November 6, 2008
Posted: 12:30 PM ET

From
Scheunemann (above, with Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin) denies he was dismissed from the campaign.
Scheunemann (above, with Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin) denies he was dismissed from the campaign.

(CNN) — McCain’s presidential bid has ended, but the fireworks from inside his former campaign continue to make news: evidence is mounting that senior adviser Randy Scheunemann wasn’t fired, as several internal sources had suggested, but the target of a deliberate whispering campaign.

Top McCain adviser Mark Salter told CNN Thursday that Scheunemann, the campaign’s senior foreign policy adviser, was not fired.

Campaign manager Rick Davis denied a report he had fired Scheunemann after determining that he had been in direct contact with journalists spreading "disinformation" about campaign aides, including Nicolle Wallace and other officials.

"My impression is there is some silly score settling being done," Davis told CNN. "Randy was not fired."

Scheunemann himself said sources who said he had been dismissed were lying.

"I was not fired,” he said Thursday. “Anybody who says so is either lying or delusional and is certainly a whack job."

Earlier, Scheunemann told CNN he was "not fired and never [have] been fired."

Some senior campaign officials blame Scheunemann specifically for stories about the way Wallace and chief campaign strategist Steve Schmidt mishandled Palin's rollout — stories that the campaign says threw them off message in the critical final weeks of the campaign.

"He was positioning himself with Palin at the expense of John McCain's campaign message," said a McCain aide, one of three senior aides who told CNN that Scheunemann had been fired from the campaign.

Scheunemann, who was widely viewed as a supporter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, admitted people were trying to push him out of the campaign. But he said that Goldfarb, his ally, was incorrect when he told CNN that Scheunemann’s blackberry had been taken away — although he does admit that his e-mail account had been “temporarily” cut off.

Earlier: Sources: McCain aide fired for trashing staff

Michael Goldfarb, a McCain press aide and Scheunemann ally, said that senior McCain aides were mad at Scheunemann — and wanted to fire him — but he insisted they stopped short of that, and instead simply turned off his campaign communication.

Goldfarb said Scheunemann was in the office on Saturday. He was, however, noticeably missing on election night when top aides to John McCain and Sarah Palin gathered in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Updated with additional information 11:45 a.m.)

Filed under: John McCain


Al, NY NY   November 6th, 2008 9:53 am ET

From New Day….Fellow Obama supporters… you guys wanna go back to Obama's victory speech and listen to the part where he talks about unity? Our guy won, we should all be happy but, being a bad winner is pathetic. Show a lil maturity and restraint and focus on making all of us better, not just the ones that agree with us."… I want to point out that at JMs concession speech a bunch of big mouthed yahoos booed when Obamas name was mentioned. Only then did JM actually try to calm them down. When he (and Lipstick Fido) were campaigning, all the name calling and hooting were NOT discouraged. So there are bad winners and sore losers. As for this guy, it goes to show how dysfunctional this whole campaign was. And to all the GOP'ers out there who are upset. TOO BAD!!! You had your 8 years of buffoonery and look where it got us. Time for some new blood in the WH.

Bob Miller   November 6th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Could it have been a rabid PIT BULL with LIPSTICK.

Jogger runs mile with rabid fox locked on her arm.
Authorities in Arizona say a jogger attacked by a rabid fox ran a mile with the animal's jaws clamped on her arm and then drove herself to a hospital. The Yavapai County sheriff's office said the woman told deputies she was on a trail near Prescott on Monday when the fox attacked and bit her foot.

She said she grabbed the fox by the neck when it went for her leg but it bit her arm.

The woman wanted the animal tested for rabies so she ran a mile to her car with the fox still biting her arm, then pried it off and tossed it in her trunk and drove to the Prescott hospital.

The sheriff's office says the fox later bit an animal control officer. He and the woman are both receiving rabies vaccinations.

Charles L. Shaw, Liverpool, NY   November 6th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Well, my fellow Americans I say lets give our new President Obama a chance here, this was a clear win, and in my 52 years, I have never voted for the winner, and this election is no different, but I have the faith in that no matter if it is a liberal or conservative approach we as America will prevail.
What I'm most pleased about is the over all involvement that "We the People" had in this election. The large voter turnout, the high first time voter involvement and most of all the optimism that we will be ok.
What was it that FDR said? All we have to fear is fear itself?
I’m with John McCain here, this is my President and this is my country, my land, this is our land. This is where I’ll stand my ground, and pray for peace and prosperity for all of America. The challenges we face going forward will require all of us to help each other with love.
Even though I did not vote for Barrack, I will not disrespect my President ever.

The Next President   November 6th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Has anyone written about Obama's journey and moments in history? It is amazing. I'll continue to research more. Some I've heard, others confirmed. I will check of factcheck.org and other sites:

1. DNC acceptance speech on the same day as Dr. King's I Have a Dream Speech;
2. 2009 is the same year as the 100th anniversary of the NAACP;
3. From the same state from where the only other president from the state was elected;
4. Timing of Obama's victory speech and the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation;

There are others, still researching…

Mike, Atlanta   November 6th, 2008 9:52 am ET

WHO CARES……THEY LOST……BWAHAHAHAH

Tired   November 6th, 2008 9:52 am ET

As a Republican, I support Obama as President because I respect the office. However, it doesn't mean the whole country has to follow him blindly.

Brandon from Ohio   November 6th, 2008 9:52 am ET

I also feel I need to respond to Jeff's ignorance.

Look Clownshow, candidates have proposals they make to Congress of what they want to get done. Since this isn't a dictatorship, the President doesn't get to decide how a bill turns out, only if he approves of it in its final form. Congress will work it out, and hopefully they will be able to come up with something that Obama is agreeable to that he will sign into law. With additional Democrats in Congress now, it should be easier than it has been. Bottom line, all the President can do is say "I want to see legislation on my desk that "enacts universal healthcare" (etc, you fill in the blank). He doesn't get to just make law. Sounds like you need to go back in time and live in Germany about 70 years ago so you can see how a dictatorship works since that's apparently what you're advocating. The sad thing is I bet even after those of us here who understand how gov't works explain it to you, you still won't "get it". Don't post anymore without being able to at least translate your incoherent BS into a half-way coherent sentence.

ST   November 6th, 2008 9:52 am ET

bob November 6th, 2008 9:28 am ET

Palin has an IQ of 147, Obama has an IQ of 123. Obama was elected because of the money he received from IRAN. Obama is NOT qualified to be president and it will show soon enough. We will end up impeaching Obama you watch my words
———————————————————-
I don't normally call anyone names, but you're an idiot. There is no record of their IQ scores and you don't know where Obama received his funds.

People, it's over. Move on. Get over it. McCain lost for good reason. He was not the right person for the job and the American people felt that. Period.

Paul   November 6th, 2008 9:52 am ET

Time for change and move on to a better future. We all are at blame for this nation being what we made it. Greed, backbiting, slander, bigotery, racism, you name it and we all should shoulder the blame. So let's get on with the show of patriotism and commitment to making this a better nation, GOP and DEM, and show them we can do it!

Tired of unmoderated forums   November 6th, 2008 9:51 am ET

I hope that in the future, news sites realize that these seemingly unmoderated comments on articles degrades the value of the news. Unmoderated comments allow mob gossip and childish name calling to be perpetuated.

Jeremiah   November 6th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Was Obama ex-communicated by Pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright?

This is a trick question.

Farhana from ATL   November 6th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Keep it coming…this is more fun to watch than reality tv!!

Joyce in Florida   November 6th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Yes, let's all move on. Senator Obama won and who cares what is happening in the McCain camp now? They lost because of the poor choice for V.P., their negativity, their lies, and fearmongering. You think they would have learned a lesson. Stupid is as stupid does. We didn't fall for it this time nor we will EVER again. I am ecstatic that the Democrats will be taking back the White House to clean up the mess (again) this current Administration made. As as far as impeachment, President Bush should have been impeached years ago!!!! Worst president EVER!!!

Happy Democrat!   November 6th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Sorry – made a mistake in the last sentance of my previous comment -obviously what I meant to say was its time to STOP fighting with each other

Repuges are sore loosers   November 6th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Whom evr is bl;aming President elect Obama for the stock market; your worng. President Bush is still in office not Barack so stop your blame game, it's enough of that going around in your own party. Don't try to drag our President elect in on the problems the Republicans have caused. Also, it took Bush 8 years to screw our country up unfortunatley it will take longer to fix our country!!!!!!

YOU BUNCH OF REPULSELICAN IDIOTS!!!!

Donna   November 6th, 2008 9:50 am ET

who on earth thinks they know Obama's and Palin's I.Q.'s? And what is that based on? It's highly unlikely that either ever was tested and, if they were, the results would not be public.

I supported Obama in this election. However, I listened to every side of the issues before making my decision. One thing that influenced me (but it was not close to the only reason) was the willingness of certain people/media to make this sort of unsubstantiated statement. The carrying on about Obama's birth certificate, the insistence that he is Muslim, the statements about how he had said he'd eliminate the Star Spangled Banner. Those of you who spread this junk–please know that you may have dissuaded some people from supporting Obama but you pushed others towards him.

Scott, West Chester, OH   November 6th, 2008 9:50 am ET

Who cares about this? The real news is that the market had its biggest drop for the day after an election in US history. The markets have no confidence in Obama's ability to manage the economy. Now that's something your readers would want to know.

Happy Democrat!   November 6th, 2008 9:50 am ET

Hey Obama Supporters – please stop criticizing McCain's supporters and do what your Candidate told you to do: reach across the isle and work together

Hey McCain Supporters – please stop hoping for Obama to fail or for the condition of our country to get worse, and do what your Candidate told you to do: put your country first.

The Election is over but America's challenges haven't gone away. Time to start fighting with each other and put our country back together.

michael   November 6th, 2008 9:49 am ET

the best part is we dont have to waste our time with palin anymore

Dixie AZ   November 6th, 2008 9:49 am ET

Bob. Thanks for a good laugh. You've been listening to too many rep robo calls.

Jeff   November 6th, 2008 9:48 am ET

I really get the feeling that McCain was prevented from running "his" campaign. His campaign was sloppy, and it never stuck to a specific topic that could be driven home. He didn't want to do a mudslinging campaign, but that is what happened. When you listen to his acceptance speech for the Republican ticket, and to his concession speech, it doesn't seem to be the same as the campaign that was run. You can say that if he couldn't run his campaign how can he run the country all you want, but you are naive to think he could.

Congrats to Obama and his campaign for running a great race, and sticking to his plan. I voted for McCain but I really do hope that Obama does a great job. We are Americans first and foremost, time to unite to bring this country back to greatness.

Posters, please stop with the name-calling. It shows ignorance, and ignorance is what keeps things like racisim and sexisim prevelent in todays society.

Arlene, Illinois   November 6th, 2008 9:48 am ET

Who cares!

Sharon from Dumfries Virginia   November 6th, 2008 9:48 am ET

Bob, you are already talking about impeaching Obama and he isn't even in the White House until 1/20/09. Why haven't you talk more about impeaching your boys Bush /Cheney they cause the problems we are having, then call for a $700B bailout. I guess you will blame Obama for that too. Just can't help yourself can you BOBBY boy. I guess if it where anyone else other than Obama it would be okay right Bobby? What a joke you are.

Well, guess what most of America will support Barack Obama and he will do just fine working that miracle..to get us out of the mess your boys "Bush/Cheney" created.

searp   November 6th, 2008 9:48 am ET

Stuff like this shows me that I made the right decision. Everyone likes to talk about Obama, but he didn't cause the problem that we are facing today. Look at who is in office. The McCain camp has issues and it has been enlightened throughout the campaign. I'm excited to see what happens now. Anything is better then what we have experienced for the past 8 years. Everyone needs to be more open minded and stop making judgments before Obama takes office.

America voted and it looks like they made the right decision.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   November 6th, 2008 9:48 am ET

With the Republicans it is always a witch hunt. Gotta blame someone other than who they see in the mirror.

Farhana from ATL   November 6th, 2008 9:47 am ET

Too bad, when losers lose, they lose their minds and integrity. For a split second I switched on Foxnews, and here they are saying that the "liberal media" was in the tank for Obama and helped him win….ummm…really? Americans are not so easily brainwashed. And if that was the real reason, there would not be so much in-fighting in the GOP camp!

indepdentvoter10   November 6th, 2008 9:47 am ET

What a trainwreck !!! They want and desire to divide a nation and they cant even keep the peace amongst themselves. Good Grief. Thank God the keys to the White House went to "that one" instead of this disgraced group. Poor organization and Poor attitude.

CanIcallyouJoe   November 6th, 2008 9:47 am ET

Oh, spin, gotcha.
Haha, I guess it's hard to quit spinning those reports even after the election, eh?

"I wasn't fired. I was asked to alleviate my position to another party who has not presently been disclosed."

Man, I really hope we can all move on and come together to solve our problems.

John S   November 6th, 2008 9:47 am ET

America, you chose wisely. Now that it is over, I still see some hatred and rhetoric on both sides and that is not what you country needs. This is the time to come together for the benefit of all Americans. There are many who feel anger and disappointment from this election. Those that still spew anger and hatred will eventually coem around when things start to improve in their lives.Every Democrat needs to be a good winner and not a sore one. No matter how much dirty tricks was shown or what was said in the race, you all needs to show restraint for your country. As a Canadian, I am proud of my brothers and sisters to the south of me. You have started a change in your country but you will also have started a change in how the world looks at America for the better. No more hatred and rhetoric. Start by helping your new President bring in a new and bright future, not only for yourselves, but for the entire world. God Bless America

MD, TX   November 6th, 2008 9:46 am ET

Today is November 6. The election was November 4.

No one is interested in what happened, in either campaign, prior to the election.

GIVE IT A REST.

Stephen   November 6th, 2008 9:45 am ET

The left now has control of the White House and Congress but i bet after you run the country into the ground, destroy our economy and the American will to work and succeed with your European socialistic policies, undermine our national security, and basically pander and bow to other governments, you will still be trying to blame George Bush and the Republicans. You many have bought this election but now you have to show that you really can "change" this country for the positive. Change is coming but will it be good for the country? We will see. So far all I can see is a bunch of simple minded, hatemongery leftists gloating and pontificating … but as with Carter and Reagan in 2 years or 4 years you will be out of power and this country returned to its path of conservatism, fiscal responsibility and strong national defense. Where our policies are dictated by what is best for Americans and not dependent on world opinion. I pray that Obama does well but based on responses in this blog I am expecting that the socialist agenda and all you mindless followers of it will fail and we will all suffer for it. I still will go to sleep every night with my Bible and a copy of the United States Constitution nearby to remind me of what this country was founded on and what values made it the greatest country on earth despite what the left would have us believe.

ross berg- Buffalo, NY   November 6th, 2008 9:45 am ET

Let's be honest about this whole sarah Palin issue. If you put any stock in the exit polls the vast majority of independent voters (63%) said they believed that Palin was NOT qualified to be VP no less President and 45% of them gave that as a major reason they decided to vote Democratic.

Based on that reality it is quite obvious that whatever chance McCain might have had to win was eliminated by his choice of Palin.

The interesting question is how he reached the decision to name her. Was it simply a gut "Hail Mary" decision made essentially by McCain alone or where there senior trusted aides who sold him on the idea???

Seems to me that even a political novice would have known that a woman who is so stridently pro-life was going to turn off a big chunk of the independent voters (especially the women amongst them) and thus be a big net minus in a national election. Further, whatever prayer she might have had certainly left when the Couric interview aired.

Someday we'll all know what happened.

Ray from NY   November 6th, 2008 9:45 am ET

Wow!! Why do we just keep fighting each other? the republicans and democrats both have their fantics but for most of us i think we are sick of it all!1 lets help our new president get the job sone and help our country back to the greatness it had once!!

Tess   November 6th, 2008 9:45 am ET

The Republican party is clearly out-of-touch. Their pick for V.P. did not increase support beyond their base. The ugly, divisive rhetoric, ads, emails, i.e. scare tactics did not succeed. Prominent republicans began coming out for Obama. Their GE campaign was mismanaged. Before the election, they’d begun pointing fingers at each other and everyone else, in an attempt to explain the reason for their (inevitable) loss. Obviously, the finger pointing continues. Good grief. Is it any wonder why the most people did not vote for the Republican ticket?

Kate   November 6th, 2008 9:44 am ET

CNN needs to find out the "un-named sources" of all this drama. Is it a real source? or just some kid playing a prank and sending anonymous emails to look like they are coming from the campaign?

angela   November 6th, 2008 9:44 am ET

Note to self: when running election campaign, and aide behaves badly, simply fire him/her. Do not take away toys and hope he/she gets the point.

Sandi   November 6th, 2008 9:44 am ET

I didn't vote for Obama, but I pray for him. The Dems have an uphill climb to positively affect our nation over the next 4 years. As for all you who want to trash Palin, get over it. She proved that a woman can be strong and feminine. Its a new concept but if you try you can eventually wrap your mind around it!

Dixie AZ   November 6th, 2008 9:44 am ET

I'm in Arizona. I voted for Obama and happy that I did so. McCain will go back to the senate to serve out 2 more years. McCain is no maverick. He ran his campaign as instructed by the out of touch gop. The republicans need to change their platform, which is way too narrow thinking to elect a president. McCain is too short tempered and arrogant and erratic — spur-of-the-moment– to make a good president. If he had run with the graciousness which he delivered his concession speech things may have turned out differently. A different vp choice would also have helped immensely. Reps can go on forever about how Palin entergized the base. Americans did not think her qualified.

Andrew   November 6th, 2008 9:43 am ET

Bob – I’m guessing it was McCain’s camp that released her IQ levels. With all the smoke the McCain camp was letting out these past several months, I wouldn’t be surprises if her IQ was 47, and they just threw a 1 in front of it hoping people like yourself were that gullible to believe it. I heard her speak, and if you want to make her out as highly intelligent person, then you’ve been fooled.

Another grumpy old white woman for Obama   November 6th, 2008 9:43 am ET

Reps are always sore losers. Obama isn't president yet. He will be sworn in next year. Until then, the ball is in Bushys court. The buck stops there. Also, bear in mind that Obamas proposals were designed before the stock market crashed. It tanked yesterday because the number of JOBLESS people was higher than expected.
Not because of Obama. Because of the party in power !
That problem will not be solved in a day. Patience and fortitude will get us through. There are no magic bullets to solve the problem.

george rush   November 6th, 2008 9:43 am ET

It boggles my mind how half of the nation seems to be stuck in the past.
I sincerely hope that the rest of you have the drive to take up the slack for these people and move the nation forward.

It seems unfortunate that these types of people do not seem to want to learn or the hopes of bettering their children's future.

The world CAN now survive without the US but can we survive without the rest of the world. Think about it…they can make everything for themselves. What do they need to rely on us for? We rely on them for Walmart….

Please direct your anger and hatred to something more constructive. Perhaps you can volunteer to help rebuild homes damged by the hurricanes.

Regards

Scapes   November 6th, 2008 9:43 am ET

This is not news. No one cares about this. Stop reporting on it.

Phoenix   November 6th, 2008 9:42 am ET

We need to stop trashing McCain. Yes, his campaign was mismanaged. Now, we need to move on. Stop trying to generate ratings based off the election soap opera that is now over. McCain had the bravery to do what other Republicans would not do, and that was run against an Obama. He behaved like a total gentleman, and that's what mattered.

Jeff, people like you make me laugh. If we had held all of our politicians feet to the fire, we would not be in the current mess. It's amazing how we wait until the black man makes it to office to "hold a politicians feet to the fire." Ken Sawyer, Obama did not even make it into office, so how are you going to make a blanket statement like that, oh the economy sank. GET OVER IT…He won. Stop drinking haterade.

The Other Campaign Strategist from 115th St. & Amsterdam Ave.   November 6th, 2008 9:42 am ET

Obama would have NEVER allowed this to happen on his team.

Palin clearly has become a joke to many Americans. She is done on the national scene. Alaskans might elect her their Senator but she won't be taken seriously in Washington if they do.

In April, May & June most people were saying that McCain needed to pick an economy oriented guy to fill his shortcoming. I said it then, and I say now, that Rob Portman of Ohio … the former leader of the office of management & budget … would have been the right call. McCain would have held Ohio and he'd have had a thinker on his team.

McCain could have secured the base by early campaigning with conservative surrogates and hard hitting commericals against Obama's so-called radical ties but he needed to complete this before July. He needed to plant the seed and then let it go. The base would have had to "trust" him while he played to independents in the last 4 months of the campaign. This trust would have allowed McCain to publically take Bush to task.

Johnshould have rejected the bailout as welfare for wall street. The nationalization of the banks approaches socialistic behavior and McCain was tarred with this brush. His suspension of the campaign gimmick was a big miss.

Hiring the Rove disciple and Gullianni's agent were big mistakes. He needed that Republican guy Mike ….., the one that appears on NBC. McCain needed to have his persona of 2000 instead of the angry, "It's the SURGE, I tell ya", imagery of 2008.

Obama was brilliant, ran an almost flawless campaign but could have been beaten. The GOP'ers blew it by being extremists.

SSG Type   November 6th, 2008 9:41 am ET

BOB are you crazy? first you say Obama has a lowered IQ that Pailin, but who won??????? yeah ok, then you say stop the fighting, but you are the first one to start fighting. you sound just like Mccain, sore looser. LOL

Joe Green   November 6th, 2008 9:41 am ET

This is important as it helps us understand how John McCain lost the election. These folks all had their own agendas and worked against the common interest. There is no "I" in "TEAM" fellas! I feel bad for McCain, he was BETRAYED.

mike   November 6th, 2008 9:41 am ET

Hey VIC Not yet but soon oshama,pelosi,reid and all the other demorats will dine soon.

Lifelong Republican for Obama   November 6th, 2008 9:40 am ET

Rejoice!! "GOD'S WILL" is President OBAMA. God has spoken…..OBAMA is HIS choice…..he is the Way…..period!!

Dexter Skagway   November 6th, 2008 9:39 am ET

Fired? Sort of like firing the chef on the Titanic after it went down, isn't it? Not much left to do for McCain's campaign. Aren't they all out of their jobs?

NCLaw441   November 6th, 2008 9:39 am ET

It is disheartening to see the ugly comments made by Obama supporters on this blog. This kind of thing is what turned me off to Bill Clinton, as much as his policies. When the campaign is over, it is over, and then it is time to govern. I hope that Obama does not govern with the same tone as some on this blog have.

I did not vote for Obama, not because of his race, and not because of any of the silly asides such those in this article, but because of his proposed policies. I opposed those policies before the election, and I will continue to oppose them–but I won't allow it to become personal, because it ISN'T personal, it is political.

Dems, enjoy your win, but if you want to continue the personal attacks, don't be surprised if they come back against you in future campaigns. I hope that have to happen.

Luke   November 6th, 2008 9:39 am ET

Is this really new worthy?

mitch   November 6th, 2008 9:39 am ET

scheuneman was the lobbyist for the country of georgia, and may have played an indirect role in giving the go -ahead for georgia's attack on south ossetians. all just to create a crises to gain votes for mccain . it failed. randy failed. he should be fired, and investigated.

Glenn in California   November 6th, 2008 9:37 am ET

At this point, who cares? Everyone that was on McCain's campaign should have been fired for the miserable job they did. For the country's sake, we'll be glad to have them all back in 2012. Maybe McCain can run again.

Beverly, NYC   November 6th, 2008 9:37 am ET

No access to the campaign means you're fired Randy. Pretty it up any way you like ,you're still a guy without a job just like 700,000 other Americans. How come John Mccain isn't blaming himself, afterall he choose Sarah from Alaska.

Noah   November 6th, 2008 9:36 am ET

The Republican party is not dead. Conservatism is alive and well. As evidence just look at the campaign that Obama ran. He did not run on his extremely liberal record, he ran away from it. He chose to move more to the center-right because he knew he had to in order to get elected. Don't believe me? Look at some of the issues he ran on: less abortions, lower taxes, strong free trade (NAFTA), said he holds the right to invade Pakistan if terrorists are in our cross hairs, pro 2nd amendment/gun owner rights, etc. These are all conservative ideals, not liberal ideologies. So this country is still a center-right country. Obama's election does NOT signal a move to the left. As further evidence, just look at all of the states that had a vote on banning gay marriage. All of those states voted in favor of banning gay marriage. That is a conservative principal, the idea that marriage is between a man and a woman. So, sorry to all you extreme Liberals but your candidate betrayed you and you beliefs in order to get elected by a conservative country

Janey   November 6th, 2008 9:35 am ET

isn't it time to start building up the Dems instead of trying to pull d0wn repubs as you have done, CNN for the past 2 years? Sore winners never make good leaders. And leave Palin alone or you will lose even more viewers–the right loves her and will compare her resume to the stuttering Obama any day. He now has his chance to prove himself–let him do it without smearing the right–dems are never happy and never will be.

Obama Victory   November 6th, 2008 9:33 am ET

Ken Sawyer:
The market tanked one month ago thanks to years of deregulation. Today jobless rates are highest since February 2003 and Asian markets are slumping — that is driving our market. Our country and, indeed, the world is celebrating an Obama victory. Still, that was not able to drive the market up. So, by your logic, if McCain had been elected the stock market would have crashed.

Bob   November 6th, 2008 9:33 am ET

Funny how you lemmings followed OBAMA to the leap off the cliff. You are about as sad and pathetic as they come. John McCain was the only HONORABLE man running. Sara Palin is still more qualified to be president then Obama. And way smarter she was then any of the rest. You libs have just ruined this country. I am applying for welfare tomorrow, quiting my job and asking for a home loan I don't qualify for.

Brian   November 6th, 2008 9:33 am ET

Ok, they cut off his email address, took his blackberry, wasn't at McCains concession speech, but he's wasn't fired? What would you call it then? I believe that Scheunemann is traveling down a river called denial.

vic nashville,Tn   November 6th, 2008 9:32 am ET

Election is over

CNN please don’t bother grandpa now he need some rest

Republicrat   November 6th, 2008 9:32 am ET

I had a hard time deciding to who to vote for. Each candidate had issues I stood behind. What I do find amusing though are the number of black americans (I refuse to use African-American because we are all Americans – not European-Americans, Asian- Americans, etc. – just "Americans") who think because Barak Obama was elected that they (the black american) will now get prferential treatment. There were several individuals interviewed on the radio who said that "change was in the air…and now that a black was elected they would have a job by (this) Friday…" No, they will have a job when they look for one, are qualified for one, dress the part for one, not because Barak Obama has been elected and will "make sure all blacks are employed". I believe Barak Obama is a very intelligent man and has the best interests of the entire Nation in mind…not just people of color. Additionally, he knows what hard work is and will not tolerate laziness and expectations of entitlement.

nerakami   November 6th, 2008 9:32 am ET

This self-destructive part of our political history is over. Obama has set the standard for future campaigns where discipline & integrity are the order of the day. Thank God, America has voted for a more positive approach…

Happy in NJ   November 6th, 2008 9:31 am ET

Jeff,

You talk about holding Barack to his promises but can you explain to anyone what President has kept all the promises they made in the Primary and General Election?

I understand you are a Hillary supporter but even she has moved on.

Ryan in Omaha   November 6th, 2008 9:31 am ET

Ken Sawyer have you been watching the stock market for the last couple of weeks? It's been erratic at best. You clowns will have to wait a little longer before you start blaming Obama for problems, because the bad economy was inherited.

Ruby   November 6th, 2008 9:30 am ET

oh well. life goes on…

New Days   November 6th, 2008 9:30 am ET

Lets move on people, move on. President elect Obama has a world of difficulties ahead and he is going to need our help, in staying focus on what matters, uniting this country, overcoming hate and fear.

Let this be new days for this nation we ALL call our home!

rm   November 6th, 2008 9:30 am ET

I think the McCain's campaign strategies & staff would have been just fine for a 2000 run, maybe even 2004. But NOBODY was ready for the stellar, smooth, smart and forward thinking campaign that Obama ran. They were all caught off guard. Hillary was not ready for it either. It was masterful. Campaigns for years to come have a lot to live up to after Obama. Palin should have never mocked his Community Organizer credentials. Remember, Obama believes success starts from the bottom up. He is going to get our country back on track. Everyone have faith and patience.

Bob   November 6th, 2008 9:30 am ET

Come on, folks, let it go. The election is over. It's time to stop fighting and start working together.

Andrew   November 6th, 2008 9:30 am ET

Ken Sawyer — don't be a sore looser. Obama was just hired, and his first day on the job isn't until 1-20-09. The market tanked because of our current president’s (Bush/McCain) policies. Unless you have been living under a rock these past few years, the market has been tanking every day if not every other day. Now our market is back to the ‘03 level – Thanks Bush/McCain, my 401K never looked any better! I guess if you were driving a car and you crashed it into a tree, you would blame the guy standing on the sidewalk watching instead of yourself, the person that was still in the driver’s seat?

Noah   November 6th, 2008 9:30 am ET

Hey Ken Sawyer- The markets are literally afraid of Obama's policies, particularly his plans to increase taxes on those earning above $150,000 and capital gains. They are also weary of his plane to promote protectionism and not free trade. As evidence, just look at the last 2 months of the election polling. As Obama's lead in the polls grew there was an opposite effect on the stock market as it fell every day that Obama's lead grew or remained high. In the last week leading up to the election as the polls tightened significantly there was a rally on the stock market as people thought perhaps McCain had a chance. As soon as Obama won, the market loses more than it has ever lost following any presidential election in history. Just wait, there will be more bad news…

ANGIE   November 6th, 2008 9:29 am ET

Well Sounds like he was Fired to me But you know folks Enough is Enough Lets come together and support President Obama for our future!

bob   November 6th, 2008 9:28 am ET

Palin has an IQ of 147, Obama has an IQ of 123. Obama was elected because of the money he received from IRAN. Obama is NOT qualified to be president and it will show soon enough. We will end up impeaching Obama you watch my words.

Ken G.   November 6th, 2008 9:28 am ET

I am completely flabbergasted by some of the responses from McCain supporters to this news story about reported disarray among staffers on the McCain campaign.
There they go again, blaming the messenger for the news being delivered. If there was a hint of such dissension in the Obama campaign or its transition team you can bet CNN and the rest of the news media will jump on it, as would the GOP.
I don’t understand how someone can use this story to attack Democrats as “sore winners” when Democrats have nothing to do with this story about infighting among McCain staffers. That idea is completely mind boggling.
For someone to refer to Democrats as partisan and dividers during the last eight years when no one has done more to divide this country than President Bush, his administration and the GOP in general is even more mind-boggling [one of many obvious examples was the seven United States Attorneys who were dismissed on political grounds, based on their refusal to follow partisan White House objectives during a poltical campaign].
And did any of you McCain-Palin fans really listen to your own candidates and the vitriol, lies and negativity that continued to spew forth from their lips and their commercials from day one?
As for Jeff’s list of promises that Obama should be held to, he’s right, to some degree. However, let’s see if the GOP in the Senate uses the filibuster to prevent his programs, aimed at fulfilling his promises from, being implemented. This is not a one man government. If the Republicans in Congress stand in the way of change, obviously strongly supported by the electorate, it will prove, once again, how divisive they are.
Oh, by the way Mike, there were, indeed, news stories that focused on Michelle Obama’s unusual dress worn election night. The one she wore on The View also was the focus of news coverage. And, she doesn’t shop at Neiman Marcus.
If Obama had lost to McCain I would have felt a lot more at ease had McCain conducted his entire campaign with the same honor, dignity and respect he showed in his election night concession speech. Why didn’t we see that John McCain over the last six months? The country would have been much better served.

LET THE MARKET FALL   November 6th, 2008 9:28 am ET

Let the scape goating and back stabing begin. They wonder why there party lost with there kind of loyalty to one another.

Dave   November 6th, 2008 9:27 am ET

This just in, Ken Sawyer is an idiot.

Have you not been following the financial news lately? The is a huge crisis going on. Google it.

dwayne   November 6th, 2008 9:27 am ET

Congratulations to Barack Obama and the Democratic party on the election. I know people expect republicans to be bitter about the outcome, however, I refuse to hope that my country's leader fails. I was not on the winning side but I wish Barack Obama the best and I hope he turns out to be the best president we have ever had. I love my country, and I know it is important for our leaders to do what is right for our country. I will give Obama my full support and hopefully he turns things around. He will have no bigger cheerleader than me. It is time we all support our leaders, republican or democrat, our problems are too big to bicker over the little things. God Bless America, all of it!

AmericadowntheDrainMcCain   November 6th, 2008 9:27 am ET

Looks like Georgia doesn't have a lobbyist to McCain anymore..lol. Do they get a bail out?

S.M   November 6th, 2008 9:27 am ET

I've got to give it to McCain he had given a very nobel speech, but his supporters were very rude towards Obama when Senator McCain called to congrajulate President Obama on his win. Sounds to me as if McCain's supporters are very sore loosers.

To the individual who criticized Michelle Obama for her dress. I wonder what kind of clothes you have in your wardrobe?

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   November 6th, 2008 9:26 am ET

The election is over, CNN–this isn't news anyone really cares about.

Karen from Charlottesville   November 6th, 2008 9:26 am ET

Who cares. let's now focus on supporting our president elect, contributing time and energy to our communities, increasing our personal savings, and making sacrifices to get the US out of this terrible hole.

spokanebob   November 6th, 2008 9:26 am ET

Time to impeach NOBAMA for lies deceit and bullcockery.

SSG Type   November 6th, 2008 9:26 am ET

The market has been doing that for the last month . It has nothing to do with Elected President Obama. Think about what you say, before you write it.

Mike Dallas   November 6th, 2008 9:26 am ET

Based solely on the way the two campaigns were executed, it was Obama hands down.

He embraced new technology and now has a base of over 3 million folks that he can contact with the touch of a button. They were very disciplined probably the best I have seen in my 57 years. If there was infighting no one knew or will know about it. Presented specific plans with bullet points, instead of broad statements such as "shake up Congress", what does that mean specifically? Volunteers were in the tens of thousands, donations were solicited and effectively used thruout the campaign.

If his administration is run one third as efficently as the campaign, it is all good.

lovinthiscountry   November 6th, 2008 9:26 am ET

Enough with the continued divisive rhetoric. Get over it! We are no long red and blue…we are Americans. It is time to move forward to heal this country. We have so many problems….such a big hole to climb out of that we have to work together to get this country back on track. Our future and the future of our children and maybe even grandchildren is depending on the positive, cooperative decision we make right now. The important thing we must do is that now that we have elected these various new senators, house member, and president, we must keep their feet to the fire and make them do the will of the people. They must work for the good of all of the country….no more "do nothing" congress. Get involved in keeping up with issues and voicing your opinion to your congress representatives. If you think it doesn't work….you've just seen it in action. The people of this nation have taken it in a new direction. Our journey for a better life is once again just beginning.

Michael watching from Canada   November 6th, 2008 9:25 am ET

CNN you should stop any more news that reflects the problems of McCain's campaign. The election is over. All this does is reinforce any hostility between the parties. Let the healing begin.

Linda   November 6th, 2008 9:24 am ET

Hey, fellow Democrats, some of you need to lighten up. The campaign is over, and now we must work to rebuild our beloved country. Just remember that you cannot judge a person by the color of their politics. There are good Rebulicans and bad ones too, just like there are good Democrats and bad ones too. Why, some of my best friends are Republicans! Just reach out to our friends, neighbors and co-workers whose candidates lost and try to let them know it is going to be fine for all of us, if we work together. As my daddy used to say"if you cannot say something nice, don't say anything at all".

Kentucky   November 6th, 2008 9:24 am ET

The bottom line is Barack Obama is the next president…so you haters can either get on the train or get ran over by the train. If you're that upset about it, then move to Canada.

globalgroove   November 6th, 2008 9:23 am ET

uh Ken…the market went down yesterday and I beleive Bush is still in office. Why don't you read why stocks fell yesterday???

Robyn   November 6th, 2008 9:23 am ET

Ken, you're not serious are you? What say you about our CURRENT President, Mr. Bush?

Truth Be Told   November 6th, 2008 9:22 am ET

Ken Sawyer – you're a fool, a misinformed, uneducated sorry fool. the market tanked not because of obama's election but because of the continuation of your idols bush/cheney/mccain's policies that caused the miseries of millions of americans and many millions more of people around the world. do you think this economic problem is domestic?

why don't you pull your head out of the muck you so loved and take that blinders off too while you're at it.

Pray for HIm   November 6th, 2008 9:22 am ET

Ken Sawyer Blame any and everybody for the markets going down. If you really thought that things would change because President Obama became president over night. I have some magic beans I want to sell you. Get over it, it was going to tank rather Mccain got elected or not. Stop blaming everybody for your problems and go pray.

Where are the clothes?   November 6th, 2008 9:22 am ET

Come on now…. they were going to give the clothes to "charity". Where are they? Did they get the first dude's suits back? How about the poor little girl's dress?

Independent In NY   November 6th, 2008 9:22 am ET

I hear a lot of comments directed to Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi from the right.

They seem to forget that Reid and Pelosi are the only reason Bush and Cheney were not Impeached…..

Dave in Leesburg   November 6th, 2008 9:21 am ET

Who cares. These campaign advisors from both camps are posturing for their next jobs. Its a dirty business. But I am wondering when is CNN going to start asking the new President-elect some tough questions or is that to remain off limits.

dave   November 6th, 2008 9:21 am ET

Fearful –

"Obama stated in a radio interview that the problem with the Constitution was that it was written to restrict the Federal government not say what the government "should" do. "

Think about that for a while. If you had a choice between a government that had a list of ten things it couldn't do, and then everything else was on the table; or a government that had a list of ten things it could do, and everything else fell into the realm of individual rights and responsibility, which one would you take? Which one is closer to a conservative ideal? I think if you just thought about this for 2 minuets you would probably arrive at the same position as Obama.

"In the Presidential debate Obama stated that health care was a Right. Where in the constitution or the bill of Rights does it say anything about health care?"

Again, which is the better government to have, one where as a citizen you get a list of ten things that are his rights, or a world of possibilities that allow for individuals to decide amongst themselves what they are willing to provide as rights for themselves (like health care)?

It is frustrating to see the followers of the party whose slogan was "America First" to so badly misunderstand what the basic principles of socialism really are and who is really promoting them.

frodo   November 6th, 2008 9:21 am ET

The president doesn't really have any influence over the price of gas, or the level of the stock market. It is laughable that people blamed W for $4/gal gas…where are they now that gas is $1.99? Probably saying that Obama did it!

The other point is that the person that raises the most money wins. Simple as that. Obama bought us, and we bought him. He promised some form of hand out to practically every man, woman and child. Now we have to wait to see how he will deliver. What most are fearing is that the national debt will continue to balloon and we will end up leaving our children and grandchildren with a debt that can never be repaid. It is unfortunate that McCain wasn't much better, he would have grown the debt too. Why don't we care? because we're getting some gravy.

Maureen   November 6th, 2008 9:21 am ET

I want to respond to Ken Sawyer – why are you blaming President-elect Obama for the stock market tanking – remember George W is still in charge!

Jack Jodell, Minneapolis, MN   November 6th, 2008 9:21 am ET

The entire campaign staff should have been fired day one for their constant barrage of distractions, distortions, innuendo, and negativity. The 2008 McCain/Palin campaign should be a textbook example of how NOT to run a campaign!

Barbara in NC   November 6th, 2008 9:20 am ET

Ken Sawyer – I have a hang nail today. Do you want to blame Obama for that too?

McCain and Keating 5 buddies started the Savings and Loan deregulation stuff years ago. That is EXACTLY what started the mess.

Grow up and figure out that one day does not make an eternity. But what Keating 5 started years ago certainly has long-reaching tentacles.

Brown   November 6th, 2008 9:19 am ET

As others have stated, who cares about whether or not a top advisor was fired. This country is in disarray and that is the least of our worries. It will take a while for us to just calm down from the election. It amazes me that before Obama has taken office, people are ready to tear him down. Lets not forgot how this country got into the shape it's in and the proof is the absence of President Bush during the election. So lets ALL (Dems, Repub, Indep) just take a deep breath and lets pray this country can be put back on the right track because it will take ALL of us to make that happen.

Phil in KC   November 6th, 2008 9:19 am ET

To those of you blaming the stock market on Obama – really? C'mon. He hasn't taken office yet and no policies have been enacted. Stock market woes still rest sqaurely on the shoulders of George W. Bush.
Besides, there's an old market adage that says "By on the rumor, sell on the news". This is a perfect example.

mj   November 6th, 2008 9:18 am ET

Jeff–why do you want to be so divisive? It's time for all people in this country to work together–not prepare for another war against our own people. It's hatred like yours that pulls people apart. None of these candidates (except maybe Palin) truly wants this nation to be drawn apart with bitterness and fighting and petty name calling. This country faces tremendous problems that can't be solved with hatred. McCain gave a beautiful speach on election night, let's all listen to it again and respect this man and move forward for the good of the country.

Holley in GA   November 6th, 2008 9:17 am ET

To Ken Sawyer,
Apparently you have been living under a rock. The stock market has been a steady roller coaster for well over 6 months. Get a grip.

Mike Dallas   November 6th, 2008 9:16 am ET

This is off subject but I have congratulate CNN on the Poll of Polls numbers.

The general was 7 for Obama and he did 6.

Indiana projected to McCain went Obama.

So the "liberal media bias" appears to have been McCain's favor heading into the election, not Obama.

Phil in KC   November 6th, 2008 9:15 am ET

He was fired; he wasn't fired. He had his communicatiions cut off. Fine, but I have two questions. First – why? What led to this? Second, why do I care?

Sue in MI   November 6th, 2008 9:15 am ET

Jeff,
You have a good point about accountability, but when the Congress and the American people who elect them cannot even hold Bush and Cheney accountable for their war crimes, and their disregard for the Constitution and our rights, it is unlikely that Obama will be ruined if it takes longer to get things done. Bush has already protected himself after he leaves office with the War Crimes Act, and since Pelosi is complicit in the torture of prisoners she will never stand up to him. I wish she had lost her seat, and I pray she will lose her Speaker job. She is a joke.

cjs   November 6th, 2008 9:15 am ET

I just wonder one thing, will all those (Derryl Walltrip for instance) who said that we had to listen to the President because he was the President and for no other reason still be saying it. The question is, will they be hypocrytical liers or will they support Obama? It sounds to me, from the blogs, that they are going to choose to be hypocrytical liers who do not practice what they preach when things don't go their way.

Carmen   November 6th, 2008 9:14 am ET

Ok i find it funny that they stripped him of his Blackberry. In this day and age that is equal to banishment. I have images of a distraught male running around begging people to use their cell phones.

Dan   November 6th, 2008 9:14 am ET

Do the libs posting on here have jobs? I am off work today and decided to troll postings and see whats up, but it appears that the same people post over and over on different topics across the boards. Here's an idea…go get jobs. Help the economy. Your chosen One is not really going to pay for your gas and mortgages. That was just as huge misunderstanding that a lot of you confused yourselves over. Stop blogging…get jobs…make the world a better place.

Charlie   November 6th, 2008 9:14 am ET

The Repub surrogates were trashing Sarah Palin all day yesterday, especially on Fox. Once again they follow the Bush doctrine and eat their own. Somehow I don't think the viscious pitbull will go quietly.

S.M   November 6th, 2008 9:13 am ET

Sounds as if McCain didn't have a staff that he could trust or rely upon.

Rev Melvin Johnson   November 6th, 2008 9:13 am ET

Ken Sawyer November 6th, 2008 8:54 am ET

One day after he is elected the stock market tanks. good show Obama

Ken, the last time I checked George Bush was still president. We are going to feel the effects of his presidency for months to come. Let the new elected President to be start working before you start to throw stones.

susan   November 6th, 2008 9:12 am ET

He is as smart, subtle and brazen as Palin is.
No doubt he will be her neocon campaign manager in 2012.

Paul Dirks   November 6th, 2008 9:11 am ET

Randy Scheunemann, best friend and ally to Ahmed Chalabi is now in trouble for being best friend and ally with Sarah Palin.

He sure has an odd knack for picking friends!

JIM...TX   November 6th, 2008 9:11 am ET

Who cares about the state of the Republican party , McCain or Palin. They ran a vile hateful campaign sucking up to the right wing nut job religious right. They deserved to lose ! Like it or not a BLACK President will take over in January so get use to it. We Dem's had to put up with the Crawford town jester for 8 years.

becky   November 6th, 2008 9:10 am ET

At a time such as this we need to come together, as Americans have in the past, to see our country once again lead the world. I pray that as Americans we stand strong against those who would like to tear us down and show the world that we are one.
Obama will not be able to fix in four years what took the Bush administration eight years to ruin.
If the Republicans continue to defy what the people of this country have demanded it will only hurt their future participation in the governmental process. I am looking forward to a UNIFIED congress and senate to help heal this nation.
We need to make clear to both the Republicans and Democrats that we expect professionalism from our leaders.

Bridgette-PA   November 6th, 2008 9:09 am ET

"Mike"- Why do you still feel the need to be disrespectful to Michele (even though this ticker is about Mcshame). I tell ya what, ask her where she got her dress and I "betcha" it didn't cost $2,000.00! Besides, as long as her HUSBAND loves what she wears, WHO CARES WHAT AN IDIOT LIKE YOU THINKS! LEAVE EARTH, YOU ARE NO LONGER WELCOME HERE!

fred   November 6th, 2008 9:09 am ET

Hey Obama people, Who is the president of the United States? I bet half of you would say Barack Obama

Sissy   November 6th, 2008 9:08 am ET

To All the People who voted McCain/Palin:

I hope and pray that you all can find peace and acceptance in this outcome. We all need to join together to get US ALL out of the situations we are facing today. One man will not be able to do it all.

liz   November 6th, 2008 9:06 am ET

All you obama supporters…why dont you read about what is happening over seas right now!!
i think Biden's statement about Obama being tested is true!!!

see what you all got…enjoy!!

david   November 6th, 2008 9:05 am ET

Sandra, I agree with you to some extent although I'm not sure how relevant a "test" of Presidential ability it is to run a successful campaign. If this was a reliable indicator, then there would be no failed presidencies. Your words about Obama being everybody's President are very true and I agree with them, but I wonder if you went public with your feelings eight years ago when many, many people were vocally disputng the legitimacy of the Bush presidency, and in fact a significant number of them never stopped singing that refrain. Finally, acceptance of Obama does not mean that we should stop opposing those policies of his that we disagree with. To the contrary, now that he has power we have an obligation to voice our opposition even more forcefully. Don't you agree?

Danny, OH   November 6th, 2008 9:04 am ET

I feel you Maggie from Virginia. I also voted for Obama but I feel sorry for McCain when I hear him speak.
Its so sad.

Andy   November 6th, 2008 9:04 am ET

We'll never know if/when Obama breaks his promises cuz CNN will never tell us about it.

Good democratic campaign CNN!!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 6th, 2008 9:04 am ET

Who cares it's time to get on with the business of the country and McCain has thrown his support behind Obama to help take care of business. So everybody needs to stop the clowning around and find out what you can do to help.

roy -IL   November 6th, 2008 9:03 am ET

Sarah Palin has LEFT THE BUILDING and gone North to Alaska….thank goodness It was obvious election night that Palin and her husband did not want a concession speech made. Perhaps this went along with the RNC party NOT showing the current electoral vote counts and chanting 'WE will beat the polls!!' This same 'ingnorance of Reality' also showed up when Palin refused to accept any judgement on Trooper-Gate until it went HER way. I guess Scheunemann was sucked into this vortex and now believes that Palin will run in 2012. I hope they both realize that the 'American Dream' is NOT her fantasy to be President with zero credentials.

Joel, Florida   November 6th, 2008 9:03 am ET

Don't worry Jeff, Hillary will NEVER be President now no matter what happens.

Nancy   November 6th, 2008 9:03 am ET

Shame on you Senator McCain. You should come forward and show support for Sarah Palin. You did, after all ask HER to run with you. And to now allow all this negative media about her without stepping up and supporting her is a show of YOUR character.
I voted for you and sent you money, but I am ashamed of you for this.

Angel   November 6th, 2008 9:02 am ET

Imagine the Drama if McCain won…

Joe the Troll   November 6th, 2008 9:02 am ET

Jeff-

"If he is not out of Iraq in 16 months as promised give him 24 months and if he is not out call him a liar for going back on his promise"

If you voted for McCain, you voted to CONTINUE the war. So you're going to be angry if you get what you voted for?

You don't stand for any issues – you just don't like a black guy being President. Can't you admit it?

Fearful-

Anyone who doesn't see health care as a HUMAN right isn't much of a human being.

T.Hodge Raleigh,NC   November 6th, 2008 9:02 am ET

It is what it is but randy I smelled FIRED!!! I know you can not defend yourself but maybe in 4 years try a new camp the ride is over for now Obama 08!

The Next President   November 6th, 2008 9:02 am ET

Can't wait for Sarah's book…

Stephen   November 6th, 2008 9:02 am ET

The "chosen one" Obama. You Obamanites are gonna realize this sooner or later when four years from now we will be in even worse shape. He's just a good looking, smooth talking man with empty promises. Way to go America! Your first Marxist president. That's something to be proud of!

Joel, Florida   November 6th, 2008 9:01 am ET

Now that Obama won we ALL need to hold him to his promises even the ones, like me, who worked so hard for him.

jm for sc   November 6th, 2008 9:01 am ET

New Day, I couldn't agree with you more. I noted when McCain mentioned Obama's name in his concession speech, his supporters booed. However, when Obama mentioned McCain's name in is acceptance speech, his supporters clapped for McCain. We will have a president that will try to bring people together rather that keep us divided. As an Obama supporter, I am ready to embrace all who were against us and move forward.

If the guy was fired, it really doesn't matter because the entire McCain campaign is over.

Marge   November 6th, 2008 9:01 am ET

McCain's campaign really jumped the shark when they announced the "Joe The Plummer Tour". I don't know what they were thinking.
But the good news is ITS' OVER!!!!!!!!
In Jan we will have a New President . Bush will be gone and that in itself makes me Happy!!!!!!
All these sore losers really need to GET OVER IT!!!!!!!

Steve   November 6th, 2008 9:00 am ET

It's over now and we have to live with our choice now for at least 4 years. Time will tell if the choice was correct. I strongly believe Palin got a very raw deal by the media.

pam from MI.   November 6th, 2008 9:00 am ET

I will never support obama and neither will anyone in my family. Even his cabinet sounds scary to me

Bobby   November 6th, 2008 9:00 am ET

How come Obama isn't going to his grandmothers funeral. For someone who was so important to him growing up you'd think he would go. That would be the right thing to do!

Sonia Barr   November 6th, 2008 8:59 am ET

They probably held him down and removed his brain and stored it with the brains of Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin………

Susan   November 6th, 2008 8:59 am ET

No wonder McCain failed so miserably. He could not keep his own staff and running mate in line.

Louis Gesthon Abraham   November 6th, 2008 8:58 am ET

Give us a break! we all know that it is going to be tough for Obama administration during the 2 first years. It is very easy to destroy but it takes time to rebuild. He had never said that he would perform a miracle. He clearly said that we have to work together.

Obama-Biden will do good!!!!

carson   November 6th, 2008 8:58 am ET

Mccain big mistake is choosing palin as running mate.. and the problem became one by one.. sorry for mccain..

Salt   November 6th, 2008 8:58 am ET

I really hope that President-Elect Obama is able to work closely with Senator McCain in the coming months. It's time to put the campaign behind us and get to work.

ines   November 6th, 2008 8:57 am ET

If I were fired by the McCain campaign(though I would never have worked for him), I may wear it as an earned badge of accomplishment.

The McCain team was erratic, unorganized, prone to telling lies, and all-round VERY unprofessional. To not fit in with that 'type' of people is a good thing.

Scheunemann should consider writing a book.

Alex in MA   November 6th, 2008 8:57 am ET

Yawn!

Vince   November 6th, 2008 8:57 am ET

Well said, New Day. Obama supporters need to be gracious in victory.

Bush's 2nd term started with a haughty tone ("I earned alot of political capital in this election and I intend to spend it!") and look what it did to our country.

We won, that's great. Barack's the President-Elect.

But what good does the negativity do? We'll be no better than those nasty robo calls and smear emails if we rub salt in the wounds of the GOP.

Unity, Peace, and Empathy are needed right now. Not "go back to Alaska/Arizona you ".

I mean, seriously its like the negative people on here don't realize were all in the same boat and we *all* need to paddle together to get out of this storm.

mike   November 6th, 2008 8:56 am ET

Come on Republicans, we need to get behind the democrats just like they got behind us. Show the same unity and support. Its going to be a great jimmy carter type 04 years.

Ken Sawyer   November 6th, 2008 8:54 am ET

One day after he is elected the stock market tanks. good show Obama

cj   November 6th, 2008 8:54 am ET

You libs crack me up, you sit around blogging crap calling people names. makes me think you arent any better. What happened to open minded. Politics have become a complete joke this time around

Independant   November 6th, 2008 8:53 am ET

Couldn't agree with Jeff more. (8:15 a.m.)

Let's give Obama a chance to make good on the great many promises he made. (although he is already backsliding on most of them).

We elected because he made these promises. If he keeps them, let's re-elect him. If not, let's get someone else in the White House who can do what they say.

AJP Richardson, TX   November 6th, 2008 8:53 am ET

It becomes apparent that the Mccain camp had no one in control.

This campaign was in trouble from the start. They had no dominant leadership from the top. All chiefs and no indians. You cannot run a business, let alone a campaign, in this manner.

JD in Moraga, CA   November 6th, 2008 8:52 am ET

to "Fearful" – maybe it's in the Preamble, where it says "We the People, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty…"

Anonymous   November 6th, 2008 8:52 am ET

Just an FYI. When you email is shut off and you're cell phone is taken away – you've been fired; they just forgot to tell you personally.

Robin   November 6th, 2008 8:52 am ET

I blame everything on Palin, she was the worst VP pick in the 232 year history of the United States. If GOP thinks that she is the future of their party they can kiss their party good bye, the general electorate will never vote for her.

dj from Connecticut   November 6th, 2008 8:52 am ET

The odds were against the Republican party from the get-go! They will scrutinize and analyize and work on reforming their party. A new chapter in politics is here and going forward. Everyone is tired of the same political discussions, especially about Palin. The news media has been terrific, especially CNN. Time to move on to significant topics.

Happy Day   November 6th, 2008 8:52 am ET

John McCain petty squabbles no longer matters, and may I be the first to say that that's just great.

Jaye   November 6th, 2008 8:51 am ET

I just want to thank CNN for the best political coverage in the United States!
Wolff Blitzer, Jack Cafferty, Anderson Cooper, Heidi, and to everyone else…a heartfelt thank you!!!!!
Now, please help our new president all you can – be kind!

Dave   November 6th, 2008 8:50 am ET

So what else is new – when Kerry lost there eas talk of in-fighting, not spending all available campaign funds, etc. That's what happens to the losing side – would you expect them to be content?

Greg M.   November 6th, 2008 8:50 am ET

Good bye John McCain, Good bye Sarah Palin, Good bye Cindy McCain, Good bye republicans, and please never,never, never, return.

OBAMA 08′………………………………………………………………….

Independant   November 6th, 2008 8:50 am ET

Let's bash the losers and hail the winners. Talk about jumping on the bandwagon.

This is typical. People who lost are upset and looking to blame someone. Peolpe who won talked about everything they did right.

McCain has shown a great deal of character in defeat with his speech, his quick response to dissention in his ranks. I think it shows leadership and if he would have done the same during the campaign, maybe the results would have been different.

Obama Supporter   November 6th, 2008 8:50 am ET

I really think that the bitter McCain supporters need to get over the fact that there candidate didn't make the cut. We as Americans are hungry for change and definitely deserve to be treated much better than we have under the Bush administration. Barack Obama will be our next president whether you like it or not. ACCEPT IT! He is calling out for your help as well to unite this country, and it makes me SICK to my stomach that some McCain supporters still can't accept the man for who he is and what he wants to do for this country. I thought American was on the verge of changing due to Barack being elected but I see a lot of things still haven't changed.

Some people fear this man because of his race, it's plain and simple. After all his speeches, interviews, and just watching him interact with his family, I cant understand why some of you still fear this man. It boggles my mind.

I also read a CNN article where some supporters will try it their best to make it hard for Barack next year……All I have to say is, he is trying to help YOU yet you're turning your back on him. Pure ignorance.

Andy   November 6th, 2008 8:49 am ET

Now if Arizonan's would just snap out of it and fire that hot head incompetent old geezer McCain the world would be a better place.

Jaye   November 6th, 2008 8:48 am ET

Sad to say but true is that John McCain and Sara Palin unleashed the most vile, vulgar, lie filled campaign of all time.
They should be ashamed of themselves, because they shamed our country.

Bob Stephens   November 6th, 2008 8:48 am ET

Can't you all please just go away. You have stirred up enough hate in this country to last for years..

HouseDiva   November 6th, 2008 8:47 am ET

the McCain/Palin campaign was divisive, unstable,and dysfunctional from the beginning.

America's majority was smart enough to see it regardless of their party affiliation.

this is not NEWS.

DL   November 6th, 2008 8:47 am ET

I have news for you: When they take your blackberry and turn off your email, you're fired.

anthony   November 6th, 2008 8:47 am ET

it hurts to lose,does'nt it repelecants.

Bill   November 6th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Well it"s not over what are webgoing to do we the Muslem Radical , Unchristian, President now that a majority of Good God fearing Americans voted to elect him in the democratic way. For the record I didn't vote for either, But I was very disapointed in all the good people who continued to spread all the lies or half truths.

Ms White   November 6th, 2008 8:46 am ET

@ Fearful
You need to seek professional help. We as US citizens, should never be brainwashed with fear tactics to elect the best canidate for the POTUS

GOP Lost   November 6th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Seems that the campaign made some very bad calls #1 being the selection of Palin, they still say she was the best thing that happened to the campaign, 73% of the people on the CNN poll say she was a drag on his ticket.. There was more negative coverage of Palin than positive coverage of Mc Cain. No message to take to the polling booth Joe Six Pack, Joe the Plumber, some really dumb stuff.Mc Cain had some bad advisors and he lost .

Donald H   November 6th, 2008 8:45 am ET

After such a negative Republican campaign, the negatity must have rubbed off. Glad it's over. I hope they all learned something for next time. McCain never had a chance against the enthusiastic, younger Democratic opponent.

The World for Obama   November 6th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Who cares … time to move on. McCain and Palin are has-beens. Let them cower into the forgotten depths of history. It is obvious that their campaign was a disaster and Palin is a kook.

Case closed.

Wacky Obacky   November 6th, 2008 8:44 am ET

As was said on Fox this morning, he's just trying to save his "phoney baloney job". A crystal clear analysis.

Scott L   November 6th, 2008 8:44 am ET

Congratulations to President-Elect Obama.

I was hoping McCain would win, but alas Obama beat him out.

Looking forward to voting him out of office in 2012.

BTW, Good luck to all New York City residents who will be seeing a 15% tax hike and also the rebate checks are being revoked per Michael Bloomberg.

And so it begins…

Hoping any Republicans out there put up the good fight to stop states from raising taxes on its citizens.

Not sure about you, but there was no income cap on the NYC 15% hike but I would not be able to afford a 15% income tax increase.

PHEW!

Good luck to all suckers!

Michelle, Florida   November 6th, 2008 8:44 am ET

All around the world, people are celebrating the election of Barack Obama. To those who believe that McCain was a better choice, ask yourselves these question? When was the last time your spouse wore a $300,000 outfit? (Not counting accessories).

Doug R.   November 6th, 2008 8:44 am ET

The McCain/ Palin campaign is history. We all witnessed the events of 11/04/08. McCain's political career is over and Palin can go back to Alaska and never be heard from again. Time to move foward.

Michelle, PA   November 6th, 2008 8:43 am ET

And so it begins. Republicans need to stop yelling at each other and start really evaluating what they stand for and the tactics they use. The real "Silent Majority" in the center has spoken, and we aren't going to stand for extremism, hate, exclusion and fear anymore. We are giving Obama a chance because he is smart, he listens to other views, and has promised to include everybody as we are All Americans. Republicans can absolutely disagree with his policies and have spirited debate on issues, but they do need to grow up and make their stand like adults instead of whining, spoiled kindergarteners. I'm afraid they won't do it, and I am deeply saddened for what my former party has become.

Rob   November 6th, 2008 8:42 am ET

More importantly I hear John Kerry wants to be Sec of State. WHAT!!!!!! Giving that traitor the job would be the biggest slap in the face to the troops. He turned on his on comrades. He put in for a Purple Heart cuz he got grazed in the butt. Put him in and Obama sends a message to all soldiers, "I do not like you. You are evil. You will come into harms way, and it will be your fault."

The destruction of the country is already taking place. Kerry as Sec of State. Robert Kennedy Jr. heading up the EPA.

See ya America! Was nice knowin' ya.

former gop   November 6th, 2008 8:41 am ET

He wasn't fired. He just dressed like a woman and sneaked onto a lifeboat.

Tony New York   November 6th, 2008 8:40 am ET

ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!

D in MD   November 6th, 2008 8:40 am ET

If the republicans don't get their act together in 4 years they won't have a shot then either. It's a dirty shame the way they all acted.

Carole   November 6th, 2008 8:40 am ET

Speaking of FIRING……………………How is it that Campbell Brown is not FIRED?

Good for CNN's ratings on election night after letting Campbell Brown trash President Obama so harshly the night of the infomercial that would have cut into her time. Like anyone with a brain would watch a White Chick who is dressed pretending to be tuff!

I tell everyone I know now that I was a huge CNN fan for as long as I can remember, pre Gulf War I. But Campbell left a horrible taste in my mouth.

LET'S HOLD CAMPBELL BROWN ACCOUNTABLE FOR HER RACIST COMMENTS.

**Let's see if CNN moderator posts this….or a Campbell friend. (I will simply MAIL in my opinion of her contiuniously.)

Steve   November 6th, 2008 8:39 am ET

Hey Mike (comment below), stop being a Republican and join the rest of us as 'Americans'!!!

Ms White   November 6th, 2008 8:38 am ET

He may not have been fired…but he was surelt DEMOTED

Penny   November 6th, 2008 8:37 am ET

Jeff: What promises would you have held Mcain to? To "win" an unwinable war? To balance the budget in one term? You sound like many I've heard who have a double standard.

Bill Charlotte,NC   November 6th, 2008 8:36 am ET

Won't someone please take all of this crowd to Alaska? They are no longer news.

John   November 6th, 2008 8:35 am ET

Lets start selling papers and demanding web traffic by inspiring readers and get off the tabloid train O.K. CNN? For the first time in a very long time journalism has something good, really good to write about and help play a long-term productive role in. Don't blow it. The McCain / Palin campaign is dead history. Let it rest and move forward.

ST   November 6th, 2008 8:35 am ET

Gee, I wonder why McCain lost. If he couldn't run his campaign, he surely couldn't run this country. I feel kinda bad for him.

Diana Ewing NJ   November 6th, 2008 8:34 am ET

With the negative campaigning the Gop ticket did, it will be hard but not impossible to united everyone.

McCain's followers are said not to trust Obama, they had been spoon fed all along not to trust him…." who is the real Obama."… they never stopped to think who was the real McCain, were they really following him or memories of him.

Charlie   November 6th, 2008 8:34 am ET

Enough already. Their dignity does not need to be completely destroyed.

Sandra   November 6th, 2008 8:33 am ET

The difference in how the two campaigns were run, shows to me the difference in the ability to lead this nation. This was "a test" for both candidates and for me, it shows Obama more capable of the job, the better leader more able to put together a group of advisers who can indeed put country first and accomplish the task at hand. McCain's campaign fell apart several times in several ways. Obama's did not. I'm thankful for the outcome. Now it's time for all of us to support the President of the United States of America. We are a democracy, we have elected the man who will be our leader for 4 years. Unless you are ready to renounce your citizenship, he is your president too. It's time to move forward and concentrate on what we can do to help this great country regain our position in the world as a leader globally.
God bless these United States of America.

Vic   November 6th, 2008 8:32 am ET

Gene Hackman said it best in the movie Mississippi Burning:

"The snakes are starting to eat each other".

Amy   November 6th, 2008 8:31 am ET

I've really had enough drama. Time to focus on moving forward and changing this country.

Maggie from Virginia   November 6th, 2008 8:31 am ET

I voted for Obama, but I feel sorry for McCain.

chuck   November 6th, 2008 8:30 am ET

No one cares if they are HIRED OR FIRED.It's just good that they are all gone now and the books are closed on John McCain and Sarah the idiot Palin.

Tiara   November 6th, 2008 8:30 am ET

yeah i agree with everyone the mccain campaign was not mature and it was nothing but a joke to the world! What person running for presidency would make a tour called Joe the Plummer? This is terrible i am so glad OBAMA won now real change is going to be in effect!!!!

jim santos   November 6th, 2008 8:29 am ET

get over it mc cain u lost get a life if we wanted u u would be pres elect

KJL   November 6th, 2008 8:27 am ET

I'm bored with all those nasty people. The Republican color red came to be symbolized by the contorted, angry faces of McCain and Palin. They should both retire.

Julie   November 6th, 2008 8:27 am ET

Scheunemann and Palin look pretty cosy to me.

I don't see any strife.

New Day   November 6th, 2008 8:27 am ET

Fellow Obama supporters… you guys wanna go back to Obama's victory speech and listen to the part where he talks about unity? Our guy won, we should all be happy but, being a bad winner is pathetic. Show a lil maturity and restraint and focus on making all of us better, not just the ones that agree with us.

CNN, I know its bad for business to promote unity but, please print this.

barbara   November 6th, 2008 8:25 am ET

Did anyone notice the way the "First Dude" was glaring during Senator
McCain's concession speech. He looked more than disappointed. He looked very angry.

DD in Rochester   November 6th, 2008 8:25 am ET

For Goodness' sake, let's put the election behind us and start to re-unite! Obama cannot do this all by himself; it starts with us. Rejoice or mourn, do it get over it. All this recrimination and muck-racking is going to continue to divide America.

DANIELLE FROM VA   November 6th, 2008 8:25 am ET

What do you know…the whole campaign has actually been fired!

there's light   November 6th, 2008 8:24 am ET

i still get cold chills when i think of how wonderful i felt when obama became our 44th president, he is truly an inspired leader.bless our nation.

Fearful   November 6th, 2008 8:24 am ET

Most of the comments on this blog have completely missed the point.
Obama and the democrats were expert in misdirection. The Pelosi-Reid-Obama campaign has a stated and quotable goal of altering the nations perspective of government. Obama stated in a radio interview that the problem with the Constitution was that it was written to restrict the Federal government not say what the government "should" do. For example, bankrupt the coal industry. In the Presidential debate Obama stated that health care was a Right. Where in the constitution or the bill of Rights does it say anything about health care?
The amount of vitriol over the last 8 years spewing from the Democrats has been unprecedented. The amount of partisanship from Pelosi and Reid making this the most divisive Congress in years is to be rewarded with a "bringing this nation together"?
All individualists must protect this nation by never giving in to the Pro-collectivists who have fooled the electorate once again.

Conservative business owner in NY   November 6th, 2008 8:24 am ET

Not only are the Democrats sore losers, they appear to be sore winners as well…

Independent Voter   November 6th, 2008 8:23 am ET

no one cares!!

From the Caribbean,   November 6th, 2008 8:23 am ET

americans can see it now and the difference between the candidates,obama is movin on to lead and mc cain is dealin with the reefs that was there in his camp.thanks America for votin visely the world can feel the change and the fresh air the now circulates in it.please post cnn.

BC   November 6th, 2008 8:23 am ET

I'm just glad that we're done with them. I hope they can all pull themselves together and have nice lives with their famlies, etc.. I just don't want them running our country.

Arizona Senior   November 6th, 2008 8:22 am ET

He'll write a tell-all book and get rich.

David   November 6th, 2008 8:21 am ET

Last I checked the election is over – yet CNN still wants to report negatively on John McCain. It's okay – he didn't win. You can move on now.

jeff   November 6th, 2008 8:15 am ET

You can blame anyone you want in the McCain camp for the loss but the republicans have 4 years to work on winning their next chance.
I am a dem and would have voted for Hillary.
The way to beat Obama next time is to hold him on the promises he made to win this election tand what he told the American public.
1) If he is not out of Iraq in 16 months as promised give him 24 months and if he is not out call him a liar for going back on his promise

2) Universal Health care if not every American has health care after his 1st 2 years. Again he will have broken his promise.

3) If in 2009 He said 95 % of Americans as he promised who are making less than 250 grand will pay less taxes. If he does not meet this goal then that is another broken promise.

4) If in his 1st year he is not bipaartisan then that will be another lie

All the republicans have to do is focus on everything he promised the American people in the primaries and the general election and bring it up at every moment when he fails to live up to those promises. He must be outed in the strongets terms and called a liar if he failed.
Do not accept answers like things have changed, or unexpected developments made me have to postpone parts of my promises. Hold him accountable.

xcusme   November 6th, 2008 8:14 am ET

And the walls are tumbling down. With everything that is facing our new President I glad I voted against McCain. He would not have been able to handle what is in front of Pres-Elect Obama. He has too much going on within his own group/party.

be happy   November 6th, 2008 8:13 am ET

this just sounds like their whole campaign sounded"DIRTY".

mike   November 6th, 2008 8:11 am ET

CNN still cannot leave the McCain campaign alone. If Governor Palin had worn the dress michelle obama wore on stage election night, they would have laughed about her lack of taste in clothes. That black dress with red flames looked like she just came back from trick or treating with her kids and kept her haloween costume on.

John   November 6th, 2008 8:10 am ET

REPUGS doing what they do best LIE & blame others.

Jon   November 6th, 2008 8:08 am ET

OK, we get it. McCain ran a bad campaign. Get over it; I have.

Dawn   November 6th, 2008 8:06 am ET

McCain's Campaign camp is such a diseray! Sarah Palin brought down this Presidencial bid. McCain and his Joe the Plummer tour? To me that sounds like a rock band tour, it was a total joke. Everyone holding signs up and saying, I am Jane the nurse, Rachel the Teacher, Frank the retail worker…come on this is something children would do…. it is probably hushed up and everything will be fadding into the sunset…

Good luck to our Country, we will really need it…

Carl from MI   November 6th, 2008 8:05 am ET

And these guys wanted to run our nation? It would have been George W. Bush part III!!! Enough already…

Thank GOD for Obama!!

It's a good thing McCain lost… our nation is better off without him being President. Time for him and Sarah Palin to write thier books…

THANK YOU AMERICA FOR WAKING UP AND VOTING SMART!!!

Gary   November 6th, 2008 8:04 am ET

They lost, who cares. The only Republican story I want to hear is Sarah goes back to Alaska and climbs into a hole.
On the question of what Palin should be doing the next 4 years. She should be " Doing" 4 years.

JFK   November 6th, 2008 8:04 am ET

It was clear for the start that McCain had a mismanaged campaign. It sadly became comical as it progressed to election day. This is a strong reason why I did not vote for him. Management skills will be needed as President and if you cant manage your campaign, thats a good indication you do not belong in the Oval Office.

Jasmine in Germany   November 6th, 2008 8:01 am ET

They all seem to be undignified and immature.

Diane Fields   November 6th, 2008 8:00 am ET

Curiously, I'm not sure that this really matters any longer.

brad   November 6th, 2008 7:58 am ET

sounds like fire to me.

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