May 21, 2008
Posted: 03:20 PM ET

From
Blitzer: Obama and Clinton have escalated their war of words over foreign policy.
Blitzer: Obama and Clinton have escalated their war of words over foreign policy.

(CNN) — John McCain is not letting up on Barack Obama. Virtually every recent day, he has gone after Obama’s national security stance. He says Obama’s willingness to meet with leaders from Iran, North Korea and Venezuela is “reckless, and demonstrates a poor judgment that will make the world more dangerous.” In his latest statement, McCain calls Obama’s approach “naïve” and “based entirely on emotion.”

Obama is responding in kind. “The Bush Iraq policy that asks everything of our troops and nothing of Iraqi politicians is John McCain’s policy, too, and so is the fear of tough and aggressive diplomacy that has left this country more isolated and less secure than at any time in recent history,” Obama said Tuesday night.

Still, there is no doubt that McCain’s strategy of hammering Obama on a nearly daily basis on foreign policy is deliberate. McCain certainly feels very comfortable talking about national security. He sees that as his major strength. And most observers agree McCain would much rather have national security on the agenda right now than the economy where he and his fellow Republicans see themselves as rather vulnerable..

By attacking Obama, moreover, he is helping to frame the debate and put the Democratic candidate on the defensive. That’s the strategy for now.

Filed under: Wolf Blitzer


bridgette   May 21st, 2008 3:45 pm ET

This man's foreign policy is a joke. He spent the whole week talking about how Israel is our strongest and staunch ally and here it is they are getting ready to sit down with one of their adversaries and begin peace talks. One of the countries we call our axis of evils. Because everyone knows that you cannot move forward if you don't sit down and talk with people. You don't have to speak friendly and you can be forceful about what you wantk, but, the end result is you have to speak with people.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   May 21st, 2008 3:46 pm ET

132.00 dollars for a barrel of oil that is the GOP stance on national security. It was only 25.00 a barrel the Iraq War! Go Figure!

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   May 21st, 2008 3:46 pm ET

The notion that diplomacy is a sign of weaknesses to me is more a sign of fear and ignorance. McCain is basically saying that we need to ignore or attack or enemies since he doesn't want to engage them in discussions or diplomacy.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   May 21st, 2008 3:47 pm ET

132.00 dollars for a barrel of oil that is the GOP stance on national security. It was only 25.00 a barrel before the Iraq War! Go Figure!

Sorry about the typo!

Is this..   May 21st, 2008 3:47 pm ET

the only issue McCain can debate Obama on? Give it a rest and talk about other issues such as healthcare, the economy. Everyday immediate concerns of Americans. And to think, this is just the start of it….

joe   May 21st, 2008 3:48 pm ET

OBAMA

ON THE JOB TRAINING

OBAMA

ON THE JOB TRAINING

OBAMA

ON THE JOB TRAINING

kevin from alaska   May 21st, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Republicans like to talk tough, but meanwhile they're scared of some guy living in a cave in Western Pakistan. The myth of the effeminate liberal and the tough guy conservative is a joke. It's the conservatives that have themselves scared to death of these guys, while the liberals have the gaul, tenacity, and strength to confront the enemy.

David Goldman for OBAMA   May 21st, 2008 3:48 pm ET

YEA WE SAW THAT WHEN BUSH MADE THOSE

COMMENTS IN ISRAEL. THAT WENT WELL.

THE REST WILL GO JUST AS WELL.

WE JUST CAN'T GO AROUND BOMB EVERYBODY

THAT DISAGREES WITH US. IT IS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE,

NOT TO MENTION IMMORAL & ILLEGAL.

ryan   May 21st, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Good!! Because Obama HAS NO EXPERIENCE

kim portland, oregon   May 21st, 2008 3:49 pm ET

wolf, MOST of us are so stupid this time around. iraq is a disaster, they will invade iran which will also be a disaster and INCREDIBLY dangerous to the saefty of this country and the world.

i'm surprised that mccain is just falling back onto the Rovian/republican fear-mongering tactics of "fighting terrorists". i hope he DOES use this "tactic" all the way through to november cuz we are all FAR more intelligent and educated on foreign policy than they give us credit for. mccain is going down in flames!!!!

democrats 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

proud army and navy mom   May 21st, 2008 3:49 pm ET

mccain only repeats himself because he forgets what he said the day before. he's a warmonger, that's all he knows.

Brian   May 21st, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Maybe McCain needs to check with Specter and Hagel and a lot of other top foreign policy advisers on his side of the aisle who disagree with him on the central issue of diplomacy.

kim portland, oregon   May 21st, 2008 3:49 pm ET

oopsy, i meant we are NOT SO STUPID this time around!

marie   May 21st, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Where is Obama's military experience…??? anyone??? Obama fanatics??? How many years has he served our country's armed forces?

Oh… he hasn't. The more he talks foreign policy, the more he looks like an idiot!

Hillary or McCain 08

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   May 21st, 2008 3:50 pm ET

I have four important questions for Bush, McCain and the GOP!

1. Is Iran stronger or weaker since Bush’s invasions of Iraq?

2. Has Osama bin Laden been killed or captured since Bush’s invasion of Iraq?

3. Are we paying less for gas now or before Bush’s invasion of Iraq?

4. Is our economy better of now or before Bush’s invasion of Iraq?

If you answer these questions truthfully, is there any way you want to continue down the same foreign policy blunders of the last seven years?

This is a not a difficult question, most 3rd graders could answer this one.

This is so typical and stupid of McCain and the GOP. The USSR had political prisoners, China had political prisoners. Guess what we talk to them directly this is why nothing gets done in Washington. Give me a break, they must think the American people are so stupid that all they have to do is cry wolf and we will run scared every the time. Cuba, we have had the same policy for the last 58 years and nothing has changed! So is working GOP is working McCain? Come on GOP people you are making me vomit every time you guys open your mouth!

lol   May 21st, 2008 3:50 pm ET

obama's weakness is foriegn policy, being a community organizer, and living in indonesia does not qualify one as an expert on foriegn policy. this is not the politics of fear as obama claims, it is a fact that he lacks foriegn policy experience. whenever anyone points out obama's shortcomings, they are not being racist, or attacking him. he is not fit to be commander and chief, he has never been to iraq, and heading up a subcommitee for the military he has never had a meeting, because he was to busy campaigning.

Teddy   May 21st, 2008 3:51 pm ET

It seems McCain is setting agenda. He keeps talking about foreign affairs. That is because he is favored in this issue according to polls. Obama should attempt to change topics and focus the debates on economy, health care, education, and gas prices. Even though I support Obama's foreign affair positions more than McCain's, but McCain's positions are more traditional American ways. Obama's ideas are new and fresh. Can he win the debate over foreign affairs? I doubt it. It will take a lot of efforts to change American foreign policies formed over decades or hundreds of years. It is too risky for Obama to focus the election on foreign affairs. Can they talk about how to deal with economic globalization?

Debby   May 21st, 2008 3:51 pm ET

How in the world does he know that the Iraqi politicians aren't doing anything when he hasn't been there. He is just piggybacking on Hillary's statements but there is a big difference she has been there and so has McCain to see first hand. I can't believe people are voting for this shallow man who can't even have a voice of his own when it comes to the issues.

fred   May 21st, 2008 3:52 pm ET

GO TO HILLARYCLINTON.COM……..SEND E-MAIL TO RULES COMMITTEE ALL VOTES SHOULD COUNT!!

GO GET HIM McCAIN!!

Uncle Sam   May 21st, 2008 3:52 pm ET

5. Have we been attacked since 9/11?

Scott ATL   May 21st, 2008 3:52 pm ET

R.I.F.

I like you… My sentiments exactly… I've seen both "Sharon" and "Gary" just as you have…

It kinda like a big fat dude trying to hide behind a little bitty pole or tree…lol

R.I.F.   May 21st, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Wolf,

It's funny that you report every time McCain says this. It's the same weak argument. Even his best buddy Chuck Hagel came out and sided with Obama and said that McCain is just pandering.

I believe this is a losing argument for McCain and Obama's letting McCain "set the agenda" right now because it galvanizes the 3rd Term Bush idea.

McCain's driving the Straight Talk Express bus right into a ditch and he doesn't even know it.

Obama's talking about the economy. You guys just aren't covering it because in order to have a fight you have to have at least two willing parties and McCain hasn't said a peep on that issue.

Team Obama did slay the Clinton Machine by some dumb luck.

Trenton Sims, Los Angeles   May 21st, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Old John, Poor John
He has lost his way and his brain's all gone.
Poor Old John who can see a future, a time that cannot be.
For he has lost his way and his memory
Is there anyone who cannot see
That there will soon be senility
For dear poor old John.
Who's lost his way and his brain's all gone
Too bad he had his parachute on..
When crashing down in Vietnam
His backup brain is Lie-berman

Hillary Billary dock..
She wishes she had a Jock.
She can't wear one
the race is done
Hillary Billary dock

Billary Shrillary Bock
She thinks she knows
But Not
Gasoline is upp
she cant wear a cup
She's plumb outta luck.
That Duck

Obama win '08   May 21st, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Reading the comments that Joe Liberman made in the Wall Street Journal today made me a little sick to my stomach. To think I gave him my vote in 2000 when I voted for Al Gore.

What I love about Barack Obama is he wants to give the voice back to the poeple. George Bush, John McCain, and Joe Liberman could careless about what the American people want. When this country was founded it was supposed to be a government for the people by the people. Instead I find under Bush that it is about what he wants not the American people. When 69% of the country wants this war to end and Bush, McCain, and Liberman says that it will end when they are ready to end. That means it is not what the people want. Am I wrong or do we now live in a dictatorship and someone forgot to tell me.

When is the country going to wake up and realize that you don't put candidates in office that will do what they want to do and not what the people of this country would like. When are we going to elect someone who will give power to the people. Lord help us all if people don't get it in November.

People who are Republican don't understand that when things go wrong the disaster works its way from the bottom up. If the average American can not afford to do anything but pay their necessary bills to survive. When there is no disposable income. Everything suffers. That means no money for the movies, no money for shopping, no money for even ice cream. So what happens to the rich movie executive his career is over because the movie industry has just crashed. People think when times are bad only the people on the bottom are affected but it will make its way to the top.

Also, one thing for women and minorities to keep in mind all of those Supreme Court decisions that helped to advance women and minorities will be able to be overturned once McBush is in office. So be careful women and hispanics and asians what you ask for when you say you won't vote for Obama because Hillary Clinton lost the nomination.

I hope you are prepared to be broke and have now say in what happens in your life.

Obama'08 or SUFFER!

Kevin-Seattle   May 21st, 2008 3:53 pm ET

OMG–are we going to hear this everyday till November…Good luck McCain….what a joke? Humor me, say tax cuts a few times in between. Now that is an economic plan.

Kenneth M   May 21st, 2008 3:53 pm ET

McCAIN NEEDS TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT. THE MORE HE TALKS THE MORE HE LOOKS LIKE HE IS AFFRAID OF DIPLOMACY. WEATHER HE THINKS IT WILL WORK OR NOT HE LOOKS OUTDATED AND WEAK SAYING, "IT WONT WORK" HE SHOULD CHANGE THE SUBJECT TO WHAT WILL WORK, OR COME UP WITH A DIFFERENT TOPIC. IT IS A NOW WINNER FOR HIM AND ALL IT DOES IS KEEP OBAMA IN THE LIME LIGHT.

Griff   May 21st, 2008 3:55 pm ET

You have to get you're wing's first… Or you can't fly, with the Big Birds…

Crazy LA   May 21st, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Go McCain! Mr. "Flip-Flopper" Obama is a complete fool on foreign policy.

If no Hillary vote McCain.

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   May 21st, 2008 3:56 pm ET

McCain and his ilk live in fear and like to foist that fear upon the American people in order to control them. A fearful electorate is vulnerable to things such as WMDs in Iraq and the idea of destroying Iran, who doesn't even have nuclear power yet and if they did, wouldn't have a means to deliver it.

Diplomacy and negotiation are far better policies. Most thinking people in this country are tired of war, tired of casualties, and don't live with mindless fear.

The notion that Obama will not protect us from terrorists is so patently absurd it hardly requires a response. Does anybody really think he wants those kids of his to be unprotected from terrorism? Please!

This is just the beginning of the campaign for fall. Have no doubts that it will become very ugly, because the GPO is very afraid of Obama.

LaShanda   May 21st, 2008 3:56 pm ET

McSame is pushing this garbage while Israeli and Syrian leaders have sat down to discuss peace.

CAA   May 21st, 2008 3:56 pm ET

McCain - why don't you just let it go!! Why don't you focus on what is more important at hand - studying Economics 101 and getting yourself educated on the economy.

Jeff   May 21st, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Hey marie

Where is Hillary's miltary experience? How many years has she served the counry's armed forces? Where was Bill Clinton's military experience? He was a pretty good president, don't you agree?

Tn   May 21st, 2008 3:57 pm ET

can make in make deal for OIL so we pay 3 cent a galon, stop selling weapon to Arab kuwait because they sell oil so high!! we are dumb sucker!

Listen   May 21st, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I recall hearing stories how America hated Martin Luther King Jr and how other people hated Ghandi. Hate is breed into us. If you study the words of Jesus Christ that is not what he teaches.

So many people want to hate Obama but history will show his greatness. Then they'll have a holiday for him just like King.

This is probably why so many older Americans vote for Hillary because they are from the time and era where hate was craddled. Where they enjoyed watching men & women hung from a tree, sprayed with tear gas, water, bullets, wips and dogs attacking. I recall seeing these older (then young) people smiling and recall the hateful remarks. I am a successful black man and I've been to Ky & WV and I know they still have those feelings. Pa.'s own governor stated the same thing about his state. These are the people that Hillary attracts. Not the majority, but that is one of her largest demographic. Some people don't change. But, there is a new America brewing.

America is changing and that is what you can now be proud of. As an African American why would we be proud of the history America has put us through. It is well documented that the government (CIA & FBI) planted drugs in black neighborhoods. Gave them syphillis. Lynch and raped us and then paraded these evil men to us as hero's. The majority Americans love Washington, Jefferson, and all the rest of these evil men. But they murdered and raped my ancestors - why would I be proud of that. The same Hillary demographic lynched, murdered, raped, attacked and abused my grand parents, Should I be proud of that. But as I said before there is a new time brewing. People with fresh ideas and equal views are becoming the majority and for that I am proud.

I've always had friends of different races but racist views still existed amongst them. I can hear it in conversations just as I hear it today. I love women and all races. If you believe the story of Jesus Christ and the Bible then you know that in the beginning God created Man and from his rib he created Woman. Meaning we are one. So in the beginning there was one man & woman that created the billions of people on earth today. Do some research and find out were the oldest human fossil ever was found and where all scientist are in agreement of where civilization began.

D.Kimbro OHIO   May 21st, 2008 3:58 pm ET

This strategy will backfire when we are also in Iran by years end. Has anyone seen Osama Bin-Laden. Of course not we are still not looking for him while we pursue all these other stupid policies. On the subject of Cuba we have not spoken with them for fifty years and they are still there. Let's talk to them I need a good cigar and some Sansabel slacks.

Ratgurl   May 21st, 2008 3:58 pm ET

For all you Women who threaten to vote for McCain if Hillary's not the nominee, think about this:

A vote for McCain is a vote for a man who will be replacing up to 3 supreme court judges with ultraconservative judges, thus overturning Roe v Wade. While you, yourself, may be too old for this to matter, there are many women following in your footsteps for whom this may be a huge issue. Think about them instead of yourselves.

Also, to call Obama a sexist mysoginst is just plain stupid. Go ahead & vote for McCain - the same man who PUBLICLY derided his wife by calling her a trollop & THE "C" WORD in front of the press. Yeah, there's a guy who really supports womens' rights!

And finally, why don't you just offer your children up to go over to Iran to fight "BUSH WAR version3.0," or better yet, go over there yourself. I'm sure our precious America could use a little Darwinism.

Darth Vadik, CA   May 21st, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Oh yeah McCain,

well…

BOMB AND INTIMIDATE EVERYBODY IS NOT A FOREIGN POLICY McINSANE.

OH YEAH ITS RECKLESS TOO CRAZY OLD MAN.

Sharon Minnesota   May 21st, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Wolf, why is it every time Obama gets a little heat, you are right there to give him free air time. His speeches are getting a little monotonous. The only people worth watching on CNN anymore are Lou Dobbs and Glen Beck.

RIF identify yourself and go ahead have a field day. Yes, golly, gee, I'm a closet Republican, you got me!! NOT permanently, only until the lefty winged Obama is gone from the scene. Then I can go back to my wayward party, maybe this year yet.

Obama supporters should try thinking up some of their own comments for a change instead of negatively responding to everyone else's.

kim portland, oregon   May 21st, 2008 3:59 pm ET

kevin lee, i TOTALLY agree with you. diplomacy is the mature, smart, most effective, and STRONGEST way to deal with our enemies.

attacking and ignoring is not only dangerous, ineffective and EXPENSIVE, it's like the insecure, weak bully on the playground who has to fight cuz he's dumber than all the other kids. and that's who they appeal to with their "terrorist" talk—angry bullies and fearful sheep!

i know you dont do research and reading on your own, but if you did you would see that the vast majority of other first-world countries have committed to or have already started talks with hamas and other "terrorist" groups.

a little research will also show that not even two years ago, MCCAIN said it was a GOOD IDEA to start talks with hamas to try to cool things down over there. why dont you ever question mccain on his non-stop flip-flopping? and he does SERIOUS 180s on his opinions cuz he knows that's what your righties want to hear. you better get to know your candidate a little better before you just hand him your vote!

Matt   May 21st, 2008 3:59 pm ET

John McCain = Bush Light!

Walter, Long Beach   May 21st, 2008 4:00 pm ET

It takes courage to stand up for your principles without resorting to violence or threats of violence.

Somewhere along the line, McCain turned into a coward.

Matt   May 21st, 2008 4:00 pm ET

How does McCain differ from Bush on foreign policy that is the real question ?

sacto joe   May 21st, 2008 4:02 pm ET

McCain has to attack. That's a kind of defense. But the fact is that Obama has him on the defensive, and is pressing HIS attack! Why? Because McCain is vunerable on this issue, and will remain vunerable right up until election day. The Iraq war is EXTREMELY unpopular, and getting more so. The techniqes and ideologies that got us into it are, frankly, bankrupt. And Senator Obama knows that.

Gretchen in California   May 21st, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Didn't Bush meet with the leader of North Korea?
And didn't Reagan meet with the leader of Iran?
And aren't Bush's envoys meeting with Hamas this week?
Poor McCain. I almost feel sorry for the old guy. This campaign is going to be too much for him.

Darth Vadik, CA   May 21st, 2008 4:02 pm ET

McCAIN?

Are you people for real, I guess if something is not working, just keep doing it. Haven't you had enough of this?

Experience?

Rumsfeld and Cheney have had more than 70 years of experience together, look how that worked out.

Obama's foreign experience, two words:

Bill Richardson

58 white old ladies for OBAMA   May 21st, 2008 4:02 pm ET

FOLKS DON'T FORGET MCBIGOT'S PARTNER IN THE

SUPPORT OF THE BUSH FOREIGN POLICY THAT LED

TO THE 100 YEAR WAR, OUR OWN HILLIE.

AND WE GOT NO APOLOGY AS YET.

Independent   May 21st, 2008 4:03 pm ET

I am sure Obama will go there once his is the nominee. It would be far to presumptive to do so before Hillary drops out.

All you hillary whiners, complaining that Obama hasnt been to Iraq, which would you prefer, he claim victory and start visiting these places, or wait until after all the primaries are over?

For the Hillary supporter who was complaining about Obama not having Military experience, just how many years has Hillary been in the military? you hypocrite.

Marcus B   May 21st, 2008 4:03 pm ET

I don't think you need to be a front row, gun-toting, soldier to be able to judge whether or not the country should go to war. And the point of a Presidential Cabinent, is to apoint people who are stronger than the President on specific issues. He will have the opinions and guidance of at least 4 experiences, proffesional, intelligent, Cabinent members. Let's be serious, no President in the history of this country has been an expert on every front of running the country. Get real. McCain is a trigger happy, old fart. It is time for change!

Oneil   May 21st, 2008 4:03 pm ET

All i will tell McCain ist that war is not the only answer. We know you are a war monger and have shed Blood. But please McCain believe it or not diplomatic talks is the answer to all the problems.

Dennis   May 21st, 2008 4:03 pm ET

marie: You asked where Obama's military experience was before promoting Senators Clinton and McCain. I ask you: where is Senator Clinton's military experience? Where was George Bush's military experience? How about Bill Clinton's? You don't have to have any military experience to be President. In fact, look at what happened in the last election: President Bush beat a military veteran in John Kerry.

LOOK BYOND   May 21st, 2008 4:03 pm ET

THE REPUBLIC ANS ARE WAR MONGERS :

IF WE ELECT THEM IT IS GOING TO BE WORSE THAN $ 4.00 A GALLON FOR GAS.

WE WILL BE LOOKING AT $10.00 A GALLON.

I DON'T THINK WE WANT TO MAKE ANOTHER MISTAKE ELECTING THE REPUBLICANS.

100 YEARS IN IRAQ AND AND CONTINUATION OF GEORGE BUSH'S POLICY………………………….. NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan   May 21st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Obama doe not know how to lead the subjects because he is a follower, not a leader. Any good ideas he has had have come straight from Hillary's book or one of his panderers hoping to ride on his coattails to fame. He sounds like a petulant child when answering to McCain. "how dare he question me? the chosen one!"

Ratgurl   May 21st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

For marie May 21st, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Who said ***Where is Obama's military experience…??? anyone??? Obama fanatics??? How many years has he served our country's armed forces?

Oh… he hasn't. The more he talks foreign policy, the more he looks like an idiot!

Hillary or McCain 08***

You're obviously one of those feminazi Hillary supporters, and from you I ask, WHERE IS HILLARY'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE???

How many years has she served our country's armed forces?

Oh… she hasn't. The more she talks foreign policy, the more she looks like an idiot!

Think about your argument BEFORE you bare your racist soul. Your reason for supporting McCain is purely because he's white. Feel free to prove me wrong.

Viet Nam Vet   May 21st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Marie Sweetie- - -

Just because you serve in the military it doesn't make you an expert on foreign policy.

R.I.F.   May 21st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

marie May 21st, 2008 3:50 pm ET
Marie asks "where is Obama's military experience? and when did he server in the military?" and then says "Hillary or McCain."

Anything smell fishy here folks? If you didn't know, Hillary has not spent one second in the military either so why would you vote for her if that's your deciding factor? For that point, neither did Bill Clinton.

Yet another "if not Hillary, then McCain" republican operative on the blog. You guys are becoming way to easy to spot.

Also, just because you played in the NBA for 10 years doesn't mean you would be a good coach or GM. Michael Jordan was the best player to every play basketball but check out his record as a GM.
I respect McCain's service but that doesn't automatically qualify him to be an expert on foreign policy.

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   May 21st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Obama is the only one that said McCain would not talk to our enemies. McCain said he would talk to them , but first he would make them agree to stand down the militant ways they use to project fear .

Obama is responding in kind. “The Bush Iraq policy that asks everything of our troops and nothing of Iraqi politicians.

Is that why our troops are being used as a secondary force. Is that why they already had an election.

War sucks, but sometimes it is needed. If a bully is picking on your kid should your kid say lets talk about this, or should your kid tell that bully ,the next time you touch me that is it. A bully will respond to only one thing and that is force. Terrorists are nothing but bullies. but this time they picked a fight with the wrong kid. You dems are standing up fore the bullies of the world.

GOT WAFFLES???   May 21st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Obama arguing points: It is racism( they are twisting and taking sound bits out of a sermon,and misrepresenting my words), it is distracting( their points hold no value), it is picking on me(the debate was against me), I’ll be happy to debate that (but doesn’t). Stop picking on my wife ( doesn’t matter she parrots Wrights sermons), It is because I was poor ( too be honest he had a lucky life,his grandparents made sure he went without nothing. Even paid part of his college for him). I stand on principles and morals ( but votes present so not rocking the political boat).

……….and you people wonder why we won’t vote for him,lmao

gb   May 21st, 2008 4:05 pm ET

McCain strategy is a very good strategy. McCain is a true american hero, and is strong on national security. McCain will win general election if Obama is the democratic nominee.

enomisa   May 21st, 2008 4:06 pm ET

McCain is a poor choice and Obama is even worse.

The only qualified candidate is Hillary Clinton- that is why the powers that be tried to destroy her- they want to continue to feed us weak leaders.

OBAMA AND SEXIST --NAHHHHHHHH   May 21st, 2008 4:06 pm ET

SEXISM. The first and most obvious. From ‘Annie Oakley’ to ‘the claws come out’ to ’sweetie’, Obama has demonstrated he not only has sexist attitudes, but mouths them with no hesitation or understanding of the implication of his words. The demand that others “lay off my wife” has overtones of ownership as well as implying his very public and outspoken wife is incapable of handling criticism or defending herself. Can you imagine the howls if Hillary Clinton, in response to criticism of Bill Clinton, had demanded “lay off my husband.”?

Tim, Seattle   May 21st, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Hey Marie,
Military experience helps you get votes, but is irrelevant.
Rumsfield and the other Iraq war douches had plentry of military experience but were still inept….so much for mission accomplished.
JOhn McSame's military experience was 30 years ago…irrelevant.
So your point is meaningless, Marie

Oh and Wolf, does it hurt that your candidate Billary is a loser? Just checking because you dont seem to be out of your denial phase yet.

Tommy in SC   May 21st, 2008 4:07 pm ET

McSame is a BIG part of the foreign policy mistakes the world has suffered through for the past 8 years.

ANYONE who voted with Bush on 97% of his supported legislation is not a 'Maverick' and 'Straight Talker'.

I sincerely salute Senator McCain for his POW times in Vietnam. However, his lack of support for the new G.I. Bill and his desire to linger on and on in Iraq shows he is no friend of the troops.

America, please, please–anyone but McSame.

Debby   May 21st, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Hey Jeff: Hillary has been to war zone countries like Bosnia and Iraq to actually see what goes on there. Your candidate is to busy preaching from a pulpit so he won't lose those pledged delagates. If Obama spent half of his wind going over and talking to Iraqi leaders and seeing first hand what a war zone is, then maybe he can take a stand of his own vs. Hillary Clintons.

OBAMA AND HYPOCRISY --NAHHHHHHHH   May 21st, 2008 4:07 pm ET

HYPOCRISY. Obama demands his wife be left alone while personally criticizing Bill Clinton. “He continues to make statements that are not supported by the facts — whether it’s about my record of opposition to the war in Iraq or our approach to organizing in Las Vegas.

“This has become a habit, and one of the things that we’re going to have to do is to directly confront Bill Clinton when he’s making statements that are not factually accurate,”

In Obama’s world, calling a rival candidate’s spouse a habitual liar is acceptable, but criticism of his spouse for troubling remarks is out of bounds.

Darth Vadik, CA   May 21st, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Gretchen in California,

no no no no, they were selling weapons to Iran, remeber Iran Contra and Oliver North, you know that traitor who now works at Fox News.

dumb and dumber   May 21st, 2008 4:08 pm ET

This is now a contest between dumb and dumber.

Sit back, relax and in Nov just write in Hillary Clinton.

Request an absentee ballot to ensure that you retain the write-in option.

Don't waste your one vote on Obama nor McCain.

Go with the only worthy leader- Hillary Clinton

Belle   May 21st, 2008 4:08 pm ET

FOR YOU NASTY OBAMA SUPPORTERS THAT DON'T NEED CLINTON SUPPORTERS:

Some of us Democrats are CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRATS!!!!!!!!!!!
Some of us want EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obama is the most liberal voting Senator in the Senate….so what that really means….is some of his views are too far left to agree with….McCain and Clinton are more to the middle.

In spite of your pressure, since many of you HATE Senator Clinton, and have NOTHING good to say about her…will cause us to sit this one out, write in her name, or vote for McCain.

You only have yourselves to thank for this….so just get over it!

Jeff   May 21st, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Is that heat? McCain is showing himself to be a blowhard.

Hillary backer   May 21st, 2008 4:08 pm ET

to you people terrified of losing your abortion rights–how about being responsible for a change and usoing the many forms of birth control or morning after pill? It is far less expensive and less life-threatening than your abortion.

OBAMA ,S NAIVETY-INEXPERIENCE- ELITISM --NAHHHHHHHH   May 21st, 2008 4:08 pm ET

ELITISM. How is it that Michelle Obama became above criticism? What right does she have to be outspoken and public and expect no backlash for what she says, regardless of how inane it may be?

NAIVETY. Did Obama actually believe he could seek the presidency with his wife making open gaffes, and hear no criticism? This shows a breathtaking lack of realism.

INEXPERIENCE. Obama has just over three years on the national stage as a US senator, and much of those have been spent running for president. A more seasoned individual would certainly understand this aspect of public life.

Dennis   May 21st, 2008 4:09 pm ET

McCain's argument about foreign policy experience is a typical Republican strategy. Make everyone afraid that the Democrat can't handle the job. A willingness to meet with foreign leaders does not mean that Senator Obama would hesitate to use are military to defend ourselves and our allies should the need arise. Furthermore, who says that meeting with the leaders of Iran, Venezuela, etc. means we are conceding defeat and surrendering to terror? The Republicans. That is not what it means. The Bush/McCain strategy appears to be impose your will on the enemy by ignoring them. How is that working for us? Not so well in Iran or Korea right now. McCain must think we are all stupid to believe that if Senator Obama became President and met with leaders of those nations he automatically agree to meet all their demands.

OBAMA ,THIN SKINNED --NAHHHHHHHH   May 21st, 2008 4:10 pm ET

THIN SKINNED. Obama has a tendency to overreact to criticism, and this is no exception. Should he wrap up the nomination as expected, there is a lot of tough rhetoric and campaigning ahead. He would do well to adjust to it.

EC   May 21st, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Wolf - are you kidding me?

Sen. McCain couldn't step up anything without stumbling all over his self!! I mean really, this man talks nothing but "hot air" when it comes to his so-called "straight talk". What a joke.

Sen. McCain and his lap dog Lieberman is nothing but a joke. Every time McCain messes up, there goes Joe lieberman cleaning up after him. Can you say "suck up".

Let's not focus on LAME McSHAME!!!

Val   May 21st, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Oh Wolf, stop being so biased towards Obama. Your bias is very apparent.

I agree with Sen McCain 100% - Obama is naive and poor of judgement when it comes to national security.

McCain is the man.

Sharon S.   May 21st, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Well, apparently a larger percentage of American voters prefer Obama's view of foreign policy to McCain's. I believe the Gallup folks have Obama beating McCain 48 to 40. Whether you agree or disagree with Obama's positions on diplomacy, the pendulum is swinging, folks. Watch for it this November. The Republicans and rabid Conservatives are about to get a nice long vacation.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   May 21st, 2008 4:10 pm ET

SAME OLD FEAR TACTICS COMING FROM MCSHAME. IF BY CHANCE HE BECOMES PRESIDENT HE WILL USE FEAR TACTICS TERM, AFTER TERM AND IT WILL BE TOO LATE TO TURN AMERICA AROUND. MCCAIN HAS NOTHING ELSE TO OFFER.

Tyme4chaing   May 21st, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Bill Clinton didn't have any foreign policy experience at all. But he became president. So what the McCain is saying that Obama doesn't having experience in foreign policy. McCain joined the army during the vietnam war, got shot and sent home. That's not foreign policy that's called serving your country.

Just 60 days ago, McCain went to Iraq an other places paid for by the Bush administration. McCain certainly didn't do any foreign policy work nor did he do anything else but forget peoples names and make insults about others in Iraq. He diplomacy skills sucked. He gave a botched speech to the US troops in Bagdad. He was forgetting names while one of his lobbyists whispered in his ear telling the his has said the wrong thing to that persons…..Do us all a favor McCain, get out of this and scram

James   May 21st, 2008 4:11 pm ET

McCain is a Joke.

Matt   May 21st, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I feel sorry for those too simple to recognize the good in all humans. Those that lack the proper communication skills to discuss our own shortcomings with others. Obama is the only politician in years to make me proud to be an American. McCain, Bush, Hillary they all sicken me with their ignorance and insecurities.

OBAMA THE GREAT UNITER??? REALLY   May 21st, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Well, in a “round about way” Obama IS uniting America…. He’s bringing moderate democrats and moderate republicans “together” to Vote Against Obama.

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   May 21st, 2008 4:12 pm ET

marie "where is Barack's military experience?"

As a former Army officer, I can fully respect and follow the lead of a president that has never served. Barack has served his country in terms by serving as an elected official, community organizer, and teacher. Do you view your candidate Hillary any less because she has not served?!

Henry   May 21st, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Wolf, I like the way you can read McCains mind and tell us what he is thinking. You hide your liberal bias about like a bank robber hides his gun.

Ralph   May 21st, 2008 4:12 pm ET

All you republicans and disgruntled Hillary supporters who are saying we should live in fear about Obama being president, please stop hurting your own cause. Bush used that same tactic to get re-elected, and we are all quite a bit wiser now. Seems we need two parties alright, the party of change and the party of fear. Then everyone will have a place that represents their view of politics. Please, come join the rest of the country in supporting our next president, Barack Obama.

Ding, Washington, DC   May 21st, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Wolf, would you mind asking Senator McCain what would haved had the United States and Vietnam made some diplomatic talks regarding the released POW?. He seems to have forgotten that he is the beneficiary of diplomacy.

Alexander   May 21st, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Where is Hillary's experience again? Especially in terms of foreign affairs? I'm sorry, but Obama has served in elected positions far longer than Hillary has, and they're both about a draw in terms of foreign policy.

Then again, what do I expect from people so ignorant of the truth that they'd vote for McCain in lieu of Hillary — a man who represents the very things she and Obama stand against.

Vote best for America, not your ego.

40% UNCOMMITTED   May 21st, 2008 4:13 pm ET

As everyone familiar with what really went on in Michigan knows, Obama arranged with the state Democratic committee to have his name represented by a line that read “Uncommitted” and every voter in Michigan knew it. John Edwards agreed to be part of the “uncommitted” line so the only issue was apportioning the 40.7% of the uncommitted vote. I gave Edwards the 14% of the vote average he had gotten everywhere else and Obama a little over 25%. When Florida and Michigan are factored in, Clinton has the popular vote lead. With regards to delegates, Obama’s lead is now by 94 delegates and that will get smaller after Puerto Rico where 55 delegates up for grabs. Clinton is expected to do even better in Puerto Rico than she did in Kentucky.

I like this part… good point to the BO supporters whining it wasn’t fair.

Chris, Middletown, CT   May 21st, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Wonder if Wolf will make Clintons arguments for her (again)

could there be a bigger Clinton cheerleader? CNN Fire him

Dori in AZ   May 21st, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Wolf,

Don't you think McCain has played the "war hero" card long enough? He doesn't understand what great Presidents of our nation and other great leaders throughout the world and throughout the centuries have understood.

And, that, simply put, is that it is in EVERYONE'S best interest when we find ways to coexist with other countries and peoples without killing, and engage in war ONLY as the ultimate weapon. That involves attempts in communication, using other tools that are available to us. Tough and aggressive diplomacy is a major tool.

John McCain just doesn't get it. Perhaps, he has lost his bearings. Or, perhaps, he never had them to begin with….

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   May 21st, 2008 4:14 pm ET

capt. smash

1 iran was growing before iraq war
2 No. We did not go to iraq to look fore him.
3 more, which oil company's said has nothing to do with iraq
4 it was until dems took the house.

PCS / North Carolina   May 21st, 2008 4:14 pm ET

bridgette wrote May 21st, 2008 3:45 pm ET

"This man's foreign policy is a joke. One of the countries we call our axis of evils. Because everyone knows that you cannot move forward if you don't sit down and talk with people. "

You sound like GWB and a GOP fan. GWB's foreign policy is more than a joke, it is disgusting and pathetic.

1) Iraq had become a terrorist breeding ground, it is a heaven for recruits, rapists and ethnic cleansers.
Do you think Iraqi's will thank us for their democracy ?

2) Oil is 132 a barrel and 4 dollars at the pump

3) Mc Cain and Hillary is planning to bomb "Axis of evil"- Iran and north Korea, although we are stretched out to the maximum. Can we sustain the military in so may bases out side U.S and also defend our country in case of an attack to the continental U.S ?
4) There are countries who can not and will not sustain democracy. They need authoritarian regimens just like our allies Jordan , Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Are they less corrupt than the Axis of evil ?

Yeah, "BOMB, BOMB, BOMB" it is an easy statement from the "fear mongers". Unless, WE the only Super Power in the world, will command respect from all the countries by directly negotiating with friend and enemy, we will be heading to an Armageddon.

Ding, Washington, DC   May 21st, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Wolf, would you mind asking Senator McCain what would have happen had the United States and Vietnam made some diplomatic talks regarding the released POW?. He seems to have forgotten that he is the beneficiary of diplomacy.

Jaun   May 21st, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Mr McBush who do you think you are fooling?…your entire posture…demeanor reeks of your deceit. I know you don't believe a word that comes out of your mouth…you and your supporters.
OBAMA 08.

Tim   May 21st, 2008 4:15 pm ET

I'm a 20 year veteran and I can tell you that being in the military in no way makes John McCain automatically qualified to be commander in chief. It doesn’t mean that he understands foreign policy either. He was wrong on Iraq. He is wrong to think we don’t need to talk to our enemies. McCain even admitted that we went to war over oil. He will be eaten alive in debates with Obama because his stances are no different thank President Bush’s.

Obama 08/12

Uncle Sam   May 21st, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Have you heard that Sen. Obama would mean a third Bush term?
Hey, it makes as much sense as when it is pinned on Sen. McCain.
Oh yeah, Obama is also a warmonger. And senile. Allegedly.

Patrick, Lake Stevens, WA   May 21st, 2008 4:15 pm ET

McCain is as naive as they come with respect to this argument. Today, CNN reported that the number one concern for this country right now is the economy - it is clear from McCain's lips that he is weak on that aspect and most Americans agree. Yet he wants to point to his strengths on foreign policy which is no different than Bush. This country has been lied to by the current administration and besieged by the war in Iraq ever since 2003 which has made us more vulnerable to an attack prior to 2001 - The U.S. wants the economy rebuilt and the war to end some time next year. John McCain has not talk about making those things happen. But he has talked about staying the course in Iraq. Funny, that sounds very similar to a guy name George Bush!

A*B*O*   May 21st, 2008 4:16 pm ET

hey I’m with the ABO party ( anyone but obama) join if you guys/girls like

Antonia in Bristol Virginia   May 21st, 2008 4:16 pm ET

The strategy doesn't seem to be working. By attacking Obama's policies, McCain has elevated Obama to a select world stage. If you wish to ignore a competitor, you don't mention them.

The perception that remains is that McCain increasingly looks like a mean old man while Obama comes across as a vigorous, visionary leader willing to conduct thoughtful diplomacy, rather than the cowboy diplomacy of the Bush administration.

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   May 21st, 2008 4:16 pm ET

capt smash'

I have one for you.

under what president did America hit its record low unemployment ?

Chris, Middletown, CT   May 21st, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Funny…every one of the meatballs in this blog who claim "no experience" - also voted for Bill Clinton into office with zero Washington experience….baffling…are you really that dumb?

Cindy   May 21st, 2008 4:17 pm ET

McCain attacking Obama on foreign policy cause it's considered his strength?

How do I put this nicely…. McCain is a patriot, and a war hero, but he's not too good on foreign policy. He seems confused about it at times, and stuck in cold war mentality. Next thing you know, he's going to be calling for stockpiling nuclear warheads again, so we'll look big and bad to the world. Come on, McCain, Republicans.. get your head out of the sand. Let's turn the page!

Hey "Listen"   May 21st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

"Listen"

You are SOOO right about everything!! I wish others could actually BELIEVE what you say and understand what your people have gone through.

Darth Vadik, CA   May 21st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Belle,

Do you understand why we say we don't need you Clinton supporters.
Its because we are sick of being threatened by you say if not Hillary, then McCain. We're just tired of it, go vote for McCain,

BUT STOP THREATNING US.

noemi in los angeles   May 21st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

With McSame win: Not only will we have the Iraq war, but he will launch the Iran war. Thousands of more soldiers will die; the anger of Iraqis and Iranians will only grow louder.

With Obama's win: Peaceful negotiations will start. The war in the middle east will end. The countries of the world will unite in one voice against terrorism. America will restore the world's respect.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. –Jimi Hendrix

McBush and Clinton represent the love of power, with them… our world wont know peace.

Jeanne, San Diego   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

McCain needs to stop channeling Bush and adopt a more moderate & sensible policy. I can't believe this guy is "experienced". He's acting like a rooky, like Bush. Obama's foreign relations policy sounds sensible and similar to what America has done all along, up until Bush/Cheney/Rove occupation of the White House. McCain really ought to run as far away from those policies as he can.

mmartin arkansaw   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

this is mccains only hope.he hopes a crises erupts so he can scare americans into voting for him.i wouldn't put it past this administration to cause a 'crises' with iran,to try and influence the election,this fall.remember i told you this,wolf.we will need the media to remain unbiased,and for the rights of americans ,if the right-wing establishment uses a criminal tactic,like starting a war with iran.

shelly in IL   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

"Violence never redeems it only makes things worst".

Mike from Westchester   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Joe

Did any of the dozen or so candidates have previous experience as President of a large country? Was McCain President of Japan, Germany, Bolivia?

Let's see - inexperienced Presidents…. hmmmmmm… Washington, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK, Clinton. Not bad company, huh?

Actually, our more experienced Presidents tend to be the worst. There is an inverse relationship between experience and performance. Could that be because when we don't have a visionary, inspirational, natural leader available, we tend to go for the old mediocre candidate?

Good thing we don't have that problem this time.

Obama 08! Yes we can!!!!!!

Val   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

To LOOK BYOND

Did you notice LOOK BYOND how gas prices skyrocketed shortly after Democracts took control of Congress in November of 2006? Did you ever think that maybe the US economy is allergic to the Democrat-controlled Congress and is having an allergic reaction now? Think about. Right after Democrats took control gas prices started climbing up and real estate market crashed. Coincidence? I don't know.

Paul   May 21st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Let's face it. Our foreign policy has recently been a disaster. Half the world hates us, in spite of the fact this is the first place they turn to when earthquakes, typhoons etc hit.
We should talk to Cuba. McCain has to attack him on something.

hill.bill.y   May 21st, 2008 4:20 pm ET

if we need experience, how about George Bush, he has the most experience. Can we vote for him?

Vote Hillary   May 21st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Re:Crazy LA May 21st, 2008 3:55 pm ET

"Go McCain! Mr. "Flip-Flopper" Obama is a complete fool on foreign policy.

If no Hillary vote McCain"
Oh i will not only vote Mcain i'll work my heart out for him,Mcain all the way 08……….I love the way Obama is trying to squirm his way out of the unconditional talks with supporters of terrorist's he uses the word "preperation's" now it's disgusting the man knows nothing except how to memorize written pretty speaches, America wake up put the Kool Aide down! Why Why would you even give the time of day to people who supply the guns,ammunition etc; to kill our brave men and women why why?? NO OBAMA 08!! Vote Mcain all Hillary supporters if she's ripped of the nomintion Vote Mcain God Bless America

Jim D   May 21st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

For those of you who want "change", don't forget that it will mean:

1) Across the board, spiraling energy costs as we remain enslaved to foreign oil because we can't develop our own traditional energy sources or develop alternate sources because they will "damage the environment".
2) Having a health care fee taken from your paycheck, just like Social Security, to pay for everyone's healthcare.
3) Increasing food costs as farm land is redirected from food crops to ethanol-production use.
4) Total political collapse of the middle east as we decrease support for Israel and quickly leave Iraq and Afghanistan (also, see comment 1).
4) Having a college education fee taken from your paycheck, just like Social Security, to fund higher education for anyone who can't or won't pay for it on their own.
5) Illegal immigration will continue unabated, depressing labor wages and allowing entrance to potential terrorists.

HILLARY HAS THE POPULAR VOTE!!!!!!   May 21st, 2008 4:22 pm ET

THAT IS INTERESTING BECAUSE OBAMA DOESN'T KNOW SQUAT ABOUT FOREIGN POLICY!!!!!!

HILLARY DOES, AND SHE COULD MEET WITH THESE PEOPLE AND KNOWS A LOT OF THEM ON A PERSONAL BASIS!!!!!

I CAN IMAGINE HOW THEY WILL LAUGH AT THE US IF WE NOMINATE A GUY NAMED BORACK OBAMA TO BE OUR PRESIDENT!!!

THIS GUY IS NOT QUALIFIED AND WILL BE MADE TO LOOK LIKE A FOOL!!!!

HE IS NOT ELECTABLE!!!!

MY TRUST AND VOTE GOES TO HILLARY CLINTON!!!!!!

R.I.F.   May 21st, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Sharon Minnesota May 21st, 2008 3:59 pm ET
Wolf, why is it every time Obama gets a little heat, you are right there to give him free air time. His speeches are getting a little monotonous. The only people worth watching on CNN anymore are Lou Dobbs and Glen Beck.

RIF identify yourself and go ahead have a field day. Yes, golly, gee, I'm a closet Republican, you got me!! NOT permanently, only until the lefty winged Obama is gone from the scene. Then I can go back to my wayward party, maybe this year yet.

Obama supporters should try thinking up some of their own comments for a change instead of negatively responding to everyone else's
____________
If there's a 00000.1% chance that you were a democrat, please don't come back. You're way too good at being a republican. Glen Beck is a conservative and Lou Dobbs just hates Obama because Obama called him out once. I guess you like Pat Buchanan, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reily as well? Just like any other true life-long democrat. Throw in a little Rush Limbaugh and your day is complete.

My first comment on this ticker was a comment and not a response to something silly that you or your fellow dittoheads said.

What's up with this identify yourself stuff? You said the same thing about Obama. What do we need to identify? Go to Obama's website and you can read all about him and all of his polices.

HILLARY HAS THE POPULAR VOTE!!!!!!   May 21st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

YOU KNOW WHEN YOU OBAMA SUPPORTERS GET ON HERE AND CALL THE HILLARY SUPPORTERS NAMES IT JUST SHOWS THAT YOU ARE IGNORANT!!!!!

GROW UP!

YOUR GUY CANNOT GRASP THE LEAD! SORRY!!!!!!!

KEEP IT UP HILLARY!!!!!!!!

laf   May 21st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

I know CNN won't post this. I am sitting here almost banging my head on a hard surface reading these blogs. I find it hard to fathom how people in our country can be soo stupid and so completely ignorant. Seriously, if just being in a war zone makes you experienced in than why isn't George Clooney running for President.

Leave It Alone   May 21st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Military Experience: Where is Hillary's military experience? Did she serve?

Inexperience: Bush had no experience and now what?

Naivety: You are if you think things will get better voting for McCain.

I find it funny if Hillary doesn't get the nomination sit home, because you will not be able to afford the gas prices when McCain becomes president!!!

If you don't want to vote for Obama have a legit reason………or just say it you are prejudice and you are not ready for a black president.

STOP THE MADESS!!!

mmartin arkansaw   May 21st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

this is not a military dictatorship anymore ,marie.you don't have to be in the military to be president.that's just a right-wing myth,'sweetie'.

noemi in los angeles   May 21st, 2008 4:25 pm ET

I don't think Clinton can argue with a "sexist" bid. Nobody has been sexist here. She's playing the victim. EVEN IF they had been sexist, she can't complain when she's played the role of a typical housewife who forgives her husbands infidelities… yes, he had more women than lewinsky. look it up. What kind of woman allows her husband to cheat on her and still stay with him?? How can any women stand by her after this, especially feminists?? This does not show any character, it only shows us that she's willing to put up with Bill in order to have political power…. because who votes for a divorced politician?? Whatever, I'm a woman, and I don't see Obama as sexists. Clinton is simply spinning any story to get elected. Remember, she's the "Do and Say Anything Candidate".

Chill out, Woman!!

Rose - Baltimore, MD   May 21st, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Blitzer, I am not seeing what Mccain has stepped up. He sounds like a broken old record.

Mike from Westchester   May 21st, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Republican scare tactics are NOT going to work this time. The American public, including many Republicans, are really pissed off at the mess Bush and his neo-cons have made of our country.

No more BS. You had your chance and you blew it big time. Step aside and let us clean up your mess. You have shown you cannot lead, so either follow or get the HE!! out of our way!

Caryn, WDC   May 21st, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Stop ganging up on Marie folks.

Hillary has plenty of military experience…it takes someone with quite a lot of military experience to dodge sniper fire…

Oh wait…

Linda, Kentucky   May 21st, 2008 4:27 pm ET

To Marie,

How many years has Bush served in the armed forces? He got out of it, didn't he? How about Bill Clinton? How about Hillary? Cheney got a deferment. Just about everyone in the White House got out of serving in Vietnam. Should Obama have gone there? He was still in elementary school.

What this boils down to is if we want a president who threatens and bombs or one who is willing to negotiate from a position of strength. I vote for negotiation. It's cheaper, and it saves lives.

Dilly WA   May 21st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

McCain is a dangerous old man. Hero or not, he is angry,dishonesrt and tied to multiple lobbists who have earned money supporting dictators and facists. He has a giant chip on his shouder and an unstable temper. If you want endless wars and lobbiest ties to dictators vote for him. If you're ready to try diplomacy and military action agaisnt the correct enemies to acheive the right ends vote for Obama

PCS / North Carolina   May 21st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

marie wrote May 21st, 2008 3:50 pm ET

"Where is Obama's military experience…??? anyone??? Obama fanatics??? How many years has he served our country's armed forces?"

How many Presidents in the U.S.A had military experience ? How about Hillary ?

"Rumsfield and the other Iraq war douches had plentry of military experience but were still inept….so much for mission accomplished."

Yeah, Donald was a friend of "Axis of Evil" Saddam Hussain when it was for our benefit. Probably he was negotiating the commision for the Haliburton.

Appeasement   May 21st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

The manipulative Obama camp is so obvious and transparent.

For months they have been blogging, "never Hillary, ANYone but Hillary, If Hillary is the nominee I will not vote or I will vote for McCain".

Now that it looks as if the nomination has been given to Obama, they have changed their tune. Now they try the guilt trip. If you won't vote for Obama, you MUST be a racist. If you don't vote for Obama then you are not a TRUE democrat.

Now you all pretend that you'd vote for Hill IF she were the nominee. It is safe to say that, since you don't believe that will be the case.

But here's the thing. This is not China nor N Korea. We do not have blind loyalty to a party. We will vote for whomever we feel is most qualified to lead this country. Obama is a very poor THIRD choice for many Americans.

There is NO way you can manipulate us into voting for someone who has done absolutely nothing for his country. Obama just wants to fast track himself into history.

Brent   May 21st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Wolf, far be it from me to tell you how to do your job but maybe you should ask McCain and his supporters a couple questions:

1. how has the isolation of Cuba policy worked out over the last 50 years?
2. isn't demanding Iran stop enriching uranium ( something they have a legal right to under the NPT) before the US will speak to them the abandonment of intelligent diplomacy? wouldn't getting them to stop enriching be the point of diplomacy?

I don't understand why McCain and his supporters aren't challenged more vigorously on this claim of superior foreign policy credentials.

Mike, Syracuse NY   May 21st, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Gretchen in CA, As a matter of fact, no Bush didn't meet with the Leader of North Korea, and no Reagan never met with the leader of Iran. If someone from the administration is meeting with Hamas, it's not Bush. mcCain's point isn't that you never meet, it's that the President doesn't meet without preconditions being achieved. Try getting your facts right before you decide who to vote for, or stay home.

A CANADIAN PERSPECTIVE   May 21st, 2008 4:31 pm ET

McCAIN SOUNDS LIKE AN OLD, SCRATCHED, AND WARPED BROKEN RECORD. WAIT TILL OBAMA CHALLENGES HIM ON HEALTH CARE, THE ECONOMY, AND THE IRAQ WAR….." MY FRIEND…. WAR……MY FRIEND… WAR….MY FRIEND….WAR…'"

Veteran in Kansas   May 21st, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Not talking with ones enemies is a formula for disaster. Giving ones enemies what they want is a formula for disater. But guess what, talking to those that you disagree with and openly airing your differences is movement in the right direction. Do I think Iran, North Korea, Cuba, etc are the same as Soviet Russia, of course not, Iran and North Korea are by far more dangerous that the Soviet Union ever was in its history, why, because they are isolated and some are trying to back them into the corner.

The current foreign policy of not talking with our enemies is a poor policy that does this nation more harm than a year of talks with nations that this administration refused to have communication with.

DNC did what RNC could not do (take hillary down)   May 21st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

I usually return their e-mails and letters with the words NO FLA NO MI NO MONEY.

There was a better idea last night at the tm site.
Put monopoly money with chickens drawn on it and return the mail to the DNC on their postage.

Joe, Northern Virginia   May 21st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

McCain's claim of foreign policy experience is questionable and it changes with the direction of the wind. (it blows in any direction as it pleases) Sen McBush should to talking to Sen Hagel more and less to Sen Lieberman. Maybe he will catch a clue after talking to Sen Hagel.

Eleanor   May 21st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

wolf I would much rather place my trust in Obama than a war monger like MCBUSH
you would honestly think he was the only POW out there
news flash…hes the only glorified one
I wonder how many are around without even a roof over their head
MCSame is the same old third term Bush war monger
Obama 08

Tim   May 21st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

I'm a 20 year veteran and I can tell you that being in the military in no way makes John McCain automatically qualified to be commander in chief. It doesn’t mean that he understands foreign policy either. He was wrong on Iraq. He is wrong to think we don’t need to talk to our enemies. McCain even admitted that we went to war over oil. He will be eaten alive in debates with Obama because his stances are no different than President Bush’s. Also, Senator Clinton has no experience either, no matter how you try to spin it. Unless she had a security clearance when she was first lady, she had little to do with foreign policy. Senator Clinton as well as Senator Obama will have to rely on advisors with experience so the argument that one is nore qualified than the other doesn't hold water. Democtats are Democrats. It's interesting to see how people react when they don't like how something turned out. To heck with the fact that it was right. Stop acting like spoiled brats that are mad becasue you didn't get your way. Senator Obama earned the nomination fair and square as the rules outlined. FL & MI will be seated, but will not be allowed to change the outcome of the election.

Obama 08/12

Mike from Westchester   May 21st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Hey Marie

Where was Lincoln's military experience? How about FDR's?

Francys   May 21st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Let McCain have is run while it lasts. In a couple of weeks Obama wont have to fight on both fronts between Hillary and McCain and the debate is going to shift to economy and we will all see that it is a no contest between those two.

wyliffe, NJ   May 21st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

the OLD MAN has lost direction…….. Bush fooled us twice, these time we will fool ourselves if we agree with this warmonger.

)Banana Republic indeed.   May 21st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Banana Republic indeed.

If the Obama bots are so sure they’ve won, then by all means why not seat Florida and Michigan right now–today? If there is no way that she can catch him, then what is the issue? Isn’t he worried about dissing the people of Florida, whose votes he will need in November?

Isn’t Mr. Hopey concerned about the ethics of disenfranchising 2.3 million people? How cynical is that?

This is McGovern all over again. Obama supporters want to LOSE to John McCain in November. It’s obvious to me. Every single indication is that Obama is ONLY likely to be the nominee because the system has been rigged for him. And that will be revealed in November, when he loses in a landslide.

Dear Obamabots: You are to blame for this. You are going to give us 4 more years of McSAME with your insistence that we run a candidate who can not win.
Roe is on YOUR heads, Iraq blood on YOUR hands. You are forcing us to run a LOSER, and destroying the party in the process.

Lee , PA   May 21st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

McCain keeps talking on a subject he is not familiar with his chin above water until the CHANGE bus hits him. The bus has not arrived there yet; surely coming. He has experience as a legislator (not as impressive) but not as a foriegn policy expert. He is one of the members of the gung-ho group and I do not think he believes in the power of dialogue with an enemy (to keep them in check). With the might of our NATION, we had crushed our enemies already swiftly and long ago but thank you, republicans for leaving this country messy abroad as it is today. If you would have had the sense of civility, citizens and many servicemen will not be in these predicament. OBAMATIZE McCain 08.

UN-SOMETHING   May 21st, 2008 4:36 pm ET

—Uncommitted 40%—

That is such a ricuculous misrepresentation of events.

You are eith UNinformed or choosing to be UNtruthful.

pawns in their “fix”.   May 21st, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Yup. Edwards removed his name too. Hmmm… Some say Obama (and Edwards) did this to try to make Hillary look bad. Pure dirty politics at its best at the expense of voters rights. Our state Democratic chairman was interviewed awhile ago on local news and as I recall he explained that there were threats made by Iowa and New Hampshire Democratic Party officials as to a candidate losing support in their election ya da, ya da. Maybe Obama made one of his famous “backroom deals” with Iowa who knows? In any event Hillary wouldn’t be swayed and many of us Michiganders love this about her. As usual she’s the one sticking by the American voter. The best thing about this primary campaign is that we are seeing who the candidates really are and what their “true colors” are. I’ve come to admire and respect Hillary Clinton so much more watching her continue on and stand up for what’s right. Obama will never get my vote and I will vote against him. How dare Obama, Edwards and the DNC mess with our civil rights by using us as pawns in their “fix”.

tom moriarty   May 21st, 2008 4:37 pm ET

i wonder how many people know that obama has a PHD in constitutional law. who, between mccain and obama, is more likely to respect and honor our very much abused constitution?

enomisa   May 21st, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Obama loyalists, are you sure your own motives are noble and pure?

Are you certain that you don't just prefer the cute, young, smooth talking black man to the older white woman?

Are you sure that you are not just sacrificing qualifications and substance to image?

Remember… Obama has only one gift- delivering a prepared speech well. Do NOT confuse that with intelligence and leadership.

To the contrary, Obama has not demonstrated any ability to think quickly nor well on his feet. He has not been able to clearly respond off the cuff to any questions posed to him.

He can give a speech- he can not deliver solutions.

In fact, he has not shown himself to be any better than Bush at

PCS / North Carolina   May 21st, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Greg wrote Pottstown, Pa. May 21st, 2008 4:16 pm ET

"under what president did America hit its record low unemployment ?'

Yes Greg I agree. However, your spouses achievement will not and can not be translated to your own achievements.
If your husband is a doctor, will they allow the spouse to prescribe drugs ?

Darth Vadik, CA   May 21st, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Uncle Sam,

When your policies don't differ from Bush, specially on the war, you are Bush 3rd term. Oh except that global warming thing, he believes in that, but what else is different? You have to go on facts, not opinion, and something you read on newsmax.

And McCain is a warmonger, and old, and senile. And I don't want to have a president who is a warmonger, and old, and senile. Notice how hew makes up facts around things only to be smacked down minutes later, how many times has he retracted stuff? How many times? For God's sake he has Lieberman behind him all the time, to correct him me he wonders off into the la la land. And you want that.

Now, do I know what kind of president Obama will make? No I don't, neither do you so don't even try. He could be a dud for all I know, but I am sick of politics as usuall, and Obama seems to be different. He is playing different.

I could be completely fooled, but I know what McCain is going to give me and I dont want it. You may be a battered wife who does not leave the house, but I am not.

Anonymous   May 21st, 2008 4:39 pm ET

We should push forward diplomacy when we see a major oppurtunity like right after Afgahnistan and Iraq when we got Pakistan to start fighting their former allies the Taliban, we got Libya to turn in all their WMD research and denounce terrorism, and Iran offered to talk about all issues between us and them but bush didnt think they were serious.

Willis, Texas   May 21st, 2008 4:39 pm ET

"ONCE A ADULT — TWICE A CHILD". This is a fact to the aging process!

McBush keeps saying the same thing because he has entered his second childhood! Remember: children are repetitive and very annoying when they want their way!

OBAMA NEEDS TO IGNORE MCBUSH — FIRE SOME SHOTS AT MCBUSH!

TALK ABOUT THE ILLEGAL LAND DEALS, SHOW THE PICTURE OF MCBUSH CELEBRATING AT HIS RANCH WITH BUSH DURING THE LOUISIANA STRESS CALLS! YET, MCBUSH SAID IF HE WERE PRESIDENT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE TO HELP THOSE PEOPLE.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE PRESIDENT TO HELP?

Letha   May 21st, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Good, let Obama dance so we can see the real weakling come out before the Obamanation groupies put him in office which he is not ready for.

Sorry, Barack, but the rules are the rules.   May 21st, 2008 4:40 pm ET

A fair and equitable solution going by the rules:

1) Strip Michigan of 50% of their delegates, as the rules dictate.

2) Award delegates to those candidates whose names were on the ballot. Candidate “Uncommitted” is just who the name says.

3) Seat all of Florida’s delegates because they TRIED to keep the FL Leg from moving the primary up.

4) Strip any candidate who campaigned in Florida of their delegates, as the rules dictate. Obama’s ads are noted as campaigning.

Sorry, Barack, but the rules are the rules.

Mike, Syracuse NY   May 21st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Oneil, do you really think talking to Hitler helped? He talked and bargained with England and France, all the while planning to conquer Europe. He signed a nonaggression treaty with the USSR only to stab them in the back anyway. There are some people you can't talk to. I'd say that people willing to fly planes into buildings in suicide attacks that kill thousands of innocent people fall into that category. Or maybe after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor AT THE SAME TIME THEY WERE NEGOTIATING WITH US; we should have just gone back to tha table to talk some more. Diplomacy isn't the way to deal with people like Bin Laden, laser guided bombs are. Wake up, there are people out there who want to kill us. It's us or them!

laf   May 21st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Listen-I hope to God you are right. Our country is in desperate need of change. Last night as I was listening to the news, it occured to me that our country is on the path of being heralded as a third world country. Think about it. The price of living is soaring above the budget of the average Americans. Jobs are hard to come by and that situation is only going to get worse with the current economy. WE need desperately need change for our economy (let alone numerous other policies and plans!) For me, the only candidate that has shown that he has the right ideas on how to get us out of it is Obama. Heck, he is the ONLY candidate that has been able to keep his campain above the red. Quite frankly, that knocks out Hillary Clinton and McCain out of the running for me. Anyhow, I hope there is enough change brewing that people can get past their ignorance and embrace a candidate that I think will be able to kick start America back into the powerhouse we were and will hopefully be again.

hah hah   May 21st, 2008 4:42 pm ET

haha all you democrats can bash on mcCain all you want but a democrat wont get elected haha

NO-BAMA   May 21st, 2008 4:42 pm ET

MCCAIN WILL EAT OBAMA ALIVE….

I'll get popcorn and watch the onslaught as this "SLOGAN-CANDIDATE" (OBAMA)….tries to use "hope & change" when talking to Iran…

please….

WE NEED
CLINTON IN HERE!

Michael   May 21st, 2008 4:43 pm ET

McCain + Hanoi + Temper + Bush Foreign Policy + Presidency =

A mushroom cloud

MAC CHAMELEON   May 21st, 2008 4:44 pm ET

MAC FLIP FLOP is the true DRAMA KING. Yesterday as soon as the camera went on, he pretended to be crying when he heard new that Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. What a fake and reckless evil. Get a life. Your campagin theme song should be KARMA CHAMELEON by BOY GEORGE!!!

rhetoric isn't enough   May 21st, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Obama can deliver a speech.

But to do that, he must know in advance what is going to happen- and prepare his responses accordingly.

He must speak without anyone interrupting him and without anyone posing any questions.

Unfortunately that is not what leadership demands.

Leadership demands quick thinking and rapid responses to the unexpected.

Obama is not qualified for anything but repeating lofty rhetoric.

susie   May 21st, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Having Obama in office will be