Countdown Tuesday: The Truth Squad

Posted: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 8:59 PM by Countdown
Filed Under: Blogging the Countdown

More Clinton vs. Obama vs. Clinton: If the first Clinton campaign for president, in 1992, was defined by its "War Room"... The current one might wind up being remembered by another candidate's "Truth Squad". Our fifth story on the Countdown: "The South Carolina Truth Squad," to be precise, established today by the Barack Obama campaign. It was the infamous news commentator Boake Carter who observed that in war truth is the first casaulty... If you didn't realize it already -- in politics, truth is not only not a casaulty... it multiplies.

PRICKLY PALMETTO POLITICS: The contentious debate between candidates Clinton and Obama was heated enough.. the prospect of another big primary in just four days is pouring more fuel on the fire. Our fourth story, both candidates throwing more punches at each other today, one by long distance.

ODDBALL: The world coconut smashing champ and the world's best imitation of the world's worst.

The GOP Horserace: One year after the Democratic Congress took power, they and President Bush have finally agreed on something. The forecast from Wall Street: we are screwed. In our third story tonight, Mr. Bush continues to deny it, but the recession debate has become not if, but when. If not... already. So what do those who want to succeed him, plan to do about it -- already?

Tabby TIme: In a previous more cynical, and less celebrity-awestruck, time...One might have thought that the leed story in our 90 seconds of celebrity news was an attempt to promote gambling on the Super Bowl. Right now everybody's just drooling that it's Tom Brady and Giselle Bundchen...

WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD: Chuck Knoblauch, the Republican Party Committee of Clark County, Washington, and the big headed one vie for tonight's top honors.

Heath Ledger, 1979-2008: Against so many who crave -- and constantly exploit -- the limelight, the exceptions stand out... Add to that a sudden, untimely death, and you begin to understand the shock surrounding word that actor Heath Ledger -- age 28 -- was found dead this afternoon... in a Manhattan residence, believed to be his home. Our number one story on the Countdown.

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Comments

Not much to say tonight -- first two stories -- already being debated on the last thread. Everyone take a deep breath, sip an orange Giuliani, re-focus, pick an issue from the cornucopia, and let’s go hunt some republicans.

The Rachel Maddow Show -- Thank you, Countdown, for the special treat -- finally talking about some real issues. Edwards looks like the freaking genius? NOW somebody notices? Well, okay. Good start. One of these days, get back to the war, okay? I think that’s still going on. Here’s my proof --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/22/world/middleeast/22vehicle.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin

Tom Brady -- The Keith number is 12, based on Brady’s uncertain foot status. A cast on his foot? Uncommitted. Cowboy boots? John McCain. Flip-flops? Mitt Romney. Stiletto heels? Rudy Giuliani. Would you just make up your mind about your footwear, Mr. Brady? A whole industry is depending on you.

WPitW -- Billo! Keep dogging him, Countdown. There really is no excuse.

Anna Molly (: (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 9:07 PM)

The Carter/Kennedy analogy is dead on!! I remember that; it did fracture the Party; my sister and I fought and we never fight; the Party did not heal; although my sister and I made up; however, Reagan won. Now many may argue Reagan would have won anyway; however, this is not 1980 --the Democrats should NOT lose this election --no excuse except their own stupidity!!

Please Senators Clinton and Obama --no more arguing --we cannot have another Carter/Kennedy Party split --please!!

LAST NIGHT JUST MADE ME MORE PROUD TO CAST MY VOTE FOR DENNIS KUCINICH!!

Both Senators Clinton and Obama were disgraceful last night; both disrgraced the office they are seeking --I am still horrified!!

GOD HELP US!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 9:12 PM)

Cute kid in the “Oddball” segment; better watch it, Keith! You may have some competition. ;)

OK, since forewarned is forearmed, the rest of this post is going to be a downer, so if you're not in the mood for a downer, stop here and have a good evening.

For those of you still with me, good grief, we’ve got squads now?! Are the Dems at war now? Wait, don’t answer that. Maybe George Carlin’s right about that whole not voting thing. What a mess. What an absolute damn mother-forkin mess. I am absolutely ashamed of both Senators Clinton and Obama. This is the best we can do for the “top 2”?! Who we have running for president on both sides are our "best and brightest"? Our best and brightest don't have the money and connections to run for political office, and who the hell would if the process is going to turn you into what was displayed on CNN last night? May the children forgive us for the mess we make and leave NO MATTER WHO "WINS" IN NOVEMBER.

There’s talk of Senator Thompson as a running mate for Senator McCain? People are making an issue of McCain’s age, and we’re talking Thompson as a running mate?! Does EVERYONE in politics have their heads up their hind quarters?! Wait, don’t answer that, either.

And, we're actually expecting presidential candidates to have plans for the economy? Everyone running is too busy fighting among themselves to worry about “we the people.”

RIP Heath Ledger, and [insert deity of your choice here] help us all.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 9:20 PM)

Keith - Please get YOUR facts straight before you report on a "Truth Squad" story. I just heard you state as truth Bill Clinton's lie about Barack Obama's comments (that Obama had told a Nevada editorial board that "Republicans had all the good ideas"). Barack Obama said that Republicans had ideas. He DID NOT SAY that Republicans had GOOD ideas or that Republicans had ALL THE GOOD ideas. You just repeated, verbatim, Bill Clinton's lie as the truth. And then your guest, John Harwood, nodded his head in agreement! What is wrong with the two of you? It would have taken you less than 5 minutes to read the transcript of that newspaper editorial board meeting. I will look forward to a correction of your error at the beginning of tomorrow night's show.

Carrie in California (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 9:24 PM)

FACT CHECK: In Keith Olbermann's interview with Howard Fineman regarding the Clinton Obama feud (Tuesday's Show), Keith stated about Obama, and I quote Keith: "He (Obama) did say that the Republicans had had all of the good ideas in the last 10-15 years, which include the Clinton presidency and he has seemed to step away from those comments."

The fact of the matter is that Obama stated that the "Republicans were the party of ideas for a good chunk of time . . . " Which is absolutely true. These ideas shifted the tax burden from Federal level to the State, it convinced the country that the "trickle down" theory would be good for the country, it led a campaign against the Left and demonized the term "liberal", thusly sucking this country into the pit of neo-conservatism.

Obama also stated that Reagan "changed the trajectory of the nation and put us on a fundamentally different course." As Doris Goodwin Kearns stated on Meet the Press this last Sunday, "Barak's comment regarding Reagan and the Republicans are historical facts . . ."

I respectfully request on air correction. Just a request.

William Gray, Santa Barbara, CA (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:43 PM)

I get the feeling when I listen to Clinton and Edwards, that they would turn the Democratic Party into a National Socialist Worker's Party.

David Molinero (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:07 PM)

When I saw this posted, I suspected that someone would write me back with something hard hitting disputing the Charge.

Guess that under today's Media Revision of History, People just don't know what The National Socialist Workers Party was. And yes, I do Fear that Clinton and Edwards would put us down that path.

Some fear the Government monitoring curtain patterns of Phone Calls and Internet Usage, I Fear the Government, Under Law, Monitoring whats going on inside my Home. California is going to start monitoring what you have the Thermostat set at, and if they don't like it, change it to what they think it should be. Couple that with Trans-Fat, and No Smoking at Home Laws, and we have the Beginnings of an Oppressive Government.

And if the Dems ever get their Government Ran Health Care, then think of the Power they could use to Make People do what They Think is Right.
"You Smoke. You Have to Quit if You Want Treatment."
"You're Over Weight by 20Lbs. You Have to Work-Out."
And it would all be for "Your Own Good".

Yes I do know what I'm saying by Fearing that Edwards and Clinton would Turn the Democratic Party into The National Socialist Workers Party, do You Understand that Fear.

David Molinero (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:57 PM)

Just some information for the war profiteer GE/MSNBC:

I did some investigating. It turns out that other folks are still running for president. It's not just the same three you insist on over-hyping.

I realize that a truly pro-peace candidate, such as Dennis Kucinich, does not say the things that a war profiteer likes to hear. I guess this is just more wishful thinking from someone who wishes the press would do their job. Oh well...

James, NYC, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:59 PM)

BILLO WPITW!! I'm SHOCKED! Where's the xanax? I need a pill right this moment! This just proves how insigifigant you really are. Keith,he never mentions your name. Don't you get it?

John Scully Denver Co. (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:01 PM)

#1.Ledger's Ennis DelMar, is as tortured a character as has ever graced the screen. The Good, they die young. #2. Yeah, but can she drop kick? #3. Their answer seems to be 'Stay the Course'. Talk about Party Unity. #4. At this moment, both are studying Don Rickles Videos, trying to gain the 'Edge'. #5.The Democratic Navy presents, "Swift Kicks Fer Whatever?"

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:09 PM)

Dear Keith,

It's been almost 10 years since Chuck Knoblauch accidently overthrew a ball into the stands at Yankee Stadium at hit your poor mother.

It was an accident, GET OVER IT ALREADY!

Love,
Mom

Chris, Tacoma, WA (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:16 PM)

Not much to say tonight -- first two stories -- already being debated on the last thread. Everyone take a deep breath, sip an orange Giuliani, re-focus, pick an issue from the cornucopia, and let’s go hunt some republicans.
Anna Molly (: (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 9:07 PM)

Hunting republicans huh? Well since I would never touch a gun let alone fire one –ever --I'm up for hunting for republicans --any suggestions on a weapon –I hate weapons!! LOL!! Seriously, Anna Molly, thank you; you have put this in perspective and I truly appreciate it and admire you for it!!

PEACE FRIEND!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:21 PM)

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 9:20 PM)

While a downer, it's a MUCH NEEDED downer!! As I told Anna Molly, you have also put this in perspective; I thank you and admire you greatly for it!!

PEACE FRIEND!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:23 PM)

BILLO WPITW!! I'm SHOCKED!John Scully Denver Co. (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:01 PM)

He is the worst person in the world. He is no journalist-he is just a big wind bag. The only reason people watch him is because it is like a train wreck-you don't want to see it, but you can't look away. He reminds me of that big wind bag a few years back-Morton Downey Jr!! Invite someone on your show, and cut them off the minute they disagree with you.

Pat, New Lenox, Il (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:27 PM)

James, NYC, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:59 PM)

Dennis Kucinich has my vote sir!! He's been the only honest candidate; the only candidate to vote against BOTH the authorization for the Iraq war and its subsequent funding, the only candidate who voted against The Patriot Act and the reauthorization of it!! Hands down, this man should be our next president!!

KUDOS & PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:29 PM)

A word or two about Keith O. and Billo. No, O'Reilly never mentions Keith's name. If he did, he likely wouldn't get the story right.

Olbermann rarely gets his facts wrong, but when he does, he admits it.

O'Reilly consistently gets his facts wrong and to my knowledge has NEVER admitted it, up to and including his stating that "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" are in the Constitution.

Stay on Billo, Keith. His lack of veracity needs to be exposed. Those who don't want the truth about Billo, don't watch Olberman. He tells the truth.

Disgusted, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:44 PM)

"But are you suggesting that Clinton is the only candidate who can win? Because my point was really that the issues are so favorable that, as long as they don't destroy each other first, any one of the remaining candidates could beat any one of the remaining republican candidates. Unless, of course, there is a serious third-party candidacy, in which case all the balls could go right back up into the air gain."

Anna Molly (: -- aka Anomaly (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 8:29 PM)

I think any of the top three Dems could win if they run a competent campaign, torpedo the swift-boaters the instant they emerge, and don't have too many old scandals erupt. Bloomberg, should he run, will likely draw off conservatives who dislike what the republicans have done but can't bring themselves to vote for a dem than the contrary. For dems it will for the most part be payback time and Anyone But a Repug will do and if the party loses a few who can't bring themselves to vote for whomever, so be it. This won't be a significant number. That's my fantasy and I'm sticking to it.

Mo Hammond Cairo IL (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:50 PM)

Kudos to Rachel Maddow for talking some real sense tonight. Howard Finemann--not so much. Oh well, I'll take any sense I can get lately.

Anna Molly & Laura in LA -- I loved that NY times article. Reminds me of a book we read for book club a number of years ago, "Grooming Gossip and the Evolution of Language" by Robin Dunbar. Covered a lot of the same sorts of ideas. Sure explained a lot of companies I've worked for:

http://www.amazon.com/Grooming-Gossip-Evolution-Language-Dunbar/dp/0674363361/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201063462&sr=8-1

Anna Molly--sorry about the Packers. I did watch NA on PBS however, and quite enjoyed it! Regarding trainwreck of the week before. I find that others have been busy posting "improvements" on the internets (I had a lot of time on my hands to surf while waiting for the furnace repair guy). I think you'll like this:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wwZsyVm01Dw

ek, who hopes to #@@%% it warms up soon (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:13 AM)

The Clinton's are running a very negative and nasty campaign. Barack has only been positive during his campaign and the Clinton's have been using the same tired old tactics to get Hillary elected. THE COUNTRY DOES NOT NEED THIS RIGHT NOW. We don't need polarizing figures in the white house just like bush is a polarizing figure. Look, Hillary is taking Obama's words and twisting them to put him in a negative light. Anyone can mudsling behind the curtain, but when she finally gets called out for it in public, suddenlly SHES the "victim".A vote for Obama is a vote for a NEW washington. Think about it, do we really want Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton?? That looks like a consitutional monarchy to me everybody....We don't want two families running our country for more than 20 years!!

Alex H, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:17 AM)

Bill Clinton has an 83% approval rating among democrats? WOW!! I knew he was popular but I had no idea how popular ---are you sure Keith?

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:23 AM)

I'd like to second Mr. Gray's request for a correction. Senator Obama never said Republican ideas were good ideas. This is another mistatement (that's the nice word, lie might be more accurate) started by the Clinton campaign, and now repeated by the media echo chamber without enough investigation or thought. Including tonight on Countdown.

I suggest you read this thorough analysis and transcript over at the Chicago Tribune today, and please make an on air correction. You owe Senator Obama that much.

http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2008/01/obamareagan.html#more

Mark Hall (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:39 AM)

Ok. Apparently you people don't want to provide a link for emailing the show, so I'll ask here:

WHEN did Herbert Hoover LOWER taxes on corporations?

Instead of running off at the mouth, and simply DECLARING that Herbert Hoover lowered corporate taxes, which I have now heard him say on at least TWO occasions, could you have Mr. Olbermann tell us exactly WHEN Mr. Hoover did it?

You see, I've come to distrust the media over the past ten years or so, and I've discovered this wonderful resource. It's called the Internet. According to Wikipedia, the Revenue Act of 1932 INCREASED corporate taxes. I also searched MSN Encarta, and it makes no mention of it.

The only thing that I can conclude is that Mr. Olbermann either doesn't know how to read for comprehension, or he simply wants to continue LYING.

In fact, it was CALVIN COOLIDGE who lowered corporate taxes from 13 percent in the Revenue Act of 1924, to 12 percent with the Revenue Act of 1928.

Please get your facts straight. Continuing to perpetuate this lie diminishes your credibility.

James Shiflett, Fredericksburg, Va (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:50 AM)

FACT CHECK PLEASE, MR OLBERMANN
Someone may have already mentioned this, but Olbermann misquoted Obama's Reagan comment to the Reno paper. He didn't say the Republicans had the GOOD ideas, he said they were the party OF ideas. BIG difference, Keith.
I'm really surprised at this mistake -- assuming it was a slip-up, but kinda shocking from a guy who claims to "Truth Squad" so many of our politicians. (And Fineman needs to be chastised as well for not noticing it -- maybe he believes what the CLintons claim Obama said too?)
Maybe you need to stop hanging around with that loose-lipped Matthews wind-sock.

Please provide an on-air correction tomorrow evening. Anything less would be irresponsible, and being a big fan of your show (since 2003!), I expect your reporting to be at least responsible . . .

mike harris, evanston Il (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:56 AM)

Currently making me crazy (outside of the News Hole/Black Hole continually losing my posts - deliberate?) is the media continually declaring "winners" and "losers" when the election is over 10 months away.

Now that Gravel and Kucinich have been declared "losers" and not worthy of inclusion in debates, John Edwards is now being declared a "loser" and marginalized even in the debates where he is present. Edwards WAS the adult in the room last night. Hillary and Obama have once again only shown how much it's all about them, when it should be all about fixing this country. I hope they both lose support over their childish spatting over what amounts to nothing. Shame on the media for continuing to throw gas on the fire so they have a "story" to cover.

Back to the issues, please, and remember to at least pretend to act like leaders. Where's the RFK/FDR that usually comes forth when our country is in real deep trouble?

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 1:24 AM)

Keith, tonight, you said to Howard Fineman that Obama had said, "Reagan had all the 'GOOD' ideas..." Emphasis mine. I've seen the clip 5 times, read the transcripts five more. I have yet to see or hear Obama use the word "good" in relation to "Reagan" and/or "ideas." This, seems to me, misrepresents Obama's comments and is a claim the Clintons could be expected to make (and they have) but I didn't think I was going to hear something something so careless stated by you. Typically, your standards are much more exact. If, in fact, he did say anything of the kind can you, or a staff memeber, point me to where and/or when that ever happened - and please accept my apologies in advance.

SB

Steve Bennett, Tucson, AZ (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 1:32 AM)

There is going to come a time, and hopefully it will be during the Democratic debates rather than the general; when someone will throw the line at her while she is defending her husbands statements... "It depends on what you think the definition of IS, is". As a challenge it is reminder of the Clinton administrative missteps, and not a slam on her as a woman/wife/senator/mother. That will tie a tin can to her campaign that she has so far been able to escape.

Mike, Madison, Wi (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 1:37 AM)

As of Wednesday, 1/23/2008, there are still 363 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 348 days until the end of this Congress on 1/5/2009
There are 286 days until election day -- 11/4/2008

There are still more Primaries to come! Continue to evaluate ALL the candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 1:41 AM)

KEITH....GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT! SENATOR OBAMA NEVER SAID HE THOUGHT THAT ONLY THE REGAN REPUBLICANS HAD GOOD IDEAS!!! AND YOUR HALFASS CORRECTION DESERVES YOU...KEITH OLBERMANN (NOT BILL O'REILLY) TO BE TONIGHTS WORSE PERSON IN THE WORLD AND YOU OWE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AN APOLOGY FOR REPORTING A LIE NOT TO MENTION SENATOR OBAMA. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK AND NEXT TIME YOU GET A SO CALLED EXPERT TO INTERVIEW ABOUT THIS, MAKE SURE HE CORRECTS YOU WHEN YOU SPEAK WRONGLY. THAT DUFUS AGREED WITH YOU. SO MUCH FOR HIS EXPERTICE!

ALLY, JACKSON, MI (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 1:50 AM)

David Molinero (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:57 PM)

"I get the feeling when I listen to Clinton and Edwards, that they would turn the Democratic Party into a National Socialist Worker's Party.

David Molinero (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:07 PM)

"When I saw this posted, I suspected that someone would write me back with something hard hitting disputing the Charge".

I don't no David,.... I just think most people here have better things to post, than response to what you have to say. What do think David ???

Obviously your just another water carrying moron for the dark side, and your daddy really is W, and your uncle, dirty Dick.

I dont really care about Clinton or Edwards.

But I tell you David what I really fear and what I think is scary, and that is that people with your mentality are on the loose.

But here is a word that should confort you David and alleviate your misguided "fear", Rendition!

jp, cali (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 2:22 AM)

DAVID MOLINERO,

It is so good to see your concern for the country becoming Socialistic w/ The Dems in The WH!!!

But you FORGOT about The Decider, who has FINAL say. That means The Exec. Branch trumps both other branches.

NO to checks & bals.
NO to The Geneva Conv.
NO to science.
NO to The EPA.
NO to tons of laws.

We have another year to survive, and that is NOt a sure thing. Yeah, I know these are powers he needs for the war he started!!!

Talvenada, Phila., Penna. (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 3:13 AM)

President Bush, seen at the White House on Tuesday, and officials in his administration made 935 false statements on Iraq in the two years following the 2001 terrorist attacks, according to a new study.
*****************************************************

No kidding? Of course this will be poo-pooed by the administration and their blind lemmings across our great country, but whatever. Of course those blind lemmings are still sitting at home waving the flag for the war, while others fight the fight.

What a shame. Still, I'm glad to know that I didn't vote for that lying, shameful, illiterate fool.

Ciao.

Jamie, Lago Patria, Italia (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 4:38 AM)

I received my sample ballot today in the mail. Thank goodness there are more then just Hillary, Obama and Edwards listed. There is also Richardson, Biden, Dodd, Kucinich, and Gavel. If I decide I just can't stomach voting for the 2-3 front runners because of this latest debacle, which every time I see it repeated looks worse and worse, at least I can still vote for someone else, even if they are no longer in the running. Now I've got to make up my mind on those pesky propositions.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 4:40 AM)

Oh yes, and I received an email this am from a friend back in CA.

Electile Dysfunction: What happens when we have the choices we currently have to be President of the United States.

Crikey!

Jamie, Lago Patria, Italia (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 4:40 AM)

Thanks Keith for continuing to expose Bill O'Reilly for the swamp scum he is. He can't ever live this one down. He owes every homeless vet an apology.

and..saddness at the death of Heath Ledger. A great actor. I want to hear the reason he had misgivings about playing the Joker on the latest Batman movie.
May he RIP.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 4:44 AM)

Hey David,

Maybe nobody responded to your post about National Socialism because it is clear you do not know what that even is...

Why bother having a discussion with someone who doesn't know what he's talking about?

Oh and when I saw that you quoted yourself, that's just priceless. I gotta remember to do that one of these days!

One last thing... the Governor of California is a Republican... You might have heard of him, he was in alot of movies... Arnold something or other...Really hard to spell his last name...

<3

Ali Paz

Ali Paz (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:54 AM)

Hi website dudes: the RSS feed for this blog is farked. The link it has for the website is messed up. Please have a look? Great thanks!

Charity, Princeton, NJ (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:24 AM)

Isn't this all too funny really? The political pundits have been asking SINCE LAST SUMMER - when is Obama going to go after Hillary? So he does, and now all of a sudden - the pundits are tired of the so-called mudslinging between Obama and Hillary.

Grow up people. Obama should have gone after Hillary and Bill. If he didn't, he would have lost for sure.

I disagree entirely with both Keith and Howard Fineman's assessment of this whole thing. There is a lot at stake, especially for those of us who do not want the Clintons back in the White House.

Bill Clinton is bored. So he has decided to campaign for a third term. It's that simple. As Newt Gringrich said, the Clintons want to be the next Roosevelts as far as political dynasties go.

It has nothing to do with changing the atmosphere in DC. Nothing. In all probability it will just get worse if she's elected. You can count on it.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:55 AM)

David Molinero:
Re: National Socialist Workers Party

I think you are way off when you think that Clinton/Edwards will create a Swedish Fascist Party (It's on Wikipedia, look it up)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Socialist_Workers_Party

Unless you meant that Clinton / Edwards would create a Nazi party... In which case, I think you need to reread history, the definition of Fascism, etc. BTW Fascism is a right-wing ideology. Notice I don't say "conservative", and I'm not saying that the current administration is fascist (although many reputable scholars of history have seen fascist overtones in many of their statements / rhetoric)

In fascism, the state is always right and the leader of the state is always right. (think "1984" by George Orwell)

If you think that Clinton and Edwards are tending that direction, I think you have been listening too much to Jonah Goldberg - author of "Liberal Fascism" and recent contender in a WPITW segment for his complete misunderstanding of the definition of fascism

Just because it says "Socialist" in the name, doesn't make it left wing....

Now, if you think that Clinton/Edwards are out to create a Socialist state (e.g. where the state controls certain industries for the public well-being - like healthcare) (Socialism being a left-wing ideology), then maybe we could have a discussion.

However, please define your terms more clearly so we can have a real discussion.

(BTW it's almost a truism that the first person to make a comparison to Nazis loses the argument.)

Jocelyn, Rockville, MD (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:57 AM)

"Anybody who watches three games of football in a row should be declared brain dead."
~Erma Bombeck~

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:05 AM)

I am getting really tired of hearing all the sniping between the Dem. candidates. Why not save the remarks until the two parties start debating. I don't know about anyone else, but this is turning me off big time. First of all, there are entirely too many debates amoung same party candidates and nothing new is being said except negitive points. If in the future, they want to work together, it's going to look sleazy.

JoAnn Moundsville,WV (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:27 AM)

Hello everybody! First-time blogger,been watching the show for the last six months. YES, I know that everyone in the NewsHole has a slight problem with Fox News (wait!No!PLEASE KEEP READING!!!), but I saw this posting by Father Jonathan, who helps cover religion for FNC. All of us need to read this and keep this in mind with the sound advice from Carol of New Jersey. Again I know it's from Faux Noise, but I ask you to PLEASE read this with an open mind. This could explain what is so wrong with this year's Presidential Campaign:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,323167,00.html

Alex the Independent, Peoria, IL (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:33 AM)

And if the Dems ever get their Government Ran Health Care, then think of the Power they could use to Make People do what They Think is Right.
"You Smoke. You Have to Quit if You Want Treatment."
"You're Over Weight by 20Lbs. You Have to Work-Out."
And it would all be for "Your Own Good".

Good morning, David. I, too greatly fear the unwaranted intrusion of government in our lives. But, as far as I know, it is the Republicans and especially the current administration who have been deconstructing our civil liberties; watching our library rentals, warrantless wiretaps, e-mail interceptions and suspending Habeas Corpus. It was the Republican mayor of NYC who championed the no-smoking policy in all NYC restaurants and bars as well as the trans fat ban.

And, also, as far as I know - the only candidate for president who is advocating a nation-wide ban on tobacco and tobacco products is. . . .Mike Huckabee. Republican.

It would appear that the Dems hardly have a lock on what you term "Oppressive Government". I would be a lot more frightened of a McCain/Huckabee ticket than I EVER would be of Clinton/Edwards/Obama in any combination.

Yr. Obd't S'vt, Sir.

Chris F., Just o'er the border in Williconsinois (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:33 AM)

- OPINION -
Op-Ed: Make the Tax Cuts Work
One way to prevent or shorten a recession would be to repeal the Bush tax cuts two years early, in 2009.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/opinion/23burman.html?th&emc=th

A short interesting opinion, a quick worthy read.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:41 AM)

Krista:

In response to you from the previous thread (I also responded on the previous thread), not to worry. Pam and I are friends through and through and when all is said and done whether we agree or not, get tough with one another or not, we will always return to our home park bench, sit beside each other, relax and enjoy a fine spring morning where nothing can separate our souls (nothing). It is the same with myself and most bloggers here. Agree with me, rip me up and down, don't respond to a post I send, don't even read my posts. All the above are ok by me. We are still friends. That is called being comfortable within oneself. That is called having serenity. To bad it appears that our Presidential candidates don't appear to have found their serenity yet.

And Krista, I agree with much of your 9:20 PM Post.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:42 AM)

*Sigh* Heath Ledger. Another flame that burned too brightly.

Chris F., saddened in Williconsinois (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:46 AM)

Obama's campaign needs to troubleshoot, find out, and expose the culprit (s) behind the smears being posted on the internet. This needs to be done publicly! We cannot let Barack Obama be "swiftboated," like Kerry and other great Americans before him. Expose these smear mongers ASAP!

Roland Madore, Fort Collins, CO (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:48 AM)

File this story under "No $hit, Sherlock." It would appear that we were lied to over and over and over again about the war in Iraq. Check this out:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080123/ap_on_go_pr_wh/misinformation_study

And, while the "leading" Democratic presidential candidates are acting like kids in their "terrible twos," and the Republicans are scrambling to find the next Ronald Reagan incarnate, let us not forget nor let ANY of the presidential candidates forget that Americans are in harm's way.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:50 AM)

Re: Fears of a "socialized" medicine created by Edwards or Obama. The rest of the civilized Western world (if it isn't sheer hubris to include ourselves in that categroy) already has "socialized" medicine, and, contrary to Fox news reports, seem to be damned glad of it. You wont want to benefit from "socialized" medicine? Just opt out. No one will be prohibiting you from continuing with private insurers or private care providers. But you will still benefit from the program, because you'll find that healt hcare will become considerably more affordable.

Fred Harvey, Norfolk, VA (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:50 AM)

David Molinero (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:57 PM)

Dave, I’m pretty sure they don’t understand the reference.

scott henderson nv (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:55 AM)

Keith, you blew it. In your segment so ill tagged as "Clinton vs Obama vs Clinton", you repeated the lie that Obama said that the Republicans had the good ideas. Please retitle your segment "Clinton vs Obama vs Clinton and Olbermann". Obama did not say the Republicans had good ideas. The Clintons are taking a page out of the Bush handbook. They state that Obama spoke about Reagan and Republicans having good ideas, and then instead of reporters (you?) calling out their lie, you report it. How about a story tonight on fact checking. Hillary said she had the transcript of the Reno newspaper, can you call her on it and have her produce where Obama stated that the Republicans had good ideas? Please correct your error, and how about some reportage on the Clinton truth shaving. Have we not had enough of this type of politics with the current president that you so correctly chide?

Dave, Chicago,IL (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:24 AM)

David Molinero (10:57 PM Post):

As I stated to Mo on the previous thread I think we all have to get above concerns for party. I realize that one party may represent more of what a person may value and agree with regarding those issues we all face today, but until we demand leadership that is based on individual honesty and integrity and not necessarily on a commitment to party we all will be much better off. While we speak of supporting Dems and Republicans and denying the other we remain caught in a web by both sides where our desires and dreams as a nation will be stymied by this sense of party over country. We will continue to limit our choices of who we really want and need to manage the affairs of this country. I realize that all candidates have their flaws, but don't you think we could find a person someday that stands above the others if we would just hold dear a little more loyalty to country and a little less loyalty to party. I have not yet decided who I will personally support but I do know I will make that decision based on the person and not on the party. If a particular candidate in one party (who I might favor) is not nominated I will not then automatically agree to support the chosen nominee of the same party. As we have seen so far in these primaries none of the leading candidates from either party are acting like the mature, responsible, accountbale, honest, team playing and self-less persons that we would prefer in a President. And because of party machinery and corruption on both sides those who might offer these special leadership qualities are quickly denied the opportunity to pursue the Presidency by the base of both parties who continue to remain loyal to party over that of country. Rightly or wrongly Obama has taken a beating reagrding his comments about Reagan. But some day we need to find and elect a person as Reagan, or Bill Clinton, who have the ability to bring people together by way of a certain charisma, and who can after being elected pursue good ideas.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:26 AM)

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