Obama and Clinton tied in N.H.

HRC's biggest handicap as a presidential candidate is that almost everyone's opinion of her is already set in stone. Love her, hate her, most people are not going to change their opinion of her no matter what she does. She's not going to be able to swing many voters more than those who already support her.

The Democrats are loaded with great Prez candidates for 08.

The Republicans are left to do what they do best:

Swiftboat the Democratic candidates because their own candidates are so weak.

John "Stay the course",flipflopper McCain?? - NO

Rudy Guliani?? Who is his current girlfriend theses days anyway? - NO

Mitt Roney ?? Flipflopping on his stated beliefs in order to be a Prez candidate for the Wingnut Party,has weirdo Religious beliefs - NO

this says more about the lackluster field of canidates than it does about Senator Obama.

Interesting that Obama beats the two leading Republican candidates in a head-to-head where as Hilary does not.

Anyone want to bet that John McCain will not be the next President of the United States?

Now that Swiftboating has had to pay a huge fine. 2008 should be fun

There's a front page article on the Tribune today about Obama giving one of Tony Rezko's friend's kid an internship. A very coveted Senate internship that had thousands of applicants, most of whom were no doubt more qualified than Tony's crony. Looks like that house deal Obama got gave the indicted Rezko SOME clout. What a "breath of fresh air" this Obama is. First he endorses Illinois democrat stooges and now he gives political favors to Blago and Daley's dirty money man (Rezko), who's being lined up for 5-10 in federal prison. So glad this isn't Illinois politics as usual. Yawn. Merry Christmas everybody (that knows Tony Rezko, I guess).

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/illinois/chi-ap-il-obama-rezkointern,1,5260622.story

Anyone want to bet that Senator Obama won't be the next president of the United States?

John E. - There canidates are ghosts from campaigns pasts? Clinton (running off hubby's name), Edwards, Kerry, Biden, ... yawn

As far as the golden boy, just remember, what the media loves to build up, they do enjoy to tear down. If Senator Obama is the best the dems got based upon his 2004 convention speech and a couple of months of hype, it doesn't say much about them.

Granted, I'm not thrilled with the GOP canidates either at this point.

...so does that mean that the people of NH are racist or sexist?

John Edwards has not yet had the MSM hype that Obama has enjoyed. When Edwards announces that he has joined the list and is getting more coverage the poll numbers will change again.

I do not agree with anyone who says Obama is anything like either JFK or RFK. Neither John or Robert Kennedy would have taken on the politically correct wording of "bipartisanship" and thought it was something good. They stood for Democratic views firmly and without conceding to the Republicans across the aisle, and certainly never would have done it, just so they could say they had accomplished something!

To me Obama's numbers in the Iowa poll have risen strictly because of MSM coverage with his name getting more exposure, and this does not constitute substance of any kind in a Presidential Candidate.

I just informed The Tribune and The Swamp through e-mail that someone is posting under my name,Paulo.This poster wrote certain things under my name that give him/her away very easily,like,"Dummie in Chief" and "KKKarl Rove," terms that I'd never use.
I made note to them how this cheapens this blog and basically makes it worthless to exchange ideas or thoughts no matter how much we may disagree with one another.
Even though most of you disagree me with my posts,I'm sure I have your support on this false posting.
Thank-you,
Paulo

In his (almost) 2 years as a U.S. Senator Obama voted 100% with his party line - whatever Durbin voted, Obama voted exactly the same. Now, am I to believe when he says he is going to be an independent thinker with plans to bridge party lines? As much as I believe he purchased his home and Rezko's property on the up-and-up. He, and most everyone else (Dem. Or Rep.), is a politcian. And, as Jay Leno once said, "Politics is formed from the words POLY - meaning many, and TICKS - meaning blood suckers."

Wake up, party hacks. Vote the person, not the party. Consider - which person, when the situation called for a LEADER, came to the plate prepared and actually did something positive. You decide. But spare me, and others, your (mostly) lying, misleading, or inconsequential talking points.

Paulo -

I was beginning to wonder what happened to you, since some of the recent posts with your name on them didn't sound like you. Rather, they appeared to be the mutterings of a left-wing nutjob pretending to be you, playing to all of the stereotypes liberals have about conservatives (that we're all homophobes, bigots, stupid, blah blah blah). Why don't we just assume it was John E., since he likes to accuse me, you JD and John D. of being the same person.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...huh?!? what?!? Oh...just another Obama story. Somebody wake me when we get to something new.

Paulo Adolph Hitler ??

Copyboy Bill,

I notice that when I mentioned "swiftboating" Obama that you were the first one to raise your hand.

Why don't you tell the good people on the Swamp about John McCain's role in the Keating scandel??

We'll be talking about it real soon Bill,so I'll let you open up the discussion first since you love him so much ???

I'm Waiting..............

"Consider - which person, when the situation called for a LEADER, came to the plate prepared and actually did something positive."

Herr Doktor, it sounds like you have someone in mind?

Certainly not sem. John "Let's send more troops to Iraq. Not enough to actually accomplish anything, but enough to bump casualties up even higher" McCain.

So someone Punk'd Paulo?

It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy....NOT

Whomever did it should get a medal.

Barack Obama For President!!

Barak Obama is registering no different than "Generic Democrat" did against George W. Bush in 2004, because most people don't have a clue who Obama is or what he stands for.

They just know that the news media speak favorably off him, so they say, "him."

Obama = Generic Democrat

Generic Democrat always does better in these types of polls than "Known Democrats", so once more is known about Obama, he'll falter.

I for one am thrilled Hillary is in trouble. And I agree with the first post. She cannot move numbers too much because after all this time people pretty much have thier opinion of her. If her numbers don't move it would not be surprising.
Edwards is not going to go the distance. He is very light and did not do much in the senate. Many of the voters in his state are not happy with him.
Obama is going to win the nomination. He is going to surprise alot of people in the depth of his knowledge.
It's going to be fun.

The Iowa Poll general election results:

Obama 42% McCain 39%
Obama 43% Guiliani 38%

Edwards numbers about the same, but both Repubs ahead of Clinton (McCain 43% Clinton 37%)

This is impressive given Obama's name recognition is only at about 50%.

Paulo, those of us who follow this blog a lot are very aware that the "other" Paulo is not you.

He/she is rational. I can almost agree with him/her.

However, I think anyone who uses another poster's name like this one has done is totally unethical, and I'll back you up 100%. It's cheap, and weakens the political discourse that this blog is about.

I had liked Edwards more than Kerry in the first place, more intelligent, well spoken. Just spare me the usual lawyer jokes.

For those Dems who moan about Obama's lack of experience, I think a winning ticket would be Edwards/Obama.
I used to like McCain, war vet, no nonsense. But I refuse to support sucking up to the religious right. Rudy Gulie? Basically a mayor who kept his composure during the 9/11 crises, and that makes him presidential? Talk about lack of national experience.

Regardless who is elected, we are on our way to being overthrown by the Chinese. We consume their cheap goods from Wal-Mart, we suck oil up in our Hummers ("Its my right as an American to be a gas hog! Yehaw!") while they make pacts with every country that has reserves regardless of human rights (Africa) or world endangerment (Iran). When our oil gets cut off what will fuel our fancy jets and bombers? We are mortgaging our future because we refuse to fund alternative energy sources properly, that would lower big oil's profits and put their lobbyists and endless campaign contributions out on the streets, we cant have that! ("It's my right as an American to stifle alternative energy to keep my record profits soaring! Sorry grandkids!")

Sorry for the China/oil rant, just food for thought. We have the technology to decode the human genome but cant figure out how to stop putting rotted dinosaurs in our gas tanks. Anyone want to guess the technology is there but is sitting on a shelf until big oil bank accounts are as full as possible?

Oil dependance in the name of greed, the downfall of a beautiful America. Bank on it.

ANOTHER Obama story?

Everybody take a look at what the "Swamp" has on the corner of this page--the "Obama Watch", "Clinton Watch" and "McCain Watch". 2 Dems but only 1 Republican (the bias you'd expect from the "Swamp") but even more interesting is what you find when you click on the pictures. For McCain, the Republican, 0 stories. For Clinton, the Democrat, 1 story--and it's about what Obama thinks of Clinton. For Obama, the Democrat, so many stories (at least 50) that I gave up counting.

Anyone who doesn't believe the "Swampune" is an arm of the Obama Campaign--just take a look.

Why is the political direction of this country dictated by a bunch of leaf peapers in New Hampshire and farmers in Iowa? Doesn't seem like the rest of us have a say.

What that poll showing Obama over mcCain shows is how much power the media has in portraying canidates in a positive or negative light. I'll bet 80% of those that answered that poll in favor of Obama couldn't tell us three things that he stands for.

The official results from Iowa are in:

Obama 42% McCain 39%
Obama 43% Guiliani 38%
Dead Dog 91% Obama 9%

All precinct results are in and all 321 eligible Iowans have spoken...

Not looking forward to 2008, but Dead Dog does look to be a better president than Bush

Poor little NoName/JohnnyD/JD.

Did you get one present from Santa,or three??

2008 Dem ticket: Gore / Obama !!!

Hey, Just wait until the lovely Hillray turns up the heat and then watch Barack Hussein Obama flee the kitchen. Cliff

Whew, another missed opportunity to have a more honest and open congressional process has been quashed by Nancy "I only support publicizing earmarks when it suits me" Pelosi. So glad these guys are here to "clean things up."

http://www.elpasotimes.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?articleId=4887745&siteId=525

"weirdo religious beliefs." How tolerant of the left. In most polls McCain is trouncing the Dems. He's the last honest man in Washington and he'll be your next president. Count on it.

One poster here say's:

"McCain is the last honest man in Washington,and he will be your next President."

I'm laughing so hard that I'm crying.

I notice this poster has yet to explain why McCain nearly got kicked out of Congress for his involvement in the Keating 7.

I also notice that McCain is kissing up to the NeoCons,and the Religious Right who just lost a nationwide election.

I also notice that McCain wants to "Stay the Course" in Iraq,only with more troops "Surge" anyone?,just another reason the NeoCons just lost a nationwide election.

Obama stands for BI-PARTISANSHIP, Terry.

Somthing that the Wingnut Party doesn't seem to care about.

Obama will be your next President.
Count on it......

If you want to hear Bill wimpering,wait until Speaker Pelosi unleases the "Bulldog" Waxman for some oversite hearings on the Republicans Iraq leadership,Katrina,etc.
We'll sacrifice Jefferson,he needs to go,but he's going to have an awful lot of Republican company.
You can count on it.

Bill,two weeks ago when I stated that the "Big Dog" left office with a 67 % approval rating,you said polls were meaningless.

Now your doing back flips because some polls show McCain "trouncing" Dems.How about a little consistency my friend.

I'm trying to enter 07 on a positive note,and add some thought provoking comments and please my friend,Marv Alberts.

'surge';
This is destined to go down in history next to 'light at the end of the tunnel', I fear.

This will create more US targets without the added advantage of overwhelming numbers.

Just one more bullet point on the 'what is wrong with this picture' memo.

This is yet another bait and switch tactic to get GWB to the end of his pitiful reign.

By the way, I would like to compliment the whole Swamp Rat community for improving their spelling in '06.

I like to give myself a little credit for this achievement through my suggestion to use the 'check as you go' spellcheck feature available in most 'modern' browsers. (Safari)

A great 'correct spelling' start to the new year, Swampers!

Next, we need to work on usage and syntax. Also, dropped pronouns and prepositions. (I am guilty on this count!)

I rest my case on honest John McCain's "run" for President,and all the other Republicans for that matter.

The best part for them will be when they actually nominate a candidate.

Do they embrace the worldwide unpopular W.??

Do they run away from W. ??

Either way will look bad,and they still have to run against the Democratic nominee.

Obama in 08 !!! Count on it......

For better or worse, I do not think The Junior Senator from Illinois will stick out the nominating process. The Clinton "Attack Dogs" will scare him off.

John E. - Keating 5. I know there are usually more corrupt politicians when there is a scandal, but this time only 5. How much do you want to put on Obama?

Raving Loon, John E., et al, (I'm sure I'm addressing one person here), polls in the long run of history are meaningless. Only election results are remembered. Nobody remembers how far Kerry was ahead in summer 2004, for instance. But in an election year, in the short term, they are a good indicator of the mood of the electorate because the polling companies, who get paid by the campaigns and media for their accuracy, tend to do a better job of gauging the electorate's mood when it counts. They abandon the old rules such as "only land line calls" for these big, important campaigns.

McCain's lead against the dems is meaningless at this point, because this isn't an election year. But we're getting into the cycle and the polls will be more accurate and have better predictions the closer we get to 2008, so I'm excited by the strong indicators. The republican party also traditionally hates discordance and the higher McCain polls now the easier it'll be for him to win election in the primaries. Poli Sci 101.

The Keating Five stuff happened so long ago that it's not politically viable anymore. It never hurt John Glenn or any of the other senators involved, either, and it certainly didn't hurt McCain in 2000. It's heartening, though, that that's all the left can come up with. It'll be an easy campaign if that's the best they can do.

McCain will run as an alternative to Bush's policies and he'll do it with an authoritative record of opposition over the last six years in the Senate ("This congress has spent like a drunken sailor" and arguing for more troops for the last three years). He'll embrace the Bush admin initiatives he supported (pro-growth tax cuts, an economy that has the Dow above 12,500) while drawing a clear foreign/war policy distinction.

I do agree with you, though, in regard to your characterization of Bill Clinton as "Big Dog." I once had an unneutered male Weimaraner that used to think with the same part of his anatomy as our former president.

Sorry, Loon, couldn't resist. Happy New Year.

Oh yeah, John E., it's Keating 5, not 7. Alan Cranston (D-Calif.), Dennis Deconcini (D-Ariz.), John Glenn (D-Ohio), and Don Riegle (D-Mich.) were the other four. I'd LOVE to see you try and make an argument that this situation was an example of republican corruption. Oh, I'd love it.

A little trip down memory lane for the Keating Five crowd: In August 1991, the senate ethics committee concluded that Cranston, DeConcini, and Riegle's conduct constituted substantial interference with the FHLBB's enforcement efforts and that they had done so at the behest of Charles Keating. The committee recommended censure for Cranston and criticized the other four for "questionable conduct."

McCain has said he was only following current campaign finance practices and accepted his rebuke. It was this experience that led McCain to crusade against the corrupt campaign finance system that's turned our legislature into a parliament of whores.

By passing McCain-Feingold he and Russ Feingold have made the most sweeping changes to campaign finance in more than 50 years and the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of John and Russ' feat. I think the debt has been more than repaid.

Bill,
Keating 5 neutralizes any attempt to label any Dem candidates as corrupt at the very least.

Don't worry Bill,just like Robert Byrd isn't old news to the Republicans,McCains involvment in the Keating scandel will be front and center during his campaign.

McCain's sucking up to the stay the course,bible thumping Bushy's won't play well either.

I won't play this as Republican corruption,this is McCain corruption since he is the one running for Prez.

I'll have my take on his involvement when there's a Johnny Mac posting, Bill.

I think the "Straight Talk Express" just blew a tire.

Happy New Year !!
What happened to the Steelers this year ???

Geezis,

It's the Keating 5, and as far as I know, the only one of the five to be running for prez. in '08 is McCain.

Repubs, you really think it won't be a factor?

He♨, even his Repub primary opponents are going to hit him with it.

http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special39/articles/1003mccainbook5.html

Check out this site and note the only one of the K5 that is still in the Senate:

http://www.nndb.com/group/357/000064165/

OOPS.

McCain is the only currently serving K5 alumni. Seems to me that makes him a political target.

What is it that people don't understand about modern American politics?

Paulo:

I agree, and I almost NEVER agree with you! I've been reading here for a while, and that was really a entirely new low for the Swamp. From the terms used -- "Dummie in Chief" and "KKKarl Rove" -- I'm guessing it was one of just two of the regular geniuses. I think we can all guess who.

I want to say, "jeez grow up, you guys!" But what would be the point?

Oh, and Lacy, you're an idiot.

C. Morris, Bill et al,

Keating 5 is SO OLD, it has no legs. !6 years ago?! C'mon, we all know that the public memory isn't that good.

Yes, McCain is going to have trouble if he's the candidate in '08, but it's going to be because of Iraq and questions about his health. Speaking for myself, his bouts with cancer are always in the back of MY mind. Just like with Paul Tsongas.

McCain is an old fashioned type of conservative Republican, and that's a breath of fresh air after the Bush administration (which was anything BUT conservative). I'm not a Republican, but I like and respect the guy.

Leo T,

My only point;
It just doesn't matter if 4 out of 5 were Dems. The only one left in office is McCain, and he is running for prez.

It's going to come up, probably first from any Repub opponents.

I like the guy. I think he is a good man. I wish he were a friend of mine, but he has also made mistakes politically. He will pay. He may win, but it, K5, will be an issue for him to overcome.

Whitewater was 20 years old.

Gesturing heavily to the RR has also hurt him with independents and swing voters.

Jethro, you're a hoot.

"Bill,
Keating 5 neutralizes any attempt to label any Dem candidates as corrupt at the very least.
Posted by: jethro | Dec 28, 2006 2:11:45 PM"

Really? Since 4 of the 5 Keating senators were democrats! I hope they bring it up. Please, if this is the best the orthodox left wing can come up with McCain will steamroll to victory. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the issue's a non-starter. John Glenn (D-ohio) ran for reelection and won after Keating Five. McCain ran for president in 2000 and wasn't affected at all by Keating Five. He's been reelected to the senate several times since. McCain (with Russ Feingold) has personally cleaned up campaign finance so something like it can't happen again.

This is a great sign. It shows the desperation of the loony left. While the wide open field of Hillary, Obama, Gore and Edwards is already starting to cannibalize each other McCain will cruise to victory in the primaries.

And Loon, c'mon, being involved in and S&L scandal is nowhere near on par with Robert Byrd filibustering the voting rights act of 1964 that ensured every American of color's right to vote. That's just a cheap shot.

If this is all you've got I think McCain will find your defense wanting. Just like his grandfather found the Japanese Navy's.

Bill,
You are underestimating the publics anger at the "culture of corruption" in politics. My point was as soon as you and your pals say Tony Rezko, Obama can ask for McCain to explain his membership in the exclusive Keating 5 club. Also If McCains debt has been paid for that SCANDAL, surely Robert Byrd has repaid his debt as a FORMER KKK member by becoming a member of a political party that favors minority and gay rights.

Bill,
The best the Democrats can come up w/ is revealing the little known fact that John McCain is the not the lovable moderate the adoring media portrays him as. It will be a tough fight when middle of the road independents find out how conservative he really is.

C.Morris, the difference with Whitewater and K5 was Clinton didn't create legislation to clean up the land deal process after it came out and there were many legal papers under seal in Whitewater.

Everything that had to do with Keating Five is and has been prosecuted in public since it happened in 1991. McCain, DeConcini,Riegle and Glenn weren't even reprimanded as heavily as Cranston, the most egregious offender, who was censured by the Senate. Look through every public document you want about K%, there's nothing there.

In Whitewater you had Clinton sympathizers refusing to testify and affidavits sealed by sympathizer courts. McCain, in contrast, has nothing to hide.

If this is the best you've got, your best won't do.

p.s. John E., the Steelers blew a tire this year, not the STE. If Cowher steps down they could be bad for awhile. Might be 1980 all over again. I'm hoping they can at least keep the Bengals out of the playoffs, too.

Bill,get your Loon's straight.Never mentioned Keating 5.Old news,as far as i'm concerned.

"Everything that had to do with Keating Five is and has been prosecuted in public since it happened in 1991."

Bill,
Check.

I do, however, believe it will have some political impact.

C. Morris,

I'm not disagreeing. Yes, K5 will probably come up, and McCain is fair game. But I think what will come up much more often (and what will keep McC awake at night) will be Iraq and his health. Not his age, he's not really that old by modern standards, but the cancer.

Sorry about the K5 stuff, loon.

It will be interesting if Senator McCain gets the nomination and how much of the Keating 5 scandal is brought up by the democrats, it wasn't a big issue in 2000 when he was running in the primaries. I'm sure the dems dirt machine will get this into high gear - especially if Senator Clinton is the nominee.

You're right Terry,and you rarely are.

After the Supreme Court paved the way for W to get into office all the while riding on the swiftboat that Karl Rove was piloting,we Dems have learned a hard lesson.

1) The WHOLE history of a Presidential candidate is VERY important,ie W.,Cheney etc.

2) Prepare every election knowing that rich people like Terry will be losing money if the GOP candidate loses,and they will say or do anything to make sure that the rich keep getting richer and the poor getting poorer.ie Communists etc.

3) The GOP created Karl Rove and now they are paying for it:
Live by the sword,die by the sword.
See ya in 2012 GOP!!

John E.

The first half of your first paragraph was brilliant and then everything went downhill :)

The Supreme Court had to step in before Al Gore stole the election. Vote counts, verified by major newspapers, all showed Bush won Florida, so that dog ain't huntin' anymore.

John Kerry's war record should have been up for debate by the people he served with. Should everyone have just believe what Senator Kerry said about it?

As far as taxes, Senator Edwards has already said he is going to raise taxes. It will cut across income lines too.

The GOP has Karl Rove, the dems have Carville and company that lied their way about the state of the economy in 1991-92 all the way to the election.

Crazy Terry,

Yeah Jr. won Florida 2000 just like he won Ohio in 2004.
People in Ohio are still going to prison for that "victory".
Actually,now that it's over,I'm happy for Jr,Darth,and KKKarl,they've trashed the GOP for the next few election cycles.

Taxes are going to be raised no matter who the Prez is in 08.

Jr is running his war on a credit card,your "great" economy is reaping the SHORT TERM BENEFITS of that.
Save all of the money you've been making off the backs of poor people under Jr's short term "good" economy Terry.

You know the saying "The Times,They Are A Changin"
Sing it with me Terry and Bill.....

Don't fool yourself about Rove,he has taken slime to a whole new level,and the angry old white guy party is going to be paying for it for some time,it couldn't have happened to a nicer group of "Fiscal Conservatives",what a shame.

"Ain't It A Shame" come on sing it,...together everyone.

See ya in 2012 GOP !

John E.

You got your first sentence correct again, but you should have stopped.

As far as taxes being raised in 2009 (after the 2008 elections), you are probably correct since there currently is no strong fiscal conservative in the field.

Once again John E., you show off your lack of economic knowledge. Deficits are not bad. Our househiolds run on deficit spending - we call them credit cards, consumer loans, and mortgages. Too much of these as compared to our annual income can be detrimental and lead to bankruptcy. However, it is this credit market that leads to our superior lifestyle. We own cars and nice homes and can take vacations. Can you imagine where the US economy would be if everyone had to save up before they owned their own home?

The other good thing about deficit spending is that it should, does not always, curtail gov't spending. Remember back in 1999-2000 when the country was running a surplus? Were you getting your taxes cut, no. The gov't just found more ways to waste your money.

Finally, if, and I do say IF, the dems win in 2008, the GOP will be back in 2012 because it won't take long for the country to remember why the dems were voted out of office in the 90's.

happy New Year

why anyone would even consider a vote for "obama" if thats his real name...he is only interested in minority issues..IE, give more welfare to the peeps in da hood. at the expense of white hard working people. i'm 100 percent sure he will raise your taxes...to pay for the welfare brothers...vote republican..if you dont then your a racist. racist dems love keeping blacks on welfare.....just ask ted kennedy hes been keeping blacks in da hood for 40 years...and the prime rib and chivas regal are a result of teds huge paycheck. thanks black america!!!!!keep on voting

Dream match-up?

Pres. McCain/ V.P. Guilliani
vs
Pres. Clinton/V.P. Obama

This talk of Hillary/Obama is hogwash, there are so many raceist sexist pigs still in this country, lets just say maybe in another generation maybe.
As a democrat with a realistic view only a Gore/Edwards, Gore/Bayh, Gore/Warner, ticket will be able to win. No democrat from the north has won in 40 plus years let alone a black man named Obama or a unpleasent woman like hillary.