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Obama won’t go to public funding

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Jun 20, 2008 12:00 AM (71 days ago) by Bill Sammon, The Examiner
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Related Topics: WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Breaking a campaign vow, Barack Obama said Thursday he would forgo public funding of his fall campaign, becoming the first candidate since Watergate to rely on private donations.

The reversal could tarnish Obama’s carefully cultivated image as a reformer who has rejected the politics of the past. But it will almost certainly give the Democrat a major financial advantage over his Republican opponent, John McCain.

“It’s not an easy decision, and especially because I support a robust system of public financing of elections,” Obama told supporters in an online video. “But the public financing of presidential elections as it exists today is broken, and we face opponents who’ve become masters at gaming this broken system.”

The McCain camp was quick to exploit the flip-flop.

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“Today, Barack Obama has revealed himself to be just another typical politician who will do and say whatever is most expedient for Barack Obama,” McCain spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said. “His reversal of his promise to participate in the public finance system undermines his call for a new type of politics.”

Obama’s decision means he will not limit himself to the $84 million in public funding that is available to each candidate for the general election in September and October. Instead, Obama will rely on his massive donor base to raise what will likely be several times that amount.

In 2006, Obama warned that “if we’re still getting financed primarily from individual contributions, then those with the most money are still going to have the most influence.”

In November, Obama answered “yes” when filling out a Common Cause questionnaire that asked: “If you are nominated for president in 2008 and your major opponents agree to forgo private funding in the general election campaign, will you participate in the presidential public financing system?” McCain had agreed to forgo private funds.

On Thursday, Bob Edgar, the president of Common Cause, the group that pushed for the creation of the public financing system in 1974, opted to go easy on Obama’s reversal.

“We made a decision at the beginning of the election season not to criticize candidates for not participating in a flawed system,” Edgar said. “But Senator Obama did say at one point that he would opt into the system if his opponent did the same, and for that he gets a demerit.”

That rebuke was too mild for Hazelbaker, who said Obama’s reversal “will have far-reaching and extraordinary consequences that will weaken and undermine the public financing system.”

bsammon@dcexaminer.com

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Comments from Examiner Readers

4:37 PM MST on Tue., Aug. 26, 2008 re: "Obama denounces pastor’s ‘rants’"

 Examiner Reader said:
At first it was tax credit for working families, but now it's become tax credit for families. See where this is going. Windfall profit tax on oil to pay power bills of the poor became .. now presented as to pay for alternative fuel program

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11:36 AM MST on Fri., Aug. 22, 2008 re: "Economists wary of Obama tax on oil profits"

 Examiner Reader said:
Lee Sheppard is a woman, she's quoted as a "he" in the text. If Lee Sheppard really "told The Examiner" her thoughts, as the writer says, then she must have done so in an email.

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6:38 PM MST on Thu., Aug. 21, 2008 re: "Obama denounces pastor’s ‘rants’"

 Examiner Reader said:
Pretends to quit smoking. Says he never heard the Rev. Wright's comments Tried to exclude the 2 with Muslim headgear and now he wants to omit fried chicken from the convention menu.

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6:36 PM MST on Thu., Aug. 21, 2008 re: "Obama denounces pastor’s ‘rants’"

 Examiner Reader said:
First Mammy, comin' down.

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5:23 PM MST on Wed., Aug. 20, 2008 re: "McCain campaign accuses Obama of playing race card"

 Examiner Reader said:
broken arm or broken leg is what we have to vote for!

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4:04 PM MST on Wed., Aug. 20, 2008 re: "Satirical cartoon spurs Obama to repudiate misconceptions"

 Examiner Reader said:
A black presidential candidate, no problem. A socialist raised,who to this day does not believe in the very system that him @ his wife thrive in. Hell that scares me and should every american.

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9:50 AM MST on Wed., Aug. 20, 2008 re: "Poll shows Obama, McCain even as Warner leads Gilmore in Va."

 Dean O - Wash DC said:
Thats Because Obama is a radical and Warner is a moderate. Obama the elitist harvard Lawyer talks down to Middle America. He cant be trusted to run the war on terror or nominate Liberals to the Supreme Court. People are smarter than the in the tank media would have you believe.

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12:52 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 17, 2008 re: "McCain’s comments on raising taxes draw disapproval from left and right"

 Examiner Reader said:
no matter who gets appointed pres, america will keep going down. has been since carter and reagan for the working man.

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12:44 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 17, 2008 re: "McCain rips Obama again for not seeing troops"

 Examiner Reader said:
is the canceled visit on an equal footing with the votes against the vets by "mr war hero".

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6:59 AM MST on Sun., Aug. 17, 2008 re: "Warner tapped as keynote speaker at Dem convention"

 Examiner Reader said:
CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE Here are a few questions for the Messiah of Hope and Change: Barack Hussein Obama What EXACTLY is he going to CHANGE in the USA? What changes to our energy, oil, and fuel problems does he propose? How will he reform and save social security? How do you protect capitalism with your socialist agenda? What kind of tax structure does he propose for us? What does he propose for health care and how do we pay? Why are you for slavery reparations? How can we trust someone who "belongs" to a racist church? What exactly will he do to combat the islamic threat to the USA? How will he counter islam in other countries? Why does he belong to the racist Congressional Black Caucus? What will he do to upgrade and reform our military? What does he propose for gun control? What does he propose for illegal immigration and the millions of illegal immigrants in the USA? plus more questions concerning the future of the USA.

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8:01 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 15, 2008 re: "McCain campaign accuses Obama of playing race card"

 Examiner Reader said:
old trigger finger mccain will save us all, especially if he can get a chance at licking the ---es of the wacko evangelicals. here they are all buying used uhall trailers for the rapture.

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3:43 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 15, 2008 re: "Registration spiking for young adults"

 Examiner Reader said:
After 8 years of breastbeating "leadership" by the current US President, Russia is so impressed it invades Georgia. McCain is talking tough where Bush left off. After 8 years of tax cuts and deregulation China is set to surpass us next year as the worlds leading manufacturer, the President of GE is in commercials inviting businesses to invest in Malaysia, and Indonesia takes 20% stake in Wall Street investment bank for its cash investment.

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1:04 PM MST on Thu., Aug. 14, 2008 re: "Warner tapped as keynote speaker at Dem convention"

 Examiner Reader said:
It will a SAD DAY for all of us if either one of these individuals ( Obama or Clinton) wins. I am so surprised at the level of ignorance in this counry. Beyond belief.

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10:04 AM MST on Wed., Aug. 13, 2008 re: "Poll shows Obama, McCain even as Warner leads Gilmore in Va."

 Examiner Reader said:
the polls are just as phoney as the elections in america. all this is about is ,whos going to be the one to lead the u s into oblivion the quickest.its hard to stop a 50 year downward spiral run by the financial and insurance companys. at least mccain has experience in pilfiring the taxpayers and pensioners thru linclon savings and loan in the eighties. hope he can remember how the gang of five pulled that scam off.

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9:38 AM MST on Wed., Aug. 13, 2008 re: "Registration spiking for young adults"

 Examiner Reader said:
I would never want to follow someone like Obama into battle… because I do not think Obama has what it takes to lead anyone into battle. His speech is certainly eloquent, but he lacks conviction, and he strikes me as being much more of a backroom button-pusher than a real “mover” with a heartfelt sense of purpose. Pretty words come from politicians, but strength comes from competent, passionate leadership. As we have once again witnessed in Georgia, we live in a world that does not play by a rule book… though many Americans are clearly too complacent to notice. I do hope McCain becomes President, because there in no more important expression of a nation’s will to remain strong than it’s choice of leadership.

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8:53 AM MST on Wed., Aug. 13, 2008 re: "Poll shows Obama, McCain even as Warner leads Gilmore in Va."

 Examiner Reader said:
"No time for on the job training...McCain will bring a lifetime of experience...Obama will bring a speech that he gave in 2002". -Hillary Clinton

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5:32 AM MST on Tue., Aug. 12, 2008 re: "Poll shows Obama, McCain even as Warner leads Gilmore in Va."

 Examiner Reader said:
You want enthusiasm go to a football game- The Commander is Chief is not a rock star- that is a pathetic illusion- It would be preferred if people understood the job of a leader is not to be the next Hitler but the next Reformer with experiance. Who gives a s--- if MCCain is 'old'he is MORE QUALIFIED to lead this great nation than Obama with 143 days in the senate. Wake up.

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5:16 AM MST on Tue., Aug. 12, 2008 re: "Poll shows Obama, McCain even as Warner leads Gilmore in Va."

 Examiner Reader said:
Obama has no record of his own, except for a pathetic 143 days of US senate experience. With no national history of his own, his only option is to keep slamming the other guy. This is a Commander-In-Chief election in a world which is growing more dangerous. Obama is unfit and unqualified.

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9:58 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 11, 2008 re: "Obama calls for using nation’s oil reserves, rips McCain’s connections to big oil, Bush"

 Examiner Reader said:
Obama may be considered a "rock star" by his supporters, but the kind of superficial glamour and excitement that this terminology suggests is not what most voters are looking for in a president. Heartland values, not Hollywood values, still define what most voters want in a president. Most voters want a president whom they perceive as loyal, courageous, hardworking, and fair. Someone who commands the respect of others through the strength of his character and the wisdom of his actions. Someone who is prepared to fight to protect his home and country from invaders. In other words, someone who appeals to voters, on a psychological or emotional level, as the kind of person they would want for a father, husband, boss, or comrade-in-arms. Rock stars may be fun, but they do not fit this image. Neither does Obama. His life story, while unique and interesting, bespeaks little more than an ambitious and opportunistic young man, still wet behind the ears, with an unhealthy fascinat

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8:02 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 11, 2008 re: "Obama calls for using nation’s oil reserves, rips McCain’s connections to big oil, Bush"

 Examiner Reader said:
The next conversation that needs to be had is that not only is he not the Messiah, he''s also not at all this bearer of change and hope. It''s time we start to look at his actual claims about what makes people say that he is the candidate of hope and change. What did he change in Chicago. What did he change in Springfield? What did he change in Washington? The answer is: basically nothing

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5:44 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 11, 2008 re: "McCain campaign accuses Obama of playing race card"

 Examiner Reader said:
Stop pretending that racism does not exist or that it is just a distraction- grow up- It exists, it always will- in fact- it will be more of a problem if a black man is elected. The Democrats are acting desperate as people who are looking for a prom dates when the event was over years ago.

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12:54 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 10, 2008 re: "Speculation intensifies of Bayh as Obama VP pick"

 Examiner Reader said:
What has the rep done for you in the last eight years? I bet the rep has the same things in their homes as the democrats. I don,t see what that has to do with anything.

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12:44 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 10, 2008 re: "Obama calls for using nation’s oil reserves, rips McCain’s connections to big oil, Bush"

 Examiner Reader said:
The speach on conservation Tyson gave towards the end she said "in his first term"( pertaining to Obama)Counting chickens before they're hatched is bad business

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12:08 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 10, 2008 re: "McCain campaign accuses Obama of playing race card"

 Examiner Reader said:
he does not go by his middle name. He goes by his first name. He can,t help what his parent named him and he is not racist. Put that in your head dummy.

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9:49 AM MST on Sun., Aug. 10, 2008 re: "McCain’s comments on raising taxes draw disapproval from left and right"

 Examiner Reader said:
is the new american flag going to have a hammer and sickle or a red star on it?

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8:13 PM MST on Sat., Aug. 9, 2008 re: "McCain campaign accuses Obama of playing race card"

 Garland said:
As a 25 year claims investigator with a previous careen in law enforcement, I have often encountered fraudulent documents. I wholeheartedly believe that Obama's birth certificate is very questionable. Will it take the National Enquirer to determine whether Obama was born in Kenya? The corrupt mainstream media is totally in the tank for Obama.

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5:41 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 8, 2008 re: "Speculation intensifies of Bayh as Obama VP pick"

 Examiner Reader said:
Bill Sammon - What is that old saying about people in glass houses? Friday 8/08/08 you said on Fox News that the Edwards affair could hurt the Democratic brand...have you forgotten that McCain is on tape saying to Bernard Shaw of CNN in 1999 that his adultery ruined his first marriage? Republicans throw stones at their peril.

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10:42 PM MST on Thu., Aug. 7, 2008 re: "Obama calls for using nation’s oil reserves, rips McCain’s connections to big oil, Bush"

 bushworstever said:
Iraq $80 billion in oil revenues on hand. Withdraw the troops from Iraq saving the u.s. taxpayers $60 billion/month and the money saved would go directly to financing a job sector based on developing the fuel source of the 21st century. Once we get off oil we will not give a hoot what the price of a barrel costs. The simpletons will only understand the issue if it is presented as black or white, yes or no, $ for Iraq or $ for u.s. Obama has lost steam on the issue of Iraq because he was right that we should not have gone but now most people are indifferent about the lies that were told to cover up what Cheney and the oil execs had already concocted in early 2001 to remove Saddam and have Iraqi debt waived. Then the oil fields would no longer be legally encumbered with debt liens, therefore, the oil giants can now buy them up and sell it to you at record prices and record profits. Wasn't Bush saying 2 months ago that lack of refining capacity is why gas is so expensive.

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3:25 PM MST on Thu., Aug. 7, 2008 re: "Speculation intensifies of Bayh as Obama VP pick"

 Examiner Reader said:
Not that I prefer in any way a racist country- but this country is not evolved to the point where racism is absent- so in effect- this candidate will have major problems now and until he is no longer a candidate. Generally people are not that bright- and this is why they cannot see through the facade of Mr Obama. McCain is not another Bush, you and many others have it backwards. It is Obama who is the liar, and if only people were smarter they would open their eyes and see this fact.

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10:41 AM MST on Thu., Aug. 7, 2008 re: "McCain’s comments on raising taxes draw disapproval from left and right"

 Examiner Reader said:
neocon mccain will pander to anyone to get their vote. hes got to be the king of either senility or flipflop.the repubs really got shafted when they got stuck with this guy.

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10:07 AM MST on Thu., Aug. 7, 2008 re: "McCain campaign accuses Obama of playing race card"

 Examiner Reader said:
Hussein O'Bama does play the race card and he will continue to play it throughout this campaign and his life.

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10:04 AM MST on Thu., Aug. 7, 2008 re: "Obama calls for using nation’s oil reserves, rips McCain’s connections to big oil, Bush"

 Examiner Reader said:
Tap into the oil reserves is a ridiculous idea. Hussein O'Bama calls offshor drilling a temporary solution but wants to tap into the oil reserves. That's a real permanent solution. And we can all make sure our tires are properly inflated so we can save a quarter of a gallon a year. O'Bama doesn't have a clue. He reminds me of John Kerry in that he says whatever is popular that day to the crowd he's addressing.

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6:58 AM MST on Thu., Aug. 7, 2008 re: "Speculation intensifies of Bayh as Obama VP pick"

 Examiner Reader said:
Don't hope for a better life, vote for one." Words of hope make people feel good but many of us would rather hear the truth, even if it isn't what we "hope" to hear. A feel good message is only worth the time it takes to say it if that message and the offer of hope is realistic, not when it is empty words. John McCain 2008-2012

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5:55 AM MST on Thu., Aug. 7, 2008 re: "Speculation intensifies of Bayh as Obama VP pick"

 Examiner Reader said:
I'm starting to agree that the only thing that has Obama in this contest is race. Imagine an Obama that was 70 years old and white - a guy with no experience, no ideas, and who betrays his voters every chance he gets. A small-time lawyer from Chicago. He would have 0% chance of winning the nomination. Obama's entire campaign is "hey I'm different" but when you pay attention, the only way he is "different" is his fake mixed race. That is the only thing remotely "different" about this two-bit little con man from Chicago. Otherfwise he is one of the phoniest, insincere, selfish and small-minded politicians you will ever see on the national stage. So yes, race is a factor in this election. I hope people can look past it and see what a worthless phony Obama really is, despite his apparently politically correct "race". If you want to vote for a black man, vote for a real black man. Or better yet, vote based on character and competence, regardless of race.

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12:09 PM MST on Wed., Aug. 6, 2008 re: "Obama calls for using nation’s oil reserves, rips McCain’s connections to big oil, Bush"

 Examiner Reader said:
It is Obama who does not want to change anything- then does- then he doesn't- then he does- like Pelosi in Congress- first you see me, now you don't-- If you are afraid it should be with Obama, who will destroy this great country- He is the next Liar..Pitiful you think voting a "D" will bring you "CHANGE" Voting a "D" will bring you DOO DOO ...He is condencending and disrespecting to Americans

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10:05 AM MST on Wed., Aug. 6, 2008 re: "Obama calls for using nation’s oil reserves, rips McCain’s connections to big oil, Bush"

 Examiner Reader said:
Take big comapnies out - what do you get? Poor people who are just trying to make a living. Now those companies provide a service to our Defense structure. Who will do that job? A housewife, Lawyer, former Govenor. If that is the case we''ll be speaking another language real quick in the country. You Dems need to go home stay warm and leave the Defense structure alone. You have proven you don''t know what you are doing and do not have a clue as to what to do. Your idea of prosperity is spend money needlessly under the cloak of higher taxes, more freebies for low income, pad your pocket and say what a good job you did. Our infrastucture is crumbling, people are moving away and you pick on the employees trying to make a living and say those companies are war profiteers. I''ll bet you Dems have alot of what those companies make right in your own home and I am sure some of you have verizon cell phones, land lines, cable TV and internet let alone other electonic components made by these com

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8:29 AM MST on Wed., Aug. 6, 2008 re: "Speculation intensifies of Bayh as Obama VP pick"

 Examiner Reader said:
During July, the number of people who considered themselves to be Democrats fell two percentage points to the lowest level since January. And, it's just a matter of time before more wake up the nonsense Democrats represent. Where is Pelosi? She doesn't want to deal with the energy crisis? LOSER.

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8:12 AM MST on Wed., Aug. 6, 2008 re: "Speculation intensifies of Bayh as Obama VP pick"

 Examiner Reader said:
The man in charge of recruiting Muslims to support Barack Obama resigned from the campaign on Monday — just nine days after being appointed — when an Internet newsletter revealed the man was on the board of an Islamic investment fund on which a fundamentalist imam also sits. Inflate your tires. Obama says. From a man with an inflated ego.

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3:51 PM MST on Tue., Aug. 5, 2008 re: "Nader lands spot on ballot"

 Attila the Hon said:
Ralph Nader has my vote again this November. The Sun didn't even bother to cover this very important news item. Chalk up another victory for The Examiner.

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12:13 PM MST on Tue., Aug. 5, 2008 re: "Obama calls for using nation’s oil reserves, rips McCain’s connections to big oil, Bush"

 Examiner Reader said:
What is broken is the image of Obama who thinks one way and acts another, who preaches and promises and allows people to get sucked into his web of lies. Obama is the next big liar. If you don't like Bush, why vote for Obama?

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10:54 AM MST on Tue., Aug. 5, 2008 re: "Obama calls for using nation’s oil reserves, rips McCain’s connections to big oil, Bush"

 Howard said:
ENEMIES OF AMERICA would like nothing better than for us to have a bunch of inept politicians, like Obama, Pelosi and Reid, pushing us to squander our strategic oil reserves ... so that if they close the straights of Hormuz, we wouldn't have any emergency oil to use. Are these the kind of leaders you want to protect us, and keep America strong? The liberal's idea of globalization only works when the countries they are pandering to either meet us half way, or abandon their goals to destroy us. In additionl, we don’t even know if the ‘other things’ that are supposed to bring us alternative energy will be cost effective, or even work. However, I agree that we must move forward with development of alternative energy ASAP … but, in the meantime, this entire country runs on oil. And, I’m not just talking about us consumers at the pump, I’m talking about how everything we use, eat, wear, etc. … how it all gets to market, and eventually to us. We have to drill more, if even as a transition unt

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2:03 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 4, 2008 re: "Economists wary of Obama tax on oil profits"

 Examiner Reader said:
Obviouslly, Obama can''t do no wrong, but what is wrong is the people who follow him like sheep. When he falls off the cliff, so will you, in case you don''t know.

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11:16 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 4, 2008 re: "McCain campaign accuses Obama of playing race card"

 Examiner Reader said:
to 10;53, you should look up mccains record. we are in the same boat as we have been for the last 8 elections. the choice between a broken leg or two broken arms. theres no choirboy candidates in politics,especially mccain.

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10:53 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 4, 2008 re: "Economists wary of Obama tax on oil profits"

 Examiner Reader said:
You will be eating your words for the vain support you dished out for a person who knows nothing about everything and promises it to you with a smile. Wow, I am more and more amazed with the level of stupdiity in this county for those who believe in fairy tales and handouts, and an empty minded unqualified candidate who had 2 failing years in the Senate. Obama: Incredible stupidity

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10:27 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 4, 2008 re: "Economists wary of Obama tax on oil profits"

 Examiner Reader said:
Husein Obama wants to take money from the oil companies and give to consumers. So how do you think the oil companies will get this money back? By charging the consumers. Besides, why punish the oil companies because they made record profits. That what businesses are supposed to do. Hussein Obama doesn't have a clue.

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9:27 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 re: "McCain campaign accuses Obama of playing race card"

 Examiner Reader said:
We need accountability of monies spent in the White House. I need to balance my checking account and their's should be no different. Americans should see the Senate at work and hear what they talk about. We should have the Bills read out loud or put on a cd so Senators can read them at home on a computer. Where is the technology at the White House? We need term limits. Our President has one. Yes we need to take of the US of A first and get it right before we try to CHANGE other Nations. I guess GW Bush thought he could run the World. His job was just the U.S. He's from Texas and they do things BIG out there. We need to modernize our Nation, fix our infrastructure, drill for oil and pay top dollar to whoever finds the most alternatives in fuel. Implement them and take away from our normal useage. :)

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9:05 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 re: "McCain mocks Obama as Britney-style celeb"

 Examiner Reader said:
Obama is like a breath of fresh air. He is knowledgeable to nagivate around Capital Hill. He is open-minded in the Senate and works well with others. He may feel strongly about something but can negotiate a compromise. I agree. If McCain went over there and didn't get 200,000 people to see him make a speech, WHY? I agree, why did he wait so long to run for President? Doesn't he have anything to do around the house. Doesn't he like to golf or play cards? He should be living the good life. I guess to him it is nothing but a POWER PLAY. Obama is full of life, he has a winning smile, he wants to play fair with other nations of the WORLD that the U.S. does not completely own LOL. I live in Florida, am retired early and I love the people here. We all know how to play nice in the big Sand Box. I pray Obama stays the same. He has what JFK had "CHARISMA". As well as being intellegient. Have you seen qualifications for this job? Citizen, 35 years old? Anything else I miss?

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8:58 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 re: "McCain’s comments on raising taxes draw disapproval from left and right"

 Examiner Reader said:
Apparently, you did not see Michelle Obama on the Women's program with Barbara Walters, Woopi Goldberg etc. I don't normally watch the show but did it because Michelle was on there. When asked about the "bump" she said that the athletes were using it and some of their campaign helpers and she thought it was a neat way to show appreciation and togetherness. That they all do it when they are working together. I guess it works, because Barack has certainly travelled and talked to an awfully large crowd both here and over seas. Maybe you should try it with you co-workers or neighbors and see how much fun you can have with it. :)

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8:53 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 re: "Satirical cartoon spurs Obama to repudiate misconceptions"

 Examiner Reader said:
You make me sick. Barack's father was an Athiest, his mother a Christian. He was able to go to school and graduate from HS and go on to College earned a degree and has practiced law, traveled, is well read. He attended a church. So have I and I attended it because I knew more than half of the people who went there. We had...a great minister...then he moved away and we go a Rev. Wright. I am white. A Presbyterian. My parents disliked this Minister and hated to leave the Congregation. Most of the folks that went to Barack's church he tried to help rise out of the slums and tried to be an example to them. He, like my family, had to ultimately make a choice to leave the church AND congregation. People like yourself made him make that choice. But you know what, the people in the Congregation will never forget him.

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8:46 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 re: "McCain’s comments on raising taxes draw disapproval from left and right"

 Examiner Reader said:
I have heard it out of Barack Obama's mouth that he plans to use millions of dollars once our soldiers start returning from Iraq. CNN even showed it. Barack didn't cause the fuel shortage, he didn't cause people to lose their homes, he didn't even want us to go to war with Iraq. Remember...there were no WMDs. I don't want John McCain to be mentored as President by ex-President GW. I would rather start with some fresh NEW