westseattle

I thought the hallmark of the republicans was sending young men to war while they sit back and profit from it. posted 07/01/2008 at 16:09:10

No, he just had to say that because he knows you Repubelicans are going to vote for him. posted 07/01/2008 at 16:08:18

Isn't it funny that in '04 it was all about Kerry's service not qualifying him and the media loved it. Now when the Republican argument is turned back on them, it's an outrage the media can't stop talking about. Thanks to the consolidation of the media into corporate conglomerates this is what we're left with while our troops continue to play referee in a civil war with no media coverage. I can't remember the last time I saw recent footage of Iraq in the media but every media outlet is looping Gen Clark's comments trying to twist them into a "terrible attack" on Senator McCain. How about asking about the ethical rebuke he earned in congress for the Savings and Loan scam. Where exactly was McCain during the Iran Contra plan? Haven't heard any questions like those asked yet. posted 07/01/2008 at 16:05:40

While what you say is exactly right about a "forced reality", it's also a reality that Obama has to contend with. What you call cowardly will be called brilliance in the bigger scheme of things when we look back at how Barack Obama, a self-proclaimed skinny black kid with a funny name, beat John McCain, a war hero of epic proportions. posted 07/01/2008 at 14:09:06

Please, don't be fooled. posted 07/01/2008 at 14:04:01

How interesting that you are smarter than Barack and his advisors. Can you just give a guy a break for doing what he feels he has to do to get elected? You should be mad at the consolidation of our media and the dumbing down of our populace for Obama having to go through these hoops. Even with having to deal with these factors he has not changed his core message or positions. posted 07/01/2008 at 14:00:55

After Bush it is natural to want a liberal President who will say screw you to the conservatives and use the incredible power of the executive branch amassed by Bush to get everything we want just like the conservatives got. But is that really going to be any kind of sustainable change? posted 07/01/2008 at 13:54:25

Whoa, can everybody just slow down a little bit here? Arianna, like the good progressive that you are, we all know you are going to keep fighting for progressive ideals. That is great. But Barack Obama is moving to the center on some issues as all winning Presidents do. I know you point out Gore, Kerry and Hillary as examples of that practice not working. On the contrary, I would point out that all three were in incredibly close elections precisely because they moved center. Also, you make the point that this move is counter to Obama's claim to "a new kind of politics". I would say it reinforces this claim. The "old politics" as we've seen the last 7 years is to take an ideological stance and "stay the course" against anybody with a different view or idea. Isn't it time for a President who is looking out for all Americans, not just liberal or conservative ones? The sad reality that Barack has to deal with now is the game that must be played in order to win the White House. The game sucks but thanks to the media and the shortage of informed voters, it is necessary. While it looks like McCain would have better luck trying to win a one-on-one basketball game with Obama than winning the election, we can't lose sight of the fact that Barack Obama must win. Period. posted 07/01/2008 at 13:44:57