CNN

the democrats can't hold a candle to the ruin the GOP has allowed to take place in America, Bush made claim of no terrorist strike since 911, i equate the current state of housing, banking, employment, energy etc with terrorism, i think the DNC will prevail for quite some time despite the few scandals, American somehow equate terrorism with Muslims, nowadays, they wear dark suits attend ivy league schools, teach Sunday school, describe what Madoff did as anything but terrorism, we label stuff to suit our needs

Some dolt here said "Who cares about scandals". Well, you had better care. You voted for these people. If they can't play by the rules vote them the hell out!!!! God Bless Us these next four years!!!!!

Mike (3:10 pm ET),

No, you are a Republican, because you apparently ditto whatever talking points/rhetoric Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, etc. tell you.

Steve B.,

It's unfortunate you would find some kind of enjoyment out of someone else's misfortune. Your post almost makes it appear as if you want our country to fail. What a sad perspective.

Fortunately, many Americans are optimistic about the new direction our country is headed in 2009 away from the past eight years.

Clinton left us with a SURPLUS. Reagan, Bush I, and Bush II left us in the RED. Remind me...which party is tax-and-spend?

Well said Ken in Dallas

I agree its's time to stop playing the blame game, repubs did this dems this that it's not productive. The fact of the matter is we had 8 years of failed policy and a Legislative Branch that did not serve the interets of the people (both parties failed) I hope conservatives and dems alike will give Obama and chance, the man hasn't even been sworn in and people are talking about are impending doom, give me a break. Do you really think he can do any worse than Bush? quick answer he can't because he didn't surrond himself with yes men, and he isn't afraid to admit fault, go obama!

Spot on Joe. You forgot to mention that Frank, Dodd, Schumer, Pelosi and Reid will all be perp walked and thrown in jail. One can dream can't she.

Yes, scandals will always exist, but unlike some others, I believe we "should" care about them, to the extent that they reflect the character of those we elect into office, and the idea that if they cannot even deal with their own lives in an ethical, transparent, and honest way, then how can we expect them to do so in office. That said, scandal happens on both sides of the aisle, and to try to say one party is worse than the other, is counter-intuitive to the facts. Also, all those who like to namecall and launch personal attacks on elected officials who they disagree with on a politicl/philosophy level, are the biggest problem – because they make the conflict about slapping the person down, versus having an open and honest discussion about the disagrements. I don't agree with Rush Limbaugh 95% of the time, but would I call him "Rush Limpball" like someone did in their comments? No, because that takes away from a real and honest discussion of my disagremeent with his views, and makes it about personal attacks. Contrary to what a lot of people on both sides of the aisle may think - not all Republicans are heartless, cold/mean, and racist - and not all Democrats are socialist-leaning, stupid, and immoral. When are we going to get past the "labels" and personal attacks, and be able to engage in honest discourse about all of the MANY critical issues PE Obama and our country will be facing in the coming years? From the nature of these comments, probably not anytime soon. And that is a tragedy to me.

Lastly – and in the nature of having balanced reporting - for Carville to imply that it's the Southern/talk radio Republicans against the "rest of the country" of Republicans, is really not based in reality ... Carville should realize that contrary to what a lot of Democrats believe, talk radio is merely voicing the unspoken opinions of many people across this country, and to relegate it to "southerners" is doing a disservice to all of those in agreement with some of the views being expressed. I used to discount the conservative talk radio hosts as angry and crazy and racist, because that's what the liberal media would imply - then one day I actually listened because I figured, in order for me to intelligently be able to disagree, I'd actually had to be able to say I listened, and not just for one day or one sound bite, but over an extended period of time ... funny thing is, while a lot of times I did not agree with the "tone" of the voices, much to my surprise, there were a lot of good, solid points brought up that had nothing to do with being mean, or bigoted, or unfeeling – and even in those instances where I did not end up agreeing with the viewpoints, I have formed a new respect for many of the talk radio folks, despite the differences of opinion – because in really listening, I heard intelligent, hard working, and serious people. And this is coming from me, an Independent (i.e. not a Republican). I hope Carville actually takes the time to listen, over a long period of time, to people like Glenn Beck ... he might learn a thing or too about what's REALLY being said out there in talk-radio land.

Wow Joe-
you are really crazy aren't you?

Instead of spewing rhetoric, explain yourself.

How did Obama violate the constitution by appointing Clinton?

I'm waiting...........................................

Hey PDX gal. In case it slipped by you unnoticed, the "lying" lately is from your party. Take a hard, unbiased look at recent Illinois politics. Could we agree that politicians from BOTH parties are susceptible to corruption? It almost seems to be cyclical.

Here is my prediction for 2009: Congress will engulfed in corruption scandals the likes of which haven't been seen since the Nixon administration. President-Elect Obama hasn't even taken office yet and he's already violated the US Constitution in his appointment of Senator Clinton. Democrats in the Senate are refusing to abide by the Constitutionally valid appointment of Rowland Burris to fill Obama's Senate seat. Caroline Kennedy is publicly campaigning to fill Senator Clintons seat in the Senate which leads me to believe we should be on the lookout for another "seat for sale" scandal. I think the Federal Ellections committee will investigate CNN's roll in the 2008 election and find that it acted unfairly in it's support of Obama and it's deep seated hatred of Sarah Palin. By the end of the year, millions of Americans will have realized that the United States Presidency was in fact purchased by Barack Obama for over $650 million. Unemployment will continue to climb, forclosures will continue to rise, gas prices will go back up and Democracy in Iraq will collaps because Obama doesn't have an idea what it takes to run a foreign policy or to command our nations military. Al Franken will emerge as the victor from Minnisota and by the end of the year be view as a laughing stock. By the end of Obama's first term, VP Biden will be in danger of being removed from the Democratic ticket due to his offensive behavior. Just my predictions.

Carville.. PLEASE return to the pool table you came from. YOU aren't smart enough to predict a sunrise.

@Calling it for what it is....

Do you remember two months ago, when the Republicans were trying to blame Clinton for the shape the economy's in?

I don't blame politicians, but philosophies, and the people that turn economic philosophies into religious dogma. The real world has room for more than one philosophy in it; the people that think their role is to be masters of the economy because they have all the Right Answers....

Well, they don't.

Democrats will keep accusing of others of intolerance...

Tell me something I don't already know. Anyone could have "predicted" that.

I'd say the demise of the Republican party. It's only a matter of time.
Look out for a 3rd party. Democratic socialism with parliamentary system. That's the way the world is going. Those that want to prevent a Bush type leadership. Someone like Bush could have been removed in the mid way his first term of office.

I understand we have many domestic issues to deal with. However any conflict in the world must be look at. The U.S. is supposed to be the beacon of hope and sign of democracy. So it may frustrate Americans that we are focusing on issues that geologically has nothing to do with us. Israel’s conflicts should not be our main focus but we must continue to urge a long term cease fire. The United States needs to improve our global image so we must always comment and have an influence in global conflicts/ issues.

Guys, beware of false prophets. It was predicted in the Bible that many false prophets will rise at the end of time; and it was also advised to not pay attention to what they say and not get confused by them. This Mr. Carville is not only a false prophet, but a fake false one.
Next time he has something to predict, he should first go and predict it to the toilet bowl, after doing so, if he still feels like predicting, then he must know that he has an unpredictable verbal diarrhea, his best cure is to shut up.

America has to stop believing the Arabs so much.... Yeah there is the odd one.... But only 4%.... You have to learn to think like them> Me?
No! I am still learning. But I have so much history of the Middle East...

Carville may be a Democrat .....but he blows with the wind !!!!

To the simple mind that doesnt understand or appreciate complexity Bush caused ALL of our problems. Wake up folks. Cheap credit hurt didnt happen without support from BOTH parties.

For those Obama-bots that dont understand why people are afraid of him consider this. He wants to increase government spending! Name any country in history that spent itself into long term prosperity.

Mr Carville. first and formost i would like to take this oppurtunity to say that i consider you to be a political genious and a tenacious tactician.I supported barack since the early days of the primary and i new that you and Pres Clinton would put up one hell of a fight. With that said I couldn't agree more about the state of the Republicans. Theres a war coming inside the republican party! for to long now the evangelical right wing has pushed out the moderate republicans or the fiscal conservatives. thinking that they could keep the United States living in the leave it to beaver days of old. We need forward thinking people from both sides to lead america into a globalized economy not back to the stoneage. Well Happy New Year. Keep fighting the good fight.

Isarel is the canary in the mine.
Wake up!

Carville,

You're as stupid as you are bald. Please go back to redneck Louisianna and crawl back into the swamp you came from.

Here's a predicion:
Republicans will keep lying and hating. And they'll keep believing their own lies. Frigging sociopaths.

Thats all he could come up with? I often wonder what role guys like Carville and the late Atwater serve? Change the system Barack

Who gives two hoots about Israel vs anybody? Let the savages destroy each other. We have problems of our own.

Prosanto.... this is the third run of trickle down economics! It started with Reagan continued through Daddy Bush and finally Jr. Bush! The only break we got was from Bill Clinton. He left this nation in pretty darn good shape despite the witchhunt the Repubs put him through! Jr. Bush just finished the job of his daddy and that paragon of virtue as touted by the Repubs, Reagan! Those 3 presidents have succeeded in nearly destroying our Nation and disgracing us all over the world. What did they care? Not a one thing! They are richer and we are poorer... and they simply do NOT care as long as THEY are just fine! We are pawns... no peasants in their dream... and that IS all!

I agree with Mr. Carville's predictions. On election night, he had predicted that Obama would win with an electoral landslide and he did. I really don't care about the scandals which go back and forth on both sides (the ones caught and the ones yet to be caught) but what I do care about is that PE Obama leads us down the path of recovery- economically, in the international community, etc.

The problem with America period is it's divisiveness. Politics has divided us. Religion has divided us. Everything divides us. What we need is common ground and respect. You don't like abortion, fine, thats you, it's not me. We can agree to disagree without being vicious about it. Thats your ideology. You think Christianity is the only way to heaven? Fine, think that. But that's not how everyone thinks. The thing that divides us the most is our own hypocrisies. How can we even claim morals but make it ok for Bush to launch a preemptive war? How is that even close to being moral. How can people hate muslims because they view them as terrorists but be ok with Catholics whose priest have been known to act immoral. We got Repubs and Dems acting immorally everyday and yet we sit here and blame the other party. Silly

Sarah Palin's being heralded in for anything except Soccer Mom Bimbo and Alaska Barbie is about as ludicrous as Paris Hilton being voted in as Secretary of State!

Anyone who is still counting on anything from the Palin Crowd is unaware of the Republican Party standing at present. It was BECAUSE of Sarah Palin that so many people became dischanted with McCain. Sarah Palin/John McCain politics is at thing of the Past!

Barack Obama/Joe Biden and the brilliant cabinet chosen will herald in a new day for the Nation AND Politics in general.

Larry in Houston, you are the only idiot. He didn't predict an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. He predicted it between Israel and Syria. Syria is not Palestine, or did you not make it through high school to learn that? Get a clue.

I get such a laugh when the Republicans lead by Rush Limpball point the finger and say that it was the Democrats who brought on the mess in this country. They are so good at laying the blame at someone elses feet.

All the Republicans have to do is look in the mirror and remember who was in controll at the top – Bush – a Republican.... for 8 long ugly years!

And by the way – when will this country have the guts to go after Limpballs anyway – that guy and Hanniety are train wrecks.

And he says nothing about the economy or anything else ailing OUR country?

I could care less about politicians bedding with people who are not their spouses. Big whoopee on that prediction!

What's with all the Obama negativity? He's not even president yet.

Republicans need to worry about their party there's a bunch nut jobs in there.

It will be 4 fun-filled years of watching Obama and the Democrats screw up and reduce the USA to the status of a third world country. The fun all starts on Jan 20th – I can't wait!

James, this is the wrong way. Look not to history but beyond it. If someone's nature makes them unfit for an office, in your judgment, DON'T LET THEM ON THE DEM PARTY TICKET.

If the republicans investigated wall street a fraction of the time they spend investigating democrats we might catch the real crooks in this country.

Wow. Isreal and the Palestinians are going to sign another peace agreement within 18 months...you're really going out on a limb there. Here's another prediction: they will be at each other's thoats within 18 months of signing. As far as politicians and ethics are concerned, you really can't combine rabid ambition and hubris with a freeby lifestyle and expect them to do anything but covet the things of their donors.

I am not optimisitic about the next decade of American history. None of our problems have been solved. <<<

Well, if you are actually waiting for government to solve your problems....that's probably it right there.

Corporations are still up to their typical hanky-panky, sucking up cash wherever they can regardless of the effects on human life and happiness. <<<

Okay...if you believe this, then be the first one on your block to take a voluntary pay cut....since money is bad and all.

Religious fundamentalists will still do everything possible to ram their particular deity down our throats <<

Sounds a lot like Obama''s supporters.

American voters – mostly Conservatives and Moderates – are still in dream-land, hoping for a democracy in which ther are no taxes, everything is free for,<<<

Nonsense. No one thinks this.

The Conservative Party (currently called Republicans) has opposed every effort by this nation to solve any problem since the Civil War. <<<

What nonsense. Makes no sense at all. Many liberal "solutions" have made things worse....the list is too long to fit in this text box.

While it would help the nation to eliminate them, this is unlikely as they have a following of true believers who are immune to reason and who vote against their own self-interest in every election.<<<<

It's nonsense to say that people vote against their own self-interest. Translated: if you don't agree with ME, you're hurting yourself! Because of course YOU can never be wrong. YOU know what's best for others, right?

And I love the "immune to reason" thing. Because you haven't said one intelligent thing yet.

Our country will prevail - give it some time. The Democrats will be successful, if they focus on the real issues – economy, jobs, healthcare, education and NOT be distracted by small/simple things like the Gov in IL. Let it go Democrats and get on to solving bigger problems in this country. After all, this is why the majority people elected you to the congress and senate.

Predictions are just one's opinion - Don't sweat the small stuff !!

I hate it when I take the time to write an intelligent thought provoking response to an article that is completely acceptable and it not show up on the board. I mean, it's not even up for consideration...
WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?
And this post which is not thought provoking at all will get in.
Life is not fair and niether is CNN

Hey, "libbssuck1".....It's spelled "S-C-A-N-D-A-L".

A mind is a terrible thing to waste, if you have one. In your case, I wouldn't worry about it.

You know it's a shame these people couldn't be as critical with Bush's first 4 years in office. I have not seen such problems as they are now. You the people who voted for this man's father then the son for 8 years. We had 12 years of this. It always take the Dem's to fix the problems. However, since we have a black man in office he is faced ith so much criticism before he is in office. My prediction that he will be one of the best president you have ever know. Mark my word, because he will.

I think that there are a few logical fallacies in this piece on clusters of scandals, and there is also one major misperception. The idea that streaks exist is acceptable, but I believe that it has been given a causal relationship that is not valid. If you are rolling a dice, and you roll five sixes you may say that you are on a streak. The mistake that is commonly made is that the fifth six was rolled because of the last four. In actuallity, the sixes were not rolled because of the streak, but you are on a "streak" because of the sixes. So the causal relation is inversed. The writer says that it is simple math and histroy that the majority is more likely to commit these scandals. Maybe it is just that the majority gets more media coverage. Who knows really? I guess that the problem is that for some reason people seem to think that crime is rampant and out of control even though it is relatively low. All I am saying is that you can blame it on a streak, or on math, or history, but maybe these scandals seem so intertwined or connected because the media portrays it that way.

The success of the Obama administration on the economc front is in all of our interest. <<<

No, it isn't. What if Obama's plan to "save" our economy is based on our liberty being infringed upon....just suppose? Then of course it wouldn't be in our best interest. You can end the problem of DUI by banning driving....would that be in anyone's interest? No.

You have to look at the long term instead of the short term. Anyone that truly understands our economic history knows our problems actually stem from too much regulation (Fannie and Freddie are two examples) and not too little. If Obama's plans are bad for the long term, that overrides any short term economic bump we might get out of them.

That last guy said to much then shut up.... Irael will not stop this time untill Obama states again that Israel is right... Youy picike Barack Obama.. Now it's up to him to hinding behind George Bush Jnr... State now ehere he stands.. If he does not then Israel will go the Whole way.... This is the Final for Arabs.... Obama has to decide who/Where is his Loyalty....

I'm a Republican. Why? Becuase we can't all be on welfare and living off the government.
Someone has to pay for the fat, lazy Americans to sit at home with their 12 kids and collect their monthly check for being a burden on society.
Thank God some of us have some respect for ourselves as well as our friends and neighbors, and the rest of society.
Just think of the U.S. under a completely Democratic government. No incentive to work and make money because the government would take it all away from you, no incentive to volunteer for anything because the government would make it impossible for you to have any time to do so, and you wouldn't be able to get a welfare check either because the goverment wouldn't have any income due to the complete lack of motivation in this world. Forget hunting for your own food because the Dems would have all your guns. I guess that would pretty much make us a Communist country at that point.
Way to go Dems. Good vision you provide for us. I applaud you. Welcome back Stalin.

Of course the Democrats want scandal and doom...they can blame Bush for everything...instead of fixing the problem...But when that big terrorist attack happens (and it will) the American people will remember how safe they were under a Republican watch and the Dems will be history again. We will spend the next four years in "drama" mode just like when Clinton was in office and then a wake-up call will snap us into reality and remind us that there is a world out there who wants to destroy us and no matter how powerful you are or how many friends you have on NBC and CNN you can't bury your head in the dirt and make it go away.

James, James, James, there are many more things to worry about than scandals. I really think you are losing it what did Mary put into your coffee this morning anyway. As for a peace between Israel and Syra, that would be a wonderful day if that ever happened, but I would not ever predict it the way things are going. Do something better with your time than just predicting the future, we need a bit of sanity in this country.

Obama is going to fail. I don't hate him (don't care about him much either way as a person, since I don't know him) but to say liberal policies don't work is to state the obvious. He's going to fail, and no "support" in the world is going to make a difference. Supporting a failed ideology isn't magically going to make that ideology work.

Not supporting a politician does not equal "hatred". That's completely stupid. That means that everyone who didn't support Bush was a hater, too, right? But it only seems to work in one direction.

When Obama goes down, he can take Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, the Kennedys, and the Chicago political machine with him. Good riddance.

Does anyone know how Sara Palins 2009 calender became a #1 best seller after all the hateful Liberal posts about her I've read on CNN and elsewhere ! This woman is much more popular than any of you are giving her credit for and the Democratic party is terrified of her!

Quoted from "seriously?"

Obama isnt running this country by himself!

By that thought then neither did Bush for the last 8 years. I don't think he did many things that great but to put the entire blame of the world's ecomonic collapse squarely on his shoulders is to believe he had more power than he actually had.
Look, it takes an entire government to put our country in the complete disarray that it was in, and last time I checked the Democrats had a majority in both the House and the Senate.
Let's put the blame right where it belongs, on the Republicans AND Democrats together. They are both to blame for the debacle we find ourselves in here in THIS country. Put the blame for the rest on the world on their leaders and governments but don't blame the U.S. for their failures. They should have been more prepared and less reliable on the U.S. for their own economies.

Let's pray for the country. There's much too pray about to not go crazy.

That was a 'contribution'? I've written more on the back of a cocktail napkin. I don't necessarily disagree what most of what Mr. Carville has said. It was so short, it sounded like a student giving a bookreport having watched the movie version the night before.

Everyone....take a look around you. This country is beyond broke, it's corrupt, it's being manipulated by foreign entities, we're in two wars, we reward thieves (but only if they are friends with those in gov't), we have many criminal politicians...we are in deep trouble. Even Barak the savior can't change it, nor would he. It makes no difference who we elected. This country will cease to exist as we all know today.

Change starts with a dream.

Mother Theresa – Cheer up, Life is wonderful, it's the way you make it.

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

James Carville is a very smart man!!

WOULD MR. CARVILLE LIKE TO LET US KNOW WHO HE THINKS IS GOING TO GET CAUGHT? IT SOUNDS LIKE HE KNOWS A LOT OF DIRT.

So many people have blinders on, it's incredible. Mr Carville (although I am not a fan of his) I think is quite correct. Overjoyed democrats who have been gloating since Nov 08 don't seem to realize that expectation on this administration, democratic congress and almost democratic senate, are so high that it is almost imaginable that they can sustain the level of support that is seen today. So many of you have posting like 18 days left, Jan 20 th can't come soom enough etc...
What happens when Jan 21st is here and there are no rainbows, candy trees and people face the harsh reality that they may loose their jobs, arabs and jews are still shooting the crap out of each other etc...

I think we may big facing a big hangover in 2009, when people finally get back down to earth and see reality.

CARVILLE PRETTY MUCH WAS ON OBAMA'S SIDE THESE PAST
FEW YEARS. NOW HE HAS RESERVATIONS ON THE "CHANGE
BUNCH". FOOD FOR THOUGHT,PROMISES CREATE GREAT
HOPES WITH VOTERS,RETERIC IS NOT A PLAN AND THE NEWS
THAT OBAMA IS ACCESSING ALL PROBLEMS IS LESS THAN A
LITTLE LIGHT FOR US ALL. TRUTH IS ,HOPE IS GOOD BUT THE FACT IS, ITS ALL HIPE. HE IS ASCENDING TO HE HIGHEST OFFICE OF THE LAND AND IS ON VACATION TO START. ITS
HARD WORK FOLKS--HEARD THAT BEFORE??

NAM VET NH

My predication which goes along with Mr. Carville's:

WATCH OUT FOR RAHM EMANUEL; HE IS CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH AS GOV. BLAGO!

I'm a believer, James! You go!

Boy, his words were a big waste of time and space. I guess this was what they call a "filler."

TO– Irritated in Fl January 2nd, 2009 12:53 pm ET
Irritated you are Delusional....Let's Face it this country was BUSHED !!!!You need to stop listening to RUSH!!!
***************************************************************************
TO–THE OLD TIMER-What freakin ever ......MS. CLEO
Think About Bush and Cheney...and Shut the H_LL UP

Whether Carville is right or wrong, the world would be a better place without him and that simpleton southern accent of his.

Democrats--Most, if not everything, you have to say about what has happened to our country while Bush has been in office is CORRECT,the only part you are not right about is,it has been the Democrats in Congress that have done all the DAMAGE to our country,you see,whether it's Bush or Obama,or anybody else for that matter,IT"S THE CONGRESS THAT MAKES IT HAPPEN,NOT THE PRESIDENT-

So if you BLAME Bush,you are REALLY BLAMING the DEMOCRATS in congress.

Sex Scandals...LMAO...****rolls eyes****

Why do we allow ourselves to be distracted by such meaningless drivel while our country crumbles around us?

Don't really like Carville but he seems dead on here. The majority always screws up and allows the minority to make a run. That's the way this puppet show always plays out. It's one party with two names folks.

Carville doesn't have to predict anything. Use nature's laws, (God's rule). We live by them. If you step off a plane without a parachute, you fall, good, bad or indifferent person. Math says thing behave in a bell curve. 80% of us behave in a similar fashion. Look at 100 peolpe, see if 79 others are doing something similar to you. Politicians are no different of the 365 Congress rep, 100 senators 80% are similars. Only the stupid ones get caught and reported.

How can you be so wrong about the first prediction and so right about the second? There will never be peace in the Middle East and there will always be sex scandals in D.C. Moving on.

Obama haters are looking for ANY reason to discredit the guy and we forward-thinking people all know why and it has NOTHING to do with the fact that he's a democrat, liberal, progessive, etc. We've come far as a nation, but there are still a LOT of people who'd like nothing more than a lily white America. In case many of you illogical conservatives haven't noticed....our economy is already in the crapper thanks to the BUSH ADMINISTRATION. Common sense tells me that sending $10 BILLION per month to Iraq has a LOT to do with the current state of this economy. Imagine if that money was invested right HERE IN AMERICA?!

James Carville...this guy crawled out of the same sleazy bag of scum that Bill Clinton emerged from. I like his question about whether or not the Republicans should cooperate with the Democrats. Let me see, the Democrats trashed Bush for 8 years, refused to work with the Republicans on anything and fought hard to destroy the Bush economic plans and bragged about doing it and wrecked the economy in the process and now he wonders if they will bend over for another four years?

This ticker makes me bellieve that the United States of America is doomed. So many dumb people on both sides of the aisle. The things people believe to be fact are alarming. Our schools are clearly failing us, but, more importantly our medias are failing us. Everyone can name Palins children, or that the soon to be mother in law just got busted with drugs. But they have not a clue about the issues. We are a tabloid society. But what makes it worse is these tabloid following idiots then spread their falsehoods, and then, EVEN more people believe them. This isn't partisan, so don't call me a lefty loony or a rep-puke-igan or some other cleaver insult. Just an observation. A sad sad observation.

Irritated in FL: I agree!

As a former democrat and Hillary supporter, now an Independent, I too am ashamed of what the democratic party and the GOP have become.

Scandal and corruption are flowing from the cesspool of political palm-greasing cronyism and thuggery!

Conmen and crooks have exploited any good will that may have existed and have basically taken over.

Pelosi, Dean, Reid, Frank and PEBO are entrenched far left-wing Liberals doing/saying whatever it takes (a la Saul Alinsky) to enhance their personal goldmine.

But the good news is that PEBO will get a belated vetting as Chicago political pollution continues to foul the air!

It is incumbent on "We the people" to insist on representation with an authentic moral core!

Say enough to the greedy, cheating, prevaricating, and manipulating obfuscators that have hijacked power for personal gain.

We can only hope Mr. Carville will be incorrect with his prediction of more congressional scandals. With the country teetering on the brink of another depression, our military embroiled in two costly wars, and the electorate seemingly polarized as it is, the absolute last thing we need is another government or business scandal! This is the time for all congresspersons to come to the aid of their country. Political bickering and ego gratification must end, and these people must ALL earn the exorbitant salary and perks we are paying them! President-elect Obama is attempting to chart a course of compromise, cooperation, and civility. Congress and both political parties would do well to heed his call!

I made a New Year's Resolution to not.......respond to....... nor react to the far-right-hate-mongers on this blog! They are not worth my energy nor effort!

JAMES CARVILLE: How much more NEGATIVE CAN YOU BE??

With the BUSH DISASTER: RECORD DEFICIT...... NATIONAL DEBT OVER .......$10 TRILLION......

PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS A MONUMENTAL TASK AHEAD!

YOU CAN COMPLAIN ABOUT OBAMA ALL YOU WANT..........BUT.......IT.....IS.......BUSH'S..............DISASTER!!!

The corruption in the Dems definately isn't nearly as bad as anything we've seen recently from the Reps.

And people... Obama hasn't done a bloody thing yet. Its the Reps that got us into this mess, so let the Dems actually try to get us out instead of blaming the Dems before they've even started.

James Carville is now thinking he is a fortune teller? Why not,he has always thought he was the smartest person alive and that was a misfortunate mistake as well. I think as long as there are politicians, there are going to be scandals! That is life in America. Sad but true and any one of us can make that prediction.

366 days? Sounds like Obama's 57 states...

I believe that political scandals happen when a person is too stupid to avoid the scandal like a Larry Craig or when a person is under the watchful eye of "big brother" the politicized Bush Justice department.

We cannot forget that Roberto Gonzales and his underlings packed the justice department with conservative cronies with a definite agenda to "get the democrats".

So yes James, we will see more of the scandals until the Democrats have a chance to clean house in their own ranks and clean house in the Justice Department.

Mr. Carville.. making predictions about possible future sex scandals and corruption in the Democratic party? Hmm..

Let's see here, I am just going to toss some names out to you Mr. Carville..

Tom DeLay, Larry Craig, Jack Abramoff, Dennis Hastert, Mark Foley, Bruce Barclay, Robert McKee, Rep. Bob Allen, John David Roy Atchison, John Bryan, John R. Curtin, Rep. Richard Curtis, Donald Fleischman, Fmr. Rep. Ted Klaudt, Ronald C. Kline, Rep. Bob Ney, David Safavian, George W. Bush, Dick Cheney...

The list can be made much longer but I'll stop there. So based on your prediction model Mr. Carville we should be seeing more Child Molestation, Torture, War Crimes, Gay Sex, Solicitation of Prostitution, Money Laundering, Bribery, Rape, and Child Pornography coming from the Republican Party.

So, we should expect it to be business as usual from the Republican party?

I would venture to say that when someone says politician, the word corrupt or dishonest isn't far behind. It's no longer a shocker when there's a political scandal, it's just a question of when, where and who. It's common in all political parties and no politician is immune to it. Our political system is far from perfect but I'll take it over a dictatorship any day.

Obama will help heal the nation.Dittoheads are so angry today because an englishman named Mark Stein is taking his place and they cant understand english,lol. I predict Rush Limbaugh will choke on his own cigar after attempting to remove it from his own orfice.

I agree with the comment that the electorate is responsible for who is elected, though I'm not sure what we want in our elected leaders. The scandalous stuff that goes on now used to be rampant, but largely unnoticed. It seems to be getting harder and harder to practice corruption annonomously, but we need a sense of how far to go in vetting people, especially now that mere suggestion of a bad deed can be a hard thing to shake. It's tough living in a democracy.
I think that Obama has integrity and people should try and see him as innocent until he proves himself guilty.

In response to "Seriously"

Yes, Bush and the Republicans overspent like crazy but they did not cause this by themselves. Congress has been a utter failure and the lack of both parties to do anything has caused this mess. I do agree that we need to give Obama his day and his fair shake. ALL of us need to support him (and I did not vote for him).

Let's stop the Bush caused this and that garbage and get on with the Government....You cannot use that excuse forever......now there is new leadership coming into power and it is put up or shut up time.....

I believe he's correct about political corruption and low moral conduct of elected representatives. One thing we can be sure of in business and politics-the trends show those men and women we place the most trust in-take advantage of that trust at an ever increasing rate. As we the people become less tolerant and more focused in rooting out wrong doing–we'll see more revealed as we finally lift the donkey/elephant tails and actually inspect the bill of goods!!

Campbell Brown sounds like a fog horn so I watch Oberman on MSNBC.

The jews and arabs have been at each others throats for thousands of years, Jimbo must have the inside track. If you are predicting black rule the lessons of Africa is devastation. Hope Obama is not left to his own devices like his African Brothers.

Why do we care what James Carville says anyway! He is an egotistical, loud-mouthed wash up who has been looking for something to do since Clinton was out of office. And by the way, there will be NO lasting peace between Israel and Hamas-he needs to read his Bible.

Barack Obama gets vetted.

To the person that said Obama was not draining our economy yet becasue he had not taken office. The lack of Fannie Mae oversight has cost this country billions -- for the past 2+ years the Democrats have overseenFannie Mae. for the past 2 years the top 3 recipients of contributions from Fannie Mae have been

1 Barney Frank Dem Chairman of House Banking Committee
2 Christopher Dodd Dem Chairman of Senate Banking Committee
3 Barack Obama Dem President Elect

Sorry Obamabots Barack Obama sold out long before he was elected

Mr. Carville is such a partisan that anything he has to say is already irrelevant. Unfortunately, I will not be able to say this next year as Nancy and Harry push through the freedom of information act. I'll need a counter opinion from Master James. I hope they don't end up sending me to jail at some point if I offend them too much.

So where is the prediction? Did I miss something? Predicting a man is going to have sex outside of his marriage is a given... I just don't see a prediction out of this. Now if he would have said the republican party would dismantle and split, I would have paid more attention.

there is no more happiness, everything feels so heavy and hard to do.

The political system is corrupt ... PERIOD! I sincerely question any elected officials corruptibility. Those who have not been caught should at least attempt to straighten up and fly right. It has been proven that when there is a party shift in Washington some politicians dirty laundry gets aired out simply in an attempt to re-balance the power. A lot of politicians, in my opinion, simply have not been caught because they pander to more powerful politicians. This is a change that I hope President-Elect Obama brings to Washington. Find a way to get rid of the corrupt politicians and replace them with people with a genuine concern for the direction of our country. Any official who runs for office for financial gain should be kicked out on his ear. I say lower the salaries of all elected officials and lets see who is willing to fulfill their civic duty based solely on the betterment of their constituents. Public office should be for the public not pay to play politics.

prosanto January 2nd, 2009 1:59 pm ET

I hope we do not have another arrogant, right wing Government in my lifetime again. The trickle down economics has proved failure for the second time.
____________________________________________________
Now we are in for trickle up poverty!

I work and pay taxes for a living; that makes me a Republican.

I served in Vietnam – that means I was a Republican from an early age.

I have never collected unemployment taxes or welfare – that definitely makes me a republican.

I have not taken any money from AIG, Fannie Mae, or the UAW - That most definitely makes me a Republican

For those so concerned about Obama draining the economy, what are you freaking blind or what??!! I mean he hasnt even taken office yet and if case you havent noticed our economy is already drained. Bush made sure the next president would face huge obstacles. In 8 years he has managed to put America in such disarray it would be difficult for any new president to pull us out. So instead of predicting scandals how about coming up with feasible solutions to support whoever is in office and get this country back on track! Obama isnt running this country by himself!

He didn't say anything bad about Obama? He was for Clinton and when she didn't get the nod, he was a huge defender of Obama...did you ever hear him go at it with others about Obama? What is your point people? He talked about how the last year felt like a decade and the various sex scandals that men in power inevitably find themselves in, regardless of political affiliation.

It isn't hard to figure that the libs will get caught in a scandle, that is all they do, then they try to get the GOP in some stupid scandle, that is all what happens in politics anymore, we don't govern anymore, we have stupid commitees "investigate" politicians for one thing or another, problem is, why didn't they have an investigation for Barney Frank and the rest of the cronies that brought this country down on the housing messing. It was the libs that brought this country down to where it is now and it will only get worse when Obuma takes office.

@ anti-Obamabot

I work also and I KNOW that I'm not Republican and I make good money on my job too.

It doesn't suprise me that those who do not support PE Obama pridict gloom and doom for 2009. I just wonder if these are predictions or wishes on their part. For Obama to be successful would be a real wrench in their plans.

I read somewhere that Carville and his wife were moving back to New Orleans. I really wouldn't wish them on anyone, but I was hoping that they would leave D.C. and being commentators behind.
Please go away! I do not care what you think about anything.

If Mr. Carville is correct and we are in for some new sex scandals involving Democrats instead of Republicans, that could also mean a change from homosexual misconduct to heterosexual misconduct.

JBS Ohio-Your intelligence coupled with your syntax make us all proud american..

Does Bro. Carville think he's a person who can look into the future. I've only read about one being that could predict the future and I don't believe that Mr. Carville could fill those shoes.

Anti-Obama, I work for a living too, but I know I'm a democrat. So what is your stupid point? I-d-i-o-t!!

I believe that the post from "Reality" is dead on. Unlike the loons on both the far right and left, I honestly hope that Obama is a successful President. However, I have seen him make the wrong call twice now. Once on his initial reaction to the Georgian Conflict and now with his lack of saying "anything" on the situation in Gaza. Do not give me the only one POTUS at a time nonsense. It would not hurt him to come out and say the following:

The situation in Gaza is an unfortunate event. I urge Hamas to stop launching rockets into Israel and for the Israelli's to also show some restraint in order to quell hostilities. I encourage all forms of aid to be allowed through into Gaza to relieve the suffering....blah..blah..blah.

anyway, you get the point...."SAY SOMETHING"

Doesn't anybody else find the timing of the Gaza attacks a little "unusual"?

All of this is being orchestrated from Tehran so the world will focus it's attention elsewhere and they can resume and speed up their Nuclear Program.....The Iranians do this at the cost of Palestinian Blood.....Hamas launches rockets for weeks into Israel with little media coverage and then when Israel strikes back after warning them over and over again to stop the attacks....they are the bad guy.....

One thing is for sure....Obama is going to have comment sooner or later.....I only hope that he say's the right thing.......

Easy call on the Republican Party,, what could be listed that they have done right in the last 8 years, Palin ,Joe Six Pack , was there final show of being dysfunctional, many years until they have any respect. Rice is still talking about what should be done regarding the Gaza issue, she has been talking the same non workable ideas since she was appointed as Sec State.

Irritated in FL, you are not a democrat.. The hogwash you posted is straight from the mouth of a republican who (like with the primaries) is tryig to make people 2nd guess the democratic party. Go back and ask Rush for advise on how to minipulate the public, cause your posting sure did not... and it actually reflects your conservatism...Duh!!

I'm surprised at this so called 'prediction'. He didn't even make a proper prediction. Saying "I predict it will be cold tomorrow" in the middle of winter isn't a prediction Carville. Tell us something concrete or else you become another shill on the news.

Republicans, give our country a break. You are the ones that want
to hold on to all our money and disperse it the way that you want. Well
I'm sorry, but you are not the only ones here in the USA!! And please
read your HISTORY before making anymore comments about our
president elect OBAMA. He with our help will make this nation great
again?? Go OBAMA!!

CNN please stop talking about Obama,you guy's are driving these McCainiacs crazy.He's has done more than bush, and he 's han't even unpact his underware yet.You McCainiacs need to get a hobby,you will have another chance in 2012.If you don't like Obama so what,We dems have put up with your nut jobs in the whitehouse for eight years.I know Obama is going to be agreat prez,he can't do no worse than bush.I have seen so call president bush drunk so many times,CNN why don't you guy's look into,if bush made key decisions while was drunk,NOW THAT'S REPORTING.That's why we are in this mess now.ALCOHOLIC BUSH McCainiacs get him some help,focus on that.

Once the American people get a taste of what the Democrats have in store for the US they will be run out of town. I hope Pelosi, Reid, Frank and Dodd are thrown into the sewer where they belong. Actually I have a better idea of what to do with them but it wouldn't be posted.

I hope we do not have another arrogant, right wing Government in my lifetime again. The trickle down economics has proved failure for the second time.

It is a sad state of affairs that our country is in, the economy is in a bust and people are hurting. How is it that we the people keep sending the same bunch of scum to Washington, it matters not which party you claim as most of the ones that are sent to Washington have only one agenda, that is to get re-elected and/or rich. Why do we the people keep sending in crooks and convicted felons to represent us, there has to be something wrong with we the people. How about next election just throwing out all the ones that are in office now and starting over with a fresh bunch of hopefully honest people.

Well James, you don't have to predict this...the Bible already told us the consequences when nation or man leaves their faith in God.....we reap what we sow.

He is usually on target.

This nice thing about making predictions is that when they don't come true, most people don't remember them – like when Carville predicted Hillary Clinton would be President. Any Mr. 'Reality' I have yet to read another blogger more detached from reality – have you considered institutionalization?

wow old timer... any more good news ,,, lol.....oh wAIT,, there is no , as i have heard, no blacks in the senate, is this true,,, is this true...oh my god.. please help us all... what will will we do... im crying,,,

The absence of “streaks” or unrelated, independent events occurs only if such events are completely controlled by the unbiased randomness of nature. The Democratic bungling is not random; it's influenced by the complete idiocy and incompetence of their members. Carvell needs to review his old math books (if he ever studied math).

So Jimmie is making predictions – same guy who thought Clinton would win.

Well, then perhaps he should change his name from Carville to Criswell.

Here's a prediction for you: No one will care what Carville has to say.

Well, I hope that things turn around and that there are a number of successful initiatives for the Obama Administration. I respect Mr. Carvelle, however his wife is a nut! When she speaks (talking involves being coherent and having a worthwhile message – speak, well we teach our dogs to "speak") it looks like someone stuck a turd under her nose.

No one knows for sure what 2009 hs in store for us. I am hoping for peace, goodwill and prosperity for all Americans – Democrat and Republican!

Conservatism and Capitalism breed corruption and since the U.S. is a conservative thinking country with faith based capitalism corruption will remain it's ideology. If you don't believe it do some thinking about all the power hungry and wealthy people who can't get enough as they just keep on filling their pockets and the pockets of their cronies.

Greed it's the American way.

2009 will be no different. The government of the United States has been brainwashed into thinking 1984 is some kind of instruction manual.

WAR IS PEACE.
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY.
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.

I'd get used to those concepts, save we actually do something to change the complacency currently plaguing this nation. Evidence is so blatant that it's amazing to me how things aren't pointed out. Case in Point: We're commenting on an article written by someone involved in the government being published on a national media website – a media website that is claiming to give the people unbiased information about the world.

Oh how I LOVE reading the comments that say "I'm voting for the other party now, because of all the scandal". Ummm..... scandal seems to hit BOTH Democrat and Republican.... it's not picky! That's because all politicians are of the same stock, reguardless of their views... basically it seems you have to be scandalous to be a politician now-a-days! For every one that gets caught, just imagine how many more are getting away with it! So you sound foolish to say that because of scandals, you will vote with the other guy who is against your most core beleifs, be you a conservative or liberal.

Hmmmm...... someone forgot their thinking cap today!

The democrats have scandal after scandal, they are just not reported because of the double standard. Take for example Obama's comment about not looking like others on the dollar bill. If a white man had said that, it would be all over the news and would be the end of his political career.

A peace agreement between Syria and Israel? Is this man insane, stupid, or both?

OLD TIMER....

i agree with your prediction over Carville's prediction..

the only things missing from these predictions is that the Bush regime will be investigated and tried, and that there will be a REAL 911 investigation.

Hey Reality, you're an Idiot.............
If Isreal really wants peace over there, they would start acting like sensible people, instead of Idiots.....Don't you know that they have control over congress ? over 90% of those in congress have ties, or are related to people in Israel.......(if they aren't a little 'jewish' theirselves) so, in essence, they are going to take up for their OWN people....

Larry
Houston,, Texas

@GET REAL January 2nd, 2009 12:52 pm ET

Thank You, your post was so good I had to post it again
Finally someone with some common sense

Of course, you could all try to be optimistic… Adpoting the "us" and "them" partisan attitudes are just making you people rave like loonies. Despite what both sides may claim, change starts at home, so despite the bad weather, you could be out helping in your community or raising your family instead of posting venom on the 'Net.

Even if I sound like a hippie-dippie liberal right now, I think I have all the evidence I need when I look at you all losing your minds. Seriously. None of you can predict the future (not even Carville), so why don't we just wait and see what happens. In the meantime, the key word here is "support," not "destruction." Worried about thenew government? The economy? Get off your butt and DO something. These people here that you're preaching to won't miss you, trust me.

(Just like they won't miss me… even if this does get posted, I'm sure it'll be lost in a sea of negativity anyway… hello? *tap tap* is this thing on?)

Corruption and scandal in politics? The HECK you say!

To the naysayers: The success of the Obama administration on the economc front is in all of our interest. Anyone not wanting him to succeed is bringing a pox upon you own house, and shows a deep flaw in your character.

How can you all yourself and American while at the same time hoping for the worst?

GWB and crew have done themselves in by aligning with all that is negative and shortsighted, (A lie is always revealed) they had eight years to get it right and look what it has wrought.

Dwindling retirement accounts, OBL still on the loose, home prices down, crumbling infrasructure, etc. (what more proof do you need?)

I say godspeed and good luck to Pres Obama for if you fail, we may all fail and we can not afford to fail as a nation !

Anti-Obamabot January 2nd, 2009 12:47 pm ET

I work for a living therefore I must be a Republican

__________________________

Idiot.

I wish that everyone on both sides wiould stop spewing idealogical lies and start living in reality. The reality is that these elected individuals are OUR employees. When is the last time that government of any kind has solved any problem?

There is no accountability. The GAO? Bureaucrats looking after other bureaucrats? It's more like the fox guarding the henhouse. Politicians are drunk with power that they have taken and have not been granted by the Constitution. We will continue to see corruption and scandals until the people wake up and stop electingthe same corrupt scumbags over and over again.

More government is the problem, not the solution.

Mr. Courville, of course there will be peace for a little while. I had said that a few months ago. So many are looking at the election of President-elect Obama as a historian moment; which is; but many aren’t seeing the big picture. President-elect Mr. Obama is where he should be at this time.

I knew he would will this election and that Hillary wouldn't be his Vice-President; but chosen for another post in his cabinet. I also knew John McCain would pick a woman as his runner mate. No matter what the haters says about President-elect Mr. Obama; his agenda will prevail. Those appointed by President-elect Mr. Obama is where he/she should be at this time also..

There is so much hate from some about the President-elect on this blog. You don’t think God created Hell for the fun of it? Do you?

The haters should get ready for what will happen after we are granted peace and safety. This will occurred after President-elect Mr. Obama has served his terms.

The Republican Party has forgotten that a true conservative might care about a person's private life be it choice issues or homosexuality but would never try to legislate personal behavior. A true conservative wants justice for all people and for the government to have very little to do except protect the country militarily and to tend to those matters not left to the individual states. Until the Republican party purges itself of the moral judgers and reverts to its true conservative roots, it will continue to lose elections. The Republican strategy of claiming moral superiority and calling Democrats murderers and perverts is no longer working and hopefully will never work again.

As to the Carville prediction of further scandals, it probably will happen because some politicians (regardless of party) just cannot resist the temptation which accompany money and influence. I bet Carville knows of the possible scandals and is just waiting for them to be exposed.

I'm a big,big,Carville fan because I loved the way he tapped into the ordinary man-on-the-street thinking during the Clinton years.I still admire and respect him,but it saddens me to see that he has fallen into the same path as the other big-shot political pundits,namely the Obama-Worshippers Club.Is anybody going to take an objective view on Obama?The country is going to go the way the Obama Presidency will go.And so far the Obama President isn't shaping up to be the different change-oriented Presidency that it promised.The simplest things have been screwed up so far.Start with the senate seat replacements.How can we expect Obama to bring heads of state with huge historical differences together when he can't even get a senate seat replacement done without major controversy?And why isn't this being talked about,Mr Carville?

Reality –
funny name since you have no grasp of reality whatsoever.

How is Obama woefully incapable? That's your boy Bush I think your thinking about.

Iran no longer concerned with American Military Might because of Obama? Seriously, are you a ten year old kid reading daddies grown up books or something? Iran did more in advancing a nuke under Bush then ever before. Iran realized that America is bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan to worry about them. It had/has nothing to do with Obama.

maybe you should stick to coloring books....

Knock it off, Irritated in FL. It's obvious what you are.

James, there will be NO peace with Isreal & the Palestinians, period....
It will be war in the mid-east, til the end of time, the Bible shows us this.....The only possible way, would be if Iran "all of a sudden" decides to send some missles into Gaza and Isreal, with a possibility of eliminating 2 or 3 million people.....Then, there won't be any fighting, of any kind......(there will be more land, than there is people)
(right now, there is way too many people that wants the same territory)

Larry C.
Houston, Texas

Wrong on the first and right on the second!

The cesspool of palm-greasing thuggery of Chicago politics will continue to overflow and PEBO will get a belated vetting!

James Carville is the Judas of the Democratic Party. He does not support Obama, and most likely never will. I do agree on some of his points, but will never agree completely with him. He showed his true colors during the primaries.

As a true leftist, I am sick and tired of these middle-of-the-road, wishy-washy Democrats like James Carville. He's a goof.

I love the old folk song, "Love Me, I'm a Liberal", by Phil Oachs. It is perfect for the kind of liberals like James Carville. Gives real progressives like me a bad name.

I am a Reagan Republican. I feel we owe it to our country to support our new President to the utmost. The last 8 yrs have shown that Republicans certainly don't have a monopoly on brains. The next 8 will show that politicians, like all people have trouble "keeping it in their pants", as well as putting country before self. Bear in mind we have some really big problems to get past and Republicans need to be facilitators and loyal opposition rather then back biters. If we don't, we will get what we deserve, a Palin candidacy which will spell the end of the Republican party.

Carville would be singing the praises of the Democrats had his beloved Hillary won the election. He is unbelievably biased and no matter what Obama does to try to dig us out of the deplorable situation Bush is leaving the US with it won't be enough for Carville. He has made no secret of his distaste for Obama.
The FACT that politicians in IL are mostly corrupt is not news. BOTH parties in that state have been working under the pay to play rules for generations. This time it just happens that the Dems got caught.
I am willing to give Obama the benefit of the doubt about the situation in IL and pray he will be able to help US out of the mess we are in.
No one cares what Carville thinks except Carville and Hillary Clinton.;

Labels on people. I am sick of it. It's their character that counts not the party. I remember when a mixed marriage was a catholic and a luthern.
There always will be wars. For men its a competition. Always have had wars in one way or the other since people formed tribes.

Carville left out one topic; racism by the democrats by not allowing the senator appointed by the governor of IL to be seated. The usual Democratic Party corruption and sex scandals is nothing new, they just can’t blame in on Bush anymore.

I predict that a progressive agenda will be lost, while President Obama and the blue dog dems try to find 'change' somewhere in the middle, by capitulating to evangelicals and moderate republicans. Things will get better ,but, i doubt there will be much real change.

To Vic's comment:
" wish CNN would find a more Pro-Obama talking head."

As if they don't have enough already? Are you kidding?!! This network is filled with nothing but Obama kook aid drinking talking heads, I'm sorry if that's not good enough for you.

I love James, always have. I love his optimism about an Israel-Syria agreement, it's a hefty prediction.

Man...if only Carville was so insightful with his predictions when it comes to football. I could seek unemployment and collect some good government benefits, but first, take out a second mortgage on my house and bet it all on the Colts in the superbowl. Then 2009 would be the best year ever. I could call myself a democrate and live off the government and my illegally obtained cash!

Obama, democrats and republicans can do nothing if we don't stand up for ourselves. We like to blame the politicians rather than look in the mirror. Sex scandals, really? That's the problem with America?

The problem is that the average American believes they deserve everything handed to them on a gold platter. Until people take responsibility for themselves there is nothing the government can do. (Taking care of yourself doesn't mean screw your neighbor to get ahead, it means helping your neighbor and you community as a means to help yourself).

Obama has shown himself to be a catalyst to empower people to organize themselves. This is his strength. If he continues down this path, 2009 will be the start of America coming back very strong by playing to its strengths - that is, you and me.

Making prediction is the wastage of time. What we hear later is "I was wrong".

Why not instead, list down what was the success and failures of the year behind us. Propose what to be done to overcome those failures.

It will be helpful by doing so, and leave the guessing work (prediction) to the witch doctors.

Jimbo Carvel, you didn't mention HAMAS. When Obama was touring the world before the election, he cozied up with HAMAS. So, is he now going to try to help his buddies in HAMAS or support the US's everlasting treaty with Israel? President can't have it both ways. You are correct to think that Obomber is a mistake our country has made which will "change" our leadership in the world forever. And, even though I like some of Hillary's positions, she would be a tyrant in the Presidency. Our State Department's relevance will now be destroyed. Another of Obomber's foolish ideas, to put Hillary close to him to control her - can't be done. The democrats were foolish to run against President Bush, as he wasn't running, and the dems promised so many things just as a reverse of Bush's policies which they cannot deliver.

The only thing I admire about James is his wife. Obama has stepped into a real hornets nest that even the MSM can help with.

Wow! The left wing hate machine has run out of enemies and have turned on their own. It's going to be a great 4 years to watch this soap opera develop.

I guess after working for Bill Clinton and being married to Mary Matlin, it doesn't leave him with anything good to say about anyone.

Oh, share more than these tidbits, oh wise one.

If this guy worked for good instead of money, there's be
no stopping human progress.

Not sure what medication James is on, but the Democratic Scandals he speaks of are a drop in the bucket compared to the Republican adventures

cmon James still hung over from NYE Party! lol

Well, personally, I can't stand James Carville. But for those of you who think that the "scandals" don't affect our economy, our nation, our world....you're wrong. Monica Lewinsky equalled Al Quaida, Bin Ladin getting away repeatedly and the attack on the USS Cole and the World Trade Center. Yeah, yeah, I know, you are all going to yell and scream about that one...but you all know it is true. When politicians think with their "nether regions" then crap happens. Why, because they aren't paying attention, they aren't putting the country as their priority....they are only interested in their own personal "fun". Maybe we would do better if all politicians were eunuchs.

Carville knows what he's talking about, period.....He's been in politics for a long time....He's no dummy......He's intelligent....

Larry C.
Houston, Texas

Who cares what he thinks, he's a weirdo.

Will someone please explain to Mr. Carville that there are only 12 months in 2009...just like every other year. So if he's going to predict what happens in 2009 don't start with what will happen in 18 months.

Ummm ... Carville. Maybe I'm missing something. Your article really didn't say anything of substance. It sounded more like an outline (of an outline). What's your point here?

James Carville simply represents the old, tired politicians of the past, He is irrelevant in most American's eyes, and his loyalties seem to shift like a Chicago fair weather fan. 2009 needs to be a year of hope and positivism. Mr. Carville, please continue making your Coca-Cola commercials and step aside for some new, energetic, forward thinking strategists.

First, political corruption doesn't hurt just one party or another, it hurts the relationship between society and government. "Politician" is already near the bottom of the list of respected occupations, in large measure because corruption–whether retail Blagojevich style or wholesale bridge-to-nowhere style–is, in popular perception, just part of the job description. "Lying politician" has come to be a redundant phrase. People are already cynical, and getting more so, about government, viewing largely as a parasitic organism that steals their money and wastes it, and crooked politicians exacerbate that.

Second, like J.P. above, I'm a conservative. But I'm no longer a Republican–the neo-cons have basically stolen the party and ruined it. If another party comes into being–either via schism from the rotting corpse of the Republican Party or as something wholly new–that doesn't treat people like Ron Paul with abject contempt, it may earn my money and support. Until then, I'll vote for whoever seems least corrupt and most sensible.

As a conservative, I like James Carville. He understands how the political game is played. However, his article lacked substance. I wish he would have expanded on his comments. It was too short and he did not go into details on why he believes we will have a peace treaty or what the republicans should do to get back on track. The commentary was more of a blurb.

Carville tried to be Hillary's Rove, but couldn't do it, so...

OLD TIMER-
My Predictions are
1. Learn how to spell PREDICTION
2. You are a Complete Moron
3. Obama will be the best POTUS we've EVER had.
4. Obama and his cabinet will resolve the economic crisis & bring wolrd peace.
5. Old Timer is a Complete Moron!!!!!
6. Old Timer is a Complete Moron!!!!!

Jaye, how you got 3 posts of the same garbage is beyond me.... unless you ARE one of the commentators... *LOL* now that makes sense!

Carville is a supporter of Obama AND the Democratic party! To say otherwise is to show your ignorance... dear man... or woman...

Geeze ....jaye.....Why don't you just take over the site so you can keep SPEWING ??
Are you the ONLY one entitled to an Opinion ?

Corruption and sex scandals run in streaks and that political scandals happen in clusters?

I disagree. These activities occur constantly but only are revealed and reported by media outlets in streaks and clusters at the beginning and end of election cycles.

Wow Reality, aren't you 'Reality King'? The same 'Hollier and smarter than thou' attitude, the same complete incapacity to accept the fact that McCain lost, the usual 'Obamabots' slander and all...
FYI, due to a series of scandals and political disunions (when everybody in the government wants to keep his share of power and sacrifice the shares of his/her 'allies'), there's an election happening there next month that may indicate who will be the next government of Israel, and what's the best way to politicians show to the electorate that they can protect them if not killing some Hamas leaders and supporters (and people who just happen to live in the same city)?
They know that after Obama's inauguration they will have trouble if they try this kind of electoral bluff, because in the end the Hamas will get out of the current crisis with its numbers of supporters doubled or triplicated, so they are doing this while GWB is still in power.
Irritated in Fl give up, you aren't fooling no one with your statement that you are a democrat. You always throw all rocks available at Obama or the Democratic Party or their supporters... great 'democrat' you are.
As for Carville, he could at least pretend to hide his bias...

"Older Timer "- you need to get with "Reality" – the two of you have so much in common. Death, destruction and doom.

Why are you Republicans so hatefull?

This is a sign that Sarah Palin will begin her rise to the presidency in 2012 and becomes the next Ronald Reagan.

There's so many outright lunatics spouting insanity on all sides here that its just depressing sometimes. The Republicans and the Democrats have been just outright losing their fricking minds, bitter Republicans far more so then the Democrats. The sane people in the Democratic Party have the unenviable job of herding the nutcases, and the Republicans don't have any sane people left. The 2012 RNC convention is going to be an absolute circus, with conspiracy theorists and apocalyptic end timers battling it out for air time. What will be really entertaining will be watching Republican pundits in 2011 and 2012 trying to downplay and undermine everything Obama does over the next four years. He's probably going to be the best president we've had in a while, but the sad part is that the standards to meet that point aren't very high.

The thing that drives me nuts is that, whatever position Obama takes on an issue, the left attacks because it isn't far left enough (oh my god, he's actually *using* the military!) and the right attacks it because it isn't far right enough (oh my god, he isn't using nukes!), and so even if the results are objectively good, there is no objectivity anymore.

People need to remember that Obama should be compared to Clinton and Bush. Better then both? Then I'm happy.

Probably the only time I'll agree with this political weasel. The term "an honest politician" is an oxymoron.

Jaye.... sheesh.... Carville's perdictions are only logical for anyone sporting a brain between their two ears! He only stated the obvious!

Reality, I see you definitely contradict your username. Look, your boy (George) made the perfect inroad for Obama. We should place him in black history as the white guy who screwed up so badly that peole felt that a QUALIFIED black man could actually help them. I mean after all, we have only invented the stop light, built this country, created the comb, had the patent for the lightbulb stolen from us by Edison, performed the first open heart surgery, the list goes on. Hey, let us know when America screws up something else..the black man will help you, AGAIN.

No no no...you're all wrong. The NY METS will battle the axis of evil in the Bronx and the back page of the News and Post. They will be victorious in 2009. WORLD CHAMPION NY METS!!!

Is Carville trying to create a scandal by suggesting that a scandal is coming? Me thinks so. Stay focused people! Let's worry about the critical issues at hand.

I'm afraid Carville's understanding of Mathematics is weak, but then should that be a surprise? Random events do in fact cluster. If you observe similar events evenly spaced out, they aren't occurring at random. Perhaps he should stick to playing dice.

The saddest thing for 2009 will be to look back at the end of the year and see that Obama has not changed much. Why would he? He has his political machine and Washington DC politics all figured out. He worked the media, caucuses, the corporate money, the rumor mill like a seasoned pro.

The fluffy paper decoration excitment about the Change will be revealed as a sham. He already downgraded it from the original Change All Politics to Change Republican Politics to Change Bush to Change some stuff.

I am not optimisitic about the next decade of American history. None of our problems have been solved.

Corporations are still up to their typical hanky-panky, sucking up cash wherever they can regardless of the effects on human life and happiness. They will continue to cook their books, bribe our lawmakers, cut our benefits, outsource our jobs, dump their sludge in our landfills, and lie in their advertising.

Religious fundamentalists will still do everything possible to ram their particular deity and dress-code down our throats since they all know that their Holy One is the only true deity among the thousands of deities. Of course, since no religion appeals to a majority of us, that means that many minorities are trying to shove their beliefs into our laws and habits.

American voters – mostly Conservatives and Moderates – are still in dream-land, hoping for a democracy in which ther are no taxes, everything is free for, 1% of all children born are NOT autistic, illegal immigrants are not pouring across our borders, schools are not crumbling, our roads are not full of potholes, our national deficit is not ten trillion and climbing, 2.5 million people die annually from alcohol and tobacco, and our poorly educated citizenry cannot name the last few presidents or the three branches of government.

The Democratic party leadership – the only political party that occasionally tries to solve the nation's problems – is filled with old-school politicians who have made a 'career' of public service. They owe lots of favors to lots of people. Lots.

The Conservative Party (currently called Republicans) has opposed every effort by this nation to solve any problem since the Civil War. While it would help the nation to eliminate them, this is unlikely as they have a following of true believers who are immune to reason and who vote against their own self-interest in every election.

Fortunately, I will be dead before life has deteriorate too much. As for those who will survive after I have departed this deteriorating life, good luck. You are going to need it.

I don't really want to make any negative predictions about such a positive incoming administration. We all should be hoping for the best outcomes to the overwhelming problems facing Barack and his team. They will be thinking about every move they make. I think we will all be amazed at the tremendous things that will happen in 2009.

AFTER 8 YRS OF REPUBLICAN MISERIES, LIES, INVADING OTHER NATIONS, KILLING INNOCENT FOLKS, WARS, CORRUPTIONS, WEAK ECONOMIC, TORTURE, CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY WHAT ELSE CAN BE WORSE??

THANKS GOD BUSH AND HIS CRONIES ARE GOING OUT. JUST WISH SOMEONE WOULD SEND THEM TO THE HAGUE OR TO GUANTANAMO OR IRAQ SO THEY CAN GET FAIR, HUMANE AND HONORABLE TREATMENT.

It's so funny to me that political scandals are so much at the forefront of our daily lives now. I have no doubt that this kind of stuff has always gone on in government. We just didn't have the 24 hour cable news cycle, crazy papparazzi or the internet letting the entire world in on every little detail.

We have much bigger "Fish to fry" than this. How about some economic predictions. I lost 32% of my 401K in 2008 and I'm wondering if I'll loose my job to someone offshore (like I did in 2004). So right now, I could care less about much of anything else but whether me and my family will be able to maintain....

We need to FOCUS people, FOCUS...

Jaye, should scandal ridden democrats be allowed to remain in office? (Charlie Rangel?)

Wow, all these predictions, and none of these Christians have consulted God.

I just hope things change and change for the better. From where I stand the only way to go from here is up.

wow talk about non news.....

Wow! Now we have political pundits rubbing their crystal balls and taliking about mathematical odds for scandals. I don't know which makes me more weary, those who do, or those who can't and write about those who do. In essence I will pray for President Obama as I prayed for President Bush. My prayer will go something like this...Lord please watch over and guide our leader and give him the strength to walk cautiously through the minefield of the media, repel the negativity of the unconvinced, and work around the stupidity of those who believe Rupublicans and Democrates are all that different!

Peace in the middle east? Who's kidding who here..... James, I've always admired and respected your opinions but while I would like to be optimistic; I think our country is in for a world of hurt; in california they want to cut necessary programs; but still allow for instate free tuition for illegal immigrants; they still continue to have free health care; while some, like my husband, who is disabled gets no medical care while waiting till March for medicare to kick in... the pols whether in washington or sacramento; are strictly interested in keeping their jobs not making the tough choices and doing their jobs... and we the people are not being served... not until we get rid of the lifers on capitol hill.

Carville,

I find your article rather inane. Guess you're one of the many who don't have hope?

Too bad. Don't you know? There has never been anything false about hope.

Listen to Barack. He's smart. He got elected president, didn't he?

Already making excuses for the Dems............. how sad .

Wheeler – take a hike

I will make a prediction too...

9 out of 10 bloggers won't care what Carville says.

Bit disappointed in James Carville's predictions, he's losing his touch.
What about the economy, the two wars, Russia etc.............

As he's from the south, I'd imagine he'd have a good feel for the state of the GOP and I trust his judgement on that one.

You know, Obama could be wrong 90% of the time, and still do a better job than Bush and his redneck cronies.

Reality...in what world is that?

The danger has been heightened over the last 8 years by the arrogance and stupidity of the current administration. Continue to cling to the delusions about WMDs–every day it is clearer that we are in Iraq only to continue the flow of Middle Eastern oil.

Don't worry about Obama...not only does he have the stomach to handle the crises, he has something that has been lacking for some time-the intellect.

Whine all you want but it is clear that the distorted sense of pride coming from Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld have put this country in a precarious position. We are finally getting on the right track to fix that.

Am i the only person on the planet that would pay good money to smack this guy in the face? Have you ever listened to him? What an idiot. Just like Hilary, another person who would be working in the fast food industry if it were not for the worst president in our history.No, i don't mean jimmy carter.

Carville's the real scandal here. Instead of being a pessimistic doomsayer, how about keeping positive and working to make things better? But that's just coming from a mathematician, and what do we know?

Why does anybody listen to this hack?

Janey: you voted for McCain because he is not scandel prone? Wow, R's have such short term memory. How about the Keating 5, Troopergate, clothing-gate. And that's just the start – I'm sure there's more if someone would dig. Remember, too, McCain said the fundamentals of the economy are strong just a couple of days before the world plunged into recession. Thank goodness that most Americans came to the conclusion that the R's are responsible for this economic fiasco and voted them out. Round 3 will be in 2010 and Round 4 in 2012. Maybe then the R's will have some realistic leadership where they'll make a successful run at an office somewhere outside of the deep south.

Jeez, Reality... paranoid much?

James Carville is a Clintonite – he destest Obama, and it shows.
Why CNN continues to have him as their Democratic talking head is beyond me.
I agree that the scandals are horrible and hurt our country – and I also believe that these scandal ridden politicians should be ousted from office pronto!
I have high hopes for 2009 – and of the Obama Presidency.
Lets help him all we can, and stop with all the negative rubbish!
Oust James Carville along with all the negative people.

If Hillary had won James Carville would be on cloud 9 with nothing but positive things to say.
I wish CNN would find a more Pro-Obama talking head.

James Carville is a Clintonite – he destest Obama, and it shows.
Why CNN continues to have him as their Democratic talking head is beyond me.
I agree that the scandals are horrible and hurt our country – and I also believe that these scandal ridden politicians should be ousted from office pronto!
I have high hopes for 2009 – and of the Obama Presidency.
Lets help him all we can, and stop with all the negative rubbish!

James Carville is a Clintonite – he destest Obama, and it shows.
Why CNN continues to have him as their Democratic talking head is beyond me.
I agree that the scandals are horrible and hurt our country – and I also believe that these scandal ridden politicians should be ousted from office pronto!
I have high hopes for 2009 – and of the Obama Presidency.
Lets help him all we can, and stop with all the negative rubbish!

Of course, you could all try to be optimistic... Adpoting the "us" and "them" partisan attitudes are just making you people rave like loonies. Despite what both sides may claim, change starts at home, so despite the bad weather, you could be out helping in your community or raising your family instead of posting venom on the 'Net.

Even if I sound like a hippie-dippie liberal right now, I think I have all the evidence I need when I look at you all losing your minds. Seriously. None of you can predict the future (not even Carville), so why don't we just wait and see what happens. In the meantime, the key word here is "support," not "destruction." Worried about the new government? The economy? Get off your butt and DO something. These people here that you're preaching to won't miss you, trust me.

(Just like they won't miss me... even if this does get posted, I'm sure it'll be lost in a sea of negativity anyway... hello? *tap tap* is this thing on?)

As a democrat, I am ashamed of what my party has become. So much scandal and corruption. Some how the conmen and crooks have found a way to exploit the parties willingness to be more accepting and have used that to dominate and basically take over. I firmly believe that the likes of Pelosei, Dean, Reid, Frank and Obama have entrenched themselves into our party and made themselves a personal goldmine. It's frightening and frankly I believe if we don't rid the party of these scurges, the party is doomed. I for one am voting strickly Republican until this party has been purged of the greedy, cheating and manipulating little group that has hijacked my party for personal gain.

I am a Democrat, but who cares what Carville thinks. He also thought that Clinton was going to win. You can’t even understand what he is saying most of the time.

Of course, you could all try to be optimistic... Adpoting the "us" and "them" partisan attitudes are just making you people rave like loonies. Despite what both sides may claim, change starts at home, so despite the bad weather, you could be out helping in your community or raising your family instead of posting venom on the 'Net.

Even if I sound like a hippie-dippie liberal right now, I think I have all the evidence I need when I look at you all losing your minds. Seriously. None of you can predict the future (not even Carville), so why don't we just wait and see what happens. In the meantime, the key word here is "support," not "destruction." Worried about thenew government? The economy? Get off your butt and DO something. These people here that you're preaching to won't miss you, trust me.

(Just like they won't miss me... even if this does get posted, I'm sure it'll be lost in a sea of negativity anyway... hello? *tap tap* is this thing on?)

Jeez, Reality, that all sounds so horrible. Why the hell didn't you warn us about this before the election???

These are meaningless and useless comments. Why bother making them? Just to hear himself talk, or what?????? Stick to the facts, James.

I work for a living therefore I must be a Republican

"Reality"? Perhaps you'd better pick a name that more accurately describes what you're portraying (which, by the way, has little to do with reality).

Let me know what kind of sauce you like – I'll send you a bottle for when you get to eat your words.

James, buddy, as one of the rare conservatives who really likes you and your political commentary (and prognostications), I hope your predictions come true.

To be completely honest, my party absolutely and 100 percent DESERVED to lose in 2006 and 2008. Where were the conservative candidates? We got served a meal of cold, microwaved warmed-over liberals served up under a thin layer of watery gravy claiming to be "republican." Where was the leadership? Where were the ideas? Where were the small-government conservatives? Where were the CONSERVATIVES who would have made Teddy Roosevelt proud?

GWB? John McCain? Really? Is this the best the "republicans" can do? I'll take true conservatives like Barry Goldwater or T. Roosevelt over the likes of today's so-called "republicans" any day.

When "republicans" believe they can win elections by being as liberal as the liberals... when republicans believe "liberal lite" is a winning strategy... WE DESERVE TO LOSE. Maybe a season of wandering about in the political desert will serve my party well. And if the party dies in the process... good riddance... I'd rather be a man without a party than be represented by these spineless cowards.

my perdiction is.....

OBAMA WILL HAVE AN ATTEMPT MADE AGAINST HIS LIFE IN THE NEXT YEAR...

THE USA WILL BE IN A DEEP DEPRESSION OBAMA WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PULL US OUT.

THERE WILL BE A REVOLT IN POLITICS SOMETHING LIKE TERM LIMITS OR JUST THROWING OUT THE PEOPLE OUT WHO THINK THEY HAVE A LIFE TIME JOB IN WASHINGTON.

OUTER SPACE WILL MAKE ITSELF KNOWN IN THE UPCOMING YEAR.

HURRICANS WILL ONCE AGAIN DOMINATE THE WEATHER.

SOME SORT OF PLAGUE WILL BREAK OUT AND CAUSE THOUSANDS OF DEATHS.

I wish democrats would get over their "bitterness" . they should all be on cloud nine. Instead, they find all kinds of things to chew about–Obama staying at a luxury hotel for a couple weeks, A qualified AA appointed to Illinois senate, C schlossburg being appointed to the New York senate! The rest of us knew all along that money gives you an" in "with democrats. We also knew that dems play the race card big time when it suits them. As an independent, I now know I voted for the right person–John McCain–too bad the economy bombed out because of Fannie and Freddie–we would have a President-elect not steeped in one scandal after another! 2012 can't come soon enough.

Aww, man... I thought Carville was going to make a prediction about something big. What's so painful about the Republican party being forced to make an ideological shift or bust? Isn't it about time the party learned to be tolerant? Isn't it time the party stopped relying on ignorance? Isn't it time the party stopped persuading its base to believe that they are the only ones who care about the country and everyone who thinks differently is scary. I am so tired of the Republicans and their scare tactics. They better change. Not for me, not for them, but for OUR country.......

You know our political system has hit rock bottom when silly pundits like Carville start putting odds on the next sex scandal.

Carville is a stooge and his prediction of peace with Syria is a joke. Syria could not survive a peace agreement with Israel anymore than Hamas could. What a joke!

Carville is a very astute political operative and I believe the majority of the points he makes are correct.

Democrats led by the woefully incapable Obama will create all sorts of inefficient bureaucracy and leech America of all its money.

International businesses, faced with increasing costs, increasing taxes, increasing regulations, and a less productive workforce will relocate off shore.

Iran, no longer concerned with American military might with Obama in office, will finalize development of a nuclear bomb. Meanwhile, the liberal media will continue to cover up the fact that Saddam was one small step away from having a nuke. (No WMDs indeed.)

Israel, no longer able to depend on America's support because of Obama, will take measures to secure its border. Oh that's right, this is ALREADY HAPPENING.

Once Iran gets a nuke, and a treaty with Russia, World War III is not off the table. We must all pray that Israel makes sound strategic decisions over the next 4 years because every nation on the planet knows Obama doesn't have the stomach or experience to handle such a crisis.

Good pick, Obamabots, good pick.

Hopefully, Mr. Carville is wrong. But, the politicians that we have been electing into office, republican and democrats , have been pretty much worthless. I have no doubt that there will be more than one scandal on both sides of the parties. It's a shame. I suppose the only people to blame is ourselves, we keep electing them into office. Gotta be a better way than the two party system.

Typical James Carville verbal pablum. He didn't even mention the disastrous economy - duh, Hello James!!?

Who cares about scandals, they will always exists just like soap operas. And peace between Syria and Israel? Come on. Forget it, James and give your head a shake.