[...] Dick Morris chronicles Imus’s history of racial humor. Posted by: Michael Spencer @ 5:38 pm | Trackback | Permalink [...]

I am glad he is running. I am an "anybody but Hillary" voter this year and if I have to re-register as a Democrat to help him win the nomination, I will. I am a big Fred Thompson fan and I hope he runs because he is my number one pick. However, I could live with an Obama presidency IF the Republicans can get their act together and win back Congress and not go stupid again!!

Dick, I love your opinon on the political landscape. I remember when you the top guy with the Clintons. they sold you out. I have been a republican voter for ever.I like your point of view. I agree with you on imus He has been a person on the edge for a long time. He should have been gone along time ago,along with howard stern.That Bo guy on the jon gibson show sounded like a retard. Thank you for your input,paul

[...] Update 3: Dick Morris: It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Imus [...]

I personally don't see anything new or original in Barry's presentation. It is fascinating how he painted his persona as above the fray of politics but at the end of the day his record is as left as it gets in the Senate. I take politicians more by their actions and almost never by their words because the speechs change based on the political winds. I wonder how well he would hold up under serious media scrutiny. He's gotten a pass from the word go. Of course he'd hold up better than Hillary would under the heat because he hasn't had to bury any bodies yet in his career. Of course I must admit that the fact that he looks like an Easter Island statue doesn't do much for me either. All I can say is damn you mike ditka. Had Mike run for that Illinois senate seat in 2004, he would have trounced Barry and we would never have even heard Obama's name.

After Hillary Clinton spoke with a black accent in Selma, Imus predicted that she’d have “cornrows and gold teeth” before the fight with Obama was over.

This statement, albeit raceist, is probably right on!!!! But I agree it is time for Imus to go.

The information and conclusions contained in this article sharply conflicts with the results of the newly released CNN presidential primary poll. Most notably that poll shows what can only be called a surge for J. McCain. While I was unable to locate all the questions and any preface information given to respondents I strongly suspect this will be fluke and may be the result of a "push" poll.
In addition, the special circumstances surrounding some of the fundraising and/or not yet fund raising by Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson make me believe that this second quarter will be far more telling for republicans.
Lastly, if Hilary has used up much of her donor base than the next quarter should be more interesting for the Clintons and democrats as well.

For the Clintons money flows in a single direction. Towards themselves and to support that which benefits them. It is unnatural for them to donate. It defies their sense of entitlement, the depth of which caused them to actually have a gift registry upon leaving the White House, government property and furniture in tow. Also cite the inability of their charitable foundation to actually donate the money, pending rewards to charities of favorite donors I am guessing.

As usual the press will offer up a big yawn on this. The Clintons have never been held accountable for fundraising improprieties and likely never will. From foreign and chinese military donations, the Gorelick wall that blocked that investigation, to selling government accomodations (Lincoln bedroom, Air Force One), Hilary's improprieties when initially running for Senate and billing taxpayers for what were actually campaign events, errors in reporting of donations that abound, under-reporting the cost of events, and on and on and on.
The public, the opposition, and the appropriate authorities are so accustomed to these flagrant violations that they have been desensitized and react with the same collective yawn and eye-roll as the press. Tortured explanations will be accepted if any are ever required, and will be accepted at face value.

Dear Mover,

Thanks for your informed comment. You are right about the Clinton fund-raising and the lack of interest in the MSM -- that's why we need to get the word out!

Dick and Eileen

Hi Mover,

This column was actually written on the 15th -- the day before the CNN poll was released, showing McCain moving up. His recent speeches on the war seem to have helped his standing in the polls.

Thanks, Dick

[...] Morris ahs an interesting take on the 2008 Presidential Elections.  He also reports some Gallup Numbers that vary from the [...]

Usually, I agree with your wisdon and insight. My wife shares your opinion but I still Like Imus. I think people have to get rid of the victim ideology and just roll with bad humor that sometimes goes your way. He's like a cup of Starbuck's coffee in the a.m. I predict that if he wants to come back, he will.

Dick: pro-gun and pro-life are Right-Wing views? I consider myself moderate to conservative and those are my views. In fact I know liberals who consider themselves pro-life and have a respct for the second amendment.
Jerry Geraghty
Spokane, Wa

I found the following quote at this site. What a great fit.

https://archive.corporatewatch.org/magazine/issue2/cw2f2.html

"Burson Marsteller (BM) is a large and powerful public relations company which is adept at creating a positive image for corporations involved in unethical business practices including human rights violations, environmental destruction and animal-testing. Many of these companies have faced public scrutiny and even convictions for their various activities."

My2Centz

There is no question that a public perception of Democrats as weak, unfocused, or in general lacking resolve to continue to aggresively fight the War on Terror will be a huge achille's heel for them in the upcoming presidential election. Go Rudy!

Bill Bates
Tucson, AZ

The Best Blogs

[...] This blog is always a nice read, and a given favorite in your feed reader [...]

Did Rudy say this as a direct result of a winning strategy, or was a off-the-cuff remark? In the larger scope of things, is Rudy known to run an effective and tough campaign? This early in the game, I simply don't know his campaigning abilities.

[...] UPDATE: See Hillary’s Experience is at Surviving (Dick Morris) [...]

The Dems should have to report this as a campaign donation. Usually the MSM simply makes up stories to cast any republican in a bad light. Now it seems the republicans gave this very biased network a chance to cast them in any manner they choose by controlling the questions. They cannot be trusted to host any debates in the future. The imaginitive and creative MSNBC now share their stage with Politico.com.
That pairing is most appropriate as it seems Andrew Glass, discredited fabulist, posts articles on that site. This pathetic performance by debate moderators has only served further discredit them as a news organization. This is the first opinion only network and website combination.
The republicans gave them a chance. They proved themselves to be democratic shills even in this circumstance. I hope they have learned from this and will not give these reprobates a second bite at the apple.

I am always stymied by the foolish behavior of Republicans, whether as candidates or in office. Simply, they do not think ahead, and they don't listen to their supporters until after they find out their advisors are blowing smoke up their sleeve.

The Republican National Committee might just as well asked Moveon.org to run the debate.

When will the Republican National Committee learn that the world is no longer honest, honorable, or even likely to be fair, and that they must fight to restore some balance, particularly in the way the Liberal Media chooses to portray them.

No Republican candidate should give interviews to the press. The press will lie anyway, so why not do something new, and ignore them for the Liberal shills they are. The Republicans should take out ads in the newspapers giving their positions, putting each candidate's views side by side, and concentrate on personal appearances. At least then the truth might have a chance.

We can only hope that there's enough Cool-aid left in the pitcher to let these people get so far out there on the left that the majority of the American voting public gets a really good look at them and sees where they plan to take this country before Nov. '08

Rudy has political wisdom and McCain has practical wisdom with experience nationally that Rudy lacks. Rudy strikes a chord with direct approach to the issue of security and he should keep hammering away at it. In spite of the failure of tactics in Iraq, where else do you fight it. We need new tactics to fight this war. We have no answer to the method of fighting terror by blowing oneself up. Only to quarrantine them completely. For the present.

The more Hillary talks, the more she will fall in the polls.

Keep on talking Hillary!!!

I found it entertaining. Most debate questions (if you call what we watch as debates) are answered with scripted responses or some other sort of pap. Of the eight, only two or three are viable candidates, and one of the leading contenders may not even be running. I don't know if there were many undecided voters watching but nothing in these infomercials was dramatic enought to sway even a tepid supporter. MSNBC on the otherhand did nothing to change it image as waterboys for the liberals.

I wonder if the next get-together will address what happened today with the 6 terrorists in New Jersey or any of the real important news of the day? Hopefully someone will stand out with some outrage at these acts and work up a little of the lather shared by the voters.

I think the deciding issues will come down to Homeland Security and Immigration. After all is said and done who do you think will be the candidate that gets America's vote?

Hello Dick & Eileen - I'm a new subscriber here, and really enjoyed your insights---well worth the nominal cost!

A few thoughts. I'm a mid-atlantic middle-class guy who's now a 25yr old professional in NYC. I spent a lot of time in liberal arts classes in college, and have always enjoyed merging my rural conservative upbringing with my very liberal education.

I truly don't believe Hillary Clinton could actually take the Whitehouse. The telling fact for me is that the sometimes quiet statistic of voters who would NOT vote for Hillary for President. It'd really be interesting to see that statistic in a comparative sense with other controversial candidates.

My other thought is this (pardon the rough english). I'm convinced the liberal media plays a massive, MASSIVE role in public opinion. If some of the Democrats' plans such as universal healthcare were fairly criticized in the mainstream media, people would understood that just because "It works in Canada"---does not mean you can apply the same mold on the United States. It doesn't take a person with an Economics degree to tell you this!!

Anyhow -- I really enjoy your columns, hope to see more soon!

Thanks,
Ryan Cowles

This woman needs a dose of reality. There is no way if any of our troops remain in Iraq that they will not be in harms way and will defend themselves. Hillary is as much a "flip flop" as are her predecesors. I for one dread the day if she is elected to the WH.

Never will I vote Democratic. Not the way that party is heading. We as a country are in trouble in many areas right now and sticking our head in the sand, so to speak, and denying the reality that there are those right here in our country who are trying to destroy us from the inside out only gives a victory to the terriorists. Of course, there is that element who wants to believe the no one would want to harm the USA. After all we are the helpers of the world, why should anyone want to harm us? So they are the audience for the main stream media.

Dick:

Last night proved that Rudy is the man to beat. Rudy embraced his 9/11 stature, and placed himself as a pro choice candidate with rationed limitations on abortion and pro adoption stance with conservative judicial appointments. Rudy can attract security minded conservative and moderate Republican primary and national electorate as well as independents, and democrats.

On the flip side, John Macain proved his time has passed. He looked tired, old, and communicated with typical general inside the beltway talking points. Macain's breaktaking uninspiring debate-speech had no energy, passion or conviction.

Mitt Romney, while impressive as a physical figure impressive but why don't they start pounding on Hilary and Obama instead of themselves. As Rudy said, a Rudy Romey tickets sounds formidable.

Result = Rudy is the big winner!

Greg Walsh

Regardless of Rudy's intense rebuttal of Congressman Paul's inarticulate attempt to explain terrorist motives, it seems the former mayor mistakes an explanation of terrorist motive for a justification of terroist action. Everything that I have read suggests that the terrorist motive arises from what they perceive as our "contamination" of Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries through our military and other presence in the region. They want the United States out of the Middle East. They realize that they can hurt but not destroy the US (unless they acquire a sizable nuclear arsenal). Rudy's rebuttal displayed great political stage craft but perhaps reveals a misunderstanding of our enemy. The US will not, cannot and should not end this war until it weans itself from Middle Eastern oil and it departs from the region....just as President Reagan did. A victory can arise only from an absence of conflict not a total eradication of potential terrorists. There are just too many of them. And unlike the fanatic Japanese, these people have no Emperor to command them to stop.

This is about oil------please, oh please do something about drilling and refining our own "heap-big-oil" resources that the good Lord gave us for our use. With all the oil that America is sitting on - we should have all the oil we want. I know that YOU can deliver the message to the right people - PLEASE.....thanks, Mollie

I have the feeling the GOP is going to be damned if they do and damned if they don't go along with this compromise bill. I don't like it, but I see no other way the GOP can convince Latinos that the Dems are just wolves in sheep's clothing. I just don't look forward to rewarding bad behavior on the part of the illegals and the lawbreaking employers. I'm not afraid of a "brown tide"...I'm afraid of the laws of the land being so easily thrown to the side. What happened to this land being a place of pride and responsibility? I'm disgusted with all of the mealy-mouthed politicians who let this flood of illegals happen, starting with the compromise of 1986. I wish we could send all of the interlopers back and tell them to come here the correct way...legally! If you see Geraldo, tell him for me I think his ethnic allegiances are blinding him to the reality of the crimes these ILLEGALS have wrought on our society!! The illegals from other than Latino countries need to leave too...no quarter for lawbreakers!! No free pass to citizenship!! My first requirement would be that anyone wanting to come here needs to learn to SPEAK ENGLISH before they're allowed entry! I'm sorry if I seem a little riled up about this issue, but I think this gang of politicians are the most unproductive, selfish, small-minded narcissists I've ever witnessed!! God help us all....am I allowed to mention the deity here???LOL!

If the Republican passes the immigration bill they will loose voters like me. I am white in my 50's and I vote in every presidential election. The fact of the matter is that they do not want to enforce The laws that are on the books now and no one really believes that the illegals that are in the country now are going to go back to apply for citizen ship.

Count tour money before you vote; a vote for immigration reform will reduce long term benefits to all Americans. Immigration costs include Medicare, Social Security, Welfare (because of the rest of the families of those whose qualify to stay). Your once and future retirement will be threatened. . . and twenty years from now they will teach "Spanish as a Second Language"! Medicare deductibles could double or triple to almost $400 per year.

Also, Ted Kennedy and his crew want votes and immigration reform means votes for the Dems.

How about going after the employers who have not been deducting Social Security, Disability, and other taxes. How about back taxes; do we tax the country of Mexico? Can we auto-deduct from monies going out of the country? What about Visa and Master Card debit cards being used in Mexico to eliminate the cost of tracing "wired money"? It is easy to deposit in the United States and withdraw in Mexico. Sounds good to me!!

What do you think?

Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!!!!

? So we have nothing but a Hobson's choice?
We either a: and become reunited with Mexico,or b: protect our borders and become a socialist state??
Gee, Dick-- don't you have a door number three?
I guess my relatives and my wife's relatives, dating to the 1700s, just find a new place to migrate to ???
The Roman Empire was unable to withstand continued invasions and upheavals. Its collapse exposed the East to Mongols and the South to Moors and Asiatics. Only an infusion was able to perpetuate a semblance of Greek culture.
so, Dick, ??? VIVA LA RAZA ????
Ernest S.

The current immigration bill will dilute and destroy the fabric of America.
PERIOD!!! NO DISCUSSION !!!
We either start bringing in northern Europeans, and Asians, and specifically skilled people through Immigration, or we become and elitist/forever poor underclass society.? Can anyone say EVITA? And the socialist/ fascist state from Argentina?
ERNEST

Dick,

Thank you for your dedication to our country. I feel that we are in great danger of the Democrats taking the White House. We've seen what they have done to the Congress.

Thanks to your wife for her vigilance in digging out this story.

Gary Rathgeber
Phoenix

I am 65 and a Republican who voted for Bush twice! He is NOT the person I voted for in 2000 & 2004. This Bill must be stopped and enforcement MUST be done first. Then after the 2008 election we can take on this issue again but not until then!

I support Rudy's position. When Reagan departed the region it did not stop the long term planning and goals of the radicals in the mideast. warrenmatha ignores the stated objectives of these terrorists, global islamic domination. In the 80's we did nothing when they declared war on us, almost 2 years prior to 9/11. We did nothing while we endured repeated attacks on and off of our own soil, such as the first WTC attack. We conveniently have forgotten the models of many landmark buildings in major US cities found in the caves in Afghanistan. He also conveniently ignores Irans leader, Ahmadinejad, statements that he will "blow Israel off the face of the earth". This is a war against all those who do not agree with the religion of these extremists, even as they distort the beliefs themselves. It is foolish to believe by our presence we invite attacks. Without our presence I believe Iraq would now occupy Kuwait, and I am guessing Ahmadinejad would love to occupy Iraq and so on , and so on.
To retreat is to simply stick our head in the sand, no pun intended, and wait future, increasingly violent and effective, attacks on US soil. This is the battle of our generation. If we sit back and shirk our duty our children will pay dearly with their lives and their freedom.
While energy independence is critical to our security it is not the root of the problem. It is however what prevents us from acting with more vigor and determination in winning this battle as we attempt to appease the myriad, muddled, mix of alliances in every country in that region.
The extremists don't share the philosophy of "lets all just get along peacefully", they do rely on those such as warrenmatha to clear the path for them as they move without equivocation or resistance from within, toward their goal of destroying the US and Israel.

The Immigration bill is a total mess.

The Senate's Immigration Bill will increase federal benefits to "New Legal Workers" by over $100 Billion if is agreed to by the House and then signed by President Bush. This has been certified by a new Congressional Budget Office analysis that was recently released.

No one in the congress that was elected in November 2006 has brought this to the attention of the American people. We only voted for them why would we need to know how they are spending out money.

It should also be noted that the Immigration Bill would require almost 400 miles of border fencing to be built along the Mexico - US Border; and at a cost of at least $3 Million plus a,000 additional Border Patrols Agents and "Detention Facilities" that could house up to 20,000 detainees.

What a country!

P.S. Some say it would be a wash due to increased tax revenues. What about collecting the tax revenues that were not paid. Enough said for today.

What the hell has happened to the Republican party? I have been a loyal Pubbie voter since 1972, and I am disgusted. I am constantly dunned for contributions by various Republican/conservative entities, but no one seems to care about what I think. Just gimme the money and shut up!. I am NOT giving the money without asking a lot of questions and getting the right answers in the future. First correct answer, "no we have no intention of rewarding law-breaking, illegal immigrants with voting rights."

The Berlin Wall was built to keep people prisoners of Communism. Tearing down the wall was to free those people. Our border war is to keep freedom! If not a wall on the Southern Border, then put the National Guard there full time forever! To say that this Republican Congress should pass this bill is to say that the future Hispanic vote is more important than the current U.S. Citizens vote! The future of this country is truly at stake. President Bush is WRONG! We must be heard! Do NOT give up!

Clinton isn't the only slimy politician who has business dealings with Gupta. Omaha's mayor, Mike Fahey (chairman of Clinton's 1996 Nebraska campaign) also has benefitted from Gupta's largesse. Might be interesting to look into that and see just how many office holders are owned by Gupta.

I am a bit torn on this one. This Leftist, Anti-Capitalist, initially, poorly researched story comes out. "Big business = Bad = Tries to scam seniors" We all know that it is not the company's fault, it is the scam artists fault. People are responsible for their own actions. Now the Right wing has jumped on this, and taken it in a totally different direction. Trying to take down the iconic secular progressive, Clintons. Obviously, it was a bad business practice to get into politics while acting CEO or chairman. Understand though, this issue had already been addressed, there was resolution to the "scam" theory several years ago. This is another case of irresponsible journalism, someone looking for the next big take down, starting at the top of the story rather than trying to get to the bottom of it. No doubt there are way too many bad business practices going on. I am not going to defend the CEO and I will die before I defend the Clintons,; I am an infoUSA employee, and I know, without doubt, that we do not have specialized list for “targeting to defraud unsuspecting seniors.” Or anyone for that matter. We have any list that you could ever dream up, anyone any business could want to sell. It is the malicious a-holes that come up with these campaigns not our company. I very highly doubt these customers call in telling us that they would like a list of “gullible seniors.” (Who in their right mind would sell to that person?) We are here to help businesses large and small market to the correct audience. The unfortunate thing is that there are unscrupulous, unethical people in this world who do not believe in the greatness of this country, who don’t believe in God, Family and Morality, people who fight against it and try to get it out schools and courtrooms. I know the readers of Dick Morris know who these people are and know them to be the real root of this problem. We all have to fight the correct fight.

ain't many folks doing lifecycle social welfare costs for millions of low income illegals and their famlies - the system goes belly up with projected social security and medicare/medicade expenses w/o illegals

sooooo - we bring down the Republican party and the financial system in one fell swoop (altho, they do somewhat offset)

what about the net social services cost of our 12 to 20 million, for the most part low end, illegals and their extended families over a three decade period.

the system blows up without additional immigrant expense - how far into fantasy land will we proceed

not only are Lindsay Graham, et al, on track to destroy the Republican party - they well destroy what little net worth our country has left - I'm sure we dont think of ourselves as mindless but that is exactly what the above implies

what ever happened to cost/benefit

perrin gower

This clears up a whole lot regarding the NIE. No doubt the debaters yesterday were not as up to date as Dick Morris is on the subject. They should be called to task on this
Jack Kingston

Dick—
No wisdom from me here on this one. But I note with concern the problems some Republican venues are having with fund raising, notably because of President Bush's support of the current Senate immigration bill. For example, see "Opposition to illegals bill aiding grass-roots GOP" By Ralph Z. Hallow of THE WASHINGTON TIMES June 4, 2007.
—Jay

CNN debate managemenht was sad - puny questions - puny moderators - tne network is in disarray - except for Lou Dobbs -

Romney (as always) looks very presidential and polished. But he is such a clean-cut "nice guy". I like him but I just don't know if he is tough enough to climb in the gutter and do battle with the Clinton machine. Now Rudy on the other hand, DOES have this quality which is why he is appealing.

I agree with you on Huckabee. He is just very "genuine". But does anyone else notice?

McCain took heavy fire for the immigration but I think he redeemed himself at the end when he talked about how Hispanics too have their names on the Vietnam Wall, etc. At least McCain gave a rest to that old "spending like drunken sailors" line. He was getting to be like a broken record, "my friends".

Brownback, Gilmore, and Tommy are so boring that I have been hitting the fast-forward button. In the past I was always for inclusion, but with these debates I really think the sponsors need to have a rule of 5% or 10% support. That is reasonable. I mean come on, can you picture Ron Paul giving a State of the Union address? Well I can't so why are we wasting his time and ours??

I thought the Republican debate well worth watching and I think it allowed the candidates far more freedom to express themselves and their answers were much more varied and interesting. The questions seemed Ok to me. Much better debate than the previous one and I was able to see much more of the candidates real persona.
I must say that I was skeptical before the debate started as to how it would be handled on CNN and unlike Chris Mathews (the drill sargent) it was certainly more relaxed.

How about Tom Tancredo? He stands strong on immigration. Romney enjoys the services of George and some of Jeb Bush's Campaign people and has stated that the border agents, Ramos and Compeon, are guilty(Bush and Johnnie Sutton's line). I am very suspicious of Romney taking the Bush line on Immigration and the North American Union despite what he says. Is Rudy the lawyer for the Spanish firm that is financing the Ports to Border truck tollway, south to north, that is an integral part of the NAU?

Dick - you've lost your mind too - you cant close the border - you cant stop counterfeit documents - you cant keep social security/medicaid/care from going broke sooner - the bill would be a MAJOR disaster downstream - why would anyone want to take the blame for chaos - when the inevitable economic downturn arrives riots are almost a certainty - fence the border and log 'em out when their jobs fade in the recession - did you notice Harry Reid start calling Ted Kennedy's bill Geo Bush's bill at the first sign of failure - how can you possibly enjoy being around such crap - Congress gutter ratings are way too high

Regarding George Bush looking for “a Legacy“? !#*

? Perhaps it should be suggested that he looks for the legacy at Kennebunkport Maine, and stop looking for legacies which continue to hurt the American people?

George Bush is beginning to look more and more like a jai alai ball, being flung between players' baskets, careening off the stonewalls helplessly.

please, George, stop looking for room on Mount Rushmore-- you do not measure up.

I am not worry about Hillary, Romney will win.
Your comment please.

I am responding to Dick's comments on Hannity this afternoon about who would Rudy pick for VP if he wins the nomination.

If Rudy wins the Republican nomination he won't pick Condi because he would then become a "Bush Heir". Rudy needs to put some distance between himself and Bush if he has any hopes of winning the white house. Huckabee or Thompson would help Rudy pass "the smell test" down south. They would be more logical choices.

For Bush to win back the support of the nation, I believe he would have to admit he was wrong on the immigration bill. That isn't going to happen, so his popularity will continue to shrink. As a natural born citizen of this country, who spent two years of active duty in the US Army, I don't trust anything this government says about the immigration bill. They didn't inforce the laws already on the books,and they are not building the wall that Bush signed up on. I am totally fed up with being concidered a racist for wanting the laws of this country to be inforced. If I commit a crime, I go to jail. If I use someone elses social security number and get caught, I go to jail. Illegals continue to commit crimes, and now bush and the democratic cronies in washington are ready to reward them for their crimes. I say enough is enough.

8or

I have a solution for the immigration problem! Simple: The USA should adopt the Mexico Immigration policy! Check it out:

https://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=14632
https://www.mexico-trade.com/citizen.html
https://www.mexperience.com/liveandwork/immigration.htm

You notice there is no condition for amnesty!!

Since Mexico has all answers, except for job creation, why not adopt Mexico's immigration policies. Why must a nation that has more resources then Japan rely on foreign nations to take on its unemployed masses? Even if Mexico wants the southwest back,,, how would Mexico city provided the social services and jobs that the Southest would need? I have never seen such answers. I only predict that the Southwest and the rest of the nation would slide into 3rd world status and become a similar nation to the rest of the Latin American nations.

Isn't this what killed Kerry in 2004? All the pundits said Gephart and Dean tanked in Iowa because they were attacking each other, so from that point on the Dems were terrified of saying harsh words about each other. There was no way to pull down Kerry (now the frontrunner) without attacking him. So he just waltzed into the nomination, in time to get blindsided by the Bush supporters. He couldn't handle the attacks, and his campaign started to fall apart. Any candidate, whether its Rudy, Hillary, Fred, Mitt or Dennis, should have to prove his mettle to his base before being tossed out on the national stage.

I saw a focus group interview on CSPAN last week. One of the women - a long time Republican - said she doesn't understand why we're in Iraq. If you ask me, this is exactly the problem with Bush - he cannot clearly explain his policies to the public. If he could, maybe he would have had more success. But I don't see how any of these policy initiative would gain any traction as Bush will be completely ineffectual at combating the spin against them.

Horrible. This is exactly why corporations, CEOs and the like should not be involved with polotics while active. Poor decision on so many levels.

What in the world can we do to get through to Bush?
Seems like he doesn't care about our country anymore!

Maybe it is too early in the cycle for the voters to accept personal and negative attacks, or maybe there are simply too many candidates at this point to make the option attractive. We are still 7 months from New Hampshire. At this point, I would rather see the candidates make their cases. The thought of 18 to 20 candidates slinging mud at each other all summer churns my stomach. If they start that now, we will all be exhausted and completely turned off by Labor Day.

Bush tried to bring a new tone to Washington. Maybe, improbably, the new tone is manifesting itself in the early stages of the campaigns, at least within the parties.

GB sat on his arse for six years hoping the problem would get intractable - guess what - it did - now the clown expects us to believe him - sorry, Geo, we're stuffed full of lies - cant hold any more - he didn't live up to his constitutional responsibility to enforce the law - IMPEACH the incompetent and replace him with someone that will

Mccain's people called me tonight in NH looking for money. I told the guy I was not interested in Mccain. He did not challenge me, he hung up.

I sense desperation in the campaign with the recent Romney flip flop attack,fighting Hillary's Earmarks and fund raising in San Francisco. Don't be surprised he doesn't make the quarter goals for fund raising.

Isn't this what killed the Dems in '04? After Iowa, consensus among analysts was the negative campaigning by Dean and Gephardt (aimed almost exclusively at each other) soured voters on them, resulting in their horrible results. Rather than assume that the ads did as expected - took down their targets - it was believed that the act of running negative ads backfired on the two frontrunners. From that point on, no Dem would say anything unpleasant about the competition. After Iowa and New Hampshire, this gave Kerry a free path to the nomination, after which he got sandbagged by Republicans and conservatives. It turned out he lacked the skill to defend himself from criticism, and that undermined his candidacy. Had the Dems shown some more teeth, it either could have exposed Kerry's weaknesses, or at least given him some practice defending himself. Now it looks as if both parties are taking this same route, which make me worry how the eventual nominees will handle themselves once the gloves come off in 2008. One or both parties may suffer serious buyers remorse.

Lets cut out the bull. Illegals are taking away american jobs. Earlier this year, a new Applebys was being built close to a supermarket where I shop. Well on a Sunday morning after shopping, I passed the Applebys site, and there were at least 30 Latinos, my bet many were illegals waiting to sign up for jobs. I can imagine what the pay was for these illegals working on a Sunday. Its the same all over the country. The boom in the housing industry was built on the backs of cheap labor. Americans will take those jobs, but the fact is the building industry doesn't want to pay the higher wages to americans. They would rather continue to hire illegals at the same time they continue to ratchet up the prices of new homes.

President bush is selling out our country in hopes it will boaster his failing legacy. If the Amnesty bill is passed, Bush will be looked on in the future as the president that sold out our country and helped turn it into another welfare state.

eigh8or

More Bull this Saturday from President Bush. In his Radio speech today, Bush said he would veto any spending bill that would break the budget. If Bush is to be honest to his words, then he would veto any Immigration bill as it will definitely stick a knife in the heart of social security, as well as the medicare program.

Oh, and another line of bull from mr bush. The $4 billion in funding for more border security is supposed to come from the penalties that illegals will be paying as part of the immigration bill. I can see the illegals running to the front of the line to pay their penalties. Yea right! What a joke.

eigh8or

It seems clear that if the government refuses to enforce current law, they cannot be trusted to enforce laws contained in new legislation.

If I understand this correctly, funds (4 billion) to build a 300 mile fence will come from fines collected from the illegals. Firstly, this once again puts the horse before the cart and ignores the out cry for enforcement first. Secondly, it is ludicrous to believe the government will be able to collect these funds/fines at all. What a crock!

Show me the fence that will keep Mexicans in Mexico and then we talk.

Your "triangulation" analysis is correct -- but only up to a point. Bush made some terrible domestic decisions which will continue to haunt the GOP.

His attack on Social Security -- which is sheer ultra right wing dogma going back to the days of FDR -- will never be forgotten. No solution to Social Security problems which involves private investment accounts, trust in Wall Street, extending the retirement age, reducing benefits, polarizing the young and the aged, or reducing the employer's contribution will ever be accepted. Americans clearly want a pure insurance and soundly funded Social Security System. And some system must be worked out whereby the politicians' past lootings of the fund are repaid. (I'd like to see it come out of the rotten bastards salaries and retirement funds!!)

Similarly, any GOP revival of Bush's illegal immigration and open borders policies will fatally divide Republican voters and give elections to the Democrats. We know our enemy and will deal the Liberals when the time comes, but two faced Republican politicians must be taught a lesson. "We will not only vote against you, but we will also vote against your nearest opponent, even if he is a yellow dog" -- which in my political arithmetic is the same as giving the dissenting voter two votes.

And a tip for you, Dick. You are far and away the most knowledgeable political analyst in the US - I'll support you for President in a New York minute. But you simply have to rethink our Federal tax policy. What this country needs far more than a good 5 cent cigar is a simple, efficient, and totally transparent tax system, collected automatically by computer from the stream of money as it flows through our economy. Taxes may be inevitable, but they don't have to be unfair and they don't have to hurt.

Lew Warden

Join the Howard Beale Memorial Society. Get Mad! Fight Back! Turn the Rascals Out, and the Sooner the Better!! Save America!!!

Please disregard the duplicate posts. I wasn't aware of the time delay between hitting "submit" and actually having the post posted.

Isn't the convetional wisdom that precedent matters until it doesn't?

This election is shaping up to be radically different from what we've grown up with. The Internet is in full swing for both sides. Neither side has an incumbent, yet both have well know celebrities running- both from the same state (sort of)- and the traditional primary calendar has been completely disrupted. So I'm having a hard time seeing Iowa and New Hampshire as the king makers they once were.

Usually Iowa and New Hampshire could get a candidate recognized, boost their name recognition. I'm not sure that's going to matter as much this time, as the front runners are already well known with a rabid base. At best they will cut away the chaffe (Brownback, Dodd, we're looking at you) and maybe put a lower tier candidate into the the top. In this case I think it would be Edwards and Kerr- er, Romney (sorry, flip flopping wealthy Massacheusettes pol - easy mistake). But the Rudy and Hillary camps (notice how we're on a first name basis with both?) know their candidates and have been commited to this for years. I don't see them being shaken off when Florida, New York and other big prizes are just around the corner.

I do not think he has a chance... It would be madness for him even to consider running for president..
sincerely
nb

Mr. Morris,

I watch the Fox News programs almost nightly, and my favorite shows are those which feature your commentary. In fact, I turned to my wife the other night and told her that I wish YOU would run for president. Unfortunately, I think you are probably too wise to do that. I don't have your latest book yet, but I will surely purchase it within the next few days.

They reason I signed up for your site today was largely because of Mayor Bloomberg. With Mayor Bloomberg, I finally see a potential presidential candidate that makes sense to me. I wanted to visit your site and ask your thoughts about Mayor Bloomberg, but to my delight you had already posted some of your thoughts on the matter. I agree with what you are saying on Mayor Bloomberg, and I hope whole-heartedly that you are right. Unless I am completely out-of-touch with what moderate Americans are looking for in a leader, I think both Democrat and Republican candidates should be quaking in their respective boots about his potential candidacy.

I'm looking forward to your book, and to reading more of what you have to say. I find your commentary to be a sensible and believable beacon in what has become a biased, hidden-agenda laden American landscape of media and politics. In joining your site, I feel as though I now have a guide to help me through the upcoming election process.

What I find interesting is the impact this will have on the electoral college. If the 2000/2004 patterns hold, the shift of just one or two states could have dramatic impact on results (just ask Gore and Kerry). NY is no small prize, and the door is open for three (well, 2 and a half) New Yorkers to run for President. While NY is a predominantly blue state, and in the end will likely go to Hillary (assuming she gets the nod), Rudy and Mike are also popular and could be willing to spend money. This would force Hillary to devote resources to a state that, in the past, would be taken for granted (as a NYer, something I resented - I've long suffered from Swing State Envy). And the NY market isn't cheap. And while it is likely that she would hold NY, that's less certain with our neigbors - New Jersey, Connecticuit and Pennsylvania. PA is the best shot for Rudy - its a huge prize, and still more purple than Blue. He could very well yank it from Hillary. If Jersey were to go, too, it would be almost impossible for Hillary to put together a winning electoral map. Something else to note - Mayor Mike is looking at imposing a commuter tax, which would alienate those in surrounding burbs (especially NJ and CT). I think that would make those states much harder wins for him, and keep the "conservative" vote in those states from fracturing (at least to the same degree as the liberal vote), making Rudy's chances even better than they appear right now.

One other consideration - All 3 candidates would be formidable, but all would be social liberals from New York. Would this not open a HUGE door for a "true" conservative, also running independent or 3rd, er 4th, party, to enter the race? I'm not sure who's out there - Fred, obviously, but I doubt he has the personal finances to mount such a campaign. If the candidate were from the lunatic fringe - another Robertson or Buchanon - the impact might be minimal (or is tht wishful thinking), but someone like a Thompson or Huckabee (though not them specifically as, again, I don't think they'd get the cash) could find an opening.

I think the real problem is that neither Edwards or Obama has a leg to stand on if they go negative. Neither has real experience, and their primary appeal in built on good looks and generic boilerplate. They could go after Hillary, but she would come back hard, and likely humiliate the both of them. I may not like her, but I can't deny that she's got far better skills (and handlers) than her current opponents.

Hi Dick, keep up the good work. I wouldn't mind politicians taking tax payer paid trips, if only they were one way trips. Think of all the energy that would be saved if all those leeches in Washington were gone, and we didn't have to put up with all the wasted hot air that they continue to burn. Heck, it might even solve the Global Warming problem.

8or

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Not only he would save the future of the party, but also the lives of many soldiers that have no business in Iraq. But, do not think, by any chance, that the democrats are not going to take advantage of this action and criticized his stubbornness in this war...nb

Dick/Eileen, in my 87 years, man and boy, there are very few political commentators or politicians with whom I have generally agreed across the board, but you certainly rate highest by far. I worked the local media, the streets and door bells, and both major political parties and their leaders in California for over 30 years in a vain effort to liberalize the Republican Party and de-liberalize the Democrats and I think I have as good a sense of what ordinary Americans thing from face to face contacts as you do with your polling experience and seats amongst the mighty.

But I do believe you are dead wrong about Bloomberg. There is not enough money in the world to sell him to the American people.

I have been waiting on your opinion as the most likely President/Vice President team to win both the primary and general elections for both major parties, just to set a bench mark from which to measure your political acumen. It's easy for political prognosticators, like race-track touts, to appear impressive. Just make enough predictions and sooner or later you'll look good. But come out now, right at the beginning, and give us your best shot. We can all laugh and cheer later.

I'll give you mine on the Republicans right now: Thompson receives Tancredo's endorsement in the primaries and gets on the ticket at the convention. Stong and resolute aganst Illegal immigration and closing our borders and no nutty domestic opinions is the powerhouse that drives this winning team.

So, how about the Democrats? Such a Republican line up can only be countered by Obama endorsing Leiberman. If they can bring in the unions and the money for a grass roots campaign, they would have a good shot at the brass ring. They'll get plenty of media coverage so why waste money on huge media campaigns?

This line-up will neutralize the Iraq war issues and the party that comes up with a sane major tax revision policy will be the winner.

And no matter who wins, the Iraq struggle will go on and remain with us as long as Americans, and the world, has its love affair with the motor car. Oil rules the world.
It's basic geopolitics.


Lew Warden
Santa Maria, CA

Join the Howard Beale Memorial Society. Get Mad! Fight Back! Turn the Rascals Out, and the Sooner the Better!!
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Lew Warden
Santa Maria, CA

I would not be so worried about it (if I were Republican), since we have no right to sell our votes and sacrifice the well being of our people.
I am sure, that the legal citizens of this country, Hispanics or not, will understand it... I know a lot of US Hispanics that are not in favor of the new bill.
Sincerely
dr.nbm

Geez Dick, you make it sound as if the future of our country lies in the hands of hispanics. I guess I should raise a white flag of surrender and break out the beans & rice recipe. Of course a spanish language course would be mandatory now that the hispanics are running the show. Should we lower the colors above the white house and raise the mexican flag. After all thats what these illegals are really after.

8or

I think it probably was a trap.

send this to every govenor and state legislator in the country.

Good for O. I think he'd be a disaster as the CiC, but you have to give credit where credit is due.

There you go again, giving the hispanics control of our destiny. I say BS to that and to those who were harping about how good the amnesty bill would be for this country. It's high time americans realize what the politicians in washington are doing to our country by allowing our laws to be broken day in and day out by illegals who continue to cross our boarder freely. President bush said he isn't about to do anything to secure the boarders now that his pet bill was defeated. It's my ball and if you don't play by my rules, I'm taking my ball home. I say grow up Mr. President. Its time to do what is truly right for this country. Stop bowing down to the Mexican government. Start acting like a president and not like a playground child.

8or

I am in Iraq, and work with an Army battalion that is often paired up with the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police. The Iraqi soldiers are often on leave, or quit on a moments notice. We have to train 125% to get 100% mannning, and even then after a few months the level has slipped to 80-90%.
The IP's are worse, rife with corruption and infiltration by the insurgents. The IP's are sometimes the worst abusers of their own people. The citizens do want freedom for the most part, but are skeptical about CF. The insurgents have ran an excellent propaganda campaign, so full trust is harder to achieve.
Worse yet, Abu Gharib forced the implementation of an Iraqi justice system that requires such a high level of proof to convict, that we are forced to let captured suspects with positive explosives tests walk. Now who has explosive residue on them in this country? IED makers, transporters, and handlers, but without more evidence the magistrates set them free so they can strike again.
It is past time to admit we bit off more than we could chew, and start a slow, phased withdrawal. Civil war will erupt, but eventually burn itself out. There will be much finger-pointing while it happens. Our money is better spent sealing up our borders and protecting our transportation systems than it is trying to help a country that doesn't want freedom enough to earn it. They want it handed to them without the sacrifice and that doesn't cut it in my book.

I like it. What an effective way to force Iran's hand. Another excellent way is to finally get serious about alternative energy and CAFE standards.

I would be very grateful to come home early. This place can wear you down very fast. I've been here four months and it feels like ten.

I personally think that so many people are angry at the situation, they will vote for anyone who was against the immigration bill. This is truly a bi-partisan issue, and most people I know want the borders sealed immediately, and strict employer penalties implemented.

The Hispanic vote is not nearly as monolithic as you suppose. Many Hispanics are Catholics and socially conservative. The immigration issue is grossly underestimated. Bush was foolish to push for comprehensive immigration legislation but he knew it would give a chance for other Republicans to back away from him and gather support while Democrats tried to figure out which way to go. It worked. Republican party registrations went up. McCain should have saw that coming, but like you, he underestimated the full impact of the immigration issue on a national level. Here is why the issue has such power. Nurses, waiters, bartenders, dentists, and police officers have the daily experience of being confronted with immigrants who do not know English and often suspect such persons as being illegal immigrants. Libertarian minded folks oppose the Real ID act. Constitutionalists oppose efforts to change the Constitution regarding being American by birth. Conservatives oppose amnesty why businesses go short on labor.
There is plenty of wiggle room, but to say it benefits Democrats is a mistake.

It looks like Senators Clinton and Edwards need to get with the program. If you're going to win the Democrat Presidential nomination you must demonstrate your eagerness to raise taxes whenever and wherever possible.

Kudos to Senator Obama for figuring out what turns-on the leftwing Democrat voter base.

PS Mr. Obama would be wise to shy away from bragging about his love affair with taxation, that doesn't seem to sell too well in the general election.

The only problem with the logic of this piece is that it does not take into account that the Democrats simply will NOT accept ANY success - or even face-saving- by the Bush administration. They have so solidly committed themselves to defeat and surrender that anything less will cause the radical America-hating far left to bolt for Nader and Sheehan-type candidates. The Democrats are not an engaged party - most of the rank and file Dems have no idea what the issues even are - they just vote for the candidate that titilates them and strums whatever the emotion of the day is. Today, their twisted thinking has convinced a large block of these wackos that it is actually patriotic and morally justifiable to undermine America if it means they can swat at Mr. Bush.

In the 3 key questions , didnt you forget one of the bigger concerns? That the Immigration Bill was defeated by the millions of faxes and emails sent to Senators ?

Of the Demo. Candidates, (who will have to carry this one,) arent we entitled to know each and everyone of their views?
Their are so many blogs and articles read,that are firmly against this program of giving AMNESTY to 15-20 million "illegals", and then their 'illegal' babies.
( 380,000) that would give another 300Million'extended' families members, rights to citizenship....this country would be "Mexiamerica" and Spanish would be the only language spoken.
This is still because of big corp.'s lining the pockets of the Congressional POWER-BROKERS"like that 'bloated' gin drinker T.Kennedy, and T. Lott, et als....

Newt Gringrich said that he and his wife were in Germany, 4905 miles from home, and needed some cash.
He went to the ATM ,put in his little plastic card and in 24 seconds, he had Euros in his hand. 4905 miles from home.!!!
He stated " If I can be identified,by a tiny piece of plastic, and in 24 sec's ...have money,
Why cant the Govt. keep track of 20 million illegals ??????
only 20 million illegals, whats wrong here ?
What are your views on this ...???

Right on Fishhead.....>>>

Freedom fighter : I totally agree with you on the English part as I am a Sheriff, and encountered that problem almost every day, but, the truth be told, there is 'no' shortage of American workers. There are a large group of construction workers protesting still about construction only hiring Hispanics because of them receiving $15. an hour, while the American union guys get $ 24. an hour .
I dont believe that there is any wiggle room,the Demos once they get in a Pres. will pass anything even Amnesty to all, including Anchor-Babies,because The Democratic Congress wont even try to change the 14th Amend,Sect. 1 from jus soli, to modern day,jus sanguinis, right now. this is the worst Congress ever in history...!!! Is it any wonder that they only have a 24% rating ?

To show just how old the jus soli is, it was for the African slave babies, since they were 'forced' to come here. Forgetting about the 14th after the slave issue was settled, and moved on to more of the future times, Hispanics are cashing in on Congress's failures to change it to JUS Sangunis.

Now it looks like it may be like Reagan did ,grant them all Amensty, because it is the easiest thing to do.... Reagan stated it was the 'worst' Judgement call he ever made.
The 'Anchor Baby' amnesty thing will bring over 380. million more Hispanics to this country because of the citizenship of their babies,, which extends to their extended family, about 10 more family members each....

How well do you speak Spanish, Amigo.....

Obama may be showing some strength, but he is no better than Hillary. Mind you, I don't want Hillary! Obama recently told La Raza that he would get illegal's amnesty by the end of his 1st term. Why do we want anyone who continues to pander to special interest groups? Especially ones who are visibly throwing their weight around with public temper tantrums! And for his Muslum background, can we count on him to stand against Sharia law in this country?

Perhaps Hillary was wrong to chide Obama for his comment rather than play to the base, but she was entirely right in what she said. I'm a conservative and Republican, so, as you can imagine, I'm in no way a Hillary fan. That said, I thought she sounded very presidential in her reply to Obama's naive comment.

Regards,

David Flanagan
Annapolis, MD

Great Blog

ace information, you are a star

You can't one the one hand complain that the candidates' mettle isn't being tested because no one is going negative, and then on the other complain when one actually does - especially when she is dead right.

Whatever the temporary backlash may have been for Hillary, it has not hurt her poll numbers or her fundraising. What it did do was pants Obama in front of the world, and in his haste to hoist up his britches, he stumbled and threatened to attack an ally. This is why pressing a candidate is so crucial - it forces them to act under pressure, and reveals their real character to the public. In this case, Hillary gave Obama a small wound, but his inability to deal with it has made it an open sore. I imagine in a few weeks people will forget about Hillary's remark, but you can be damn sure Obama's responses will haunt him throughout this campaign.

I think Hillary shows a lot of common sense in the stance she took on this issue. Yes, there are hardline liberals whom she must face, but just saying any old thing to appease them is what the amatuers do.

I'm a conservative Republican and no fan of Senator Clinton, but she was exactly right and I was actually encouraged to hear her stand up to such lunacy. Clinton, at least, understands the dignity and the stature of the office to which she aspires.

Ultimately, national polls will strengthen for Senator Clinton if she can continue to behave like a real candidate while Obama talks about how we should run from one fight so that we can invade Pakistan.

Regards,

David

Oh come on, Dick. You think she isn't prepared for these softballs?

She'll answer something to the effect of: "This is an unfortunate neccessity based on the current political climate. We need to raise unbelievable amounts of money to overcome constant drumbeat of Right Wing Sermons from yonder radio and Fox News, and this is why politicians spend more time fundraising than serving the will of the people. As President, I will reform this system so that such practices will be both unnecessary and illegal."

And most people won't care anyway. The right will hate her regardless. The left will excuse anything to help them beat the right (and the reverse is also true). And everyone else is so convinced all politicians are corrupt that they won't care one way or the other.

I wonder who, or where does one find ways on changing the Constitutionalists view point, and why are they so stubborn....??????
They must be Hispanic, or pro-Amenesty persons...
380,000 'anchor-babies', and 44,000 more in the next
2 years.
This will without any doubt be known as
the "NEWEST" Mexico.......and in the very,very near future ...!!! Hablo Espanol ?

Never was fond of that woman...She gives off vibes of being a very snooty " I am 3rd highest,and most powerful person in the country and I dont give a damn what you like or think"....!!!

I would personally "FLY" if she were replaced,( how long will she be Speaker? Is there a term limit for House Speakers ? ) Please somebody tell me there is ....!!!!!

Would like to get rid of J. Murtha..He is a washed up old rag, just like Sen. Kennedy, might throw the also snotty attitude of T. Lott... I really think there should be term limits for all Congress-persons. 5 -four terms only,and its all over for you. We need new people with new ideas, some one with true "FORESIGHT", cause as I see it... America is not to far off of the same fate as the Roman Empire. Three things that contributed to their fall were :: Political unstability,the loosing of respect for Laws, Foreign invasion of hostile neighbors, these were some of the biggest reasons that lead to the suicide of a Nation...any of the above sound familiar ???
OMG, it does repeat itself.....!!!

Look People : Pres. Bushy is to near the end of his fun and games trip, as a cocky rooster with the American public, so with his low rating ( which in my opinion is his last ditch effort to do something FOR the country to avoid going down the crapper as the Worst pres. in history).
Well, he is now said to be enforcing Employer sanctions,(HA)and is talking loud about securing Borders (HA)
but he is lost , because the real PRES. was CHENEY.....
Who led Georgie by the ring in his cocky nose...!!! And 'Pres'. CHENEY, who should have been investigated many years ago, will be a Billionaire, while his stooge, Georgie has fared well also($),but not with the people,
only in his opinion...!!!
To them we say 'so-long' to these anti-American "Butt-Wipes" and only can pray that the next group will be
more in tune with what We, the people desire...
and that is definitely NOT any form of "AMENESTY", as we cannot afford to go 'bankrupt' for some un-wanted "ants" who invaded our picnic grounds...

We, must challenge the new 'candidates' on their very responses, to the very serious question, (both DEM. and REP.) ::
What do you ''promise'' to do with all of the 'ILLEGALS' in this country, knowing that majority of Americans do NOT' want Amnensty ?????
Have them 'recorded on tape', and if they dont act as We,the people prefer, then we have something to shove in their faces..!!! ( if they are elected )

In my lowly opinion we need a Wall, not fence, as every picture shows them climbing it, snipping it , digging under it..and for the entire length of the border.

We need to imprison some of them to show the rest we mean business....
We need to heavily $ fine Employers $ 10,000. for each individual in their employ...!!!

Cease all 'freebies' to 'illegals' immediately such as Soc. Sec. benefits, Welfare, Food stamps, Free housing ,
free lunches, Medical, etc.etc. this, and the next item
coming, will start them on their own, to go home...

No job, no freebies,no housing, also fine Landlords for renting to an 'ILLEGAL'..$ 5,000 per each 'Illegal'...
and my favorite one is for the last.....

Re-write the 14th Amend. SEct. 1 to "UP-DATE" it to modern day times. The "JUS SOLI" ( born on the soil )was intended for the babies of slaves, who were 'forced' to come over to this land.
The 'ants' that ILLEGALLY invaded our picnic grounds were 'NOT' invited,and with the 're-write,'
the NEW law will be that of "JUS SANGUINIS" which states:
"All babies born in the USA of "NON AMERICAN CITIZENS"
will be deemed to be the same Nationality as that of their birth fathers, if known, than that of their birth mothers....and shall be 'grand-fathered' back to the year
Jan.1, 1995.
This takes care of "Anchor-Babies"....and we can return to a normal life once again....

They have had way to much free stuff, including their babies paid for,and the closing down of Hospitals who went bankrupt supporting our invaders , now get back to your own ground and stop the leaching of of us...!
Please read WWW. IMMIGRATIONCOUNTERS.COM
Thank you for [email protected]@

Dick:

The problem is with Newt, he has as many high unfavorables as Hillary! The question to ask is this, while everyone is looking for the re-incarnation of Reagan which there are none, who will be able to beat Hillary. I love Newt but he has plenty of personal and political baggage. Remember, while he was the strategic genius in back of the contract with America, he was a terrible administrator and implementer once they won back the Congress in 94.

The question again is, who out of this field can beat Hillary? Forget McCain he's all but gone for the primary, Romney, no way, Thompson, doubtful, he has no fire in the belly for the Presidency or would of been in long ago. Huckabee, great guy but un-electable nationally at the top of the ticket. The only one in the field is "Rudy"! Rudy while not the pure Conservative, is known, popular, articulate, terror warrior, and outstanding debater. He also can bring States that normally would automatically go AUTO-PILOT into the Democrats column such as New York, California, PA, NJ, CT and others. Can the same be said for any of the other candidates? I don't think so. Are the Republicans going to go down IN FLAMES looking for thre perfect conservative or actually nominate someone that can beta Hillary and her machine.

Greg walsh

I would imagine that the most important factors for Hillary's V.P. choice would be to:

1.) Keep the democratic party united following a potentially ugly democratic primary. This would lead to to believe that she would choose Obama, as a way to apologize to the far-left, reform minded liberals, and blacks supporting Obama. Like Kerry/Edwards, Obama would benefit the ticket by being everything she is not; young, attractive, sincere, and charasmatic. He would certainly be a benefit to her in that regard.

OR

2.) She would want to expand the democratic party base by gaining larger numbers of minorities...particularly the fastest growing group, latinos. I believe this is why I think Richardson would also be a possible running mate. While not as charasmatic as Obama, Richardson is the governor of a traditional swing-state. He could help Hillary steal New Mexico away from the Republicans in the general election. He also has more credentials to qualify him for an executive position than Clinton and Obama combined.

I really do not see Dodd as offering anything to Hillary. He is an old partisan from a deep blue state.

That is just my opinion. I would love to hear any disagreements.

While off topic a bit,is it true the Hillary did not attend any funeral services for the thousands that died on 9-11?She claims to be a new yorker.Why ,if true,did she not attend a single memorial or service.

The Democrat's can lose the '08 Elections if common sense overcomes the irrational behavior of Americans. When elected officials such as Nevada's Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, make statements such as the following (from his recent radio address). . .

. . . that he expects the Petraeus report to be nothing more than the Bush administration's selective take on the surge.

Then everyone who had been in the service of his or her country should take matters into their own hands and start a chain of telephone calls and emails to their friends and relatives that indignities such as Reid's will no longer be tolerated then and only then will the American People will acting "for the country" and not for the party.

Dick:

I think after a few weeks of scrutiny you will see Fred's numbers drop while Rudy has stayed consistantly high. I agree with many of your observations in that I question Fred Thompson' "fire in the belly" for the office of the President. I don't think he really wants it from all observations. In addition, Fred is not as well scripted as his character Authur Brank on Law & Order nor has he been effective in elivery by recent speeches.

GW

Fred has also changed his tune on numerous

Rudy was the big winner last week going after Moveon.org and focused his attacks on Hillary. The rest of the pack are probably kicking themselves, why did'nt we do that! Rudy is dumb like a fox and has now moved his campaign beyond the Republican field and clearly focusing on Hillary as the likely nominee, and articulating what a Hillary world will be like.

Again, Rudy is the only one in my view who has the capability of winning against Hilary which will require moderate democrats, independents and others. I also think Rudy is far more effective and is an experienced debater especially having a press conference every day he was mayor.

The bottom line is also the fact that Hillary "has never really had a serious opponent" in both senate races. In both cases, her opposition where vastly flawed, and under funded.

GW

So, under Hillary's plan, if you are healthy or wealthy you lose. Sounds like the vast majority of the population. Keep blaring the trumpet on this health care fraud, Dick!

Since Hillary's lead in the polls is expanding over Rudy, maybe he should hit her with her tax initiatives. What made my ears perk up is when I heard you on Hannity & Colmes the other night dicusseing a Stock Market crash to rival 1929 if Hillary gets into office and raises the capitl gains tax. I agree that stockholders would probably sell rather than pay an exorbinate tax increase on their earings.

Unfornuately, Newt has stated that he is not going to run. I for one would like to see him crush Hillary in a debate. I find him the most knowledgable and articulate of all the candidates. But I do agree with Greg that he is probably unelectable at this time.

I hope you are wrong, but if I were to put money on it, I'd bet on your take. I was ready to pledge money Monday; my first ever for a presidental candidate. Major disapointment!

Is in it also true that Hillary did not attend a single funeral or memorial for the many killed fire fighters and police officers from 9-11.

I think politicians think of nothing but spending and their legacy. Spending buys them votes and their hold on power. The entire city of Washington DC is based on spending other people's money.

Dick Morris: HILLARY WILL TRIGGER STOCK CRASH

This makes perfect sense. I can remember the same jitters, to a lesser degree, when Bill Clinton was elected in the ‘90’s. But now with the Ice Queen herself possibly at the helm people will be much much more afraid. Bill Clinton was at least considered a

They probably realize that if they can not contain Hillary in Iowa and New Hampshire, their campaigns will likely be sunk, anyway. I agree that it is pandering, but I think it is rational. As an Iowa caucusgoer and political hopeful, the biggest single issue to me is the supremecy of the caucuses. The nominating system is fine as it is, and allows for small time candidates to actually have a shot at an upset. Serves Michigan right. Hopefully, they will reconsider moving their primary back to where it BELONGS!

Dick, you know a right wing conservative Christian is about as tenable to the American public as a Jihadist. Don't get me wrong... I'm a right wing conservative Christian, but I'm not stupid. The two don't necessarily equate.

But making an issue out of abortion is about as bright as the inability to pound sand down a rat hole. Be real, Dick! We need someone who doesn't wear Christianity on his sleeve. Doing and saying things in the name of God is almost as stupid as denying God's existence completely.

Brian Lantz
San Diego

I think Mike Huckabee is the only candidate with real conservative credentials. I am trying to start a grass roots movement. I donated money and encouraged (begged) all of my family and friends to do the same. I would rather put up a candidate like Mike and lose against Hillary than to compromise my conservative values and help nominate a guy like Rudy. I am a bit frustrated because I do not know what else I can do to help.

Hillary is the founding father's version of the 'AntiChrist'. My only hope is that the supposedly 50% negative ratings on people who absolutely will not vote for her holds true. My deepest fears are that she is giving 'cake' to the masses and so, they will listen to her 'pied piper' tune of 'free' everything and 'soak the rich'. My brother, who is an inveterate liberal, will vote for her not matter what. There is no critical thinking with true believer liberals. Hillary is their 'revenge' for Bush 'stealing' the 2000 elections. It doesn't matter what she says or doesn't say; what the impact of her positions are or what it will do to the country. For the truly committed, the libs like my brother would vote for Hillary if Hitler was her running mate.
I think Dick Morris is absolutely correct in stating that this election is a 'crossroads' one for the US and its future. May God help us all is she's elected.
Dr. Tom Lawson

God: I hope GWB does sign it. Usually, I'm against anything Hillary and the Democrats propose but, if we are going to ever stop her 'train', the President needs to act and sign the bill.
Dr. Lawson

So we're to believe that in 3 years about 10% of the population has just changed their minds about abortion? Am I the only one who finds that hard to believe? The problem with those labels (Pro-choice, Pro-life) is that they are nonsensical positions everyone can agree on. We are ALL in favor of life, and ALL in favor of choice, at least to one degree or another. Why not label them what they are - pro-federally legalized abortion, or anti-federally legalized abortion? And the real truth is most of the population falls in the middle of the two hardcore camps - wanting some legalized abortion, but with strong restrictions. Some would call that pro-abortion, others would call that anti-choice. That's the problem with this insanely dichotymous issue. When you have better polls that can better reflect how people really feel, I'll take them more seriously.

Hillary finally was exposed the other night. The fact is that Hillary while a Senator from New York has never experienced a real competitive campaign and especially ever being questioned. She has won twice against candidates who had both no money and no chance to win. I'd love to see her in a one-on-one debate with Rudy. No more hiding in the shadows of 7 other men, she clearly faded as the debate went on the other evening.

Hillary for all he so called experience has really none. I continue to ask people who thinks she is god's gift to the nation - so what is her 3 biggest qualifications? They all struggle to give me a straight answer from being first lady to working on children's issues for 35 years...... so that's it.

As Rudy started pounding: Hillary has never run a business, a city, a state or responsible for thousands or even hundreds of people.

This may not be the place to ask/comment, but this is my first full day in the tent with you.
What I want is your take on the following. If she makes it to the White House, we know that she is socialistic and wants to nationalize oil companies, and internationalize America, neutering it as much as she can.
That said, it appears that democrats did not win last fall, but rather than Republicans lost; this seems to be the cycle. Will the country put up with tax increases that will gut their 401k, cripple their employer, believing Hillary, Schumer, NYT, etc., that this is all the fault of Bush, and the pain is from his dismal policies that we are correcting?
Though I'm 61, my son is 4, and I wonder what world he will grow into. I know now that it is light years from the boy's life I had with parents who grew up in the Depression, and weathered the WWII, expecting little if anything from the government, or anyone else.
In few words, are we stuck with her and her progeny forever?

I am not certain that if Romney wins Iowa and NH that he would be the front running candidate. I am hoping that Mike Huckabee continues to do well (as he should- he is a great candiate) in Iowa and steal Romney's thunder with his money and organization. NH might be close- there is a lot of time left. Outside of Michigan, I don't see Romney moving up in other states.

I hope that hillary gets to wear steel underwear to protect her from the damage caused by pickets in the fence she keeps straddling.

This is a GREAT piece of writing. Touche!

madam hillary is a phony, carpet bagger!! she is not even qualified to be our senator from n.y.!! if she get's elected president it will be because of the female vote,not because she is qualified to be presi-dent! this woman is a socialist & will lead this country into chaos.. she will give the country away kissing up to all the "friends" of her great husband..you know, the guy who embarrassed this country with his criminal behaviour while in the white house, who lied under oath & who gave our secrets to china & on & on!! no more clinton's!!! please!!

Thankfully Hillary can only be elected president, not Empress. If she were to win, expect a fierce resistance from the GOP to any legislation. I can easily see her being a 1 term Pres as her ambition will exceed her reach. She would likely loose the congress in 2010, and the White House in 2012. If not... well, like they say, we get the government we deserve.

Hail to der Fuhrer! The DNC hasn't a democratic leg to stand on.

It shoows the difference between class and crass.

Dr. Lawson's comments are noted and are "right on". This is a very dangerous time for our country and all of us must participate in this coming election. I am very concerned that the "secular progressive" movement will destroy the moral fiber, character, and vision that our founding fathers had for this country. The coming election is a "turning point" time in our country's history and Senator Clinton is a "clear and present danger" to the United States. Dr.Frank White

It is worthy for support John Edwards for 2008 Presidential election! There are a lots good of John and Elizabeth that people have not see through them yet. Trust me on this one!

Dick,

I ran for Congress from Ohio's 9th District in 1994 & 1996 against Marcy Kaptur. Even though I did not win, it was a great experience.

I believe Mike Huckabee is the best candidate for the Republican Party because he is a fresh voice with new innovative ideas for change. It seems in vogue to invoke the name of President Ronald Reagan, however wouldn't it be better to have the man who embodies his style, wit, humor, integrity, ideals and ability to reach across the aisle which Mike Huckabee has done! If Hillary is the Democrat Candidate, who better than Mike Huckabee to not only have a working knowledge of the Clinton Political Machine, but the ability to defeat the same. If Obama is the Democrat Candidate, who better than Mike Huckabee with a track record of alliances and broad support among minorties. If Edwards is the Democrat Candidate, who better than Mike Huckabee with a heart for those less fortunate and a champion for educational reforms with a moderate personal lifestyle as well.

Dick, I am not an expert like you are in the political arena, however I can recognize the "real deal" when I see him. You know him personally and can vouch for his being a genuine good man. Please contine to be an advocate for him to be able to receive more coverage and exposure in the media. In my opinion, this is the type of leadership America is looking for, He not only appeals to the intellect, but to the heart.

Randy Whitman

Huckabee and McCain did very well tonight. Once again, Huckabee distinguishes himself by not attacking Romney for his illegal immigration stance which is clearly worse that Mike's whne they were both governors. Mike has a compassionate and practical solution to what do we do with the current illegals in our country that are being productive AND the vast majority of Americans do not want them to be sent back. NOT ONE of the major candidates is talking about sending them back, so what do you do with them? Huckabee is the only one that has had a plan before illegal immigration was such a hot topic and they assault him for it. Politics as usual. Romney attacks but doesn't come up with a plan on the issue- just attack the other guy who has one.

This article will likewise not be discussed or given credit in any way by the media. The media will continue to attack Huckabee since he is rising so rapidly in so many states. The media will just keep promoting falsehoods like he is a liberal spender (wrong), that he has to answer for corruption charges (all were dropped- wrong again), that he is pro-illegal immigration or soft on it (wrong), etc...

No wonder this process is so dirty- the media continues to make it so.

If Hillary loses it (and you know there ARE other Dem candidates you can cover) in both Iowa and New Hampshire, doesn't that obliterate the very basis of her campaign - that she is inevitable? Really, we've been hearing since 1993 - in mocking tones at first, less so with time- that Hillary was going to be President after Bill. Everyone knew that her Senate campaign was not to serve NY, but her presidential ambitions (mores the shame then that my homestate voted for her). Now, with Gore gone, Kerry gone, and no other respectable Dem with national recognition, she was supposed to walk away with the nomination because... well, because we always knew it was heading to this. It's not as though one term in the Senate with no notable legistation to speak of qualifies her. Nor her shifting positions on the Iraq war, where her voting record is strictly at odds with her party's base. No, it's just that we've been conditioned for 15 years to see her as inevitable, and yet she's likely to get beaten by a charismatic State Senator with no experience in much of anything. Hell, she could lose out to Kerry's dud of a VP nominee, the emptiest empty suit I've seen in some time. And if the nation sees her lose two contests that she was supposed to win, won't they start asking why they were considering voting for her in the first place?

At least Rudy has the benefit of low expectations in Iowa and New Hampshire. While many assume he will be the GOP nominee, it's not considered inevitable, and everyone expected him to face an uphill battle, especially in states like Iowa. He can lose a couple of states, so long as he can clinch in places like California, Florida, New York, and New Jersey (if he stumbles in any of those, the case for his nomination becomes just as tenuous as Hillary's).

Rudy Guiliani Pr, Mike Huckabee Vp. That is the ticket!! Lower taxes, Lower government spending, implementing Compstat to all dept's of the Fed Government. Cut the waste, measure each dept, forcast into the future as Rudy G did in NYC and in LA. (Cut crime around 70%!!!) Allow all Americans to buy health insurance in all 50 states and watch the insur premiums drop! Allow small businesses and individuals to deduct 100% of their health insurance premiums like the largo corp's do... Allow all Americans to personally choose the the right answer with their families and churches and get the government out of the Abortion issue. Allow man and woman to marry, allow anyone else to form CIVIL UNIONS (not marriage!) with the right to insur/inheritance without discrimination. And yes, we need the line item veto to eliminate earmarks from the tax and spend overspenders. Thank God for our freedoms and for our choice. Get with it Republicans!!!!!! From a fiscal conservative and a semi liberal woman owned business on social issues.......

HILLARY MUST GO!! THIS CARPET BAGGER IS'NT QUALIFIED TO BE OUR ST.SEN-ATOR!! HOW CAN SHE EVEN CLAIM TO BE "UNIQUELY QUALIFIED" TO BE PRESI-DENT OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY!! I HOPE SHE LOSES THE PRIMARIES, SO MAYBE WE WILL BE RID OF THE CLINTON'S FOR GOOD!! HER HUSBAND BROUGHT SHAME ON THIS COUNTRY WITH HIS DALLIANCES IN THE OVAL OFFICE,THEY ARE CORRUPT PEOPLE,SHAMELESS LOW LIFES THAT MADE IT BIG ON OUR BACKS!! AS FOR THE BLACKS, WHAT HAVE THE CLINTON'S DONE FOR THE BLACKS??? "NOTHING!!!" THESE BLACK PEOPLE WHO LOVE BILL CLINTON MUST BE STUPID OR DEAF,DUMB & BLIND!! THEY HAVE BEEN USED, BIG TIME!! HILLARY "RODHAM" CLINTON WILL BE A NATIONAL DISASTER SHOULD SHE BECOME PRESIDENT..WOMEN WILL VOTE FOR HER BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN, NO OTHER GOOD REASON BUT THAT!! SHAMEFULL!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, GEORGE

A wise man once said, "a prophet receives no honor in his own country." Ac tally, that was Christ who said that. Bill should realize that his political days are behind him. On the other hand, keep campaigning for Hillary - I wasn't planning to vote for her anyway):

While this may be the case for the primary, I'm not sure how it will hold in the general election. I imagine a large number of the women who share Oprah's politics were going to vote Democrat anyway.

As an agnostic conservative, I'm unsettled by the emphasis that Huck's putting on his religion (I suspect it will be downplayed if he ever campaigns here in NY). I don't have an issue with his faith per se, but when he starts talking about teaching ID in schools, or quarrantining HIV infected people as late as 1992, I think it shows that he can be too easily blinded from facts where they conflict with his faith. And after 8 years of Bush, I think the GOP is in danger of looking like the "Believers Only" club, and those of us who are military/foreign policy and economic conservatives are being taken for granted.

Of course my real problem with Huck is his lack of foreign policy experience. Were this 2000, he and Obama would have made an interesting and likely very civil campaign, but in 2008 I just don't want either one leading our military.

Huckabee is doing a fantastic job so far in explaining (not running away from) his record. He resonates with average people because he comes across as sincere. I do not understand the critics about his lack of foreign policy experience—none of the GOP candidates have a great deal of experience either. He is a great communicator and he has all the skills of a diplomat. My husband is a military officer who supports Huckabee and we have other military friends who are also supporting Huckabee. They all would be proud to have him as their commander in chief. No one I know wants Hillary!

The only reason why Huckabee talks about Intelligent Design in the schools (and keep in mind that he says that he has no legal right to change this as President- it is up to the states- and so it is presonal opinion since they ASKED him) is because evolution, the way it is presented today, is taught as being mutually exclusive of a God creating the universe. So Mike, who again asked what this had to do with his Presidency (anymore than asking what is his favorite sports team and why), thought that the 2 ideas should be taught to encourage debate. That's all.

I see postings everywhere talking about how Mike Huckabee thinks the Earth is 6,000 years old and should not be running for Presidency. This is an outright distortion as to what he (and I) believe. To quote Mike,"I don't know how God created the world, because I wasn't there." He does not believe that everything in the bible is 100% real hard facts.

It is funny that Huckabee only promotes himself as a christian leader (which he was- he was elected to a christian office) and wants voters to know that in a conservative state and gets accused of being bigoted or playing the religion card. All Mike has said himself (outside of the billion questions on his faith from Creationism, to his view on Mormonism, the role of women in the Church, etc...) is that he has not waived on the issues of life and other social issues (which is true) and that he has the emotional fortitude to be President because of some of the very difficult social problems he has to face with his membership. I don;t think he wants to play the religion card at all and if people would stop asking Romney and him about it, it would be fine by them.

I think that Mike Huckabee can be great in foreign policy because he will work to see if we cannot rebuild some alliances in Europe (France is back behind us now) and understands the Islamo-threat. If I recall, he has people called ADVISORS who can clarify more of the "how-to" on running wars. If he wants, he could give McCain a job in his cabinet and that would solve that! 🙂 Candidates should stop trying to let people believe they know everything about everything.

I support Mike Huckabee because he will do so many great things and one of which is to end this horrible parisanship in Washington. No one else can.

Very true. We will see if she has any impact on Obama outside of the increased headlines!

Macvee, I'm a HS science teacher. Evolution is taught without God's hand because SCIENCE is taught without God. It does not deliberately exclude God from the idea, either. Science can deal only with natural phenomena and that means any notion of God, Satan, Vishnu, Santa Claus, Dennis Kucinich or any other supernatural being simply lies outside the purview of science. ID simply lacks the research to back it up as a legitimate, well tested scientific theory, and by and large has been adopted by leading Creationists as the wedge to get God back in the science classroom (though I am sure many ground-level ID supporters may be unaware of ID's history). His answer in one of the myriad debates about the topic was a clear dodge. I don't think Rudy's support for the Red Sox in this year's WS has anything to do with being president either, but he still answered the question (and lost some votes because of it, but really, who needs those votes?).

In the case of the AIDS issue, I saw Huckabee try to explain his comments, pointing out that at the time much was unknown, but by 1992 that was very far from the truth. By then we knew it was caused by a virus, and knew how it was transmitted. There was simply no reason for a man running for office to be that ill-informed about one of the hottest topics of the day.

As for him not running on the religion card, that'd be fine if he didn't just run an ad proclaiming himself a Christian Leader. In a race in which the issue of faith appears to be a litmus test for many voters, specifically those who would never vote for a member of a "cult", the ad was a bad idea. It may well be that he didn't intend for it to be a dig at Romney (or for that matter Rudy the Lapsed Catholic, or John "Agents of Intlerance" McCain), but he should have realized that's how many would perceive it.

As for ending the partisanship, I think that's a pipe dream right now, and even if it weren't, I don't see another white, male, Christian Southerner being someone that the left would want to reach out to. Honestly, he's everything that their base abhors. As with Bush, the Far Left will paint every one of his actions as those of a zealot intent on making this a theocracy (never mind that Clinton tended to refer to God more than Bush, and Democrats seem to have a special affinity for fund raising in churches). And really, with Bush's approval numbers hovering just above Michael Vick, I think rolling out a "new model Bush" (all the compassionate conservatism, now with improved articulation) would be a bad idea.

All that said, with the exceptions of Ron Paul and Tom Tancredo, I'd be happy to support any of the GOP nominees, and think all of the Top 4 could serve well in cabinet positions in the White House (Rudy'd be a great AG, McCain as SecDef or Sec of State, Romney for Treasury, Huckabee as Interior, HHS). Of course the odds are good 1 of them will win the nomination (still think there's an outside shot of it being decided at the convention, and that leaves the floor open to a "draft pick"), and another as VP (though I doubt McCain would take that role - the VP's primary perk is as stepping stone to President, and he'll likely not run in 2016; he'd be of greater use in a position with real authority).

How Dare She Point Out Mitt Facts!

Romney Was Abortion's Best Friend in MAKathryn Jean Lopez notes the facts as presented by the Thompson campaign.She must be a bigot.When asked if he believed if a child in the womb is indeed a child, Mitt responded "I've already answered that...

evrything you say is true . its so great to have oprah in your corner, how evr that dose not mean obama is right for the job , and lets just say he wins and things dont go so well . is oprah ready for the back lash that could come her way?

A few points to add:
1) When billing her as the "experienced candidate" voters are going to have to question her experience, and that is a murky area. It recalls the Health Care Reform fiasco, while her role in any other Clinton policy is murky at best. Looking at her Senate record, she has little to distinguish her save for her votes on the Iraq War, which is her least appealing attribute to Dem primary voters.
2) Her other main selling point was "I can win", but after 2006, the Dems are more confident that they are winning the debate, and are not so desperate to win as to nominate just anyone on that basis.

Sorry, got booted before I could finish my point:
3) She's been running to the middle since entering the Senate, expecting the Presidency handed to her as her Senate nomination was. And if the GOP still controlled congress, maybe the left would be willing to gamble on a candidate who could work with them. But with the Congress in Dem hands, the left has no reason to consider a moderate. This is their golden opportunity to have an all-liberal government- the White House, the Congress, and presumably the chance to solidify the 4 liberal seats in the Supreme Court- and won't want to squander it on a half-believer.

Question: Will those of us in the later states have any chance to get the same sort of "Clinton Exposure"? Hillary and Obama have been in Iowa and New Hampshire for over a year; will California or Ohio get that same sort of attention? Of course not. Thus Obama can't rely on Clinton Fatigue to win the remaining states. And I don't believe he'll win a convention fight (though he will almost certainly be a VP), so he has to win it outright beforehand. The question is whether he can capitalize on the eccentricities of Iowa and NH politics to shatter Hillary's base and drive on to victory.

Dick is correct about Michigan being a major battlefield in the 08 campaign for the GOP nomination. Given that this commentary is about one week old, he does not fully capture McCain's surge in New Hampshire. McCain is now in a virtual dead-heat with Romney for the Granite State now and a McCain victory there (combined with a Huckabee victory in Iowa) will all but doom Romney's chances. Romney will still compete in Michigan but will not win.

Romney is already showing signs of panic with his sharp attacks on McCain over taxes during the Christmas holiday break. Given that Romney raised taxes by at least $700 in Massachusetts durings his tenure as Governor, he has a lot of nerve attacking McCain.

Does Hillary know the O'Shaunessey twins in Boston---no... But she saved the peace process in Ireland...?? only the Clinton's could perpetrate such bull.

Mike Huckabee's win in Iowa is actually even a larger feat than Obama winning in an almost all white state. The race issue among the majority of white America has been resolved for a long time. Iowa just underscored it and I am very pleased Obama had this victory for our Country as a whole. Unlike Obama, Huckabee without the financial resources, without the support of the Republican base, but with the message and heart of a compassionate conservative overwhelmingly won Iowa. Yes he has strong support from evangelicals, however it is more, much more of the man and his message that is resonating. For most of the Country, who are still disengaged from what is taking place, you would think Mike went from Pastor to Republican Candidate which is not true. He was an extremely effective Governor, who had the ability to get things done for the people even if it meant stepping on some toes. Recognized by TIME magazine as one of the best 5 Governors is quite an honor.

That said, watch what takes place next in New Hampshire. Still tight on funds his foundation of evangelicals will rally even more forcefully and people beginning to believe he really can win will create even more history for the pundits to ponder. When all the Democrat talking heads are saying their biggest fear is McCain or Rudy or Romney they are lying. If the Republican Leadership would get their head out of the sand and realize this is a new day in politics, they would rally to Mike now. Call off the attacks by Rush and pundits they are sending into the media to belittle Mike. People from both sides of the aisle are yearning for change and do not want more of the same.
That is the reality of Iowa with Huckabee and Obama. I am happy to see Bill Kristol has seen the light for Mike let's hope it's contagious.

Randy Whitman
Toledo, Ohio

My biggest fear is that we will go back to the days with the Clinton's where the most important thing for the country to them was to keep Bill in power to further both of the agenda's. They rolled over good people and dragged good people through the gutter to protect themselves.
Their terrorist tactics with people to shut them up after abusing them is something we do not need. No wonder Bill did not go after the terrorists back then because their own tactics to destroy people did not fall short of what was being done by Osama B.

Great post Randy.

It is clear that Huckabee's support does not just come from christians. He never would have won Iowa had that been the case, plus the christian vote was spilt among Thompson, Romney and others.

Huckabee is a great communicator, a social conservative, wants a very strong military and has a common sense approach to problems. The only area people say that he does not match Reagan is this perceived notion that Reasgan didn't spend money. Reagan had huge increases as a governor and as President.

Huckabee is the new face of the GOP. He appeals to so many groups and is now polling either first or second in nearly all states.

I agree with you about the democrats: every "liberal" or democratic analyst on Fox understands how good and powerful Huckabee is.... sadly, the GOP establishment has yet to catch on. But that is changing. Dick Morris, Mike Medved, Neal Bortz and others understand this transformation that is occuring. The normal "GOP" establishment like Hannity and newspaper writers said that Romney would win because of his organization and resources and what happened? He was crushed. Huckabee is activating a LOT of people that would not normally vote because they feel a candidate that they finally can believe in. This is the first time I have truly backed a candidate.

Speaking of songs, I was impressed as Mike Huckabee was introduced by Jay Leno on the Tonight Show with the never aging tune of "Everyday People" by Sly & The Family Stone being played by the band as he made his way to the stage. We finally have a Republican Candidate with enormous broad appeal beyond his core base of evangelical Christians. Everyday people are connecting with his message, his story and even his stands which seem to frazzle the more traditional Republican base. It's one thing to invoke the name of Ronald Reagan which the other Republican candidates do, but quite another to embody the spirit of the "Great Communicator" which Mike Huckabee is.

Hillary will be hard pressed not to begin to dismantle the rise of Obama based on his experience in office and at the same time not tarnish the reputation of her husband Bill as the first "black" President. This may be a delicate balancing act on a tightrope she is not familiar with which finally would broaden the tent for people of color to take a serious look at the Republican Party led by Mike Huckabee. There is little doubt in my mind, should she receive the nomination, she will be seriously wounded for knocking Obama out of contention among his supporters. I do not see a VP offer either from her to Obama for fear he would overshadow her and appear as tokenism to a man who like Huckabee strikes a cord of unity among all of us.

On the flip side, should Obama succeed in obtaining the nomination, he would be handicapped from the attacks of the Clinton Machine which the Republicans would parrot and at the same time take the high road by using only the experience issues as opposed to personal attacks. Hillary as VP to Obama - not even a consideration.

In any event, the person best suited for the ultimate task of defeating the Democratic Nominee and putting a new face, as well as a welcome mat to everyday people is Mike Huckabee!

Randy Whitman
Toledo, Ohio

Of course Hillary will use the race card because she and her handlers can't help themselves because they are cut from that kind of cloth. What the Clinton's do not yet realize is that the 90's and the Clinton era has passed. What Clinton and other politicians of Her and Bill's stripe don't yet get is that our citizens understand the Clinton "code speak" and the code speak of others like them and it is very offensive. I am not counting her out, not by any means. But, finely the Democrats are seeing her for what she represents - the Old South - with those that believe that only White people should be in charge and this is finely overwhelmingly offensive in America. America can elect a Black American as our President and Hillary and her handlers need to realize that "Character" does count and Hillary doesn't have any.

My question is "How will a late choice of candidate for the Republicans affect their ability to compete with the Democrats?

Dick: Will you please tell us who in the Hell Craig Livingstone was, and how on Earth did he get the run of the White House and the power to extract FBI and/or tax files on Republicans! And yet, to this day, everyone in the Clinton administration claims to have no knowledge as to who hired him.

Ed----Still Perplexed!

I dont agree with your assessment. Seeing Hillary tear up changed my opinion of her. I have only seen the policy wonk side of her, and seeing a human side, changed my mind. Her candidacy has been one of stiffness and dryness. To see her express compassion about her candidacy moved me to think twice about her.
I will tell you nominating Obama to head the demo ticket will be a disaster for the dems. He is a man of no substance, track record, etc. and leaving his committment to the citizens of Illinois after a year speaks volumes of his lack of committment to his elected position.

Absolutely. The tears may have been "real." But the reason behind them was not about the "country." It was all about her.

"But McCain and Giuliani sure can depending on which Democrat they end up facing."

Dick,
For me, who I support is all about who can beat the Democrat in November. I can pretty much live with any of the Republican candidates. The comment you made at the end of this latest article begs the question, "Which Republican can take out which Democrat? Thanks!

I can not believe how gullible people can be! What I mean is that because Hillary turns on the tears, people, mainly woman, buy it! My own gender has lost their minds. Why can't people see through her phonyness?? Just because a woman expresses compassion -- so what! Quite honestly, why give credit to something that should be human nature anyway. She should be expressing compassion! Hillary campaigns for a year plus never showing much sensitivity or emotion, then wow, shed a tear, people vote for her! How disappointing and simple-minded people can be, especially women. Come on girls, get smart! Hillary is out for Hillary and, I believe cares about one thing and one thing only. Winning! Don't fall for the Clinton machine tactics.

Dick,

I am trying to understand how such a rigid personality like HRC can suddenly appear so agile as she did in the past 48 hours.

I don't believe for an instant that she shed actual tears on Monday. Everyone seems to have missed the fact that upon close examination of the videos of her "vulnerable moment" that her eyes - check the whites closely - were stone cold DRY! Yet people apparently were swayed by that.

Couple that with her manic victory speech which was preceded earlier in the day by a desperate woman ready to jump off a tall building and her stability has to be brought into question. Can America afford an unstable person as President?

Is it possible that her win on Tuesday will cause Hillary and her campaign to become overconfident?

-the tide

I absolutely sure the next President of the United States will a Democrat candidate, either former Senator John Edwards or Senator Hillary Clinton! While too many other countries hated us because US foreign policies, and these two candidates qualified and ready to serve, and to make changes for benefit Americans with goodwill under the Almighty Eternal God!

Let us check on CIA illegal conducts at the https://www.wdcic.org!

The Bloomberg talk reminds me of the Lee Iacocca push from years ago.
We do not need any more people in these pools of people representing a wide choice for the electorate. The big story so far is the total mistreatment of Mike Huckabee from the Republican Leadership which is becoming so obvious it could hurt the Republican Party should he not be successful in attaining the nomination due to the undercurrent of the 'anybody but Huckabee' mentality circulating. Despite the enormous success he has had so far, the last debate saw sleepy Fred Thompson tapped to do the litany of attacks against Mike which failed to rattle him as Huckabee responded with one of his best lines in the debate all evening. The follow-up Frank Luntz focus group of obviously biased participants raving Fred had won the debate was ludicrous. Fred's performance was so lackluster I'm even beginning to question his credibility as an actor, much less a candidate for President of the USA.

The Republican Party has a wide tent approach with Mike Huckabee and instead of embracing him, they are missing what the electorate is literally yearning for. With all the candidates invoking the name of Ronald Reagan, has anybody noticed Ed Rollins is directing Mike's Campaign along with other participants of the Reagan revolution?
If you take a pulse on people's opinion of politics today it is at an all time low and all indications they are looking for something, someone different they can relate to. The Democrats are understanding the obvious, while the Republicans bury their heads in the sand to their own peril. It is unbelievable to me we finally have a candidate with a rags to riches story, as well as a record for bringing people together, accomplishing great success while maintaining the core values of a conservative and a strong likability factor among the electorate and because of party politics they're willing to look the other way.

If Mike Huckabee can continue to rise above the naysayers in his own party by going directly to the voters of this nation, he will not only be the Republican nominee, but the next President of the USA>

Randy Whitman
Toledo, Ohio

Finally an analyst who sees what is really going on...thanks. By the way I am an independent.

My premise is people vote with a combination of heart and logic. But as a marketing guy I learned long ago to appeal to the heart first.

McCain is beginning to rise because he resonates on several dimensions without putting people off:
1- Heart: He is likeable. His no airs, goofy at times persona is non-threatening and likeable. There is something about Clinton, Edwards, Romney and Giulliani that puts a lot of people off. Huckabee would tie McCain in this regard.
2- Heart: The "grandpa" feeling actually appeals to or at least does not put off younger voters. Remember kids that fall out with their parents often go to live with their grandparents. Looks like Obama is the only "kid" in the race.
3- Heart: Its tough no matter what your political views to not respect and admire McCain. Look at his service to his country, the torture he went through and most of all he has been his own man within the Republican Party.
4- Heart and Head: He comes across as a man of integrity and one who tells it like he sees it. Hillary will calculate and twist, Giulliani distorts and lies, Romney says dumb things like "do you want the people who brought you Katrina in charge of your health care" (no Mitt I want some guy in an insurance company on incentive pay looking after it}, Obama says great things (definitely a top ten orator) but just doesn't have the record of accomplishment needed. Hang on for 2012.
5- Head: A track record of actually bi-partisan accomplishment. This is something none of the other candidates have on either side. Hillary couldn't get health care done because she could not compromise and apparently couldn't figure out that she had to. Romney dictated as governor, ceo and head of the Olympics what he wanted etc. Giulliani is a nasty piece of work.
6- Head: Do a gut check and I think everyone knows, to your point, we are not going to round up and ship out 12,000,000 people. The military says in will take a couple of years just to get a few hundred thousand out of Iraq once we decide to do it ... and they are willing to leave. Besides that we need most of them. Besides they took great risk to get here, took personal responsibility for their lives, are trying to do better for their families, and they work long and hard. Gee, havn't I just described the spirit that built America. The real solution lies in getting control of the influx, getting rid of the real criminals and finding an ideological compromise to deal with the rest. A "no amnesty" mantra is not helpful and really means "status quo". We need a solution.
7- Head: This is a biggy with me. McCain is the only one putting front and center a plan for energy self sufficiency that makes sense to me. First, getting away from foreign oil sets the foundation for solving so many of our domestic issues (debt, the war(s), being a polluter of the world, etc). But second and McCain seems to be the only one gets this,t there, is a multi-trillion dollar worldwide opportunity in "green" and the US could lead the world in developing the technologies and keeping the desirable, sustainable jobs that will be created.The economic opportunity is vast, spans multiple technologies and will create an incredible well of good jobs.

In short, I like him and will vote for him given the chance mainly because of my last point.

Well, thats my $25 worth. Have a good one.

John McCain is clearly an American hero...end of story.

This nonsense of a win in New Hampshire will catapult him to the nomination is just that...nonsense! When McCain hits those states that prohibit cross-party or independants to vote in their primaries he will have met his Rubicon and his ride will come to a sudden inpact.

A sudden impact that will terminate any chance for him to rebound or play a major role as the primary process moves forward.

American hero, yes. Republican presidential nominee, no.

"accomplishing great success while maintaining the core values of a conservative and a strong likability factor", OK, Randy I'll bite. What do you mean by "accomplishing great success"? His record of raising taxes, coddling illegal immigrants and issuing pardon upon pardon only reminds me of the other silver-tongue devil given to us by the great state of Arkansa. Mike Huckabee's record does not exemplify the core values of a conservative. He is a Liberal in mind and in practice, as exemplified by his Arkansas governorship record.

This "likeability factor" is pure drivel devised by the press. If that is to be our determining factor in electing a President, let's choose between Letterman and Leno.

Finally, Ed Rollins didn't win the elction for Ronald Reagan. The election was won by a true Conservative who adhered to the principles of Barry Goldwater. Ed Rollins just happened to ride the winning horse.

I agree that McCain looks like the guy to beat ... but....
Number 1, he is likeable. This means people will actually listen to him. Contract to Romney who I think on balance would be just as good a President. Problem is something about him stops people from really listening to him. Hillary has the same disease.
Number 2, he has a solid defensible message (solutions) on each issue including immigration. Once people really listen I think most would agree there is no way to round up and deport 10-12 million people.
Number 3, he can use the issue of "change" to defend his compromises with the Dems and the joint bills. If people really want change then he has a track record of making the compromises necessary to get it done. If someone says they want change but in the next breath spout their ideological must haves then forget it... that is what we have now.
Number 4, the Repubs may be wising up and realizing he may be their best chance to win against Clinton or Obama.

Of course race will enter into the campaign If the Clintons lose the black vote ... they lose ... period. The women vote won't save her. Her campaigns response, blame it on Obama, to the King issue was lame. She sounded Bushy as in "its not my fault". She should have taken her foot out of her mouth, taken responsibility for her poorly chosen words, apologized and moved on. Quietly rebuking or firing a speach writer or two might provide more lasting help. Taking a shot at Obama ... backfire.

I'd like to know whatever happened to the black child the Clinton's said they were thinking of adopting in the mid-90s? Was that another phony appeal to the hearts of black folks?

Also, Mrs. Clinton stated that no one had done anything about civil rights until the 60s Democrats. What about President Eisenhower desegregating Washington, DC by Executive order. It is unconscionable to re-write history. Let each person take his or her due for their accomplishments. Unfortunately, most Americans do not know enough history to judge whether a statement made by a putative authority is false.

I believe the Clintons know that they can insult blacks as much as they please since there are more women than blacks -- even if every black person in America voted for Obama. Moreover, in the general election, conventional wisdom says that black folks would still vote for Clinton over a Republican candidate. (Not me, a black (usually) Republican). Thus, they lose nothing by using the "race card."

Thank for calling her out. This is exactly what the media should be doing with every single distasteful racial, feminist or other attack. I also applaud McCain for immediately calling out the shadows who attacked his Vietnam record. ... and dont let up.

Conrats Dick...you called this one. It is becoming apparent, even to a Clinton (Bill I mean) admirer like me, that they are very nasty. Obama needs to learn the lesson of "Kerry and the swift boats" and fire back hard and fast everytime. She and Bill leave little room for a high road.

The GOP can turn chaos into harmony if they would just take a deep breath and recognize what Mike Huckabee has brought to the table. He has been successful at bringing as well as delivering a message of inclusion without the benefit of support from the GOP Leadership, and without the money or organization other favored candidates have received. His performance in the debates and populist message has resonated with the American public. Despite the attacks questioning his conservative credentials, there is no question Mike is a credible conservative once you seperate the allegations from the actual facts.

Everyone has their own personal favorite but we need to recognize if we are to win the office of President in this political climate it is paramount we have an individual who is a fresh voice with a likeable demeaner to attract the Reagan Democrats and Independents. If you compare the other candidates negatives and contrast them against either Hillary or Obama it's the same old showdowns of the past > the Republican Rich Guy, the Old War Hero, 911 Redux with Personal Issues. Mike Huckabee isn't your vanilla Republican. He has a great rags to riches story, he never forgot where he came from, he is inclusive with strong support from minorities during his tenure in office. He's been through the Clinton Machine and won. Noted as one of the Top 5 Governors by Time Magazine. He can bring people together if the GOP Leadership would just let him. If you compare what he has accomplished so far with so little, imagine if he had the full GOP supporting him!

One of the classic films of Jimmy Stewart was Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. There are a lot of similarities I can see while watching Mike Huckabee battling against a stubborn Leadership more bent on getting their choice the Republican Nomination as opposed to the people's choice >Mike Huckabee

I find his strategy puzzling. Seems to me he needs to get on the attack and fight back when bitten. Is his depth limited as some say and he has nothing to say when specifics are required? Has he team not done the hard work to develop policies and positions with meat on them. That wouldn't explain the passivity when he is given openings by HRC. He is going to find that his unquestionable oratory skills and message of hope will get people to listen but then he needs to have something more to tell them.

Dick: I'm betting you dinner Romney wins Florida.

Dick,

Your anti-Romney rhetoric has been wrong and will continue to be wrong. With the Michigan primary four days before South Carolina, and the Florida primary 9 days after, South Carolina has been effectively rendered moot. Here's why McCain won't win:

--He has yet to win a true republican primary. His game plan has been to go after democrats, independents (in cross-over primaries), and military republicans. In non cross-over primaries, he has got to rely on republicans only. In conservative states he will lose big.
--McCain's win in South Carolina was too small. If Fred had pulled out earlier, McCain would have lost. Again making the results of South Carolina irrelevent.
--Nevada had more delegats...the true battle is for delegates. You neglected to mention that the mormon population in Nevada is only 6.8%. Even though they came out in force in the election, you can throw out all the Mormon vote and Romney still wins Nevada.
-- McCain has absolutely no economic plan (or understanding). This campaign will be about the economy, any advantage McCain had on Iraq is run its course. He has no economic message (or clue).
--McCain will struggle in most western and southern states.
--McCain is just not liked by too many conservatives.
--Comparison polls between McCain and Hillary now, much like the national polls republican polls were a month ago (showing Rudy ahead) completely worthless.
--Lastly, I know you are a Huckster fanatic. But he is losing ground fast in Florida. He will not get that much of the southern vote even without Fred. He is out of money, and going down fast. He will not be around much beyond Feb. 5th.

Romney is the only one that can consolodate the all the parts of the Republican party. McCain is attempting to paint it over as moderate version of the democratic party.

--Chris in Florida

Nonsense...McCain will never receive the Republican nomination!

Fascinating how Romney is constanly ignored by the main-street media even though he has won the most primaries, has the most Republican votes and has the most pledged delagates.

C'mon Morris...get it right or you'll lose another diner to O'Rielly.

My money is on a Romney/Thompson ticket...or Romney/Rice.
jb

oops...meant "dinner"

McCain wins IF the Republicans figure out that he is the only one who can beat HRC. If not it won't matter who they pick ... they lose.

Even with the wicked Hillary leading the ticket for the Dems, I hold the sentiment of what one Republican big-wig asserts: It ain't gonna be "the nut-job from Arizona." Conservatives can do better than that!
jb

Great insight into the Clinton's and their campaign. Thank you.

I am a white moderate/conservative Republican in her 50's who's strongly supporting Obama for President. This is the first time I have ever donated $ to a campaign (and I'm currently unemployed) and plan to vote for a Democrat for President for the 1st time ever.

I watch you faithfully on Fox and value your opinion and respect your analysis over anyone else. Reading your columns distress me so much because, you knowing the Clintons better than most, it appears their lying, manipulating, dirty politics will work again and it just sickens me. What can we do to stop them? I wish the Obama campaign had you as one of their advisors because they clearly need help to "OutClinton the Clintons". Won't you please contact them?

For the good of our country, we can't live thru another 8 yrs. of Bill's bad behavior nationally and internationally. Hillary would be the ultimate control freak and bitterly keep the Congress divided for 8 more years.

sarasota2001: A Romney/Rice ticket is beautiful to say the least! Wow!

Dick: What are the chances of a Romney/Rice ticket? They would be a marvelous team -- far better choice than Thompson or Huckabee!

The only reason that Romney is still in the race is he has a near endless supply of money. If Huckabee and Thompson had that, the race would look far different and they would be winning.

I do not have a problem with Romeny's wealth. I merely point out that people should not complain about only the wealthy getting elected- we are voting and encouraging that to happen.

A powerful argument can probably be made that McCain, Guiliani and Huckabee did not husband their resources well. McCain, especially, was foolhardy with his funds early on and has no one to blame but himself. Last night he stated how well versed he is in ecomomica...his empty wallet says otherwise.

jb

I, for one, left Giuliani a while ago because of his many liberal views and his messy personal life. When your own children won't speak to you, I have 4 and 16 grandchildren, then there is something seriously off-track in your life.

As a New Jerseyite, surrounded by illegals, I have decided to cast my primary and hopefully general-election vote for Mitt Romney.

As it turns out, Rudy is a one-trick pony...9/11. But that was then and this is now. I have changed, the country has changed and certainly the world has changed since 2001.

I am changing to Mitt Romney, as I suspect many other Concservatives are. Dick Morris is sounding more and more like the elite media...always pushing Johnny boy. Ain't gonna happen!

Just my humble. jb

Mr. Morris your so on the money and thank you. Colmes is an eggplant. Here is the rub for a life long Democrat like me watching the play. I am steadying myself to vote for a Republican if Hillary gets the democratic nomination,even if Barack Obama is on the ticket (how sad if he gets swallowed up by the Clinton machine.

I praying for Mr. Obama and hoping that the American people can rise above their own personal challenges in time to give this candidate a fair chance. Simultaneously, I am also rooting for John McCain, not because I believe in all his ideas, but simply because I believe in his honest character and core decency and feel strongly that the Clinton way of campaigning if awarded by a presidential win will do our country more harm than good.

Where are all the Democratic party leaders who have the power to shut down this political strategy that will no doubt damage the party but flies in the face of what the party allegedly stands for. I think the biggest news is in the void of leaders willing to come forward and do the right thing.

I am so grossed out by my own party's lack of courage, dignity and grace that I intend to vote on the Republican ticket if Mr. Obama is not the Presidential candidate.

He was a frontrunner, but now McCain is and he's not really a conservative either. I was leaning to Romney, I will vote for him in MA on Feb. 5.

A lot of us conservatives would have like Duncan Hunter, he is a true conservative, too bad he couldn't get his campaign going. Maybe VP?

You are so on the money. You are amazing! You have helped to illuminate the truth with your sharp and timely intellect. This Democratic political race is not just about current issues...it is about something far greater and less tangible but without which we will never be as great as we can be.

It is about our individual and National collective conscience and who we will chose to look back at in the mirror.

Will we accept the "anything goes" in our politics despite it being everything we say we try not to teach our children? Will we accept the intentional use of racial division as a campaign strategy despite the fact that it flies in the face of our party's core philosophy? Will we ignore the hurt the Clintons thought so little of to put on us by using our own weakness to their benefit?

Or, will we stand together as one Nation of common and decent people and say, enough is enough? It is one of the hugest choices we have had to make together as a Nation and it is bigger than Barack Obama.


What a fascinating race! Thank you for all your insights.

sarasota2001: On the contrary, I think that Morris is as reliably objective as he ever was. The fact that he shows clear admiration for Giuliani (if not for the ex-mayor's character, then at least for his once-stellar chances at winning the Republican nomination) while forecasting his defeat evinces this.

Re. Giuliani's incommunicado son and daughter, I don't assign much weight to that. I don't know enough about their personal lives to do that, though anyone who's had a mother knows how much influence she can have on her children vs. their father (and a divorced woman is typically a spiteful creature, indeed).

I do find it amusing that you impugn Morris for allegedly copycatting the elite media by pushing McCain, while you yourself take the elite media stance of poo-pooing Giuliani because his kids aren't talking to him as much as you and the media elites would like.

His son, who is actually still speaking to his dad despite the media hype, has stated that he isn't accompanying his father on the campaign trail because he'll be too busy with his golf game.

His daughter, who knows what is going on there? She's still a teen-ager, and we all know how rebellious they typically are, especially when their parents aren't loony leftists. The fact that she's a New Yorker makes me doubly suspicious of the legitimacy of her beefs with her father.


-- Milo

You can switch to Mitt, but you'll be living under President Hillary. At least with Rudy blue states including NY, NJ, PA, DE, MN, CA will be in play. Rudy has a shot. Tell me which state(s) Mitt or McCain will win that weren't red in 2000/2004 - oh and you can assume Ohio will be blue in 2008. Plus Hillary will win AK. So by all means stand on your principles and thank you for handing us President Hillary.

Okay, do we really have NOW supporting Hillary? Geeze, how ironic considering Hillary did nothing to help the women that her husband took advantage of and tossed to the curb like useless garbage. I thought NOW was about supporting the dignity of women by combating sexual harassment, violence against women and seeking equality for women. My head is spinning...does anybody else see the contradiction here?

Today, NOW's lofty slogans are meaningless. I think NOW needs its younger generation to take control. Obviously, the old guard has lost its scruples to "anything goes" as long as the candidate is a female. The Yuk factor is so high on this one that it stinks to high heaven.

With your personal experience with the Clinton's, and the abuse you have witnessed and endured- you have been the one voice with both the credibility and experience to expose this pair of Machiavellians for who they really are. Finally, your voice has begun to resonate, people are waking up from their slumber and are beginning to see through the illusions, charms, showmanship, and sleight of hand the Clintons have been entertaining and fooling our country with all along.

I am hopeful and seeing signs that the suspension of disbelief has begun to lift and we are seeing just how insidious the Clinton game unfolds just as you have been speaking all along.

As I see how easy it was to knock Rudy out of the game so quickly (among Republicans) for his moral failings, it is painfully obvious how Romney will be summarily cross cut shredded by the Clintons if he gains the Republican nod. Romney has too many things the Clintons can dig their talons into and vivisect his presidential bid piece by piece. He has no chance of a head-to-head presidential bid against Hillary.

Although McCain is not my idealized candidate, I cannot stand by with my single vote and allow a 3rd Clinton term. A vote for our most conservative candidate in Romney, is handing the country over to the democrats most liberal one.

Dick, I believe you on this one -- Romney has no chance against Hillary and only McCain can stop her and reverse the countries desire for winds of change and a democrat as it's next presidential candidate.

Deep conservatives are going to have to bite the bullet on this one, or all of us with strong conservative ideals are going to pay a hefty price- we all know what will happen when she gets elected for it will be Bill and Hillary running the show once more.

(I realize I'm not touching on the Obama factor in this post) only on the candidates that have commited to a party. I look forward to seeing what lies next as Hillary's mistep in SC has dropped her plus 10 point lead and evened Obama's odds against her in Flordia.

Thank you Mr. Morris for keeping us posted, informed and keeping our eyes open to the Clinton strategy and how we can prevent them from another term in office.

--dan

Dick: You fail to realize that people in the GOP don't like McCain -- they don't even consider him apart of it.

Hopefully, the conservative movement and America is moving to the center. The far-right is non-effective, if not dead. The proof of this is the right's inability to defeat or even deter the American Liberal Machine (ALM) that has successfully and thoroughly vilified President Bush. The ALM's unchallenged ability to sway American (and world) opinion, such as their successful Anti-Christian campaign that successfully labeled Bush a mindless follower of Christ. And their successful "Bush Lied" campaign. For the past 7 years where was the Far-right during all the incessant attacks by the ALM on President Bush?

Dick, you are the best political analyst out there. Kudos for breaking the Clinton race-baiting strategy in S.C. - pure genius. OK, I have been in the investment business for 14 years, just a small correction for you that will make one piece of your analysis on Romney more financially literate. You wrote and have said "hedge funds are notorious for cutting jobs" when talking about Romney. Change "hedge funds" to "private equity funds". What's the difference? For the most part hedge funds buy and sell stocks and rarely get involved with management decisions. Private Equity firms - which is what Mitt Romney's Bain Capital does - often are involved with takeovers or buying big stakes and are very much about getting involved with management, doing "turnaround strategies", "operational improvements", "synergies" etc. which often involve firing people. I have not looked at the deals Romney was on, but I guess you are right that someone could make the "Gordon Gecco case" if they wanted to. Thanks and keep the great analysis coming.

This campaign is better than watching "Amazing Race". I am a conservative/independent and I believe we occupy a lot more space in the general population than the "Rush Limbaugh" extreme right. I also feel the presence of significant numbers of liberal/independents disenchanted with the Clinton option. Because we lacked an organized voice being neither welcome as Republicans or Democrats we have had to suffer as America was dragged down down through 7 years of unconscionable deficit budgets, an war on terror fought in the wrong country, a precipitous drop of respect for Amercia around the world, a laissez faire approach to the enforcement of laws the administration found inconvenient, and the relegation of our Constitution to an inconvenient obstacle in the way of the trampling of our rights as Americans. Just for the record I personal find the polar complement on the left just as distasteful. I for one will be voting for McCain in our primary and hopefully in the election. I believe most closely represents the desires of the vast majority of Americans who cannot relate to either the extremes of the Republican and Democratic parties. I see HRC as vulnerable simply because, as she and Bill have amply demonstrated, they are divisive and polarizing. The will divide the country further if they get the White House. I seem McCain as the only candidate with a hope in hell of getting America back on a track the vast majority of Americans want.

I am so disappointed at the dismissive attitude the GOP and their pundits have conveyed upon the best candidate in this race Mike Huckabee. Romney despite his huge financial advantage and substantial backing from the conservative talking heads gets beaten by McCain by 5pts is still considered a contender when the week before in SC, McCain topped Huckabee by only 3% {with the spoiler sleepy Fred Thompson in race to take away votes from Huckabee} and everyone assumes if Mike can't win in the South, he must be finished. Can't anyone see what's going on here?

I do not in anyway attempt to diminish what McCain has accomplished since he also has faced a struggle with the GOP. At the same time, he has shown great admiration toward Huckabee because they are "brother-in-arms" in a struggle to convince the hardliners it's OK to broaden the tent of our constituency without having to compromise our core values.
There is little doubt in my mind if McCain is the nominee, he will ask Mike Huckabee to be his VP.

That said, I still believe Mike has a great chance to win the nomination as more and more voters hear his message in the debate process. His appeal to the regular person has the same excitement as Obama; the only difference is the publicity surrounding the charisma.
Old war horses like the Kennedy's have been caught up in excitement Obama has created with his appeal even though politically he is a much less experienced candidate than the Clinton machine. Republican's have longed for a speaker in the mold of a Ronald Reagan who had the ability as well to mesmerize an audience. They have such a person in Mike Huckabee and they are too blind to see.

Fortunately for us -the electorate - Mike Huckabee is continuing on with his army of believers and a message of hope & change. This evening, once again he will electrify the listeners with his common sense approach to serious issues around us. This nomination process is far from over and eventually some reporter so where ( and I hope it is you Dick Morris ) will see the light and review the enormous success Huckabee has had already in his quest for this nomination.

Randy Whitman
Toledo, Ohio

This is great news!! I wonder where the leaders like Al Gore are...why don't they step forward and embrace real change with Obama when it counts the most, before super Tuesday. Especially Al Gore, who really seeks to change how we treat the planet. Makes me wonder about his sincerity. I would think Obama offers him the greatest hope for our planet. What could be holding him back? Al don't be a cowardly lion. Be a real lion!! Go for it!

I hope you are right Dick. As an independent I really like a McCain vs Obama race. It gives me a real choice to make. McCain vs HRC and I vote for McCain in a heartbeat.

Is this trend due to Democrats seeing the Rep candidate being McCain and realizing Obama may be their best bet for a win or is something else at work here?

Wow, great article. Thank you. I am sure hoping Obama pulls out ahead far enough to extend this race, time seems to be on his side. Where is Al Gore in all this? I thought he had no love in his heart for Bill Clinton during his run for the White House because Bill Clinton's lying under oath/impeachment scandal was detracting from his campaign. What is the skinny on Al Gore?

I am very concerned about the recent turn of events in the primaries and the self anticipated coronation of both Hillary and McCain. I guess at this point...my only question would be...how do we unite to take votes away from Hillary and McCain?

Exactly what ever happened to elevating someone to a higher position due to actual achievements that are measurable, specific, and verifiable?

Maybe I am somewhat naive about the political process (or maybe they are so liberal they have to make a case for everyone achieving to feel good and it actually went to some of their heads) but in the military and in the civilian world of business, we actually have to had specific acheivements to get recognized, awards, decorations, good evaluations, and all of that which leads to promotions.

All the more reason for Dems to think it through to the Presidential campaign and reject HRC simply because she won't win. The Republican attack machine would shred Bill Clinton and bring her down as well.

I don't see how anyone can get away with attacking Mitt Romney for layoffs. People are in business for profits, not loss. Ask anyone if they are in business to keep people employed if they are losing money, the answer is no.

I am not sure they are thinking it through. With the support she has gained and the machine she runs, it will be difficult even for the Dems to shut her down. I think it is amazing that they use tactics that my kids use (accuse them of what you are doing and it minimizes their response when they say "NO YOU ARE DOING IT"). Are the Dems that stupid or are they just that desperate to keep a Republican out of the whitehouse? Don't answer that...I think either answer will empower them...:)

"Is there no limit to how gullible the Clintons think we are?"...sure, i'm gullible...but i'm also looking forward to hillary taking credit for the internet and giving tipper a big kiss...why stop at imitating obama?

If Obama can hang on past Tuesday I believe he will be our next President. Folks just need a little more time to wake up from their political stupors to find it was the winds of change inspired by Mr. Obama that woke them up. He just needs a little more time.

Mr. Obama is truly an amazing person who has inspired me deeply and will continue to do so no matter what happens tomorrow. On the wings of Angels....Go Barack!!

Dear Mr. Morris,

My mother is 86 years old and Hispanic. She worked in social welfare programs for the elderly and homeless for many years. She was supporting John Edwards until he dropped out of the race. She lives in Madera California.

I called her tonight to see who she was voting for tomorrow. She surprised me when she told me it was Barack Obama. I asked her why she chose Barack over Hillary. She told me that Hillary really "P'd" her off when she saw the debate because she never answered the question asked directly.

I was a little stunned because my mother has never used the letter for the word pissed off before and she was really mad too.

One of my sisters living here in California already voted she told me. I cringed. She is in nursing school and doesn't have much time. She is 50 years old. I asked her who she voted for and she said, Obamaaaa and laughed. She really surprised me. I thought she might have picked Hillary. She voted for Obama before the Kennedy endorsement. She is fairly conservative, is connected to her church and enjoys real-estate and economics.

My other sister ( I have 3) told me she is voting for Obama because she feels that Hillary is a lesbian but won't be honest about it because she likes power more. She is my funniest sister and a CPA. I think what she is trying to express is that she doesn't trust Hillary.

I have been waiting for Mr. Obama since his big speech at the Democratic convention. My soul recognized him as our next President who would better our Country and change the world. No words can explain it. I just knew and I have been waiting.

I also saw Hillary at the Democratic convention sitting next to Jessie Jackson while Mr. Obama was speaking. I saw the fear in her face when the crowd responded to Mr.Obama. I knew then that she knew he was the real deal too, but, oh, how she tried to hide her fear that had crept into the outline of her features on display for me like a full moon.

Tonight, after hearing all the latest poll results, her apparent fear has been realized. The fight is definitely on. I think the polls are wrong and Barack won't do as well as they predict.

But, if Barack survives tomorrow, Hillary will be destined to lose the party nomination piece at a time because of all those choices or acts you talked about (the dark political strategy and a life forged around it) have left their mark on her spirit. Folks are beginning to discern it because she is being held up against, not only his voting record, but also Barack's spirit for comparison. I don't think any other candidate could have unraveled her in this very unique way.

So fascinating.

Take Care,

Mercedes

The reference to Leonid Breshnev in regards to Hillary Clinton really hits the mark. I am old enough to remember that time period. I got out of the Army in 1974. I feel Mr. Morris is correct in his references and when considering that time period and such thinking, not much has changed in our National Political thinking when it comes to solving our nations problems. Frankly, as a Registered Republican both Sen.Clinton and Sen. McCain are really not that much different (putting their positions on Iraq aside). Both are locked into 1970's and 1980's thinking and the resulting mind set of that era of the 20th Century; when we as a Nation need 21st Century thinking and solutions to solve 21st Century Problems. Neither has them. We need to consider that as a Nation and Society we must position ourselves for the 21st Century.

C.A. Bridges
Temecula, CA

I am new at expressing my very strong views so publically but now seems as good a time to do so as any. I have been watching Dick Morris for several years now on FOX News and he confirms what I have thought from the first time I ever laid eyes on Bill Clinton, playing a saxophone and charming the media in the year he defeated George Bush, Sr.

I recall sitting in the floor of my Mom's livingroom watching the presidential debates and stating, "How can anyone fall for this guy?" And my Mother, who was never a the devout Republican I have always been, said, "You do know he is going to win, don't you?"

I refused to watch the news or follow politics of any kind during the 8 miserable Clinton years. I was appalled at how universal his so-called "charm" took hold over people. But as the years passed, I grew even more frightened of Hillary Clinton, who not only seemed to want the presidency more than Bill, but as an emotionless corporate lawyer, I always felt would do anything to get it. Where he was a buffoon waiting to be exposed, she has been the calculating serpent, waiting for the time to strike. And the idea of Bill Clinton again residing in the Whitehouse as the First Man, is as terrifying as a terrorist's bomb and that is exactly what the Clintons as a relentless machine will be. Not only is he rogue, but between the two of them, neither of whom have any morals, character or ethics, but the two of them are dangerous. I must have faith that such a pair cannot be elected.

Absolutely no fan whatsoever of John McCain - I am supporting Huckabee - I fear that Hillary will dismantle the military, throw us into socialism and do away with the electorial college so that even more Clintonites can continue to rule and reign over us with their godlessness like a Biblical tyrant.

I thank Dick Morris for escaping whatever mystical spell once held him in the Clinton's grasp, to reveal to those of us who don't know firsthand, but only intuit, their true nature and intentions.

But won't McCain easily win in November against the amoral Hillary? I believe so. I would rather face her and all the single white women than Barry Hussein Obama and his elusive message of "change".

I am conservative and an independent. Strangly enough the more I hear from Obama the more I am drawn to him. His message of hope for positive change is compelling. My emotions draw me to Obama and my head to McCain. I think McCain would restore some credibility to the right for the 90% of us to the left of Limbaugh, Beck etc.

If HRC gets the Democrats nod I will not vote for her. Eight years of bickering and getting nothing done has been destructive enough. With HRC the situation would worsen.

Huckabee is just too far right for me and I am leery of those who bring religious ideology so strongly into their politics. Having viewed the Youtube videos of Romney's campaign debates from prior contests I simply cannot trust him. He is clearly an opportunist which means there is no telling where he would go once in the oval office.

The next few weeks and then months leading to the box in November will be the most interesting politically I have ever experienced.

Dick, I agree with everything but not with naming Huckabee VP. I am a registered Democrat (a "McCain Democrat") who loves McCain for his independant spirit and inspirational war heroics. I changed parties to vote for him in the primary, but... I am a social liberal and so could never vote for Huckabee (McCain is 71 y.o.). I guess I am fairly representative of the middle of the road voters who McCain will need to win over in the general to beat Hillary.

This is true....what the Democratic party doesn't seem to want to get is that this time democrats will go to McCain before voting for Hillary. Obama has come a remarkable distance. After all, Hillary had her sights on the White House for years. She has been laying the ground work for so many years ahead of Obama. I can not underscore enough the remarkable campaign Obama is running.

Obama survived super Tuesday and now the campaign begins.

Oh Dick, when will you and the rest of the pundits learn ... don't try to predict the outcome this time.

Huckabee showed that irrespective of how the media ignores you and that you don't spend any money, his support is rock-solid and steady. It is Mitt Romney that is stealing his support because Huckabee supporters will not vote for Romney (as proved yesterday in another study: they choose McCain 2-1).

It is time for Romney to drop out of the race, save some of his fortune and let Huckabee run against McCain.

Obama has a lot of money, time and charisma. I for one would not count him out. As well, Hillary's campaign presents two targets, herself and Bill.

There is a good chance I would consider Obama in 8 years if he relizes he does not live in fantancy land. Right now he is too liberal and has "NO" experence. 3 years in the Senate, 2 of those years running for President, does not get someone ready for s meeting with a Canadian let alone the Russians. BobM

Dear Dick,
Why does this not get press coverage? We are appalled at former President Clinton's behavior! If any of the past presidents acted this way we would be just as disgusted with them. Is this something the congress should hold hearings on. Do we need to pass some new laws forbidding pass presidents from making deals that is affront to America's, best interest? Maybe we need to pass a law that would prevent donations by anyone to a past presidents or their foundations or business. Maybe we should make it treasonous to act in such a manner. Or is this already considered treason? I believe it is.
Thanks,
Monty

Thank you for your excellent work. My entire family looks forward to your appearances and commentary on the Fox Network TV programs as well as your news letters.

Thank you for the information. It seems to me that if you want the job of President of the United States, you should be willing to allow the citizens of the United States to look at your tax returns. What is strange to me is that the media is not reporting any of this.

Like I said if Barack survived super Tuesday he would be the democratic nominee. Dick, you really should send me one of your books since right now you are agreeing with my political prediction :.. That being said, Obama still has a long way to go. He can not falter and his supporters can not turn away for a second lest their candidate be taken from their very grasp.

As I type, I can feel the Clinton machine desperate, and darkening. I can't even imagine what they are promising John Edwards for his endorsement. I am not experienced enough to anticipate what other sideshows they may offer to get the voters to look away from Barack Obama. What do you think is coming from them?

Regarding Edwards endorsement: To have John Edwards endorse Barack Obama right now is less important than not having him endorse Hillary. If the reports are true and Barack is having to slow his momentum down by going to Mr. Edwards' home to discuss the endorsement issue, I can only conclude that Mr. Edwards is allowing this distraction. Another side show.

It is Barack who needs to be on the ground with the populace to win and not waste precious time with Mr. Edwards. I liked Mr. Edwards for VP with Barack Obama not long ago but I am not so sure now. Simply put, I worry that Mr. Edwards may not really be the guy he told us he was because if he was that guy he would not be engaging in this distracting ring kissing contest at this stage in the race.

At this point, I wish Mr. Edwards would honor his previous decision and just continue to stay out the race. Let Barack win it on his own with the people deciding for themselves. What a concept.

Does anybody else hear the engine of the Clinton garbage truck spinning out?

Obama's message resonates with me and Hillary's does not. We have serious issues to deal with including the war and the economy. It is apparent from the past seven years+ that we will not move forward with more partisan bickering. This is where HRC loses me with her message that she is experienced and ready to go day one. Yes, she is experienced at promoting ideology over solutions as she did years ago with health care, yes she is experienced at low blow dirty politics, yes she is experienced at milking money from lobbyists but isn't that the change most of us want...and so on. I would rather have a rookie pointed in the right direction than a veteran promoting same old, same old.

Hmmmm, you don't suppose the Republican attack machine is trying to keep it's powder dry on this one do you?

Drug Lord Frank Rich was nice to lend Hillary the $5 million.

Obama is much more presidential than Hillary. She is not very knowledgable, not very smart or articulate. On 60 Minutes last night, all I learned about what she wants to do with our country is keep from getting sick. So apparently she washes her hands a lot and drinks a lot of water. Thanks. Very helpful in learning what her policies will be. Sadly, we know liberalism has never worked--and that is exactly what she will be implementing if elected. Personally, I WANT her to get the nomination because she is so hated every single centrist and conservative will show up to vote.

During his scandalous years in the White House, too often it appeared she was in love with the Presidency and not the President. Now it is his turn to show a lust for the institution. Keep up the great work, Dick. Undoubtedly, you have the unique ability to raise her blood pressure the way she raises mine. -- Scott in Indy.

No doubt about it, Obama has struck a chord with the Democrats mesmerized by his infectious oratory skills. I do not count Hillary out quite yet in a quest she has sought for a lifetime. It will continue to go down to the wire.

Regardless, the other BIG story which is attempted to be buried is the inspirational run Mike Huckabee continues to make for the Republican nomination. If it were Romney making this same effort the GOP, media and talking heads would be drooling over themselves talking about mathmatical possibilities of a brokered convention. Despite the minimal coverage and constant echo of the, "Huckabee can't win" chorus, while his campaign moves forward with even more momentum.

Mike will win today and continue to confound those who have opposed him from the beginning. The Huckabee story is as relevant as the first minority or first woman seeking the office of president becasue his is not based on gender or race, but on perseverence against all odds. If anyone can shine a light on this incredible effort it is you Dick Morris. Have the courage to go against the conventional ( not wisdom )back room deals and talk about an evolving phenomena in the Huckabee campaign. Mike's run has been a consistent miracle and the biggest is yet to come.

Randy Whitman
Toledo, Ohio
Heb 11:1

Great article! I would just like to add that, although I do agree that Barack Obama has charisma, it is not only charisma that has people flocking to him and away from Hillary. Barack moves with the will of people.

Barack speaks in terms of hearing the people and, with their voice in mind, acting on behalf of the people to ensure the American dream exists for everyone. In contrast, I hear Hillary say things like, "in MY America...." Bottom line is that I don't think most Americans want someone who thinks they own America and will doll out Americans what she thinks they need or deserve. Her message has an entirely different feeling around it than does Barack's message and it does not excite free thinking people.

Anyway, thanks for the wonderful article. Dick, I am still waiting for my book from you :).

Being a "used to be Republican" and now "conservative/independent" I am not usually drawn to the Democrats side. Obama has changed that. I am not sure yet what I will do in November but a choice between McCain and Obama would be interesting because it will present real choice. In thinking about this I concluded it is because both are genuine, honest people who clearly care about others and our country. I would be happy with either.

I think Clinton is slipping because large numbers of Americans are having great difficulty finding a sense of real trust with her. She has shifted too often from attack mode to nice, from supportive of blacks to disparaging Obama's race and from the hard nosed commander in chief mode to soft Hillary. Her messge of "ready to go day one" seems to conflict with "change". Who is she really? I have also noticed that she uses "I" a lot in her speaches. It seems to me if real solutions are to be embraced it should be "we".I felt the same about Romney.

Dick, you insites into the Clintons have been great...thank you.

Brian

Friday Links

Photo: Artist's image of the new Gerald Ford Class.George Mason has a new first year course, and it looks like good fun.Should a Catholic university host a Clinton campaign event? BainbridgeGovt benefits for seniors: Now up to $27,000/yr averageDick M...

EVEN IN TEXAS: ADVANTAGE OBAMA

While polls still show Hillary leading Obama in Texas and also in Ohio, her lead will likely fade and likely disappear by the time their primaries are held two weeks hence.

If Obama wins in Wisconsin, he’ll probably also carry Ohio, a state with ver...

HILLARY CLINTON GOOFS AGAIN!

Who was it that defined neurosis as repeating the same mistake again and again, and expecting a better outcome each time? That’s really what the Clinton campaign is doing in its post-Chesapeake primary strategy. Now Hillary defines Obama as the candi...

I just finished reading about the "Ickes" statements to the media about the Clinton campaign now wanting Florida and Michigan the count. How many toes does HRC think she can shoot off and still walk. I expect you are right Dick about changes that will occur before Texas that could change the outlook in favor of Obama. Add in a few more "Ickes" moments and it will be a near certainty that Obama will take it.

Dick: Thanks for setting up this website and best of luck with your movie: Hillary. She can't be exposed enough, in my estiatmation, they are both dangerous people, again IMHO.

Now my question: I have not heard it discussed anywhere except on our local CBS TV station just the other night. My question is: Does anyone think that Hillary, IF elected, would attempt to have Bill as her Vice President? From what our local reporter uncovered there apparently is no Constitutional probhibition to doing this. Now getting it through a convention would be another thing. The thing that bothers me is that he is so terribly popular with people in the US, even after all the crazy stuff he did. What is your opinion.

We miss seeing you often on Fox; last week we saw Karl Rove several times, would much prefer your outlook, insights and comments, please come back more often.

Thanks you. Moey in Minnepaolis, Minnesota

What defies logic to me is that a group as large as it is continues to heed the rally cry of these two megalomaniacs. The Clintons' arrogance, sense of entitlement and distain and disrespect for the electorate
as a whole was on display, front and center, long before Bill was even elected to his first term. These two people are far too self serving to ever be effective as public servants. What kind of father behaves the way Bill did with a young daughter growing up within the same quarters? What kind of mother figure pilfers antiques from the White House on her way out the door? The bonus round includes nuclear secrets for contributions. Questionable legal practices. Financial resources for the campaign and tax information undisclosed. If Hillary's fan club was limited to the uneducated, I could understand. But far too many women I know and respect are blinded by the thought of a woman in the White House. I love the idea of a woman president. But please, let's be sure of the measure of the woman before we vote her in. And Ladies, understand that Bill is the free sample inside the package. Have you noticed how hard it is for him to have Hillary be in the limelight? How ironic it is that his pathological need to be the center of attention early in the game may well have derailed her bid for the Presidency.

Good piece. I agree but I do wonder if there are substantial numbers of people who see her negative, petty campaigning as a sign of her strength. Her support is coming from somewhere.

For me I want a government that gets on with finding solutions to our problems and creating a better future.

HRC:

Wanting to count Florida and Michigan shows she will do anything to become President, even go back on her own agreements. Sounds like Bush/Chaney.

The Superdelegate thing shows she puts herself ahead of her party. If the SD's were to overturn an Obama majority, or an HRC majority for that matter, it would spit the party and put the election at risk for Dems. I am sure if they overturned an Obama majority they would lose big with blacks, young people and independents. Even if she wins fairly she will need Obama to hold those groups.

Her weekend attack on Obama for plagiarism is petty. Did she write all of her words? What he did wasn't clean but lets stick to the real issues. Her actions bring to mind the phrase "get a life".

Overall, I could not support her. If she is this divisive and petty within her own party I can just imagine the rancor of the next four years with her as President. We would have four more years of gridlock and another do nothing government.

I would have to go with McCain who has a real track record of bi-partisan legislation leading to real solutions and hold my nose on a few things. We just cannot afford another four years of bickering.

Great article. I am finding that I want so desperatley to believe all that you are say about Hilary's chances. And I too, wonder if the general public gets it about the two of them. I am counting on your experience with all these polls to keep me from tearing my hair out just thinking about her in the final election and God forbid four years after that. Keep encouraging us with your in depth look at the potentials of this race! I am a registered conservative Republican that is supporting Obama just to get rid of the bickering!

I am a McCain person, but will do anything (legal) to stop Hillary. In the Indiana Primary (the forgotten state), I will vote for Obama, because McCain has it in the bag. I had decided to do this even before you said it on O'Reilly! Maybe others will catch on after you said it. My husband and I think you are the greatest! (I mean what I say!!!)
Thank you,
Phyllis Vesvardes

That was great. I think Bill and Barack should throw on some gloves and duke it out in the ring. Then at least Obama could get some revenge on Bill's racist remarks from earlier in the campaign. Though, come March 4th, it'll be official. Obama Vs McCain. Can't wait.

...and they kept it up today. Both HRC and McCain tried the argument that you need experience to be Commander in Chief and Obama doesn't have it.

Gee, it takes me back to the "experience" around the table in Powell, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Bush and what that got us.

Don't we have Generals to provide real experience. Isn't what is needed just to listen to them on military matters?

Dick: Glad to see you back on Fox, missed you.

Can you address the possibility of Hillary asking Bill C. to be her vice-presidential running mate? I have been asking about this for some time and on our local CBS station last week they have a segment entitled "Good Question" and someone wrote in asking the same thing. The reporter did some research and as far as he could tell the Constitution does not preclude her from choosing Bill as a running mate. Do you think this is something they might have had planned? I, personally, wouldn't put anything past either of them.

Thanks, keep up the good work. Moey

In the Frank Luntz book- Words That Count, Chapter 9 deals with popular Myths in America. There are 3 that really show why Obama is doing well.
Myth-"American Consumers Respond Well To Patriotic Message"- Luntz says appeal to American Pride works better than 2-1 than appeal to Patriotism. I understand this deals primarily with businnesses but it seems to apply to the political proces.
Myth-"Retro Sells Products and Politicians"- He says "There's an important language lesson that is uniquely American. Always look forward, not back." Obama's slogan- Yes We Can- that is looking forward.
Myth- "Americans Vote According to a Candidate's Stands on the Issues" Luntz says Americans, by and large, decide who to vote for based on the candidates' attibutes- personality, image, authenticity, vibe. In fact, Americans would rather have a candidate with genuine common sense as their leader than almost any other attribute- including brains.
I believe Obama addresses those 3 areas better than any other candidate and thus why he is as popular as he is.

I have been amazed at the ineptitude of a 'seasoned' politician such as Clinton. It appears that all the freshman blunders being committed are on her side - not the one of the fresh-faced challenger, Obama.

I find the Clinton minions amusing with their witless rhetoric of 'solutions not speeches.' If she has all these solutions lying around, perhaps she should dig through the pile and find the solution to beating Obama - because right now she is hopeless.

Most of my career was spent as a Marketing Exec. If asked to come up with a strategy to save this product (HRC) I would decline the contract.
If this were a consumer product the only thing left would be to drop the price, clear the inventory and start over.

I've been an advertising writer for 30+ years and pride myself on being able to strategize my way through most any marketing challenge. You couldn't pay me enough to take on this one.

Just started my subscription to " Play by Play " and it is everything I hoped it would be. I have been a fan of Dick Morris ever since he announced his opposition to Hillary Clinton several years ago. I look forward to reading his comments as this amazing election year goes forwad.

OBAMA, THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE? YES HE CAN!


I believe that Barack Obama will defeat Hillary and win the Democratic nomination. I think that this weekend’s victories in states as diverse as Washington State, Louisiana, Nebraska, and Maine illustrates his national appeal and demonstrates Hillary

Sorry Dick, policy and past experience and demonstrated leadership is a far better indicator of a who would be a good president then how well one can pander and sing platitudes.

Dick,

I just heard you on Hannity & Colmes excoriate Sen. Hillary Clinton and all her dishonesties. What a powerful indictment! I've heard and recall some of the lies you cited and attributed to her, but not all of them. Would you please do a Play-by-Play or in some other way itemize on your Web site all these lies to recited on H&C.

For instance, my wife and I have wondered for years how the Whitewater Papers (I seem to recall it was the Whitewater Papers, but it may have been something else) mysteriously appeared in the West Wing(?) of the White House. After all, isn't the White House more secure than the federal penitentiary in Marion, Illinois?

(According to Wikipedia) "...chief White House counsel Bernard Nussbaum removed documents, some of them concerning the Whitewater Development Corporation, from Foster's office and gave them to Margaret Williams, Chief of Staff to the First Lady. According to the New York Times, Williams placed them in a safe in the White House for five days before being turned over to their personal lawyer."

Then-First Lady Hillary Clinton claimed to have no knowledge of how they appeared. Can you add any clarity to this matter?

Thanks

As a female, and a business executive, I cringe when pundits and analysts suggest Clinton to be first woman president material. It is critical that such a woman be so competent in her field as to be above reproach and the obvious choice to assume such a position. I have never found Clinton to be competent nor above reproach. It is scarey that she does not realize it either, being in her own cloud of self-denial, which is another reason she is so off-putting. Further, I find it reprehensible she does not have the humility nor the intuition [command of the situation] to adjust strategies with all the input that exists, like this, in the media. I am impressed by Dick's analysis of all the factors that have combined around her, to box herself in. If she were made of the mettle that could assimilate the insights and internalize them to turn things around, then she would perhaps be woman president material. Everyday, however, she lets herself, and the rest of us, down. Meanwhile, I am very likely to vote for Obama, who does have all of these personal characteristics.

Unfortunately none of the candidates have any significant experience relevant to running the administration. That part of the Presidents job is very much like a CEO. On the other hand dealing with a divided Congress and Senate in order to actually get anything done is at least equally important, as is being able to inspire and get the backing of the American people. Here McCain has proven he can develop bi-partisan legislation and Obama by the nature of his person and past has a reasonable shot at doing this. Clinton has no chance of getting any co-operation from the Republicans. In addition to the ingrained animosity she sparks in Republicans she has shown through her proposed policies she will put ideology ahead of getting solutions for the people who need them. Example: Universal, government run, single payer health has a snowballs chance in hell of ever passing. It might be a good solution, maybe not, but she has already proven with her ideological approach when she had her first shot at it that this approach will fail. So, we get nothing. Obama has shown far better judgement in developing his pragmatic approach to getting what most Americans want: a country where everyone who wants it has health coverage. It is results that will keep the people with the new President, not ideology and not the constant bickering we have suffered for the past decade.

I am so glad you brought out Hillary's "good" points on Hannity & Colmes last night. It seems many people have forgotten or are in denial!

"Does Hillary’s rigidity stem from a false conviction or from an absence of sufficient imagination and creativity to formulate an alternative course?"

to me it is neither...it is simply because she just has an incessant need to be right. she seems "hell-bent" on proving to others that if she wins, it was because of her...if she loses, she seems more than willing to blame others...after watching her on the debate last night, the impression i received was (to an even greater degree than al gore, if that is possible) she exudes an arrogance that communicates the feeling of "because I said so". hopefully "Phase I" will be complete when she loses the nomination. then "Phase II" when the voters of new york boot her out of the senate. then both clintons can just please go away...

Sincerity and Likeability sum it up for me.

Hillary exudes as much sincerity as the fox who ambles into the hen house with the feeble excuse of simply seeking shelter from the cold, as he licks his chops.

And as hard as I may try, I cannot make myself like this person on any level.

So, there you have it. Insincere and unlikable...her day has come and gone.

The queen is dead...ale for my men, water for my horses!
jb

Your article is right on the mark. Her campaign brings to mind companies who faced with clearly changing markets are unable to bring themselves to change sometimes until it is too late and bankruptcy looms. IBM didn't wake up and really change until it posted a multi-billion dollar loss and GM has taken several decades to begin to respond to the market.

HRC just can't accept that she and Bill are the poster children for what a large percentage of Americans are rejecting. We don't want anymore mainframes and land yaughts. We want solutions not ideology from our elected officials.

Her whimpering last night about "the first to be asked" was pathetic. Guess what, the first to be asked gets to clean the plate if well prepared leaving only bits for the next guy. You also get a rebuttal if you miss something.

Rather than put Obama on the defensive Hillary's attacks have given him an opportunity to shine and stengthen his attaining the mantle of being the Democrat Nominee. Contrary to the hints of a man in an empty suit with great oratory skills lacking in experience > nothing could be further from the truth. Obama is a confident, non race baiting, established, compassionate man with a strong handle on the issues and an inspiring articulation of the same. At the same time, he has provided a needed vindication that a person of color can be elected by a majority of white Americans which repudiates the tactics of those who have played the race card unfairly. We have seen this previously among Republicans in respect to Colin Powell, Clarence Thomas, Condi Rice and others, however their detractors would attempt to challenge their "blackness" based on their conservative views. Now Obama has provided a candidacy for those to rally around on the liberal side which is devoid of race as far as his receiving support from white America. In my estimation, this is a significant victory for everyone in America. Hillary Clinton has unwittlingly provided the perfect forum for Obama to take the higher road when challenged by negative attacks and undertones of race baiting. His performance in the Cleveland Debate was very impressive.

I am a Republican supporting Mike Huckabee, but I would be remiss if I did not salute Barack Obama for running a wonderful positive campaign.
Despite differences we have on many issues, the rise of Obama is another reason why our diverse country is the greatest in the world!

Randy Whitman
Toledo, Ohio

So whats her next blunder going to be? Will she cite the Bush criticism of Obama's foreign policy approach as vindication for her own?

Dick Morris;
You have the ear of america!!!!!! Why has no one shown footage
or commented on the fact Obama will not stand or cover his heart
during the pledge of allegiance or the Star Spangled Banner is
recited or played????????

Dennis J. Haderlie
Overton,NV

Dick - you're doin' a great job, but how about more often??? I just have one question: What does Hillary do to vanish all those sags & wrinkles before she goes on television? Maybe she should do a venture into over-60 cosmetic miracles instead of the curren past time?

Keep Smilin'

Your comment on Hillary's RAGE being just beneath the surface gives me the willies. You know, I see it just behind her eyes when she is speaking negatively about someone or the republicans. It comes when she believes that the crowd is buying into the negative feelings or the demonizing of another party or person. It is as quick to appear as it is too fade back in to the recess of her fake smile. It really worries me. I pray for us all that she is sent home this Tuesday night.

At the risk of sounding too Machiavellian, today's attacks by Clinton on Obama makes me think that she is (1) trying to win at all costs, and (2) creating sound bites for McCain to use against Obama so he (Obama) will lose. Clinton will not campaign for Obama (or only minimally -- recall the limp-wristed support of John Kerry). Then Clinton can run again in 4 years noting that Obama is a big LOSER should he choose to run again.

Why did she win? She is so transparent! I really don't understand. If this country elects her even as the democratic nominee, then WE deserve her. Where are her tax returns? Who is funding her election. And how about wetting her finger, putting it in the wind to decide what to say today! WOW! How dumb can our public be! Give me some hope here!!!

Just a quick refresher course, lest we forget what has happened to many "friends" of the Clintons:

1 - James McDougal - Clinton's convicted Whitewater partner died of an apparent heart attack, while in solitary confinement. He was a key witness in Ken Starr's investigation.

2 - Mary Mahoney - A former White House intern was murdered July 1997 at a Starbucks Coffee Shop in Georgetown. The murder happened just after she was to go public with her story of sexual harassment in the White House.

3 - Vince Foster - Former White House counselor and colleague of Hillary Clinton at Little Rock's Rose Law firm. Died of a gunshot wound to the head, ruled a suicide.

4 - Ron Brown - Secretary of Commerce and former DNC Chairman. Reported to have died by impact in a plane crash. A pathologist close to the investigation reported that there was a hole in the top of Brown's skull resembling a gunshot wound. At the time of his death Brown was being investigated, and spoke publicly of his willingness to cut a deal with prosecutors. The rest of the people on the plane also died. A few days later the Air Traffic controller committed suicide.

5 - C. Victor Raiser II - Raiser, a major player in the Clinton fund raising organization died in a private plane crash in July 1992

6 - Paul Tulley - Democratic National Committee Political Director found dead in a hotel room in Little Rock, September 1992. Described by Clinton as a "dear friend and trusted advisor".

7 - Ed Willey - Clinton fund raiser, found dead November 1993 deep in the woods in VA of a gunshot wound to the head. Ruled a suicide.
Ed Willey died on the same day his wife Kathleen Willey claimed Bill Clinton groped her in the oval office in the White House. Ed Willey was involved in several Clinton fund raising events.

8 - Jerry Parks - Head of Clinton's gubernatorial security team in Little Rock. Gunned down in his car at a deserted intersection outside Little Rock. Park's son said his father was building a dossier on Clinton. He allegedly threatened to reveal this information. After he died the files were mysteriously removed from his house.

9 - James Bunch - Died from a gunshot suicide. It was reported that he had a "Black Book" of people which contained names of influential people who visited prostitutes in Texas and Arkansas.

10 - James Wilson - Was found dead in May 1993 from an apparent hanging suicide. He was reported to have ties to Whitewater

11 - Kathy Ferguson- Ex-wife of Arkansas Trooper Danny Ferguson, was found dead in May 1994, in her living room with a gunshot to her head. It was ruled a suicide even though there were several packed suitcases, as if she were going somewhere. Danny Ferguson was a co-defendant along with Bill Clinton in the Paula Jones lawsuit. Kathy Ferguson was a possible corroborating witness for Paula Jones.

12 - Bill Shelton - Arkansas State Trooper and fiancé of Kathy Ferguson. Critical of the suicide ruling of his fiancé, he was found dead in June, 1994 of a gunshot wound also ruled a suicide at the grave site of his fiancé.

13 - Gandy Baugh - Attorney for Clinton's friend Dan Lassater, died by jumping out a window of a tall building January, 1994. His client was a convicted drug distributor.

14 - Florence Martin - Accountant & subcontractor for the CIA, was related to the Barry Seal Mena Airport drug smuggling case. He died of three gunshot wounds.

15 - Suzanne Coleman - Reportedly had an affair with Clinton when he was Arkansas Attorney General. Died of a gunshot wound to the back of the head, ruled a suicide. Was pregnant at the time of her death.

16 - Paula Grober - Clinton's speech interpreter for the deaf from 1978 until her death December 9, 1992. She died in a one car accident.



17 - Danny Casolaro - Investigative reporter. Investigating Mean Airport and Arkansas Development Finance Authority. He slit his wrists, apparently, in the middle of his investigation.

18 - Paul Wilcher - Attorney investigating corruption at Mean Airport with Casolaro and the 1980 "October Surprise" was found dead on a toilet June 22, 1993 in his Washington, DC apartment. Had delivered a report to Janet Reno weeks before his death.

19 - Jon Parnell Walker - Whitewater investigator for Resolution Trust Corp. Jumped to his death from his Arlington, Virginia apartment balcony August 15, 1993 . He was investigating the Morgan Guaranty scandal.

20 - Barbara Wise - Commerce Department staffer. Worked closely with Ron Brown and John Huang. Cause of death unknown. Died November 29, 1996. Her bruised, nude body was found locked in her office at the Department of Commerce.

21 - Charles Meissner - Assistant Secretary of Commerce who gave John Huang special security clearance, died shortly thereafter in a small plane crash.

22 - Dr. Stanley Heard - Chairman of the National Chiropractic Health Care Advisory Committee died with his attorney Steve Dickson in a small plane crash. Dr. Heard, in addition to serving on Clinton's advisory council personally treated Clinton's mother, stepfather and brother.

23 - Barry Seal -Drug running pilot out of Mean Arkansas, death was no accident.

24 - Johnny Lawhorn Jr. - Mechanic, found a check made out to Bill Clinton in the trunk of a car left at his repair shop. He was found dead after his car had hit a utility pole.

25 - Stanley Huggins - Investigated Madison Guaranty. His death was a purported suicide and his report was never released.

26 - Hershell Friday - Attorney and Clinton fund raiser died March 1, 1994 when his plane exploded.
27 - Kevin Ives & Don Henry - Known as "The boys on the track" case. Reports say the boys may have stumbled upon the Mena Arkansas airport drug operation. A controversial case, the initial report of death said, due to falling asleep on railroad tracks. Later reports claim the 2 boys had been slain before being p laced on the tracks. Many linked to the case died before their testimony could come before a G rand Jury. THE FOLLOWING PERSONS HAD INFORMATION ON THE IVES/HENRY CASE:

28 - Keith Coney - Died when his motorcycle slammed into the back of a truck, 7/88.

29 - Keith McMaskle - Died stabbed 113 times, Nov, 1988

30 - Gregory Collins - Died from a gunshot; wound January 1989.

31 - Jeff Rhodes - He was shot, mutilated and found burned in a trash dump in April 1989.

32 - James Milan - Found decapitated. However, the Coroner ruled his death was due to "natural causes".

33 - Jordan Kettleson - Was found shot to death in the front seat of his pickup truck in June 1990.

34 - Richard Winters - A suspect in the Ives / Henry deaths. He was killed in a set-up robbery July 1989. THE FOLLOWING CLINTON BODYGUARDS ARE DEAD:

35 - Major William S. Barkley Jr.

36 - Captain Scott J. Reynolds

37 - Sgt. Brian Hanley

38 - Sgt. Tim Sabel

39 - Major General William Robertson

40 - Col. William Densberger

41 - Col. Robert Kelly

42 - Spec. Gary Rhodes

43 - Steve Willis

44 - Robert Williams

45 - Conway LeBleu

46 - Todd McKeehan

If Florida and Michigan are not to be counted in the democratic convention then shouldn't the majority condition reflect that? The magic number, 2,025, is based on a full 4,049 delegate count. Subtracting the 128 Florida and 185 Michigan delegates, then the full delegate count reduces to 3,736. So now the magic number should be 1,869 which, it seems to me, would be within reach of one candidate or the other.

Wouldn't that be the logical way for the democrats to resolve their quandary?

Perhaps having an "adult" in the room would have prevented the Florida/Michigan problem and is what is needed now is to resolve the issue. Not counting F/M is not fair to the voters in those states. Counting them, as is, would not be fair to the candidates who played by the rules, didn't campaign and/or were not on the ballot.

Seems clear to me a re-do is the only answer which raises the question of who pays for it. I would say that since the juveniles in charge of F/M and their sibblings in the DNC both acted out that a it would be fair to split the cost.

Dick, what is it every election that drives the Dems to screw up their chances to win?

Because people either love her or hate her, the democratic party would be crazy to back her as their nominee, it won't unite the party. They must also know that she doesn't work across party lines (this is why her health care plan failed). She unilaterally shoves it downs peoples throat without working with other dems or republicans. If she wins the nominee, many Obama supporters will go to Mc Cain. How come no one has brought up that she represented the black panthers years ago? I also believe her tax returns will show that she didn't lend herself 5 ml, but someone else did. Also if she's too busy on the campaign trail to get in her returns, why can't Bill do it? Aren't they joint returns?

On re-opening NAFTA the people of Ohio were duped by both candidates. The US would not be that stupid. First, on the basis of environmental standards, working conditions(all workers have health care) and wages(min wages across Cda are higher) Canada is better off than the US. Second, this time around Canada has the trump card in its oil and gas exports to the US. China is lobbying Canada very hard to sell its oil and gas to them. Third, Canada would very much like to get to the table to re-open the dispute mechanism. An area where they have lost out to the US in the past. It was perhaps good politics but would be stupid policy. The issues the candidates raise would be very applicable to trade agreements with Mexico, China and South American companies and their would be very effective policy.

The real blunder was for Obama's peopel to meet with any Canadian official. Nothing but downside there. ... and HRC jumped on it.

Also, I was surprised that neither candidate got specific about companies that outsourced Ohio jobs and at the same time took tax breaks.


Obama so far has been a quick study. He should take a look at how McCain handled his shots. Specifically the lobbist/sex issue and the vitriolic attack by Cunningham on Obama. He fired off with a very quick, clear and decisive response and the issues were behind him quickly. Obama needs a "counterpunch" team. He also could learn from HRC how to instantly spin a negative situation quickly into an advantage. She nailed him on the NAFTA issue.

He may want to keep to the high road but there could learn from Kerry's failure to respond decisively to the swift boat issue and in trying to avoid any negative approach. I would have thought Obama would have learned something from Chicago politics ... I hope so. HRC is very vulnerable on disclosure of the Clinton's joint income and contributions to Bill's foundations. Obama should also attack HRC on non-dislosure of her agenda's from the Clinton years. Just hanging around and having tea isn't real foreign policy experience. Travelling to 80 countries is clear evidence of having a good time but without the agendas we don't know what real work was done by her.

If Florida and Michigan decide to be represented,all the candidated would have to be represented again. How could that possibly be fair to the past drop outs from the race that don't have the advantage of the last serveral weeks of campaigning?

I believe the Clintons have not disclosed their tax returns because people will find out that they didn't actually loan themselves the 5 ML for Hillary's campaign, but somebody else did.
Dick, Please bring up Hillary's representation of the Black Panthers years ago.
I don't really mind if Clinton wins the nominee because she's not able to unite the party (she only for Hillary) and therefore less likely to win the general election. But I really don't know how long I can stand listening to her. I also don't know why the democratic party can't see the writing on the wall. If they think Bill's moral behavior was bad as President... he'll have more opportunity for mischief this time.

To Tide: I believe the 2025 total delegates needed to win the Dem nomination is already reduced by excluding the MI and FL delegate count. The normal magic number would be approx. 2200.

One can not help recognize the shift in the right wing Republican media against Barack Obama (Fox News/ and many previous radio show hosts now on CNN Headline news)their fangs descended and their tongues whip about scenting the air with racial and religious animosity, while President Bush joined in on Hillary's talking points against Obama, McCain re-repeating Hillary's talking points and virtually ignoring Hillary. Hillary happily attacking Obama by using the same campaign techniques she has complained the Republicans have used against the Clintons while still claiming to be a victim at every turn.

In addition, the entire media, yes even MSNBC and CNN, seemed to shift negatively towards Obama ensuring a wonderful story for their stations to cover. With this pounding and re-pounding on Obama's possible lack of trustworthiness to be inferred by his race and/or religion began to spread like an infection. The alliance between Hillary and the Republican establishment, and its right wing radio talk show hosts/ Fox News members combined with the other media converged to create the Perfect Political Storm. All would benefit from the single act of destroying Barack Obama's candidacy.

What are the benefits for the respective parties?

The republican establishment and it's right wing members would benefit from Hillary pulling ahead. Assuring the democratic party's exhaustion of campaign funds and self destruction resulting from a continued negative campaign even if only engaged by Hillary. Time to introduce McCain in a more positive light. The right wing republican party news media and talk show hosts benefit as do the rest of the media by ensuring a continuation of a campaign that gets them great ratings.
Hillary, well, she is willing to win at any cost.

One stupid rookie mistake by the Obama team regarding the NAFTA memo and their response to it set loose the building infection created by Hillary, the republican establishment and the right wing faction and the media and served as justification for those already infected to act upon their racial and religious prejudices. Awe, here was real proof that Obama was not trustworthy. The truth is that even without this mistake Obama would have lost as he did because the perfect political storm was allowed to converge without much resistance or notice from his campaign.

The Democratic National Party needs to wake up because Obama is retooling. He has to retool and take no prisoners. It is no longer his responsibility to maintain the party cohesiveness as the DNC has taken no action to muzzle Hillary. I think Barack Obama must let go of trying to avoid fracturing the democratic party because it is not his concern even despite the DNC's abdication of their responsibility to the party. Obama only weakens his appearance when being too polite to Hillary in circumstances where she is clearly undeserving.

It is time to take all the questions first in debates if not specifically assigned, to forcefully interrupt and not take no for an answer, talk over the other candidate and keep on talking. Taxes releases to be called for, white water to be revisited, the entire show should be open. Obama has to bring it! and, bring it Now. Time to stop worrying about the Democratic Party because, clearly, it needs a good house cleaning. Take her down Obama or you have handed the to the barn keys to the Fox.

To dem4dm:

Thanks. The 2025 figure was the first one I had heard about months ago and I didn't know that the Florida/Michigan silliness had been taken into account.

I do find it humorous that the leadership is now talking about the "right" of the people in those two states to have their votes counted. Why should we have any sympathy for folks who KNEW the party would not seat the delegates but went ahead and voted anyway? What were they thinking?

Many people believe that electing Hillary, we get us two for one....but, I that John McCain will prevail. - Pat Lamm [email protected]

I disagree with picking Huckabee for V.P. - I would choose Rommney, because of our weak economy - Pat Lamm

what about this argument raised in todays Wash. Post:

Pennsylvania's primary will be followed by contests in West Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky, all of which have similar, lunch-pail demographics. If Clinton enters the summer on a roll, especially in the big states, the superdelegates may no longer feel that backing her would be opposing the will of the voters, an Obama supporter said.

"Superdelegates are politicians. They will not buck the will of the voters," said a superdelegate supporting Obama. "The danger point comes if the superdelegates don't see a vote for Clinton as bucking anyone."

I agree with your math and hope you are right but I have reservations about your conclusion. As the expression goes: "its not over until its over."
As a preface to my comments: I am not, repeat not, anti-Democrat. I think Obama is worth a try to remake and revitalize our broken government. HRC would be polarizing and we would get a continuation of the past and very harmfull 7 years.

Unfortunately, it seems Democrats, Obama included, are succeptable to the "loser" virus, also sometimes known by the alias "dumb and dumber". This particular virus strikes Democrats anytime they have power within their grasp. There appears to be no immunity.

How else to explain:
- the Dukakis Howdy Doody Commnader in Chief tank pictures
- Bill's dalliance in the White House
- Gore's loss to Bush
- Kerry's silence in the face of the swift boat attack
- Obama's blunders on NAFTA, the "red phone ad", and now "Monstergate" and a not so sure Iraq withdrawal.
- Pelosi's less than brilliant attack on McCain painting him as responsible for the loss of jobs associated with Boeing's loss in the airforce contract. Gee Nancy, what part of shining a light on corruption and ripping off billions from the American taxpayer don't you understand.
- Hillary's "red phone ad". Dick's great suggestion to Obama will fall on deaf ears in his campaign but not McCain's. How about: HRC picking up the phone, listening and screaming to an aid "Get McCain on the phone .... NOW!"
- Obama's sheer ignorance of "punch and counterpunch" tactics. Note I said counterpunch, not low blow. Without great counterpunching you lose in a long fight. If anyone on Obama's team reads this stuff then re-read and re-read Dick's red phone suggestion above. A counterpunch with humor is a great, even brilliant, highroad tactic.
- HRC's claim to the crown of Commander in Chief. Lets see how that plays against McCain. Note to Obama, counterpunching a claim without substance should not be difficult. Think about what a nasty Republican would do, tone it down, add some intelligence and a touch of humor and let it fly.
- HRC's vacuous claim of international experience. Lets see how that plays against McCain. I can see the ads of HRC having Tea and visiting tourist sites.
- HRC's absurd claim to the delegates in Florida and Michigan. Paraphrasing a prior Democrats foot in mouth: "I agreed to the rules before I didn't agree to the rules." or "I agreed to the rules but that was before I needed the votes"... and on and on.
- The whole DNC Florida/Michigan fiasco the begin with. Can these people not think ahead more than half a step? They couldn't win at x's and o's let alone chess. Re-vote folks and get on with it now before you embarass the Party any further.
- Super delegates and the debate over them: see Florida/Michigan above. Load gun, shoot foot.

Seems to me that as Clinton, Obama and the DNC blunder it out, McCain's amuunition stash grows and grows.

The virus has struck again.

I hope Obama can win big in the days ahead and get the Democratic nomination over with soon. Then we can have a solid, fair fight for the Presidency. Otherwise, it will be McCain against a badly wounded survivor.

I have faith that Obama's cool-headed intellect will survive - even survive his own naivete'. I'm with him all the way, and if they jack with his elected lead, I shall most probably do just what Dick suggests & vote for McCain.

Howard Dean loves to utter that "everyone knew the rules". Did the voters know the rules?

Let's see footage of every single time Obama participated in the Pledge, please..............and oh please!!!

At this point we can't make any assumptions. Dick suggests that if Obama becomes the Democratic nominee it's all over for McCain. Things happen. Hamas celebrates the killing of 8 Israelis. A bomb is found in Berkeley. Don't forget that the Giants beat the Patriots- who would've bet on that one. So many things can happen. We are still very far away from November. For Hillary more old folks came out for her than had voted in the past. There are a lot more old folks than there are young ones. I'm neither an Obama or Hillary supporter so I'm seeing it as a disinterested party. A year ago it was about Iraq not it's the economy who knows what it will be about come November.

"I have a lifetime of experience that I will bring to the White House," she told reporters. "Sen. John McCain has a lifetime of experience that he'd bring to the White House. And Sen. Obama has a speech he gave in 2002." Hillary Clinton March 2008.

Its time for the Democratic Party to take HRC out behind the woodshed. It is this kind of soundbite that will bring them down in November regardless of which candidate they choose. McCain's folks couldn't write a better line themselves.

Perhaps someone has more background but it seems to me Bill Clinton was not exactly an International household name when he took office. So much for prior foreign policy experience. If I recall he also had no prior military experience and had been governor of a state of about 2.5 million people. Not exactly a fat resume.

That sweet young Obama supporter who was the kid in HRC's 3:00 in the morning ad was a stroke of serendipity. Her enthusiastic involvement in Obama's campaign and fresh-faced support for his agenda was a win-win spot that makes that skeery ad seem almost like exploitation of kids.

The US Postal Service in South Florida is full of Criminals. Crackheads deliver the mail in their own cars. When I moved to Florida in 2000, my paychecks were stolen over and over before they got to my mailbox. The Clintons will push to use the mail system for a Re-Vote because they can really stuff the ballots!

too bad the texas voters didn't take care of this in a more decisive manner...instead, they came out to vote, they saw their "shadows" and now we get 7 more weeks of Hillary...

I suspect Hillary's negatives against Obama are setting him up to loose the November election if he wins the Dem nomination. Then she can wait out the 4 years of McCain and try again in 2012 as the saviour of the Dems, "see what happens when you don't pick me".

So, the "3am girl", Casey Knowles, is now 18, an Obama supporter and voluteer.

Once again we see Hillary re-cycling 10 year old footage.

By the way, I would expect in Obama's White House the phone would be answered on the first ring.

... oops typo. "volunteer".

All well thought through and logical Dick. However, to quote the collective stupidity of the Florida Democrat's delegation: “Our House delegation is opposed to a mail-in campaign or any redo of any kind.”

Perhaps the Democratic Party should be put on a suicide watch.

True Clinton- do everything to win- even if it brings down the Dems in November. Maybe she should be the nominee and lose this year and then they can ride off into the sunset together (no probably seperately)

How does that expression go: "Fool me once ...". This is, at least, the third time she has introduced race into the contest. Her explanation about not being able to control all the people in her campaign was hollow. Her husband was the first to raise the issue, not exactly a distant staffer. Her attempt to dimminish the import of Ferraro as one person on her "very large" finance committee was less than convincing. The incident does show the lengths she and her supporters will go to secure the nomination. The Clinton campaign is clearly positioning based on the voter demographics in Pennsylvania. Sleezy, short sighted but as in Ohio it will probably work to some degree.
The Democrats simply cannot win the Presidency without the black vote but that doesn't seem to matter right now to HRC as long as she wins the nomination. Like everthing "Clinton" they believe no cut is too deep to heal.
I think Obama handled the situation fairly well but he needs to get onto his message and not be distracted. His message in Penn and going forward needs to be more forceful and specific on the economy. It is the issue now and will be in November. Fortunately for him, neither Clinton or McCain have found their footing on the issue. It is still open for one candidate to seize.

This black strategy is obvious. For that reason it seems to me the super-duper/Dem. establishment should move asap to Obama and end this. Obama will have the most elected delegates-Mich and Fla will not be seated-and should not be seated-the rules are the rules-and with the Fla. Congressional delegation in opposition it is doubtful there wiull be any do-over by mail and Clinton will noit consider a primary and even if she did no one to pay for it. If this race continues and there is a white backlash and Obama loses not only blacks but the party left is going to walk in the fall. Again the party establishment and the super-dupers need to force HRC out NOW by moving to Obama as the nominee-otherwise John McCain is looking better and better as HRC continues to make a mess of the democratic race. I can live with McCain for 4 years-I don't like it-but I will if for no other reason than to ensure Clinton does not get the prize.

I agree with your article and the above comments. I was astounded by MSNBC's Kieth Obberman's "Special Comment" on the subject last night. He really put the truth out there in a big way. It is worth viewing on MSNBC webpage.

I can't help but notice that the majority of Clinton surrogates look mean and angry and Obama's, in contrast, look kind and have a grace about them. Sometimes, usually after a Clinton attack, they can look tired but never angry or bitter the way Clinton's surrogates look and act.

"The Angry Old White Women" a quote I saw on a blog. Got me thinking as did Ferraro's comments. There seem to be some, not all, white women who are older that are very angry about Hillary not winning the nomination. They seem to be full of an unbriddled rage and are on many blogs expressing themselves in ultimatums and threats. I thought hard about it and I figure they are very hurt.

I think these may be the women who, because of oppression and prejudice, sacrificed their feminine qualities to compete in male dominated work environments. They took on male qualities supprssing the very essence of their beings, some forgoing children to be partners in law firms, trail blazers who sacrificed all to break the glass cieling. They have paid an exacting price and one not often spoken of in terms of hurt,suffering and loss. Usually,these losses are left to fall silent when acknowledging the trail blazers, pioneers, the first women to break the glass cieling....WOOHO!!

These "Angry Old White Women" their feminine nature beaten down by prejudice and by necessity they had to beat it back themselves, learning to hate their own feminine qualities, feeling the self betrayal, lack of respect and resenting the feminine qualities in others. Then comes the younger generation of females who these "older white women" believed owed them a debt of gratitude and whom would take their place and finish breaking all the glass cielings...reenforcements finally.

Yet, when the younger generation of females arrived it was like Aliens vs Preditor. Neither liked the position of the other.

The younger generation felt entitled to remain grounded in their feminine qualities while in the workplace and they were not willing to work 90 plus hours per week. They thought the older generation of females were too much like men and had sacrificed far too much. The Older women resented the younger women who dressed in brighter colors, wanted equal pay and enjoyed the idea of going home to their families at 5:00pm. These younger women seemed to value their home lives more than breaking a glass cieling.....and it goes on.

I hope in all this discussion of gender and race that we can take a moment to acknowledge the pain, suffering and loss of of the older women in their rolls as trail blazers. I am not saying they are not offensive in thier tone of entitlement, and anger bordering on hatred. I am saying they need a healing of sorts...maybe if we acknowledge their contributions and their losses it will help.

I am not voting for Barack Obama to spite them or deny them the respect they have never achieved. I simply believe he is a unique candidate for our times and his innate talents and feminine qualities are what this Country needs to heal.

I agree with the analysis but due to hillary attacjks, identity politics etc. and race Obamas and Hillary's electability about even-if this plays out till June neither dem. will be able to beat McCain-my hope is party elders lean on super-dupers to move in mass to Obama asap to end this NOW!

Agreed. I am waiting for Obama's people to really take their message of "Judgement Matters" to a new level. Run an ad that spotlights Sandy Berger and his theft of classified documents and subsequent disbarment. At the end of the ad is the caveat that he's an advisor to the Clinton campaign "So why is he an advisor to Senator Clinton?" "Judgement matters." Or another ad that spotlights Norman Hsu. Ending the ad with "So why did Senator Clinton take money from this man and turn a blind eye to his misdeeds?" "Judgement matters." Ask the question. Make the point. And let it stand. You get the idea. It's critical that Obama hit back and tag her on dishonesty. Those are the big question marks from voters regarding Hillary. Only 52% in Mississippi believe her to be honest and trustworthy. He needs to hit that theme...again and again and again.

Left by "Tom" on a Washington post site:

The choice is simple:
One is a leader the other a politician.
One is about the future the other about the past.
One is about our hopes the other about our fears.
One will unite the country; the other will divide it even further.
One refuses to use negative campaigning the other stoops in it.
One is about transparency, the other about secrecy.
One is inclusive, the other excusive.
One feels called to server; the other entitled to power.
One's campaign is funded by average Americans and therefore beholden to them, the other's mostly by lobbyist and answerable to special interest.
One is guided by a moral compass, the other by a self-interest compass.
Who are we going to make our next leader and the leader of the free world? This is not about personal likes and dislikes, nor about race or gender. This is about where we want to be in ten, twenty, thirty years. We need to claim our future with this election. Let us not allow fear mongering and divisive politics to win again!

Barack Obama is the only real choice.

These attacks are so well timed there can not be much question of their design. Yet, I believe Obama can rise to greater heights if he speaks to the particular sacrifice, loss and suffering of the "older white women." The "Trail blazers" have sacrificed much to compete in a male dominated workplace/world. Seems small in comparison to the losses and suffering of Black America but it is pain and suffering from oppression nonetheless. Inclusiveness calls for it.

The older white women of Ferraro's generation and the generation just behind it turned on their own feminine qualitity to survive and compete in the male dominated workplace. They became hardened, tough and act much like men. The men never gave them respect and the younger generation of females were repulsed by the contorted displays of male characteristics misfiring from female bodies.

The younger generations of females wanted no part of breaking a glass cieling if the cost was to turn on your own feminine qualities. They rather go home at 5:00pm to their families. The irony is that the younger generation would not feel or be so entitled to a choice if it were not for these old white/brown/yellow/red/black women trailblazers.

They were the bravest of women, the first through the door and now they are scared from the years of oppression. Their time is near an end and their last hope of getting that repect I fear was placed in seeing a women break the glass cieling of the office of President. A vindication of thier suffering. The only vindication for turning on themelves to fit the male mold because no one has really ever thanked them and acknowledged their losses and sacrifice.

Sadly, Hillary Clinton is thier last hope which only underscores the great necessity for their healing. I truly believe that if they are given our repect, acknowledgement and thanks that it will help heal their wounds and they may move off of their rigid political position that is based upon deep hurt, pain and anger.

Our Country has an opportunity of the greatest proportions provided by this unique campaign to give healing to those older women and to black America. I hope the hate peddlers are drowned out by the millions of American footsteps running to embrace this unique opportunity.

Geraldine Ferraro's comments were very telling about the inside thinking of too many Democrats regarding people of color. Despite the Democratic Party receiving the vast majority of support from minorities for so long, it has been the party of Lincoln - the Republicans who have been the true "color blind" advocates in the elimination of racism. Clarence Thomas, J.C. Watts, Colin Powell, Condi Rice,... the list goes on and on of individuals who have been advanced because of their qualifications or as Dr. King so eloquently stated, "the content of their charachter as opposed to the color of their skin." These men and women have often suffered ridicule and questioned about their racial identity becasue they were more conservative in their views and not interested in their skin tone. It didn't matter and it shouldn't matter to those of us who long ago abandoned the notion of discrimination.

Now the tables have turned and the Democrats had the opportunity to do the same with a candidate who likewise was not playing the race card. Obama although liberal, chose not to make race an issue, but determined to advance his candidacy as one based on issues. And why not among a party who had always been regarded as the champion for minorities. What a disappointment for him personally based on the attacks not from his opponents across the aisle, but from fellow Democrats within his own party. How ironic the person considered our "first black President" and his wife would be the catalysts to undermine his achievements. If the minorities can not see what is happening here already, it will become more apparent as we move forward to the convention.

Adding fuel to the fire is Obama's pastor. This is more than saying I disagree with my pastor's remarks on a litany of racist, anti-American, anti-Semitic and frankly unbelievable rants against the white race. What makes this more troubling is Obama's pastor is also a confidant and someone he has stated he admires. His pastor didn't just start preaching what most would regard as hate speech recently and this really makes one question where Obama really stands. It seems to me if these tirades were a common practice at the Church Obama attends, supports and embraces, how in good conscience can he remain a member of something which clearly contradicts what he espouses in his campaign. If he does not address these issues head on and disavow his membership there is no chance he will be the nominee of the Demorcratic Party much less the President of the United States.

Your article is not very romantic but it hits some inescapable points. In all this fuss about the pastor's surmon Obama picked up nine delegates out of Iowa. Now, Florida has left the realm of re-voting. Clinton will never be able to catch Obama in either pledged delegates or the popular vote. I hear the fat lady singing.

Regarding the Pastor's comments, frankly,who cares about an old dude Pastor feeling a bit much spirit and saying some outrageous things on the pulpit to make his spiritual points. I thought we were in America...you know the United States of America and not Hannity's America.

The odd thing for me was that if you went point for point there was truth to what he was saying. He used the shock and awe technique to make his points and they came off way too harsh on the Twin Towers attack for the average Americans because we all lost big on that one and we are still awaiting delivery of Bin Laden in shackles or his head in a basket. Yet, if you get past the shocking harshness of the comment and the intense body language used to deliver it, his point is well taken because we really do need to re-examine our Foreign Policy.
If we had a better Foreign policy Bin Laden would be in custody awaiting trial for war crimes.

Brilliant and poignant speech. Final erasure of the rumors about Obama's being a secret Muslim, grace under fire of a dimension we rarely see in politics, and an honest look at ourselves. Who among us does not have the relative with biases and narrow-minded views - forgivable, though frequently deplorable, yet we strive to be better. Altogether unifying and inspiring, and now time to move ahead with the campaign.
(And fortunately, the speech eclipsed that pathetic "press conference" play-acting by HRC today.)

Damn, I am a conservative, old(er), white guy and I am going to vote for Obama. Four or five months ago I saw him as a bit "lite" and perhaps rehearsing for 2012 or 2016. It is now clear to me we have before us a person with an intellect and depth of character rarely seen in modern politics. He presents a stark contrast to those who seek power but without conscience. The standard political playbook, and all the pundits, told him to ditch his friend and pastor. "Throw him under the bus" as they say and as we have seen Clinton and McCain do to their newly embarrassing friends. Obama, at considerable risk to his candidacy, chose a better path and challenged all of us to reflect on close friends in our own lives. I believe he has shown us the rock solid character and confidence that backs up his strategy to meet directly with America's enemies without fear and without the need to use simplistic labels, such as "evil", to describe complex situations. The same rock solid character that will keep him from the divisive partisan politics that has brought us down in so many ways. Yesterday, he had the guts to do what few politicians ever attempt. He challenged us as adults to pause and dig deep in our thoughts and our own lives to examine our own personal history with respect to race, anger and hatred. He had the audacity to talk to each of us in whole sentences while winding through complex and difficult thoughts instead of the usual soundbites. I sincerely hope a sufficient number of us take the time to truly listen to this man and seize the opportunity before us elect someone with the potential to be a great leader and to truly work with us to travel down a better path than the one we have taken for the last decade.

Hey, I am a registered (older too !) republican and if nominated, Obama gets my vote! How refreshing to hear heartfelt words, not political retoric. I disagree with the pastor on every level but my hat is off to Obama for not throwing him under the bus as he was expected to do! Love it! Can someone tell me why HRC's tax returns are not an issue yet? To me, that "tiny" little problem 🙂 is way more telling of a person's character....what the heck is she hiding? Pretty scary to me. I intend to go to see Obama this weekend, he will be in our state! Can't wait.

Wishful Thinking! If anyone thinks Clinton is not going to take full advantage of this unfortunate situation Obama faces, you are in full denial of her political viciousness. The adage of being between a rock and hard place has never been more accurate. Obama has obviously a strong connection to Pastor Wright which, with all respect to Dick's point of political correctness opinion, far outweighs even his aspirations for the highest office in the land. While I respect Obama's courage to not abandon a person who has become a mentor of his over the years, he had to know the consequences of attempting to distance himself from Pastor Wright's hate speech while still embracing the man. You can't have it both ways especially when the man in question is a person of faith preaching animosity.

Obama's candidacy up until Wright went wrong had been an upbeat non race related celebration of diversity heading in the correct direction. Even those who oppose Obama's views politically ( like myself) applauded his emergence as a victory to how far we have come as Americans. To see that beginning to shatter is very disheartening and certainly raises questions about Obama's judgement in addressing sensitive issues. A President has to have the fortitude and determination to make decisions on what is best for our country as opposed to political opinions and polls. Despite all the negatives thrown on President George W. Bush and his polls at lowest level in his career, he continues to govern based on what he believes is best for the United States. He believes history will vindicate him which is more important in the long run for a true leader.

Barack Obama is not just a black man, but also a white man. He embodies a blending of race which should transend discrimination and become a dominant force of bringing everyone together. If he can't overcome the temptation to only rebuke the message and not the messenger, he is sending the wrong signal to the electorate on how he will lead. We can not afford in this political climate to take any chances with those forces who likewise preach hate against our republic and our people.

Michigan is fading out into the distance and it appears that a re-vote there is not going to happen. If this is so, this primary is over. There is no way given the math that Clinton can catch Obama in pledged delegates or the popular vote without these re-votes. Hence, her visit to Michigan today. She appeared distraught and desperate. She knows its over. The only thing left is for the Super Delegates to decide when they will step forward and end this primary.

I thought she looked very tired when I saw the coverage today. Her challenge to Obama to support re-do's in Florida and Michigan made no sense to me. She seemed to be implying that he was against a re-do which is not true. I don't understand her trying to make a case that can be so easily turned back on her, which is exactly what Obama did later in the day during his interview with Anderson Cooper. Maybe the math is finally sinking in and we are seeing her last flailing attempts to gain some traction. Obama's very well accepted speach on race, religion and Pastor Wright must have been devastating to her.

What Obama did not say peaks my interest more than what he did say. While he attempts to lay much of our nation's racial discord at the feet of greedy corporations, self-serving lobbyists and bigotted non blacks; perhaps, a more powerful message would resonate were he to devote a few minutes of discussion to the current condition of the black family in America today.

Better yet, maybe Obama should attend Sunday church services with Bill Cosby. Cosby, in my view, has it right. The black family is in total dissaray. One could even say that the very suggestion of a "black family" is a oxymoron in today's America.

For someone who spent so many years on Chicago's mean streets, how could Obama miss the very essence of what is wrong in Black society in 2008.

But no, such an argument will not create the political drama Obama needs in his battle with HRC.

Obama is no leader. He is a "cool" politician. End of story!

jb

Obama will suffer a backlash from Wright, and Ferraro will help Obama suffer. Wright needs to apologize to the nation in the same way Jerry Fallwell had to apologize for his 9-11 remarks. Wright's "damning of America" is disturbing. I realize there are those who are suffering, but for the pastor (leader of Church) to do this is more disturbing to me.

Hillary can play all the cards that she wants........the deck is stacked against her statistically.....I see Lenny Davis was is on a "fishing expedition" in support of the race issue. America suffers from pathological anxiety regarding racism....and although this country is passionately racist......this is going to have a reverse effect for Hillary. My hat off to you Dick. You are one of the most interesting people to watch and a seasoned political warrior. Surely would like see a network sponsor you for your own show. You have command of presence, something Americans like to see in a person and you are so natural. Continued success.......and give them a dose of their own medicine.

MCoogen

Did you see the picture of Bill and Wright on CNN websigte......what goes around comes around.....truly and American portrait......the Saint and the Sinner. I see Lenny Davis is on a "fishing expedition" for Hillary, feeding fuel to the race issue. I guess there is nothing sacred in politics. Dick; you are truly a watchable political warrior and enjoy your articles. Surely would like to see a network sponsor you with your own show. Continued success.

mc

There is talk of John McCain having a cancer problem. Even if he only has two years to serve as president....I'll take that rater then fore years of either Hillary or Obama.
Pat Lamm, PA
March 21, 2008 - 3:55pm

opps

typos: rather and four

Pat Lamm, PA

"So Hillary’s experience, real enough in 1993-94, led to a total disaster, the first loss of the House for the Democrats in 40 years." -- Dick Morris


And as she led that disaster, she continues to destroy the democrats because of her lust for power which will lead to another democrat disaster. [Yes! She is that polarizing.] This woman does not love her party, for if she did she would not have abandoned the black citizen vote. She took a gamble on the Latino population because she knows we are the fastest growing minority group. Just as Hillary/Ferraro/Bill played the race card multiple times against the black citizens of our society, I cannot help but think that she will do the same against my fellow Latinos.

The idiots like Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, and Bill Coulter have the same "heart condition" as Billary. They would rather see this nation destroyed by promoting Hillary and they take gambles with that. This is unAmerican to promote a known evil such as "Billary". And now they are hypocrites.

If Hillary manages to steal the elections, I welcome our black citizens over to the Party of Abe Lincoln - to band together with us and shift it back to the Party of Abe.

Regards,

I'm not convinced Obama doesn't believe at least part of what Rev Wright spewed for the past 20 years, especially as he describes his grandmother as fearful of black men and a 'typical white person'. That is clearly a racist view against his his very own... how much more will he be racist against others? A unifier and not a divider? I don't think so.

Worst of all, if he attends a church for political position for almost 20 years without ANY REGARD for what the pastor espoused, what kind of depth of soul/character does he actually have? Frankly there is no difference between radical muslim views of American and Pastor Wrights. He may as well be a radical muslim, he certainly doesn't espouse the faith of the Bible.

Brian
San Diego

Loved the news clip of her telling of her Bosnia trip where she had to avoid sniper attacks on the airport runway by putting her head down and running to the car from the aircraft. MSNBC showed footage of a celebration at the airport in Bosnia upon her arrival and missing were the sniper attacks!! I thought to myself as she was "actually" saying this (just this week), wouldn't we have known if the First Lady had to run from the plane to her car to avoid the attacks? Brother! The lies, the lies and more lies!!How much do the Clintons expect the public to stomach!?

When is Obama going to call her to account for the "experience" rubbish she is sprouting. When is he going to sit down with her "experience list" and blow it away. She is no more experienced to be Commander in Chief than my cat!

Dick:
Hillary's real life is so often the life that she does not lead.

Hillary's real life is so often the life that she does not lead.

"She is no more experienced to be Commander in Chief than my cat!"

I would also include that "cool cat"...Obama.


jb

Hillary is not qualified for president. In fact when you compare Obama to Hillary, Obama is MORE qualified. He was elected to the Illinois Senate for 12 years.. He has practical street experience in thw world
of working and living.

Hillary, I do not giver her work/life experience much credit. And her
integrity/Honesty..hmm a negative number about -50.

The "little people" made her do it. I wonder if she kissed the Blarney Stone?

Does anyone wonder who Obama would pick for his staff? A White House filled with "hate America first" democrats scares me.

Great article. McCain is seasoned......no dobut about that; but experience is hard teacher.....it gives the test first and the lesson after and I think that the partroit that he is, his experience of application has come to late in his life to do anything with it. And I might say Dick, don't confuse "gentleness" with weakness....gentelness is the strongest thing in the world and truly represents "strength." I would surley love to see you with your own show.....you are truly a very watchable individual and a repository and wealth of information.

We all make mistakes; that is a fact of life; it is the response to the mistake that counts. I think that she is showing signs and symptoms of a mental breakdown......she can see the prize, but will never win the cigar.

I enjoyed your article but I differ with you on your measurement of strength. In my life as a police officer for 12 years I learned that restraint is the greater part of valor and the most couragous among us will not move hastily towards violence be it emotional, verbal or physical.

Great strength is being able to hold your cookies an in the face of apparant danger and act with a responsible plan rather than to simply react out of the instinct to survive. This is the strength that separates greatness from the ordinary folks who are faced with a reason to react out of fear.

Obama has shown us that he possesses this great strength. Faced with great peril to his campaign he chose not to simply react politically to save his Presidency. Rather, he responded with a very thoughtful and responsible plan by choosing to use the moment to enlighten us about the different perspectives held by both blacks and Whites in America. In effect he did both things....he held his cookies when faced with grave consequences, came up with a responsible plan which both saved his political life and was administered responsibly in that it left a ripple of peace in the world where others had sought to leave violence.

To me, Obama has the greatest strength I have ever had the privilege to witness in a leader. I would line up behind him in battle before McCain any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

People don't mistake accepting flowers and a poem from a child and greeting military personnel from running away from sniper fire with their child in harms way. This was not a mental breakdown. This was someone using dishonesty to bolster her Presidential credibility. Granted she does now appear to be having a mental unraveling because her defeat is all over the news as is her "misstatement."

How embarrassing....I hope the democratic leadership puts an end to this misery. It will only get worse now.

On Fox news last night she indicated it is "Obama's" resistance to a revote in Michigan and Florida that is causing voters to be disenfranchised! I recall it to be a "deal" the entire DNC agreed to PRIOR to the primaries. Does Hilary really think we are that "forgetful"! Also, her threats this morning to the superdelegates make me wonder is she really going to take this long tedious thing to the convention floor? That is what she indicated on the Greta show last night. Brother! Democratic leadership PLEASE do something!

Hillary is going to "milk this political cow" until the udders are about to detached. The longer she prolongs the invetiable, the more her "war chest"gathers in "dollars." She has already lost the nomination, but continues to financially reap the benefits of running. One can never acquire enough money.........even Hillary.

the florida democratic representatives have acted like the ultimate, stereotypical yuppies in that they wanted to thumb their noses at the rules and be more of a "voice" in the primary...now that the rules are being enforced, they don't want to be held accountable for their decision...bill nelson now feels that the voters' votes should count and wants special privelges to erase the previous decision to not follow rules...hillary fabricates stories and does not want to be held accountable...the democrat party from florida does not want to held accountable for their actions...maybe, just maybe this is the year that honesty and integrity finally mean something and voters from both parties stand up and say "enough"?...people from the state of new york could do us all a favor and vote for someone other than hillary if she does not get the nomination and her senate term up...what was that she said?...oh yea..."it takes a village"

drmike.........You are right......it does take a village......a "village idiot."

Amen & Amen,
I have never liked Bill Clinton from the get go. 1982 I worked for a
company that had operations in Lewisville AR. Then Bill was known as
"Slick Willy"... The lie to ROTC people to 'escape' the draft...
Later with Hillary, the explanation of how she made money in cattle futures. I worked as an accountant at Armour & Co., a beef broker,
he boaught and sold 2,000,000 lbs of beef per month, hedged his position. about 8 times a month. This man had been in the beef business nearly 40 years.. The best he ever did, He made a $10,000 profit in one month. Most months he lost or gained about $4,000.

As far as I am concerned, the commodity dealers whe used, new she was the wife of the Governor, and they made sure she got a good profit.

A native Arkansan I know calls the "viper", they have forked tongues like snakes.

grhutchins

The only trust that Hillary might possess is self-trust and I believe that she doesn't even trust herself. I have seldom known a person, who deserted the "truth" in political trifles and then could be trusted in matters of importance. Americans have a tendency not to trust people who has broken faith once, and believe the Clintons are number one in "broken faith."

It all goes to proves that Ferraro's sharp tongue will eventually cut her throat.

I understand exactly the ramifications of Hilary's lying. That is a given. What I am concerned about and I apologize for changing the subject, is bill clintons pro McCains stance.

Why is he doing this when his wife may have to run against him? To me the answer is obvious. The clintons know hilary will lose this nomination process. What better way to get hilary to the white house than to ruin obama's chance of winning the white house in 2008? With McCain as the president, this leaves the path wide open to a hilary reincarnation in 2012. She's not too old, the one man in the democratic party that could beat her has lost, she will have a "I told you so" attitude, and anyone who has supported obama will have to acknowledge hilary as the 'come back' kid...

Dick, I agree with your view of the Clintons. However, what worries me is that many believe their stories. Especially in the PA Primary, because of the potential effect the Clintons stories can have on the large number of blue collar hard-core Democrats. But beyond that, why does anyone believe that 100,000 PA Republicans really want to be Democrats for the PA Primary? They will vote for Clinton in the Primary and McCain in the General election, they have lost nothing by switching!and could gain their objective of running against Hillary and/or prolonging the Democratic race. This a revisit of the Texas Primary, it worked in Texas why not PA! Why is everyone acting like this isn't the case and not even talking about how PA Republican tactics. The Good and Bad of the Clinton tactics - Bad, the Democratic Party has lost a chance to have a "Dream Team"- Now that clearly, Obama and Clinton can not be on the same ticket!The Good, Clinton can not be on Obama's ticket!!

I believe this kind behavior might be relatively harmless only if Hillary is NOT elected and contivance is used in her stories about her failed bid for the office of President.

If she is elected then this behavior won't be harmless. It will be frightening.

13 years

I really don't understand why this doesn't become an issue with lots of folks! Why would dishonesty be a characteristic to overlook when deciding on the president of our country? Baffles me! It certainly in NOT a trait that I overlook!

Hillary has to demonstrate that she is as or more important than her husband Bill. And maybe that is because she was "wounded" because of the sexual mischiefs of Mr. Bill. Hillary is exhibiting what psychologist call "confabulation." We all are guilty of doing this, however, I believe that her confabulation is a little more extreme....and.....and we already have enough confabulation in Congress than we know what to do with.

I am way over confabulation, especially hers......thanks for the explanation!!

I agree, I believe Al Gore will withhold his endorsement (and his influence) until the time when endorsements and influence come at a premium price...

You're the first that I have seen or read that mentions this scenario and I think you hit the bullseye with this point. Hilary and Bill have been driven by money since I've had the unfortunate pleasure of learning of their manipulations...

Great point!

WHY HILLARY WON’T QUIT at DickMorris.com

Clinton’s campaign owes vendors $8 million, exclusive of the $5 million she owes herself. If she begins to be anything less than certain that she will stay in up to the convention, she won’t raise any money and will be stuck with the debt.

I'm not very savoy on politics, however, Al Gore, former Vice President, Nobel Laurate and Oscar receiptent,is going to act as the honest broker? With the present status of the Democratic party, Al is going to realize that it is going to be very difficult to turn chicken sh** into chicken salad overnight......even with the Gang of Five or the Magnificent Seven.....whatever label applies. The learning of the grammar of silence is an art much more difficult to learn than the grammar of sounds. Al's silence is the sanctuary of the prudent, it conceals not only "secrets but also imperfections."

Hillary has realized that politics today has become so very expensive that it takes a lot of money......... even to be defeated. Hillary is almost bankrupt and her role is played out; and her longest day will soon come to an end. Go where you belong from now on --into History.

I thought Al was institutionalized and wearing a straight jacket---when did he get out.

Hillary's campaign persona came out of total unhappiness, denial, deciet and confabulation; she attempted to use the American people as the audiences for her group therapy. She underestimated the American voters......and sometimes the American voters can be the hardest audience. Her role is played out........and so history will record.

Exactly. That is why people who "wanted to like her" always end up wandering over to the legions who seriously oppose her candidacy. This was a big part of our caucus discussions in my state. Making a comedy show reference to her Bosnia sniper fire lie is the perfect example of this brittle indifference. "Just kidding" just won't cut it anymore with folks who don't want to be part of her support group. People are offended by her cackling at them over serious political lies, yet it just doesn't seem to register.

The Clintons seem to have an uncanny aptitude for stretching the truth when honesty will serve you better. Bill's income seems extraordinary for simply speaking. I can see the smoke, but it probably won't be long before the fire exposes itself.

It is all about "money".........how to use your influence of the past for monetary gains in the future. Money trumphs everything.....and I mean everything........and no individuals are more "slicker" then the Billaryites.

I don't think there will be political delegate larceny......however doesn't mean that Hillary want give it her all to persuade these delegates to desert.....however, delegate desertion would mean failure of the Democratic party, and here lies common sense dictation to vote the "voter's will." McCain is putting a lot of fatih in polls and hoping that the Democratic party will fracture, however polls are only an indication of the "pulse of emotions" of the nation.......and we know that emotions can change in the drop of a hat. McCain needs to get back into the "agressive campaign mode" otherwise I fear his worst fears are yet to be experience......and then it will be too late.

We can only hope the good people of Pennsylvania will put this campaign out of its misery.

Her lies ranging from trivial to serious, Bill's clear financial ties to unsavory foreign goverments, and now Mark Penn's blunder on Columbian trade should be enough for any thinking voter to say enough is enough. She is right is saying we don't need four more years of the Bush administration. The problem is that is what her candidacy represents.

McCain won't need to campaign if she wins the nomination.

It is impossible to calculate Hillary's moral mischief, if I may so express it, and what her mental lying has produced. Hillary has so far corrupted and prostituted the chastity of her mind that she has prepared herself for the commission of every other ill deed she will encounter. Hillary is an example that, "the wicked work harder to preach hell than the righteous do to get to heaven."

Mr. Morris your points are well taken but I think they are flawed in one major respect. The American people today are not the same as they were in 2000 and 2004. They have seven years of misery to reflect upon each and every time the old fear monger, race hating, gay baiting and unpatriotic labeling games are sounded by the Republican party.

Also, in a debate Obama's physical stature alone will cause McCain to dwarf and appear weaker. Obama's mental dexterity and vitality will finish the job. McCain is begining to appear mentally feeble by referring to the factions involved in the Iraq by their wrong titles...some five or six times on the same mistake.

Finally, when American voters go into the booth to vote they will know that with McCain war continues and so does the 12 billion per day we spend to execute this war in a time when gas prices are breaking the budgets of working americans and our economy is in a recession. Not to mention that in the back drop of the American mind will be the info that Iraq has 30 billion in surplus from oil profits it does not use while we are in the red paying for and creating jobs for Iraq citizens by building thier infrastructure. Also our soldiers are being blown to bits on a daily basis.
On the other hand, if they vote for Obama the war will wind down as will the war mongering poster of America and we will stop spending 12 Billion a day and sending our soldiers to their death daily. Maybe not exactly in 16 months but it will end as soon as possible. Also, with Obama because he is so intelligent he will find a way to make it possible and this no other candidate in the presidential campaign can match.
So, I believe that your points of Obama's weakness perception in the face of the republican attack machine are well taken but I believe they should be examined in the context that I outlined as well. We are transitioning as a Nation and your reference points seem a bit out of present time in regards to the heart and mind of the American people.

Nevertheless, I love all your fabulous insights. Thank you.

Obama is strong in stating a willingness to sit down with world leaders and talk to them face-to-face. His intellectual strength, stature (as mentioned), and connectivity with younger voters can also be perceived as powerful traits. In today's world, vision, an ability to connect with other cultures, and adherence to your principles in spite of polling data implies great strength. Obama demonstrates the intellectual courage to address issues that others avoid. His calm, analytical style will serve us well as he confronts the cleanup work he will inherit. Unlike Bill Clinton, with his angry outbursts, Hillary's manic insincerity, and McCain's football coach approach to the chaos in Iraq, Obama is like an ever-cool James Bond: skilled, calm, and capable. I see that as strength. For a complicated operation do you want a surgeon with bulging neck veins or a the composed professional? I want a good communicator who has the brains and motivation to have all the current research fresh in mind, ready to focus on the well-being of the country, not the polls, fans, or old enemies from the past. I like the fact that Obama accepts the complexity of issues and still moves forward to confront them. That is my idea of strength.

Great Article. Some of our weakness is born in us, some of it comes through education and experience; McCain and Obama's big question is going be which one gives each the most trouble. The "weakest spot" in any person is when they think themselves to be the wisest. Let's hope that they recognizes their weakness and be strong enough to admit them and not be embarrassed by them and realize that it is only a condition of human culture.

When are the people of Pennsylvania going to wake up? She isn't going to create jobs in the US for them! She makes a mockery of all of us. Bill is such a "has been", he came to our town last week and he is downright insulting with his canned stump speech. I guess in the end I have to be angry at the STUPIDITY of the voting public that they get even one vote!!

Political suffering + lobbyist ties = Gloden eggs for the Clintons....and that is better than any political pain medication. It is all about money Dick.........no matter how you slice the pie.

[...] staff problem and her Husband who she cannot fire! Interesting article by Dick Morris here: HILL & LOBBYISTS: MORE THE MERRIER at DickMorris.com __________________ Sock It To Me! "Bureaucracy is a Parasite that Preys on Free [...]

Hopefully the people of Pennsylvania will see through the Clinton facade to the lies and lobbyists and put an end to this farce.

Our elected politicians in Washington make the corrupt ancient Roman senate look like choirboys.

Catch a Mexican with 500 pounds of weed in his car in Tucson, AZ and you'd think he'd be in big trouble, right? Wrong! The feds won't prosecute anyone there for just a few hundred pounds of mary jane, ever. Which begs the question: How high does the Mexican drug cartel bribery money reach? Looks to me that surely the Federal Attorneys on the border and probably the Attorney General in Washington are bent - like a double jointed prostitute. That's how you have two honest Border Guards in federal prison (for long terms) for butt shooting some Mexican drug dealing scum and the same damn Mexican is free to run more blow into the U.S.

I really think if Jefferson and Lincoln were to somehow reincarnate and see how our government has devolved into a bunch of money grubbing pissants - they'd promptly start to nourish the Tree of Liberty with the blood of these traitors. I'd sure as hell follow them.

I suppose we could forgive if it was just one mistatement we were talking about but it is not. Hillary has now shown a consistent pattern from small liberties with the truth(her soccer story) to outrightly and knowingly distorting facts (Bosnia and the snipers, her real record of experience in Bill's Whitehouse), covering up facts (her involvement and position regarding NAFTA)and refusing to reveal the truth (details about what she and Bill were paid the millions of dollars to do, who made the contributions to their foundations).
If the people of Pennsylvania do not put an end to what is the candidacy of someone lacking the character to be President then the party elders, Gore/Carter, should.

As an add-on, her criticism of Obama's "bitter" comment will completely backfire. Obama has stated the truth ... a lot of people are bitter. They have no jobs, no prospects, and no future for their kids. They have watched Bush blunder away the future of the Country for seven years. Of course they are bitter and with good reason. Hillary shows once again that she is the one who doesn't get it.

Each day Hillary add a few more lies to her campaign. It has almost become second nature for her. She enters into the territory of lies without a passport for return. Her misleading impressions and mistatements are not lies, but rather she was being economical with the truth. Hillary lies with purpose, and that is one of the worst kind, and the most profitable.

Hillary continiously remains confronted with the impossibility of remaining faithful or truthful to any of her beliefs or positions. She believes passionately in things that do not exist, and thereby creates them. She gambles on partial truths which only prove false and gains nothing, but looses everything....an unwise wager for Hillary.

The good-cop, bad-cop role played by Bill and Hillary causes me to refer the the science of psychology. Bill and Hillary, one a neurotic, the other somewhat psychotic; Hillary builds castles in the sky; Bill lives in them; and eventually the psychiatrist will collect the rent.

Last night on Lou Dobbs his own poll backfired on him. He had arranged the questions to guage the feelings of his viewers from "patriotic and proud" to "bitter". Certainly he was expecting his viewers to be supportive of his views which are anti-Obama. To his surprise, I am sure, 52% responded "bitter". While Obama could have chosen his words about guns and religion more carefully it seems did have finger on the pulse of the people ... even those who watch Lou Dobbs. Hopefully the people of Pennsylvania will respect truth and ignore a few poorly chosen words.

It has been demonstrated in the past for Hillary, that negative campaiging does not serve her candidacy well.....but she continues to use the negative rather than the positive. Her negative campaigning has the effect of an acid: it does more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured. Obama continues to be shot at by Hillary, with no results and that is so exhilarating for his campaign.

I should qualify my comment by saying I am not a Democrat but I am drawn to Obama. Like many, I want solutions to our serious problems.
There may be an unintended benefit to Obama from Clinton's attacks. He has based his campaign on moving forward with a new approach to stop the divisivness of the past two decades and focus on finding solutions to the problems facing us today. She is giving him the opportunity to demonstrate that approach to the American people through the very way he parries her attacks. My first reaction to her attacks in last nights ABC debate was discomfort. Then I realized she and the moderators were, unwittingly, creating the opportunity for Obama to showcase his approach and skill at staying focused on the real issues (jobs, healthcare etc)and not be led by anger down the path to divisivness. I was impressed. Contrary to some, I believe her attacks now are dulling the "Rev Wright", "bitter", "elitist" and other issues rendering them ineffective for later Republican recycling. The latest polls seem to show they are having little or no negative effect on Obama's march to the nomination. By the time McCain gets to his negative ads these issues will be old news, will appeal only to diehard Republicans and will alienate many independents.

Hillary is a master with words, if you want to believe that, and uses words as a basic tool for the manipulation of reality. She believes that if you can control the meaning of the words, you can control the people who must use the words. Another confabulation of her mind.

I don;t have your political savvy nor your political experience, but I don't agree with you. Obama has establish his footprint on who is as a person and as a candidate. His strength will grow out of his weakness. What the lion in Obama cannot manage to do the fox in him will achieve. I was always told by my mother in Brooklyn; weakness is a sign of strength and the weak are more likely to make the strong weak than the strong are likely to make the weak strong. Please!!! get you own show or get Bill O'Riley to let you sit in for some of those lame replacements he has now and then......not there is anything wrong with that.

I'm amazed that this gent who isn't qualified to be a dogcatcher here in Bonita is likely to be the President of the United States. Hang in there, Matt

I just want to say how consistently impressive Dick Morris's analysis is. Once again, spot on with this comment. Bill Clinton - who does know how to land a punch - was at it today saying, "Obama is whining. it's a contact sport, if you don't want to get hit, don't put on the pads, etc." Basically the Clintons are calling Obama's masculinity into question and on a gut level I think his weak responses will unnerve a lot of voters - men and women alike. Remember playground politics, if someone calls you a wimp you better hit first and ask questions later or else your credibility will crumble. McCain is obviously the antithesis of this with his war record and tough foreign policy posturing. This weakness of Obama's will become even more of a sore spot in the general vs. McCain given the comparison. McCain won't even need to do or say anything -- it will be implicit. Yikes. Obama needs to develop some steel quick or else.

Michael you are RIGHT! The apparent "weakness" will be Obama's strength in the end. Everyone is sick of the Clintonesque go for the jugular campaign machine ...I find Obama's approach refreshing. He will STOMP McCain in a debate..why? Because of his alledged weakness! Can't wait.

If I read correctly, Obama has some weak spots, but Hillary is more treacheous....I couldn't agree more.

🙂 Couldn't have said it better!

These are legitimate questions which Obama has still failed to answer honestly. Ever heard the expression, "You're like who you hang around?" Of course Obama wants to deflect his associations because he knows they are indefensible. It's easier for him to parrot his thoughts on health care, Iraq, the economy and other issues as political fodder since they mirror Hillary's positions for the most part. The two candidates chatter more like Heckel & Jeckel by inflating their resumes and attempting to bury character talk because both have a number of skeletons in their closets. That's why Hillary can't really explore these issues like she should.

Obama may have a teflon image with the media now, but when America starts really paying attention to what's going on here > hold on to your hat!

randywhitman:

Character, not circumstances, makes the man.

How about Wright's 10,000 sq. ft. home.The hypocrosy! As I teach my children to be loving: they teach hate for personal gain.Obama's family roots from Kenya leave the legacy of slavery untasted bitterness.They wallow in the fanciful delusions of a charlaton to learn of the African American legacy here in America and then rightiously denounce meaningful opportunities afforded to Americans, by saying that their not Proud of America.!

You are always a window of reality with a deep resevoir of facts and experiences.

Thank you

Once again, the problem with your analysis Mr. Morris, is that your opinions (although always fascinating and delightful) are based in experiences that are as not squarely applicable to the hearts and minds of the American people in todays political climate. In addition, the younger generations do not think the same way as the previous generations and you have failed to calculate the level of their influence adequately in this election process.

Clinton and Bill have recently lost the hearts of the majority of the democratic party base. Senator Clinton will do very well in Pennsylvania but will be stomped like an bug in the majoirty of later primaries. It is over. I predicted earlier that if Obama survived Feb. 5th 's super tuesday he would be our next President. I standing by my predicition.

Now, in regards to your weakness comment about Obama in his response or lack thereof in the Debate. Obama did the correct thing. He did not turn on his fellow Democrat no matter how high the heat was turned up and that took so much steel. A lesser person would have taken the bait set for him by Corporate America. Obama has the real steel. Corporate America Knows this and is terrified that Obama will give Corporate America the regulatory neutering it deserve for... Lost pensions, poor or no health coverage due to unfair policy terms, higher gas prices despite a reduction in demand, Fraudulent loan practices/foreclosures, increased monthly payment and rates on credit cards/student loans, jobs shipped overseas due to no negotiations for fair terms in free tade agreements and, no progress on alternative energy sources despite Billions being funneled to Corporate America every year.

The bigger picture working behind the scenes of that debate is that Corporate American owns our Media and the party Establishment both Republican and Democrat. They own all the News stations to include ABC. And, until Obama's internet compaign fundraising success, controlled the purse strings of both parties and enjoyed great influence.

How frightened corporate America must be that a Constitutional law Professor ( a man with a functioning brain and the know how to really change things) who is not owned by Corporate America is just a few 7 months from stepping into the White House as our next president. Dick, this is what you should be writing about. The real story in this campaign is the fight for the American dream as we used to know it between Americans as individuals and Corporate America. There is only one candidate that represents the people and it is Barack Obama, man of steel.

I just have one question: is this article and similar articles about Hillary Clinton being sent to the Obama campaign? They could certainly use some ammunition against her since she is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Barack. Also, have they received a copy of "Hillary - The Movie", because I found it to be extremely "eye-opening. Keep up the good work.
sincerely,
James

I was wondering; have any of the candidates for president given any time or thought to the rebuilding of the 9th Parrish in New Orleans, which is still a waistland and is sitting in an area that to this day ihas an inadequate levee system, uninhabitable homes, disenfranchised citizens, and a great majority of which are African-Americans. Also,whichever candidate shows support and compassion for Virginia Tech victims can garner the respect of agreatmany caucasion voters. And lastly, compassion for those voters in areas that have recently been affected by disastrous weather(ie. floods,wildfires tornadoes,etc), will show America a candidate who is definately not elitis.
Thanks for your grat work in informing us on issues of which we were not aware.
Sincerely,
James

Now it is clear to me why the Democrats want to withdraw from Iraq. It has nothing to do with a desire to end conflict or enhance peace;but, betrayal of democracy and the market economy. The same people who betrayed us in Vietnam are now trying the samething in the Middle East--Democrats. And of course using the same tools i.e. Unlawful war, immoral war, give peace a chance, bring the troops home cause we care about them and their families (that is as big a hoax as global warming). Lenin would have been proud of this cabal of revoluntries.

Dear Mr. Morris,

I must respectfully disagree your statement; "No American president has ever made so sweeping a commitment in the region" i.e. the Middle East.

The Carter Doctrine has been the preamble for US Military interventions in the Middle East since the 1980’s. On 23 January 1980 in his State of the Union Address, President Carter stated:

"An attempt by an outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force."

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush used the Carter Doctrine to issue the military orders to send my ass to Saudi Arabia in Operation Desert Shield. The New World Order was a ruse for the real deal. We all knew the deal. Now don’t get me wrong, I supported my President and I was honored and privileged to do so, but I also knew I wouldn’t be there if Kuwait only grew Broccoli.

Regards,

Breaker

You know Dick, what she said is really "scary." What has kept the world safe from the use of the atom bomb since 1945 has not been deterrence, in the sense of fear of specific weapons, so much as it's been memory. The memory of what happened at Hiroshima. If Hillary is elected, and God I pray that that never happens, we will all have epitahs on our tombstone which states, Rest in peace; This Mistake shall not be repeated. I hope Americans belly-up to the bar to stop this "madwoman", and I'm being kind.

Redhat31

To betray you must first belong and every betrayal begins with trust. The history of America.

Dick:

Great analysis. The thing that makes you so watchable is that you don't hold back any punches. You go directly to the facts and the jugular. If all the hoopla that Hillary is experiencing boils down to a 10-15 net delegates, is the celebration worth the effort. This was probably her last act of defiance in the face of defeat. Did she really win......or is she continiously loosing.

... but Dick, like our current President, why let a small thing like facts deter you from your God given destiny.

Dick:

If 2 percent of the population of the United States controls sixty percent of the wealth, who do you think is actually running this country? The Republicans, historically, have always catered to the Corporate giants and will continue to do so.....why......when was the last time a poor person offered you a job? McCain can protray himself as the champion of the people, but he will only promises much, to avoid giving little....Money talks profitability, and bulls*** walks...and that is "true rhetoric." Corporate Giants also take no prisoners.

Dick: What happened to the 100,000 plus Republicans that switched Partys? Did they vote for Hillary? Was it an honest switch? Personally I never believed that many Republicans wanted to be Democrats. It has always looked like a Texas ploy to me. If it was, her win is even less important,

As Hillary continues to talk about the record number of Florida residents who came out to vote for her, why don't the media analysts cover the REDUCTION IN PROPERTY TAX STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT that was the real reason people came out to vote. High property taxes are a major issue in Florida (as there is no state income tax, and assessments have been increasing at a very high rate over recent years).

Many residents came out to vote FOR the reductions. Additionally there was a huge amount of press coverage and on-the-ground push for unions (teachers, police, etc) to vote AGAINST the amendment so that they would not face reductions in services and programs.

Florida is a closed primary. I personally would have voted for Obama, but did not change my registration from Independent because it was explicitly covered in the press that "my vote would not count".

So it is unfair for Hillary to attempt to count the popular vote in Florida now, it simply was never a fair vote. I don’t know anyone at the time who thought it was a valid Presidential primary.

Political correctness is the natural continuum of any political party line. As you so elequently described in your article, it would appear that Hillary's campaign has deteriorated into something philistinic. The reality of the mind is always at the frontiers of "'what is already known." The DNC, in maintaining their policitcal corrrectness about what is already known, has created their greatest menace to the party's life, political self-complacency. For the DNC to continue to see, to hear, to talk, means nothing; to recognize the obivious means everything, and yet the DNC chooses not to recognize and shall continue not to recognize the obivious. The DNC is following the party line of least resistance and that will only make them crooked rivers.

Dick your political insight is always appreciated, but you of all people should not underestimate the persuasiveness of the Clintons. The scenario you've presented makes sense and would most likely play out as you've stated except Hillary is not going to play by the rules and truly believes Obama can't win. She is going to beat that "No You Can't" drum all the way to the convention behind the scenes. Regardless of the consequences she will not give up this fight which she has determined is rightfully hers. Just watch!

I copied this from another blog. Dick or anyone: are these things true?

"It is time for the Republican-controlled Media to give this Wright controversy some fairness and enquire of Hillary Clinton and her surrogates the following: Is it true that, (1) Hillary surrogate, Congresswoman Shiela Jackson Lee, is also a devotee of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright; that he's been preaching at her home church, where she is actively involved, annually for the past 15 years and has an open invitation to return, and, that she sat in the pews for his visits and did not bat an eye?

Is it true that (2) Hillary surrogate, Rev. Marcia Dyson was not only a longtime member of Trinity United Church of Christ but also still considers Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright her pastor? That Rev. Marcia Dyson's seminary education, in part, was sponsored by Trinity UCC and encouraged by Rev. Wright? And was it not at Trinity were she first met her husband, Rev. Dr. Michael Dyson, who's been very vocal in his defense of Rev. Wright.?

And, lastly of Hillary Clinton, that if Rev. Wright would not have been her Pastor, then why did she and Bill when going through Impeachment, turn to Rev. Wright for Prayer and Support and invite him to the White House? These things should be asked and answered.

Dick, great analysis. The logic is sound and it fits with what those of us outside your inner circle now see as the real Hillary.

Thank you, thank you! I have long thought that Obama should come out and take on these comments and proclaim the goodness of America. He will win over working class people of all colors who believe that despite how we've strayed at times, we are still the best nation and have done so much good. Imperfect, as he often says he is, yet let us not forget the good we have done. And stop being so wishy washy - say "he was a good man and pastor to me long ago, but he's taken the wrong turn and he's wrong"...wrong, wrong, wrong, and say it forcefully.

[...] political pro Dick Morris penned a new column yesterday exclaiming that Obama’s latest denouncement of Wright was a good move politically. [...]

[...] to question Obama’s self-proclaimed “judgment” – just as they should question Hillary’s deep ties to America-loathing [...]

[...] political pro Dick Morris penned a new column yesterday exclaiming that Obama’s latest denouncement of Wright was a good move politically. [...]

[...] Read Full Story at Dickmorris.com. [...]

[...] I say the process is going to continue. Hillary ain’t going to quit. Dick Morris believes Hillary knows she’s lost but is sticking in regardless.. but I’m not so sure. I think Hillary still believes she can [...]

I am beginning to think it wouldn't be all that bad an outcome if somehow HRC did steal the nomination. She would get her butt handed to her by the trash machine (aka Republican Party; lose, leaving the Presidency for Obama to win in 2012. The country might be better off because a lot of what HRC and Obama are saying they will do they won't. They won't because they don't have a hope in hell of getting Congress and the Senate to pass universal health care and a few of their other very left ideas. What amazes me is that people actually believe either one of them, as President, would have the power to get through a left wing agenda. HRC couldn't do it in '92 when she was co-President and she won't do it in 2009 with Bill as co-President. HRC would so polarize the situation it would be worse than we have now.

[...] Read Full Story at Dickmorris.com. [...]

Thank you Dick. Someone is finally shining a light on the failure that will occur if we see the answer to Iraq as some knee jerk reaction to the latest events, polls in the US or worse yet simply political ideology. It was a knee jerk reaction by Bush to a horrific terrorist attack, unguided by a well thought out foreign policy strategy and without any thought of consequences to the economy or a viable US energy policy that got us into this mess. Not to say a lack of understanding that attacking Iraq would accomplish nothing positive with respect to curtailing terrorism. Watching Obama and Clinton what I see are footsteps along the same path only reacting to the "we must get out" political/ideological expediency of this election year. I hope that as we go from here to November more people ask the questions about how our future actions in Iraq will fit within a broader foreign policy framework for the middle east and the rest of the world, how these proposed actions will impact an oil/dependence strategy and how all of this will affect American jobs and the future properity of the country. Questions we should have asked of little Bush.

Great point Dick. Americans tend to want to tie the proverbial yellow ribbon when asked. As much as they think the war was a strategic mistake and an overall failure, they understand McCain's simple logic: win, or at least try and die hard in order to deter foes and maintain military credibility.

This argumentation paints a black and white choice: win or retreat. The Democrats have a much tougher challenge. The grim logic of leaving is that victory cannot be achieved and that if we stay and fight for another 5 or 10 years, we'll just waste blood and treasure. When we ultimately do leave, perhaps after some negotiated peace or something like Vietnamization, the government we have established will fall. Just like the South Vietnam gov't fell to the Communists, our propped up Iraqi gov't has no chance of surviving once we leave. Our flaw in entering was a failure of premise: Democracy cannot be imposed by an external force because the gov't will never have legitimacy among the local people - it will be seen as a U.S. puppet regime. We had the same problem in Iran when we propped up the Shah. Eventually he fell to Khomeni and the Revolution.

If we pull out tomorrow and Iran moves in, or some other new reality materializes that is bad for U.S. interests, the argument is that this kind of thing is unavoidable. That we've already lost and so - in the words of Wall Street traders - "your first loss is your best loss" Don't hang around with a loser, get out. Don't throw good money after bad...

History may show that this is the right course of action. But how the hec can Dems find a way to sell it to the American people? Kerry couldn't. No anti-War Vietnam-era candidates could. And Obama will have a very hard time.

[...] she is inflicting on the party and Obama’s chances of prevailing in the general election.  Some have raised the specter that Hillary, while consigned to defeat in 2008, is really laying the [...]

One of the great failures of the Bush administration is in allowing the post war occupation to be characterized as part of the Iraq War. When people are killed in Detroit, LA, or Washington, DC, we don't talk of those as war related casulties.

But in Iraq, we invade, we defeat the Iraqi army, we kill or capture the enemy government, we hang Saddam, we install a new government, we have fair elections, print money, install a legislature, encourage them to write a constitution, etc, etc, etc... BUT... We haven't won the war?!?! What does it take to win a war?

With the US Civil War, things weren't completely peaceful for decades. But they still considered the war over in 1865. I bet there are confederate insurgents operating today. The yankee army hasn't left yet, either.

The Iraq war was over years ago, and Saddam isn't coming back. It is about time we reflect that fact in public discourse.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

Maybe now she can go into retirement and bake cookies!

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] and after 12 years of GOP rule, win. But one thing is clear: Obama has this nomination sewed up. The Source __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How May I Help You? PM me through this link if [...]

Dick, I agree with your analysis and prediction. As you have said before the outcome has been clear for sometime. There is however a very disturbing aspect to the campaign. Your other comment "Hillary is not fooling anyone" is not true. I look at the vote count in Indiana and North Carolina and she obviously "fooled" a lot of people. Hillary has run a campaign of lies,half truths,disparagement put forward as "everything but the kitchen sink" and yet large numbers of people accept this I suppose as "its politics". What ever happened to integrity, honesty and true respect for the American people. Maybe I am wrong and there are a lot of us who just don't or won't think for ourselves. When will we really wake up and demand more from our leaders. I watched a bit of CNN last night and it sickened me to see a Joel somebody and Lanny whatever looking the camera in the eye while they spewed illogical arguments in a blatent attempt to con the audience while the CNN commentators nodded their heads. Just a few:
- the SuperD's should nominate HRC because the polls show she is better positioned to beat McCain and in the same breath, if they actually breath, we are disenfranching the voters of Michigan and Florida by not counting their votes. If I understand their argument then it is ok to disenfranchise the 16 million or so people who voted for Obama but not those in Mich/Flor. ... hmmm.
- Hillary won the big states in the intra-dem election so will win the general election against the repubs. Lets see, the high school basketball coach hold a skins vs shirts game. The shirts win and the coach boldly predicts the shirts will win the state championship. Wow that must be true.
- Next, we democrats must see this through to the end of the primaries and the convention ... it is the truly democratic way. On the other hand we do hope for a process that would not stand up to scrutiny in a third world dictatorship election where the SuperD's simply ignore the election process that had gone on for months and months and nominate Hillary because the "polls" indicate she might win in November. Great! Nothing "disenfranchising' here.

... and on and on and on. Basically BS, unchallenged by the media bobble heads.

Bill would bake the cookies and Hillary would claim them as her own.

Dear Mr. Morris,

An Economist substituted for Rush the other day, and said that on Obama's website that the second page described how Obama is going to tax small businesses, and Obama describes 4 huge Government give away programs. This needs to be hammered home!!!!

Jeannette Germann











g

An Economist filling in for Rush reported that on the second page of Obama's website he states that he will increase taxes on small businesses and he talks about 4 new give away programs from the US Taxpayers.

Thank you! Great job!

This democratic race got my attention on the media. Wow, do we have a huge problem with our media turning into puppets for thier corporate masters. We need to stop the Corporations from buying up our media or it will cease to serve as a checks and balance of our government as intended by our founding fathers. It has been truly amazing and sad to witness.

Now, the race. I predicted if Obama survived Feb. 5th he would be our next president. I am sticking to my predictions. The Obama jet is on the runway gasing up for take off. Step back for the ride of our life times.

Dick, You gave a good suggestion to Bill O'Reilly where he requested your input on what to ask John McCain. You said ask if McCain favors giving health coverage to illegal immigrants (well over 12 million persons). If McCain does favor this, it will be a great magnet for many more really ill people to invade our country.

Another pressing budget buster is the non-existent Social Security trust fund. In 2017, tax revenue will be needed to pay a good part of the benefits. If benefits are given to people who paid into the system while they were here illegally this will be much worse. Tax money may be needed in 2014.

Illegal aliens have used other persons SS #s, either stolen identities or the numbers of dead people. Does McCain want the government to have to renege on some SS benefits for the benefit of those who used fraud?

Since there are no real SS bonds there would be no defaulting on some of the U.S. debt if the government did renege on some benefits. The worse thing would be to honor the Bush sponsored Mexican Totalization Agreement. Then SS would have to pay benefits to former Illegals for any retirement taxes which the corrupt Mexican government said were paid down there.

Mercedes is right Dick. Where are the journalists?

why won't anyone get the real numbers out front? even if you add in the michigan and florida numbers as they exist, obama is still ahead in both delagates and popular vote. are we missing something here?

Dick: Your article is right on!!! I just read it now and I have been posting on NY Times and Wash Post all morning talking about the arrogance of these two and their feelings that she is 'entitled' to this nomination.

I am a life-long Republican (although I have voted Democratic a few times over my last 50+ years), but I just can not stand the present Clintons or what they stood for in Arkansas or during the two White House terms. I feel that Bill is beneath contempt and Hillary is not to be trusted with anything. Believe me I would not want her answering any phone calls at 3 a.m., or having her finger on the nuke button. And I am certainly not interested in putting Bill back in the White House!

I hope Mr. Obama has sense enough not to consider inviting her to join his ticket. I really don't think he would do that, but sometimes politics makes strange bedfellows (no pun intended).

Thanks for your columns.

I agree. The rules may not apply to the Clintons, but the DNC who make up the rules are not going to make an exception, especially for the Clintons. It is call the golden rule of art and science; he who has the power and gold make the rules.

This is Hillary's last act of desparation in the face of defeat...however she will not be able to safe face regardless. Everyone talks about her 2012 possibilities, however, this was her first and last opportunity for the run to the White House......she will be able to join the rest of the members of the general public....she will be able to view the White House from the street....and say, if only it could have been.

I learned one thing in Vietnam......if you are going to die or be defeated........don't go alone, however, Hillary continuation with her campagin will only damage her more, if not permenantly in her political career. I predict that she will be focusing her political ambition on something more local, like governor of New York or mayor of New York City. Honestly, that is all that is really left for her. When she returns to Congres after this campaign, she will even be more isolated by her colliegiates for the type of campaign that she ran. She looses both ways.

If I were Hillary, I would divorce Bill; vote for McCain, resign from Congress; and write a book........better options than continuing.

O'Reilly was too kind with his questioning.......of course, Hillary only answered the question with a question. War is a big business for those who are not putting their lives on the line everyday. The only thing that Iran and Iraq understand are the "power of the sword." Somehow the conflict in the middle east is of world concern, however, it is the good old USA that is the only one physically there. This is another contemporary Vietnam, and we know what happen to Vietnam. If we (USA) is going to do it then do it right. It is always better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Diplomacy is a worthless word enacted by worthless people who have no spine or huspta. Strike hard the first time and worry about the collateral later.

IT’S ALL OVER, SEN. CLINTON

From DickMorris.com:
Clinton may well fight all the way - she’s stubborn

As a life long Republican supporter, having to endure 16 years and counting, of the political circus act known as the Clintons you must excuse me for the high level of disbelief in everything Clintonian. After reading practically all conceivable explanations rationalizing her refusal to withdraw, cynicism seems to be winning the day: Two seasoned political veterans must be given far more credit for their unyielding behavior than the myriad of excuses issued to date. It's my belief that they are possibly in possession of the "lightening bolt" needed to derail Obama's quest for the nomination. Within their grasp, given the expertise of their highly documented investigative legions, is circumstancial evidence of campaign donations from Mid Eastern origins. She must bide time to document this connection. If successful, Obama will be perceived as unelectable, if this information cannot be validated by a certain date she will resign and continue the pursuit for the benefit of John McCain.

I have decided that the best thing to do is turn off the T.V. until Hillary drops out (of course I'll still read Dick Morris). It's a matter of a month or so and I Dick is correct, the Clintons figure that they might as well stick it out until he's got the magic number just in case a miracle happens. Also, they hope Obama will lose to McCain so they can run again in four years. There's no cost as far as they are concerned, and money is nothing to them - they can always steal more.

Never judge a person by the circumstances, but rather his character.

Your article is so enlightening.......a breath of fresh air apart from the standard media narratives.....which are always woofing and stiring the pot. Your candor is commendable and you hold no bars. Hillary Clinton, and Bill Clinton (comes with the package), would be the most toxic element that Obama could ever fear of brewing. And you are right, It is not going to happen...although I think Obama's candidacy would be best served by slecting someone for VP that was outside the Washington mainstream. Of course, I'm not a savoy political principal as yourself. I noticed that you never give anyone the opportunity to "get your goat" and that is a sign of strength and character. You are good Dick Morris; very good and I hope to continue to enjoy your opinions and analysis of this election. Can't wait for your new book. You have been on target from the git-go with this campaign...my hat off to you.

[...] Dick Morris, el polémico pero agudo analista norteamericano, explica con claridad las consecuencias negativas que tendría esta decisión de Obama. Traduzco y resumo aquí su posición porque es muy interesante en lo que se refiere a análisis político y electoral (aquí el texto original): [...]

Couldn't agree more. I have found great "comfort" in these columns during this bizarre, narcissistic campaign. You can't depend on the media for the actual story because of their self interest too...so thank goodness for Dick Morris. You are absolutely right about the VP..what a nightmare just to deal with Bill. Hope Obama people are relying on your opinion as well!!I won't be happy to have given $$ to him only to have him choose her..I suspect lots of us feel that way. Go outside Washington....please! I too look forward to reading your opinions Dick.

Exactly! The Clintons need to pack their bags and their brand and go very far away from the White House. I, too, have enjoyed your columns during this crazy campaign, and look forward to getting my reserved copy of your new book. The thought of Hillary stalking the White House and Bill trying to orchestrate things is truly a nightmare. I'll be so glad when the Clintons have truly left the building.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

It took Edwards a long time...and might get AG out of the deal. What tickled me the most was the "headline" upset! Timing couldn't have been better in my opinion! Well crafted move. Love seeing the Clintons hood winked by their own game!

Dick: You were on target so many months ago regarding the Democratic primaries. And you are right......everyone now is starting to position themselves in the race and realizing that Obama will be the Democratic nominee. What Hillary and Bill can't digest and probably will never except is that a freshman congressman took down the Clinton political machine...which demonstrates that times are changing and old pollitical strategies of the past are not effective anymore. At least Edwards got a ticket for the Obama Express........a little late...but he got a seat. The remaining political delegates will eventually buy a ticket on the Obama Express, however, there will only be standing room if they continue to delay. Her decision to continue to reamin in order to make Obama bleed more for her possible 2012 run for the White House; well, she will be almost 69 in 2012.......not there is anything wrong with that.....will place her in the McCain age category.....another concern of the American voter......of course if McCain is elected...well that would negate that theory....but I don't think he will. Stay well.....because without your analysis......this would have been one very "boring" election campaign. Tell O'Reilly to have you more on his show.....I noticed that he takes every word you say as "bible." In fact, tell O'Reilly to take a vacation and have you fill in for him while he is gone.....surely will be refreshing to see you rather than some of the other lame fill-ins......Continued success..

How does not investing in these terror-dealing companies really hurt them? The stock have already been issued. When you invest, you are buying from another shareholder. I guess if it drives the price down, and the comapny owns a lot of its own stock they would feel it. I guess. But I think boycotting the products they sell is clearly the way to hurt them - not boycotting the stocks.

Dick, Your entire point is negated by your erroneous understanding of Obama's position on diplomacy with Iran or any other Country. History has shown us that diplomacy is part of what has made our Nation more safe. Engaging in diplomacy occurs at many levels prior to our President entering into any discussions wherein American Military force is never taken off the table.

Barack Obama never said he would take military force off the table. He has said that after the preparatory diplomatic work is done by persons in positions beneath the Presidency to establish the appropriate timing of his entering into talks with the disfavored leaders of other Nations, letting them know where he draws the line. He would offer peaceful incentives and use non-violent sanctions before using Military force when appropriate and Military force when necessary.

This attempt to paint Barac Obama's position as something it never has been illuminates just how fearful and desperate the Republican machinery is of him. Why not debate him on his true position? Why not write your article based upon his true position?

Simply put, those who try know they will loose. You cleary are getting your bread buttered these days by the Republican machinery. I look forward to the general election because I beleive the majority of the American people are not going to fooled by these cowardly tactics.

As always, I stand by my prediction that if Barack Obama survived the Feb. 5th super tuesday he would be our next president. The Obama jet is taking off and the people are waiting for him.

Hey, Dick....why don't you try something more intellectually honest in your next article....you are starting to bore me.

Sorry Dick, just can't agree with you on this one. Not talking to people we don't like just doesn't work. Ask any marriage counsellor or examine the Cuban result. Obama's response was incomplete when he first answered the question about meeting without pre-conditions in an early debate. His current more considered approach of meeting without pre-condition but with preparation is exactly what it needed. Diplomacy, including Presidential inititives, is just one of many tools in a kitbag that should include sanctions, economic pressure, humanitarion jestures, exchange programs and of course use of the military. An intelligent President will use all the tools appropriate to the situation to implement a successful strategy. Short of blowing up the Iranian oil facilities the Iranians will continue to pump about 4 million barrels a day now and well beyond the terms of their and our Presidents. China and others will buy all they can produce and provide them with capital to explore further. The more effective option for us is to accelerate the development of alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, tidal, geothermal and nuclear. Energy independence is what will change everything for the US when it comes to the middle east.

If Obama picks Clinton he will be the one that has to dodge sniper fire.

Edwards timing was terrific. It took Clinton's win in W. Virginia right out of the news.

Mercedes,
Looking at the circumstances as they truly are, I would not select you or your rationale to help me out of a dangerous situation. You remind me of the story of the the person who was challenged to a gun fight and you accepted; equipped with a box of candy and boxing gloves.

Would you be specific about incidents of diplomacy that have made our nation more safe.

America needs to put the "pedal to the metal" with Iran. Diplomacy, although an option, will not resolve the difficulties with Iran. You are dealing with a medival culture and government which is never going to change. Any diplomacy with Iran will "only be words without a heartbeat." American needs to take action against the international subsidaries which are doing business with Iran.....cut off the support lines to Iran. I believe that Obama position of offering the olive branch to Iran is truly off target, however, I believe that it is a campaign strategy for him not to be identified with the Bush Administration and McCain as a "war monger." America is drowning itself in words......it time for some to do something. OPEC countries are enjoying the wealth and profits from their black gold....and all their children are driving around in their Mercedes and living in their palaces.....I fear, and soon, that their children and grandchildren will be riding camels and living in tents again.

McCain, even with his extraordinary patriotism and distinctive service in Congress, is not America's favorite nominee. McCain and Obama will inherit a downard economy, an unpopular war and follow in the shadow of the most unpopular President in modern times. That is a most difficult and giant road to travel on the journey to the White House for both of them. Sometimes it is not the destination, but rather the journey. You don't do political science......and I do not have much faith in "polls".....only a snapshot of a nation's pluse when uncertainity exist.

Although Obama has raised concerns among voters with past associations of unfavorable individuals, McCain doubts among haven't begun to get the visibility that Obama had in the Democratic primaries, but soon after Obama is declared the Democratic nominee, McCain's concern among the voter will soon rise. No candidate is immune for past behavior.

The Iraq war will be the tie breaker and the candidate who can resolve that conflict in the shortest period of time during his Presidency will emerge as the saving angel. As a Vietnam Veteran, there is no such thing as a kinder, gentler war......it is the summation of "all evil."
If Iraq, Iran, Syria, etc. are such global threats to the international communities, then why is the US is the only country who is physically presence in the middle east to resolve the conflict?

The Democratic voters are registering in record numbers and more younger voters are stepping up to the plate to try to change this nation...since it is the younger generation who will be paying the bills of the government....to include the last eight years and the current middle eastern conflict...and their opinion is "if we are going to pay.....then we are going to play."

Bush can't help McCain and McCain needs to distant himself from him as soon as possible. McCain needs to establish his own identity and agenda if he has a chance of winning the Presidency. You tended to judge Obama and McCain by circumstances and the people that associated with in the past. Should never judge a individual by circumstances, but rather judge them by their character.

To sum up: We have the "warrior" and what you somewhat describe in your article, "the snake charmer." Only one can prevail. Will the power of warrior dominate the flute of the snake charmer? November will tell......is that music I hear......

I wonder if America has noticed that Senator Ted Kennedy had a seizure at the age of 76. Mc Cain is what? 72 or 73?

Top medical specialists in the country have said seizures are not uncommon for elderly men in their 70's. A very frightening reality.

Now, to your comments. Geeze, I really hope McCain takes your advice. Your views and strategy are missing something very essential. So, holding what I know to be essential to winning this contest to my chest, I will call your strategy and raise you one.

Your inelegant and clumbsy views notwithstanding, I continue predict that Obama is going to win the Presidency in a way no one from the traditional thinking generation of strategists can predict. I have said this before February 5th that should he survive that supertuesday contest and I am sticking to it.

It might be good politics but it is not great marketing. Too many negative issues, too many housekeeping issues. There is little positive and inspiring about fixing healthcare, dealing with the Iraq war getting tough on tobacco. Earmark spending and another swat at lobbyists are just housekeeping. There is a big issue and potentially very positive issue for either side to grab and that is energy independence coupled with getting the US off of dependence on oil and gas. McCain touched on this and then seemed to drop it. Either candidate could commit to a "man on the moon" visionary initiative. Move the US to a renewable electicity based economy. Advance nuclear, solar, tidal, wind and geothermal technologies to produce electricity in abundance. Use the electricity directly and to create hydrogen from water and liquid fuel from coal or bio-waste. The basic electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure is already in place and with commitment could be upsized and modernized quickly. The benefits are obvious: a major boost in quality, sustainable US jobs; a radically improved basis for foreign policy; and a cleaner environment. This is an easy sell: its visionary; addreses real issues like jobs, gas prices, the evironment and the middle east. There are pilots or operational facilities for each of the technologies making for great graphics and photo-ops. The candidate that seizes this opportunity will be the one with the positive message leaving the other to the mundane. Not sure about it being "good politics" but it is "good marketing" and good for America.

Dick: It looks like the American voter is going to "clean house" this year.......and I don't think at this point in time that the President can say or do much to stop that momentum. Words without a heartbeat will only fall on deaf ears. America is demanding a change a with the young FDR Obama..........I believe it is going to happen. The economy of the nation is somewhat deceiving. Although things may not be as bad as they appear, I believe that there are trobuling economical elements which remain hidden and soon will explode. Oil prices will never revert backwards, and that profitering by the Arab Emirates will continue until someone does something drastic to curtail their greed.

The Middle East medevial culture has been around from many thousands of years.......we are not going to change that by our invasion of Iraq and idle threats to Iran....and don't measure the success of a war with the yardstick of deaths. My mother always told me that everything in life is not what it appears......and mothers don't lie...I would say that it is not a good year to be a Republican or a Democrat.

Surely, the supers will step in and end this fiasco in the next few days. One has to question Hiliary's mental fitness for the nation's highest office... the list of charges is long (I would only mention Bosnian sniper fire for an example) but it is way past time for this woman to be shown to the exits. I think she has now destroyed any future political career after she completes her present Senate term. Can you imagine the cool reception she will receive when she returns to the Senate??

Today I really feel sadened by the damage Senator Clinton has done to herself. My compasion should not be mistaken for ignorance. I have seen Senator Clinton's use of divisive politics at the expense of the populace and I have always believed she would take the primary nomination into the convention given any chance to do so.

Well, better now in the primary we find out how she handles herself under intense stress. The Superdelegates have a responsibility to party and country to put an end to this campaign as soon as possible. I am just sick with sadness that it has gone on beyond the point of healthy returns for all Democrats involved. The inner circle of her campaign has failed her on so many levels. I hope someone can help her down from her position.

The comment was meant to stoke people's fears about Obama and further Clinton's theme that Obama = vulnerability. Hillary hopes that her harsh tactics and tenacity inspire a sense of strength and security, which they do - particularly amongst racists, uneducated, poor, etc.

The fact that her comments could make Obama less safe are irrelevant to her. She is narcissistic and so her grandiose sense of self importance combined with a lack of empathy for other people makes her not think twice about this. For the same reason she is shocked that she isn't winning and can only chalk it up to sexism or some other perceived injustice.

To me the most interesting thing about Hillary is to see how Americans feel about Machiavellian ethics and ruthless personal ambition. Many people feel that the ends justify the means and that as long as Hillary advocates policies they care about then her tactics - while horrid - are no big deal and typical for a politician. These folks think that people with an opposing view are naive or sanctimonious.

Others - like me - think that the character of an action dictates its morality regardless of the outcome. A lie is a lie. Race-baiting is race-baiting. Invoking RFK's murder is reckless. To me, a President is like the coach of my daughter's soccer team. I care that she teaches teamwork, good sportsmanship, fair play because I want my child to have these values whether they make her rich and successful, or just a nice person. One of our friends has a daughter on a team that always wins, but the coach uses foul language, benches the weaker players, and encourages her players to beat up and cause injury to the opponent's best players. While the team "wins", the children lose. This is how I feel about Hillary's tactics and ethics. To me comments like the RFK one do far more damage than any health care bill could correct.

I find it fascinating how Hillary polarizes Americans along moral/ethical lines.

If, God forbid, anything happens to Obama....Hillary can blame herself for her wreckless, self-centered, STUPID comments! More than ever she needs to go away. Unfortunately, I think we are all stuck with her "win by doing ANYTHING you have to" strategy for a LONG time! This was the absolute lowest!

[...] read more | digg story [...]

I totally agree with the previous posts. For me if this were another politician I might be inclined to accept the explanation and apology but in the case of HRC I see everything she does as a cold calculation. I believe the comment was deliberate, the risk of media response limited by the long weekend calculated and the deplorable action taken. What I do not understand is the lack of a Superdelegate flood to Obama as a way for supposedely intelligent people who actually care about the Democratic Party to tell her "enough". I truly hope Obama has the sense to do whatever is necessary to keep her off the ticket.

Cold, calculated Hillary Clinton just finished herself off with the inappropriate assasination remarks. Spin Doctors are not going to be able to repair the damage of this self inflicted wound. As a Senator, the former First Lady and political aficionado she knew exactly what her remarks would imply. It's almost incomprehensible she would make such a callous statement. While I understand there may be some "buyers remorse" on behalf of some Democrats since their embrace of Obama in the early primaries, Hillary has the right to attempt to wrestle the nomination away from Obama, but not at the expense of bringing up assasination.

Although she has apologized and said she meant no offense; the damage has been done. Dick, even though I never cared for Hillary I used to think your intense dislike of her sometimes shaded your opinions, but not any longer. It is paramount Hillary never be President based on her "take no prisoners" attitude in her political objectives. The only thing which could top this whopper would be Obama being persuaded to tap Hillary as his VP from the DNC. Unless Obama intends to sleep with one eye open at all times!

Dick: I think when push comes to shove, Democrats for Hillary will vote for Obama. Americans don't want to see another derivative of the Bush administration by voting for McCain. Hillary and Bill have left a lot of dead bodies and unanswered questions lying along the roadside on the journey to the White House. I agree, Hillary cannot recruit or provide any advantage for Obama......He has to stand alone. Unlike the past election, where Al Gore won the popular vote, but lost the election, the Democrats have or will decide to od the opposite and nominate Obama.....pledge delegates are the dominating factor......not popular votes. Sometimes I think that if God wanted us to vote.......he would have given us a candidate. Hillary has re-defined the word desparation.....but it is hopeless .

Hillary has brought to the forefront of the campaign what every American was thinking......and there is no harm in thinking about worst a worse case situation.......but to mention that on national television..is absolutely insane. She can make all the excuses she wants and say that it was not was she was implying, but we all know that that is political bullsh**. She has executed a personal ad to every nut that is out there with an indirect invitation....and of course the media just amplifies that invitation. Life is very funny......and in most instances a "double edge sword".....it cuts both ways.

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Hasn't that thought crossed my mind too, again God forbid Hillary it does cut both ways!! We have a world full of nut cases.....for all your political saavy....you have lost your practical insightfulness HRC!!

[...] Morris, former Clinton White House staffer and campaigner, wrote on his website that “Growing fear of Obama will drag every last white Republican off the golf course to vote for [...]

Dick: Probably not one of Hillary's strongest position politically or personal. If she can't manage a sound fiscal campaign, imagine what she would bring to the table in resolving the nation's financial crisis. For Hillary to find fault is easy; to do better will be difficult. All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame others, it will not change Hillary. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off of her when she is looking for external reasons to explain her unhappiness or frustration. She may succeed in making others feel guilty about something by blaming them, but she won't succeed in changing whatever it is about her that is making her unhappy.

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Dick: You mentioned that McClellan's book is neither right or wrong, just ill-informed and ill-informed usually leads to ill-served. Whether right or wrong, I think that McClellan's book is all about "money." Now he is painted by the media as Bush loyalist who defected and some that say his book should have been focus on the presidental staff rather than the President. Books are sometimes written on fine lines of "facts or fiction" and it is the reader who must make the distinction. One thing for sure is that when money "speaks", the truth is often silent. The timing could not have been more perfect for the release...and this is going to have an negative impact on McCain's campaign and McCain will be defending those Bush aadministration decisions that he supports now and until the general election. McClellan's book resembles the double edge sword......it is cutting both ways....

PS...By the way.......saw you on O'Reilly last night......great interview.....so O'Reilly said indirectly that if the media business changes that he would like work for Dick Morris.com......what a compliment to you.....and what a great match that would be......hire him!!!!!!

Dick: I agree with your article totally. Hillary utilized and continues to use every political tool available to attain the Democratic nominee, even playing off the race cards. Most Americans were wise to her tatctics and saw Hillary for not what she is, but who she is. Her race card strategy has open "pandora's box" on anger for Americans.....and I fear that Americans will not be voting for McCain or Obama in November........but will be voting their "anger"......and may the most liked triumphant.

Although I have not read the book, it sounds like McClellan’s book is simply an attempt to sell old news with a new byline. I wouldn't be surprized if the book was largely ghost written. Given his occupation and resume, this book was probably a good career move for McClellan. There are probably more job openings for him in the Liberal media than the Conservative leaning media. He may have lost some friends, but he will make some money, if anyone buys the book, and he will be able to find a job.

[...] to do to make a quick buck nowadays, though, whether he was actually privy to what was going on or not. Posted in Media. Tags: Condi Rice, Dick Cheney, George W. Bush, karl rove, News, Politics, Press [...]

Mr. Morris,

You are not much different then Hillary in your style. You are raising the race issue yourself by attempting to valid unfounded fears that white folks may have of an African American presidential candidate by injecting Rev. Wright as if the two hold the same beliefs. They simply do not and Barack Obama has made that abundantly clear.

Clearly, Hillary has learned from you. You are intelligent but spiritually lacking. Which means you choose your actions consciously. Bummer.

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[...] a chance to win. And they’ll do anything to make that happen. Because they just have to win. The Source __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How May I Help You? PM me through this link if clicking [...]

[...] of the job this way reveals how much of an outsider the typical press secretary usually is. The Source __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How May I Help You? PM me through this link if clicking [...]

Dick: I didn't read McClellan's book yet but your analysis is on target. Of course, the average American is probably not going to read it, and therefore going to accept McClellan's credibility based on the media hype and the Bush defense and comments. Probalility was McClellan's marketing strategy in the first place. The more the media promotes McClellan, the more the "cash register" rings.......and nothing is more credible for McClellan than "money." I'm sure after the primaries are over, that Hillary might be next in line.

Dick: I viewed an interview with an individual known as the "ICEMAN." It was about a psychiartist's attempt to analyze the psychological behavior of a assasin......he was able to terminate life without reservation or remorse....somewhat along the lines of "we just have to win." Very interesting interview......recommend if you get a chance to view it. There is some psychosis and sociopathetic elements in all of our lives, but I believe that it is more prevelant in politics. Please don't take this personally, but how does anyone function or work for individuals like the Clintons knowing that there is something desparately wrong with their character and their behavior? Is it because of their power that they are able to get away and fool the American public? Do Americans really know who they are electing or we just electing those inidviduals that the "image makers" create? I believe that all Americans are guaranteed the right to vote by the Constitution......but I think that there is a "hidden force" in America that serves as a safety net that actually runs this nation...and that is Corporate America......because when money speaks......the truth remains silent. Although the Constitution gives us the right to vote, and that is just a formality, I believe that if God wanted us to vote.......he would have provided us with candidates. Based on your article, their is a psychosis existing within the Clintons, and because he was President...and she is and was....they are immune in the eyes of the public........however......they are not immune from themselves.

Dick: I see that Congressman Conyer doesn't share the same view. Conyer wants McClellan to testify and they (judiciary committee) is considering additional perjury and obstruction charges against Scooter above and beyond the indictements that he was orginally found guilty on. I wonder whether McClellan should have titled his book "Hornet's Nest" instead of "What Happened?" I would not be counting my financial returns......if I were McClellan......but rather finding a good attorney.

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Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night
by: Dylan Thomas

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

The end of an era and the beginning of a new one........and it looks like the far left liberals are making their move.....it is going to be an interesting election and I can't wait to see what kind of pizza comes out of the oven.

PS..Bolafson........A dying breed (Clintons) nevers go gently into the night....but they will be gone..because that is their ultimate security.

[...] coming true in the past 8 years. So, what does he do? He becomes more and more ambiguous like this excerpt from a recent article: “To sum it up: A candidate who cannot get elected is being nominated by a party that cannot be [...]

Hillary reminds me of the Black Night in the skit “Monty Python and The Holy Grail”.

King Arthur: You make me sad. So be it. Come, Patsy!
[Attempts to get around the Black Knight]
Black Knight: None shall pass.
King Arthur: What?
Black Knight: None shall pass!
King Arthur: I have no quarrel with you, good Sir Knight. But I must cross this bridge.
Black Knight: Then you shall die.
King Arthur: I command you, as King of the Britons, to stand aside!
Black Knight: I move for no man.
King Arthur: So be it!
[They fight until Arthur cuts off Black Knight's left arm]
King Arthur: Now, stand aside, worthy adversary!
Black Knight: 'Tis but a scratch!
King Arthur: A scratch? Your arm's off!
Black Knight: No, it isn't!
King Arthur: Well, what's that then?
King Arthur: I've had worse.
King Arthur: You liar!
Black Knight: Come on, you pansy!
[They fight again. Arthur cuts off the Knight's right arm]
King Arthur: Victory is mine!
[Kneels to pray]
King Arthur: We thank thee, Lord, that in thy mercy -
[Cut off by the Knight kicking him]
Black Knight: Come on, then.
King Arthur: What?
Black Knight: Have at you!
King Arthur: You are indeed brave, Sir Knight, but the fight is mine!
Black Knight: Oh, had enough, eh?
King Arthur: Look, you stupid bastard. You've got no arms left!

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Maybe Clinton plans to take her quest for the Vice-Precidency to the floor of the convention.

My hatt off to you Dick Morris.....you called this outcome months ago. I can't wait to see you appear on some of these talks shows and watch these pundts eat crow. Hillary played all of her political cards; the race card; the electability card; the religious card, etc...Now she is going to use the "popular vote" card to position herself and bring pressure to bear on Obama for her now "entitled position" as the running mate for Obama......and I'm sure that Harold Icke and Lanny Davis and other major financial supporters will be filing petitions with the DNC to support that issue.

Hillary had the opportunity to add validity and sincereity to her agenda for party unification last night in her speech in New York. Instead, she extended the wound on Obama by refusing to concede...less than a lady, more of a politican...and the less of a lady is in question. You were so right in a previous article.......it is all about winning and all about the Clintons. Dynastities don't last forever, and "time" has a way changing the face of the world and politics without even trying.

You were brillant in your analysis and predictions......and this should add to your already established credibility and market value. Now that you made the right call.....I would assume that you will be into the strategy business......I'm sure that you phone is already ringing. I look forward to the days ahead to read and watch you on all issues and of course the general election. You are looking great......and who know......it might be Morris and O'Reily. Love how you get you shots in (Hannity and Colmes) and credit for doing so. You are a "giant" among me Dick......continued success.

Major Michael Coogen

bolafson: The only quest that Hillary will take to the floor.....is her mop...

Obama faces a tough road ahead, even tougher than the one he traveled with Hillary. I agree, he is going to have to have a plan not only for the war, but for all concerns that are troubling America and Americans. We can't stay in Iraq forever and not much longer. This war is draining the economy, but some corporations are making big dollars while it continues. The leaders of this nation, misjudged the US involvement and assumed that this would be over in a few weeks, just like Kuwait...different war, differnt culture.

The world let Saddem, regardless of what agreements were signed, have a run of the mill and did nothing. And I think that 9/11 was an opportunity for the US to take action against this arrogant and supressive regime. The US stepped into a Hornet's nest......just like Vietnam...and what did we do with Vietnam....we left....and they survived. A little different in the middle east.....but diplomacy will not resolve the war in Iraq, especially for a country who has the US doing their dirty work. Plan to withdraw and execute......and let the cards fall.......call the bluff...Obama has a tough road.....served in Vietnam......glad I don't have to serve in another......

Unfortunately, Senator McCain makes President Bush sound like Robepierre in regard to his ability to inspire would-be followers.

In this age of verbal communication, one can only hope that John McCain will get the help he desparetly needs to improve his speaking skills.

His speech last night was dreadful. Especially when compared to the Clinton and Obama offerings.

Amazing that this is the best Republicans can offer.

Good Grief!

[...] Obama’s Iraq problem [...]

OK This is embarassing..... IF I was a Hillary supporter I think I would be saying to myself "now you are crossing the line"! Dick, can you explain to me just WHAT she is up to now? How can a fighter be KO and still lay on the floor 24 hours later? Guess I am missing something.

sarasota2001. It is interesting observation. I'm just speculating here and not be [anti] anything, but I believe that McCain is having lapses of memory.....Somehwat sad......but we all will at some point and time experience "senior moments"......it is just some of us will have more than others.....and another when McCain is the youngest person at his town hall meetings........it is a message...

I enjoy reading your articles and listening to you on radio spots and the O'Reilly Factor. This piece about Eric Holder is great insight. I will add this to my reference book to keep pace with my wife, friends, and colleagues at work during this election year. Barry Obama has captured the imagination of many people but he must be seen for what he is--a staunch left-wing radical.

This is the wrong time for a liberal like Obama to be President regardless of the historic precedent. He must be defined as the radical person he is.

Keep it coming Dick and I hope to see you more on O'Reilly.

John McCain can't do anything about his age so he will have stay on message and speak however effectively from his soul. This is not the time for an expedition by the liberal left while we are engaged with an enemy in a religious war. My wife and I are both veterans who wondered about an actor named Reagan whose age made us pause. We voted for him knowing that Mondale was a loser and what a wonderful supporter of the military he turned out to be.

Obama can only lose more ground with me and McCain can only gain.

As far as Hillary goes I believe like others have said. HRC wants 3 things: (1) to be asked to be VP so she can decline, (2) to have her Mark Antony moment in Denver in front of the world (I come not to praise Obama but to endorse him for President), and (3) to get Obama to pay her campaign debts. Her focus is on 2012 if Barry Obama loses which she will try to assist as she mimics Willy Boy's lackluster support of John Kerry in '04.

Very interesting article. I hope somebody in the Obama's inner circle advises him well.....if I were Obama, I would seriously considering retaining one "Dick Morris" to be on my team. Sometimes I wonder if Ted Kennedy's endorsement didn't come with possible strings attached (Caroline Kennedy). From what I have seen and read, the "image makers" are molding a JFK model to sell to the American public....will be interesting if they can sell it.

Saw you on O'Reilly last night......the Monica Lewinsky study? O'Reilly didn't pick up on that.....or if he did......he should have gave you credit. He is so taken with you and your analysis that he is lost for words. I noticed that you are rarely a "target" for you comments and analysis......of course there is nothing wrong with that....I surely would like to know the "skinny" you really have on the Clintons....let's do lunch?

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Is there anyone involved in politics on either side that does not have a closet full of skeletons?

boalfson: Politics ia a business where one cannot help to accumulate skeletons.....if they don't have them when they enter the political arena......they will surely have them before they depart....but don't fret....we all have skeletons, you, myself, and even Dick. The secret is to keep the lock on the closet.

Despite a series of situations which would normally doom a candidate particularily relating to who they hang around, Obama's teflon image continues. With the majority of the press in a lovefest willing to overlook a weak resume, a questionable inner circle, be part of history making and allowing themselves to be caught up with intoxicating speech performances, the GOP needs a person to bring the same kind of excitement to McCain. Like it or not, the contrast between McCain and Obama in engaging the electorate is light years.

Dick, please encourage the selection of the person who accomplished so much with so little and was the most talked about candidate in the Republican debates Mike Huckabee as McCains VP. Last evening I almost feel out of my chair when I heard Laura Ingram sharing with Greta how she feels Huckabee can bring the same kind of energy to McCain. We don't have time to choose someone the majority of the country doesn't know and wonder if they can get people fired up. Huckabee can rally the electorate and Ed Rollins has stated he is one of the greatest orators he has ever seen on the stump including Reagan! When Ronald Reagan first came upon the scene, he also was not initially embraced by beltway conservatives and talking heads. What a difference today > If there was sainthood proclaimed by these same people it would bestowed upon Reagan.

As you are fully aware, if Fred Thompson had dropped out prior to the SC primary Huckabee would have clearly won big there. He then would have won Florida and most likely been the nominee today. Like Obama,
Huckabee has a strong allegiance of supporters and is a master at speaking plainly as well as igniting a crowd. McCain knows he can trust him and he would be instrumental at assisting other Republicans win and maintain their seats in the House & Senate.

You know him personally. Please give him the Morris thumbs up!

Randy Whitman
Toledo, Ohio

[...] course, you should remember Mr. Holder from the Clinton Administration: On his first day as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama has made his [...]

[...] From Dick Morris [...]

[...] From Dick Morris: [...]

[...] Dick Morris: [...]

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Dick: Hillary waits like a "chicken hawk" on the fence.....but I think she has a very long wait. I think that all of us have underestimate Obama...he is a fox...and a go one at that. She did the right thing this morning in her speech, after self-flagglating, self-congratulation, her 18 million votes in her purse,and our little trip back into history...but in essence she was truly hemmorhaging inside...it hurt......and real bad. The best is yet to come.....she is still in the game.....remember, she said she only "suspended" her campaign......she didn't end it......there is never no end for the Clintons.

Dick, I'm a new subscriber. After watching you for months on The Factor, I took the leap & sent you my $25! You say exactly what I have said about the Clintons ever since the first campaign. While I gave Bill the benefit of some doubt (after all, he was the more charming of the two!), I never and will never trust Hillary. The woman is scary! I actually voted for Bill the first time, but since then I've voted Republican, even though many of my sentiments lean toward the Blue. Continue to keep me informed. While much of your insights are about the Clintons, I also enjoy and am informed by all your views. Kudos, Dick!

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Hillary is going to work the Obama's campaign from both ends....minmium efforts to support him.....and behind the scenes efforts for herslef just waiting for Obama to make a mistake. Hillary has her delegates, her 18 million votes in her purse and I believe is going to make a case at the convention. She doesn't want to be VP......that's second place and she know that Obama is not going to offer the VP slot...that comes with much dislcosure of her and Bill's financial dealings. Hillary will keep Obama in check, but I think in the end, Obama will emerge. You are right, three months is a long time in politics.....but even more so is 2012. Obama needs to keep his friends close, but his enemies closer. She will do the minimum.....nothing more, nothing less....but will do everything behind the scenes to promote herself. I truly believe, that she is going to drop a bomb shell in August.....that's her last chance....and I think she is going to take advantage of that opportunity. The DNC sees it coming......now let's see how they react.

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I agree........Hillary is still in the game. With her campaign debts to be paid, 18 million voters and her 1640 delegates in her purse, she is not close to concession. I think that Hillary is going to work the Obama campaign twofold; one for Obama's benefit and the public; the second for Hillary, keeping in what she alreadys has and trying to build more in reserve. I think that Hillary is going to "surprise" the convention with one all-out last attempt (delegate larceny). Her speech was what she was expected to say and do "publically"....but her true intentions remain hidden.....and she will until the last available moment..then she will strike....and with vengenance. The thing about a "threshold move" is that it is all or nothing....if you suceed, you are the winner; but if you mis-judge the target...you don't get another chance...and that will place the last nail in her political campaign, if not her politcal career....and it is the strongest nail.

What she should have done when she left Washington was to go back to her home state Illinois and campaign for junior senator. She probably would have won......taken Obama completely out of the picture before he could even get started. It is what it is and it will be interestig to see how long the chicken hawk can fly...their rate for capture are not very successful.....and ususally not on the first attempt....and this is even for a "young chicken hawk."

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Dick:

She is undermining his nomination and is doing it so well and tactful. Her 18 million voters, less 60%, is now less decisive, but still a major factor and the only card she has to play is the 1640 delegates, her true believers...her potential ace in the hole. Assuming that Obama's does not err, and I don't think that he will, they will leave her standing dry and alone. I think that Hillary is going to make a threshold attempt at the convention. It doesn't matter at this point, because what has she really got to loose. All she has to do, should Obama make a mistake, is to convince the delegates they were misguided and were mistaken in their pledge. It is a long shot, but if they give her a "Hillary Night" at the convention, and they probably will as a gesture of her hard fought campaign.....this is where she will strike. I'm not a savvoy politician like yourself, but one thing that I do know and I learned from Vietnam....strike when they least expect...that's the advantage. The Democratic party is now showing growing concern about the post mortem grumbling of the Hillary supporters......and that is just the popular vote....what about her true believer? She will get the last "lick" before all of this is over......and it is like you said.......it is never over for the Clintons.....even when it is obivious. Obama's nomination is eating at the core of Hillary like a cancer....and like cancer is uncurable......so what is there to loose when you know that you are in essence "politically dead." There is no 2012 for her.....it is now or never. She can never bury the garbage deep enough that she has accumulated throughout her political career....and she owes part of that to Bubba.

[...] If Obama’s wife or supporters don’t do him in, he’ll do himself in with his constant displays of complete inadequacy.  Take his tele-prompter away and he’s like an epileptic in a strobe light factory.  I wouldn’t let the guy run a Burger King drive-thru much less our beloved republic.  Dick Morris has convinced me that’s why Hillary didn’t really quit. [...]

Obama cut his teeth in Chicago politics. I am sure he and his friends can handle Clinton(s). It will be good practice for being President where there will be a lot of "Clintons" looking for a target on his back.

[...] will she? An article by the GREAT Dick Morris paints an interesting situation. Dick Morris. com - HILLARY CIRCLES SLOWLY OVERHEAD HILLARY CIRCLES SLOWLY OVERHEAD at DickMorris.com Excerpts from the article Hillary’s suspension [...]

[...] Dick Morris has it RIGHT. [...]

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My hatt off to you again Dick. Elequently written and spoken. I could agree more. The thing about Americans, is that we want change, but we also fail to act because we "fear change." Maybe that is why Hillary did so well in the primaries.....people tend to remember the dynastities of good times....but good time dynastities are sometimes manage by evil wizards. I think Obama will rise to the occassion and demonstrate "who he is" and put to rest the fear and mystery of his orgin. Sometimes good does come out of the evil that surrounds us......even Chicago. Obama has his work cut out for him.

PS That Colmes is such a dis-courteous putts..as least he could let you finish your answer..You are more of a gentleman that I'm.....I would have performed a rhinoplasty on the SOB. Don't take any gump from him..he is trying to pay you back for your shot that you got in in previous telecasts..Continue success.

Eloquent description of the candidate and his task! I believe that Obama will be able to accomplish it. When he uses the phrase "only in America" to refer to his own success, his sense of amazement and appreciation reminds me of my immigrant relatives' deep appreciation for the best of our country. His life story is so very American.

That title had us laughing all day! So creepily right. Meanwhile, it seems like the press is picking up on Bubba's latest antics with an enthusiasm we haven't seen since Britney and Anna Nicole were the focus of the day's news. Surely enough to remind folks of the Clinton era's tacky past.

One way to approach Bill Clinton's puzzling behavior is his history of heart disease and a coronary bypass. About half of bypass patients' families report changes in personality, and when studied with neuro-psychological testing as a group, those who were "on the pump" the longest can be distinguished from those requiring the shortest bypass times "on the pump."

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[...] this isn’t all together bad. In 1992, the Republic party attacked Hillary Clinton over and over again, all the while forgetting that she w.... That helped Bill Clinton win. I think that it is great that they are intent on not learning from [...]

Score another great article for yourself. Penn's strategy and advice turned out to be totally wrong. Sometimes things turn out in such a way that only a fool would predict. Which is why fools, too, have their place in in history.

Dear Dick & Eileen:

Just read your article "How Obama Can Win."

I'm an old (58), white, Catholic woman from Ohio
and I work hard (grin). I've supported and volunteered
for his campaign and am now trying to organize the
effort through the Ohio Democrats in Butler Co., OH.

It's surprising how the so called religious people in my
community are bring swayed by what their churches
are preaching: no abortions; we're fighting in Iraq to
save our Christian way of life.

Oddly enough, most are Catholic in this SW corner of
Ohio. Most have seen or heard of local priest hauled
off for sexual child abuse. But, they still buy into
the doctrine these men throw at them on Sunday.

They're against hurting the fetus, but find it to be a
good idea to invade a country under false pretenses,
and remain there while young men and women loose
their lives, limbs and other calamities. It seem those
lives don't seem to be that important - only the fetus
should be protected.

These same Christians love to point out the words
of Reverend Wright. Words. Reverend Wright is not
a felon. Many Priests are felons. Catholics remain
Catholics. Obama is expected to dump his church
for words.

If Obama is to win, we have to have smarter voters.
Smarter voters think straight and can't be brainwashed.

If Obama is to win, the smarter voters have to come
out of the closet. I have spoken to people in Butler
County, Ohio who are afraid to admit to voting as
a Democrat. They know they will loose their jobs -
and I don't mean elected jobs. They register as
Republicans or Independents, but vote Democrat.

It's OK - even the right thing to say, that John
McCain is too old. He is also getting senile. He
forgets what he said at one speaking engagement &
contradicts himself at the next one. Any man running
for president should never sing "Bomb, bomb, Iran."
He has to be losing it. We are looked at as blood
thirsty to other countries and this sort of public
foolishness confirms McCain's old man childishness
and his love of war. Who knows what a demented
old goat with a short fuse will do in the White House
with the "red button" at 3 AM. It's not playing dirty
to say this. It's true and it's responsible to point it
out.

Educate. We need smart voters.

Best Wishes,
Donna Mollaun
Fairfield, OH

I think the Obama campaign is stratgically working brilliantly. Havent seem the likes of this since Clinton and some guy named Morris 🙂 If McCain wants any chance to win, they have to start now. Gaffs on morning shows and sitting back with a few comments here and there wont cut it. I think Obamas campaign hasnt even gotten into overdrive yet.

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Won't argue with you on Obama's VP since it will have minimal significance unless he makes the mistake of choosing Hillary. However, you really have missed the mark on McCain's choice. Condi & Colin are superior people however both have expressed in the past they do not intend to run and McCain would be accused (unfairly) of pandering. The Democrats would paint them both as tokens, not black enough,... you know the game. They deserve more respect than that and I I don't see a WOW here. Leiberman is a great American and would be a coup of sorts going from Gore's VP to McCain, but he wouldn't add the WOW we're looking for. All three of your suggestions would be excellent cabinet considerations, but the real WOW would be Mike Huckabee. I can't believe you didn't even mention him!

He electrified those who watched the debates. He succeeded against unbelievable odds and a GOP coalition who for whatever reason didn't like him. It would provide a BIG WOW to the naysayers and show McCain is still a maverick and would choose a person who can help him in the South and evangelical community regardless of the beltway crowd and talking heads. McCain doesn't need to counter with picks based on race or gender, but with excitement > Mike Huckabee is the WOW who can help him win. Don't take my word for it > ask Elizabeth Dole and other candidates Mike Huckabee has assisted. They will tell you -"WOW!"

Randy Whitman
Toledo, Ohio

Rice, Powell and Lieberman would all be dramatic and impressive picks for McCain. But I believe he is committed to a pro-life VP, and I do not believe any of the three are pro-life.

[...] OBAMA’S VP SEARCH MISTAKE at DickMorris.com (tags: barack_obama dick_morris 2008 Eric_Holder) [...]

I agree, Obama needs a VP to add value to his candidacy where he is precevied to be weak. As reported, Hillary made the short list, but that is only courteous politics. He is caught in a tumble weed..he needs the Hillary's voters and their support and he needs a strong VP to counter his national security weakness. To consider Hillary as a running mate doesn't resolve his weakness, but only strengthens his campaign in a broader sense..the Hillary voters. Obama knows that he is probably only going to receive about 60% of the Hillary voters and delegates that Hillary is hoarding in her purse, and with that margin, he should fair well in the general election; although I think he could be elected without Hillary supporters. Hillary, although a short list potential running mate, should not even be considered in the final round. That would be Obama's worse mistake and would cost him the Presidency. Obama has a difficult choice to make.

McCain, well it doesn't appear that a "WOW" is in his future except a shot of Geritol. Ms. Rice, would be exactly what you said; a feminist who move up the ranks without a husband, but then again, if I can see through that smoke screen, so can the balance of the America voters. It would be precieve as a political move to get elected....and again...she is linked to the Bush administation tarnish....says a lot without much results. Collin Powell, well he got tarnished along with Ms. Rice and would be preceived as another Bush DNA...although he still has a lot of star sparkling, he has been wounded to many times to get back into the political war.

As far as Liberman, he is just a "displaced political remora", looking to attached to another candidate for his personal gains and advancement, a McCain's Hillary. Both candidates have some serious issues and as I look at it, I think that McCain is in worse shape than Obama. It is going to be interesting how each deals their political cards. Although the Presidency is the ultimate goal, I believe that the candidate's choice of VP will probably be more critical than the Presidency itself. You often hear, that the main focus is the presidental candidate, and that the VP is part of the package...but their selection of who is going to be their VP candidate will either add or detract away from the final prize. Political times have change and the candidate who can adjust to the changes will be the most successful......November will verify who made the best choice.

[...] post by Dick Morris on how the calculus of selecting a VP candidate changed starting with Clinton / ....  A running mate used to be selected to provide balance and deliver a region or state outside [...]

Mitt Romney...great money man...not speech challenged...easy on the eyes...somewhat conservative...Michigan.

Turn off the lights...


jb

Rice, Powell and Lieberman would all be dramatic selections for McCain. However, I believe that Senator McCain has said he will only pick a pro-life VP. To my knowledge, all 3 are pro-choice. So he may have to go with a more boring selection.

He needs to pick a person who would help him in the area he knows the least about. And that is the encomony. He also needs to pick a guy that would not only appeal to conseravtives, but also to "Reagan Democrats". In my opinion only one Man foots that bill and it's Mitt Romney! The Republicans absolutely need to take a couple of "Blue States". I think Romney could definately put Michigan in play. He could also help McCain win Ohio much easier than Bush did in 2004. To me, its a no brainer that McCain MUST pick Romney or there's no way he'll win the election. Picking Huckabee as the V.P. will not help McCain win any blue states. If he picks Huckabee, Obama will win the election and it won't even be close!

If McCain doesn't pick Mitt Romney as his V.P., then he will definately lose. He needs to pick a person who can deliver a blue state or two. Romney can do that. If he picks a far right conservative, (like Huckabee) than there is no way Reagan Democrats will vote for that ticket. Also Romney will make up for McCain's admitted lack of knowledge about the economy. McCain/Romney will win the election easily!

Oil and Gas is an industry I understand very well. This is one of the most accuate, well documented and well presented articles I have read to date on this subject.

I find it interesting that Bush and McCain announced their solution is to open up offshore drilling. While offshore supplies will be needed their production is years away, possible a decade or more. This speculation could be stopped within weeks if congress would take the time to understand the problem and address the speculation problem and it alone.

I completely agree with you on the nonsensical notion of a windfall profit tax. This is not the time to curtail profits needed for exploration for oil and gas as well as for research into alternative energy. Also, where does it stop. Shall we have a windfall profit tax for any company over some congressional threshold. Lets tax Google, Yahoo, gold distributors, Micrsoft and on and on,

I really enjoy your commentary. You are truly a savant. However, I want you to sound as smart about my business as you do about yours. The London exchange you're referring to is the InterContinental Exchange, the successor to the International Petroleum Exchange. Margins are now in the 9% range, but, in my opinion, still far too low to faze a hedge or sovereign wealth fund. And please, educate your public by drawing the distinction between speculators, usually constructive participants in the markets who provide necessary liquidity, and excessive and, more to the point, under-regulated speculation. Finally, please split the hair and talk about index speculators who always come to the market from the same direction, long the front months and short the back months (which is why their net positions are so under the radar), simply to park cash, and are, unlike every rational commodity market participant, price insensitive. Any way to use this issue to segue back to Hil's stellar futures trading career?

A great analysis on the oil crisis....the questions is that if you see it as describe in your article, then why doesn't the politicians in power not grasp the problem. Everyone one them has a "so called solution", but nobody does anything to resolve the problem. I think that there is no crisis in the "supply" but rather a hold back threshold on production and refinning.....and I don't when the US invested in new refineries lately. I don't know how this is going to resolve, but I do know that Congress is in denial and any effort to begin a resolution with new prospects of removing the ban on drilling......well I will be under the ground long before I can reap the benefits of lower gas prices. Everyone is circling the wagon just for the sake of "circling".....and in the meantime, the only thing that shows an effect is that the ground on which they are circling, and it is wearing out.....along with the patience of Americans

He will surely be missed......I'm sure he is a peace knowing that you, now, have become the teacher.

Excellent analysis. High fuel prices, lost jobs and improving the environment all yield to the same solution: aggressive pursuit of all the available energy options.

Dick I can not agree with you more. I wrote the belowe to my family and friends a few weeks ago. I have been in Iraq for the last 5 years and I am still here now.

I set here in this oil reach area of the world and have seen for myself the oil seeping out of the ground in the Northern Oil Fields of Iraq called the NOC. Just recently additional oil was discovered out in Al-Ambar Province that could make Iraq the top oil reserves in the Middle East. I watch as China, India, Vietnam, Russia coming into Iraq and bid and win all of the new oil contracts as U.S. Companies sit by and not bid on these projects or contracts because our government will not allow them to because we the United States does not want to be seen as an invading power set on oil domination. “Oil is not the reason we went to war in Iraq.” I here this time and time again and I hear the fear from Dept of State Officials as they try so hard to assure the world we are not after oil and to prove it we are going to discourage U.S. Companies from bidding on new oil reserve contracts in Iraq.



Well what the hell for? Is my Answer! Be genuine and come out and say “yes Oil is and was a big reason why we came into Iraq” Yes there were other humanitarian and National Security Reasons why we did come after Saddam and all are justified in my view. But be honest OIL also is a big reason and when my country men are dying and being wounded to help stabilize this most of |unstable areas” of the world Oil is the one thing that can have a positive impact on our efforts.



The high cost of oil is a windfall for a country like Iraq who needs the money to rebuild on its own and now after 5 years of conflict are doing just that. U.S. companies should compete for this oil. What other country in this world has earned the right to bid on and use it. We are the ones, along with Britain and other, who have build roads, Bridges, Power Plants, Water Treatment Plants, Sewer Plants, Schools by the hundreds, Hospitals and Clinics and so much more. To hell with conventual wisdom of the left and liberal utopian myths. We sit by and let other countries take advantage of our hard fought work because we want to hold ourselves out to be LIKED by the world. Well China, Vietnam, India and Russia love us for sitting on the side lines. COMPETE U.S. COMPETE! Being loved by these countries does not get you one mile more per gallon or $2.50 gas. It only ensures that we and our nation’s economy will be holding to these countries and OPEC.



I did some research today and look what I find in our nations news papers and main stream media. But it not front page news and whey not I ask!!! Policy is shaped by public outcry I assure you. Read below what I have found and you will realize we can pull ourselves away from OPEC and then our only national interest in the Middle East will be humanitarian and our commitment to Israel. Let the European Union deal with oil from the Middle East. Wake up America! The Middle East will no longer help us with oil prices because they know what is not being portrayed in our nation’s media. We have more oil then they do and when we in the West finally wake up and realize it and understand what is under our feet and off our shores and in our hemisphere we leave them “OPEC” behind. Why in the world do you think OPEC is expanding its membership to include Central, South American Nations?

Americans had the warning sign in the seventies......and what did we learn? We waited for history to repeat itself. It is not that there is a shortage of oil....its there and Dubai is the end results of how much.
The "greed of gain" has no time or limit to its capaciousness. Its one objective is to produce and consume. It has pity neither for nature nor for human beings. It is ruthlessly ready and waiting and without a moment's hesitation to crush. Americans are stripped bare by the curse of plenty....and we all "want", but are unwilling to change. However, I believe you are right on one instance...because the Saudis allowed the oil prices to get out of control (greed of gain theory), I feel that they will be exchanging their palaces and mercedes benz for tents and camels......but that is a long time in coming....Drilling for oil, alternate sources of energy, fuel efficient cars.......too late...too soon....just another band-aid on a hemmorrhage.

Dick: I don't blame McCain for changing his mind or altering what he thinks a this date. My gosh, how on earth does any politician think the general public is going to afford $6.00 a gallon gas, which is what they are prepping us for now???? Its crazy! Stop the speculators from raising the price by being able to buy their 'paper shares' on margin for only 5% down - of course they have to deal in 100 barrel lots, so that cuts out the little average guy too.

I've heard that the militant radicals have said that they are going to break the US economy -- well guess what, they are well on the way when you look at these gas prices and the prices of food. It won't take too much to push us over the edge. All of those so-called representatives in Washington that "care so much" for their constitutents back home better get on the stick or they are going to find themselves answering to someone who is a lot more unpleasant to deal with that Messrs. Bush and Cheney.

Thanks for your colums.

RClay36 on June 19, 2008 8:08 am

RClay36: I am outraged by what you have provided in this note you wrote. I have passed on your whole letter to a cousin of mine who is close to those in the administration. I trust that if this is accurate, what you wrote, that someone is going to take note of it and start speaking out -- this is political correctness to an insane degree.

Dick, I've never been able to accept our elected officials being so petty and partison. If a Republican and a Democrat go into a coffee shop and the Republican orders apple pie, the Democrat will insist on cherry. So it is with an energy policy. Both parties should strongly support expanded oil exploration and alternative energy sources. It's clear that we must do both and right now! Otherwise, we will stand around wringing our hands and wondering what happened. Obama and his backers have it wrong again. This issue is so important that I suspect (hope) it will cost the Democrats the election. Otherwise, we will continue our decent into the dark ages.

RClay36:

Welcome to the political arena of 2008. Hope your cousin has more success.

To RClay36... Don't despair about the entry of the Chinese, Vietnamese, Russians, and others into the Iraqi oil fields. Their attachment to the Iraqi oil teat will be a stabilizing influence in an area where we want stability, but not necessarily the job of maintaining the stability. Oil is a fungible commodity. If foreign companies develop the oil in Iraq, their demand footprint on the world markets decrease on a barrel for barrel basis for every barrel they pump.

You guys performed a valuable service to the world community. In 2002, the game in Iraq involved Saddam channeling his oil revenues into military assets intent on regional domination. With time, he would have become more and more dangerous. Iraq now, thanks to your efforts, is no longer striving for regional domination. They want to establish a basic level of security, rebuild, and ask the foreign troops to go home. It will be a long process.

Mr. Morris is right as to what we need to do. We need to develop sufficient oil production to meet our needs while we develop alternatives. But we need to do this outside of the Middle East.

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Just a test to see if I can log a comment.

Dick, I enjoy reading your views. Thanks for staying in the game and providing a level-headed perspective.

Dick, our Republican Governor, Sarah Palin, has revisited her conservative roots which she seemingly abandoned when she spearheaded passage of the Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), aka the 2007 Alaska Windfall Profits Tax. The state government never envisioned oil going ridiculously higher than $90/barrel and are now inundated in millions of dollars per day in unexpected income.

After a period of liberal insanity, Sarah is now giving each Alaskan resident a check for $1200 to help us with our expenses (hopefully energy-related) but in true non-liberal fashion, leaving the decision up to us.

I work for Alaska Big Oil and although I feel the Alaska PPT should be modified if not repealed, at least give the money to the people or add to the existing Alaska Permanent Fund.

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[...] This entire site Copyright 1997-2008 Don C. Warrington. All rights reserved. Appearances of certain advertisements on this site do not constitute an endorsement. Maybe Obama Has Another Crackdown in Mind24 June 2008, me @ 00:00Dick Morris is doubtless correct on Obama’s position to revert to treating terrorism as a law ...: [...]

[...] those who …BLOGS FOR JOHN McCAIN - The Future White… - https://www.blogsforjohnmccain.comNO VEEP SLOT FOR HILLARYPublished on TheHill.com on May 13, 2008. It would be an act of terminal insanity for Barack Obama [...]

I remember almost 39 years in Vietnam that justice was executed by the sight and cross-hair of the "tool of deliverence" once it was identified. Barbaric as it may sound......it was effective. But then you see, and no personal insult intended, we didn't have, if any, lawyers looking through the scope. We are all concerned about our "rights".......what we should be concern with is our good common sense and the ability to determine "right from wrong."

PS..Viewed you on Hannity and Colmes last night. You always seem to baffle and amaze those two pundits.....I waiting for your book to arrive...I can't wait......I told me wife who was sitting next to me last night......Dick Morris......outstanding author.......but even more Presidental qualities...you would make one hell of a President. Success with your new release.

Dick: The liberal, as you so describe Obama, holds that he is true to America when he is true to himself. (It may not be as cozy an attitude as it sounds.) Obama greets with enthusiasm the fact of the journey, as a dog greets a man's invitation to take a walk. And Obama acts in the dog's way too, swinging wide, racing ahead, doubling back, covering many miles of territory that no one has ever traverse, all in the spirit of inquiry and the zest for truth. Obama will leave a crazy trail behind him, but he ranges far beyond the genteel old party line he walks with and he is usually in a better position to discover te "skunks." And the thing about the liberal Obama, well it is sort of a kind of natural aristocracy, and the wonderful thing about this aristocracy is that you don't have to be brave, smart, strong or even lucky to join it, you just have to be "liberal."Good or bad, I believe he will be elected President.......and the proof will be in the pudding.

With so much insight and knowledge that you have, I don't understand why you would not consider running for office....I think you are missing your "calling."

Dear Mr. Morris,

I believe this is a year where the political party (between the key two) matters to a point analysis, such as yours, may be prone to underestimate their importance.

In the past (roughly 75 years), each time this country went into an election year faced with an unpopular war and/or depressed economy, the incumbent political party did not win the White House.

In 1932, the issues included the Great Depression and Prohibition. Incumbent was Republican Herbert Hoover, who faced Democratic challenger Franklin D. Roosevelt—and lost the election (472-59).

In 1952, Korean War was the top issue and incumbent was Democratic Harry Truman. So unpopular, Truman chose not to run for re-election. Adlai Stevenson was the party's nomination—and when Election Day came, Stevenson not only lost (442-89) to Republican challenger Dwight Eisenhower, he failed to carry his home state of Illinois.

In 1968, Vietnam War was the top issue. Democratic president Lyndon Johnson announced in March he would not seek nor accept his party's nomination. His vice president, Hubert Humphrey, won the embattled nomination (over a June-assassinated Robert Kennedy and Senator Eugene McCarthy)—and he faced Eisenhower's No. 2, Richard Nixon. Third party candidate George Wallace made matters complicated and ultimately won five states—including his own, Alabama. But it was Nixon and the GOP who prevailed (Nixon: 301; Humphrey: 191; Wallace: 46).

In 1980, Democratic president Jimmy Carter had inflation crippling his chances of re-election—and once former actor and California governor Ronald Reagan burst on the scene, won the GOP's nomination, it was obvious. Result: Reagan, 489; Carter: 49.

In 1992, Republican Commander in Chief George Bush became the first incumbent of his party defeated on Election Day since 1932 Herbert Hoover, as he faced not one but two opponents: Democratic challenger and Arkansas governor Bill Clinton, and independent business tycoon H. Ross Perot. Bush was trying to overcome a ression and, while Perot won nearly 20 percent of the popular vote (and no electoral votes), it was Clinton who kicked butt, with 370 electoral votes to Bush's 168.

I believe this historical pattern will continue in 2008, where he have a crackling combination of a disastrous economy and the Iraq War. And I believe people are angry with the Republican Party that it will be too overwhelming for U.S. Senator John McCain to overcome — and that the next, 44th president of the United States will be Senator Barack Obama.

—DS0816

thank you for helping get past 'hope' and 'change' to substance.
Hugo Chavez and Obama both ground their political philosophy in so called liberation theology. Hugo's policies have throttled the economy in Venezuela. Will Obamo do the same?

You are not protraying a favorable image of Obama......and I thought you were "rough" on the Clintons. Got to admit, it is excellent strategy to accept the negatives being said about Obama and to ask for more because the reality bridges between those negatives are too distant to connect. He using the GOP adversities against them...and like you stated....it working...and as far as McCain, he is going to provide more negative fuel to Obama's campaign, making it even more of a success. McCain sees the light at the end of the tunnel, but keeps extending the tunnel.

Most Americans, including myself, don't see the details in the "We Can Change Plan." We get bit and pieces from the candidates and much "media woof" playing one candidate off the other. You are one of the most candid contributors to what is happening in this campaign, and the most accurate. For all of the 99 times that you have been right, this is one time I pray you are not...nothing personal. Americans are wanting changes and Obama claims we can change, and if what you have describe comes to past....Americans will not be making "wishes for change" for a long, long time. Change is one thing......extreme makeover...is another.

I've been a republican all of 42 voting years. For the life of me, I don't understand the reluctance to force some of these issues on Obama. Put in with the backdrop of high energy prices and a weak economy, the differences between McCain and Obama are like night and day. I pray to God that our party comes out of their hibernation before too long, or we will certainly experience an "Obamination" come November.

[...] Morris mentions in an article yesterday how Obama has changed his strategy to one that would like to keep the dullards [...]

[...] Morris: “In effect, [Sen. Obama proposes to] legislate a 60 percent tax bracket for upper-income Americans, killing all initiative and innovation—He’d raise the top bracket to 40 percent—He’d apply FICA taxes to all income, not just that under $100,000 as at present—So add 40 percent plus FICA’s 12.5 percent plus Medicare’s 2 percent plus state and local taxes averaging, after deduction, at 5-6 percent, and you have a 60 percent bracket” [...] “Have you noticed a change in Barack Obama’s campaign?”—asks Dick Morris in a DickMorris.com release titled Obama’s New Strategy [...]

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] By Dick Morris, TheHill.com on June 24, 2008. [...]

Sorry Dick but you sound like Chicken Little: "The sky is falling". Be careful. You have not yet dropped quite to the level of a Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh but it a slippery slope when you confuse fact and opinion. What you put forward are interesting opinions to add to the mix but little in the way of real facts or analysis. One thing that tweaked my sensibility was your shot at the UK and Canadian health systems. While I know nothing about the UK system I lived in Canada for a while and understand theirs. Apparently you do not. Their system is certainly not perfect but on balance is just as good as the US system. Better in some ways: better outcomes on certain measures (death at birth, longevity), lower per capita cost, much lower administrative costs and not so good in others: longer wait lists for SOME procedures.Contrary to popular US belief it is not a singularly public system. It is not even a single payer system. For services not covered under the plan people have the option of buying private insurance, for many services if they dont want to wait for some services they can go to private clinics and pay directly. Many of the services available are provided through private enterprise such as corrective eye surgery, most imaging services and virtually all personal doctors run as private businesses wth a single payer. As far as "rationing" of services this takes place in both the US and Canadian systems. In Canada some services are not covered: for example cosmetic surgery. In the US services are not covered depending on the insurance policy and on decisions made by corporate bureaucrats who decide on the validity of claims. In the Canadian system there are not the equivalent of 40 plus million people with no insurance and the resulting lack of care. The truth is both systems need work. Canada needs to find ways to capture the creativity and innovation of the private sector and the US needs to get everyone covered. Fortunately both candidates recognize the importance of the latter. Using a false spectre of an inadequate Canadian system to strike fear in our hearts over a universal system is irresponsible.

As far as raising taxes we must face up to our near $10 trillion debt and year after year of deficit budgets. This is crippling our economy more than any other single issue, albeit not far ahead of our reliance on insecure supplies of fossil fuels. I for one just don't see how we get back on an appropriate budget track by cutting expenses. The time has come and we will all have to pay up. In concept the idea of hitting higher income people (me) harder may resonate better with potential dem voters I would need to see the end product numbers. Higher taxes on a small number of people will not likely get the job done.

My gut churns a bit at the thought of the Patriot Act but I think it is more to do with the overzealous application of the act by the current neo-cons in the administration than the act itself. Protecting our rights and freedoms includes protecting them from people who will use violence to take them away. Like it or not terrorism is alive and well and we need to have policies and laws that take this into account. On the flip side locking people up for years without any due process (Guantanamo) is a travesty. It steps all over our fundamental belief in human dignity, rule of law and erodes our needed credibility internationally.

Right now for me a big concern is whether we will be better served by Dems running the oval office and congress, the latter being pretty much certain or by maintaining a degree of useful friction by having McCain as President. Once in office either McCain or Obama will face the same harsh realities and I doubt either will be as ignorant, dogmatic and incompetent as the current leadership.

Dick –

On June 24, you wrote:

“Obama and the conservative right are mutually trying to keep the debate about his candidacy on the existential level — is he the hope for America’s future or a Manchurian Candidate, a kind of sleeper agent sent to destroy our democracy?”

Shifting from the fictional to actual history, the Fidel Castro example may be more apt than the movie.

In 1960-61, Castro was promising a Cuban democracy with protections for private property, press freedom, and friendly relations with the United States. Castro had so hoodwinked leading Americans in government and show business that he headlined national TV shows and was lauded by former President Harry Truman.

Castro's revolutionary regime was recognized by Washington faster than it had any other Latin American government. Less than a year following the hasty recognition, Castro was denouncing the U.S. in vitriolic terms and confiscated all U.S. property in Cuba and seized all Cuban businesses.

Firing squads killed an estimated 1100 man and boys and Castro jailed ten times the number of political prisoners there were under Batista.

On December 2, 1961, Castro stunned the Kennedy Administration by declaring himself a Marxist, who would impose Communism in Cuba.

Obama shows tell-tale glimpses of his true character and ideals by his long-term associations, his political positions and statements from the Illinois legislature and U.S. Senate, statements he thought were made in private, and support of his wife’s candid anti-American rhetoric.

Is Obama a new Castro with big surprises for Americans on Inauguration Day?

Bill Grayson

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] six months. One thing that is likely missing from the agenda is a discussion of human rights. The Source __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How May I Help You? PM me through this link if clicking [...]

Raising taxes WILL NOT help the economy. It NEVER has throughout human history. It has been proven that taxes in the US economy in effect hover around 19% of GNP. Therefore the way to prosperity is improved by lowering taxes.

Obama will up taxes significantly, therefore the chances of a decrease in the rate of GNP/GDP growth or an outright recession will go up significantly. And, this is not counting the effects of his and Congress centralizing health care and extending free health benefits to illegal immigrants which would be for an additional 12+ million.

The economy will do worse with Obama as President in combination with a Democratic congress as opposed to a McCain Presidency with a Democratic congress due to the Dems having to need more votes to override McCain's veto of extreme legislation: Fairness Doctrine, Free Choice (abortion) Amendment, increase in capital gains tax rates and other tax rates, lack of attacking the energy issue from all angles including both supply and demand (Obama is on record as liking high gas prices which are hammering the poor right now - and don't tell me they are not since I do St. Vincent de Paul work and it IS hammering them. He lacks true compassion.)

There is truth and widsom in your article, but you know Dick. better than any American, that when "money speaks," the truth remains silent.

Great article. Hillary lost because of not of what she was, but rather who she was, and to be honest with all the aclades you mentioned for a female candidate......she would have lost anyway. Their will be a female president one day........it is just not going to be Hillary Clinton.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] IS OBAMA TEFLON?Is he a Teflon candidate? Consider what’s happened since he clinched the Democratic nomination and Hillary “suspended” her campaign:. • Obama flip flopped on his pledge to spurn private contributions and finance his campaign publicly … [...]

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[...] ByDick Morris [...]

When it comes to Bill and Hillary Clinton, well let's say that they are displaying hypocritical humility. Deceive Obama, but don't insult him. Hillary forfeited the confidence of the American voters, and although she may believe that she is repairing her Democratic base, Hillary and Bill will never regain the voter's respect and esteem and they continue to grow "small" trying to be great. Their ambition is pitiless and any merit that they cannot use they find despicable. Obama needs to keep his friend close, and his enemies "closer."

[...] not launch any sort of big campaign against speculators beyong the rhetorical.  Why?  Because Dick Morris may not know jack about economics, but knows who the speculators are: The new players were [...]

I think that Bill and Hillary have a reversal of philosophy...it would appear that it is not Obama who has to do the ass-kissing......it is the Clintons who have to pucker-up if Hillary's is going to get her campaign debt paid.....and as far as Hillary for VPee is concerned.....ass kissing has it limitations and a more concerted "effort" might be required.....figuratively speaking.

Virginia - Leaning McCain?

So says Dick Morris. But McCain has an uphill battle - to say the least....

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] that a dick morris prediction is a good [...]

Dick Morris enlightened me last night on Bill Clinton's involvement with the Emir. Now President Bush. I was sick to my stomach thinking that Clinton (and now Bush!) is courting this country whose figureheads are behind the abduction of approximately 30,000 Christian boys from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The story of a missionary trying to buy them back broke my heart on www.newrepublic.com.

I had lunch today with Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R) Michigan who spoke to our Rotary Club, and relayed the Clinton duplicity to him. Sadly, he wasn't shocked. He was very concerned about the fate of these children.

When will this country elect a President who cares, or cries at night,
like I did last night after Dick Morris informed me of these innocent abducted children?

Keep up the good work Mr. Morris. Keep blowing your horn until all Americans ears are unblocked. This outrageous philandering of our leaders with the money beasts of Dubai must stop. And our Presidents must have the moral fortitude to stop courting them!

[...] Dickmorris.com [...]

My prediction is that I agree with most of what Mr. Morris has written. I bear in mind that Missouri (11), Nevada (5), and Ohio (20) are the three leading bellwethers—and they have each vote for the winner 20 of the past 25 elections (1908-2004). Of the five times they disagreed on the winner (Nevada in 1908 and 1976; Ohio in 1944 and 1960; Missouri in 1956), the two others agreed—and they picked the winner. I predict all three will agree—and vote for Obama, who win the election with an estimated range between 326-350 electoral votes.

They all like us Dick, until they get elected.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

No one has ever accused Obama of not being able to give an eloquent speech and mesmerizing his listeners, but hopefully the American people will be able to see beyond this charade. You are who you hang around or as the adage goes: "birds of a feather flock together". Some may want to discount the impact of Rev. Wright and his being embraced by Obama as a surrogate father, mentor as well as pastor until the pressure politically became so strong it forced his hand to resign from his Church and distance himself from Rev. Wright at least for the time being. His initial reluctance and even putting his own grandmother in an unfavorable light to maintain his relationship with Rev. Wright should be very telling to anyone paying attention.

This is so much more than issues; so much more than Republican or Democrat; so much more than liberal or conservative; so much more than black or white. If we as a country strive to remind ourselves of the immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King when he said, "Do not judge a person by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character."
If Obama was not a person of color and these identical situations occured regarding his associations, his candidacy would have been over long ago. There is no way it would have been tolerated or should have been tolerated. Apparently the standards are different in this election and passes are continually given to a "teflon" candidate.

So Obama can talk the talk, but can he walk the talk? His past seems to contradict what his advisors are feeding him to say to win the confidence of the American electorate. Hopefully enough voters will see beyond the veil of deception.

Dick: We have constitutional rights, civil rights, right to life; right to this; right to that; all twisted by jurisprudence...which in my opinion cannot delineate "right from wrong."Example, a person murders someone and of course he is entitled to his "rights." And he is, he has the right to die......simple, effective and to the point.

Obama is a Wolf in Sheep’s clothing. There is nothing, in my opinion, unique in anything this man says. He is a Socialist. Perhaps even a hardcore Communist. If this man becomes president he will fill our government agencies, including the Military, with people whose philosophical reasoning’s are based on those that conform to the Port Huron Statement. Obama’s election will set the stage for America’s downfall as a Democratic Republic, and usher in the era of Totalitarianism in America. The people in our nation have been captivated by a Liar. Because America has toyed with Abortion, Euthanasia, same sex attraction, Embryonic Stem Cell research, and the destruction of the Family, it will reap the harvest of the self-serving demigod, Barack Hussein Obama.

A test again to see if my comment is received.

The real question in this pivotal Presidential election year--which Party can win the Centrists--will become moot if Israel attacks Iran. The recent saber-rattling, Pentagon leaks, and non-supportive statement of military action against Iran by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs are likely designed to test public opinion, to probe the enemy's reaction, and to gain important surveillance intelligence. As the Chairman rightly points out, the U.S. can't afford to take pre-emptive military action against Iran. Almost as certain is the fact that Israel will not allow such an obvious threat to go unchallenged.

As compared to past situations, the U.S. has an advantage over Russia and especially oil-thirsty China with 15+ division strength on the ground in the theater along with all the assorted naval and air force elements. We can assure Israel of a safe Iraqi air and ground corridor and U.S. support for Israel is guaranteed by treaty should Iran counterattack with high-explosive missiles.

Look at where Iran sits...between Afghanistan/Pakistan to the east, Iraq to the west, and the Persian Gulf to the south. Iran is not only part of "The Prize" in the sense of proven and unproven oil reserves...the country is an obvious strategic asset in the Islamic Jihad. Iraq and Afghanistan would be critical staging areas in an eventual pincher movement.

Once Israel pulls the trigger, Barry Obama is a historical footnote.

The sheer volume of Senator Obama's flip-flops in recent days leaves me very skeptical about his patriotic speeches. I suspect that, in reality, he shares most all of the anti-American values of the radical left.

I doubt that many voters will have made the subtle connection between Roe v. Wade and the 2nd amendment case. If Senator Obama had made that argument, it might have resonaed with some. But he essentially came out in support of the rationale of the opinion -- straddling the issue by saying he supported the individual right to bear arms.

In my view, the more likely outcome of the recent Supreme Court decisions is a re-invigorated conservative base. In particular, the Supreme Court's granting of constitutional rights to non-citizen terrorists, by a 5-4 vote, demonstrates that the Court is still capable of endangering the country by creating new "rights" found nowhere in the text of the Constitution.

Senator Obama has been described as a black John Kerry--truly from the left. I believe that description is more-or-less accurate and may extend to embrace the obvious patriotism of Sen. Kerry. I never liked the idea of the 'swift-boat' treatment of John Kerry...the medals were his to do with what he wanted. As a veteran I would not have followed his example but this is America and a person must have the right to freedom of speech no matter how it might upset others.

An American who seeks to keep us from war is no less a patriot than one who argues vehemently to wage war. Voters who decide this election based on their perception of who is more patriotic are truly misguided. Barack Obama is not the Manchurian candidate. He is an untested liberal politician who satisfies the 2 requirements for Presidential office--he is over 35 years of age and a native-born American.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] to Dick Morris, whose focus is improving, Obama’s newest ad campaign has him taking credit for welfare reform [...]

[...] Heck, I’d go a step further. Hire Dick Morris, or put Mike Murphy in charge of messaging, or this battle might be over before we decide to fight. Here’s Morris’ entire column. [...]

Dick: Are you trying to make a mountain out of a molehill and sell climbing equipment to your subscribers? There is no one who does not exaggerate! Obama is swaying, like barley in the political wind, but soon the wind will cease and he will have to make a definitive stance...either left, center, right......I believe he will settle just slightly left of center. McCain will let this pass because he has bigger fish to fry. Maybe Obama got some of that "Hillary Rub" on him?

"This just in from the AP...Early this morning the state of Israel launched air assaults on multiple targets inside of Iran destroying a large part of the suspected Iranian nuclear material producing capacity. Within hours of the attacks a U.S. warship patroling the northern Persian Gulf was severely damaged by a torpedo explosion likely launched from an Iranian submarine. All U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf theater have been placed on the highest alert...more details as they develop."

(It gets better. Fast forward to mid-August 2008 just before the Democratic National Convention.) "This is from the AP...Osama Bin Laden has been captured by U.S. military and Allied forces in Pakistan. The photograph below shows Bin Laden whose face is clearly visible, shackled and kneeling under armed guard. Officials stated he is to be transferred to a secure location where he will be interrogated."

Who honestly cares what either Obama or McCain do or say? The American people will not switch parties during a state of national emergency. And what better way to drown out the left than with the capture and public trial of Bin Laden? The Iranian wild card is not so far fetched and the CIA has had years to infiltrate Al Qaeda well enough to know where Bin Laden is. Bush '43 may not be as stupid as the Democrats like to think.

Stay tuned.

[...] a recent post, Dick Morris highlights an opportunity for McCain to refute Obama’s recent shift to the center. Not a lot of news there unless you’d be surprised to learn that Obama may not really be the [...]

[...] a recent post, Dick Morris highlights an opportunity for McCain to refute Obama’s recent shift to the center. Not a lot of news there unless you’d be surprised to learn that Obama may not really be the [...]

Dick: No one said that politics was an exact science. The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed by an endless series of hobgoblins.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

Since Obama is currently the most liberal Senator, he would naturally govern to the left, whatever he is saying now to court independents. His default position is radical left. In my view, he would probably pull Congress further left than they are now ... hard as that is to imagine!

More interesting would be President McCain. He likes operating in a bipartisan fashion, and I suspect he would actually achieve quite a bit with the Democratic Congress.

"Iran Test-Fires More Missiles in Gulf"...Iran test-fires a second round of missiles with 'special capabilities' in Gulf; secretary of state warns Tehran
• Israel to Unveil Advanced Spy Plane to Monitor Iran
• Pentagon Studying Intel on Iranian Missile Test Launch

And I did not have to manufacture this news update. Itchy fingers on weapons that can hit Israel or U.S. targets in the Persian Gulf with a 1-ton conventional warhead.

Even Bob Dole could win this election against Barry Hussein Obama.

Not to worry, Dick. McCain doesn't have to come out swinging anytime soon. Let Barry O. pile up a 15 point lead in the polls. The dominoes are set.

McCain.......too much fiber with a Geritol defficiency. McCain is being out smarted by Obama's campaign staff and advisors, and by the time he decides to counter Obama's offensive, the election will be over.....and I fear that Obama will prevail....of course not without McCain indirect help. His campaign advisors are doing him an injustice, and no matter what you write or my insignificant quasi-political comments, he will defeat himself by his owns hands......just like Hillary did. Hillary's 18 million vote card is about to expire and she will still be plagued by her 30 million campaign debt......all by her doing......and so will McCain....into history they will both enter.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

For some reason, Senator McCain has lost his old self-confidence -- perhaps because the journalists aren't laughing at his jokes like they did back in 2000, when he was running against a Republican, George W. Bush.

But great leaders do not get psyched out by the press, or by advisors. John McCain needs a Ronald Reagan moment, when he reasserted himself by telling George HW Bush "I paid for this microphone!"

I simply do not understand the campaign Senator McCain is running. Barack Obama has misled the left and now he is attempting to mislead the center. I agree with your assessment, Mr. Morris, of Obama's absurd and baseless claim that he led people from "welfare to work" when the record clearly shows he opposed the measure. Given Obama's razor thin record, McCain should consider it a divine gift he actually has some real ammunition with which to fire back.
I also think Senator McCain should have immediately nailed Obama on the "16 months" debacle. Obama has so obviously abandoned his beloved "time table," though no one seems to be calling him on it! You cannot say on one hand that you will get the troops out in 16 months, and on the other hand affirm that the pace of the withdrawal will be dictated by the events on the ground. The only way Obama could claim this were true is if he asserts that should the 16th month arrive, no matter what the generals say or how dangerous it would be for us to evacuate, he would pull out all the troops. If McCain presses Obama to answer on this issue, Obama has two choices, the above-described being the first. If he makes this assertion, that he will pull all the troops out no matter what, McCain can expound on how dangerous and arbitrary it is. McCain can point out how ludicrous it would be for Obama to pace the withdrawal based on facts and expert advice for 15 months, and then abandon those same facts and expert advise. Obama will never admit to this because it makes him look like a boob. The only other choice is for Obama to abandon the idea of 16 months and admit he cannot give any real time table for withdrawal. With that, McCain can slam Obama as a man who has misled the left and whose policies on the war are sounding a lot more like George Bush's than his.
When will John McCain fire back?

I simply do not understand the campaign Senator McCain is running. Barack Obama has misled the left and now he is attempting to mislead the center. I agree with your assessment, Mr. Morris, of Obama's absurd and baseless claim that he led people from "welfare to work" when the record clearly shows he opposed the measure. Given Obama’s razor thin record, McCain should consider it a divine gift he actually has real ammunition with which to fire back.
I also think Senator McCain should have immediately nailed Obama on the "16 months" debacle. Obama has so obviously abandoned his beloved "time table," though no one seems to be calling him on it! You cannot say on one hand that you will get the troops out in 16 months, and on the other hand affirm that the pace of the withdrawal will be dictated by the events on the ground. The only way Obama could claim this were true is if he were to assert that should the 16th month arrive, no matter what the generals say or how dangerous it would be for us to evacuate, he would pull out all the troops. That means Obama would pace the withdrawal based on facts and expert advice for the first 15 months, but then abandon those facts and expert advice because he thinks it should be over in 16 months. If McCain pushes Obama on this issue, Obama has two choices, the above-described being the first. If he makes this assertion, McCain can expound on how dangerous and arbitrary it is. Obama will never admit to this position because it makes him look like a boob. The other choice is for Obama to abandon the 16 months idea altogether and admit he cannot give any real time table for withdrawal. With that, McCain can slam Obama as a man who has misled the left and whose policies on the war are sounding a lot more like George Bush's than his.
When will McCain fire back?

The reason we have so many questions about how Obama will lead is that has never done it before. The man has spent his life climbing the ladder as quickly as possible with little or no regard for the people who put him there. He has no discernible record of public service. The only thing we do know about him is he contradicts himself often, espouses elitist and socialist ideas, and surrounds himself with people of questionable politics and character. This flip-flop routine will hopefully be his undoing.

It is hypocritical to daily burn many gallons of fossil fuel while standing firmly against its production. Reasonable people understand our society will be burning oil for some time as we race to find alternatives. Obama's idealism (or what is left of it) is going to keep this race close. Democrats in the House and Senate had better wake up or they will find out just how much more American's love their cars than their pious liberal stances.

But if you look at the swing states (Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania), Obama has a significant lead. Also, he is closing the gap in Florida and Virginia. So to me, national polls mean very little.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

Senator McCain would do well to focus on drilling + a couple other big-picture issues where he has a clear advantage. But that is probably just not in his personality.

Once again the Dems ideology pulls them away from the center and what I at least think the American people want. This has been demonstated consistently by the Dem Congress for the past two years and now by Obama.

My view: we want solutions not ideology. In this case it should be obvious to most that our dependence on oil from countries that do not share our values is a major cause of our economic problems whether it be our debt, the war in Iraq, the loss of industrial jobs, a falling dollar or the rising cost of fuel. I think the next President is going to be the one that clearly demonstrates to us they understand the critical and urgent nature of this issue. For me this is THE issue of the election. Solving the energy crisis is also, in my opinion, the greatest single economic opportunity of the last 50 years. With out ingenuity and drive we can transform the energy paradigm and create countless jobs and incredible wealth for our own citizens. It would fundamentally change our foreign policy. It will mean a multi-faceted approach which includes exploring for and tapping into the wealth of fossil fuels in the our own territory. This includes offshore, ANWR, and continental oiland gas fields. It will also include aggressive use of alterantives: wind, solar-photovoltaic, solar generated steam, biofuels(not from food), geo-thermal, coal, shale, hydro (tides and rivers) and nuclear. I am encouraged by T. Boone Pickens private intitiative. It shows once again the solution will come from the private sector and the best thing the politicians can do is find ways either to be supportive of the private sector or at least get out of the way. T. Boone does not have the whole solution but has put forward a viable approach to solving part of the problem.

Obama is showing he is not the agent of change he purports to be when it comes to putting solutions ahead of ideology. His reluctance to support additional drilling and nuclear will cause many of us to question his willingness to put the people ahead of his party politics. For me I fail to see the difference between being obligated to the ideologues of your party and being swayed by lobbyists. The result is the same and that is a failure to develop the solutions "we the people" need and want.

Come November I for one will be looking to see where each candidate stands on this one issue. It is our biggest problem and our greatest opportunity.

America had an indicator in the seventies with an oil energy crisis. And what did we do......built more inefficient energy vehicles, inefficent energy homes, manufactured more products containing petroleum, etc. Now our energy addiction is out of control and America is dependent upon foreign oil by 70%. So now the solution is to drill for more....which is really not the solution because we are going to consume more as time goes, but the source of energy will be different.

McCain is benefiting in the polls for now, and I don't think oil is the sole factor.....maybe one of the factor...but not the dominating one. I would say that it is to early in the campaign to put much faith in polls......let's see what happens 30 days before the election. America had almost 40 years to prevent another energy crisis, and we did nothing to resolve, but rather did more to consume and add to corporate profits. Now we are going to drill....and by the time that causal effect trikles down to John Q. Public, neither one us will be around to see.

T. Boone Pickens has a plan, or a least an option to help eleviate America's dependency on foreign oil, but Pickens is a shrewd oilman and he will expect a return on his investments of harvesting the wind and solar energy to produce electricity. You see, the solution to any problem also comes with a price tag......and as you so well wrote in your book......it is all about "greed" and profits.

America is so formal when it comes to where candidates stand or their position on any issue, whether idelogocial or pragmatic.....but that is a moot point. What America needs are "solutions" in which [all] benefit and not just corporations. But then again, if 2% of the population controls 60% of the wealth of this nation, who do you think is governing this country, and of course with the help of our Congress?

Can Americans change this?........my guess is no......when was the last time a poor man offered you a job Dick? Solution: stirve to become the 2% of the population that controls 60% of the wealth.....and then you want have anyything to complain about, except not making enough money. Donald Trump said, "one can never become to greedy."

Listening to Obama today I am beginning to think he and Bush have matching IQ's which combined are less than 100.
Yes, Obama will pull out of Iraq BUT he is going to redeploy the troops to Afghanistan. Ok, so other than the GPS co-ordinates what the hell does he see as the difference between an unwinable war in Iraq and an unwinable war in Afghanistan? Second question: Barack where do you suppose the bad guys will go once you leave Iraq and occupy Afghanistan?
a- They will stay in Afghanistan and be killed.
b- They will give up and apologize for their past evil ways.
c- They will go to Iraq.

Duh. So now who do we vote for: the idiot who wants to stay in Iraq or the idiot who wants to redeploy to Afghanistan?

It appears that middle-class white America is not ready for a black President nutured by the liberal left espousing rhetoric designed to attract blue collar Centrists. When the voters get behind the curtains to make their selection in November, it will be like Pennsylvannia all over again. There will be a time for a black President as there will be for a female President, but the time is not now.

Lucky for us the Clintonians screwed-up and moved to the center during the primary race. HRC would be cleaning McCain's clock and putting the election away right about now. Such an election would truly have tested the power of the American female vote which is still a wildcard.

Hillary's absence in a supporting role for the Obama candidacy is quite apparent. She either wants to be VP or she wants BHO to lose badly. Either way HRC still commands the feminist vote at least for now.

What are you talking about? If you look at all the polls Obama is in the lead. Find me one poll where McCain is in the lead.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] Dick Morris proposes a theory that it has been the Clinton strategy to lose South Carolina in a big way to the Black Vote. The Clinton’s believe it will cause the White Vote to show up in later states to make sure the nomination process isn’t decided by one race. Or something like that. I don’t normally put a lot of credence in Dick Morris’ comments, but this one caught my attention. And sadly, I think he’s right. Its politically genius but sadly pathetic. [...]

I am still unsure why Senator McCain has given Obama a free pass on his "16 months" gaff. The fact is Obama, within MINUTES, contradicted himself in fropnt of the nation. If the pace of the withdrawal will be dictated by events on the ground, and if Obama plans to listen to his military experts (two reasonable proposals that sound a lot like Bush's policies), he cannot say we will be out in 16 months. The only way he can assert that is if he admits that no matter what the pace of withdrawal is for the first 15 months (the slowest pace being we have NO troops out by that point), then he will pull all the troops out in the 16th month to meet his arbitrary time table (possibly in spite of all expert advice telling him not to). Either way, Obama loses on this issue. If he admits that his "pace" comment is his real policy, he differs very little from McCain (and Bush, for that matter!). If he says he'd pull the troops out no matter what, he looks like a fool. What kind of idiot plans to listen to the advice of his generals for 15 months, and in the 16th month simply abandon this strategy to fulfill some arbitrary time table?

David Silverman
Smyrna, Georgia

Hopefully Senator McCain is getting good advice, and is preparing to exploit Senator Obama's current vulnerabilities on oil drilling and flip-flopping. Long speeches will not do it. Crisp ads are required.

Alexander the Great would quickly concentrate his forces when he found a weakness in the enemy line. Speed and decisiveness more than compensated for his inferior numbers. It would still work today.

[...] Por outro lado, McCain têm apresentado uma campanha medíocre e desorganizada. Pior, ele, ao contrário de Reagan em 1984 deixa bastante claro sua idade: isso fica meio evidente [...]

[...] DNC 2008 : The Rocky Mountain News Michael Medved :: Townhall.com :: The Candidate As Cult Leader WHY THE RACE IS TIED at DickMorris.com As vote looms, Obama has changed, changed utterly - The Irish Times - Wed, Jul 16, 2008 [...]

Well then, it must not be about winning the topic but rather giving Americans just enough assurance to feel secure with Obama as Commander and Chief so they can go ahead and vote freely on the Economic issues of the day....the desire to be capable of paying their PG&E bill, buy gas for their car, make the mortgate, and have enough left over to buy food, health care, education.

Geeze Dick...catch up:).

The war in Iraq is only one of the major issues for both candidates and Obama must make the best of those ills which cannot be avoided. And as to whether the poll trolls believe that McCain is better qualified to be Commander in Chief is deceiving. If we examine the qualifications of McCain, Hillary and Bush, they are all on the same level of the playing field. Because McCain served his country in the Military and was a POW, doesn't make him more qualified. McCain is a derivative of the Bush administration and supported the decision to invade Iraq....a bad decision...so really McCain outflanked himself. And what experience did Bush have before he was elected? The American people, to date, are not concerned nor care very little about what a candidate knows; it is what the candidate is going to do that counts. Obama should not not fear lack of knowledge, talent or skill. He needs to continue to seek motivation and the others will come.

Practical politics in this campaign is to keep the populace alarmed with a series of hobglobins. That how it is and always has been. The Bush Administration committed the US to invade Iraq for one and only one reason......to protect the interest of the oil fields in the middle east....and to label this initiative as an invasion to protect America from WMD and promote democracy and peace, well that like is "fuc**ing for virginity,"and somehow or other the Bush Administration has taken to themselves the respect that is given to their offices.

McCain might win the topic...........but I'm afraid that Obama will win the election.

The real threat to our way of life is the deterioration of our economy not the terrorists Bush would like us to believe lurk under every bed. Look what we have reaped from the Bush Administration singular focus on the latter:
- dead and crippled brave young Americans
- an unwinable wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
- the enormous debt associated with the above and the effect on the economy
- a dept of homeland security that bungled and continues to bungle Katrina's effects
- lack of focus and action leading to the mortgage meltdown
- lack of focus and a southern border that is not only porous to immigrants but drugs as well.
- food and drug administrations that cant cope with food and product safety
- 9 trillion in debt and a collapsing dollar
- completely ignoring the collapse of the manufacturing sector and the resultant job loss.
- and on and on

For seven years our administation has focused only on Osama style terrorism. The result is an economy that is spiralling down while Nero (Bush) plays his fiddle.

I want a candidate that is going to get real about the issue that is directly affecting 300 million + of us. Our economic future. The solutions are right in front of us and none of them involve staying in Iraq or Afghanistan. Right now I really dont care if McCain or Obama is the better CIC. What I want to see is:
1- get out of the wars ... stop the deaths ... stop the wasted spending
2- get a solid plan to eliminate the deficit and reduce the debt (see 3 below)
3- get going on building a new energy economy in the US with the resultant upsurge in jobs and reduction in the outflow of cash for oil.
4- get competent people running the administration. Appoint people who have credentials other the "pal of POTUS".

[...] What's obama's excuse for his recent flip-flops? Here is a great summary of the difference: WHY THE RACE IS TIED at DickMorris.com [...]

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] Morris on “Why the race is tied“: “After almost six weeks of a constant Obama lead, generally in the five to [...]

It is obvious that the Bush administration has placed America between a rock and a hard place, and the solutions are not without serious cause and effect. The Bush administration believed that the invasion of Iraq to protect the future interest of the oil supply would be a "cake walk," however all of that has backfired.

I agree, there can be no diplomacy with Iran...that is just a political broadway production, in which neither will be able to sell tickets to the grand opening. And to conclude that the surge is working by measuring success with the yardstick of casulaties doesn't equate.

America started counting the chickens before they hatched, and as the weasels pass saying good morning to the chickens in the hen house has drawn much attention during the campaign. In the first place, why did we start building a embassy, knowing that success in winning the war in Iraq, might just be another Vietnam? We were projecting victory, while being in denial at the same time, for peace and democracy......bullsh**. We were protecting corporate America's interest in the oil industry.

Now the conflict has shifted to Afghanastain and the casuality rate is starting to increase....so now to we provide another surge there and claim success? Someone needs to provide an exit strategy and implement it, but we need to remove ourselves from the middle east. McCain doesn't have the slighest idea on what to do in the middle east. I have been following him for the last several weeks, and I believe that his memory is not serving him well....The media makes up excuses that his misinformation and mistakes are standard run of the mill occurrences that happens during a election year, but believe me I have been in he medical profession long enough to know what I have seen for many years.

It is possible that withdrawing form Iraq will cause a surge from Iran to invade Iraq and America will have another reoccurrence and rebirth of terrorism...then we deal with it when it happens. The other variable that you downplayed is Israel.....we are not the only ones keeping a close eye on them......and Israel, unlike America, will react without hesistation if they feel that harm will befall them.....We can all speculate......what is needed is action......as Nike logo says, DO IT......or DO SOMETHING......but get off the dime. It is going to be interesting after November, because "talk the talk" will be concluded and Americans will be expecting w"walk the walk."

With all the political counters that you provide to the media, newspapers, and your subscribers, it seem that it all falls on deaf ears......except for us who follow your career. Why hasn't some campaign manager not approached you to be an advisor is beyond my rationale. Should McCain take advantage of Obama's positions on issues and counter? He should, but McCain can even respond to a simple question as to his position on Viagra and Birth Control pills pretaining to health insurance coverage....and believe that is a moot point considering the state of this nation. I truly believe that McCain has surrounded himself and his campaign with derivates and ideas of the Bush administration.....old guard politicans and advisors, who like himself, are lost in time.

Obama's image to Americans is "change", but the more I read your analysis I believe that his change is an "extreme makeover."

Most Americans don't care about how much experience or knowledge is attributed to a candidate......Americans want "solutions and actions"and they want it NOW, otherwise all this jibjab is nothing but practical politics to alarm the populace with series of hobglobins. Let us act on what we have, since we have not what we wish.

"Ultimately, the answer to high gas prices is to do everything. We should drill for oil offshore and in Alaska. We should extract it from shale. We need more nuclear power. We have got to expand wind, geothermal, and solar energy. We need more coal, particularly if we can capture and bury the carbon emissions. We need flex fuel cars. We need more ethanol - from domestic production and from imports. We need methanol, which is just like ethanol but comes from inedible parts of the plant. We need everything."

I 100% Agree!

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

Dick, you have lost your mind, respectfully speaking.

At these prices, if there was a surplus of oil production capacity, those controlling that capacity would be selling futures on their ability to produce like oil was going out of style. If more oil was pulled out of the ground to fulfill those contracts than could be utilized, tank farms would fill, tankers would fill, and eventually there would be a crowd of unhappy folks with expensively purchased oil contracts and no means to take delivery prior to the expiration of their contracts. Prices would plunge in a manner reminiscent of silver prices in the first quarter of 1980. You should know this.

Supply and demand works. Oil is a global commodity. Even if Mr. Reid and Ms Pelosi wanted oil & gasoline prices to come down, it is unlikely that their legislation would bring about such an eventuality. Allowing speculators to gamble in the marketplace adds liquidity and provides a buffer for both suppliers and consumers. If Ronald Reagan were alive today, the best you could expect would be an appointment at the woodshed.

In a free marketplace, greed rules. At $140 per barrel, eventually producers will produce more oil than the market can handle. The price will then drop and the speculators who have bet on the wrong side of the move will get the spanking they deserve.

Drill here, Drill Now. Expand domestic refining capacity. Trust in the American consumer to fill their tanks today or wait until tomorrow on the speculation that gas may be cheaper.

Huh? It's the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Don't you do your homework? www.cftc.gov. The issue is index speculation -funds, like Calpers, that have invested a specified, but rising, percentage in commodities just to park cash in oil via investment vehicles like the S&P GSCI- commodities as an asset class. These funds don't care what the price of oil is, they just invest in futures to hold the commodity as a hedge against inflation. Now, with oil off $17 this week, these funds may start thinking about reducing the percentage that they hold in oil derivatives, but that reallocation, and the subsequent selling, isn't going to happen overnight. Moreover, the reason why short sellers returned to the market this week has everything to do with the weakening economy and demand destruction and very little to do with Bush's offshore drillling. Just exactly how soon would you expect that oil to come online? The Lieberman Bill might be a more worthy subject for an article on this topic, in that it will actually address the real issue, under-regulation, specifically inadequate transjurisdiction position limits and no distinction between speculative margins and hedge (bona fide oil market participants) margins. Do you even know what I'm talking about?

I have worked for Big Oil since '82. Usually we search for oil & gas in extremely unprofitable price environments. In the late '70's we thought the price of oil might hit $80-$100 following the '73 Arab embargo. Subsequently we got hammered with Carter's Windfall Profits Tax when oil was pushing $40/bbl. No one seems to care that Americans still enjoy some of the lowest gasoline prices in the world.

Our CEO has stated that a fair price today for a barrel of oil is somewhere around $75, factoring in normal supply & demand. In stark disagreement to what Bill O'Reilly rants about, Big Oil deserves to take profits when the price for oil & gas are high. We take these profits and reinvest a large portion into developing fields & future exploration projects. It doesn't bother me a bit that our CEO's are well-compensated--they deserve to be. Big Oil always gets kicked around by the public, government, and the media--even if they are 'fair and balanced'.

But where Morris and O'Reilly are wrong about the greediness of U.S. based Big Oil, they are right about speculation and non-normal market forces contributing to the high oil prices.

If a willing buyer reaches agreement with a willing seller and they agree that the price of oil should be $75, it must be speculation and market-manipulative practices driving the remainder. Speculators force well-intended hedging strategies to participate in their pursuit of greed. National subsidy programs exaggerates demand and adds to the price increase. But that is the American free-enterprise dream--love it, introduce regulation, or renounce your U.S. citizenship.

Has anyone noticed that as we entered a "bull market" the price of a barrel of oil began to rise. Do you suppose the billions of dollars that fled the equity market might have something to do with the rise in the price of a barrel of oil?

Sorry I meant "bear market". I guess I was thinking about all the bull sh** promoting the idea that the cause is simple supply and demand.

I think the acute rise of oil prices from $70/bbl to the present ~$130/bbl is an unnatural occurence. Once the Federal Reserve signaled their willingness to bail out the subprime mortgage fiasco by increasing the money supply at the price of heating up inflation, the game was afoot. No doubt there were money managers who fearing eventual inflation diverted funds to commodities like precious metals and oil as a hedging strategy. In a bear market, capital preservation and limiting your losses means survival.

This was also too good of an opportunity for the S&L/junk bond/dot-com/subprime mortgage thieves to pass up. The investment capital was easy to get, future trading in commodities required a very slim margin, and inflation became a natural cover for speculating in a monopoly-manipulated commodity that unlike diamonds is burned-up during consumption and is controlled largely by supply and demand.

The world oil supply of course is largely manipulated by OPEC to just keep pace with demand. Even they could not have expect this upward assault. OPEC realizes that there is a price of oil that once exceeded would cause the end of their stranglehold on the U.S. It serves OPEC better to have a price of oil low enough to hinder the U.S. and non-OPEC oil companies from exploring for more reserves but high enough to make OPEC tons of money. At today's oil prices the U.S. oil companies (XOM, COP, CVX) and foreign oil companies (BP, Shell, PetroBras) are pulling out all the stops (oil shale, tar sands, shale gas, heavy oil, ultra deep water, alternative fuels, etc.) to answer the demand for energy. That is bad for OPEC market share.

There are a lot of needs; lift the oil band; solar energy; wind energy; water energy......We knew this for almost 25 years......and what did we do.......nothing....bought more oil. Now the Democrats are going to develop legislation to control the speculative and future buying of oil. In the meantime, everyone is making money......maybe not as much, but they are significant profits, and by the time legislation is passed, they are all going to retire. Nothing but a band-aid that will only slow the hemorrhage down, but it will still continue to bleed America.

Wake up Dick. Today Millions of Americans are dying needlessly and are living lower quality of lives because they have no hope of even getting into line for health services. They are simply not covered and have no access to proper medical care...some even die. You are sounding the alarm for the privileged who have the means to get health care coverage or one of the few jobs that provide it. What do you propose for the rest?

Why leave out the illegals? If we do, they will spread disease...even to the wealthy. The cost savings is in prevention of disease. Try focusing on that aspect and follow its logical path. If the republicans were going to be running the Universal Health care program, then it is likely your scenario would be correct...as they see fit to let the masses go it on their own anyway without jobs, healthcare, ability to pay their gas and heating bills or buy food.

You also under estimate Obama's ability to pay as he goes. He is one smart cookie. I bet the money we have spent on the war todate could pay for Universal Health Care for illegals and Citizens with plenty left over....you are starting to try my last nerve.

“I am going to give health insurance to 47 million Americans." Hopefully that is a paraphrase. If not, then Obama has more of a Messiah complex than we thought. Is Obama going to personally pay for health care for millions of people?

This country is weary of liberals being "virtuous" by spending other people's money.

Just as the USDA puts out food stamps, I can forsee a future where the Department of Energy will start putting out Fuel Stamps. With the prices high, the masses will beg for government mandated $75 per barrel oil. Once we are there, it will be hard to turn back.

How much gas should a family of four get per month? 30 gallons? How long should they have to wait in line to get their gas?

Maybe the government can give us all a single card that will get us our Food, Fuel, and Health Care. With that, we can eliminate the payment of Social Security Benefits and Medicare (just the benefits, not the taxes).

Once the Gas stations are nationalized and run like post offices, we will know that nobody is getting rich that doesn't deserve it.

[...] me 70 seconds to go get this O’S HEALTH RX: COVER ILLEGALS at DickMorris.com and if ya can't do that then just believe what you read or go back to your comic books cause you [...]

Make MY Day..DICK !!!
I can't stand that the Gov't isn't doing anything about the Illegals as it is..
HomeLand Security.. My "BUM".. Every time I see that Chertoff I want to throw-UP
And then there is "McCain"... Bottom Line, I GOT NO one to vote for in November... I think I'll spend the day at the ZOO...

A lot of the issues in this election are intertwined. In this case immigration and health care. It is important to deal with the root cause which in this case is illegal immigration, First step would be to stop adding to the problem and stem the flow of illegal immigrants. Chertoff brags about building 360 miles of fence. He should be fired if thats all he can do. Second would be to come up with a realistic solution to the 12 or 14 million already here. Either order 10,000 buses or accept the reality that they are here to stay and get on with integrating them into our society. Aside from the criminals (other than being illegals) my view is they are a productive and useful part of our society.

That would clear the way to deal with health care in terms of whether or not we as a Nation believe all our citizens should have basic health care. For those who think they don't pay for uncovered people today...think again. Lost productivity, increased costs for delayed treatment and increased cost of emergency care affect ALL of us. For me the debate is not IF we should cover everyone but HOW. On the latter we need to find a way to do it through the private sector while containing the abuses unrestrained insurance companies unlease on their policy holders(mainly systematically denied or delayed claims).

I really don't see much of a major difference between McCain and Obama when it comes to these two issues. EIther will be tempered and/or hampered by congress in doing anything.

Read my post to yesterdays article.

Dick this sort of analysis is unproductive. We don't need ideology and nitpicking we need solutions. So who has the best chance of working with congress and moving ahead on the issue, McCain or Obama.

A- We need congress and the administration to get their collective heads out of their butts and get immigration under control before we have 20 million illegals.
B- We need to decide how to integrate the 12-14 million "illegals" that are here into our society. There is no practical or reasonable way to deport them all. Sort out the true criminals and keep the rest.
C- Lets get into at least the 20th century (21st would likely be over-reaching) and get everyone covered. It costs us all to have people miss work, leave disease untreated and eventually clog emergency rooms.

I don't care if it is 47 million or 4.7 million. It is too many.

For those who think I am a lefty let me tell you. I am conservative from head to toe but this is an issue in need of a solution NOT ideology and mindless rhetoric.

When we start deceiving ourselves into thinking not that we want something or need something, not that it is a pragmatic necessity for us to have it, but that it is a moral imperative that we have it, that is when we join the fashionable madmen, and than is when the thin whine of hysteria is heard, and that is when we are in bad trouble. Obama needs to pay more attention on doing the right thing rather than doing things right.

When we start deceiving ourselves into thinking not that we want something or need something, not that it is a pragmatic necessity for us to have it, but that it is a moral imperative that we have it, that is when we join the fashionable madmen, and than is when the thin whine of hysteria is heard, and that is when we are in bad trouble. Obama needs to pay more attention on doing the right thing rather than doing things right. McCain is so out of touch with the political reality of his campaign, by the time he realizes or plans any counter-strategy, the election will have concluded. I keep saying this over and over; McCain's memory is not serving him well......

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

It does not surprise me one bit Obama's words and numbers don't match up. Wait five minutes and he'll change them again. The larger issue here is whether we can trust Obama when he tells us ANYTHING. To me, the case is closed. I don't trust the guy.

David Silverman
Smyrna, GA

It does not surprise me in the least that Obama's words and numbers don't match up. Wait five minutes and he'll change them again. The larger issue is whether or not we can trust anything Obama tells us. The case is closed as far as I am concerned. I don't trust the guy.

[...] Dick Morris [...]

At times, Senator Obama does not appear to be concerned about the truth. He uses a large figure like 47 million for the emotional impact it will create. Then, in another reality, he states he is not covering illegal aliens -- again because that creates the right emotional reaction. When your primary concern is creating impressions and emotional reactions, then truth is the first casualty.

Much like his current foreign tours, where he relies upon the impressions of the images of meeting with generals and world leaders to overcome his illogical statements about how he was right to oppose the surge.

Senator Obama is definitely benefiting from postmodernism, where there is no objective reality, and the only reality is that which you create for yourself ...

[...] mate who appeals to independants, he could be comfortably ahead. Dick Morris’ advice about attacking Obama over a premature withdrawal from Iraq also sounds a better line to take than trips down memory lane, however [...]

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

Dick:

My hat off to you with your article. Finally, someone has admitted that Daddy Bush didn't complete his mission when he failed to dispose of Saddam, and since Baby Bush got elected, this was a personal issue with his father for final acceptance by daddy, at the expense of the American taxpayers and the forfeiting of the lives our young soliders for corporate gain. There was another President who mistakenly made a "moral committment" to a war about 40 years ago.....President Johnson. And Nixon had the common sense to withdraw and end the war........and yet Vietnam still survives today and now they are our friends......let bygones be bygones...another history lesson from which the United States has learned absolutely nothing from.

What gains did we have we made in Iraq? You mentioned hard won stability.....that Dick is pure Bullsh$$. The only gain we have accomplished is the protection and security of the interest of the oil fields for corporate America. There is a hidden unstability which no one wants to admit because they are in self-denial. You mentioned that if Obama is elected and his withdrawl plan is put into effect, it will only invite another war and open the door to an Iranian takeover and an a Al Qaeda revial, so Obama will fail to finish the job. It is a job that can never be finished....another Vietnam. Daddy Bush completed his term and left the country with an open ended invitation to return if required....it didn't mean that the baby Bush Administration and Congress had to accept the offer.....but again it was all for the same reason...security and protection of the oil fields and corporate profits. Should Obama get elected and implement his troop-withdrawal plan, it is not that Obama will have failed to finish the job, it simply means that baby Bush made the same mistake as his father and now leaves it to another President to resolve.

You said that the surge was revelant......are you so sure? Or is it what they want you to believe? And if this war is of much concern to the global community, then why is it the US doing all of the business of war? Success, and I used that term loosely,in Iraq depends on the support of Iraqi government and its people. This is the only hurdle the US needs to clear. As you so well stated, the Iraqi Prime Minister endorses Obama's troop-withdrawl plan and the US needs to comply.
The US cannot always assure the future of our friends; but we have a better chance of assuring our future if we remember "who our friends really are.".......and I don't see Iraq as friendly.

Dick:

I must conclude that none of the individuals listed in your article will help McCain. You can't change "scars" into stars......and in partial agreement, like the new dog food that failed.......the American voter want buy it......much less eat it.

Dick: I think you are spot on about Mr. Romney. I do not think he would be a good choice for McCain in any way.

I have been cheering on for Powell or Liberman for a long time. I think Liberman as a choice would absolutely blow the socks off the Republicans! I certainly hope he goes with him. Of course Powell would be great, but I don't think he has the stomach for the 'political' situation in Washington. He is one upstanding citizen, I'd vote for him anytime. Condi is great, but I think Liberman should be the top consideration. Thanks for your columns. Moey in Minneapolis

Dick thanks for coming around to including Mike Huckabee in the mix. Why so many in the Republican elite have dismissed him is a mystery to me. He would provide the "Wow" you've mentioned in the past and a huge boost to McCain's chances on winning. Here's why: in addition to the success he had in the primaries despite the fact he didn't have the backing of key GOP leaders, lower name identification, limited resources and a tremendous uphill battle - he emerged as a populist candidate. He also represents a different type of Republican as far as his background story, his ability to govern in a primarily Democratic state, appealing to people of color, winning accolades from Time Magazine and in the Republican debates being the person most talked about by the viewing audience.

The other choices you mention each have his or her attributes, but the reality is Condi and Colin have repeatedly stated they are not interested and Joe lacks the ability to create the excitement to counter Obama's charisma. Mike Huckabee on the other hand has every bit of power as a speaker to energize people and broaden the base of support. On top of everything else, McCain would be able to trust him with his back and not have to second guess his loyalty. While the other contenders wait in the wings, Huckabee has been out stumping for Republican candidates across the country. If any one would take a pulse of what kind of reaction these candidates are receiving who are utilizing Mike Huckabee there would be no question who the VP should be!

The GOP missed it on their first chance to support Huckabee and change the course of this election to a solid Republican win this November. I sincerely hope they don't miss it a second time by not supporting Mike Hickabee for McCain's VP choice. Mike will provide the edge McCain needs.

Randy Whitman
Toledo, Ohio

Americans are tired of the establishment, but not enough to put Obama in in charge of the red phone or is it the bluse phone? you get my drift.

[...] CAPITAL GAINS TAX INCREASE A BIG OBAMA VULNERABILITYNow Obama pledges to double the capital gains tax. This misguided policy will drive capital off shore and turn a flow into a torrent. The financial problems of American banks will be amplified. McCain should pounce on this issue and … [...]

The long-term impact of Senator Obama's European tour may well be negative, especially with the older and blue-collar voters who arealready cool to Obama. The image of secular Europeans applauding Obama as he criticized the US may leave a bad aftertaste.

As a true citizen of the world, Senator Obama may be realizing that he is running for the wrong post. I suspect he would he happier as Secretary General of the United Nations. There he would not have to pay lip service to American exceptionalism.

Actually, Senator McCain may get considerable mileage from Senator Obama's steadfast opposition to the surge -- even now, when he knows the surge has been successful.

In Denver today, Senator McCain painted a very clear picture of what would have happened in Iraq had Senator Obama had his way: "If Senator Obama had prevailed, American forces would have had to retreat under fire. The Iraqi Army would have collapsed. Civilian casualties would have increased dramatically. Al Qaeda would have killed the Sunni sheikhs who had begun to cooperate with us, and the 'Sunni Awakening' would have been strangled at birth. Al Qaeda fighters would have safe havens, from where they could train Iraqis and foreigners, and turn Iraq into a base for launching attacks on Americans elsewhere. Civil war, genocide and wider conflict would have been likely."

Obama opposed the surge because he believed the anti-American propoganda that a stronger military effort would provoke a backlash against our country. Thus, he believed the surge would be counter-productive.

McCain's message can be a simple one: vote for the candidate who believes a strong America is good for the world.

[...] Media Is For Obama, But Voters Are Split [...]

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] He asks: “But what happens if Iran moves into the vacuum and takes over Iraq? And what if Al Qaeda takes advantage of the American absence and sets up a permanent base and sanctuary in Iraq, beyond our reach — a situation akin to the Taliban in Afghanistan where they could develop the capacity to hit us on 9-11 in their privileged, protected home territory? And what if hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who used to work with us start to be killed as happened when we pulled out of Vietnam? And what if the Iraqi oil falls into Iranian hands, sending the price even higher? And what if … The list goes on.” [...]

As Mario Cuomo once did, Obama reignited the socialist element of the Democratic party. The successful inundation of the American public at all costs with liberal media mogul ideology has become much too obvious.

It is difficult to find any prime time talking heads not in the tank for Barry Obama.

Abraham Lincoln said it best..."You can fool all of the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you can never fool all of the people all of the time."

Barry O. there was a time that I would have given you serious consideration as a Presidential candidate once I stepped behind the polling curtains. Now I join with those Democratic Pennsylvannian and Ohian middle-aged Americans to say "No, not this time". Your scurry to the bosom of our fair-weather European supporters has shown your true political motives.

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It is going to be difficult to keep foreing policy intrusion out of the campagin, but honestly, it is McCain's only strength, and I use that term loosely, because McCain doesn't have foreign policy expertise either and he surely doesn't have domestic policy knowledge and experience. So what does it all boil down to,.......image and right now McCain appears very weak in that arena. I would hate to imagine that a military strike against Iran is what is needed to turn the tide of the election....that would truly be insane. If you consider that 50% of Americans have not read a newspaper, and 50% do not vote (and we hope it is the same 50%), the media plays a tremendous part of influence and power in protraying a candidate's image.....and historically voters don't vote their consciousness, but rather their emotions.....in most part they will probably never ever remember what a candidate says, but rather how he makes them feel......and it is all done with imagery. Because the polls don't match the image.....I think it is to soon.....and I would say.......polls are only a snapshot of the nation's pulse, which can change in the blink of an eye, but one can never be sure of the pulse change. Time will tell.

All Americans want change, but when it comes to the opportunity to change things, Americans have an underling fear of making that decision and convince themselves that things aren't that bad because they fear the "unknown." Additionally, as we get older in our lives, all of us tend to be more guarded and resist change...that is part of the aging process and I think that indidivudals 50 years and older don't embrace Obama and tend to favor McCain....because as you so well wrote, he is just a derivative of the Bush Administration, old school guard politics and voters "feel" content with him. I mentioned in a previous comment, voters don't remember half of what candidates say, but rather how they make them feel and maybe this is why the polls are in a dead heat. But the thing we must all remember, that without change, there can be no growth.......my generation time has expired and a new generation is emerging and they will set the change of motion......and unfortunately McCain is a prisoner of that generation...Nothing to be ashame of, but the time of change is here......we can either become part of it and participate in it, or we can live with what is dealt.....regardless, things will change, whether for the good or for the bad. Figutratively speaking, McCain is an elder fox that is being out smarted by a young hound. McCain's campaign is so inept and ineffective that I don't believe he can effectively compete. The elder fox has cornered himself into a den without an exit......and will eventually fade into history.

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Actually if one looks at how the primary results were compared to the vote at the ballot compared to the pre-primary poll, one will find that Obama's polls numbers were always about 3 to5 points high. I feel as if there are enough people who have lied to the pollsters to cause this. they are not telling the real truth because they are racists, they lie because they do not want to be perceived as a racists. They fear peole will think they are a racists if they vote for McCain (or in the primary Clinton), when in reality they plan to vote for the other person all along.

Dick:

Obama's campaign is out of touch with American women on issues that are important to them such as making ends meet under the current economy crunch. While he is courting foreign heads of state, American women are trying to accomodate the devastation that high gas prices are working on our budgets. Women over fifty are not easily swayed by sex appeal and hype. Equally mature and politically astute as our male counterparts, we are capable of refusing to be manipulated by fashion and image. We are veteran voters who are going to make intelligent and educated decisions when it comes to casting our votes.

On the surface a woman as McCain's running mate seems obvious. Getting the female vote is likely a bigger factor across the country than say pulling in Utah with Romney.

Like everything in this election it is not that simple.

In McCain's case he also has to choose a VP that people will be comfortable with as President. Call it the "heartbeat away" factor which is an age issue for McCain. Then again, we accepted a bit of a bozo running with Bush 1.

Republicans are behind the Dems on this issue. Hillary's candidacy showed the Dems prepared to put forward a perfectly viable female candidate. One thoroughly vetted by the nomination process. Not so for the Republicans. Even Condi Rice has not stood up to the scrutiny Hillary was exposed to.

Dick:

Personally, I don't think Isarel is going to wait or ask for [anyone's] approval to take military action against Iran should the threat become more than a threat.

It amazing how the political game is played and the strategies applied. It would appear that the choice of VP is solely based on how many of the undecided, male or female, young and old voters that can be extrapolated into some political troll formula for success. Hillary's defeat demonstrated the ended of the era of older women who still remembered the sexism of their youth and their struggles to pierce the glass ceiling. I agree that the era has ended, however, it has not ended the cultural alienation that older white women feel toward Obama. I think that this is going to continue to shift more towards Obama as the election draws near....and Hillary as VP is not the resolve Obama will seek. I believe that his running mate will be a woman, but as to who.....your guess is as good as mine.

You mentioned Condi Rice or Kay Hutchison as a possible candidates for McCain. That Dick, I don't see happening. I pretty confident that it will be a male, not there is anything wrong with choosing a female, but that does not fit the personal profile of McCain. Only time will tell.

[...] July 30, 2008 https://www.dickmorris.com/blog/2008/07/30/obama%e2%80%99s-women-problem/ [...]

Dear Mr. Morris,
The debate continues regarding which candidate is best for our country, McCain or Obama. Of the THOUSANDS of people I've talked to over the past year and a half, the vast majority do not like or want either one. The are looking for anyone else they can trust. Invariably, they say I have their vote. Unfortunately, the national media refuses to give an independent any time, and therefore, any chance. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy to keep saying, "An independent doesn't have a chance." Lou Dobbs said, "This may be the year an indpendent could take the White House." That's true, but only if that candidate is given a chance by letting the American people decide for themselves instead of being conditioned Pavlovian-style by the media.
Sincerely,
Donald K. Allen, MS, DVM
www.donaldkallenforpresident.com
cell 330 727-4240

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[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

Dick:

The day Iran verifiably has a nuclear weapon, foreign investment into Israel will drastically decline as well as its population. This would be a way for Iran to rid itself of Israel without ever launching a weapon of mass destruction. For this reason only, Israel will not allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon. There will be war and it's coming soon.

im new to the world of politics i had just recently got bit by the bug. but it seems to me that most interns have more time in than obama. its very strange to me that his followers or ok with his lack of experince . being comander and chief should not be a total learn as you go job.

When Obama tried to morph into an economic expert in time for the Ohio and Pennsylvania primaries, voters didn’t buy it and voted for Hillary...and to be honest, Hillary didn't have very much more. Not like Bill Clinton, for example, and is 10-year record as a governor and his chairmanship of the National Governors Association bolstered his credentials....and that about all it did. Clinton just happen to be elected when the windfall of leglistation passed by his predecessor started to take effect. Are we prepared to trust a new candidate with almost no experience and no claim to economic expertise in the middle of one of the most threatening economic situations we have ever faced? Are we perpared to remain in the status quo with McCain as a deriverative of the Bush Administration? We know McCain. We know he will surround himself with some pretty capable people. And, above all, we know that he won’t raise taxes. Well Dick, if he manages the country like he is managing his inept campaign, we had better be concern with McCain than Obama. We might indulge our penchant for change and elect a neophyte in the hope that he will offer something different. We might be more easily captivated by his charisma. But, in these times, we may want to stay with the safer candidate. The country cannot continue to function on the path that it is currently on A change is needed. Change, indeed is painful; yet ever needful; and if memory have its force and worth, so also has hope. Staying with the safer candidate McCain, well all I can say is that you can't expect to meet the challenges of today with yesterday's tools and expect to be in business tomorrow. The search for static security is misguided. The fact is security can only be achieved through constant change, adapting old ideas that have outlived their usefulness to current facts. Is McCain the safer candidate......Dick.....Safety is from God alone.

PS I paraphrased you article in my response....you can recognize that...don't want you to feel that I'm plagerising...Great article.. We will see if Obama lives up to your predicted expectations.

For better or worse, this election is about Obama. It is a referendum on the Democratic candidate and his agenda of change. McCain is a well-known commodity: Voter opinions of him are not likely to change much in the next three months. But their view of Obama is subject to wild fluctuation. Dick........McCain's constant is Obama's variable.

If I were McCain I would surely be looking to retain political champion like Dick Morris for advise....but then again......McCain is a constant.

Joe: The thing about experience......it is the most difficult teacher known.....it gives you the test first......and the lesson second.

The Russian military complex is focused on quelling the separist movement in Georgia and for the next 2 weeks China/the world is focused on the Olympic Games moving ahead under the weight of terrorist attacks. The next 2 weeks is a perfect window of opportunity for the long-anticipated Israeli attack on Iran. The resulting uproar, just ahead of the Democratic convention, will work perfectly for the Clintonistas to the detriment of Barry Obama. It also should douse any hope that Barry O. had for grabbing anything but the Kerry/Gore left of the middle crowd.

With this combination of foreign crises, Bush '43 doesn't need to produce Osama Bin Laden. GW can continue to milk the high-level human intelligence that has been keeping us safe for 7 years and leave the ulimate POW/KIA status of OBL for McCain.

Taking Osama Bin Laden alive while a tremendous political publicity maneuver would come at an unacceptable cost to the United States already engaged in a Jihad with fanatical Muslims. OBL needs to be KIA with unquestionable authenticity preferably by his own people. Even then we may have to deal with a martyr. But better a martyr than a cunning, well-networked, well-funded terrorist.

In light of the recent arrest of a would-be Obama assassin, one post-script that unfortunately keeps the Clintonistas in the mix. As Keith Olbermann shrieked in his verbal assault following her ill-chosen assassination comments, Sen. Hillary Clinton is only a heartbeat away from being the Democratic Presidential nominee.

When Congress returns in a month, the Democrats will likely reinforce Obama's weaknesses on taxes and the economy. They will likely only allow a vote on oil drilling if it is linked to higher gas-mileage requirements. The Big 3 automakers are already on life-support. To limit them to high-mileage vehicles, which they are inexperienced producing, would probably put them all over the edge. Senator McCain can win Michigan easily if he hammers the jobs angle.

[...] Also see Dick Morris and Eileen McGann’s BAD TIMES CAN BOGGLE BAM [...]

[...] BAD ECONOMY MAY HURT OBAMAThe conventional wisdom has it down pat: A bad economy works against the candidate from the party in power as voters take out their rage and fear on the president’s party and back the challenger, just like they did in 1992. … [...]

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The United States think of themselves collectively as a huge rescue squad on twenty-four-hour call to any spot on the globe where dispute and conflict may erupt. We must remember that America is just an extra in everyone else's play. McCain stated that “Russian military forces crossed an internationally recognized border into the sovereign territory of Georga. My advice would be to let the international community resolved the problem. We have enough in our rice bowl at the moment.

All histories do show, and "wise politicians" do hold it necessary that it behoveth Americans to presuppose that the Clintons are ruthless and evil, which is nourished and grows by concealment, and they will declare themselves so to be when occasion is offered at the convention. Nothing like honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. The Clintons will present as doing good in order that they may do evil with impunity. The Clintons have somewhat accepted the "single defeat" in the primaries, but the "final defeat" will be delievered when Obama gives his acceptance speech at the convention. The Clintons are taking a very serious risk because they cannot do evil to Obama without doing it to themselves.

America can no longer think of themselves collectively as a huge rescue squad on twenty-four-hour call to any spot on the globe where dispute and conflict may erupt. Why should America risk the lives of our soldiers for countries whose names we cannot spell properly. It is time for someone else to belly-up to the bar of saving countries.

Russia with its significant oil INCOME can afford a prolonged battle over Georgia. The US with its unprecedented debt and over $700b annual OUTFLOW for oil cannot.

With our military tied down in Iraq and Afghanistan we can offer meagre military assistance.

Europe with its generally pacifist nature and dependence on Russian oil is unlikely to act.

A full NATO military response would risk turning all of Georgia into an East vs West battleground. One where Russia has the overwhelming military advantage of proximity to the battlefield.

Perhaps we can learn from our current situation and ensure, however, that a robust Georgian insurgency greets the Russian invaders.

In addition this situation brings even more to the forefront the issue of American independence from unsavory foreign oil supplies. Independence will decimate the cost of a barrel of oil and deprive Russia of the income it needs to rebuild and to again become an international bully. On this issue McCain has the upper hand. Ignoring ANY domestic energy source is foolhardy. We need to go after every energy source and go after it now. We can phase out the non-renewable sources as we go but for now our place in the world depends on getting the hooks of foreign energy supplies out of our butts. Just making a real commitment to get this done will cause oil prices to begin a downward slide and limit Russia and others. Where the hell is congress when they are needed. They seem to be emulating Nero as Rome burned. Wake up America ... Russia was, is and remains our biggest threat not the so called Islamic radicals. Putin has solidified his power and they have unprecedented mounds of cash.

We know McCain. We know he will surround himself with some pretty capable people. And, above all, we know that he won’t raise taxes. Just because everything's different doesn't mean anything's changed. That's the risk you take if you change: that people you've been involved with won't like the new you. But other people who do will come along. You are so driven for McCain to win and Obama to loose. The media fire blips of unrelated information at us. Experts bury us under mountains of narrowly specialized monographs. Popular forecasters present lists of unrelated trends, without any to show us their interconnections or the forces likely to reverse them. As a result, when change presents itself it is preceived to be seen as anarchic, even lunatic. Historically, strong characters are brought out by change, weak ones by permanence. Do you actually believe that McCain is going to make a difference? America cannot continue to do today's job with yesterday's methods and be in business tomorrow......and that is what McCain represnets.

I love Dick Morris and usually think he is right on point, but he is wrong here. Hitler is the wrong comparison.

The Cold War may be over, but that doesn't mean Russia is going to allow NATO into the Caucuses, that would be a serious encroachment and the United States was foolish to consider it. Russia has dominated this region for 200 years and its strategic importance cannot be overstated. If Georgia became part of NATO, with attendant rights for bases, missle deployments, etc. that would be similar to the USSR putting nukes on Cuba.

No one was calling the U.S. Hitler when we invaded Cuba or Iraq for that matter. Both were military actions that were strategic rather than ideological, even if the rationale was framed in ideological terms (American Presidents always have to sell strategic moves in moral terms).

Georgia got too much gumption and misunderstood the power dynamics. Shaakasvili was wrong to think that the U.S. would go to war with Russia to protect a prospective NATO member. To do so would be insane.

Russia is not about to take over the world, but they will fight to preserve their territorial advantages. The U.S. and China would do - and have done - exactly the same.

Further, being the lone superpower in the world has not been the best position for the United States, or for any prior hegemon for that matter. The rise of China and Russia should be viewed in a broader strategic context: a return to a mutli-polar balance of power is actually a much more stable and tenable position for the United States than the post-cold-war unipolar system.

Solo empires don't last.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] One side is complaining about Mark Belling’s “we’re going to have to send in troops” idea, and the other is comparing Russia to Nazi Germany. [...]

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

Before Hillary and Bill embark on their journey of political revenge in Colorado, they might be wise to dig two graves, because if they believe that they can damage Obama without damaging themselves, they are mistaken. They might have pulled off quite a coup, however, the Clintons should never underestimate Obama, who overestimates himself.

Dick Morris is on-track. The effectiveness of the Clinton strategy will be the lack of “Obama momentum” following the convention. Without momentum and especially “increasing momentum”, Obama will be steamrolled by the Republicans.

Dick: You know we all joked about Paris Hilton and her image she protrays in public......honestly, she might not do so bad as a VP candidate. It couldn't be any worse than the selection of candidates that are available in the political market. It is practical politics in motion........and you know what......Americans continue to be exhausted and frustrated....America needs decisive leaders to make good decision, not children in the Muppet Show.

The strategy Penn recommended was ridiculous, and Penn did miss the point......as a result it back fired. There is no normalcy for the Clintons or in fact for any politican......they are only good at one thing......and getting elected or re-elected is where there mastery lies. I believe that the face of politics has changed, and a new generation of voters is emerging. If Bill and Hillary believe that they can hack the DNC, either directly or indirectly for the purpose of damaging Obama's candidacy to promote her potential run for the presidency in 2012, well, they cannot do damage to Obama without doing damage to themselves. Chronic exposure of the Clintons are toxic, and are tolerated over a long period of time; hacking the DNC would mean an "overdose" and we know what happens with overdoses.

This Clintons dominance of the DNC, and you heard it from me first, is going to back fire so bad that it will insert the final nail into the Clinton's political coffin. The average American voter is truly naive, but the Democratic National Party and the Democratic voters are going to be watching them like an egale watches its prey.

Hillary's purpose, along with wild Bill, to do damage to Obama to cause and effect his defeat, for the sole purpose to run again for the presidency is an illusion. You said McCain will be 76 in 2012, and would be easy pickins......Hillary will be about 69...and that it not a great margin of difference.....she will be the Democratic McCain.

Time is an amazing element........it heals all wounds, and at the same time is the "greatest thief" that exist...and it steals and heals all at the same moment without ever being notice. I agree, Obama needs to watch his back, but a young fox always does.

Dick: Which will the final nail be for the Clinton's political coffin: honest arrogance or hypocritical humility? I would choose honest arrogance.

McCain can use the energy issue to defeat Obama. McCain gets it: sending over $700billion a year to people who want us dead is a bad idea. Sure $4 gas is an issue for everyone but Canadians pay over $5 and Germans over $8. What they don't do is finance their enemies. Obama seems fearful of alienating the greens on his left (oops no-one is really to his left) and just can't get it out that we need to tap every available domestic energy source and technology. Until he does McCain has the upper hand.

Obama knew long ago of these risks and reminds himself each time he views the cartoon in his private plane of himself boiling in a stew over a fire with Hilary and Bill stirring the pot. He considers himself immune. By not allowing for unpredictable events, he demonstrates his naiveté.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

I would agree wholeheartedly with your insight about Obama's strength to be President. This, in my opinion, is one more poor judgement on his part that relects highly of his inabilities. Obama has become so complex in his character that he scares the hell out of me and hopefully out of many americans, especially those who were so mesmerized by his eloquence. He is a puzzle that will unravel on the national stage and in front of the first crisis that confronts our country and our nation. His true face which is resplendent in weakness and appeasement will never be able to stand up to any leader of strength. And the world is full of bullies. Obviously Obama will shrink and melt in the face of adversity!!

[...] Rants — contrarythought @ 10:04 pm Tags: Clintons, Obama, Politics I have been reading Dick Morris’s blog (a former Bill Clinton adviser and Hillary Clinton critic) and he is painting a scenario where the [...]

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

Dick: The days of the Clintons worshiping themselves will soon be over. Many of Clinton's staunchest supporters felt strongly that something had to be done, and that the Clintons had concluded that, in part for the sake of unity, their wishes ought to be respected. And we both know Dick, that is pure political bullsh**. Obama believes that honoring Senator Clinton's historic campaign in this way will help the Democratic party celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together in a strong united fashion, which I believe is both symbolically and practically, but more symbolic. Even if her name is place in nomination, she will inevitably wind up with fewer delegates than the 1896 she earned from the primaries, and that alone is going to make Hillary look bad and will demoralize herself and her supporters.

Has Obama really given away the store? A good question, but I don't think so. The Democratic storekeepers, regardless of Obama giving in to the Clintons, will keep Hillary in check because their jobs are also on the line come November. Is Obama being pushed around and you begging question as whether or not he is strong enough to be President; well, an Obama mousetrap always offers free cheese, and when the Clintons began preaching at the convention, everyone will be watching their geese. I once wrote to you that "weakness is really not weakness, but a sign of strength. Don't undersestimate Obama.........he is going to surprise everyone.

It is the price Putin will pay for the life he chooses. Georgia may loose the battle, but they have not lost the war.

Exactly right. Weakness like this often leads to rashness when governing. If/when O becomes President, his responses to any 3 am moments - foreign or domestic - will be viewed through the lens of "is he tough enough?" This may cause him to make extreme moves at the wrong time.

My guess is that the reasons for his wimpy handling of the Clintons are: a) lack of leadership experience (he's never held a significant executive-type position), b) dislike of conflict (he doesn't have combat experience - neither real combat, busines combat, nor political combat) and c) he aims to please. The last flaw is the worst one.

Good leaders do not worry about being liked, they worry about advancing the interests of the enterprise they are leading, particularly in the face of other people's negative emotions. This takes a certain self-mastery; a certain sense of "it's not personal, it's strictly business."

My feeling is that O just feels bad that the Clintons hate him and he wants to please them. He is being magnanimous when the situation calls for ruthlessness. You think the Clintons feel any obligation to return the favor and play nice with O? Ha! They would take any opportunity to benefit at O's expense.

I think this should somehow be a part of McCain's narrative. He should put some more meat on the bones of his argument that O is not ready to lead. He should explore the downside of inexperience. What can and will actually go wrong as a result of O's callowness.

Dick: Sometimes a "hour in the sun" is all that is required. The days of the Clintons honoring themselves will come to a close. The Democratic storekeepers see the Clinton's dominance of the DNC as symbolic only. It is part of the political con game. I wouldn't judge Obama by this particular circumstance....as as far as being pushed around...don't confused symbolic sweetness with weakness....sweetness is strength.

As far as Bayh, Obama is too smart and talented to transfer anything politically with ties to the Clintons. That would be pure "toxic." His weakness, in the face of the Clintons, well is it really weakness or is it just that one should make friends with the crocodile before he enters the river and/or let me make you my friend in public before I make you my emeny in private. Hillary is going to pay a permanent price among the party faithful for sabotaging Obama’s candidacy by placing her name in nomination. She is going to demoralize herself along with here staunch party supporters and will be able to join Liberman in January as a party outcast.

Is an unscripted Obama a pushover? Will foreign leaders conclude that he is not up to the job, just as Khrushchev did with JFK at his 1961 Vienna summit that presaged the Cuban Missile crisis? Well, you know the answer to that. Khrushchev's mistake is that he underestimate JFK, just like you are doing with Obama, and so did Hillary Clinton. It was not a stroke of luck that defeated the Clinton political machine and neither victory for JFK.

Mark Penn protrayed Barack Obama as a marginal American and orchestrated the campaign to summon the white working class in opposition to his candidacy. The same Mark Penn who protrayed Hillary as middle class, middle of the country, and middle in the century..... and that image of normalcy defeated her...if the image doesn't fit, it doesn't fit.

We both know that the execution of the duties of the Office of the Presidency of the United States is without a teleprompter and dealing with this nations issues is somewhat different then dealing symbolically with the Clintons. You are comparing apples and oranges here. And as far as the tracking polls, it is still to early in game and poll trolls are having a good time alarming the populace with a series of hobglobins of numbers. Give it another 50 days, then we can make significance comments on the poll numbers.

Everyone seems to know what the other person is going to do.....that always amazes me. The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created... created first in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the "maker and the destination." I think Obama will surprise all of us........including you Dick.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

Michaelcoogen, wonderful comment. I agree entirely.

Dick, you are using your intelligence to attempt to manipulate the populace with Dark intention. Your voice has no ring of truth in it and will fall flat. This is the year the Americans who walk in God's light from all religions and walks of life have heard the call and are stepping up to create a more positive world by supporting Obama.

You are disappointing because you seem less intelligent when you use your abilities this way. You could be so much more than you have become.

I agree with DM. The Clintons can slow Obama’s momentum. His pulpit styled Cotton Candy speeches that embraced the Democrats with warm and fuzzy feelings about what America needs, will soon be overshadowed by the reality of the Socialist direction of his distribution of wealth proposals when people begin asking simple and direct questions this fall. The Honeymoon is about over.

And Putin is ensuring the election of anti-Russian leaders throughout the western world ... including John McCain.

And I thank you Mercedes for your thoughtful comment...in retrospect.....you also do have the power of the words.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

Obama will select Sen. Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential choice as Russia has beaten Israel to the foreign crises punch. The ever-calculating Obama campaign cannot risk any perception of inexperience, weakness, or ignorance of foreign policy issues and procedures. Joe Biden in spite of his propensity for lengthy dialouge and susceptibility to mistakes, brings confident senatorial and foreign diplomatic experience to the ticket.

Biden also brings the Washington insider blemish to the Obama ticket, but what the hell. Russia has done what Israel has been posturing to do and still could. Barry O. cannot afford to make any other choice.

Brilliant, Mr. Putin...well played! The world can finally appreciate the Russian 25-year plan...it has worked to perfection. My complements to the KGB for playing the West like the suckers we have been.

It started with the realization that without capitalist western technology Russia would never be able to complete its ultimate economic domination of the Eurasian continent. The price of success must have been a truly jagged pill to swallow--appear to surrender the Cold War, abandon the United Soviet Socialist Republic thereby releasing former Soviet satellite countries, tolerate a re-unified Germany, and control the resurgence of capitalism. But the reward has been well worth the wait--an absolutely brilliant infusion of western technology and investment forbidden for 30 years, expert no-cost repair to their dismal oil & gas production infrastructure, creation of Russian oil & gas ventures including pipelines now ripe for their 'nationalization', discovery of new oil & gas reserves, establishment of a self-sufficient economy, the list goes on, and on, and on.

What a patient enemy! First Gorbachev and then Yeltsin quietly manipulating the Russian populace all without dismantling the Russian military or the KGB--how stupid could we have been? Then came Putin, the master spy and assassin. Who better to recruit the West as an asset?

NATO and Europe better get set for a thorough ass-kicking because it's coming in spades right down the economic Fulda-gap.

McCain will stay away from selecting Joe Liberman; the selection of Liberman would present the public image of the two elderly gentlemen in the balcony on the Muppet Show...and Tom Ridge is identified as pro-life, however, he made a statement that he would change to pro-choice if he was selected; and as far as Tim Pawlenty is concerned, he is just a tad-bit above the sterotypes of Jesse Ventura and Al Frankteon. In reality, it will not make a difference on he chooses......they are all not the greatest candidates.

As far as Obama, Evan Bayh has too many past ties to the Clintons, and that would be political suicide. Tim Kaine brings nothing to the table or the campaign and is truly an unknown political contributor other than his local credibility and standings in Virginia. It is apparent, that since Mark Warner will deliver the opening speech at the convention, that Kaine is automatically vetted. And as far as Joe Biden, the crusty, talkative, argumentative old Joe Biden will add to the political void of Obama in foreign policy. And as far as knowing where the bathroom is in the White House, that is a very crucial point, consdiering most of Congress does their best work there and all are most happier there; some even from head to "feet."

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I enjoy your commentaries on Fox News.

Thank you for keeping us informed. Thank you for enlightening me on the Clintons. She HRC is one scary person.

Amanda Ellis

The similarity between Obama and Carter is clear. Were Obama to lose this election, would we then see him, like Carter, running around the world criticizing the USA and making nice with every ruthless leftist dictator in the world? Since the Obamas already seem more than willing to place blame on the United States for all of the world's problems, I suspect the answer to this question is yes! The Obamas happily spent twenty years listening to the wretched Reverend Wright heap racist hatred on our country. I believe they would be right at home with someone like Jimmy Carter. There is a very good reason that Barack now feels the needs to keep declaring his patriotism and love of country . . . his past actions and associations tell the tale of one who does not love this country. I believe he is a phoney and a liar!

Dick,

Keep up the great work.

While I realize the russian threat may have precluded this, wouldn't our efforts in the war on terror be enhanced by German rearmament?
If so, wouldn't a "redeployment" out of Germany encourage germans to help us to protect themselves?
Or, do we need to wait until there are fewer alive with WWII memories?

G3

Where have all the statesmen gone?

[...] Morris is rather more pointed in his criticisms. He makes it clear that Obama himself is responsible for his [...]

Dick: You said that Obama showed incredible weakness in dealing with the Clintons, while on foreign and defense questions, he betrayed a lack of strength and resolve in standing up to Russia’s invasion of Georgia. The days of the Clintons honoring themselves will come to a close. The Democratic storekeepers see the Clinton’s dominance of the DNC as symbolic only. It is part of the political con game. I wouldn’t judge Obama by this particular circumstance….as as far as being pushed around…don’t confused symbolic sweetness with weakness…sweetness is strength. And as far as standing up to Russia's invasion of Georgia, well he is only the presumptive nominee......that is still an issue for the current Bush Administration to deal with....and believe me in reality,the Bush Administration has said and done less than Obama.

Hillary Clinton is going to pay a permanent price among the party faithful for sabotaging Obama’s candidacy by placing her name in nomination and taking control of the DNC. She is going to continue demoralize herself along with here staunch party supporters and will be able to join Liberman in January as a party outcast. I believe that Obama has yet to play his major political cards and everything we see and don't see is just pure political conjucture and speculation.

It appears that the Clintons are prevailing in the battle to undermine Obama's candidacy...however, sometimes we often forget that a mouse trap always offers "free cheese."

Everyone seems to know what the other person is going to do…..that always amazes me. The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created… created first in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the “maker and the destination.” I think Obama will surprise all of us……..including you Dick.

Quote of the Day Aug 20

Dick Morris : If Obama can’t stand up to the Clintons, after they have been defeated, how can he measure

[...] Dick Morris points out this week in his weekly column that Barack Hussein (that’s right I said it..) Obama doesn’t have sufficient backbone to be our next President. I couldn’t agree more. [...]

Snip from Michaelcoogan: "and as far as Tim Pawlenty is concerned, he is just a tad-bit above the sterotypes of Jesse Ventura and Al Frankteon."

I certainly disagree with the above assessment. I have lived in Minnesota for 50 years, so I've seen a lot of politics here. I, personally, think that Ventura is a buffoon and Franken is just a joke. I do not agree with Pawlenty on many issues, but I find him to be a well educated, smart politican who does 'think' before he speaks. I do not want to see McCain ask him as a VP, I would much prefer to see him ask Liberman as I think it would be a great balance and I really respect Joe Liberman. I'm just hoping that he does not ask Gov. Romney; I think that would be political suicide.

What Obama is going to do I'm not sure, but he sure gave it away to the Clintons; it would not surprise me a bit if Hillary walks out of the convention with the nomination, not at all! What a mess that will be if it happens. Moey in Minneapolis

• I wonder if a Romney candidacy might support an Obama campaign attack and friendly-press narrative that the maverick is dead, e.g., McCain is yielding to expediency and appears, just like Romney did earlier, to be rudderless?
• With Romney on the ticket, I wonder if it neutralizes McCain positions about Obama’s opportunistic political compass. McCain may net out positive in the mud-wrestling match, but will it be enough to move his margin towards victory?
• Is there polling, or conventional wisdom, that establishes that more in the conservative base will be lost than the middle gained by a Lieberman candidacy? A bold move here might move a lot of people. The smart money in the right-to-life camp will eventually hold their noses and pull for McCain, yes?

I’m a marketer and sales person by trade -- not a political expert, however, my experience suggests that a McCain-Lieberman ticket would be electric. The ticket would glow from media coverage and water-cooler buzz. A McCain-Romney ticket would be entirely predictable; over the next few months news copy about the campaign would be good to wrap fish.

Meanwhile, if the Obama campaign continues to drink its own bath water (and they pick Hillary), the Obama team will suck the air out of the room for the next four years. Sure. Bill will be a pest, but the country will laugh it off. Meanwhile, in real life, if Obama’s make up runs, he might run out of the room from Putin during a negotiation. McCain needs to show some real daring here. He needs to “Think Lee, or Think Grant”, not “Go McClellan.”

If McCain gets Lieberman, then the campaign needs to work the storyline that both candidates will vet originalist judges as a matter of principled constitutional stewardship. “We will both pick judges that believe in legislation, not practice it.” “Like almost all of America, Joe and I wretch at partial birth abortion and euthanizing squalling Down’s babies in dark closets. This is the triumph of absolutism, at its worst.”
“Unlike Democrats beholden to absolutists, we will not jam litmus tests down appointees’ throats in public as we have too often seen by some on the Senate Judiciary Committee.” “Life and liberty? --Activist Judges are a mortal threat to our Constitutional form of government, not moderate politicians.”

Russia is really playing an international political game of "cat and mouse." Little does Russia know, that the mouse will either be captured by the cat and/or the mouse trap (US and Poland)......and a mouse trap always offers "free cheese."All rooted in the name of "money."

Often statistics are used as a drunken man uses lamp posts... for support rather than illumination.

[...] Dick Morris points out this week in his weekly column that Barack Hussein (that’s right I said it..) Obama doesn’t have sufficient backbone to be our next President. I couldn’t agree more. [...]

The Expediency of War Hysteria

With the messy, unfortunate, and tragic war between Russia and Georgia now wrapping up under the hazy fog of ceasefire agreements (minus of course the ongoing pillaging and humiliation of the defeated and the exceptionally slow removal of Russian tanks...

Constantly keep hearing from the Republicans and the McCain campaign how Obama is such a celebrity. I would think that successful people are somewhat a celebrity in their own rights.........just like you Dick, O'Reilly, Hannity, Colmes, Jack Cafferty, Wolf Blitzer....etc. It is a common thing to associate "success, in whatever degree that it may exist, with being a celebrity. That's is just common nature of being human. In addition, no one ever admire another's talent in as much that they are dissatisfied with their own. It is not enough to succeed, because others must fail.

Obama is definitively charismatic and very skilled when speaking. Whether it be a teleprompter or a well written speech, he is able to deliver and excite the voters, and the outcome of most elections are based on how the voters feel with a candidate, rather than his CV. You are so right, that is what has made his candidacy so successful and his trademark as a candidate. Hidden behind his chrisma is a a "professor of decision," and time will either prove you right are all of the voters wrong. The element of time; it heals and steals at the same moment without notice.

[...] Peggy Noonan: The race has begun. Dick Morris: No it hasn’t. [...]

So Americans of all parties have reached a consensus that Obama is young, charismatic, intelligent, articulate, and in favor of change but also that he is too inexperienced, possibly too liberal and less qualified than they would like and offers only lip-widsom. Let's be honest, human beings hardly ever learn anything from experience or the experience of others. They learn, when they do, on their own, the hard way. Experience is never limited, and it is never complete; it is an immense sensibility, a kind of huge spider-web of the finest silken threads suspended in the chamber of consciousness, and constantly catching every air-borne particle in its tissue. Anyone can learn whatever he chooses to learn; and if the individual permits it, the political environment will teach him everything it has to teach.

McCain is experienced, but experience implies age, able, an heroic veteran and honest, but also that he is too old, possibly too conservative and perhaps too pro-war. A political constant in a changing face of a nation and the voters. If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must the American voter be of learning from the experience of the last eight years of the Bush Administration.

For a campaign that has been going on for two years, how odd that the voters’ opinions of the candidates are still so unformed and general. There are two possibilities: the American voters reamin uncertain about both candidates, and uncertainity is a refuge of hope; or that the voters are too stupid to be governed. What Americans historically notice is what resonates with our inner perspective. We tend to overlook what does not connect with our current attitudes or sense of awareness.

It is all a con game. In elections, there are only the winners and the loosers and voters have for years attached the illusion of Democrats, Republicans or third parties. It is not like the Olympics; gold, silver, or bronze medals.......elections you have the Winner followed by the First Place Loosers.

Great Article for Americans to digest.

[...] Dick Morris gives his take on the race [...]

The choice of Biden was all too obvious. The Obama campaign staff is so-o-o-o predictable. They wanted a no-name like Bayh to allow their Messiah to shine. But given the continued Clintonista subterfuge, the effectiveness of the RNC negative ad campaign, and the deteriorating foreign political climate, Biden was their only choice (sorry Michelle).

The McCain camp has no choice but to equivocate with a seasoned attack dog for VP. The Biden entourage will not give any quarter and has accepted the duty of taking the low-ground, snarling attack right to the jugular of John McCain and his No. 2.

If McCain thinks he can have a continued friendship with Joe Biden after what transpires over the next 60 days, he is truly naive. John is about to learn that unlike VietNam, in this war, there will be no prisoners.

It will be interesting to see the Clintons' enthusiasm level during the convention. Now that it's clear that Hillary was not seriously considered for VP ... liberal feminists may consider sitting this election out.

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

[...] DickMorris.com Share [...]

I believe these views to be short sighted.Lets remember that what we are seeing is quite a bit like the Carter candidacy.I still believe without a prompter Obama is dead in the water, his views are very similar to Carters and he too was a pushover as well. You all must remember that yes in 50 days this campaign will look much different but right now when Dem's typically have a very good lead going into the fall there is absolutely no lead here.This should be very alarming due to the Saddleback forum being a great litmus test for how Obama is going to perform in the debates. With virtually no lead for Obama and 1 in 5 women supporters flocking to McCain I truly believe this is a very positive sign for the conservatives.Plain and simple McCain should not be where he is right now, but he is.Morris, as usual you are right on the money.....

[...] States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas Dick Moris makes the case this morning for Kay Bailey Hutchison as John McCain’s Vice President. Biden was the best of [...]

I think Dick's strategy for McCain is right on (let's face it, Dick is almost always right on), the problem is how to execute that strategy. The Republican field doesn't contain strong woman candidates who would be attractive to disaffected Hillaristas. The Hillaristas are liberal feminists who care about women's liberation, abortion rights, equal pay, environment, gun control, etc. They are on the poorer end of the economic spectrum.

KBH is a "country-club-Republican" from Texas whose image is that of a woman who plays by the rules, dresses conservatively, wears pearls, etc. She is pro-life, pro-gun, tied to big-oil, etc. This is the rub for McCain, will the mere fact of naming a woman win Hillaristas? Or will they ultimately be turned off by the promotion of an "uncle Tom of woman's issues."

Liddy Dole has similar issues, though is probably a better choice because of her vast experience with Cabinet positions for Reagan, H.W. Bush, etc.

Condi Rice would be a disaster because of her ties to the W. administration's foreign policy failures.

Olympia Snowe?

[...] long been on the side of those who think Romney is the choice for VP for McCain. But Dick Morris thinks that Obama’s flipping off of female Hillary voters should be enough for Maverick [...]

All valid points, Peliot as the weaknesses and contrasts of these women would likely never bring the "Hillaristas" into the tent and ultimately not strengthen the Republican ticket. A woman would certainly energize the ticket as Dick points out, but who would be the most unifying and least divisive is still the lingering question that McCain must answer before the convention. Ah, to be a fly on the wall in the McCain strategy room.:-)

Is Sarah Palin out of the mix? She is the governor of Ground Zero for U.S. energy independence -- Alaska and the oil-rich ANWR fields. She is a woman of substance with a 20-year marriage, a great family and a son who joined the U.S. military in 2007, ready to serve his country.

Last week Kay Bailey Hutchison stated that she was not interested in being the VP. She would work to help McCain get elected but then her focus would be on running for governor of Texas when Rick Perry's term ends.

I suspect that Senator McCain will go with loyalty, not demographics. McCain values loyalty, and Governor Pawlenty supported him when his campaign was at its weakest.

I think Joe Lieberman would be best. I am a bit tired of the ultra conservatives saying they could not possibly support a ticket with..horrors...a moderate for vice president (along with a maverick on top).....I voted for ultra conservatives holding my nose, and then cringed at how they conducted themselves in the White House and Congress..( I went from being represented by Randy Duke Cunningham to having Larry Craig as my senator....I am fed up with hypocrites) I think all Republicans could return the favor and vote for our party ticket and prevent a liberal from gaining the White House with a Democratic Congress to boot.

While I've thought for a long time that Joe Lieberman was the best running mate for John, I see that John can sink Obama by picking a woman as his running mate. Hopefully, John's advisors can see the same advantage.

McCain wii not select a woman as VP........and what message is that going to send to the American women of America and the Hillary whiny babies? There is a price to pay for the choices they make. Obama choose to add to his preceived weakness of foreign policy.....a wise choice..McCain......not in his profile to choose a woman...in the end I believe that Obama will come out ahead after the DNC...McCain is going to loose a lot of ground if he doesn't select a woman.....but then again...McCain has never took the offensive against Obama's weakness...he is just old guard with old guard politics...November will tell.

I think McCain will go with Romney simply because it is a safe pick and it could essentially deliver Michigan and possibly Mass. Although there will be great fodder for the Dem's to bring up about their hard fought primary I believe there are two ways to dilute the Dem's chances of succeeding at attracting them. One Romney is huge for economics so the focus should be economy,economy,economy. Obama nor Biden have any experience heading a corp. or any other business for that matter so while Biden is debating foreign relations, which by the way should be done by Obama since it is his duty, Romney will be talking about one of two issues the country is uptight about. Second, I think that if McCain were to announce at the same time his top four cabinet picks the Dem's would have to spread their attacks between several rather than one person and this also shows the country how prepared right now McCain is. I'm thinking Petraeus for Sec. of Defense, Lieberman for Sec. of state, Romney Vice President, and then Bloomberg for Treasury or Sec. of Commerce. This would be a "Shock and awe" type of approach and would certainly throw the Obama campaign off center. I do think it would be very important to name some women to the cabinet as well to snatch up some women voters as well. What do you think? I have seen this idea written in several places all over the net.

Its time to tune out from the irrelevant over-analysis by the pundits.

There sure seems to be a lot of speculation as to how the election is going to go considering the fact that Obama hasn't won the nomination yet. The Florida and Michigan delegates are going to be seated with full votes. Hillary still has a good chance of getting the nomination. If she does, I wonder who Hillary's running mate will be?

I have a comment rather the question. Do you think Bill Clinton really wants Hillary to be president? If so, why? His conduct during the primaries would seem to indicate that deep down, he does not.

My heart picked up a bit and I caught myself saying, “Yeah, yeah" when I read Dick's Sunday evening remarks and I am absolutely glued to the conventions - both of them, more than ever before.

Morris' theory that Hillary is willing to throw the race to McCain, just to prove she should have gotten the nomination is absolutely brilliant. It reads a bit like a conspiracy theory but having followed this genius of politics, who is so familiar with the Clintons and their machine, over the past year and reading his explanation of just how conniving the Clintons really are (not that I ever had any doubt), is mind-boggling.

I didn’t realize “Bill Clinton has finessed Barack Obama into making the biggest mistake of his candidacy – failing to name … Kathleen Sebelius….”. I have thought all along Hillary (& Bill, for that matter) Clinton will stop at nothing and that until this thing is completely over, don't count her out; but the idea that Obama played right into Bill's hands by choosing Biden rather than Sebelius makes perfect sense. The man is indecisive and dangerous as president.

But what really got my adrenaline flowing is Morris’ idea that McCain should choose Kay Bailey Hutchison as his VP. I have felt for a long time a woman was imperative to McCain’s ticket and I have many times wanted him to choose Condi Rice. Morris’ comments that her relationship to Bush makes sense, in spite of the fact I think Condi is smarter than the entire democratic party put together and that I have always have been extremely loyal to George Bush and will remain so, believing that history will prove him to be a great American president as well.

I do not want or like Romney. He scares me with his sudden pro-life shift. How can a God-fearing Christian ever have doubts on this subject? But Hutchison is the perfect answer – and I hope McCain is listening to Dick Morris. It is ingenious and for the first time, I am beginning to believe that if he does this – he will win in November!

I have talked with more than twenty people who are just marginally following the race. None were aware that Senator Obama does not want to do a face to face debate with Senator McCain or anyone else who might give him an honest challenge.

Strikingly most of these folks, all Maryland Liberals, said they would not trust Senator Obama if he declined an opportunity to go at it, verbally, with his opponent. Even the die hard Obama supporters didn't like Senator Obama's fear of extemporaneous unscripted debate, but gave him only a lukewarm pass. None were very happy when advised of Senator Obama's position.

Of course they conditioned their stances on the basis of the assumption that it is true that Senator Obama doesn't want to debate and Senator McCain does, which is neither widely known nor easily verified.

[...] The link is here. . [...]

Excellent analysis! I was hoping that McCain would announce that Condoleezza Rice would be his running mate (not that she would consider running), but I think that Senator Hutchinson would be an excellent choice as well.

McCain, although not in his profile, "needs" to choose a woman as his VP running mate. It was the Clinton's objective to have Obama not choose a woman for VP and they sort of knew that because Obama needed to add strength to his foreign policy weakness, since the Bush Administration's foreign policy is no more than failed diplomacy.

McCain's foreign policy experience is not much better. McCain has one standard formula for foreign policy......and that is military action. And to most Americans, the war in Iraq seems to have faded and is no longer a major point of interest since the US and Iraq are close at reaching an agreement for troop withdrawl from Iraq. That is a mis-conception in itself. Wars just don't abruptly end with the signing of an agreement. Been there, done that.

McCain's weakness is economic policy and he needs to add strength to fill that void...however, with the most all male gentlemen's club, his selection of a woman will not come without resistance.....it would only be to gain the advantage of capturing those staunch Hillary supporters who are not going to vote for Obama anyway. It is a dangerous gamble, however, if McCain does select a woman for his VP running mate, he will easily walk into the White House. Of course, it is all speculation....because know one really knows how the American voters will vote until the last hour draws near.

I would conclude that, at best, Obama will loose 15% of the woman voters, because when it comes down to it, America doesn't want to add four more years of the same to the last eight years.

Obama will give the speech of his life at the Obamapalooza in Denver and hopes that it resonates to all of American and continues to until November. It will probably be the greatest lip-widsom he has ever spoken....and it has to be....because all the marbles are on the table......and the "winner" takes all.

xdream......and appropriate screen name for a dream that will never come to past. The superdelegates jobs are on the line also, and to vote against the will of their constitutents......that's political suicide..they have already calculated that it is impossible, even with Flordia and Michigan, for Hillary to be nominated. Of course, everyone is entitled to their dream...xdream.

I for one am completely tired of this focus on the irrelevant. I don't care who Michelle Obama is or what she thinks of Barack. Did anyone think she would tell us that his is a schmuck.I don't care what Ted Kennedy thinks, I already know he wants things we cant afford right now, and I am beginning not to care what Barack Obama thinks. Finally with pieces like this I don't care what Dick Morris thinks.

What I do care about is what we are going to do about the deteriorating state of our Nation. And for further emphasis I don't care about when the decay began or who started it. I want to know who is best suited to get us back on track and specifically how they will do accomplish this goal.

At the core of all, yes ALL, of our problems is our reliance on oil based energy. Fix this problem and we will have jobs, we will be able to afford better health care for all and we will be able to afford to properly educate the next generation. We will be able to develop a coherent foreign policy based our our principles not on our need to protect our energy supply. I want to know who gets this.

Two things are obvious to me and I know many others:
1- It is not in our best interest to continue to spend in excess of $700 billion per year to purchase foreign oil. And it doesn't matter if it comes from Canada or Mexico even though they are far better suppliers than our terrorist sponsoring enemies. That money would be far better spent buying domestic energy and creating jobs for our own citizens.
2- We cannot continue to use oil based fuel for transportation. It is running out and we do not have enough domestic supply no matter where we drill.

A big part of the answer is in converting our transportation to electricity and making much greater use of natural gas as an interim fossil fuel.

This means getting on with nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, tidal etc sources of electricity. It means investing in modern transmission and distribution systems. Aside from GM and a few small startup we are being left in the dust on electric cars. Nissan has breakthroughs in Li-Ion batteries for its electric car in 2010 and a called Better Place is advancing a new model for battery powered electric cars Israel and Denmark are on board. Hell, even Iceland is getting off oil for transportation. Where are we?

To see the future Google the announcement by Norway's Renewable Energy Corp and their decision to build a $1.2b polysilicon factory in Quebec, Canaada. They chose Quebec because of the stable availability of reasonably priced hydro electic power.

Picken's initiative is certainly encouraging.

I am going to vote for whoever has the strongest program to get us off oil based fuels. At the moment, McCain has a big lead over Obama on this issue. He alone seems to understand we cannot take ANY option off the table. Drilling offshore and in the north provides relief and a safety valve. Nuclear will be an important component and we have to provide the money to solve the waste issue.

Solve this one problem and we solve the other biggies. Namely environmental degradation and jobs. We get back on a growth path and begin to balance our budget and get debt under control. Then we have money for health care, education and other things we care about.

Oddly no one has bothered to recognize that Michelle's darling speech, with its folksey "I am just a poor white ..er black woman just like the the rest of you ..er white folk and i will not mention my Ivy league credentials and don't you say anything about my doctoral thesis" begs the question...who and what is Barack Obama and what and who is Michelle since she was named by Barack as his 1st "go to" advisor at Saddleback. Is she more experienced than Barack? While love is a beautiful thing what is she capable of advising him about? Where does he need her advise...why would he need HER advise? Too many mysteries..too much intrigue...During her speech I felt that all too familiar feeling that I just getting ready to buy a used Ugo. Will no one mention that both Barack and Michelle are products of government sponsored programs?

I have only one question for Ms. Michelle... If you're married to the President, can you still keep your day job?

[...] aggression Here's a little different take on this subject in an article by Dick Morris: HITLER INVADED SUDETENLAND; NOW PUTIN INVADES SOUTH OSSETIA at DickMorris.com I'm not sure we should be getting too involved with these types of squabbles over there, but in [...]

T. Boone has some great ideas, but don't think for one minute that he is touting wind as the "great savior" to our energy troubles because he's a nice guy or overly concerned about our energy independence or dependence. Pickens has one goal and one goal only, TO MAKE MONEY!

In April of this year he was quoted by The Guardian, "Don't get the idea that I've turned green," Pickens tells the Guardian in the Dallas offices of his new venture Mesa Power. "My business is making money, and I think this is going to make a lot of money."

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with making money, and lots of it. The problem I have is he portrays himself in his TV spots as a concerned citizen, however, by his own volition, his primary objective is to corner the wind market.

Hi Dick. I agree with you that McCain should pick a woman VP and that he needs a "wow" factor. But Kay Bailey Hutchinson?! She is old and frumpy. She makes Libby Dole look like a cheerleader. Instead, how about Olympia Snowe? A longtime ally of McCain's, Snowe is very experienced and qualified and he would get 4 electoral votes that he wouldn't get otherwise.

The only permanent "bounce" Obama will get depends entirely on Hillary. If she convinces her supporters to come over he will get a bounce, otherwise come November no one will remember the blah blah blah of the convention including what will be another feel good speach by Obama.

Bill will be largely irrelevant. He will either sink himself (further) or have no effect.

If this was the real Michelle Obama, then why did they have to keep her out of sight for the last two months?

How do we know if this is the genuine Michelle Obama, or if the original angry and bitter Michelle is the genuine person? When in doubt, trust the unscripted version ...

[...] and commitments. The generalities have worked before but, to quote Sen. Obama, “not this time.” The Source __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How May I Help You? PM me through this link if clicking [...]

I agree.........the era of political lip-widsom is coming to an end. It is going to be time for McCain or Obama to show America where the "beef" is.......and I'm not from Missouri.....but rather New York.

Yes, Olympia Snowe is the best choice. Very experienced, moderate enough not to offend anybody, smart, and has a good biography. Once voters get to know her, they will love her.

I wish that pundits would get off of this Kay Bailey Hutchison thing, or else the McCain camp might actually take it seriously. Yikes. The only benefit that we can see is that KBH would diffuse the "age issue" because next to KBH, McCain looks like a teenager.

[...] The link is here. [...]

I'm ready for a woman. Are you?

Given the chatter I'm hearing on the Internet, it's likely that before long, we'll have a pretty good idea of who Senator McCain will pick for Vice-President. Given the fact that there are many women out there that feel slighted...

The Clintons are crafty.....there is no dobut.....their speeches were basically aimed at repairing the Clinton Brand name, since so much of the kitchen sink was thrown during the primaries at Obama....a somewhat redempetion back to the Democratic party state of grace. They were both able to orate a "positive resentment of Obama,"and with such graciousness and deceit. When the Clintons are taken out of their depths, they lose their heads, no matter how charming a bluff they may put up and as Harry Truman once said, "If you can't convince them; confuse them."

The time of lip widsom, script writing and teleprompting are coming to a close. The truth of the matter is that Obama knows the right things he has to do. The hard part is going to be doing it. And tonight his supporters will be looking for the formula and the vairables to resolve the nations problems. His speech must define the strategic plan of attack and what effective action he is going to take to heal a trouble nation. You are right......this generation wants to know, where is the beef......because tonight "talk want cook the rice."

McCain is tied to the Bush and his Administration by default. Although you mentioned the pros of why McCain is unlike Bush in many facuets, the preceived image of McCain by the average American voter is completely opposite...the cons. In fact, most voters don't even know who McCain is, much less Obama. I read an interesting statistic yesterday; 50% of Americans have never read a newspaper; and 50% of Americans don't vote. That is representative of a troubled society...and most of the voters depend on the press corps and media magnets to get information about political servants and candidates. My only hope is that it is the same 50%......

I agree McCain has an opportunity to neutralize the Democratic line of attack, but they McCain's campaign is side-stepping the real issues of this country and pre-occupied in countering Obama's ads. Even a lion has to defend himself against the flies; but he can't ignore the elephant behind him. McCain is surround by inept individuals, that when the see the light at the end of the tunnel.....well they just extend the tunnel. Sometimes we look for the answers, when all the time it is in front of our noses....and we extend the tunnel when all it would have taken was to pick our nose.

My only hope is that these fools who are surrounded by liars and incompetents, won't do what they say they are going to do.

God keeps a squad of angels on hand to look out for drunks, fools, and American foreign policy. Maybe GWB should have taken up drinking again to benefit from this… But it sounds like Obama, McCain, and our foreign policy are solidly eligible for protection.

Both McCain and Obamah seemed to have gamed the game.

Neither took the direct approach to the nomination. Obamah had a smart strategist who concentrated on getting the delegate votes where Hillary may not have thought they were important and McCain is more interested in appealing to everyone but the traditional Republican. The theme seems to be lets see who can swap the most players and still win the contest.

I will vote for McCain only because I am afraid of the (Socialist)Democratic alternative. I am a local Republican Party Vice Chair and I am so disheartened at how the conservatives and Christians have been swept aside I really feel like just giving up on the Party.

Obama delivered a political masterpeice last night....and I don't think that McCain will be able to gain back that political ground that Obama captured. McCain's negativity against Obama still prevails rather than trying to distant himself from W and create his "own" political identity. Of course McCain has always been preceived as a maverick and high political roller of the dice.

And now with his VP selection of Sarah Palin, he is dangerously rolling the dice again......by selecting a woman. What McCain fails to see that it was not about choosing a woman for VP, but rather about Hillary. He constantly slams Obama for his lack of inexperience, however lets look at his VP selection. McCain selected outside the Washington box; not only outside the box but outside the lower 48; a woman; former mayor of a small Alaskan city for 3 years; governor of the State of Alaska for two years; pro-drilling; pro-life; and former runner up in the Miss Alaska beauty pagent; and finally one heart beat away from the Presidency.....well let me say, that his selection is one of McCain's finest senior moments......and I'm no political expert......but the McCain/Palin ticket will never be able to be marketed to the American voter......this is going to so backfire on him...you might want to consider coming back to the Democratic party....dick.

Obama's night was phenomenal. The lasting impact though will be the writing of history as the first black man to be nominated by a major political party. The theatre and the rhetoric will fade quickly as the campaign is illuminated by discussions of substance. Between now and Nov 4th what will matter is what he put down as his specific approach to issues.

McCain has made a very good move in his choice for VP. First, the largest single demographic in America is women and it is clear the pain felt around Hillary has not and will not completely dissipate. In addition he has brought a person very acceptable to the fiscally conservative base of his own party. The VP debate will be fascinating. Biden can't be too hard on her without coming off as the bully and she doesn't have to win she just needs to not lose. Advantage McCain/Palin.

I give McCain/Palin the edge in the events of the last two days.

This is great to watch. We are faced with two very viable options.

I agree. Palin is a great pick for McCain. "Let the games begin".

How sad for the Obama campaign. They just witnessed the loss of their bid for the White House. Barry talks a mean game of change, hope, and identification with the working masses. Now the GOP walks the talk with Sarah Pallin on the ticket. No counterpunch for Barry and Joe. It's over before they ever got warmed up.

I can tell you that she is no Big Oil pawn. She fought against us for the Protroleum Profits Tax (PPT) a version of a state windfall profits tax on Big Oil in Alaska. We respect her and her commitment to the people of Alaska.

Governor Pallin has stolen the 18-million-cracks-in-the-ceiling pass from Sen. Hillary Clinton and dribbled downcourt for a slam dunk.

Thanks, Hill...Barracuda Sarah will take it from here.

Dick,

Congratulations you on your insightful commentary in general and I think you are spot on regarding Palin. Her alma mater, The University of Idaho, partly due to its strong "farmer's and engineer's work ethic" and the atmosphere of kindness, toleration, and vitality that exists there is a well kept secret and I suspect was a very healthy place for her to mature into adulthood. Her pro life position tells me a lot and in my view is an important indicator of a big heart and a positive outlook on life in general. I am a former electrical worker and her union membership background I see as a plus as well.
Best Regards, - Ed

Sorry for the typos in my earlier comment. Governor Sarah Palin championed the Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT) that resulted in huge revenues for the state of Alaska.

Sara Palin is truly an inspiration for all of us! I was hoping that McCain would select a woman for his running mate and the perfect match came with Gov Palin. She may lack "some" experience, but she has the character, the morals and the grit to be the leader the GOP needs in the Executive Branch. She counters Obama in every regard and has so much more to offer than he has. Palin was not just a good choice she was a great choice!

The more I read the more I like Sarah Palin. Can't wait to get my McCain/Palin bumper sticker.

She will not get the Hillary votes. This woman is the type of woman the Hillary woman do not appreciate. Her anti-abortion position will hurt and her general perky appearance will work against her. She does not have a good speaking voice and she seems a little to high pitched. She is unpolished. I was so McCain until now. I feel they picked religious values, specifically abortion rights over much more important and pressing issues of the economy and terrorism. That will not get Hillary supporters although it may get the religious right to work and vote which they also need. After 8 years of Bushs' embarassing inability to address a group, (I support Bush but cringe when he speaks) she will add to the uncomfortableness of listening to the message. I know you thought Ronney would not add value to the ticket, but it would have. McCain lost a lot of bright people to get the Religious right. Believe me she will be a hard sell.

Wow! The Maverick has chosen a Maverick. In a period of a few days a new star has risen for the country. Now if she can get to the inner circle not be contaminated by the filth and sleeze, we may be truely seeing the changes of the way we do thing that Obama can only dream of.

Palin is a masterful pick. Her words actually moved me. Her story is "me", middle America with conservative values. I think it's about time that the Republicans reach out to women for the top leadership position. Palin is no ordinary woman. She will be a powerful and energizing voice to millions of Americans sitting on the fence who don't relate to Obama or appreciate his out of touch views.

[...] KUDOS TO MCCAIN FOR CHOOSING SARAH PALIN FOR HIS VP! By Dick Morris [...]

Just saw you on Hannity - your synopsis of Governor Pallin were as on target and insightful as I've heard - period. Please post the transcript for the benefit of all your readers.

The choice of Governor Palin as VP underscores Senator McCain's strength as a true conservative reformer. Palin attacked corrupt members of her own political party in Alaska. Senator Obama's almost 100% liberal voting record shows that he would never challenge his own party's orthodoxy. We could expect no results-oriented reforms of the welfare state under an Obama administration.

The selection of Sarah Palin has both an immediate impact that political pundits will discuss for days in a highly partisan manner. If you accept that no one is talking about Barak Obamas acceptance speach today because of her selection, then you have to admit that John McCain made a bold and highly effect political stroke...even if you don't like him, he put Obama and his speach on page 6 - next to the hometown Labor Day advertisements.
The historical impact is too soon to tell, yet it is difficult not to prognosticate here. Perhaps it will be only a footnote, but if history is any teacher there is a lesson we are all about to lean...tonight Sarah Palin has become and "event" in history that may well swing not only the election, but the future course of our country...the outcome depends on future events and to a large part on the character of Sarah Palin. It will be fascinating to watch this unfold.

[...] SWEET PICK! KUDOS TO MCCAIN FOR CHOOSING SARAH PALIN FOR HIS VP By Dick Morris 08.29.2008 McCain has reached for the stars and grabbed one. On a recent cruise to Alaska, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Sarah Palin. She is brilliant and articulate and, in Alaska politics, is a breath of fresh air as an alternative to their corruption epitomized by Alaska Republican Senator Ted Stevens. Now Obama, who has spent two years preventing a woman from being president, will spend two months preventing one from becoming vice president – and hopes to do so with women votes. The entire premise of the Democratic convention was the fungibility of Bush and McCain. Now McCain has vividly demonstrated the difference. Sarah Palin is no Dick Cheney! SWEET PICK! KUDOS TO MCCAIN FOR CHOOSING SARAH PALIN FOR HIS VP at DickMorris.com __________________ The ratio of people to cake is too big. [...]

Hopefully Senator McCain and the other speakers at the Republican convention will carefully examine Senator Obama's speech, as Mr. Morris suggests. Unfortunately, Senator Obama's only demonstrable skill is in talking; he has no track record in actually translating words into deeds. Because his words are not disciplined by practical considerations, it appears he feels no need to deal with mundane concerns, such as whether his numbers add up, or whether his new domenstic programs would be any more successful than the failed social-spending of the past.

Indeed, it is significant that Senator Obama has no legislative achievements, and no successful executive experience. (It appears that Obama's only executive experience was a complete failure that showed gross incompetence and horrible judgment -- his disastrous educational "charity" with an unrepentant domestic terrorist, which wasted over 100 million dollars before it collapsed. For some reason, Senator Obama has not been highlighting that executive experience.)

I realize how stupid the America public has become, but I will say it again. This country owes a great debt to President Bush and V.P. CHeney. I realize you haven't noticed it, but we haven't been attacked in 7 years. PResident Bush accomplished precisely what he set out to do after9/11.

And you may be assured, V.P. Cheney will go down in history as one of our GREAT V.P.s He contributed greatly to restore both dignity and honor to the office of PResident, when there was none to be inherited as the result of the Clinton years. ( and the rest of you can go f yourselves)

Governor Palin as a VP candidate out shines Obama's youthful exuberance ten fold. The women of America will see in her the first woman US President that they can trust. Senator McCain appears to be smarter than the average bear.

Governor Palin as VP will out shine Obama's youthful exuberance ten to one. The women of the country see in her the kind of woman that they can support as the first woman US President. The reason, she will be trusted to do what is right not what is expedient.

Best. Pick. Ever.

Palin doesn't have McCain- or Biden-level experience, but she HAS been mayor and governor, while Obama has been a community organizer and a senator. The Repubs' "no experience" attacks will lose a little of their bite, but not much given the relative significances of the positions held by Obama and Palin, I think.

Where Hillary was denied her coronation (to the ire of women everywhere), we conservatives now offer America an avenue for the female vote.

McCain has picked some who is even younger than Obama, and who, like Cindy MCain, is very attractive -- thereby siphoning off a huge chunk of Obama's "young and pretty" hegemony. The youth/beauty factor that the Dems owned with the Senator from Illinois is now SHOT TO HELL.

Also, the fact that she kept her Down syndrome-diagnosed baby wipes out the reservations that some of us pro-lifers had when it was reported that McCain was toying with the idea of Lieberman or Ridge as VP picks (despite his strong record of being a pro-lifer himself).

Finally, perhaps Palin will be able to open up McCain to drilling in ANWR...?


-- M. Cooper

It would be interesting to see an Obama/Palin comparison of "accomplishments" instead of talking about where they have been or what they have done.

Leadership is about "doing" not "talking".

Dick's comments above could be used as a soundbite when the gender issue is raised to Obama: ...who has spent two years preventing a woman from being president, will spend two months preventing one from becoming vice president?

Again, nice try Mr. Morris. Not this time. Pulin is a great pick as a representative of the far right wing of the Republican idealism. I say so what....who cares. The issues remain the same. Nothing has changed. Pulin has as much right as any woman to run for office. Lets get back to the issues on policy.

I told you before your strategy does not take into account the fact that we have said enough and not this time. We will not attack Pulin by Monday....the full measure of our discipline will come forward. We will be respectful of her and back on todays issues of the economy and how the Republican idealism and policy and leadership has ruined our economy, left us in debt, ruined our reputation internationally and allows for sick people to die in hospital waiting rooms. Our Country has become immoral under Republican leadership....yea...bolafson lets talk about leadership of the Republican party and what is has done!!!

I have been following the veep search for six months, and I kept telling people that Palin was the best pick. I even had it charted in Excel with all the positives and negatives.

Earlier today, while at my brother's house, I noticed his two sons, age 9 and 6 watching "The Return of the King" movie. I happened to walk in on them during the Battle for Pelanor Fields. When Eowyn's father King Theoden is slain by the Nazgul Leader. Then Eowyn takes her helm off, and procedes to put the smackdown on the baddie. The first thing I thought of was Sarah Palin. Damn, what kind of a pick makes you think that way. Holy Cow what a homerun McCain has hit.

I think I'd dive in front of a bus for this woman.

(note: No, seeing King Theoden dieing did NOT make me think of McCain. That was encouraging.)

Great choice.
Worried about the debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin.
Need to make sure that Biden doesn't come up with the, "I know Hilary Clinton, and you're no Hilary Clinton" line.

I love this choice because if Barrack Obama attacks her, she can subtly say that he's doing it again just as he did it to Hilary.

I love this choice because the more they talk about Sarah Palin's inexperience it'll circle back to Barrack Obama's inexperience. Sarah Palin was an executive--the buck stopped with her. Barrack Obama passed the buck by voting "present" so many times.

It helps to have an attractive younger person on the ticket. John McCain can point out all these problems with Obama and the media will attack him and say it's politics. She can say the same thing and people will listen because she's attractive, a fresh young face, and people still don't know her and are getting to know her.

The interesting thing here is if Sarah Palin attacks Barrack Obama on having no experience.

What's their response going to be?

If they attack her experience, she can point out that she's had executive experience. She can match up her experience against his and point out that she has more.

She can drag him down to her level with a down-to-earth approach.
Not the scorched earth, put his foot in his mouth approach by Joseph Biden.

Actually, Mr. Morris, you called it beautifully.

By using the "Eight is enough" and "This is the extension of four more years of George Bush," John McCain has turned over their apple cart with the Sarah Palin pick.

It's not a case of these liberal lunatics trying to impose their will by simply telling people that it's going to be an extension. People are going to see with their own eyes that it's going to be different.

We can hear Obama's talking head.
But this is a woman whose son is going to war.
She chose not to have an abortion.
She confronts the drilling issue.

Her actions speak louder than Obama's pretty words.

"Our Country has become immoral under Republican leadership….yea…bolafson lets talk about leadership of the Republican party and what is has done!!!"

Let's talk about what Barrack Obama has done.

If there's anything immoral let's talk about his deal with now-indicted political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko.

I chose not to watch it.

Think there was a re-run on television or something.

Remarkably, my life hasn't changed after his speech.

He still hasn't done anything, except make a statement about Sarah Palin and then have to retract it and blame it on overzealous people in his staff.

Hmmm... Obama blaming others. Haven't we heard that before based on questionnaires filled out?

Great call, Dick.
John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin shows that he's eager for change.
Barrack Obama's choice of Joe Biden shows that he's eager for more of the same.
Ready for change?
Looks like Barrack Obama isn't.
Unless it's to change his mind.

Hey, what's up with Barrack Obama and his enormous ego?

Have you looked at his campaign sign?

His name is in bold white letters, while Joseph Biden is in light blue and blends in the background.

On the latest issue of Times or Newsweek, can't remember which, Barrack Obama towers over Joe Biden in the picture when we all know that they're the same size.

Seems like people who search for authenticity can find all sorts of manufactured authenticity from Barrack Obama. How can Joseph Biden be authentic after all the things that he's said about Barrack Obama?

Think the authenticity will shine from John McCain and Sarah Palin.

The American people will be able to tell the difference.

I started laughing at Bill Clinton's hyperbole, putting words in Obama's mouth that he had never said. It was the most specific in terms of issues that I've heard from the Democratic party.

Once again, I didn't listen to Obama's speech, just saw snippets of it on the talk shows. Here's my problem with the liberal mentality. If they put on a big, spectacular show, fill up a stadium, and make it as flashy as possible, they think that everyone will fall in line like lemmings.

It's like talking to a beautiful woman who has nothing to say. After awhile, you become bored.

Sarah Palin is a beautiful woman who has plenty to say. She's involved an active and her defining moment is when she made the choice to keep her child and talk about how blessed she is to have that child.

People likened Obama's speech to the grandeur of the Olympics opening ceremony. But the Olympics are over and we're ready to move on.

What's Barrack Obama's end game? To have Joe Biden attack John McCain, showing that it's business as usual.

To keep using words and talking about change when John McCain shows action and provides change in the form of Sarah Palin.

To keep making excuses for all of the choices and people that he has been associated with?

I just think you have Sarah Palin talk about her family, her church going experience and her relationship with her pastor, and how she knows everything about him, and how involved that he's been in their lives... and it points out the hypocrisy of Obama's relationship with Wright.

I just think you have Sarah Palin talk about her children and how their safety is her main concern and she couldn't think about associating anyone who would harm children by blowing up buildings and killing their parents and saying that it still wasn't enough.

If she can do it in a nice, subtle way that doesn't provoke an outcry from Obama about people using the race card, then I think it underscores how legitimely intellectually dishonest Barrack Obama is.

Mercedes, I am conservative and independent. For the record, what I believe the current Bush administration has done is:
- run up an additional 5 trill in debt.
- ignored the consitution and violated the privacy of American citizens
- ignored international law and tortured prisoners
- denied captives the right to representation and trial
- ruined America's international reputation
- attacked and thrown into disarray a country (Iraq) that had nothing to do with 9/11 or terrorism
- strengthened Iran's hand
- NOT captured and brought to justice the man behine 9/11 Bin Landen
- ignored a broken southern border
- ignored establishing an energy policy
- done nothing on healthcare and nothing to solve the soc sec issue
- allowed our education system to continue to turn out second rate results.
- on the basis of gazing into Putin's soul Bush has ignored the rising threat from the Russian bear.
- and probably a few more things I am missing at the moment.

To be clear, based on actions and results the Bush Administration goes down as the worst in history.

My point regarding McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden is that I am not buying the rhetoric about experience or not experience and this "heartbeat" stuff is not cutting it either. I want to see comparisons on what they have actually accomplished. I know Biden travels a lot. I know he runs his mouth a lot. Show me the results. What change has Biden initiated and been able to get through congress. Ditto Obama.

Joseph Biden's change is quite simple.
When he was caught plagiarizing, he withdrew from his presidential campaign.
Now suddenly, he considers himself fit to be a heart beat away from the presidency.
And what would be his rationale?
That it happened 20 years ago, back when he was Obama's age, and that he's changed since then.
Seems to point up how important experience is if you ask me.

How low will the liberal media go?

Now they're suggesting that Trig is not Sarah Palin's daughter, but her granddaughter and that Trig is the son of her sixteen year old daughter?

For proof, they show a picture of Sarah Palin's daughter with a slight bulge in her sweatshirt? Turns out the picture was taken in 2006 and Trig was born in 2008.

How low will the liberal media go?

Let's see... a comparison between Obama and Sarah Palin.

One's an executive, has made decisions, has taken responsibility for those decisions and has shown action and commitment.

The other is Obama.

It would be great if Biden used the old line: "I know HRC and you are no Hillary Clinton." Respone: Joe you are absolutely right for a change. The only thing Hillary and I have in common is that we are both women ... and take it from there...

Having no convention bounce must be a frustrating reality to the Obama Camp. It is interesting the the media has not reported this fact. It is actually gigantic news.

To date, the attacks by the Democrats and MSM against Governor Palin have backfired. She is unfit to be vice president, when she has more executive experience and more accomplishments than Obama? She is unfit to be vice president, because her teenage daughter is pregnant? These kinds of non-sequitur arguments strike most people as mean and desperate. And it reinforces the impression from Senator Obama's acceptance speech that he is an angry and partisan man, not the post-partisan healer he once claimed to be.

In reading the responses, everyone seems to agree that McCain's choice of Sarah Palin was an excellent one. As you noted Dick, McCain reached out and grab a "star." We are all convinced that the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling will go to McCain..but you know what.......that's not going to help McCain. The 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling was all about "Hillary." It was Hillary that they wanted to see as a running VP....not a substitute. A strategic move on McCain's part to try to capture some of those female voters; but I fear whatever McCain captures......he is not going to the return on his investment that he expects. McCain is noted as a maverick and high-roller....now we wait and see how the "roll of the die" comes out......and I believe that it will not be a seven or eleven......and hopefully not snake eyes. The average female voter will see through this political smoke screen.

It is interesting how the turn of events, and even mother nature, can change, at least for a moment, the political atmosphere. I don't think by selecting Sarah Palin, McCain distanted himself from Bush. A good strategic choice, but the wrong woman. Instead of shattering the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, he just added a few more. I keep saying over and over; it was all about Hillary...and Ms. Palin will not fill those shoes of hopes for all of Hillary supporters that were left behind. McCain will get some of the votes, but his return on his investment with Ms. Palin will not provide enough....this is going to backfire so the Republicans and Novemeber will demonstrate just exactly why McCain made the right choice, but choose the wrong woman.