McCain compares Obama to Britney and Paris

I am losing respect for Mr. McCain with his comparing Mr. Obama to Britney Spears & Paris Hilton! This is too important to act so "High School".

This is a low for McCain. Can't believe he'll stoop this low. Tired of hearing in complain about Obama's lack of Military experience. I'm retired US Navy Chief and I'm tired of hearing it! Get on with the Campaign already. We have a lot more issues to resolve and stop playing this grade school stuff already...

Smart people look beyond and between the snappy conjecture scripted to detract from what the real issues are. McCain's campaign theme had better change and soon. It's getting pretty dumb.

mccain is correct about the Obama image. But, he might have gotten more "bang" if he'd used characters from the Comics (superman, Flash Gordon, etc...)

Also, why doesn't CNN get oil & gas information from real oil & gas professionals. McCain is correct, just the threat of opening up drilling throughout the US will have an impact on OPEC pricing. the idea that Amercans drive 10 billion less miles last month and the gasoline is in short supply. yea right.

Also, if drilling is open up in America then the oil companies will start producing their RESERVES because they know they can replace them with new seismic and drilling ops. RESERVES are the true measure of an oil company, YOU FOLKS ARE SO FAR OUT IN LEFT FIELD, YOU HAVEN'T GOT A CLUE AND YOU ARE SIMPLY MISLEADING THE REST OF AMERICA.

In all honesty, I don't believe the ads from both the McCain and Obama campaigns attacking each other is any different than the comments exchanged between some people and their least favorite brother/sister in-law after a few glasses of wine with dinner during the holiday season.

Republican ads tend to feel like I'm being spoken to as if I was five years old.

They are both losers! It is to bad we have to be subjected to the garbage of an election year while our economy tanks and our gas prices soar because we cannot drill. It would be a miracle if either one of these losers would actually address the issues instead of touring the world or crying when the media doesn't look at him.

ITS NO WONDER HES GOT AS MUCH MONEY AS PARIS TO SPEND
ON SLICK AD JOHN MCAIN IS THE REAL THING!!!!!!!! in the times we are living in we dont need slike talker
ive got an ol saying SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mr mcain has what it take to keep our country safe I dont know about you be I dont want my kids to grow up in fear of the next bomb going
off at the mall or air port high jackings should I go on. Think about it america do we want our freedom. or do we want another slick willy

WAKE UP CNN; have you reported on JETBLUE's on-going cancellation of filghts. My round trip flights RSW-JFK this weekend were cancelled, along with at least 20 others that I witnessed just Monday morning alone.
Employees told me that when the crew times out – they cancel the flight instead of putting in an on-call crew !!
I have tickets with JETBLUE this weekend again – is it still happening??

I had such high hopes for this campaign. Two candidates I felt were above low-class attacks. My respect for McCain began to fade when he hired the Bush attack team for his campaing. To me signaled his intention to seek the third term for Bush. Sadly Obama may b e responding in kind.

So far McCain seems to be leading this race to the gutter. Will vote for the loser.

I don't hate the ad actually I found it funny. However, I am sick of all politicians honestly. I was going to vote for McCain, I am def. not voting for Obama..after all is said..or rather not said so far, I do not even want to vote! Where are the politicians with the guts to talk about the real issues!
Health care for the poor..Poor and Middle Class issues(taxes, gas alternatives). I think the Government forgot long ago why they are actually in office and who they actually work for. Actually even when they do address the issues that effect the people, they end up just being liars.

I love this Country, my Grandfather was retired Navy, My Father fought in Vietnam and my husband is in the Navy, it saddens me that we the people keep getting the raw end of the deal.

The issue here should not be whether such campaign ads will succeed in harming the other's campaign. The bottom line for both candidates should be their policies. Opinionated campaign ads should not have an influence on the polls or the election's outcome. I'm wondering, who would watch these commercials and decide to change their vote because of it? The whole political process seems ridiculous.

I'm not sure I like how McCain is trying to get his point across but Obama is arrogrant and has done and said everything to get votes. It seems he is more interested in winning than taking care of our country. He is a power hungry and elitist man. Shame on those who are caught up in his dream. We need change real change to get our country back in the right track not glorified talk.

Poor McCain: too old, too crippled, too Republican. I have my doubts about Obama, but, Really! These scare-mongering attack ads are so..so.. Republican! Does he realize that he has lost this race, and is now just whining?

Obama is an interesting personality, but has no substance. John McCain is a proven, forged in the fire, leader.

The campaign ads don’t really bother me. We all know it’s more important to the candidates to get elected then actually doing anything constructive once they do. It’s the most stupid thing in the world to be importing oil from other countries when we have MORE than enough oil in our own country. The safety features in the oil industry today are the best in the world (I work for one of the BIG Oil companies) We need to start taking care of this country first. I am tired of hearing about all the things we need to do for other countries when we have so many problems of our own. We need to work on OUR economy, OUR gas prices, OUR housing crisis, OUR energy needs, OUR medical problems, OUR natural disasters, OUR homeless problems, OUR killing of each other. I sure don’t see any other country in the world willing to help us with any of these issues, so why does this country think we have to "help" everyone. I am also tired of this country thinking we are the "WORLD POLICE" we need to take care of ourselves first!!

Oh yeah on another note I don’t know what you have been doing Robin but you get more stunning everyday!!!

Great Show I never miss it.

I live in Ohio and I am tired of all of the ads! If I have to see the ads, focus on the issues. There are enough of them!

He's doing it again..... Running a campaing, just like he said he wouldn't. Snide remarks and personal attacks. McCain is a old geezer with a short memory. He should be retiring, not running for office.

Yet more evidence that both candidates are clueless about what is important. Neither of them seems to have any real plan to deal with what is facing this country. We need smaller government, more drilling, secure borders, less taxes, personal responsibility, and no bailouts. In a free market economy (which we are supposed to have) some people/businesses have to fail.

if obama & mccain were two "toddles" in a sandbox, this throwing sand at other would be more of typical behavior. but this country is sinking in quicksand and these two are too busy playing among themselves.

we are always told 'never to wish time away.'... but the next 94 days or what not, i can do without...these two will have us questioning night and day by the election...

"low Road" is an understatement...

both Obama and McCain are like two 5th graders, who have reduced politics to name calling...all while the entire country is going to the dogs (those poor dogs) ...no new ideas, no possible solutions to the impending $5 bucks a gallon home heating oil here in new england, no new ideas on slowing down inflation/stagflation, no ideas on the two wars in South West Asia....

i wish Teddy Roosevelt was around again...

Although I am not a fan of McCain I find his ad has more validity than
Barak Hussein Obama's. McCain's ad addresses BHO's attractiveness to the masses because of some misplaced idol worship, not for his experience to lead (nil).
Barak Hussein Obama's ad wants us to believe he is presidential material merely because he was "attacked" in McCain's ad.

Whether you like Mc Cain or not, he is right on the money. Obama is running around like a movie star on a press junket, promoting his new roll.... I am not the President but I'm playing one where ever I go. With the waves and the smiles, you could lift him off the campaign trail and drop him on a Red Carpet preshow. His smiles and mannerisms would be the same.( Remember Dash RipRock from The Flintstones?) They say to dress for the job you want but he has taken it to a whole new level. It's too bad there isn't a word for arrogance to the tenth power because that would just start to describe his demeanor. We can all come up with great ideas like ... World Peace , End Hunger , Health Care, Everyone working together for a strong global economy but I haven't heard any concrete ideas on how it will be done. Being from Canada I can't support either candidate but at least Mc Cain seems to be dealing in reality. Everyone says Obama brings people Hope, well I hope I win the lottery but I think I'd be better off working hard to try to reach my goals than waiting to win the lottery. The only thing left for Obama to do is jump up and down on Oprah's couch telling everyone how he has found the love of his life... The Oval Office.......All flash no substance!!

This is the same BS dirty politics that we hear every 4 years. I DONT CARE ABOUT WHAT YOUR APPOINT DOES'S OR DID........I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU PLAN ON DO FOR OUR COUNTRY. If McCain doesn't just concentrate on his election and goals instead of losing his creditability attacking Obama. He's going to seal his owe fate. I like Obama myself because he is focused on what he's going to do to get us out of the mess were in & McCain is worried about finding dirty on Obama. This election is a no brainier. If we vote for McCain the rich will get richer & the poor will decline more. I have faith in Obama & believe he will do the right thing for our country.

P.S.: Tell Robin she great & I like to join guy's one morning.

Jordan Amine

John McCan is like a scared badger backed into a corner.... he'll do anything just about now to sway voters.

I personally do not like either candidate attacking the other. I realize this has been going on forever, but when will they ever learn that all we want to hear is their stand on issues not what the other candidate is doing wrong. McCain is playing like a spoiled brat and when Obama is getting all of the attention he attacks like a five year old. That is not the type of person I want in the White House. He needs to change his stategy fast if he wants to win this election, and if these are really his true colors, then he has lost my vote. Half of us are waiting to see who their running mates will be before we ever make a decision anyway.

If John McCain truly wanted my vote, he'd stop with the negative, old republican tactics. By the way, couldn't they find a "bad boy" from Hollywood to put in the ad?? Women should be highly affended by this approach, and it shows that McCain really doesn't want women's votes, This smacks of the old swift boat ads, ugly politics as usual. I truly don't care what each candidate thinks of the other, but this ad is a sign McCain is just the same old stuff. If it works, then as voters, we too, are just the same ole stuff!

McCain is my choice based on experience and his record. Obama does not even have four years as Senator under his belt yet. With the economy looming as a potential disaster, McCain needs to focus on that and make it the subject of his Town Hall meetings. Even though I agree Obama is style and not substance, McCain needs to dismiss the comparisons to Hilton and other low life celebrities. The Obama campaign based on "Change" is a compelling reason to support him for the average voter who does not look beyond sound bytes.

I found McCain's ad low and insignificant. Mudslinging at its finest. Obama has come a long way in a short amount of time. He holds himself well under pressure and under the spotlight. McCain cant even keep track of his own votes, nor can he deal with large crowds. He is not the man of change, he is old, outdated and obsolete. His behaver shows it.

Wow! I think it's obvious that Obama is far from the level of Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears. To suggest so is insanely immature. Is it not the American peoples' wishes for the rest o the world to actually like us once and for all. What's wrong with that? We all share this planet don't we?

Even though it is obviously a stretch to compare Obama to Spears and Hilton, I do get the point that all the 'popularity' isn't what we need in a president. We need someone that has experience.

With all this mess going with the president's race, being I don't like either, I just last week to the Independent Party. I should run for president. I mean, I would be a better president than either of them. You know, both are making all these promises and in some cases back tracting on some of them. They also appear to be copying one another. Now if I were to run for president my only promise would be to do the best I can, nothing more, nothing less. I would do what is best for the whole country, not certain selected or favored groups. I don't see this with either MCCain or O Bama.

I’m not certain if the McCain’s add is inaccurate. Obama does lack substance, his rhetoric is typical hype. Obama is claiming to be able to fix problems with no real substantive plan and is emotionally appealing to a public that seems to be frustrated and disenchanted with the current administration and economic state of affairs. “Change” is not always a positive event; a certain European country desperate for change embraced a charismatic political figure who promised change January 30th, 1933 and look where that went. McCain does need to address how he is going to help America get back on track economically. I’m disappointed with both candidates and am uninspired by either.

The rapper luda shown on tv this morning has ignited the fire and started the celebrations!!!

If you've been "up in the air" concerning with whom your vote should go, let your rational ears and eyes prevail. How in the world can the voters continue to listen to the same old "Swift Boat" comments like "comparing Obama to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears"? Why don't we just break out the resumes and really compare ability, substance, GPA, and service. I will guarantee a groundswell of support for Obama. Obama was the head of the Harvard Law review, while McCain finished where in his class at the Naval Academy? I am in no way discrediting the service to our country by Senator McCain, but since he entered the political realm, he has been less than impressive. Obama has taken the high road, while McCain has ditched his promise to lead a positive campaign for the Rovian practice of fear and slanderous smear. McCain learned one thing since 2000, that name calling, adolescent references to personality works, just like it did for GWB. Come on people, grow up! I hope the electorate doesn't stay shallow. Demand the real issues be discussed; use your remote if you ever see another McCain commercial until he returns to the high road. Use my matrix, for every negative ad, just chalk up another point for the person being dissed.

McCain's ads are a continuing example of the Republican Party's attempts to prey on the ignorant. (This began with successful 2000 efforts to protray W as an intelligent Christian, versus a not-quite-bright recovering alcoholic.) Those - on either side - who are more interested in this campaign's issues are merely annoyed by these ads.

Since when does believing in yourself and having confidence mean arrogance? Since when is it wrong to respond to a personal attack? McCain, stop! Take a deep breath! Be anxious for nothing. Get out of the pig pen!

Hello there! Good morning to you all and thanks for joining today’s discussion! First my producer Aimee and I were talking about the scores of well thought out comments we’ve been receiving from you bloggers—great stuff and thank you. So, we’ve got more than three months to go and most likely three more months of TV and web ads like the ones we’re discussing here. What happened to a “gentleman’s” campaign that was discussed a year ago? How more personal will it get? Have things changed or stayed the same? Look forward to your insights.

Richard

Hi Robin,
I hate to be the barer of bad news,but We have no one running for president..Neither party has a clue as to what to do about congress doing their job.
Congress could have ended the oil price mess at the beginning.
Congress could hsave been truthful about existing vehicles in existance that would have eliminated OPEC Over a year ago.
Where are our candidates that have knowledge not grudge matches.
Thanks,
Charles L. Gardner
PO BOX 483
Galion, Ohio
44833

cgardne4@columbus.rr.com

These tactics so close to election time do nothing but continue to hurt Sen. McCain's campaign and continue to allow Sen. Obama's light to shine. He has always taken the high road when responding to McCain's attacks.

Neither ad told me anything I didn't already know. I know I don't support Obama and every move he has made has just even made me more certain of that decision. McCain I'm not liking either. Obama's trip abroad was the final straw for me. I think more attention needs to be paid to domestic policy instead of international policy.

I think it is sad, that as Robin pointed out, negative campaigns are effective, but I find it hard to believe that most people would make their decision on a negative opinion of a third party. This is one democrat that has not made her decision on who she is going to vote for, but I can guarantee you, my decision will be made STRICTLY by the issues. Where is this gentleman's campaign Richard speaks of?

The negative ads will continue because they get free media attention. If only the media would concentrate on publicizing the candidates stances on the issues instead, the negative ads would slow down. Let's publicize the issues and let the voters choose!

They are underestimating our intelligence...again!

Good morning Richard and Aimee! The media is spending a lot of time following Sen Obama around and not giving Sen McCain equal time. I understand that one's more charismatic and draws more viewers but I feel that is one of the main reasons the Republicans are releasing such ads, they feel left out and this gets them attention. The ads I've seen from the Obama camp are negative but most seem to be in response to the Republicans. I hope that the attacks don't get more personal. Our politics have been like this for most of my life and I don't see it getting any better. It would be nice to have a clean competition with only the political issues being raised.

Contrary to claims of preferential press treatment of Barack Obama by the McCain camp, it seems clear that the press has it right this time. All of us are tired of biased sound bites on complex issues, like off-shore drilling, which make up the majority of McCain Ad content.

Barack Obama has attained celebrity because he has vision, hope for a better future and new ideas. These recents "celebrity" comments are fueling the message that John McCain is a bitter old man. He needs to drop the hacks that are running his campaign and hire a public relation staff that knows how to highlight Mr. McCain's triumphs and specific experience that makes him a better candidate as leader of the free world.

I have voted every single election since I became eligible, but this one is really turning me off. These ads are case in point. STOP IT! Please Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain. If you must waste so much money on ads, focus on:

What you are going to do for us - not just words, but specifics. Flashy ads are a turn off to those of us who are seriously looking at both of you and what you will do for us, AMERICANS.

What are you going to do and when you tell me, show me....TAKE A LESSON FROM MR. PICKENS' ADS.......

It's also a matter of finances. They release an attack ad in one area and before you know it, it's nationwide without the campaign having to pay for it.

Richard, unfortunately personal attacks and character attacks are a long held tradition in the history of American politics. Personal attacks based on political differences lead to the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr on July 11th, 1804. This is nothing new. At the end of the day we are left with two unpalatable choices for President. I’m sick of Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives and Liberals in Washington talking the talk but failing to walk the walk. Gentlemen indeed, there is and never has been anything gentle about politics.

Both candidates are irresponsible for using and endorsing negative advertising campaigns that attempt to confuse and instill fear in US citizens. The practice of deceiving the American public has been used successfully by the current administration, and it is not comforting to see that both McCain and Obama adopting a similar approach. The candidates' character, intellect, and leadership will become apparent through the debate of policy. Such debate should be the focus of the election. The election process should not be cheapened by comparing our potential leaders to questionable celebrities ... the only outcome is to degrade the election process, candidates and the American public. Would the candidates please act like the future leader of the country and exemplify the leadership characteristics that the American masses have longed to see: a genuine concern for domestic issues; a problem-solver (not creator); inspirational; honest; and example for Americans to be proud of. We have waited a long time for a change (as has the rest of the world), let us not degenerate our potential leaders through negative campaigning – it is disrespectful to the next president, to the election process, but mostly to the American public. Stop the smoke screen – we have experienced this for to many years.

Candidates, remove your ads and do not let your advisers convince you that negative ads are a good idea. Take the high road!

This is exactly why I have decided NOT to vote this year!

I love your show; watch it every morning. So it pains me to have to ask: HOW IS THIS NEWS? Neither candidate's ads has risen to the level of newsworthy. Who cares if McCain compare Obama to the glitteratti? Every campaign has some of this kind of fluff advertising. This doesn't even come close to qualifying as mud-slinging. Obama IS a bit of a media darling, so lets all quit pretending otherwise. And, if McCain wants to spend some of his ad dollars pointing it out; well, so be it. The Clinton camp noticed the same thing, but pointing it out did not stop it. What surprises me in all this (and what may actually BE the news story buried in all this fluff) is that the Obama crowd felt the need to air ads RESPONDING to the McCain ads. What is he concerned about? Now THERE is your story. Dig that one out and you may have something to report to us.

While I am not a huge Brit or Paris fan I am a woman. McCains ad was offensive to me as a woman. He could have used both if he felt he needed to belittle anyone, Tells me his attitude and I as a woman don't like it.

The point is McCain has nothing to offer and to take the spotlight off him he is attacking Obama. Obama has no choice but to defend himself and his position. Dont forget what happened to John Kerry when he "took the high road" against Bush's slander!!

The question, "Is he ready to lead?" could just as easily be asked of McCain. After all, he voted to send America into an unnecessary war that has harmed our military, our economy, and our standing in the world. Being a reckless war-monger does not make McCain a good Commander-in-Chief.

These latest ads just prove that there should be limits on the length of the campaign, and on the amount of money that could be spent. How about six weeks total for length, and a couple of million dollars each. How sad that only the wealthy can afford to run for president (maybe that's our problem?). All candidates should get the same amount of money, and forget primaries just have a straight popular vote.

The only thing I find more pathetic than the childish ads both candidates are spewing forth is the proven effectiveness of such an ad. It's easy, and right, to place the blame on the candidates and their campaign managers, however a large portion of the blame also falls squarely on the shoulders of the American voting public. If we used critical thinking, if we researched the facts, if we made our decision on who to vote for in a logical manner, these ads would quickly disappear. They just wouldn't be of use any more.

McCain and Obama are expressing their views on one another, and not so much the issues at hand, even though McCain's ad may show alittle more truth to how Obama is being viewed as, more of a celebrity icon, and not a leader.

I plan on voting for John McCain, but am beginning to feel his advisors are somewhat out of touch. Did he move Phil Graham from the position of economic advisor to campaign ad advisor?

McCain and the neocons have nothing to run on, so sleeze is all they have. Our country deserves better. We have HUGE problems and we need to hear from both candidates how they plan to solve them. The press needs to demand answers and not be titillated by the Brittany and Paris smoke screen.

McCains ad is like a drowning rat garbing to a razor blade to save his campaign. He'll try any thing, even lies. It worked for Bush and they are so much alike he thinks it will work for him. McCain, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. And I'm not going to be a fool.

I thought McCain said he was going to run a clean campaign. What happened? I get the gist of McCain's new attack ad. Why doesn't he just cut to the chase and call Obama "uppity". At least he would be honest about his feelings.

To eveeryone who endorsed opening up the currently prohibited areas for oil drilling, what do you have agains the oil companies drilling on the 68 MILLION acres of oil leases they already have permission to drill.

And even if they drill on those lands, without the refining capacity to process the crude, all they can do is EXPORT the new oil for processing. And then we will have to IMPORT our own resources in the form of gasoline or diesel. COngress should FORCE the Oil companies to either drill on existing leases or forfit them back to the government. They should also remove any tax breaks from companies that do not INCREASE their domestic refining capacity.

Mobil/Exxon just posted the HIGHEST profit in history. I think they, and the other oil companies, can afford to invest in infrastructure to help make this country more independent of foreign oil.

In my opinion, Obama has reached celebrity status because he is more in touch with America's younger generation and has gotten them motivated and involved in their country's politics. For most of them this is fhe first time they've ever been excited about a presidential candidate.... and I know this because I'm one of them.

Why doesn't someone ask McCain the hard question about his involvement with the NVA when he was a prisoner of war? What he told them and the papers he signed. Congress did when he returned, but that was swept under the carpet to.

Has anyone else drawn parallels between this ad and the Bob Corker ad from Tennessee's last senate election. Corker was running against Harold Ford Jr. and ran an ad trying to discredit Ford by having a blonde bimbo type bat her eyes at the camera and coo, "call me," supposedly to Ford. Why do republican politicians feel that displaying a young, African American politician next to a pretty blonde white girl is an effective negative strategy? They could have just as easily used the Beckhams or Oprah as their celebrity examples. This was calculated. Are they depending on some subliminal urge in white males to "protect their women"?? I know this is controversial to think or say, but am I the only one who sees this? Do they think we are that stupid? And also, since when are republicans against celebrities running for office?

Didn't Pres. Bill Clinton go on MTV...SNL...playing the sax and wearing 'Blues Brothers' style sunglasses....I don't know what's more trying to be 'rock star' than that. And it worked! I think that a persons ability to act younger or appeal to a younger crowd doesn't diminish the persons ability to understand how to or have the ability to run a government

Obama walks around like someone who is confident. Mccain is just jealous because Obama is attracting such large crowds.

Mccain is childish and as obama said sail old tactics do you know which other president likes scare tactics i believe his name is bush and we do not need another oil man who worrys about there pockets rather than the pockets of millions of americans whose pockets are empty and want a chang. The only way to compare Obama and the pop stars is that people believe in him and not a high school mudslinger

McCain doesn't know Britney or any one else below 40. He's reaching! Nothing he could say could get me to vote for McCain.

I am sick of every time we have an election, we have to play these childish games and name calling. Stop saying he said this and he said that, tell me what you are going to do for us as a president. Commercials like this should be banned from any election.

I must be missing something, I googled for pictures of Senator Obama but didn't find any pictures of him getting out of his limo while not wearing panties. Just not sure what Senator McCains point is.

I can't stand negative campaign ads. Tell me what YOU stand for and intend to do. Don't tell me what the other candidate isn't doing. Negative ads just make it harder to sort thru the BS that's being shoveled out.

The fact that the add had Britney and Paris in it doesn't have any effect on me whatsoever. I tend to agree with the add to be honest, I think the world has gone nuts over Obama and he's never actually spelled out how he feels on pertinent topics, other than that fact that he did not support the troop serge. That statement right there is offensive to me, having many young men serving our country and dying for freedom. It would be nice if he actually listened to what the Generals on the ground and involved in the actual war were saying. The second point that offends me is he didn't even take the time to go see the troops in Iraq while he was on his whirlwind tour of the world! By the way we pretty much paid for him to do this. It would be really nice to see two candidates with some substance in the race for President for a change....................that is the change we need. McCain has more experience at government and foreign policy that Obama does and that means more than any stupid ads they are running right now. I think it would be nice to outlaw candidate ads on TV all together! I'm sick of seeing the back and forth of it all.

Why is it Mobile is making money? Why can't they be more concerned about the users or their product? On the other hand, oil/Mobile will be going out of business when new fuels become available. I am for sure NEVER using Mobile or it's products again.

Since when is it a bad thing that a Presidential candidate is loved by the world. It is hard to understand why, in such a crucial time in our history, Americans would be scared to support an individual who is already suported by the world.

I'm still trying to figure out what the purpose is for Obama to be travelling throughout Europe and who is paying for this?

I agree that we do need a change with the slumping economy, but I honestly think that we need someone who is experienced in dealing with the economy and national security. This is why the next president of the United States will be John McCain.

As an undecided voter, I don't understand the reasoning behind McCain's ad. It was patronizing. And I really don't see any correlation between Obama and Britney Spears. Was he trying to be funny??

I think McCain did the right thing pointing out how Obama is pretty much at celebrity status. I mean, sometimes I'll read the gossip magazines for fun and he is in the tabloids! The mistake McCain did make, though, was comparing him to the "Trainwreck" celebrities. He should have just found a way to say, "Hey, we are voting for a leader here, not the next big thing in pop culture" without those two. By comparing him to Paris and Britney, I think the message came across a bit wrong. Also, McCain should get a better campaign strategy than just countering everything Obama says. He would make himself look a lot better if he would just voice his ideas without comparing them to Obama's and "criticizing" his plans.

I think that the point of the McCain ad was that Obama was "famous" for basically nothing, much like Paris Hilton, or Brittany Spears. That is why they appeared instead of Oprah or the Beckhams. Do either of these candidates have what it takes to be President of the United States? I don't think so.

I'm a woman, yet laughed when I heard someone stated that McCain's ad is offensive to women. What else can we pick at....now he's sexist??? C'mon...he's simply pointing out that touring the world doesn't make for a good president and that Obama is touring the world with a smile, as if he's a celeb in the spotlight, like Paris & Brit. To me that's superficial. We should be focusing on the USA, NOT touring the world. I'm a casualty of job cuts. I've always paid bills on time, now I'm now struggling to survive and can't find work. Family members are in jeopardy of losing their home, taxes are out of control, etc... Things are bad, but I believe McCain has more experience of the two. We need to keep focus on the US and fix things here!!!!

What happened to the “be the better person” concept? If the presidential candidates would stick to the issues and leave the mud slinging to the pigs, then we as Americans might fully understand the importance of voting. Stop insulting our intelligence, stick to the relevant issues and leave this negativity at home.

I, for one, would like to remind Mr. Mcain (in regards to his "celebrity" comments) that America loves celebrities. If he remembers his history right, we have elected a former actor to 2 presidential terms, & the good folk of California have a world-famous actor in office as govenor today,(and by all accounts, he's doing a pretty good job!)
The "celebrity" comment is both lame and childish. Besides, didn't Mcain milk his "war hero" status for all it was worth?!?

My comment is for the offended women in ref to the Paris/Brittany add. The purpose was to show Obama as a star, the two main names in TV scandals recently have been Brittany and Paris. Like it or not those are the names we all know because of their wide spread coverage. If your offended then I recommend a psychiatrist to deal with your attitude/image issues.

McCain's attack against Obama is completely childish, all of his attacks on Obama have been childish! If I were Britney or Paris, I would be greatly offended! I serve in the Army National Guard, my husband is Army Active Duty, and deploying in 1 month, instead of making childish accusations towards Obama, his main focus should be on the road to concluding this war. I don't blame Obama for being how he is,... He's over seas meeting and making allies with the European Nation, doing what a real polotic should do, while McCain is here playing games like, "Well, Obama's doin this! Obama is that!"

Mccain's add was tasteless, immature, it show's his incompetance! How can you compare Obama's campaign to celebrity entertainment, What's the point?? Why not make an add on how you are going to change our country, economy, oil, housing and so forth?!

As for Barack's ad, well, I felt like I was watching a cheesy movie trailer, what with all the press being quoted, criticizing McCain's arguments. I don't think it really made that great of a point. For me, it almost sent the message that, "Hey, all the press think that McCain's criticism on Obama's plans is ridiculous, so you should, too!" Just because the press (a majority of which is Liberal) says something about McCain's comments does not make it fact.

It is actually appealing to me that Obama hasn't been in politics so long that he has become jaded or out-of-touch. It's a big reason why I chose him over Hillary, since she's been in politics for the majority of her life. After all, Bush is considered "experienced" and look at the mess our country is in. YIKES!

Even though I supported Hillary in the primaries I am now 100% behind Barack Obama. He has proven to have the common sensibility to be our next president. As he has stated all throughout the campaign he never supported the war in Iraq that should never have been waged because it deterred us from the real enemy...Bin-Laden and Al-Queida.

A year ago Barack was proposing to have more troops sent to Afghanistan, an idea that McCain has within the last few weeks stated himself.

During the debates with Hillary Barack stated that he would want to engage Iran directly, of course not without conditions, concerning their nuclear program. Within the past month it has been reported that President Bush is sending an envoy to speak with Iran and North Korea.

With all this information about the sound decisions Barack has made throughout the years I think he has more potential to lead the U.S. than McSame who has admitted a lack of knowledge to economic issues. McCain's strongest trait is his military service. While I appreciate his service I hardly think that qualifies him for the position of president.

On his trip to Europe the Europeans seem to welcome Barack as a person who can help bring unity with our allies where the Bush Administration has damaged those relationships and created animosity in the world toward the U.S. Therefore, I will support Barack Obama until he is sworn in as Commander in Chief.

And one last comment: I have family members who have commented on Barack's name. It's true that his middle name is Hussein because his father was Muslim; however, he was raised Christian. Like many of us who are named for individuals in our ancestry, it's just a name.

It really disturbs me to see the campaign ad where obama is on high before a massive crowd chanting obama, obama. Im sure that there are enough germans living here who remember the hitler era before the start of WW II where adolph stood before the assembled masses. It really makes the hair on the back of my head stand up. Obama scares me and while McCain is not the best choice it is all this country has. Obama is slick willy with intelligence and I fear for our constitution

Seems like McCain and his camp are playing little petty games against Obama they are showing just how much they respect woman when they have choose two young women to compare Obama to.As far as rock star idols why did they not choose two male idols is it because they are showing that they will go up against a women before they would a man?This is really showing that the McCain camp is floundering,they are really showing incompetence if thisis how they will conduct the White House we as women will be in trouble.Is this why Cindy McCain is always behind and seldom beside him,is she only to speak when spoken to?

This petty bickering between these two should be beneath both of them. What are we, a bunch of 2-year-olds?

Until we get away from this partisan system of government, we are doomed to choose between the lesser of two evils. The size and scope of the Federal Government in this day and age is RIDICULOUS! The citizens of this country need to stand up for themselves and quit begging the government to handle everything for them. They also need to take a hard look at both of these candidates and do THEIR OWN research into their track records, not what the opposition throws around.

Ross Perot knew what he was talking about, but nobody listened. Ron Paul is an incredibly intelligent man, but is often passed off as a kook (some times he does seem so). Bob Barr has my vote this time around.

Senator Obama is acting like a real leader, with a program to get us out of the mess our nation is in. Senator McCain may have a program, but instead of telling us about it, he is taking the low road of little but attacks on Senator Obama. Shame on Senator McCain.

Mr. McCain after 50 years service to the country , please go off into the sunset and allow the next generation of leadership to take place without smears.

Therese Cox July 31st, 2008 9:09 am ET wrote:

"...The second point that offends me is he didn’t even take the time to go see the troops in Iraq while he was on his whirlwind tour of the world! ..."
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Therese, what whirlwind tour were you looking at? Sen. Obama DID visit the troops in Iraq. Anyone who is saying he didn't is lying. McCain TRIED to make everyone think Obama didn't care about the troops because he cancled a visit at Ramstein AFB. The only reason he cancled the visit is because he was told by the AF that his visit would be considered a POLITICAL event and Obama did not want to subject the service members, wounded in battle, to the political potshots he knew his opponent would take at him.

Unfortunately, it was McCain who involved the wounded service members in the political campaign by trying to use them to discredit Obama.

McCain, THAT was a low blow. Shame on you!!!

Aside from ridiculous comparison to Britney and Hilton (yes, childish)–what about the errors in the ad? McCain is wrong about taxes in that Obama will *lower* taxes ffor the middle class and only the wealthiest will pay higher taxes. Also, Obama voted no for offshore drilling because it won't help the gas pumps for 7-10 yrs. and then only 3 cents!

At a panel I recently moderated, seasoned journalists were asked who they supported in this year’s presidential race. Their answer: we can’t comment because of the job we have. But they also said: as we learn more about candidates, we sometimes come to learn too much about the candidates’ foibles, despite their strengths. As a result, they don’t favor either, and don’t hate either. As you have been watching today’s bout and the previous months of debate—do you sometimes feel like the journalists I mention here? Or do these flareups help to expose more information that will help you make your November decision?

Richard

BOB, I suggest you put yourself in John McCains shoes and do a tour at the Hanoi Hilton. You go through the agony, thepain, the fear. After you do that, if you survive, you will have the right to criticize. Until then keep your remarks to what you know about. Perhaps you could regale us with tales of your military experience. Thank-You from a two tour Nam Vet

Come on guys, quit all of your petty bickering and get on with the campaign, we want to hear more about what you both intend to do about the mess this nation is in and how you are going to fix it.

How many Millions of dollars do these guys raise? What they need to do is join forces and erase the National debt. Neither one of these guys will do anything for the next four years except pay off campaign contributions. They never talk about Issues, they don't have a clue.
All of the good people who could do a good job, are making to much money to take a pay-cut to become president.

EXCUSE ME BUT WAS'NT ARNOLD AND RONALD CELEBRITIES. ONE OF HIS FELLOW REPUBLICAN OPPONENTS WAS ALSO A ACTOR.

Reply to Richard Lui. Sir, I follow the show you on with great regularity. I find your presentations to be unbiased and informative. More and more I turn away from the print media because of the blatant in your face bias. For those people who want to read unbiased news pick up a copy of Soldier of Fortune magazine. I defy you to find any newspaper or TV station to report the same factual unbiased news. The same standards I apply to the candidates. It is a given that they will lie or say anything to anybody in order to get votes. What I want from all candidates is solid position information. Tell me how you will fix the economy, how you will solve the gas crisis. Tell me how you will repair the reputation of this country, safeguard the constitution. Give me positive information that I can evaluate. If you cant do that then the election is nothing more than the Super Bowl of the political process. Thank-you.

This is the first election that I have seen where there is NOBODY to vote for. There simply is NO CHOICE for President.

McCain's advertisement only hit a small mark. Who is Barack Obama? He is a two year Senator, spent 20 years deeply involved in "Black Liberation Theology and has based his entire web and fund raising strategy on work provided by George Sorrous. I am seriously thinking the United States will become a Socialist country likemost European countries if Barack is elected and Congress remains in Democratic hands.

Mud slinging is done on by both candidates. The other non-Republician and Democrat candidates should be stepping up and informing the public of their vision and letting the public know that there is another choice besides Democrat or Republician candidates.

Now what has happened to this campaign finance reform effort? It seem to have been forgotten in all this mud slinging. Here is my sugguestion for campaign financial reform. Each elected office to have a bank account for only campaign contributions. ALL, I repeat, ALL campaign contributions go into this account, which is then split equally among the candidates. When the election is done, ALL candidtates will return any funds and books back into the account, The books will then be audited for any errors. After the books have been okayed, any winning candidates will then be able to continue to the major election.

One thing I have noticed about any government offical, is that they all have bad self-esteem issues. The higher the office they want, the lower their self-esteem is. Good self-esteem doesn't want or have to control others to make themselves feel better. This goes for religion as well. A good self-esteem person knows their abilities and faults, recognizing that in others as well and still respects them. A good self-esteem person realizes that we all have the same thoughts, feelings, ideas and such that it makes us more alike then different. Controling of other people is not in a good self-esteem category. Think about it.

McCain's advertisement is trying to say that just because someone makes a statement or creates an image; they are not qualified for a position unless they have a track record that shows their belief system, their ability to accomplish actions and implement programs. Forget any of the spin going on...how can anyone with two years of Senatorial experience and no other national experience be credible in their ability to deliver as President? How do we know how Barack will make decisions and the foundation of thought and priciple used for those decisions? Lets not vote based upon a Holloywood image; lets vote on measurable and documented charactor.

Remember, if you feel government should be responsible for your lives, ask the Soviets, Germans, Chinese, North Korean, Cambodians or Iraqis how their governements have treated them.

Well here we go again, politicians bad mouthing one another. I and so many others are sick and tired of this. Facts and action, thats what we all want, not promises and smooth talking. All politicians should be polygraphed tested, drug tested and compency tested by independent person, LIVE ON AIR. Same questions asked to all parties involved. Truth and action is what this country really needs now more than promises and false hopes.

If Obama can't stand the heat, he should get the H*** out of the Kitchen!! Guess the "Truth Hurts!!"

McCain's ad is right on the money!

To vote in a black president because of some people’s sense of guilt due to America’s segregationist and slavery past, is LUDICROUS; especially at the expense of so many people in the world, if not just this country? Given the time we currently live in, with conflicts in the world, high gasoline prices, our economy, etc.., voting in Barrack, on the basis of he being black, is a huge risk. It's like letting a ball team win the World Series for the first time, because it gives good ratings or people feel pity for the team on its fans. Why not vote in a black president who will be the standard to which other black politicians will be held to; not one who has racist associations, and not one who is a ridiculously left wing liberal (which goes against being bipartisan), not one who is elitist, and definitely not one who is afraid to debate due to sub-par debating skills. Giving speeches which might have been written by someone, can only go so far, and doesn’t really solve problems.

If McCain has proven to have the best plan to definitively solve the crisis in Iraq and in Afghanistan, to really help solve our economic woes and to improve it tremendously, why vote for a black man to be president of the US, because of some sense of guilt which many are pestered by and just want to get over with. Barrack not being president doesn’t mean that the “sky is falling”. Condi Rice or Colin Powell, are definitely better choices and possibly future presidential candidates or examples for future black politicians to emulate. Primary presidential candidate requirement; proven patriot and nationalist, no ties to anti-government radical groups which this country’s founding fathers would not support nor be a part of.

With the presumptuous, ostentatious attitude that Barrack has exhibited (with the help of the media), I now dub the Illinois senator, “Prima Donna Obama” or “Obama Prima Donna”. I think the McCain advertisement criticizing Barrack makes that point.

John McCain is the last hope for right wing idiocys hold on war profiteering, prejudice towards Immigrants, good old boy crookedness which is why their pulling out their Karl Rove Nazi style propaganda. Once Obama gets elected and takes office next January the white prejudice sychophants will need to learn Spanish or get left behind.

McCain and his camp is saying Obama is trying to use the race card is offensive to me. It clearly shows they are racist, Barack never mentioned race, he doesn't look like one of those presidents on the American dollar, that was a factual statement, but you see, McCain only saw race.

McCains supporters try to say Obama is arrogant. Explain to McCain about "White Privilege" and understand every single person of color, regardles of their ethnicity have worked hard for any progress they have made, make no mistake about it. It's just like a wealthy white man, who have had unearned privileges all his life, to see a successful black mans confidence... as arrogant.

With the presumptuous, ostentatious attitude that Barrack has exhibited (with the help of the media), I now dub the Illinois senator, “Prima Donna Obama” or “Obama Prima Donna”. I think the McCain advertisement criticizing Barrack makes that point. Now, there is talk of Barrack's campaign resorting to using the "race card". Why doesn't he just change his name to Barrackingworth McHussein Obamington if he thinks whites are afraid of his name? Is that the go to defensive ploy for Barrack? It worked for O.J., so they think it will work for Barrack as well. It’s like they cry wolf whenever they hear a twig break or whenever they take it out of context. If that's the best defense they have (to dredge up a racist or segregation past) then they’re just playing gutter ball. When is McCain and Barrack going to debate? Last time Barrack debated, he was rattled by Hillary and hasn't debated since. He seems to be avoiding debates with McCain.

The only reason Barack Omaba is running for President because the Press decided they wanted an affirmative action black for President. Mr. Obama never accomplished anything on his own and merely used his color being BLACK to attend Columbia, Harvard Law School and obtain government jobs because of his color. The country does not need an affirmative action President. We need a President that has accomplished things on his own instead of being handed everything because of his black race. A white person with similiar qualifications as Barack Obama would be hard pressed to find employment in a fortune 500 company.

they both should be playing the "race" card. racing to save my food, gas, health insurance & responsilbity for the use of our troops

I think O'Bama is repeating the race card comments in order to draw focus off of the major issue: his lack of experience.
By repeatedly goading people in speech after speech into believing that the opposition is out to paint him as different he hopes to garner the vote of sympathetic members of all races.

Obama is running for Prom King.................Let him have it, just keep him out of the whlte house. He thinks of the Presidency as a Fraternity where he can party and impress the chicks, and have everyone respond to his every wish. No substance in that man!

Does McCain's campaign rhetoric of the last 10 days not smell of Rove? They succeded in trashing McCain to elect "W". Is McCain angry about the child slur? No!!! He will try anything to win against a very popular movement for change! "There playing the Race Card !!!" came from McCain, not Obama, correct?

I didn't hear anything racial in Obama's comments when I first listened... but the McCain campaign is spinning it as racial
So, who is really calling the race card? That's an easy one to figure out and shame on McCain.

As we know, O'Bama is a first term senator from Illinois without any significant accomplishments. Apparently it has been forgotten that O'Bama won his Senate seat by default. In his Senate race, his opponent, Jack Ryan (who was ahead in the pools) had to withdraw due to a scandal. The Republicans then entered Alan Keys, a Maryland residence, to take Ryan's place. Well the rest is history. Why is none of this mentioned in the media?

Thank You

Listen folks. This ad is not "high school" and it is not a personal attack. McCain, unlike Obama, is addressing the issues we as voting Americans are thinking about. He is attacking Obama's lack of any position of substance. If one sees any racial slur or innuendo in the ad, then the fault is in the eye of the beholder for being sensitive to race. A person with a different color skin, black, hispanic, asian, etc is nothing more than a member of ONE HUMAN RACE with varying degrees of tan!

The fact that Obama and virtually all the liberal political and media see race only suggests that they still think like they are living during the Civil Rights era of the 60's. What is appalling is that they would attempt to pull McCain down into the mud along with them and label him as the racist they already are!

Bama is an elitist snob with a gold spoon in his mouth and everytime he opens his mouth you can tell it. He says he's embarrassed by us because we are not multilinqual. Well I'm embarrassed that he can't speak French or that he wont place his hand over his heart. McCain 08

Why don't you all leave Obama alone.
McCain's the one you should be worrying about.
The old bat is trouble.

Please be responsible-CNN and report about serious things, race in not one of them. Report positions; on jobs, taxes, economic problems. Things like compairing their tax plans, that was a good piece. How do they stand on midicial what is the differences. CNN must take the responsibility of informing the public of the facts. We all know the canidiates are not going to give us the facts. So don't get caught up in imblesments and extended coverage of "who cares" topics. The public dosn't want to hear about what the experts think Obama ment to say or why he said what he said. He's black and McCain is white enough said. Let's get on with the facts and give the analysis some to do. GIVE THE FACTS AND DIFFERENCES ON MEDICIAL, TAXES, JOB GROWTH PLANS, WHAT IS THEIR PLAN TO TAKE US OFF OIL IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS, THAT IS WHAT CONCERNS THE AMERICAN PUBLIC JUST GIVE US FACT SO WE CAN MAKE A INFORMATIVE DECISION.

I grew up moving from place to place every year. My father was military and I was always the new kid on the block, and as a result was fresh game for the bullying type, whether verbal, physical or intimidating. I had lived from the east coast to the west coast, in Japan and Hawaii (before and during its Statehood). I averaged less than one year at each place I lived. As a result, I am extremely aware of cultural and philosophical differences. It has been no different for me for the last 47 years.
Looking at politics through my eyes, I see disconcerting facts (based on my personal experiences) that the system is broken. The parties only get input from the public after they have decided what they are going to do, relying on polls and their view of statistics. That can be extremely biased, no matter how you look at it. Polls are like picking up a handful of dirt in a state and deciding what that state or nation is like. Statistics can be made to look like the exact opposite of what the facts are.
For instance (take the analogy) the Russian newspaper, Pravda, put out a statement that in a horse race “Russia comes in second, while the United States comes in next to last”. What was not mentioned was the fact that there were only two horses in the race. I head this statement from somewhere, but it made an impression on me. That’s the kind of thing that one has to look at. Who and why the statistics had been gathered; whether they were for something or against it, and how they looked at the results.
I am a Viet Nam veteran and was in South Vietnam from November 1967 to November 1968. I went through the “Tet Offensive”. I went over with 120 other servicemen and only came back with 20. How that came about, I can’t say, but it illustrates my point about statistics again.
It is this kind of attitude that gives me my current opinion about the top candidates for President. In my view, the current administration is a machine that has many cogs in it that keep it running the way it has. It is in effect, a steam roller that can’t turn, speed up or change what it is (it is an efficient machine). It is a product of years of use and completely set in its path. It has no new ideas for the future. It is what it is. That does not take away from any of its parts because they do work for that machine, but they are set in their ways and work only with that machine. If taken separately, they would try to do what they have always done first, and then try something slightly different. The track we have been on, for way too long, has run out of road long ago and it is steaming through the crowd of the world without considering how it is affecting them. We need someone who will stop and consider the course, speed and consequences of what is to be done. I see that in Obama. He want to stop and look at the situations and make fresh conclusions from them; take those conclusions and compare them to what is needed for the situations and what their results would be, and then set courses for them to fix the situations, whether they are popular or not.
I really do see that in Obama, and all that has been said and done so far only illuminates that in my mind. I really see Obama as an Independent and not specifically a Democrat. He leans that way and, in the current system, he has to be one or the other to make an impression on the public. His attitudes are definitely his own. He has the ability to talk to people and inspire them, but sticks to his guns.
As an afterthought, one of the things I would personally like to see is either the line item veto being given to the President or bill riders outlawed. There is no reason for a bill for agriculture to have a gun rider on it. It negates any change regarding either one because neither party wants to give up their new law.

WE LOVE PARIS AND WOULD LIKE TO HEAR MORE OF HER WISDOM... ALSO WOULD SHE CONSIDER RUNNING INDEPENDENT ??
THANKS,,,,RAY

Obama gets compared to some teenage floosies but I've always likened McCain to old man winter. When you are sick of the snow and are looking for some sun, he just won't go away!

When you sling mud the only you do is lose ground!
I found it very interesting that Bush would NOT open the reserve oil we have! Why? He said they were for emergency use only. This is not an emergency? If you are really interested in finding out the truth about ALL candidates, sign up for factcheck .org. You will receive the the facts not hype.

Wake up America!!! This is our future president let's focus on the REAL issues... this is all bull and the typical American feeds into nonsense like this.. This campaign is turning into some celebrity match.. Really!! Who gives a crap about whose teen daughter is pregnant!! FOCUS!!! We have so many more issues to deal with!

Hello Robin,
This is my first comment EVER, but I am compelled to put my (last) two cents in. I am a "white" , 56 year old, female american, the ninth generation from George Washington, just so you know that my family has been in this county for a while. (At least the one side....)

I watch your show most mornings and today I cannot be quiet! I live in Seminole Florida and I want you to know that we are not all ignorant bafoons! I am referring to the illerate old man who can't even spell Muslim calling Obama a half-breed. Who in this country doesn't have some mix in their heritage?!? Isn't that what this country is all about? I am a baby boomer and I thank God every day that we are finally pushing some of that stale old ignorance and predjudust aside!
This country is in big trouble and we need someone young and energetic who is willing to try to improve this horendous mess the current administration has created. I have the utmost respect for Obama for stepping up to the plate.

I am not sure how I feel about the bail out. Something MUST be done but I don't want to see the weight of responsibility fall on the innocent americans. Those involved in causing this, who have already reaped the benefit at our expense, should now be held accountable. I don't know if that is even possible. Can you put spilled milk back in the glass? I know if you aren't careful about how you clean it up IT REALLY STINKS.

Thank you for your time and giving me space to blow off a little steam.