know anything about politics ? Probably not.
I think he has the hots for Sarah !! She'll probably do him like she did
Todd's business partner !!

joycelyn   October 31st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

so it's okay for the Repugs to use celebs but critize Obama for doing the same? Hypocrisy at it's best.

OBIDEN 08

Coda   October 31st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

The only weight Ditka pulls is in Chicago….and sorry to say Obama may win Cook County…That said, I'm shocked Ditka would diss a fellow Chicagoan…Poor move

Dan the Voter   October 31st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Ok…so if "Real Americans" are not looking for handouts, I guess all those individuals in Alaska, who received a check from Sara and the oil companies, will return their checks. I doubt you'll get one "real American" to do it.

The hypocrisy is overwhelming.

Nate   October 31st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

McCain and Palin have Hank Williams and Mike Ditka in their corner. Obama and Biden have Oprah, DeNiro, The Boss, Chris Rock, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Eddie Vedder, Warren Buffet, the Beastie Boys, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder… we could go on all day. They all back Barack because of his policies, demeanor, wisdom, integrity and strength.

Forget partisanship and vote your conscious.

Texas for Obama   October 31st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

One thing I've noticed about these celebrity endorsements is that Obama gets criticized every time he gets one and McCain does not.

What's even more remarkable is the fact that most celebrities (who are supposed to be evil and selfish according to the GOP) are willing to pay higher taxes under an Obama administration to keep the country afloat. That doesn't sound selfish to me.

Obama / Biden 08!

steph from canada   October 31st, 2008 12:01 pm ET

well, maybe it is an effort to make sarah palin look good… they need to surround her with people who are less intelligent than she is???

Allan G.   October 31st, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Just love the hate from you sheeple. Obamas going to turn on you guys big time. Don't care much for McCain…but at least I know who he really is. Anyway Mike's right

Richard   October 31st, 2008 12:01 pm ET

What John MCcain just pick-up his Halloween Mask and its MIKE DITKA…..Happy Halloween Folks… mask or not ….GO VOTE!!!

Dallas, TX   October 31st, 2008 12:01 pm ET

This race is NOT over even though the liberal media like CNN want to you think so!!

So CNN, how come you are not reporting on Obama camp scaling back it's Change the World policy? Bring the voters expectation down a few notches after they get their vote!

Hmmm, smells like change to me, change in the wrong direction!!

karen-phoenix   October 31st, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Ditka is on the side of the extreme right wing and extremely wealthy!!!
Ditka should be backing Obama if he would go back to his roots.
I live in AZ, a registered republican and am getting some of the vilest robo calls anyone could imagine!!! This republican is voting for Obama and the republican party has pushed me to it. Obama said something last night in MO–WE do not need bigger government or smaller government–WE need smarter government!!! I sick of the uneducated running this country. Clinton was a Rhoads and Obama is a Magnum Cum Laudi. Best of the Best!!!

VOTE EARLY/VOTE OBAMA   October 31st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

An other loud mouth joke. I guess those are the only people who will show up on the stage with Palin and McCain. I never seen anyone of real political importance rallying for him, it is always some flunky like Joe the Plumber and Tito the whatever. No wonder McCain is behind in every poll, he can't even find support from a national political figure.

Ken in NC   October 31st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Think about this. On January 20, 2009, Senator McCain will be able to look at THAT ONE and say good morning MR PRESIDENT to President Obama.

Of course Baracudda Barbie could read about it in Alaska if she knew how to read the Anchorage news paper.

doing whats right   October 31st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

"Single Mom In TX"
you just said it best, but when people are so full of hate they dont care nore do they want to open there eyes up to the BIG picture that 95% of american's are facing how to survive …they would rather be broke for life with just enough to buy a pack of Newports and a case of pepsi then to have a lil extra on there paycheck to take home each week or Bi-weekly to pay there bills to afford to help with there childrens education so they can get a better job in there future , but since this change of direction that america needs is coming from some1 with a brain that see's that is a Black man for 1 and is not of there party .. they would rather be broke as long as the rich stay rich because we all know they need a tax break .. lord help them if they have to pay an extra 3% .. with that they can only buy a BMW not a Bently.. and thats not right …lol….

curtis   October 31st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

I notice that the Red areas on the poll maps are not very close to any higher education. Coincidence?

We Can Do It   October 31st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

We've had a tradition of voting a certain way because we're a red state or a blue state. Break the mold, vote smart. Do what's best for the country, no matter what color.

I love a fresh start, and if any place needs a fresh start, it's America. Our country is getting old, and the world is catching up to the greatest democracy ever. We need to revamp and come back big. We can do it, we're Americans. New roads, new technology, new jobs. Kennedy said we should reach for the moon. Let's reach beyond the moon with an Obama administration.

Obama/Biden Whoohooooo!!!!

dan   October 31st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

everyone was asking da coach to run back 2006 but da coach was scared to run against the future Preident. da coach was pathertic in new orleans as he would be in politics

SoCal   October 31st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Even my dog can't stand the tone in this woman's voice anymore… (maybe becuase of the pitbull underneath the lipstick?)

Trasa, Texas   October 31st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Just saw an article that McBush says President Bush and Obama campaign not doing enough for homeowners.

And I would say to you Senator, what are you doing because it's exactly the same thing..NOTHING?

Don't care what either of these fools have to say!

Joe M   October 31st, 2008 11:59 am ET

What a "doofus"!

CanIcallyouJoe   October 31st, 2008 11:59 am ET

Wow, because when you want intelligence, you obviously look to professional sports. It's pretty obvious all professional athletes are top ranking Mensa members, and their coaches commonly debate sociopolitical issues on a world stage.

Wait, no. Professional Athletes are people who get money because they can hit something with another thing or run faster than other people. They do not know the meaning of money and do not have real jobs. They are our entertainment. They exist to give us a split second of entertainment. Period.

So what does it say when a former wrangler of these neanderthals supports one politician over another and actually has the gall to run for Senate?

It's pretty clear.

tonyP   October 31st, 2008 11:58 am ET

what does it say about political free speech when it’s okay to hang Palin in effigy, but a hate crime to do the same to Obama?

Linda32   October 31st, 2008 11:58 am ET

Noah, yes and one of those secretary of state, Eagleburger, said "of course she (Palin) is not ready"

Trasa, Texas   October 31st, 2008 11:58 am ET

Just saw an article that McBush says President Bush and Obama campaign not doing enough for homeowners.

And I would say to you Senator, what are you doing because it's exactly the same thing..NOTHING?

Tony   October 31st, 2008 11:58 am ET

With Ditka and Da Bears on the McCain/Palin side they'll surely win!

Deb   October 31st, 2008 11:58 am ET

Okay America, Obama campaigns with Hillary and Bill Clinton, Governors and Al Gore. McSame and Palin campaign with Joe the Plumber and Mike Ditka. Who makes more sense? Let us wake up America. Our country is in peril. Our futures and our children's futures are in peril. Let us do the right thing and vote Obama/Biden.

david thomas   October 31st, 2008 11:58 am ET

What planet has Ditka been living on these past several years?

Isn't Mike Ditka the same guy that would not let Walter Patton score a touchdown in a runaway SuperBowl? We learned about him long ago.

Carol   October 31st, 2008 11:57 am ET

Let's see, Obama has Bill Clinton campaigning for him, a man who presided over some of the best economic times we have had in decades as well as the largest reduction in welfare cases in history along and Colin Powell.

Who do McCain and Palin have, Ditka and Joe the tax evading fake plumber.

thomas   October 31st, 2008 11:57 am ET

Santa Clause is a Socialist. Why doesn't Sarah palin like Santa Clause?

Kay   October 31st, 2008 11:57 am ET

As a person who lived in New Orleans during Mike Ditka's coaching days, let me just say he is clueless. He couldn't coach a football team so why would I listen to him now. He reminds me of Geroge Bush…it's his way and only his way. Do we need another 4 years of the same after the last 8 years? I don't know about anyone else but I can't afford it.

GO OBAMA/BIDEN 08!

Eugene   October 31st, 2008 11:57 am ET

So what are no-nonsense folks doing listening to a woman from Alaska who has quite a challenge with the truth?

Rob   October 31st, 2008 11:57 am ET

Even 'Da Coach' knows that Barry is not the man for 'Da Job'

Note to all you Obamaholics: Mike Ditka was one of the greatest coaches in professional football. You're probably not aware of what that is, as it involves hitting and in a sense battle, which goes against your namby-pamby world view of peace. No, Ditka didn't win football games by going over and talking with the opposing coach 'without pre-conditions'. Just like you can't defeat our enemies by going over and talking to them 'without pre-conditions'. But then, you'd have no idea how to win a battle anyways since all you ever want to do is cut and run.

Ryan   October 31st, 2008 11:57 am ET

What a shocker! Ditka is rich. McCain and Palin's policies would help him.

the other jd   October 31st, 2008 11:57 am ET

Ain't gonna be the first time Ditka's team lost.

use your head   October 31st, 2008 11:57 am ET

Well, the Bears did when a Super bowl with him as coach, but only got one, when they should have won 2 or 3, and besides the real winning Mike from Chicago, wore number 23 and won 6 titles, guess who he supports

Random Dude   October 31st, 2008 11:57 am ET

@sherry

Powell was deliberately led the wrong way by the clown prince dubya and cheney. He was just doing was dubya 'ordered' him to do. And he believed the president.

It was dubya and his cronies who let Powell down

NO-BAMA   October 31st, 2008 11:57 am ET

DA BEARS !!!!

McCain/Palin 2008 !

v 123   October 31st, 2008 11:56 am ET

Obama he stupid

Suzanne, IN   October 31st, 2008 11:56 am ET

I like Mike, but I disagree. Obama is the best man for the job and he will be the next president. I really like how he is for ALL of the people, not just some. Sarah and McCain are so divisive. We've had that for 8 years, and we're just tired. Can't we all just get along? Really.

oh no   October 31st, 2008 11:56 am ET

JuTon,

Mike Ditka, Joe the Plumber vs. Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, The Gore Family, Colin Powell….you make the choice!

Good point, except the "plumber" really isn't a plumber….. more like Joe the wannabe Plumber/congressman/singer…..etc.

Josh   October 31st, 2008 11:55 am ET

Ditka was a decent coach.

Obama / Biden 08

Steve in Las Vegas,NV   October 31st, 2008 11:55 am ET

First Joe the plumber, now Mike (No dignity) Ditka! Looks like the McLame/Failin campaign is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic!

Even he, Ditka, can't save this shipwreck to be!

Meanwhile, Obama just sails on toward victory!

Make it happen! VOTE!!

RS   October 31st, 2008 11:55 am ET

Ditka, you're an idiot. Just don't throw your chewed gum at someone if they say something you don't like….

Paul   October 31st, 2008 11:55 am ET

As Barack has said before, you have to question someone's judgement who would give the ball to the Fridge on the goalline instead of the Sweetness.

Sue in MI   October 31st, 2008 11:54 am ET

Mike hasn't been to Michigan lately…talk to the displaced autoworkers who had health coverage, good salaries…if they go work minimum wage, which mcCain is always against raising, they will be working and still losing their homes. I'm glad Palin has her government coverage for her clan, but many are not so fortunate, and by the way, isn't the government "buying up mortgages" socialist?

Dr. Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   October 31st, 2008 11:54 am ET

REMEMBER 2000 !!!!!

VOTE EARLY.

GET OTHERS TO VOTE.

WE CAN WINDUP WITH BUSH THE 3RD.

Ken in NC   October 31st, 2008 11:54 am ET

Now there is Phil Grahams "Whinner" in Mike Ditka.

LB/Indy   October 31st, 2008 11:54 am ET

Please, everyone needing a job and that is willing to work contact Mike Ditka. Let him lead you to the jobs that will pay your mortgage, food, gas, heat and clothing. Typical Republican rhetoric….

Crazy For Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:54 am ET

They are losing big time, and the fat lady will be singing with or without lipstick.

Obama/Biden 08, 12

The last little bit of respect I had for him is now GONE!   October 31st, 2008 11:54 am ET

OK first he appeared with Ricky williams as bride/groomo n the cover of SI-Dumb!
Now he's campaigning with PAlin!
Dumbing it down for the republicans I guess!
What an idiot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IowaMom   October 31st, 2008 11:54 am ET

I for one know that I always look to people like Ditka to shape my political views. HAHAHA Another joke in a long line of them.

kinglywarrior   October 31st, 2008 11:54 am ET

I used to respect Mike Ditka…oh well.

I voted for Obama on Wednesday, October 22nd.

pp   October 31st, 2008 11:53 am ET

And this mean what??????????

What mcsane need to do is stay in his own backyard because Az is looking like blue is on his heels.

Paul H   October 31st, 2008 11:53 am ET

Ditka is right, there are jobs. Crappy jobs that won't support a family, don't offer medical coverage, or pensions or provide any hope for a better life. If his idea of America is a few super rich guys like him getting served by the rest of us, no thanks. Does he think the many Americans who make or made their living building our cars and trucks for a decent wage have become lazy whiners now that they are being laid off all over the country. Shame on you, Mike, you forgot where you came from.

Sherry for Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:53 am ET

It seems fitting that Ditka would vote for McCain…………He has a volitle anger problem just like McCain.

Kinda ironic

vahe   October 31st, 2008 11:53 am ET

why is mccain talking about Bushes economy policy when he votes 90%

Anonymous   October 31st, 2008 11:53 am ET

Obama he is a stupid.

Jeff   October 31st, 2008 11:53 am ET

Mike Ditka…..I have always wondered why I had a feeling of distrust for you but, on the surface I did not know why……My gut feeling is that McCain will have you as his Secratary of Defense??? (LMAO) Man this is getting to the point of no return for John and Sarah…I really think John is a decent man and he deserve to be represented by people that believe in the entire country not just part of the country. I do believe he wanted to do things different but, he just got caught up …I also think he wants to lose so that he can be him self again.

Obama 08 :-)

fella from Chicago   October 31st, 2008 11:53 am ET

Another blue collar working man for the McCain/Palin ticket. These liberal left wingers who mention Gore, the Clintons, and Powell in the same breath just don't get it. It's the blue collar vote that's at stake here, not the Bill Ayers, Tony Rezko, Rev. Wright followers that Obama has and we don't want. Go Coach and Joe the Plumber!

THE WATCHER   October 31st, 2008 11:53 am ET

This madness is almost over!

Bob , Minneapolis   October 31st, 2008 11:52 am ET

Where are the High ranking Republicans? Somewhere pretending
they don't know Sarah Palin or admitting that they can't put the
country in danger by backing unqualified Palin(with the exception of
General Powell).

Anonymous   October 31st, 2008 11:52 am ET

The only candidate who talked about outsourcing in this campaign is Obama. Here is the issue Mr Ditka, All the Manufacturing jobs have been shipped to China, Many of the Back office and Information jobs are being shipped to India and other countries. I wonder what other opportunities he is talking about.

Chi4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:52 am ET

Let's all keep in mind that Mike Ditka, while coach of the New Orleans Saints, traded away all of his draft picks to get one single player.

Who was that player you ask???

His name was Ricky Williams. You know the guy that played for a couple of years. And then quit football in his prime, so that he could smoke marijuana in the hills of Australia. Ricky is now back in the league as a "backup" player on one of the worst teams in the NFL.

Hey Ditka, nice judgement.

Dave from Miami   October 31st, 2008 11:52 am ET

Thanks to the McCain campaigns guests and advisors I have been able crystallize my view of the current economic times:

The real problem is we are whiners looking for a handout.

This is good news because thinking about things like disparity in wealth, deficits, home loans, credit swaps, and derivatives was really starting to hurt my head.

LeftCoast Tim   October 31st, 2008 11:52 am ET

Mike Ditka has never been known for being a very smart chap. Too bad for him he's reinforcing that yet again.

Didn't he stump for Bush as well?

Kinda shows you he has no clue.

Commonwealth of Virginia   October 31st, 2008 11:52 am ET

I guess we'll see Pacman Jones campaigning for McCain next huh.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Scott NYC Independent   October 31st, 2008 11:51 am ET

Okay the bimbo and the dumb jock talking about things neither one of them understands. What else is new about the McCain campaign.

David, Silver Spring, MD   October 31st, 2008 11:51 am ET

Mike Ditka failed miserably as a head coach with the New Orleans Saints because he was bullheaded, erratic, and determined to stick with an old formula despite changing times.

A lot like John McCain when you think about it.

oh no   October 31st, 2008 11:51 am ET

Ditka? I mean really…… so what? The guy is important why? because he'd be one of those affected by Obama's tax plan? the other day it was Brady Quinn, I'm guessing that all these people that go to rallies for Palin and McCain can relate to these people because?????, and now I see the Governator is in the mix as well………, I live in California, and with the deficit that this state has, what can he possibly say that would make people change there minds???????

Joe Green   October 31st, 2008 11:51 am ET

Yes, let's hand over our economy to sports coaches and fake plumbers. They know more than those "smart people".

Mike, you're a gret coach. Leave it at that.

We've "dumbed down" America for the last 8 years and see where it got us.

No more dummies in the White house. Enough is enough!

Truthhurts   October 31st, 2008 11:51 am ET

Ditka is a Republican, but he is also a typical Western Pennsylvania racist. In Aliquippa where he went to school there were plenty of different races, but then as now there was segregation and racial hatred. John Murtha knows his districs better than anyone and he is right. Good hard working people, but also terribly racist.

onelove   October 31st, 2008 11:50 am ET

Yet another reason McCain is behind. Does he ever consider who represents him?

And Joe the Plumber…this was a joke from the start and McCain is pandering this guy to America. This is not Presidential at all.

I actually know a few plumbers and they don't earn 250k a year. Why is America even listening to John McCain and all of his side kicks anymore.

Dennis   October 31st, 2008 11:50 am ET

Ditka is just telling it like it is. Stop drinking the Obama koolaid and WAKE UP America. Those of you that question Palin's experience prove that point. Obama has ZERO experience. The minute he got into public office he started running for president. He's a marketing campaign; The Maytag Repairman; The Pillsbury Doughboy; Tony the Tiger. No sunstance.

Soccer mom from Canada   October 31st, 2008 11:50 am ET

As opposed to those lazy, un-American, nonsense people?
These people have based their campaign on dividing Americans. They are sabotaging unity when it is most needed. This should never be forgotten. Regardless of the outcome on Nov. 4th their tactics will have damaged Americans ability to work together.

vahe   October 31st, 2008 11:50 am ET

palin should go back home

Chi4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:50 am ET

The thought alone that Sarah Palin can be one bad heartbeat away from the Presidency, should be enough to scare even the most racist of Americans into voting for Obama.

Think about it, Sarah Palin could actually be the leader of the free world one day.

Now that is DANGEROUS!!!

Barack the Vote (early if your state allows).

Bill in DC   October 31st, 2008 11:50 am ET

Hmmm…Ditka. Isn't he the same guy thaat traded six draft picks for Ricky Williams and then spent the rest of the draft fishin'?

Get Real   October 31st, 2008 11:49 am ET

I am amazed was this not the party and the candidates who jumped and yelled at the tree tops about the "Celebrity" factor with Obamas campaign. Now they are bringing in all the Celebs. If you are going to complain and tell everyone how wrong something is…. why then go out and do it???? HYPOCRITICAL much. Shouldn't surprise me their whole campaign has been hypocritical. They are in no way ready to lead this country.

GO OBAMA GO

Educated Young Republicans for OBAMA   October 31st, 2008 11:49 am ET

BUSH & BCBUSH ARE NOT REPUBLICANS.

THEY ARE RATS THAT ATE AWAY AT OUR

NATION & PARTY , WITH THEIR GREED &

CORRUPTION. WE ARE GOING TO RID OURSELVES

OF THEM AND THEIR ENTIRE SLEAZY ENTOURAGE.

Greg M.   October 31st, 2008 11:49 am ET

Introducing( drum roll) the three pumpkin heads for halloween SarahPalin, John McCain and Cindy McShame McCain. Happy halloween to all of the Witches. Go away and never come back na ya hear, He Haw!! Palin, dick, cain and Cin want a bud, all of you must be drunk.

Win Obama Win 08………………………………………………………………

Will the Real Maverick Please Stand Up?   October 31st, 2008 11:49 am ET

“This is the land of opportunity,” Ditka said. “It's not a land of handouts. If you’re willing to work, you can find a job. If you're willing to work, you can find a job.”

Over 700,000 jobs lost this year. More and more companies cutting thousands of jobs every day and this CLOWN has the nerve to lecture people on finding a job?

Utterly ridiculous and condescending. He should be ashamed of himself…but look who he's campaigning for. Patronising fool.

Ditka–go and get measured for your clown shoes. That should be easy seeing as Palin/McCain have so many pairs of their own.

Annie, Atlanta   October 31st, 2008 11:49 am ET

JuTon – I second that. Except you forgot Joe Six Pack and Tito the Builder on the McCain side! What a circus.

Ed-Seatown   October 31st, 2008 11:49 am ET

Let's see… Obama was recently endorsed by Colin Powell and now is stumping with Bill Clinton and Al Gore. McCain/Palin has Mike Ditka. Mike Ditka??? HaHa Ha Ha!! WOW!! I must say, Ditka is extremely IRRELEVANT!

By the way, did you see all those little kids that were bused in to see McCain's rally in Defiance, Ohio. Talk about desperation! Using kids (who can't vote) to fill the "seats" for his rally to make it appear that there are people interested in what he has to say. What a joke!!

Truth   October 31st, 2008 11:48 am ET

Hey come on RNC!
Ex presidentsvice president are campaigning for Obama.
Where are the current president/vice-president?
In case people forget, I would like to remind them that our current president is George W. Bush and vice-president is Dick Chenny. They should come out and campaign for McCain.

gl, Pittsburgh   October 31st, 2008 11:48 am ET

Mike Ditka, Joe the Plumber vs. Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, The Gore Family, Colin Powell….you make the choice!

AMEN TO THAT ONE!

THE US OF WHAT?   October 31st, 2008 11:48 am ET

about the absentee ballots, why would people wait until oct 31, to say they haven't recieved their ballots? If you want to be apart of the voting process you have to demeand your rights. Stop calling these people and drive down there and demand they give you an answer about your ballots. This makes no sense too me. I have registered to vote years ago and when I moved I handled my business in the state that I moved to. This year I have checked and called to make sure I'm still registered and that there is no trickery. My daughter 19 years old first time voting she isn't playing either. This voting has to be life or death for every elligible voter wake up AMERICA and get off the excuses and demand your vote count. I sure in the hell will be on Nov 4th rain or shine if it is 10 hour lines damm it they will be castin by all democratic ballot.

Greg in MN   October 31st, 2008 11:48 am ET

Go and have another sausage Ditka. You have no power when it comes to politics.

Whatever   October 31st, 2008 11:48 am ET

As an african american, I guess I have always given Republicans more credit than they deserved. I thought they were educated people or at least they were in the past. Not that Democrats are uneducated, but the "new" Republicans who are attracted to Palin appear to be uneducated people of low income and no internet access to reasearch issues and also no access to television.

arche   October 31st, 2008 11:48 am ET

You know what really 'grinds my gears'?

"I'm not here because I'm a Republican, which I am, and I'm not here because I'm a conservative, which I am."

Why add the "which I am" part? Then you obviously ARE THERE if you are a republican and a conservative.
A Lame one at that. …. which you are.

Joe   October 31st, 2008 11:48 am ET

Obama is a piece of excrement!!! He kicks journalist off his plane from papers who dont support him. This guy is supposed to be the great uniter, try the great divider and he voted party lines much more than McCain. Vote McCain 2008 for a true non partisan president!!

Maggie from Virginia   October 31st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Yesterday a stranger asked me who I was voting for. I hesitantly replied Obama, fearful of what came next (I live in a very confederate loving town). This person told me that he is a life time republican that voted for McCain in 2000. He said McCain is not the same man he thought he knew. Here's a republican proudly voting for Obama. He drove off chanting Obama – Obama – Obama.

Never again will I let fear stand in the way of my support of Obama.

Obama – Obama – Obama

Tom, Maine   October 31st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Let's all stop supporting Republican businesses. They only stab you in
the back in return. Then when they go broke and need another wall
street bailout(rich socialism), they will drop the phony fascist rhetoric.

jt   October 31st, 2008 11:47 am ET

If McCain is a real American Hero then he'll vote for Obama,

Amy   October 31st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Dear "Scott Tucson", you've accused Obama of everything from "unameican" ,"scocialist", terrorist, even the big C "communist"…it has not worked.

This is all code for "he's not like us", "he does not LOOK American", and you know…the other thing…I know 'cause my Dad uses all these words and sentiments to mask his real fear…Obama's race.

If a white man with the exact same qualifications (of lack there of), background, etc., was running, John McCain would have already conceded…that's how far ahead that candidate would have been….

He WILL win. Now consider this…is Pailin "unamerican" because she and her husband "pal" around with sessesionists? I'd say "yes"….Is McCain "unamerican because he's close friends with the American terrorist Liddy?…look please we can go on and on…

Dianne   October 31st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Be very careful, Mike, or Sarah might fire you!
And for the record, yes America is the land of opportunity, but the real deal is about who you are and who you know! Been there, done that.

Chip   October 31st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Take a look at your pay statements. The government takes more in income tax, FICA and Medicare each month than I pay for my mortgage, food for a family of four, and my electric bill. Plus, there is enough money left over to make a car payment (which I no longer have) or my phone, internet, and cable bills and still have money left over. With the left over money, I could pad my savings or give it to charity or "stimulate the economy." Heck, I could possibly put some into the stock market and push the DOW higher.

The reason jobs have left are not because of Bush's tax cuts. It's because the US has the second highest corporate tax in the developed world. So, go ahead, punish those big corporations even more by sticking to them with more taxes. Go ahead and unionize your shop so labor costs drive the price of American built goods through the roof so that the "union stewards" can line their pockets and support a political agenda while they watch their unionites' jobs go somewhere else.

Ireland instituted a consumption tax and lowered their corporate tax rates and the economy has boomed.

A large contributing factor to why we are in the mess we are in now is legislation that forced banks to make risky loans in the name of fairness. Now those chickens, are coming home…TO ROOST!

You can thank folks like ACORN, Barney Frank and Chris Dodd (along with many others on both sides o fthe aisle).

RS   October 31st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Out of touch.

gl, Pittsburgh   October 31st, 2008 11:47 am ET

This is the land of opportunity,” he said. “It's not a land of handouts. If you’re willing to work, you can find a job. If you're willing to work, you can find a job.”

Yea, for Wall Street but not for Main Street.

jim   October 31st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Hey Ditka, I'm an American too. I don't appreciate you eluding to the fact that Republican Conservatives are the only few deemed worth of the title "American". You're insulting all of us. I'm not stupid enough to vote for McCain/Palin. Might be those head injuries you suffered during your career that brought you to their "Joe (actually not his real name) The Non-Licensed, tax evading, lean on his house, only making $40k a year and can't afford to buy his company, doesn't show up for campaign events when invited, the Plumber" ticket. Get a life, buddy. I'm voting for Obama.

Chi4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:46 am ET

Barack Obama receives ringing endorsments from people like Colin Powell, Warren Buffet, and even top Republican leaders. Yes, key party leaders from "both sides of the aisle".

Meanwhile people like Mike Ditka, and Joe the Plumber (who is not really a plumber) have endorsed McCAin.

Hmmm,
I wonder which endorsements have more credibility.

What a Dikta!   October 31st, 2008 11:46 am ET

So are we going to see Palin & Ditka in 2012? LMAO.

Lisa   October 31st, 2008 11:46 am ET

Another angry old man, yes that is just what that ticket needs!!!Go Mike, I am sure there is someone in the crowd you could beat up!!

curtis   October 31st, 2008 11:46 am ET

Isn't using the bailout money to buy out failed mortages Socialism? It takes my tax dollars and gives it to Joe the malingerer down the street does it not? What a double standard.

Matt   October 31st, 2008 11:46 am ET

Mike Ditka says it is easy to find job. well, it used to be like that. Not anymore. The company that I work for, just announced 3000 more lay offs. I am not sure where he is getting his news.

Tim   October 31st, 2008 11:46 am ET

So Mike Dikta believes that the folks that are ourt of work can't find work because they don't want to. He is just as out of touch as John McCain is!!!!! Sorry Mike!! But you are no more help to McCain than Joe the Freeloader!!!

keith-new haven   October 31st, 2008 11:46 am ET

Great, now we have Mike the Coach.

Ted   October 31st, 2008 11:45 am ET

Nobody will accept the fact that the Democrats caused most of the problem with the economy. The Congress has been controlled for years by the Democrats and they have none absolutely nothing. The Democratic controlled Congress had a chance to fix Fannie Mae years ago but they decided to ignore the problem. We need a Republican president or the Democrats will finish destroying this economy with big spending.

J.P.   October 31st, 2008 11:45 am ET

Pete:

And, Obama will get your friend his 85K job back? Wow, you drank more kool-aid than I thought.

VA for Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:45 am ET

Oh great, another loafing millionaire for McCain/Palin, the super rich pair that think they know what its like for average americans.

“This is the land of opportunity,” he said. “It's not a land of handouts. If you’re willing to work, you can find a job. If you're willing to work, you can find a job.”

Look around you, Ditka. The wheels are falling off. And thanks to the economics of the GOP, nobody wants to hire because they are scared its going to get worse. Meanwhile, what do you do? Work in television? Star in Will Ferrel movies??? GIVE ME A BREAK

these people dont know what its like to make their own way in the world. They all had something spoon fed to them. I dont see too many people around me with seven homes or hiring helecopters to shoot wolves from.

norb   October 31st, 2008 11:45 am ET

Ditka needs to stay in Chicago slinging his pork chops.

GA for Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:45 am ET

Noah- Obama has 3. McCain has 4 HARD RIGHT-WING SECS OF STATE.

Nawlins Dawlin...   October 31st, 2008 11:45 am ET

Where is McCain's flag pin…???

What if:

Obama had a pregnant teenage daughter
A wife with no degree (formal education)
A child with downs syndrom
Killed animals for fun

RS   October 31st, 2008 11:45 am ET

WOW!

Kina, A Veteran in NYC   October 31st, 2008 11:44 am ET

ok…i ain't really bothered by what Mike Ditka says…but i'm very concerned for the ppl who actually listen to him say things like that about Americans…wowww…and i thought picking Gov. Palin as VP was Sen. McCain's biggest mistake…i guess i was wrong…hahaha…way to go Mavericks…hahaha…

Obama/Biden 08

Kina.

az voter   October 31st, 2008 11:44 am ET

This just proves that American heros of all walks can be led astray by the radical right agenda. First Sen. McCain and now Ditka. Who's next? Superman?

Dealt, Portugal   October 31st, 2008 11:44 am ET

If Ditka doesn't know yet what voters want change from then maybe he should stick with the McCain/ palin ticket. They don't know either…

As to how… well, I guess McCain/ Palin plan on doing whatever they plan to do by cutting on the White House budget for cutting drapes. They keep harping on that obvious lie. McCain sounds so very, very, silly…

McCain picked Palin, then the picked Joe the plumber (a guy who apparently represents america and is behind on taxes? wow… ). A guy who doesn't know that the state (in each one of its many forms) has always redistributed wealth… after all he uses the same roads taxpayers use, demands ffrom the police the same protection that taxpayers do, etc.

Ditka   October 31st, 2008 11:43 am ET

I am here because I am a Multi Millionaire and do not want to pay a tiny increase in taxes even for the good of my Country. In other words , yes a Republican.

Tina   October 31st, 2008 11:43 am ET

Okay Mike Ditka, Joe the so called Plummber, Tito the builder, compared to Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Caroline Kennedy, Al Gore,
almost all of HOLLYWOOD………..Actually you can't compare…………

Bridgette-PA   October 31st, 2008 11:43 am ET

"MIKE DICKA" Give me a break! This is becoming more and more of a joke. Four days to election day, and this is all they got. "BIG DOG" "MIKE DICKA". LOL, I'LL SICK KEITH OBERMAN ON HIM :)

OBAMA/BIDEN -08!

Len Albuq New Mexico   October 31st, 2008 11:43 am ET

mikey just wants some eskimo pie

JMac   October 31st, 2008 11:43 am ET

If Palin was not good looking, would she have been picked by McCain? She's an empty suit.

VOTE EARLY/VOTE OBAMA   October 31st, 2008 11:43 am ET

Not only are McCain and Palin trying to divide this country between black and white but also between gay and straight and rich and poor. Is that the type of people you want running this country. This country was started to stop that type of hatred. All people are created equal. Bring us your poor, weary, etc. America we have to vote Obama and stop that hatred now. McCain and Palin are running for the wrong causes, it's time to stop that kind of hatred.

zolesh   October 31st, 2008 11:43 am ET

Did you see and hear that famous quote : "You're ALL Joe the Plumber."

Disgruntled Republican   October 31st, 2008 11:42 am ET

Why is everyone in the delusion that Palin is running in 2012?

She has no chance in a Republican primary.

John Anthony   October 31st, 2008 11:42 am ET

Had McCain presented us with the 2000McCain model we all had hoped instead of the Bush 2004 model, and if he had chosen a truly qualified running mate, he wouldn't need figures like Ditka to be out on the stump for him. Hmmm—we've had Joe the Plumber Arnold the Terminator, and now Ditka the Coach/Commentator. Who's next – Gus the Goalpost?

Foreign observer   October 31st, 2008 11:42 am ET

Ditka shouldn´t talk about being smart. He is rich and that´s why he is Republican. His sports world is too small so he has problems to understand the real world.

Jeanine Merritts   October 31st, 2008 11:42 am ET

It's easy for Mike to say if a person needs a job just get out and look for one becuase he has one. But let him lose his job and then he can understand what a lot of us are having to deal with. I will never watch another problem that he is a part of.

mike pearman   October 31st, 2008 11:42 am ET

when i was in my twenties, even my teens, i was easily swayed with some slick talk, with someone wearing cool threads who was much younger than the other opponent for president. i am 60 now, and have worked all of my life. i am not so swayed by ideas like wealth distribution through taxation. i have come to respect life from its earliest conception. i cherish all of our freedoms in america, which are slowly being taking away by liberal judges and democratic law-makers in congress. acorn's illegal voter registration will be just the tip of the iceberg if obama wins this election. God help us.

Californian4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:42 am ET

"if you're willing to work, you can find a job." This is true, but can you find a job that will feed your family and pay your medical bills? This statement is a total insult to all of the Americans who have lost their jobs due to the selfish, greedy administration of the past 8 years.

Peter (CA)   October 31st, 2008 11:42 am ET

Noah—
Wrong as usual.McCain has 4 secretaries of state (all Republican), Obama has 2 (one Democrat, one Republican). Obama can work both sides of the aisle while McCain has neo-con ideologues like Kissinger and Haig. Yeah, that's the stuff.

Joe Democrat   October 31st, 2008 11:42 am ET

Asians, Blacks, Hispanics and all of the countries of the world all heavily favor Obama. It is only white people who are split on Obama. WHY IS THAT??? HMMMMM

News flash   October 31st, 2008 11:42 am ET

3/4 of a million people have lost jobs this year. Now when these corporations and businesses layed all these people off, if they couldn't tell people where to find another job at, how is Ditka, Palin, and McCain going to tell them they can find another job. You don't just find 700,000 jobs with benefits overnight I don't care how much effort you put into it. If McCain and Palin can replace 700,000 jobs with benefits tomorrow I would vote for them. But they don't have a clue to what's going on. I GAVE OBAMA-BIDEN A DONATION, AND I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NOV. 4 2008 SO I CAN GET MY CHANGE. Some of these rightwingers, (and not all of them are basakwards like this crew),would be doing this country a great service to follow Gov. Palin back to Alaska and STAY THERE! The rest of the civil country wouldn't mind one bit if they joined the AIP and left the Union. That's exactly where they need to be "up dare n Alaska, u betcha!"

Dave   October 31st, 2008 11:42 am ET

Wow, a guy famous for being loud, obnoxious, and dumb supports Palin. Yep, that's news all right. Nice to know Ditka's still around, at least… I'd completely forgotten that he exists.

I can't wait to watch the GOP split into factions. They're going to go into civil war over who supports Palin and who doesn't. If the Palin-supporters win, then you can kiss that party goodbye. If the Republicans who opposed Palin end up with control of the party, then there may be some hope for them for the future.

ken   October 31st, 2008 11:41 am ET

MIKE DITKA, A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

Minneapolis Mikey   October 31st, 2008 11:41 am ET

So a one-time flash-in-the-pan football coach (I still contend that the ONLY reason the Bears were any good when Ditka was coach was because he had one of the best defensive coordinators ever working for him, NOT because Ditka was a good coach) is stumping with a soon-to-be one-time flash-in-the-pan Veep candidate.

Did they mean to have such obvious symbolism, or is the McCain/Palin camp as dense about their image as they are about their message?

TyWebb   October 31st, 2008 11:41 am ET

First Hank Williams, Jr. now Mike Ditka. Who will be the next has-been, obnoxious oaf to take the stage with her?

Working Two Jobs to Make It   October 31st, 2008 11:41 am ET

OBAMA/BIDEN

Disgruntled Republican   October 31st, 2008 11:40 am ET

. . . COLIN POWELL SAID NO.

I believe Four Star General Powell over Sarah Palin.

Obama / Biden 08

Mark Texas   October 31st, 2008 11:40 am ET

To all you Republicans who are suprised by what is happening,
You keep telling us to wake up, that we don't understand.
I have just 1 question for you:
Who did you support in 2000 and 2004? Bush right?
Sorry my friends it's you who don't understand!

Obama o8

Ben   October 31st, 2008 11:40 am ET

Ditka,

Give me a break. I would rather have a dumb jock be VP than this woman. I am a conservative too, but not stupid enough to believe Palin could run this nation. Ditka, please stick to football where you have credibility.

Advocate50   October 31st, 2008 11:40 am ET

Of course Mike Ditka is the one who, as coach of the New Orleans Saints, traded his entire draft one year in order to select Ricky Williams who he thought was the best man available. I guess this shows just how astute he is in judging personnel and their qualifications for the job. Given that, it's no wonder he's appearing with Sarah Palin who's career will be even less productive than Ricky Williams'.

CR in WI   October 31st, 2008 11:40 am ET

Comments from those who feel "Obama will take their wealth". Let me spell it out, Get educated. There was a president named Clinton, and times were pretty good then. He had slightly higher taxes on people making a heck of a lot more money than you. Bushie lowered these taxes, and we eventually had to spend 750 Billion to bail out his buddies on Wall street.

Obama is going back to those rates. There were jobs and no one had "their wealth" taken. Don't be so idiotic. you will never make it to owning your business with such a minimal grasp of reality. It is like the brain dead out there in Palin land. . . .

BO08

adg   October 31st, 2008 11:40 am ET

I dont care about Mike Ditka!!! Im concerend about what I heard about Mccain placeing the Draft in if he becomes presidant. I wonder if its true . THE DRAFT!!!!! They say Hes all about the war!!!

Jeff Pellin   October 31st, 2008 11:39 am ET

If you are willing to work, you can find a job?

Why has Ditka been campaigning for NFL veterans to get handouts from the NFL? Cant they find a job?

Da Coach is a hypocrite!

Mike G   October 31st, 2008 11:39 am ET

Aw no Mike, say it isn't so! Well, he has making 250k for decades, lol. True contradicition from Joe 6 pack and Joe the plumber, right?

America demands answers   October 31st, 2008 11:39 am ET

ABC news reporter asked Gov Palin…Do you think Sen Obama is a "SOCIALIST"? Gov Palin…NO!

Larry King asked Sen McCain do you think Sen OBama is a socialist?
Sen McCain ….No!
Funny things to this answer is its true …but both of them kept saying he his on the campaign trail.

What is socialism? Its a kind of Govt where government owns everything including your inventory…
Every Republican rep that has been asked gave same answer NO Sen Obama is not a socialist…So why keep telling people at rallies he his?

"thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbour
Conclusion…Sen Obama is not or has ever been a socialist

Another grumpy old white woman for Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:39 am ET

We don't want your wealth, we want you to pay your fair share of taxes!
Your wealth is probably as dirty as some of you.
We down here are mad as hell and we are not going to take it any more! Where are our freaking loopholes?Where are all these jobs you keep spouting about? Even on minimum wage we have to pay taxes for our entire income. Figure it out and then tell me you could feed, clothe and shelter a family on that?
The state of Denial is the biggest state in America.

ken   October 31st, 2008 11:39 am ET

I will take the word of Joe the Plumber over Colin Powell any day. At least he is speaking from the heart and did not sought out Obama. Colin Powell is now politically Motivated to seek out Obama.

Maria   October 31st, 2008 11:39 am ET

Ladies & Gentlemen, we have on the campaign stump . . .

In the RED Corner . . .
John McCain, Sarah Palin, Joe the Plumber, Joe Six-Pack, Mike Ditka

In the BLUE Corner . . .
Barack Obama, Joe & Jill Biden, Bill & Hillary Clinton, Al & Tipper Gore

Sarah P   October 31st, 2008 11:39 am ET

GOP tried to get Dikta to run against Obama for the Senate Race, but he refussed…and look where he is at now. I bet the GOP saw the potenial for greatness Obama had early and have been afraid him since….meet your maker GOP!!!!!!!!!!!

Salt   October 31st, 2008 11:39 am ET

Ditka is voting for McCain!? Well THAT changes EVERYTHING then!!!

Seriously…who the hell cares? It's laughable that people keep pointing fingers at Obama for being all rock starry when it's the McShame camp that continues to tote out the D-List celebrities.

lbv   October 31st, 2008 11:38 am ET

I'm not suprised that an outdated, has-been from the football world would support a outdated has-been in the political world. Neither one of them has had a new, original or good idea in decades.

Jesus Praising, Freedom Loving American Patriot   October 31st, 2008 11:38 am ET

PALIN IS A CELEBRITY!

M. WINNERS   October 31st, 2008 11:38 am ET

Ditka's original quote…

"I'm not here because I'm a Republican, which I am, and I'm not here because I'm a conservative, which I am. I'm here because I am an American – An uniformed, radical neocon, pandering American that is clueless on what this country needs to recover" – Mike Ditka

Get out and VOTE America, Obama needs your vote to offset the tactics the repugliCONs are using at the polls to steal this election…

becky in Ohio   October 31st, 2008 11:38 am ET

Here in Ohio jobs are scarce. I know couples where one spouse has been laid off and the other is hanging on to his/her job for dear life.
These are NOT lazy people. The attitude of Mike Ditka does not surprise me, though, he is a Republican. What are our friends to do, sell their house and try to move somewhere else to both find jobs? They can't sell their house – no one is buying. What are they to do?
Kiss my butt, Ditka – people in Ohio are NOT lazy – we are JOBLESS!

j   October 31st, 2008 11:38 am ET

Why is it that the so called "liberal" media never ask what Obama can do to widen his lead? They always ask how McCain can catch up. Sounds pretty pro-McCain to me. McCain/Palin are winning on smear & fear, deception, and outright lies rather than valid substance. If you're in favor of more deficit spending and tax cuts for the wealthy, then vote for McCain/Palin. On the other hand, if you'd like someone with vision that can lead this country in a new direction then vote for Obama/Biden – Hope, Unity, Progressive Change. Statistically, the country always does better economically with a Democrat in the White House. Obama is a uniter. Obama supporters – VOTE as if your future depended on it! VOTE for Obama! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Will the Real Maverick Please Stand Up?   October 31st, 2008 11:38 am ET

Turnabout is fair play–loved your comment!! Couldn't agree more.

Obama/Biden '08

Mike   October 31st, 2008 11:38 am ET

Always what I wanted to see, a violent tempered coach telling us how to vote. Guess people forgot how well they had it in the Clinton years, and prefer to be poor and losing their homes! Sorry, I rather have Democrates then Republicans running the government any day!

AZ Lauren   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

Weren't any qualified political figures from Chicago available???? Oh, that's right! THEY SUPPORT OBAMA!

Like anybody cares what Ditka, Joe the Plumber, Tito the builder or Sarah Palin have to say. It's a circus sideshow with McCain as the ringmaster.

What a joke!

Nancy   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

By the way, that's why he was fired from the bears, he is so not welcome back to Chicago!

Penny   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

Well, I guess when you can't get leaders of your political party to campaign for you (or you don't dare ask them because they are so unpopular) then you go get plumbers, the VP's babies, and sports identities………..sigh

Anonymous   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

Ya that'll pull in the votes…. Barbie and the football

Vickie   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

Ditka!

Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!

eds   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

When I was a kid we used to howl at how dumb Mike Ditka sounded while watching football.
Sounds dumb now, but what a good match up with Palin…

And he has anger mangagement issues like McCain….

Good pick. Sure that'll win you some votes (not) ooops. Guess Joe got fired!
LOL.

jeremy - tx   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

It's all about perspective.
Mike ditka endorses McPalin.
Warren Buffett endorses Obama.

Not exactly sure how Ditka is relavent when it comes to the issue of Wall Street vs. Main Street.

Doug R.   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

Mike Ditka is a washed up dinosaur who is way way past his prime. He's like a prostitute. Go ahead Ditkus, support the lying, cheating, out of touch losers if that makes you feel more secure.

Ken in Dallas   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

Now why does Ditka's opinion on politics matter?

Oh, yeah, he's a Football Hero, so he must be an expert on everything. Whoopee.

Much like the way McCain being a POW qualifies him to lead the nation.

"Friends, fellow prisoners, and countrymen…" how inspiring?

a southern bell   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

WOW !!!!

CAN THEY SEE RUSSIA FROM THERE ?

AND DITKA IS A REAL AMERICAN, AS APPOSED TO

THE REST OF US ? I DIDN'T KNOW THAT EITHER !!!!

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SHOULD BE OUTRAGED &

INSULTED BY THE MCSHAME CAMPAIGN & MOOSEBARBY.

greedyboy   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

As many before me has declared…who cares?

tren   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

Mike Ditka has a lot to learn about the job market. My wife been looking for a job for four months with multiple interveiws every week and still is not hired. Either the job is a scam, she is not qualified, or they are just taking applications. She will eventually get a job but it ain't easy!

Joe Regis   October 31st, 2008 11:37 am ET

That is not going to fix the mess that we are in thanks to the repubs administration.

By the way, I think it would be a mistake for McCain to ignore Arizona, a tactical mistake indeed, because the polls have been going up in favor of Obama. Unless he goes back to Arizona, he will lose it to the Democrats for a change.

Nancy   October 31st, 2008 11:36 am ET

I am a Chicagoan and I am pissed at Mike Ditka. Loser, why would you want to campaign with that weird lady. Doesn't matter, he can give her and her family a ride back to Alaska Nov. 5th.

NEW VOTER   October 31st, 2008 11:36 am ET

This is why I cannot stand rich, famous and stupid people like Ditka who are freaking OUT OF TOUCH. Last thing these AMERICAN wanna hear is moran like him preaching about finding a job is like grabing burger at McDonald. You have NO IDEA how these people are going through. They are losing their jobs and their homes because of people like you who never understand what kind of life is for average person. PLEASE JUST SHUT UP…..

Reality   October 31st, 2008 11:36 am ET

ive always sensed that Ditka was a loser !!!

Illinois & Wisconsin   October 31st, 2008 11:36 am ET

Looks like we will all be unting this November 4th, to put our differences of Bears & Packers, Cubs & Brewers aside and work together to make Barack Obama the next President of the United States. I'm a die hard Bears fan & I just lost all respect for Dicktka.

Hpotterfan77 from CT   October 31st, 2008 11:36 am ET

Wow Ditz…ka. Funny. I've got laid off in July and have been faithfully looking for a new job since then and gee, it's almost November and nothing. It would help if people were actually HIRING! Go back to your losing team…please.

ken   October 31st, 2008 11:36 am ET

BBB You see I have found CNN only wants to show the voice and words of only Obama supporters let me guess you support McCain. Now CNN how is it I came to that conclusion

v.ananthan   October 31st, 2008 11:36 am ET

Obama has nothing to show for his credit and therefore he says "McCain is Bush" so vote for me…

McCain / Palin 08.

Heather James   October 31st, 2008 11:35 am ET

Mike who real name was Mike Dyczko. Plus he attempted to run against Obama then back off, once he found out his skeletons would come out the closet this Halloween. Please Mike do you have to get a woman "Palin" to do your work.

Mike   October 31st, 2008 11:35 am ET

Thank you, CNN, for this brilliant piece of ground-breaking, thought-provoking reporting. If this one doesn't get you a Pulitzer, I'd be surprised. The level of political rhetoric is low enough right now without this genius adding his two cents. Maybe you could tell us who Britney Spears is voting for next?

Glenn in California   October 31st, 2008 11:34 am ET

I think "Da Coach" has had too much of the Kool-Aid for his own good.

JuTon   October 31st, 2008 11:34 am ET

Mike Ditka, Joe the Plumber vs. Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, The Gore Family, Colin Powell….you make the choice!

Len Albuq New Mexico   October 31st, 2008 11:34 am ET

God Forbid Separating one thin dime from a Republican. They are without a doubt the most selfish people in the world. Suck it up Mike. You are going to have to pay more in taxes.

Shawn_T   October 31st, 2008 11:33 am ET

GO OUT AND VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE
GO OUT AND VOTE

OTHERWISE…..

do NOT complain!

CHEESEHEADS   October 31st, 2008 11:33 am ET

YOU JUST LOST WISCONSIN OLD MAN!!!

Danny from Phoenix   October 31st, 2008 11:33 am ET

Ditka announced he would eventually run for some kind of government office. I see he's chosen the party. Pathetic though. Its okay to accuse Obama of 'celebrity status' but when a high profiler ex-professional sports player backs AND campaigns with McCain's camp, its okay? Hypocrisy. I can't wait for team McWhiteTrash to lose.

Rich from Philly   October 31st, 2008 11:33 am ET

Coach Ditka probably suffered one too many concussions in his career.

AM in VA   October 31st, 2008 11:33 am ET

Wow…all Hank Williams Jr rowdy friends are joining the McCain campaign. Way to go Ditka…you've always been luckier than good.

Obama/Biden '08

Noah   October 31st, 2008 11:33 am ET

If Pennsylvania goes for Obama then they are just plain crazy. How can anyone in Pennsylvania vote for a party that has humiliated their state and called them racist, rednecks, bible clinging gun toting people who are afraid of anyone not like themselves? Pennsylvania, do the right thing and vote for McCain. He will never disparage you or put you down like the Liberals will.

tulsa   October 31st, 2008 11:32 am ET

LOL… I'LL TAKE COLIN POWELL OVER YOU COACH. STICK TO FOOTBALL COMMENTARY.

lily33   October 31st, 2008 11:32 am ET

"I'm not here because I'm a Republican, which I am, and I'm not here because I'm a conservative, which I am. I'm here because I am an American.”

So is western PA and their residents are the real America?? Dawg on it, say it ain't so?! You mean to tell me I haven't been living in the real American side of PA?? You bectha (wink!)

Repubs….thanks for always delivering a heafty order of divisiveness!! It just made the election complete!!

Obama/Biden '08 – Let's Rock the VOTE loud and clear!

Mark   October 31st, 2008 11:32 am ET

CB, you are actually right. I log on to cnn.com and it say obama is up by 9 points, 2 hours later, obama is up by 4 and the race is "tightening"….like what in the world?

kdcm   October 31st, 2008 11:32 am ET

Need to hit him where it counts, won't be watching anymore football shows with this idiot on it!!!! ESPN needs to get rid of this idiot! He sucks anyway. Everything he touches sinks to the bottom, so go ahead McPalin travel the country with another loser!! What's his nick name "Mike the moron!!!!!!!!!"

KEO   October 31st, 2008 11:32 am ET

Where are the Republicans? Clinton/Gore campaigning for the other side and we keep bringing out Joe, Ditka……what's going on?

Chi4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:32 am ET

Ditka,
With this endorsement, I am going to petition all Chicagoan's to revoke your legacy in our city as a champion.

SHAME ON YOU for backing such a loser ticket!

Retired Veteran from New York City, NY   October 31st, 2008 11:32 am ET

It's not by accident that Mike would like to support McCain. The mentality of people like Mike Ditka and the McCain, Bush, Cheney and the rest of the clowns like Hannity and Rush Limbaugh that make America like she is today. Listen to Mike Ditka, he said change for what, as far as he concerned, the last eight have been good for Mike and for those who believe in McCain. Go figure!

Helen   October 31st, 2008 11:32 am ET

“We talk about change,” Ditka said. “Change from what, to what, and how? How you gonna do anything?

Dika please visit barackobama.com. The answers are there.

While I can understand you standing by your party (repub.) I believe you know just as well as the rest of america that neither McCain nor Palin are up for the job.

McCain can't even run his campaign, why should we trust him with our future. And Palin, well Palin is just Palin. She should have told John McCain "Thanks, but no thanks" I'm not qualified.

rich for the rich   October 31st, 2008 11:32 am ET

Mike Ditka? Joe the Plumber?
WHO CARES?
Mike is rich and of course does NOT want to pay HIS FAIR share.
Joe the Plumber is dumber than a box of rocks – who cares!
My husband and I WILL BE PAYING more taxes and you know what?
WE DON'T CARE!
WE do care about our fellow countrymen – so there.. I am MORE patiotic than Mike Ditka.

Healther James   October 31st, 2008 11:31 am ET

Mike D. has been hit in the head one too many times. He should have kept his original name which was Mike Dyczko.. And Mike we remeber when you attempted to run againist Obama and got scared, because of all the skeletons in your closet.

johnrj08   October 31st, 2008 11:31 am ET

Ditka played one too many games without a helmet. He doesn't even know what "change" is necessary in a country that is praying for change. Bringing in a football coach to sell Palin panders to the lowest common denominators in this election.

Dan, TX   October 31st, 2008 11:31 am ET

Republicans for Obama. We need to take our party back. The first step is to cut out the neocons, we can do that by defeating them in this election. Let's go back to reason and logic as the basis. George Will is more my type of conservative than Sarah Palin. In fact, they are nothing alike.

I'm a member of George Will's party. I am definitely not a member of Sarah Palin's party.

The REAL LT ... Not LT lite   October 31st, 2008 11:31 am ET

Ditka … I'd like to see what Mike Singletary …. the REAL reason for the Bear Super Bowl victories … has to say.

As much as Ditka wants to portray himself as a leader and a winner … he wasn't the one that did the heavy lifting … it was the BEAR DEFENSE that made them champions … As much as I don't like him, Buddy Ryan gets more credit than Ditka.

So McCain, you can keep trotting out these gimmicky outsiders like Arnold, Joe The Plumber, and Mike Ditka. It won't work. Remember, you don't think celebrity is a good thing in politics.

Obama is the real deal.

Christine CT Ind.   October 31st, 2008 11:31 am ET

kimm

Please do some research on socioeconomics. I think you'd be surprised to learn that not everyone is "sitting back" collecting handouts.
Additionally, you may also be interested in knowing that these "handouts" you refer to would not be as necessary if there were proper programs to help the physically or mentally disabled, children, the elderly, veterans, and others…

Arlene, Illinois   October 31st, 2008 11:31 am ET

Here in Chicago we'd like to hear Ditka and Sarah sing
at Wrigley Field during a Cubs game and hear the BOOS again!

Linda32   October 31st, 2008 11:30 am ET

I guess Republicans can have their celebrates also? hypocrites

Noah   October 31st, 2008 11:30 am ET

McCAin also got the backing of 4 former secretaries of state. Obama has one, Colin Powell. Wow.

Kina, A Veteran in NYC   October 31st, 2008 11:30 am ET

WHISKEY!
TANGO!
FOXTROT!
Mike Ditka???…hahaha…at this moment, the republican campaign should change their motto from "COUNTRY FIRST" to "I BET YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN NEXT"…wowww…Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are going senile now…hahahaha…

Obama/Biden 08

Kina.

Undecided Voter in NC   October 31st, 2008 11:30 am ET

Ha ha. I never cared for Ditka too much to tell you the truth but I'm kind of warming up to him after reading this article.

Betty   October 31st, 2008 11:30 am ET

Anyone with half a brain will vote for McCain. Those of us with a full brain will vote for Obama.

Mark   October 31st, 2008 11:30 am ET

COLLIN POWELL MADE THE ARGUMENT TO GO TO WAR IN IRAQ>>>NOW he supports hussein and yo ulove him. idiots

Sherry   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

OH BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mike Ditka LOL………..who would have thunk it ahhahahhahahaaaaaaaa…….good grief!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joseph Adewole   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

Mr.Opportunist; and where there is no job, what will people look for..The Republicans have destroyed all the jobs…what do we do?

Amy   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

So they're okay using "celebrities" but criticize Obama for doing the same?!

Pure Republican hypocrisy!

Pete   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

Coach Ditka:

Tell my friend who lost a job as a computer programmer at a major corporation that all he needs to do is hit the pavement to find a job.

Yes, he can find one at McDonald's or Wal-Mart, but they're not going to replace his $85 thousand salary, are they? Are they going to pay for the college education of his two daughters (who are both in college right now)?

Shame on you and on anyone who believes what you're saying.

AVelasquez   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

God Bless Mike Ditka. He spoke the truth when he said McCain is the right man to lead us forward. An Obama presidency would be scary and he never seems to go through with his promises to the citizens of this country. His ties to questionable people should make people stop and think what is best for the safety of this country and the obvious answer is not Obama, it's McCain.

Brooklyn1935   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

Yea sure….wiling to work and find a job.
WHAT JOB is he talking about?
. It's easy BS when you're rich.

Steve S. Illinois   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

Everybody in Illinois knows he is ultra-ultra-ultra-conservative Republician .

Misty   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

I wondered why Mike Ditka was so obnoxious!!!

Eric   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

Confused! If you have unqualified people argue your case, this somehow makes you appear to be qualified.
Did McCain loose his mind along the way?

SAD, SAD Ending………

sick n tired   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

YEA! Add another ignorant, hothead,know nothing, blowhard to the mix! That should put things into perspective! Then he can berate and bully people into voting for you and McCain! What a brilliant idea. Who are you going to showcase next? Coach Bob Knight????

Linda   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

Mike Ditka can go take a flying leap. As a MBA graduate from a top 25 school, I want to work but could not find a job. Want to show me where that job is as I have been looking???

Greg   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

Who cares about a washed up football coach. And he of most people should know something about fair health care because the NFL wont even take care of him. He is fighting with them now for better health care. He is jealously because he is no longer the top dog in Chicago.

Mark   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

'Bayo Oyedeji —–

I am a republican and you are exactly right!!!! YOu are right, I wish the republican local groups felt the same way….

milo   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

Oh, Ditka. Better off sticking to what you do best, things like football and selling 24 ounce pork chops.

But as a millionaire at least he's voting his interests.

Bill in DC   October 31st, 2008 11:29 am ET

Hmmm…Ditka. Isn't he the same guy that traded six draft picks for Ricky Williams and then went fishin'?

Yeah, great move Iron Mike.

Perhaps after the election you can take the Winking Wonderwoman from Wasilla (thanks kathleen parker) fishin' too.

jt   October 31st, 2008 11:28 am ET

You hear that americans? Eventhough all the businesses around you are closing because of the economy – YOU CAN GET A JOB! GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUTTS AND GET A JOB!
Wow – the nerve of this guy (ditka).
So all of these people who have had to spend so much money to buy gas and groceries and pay a mortgage on a house that isn't worth it and find themselves in even worst trouble from losing their jobs. They are basically whinning.
I'm sorry – but I want some help too. Where is my economic bailout.
Look at how AIG has gone thru all of the $100 billion Bush gave them.

Ditka – we are all willing to work – but not everyone can find a job to pay enough for food and lodging.

People like you make me sick – this is where Bush/Mccain wants to give tax breaks!!!

ajb   October 31st, 2008 11:28 am ET

ditka is a joke! just like sarah palin!

Jo   October 31st, 2008 11:28 am ET

The nerve of Mike Ditka to make a stupid comment about if you're awilling to work you "can find a job". That shows just how OUT OF
TOUCH REPUBLICANS ARE. They're only thinking about themselves.
Any person making under $50,000 a year and vote Republican need to have their head examined.

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   October 31st, 2008 11:28 am ET

Bring out ALL the angry old farts.

And, all the dumb, tax evading, non-licensed, lying plumbers.

McCain/Palin IS following in the steps of the most dumbest, corrupt presidency in our lifetime.

So it goes…

VOTE VOTE VOTE dont believe CNN   October 31st, 2008 11:28 am ET

was not mcsmurf and jane palin, accusing Obama of being all hollywood?

ohh look who is talking now.>

these MCCLOWNS are pathetic…

these are the true ANTIAMERICANS

NB   October 31st, 2008 11:28 am ET

Who cares? Who is he to decide about our future? More celebrity friends are coming out to save McCain and Palin.

Christopher   October 31st, 2008 11:28 am ET

I guess McCain will ask Homer Simpson to take to the campaign trail for him next..LOL Mike Ditka U gotta be kidding me…I guy who has possibly as many houses as McCain…I know he has more than me!

Mark   October 31st, 2008 11:28 am ET

THANK YOU DITKA……MAYBE this will shut up all the lazy, hand-out wanting democrats…..I have an idea….WORK FOR A LIVING

jenny   October 31st, 2008 11:28 am ET

Mike Ditka needs to see a mental doctor immediately and stop talking trash with the other idiot,Sarah Palin.you could ask a blind person and they will tell you that it is ROTTEN in America right now. Mike Ditka's bread is well buttered and he could afford to wear a new suit every hour while there is no food on most American's tables.People are loosing their jobs by the hour and this idiot is saying that there are jobs everywhere.Maybe in Alaska that's why the other idiot is allowing him to speak.

Doug   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

Ditka knows football and he knows restaurants. And that's about it. "Not a land of handouts." Really? Apparently a bailout differs in some subtle way from a handout. "If you're willing to work, you can find a job.” That's why unemployment is soaring: lazy people! I'm sure ol' Iron Mike could find a few million people out there who would be willing to work any job — if only they could find one.
By the way, Linda, "separating the wealth." That's brilliant and, sadly, true.

David Orbach, New York, NY   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

Obama appears with Bill Clinton and gets the endorsement of Colin Powell. McCain appears with Joe the Plumber and gets the nod from Mike Ditka. Well, I know who is getting my vote.

J S Ragman   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

I always suspected that Ditka was not particularly bright and this only solidifies that suspicion.

OHIO FOR OBAMA   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

WHO??????????????????? PLZZZZZZZZZZZZ GO BACK TO WHAT YOU KNOW OR I THINK YOU KNOW BEST FOOTBALL. BEFORE LONG mcsame and pitpull will be digging people up in cemeteries. how sad.

Chi4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

Let's all keep in mind that Mike Ditka, while coach of the New Orleans Saints, traded away all of his draft picks to get one single player.

Who was that player you ask???

His name was Ricky Williams. You know the guy that played for a couple of years. And then quit football in his prime, so that he could smoke marijuana in the hills of Australia. Ricky is now back in the league as a "backup" player on one of the worst teams in the NFL.

Hey Ditka, nice judgement.

Republican Trainwreck   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

Juicebox!!!

Rochelle   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

This is the land of opportunity . . . it sure is!!! And the McCain ticket is full of opportunistic individuals looking for a free ride at the expense of the FORMER Straight Talk Express.

Sarah Palin . . . we're gonna lose 2008, but i'll be back in 2012
Joe the Plumber . . . i'm gonna by a plumbing business (right after i pay my back taxes, become a licensed plumber, right a book, and launch my country music career)

Gimme a break, people! The McCain ticket is full of ridiculous characters that McCain is trying to convince us are poster children for his cause.

Kevin in ND   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

Palin & Ditka in the same room…. Wow!

That would lower the collective IQ in the place to zero.

Dawn   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

I guess he will be saying "ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL"
They are getting some heavy hitters guys, think… do you really want these two in the White House? Remember Bush saying "ARE YOU WITH US, OR AGAINST US!"
In Erie Sarah Palin saying…"SHE IS SO HAPPY TO BE IN THE STATE OF THE WORLD SERIES CHAMPION THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES"
What an airhead, they root for the Pittsburgh Pirates and they booed her. When the Steelers won the Super bowl she would be standing in Philly and say "I AM SO HAPPY TO BE IN THE STATE OF THE SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS," what a ditz.
Obama needs to get back to Pennsylvania and come into the center, from Leigh to Berks to Lancaster, we need to hear the words that is coming out of his mouth.

Obama/Biden08/12

Alabama Voter   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

You know it's Halloween when you have Palin and Ditka spreading the FEAR.

KLEE   October 31st, 2008 11:27 am ET

obama will build bridges – but they won't be bridges to nowhere

Regarding Ditka – I'm not a football fan one way or another – but looks to me that birds of a feather must flock together – its their taxes that may be threatened – but no matter. they all have good accountants – i'm sure they will manage – Ditka – try a job at a fast food place when you get out of college cause there's nothing else around – just like land there are only so many jobs to go around – at least don't begrudge the working "poor but mostly happy" a living wage. and for heaven's sake don't throw some of us a bone like affordable health care and education!!

Danny, OH   October 31st, 2008 11:26 am ET

Another JOE the Plumber? This campaign is out of touch

Nawlins Dawlin...   October 31st, 2008 11:26 am ET

"Ditka argued that anyone seeking employment can find a job — as long as they’re willing to make an effort."

Well I guess the 470k jobless people filing unemployment claims are just lazy with a welfare mentality. McCain's campaign swings from one extreme to the other. Either it's Joe the "I don't pay my taxes" the plumber or a rich sports type. Bottom-line… I have not seen, nor heard support from a creditable source.

Ditka couldn't make the Saint's a winning team… everything he touches fails… sorta like his restaurant in New Orleans!

adkman   October 31st, 2008 11:26 am ET

I am also born and raised in West PA, one town over from Latrobe in fact. I agree with Ditka that these are hard working people and no nonsense people. I even share Mr Ditka's economic conservative values. I am for free choice NOT to be union which is what killed the mills of Latrobe. BUT, at some point we need to look at the failure we have experienced the past 8 years and say NO more!
McCain has alligned himself and supported the Bush-Cheney disaster. Those are the only 2 terrorists that a candidate has been close too. Don't believe the scare tactics, the lies, the tax questions. McCain has zero plan to fix anything. His plan is to fill the pockets of the Rolling Rock people and hope something happens to the real people in Derry, Latrobe and Mt Pleasant. Don't believe this BS.
Vote Obama, the only intelligent choice.

BBB   October 31st, 2008 11:26 am ET

WHY DO NONE OF MY COMMENTS EVER GET PAST AWAITING MODERATION?!

buckeye man   October 31st, 2008 11:26 am ET

Oh My God…

Did he actually say that all the hard-working Americans who have found themselves unemployed are just simply too lazy to find a job?

Tell that to the folks in my home state of Ohio, Mr. Ditka….and watch your pals McCain and Palin get clobbered in defeat!

'Bayo Oyedeji   October 31st, 2008 11:26 am ET

Having closely watched events on this coming election, i think the only fact that stands missing is the manner in which the candidates emerged as flagbearers.

Obama had to sweat it out to clinch the ticket while McCains emergence was virtually automatic. This was the biggest blow for the Republicans; because, the Obama group had started 'running' while the Mccain group was 'walking'.

The eventual support of the clintons was positive publicity for Obama.

I advice the republican party to make their primaries competitive if they also want to stay in the news…

Neiki   October 31st, 2008 11:26 am ET

Maybe you ought to ask all those people who live in PA now . . . & Ohio, Michican, & the rest of the states who have lost thousands of jobs because McCain supported Bush over 90% of the time to ship our jobs overseas if "they are willing to work they can find a job." Wake up!

Steve in Las Vegas,NV   October 31st, 2008 11:26 am ET

I guess the McLame/Failin campaign needs all the gimmicks and a lot of other faces to help them. Obama just shows up to huge crowds.

Funny how Joe the plumber didn't show up at a rally and no one told McPalin he wasn't there! Shows how they are organized!

Even better, a blue wind is blowing though America to cleanse the last 8 years messes!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08/12

Obamabot   October 31st, 2008 11:26 am ET

McCain get Mike Ditka

vs

Obama getting Colin Powell

Both have been on the field of battle but who would you pick in a war?

buster   October 31st, 2008 11:25 am ET

Ditka should stick to football. Oh wait he traded all his draft picks in New Orleans for Ricky Williams. How did that turn out? His opinion is worthless. McCain has yet to articulate a plan for this country and is only interested in creating division among the people.

sgranzyk   October 31st, 2008 11:25 am ET

Da Coach weighs in–please someone, save us from elevating rampant stupidity to the level of "real" political conversation. Ditka can relate to Palin and Joe the Plumber because none of them have a realistic grasp of the country's problems and in their ignorance settle for prejudices like: "If you're willing to work, you can get a job" instead of really looking at what other people are experiencing–or is it that they don't care–everybody else is really just looking for a handout, right? Sounds great if you are lucky–and ignorant like Ditka.

America's standards   October 31st, 2008 11:25 am ET

Funny to read this after what McCain and Giv Failin said about Chicagoans and their politics

joy   October 31st, 2008 11:25 am ET

I am sure that Ditka is inciting that over 600,000 people just this year alone that have lost their jobs under Bush administration are lazy and not seriously looking for jobs to keep their family going….haaa? Ditka, you are seriously out of touch with American people b/c you are living in the comfort of your own wealth. So, how does anyone expect you to undertsand? Ditka, how many kitchen sinks do you have?

OBIDEN'08

Christina Player Weber   October 31st, 2008 11:25 am ET

Please report this on your network. I'm sure all those unemployed conservatives would be agreeing with Ditka that they just must be lazy.

John   October 31st, 2008 11:24 am ET

“This is the land of opportunity,” he said. “It's not a land of handouts. If you’re willing to work, you can find a job. If you're willing to work, you can find a job.”

So coach Ditka carreer has been playong football, coaching football and t.v. analyst (sure he has a lot of talent, and i'm happy for him) but he doesn't know what a real job is.

WOW!   October 31st, 2008 11:24 am ET

I am shocked and disheartened that Mike Ditka would do such a thing. The same man that was willing to sell his championship ring so that other older players of the NFL could still have benefits has just blown my mind. However, I am reminded of the wisdom of Dr. Maya Angelou who stated "That when a person shows you there true self, BELIEVE them."

Mike Ditka, Sarah Palin, John McCain, Bush (1 & 2), Cheney, and the GOP have done that. They have and are showing us, that if we do not look like them, think like them, and have money like them, then we are NOT one of them.

Come on people, the world is watching and waiting with baited breath to show them that we are in deed and words: The UNITED States of America.

Jan Carter
Obama/Biden 08 & 12

Ted   October 31st, 2008 11:24 am ET

Well it appears that Mike cares about the future of this country.

Maggie from peterborough   October 31st, 2008 11:24 am ET

Ditka another neo conservative who doesn't know what is going on in the country. He is one those idiots who think because someone has lost their job they are a bum.

That is the problem with these types they don't understand what is happening in the economy and think continuing on in the same manner with the same policies is okay it's the people's fault as they are just a bunch of whiners who have a mental recession.

Sam the Butcher   October 31st, 2008 11:24 am ET

Nice! Did he bring Ricky Williams with him, too?

Dee   October 31st, 2008 11:24 am ET

Suggesting folks can find a job if they want one is so demeaning to those who have lost their jobs and cant fidnd work even though they are trying hard to do so. Its always the folks who have cushy jobs and no financial worries that spout that garbage. Unreal!! I cant imagine remarks like that will win over any voters!!

rob   October 31st, 2008 11:24 am ET

YOUR KIDDING RIGHT ? SO , WHO'S HER DADDY–LOL
DITKA DOESN'T WANT HIS WEALTH TO TRICKLE DOWN EITHER DOES PALIN–SHE'S WORTH OVER A MILLION—-SHE'S NOT YOU AVERAGE ANYTHING

California Voter   October 31st, 2008 11:24 am ET

so do birds of a feather flock together .????? Ayers, Wright, ACORN, Rezko, etc, etc.

Use your heads America...   October 31st, 2008 11:24 am ET

America … Obama is tied to Terrorist and talks about Marixm in his own book and in his own words. How has this man gotten to your heads? How do you not care that he wants socialism – he says he doesn't, but then his economic plans are.

Get past the good speech – he has no substance.

Kevin   October 31st, 2008 11:24 am ET

You must be kidding. How many times has this guy been hit in the head? Why in the world would you hitch your star to the disastrous Palin campaign? I can tell you this – I won't be back to a Ditka's restaurant any time soon.

CB   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

CNN, you guys are totally off the wall with your stories lately… One minute McCain is gaining, the next minute McCain is losing. One second Arizona is in conflict, the next minute Arizona is fine. Are you doing this on purpose? Perhaps to increase your ratings? Inquiring minds want to know…

Tom, Houston   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

This definitely shows that a superbowl winning coah has brain too. Way to go Mike. Hope people will see the hypocricy of Obama in all issues. This is a country of hard working people not a coutry of handouts to promote laziness. Nov 4th MaCain will be president and we WILL have a woman vice president for the first time. God bless America.

Already Voted   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

So if you profess you are a republican how does that sway independants?

My Independent Voice has already concluded Obama has better ideas despite your partisanship.

Chi4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

Mike Ditka has not done anything significant, since winning the '84 Superbowl as coach of the Bears.

He is irrelevant right now

John   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

GO BEARS!

Single Mom in TX   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

Yes anyone can find a job…but can they live? With that job that is so available can they pay mortgage? Do they have to work 2 or 3 jobs just to make it? What really makes me laugh is the fact that the Repubs that you see at the rallies and on the streets don't make over 250K, and yet they support people who won't support them. Or give them a break. So uneducated, and so sad

AK   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

Mike Ditka is a Fool! I hope he gets kicked out of ESPN.
Lousy drunk!

Donkey Party   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

With all due respect Mr. Ditka, after hearing you butcher the English language week in and week out on Sundays, I've heard one too many "supposablys" from you to accept your opinion as anything more than misguided ignorance. Thanks, but no thanks, I'm voting for hope over fear, for competence over "experience", and to make sure an extreme right-wing nut-job like Palin never gets anywhere near the White House.

RI   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

Love Da Bears and all respect to Da Coach but he really should only talk football and stay out of politics…this is a game he's going to lose. He's going to anger a lot of Chicago Dems too (…not that he cares). Really laughable to be honest.

D in PA   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

I'll see your Mike Ditka, and raise you Jerome Bettis, Franco Harris, and Dan Rooney (all have endorsed Obama). Obama will win PA by 52-48.

Scott Tucson   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

It's now in the bag for Obama…Al Queda just indorsed Obama!

RH   October 31st, 2008 11:23 am ET

This is pathetic. Obama declares what he means to do, and they attack him for not detailing how. If he talked about how he was going to effect change, they'd attack him for not saying what he meant to change. It's absurd that it's Obama's campaign that is so often called empty. All the Republicans have got is, "Nuh-uh!"

The Voice   October 31st, 2008 11:22 am ET

The last time Mike Ditka did anything that mattered was 1985. It's funny how he says do what? about Obama but McCain has not offered any solutions, Joe the plummer is his only ace. How pathetic.

Only the rich like Ditka don't want change for America.

Democrats in 08!

go blue   October 31st, 2008 11:22 am ET

Who care for them???

GO VOTE   October 31st, 2008 11:22 am ET

Coach, wrong team man!

Dave From Philly (born in MA)   October 31st, 2008 11:22 am ET

Mike should tell his story to the 7,000 american express worker's that just lost their jobs. Or to the auto worker's at the GM plants in MI that are about to lose their jobs.

Football is a sport, not a job. He has no ideal what working a real jobs is like.

jimmy bob   October 31st, 2008 11:22 am ET

mike ditka? joe the plumber? sarah palin?-good decisions john, good decisions!!

Kay   October 31st, 2008 11:22 am ET

The guy does not want to pay progressive income Tax.

News flash… Mike Ditka do you know how many Americans who has lost their jobs this month a long and this year. Of course in your dream world almost 600,000 people resigned from their job and are not willing to work.

This is the crap McCain and Palin are preaching. These guys are so out of touch.

4 more days

robin   October 31st, 2008 11:22 am ET

Better late than never . I think with a possible Obama election , many more people will realize the consequenes . America is not at its soul Liberal . Obama words have lulled with perception of a moderate man . Which Obama isnt , again look at who his collegues and friends are . And so many unanswered basics . WHO paid for his Harvard education . We know who launched his carrer . Ayers . He is used to tolerating terrorists . maybe even agrees with them on merit . the thing is …we really do not know . thats why Mike said he is there as an American

Anonymous   October 31st, 2008 11:22 am ET

Mike Ditka – a known intellectual in American Politics. You are not there because you are a Republican. Thats funny! Maybe you should try stand up comedy. No, I'm wrong, you should stick to football.

Sharon Jenson   October 31st, 2008 11:22 am ET

Mr. Ditka,

I live in Solano County, California and no matter how hard I try, there are very vew jobs listed her for which there are upwards of 100 applicants. Your comment is not applicable in many areas of the U.S. Your comment is offensive to a single mother with no health care and plenty of job experience in addition to a college education. Still, jobless for months!

Senator Obama speaks to me when he wishes to recruit quality teachers (me) and is concerned with a single mom who has no health care (me). My mother got breast cancer when she was 36, died at 44. He speaks to me when he wishes to concentrate on preventative health care. McCain does not speak to me or my needs. My choice is simple. Can you do without a "tax break" to offer me one instead?

America's standards   October 31st, 2008 11:22 am ET

Not suprised….But i think Gov Palin and Sen McCain claimed that all the chicagoans are currupt and their politics are terrible…Hmm interesting..

THE US OF WHAT?   October 31st, 2008 11:21 am ET

Mike Ditka you fit right in with the Republican looney tunes.

By the way its is easy to say if you want a job go get ine, exspecially when your "MIKE THE MILLIONARE"

YOUR A WEALTHY WEALTH MAN SO JUST TALK FOOTBALL

Chi4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:21 am ET

“This is the land of opportunity,” ….. “It's not a land of handouts".

So wasn't the 700 Billion dollar bailout that McCAin supported , pretty much a handout. Sounds like a contradiction to me.

mark   October 31st, 2008 11:21 am ET

what a lame argument.people are losing jobs.how does a millionaire know that

Turnabout is fair play   October 31st, 2008 11:21 am ET

“This is the land of opportunity,” he said. “It's not a land of handouts. If you’re willing to work, you can find a job. If you're willing to work, you can find a job.”
————————————————————————————————-
How can we find a job when Bush and McCain keep sending them over fncking seas to India and China, you clueless old rich bastard!!!

Real Talk   October 31st, 2008 11:21 am ET

Mike Ditka is a football coach and analyst. This is almost as relevant as being endorsed by a drunk country singer like Hank Williams Jr. Who's biggest accomplishment is the Monday Night Football song. Please find some news that is worth reading.

Jeffrey   October 31st, 2008 11:21 am ET

Seriously..Joe the Plumber, and Mike the Coach…these are supposed to be people we relate to. You know, Bush was someone we supposedly related to and look at the mess we're in.

This is a tough job with tough challenges. I don't want someone "like me". I want someone who's smarter than me!

Lawrence   October 31st, 2008 11:21 am ET

So Iron Mike has already lost to BO before………. makes sense now. It's amaaaaaaazing how many rich folks roll out to tell "regular working people " how easy it is to make it.

Stevo   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

He was not that good of a coach, If it were not for the legs of Mr. Walter Payton he would be one of those recycled coaches!!! You know the ones who go 2-14 and still end up coaching some where else, and he certainly will not say anything to change my mind so beat it!!!!! I would say stick to ESPN football talk but hell, he can't
do that well either!!!!

johninchitown   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

PLEASE! Ditka is known for a one-time trip to the Super Bowl, hot dogs, and his ranting. Endorsement by him standing next to Palin fits right in with the hot-dog selling.

TN Dem   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

Like Mike Ditka knows anything about what it's like for so many jobless and homeless people, many of whom are not in that position because they're not willing to work. It's easy to say "anybody can find a job" when you're a former Super Bowl winner – it's quite another thing when you've been struggling all your life just to survive. What an incredibly ignorant thing for him to say! It just shows how amazingly out of touch yet another McCain/Palin mouthpiece is.

And speaking of ignorant comments, what exactly is he saying with his ranting about change? He's criticizing Obama for talking about change by talking about McCain making changes??? His statements are almost as undecipherable as Palin's!

Susan   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

Joe the Plumber, Sarah the Unqualified, Tito the Builder, now Mike the Ex-Football Coach! WOW! Who's next — Bozo the Clown? McCain's campaign tactics remind me of kindergarten story time at the local library.

Nathan,   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

What does the McCain campaign have agianst using people with an IQ above 90. If there is someone out there who is inarticulate and dumb they will find them and use them. Palin, Joe the unlicensed plumber , Ditka. These guys are a joke.

OBBI 08   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

Yaaawwwnnn…..

mama4obama   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

Stick to football buddy. You are clearly on the wrong side of the American people right now.

Independant no longer   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

Newscaster: Senator Obama, I want to congratulate you on raising a record $150 million in one month. Quite an accomplishment.
Obama: Thank you. We worked very hard and very long to raise that money.
Newscaster: You don't mind if I take some of it and give it to Senator McCain? He doesn't have as much.
Obama: You can't do that! I worked hard for that money! That's my money!
Newscaster: No so much fun when it's your money getting spread around is it???
Obama, empty promises, already back tracking on what he will do, bad for america!!!

Know the issues, vote intelligently, vote McCain!!!!

LIP   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

Geeeeeez
Doesn't anyone like people that work for a living and actually go out and make something of themselves? Must we all be poverished and on welfare and just plain to darn lazy to want to make a living?
It seems that most all the bloggers on here want to live in a socialist state where the government takes care of everything for you, where there is no incentive to want to be successful.
Be careful what you wish for, you may get it and then you will have to live with it.
Vote McCain

Macunaima   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

What a masterful coup for the Palin-McCain ticket. Things are bound to turn around now with Ditka's financial expertise. If he can only do with the US economy what he did to with the Nola Saints, we'll be out of this mess in no time. Wait … As they say in my homeland, if stupidity were excrement, Mr Ditka wd need to carry a toilet on his back.
M

wwf   October 31st, 2008 11:20 am ET

Wow. Lets see. Mike, Joe, who else? vs Clinton, Clinton, Gore? Lunch meat vs steak.

Mike in Columbus   October 31st, 2008 11:19 am ET

Hopefully they can get him to show up when and where they want.

ines   October 31st, 2008 11:19 am ET

The Beauty and the Beast of Loserville..

Gloria   October 31st, 2008 11:19 am ET

Sadly Ditka doesn't say what McCain nor Palin would do.

Anyway, where are Sarah Palin's medical record

JL   October 31st, 2008 11:19 am ET

Rich dudes supporting other rich dudes. Shocker.

McCain won't spread the wealth around, he will just take from me (and others in the middle) and give it to Ditka and, of course, Cindy. Just like Bush.

I so hope people get out and vote for Obama.

jenny   October 31st, 2008 11:19 am ET

Iron Mike Ditka needs to check in with a mental doctor immediately.Are you kidding me.You can find a job anywhere or anytime.People all over America are asked to leave their jobs because companies are not making money and this jerk is with The other idiot Palin talking trash. You could ask a blind person and they will tell you it's rotten in America.Mike Ditka bread is well buttered thanks to the NFL. He is one that believes make the rich even richer and the poor even poorer.

Tom in Wheaton, Illinois   October 31st, 2008 11:19 am ET

Nice to see "da coach" throw down. Like in football, sometimes even the greatest player makes a boo-boo. Even if he's dead wrong, at least he's still kickin'.

Larry   October 31st, 2008 11:19 am ET

Yeah, this coming from Mike the Rich Guy. Give me a break. Exactly what is McCain going to do…to this date all his camp is saying…Obama this/Obama that????

Dj   October 31st, 2008 11:19 am ET

Mike Ditka is also incredibly onery and erractic… which also explpains why he is supporting McCain… Birds of a feather… flock together.

Kay1111   October 31st, 2008 11:19 am ET

I'm noticing that in editorials and posts on line that it is either the wealthy supporting him because they don't want to give up their tax breaks and loopholes (their articles rarely hold any water) or it's the religious zealots and racists running around like chicken little declaring the sky is falling. The US Taliban…pretty pathetic. Well, I just hope there are enough conscientious people paying attention to the issues and that Obama/Biden win by a landslide.

Mike in CA   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Ditka should stick to football!!

Jack Jodell, Minneapolis, MN   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

I guess that the very rich Mike Ditka needs McCain's tax break pretty badly!

Chi4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

So Mike Ditka (Republican), is choosing to back a Republican ticket.

And why is this news?

Not surprised   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Why would I be surprised that someone with tons of money and ground beef for brains would come out and support McCain. It is amazing how dumb people can be.

TruthinVA   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Mike Ditka his not known as the best decision maker in football history and needs to leave his comments and picks to ESPN where this coach can backseat quarterback what he knows a lot better than politics but then again he probably is as knowledgable as Palin herself which is pretty much nothing anyway. Oh well……

Winnie Hussein . . . in Montana   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Wow, the expertise of Mike Ditka has spoken. I'm convinced. I think I'll disregard the endorsements of a majority of respected newspapers, Colin Powell, The Economist, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, innumerable Republicans, Noble Laureates, world renowned scholars and economists, Warren Buffett, et al.

NOT.

McCain and Palin will endanger America's future economically, militarily, socially, and globally. We will be the subject of hatred and ridicule. Nations will attack us at will because we have shown that we can be made afraid by our own leaders. Our way of life and our position in this world will be put in jeopardy as we have never seen before.

Bill from FL   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

ahhh-mike the football coach, mike the millionaire, mike the elite.about time that the mccain campaign brings in someone completely relevant and respected in the world of politics.sarcasm.mike ditka knows football, and sometimes i question that.

Timothy   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

So, let me get this right. When I look at the two candidates on a campaign speech and look into the audience Sen Obama's crowd reflects america because of its diversity; however, Sen. McCain reflects one race white, therefore only white americans are true americans. How absurd.

Larry   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Ditka has been hit in the head over and over. Obviously it has distorted his judgement.

tyme4chaing   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Stupid is what stupid does

There's this song that keeps playing in my head..   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Desperado….

Desperado, why dont you come to your senses?
You been out ridin fences for so long now
Oh, youre a hard one
I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin you
Can hurt you somehow

JT   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Oh I see Sarah brought out the big guns again… just like last week with that idiot from the "The View" … Oh how I hope she will get on her broom on Tuesday and head back to caribou country where she belongs… and stay there never to be heard from again!!!!!!!!!

Well..   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Hey a loser supporting a loser….go figure….

Lisa   October 31st, 2008 11:18 am ET

WHO?

Chris, Michigan   October 31st, 2008 11:17 am ET

Out of touch – he still believes the wealth will trickle down to the general population.

Well well well. It has NOT worked for 8 years. We have 5% well off and 95% worrying about jobs.

Wei   October 31st, 2008 11:17 am ET

Oh, since Mike Ditka said so, I must vote for McCain! You know, since he's the expert on politics. Right? Just like Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder. Thanks, Mike the washed-up-coach-still-yearning-for-the-limelight!

Steve   October 31st, 2008 11:17 am ET

Let's see, Palin's most recent "winning" strategy was to bring along a reactionary talk show host to "help" her on the campaign trail. How much worse than that can it get? Apparenlty quite a bit. Now she's bringing along a former football VIP. Hey Sarah! I have a suggestion!
How about bringing someone along with you that knows more than you do about anything political? Oh… Right. You just did…..

Brenna Flood   October 31st, 2008 11:17 am ET

“We talk about change,” Ditka said. “Change from what, to what, and how? How you gonna do anything? Don’t talk about what you’re going to do, prove you can do something! If we're smart, the only option we have is to elect John McCain and Sarah Palin. Put ‘em in the White House, and let ‘em redirect where we're going.”

That's all fine and good, Ditka, but there's a small problem – McCain and Palin haven't gone into detail about their plans here, either.

If anything, I think that Barack Obama has been more direct on what the problems are and what the solutions to those problems are.

When Palin can't even describe what causes global warming, how can she fix it?

When McCain can't cohesively admit that deregulation caused this current economic meltdown, how in the world does he plan to fix it? Tightening spending might save us, but it will also have negative effects too. It would be a shame to continue spending on wars we shouldn't be in and cut off social security and medicare/medicaid. Under a McCain presidency, this is the direction that he head.

Brian Rich   October 31st, 2008 11:17 am ET

Wow, a football coach? Really?

LawDog   October 31st, 2008 11:17 am ET

What a joke…another guy I've lost respect for….along with McCain….

All Sarah Palin does is spread fear and hate among people who obviously don't check thing out for themselves….Ditka probably thinks Obama is a "Muslem" too (and what's wrong with that, if he is????)

I can't wait until Nov. 4th, when McCain and Palin, hopefully, fade off into obscurity….

LE   October 31st, 2008 11:17 am ET

Who cares?!

Teach   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

Mike Ditka? Now theres a guy that fits right in with McCain. Not only is he a maverick, he's a hothead and a big mouth.

Jodi, NC   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

The problem with Ditka's argument is no one knows what McCain is going to do differently than Pres. Bush and the reason for that is because McCain isn't going to do anything different than Pres. Bush. I'm continually amazed that while McCain continues to discuss not raising taxes for anyone and attacking Obama, voters aren"t connecting that his plan is the same as Pres. Bush's and he has failed to say anything different that he would do. In addition, if Ditka doesn't know why the country needs a change, he must have been living on another planet the past eight years.
Finally, I find it very offensive that McCain/Palin supporters/surrogates somehow believe that they are the only "real Americans." Why do they do that? If the McCain/Palin ticket wins, should I be worried that I'm going to be a persona non grata?

Lande007   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

To little too late!

Craig in Washington   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

Well, I see "Iron Mike" has shed what little self respect he still had.

Chi4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

Mike Ditka has not done anything significant, since winning the '84 Superbowl as coach of the Bears.

He is irrelevant right now.

Lyndon   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

Ditka's gone from Chicago Bears legend to New Orleans Saints hack to the McCain-Palin ticket. Yup, sounds like he's on the right track in terms of heading right down to the bottom of the barrel.

Jeff   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

lindapuma- Why should he share his wealth? As a football player he gave his blood, sweat, and tears to football. As a coach he put everything he had into his team. He worked his tail off to get to where he is today. Just like many of the wealthy people in the world, they worked for it. Now Democrats, such as yourself, feel that he needs to give his money to people who don't work as hard as they can for a better life? Get real! Typical liberal talk from typical liberal people.

I'm not a wealthy man by any means, but I am working to acheive my dream of running my own business. Now Obama wants to take what I may be earning and give it away? Sorry, but that is just plain bull****. Vote for the American Dream, vote Republican.

Bill-Chicago   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

Ditka is a traitor to Illinois.

Chip   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

I do believe that Mike was hit in the head one to many times if he believes that mcPlain is the best choice!!

Obama/Biden '08

Barnhardt in NC   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

The irrelevant one teams up with the clueless one. Nice job, GOP!!!!

Anonymous   October 31st, 2008 11:16 am ET

Hey Ditka look at what you done to the saints by giving up all your draft picks for one player,turned out to be a big mistake because he could not produce anything that was promised. I think your doing the same with being on McCain's side just remember football and politics are not the same but your going at it with the same approach

Martin   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

Ditka will be McCain's Secretary of Health. He's obviously qualified by their standards.

Kelley At Here   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

Whatever………..They are still losing.

hooverguide   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

And when did you last look for work, Mr. Ditka? Perhaps you would like to try it out here in rural Oregon? We are 55+ seniors who have worked hard all our lives — we own a home and still need to work to hold on to it after we lost our jobs when our employer (a land development and home builder) went under in late 2007.
Your platitudes just don't go very far in this household.

jack   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

I liked Ditka.

Past tense.

Anyone who shills for this vacuous fraud…can't take them seriously.

John   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

I always thought Ditka was kind of stupid. Guess this proves it.

GA Independent   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

from Wiki:

"In July 2004, Ditka, a self-described "ultra-ultra-ultra conservative", [3] was reportedly considering running against Democrat Barack Obama for an open seat in the U.S. Senate for Illinois in the 2004 Senate election. "

Duh sports.

Pat-Pittsburgh   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

Thanks, Mike, you are a great American as is John McCain. C'mon Pennsylvania – THINK – vote McCain, if you want a strong and healthy America again.

Mike's right get up off your collective a$$es and get a job, NO WELFARE AMERICA!

Rogue Palin   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

who cares? About the losers for McPalin they should be ashamed to stand on stage with that ethics violator like Palin and a phony like McCain.

time 4 change   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

Hmmm, the two of them together = 1/2 gray matter…oh well 1/2 a brain
is better than a quarter! More lies, insults, and making fools out of themselves.

kimm.   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

He is incredibly wealthy but intelligent as well! Why should those who don't work get the wealth? What about all those hard working Americans who work each and every day 40 or more hours, who struggle to pay bills, while others are sitting back waitng for their handout…
No shock they would support OBAMA in "spreading the wealth"…while spreading the newly founded American dream of Everything for Nothing!

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

I can see it now – Ditka for the Ditz.

Joe the plumber is related to Keating of Keating 5. Keating 5 started the deregulation of savings loans which led to the deregulation of banks, which has us in the spot we're in now.

WAKE UP PEOPLE – McCain pals around with the Keating.

CR in WI   October 31st, 2008 11:15 am ET

Well, if Ditka's supporting her, then that seals it for me.

Another angry, easily unhinged old guy, working on another heart attack doesn't do much for me. Stick to predicting football games "Iron" Mike.

Obama – Gen. Powell, Scott McCullen, Christopher Buckley, Christopher Hutchins
McCain – Mike Ditka, Al Qaeda, Hank Williams Jr.

Smart Republicans for Obama
Lamo divisive blind sheep for Mccain

BO08

bill   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

Who's next?……the republicans have made a complete mockery of this election. Is anyone other than a republican even listening? I guess he falls in the super wealthy bracket that McCain supports in the Bush tax cuts for the rich.

Scott Tucson   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

Obama kicks off reporters whose papers endorsed McCain.

Obama's staff investigates a private citizen for simply asking a
question?

Considers Americans NAZIS (From Obama's own lips)

Now he's changing his expectations of CHANGE.

Has close anti-American hating friends including wife.

Add it all up and he has all the qualifications the far left needs for president…go figure?

Ryan, Chicago, IL   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

Hey Coach, as a Bears fan, I gotta love you and respect you. But guess what? You want to talk about change? The Bears made a change and have Lovie Smith as their head coach and do you know who he backs?

Yep, Barack Obama.

So enough with looking at the past in both football and politics. It's time to live in the present and look toward the future. And that future is with President Obama.

james   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

Wonder what tax bracket he is in ????????

William   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

Another Dumbo joins the circus!

Kelly   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

I guess it just proves the old adage, it takes a half wit to know a half wit…
Ditka is an abusive, alcoholic moron who can think his way out of a wet paper bag. The doltish, low-brow, right-wing nuts can HAVE him.

Art   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

Obama is a made for TV politician. He is smooth and polished and has glitz and glamour.
America needs a leader with more substance. We need a leader we can trust. We need someone who believes in the American ideals and the principles on which this country was founded.
Vote substance over style!

Joe Ward   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

Yes of course a lot of people can find a job. But what KIND of job. A job making minimum wage with no health benefits? Nice try Ditka. You don't remember what it is like to struggle.

Vegas Barbie for Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

Oh, Lord, he can't complete a sentence (check him out in his "professional role" as a sportscaster, he get so into he just rambles along) and she can only complete those sentences that her "handlers" have programmed into her. These two must be sharing the brain chip.

bryce beamish   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

Note to Sarah Palin: I don't care what sports star or televison celebrity or hokey country musician shares the stage with you. You're running for Vice President. It's not a disney movie.

Commonwealth of Virginia   October 31st, 2008 11:14 am ET

And what political signifigance does Ditka bring to the ticket……NONE.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

John from White Plains, NY   October 31st, 2008 11:13 am ET

So what? What has he done since the Bears won the Super Bowl?

Zero, Zilch, Nada….the same components on Palin's qualifications to be VP…Zero, Zilch, Nada

Yo betcha ya!!!

JPR   October 31st, 2008 11:13 am ET

What ever happened to the medical records that were supposed to be released on a certain candidate this week? Do you think there is something being kept from us? We need to know…

PA Republican for Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:13 am ET

Ditka, you should stick to a topic you are good at…football. Thanks.

Palin, you should stick to a topic you are good at……..

Obama/Biden 2008

V.K   October 31st, 2008 11:13 am ET

No one is talking about handouts here. The republicans have converted this land of opportunity into land of scarcity from jobs to credit. I would like Ditka to find jobs for autoworkers in Flint who lost their jobs or people who lose their jobs because of outsourcing.

Have Sarah Palin and Ditka lost their jobs and wondered how to balance their monthly budget?

Republican talk is all bravado with no substance…

Glenn Doty, Columbia, SC   October 31st, 2008 11:13 am ET

Why would that help the McCain team in Western PA?

My family is from Western PA… They say prayers for the Steelers at church, and let out early to make sure everyone gets home in time to catch the game.

If there was more than 3 Chicago Bears fans in Western PA, I'd be shocked.

Other than be able to coach a football team, what relevence does ditka have to anyone or anything… Vote for McCain if you want a president who gets ideas about governance from a football coach?

What are they doing?

Chi4Obama   October 31st, 2008 11:13 am ET

The thought alone that Sarah Palin can be one bad heartbeat away from the Presidency, should be enough to scare even the most racist of Americans into voting for Obama.

Barack the Vote (early if your state allows).

the typical uninformed   October 31st, 2008 11:13 am ET

sounds like the typical "low information voter" to me.

keep putting your head in the sand – that way you don't have to admit or confront anything.

ignorance is not always bliss

the last eight years has proved that

Daniel   October 31st, 2008 11:13 am ET

I don't know why the GOP persists in this dog and pony show. The last 8 years were a setup for this election. The American public is so desperate and fearful that they refuse to read the writing on the wall about Obama…but that's the way you all planned it from the beginning.

MIKE FROM CALGARY   October 31st, 2008 11:13 am ET

Mike Dittka … now he's not the former Secretary of State and General in Iraq War 1 …. oh , that's Colin Powell. Ditka led the Chicago Bears. Right!

Alabama Voter   October 31st, 2008 11:12 am ET

WOW! We get Powell, and they get Ditka.

Darlene D   October 31st, 2008 11:12 am ET

Iron Mike…your talents would be better served by coming back to Chicago to coach the Bears.

S Callahan   October 31st, 2008 11:12 am ET

Ditka,Ditka, Ditka….
perhaps you haven't heard…Obama intends to 'create' jobs for the hundreds of thousands out of work so they won't need a handout…
perhaps you forgot this administration (Bush) left many people desitute…..

Oh Ditka…..i'm so heartbroken you didn't hear…

Tammy   October 31st, 2008 11:12 am ET

Ditka you disappoint me.

A Bears Fan

Pam   October 31st, 2008 11:12 am ET

McCain would have better off picking Ditka than Palin.

What a joke   October 31st, 2008 11:12 am ET

Yeah. So people get laid off from factories or offices making good wages and benefits.
So they find jobs flipping burgers at McD's.

That's the America that Ditka sees.

Brad   October 31st, 2008 11:12 am ET

Now that "Joe the Plumber" has a publicity team, maybe there'll be a Palin & Joe the Plumber ticket in 2012….

indy chris   October 31st, 2008 11:12 am ET

Not if all the jobs are shipped overseas.

Or if you're an incompetent, coddled, rich-kid frat boy (like bush and maccain) you can have careers handed to you on a silver platter by your elite daddy and/or wealthy mistress.

Karen, Arkansas   October 31st, 2008 11:12 am ET

Mike Ditka was hit in the head once too many times when he played football. Another gimmick for McSame and Failin….

Jano1234   October 31st, 2008 11:12 am ET

Are you nuts, lindapuma???? What are you talking about?

Steve A. , New Braunfels , Texas   October 31st, 2008 11:11 am ET

oooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!Mike Ditka supports McCain Palin ! wow, that will really turn the tide !!! Obama/Biden 08,,,I've already voted for the DEM. ticket,I'm proud of it, I have no regrets.

values   October 31st, 2008 11:11 am ET

Another clown. What happened to Joe and Tito……..HA,HA,HA,HA,…..

Just Me In WV   October 31st, 2008 11:11 am ET

Wonder why he didnt hit the trail with McCain? After all McCain is the top of the ticket.

jon mattson   October 31st, 2008 11:11 am ET

Sarah Palin is a twit and that's it.

Joe   October 31st, 2008 11:11 am ET

Yeah. He has worked hard to succeed.

Jano1234   October 31st, 2008 11:11 am ET

I LOVE you, Mike Ditka. You are the man!!!!

Sebastian, Baton Rouge, LA   October 31st, 2008 11:10 am ET

The Stupid Bowl Shuffle.

Scott L   October 31st, 2008 11:10 am ET

Ditka is awesome!

I can't even imagine how mad he will be if Obama wins!

RACHEL   October 31st, 2008 11:10 am ET

Newsflash for Mr. Ditka: There are a lot of people, 750,000 alone this year, that are willing to work except that their companies decided there would be no more work for them. And there are plenty of people, including a lot of recent college graduates, that are willing and able and eager to work, but it's a bit hard to land a job during a time when companies and businesses cutting costs and/or laying people off instead of hiring .To insinuate that the reason they don't have jobs is because they are not willing to work is ridiculous.

It just shows how out of touch the typical Republican is.

BBB   October 31st, 2008 11:10 am ET

His brain power never terribly impressed me…

Nico Sciscente   October 31st, 2008 11:10 am ET

Ditka – stick to football…..you know nothing about politics!!……GO PACKERS GO!!!!!!!!!!!:))))))))

Obamafied Cheesehead   October 31st, 2008 11:10 am ET

Another out of touch personality out there for McCain.

vote! OBAMA-BIDEN NOV.4th   October 31st, 2008 11:10 am ET

HERE PALIN GOES AGAIN, PUTTING SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BEFORE CRITICAL ISSUES, LIKE THE ECONOMY, OUR JOBS , HEALTH CARE, IT SEEMS UNLESS THEY CAN HAVE SOMEONE TO DIVERT THE ATTENTION AWAY FROM THEMSELVES THAT THEY CAN'T EVEN TALK TO THE VOTERS, WE'VE HAD ENOUGH. VOTE OBAMA-BIDEN

Ethan   October 31st, 2008 11:10 am ET

How does this pay down the National Debt? It's the economy, stupid, AGAIN.

Terry B.   October 31st, 2008 11:09 am ET

*LOL* This is the same guy that gave away all the New Orleans Saints draft picks in order to pick one guy, Ricky Williams and we now know about his habitual drug habit. Even though one of his teams won the Super Bowl, Ditka has a history of siding with losers so why would anyone be surprised about this choice. That and I am betting he is against Obama because his taxes are going to go up.

Ashley   October 31st, 2008 11:09 am ET

Maybe this Ditka guy should pay more attention to the issues. Obama has clearly and articulately laid out his plans. I'm not sure what McCains intentions are. If your hosue isn't in order then you can not succeed. That seems to be the issue in the McCain and Palin camp. Get it together and give credit where credit is due…Obama/Biden 08′

Proud to be American   October 31st, 2008 11:09 am ET

Spoken like a wealthy out of touch man …. sort of like McSimple and Painlin…. I can not wait until they take their departure away …. far, far away from the white house….

Vote Early for Obama and Biden 2008! Yes we can!!!!!

r sisk, nevada   October 31st, 2008 11:08 am ET

What a shock!!!! A wealthy ex-professional super jock that probably has no tolerance for anyone except whites voting for McCain.

Michael watching from Canada   October 31st, 2008 11:08 am ET

When does a football player and coach become an expert on the economy?

Whose endorsement do you trust better…….

Mike Ditka or Colin Powell?

The American Dream is Alive and Well   October 31st, 2008 11:08 am ET

Ditka – I liked you until now (especially in Kicking and Screaming – hilarious). While it is absolutely appropriate to ask a candidate what they are going to do and HOW they are going to do it – Obama has outlined several detailed examples of exactly what and how he will do it. John McCain and Sarah Palin have not outlined in any specific detail how they will do ANYTHING they propose to do. They've barely proposed anything at all. All they do is talk badly about Obama, instead of talking positively about what they can do for this country. Shame on you Ditka for falling for their crap.

ANDY DAAS   October 31st, 2008 11:08 am ET

Mike please stick to football because you are clueless about politics.

Butch Dillon   October 31st, 2008 11:08 am ET

Ditka and Palin, a brain trust from the low rent district. Combined, these two would neither recognize nor speak the truth because YOUR life depends upon it.

KahneeO   October 31st, 2008 11:07 am ET

Ditka is Mr. Irrelevant!

Drone   October 31st, 2008 11:07 am ET

Shut your pie hole ditka

Phil Newton in Murphy, Oregon   October 31st, 2008 11:07 am ET

Um…who cares?

Vegas   October 31st, 2008 11:06 am ET

“This is the land of opportunity,” he said. “It's not a land of handouts. If you’re willing to work, you can find a job. If you're willing to work, you can find a job.”

I agree Mike… to bad there are so many that prefer the handout… it's easier I guess… if your self respect doesn't get in the way… mine would.

Iron Mike bashing in 5-4-3-2-1

Eric from Columbus   October 31st, 2008 11:06 am ET

And we care why?

Chicago Bears fan   October 31st, 2008 11:05 am ET

I didn't think that Mike Ditka could ever possibly do it but he has lost my respect. Mike Ditka is obviously nothing more then a neo-con.

lindapuma   October 31st, 2008 11:05 am ET

Mike Ditka is incredibly wealthy…its no shock he supports the McCain Palin agenda for separating the wealth.

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