This story has been recommended by 1184 CNN readers. What's this?

Commentary: Obama breaks promise on campaign finance

41 votes

cnn.com — You may have heard that Wednesday night Barack Obama will be on five different TV networks speaking directly to the American people.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Mixx Poll

Will the United States eventually have to take military action against North Korea?

Suggested by: acrossad

  • or View results

Explore Mixx

Teenager whose face was burnt off in aerosol explosion regains his skin... but loses all his freckles

Teenager whose face was burnt off in aerosol explosion regains his skin... but loses all his freckles

A school kid who was turned into a 'human fireball' when an aerosol can exploded in his face ...

Related By Keyword

Related Photos

  • I Am Robama, and I Come in Peace
  • The American Dream: A Road to Riches [Infographic]
  • Wonder Merkel and Super Obama
  • Obama vs N Korea and Iran

Comments (140)

  1. What, Obama told a little fib about money?? A politician lied??? Unbeliveable!!! Becareful Cambell or they may put you on the boycott list and never interview with you again or worse, share your wealth with me.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. @raptor258 Obama has lied throughout his life why should he stop now! His whole life is a lie! Obama was born in hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Kenya oh yeah the whopper lie is he was born simlutaneously in two hoslitals in Hawaii and also in Kenya if you believe that obama, obama's sister and obama's grand mama in Kenya can not lie. Obama went to school in Indonesia as an American citizen even though it is illegal, hmmmm maybe the Indonesian people are not trustworthy and do not follow their own laws, Obama paid his own way through school and worked hard to do it hmmmmm Mr. Obama do you know a Saudi Prince Al-Waleed who you impressed so much with your MUSLIM faith that he paid your way through Harvard and insured your Harvar Law Reveiw Presidency? Maybe your mentor Percy Sutton is lying hmmmmmmm very interesting that he taped an interview viewable on youtube with those ties to Al-Waleed and Al-Mansour! They are all lying! No wait how about Tony Rezko and corruption Obama do you know your best friend or hmmmm maybe Tony 'Soprano' Rezko is lying tooo. I would havve been more suprised if the caption read 'Obama Finally Tells the Truth...I Barack Obama am a Communist Marxist Anti-Semite with Ties to Islamic Jihad Hell Bent on Making White and Especially Jewish White America Pay!!!

      • (2 Kudos received)
    2. @marcmargolis Thats right they're all lying, but we are fortunate that you, having long since cast aside the burden of sanity, have seen through this mass deception. Well, I for one have started buying tinned beans in preparation of the apocalypse that will follow immediately after January 2009, should Obama win.

      • (4 Kudos received)
    3. marcmargolis, you sound like your an extremist. If I had anyone to worry about it would be you! Your narrow views on Obama explanes why you post the way you do. You probabley don't have any friends or family and the internet is your only venue.

      • (1 Kudos received)
  2. That's right Campbell all of McCain's ads have been positive and there hasn't been any money spent on negative Obama ads. It's all been very fair.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. Mixx A Mixx administrator removed this comment.
    2. @marcmargolis You my friend are a moron. Please keep you silly propaganda out of smart peoples discussions. All this Hitler, Jihad, etc comparisons are for people that live in the middle of no where with a population of 300. If you want to talk please do research first. And by research i mean get your information from NON BIASED resources.

      • (0 Kudos received)
  3. i find it interesting that when a democrat assesses a situation and changes direction its called lying whereas if a republican does the same its called revaluation...

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. @cctxtiger Demoncrat

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. when a Repub does its called being a maverick. and to marcmargolis, im an independent

      • (0 Kudos received)
  4. oh campbell, stop whining, he's more popular is why he has so much money. admit and accept, obama is going to win this election. McCain is a negative person who loves war.

    • (1 Kudos received)
    1. @user36094 and you are a nut job voting for an end to the capitalist republic of America! Viv la Marxist Socialist bums on their asses making a government check fool.

      • (1 Kudos received)
    2. @marcmargolis if thats true then AIG, Goldman Sacks, etc. should have failed on their own. Small businesses and other large businesses fail all the time without a bailout to back them. Why didnt McCain and others feel the same way. They are capitalist.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. ofcourse marcmargolis has no response to this logical approach to assessing a situation.....some folks do not think logically

      • (0 Kudos received)
  5. Campbell, your colleage said it best. Barak had the forsight to know that he would have to fight 400 years of racism, along with lies, and double standards to get his message through. This was brilliant. He has always been one step ahead of McCain. I want someone who is always one step ahead to run this country. Not someone who is always a day late and a dollar short. All the way back to the time he crashed that jet in Vietnam. McCain is where he is because of connections. He is no scholar, and he has no vision. Where does he want to take us? What does the America look like in the future that he sees? I'll tell you. The same old America that he grew up in where races were segregated, where the rich took advantage of the poor, where war was perferred over peace, where hatred was preferred over love, where lies where preferred over truth, where wealth was preferred over souls. He represents the past. Barak represents the future. So yes, he changed his mind. But it was brilliant, and insightful, and from the looks of things, very much needed.

    • (4 Kudos received)
    1. @cjlovick Good comment. Obviously, we would like to see our politicians not break promises. But it does happen. We all break promises. But the insight that cjlovick provides is helpful in coming to terms with Brown's comments. Kudos.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. Mixx A Mixx administrator removed this comment.
    3. @cjlovick The icon picture of you in your service dress uniform and your comment on this page are in direct violation of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. You are allowed to have your political views but not to espouse them while in uniform, so that your views are not seen as those of the Air Force. I would assume as a CMsgt that you already know this, and believe that the rules somehow do not apply to you. What a poor example from a senior member of the NCO Core! SHAME ON YOU!

      • (0 Kudos received)
    4. Please take your meds!!!!!!

      • (0 Kudos received)
    5. marcmargolis....please shut up!!! you know nothing about the race card...just a phrase that your friends and family have tought you to use in response to any argument based on race....yes race....in case you dont know it, but as far as access to needs, services and equality, race has matered in this country. It matterred so much so that my family members were killed protesting for the right to vote in the 50s.......if youre white, then ofcourse that may noy have any significant bearing on your outlook on life as it pertains to day to day issues... BUT if you are from a societal unit that has been systemetically impacted by its race in this country (officially intil about 1967) then yes race is a strong consideration in all issues.....I never hear any one of you closet bigots critisize a Jew for talking about the impact of the Holocaust and its results...ie the Jewish state of ISRAEL and how that impact our US policys and approach to the world......but let a black paerson talk about rce and it the "race card"...get the hell outta here!!!!!!

      • (0 Kudos received)
    6. Just suppose your pervert assert be correct. So what? If he born in American soil, he can be the President of the United States. BTW. McCain born in Panama. I understand, Panama never has been American territory as either the Canal Zone. The United States just signed a lease with Panama, but never own the Canal. The only possibility someone could be considered American born in American soil (as the Constitution states), it's if the individual born in the Embassy premises. And this is not the McCain case.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    7. So that is why John McCain had active duty officers stand up and be recognized at the RNC??

      • (0 Kudos received)
    8. truthurts truthurts left a comment and deleted it .
  6. I think the Brown article, this late in the game, is moot. I also think she was chosen, either by her colleagues or by her own self-reflection, to give a more centric CNN coverage, to shield from the conservative criticism of a liberal CNN. If this point was so important, why bring it up in the 11th hour. Far right conservatives on the Fox Forum and other threads have been whining about this point for months. This Brown article dove-tails nicely with her "diva" article earlier today about why not let Palin be herself, why not let Palin be a diva. It appears, these two articles taken together, that Brown is feeling guilty or something.

    • (1 Kudos received)
  7. Yeah, and Campbell Brown broke her NOSE...to get that bad nose job.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  8. Sen Obama demonstrates a shrewd and highly intelligent mindset. He has too. John McCain KNEW it would be political suicide for Senator Obama if he went along with McCain's financial plan. This is EXACTLY why he tried to lure Obama into this game. But Obama is way too smart for him. THIS is the kind of mind that we need to deal with our enemies, domestic and foreign. He didn't take the bait, and he owes NO alligience to explain his decision to McCain or anyone else. THIS is how you win an election. McCain ALWAYS tries to look as if he's the victim....Obama was too smart for him! I say....I'd rather have an Obama mind on my side, than a sneaky, coniving "Washington" player.

    Campbell, try doing a story on why McCain didn't call Obama back about how they would BOTH address the financial bailout and McCain went on TV, even though he said he'd get back to Obama! If McCain's standards are SO HIGH, he would have done what he claims is the "right" thing to do, no matter if he felt Obama didn't. Oh yes, it's always ok when the repubs do it.....when someone else beats them at their on game...they cry foul.

    I can't WAIT until this election is over and Obama beats the crap out of McCain, and the Bush republicans.....Americans are SICK to death of them all!

    • (4 Kudos received)
    1. @user70816 Wait till you get a sniff of tax and break the bank Obama and his idiocracy!! I saw the movie laughed and now it is real and I want to cry!

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. @marcmargolis Fighting all of your wife's battles for her?

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. lol, shes brings home the bacon

      • (0 Kudos received)
  9. I am sure John McCain broke a few promises to Paul Keating (Remember the Keating 5) One of the first major financial bailouts in US history and guess who was part of it? You guessed it.

    • (1 Kudos received)
  10. Hello Campbell, I must say that I have been extremely disappointed with your reporting lately. From labeling 'Diva' as a sexist comment to now labeling Obama. While I respect a balanced reporting, your excerpt on Obama and his decision to reconsider a decision regarding his resource capacity to implement an impressive campaign should be commended. If GW Bush had reconsidered his position immediately after Iraq fell, America would have been a global hero today. Because of his rigid position, it cost your country a great deal of money, reputation and several lives. So, Obama once again demonstrate a great judgement and ability to adapt very quickly in order to manage a daunting situation. If he had accepted public funds, he would not have been able to mount a reasonably balanced contest. Getting into a contest with a ruling party requires more than 85m $. Great for him and his ability to raise funds demonstrate American's support for CHANGE. Its time to be part of this great HISTORY that will bring AMERICA back to its forgotten place...THE ENVY OF THE WORLD where every dream can be realized. GW Bush and the Republican has done a great job destroying that image and the Hope of people outside the USA that look at America as a shining light and a beacon of HOPE for all around the World. Go OBAMA!!!!!!! Go USA!!!!

    • (0 Kudos received)
  11. BTW, Campbell Brown, a promise McCain made quite some time ago was to run a clean campaign. By all accounts, from mud-slinging to sleaze, the McCain campaign wins hands-down. Even the polls have shown that 70% think McCain has run a dirty campaign. What about that broken promise? Why don't you write an article about that?

    • (0 Kudos received)
  12. I have to disagree vehemently with Ms. Bad Nose Job's attitude here.

    The PEOPLE (inlcuding myself) have contributed to this campaign to make it OUR campaign. WE are up there just as much as HE is.

    The fact that President-to-be Obama was able to fund this on the aspirations, hopes, and confidence of his constituents is sign enough that the people have voted this man into office.

    So it is NOT a broken promise. It's an intention of doing public good that turned into a phenomenal success, and just because he will not stoop to John McCain's loss of public confidence and dumb down his campaign is just another reason why this man, and NOT McSame, should ascend to office.

    • (2 Kudos received)
    1. @ajudson No Need for personal insult and destruction. Its honorable to stay on point. As a matter of fact, I think Campbell is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen on TV.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. @ajudson Another excellent point.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. Oh yeah, as Palin is a beauty girl too. But meanwhile Palin is a 100% Bimbo, Campbell Brown is machiavelical. She's like some snakes, more beautiful, more dangerously poisoned.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    4. I disagree that you believe this is not a lie. He changed his mind when his handlers told him, "hey, the Republicans aren't going to go public. If you do, you'll get all the monies they aren't accepting." You gae some of your money, congratulations, glad you've the dollars to do that. Just like a true American, willing to give and give. Just hope you're right.

      • (0 Kudos received)
  13. Yes, but he saved spending the taxpayers money. He spent the money from only the people who chose to support him. Don't you think that is better? Too bad you can't find any other "cracks in his armor"

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. @mb759 Yeah...maybe we can send that $85 million to one of the mortgage banks so they can fund the severance package of their top CEOs.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. sarteest .....Im sure McCain can find a way to get the $85 Mill to the Republican base.....

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. I think it is naive to think that every one who gave to him supports him. The real donors give because they want something from him. If I had the money and I wanted to get my agenda pushed through, which would I choose in order to accomplish this? I would not choose one who stands by his convictions but rather one who goes with the flow, who is influenced by money and polls. Those who made their paltry contributions in the hope that right would prevail better frame their thank you note and sell it on ebay, because that may be all they will get from this candidate.

      • (0 Kudos received)
  14. The delighful irony of this of course, is that Obama's descision to only accept funds from willing donors rather than spend taxpayers money is entrely consistant with the ideology of his political opponents who support private enterprise over public spending. As to his alleged betrayal of the trust of the voting public of the US, it is certainly not the first time a politician has gone back on his word, and to expect that those seeking or holding high office would never change their views is naive at best, and in practice, simply unworkable. The key point is that the result of his change of mind in this matter draws more funds from private individuals, rather than public money to his campaign and I would suggest that most taxpayers would find this a preferable arrangement. If a politician's change of view is benificial to the public purse, is that not a good thing? Sure McCain doesnt have as much money, but the suggestion he has somehow been hoodwinked by the Democrats is laughable. His campaign was perfectly able to make the same choice at the same time as Obama's and didn't. Can't get fairer than that...

    • (0 Kudos received)
  15. I am beginning to wonder if Ms. Brown shouldn't be on Fox.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  16. Of course, we don't know how much the Republican Party has spent on McCain's campaign, which is separate money from the McCain campaign money. The Republican Party has always had more money than the Democratic Party. So ads paid for by the RNC is not the same as ads paid for by McCain campaign. We do know they the RNC spent $150,000 on Palin's clothes;.) Wink Wink.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  17. Thanks for shining the light on this. This may turn out to be a small issue as the election plays out and will certainly be overshadowed by other pressing issues. It seems that many are willing to turn a blind eye to the obviously questionable integrity of this candidate. Could it be that his words have dazzled so many into such unquestionable loyalty? In my opinion the other is the straighter shooter. He speaks his mind and usually stands by his words though they be less publicized. It worries me that a candidate can be so influenced by polls as to say anything and everything to appeal to the masses. His mastery of back pedaling shown here and elsewhere throughout the campaign should serve notice to everyone: this small issue will fade out of the public eye but so will many of his promises.

    • (2 Kudos received)
    1. Thank you truthurts! Are we the only ones that see the complete picture without wearing blinders or accepting hipnotic speeches?

      Thank you Campbell for reporting facts!

      To all other posters: Question is; Did Obama go back on his word or not? Simply yes or no.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. Yes he did....but please guys....what is shocking is that you seem to act as if you don't notice double talk and "flip flop" on your candidates (McCain/Palin) ticket. McCain/Palin have gone back on their words a few times as well. Those living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
      To all other poster: Question is; Did McCain or Palin go back on any of their words or not? Simply yes or no.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. So... is that a "yes?"

      • (0 Kudos received)
  18. Only yesterday, Campbell was praising Sarah Palin because her new rogue attitude. I wrote that she missed no just the nail, but she smashed her finger with her stupid words. But now, after I read this antiobamistic article, I need to tell her: You hit the floor, baby. Yo got the hammer straight to your hand. Obama got millions of Internet middle class friends, giving 5, 10 or 200 dollars. For instance, I gave 100 and I don't care a bit if Obama uses my money spending 30 minutes of primetime brushing off the floor with Repugs.
    Tomorrow Obama will put the final nail for McCainMcPalin coffin. Even if Campbell dislikes so.
    PD: Why Campbell, Beck and Lou Dobbs do not move to FOX? Rupert M. would be happy to include in his payroll sign those political conservative "dinosauries".

    • (1 Kudos received)
  19. Well Campbell dear, I think you have waited a little bit too late to start being fair and unbiased, but God Bless you for trying.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  20. Really? At this stage of the game that's the best you can do? Really?

    • (0 Kudos received)
  21. Campbell Brown sickens me as I have found her to be an utterly bias journalist, what has happened to honest, unbias reporting? There was a time journalist could be trusted to report the facts only and keep their personal opinions private....obviously the networks lack the pride that use to be honored in newsreporting....shame on Ms. Brown and CNN.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  22. I agree with neloc....Brown, Beck and Dobbs are definately far right journalist (if you want to call them that...I don't) they belong on lying Fox network...they have destorted the truth since Bush was first in the WH and now that he and the GOP have totally screwed up this country, their only line of defense is to blame it on the Democrats who by the way, had no power and were unable to get their votes in to account for anything....it has been Republicans and Corporate America running this country for 8 solid years and what a mess....now they take a decent and caring man like Obama and are vigorously trying every trick in their dirty book to bring him down...WELL IT WILL NOT WORK...WE ARE SMARTER THIS TIME AROUND AND WILL NOT FALL FOR THEIR KARL ROVE TACTICS !! If anyone loves this country, then we must, must elect Obama/Biden to turn this corrupt Government out on the street and bring real and needing change to this country....I trust them and obviously us Americans that have contributed to them do to!!! I could only send $15.00, but as a retired person, I was willing to give to a great cause!

    • (0 Kudos received)
  23. DON'T BE FOOLED!!!!! If you guys don't see what she's trying to do you are blind. A news anchor in Orlando, FL caught flack for asking a silly question to Sen. Biden and she defended herself by saying her network tries to ask both sides(democrats and republicans) tough questions in an attempt to be "balanced". This is all Campbell Brown is trying to do. Be balanced in her reporting. There has been plenty of Pro Obama broadcasting done on her part and now its time to do some balancing out. I respect what she's trying to do. Besides.....its really a non story....if she really wanted to make a huge deal about it she would have harped on it when it happened.

    At least she picked something that actually happened. Give her that much.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  24. I have no comment on the basic thesis of the report but I would suggest that the reporter should re-examine the evidence behnd her idea that Bob Kerrey - who used to be one of my heroes - is an Obama supporter. In fact, Kerrey was the very first person to publicly use Obama's middle name when discussing his policies - during a Clinton rally in the democratric primaries. I have been watching for any sign that Kerrey has lifted a finger for the Obama campaign...have seen none.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  25. This is bull and biased. Ms. Brown, I think you should just tell your viewers that you are supporting and will be voting for McCain instead of bringing up this old information that we all already know. What is wrong with you? Don't you have any more important topics to talk about? It was you that mentioned last week that spending $150.000 to dress Palin was a double standard and would not take time to talk about it. What are you thinking bringing this up that was already talked about early this year? Is it because McCain and Palin that support are not going to win and you are trying to help them by throwing anything out there. I am sick of people like you. This election can not be hijacked by you, McCain, Palin or your cronies in the Republican Party.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. @Political_geek I mean no disrespect but you must not watch her often. She destroyed a MCCain spokesman....i mean DESTROYED. And for the most part she has been pretty fair to Obama. Believe me if she was completely anti Obama I would have picked up on it because I'm a Obama supporter. She has made points for and against(mostly for) Obama. All you have to do is check out the videos on cnn.com and you will see what i mean.

      • (0 Kudos received)
  26. To user 70816, I could not have worded that comment any better myself. Senator Obama is very, very smart. He has displayed wisdom way beyond his years. Johnny Mack has slipped into his second childhood and he is mad because he is behind in the polls.

    Campbell, I think you need to take a vacation. You are tired and your commentaries reflect that. You don't know what to write about. Go clear your head and come back after the election. Right now all we are getting from you is "Biased Bull".

    • (0 Kudos received)
  27. Campbell, Barak Obama broke his promise on campaign financing out of necessity and did not betray public trust. He changed his mind and exercised his constitutional options just like John McCain has done several times.
    As long as he has not done anything illegal or immoral, he should be given the benefit of the doubt. He is free to stir his campaign in the best direction as he deems fit.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  28. Well he did have the option to either go public or private. So what's your point? Your husband is a pro Iraq war republican and your dad was a politician. You should know more than anyone that politicians can't keep their promise word by word. Besides, a new politician like him have to earn everyone's respect by raising lot of money. The wave of endorsements in last month from republicans came to him because of his enormouse fund raising strength. Most importantly we only honor signed contracts in this country. Obama raised a lot because people believe that he will keep most of his promises.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  29. ***** in regards to cjlovick********

    The icon picture of you in your service dress uniform and your comment on this page are in direct violation of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. You are allowed to have your political views but not to espouse them while in uniform, so that your views are not seen as those of the Air Force. I would assume as a CMsgt that you already know this, and believe that the rules somehow do not apply to you. What a poor example from a senior member of the NCO Core! SHAME ON YOU!

    • (0 Kudos received)
  30. Obama will win because the majority of people in this country will believe anything the media tells them. So get used to Obama and his lies. The man is full of them.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. @user28752 You are a nutbag. What lies are you talking about?

      • (0 Kudos received)
  31. All through last 6 months, I have noticed the Campbell Brown has been 100% bias towards Obama. Now that she knows that she has done her job and election is pretty much won by Obama and the scrutiny after the election will show who said what and raised what questions as asking tough questions or making truthful comments and showing their integrity, she is now raising some questions to make herself look unbias. But this is too little too late and she is doing this now on purpose to make herself look or trying to make herself look fair. In the past she was completely in love with Obama and his Charisma and his grandiose personilty. She was overwhelmed by it. I wonder what happened to her now. She must have a new awakening or she is trying to look fair since it's pretty much over and she has done her job for Obama campaign. She was always against Hillary Clinton aswell. If you just go back and look ather coverages and comments, you will see she was always siding with Obama since day one.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. and rightfully so my friends....

      • (0 Kudos received)
  32. No Bias, No Bull, Yeah Right. What was the purpose of Campaign finance reform? Obama kept the spirit of the reform without crippling his campaign. The average donation was about $100.00 per person. This is not exactly a big money influence. McCain is beaten. He is a walking 527. Tired, old, and bankrupt. Campbell Brown, you are admittedly married to a republican strategist, why don't you stop acting as a news anchor and start working directly for the campaign you so obviously support. Barack Obama's word is as good as gold. He will bring a responsible end to this war in Iraq. He will lead this great nation out of the economic disaster that Bush has brought us, and he will do it with the help of every day people, despite your BS news show.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  33. Campbell, where have you been? You write about this only now? This news is as old as Obama is socialist. Is this some last minute effort to assuage your twinges of guilt because CNN has been so pro Obama over the last 20 months?

    • (0 Kudos received)
  34. This is the first time that I have ever donated money to a presidential campaign. I am grateful that I could contribute to the Obama campaign and exercise my right to free speech. I felt much better knowing that the donation was made of my own free will and not a part of a government subsidy.

    • (1 Kudos received)
  35. Looks like the Bradley effect is sinking in with Campbell and the rest of the media. Campbell, the only reason you are bringing this up is because you don't have anything else of substance on Obama. This is the second dumb article that you have written in past couple of days complaining about how much Obama has raised and spent. Would you stop for a moment and think about the fact that we gave him that money; thus, we wanted him to spend it? The bottom line is this... McCain can not put his money where his mouth is because his base that has so much to say doesn't finances him. The media claims that Obama is winning because he automatically has the black vote. News flash; if that ridiculous statement was true, then how do you explain that a group with one of the lowest socioeconomic standings can give him 600Mil, but the McCain rednecks, Joe six-packs and plumbers can’t do the same? Based on the figures it is Obvious that there are many people who are struggling financially who are giving to Obama's campaign, but there are a lot of people who can afford to give to his campaign that are doing so as well. Why? Because we want him to win, so the pathetic, transparent attempt to make this into a story by the media and McCain/Palin team is clearly silly and would not be an issue if McCain out raised Obama. Obama did say that he would "Discuss" the option of taking public financing if McCain elected to do so. Yes, Obama failed to discuss the option, and yes he raised a record amount of money but the negative ads and lies that depict Obama as a Muslim (as though that should matter), a terrorist and whatever else he has been painted as over the past 18 months warranted a campaign change, so he changed his strategy, Duh. Go find some real news about Obama to report. Speaking of which I am tired of seeing everyone else on the campaign trail making headlines accept for Obama. I looked at CNN, Fox and Yahoo for two days all day searching for one Obama headliner and it wasn't until the pathetic assassination attempts that the media made into something that it wasn't to further endorse the Bradley Effect that I saw any headlines about him on any of the three websites. Now most of the headlines are negative. Campbell is that unbiased or without bull? I think not!

    • (0 Kudos received)
  36. Its called politics and Obama is a good politician. If anyone thinks a politician can be true to his word 100 percent of the time and get anything done in this rotten world, then I suggest you get thee head out of thee butt and read some history.

    • (1 Kudos received)
  37. Sometimes its necessary to change decisions made/promise when it means improving our lives. McCain borke his promise and it is hurting our communities, with his very negative ads - stirrng up anger and hate.

    • (1 Kudos received)
  38. Campbel, A little logic:
    I would only give money to a person I like, if I have any money left. Assuming this is true for all of those Americans who donated to Obama or McCain. Obama gets more money than McCain. The conclusion would be that American like Obama more. Obama broke his promise but he CONTINUE gets more money, means American still like Obama more even he did broke his promise. So your complain about a broken promise does not seem to matter for most of money givers.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  39. Brown, you idiot, McCain accepts money outside the Fed money, it just gets routed through the National Republican Party or through state parties. Here is an excerpt from one such online McCain-Palin donor site:

    "McCain-Palin Victory 2008 is a joint fundraising committee by the McCain-Palin Compliance Fund, Republican National Committee, and Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania Republican Parties. Because the McCain-Palin Campaign is participating in the presidential public funding system, it may not receive contributions for the any candidate's election. However, federal law allows the McCain-Palin Campaign's Compliance Fund to defray legal and accounting compliance costs and preserve the Campaign's public grant for media, mail, phones, and get-out-the-vote programs. Contributions to McCain-Palin Victory 2008 will go to the Compliance Fund, and to participating party committees for Victory 2008 programs."

    My main point besides the fact that you are a biased diva? That McCain's repug followers claim Democrats don't work and want welfare when, in fact, Democrats work, pay taxes, and are generous with their money. The repugs are thoughtless, self-centered, trash who wouldn't have given to McCain had he not accepted Fed money. They talk big, those repugs but Obama knew his Dems would support him and McCain knew his repugs would not, ergot, it saved McCain the embarrassment had he refused public funding and raised his own money, he still would be way behind Obama in monies raised.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  40. mailmd mailmd left a comment and deleted it .
  41. Why is this still such a hot topic? There are so many promises that McCain has broken yet no one seems to touch them. How about the fact that McCain told Obama that he'd talk with Obama before he made the move to suspend his campaign and go back to Washington (during the fall of Wallstreet) and then held a press conference right after their conversation stating he would suspend his campaign. What about McCain's promise to have a respectable campaign? As for Obama's decision not to accept public financing, I think it was the right one. I'd much rather have a president change his strategy when a better one is proposed then to stay the course when all signs say that it's a wrong decision.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. BINGO!

      • (0 Kudos received)
  42. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! Broken promises. You people are incredible. This country is replete with those that have made promises and broken them; Why have you never called them to task. Remember "40 acres and a Mule" Bush Senior's "Read my lips; No NEW Taxes" Get real and get a grip.

    Just because Mr. Obama is intelligent enough to decipher the bull and make the system work for him for once you try to call him on a broken promise.

    Give me all of the stuff that was promised to me by the U.S. then I will think about admonishing Mr. Obama.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. It is sad that your defense of him is based on the, "So what?, everyone else is doing it" mentality. Think of the ramifications if the president of the most influential nation on earth truly believes this.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. It's obvious that you live on an island in a sheltered world. We are playing the game the way it was setup and now you want to change the rules. Walk in some else's shoes for awhile before you make idiotic statements.

      Oh by the way. We are suffering from the ramifications of a "PRESIDENT of the most influential nation on earth that truly believed this."

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. Okay, when I snap my fingers you will wake up and return to reality.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    4. @ truthhurts.........It'll take you waking up first in order for you to snap your fingers!

      • (0 Kudos received)
    5. I am truly sorry you were left behind.

      • (0 Kudos received)
  43. Who cares that he decided to not use TAXPAYER money, except John McCain because he doesn't have as much and can't roll out with 30 minute commercials, 1 week before the election on major networks. Nor can John McCain pay staffers in key battleground state's this late in the campaign. Barack Obama is only using money people who feel strongly and passionate about their support for him, have sent him solely for this purpose. I only hope that at the end and there is money left in the coffers he donates it to a non-profit charity that could sorely use it during the economic crisis and approaching holiday season (that's if the committee on campaign finance allows that sort of charitable giving).

    • (0 Kudos received)
  44. Is this campbell woman for REAL!!!! McSHAME has been running an incredibly NASTY campaign this whole time!! He is not only ten times wealthier than Obama, but his wife is a millionaire in her own right.
    Obama has ONE HOUSE, McShame has 12!!!! He also has 15 vehicles!!! Are your ridiculous comments supposed to be unbiased???? You are a joke as is your comments. I guess everybody including yourself are getting nervous because next week at this time we will have a new President and any one with an ounce of sense knows it will be OBAMA!!! You should go over to Fox with the rest of those IDIOTS!!!!

    • (0 Kudos received)
  45. It's getting hard to take you seriously, Campbell, when you crank out editorials like this. This was news a long time ago; now, you're resurrecting it and spinning it again, as if to cast some last minute doubts on Obama's integrity. You are insulting the millions of Americans who opened their wallets to contribute to his campaign, some of them for the first time ever for a political candidate. Moreover, McCain had a vested interest in running on public money, because he couldn't raise enough of his own. Obama's supporters didn't want him to take public money. They saw to it that he didn't need to. Now, why don't you get busy and write about something important? And, when you get the chance, sit close to David Gergen; maybe some of his professionalism will rub off on you.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. The ones who will laugh last and best are the huge donors who get what they want from a puppet president all the while being shielded by the likes of you who think they gave in support of a great cause.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. Are you talking about Obama or Bush? Hard to tell.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. You said it, not me.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    4. Yeah, I said that "you should sweep around the Republican door before you sweep around the Democratic one". That's exactly what I said.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    5. Okay thanks for clearing that up. Now can you tell me which door is which.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    6. Stop!! Don't jump. You can survive a presidency from someone that doesnt look and thing like you.

      We have been doing it for years. We have been in mourning for the past 8 years.

      I guess your mourning for the next 8 won't hurt much. Just remember to pronounce his name correctly. O - B - A - M - A short for "THAT ONE"

      • (0 Kudos received)
    7. SNAP! SNAP! Seth, It's really okay to wake up now. Your life is not all that bad. Take a trip sometime and see what real suffering looks like.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    8. There you go with the damn SNAPING again.....
      LOL...think you're wise huh..?

      • (0 Kudos received)
    9. I'll take your irritation as a compliment. Let us know if you have anything to contribute to the discussion.

      • (0 Kudos received)
  46. All is fair in love and war. Obama set out to win. He knew he could make more money if he did not accept the campain finance money. There is no law that states you have to play the same game. McCain folks should get over it. Obama did nothing wrong and he did promise, but signed nothing.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. Wow! "Obama did nothing wrong and he did promise, but signed nothing." Thank you for stating so clearly the new motto of the United States of America.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. Exactly. If you agree on something and want the word kept sign a contract otherwise it becomes heresay. That is McCains fault. Just like signing onto a mortgage without over looking the terms now your "Fu**ed".

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. Do your research NonSense! He did sign an agreement. So according to your logic(and that's a stretch), he committed fraud.

      • (0 Kudos received)
  47. I am reading a lot of WHINING on here from the Republicans that only wished that they had been as smart as OBAMA since day one! He knew what he was doing way back then when McBush was and is still running around like a chicken with his head cut off! BARACK OBAMA has run a skillful, smart, aggressive, well planned campaign while McBush is still trying to figure out what he is doing and his running mate cannot even describe what a VP does! Go OBAMA P.S. It is all wrapped up now anyway!!!

    • (0 Kudos received)
  48. This video has no concrete proof. I hear alot of talk but know facts. I dont hear the physical words from the actual people that spoke them. I dont hear any place to go to to verify her statements. All I see here is someone reaching for a story thats not really there. I am sorry that Obama was able to pull in more funds from more people the McCain. That sounds like maybe you should talk to your republican friends about how they chose to raise money or their belief systems. Or maybe if you can find a way to get people to trust McCain then maybe he could raise more money. So maybe we should do a report on how the Red Cross can raise more money then the United Way and find a way to place a blame there. It is not Obama's fault that more people are willing to give for his cause. Maybe your campaign should have come up with a better cause then sticking up for rich people all the time. Maybe then people would send some of their middle class and lower class money there way. But instead their beliefs are that the wealthy make the world go around. Well since there is such a small percentage of wealthy people compared to the middle and lower class of course I would think less money would go his way. Maybe this to proves that the trickle down effect does not work. Rich people do not wish to part with their money. It makes them who they are. Without it they would be a normal person and they cant have that. So instead of pumping money into their support system they keep it in their pockets. They do it to the people that work for them and they do it to the people that fight for them. Shows alot about character, honor, American pride since they find it cheaper to show Indian pride and china pride by sending our jobs over there, And it shows a great deal about their moral standards and value system. One of which values money over all else. So I am sorry a person that does not carry those negative, single minded beliefs was able to raise more funds then the other. Maybe they should take that into thought instead of pointing out that one candidate was able to draw in more people and more funds. That should only prove to you airheads that there is a greater cause then your personal pocket book that seems to be full enough to put food in your mouth. More then I can say for a large percentage of our own country right now. Sad to see such selfishness in such dire times. Hope someone is there to help you if anything happens. Eye for an Eye, you create your own Karma. So personally I could care less about this article. This is just a republican pundet trying all she can to throw something new and off topic into the equation because of course you cant tell the American people straight to their face that you make over $250,000 a year and dont want to take the chance of maybe not being able to buy the latest Lexus LS400 or next years Hummer H2. Yeah you look cute in it but of course your personality is still the same so what did it change. You have 50,000 to 80,000 less money now. Of course thats an entire years salary and then some for me. Thats food, clothing, shelter, a few movies, heating and airconditioning, an education and a comfortable KIA to get from place to place. Car insurance, health insurance. The whole nine yards. Thats an entire lifes salary and means to a living for a person. And to you its an image, an impression, a toy. So like a child you have your toys and you aint gonna share them. Sounds like a modern day brat to me.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  49. Let's talk about broken promises, shall we?
    1. McCain promised he'd put "Country First", then he picked a completely unqualified person in the VP seat to take over the country should something befall the 72-year-old, cancer-ridden candidate.
    2. McCain promised a new, undevisive campaign that stuck to the issues, then he called Obama a terrorist, a socialist, a "risk" for the American people.
    3. With the "little" money McCain has, he's spent it on an avalanche of negative campaigning filled with actual LIES about Obama.
    Should I continue? I don't think I have enough room in cyberspace.
    Give me a break, the Republicans have had more money than the Democrats since forever, and now they're crying foal because the shoe is on the other foot. How unfortunate that the Swift Boaters didn't have enough money to do commericals calling Obama a Muslim and show him wearing a turban. What goes around comes around--it's their corrupt, incompetent Republican party that caused the economic crisis that in turn didn't allow them to have enough money to run their attack ads. My liberal heart bleeds for them.

    • (1 Kudos received)
  50. Is there anybody you don't attack Campbell? Obama never promised he would take public financing, he said he would discuss it, get the story straight. He also did not know he would be able to raise this kind of money from small donations from people like myself. This is democracy in action, so stop trying so desperately to make a name for yourself. McCain has been doing an end around on the financing still getting donations even though he is taking public financing. You are a pathetic reporter that is caught up in pure sensationalism.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  51. What is up with Cambell Brown? John McCain has picked the worst VP candidate ever. He has broken every promise he ever made and contradicted every ideal he used to have. He was against the far right controlling the R party. Now he embraces them. We was against negative campaigning and promised not to do it. 100% of his ads are negative. He has not run ONE ad talking solely on what he would do for the country. He said he would not do personal attacks and now accuses him of being socialist and being friends with terrorists. He pulls out any name that sounds Muslim where Obama attended the same function with hundreds. He promised to not divide, and he has. McCain promised not to lie. He does. Example, he was against legalized sports betting in 2000. Now he has taken millions from Las Vegas. Guess what he is "for" now. John McCain has become everything that John McCain used to oppose. His own donors like Colon Powell have become disgusted with his campaign. Who broke who's promise?

    • (1 Kudos received)
    1. well said

      • (0 Kudos received)
  52. marcmargolis: Love it when your crazy little head pops up in a chat. It is like an insane little popcorn kernel popping up "here" and "there". Annoying and ignorant, but sometimes amusing.

    • (2 Kudos received)
    1. LOL Very funny! KUDOS

      • (0 Kudos received)
  53. I agree with cjlovick. Obama knew he didn't just have to convince people he was ready to be president, but he also had to fight racism. The extra money he raised really only evened out the playing field. You see what the rhetoric of the Republicans has already stirred up, Obama wouldn't have had a chance if he couldn't get his message out there in a dominant way. He has done a wonderful job and thank goodness we have a candidate that is so insightful. I am a white middle aged woman (who used to vote Republican), and the Obama campaign is the only one I have contributed money towards. I think it's terrific that so many others have contributed. It just shows what americans can do when they've had enough.... VOTE FOR CHANGE!

    • (0 Kudos received)
  54. An insane kernel of popcorn is a good description of marcmargolis. I more imagined a vexatious child popping pimples onto his computer monitor.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  55. IT DON'T MATTER WHAT THE IDIOT BROWN SAYS WE ALL KNOW SHE HAS LEPT IN THE JOURNALISTIC VERSION OF THE BLACK HOLE SHE HAS LOST ALL PERSPECTIVE. WHAT REALLY MATTERS IS BARACK OBAMA IS GOING TO BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT AND EVERYONE NEEDS TO GET OVER IT. LETS GET READY TO GET BEHIND HIM AND DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS AND OUR COUNTRY. DO AWAY WITH THE POLICIES THAT HAVE PUT US ON THE EDGE OF RUIN. GET OUR MEN AND WOMEN HOME FROM THE BLACK HOLE OF IRAQ. START A NEW ERA OF BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. I think your caps lock is stuck... annoying. We can HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR

      • (0 Kudos received)
  56. So this thread is pretty amazing... all this back and forth about Campbell this and Campbell that... it's called "argument against the man", or in this case, woman. Look it up in your philosophy 101 books.

    Look, she brings up a valid point, Obama said something, and now he's doing another. We don't need to bring the kitchen sink into the conversation... it's about campaign finance, and she made a good point. Doesn't have to mean Obama is ALL bad, but on this one, he reniged, and she's right; "correct" that is, for those of you who want to twist words.

    What's the deal?

    • (0 Kudos received)
  57. If you are going to bring up a broken promise re: one candidate then do it for the other in the same broadcast. McCain has contradicted himself as well!

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. Ya, and if you read through most of the posts on this site regarding this election, you'll see plenty of discussion about McCain's bads. Why can't anyone criticize Obama without it being tossed back... I don't get it. Dont' get me wrong... I like Obama. I just feel that it's completely legit to criticize him on this issue because he did in fact renig.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. I agree with you completely. What bothers me is that neither side cops to the fact that neither candidate is perfect. All politicians contradict themselves. All politicians break promises. All politicians tell lies whether black or white lies. All politicians have secrets from the their past that they try and hide. The bottom line, they are human and fallible. However, what makes a great politician is when he can admit he is or was wrong when he or she is found out! Admitting ones mistakes makes all the difference.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. well true, but by that criteria then, Bill Clinton was the worst... "I did not have sexual relations with THAT WOMAN".... (emphasis on THAT because people made so much of an issue of McCain's "THAT ONE", which wasn't a tenth as disrespectful as Clinton's was). But the point here is that he vehemently lied to everyone for over a year about Monica Lewinsky... hate to be frumpy about it, but that underminied my trust in anything that guy says. Had he came out with it early on, many people such as myself would have found forgiveness and quick, because, like you say, we all know no body's perfect...

      • (0 Kudos received)
    4. Skeptik. You are intelligent and make some good posts. You HAVE to know that at least 5 Republican Congressmen, including Newt Gingrich, were having extra-martial affairs WHILE prosecuting President Clinton (during impeachment hearings that occurred from improper testimony from a trial that was thrown out of court for lack of evidence). Come on…
      Legally the proceedings should not have even happened.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    5. @Skeptik

      Bill Clinton's personal life should've never been a public issue PERIOD....therefore whether he lied or not is a mute point. His lie related to his personal life which is not your business or mine to know.... so who cares? Had he lied about a political issue then that would've been a different story. The Republicans were out for Bill Clinton from day one and were determined to destroy him. The great political reporter Helen Thomas says the same thing in a recent HBO documentary on her life.

      Many of the great Presidents had affairs. FDR being one of the most blatant and George Bush Sr being the most unreported. The problem is with our media not the President when it comes to this issue.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    6. @VioletPlanet I really like you Violet, but I do have some reservations about what you just said. I am a cemented Democrat. I LOVED Clinton. Until a few years ago if he had asked I probably would have been in Monica’s situation- (kidding). But I was so in love with what his policies were, and what he did with the country. If I hold the lying, cheating, philandering Republicans to the same standard, then I cannot possibly NOT hold Bill to the same. At the time there were MANY Republicans who cheated on their wives and got away with it. So in that vein I agree with you. His personal life should not interfere with his professional-especially while he is being judged by guys doing the exact same thing. I think that was what pissed me off so much, was that EVERYONE was doing it. I am in Philly and know what is going on. They have “home” wives and “work”/”DC” wives. ALL OF THEM. This may why we need new blood. The Clintons have become EVERYTHING they used to oppose and despise. Bill is incredibly bitter and wants to hold on to power. Why? FOR POWER’S SAKE. Same with Hillary. DC does corrupt. Look at McCain. If he looked in the mirror he would not recognize who he was/is. I do admit I am more mature now too. I loved (love) Bill. I have met him. I talked to a prominent nationally recognized Anthropology professor who hosted a major African-American forum hosted by Bill. The community is perplexed.
      This is why we do need change, from someone who is grounded. Obama’s background has helped him keep the eye on the prize. McCain is totally Jaded. Our nation is at a crux. I said but never actually thought that Bush would destroy this nation. We really need help now. We need Obama.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    7. @troyo33

      The Clintons are hawks no doubt...and that is what makes them great politicians. In order to succeed you must be able to give and take...compromise something in order to get something else. I am a registered Independent. Always have been, always will be. I feel better about Obama now that Biden is with him. Biden is also a hawk. Hawks get things done whether bad or good.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    8. Skeptik Skeptik left a comment and deleted it .
    9. @troyo33

      Agreed that Clinton is certainly not alone in the affair department! Absolutely right. And I agree in the sentiment that there was hypocrisy involved here. And in theory, I agree with VioletPlanet that the president's personal life should be kept private.

      But. Clinton made it worse, and in fact sort of made it “everyone’s business” by keeping the denial going for months and months in the face of the accusations, and therefore was party to the huge waste of time and tax payer money that the probe was. It would be one thing if the probe yielded nothing, but in the end, he finally caved. To me, that seemed like a worse thing than the affair itself. I wish he had just said right from the beginning something like, "Yes, we were involved in inappropriate behavior, and I apologize to my wife, my family, Monica, and the American People". I for one, would have felt like... ok he messed up let's move on.

      I truly believe that had he done something like that the probe would have lost it's wind and died away. But he chose to roll the dice and deny, and in the end I think he's at least 50% responsible for the incredible waste of time and money that resulted. To that end, it undermined my trust in what he has to say. Period.

      But back to the issue at hand… I think Campbell Brown’s premise is valid. At the same time, I don’t think it changes my basic view of who Obama is… it seems like politics as usual.

      I think what cracks me up here is that there are people on this site on both sides of the fence that can’t stomach criticism of their candidate… I’ve criticized both candidates quite heavily, but I’ve also supported both, each in different ways. Maybe that just shows how much I’m struggling with this election.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    10. @Skeptik

      RE: Bill Clinton: True! He should have pleaded the 5th or just told the truth... I guess he was just too afraid to do that....

      • (0 Kudos received)
  58. PLEASE READ: Let’s put this to bed once and for all. Obama had a proposal on the table with McCain for them both to take public financing. Obama wanted to run a clean race and McCain agreed to run one as well. Obama wanted McCain to control the 501(c)(4) such as the Swift Boats. MCCAIN REFUSED TO CONTROL the 501(c)(4)’s. That is why Obama did not take public financing, because he knew he would have to fight McCain AND the Republican National Party AND the 501(c)(4)’s. If McCain had not gone back on HIS promise to run a good, clean, decent campaign Obama would have taken public financing.
    Also, McCain has been an opponent of campaign finance reform while Obama has been a champion. Obama fought to get the perks, shady money, and airplane trips from special interests out of campaigning which was not popular with many Senators, including McCain who were used to private airplane trips from special interests.
    As some of you have pointed out, it is noble to take money from willing contributors rather than all taxpayers whether you support Obama or not. And as stated previously, McCain has found a way around that and started the McCain-Palin Campaign's Compliance Fund. I will repeat my post from before:

    John McCain has picked the worst VP candidate ever. He has broken every promise he ever made and contradicted every ideal he used to have. He was against the far right controlling the Republican party. Now he embraces them. He said he supports our troops but supported an unnecessary war that put them in harm’s way. He voted against more benefits for our troops. We was against negative campaigning and promised not to do it. 100% of his ads are negative. He has not run ONE ad talking solely on what he would do for the country. He said he would not do personal attacks and now accuses him of being socialist and being friends with terrorists. He pulls out any name that sounds Muslim where Obama attended the same function with hundreds of other people. He promised to not divide, and he has. McCain promised not to lie. He does. Example, he was against legalized sports betting in 2000. Now he has taken millions from Las Vegas. Guess what he is "for" now. McCain has stated he is for abortions in the case of rape, incest or if the mother’s health is in jeopardy, and now he questions what “health” is and picks Palin as VP! John McCain has become everything that John McCain used to oppose. His own donors like Colon Powell have become disgusted with his campaign. Who broke who's promise?

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. It's 3:00 a.m. and troyo33 is safe in bed. There is a phone ringing in the White House....

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. I am sorry. What does that mean? If McCain answers the phone we are all screwed.

      • (0 Kudos received)
  59. Ok first and foremost. The terms being used now are public and private financing. My question is what is more public then having the people that are going to vote for you buy into your concepts and dreams. See what McCain was hoping is that Obama would upheld this agreement and McCain could have reeped some of the benefits of Obamas ability to draw larger crouds and a larger interest. You can see this when McCain is on TV Whining and crying that he didn't make enough or have as many supporters all because Obama opted out of the so called public financing. Again what is more public then having the citizens of whom you represent buy into their dreams and hopes. If it was done McCains way it would have been more private then Obama's way. We would not know who the funds are comming from the McCain way either. The old way of politics needs to go out the window. The McCain way would have worked wonders for him. The old ways are to collect funds from special interests and big business. Thats how previous campaigns have been run and thats what McCain was hoping for. Since Obama does not represent the top executives and the wealthy it was smarter for him to go with real PUBLIC financing then with the fake public financing. Now McCain is trying to find anyway he can to make it wrong to have the people of whom believe in their candidates aiding their candidate financially. Especially when his popularity is slipping. Ok dude up there stated he signed a contract. If so I would like to see this contract in full view of the american people. I would like to see the wording used in the contract and if there is any real legal ground that McCain has to stand on. Regardless the man was able to raise funds as if he was the Red Cross, United Way or NAACP. You wonder how he raised the funds. Thats easy by focusing on the exact same issues that the people at the Red Cross, United Way and NAACP fight for each and every day. The people that need help just surviving. While of course the normal American usually thinks about self and self preservation. The wealthy usually focus on material goods and bling bling all the whole time forgetting that somewhere out there someone else is fighting to place food on the table. Not by choice but by circumstances such as layoffs and positions leaving the united states. This morning I woke up and the first thing I read on yahoo that the US economy has shrunk as consumers cut back. Ok teaching moment again.

    CONSUMERS HAVE CUT BACK ON SPENDING
    5 % of the countries consumers are wealthy
    95% of the countries consumers are middle and lower class.

    So if we give 5% of the people a tax cut that only places 5% of consumers back into the market spending money. Now that 5 percent has a choice to make. Do I use the 739,000 or so dollars to hire a new employee to do completely nothing since we are not seeing new consumers or do I buy that mansion in San Diego. Mmmm well since hiring that new person is not going to actually draw new consumers I think I will by the house instead. Or actually maybe I can give my employees a 2% raise and blame it on the economy of course while he or she still goes out and purchases some outragous material good. Thats the McCain and Bush way.

    Now lets think about the other way for a minute. The Obama way. Lets say we give back $2,500 to all working families that fall in the middle and lower class of which accounts for 95% of todays consumers. And of course since we have added a new cheaper way to get health insurance all insurance companies will have to lower their pricing to remain competitive with the goverments option. That is if they wish to bring in funds to maintain a wealthy life style. So the middle class now have $2,500 each and extra cash from lower insurance rates. This means the 95% of consumers now have enough funds to purchase items from the business owners. The business owners are now seeing customers walk into thier stores. This means they will most likely have to rehire to keep up with the new found demand as it was during the Clinton administration. The businesses must keep items on the shelves so they must order more causing another company to hire to keep up with their new demand. I dont see how this is hard to understand. The country grows when people are spending money. Businesses are able to get loans because they are able to pay their loans. Banks will begin to see revenue comming in again all because someone remembered that the consumer makes our economy move. Without the consumer spending money business sells nothing.

    Of course we can go McCains way and make sure there are less consumers out spending locally. Less consumers getting access to funds inorder to flood the economy with spending. Of course everyone knows what happens when you give a wealthy person money. You find a brand new $150,000 car in their drive way. Not a new job at their work place but a new $150,000 car in their driveway. There comes a point in a persons life when they become successful of where they lose complete track of where they came from, how hard it took them to get there (of course there are those people that were just handed the good life instead of worked as hard as they could for it from the bottom up learning lessons the whole way), and what it took them to achieve this goal. Now with that knowledge known they still dont think about making it easier for later generations to do the same. They think like an ass whole does, well since I had to why shouldn't they have to. The answer is easy. Because thats the goal is it not. To one day be able to work less hours and spend more hours with our families as god suggested. Instead of tying our entire lifes up in some new realistic style of monopoly we will eventually have time to focus on the things of which are precious and dear not only to our own hearts but to the soul and passion of the lord and jesus crist himself. To be focused on aide, personalities, help, outreach and making each one of us the teacher to the next generation. One day we may be able to live life as if we were on an episode of Star Trek but in order capture that dream we most devote our time and energy towards new technology and different dreams. We currently follow the same guidelines towards our dream as kings and queens from the dark ages followed. We still focus on actions and concepts that are so far behind that we are forgetting to look forward. Anyways its my lunch time and I must eat. Peace out.

    • (1 Kudos received)
    1. It still amazes me that we can be so gullible and take this man's words at face value. Check out "Reality Check: The Cost of Obama's Pledges." If you get your wish and he is elected, will it still be okay when he doesn't come through for you? Will you let him off the hook just because he told a little fib or he didn't sign a contract, or he was just using his smarts to get elected?, all reasons given in above discussions. By your own reasoning the risk seems too great. A tiger can't change his stripes.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. Spoken like a true negative person that has no hope for anything different. Spoken exactly like a person that does not understand the basics of economics. Aslo spoken like a person who has already made his mind up and is so closed minded for any other views besides his own. Close mindedness never solved any issues nor changed any problems. Doing nothing changes nothing. The only thing neccessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

      And will you let McCain off the hook when he continues down the same path of which we are headed? So when we are sitting at an unemployment rate of 10% or 11% because business owners were never able to draw consumers in because the consumer has no funds to. Are you going to let McCain off the hook. When McCain gets into office and sells you short and gives all of his top wealthy friends more and more breaks while he sticks your middle class or lower class ass in the rear where you dont matter. Will you forgive him then... Yep and an old dog cant learn new tricks if you wish to use old sayings.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. Nice to see someone's still out there. Look, you win for longest posts and I'm assuming you know something about economics based on all your teaching moments. What most fail to recognize is that there is a global economic crisis going on. The kind of economic plan your candidate supports is not doing any better in Russia or China at the moment.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    4. Nice to see someone with such a negative outlook on things and such distrust in our government. Sad thing is you have this distrust for our government but yet you wish to vote the same untrusting people into office. Its like a double standard. For one Russia is a republic not a democracy, second of all China is communist. Niether of which America is. Three we will never be a communist state as we dont tell people what they will be in the future. Our government does not control the amount of wealth you will and can earn. Our government does not force their beliefs upon us and state that thats the only way. Our government doesnot follow the ancient views of governing. Neither will Obama or McCain. Its not the American way. What they are trying to accomplish is place the same exact economic standards that were in place when Clinton was in office. When Bush came into office he passed a new Tax plan. This tax plan raised and lower the tax amounts on each citizen. He lowered the taxes on the wealthy from the amount Clinton had set to a 10% to 11% tax cut. He raised the taxes on the middle and lower class from 1% to 7% depending on your bracet. What Obama is doing is placing the same exact tax plan in place that was under Clinton and Regan. You remeber the years when we had economic growth? Those were the years the upper class paid just a little bit more in taxes then the middle and lower class. Believe what you wish but my data comes from the office of inspector general and the IRS.gov website. So for you to state I am full of shit would only be because you took opinion over fact. Again if you wish to learn more actual true knowledge then go the the IRS.gov website and run the numbers look at the tables and then come back to me and tell me exactly what you learned. because thats what I did. I also suggest two years of Econimics. First year the Basics of Economics 1301, second year Macro Economic 1312. Also take US History 1301 and 1302 and learn more about government. Then from there please spend another two years studying College Algebra, Business Math, Accounting, Laws of Accounting, Fundementals of Accounting, Business Law 101. So with that said these classes I have already taken and completed. I still have my economics book, notes and tests. I passed the class with an A. My GPA is 3.97 only because I hated keyboarding class since I already worked for a company of which my position is a PC Technician. I build PC's for a Mortgage Company. Mmm. Mortgage as well. Wow maybe this guy your trying to argue with is a bit smarter then you thought.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    5. Impressive

      • (0 Kudos received)
    6. Obama will not be able to make sweeping changes in 4 years period. No President could. He will be able to slow down the snowball but he will not be able to stop it. It will take years to repair the damage of the last 8 years and if we have yet another crisis whether economic or war related, it will take even longer.

      • (0 Kudos received)
  60. I don't care about this issue. There's nothing illegal about taking these donations. How else can the Democrats fight the effect of the Republican voter purges?

    • (0 Kudos received)
  61. END OF DISCUSSION: I just saw the first 501-C-4 commercial in Philadelphia, PA. Nasty lying stuff. It is beginning. Here come the "Swift Boats". People are wondering why Obama is still asking for money, and so was I. I am donating again tonight!

    • (0 Kudos received)
  62. Here we go. Two brand new 501-c-4 campaign ads by McCain. NOW he brings up Jeremiah Wright. Pretty convenient how everyone has been saying that McCain should get kudos since he has not brought up Wright. He has been sandbagging knowing that the 501-c-4s would do it for him. WHY DO YOU THINK HE REFUSED TO SIGN OFF ON CAMPAIGN REFORM TO STOP THEM. This has been the whole discussion that no one is talking about. I brought it up days ago. WHY DO YOU THINK MCCAIN DECIDED NOW TO CALL OBAMA A LIAR ON THIS ISSUE? Because it was right before when he launched the 501-c-4 barrage! I said in a more recent post that I hoped this was the end. This is actually the beginning. God help us to see our way through these lies, deception, trickery, and absolute nonsense.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. My prayer exactly!

      • (0 Kudos received)
  63. If he went back on this promise, can't people see that he will likely go back on others. He keeps lowering the threshold for tax increases -- he is just not to be trusted.

    • (0 Kudos received)
  64. Barack is perfect. He is the Messiah. He can do no wrong. The Republicans are evil. McCain is the devil. Is everybody happy now? Oh, I forgot, Bush is the anti-Christ.

    • (0 Kudos received)
    1. @DerivativeRe

      Barack is not perfect and is sure to make some mistakes. The Republicans are not Evil but the NeoCons are. McCain is not evil but he sold his soul to the devil when he allowed Bush to insult his military record and his family in 2000 and then brown nose his administration for the next 8 years. The McCain of today is NOT the same McCain of 2000 who I actually liked. Bush is not the anti-christ but he is a dry drunk and suffers from narcissism. Cheney is a sociopath with a lust for power and Rumsfeld is an incompetent ass. Just my opinion.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    2. @VioletPlanet

      You're right Obama is not perfect. Read it, learn it, repeat it. I hope he tells the Iranians that shooting nukes is not a nice thing to do.

      • (0 Kudos received)
    3. @DerivativeRe

      And hopefully he'll tell Israel as well...

      • (0 Kudos received)

Login now to post your comment.