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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:47:47 GMT

Matthews and the rest of the MSM was too busy coronating Obama and telling us he was the "second coming of Christ" immediately following his Iowa win. The MSM was too busy selecting our next president --New Hampshire showed ALL of them!!

New Hampshire also showed many people, to include the MSM, some here and many, many Obama supporters it's a dangerous game when you insult Hillary Clinton the way you did --I feel vindicated today (thank you Carrie & Laura; both of you were right by my side in our feelings of disgust, horror and anger!!

A PS to Obama supporters – never, never try to re-write the presidency of Bill Clinton; NEVER insult him as you have; I tried to warn you -- I was told by one "fine" Obama supporter, "Go drink swamp water in San Pedro with the Clintons and go to H***." How nice and "inspirational" that was; change; no, it was rude. However, compared to what the majority of you have written about Senator Clinton and former President Bill Clinton “you know where,” I got off "easy."

PEACE!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:50:55 GMT

Kevin of NJ – From an earlier thread --

I totally agree Kevin, which is why I am a proud American today thanks to New Hampshire!! We NEED to debate this; Obama is not “second coming of Christ,” which the MSM and many people have ordained him as; this is (was) very scary!!

Also; I disagree with part of what you said; the "emotional moment" bashing was the straw that broke the camel's back; the "Hillary Hate Speech" sediment has been brewing for weeks!!

I stated it here three weeks ago; I stated in many posts; I warned people it would backfire; I believe it did!! I also believe the Bill Clinton bashing did a great amount of damage; I warned against that –I was called horrible names; not here, elsewhere!!

Also, this had NOTHING to do with "women voting for women" --it DID, in part, have to do with a woman being treated in the cruelest and most vicious manner I have EVER, EVER witnessed!!

I'm sorry; I disagree the Hillary Hate Speech had zero impact; I stated to my sister, "I do not think I am the only person in the United States who feels this way" --that was Sunday night at our family dinner, or two days before the NH primary.

I'll use one of my favorite lines; "it mattered!!"

PEACE!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Kevin of NJ — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:56:59 GMT

P.S. Big news for the Obama camp...the Illinois Senator has bounced back with a big Nevada endorsement.

Gee is everyone at NBC kissing Obama's feet. I agree with Pam, Substance over Style.

Again see below. yuck!!

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/television/journo_love_for_obama_74502.asp

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

ek, mpls mn — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:57:59 GMT

First before I forget regarding last night’s coverage: More of Rachel Maddow, please! Less of the guy sitting next to Keith , PLEASE!

Now that we seem to be down to two main democratic candidates – neither of whom have been “mine” I guess I’m back to the the drawing board on research and comparisons. Here’s a couple of handy links to compare voting records, public statements, etc.

Obama
http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=9490

Clinton
http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=55463

Don’t worry republicans, you can find your guys too
http://www.vote-smart.org/index.htm

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:58:39 GMT

Don't tease us with a new thread and not update it, please??

Thanks you!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Wrightwing — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:02:29 GMT

"Please do not forget about Ron Paul. He is the only anti-war republican candidate whereas all his opponents are Bush cheerleaders." Raphael Wegmann, Vienna, Austria (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 5:37 AM)

Check out this link, then come back and tell us about Ron Paul.

http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=e2f15397-a3c7-4720-ac15-4532a7da84ca

(Thanks to Tex for posting this on Ornery's blog)

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:03:27 GMT

Be careful MSM; Howard Dean had all those "powerful" union endorsements before he caved in Iowa -- It appears YOU may not have learned YOUR lesson!!

Oh but wait; Senator Clinton is FAR ahead in the polls in Nevada - LOL!!

It's ok if you wish to have mud on your faces again; I know I would particularly both enjoy and love seeing Chris Matthews “stuck on stupid” while eating crow again!!

PEACE!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

thank you — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:03:44 GMT

update please...................

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:08:54 GMT

PS: Anna Molly -- I would especially enjoy it if you were there with me keeping me laughing all night!!

THANKS AGAIN & PEACE!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Carol, Long Valley NJ — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:12:52 GMT

There are 377 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 362 days until the end of this Congress on 1/5/2009
There are 300 days until election day -- 11/4/2008

There are still more primaries to come. Evaluate ALL the candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

update — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:14:20 GMT

NEWS HOLE,

HELLO? ANYONE HOME? A NEW THREAD? NO UPDATES?

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Full Moon — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:22:18 GMT

Hillary Clinton - as much as I can't stand her and
her numbskull husband, she knows
the U.S. can't just jump up and
pull out of Iraq immediately. She
does lean toward some of Bush's
policies but she, like Obama, will
raise taxes through the roof ...
and all those free entitlements.
Still probably the best choice of
the remaining Democratic
candidates.

I would, however, vote for McCain,
Romney, Huckabee or Guiliani in
the 2008 presidential election
before I'd vote for Hillary.

If "change" is indeed the way to
go, then you must rid the White
House of those two families that
have tied it up for the last 20
years ... the Bush/Clinton faction.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:22:35 GMT

Golly, how did the COUNTDOWN trifecta come about? Triple the pleasure...triple the fun, huh??

Speaking of pleasure and fun, I will be the first to admit that my mind is in the gutter A LOT. I suspect I am not alone in that respect among my fellow bloggers, which is NOT MEANT to be an insult. So, the rest of you, fess up. Were you like me and immediately thought that Obama's "big Neveda endorsement" came from the Bunny Ranch or some other similar place?! Huh?! C'mon...fess up! ;D

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Muzz — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:24:53 GMT

Keith, however the coverage cookie crumbles, please refrain from telling those of us who don't live in Iowa or New Hampshire that "it's all over." We all get to vote. C'mon, you're better than that...don't taze us, bro!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Don Lane, Eugene Oregon — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:25:00 GMT

Kieth I am sorry to say that even though I love watching you last night I got so discussed with barking Chris I had to turn to CNN.

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Rachel Winfree, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:25:11 GMT

I think the biggest loser last night was Chris Matthews. His blatant partisanship, his gushing adoration of Obama and visceral disdain for the Clintons is getting in the way of him being able to be taken seriously. He never fails to refer to Senator Clinton as 'Hillary' and Senator Obama as 'Obama.' That says so much right there. I used to respect and enjoy Chris Matthews. Now he is coming off as desperate and pathetic.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

thank you — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:43:08 GMT

News Hole moderator, update please.......

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Larry Charleston, SC — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:48:33 GMT

Let me tell you what happened in NH. Liberals are afraid to say they are against Obama because he is black and they will be assigned the label of racist. So they tell the pollster , yeah I'm for Obama and go into the private voting booth and vote Clinton. In Iowa the caucuses are an open discussion with no privacy so the people there were between a rock and a hard place. Bottom line, Barry Huessein Obama's movement is a farce being fueled by the media. Now don't all the liberal pundits look foolish ??? LOL

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Georgerz — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:49:35 GMT

How do you feel after your attacks the night before against Ms. Clinton? and why don't the pundits ask how many voters did not vote for Obama?
It sure taught you all a lesson. Ms. Clinton will be the next Legitimate President of this Country, I am proud to support her.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:55:14 GMT

While all the He-Boars laughed at Hillary for crying and either called it a Fake or said no President would act like that, the women in New Hampshire recognized a bunch of Good Old Misogynists when they heard them. Women, some of whom single-handedly raised kids and cried many times while doing it, knowing that being President was not That difficult. Women who knew that the biggest Change in the Presidency wouldn't come from a passle of Men talking about Change. Women who finally saw that the Media had long ago lost any neutrality and were just as biased against them as the Politicians were. It wasn't just the Women of New Hampshire who wised up to all of this. The Women of America wised up. They don't need us anymore, men. They have a Presidential Candidate of their own, and they've got the numbers. If only my Mom were here to see all of this. She'd be out slapping the Reporterazzi around and takin' names. She'd quit listening to Men a long time ago. Go Hillary, Go.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Janet Reed, Corvallis, MT — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:56:27 GMT

Wonder what happened? People in NH and every where else are fed up with the pundits, especially Chris Matthews for the snarly comments said with such glee. Keith was above the frey until his indignation when HRC made a point (with merit I might add) about MLK and Johnson. Disappointed Keith fell to Chris' level.

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Fortune Cookie (quoting Rose McCaulay) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:06:21 GMT

Cooks for Obama? 60,000 culinary workers in a state where only 40,000 people caucus. Could this be a case of "too many cooks spoil [or at least change] the broth"?

Here’s a fortune for Countdown – News is like food: it is the cooking and serving that makes it acceptable, not the material itself …

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Charity, Princeton, NJ — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:07:51 GMT

Doesn't anyone think it's still pretty darn cool that a junior senator whom no one had HEARD OF until July 2004 held his own against the well-oiled finely-tuned Clinton campaign machine? I mean, it was only 3% for crying out loud. It's not as if she completely smoked him.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Tom Petruzzelli, Gillette, NJ — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:08:12 GMT

While last night's results were stunning only to those who bought into the post-Iowa caucus media hype. The fact of the matter is that the expectations for Obama rose to an unsustainable level. I still believe that the big story of this year's presidential campaign is that America has its first viable African-American candidate and that that candidate wants to return civility and bipartisanship to our national political discourse (http://blog.myspace.com/outofdarknesslight).

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Susan, Valley Village, CA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:23:00 GMT

Has no one thought to question the Diebold machines used in elections now in most states, easily hackable with no paper trails? The buzz is that Hillary will be pushed as the nominee because she's the only one a Republican can defeat--hear they are waiting in the wings with a huge incontrovertible smear on her. Whereas if Obama gets the nomination, he wins, no matter how they skew the machines.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Ron Rice, Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:23:18 GMT

The treatment of Hillary Clinton by the media has ranged from awful to purely hateful. What ever happened to objectivity from our national media? The media appears to be in love with Obama and has given up asking any hard questions about his positions and experience for the highest job in our country. The voters will have take matters into their own hands because the media seems to want to choose our president for us.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

ek, mpls mn — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:25:22 GMT

Second attempt to post:

For all those who, like me, are now having to reassess the field, a handy link to voting records, public statements, etc. of the candidate and party of choice:

http://www.vote-smart.org/

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:26:04 GMT

The system has maintained itself. You have been slapped down and will end up with the same old crap you have tried but are unable to change. C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 1:51 PM)

While very well written C A; it was the young Obama supporters that got very down and dirty on their blog site!! They, too, played a huge role in what happened last night. I stated above I tried to warn them; when I did, I was insulted horribly!!

Perhaps they, like the MSM, have learned a big lesson; I hope so!! Bill Clinton is very, very popular with the base of the Democratic Party; when you start slinging mud at him, or try to rewrite his presidency when you barely can remember him, THAT is dangerous!! When you are NOT allowed to correct the factual inaccuracies without being insulted as I was; when you are faced with a young group who is filled with hope but minus facts and will not listen, the youth will be disappointed. In my opinion, the youth also, bear some responsibility!!

I was always taught to both listen to and respect my elders; this is NOT what I encountered on their blog; it was horrible!!

That is what they did; that is what matters; that did affect last night!!

PEACE!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Rich Bixby, tracy, CA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:31:34 GMT

Oh, please, please, please tell us you're not going to waste another hour hyperanalyzing inaccurate post-voting exit polls to explain why the pre-voting telephone polls were so inaccurate... all to tell us how the NH Primary somehow predicts what will happen in any of the other states?? When are any of you in the press going to learn that trying to predict elections based on samples, and especially non-representative samples, is a waste of time? Focus on giving us the facts so that WE THE PEOPLE can make up our own minds based on what matters, not based on media-derived narratives!!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Frederick Sweeney, Brooklyn — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:32:08 GMT

Congratulations to the good people of New Hampshire for voting they way they wanted to, not the way the MSM wanted them to. Bottom line, both Sens. Clinton and Obama got 9 delegates, Edwards got the other 4.
I just hope the rest of the country votes its heart and mind; this is part of getting back on the right track, We, the People,... not the insiders, not the lobbyists, not the MSM... US. As Carol and others here say, pick your candidate carefully, don't be lazy and stay on top of these bast*rds! If we're lazy, they will be too. Again, New Hampshire, well done.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:38:08 GMT

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

gothamtomato, nyc — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:43:17 GMT

Hi Keith,
You guys waited a long time, last night, to mention that Hillary's win was history. I think you, and the rest of the media, are missing big parts of the story (& I've been disappointed with you over this, because you are usually right on).

Younger women are not as much for Hillary because they take all their equal opportunities for granted. Older, career women remember how hard we had to struggle to win those opportunities & rights. And we can also see (clearly) the double standard that Hillary is being held too.

People were also angry that you guys in the media were telling all of us that the race was over before any of us even got to vote!!! Seriously, the way elections are being covered is getting worse all the time. It isn't fun & it isn't sport: There are millions of people depending on the outcome of these elections for their health & homes & livlihoods. It is not a game.

P.S.- I saw the Men's Journal article. Excellent! Have just one quibble: Brown shoes?

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Gordon Reid, Seattle, WA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:01:16 GMT

Come on, Keith, you have to make Chris Matthews the Worst Person In The World for his comment this morning that Hillary only got elected because of Bill messing around.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Allochthon, Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:01:24 GMT

I nominate Chris Matthews for WPitW. The video of Senator Clinton greeting him, and he reaches out to *pinch her cheek* is insulting and condescending. Can anyone imagine doing that to one of the male candidates?

And to make it worse, Chris thinks it's *cute.*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTFEtlDpbKA

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pat, New Lenox, IL — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:06:59 GMT

Pam, totally agree with you. I am so glad that NH did not let the pundits get away with making Obama a shoe-in. I despise Chris Matthews, but will watch him tonight to see if he eats crow. My cable was out last night, so I did not get to see any of the coverage, but from what I have read today, it also seems like Keithy is taking some heat for his coverage of events also. I went on Matthews sight to post something (not profane), just telling him that I thought he had lost his objectivity. It was never posted, but nothing is posted over there. Probably because all the comments are negative. I am glad to see that people are not going to just roll over and let the political talking heads pick a candidate for us. I think this election is one of probably only a couple in my lifetime that people are going to really stand up and be heard.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Laura in Los Angeles — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:09:18 GMT

Pam Bignardi Wednesday, January 09, 2008 1:50 PM..
Also, this had NOTHING to do with "women voting for women"--it DID, in part, have to do with a woman being treated in the cruelest and most vicious manner I have EVER, EVER witnessed!!

This would never have happened to a man. That double standard is sickening. I'd like to know just how many men were angered by this as well. It would be interesting to find out. The polls being wrong shows the electorate is smarter then the polls. Let's hope there is more civility when the MSM and others speak of Hillary or any other future female candidate. I don't intend for them to walk on eggshells, but they certainly can stop with the outrageous bashing, which she does not deserve. If they want to bash, bash all, not just one candidate, and just because she is a woman. Never underestimate an electorate. People have changed. They are more aware, they cannot be fooled so much as before, and we have GWB to thank for that.

and to use your words Pam.."it mattered!!"

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:12:23 GMT

I find it fascinating that the MSM continues to try to have early coronations. Remember how Hillary Clinton was crowned president this past summer based on polls and how much money she raised? After the first caucus, they crowned Obama president? Now what do they do?

Early primaries, in states with few delegates, DO NOT indicate the preferences of the majority of voters in this country. They are not crystal balls that predict a final winner or even the major contenders. They indicate who has the most money to spend on ads and professional staffers

The primaries have barely started. No one is out of the running.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

THANK YOU — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:13:45 GMT

NEWS HOLE TWO COMMENTS? UPDATE PLEASE.

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Chris F., Just o'er the border in Williconsinois — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:18:38 GMT

Clinton; NEVER insult him as you have; I tried to warn you
Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 1:47 PM)

Doing a little crowing there, Pam dear? It seems to me that the Clinton Coterie has been doing its fair share of insulting people, or have we forgotten whose sticky little fingerprints were all over the spurious e-mails concerning Sen. Obama's "Muslim/Al Queda" connection? I believe some people were asked to leave the campaign, no? Not to mention Sen. Kerrey's left-handed "compliments" followed by his florid "apology".

I'm not a hard-core Obama supporter, although given my demographic I tend to lean that way. And you are perfectly justified in feeling vindicated at a splendid Clinton victory. I too, feel she would be a perfectly competent Chief Executive. But, "Don't mess with the Clintons?"

Let's try not to reduce the campaign to the level of a bad Jim Crocce song.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:18:53 GMT

Looks like Newshole won't be winning any blog awards this year.

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Stevie SLC Utah — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:25:14 GMT

I would hope that Hillary's comeback is based on people weighing the difference. I had never heard of Hillary Clinton until President Clinton's first run for the POTUS. It was the Republican Convention that year that prompted me to learn more about this remarkable woman. The more I learned about her the more I liked her. My message to the GOP, be careful about bashing a woman. We women may investigate that woman and like what we see.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Karoelynne, Fremont CA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:31:07 GMT

I'm an Edwards supporter, but am happy with the outcome of NH primary. We're back to the vetting process. Normally the vetting would be done by investigative reporters, but with the exception of David Shuster (sp?) good investigative reporters are even more rare than a competent Bush appointee. I don't want the circular firing squad of candidates vetting each other, but think how much worse it will be when the opposition comes out with their distorted vetting. We need the in party vetting now, but in this year’s primary (on the Democrat’s side) it appears to be kinder and gentler. We the voters just need to NOT take it as a personal attack on our decision.

Now the main reason I am posting. I could not handle Mathews (a corporatist and misogynist who values his beltway connections rather than reporting the facts), Russert (ditto Mathews expect for the misogyny, and his “facts” are of the trap “gotcha” type), and Scarborough. I mean, interviewing Tom Delay!!! Anyway I switched over to CNN and adored their kyron (sp?). It not only gave the percentage but also the total vote count (even during the commercials), so you could see how few Republicans were voting. I loved Rachel Maddow. Since the only suspense during NH primary was the Democratic outcome, MSNBC should have avoided the partisan commentators. MSNBC – PLEASE more reporting, less punditry.

One good word about Mathews – he was good in the coverage of Administration’s outing of a covert CIA agent. Facts were reported. He would not allow misstatements (read “lies”) to pass with his customary “HA! Fair enough!” He should try facts more often, and not the trap “gotcha” of Russert.

Thanks for letting me have my say.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Elizabeth — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:44:46 GMT

Keith, between you & Chris Matthews I agree with Rachel Maddow that you sent people into Hillary's camp. Matthew's hatred for the Clintons is so obvious that it turns everyone off and away. I would think that you would be more discriminating in your co-anchors. It would be better to be on fewer hours rather than try and fill 24 hours with lies and crap. How about facts and then results. That might be a novel approach. Also I have great respect for you -- please don't feel that you have to humiliate yourself by sitting with Matthews and listening & trying to respond in some intelligent way to his stupidity.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Elizabeth, Madison, Wisconsin — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:49:20 GMT

Oh and one additional thing... perhaps the other candidates (and yes there are other candidates besides Obama & Clinton) might do better if they had SOME media coverage. Edwards was second in Iowa after all and he seemed to get NO media coverage after that. And, Richardson is still in it - why aren't his people being interviewed. Why not spend more time with ALL the candidates instead of listening to hours of the same talking heads spewing the same stuff over and over.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

junebug — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:55:42 GMT

Full Moon (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 2:22 PM)

OMG! We agree! Well, I could NEVER vote for Rudy. His exploitation of the horrors of 9/11 completely and totally disgusts me. And McCain, my choice in 2000 . . . not so much. Other than that . . . we agree.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

junebug — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:57:19 GMT

Full Moon, I'll have to disagree with your posit regarding Bush's policies and the occupation a bit, too. You like Bush . . . I have about as much regard for him as I do Rudy.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Anna Molly (: — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:04:03 GMT

Susan, Valley Village, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 3:23 PM)

Susan – Funny you should ask about the Diebold machines. Here’s a link from another thread to look at. I posted a comment on this with other links, but the moderator didn’t allow it, or maybe is checking it out. Interesting, if accurate.

Ron Paul Votes Not Counted In New Hampshire District:
http://www.blacklistednews.com/view.asp?ID=5219
John Doe Louisville Ky (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 12:52 PM)

Nice to meet you Susan.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Rory (Bows to the Big Willies) Oakland, CA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:05:41 GMT

It's been 5 years since I've been to "the Bay Area," and I ache to get back soonest.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 2:45 PM)

Well Pam & I will probably meet up opening day in SF. Plan a trip in!!!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:07:36 GMT

Sorry to interrupt with a reality check, Pat -- but I got a PhD, work among PhD's, ain't none of them too impressed with Obama. And -- though you didn't phrase the issue so baldly -- "women of color" have historically defined themselves as "women" first and "of color" second. Something to keep in mind as the primaries move south.
Wrightwing (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 1:11 AM)

I don't know how I missed this; the entire post --brilliant!! Thank you!! You'd think good old Pat would not have been making any predictions--oh wait; never mind, it's Pat --Chris Matthews -- next!!

LOL!!

PEACE!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Anna Molly (: — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:08:58 GMT

Allochthon, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 4:01 PM)

I don't know. Depending on which cheek, could be pretty cheeky, I suppose.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Karen F., Florida — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:09:19 GMT

Mr. Olbermann was astute in spotting yet another ploy by the Clinton campaign. While I do believe Mrs. Clinton is human, her tearing up episode was right on cue for her lead-in attacks on Mr. Obama. She should get the Oscar. If the other journalists continue to be so naive where her campaign is concerned and continue the same kind of political coverage we have had for decades then we will continue to have the same kinds of snow jobs, the same kinds of candidates and the same end results. Trust your gut instincts Mr. Olbermann. You see the truth more clearly than any other, with Mr. Matthews a close second. For all our sakes, please keep holding their feet to the fire.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Dan Nawrocki, Cheshire, CT — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:12:42 GMT

Keith,

Here are my nominations for the Worst Person, enjoy!

Worse: Brian Williams and Tim Russert for putting down Hillary throughout all the debates!

Worser: Chris Matthews for being such @#$hole to Hillary!

Worst: MSNBC for giving us such a great predictions and standing by them and loosing viewers like us to CNN!

Cheers!
Dan Nawrocki
CT

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:13:16 GMT

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 2:55 PM)

Right on Steve; I knew I loved you!! You summed it up perfectly!!

PEACE!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

John Czarnik, Burlingame, CA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:14:54 GMT

It’s clear to me that New Hampshire women will not follow Opraha’s every command as it is apparent Iowa women will. Maybe it’s the difference of being in the middle of the country versus being a bit more cosmopolitan on the East coast, where people in general march to their own drum beat rather than follow a piped piper. Perhaps the polling discrepancy is because, maybe the phone calls were made when the Opraha show was airing in those cities, but when these folks turn off the television they think for themselves. Congratulations people of New Hampshire you do think for yourselves and not what the television pundits or Opraha Winfrey tells you what to think! You have restored my confidence in this political process…for now.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:16:57 GMT

Pam (3:26 PM Post):

I understand where you are coming from, but I wonder where the youth learned these dirty tricks and political back-stabbing tactics from? They had to learn them someonewhere and I'm sure they were not picked up from the generation that will follow them.

In any case, I agree that Bill is very popular with the Dem base. After all, an exit poll did show that voters in NH would have voted 77% for him versus 23% for Hillary if he were able to run and they were competitors.

But let's not begrudge Obama and his ability to incite the youth and even older newcomers to enter into the political process and arena. You may not like his positons or lack of experience and may not want to vote for him, but remember that we both respect people who at least will incite others to march on the bastille. Obama may not be the one you want in the lead after the fall of the bastille but hell let him do his thing and insight people to help tear it down. If people want Hillary as their President so be it, but use Obama to convince the troops to make it through one more harsh winter at Valley Forge to defeat and destroy the Bush and neocon grip on this country.

Also remember that no candidate has the award over the others for playing various dirty political tricks. They all do it, Obama and Hillary as well (or at least some staff member of hers that she will state she did not know was doing so). And most likely they will share in the dirty tricks fairly equally before this is all over. You just have to look more closely for Hillary's as she has more experience at playing these games more subtlely then Obama and has Bill to help who is the all-time slick politician (but you know I like him).

And remember, although the media deserves a bloody nose for proclaiming Hillary the nominee this summer before the primaries even started (and I'll bet she enjoyed that proclamation), and then Obama after his Iowa victory (and I know she didn't like that), Obama does not control what the media and the stupid comments they make or stupid positions they take.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:19:11 GMT

There are millions of people depending on the outcome of these elections for their health & homes & livelihoods. It is not a game.
gothamtomato, nyc (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 3:43 PM)

Excellent; sadly, many men will NEVER get it!!

Great post; thank you!!

PEACE!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Kevin Deal, Mission,KS — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:19:50 GMT

Keith, I am curious about Hillary's show of emotions to the point of tearing. If she crys now when she feels "ganged up on", what will she do if elected as president and Congress and/or the Senate vetos one of her bills. She doesn't have a clue about being ganged up on yet!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:21:08 GMT

Rory (Bows to the Big Willies) Oakland, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 5:05 PM)

Looking forward to it Rory; we'll make plans!! Also, you can't miss me; I'll be in a formal gown, pearls, long white gloves and a tiara to celebrate the day as usual!!

PEACE!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Muzz — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:21:52 GMT

...per Karoelynne's post of 4:31 pm.
Yes, I agree, the triumvirate (Mathews, Scarborough and Russert) were a little much. Gave up on the coverage before 9 pm...and we are devoted to KO!

Also, I thought I was hallucinating when I saw Rachel M on CNN, not MSNBC, but then again, on another forum, they had five men pontificating all at once. And this afternoon Jack Cafferty made a comment that sounded suspiciously like New Hampshire voters are racists, while Iowans want change. (I'm paraphrasing.)

Perhaps it's time that Americans who want change (uh, most of us?) demand competence from all "communidates." I, for one, would like to see the list of who they'd like as running mates, cabinet members, advisors, judiciary nominees, and, oh yeah...just what happens when the Euro becomes the currency of the realm...

Yawn.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pat, New Lenox, Il — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:22:15 GMT

Karen F, Florida, While I do agree with you about Keith, I have to vehemently disagree about Chris Matthews. He hates anything Clinton and it shows. As a seasoned journalist, he should maintain his objectivity. While I used to regularly tune in to Chris, I refuse to do so anymore. The better Hillary does, the more he spews. And that is just not professional in my book. If he wants to talk about facts, like her voting record, I am willing to listen, however, when the comments are personal and mean, that is where I draw the line. And I am not really a Hillary supporter, but I do think she has been villified by the media.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:22:42 GMT

My message to the GOP, be careful about bashing a woman. We women may investigate that woman and like what we see.
Stevie SLC Utah (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 4:25 PM)

Thank you!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

gb — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:23:43 GMT

Okay, guys, I got the message. From now on I'll restrict my piss and vinegar to Auntie's board. Fortunately there it's appreciated.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

untitled, Chicago — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:26:46 GMT

Please Keith, look into this:

blackboxvoting.org
bradblog.com

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/07/opinion/07poundstone.html?em&ex=1199941200&en=9c87c614f4814fe2&ei=5087%0A

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untitled, Chicago — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:27:20 GMT

Pam Bignardi, so glad Hillary is above the fray, I guess all that race-baiting by her surrogates was an anomaly. Also, that fine little bit of fear-mongering Sen. Clinton gave in her final stump speeches (that Keith covered on Monday) was another anomaly, right?. As Keith said, "Right out of Rove's playbook". I guess Obama, Edwards, Richardson & Kucinich didn't realize they were running against a republican during the Democratic primary. Well, we can look at this way, at they'll be "vetted" for the general.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:29:29 GMT

Let's try not to reduce the campaign to the level of a bad Jim Crocce song.
Chris F., Just o'er the border in Williconsinois (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 4:18 PM)

I agree Chris; my anger and outright disgust has been brewing for a few weeks as I stated on another thread!! I DID have fun last night; today, well, it appears from many comments here what I stated to my sister was correct. "I was NOT the only person in the United States who felt that way" (about the "Hillary Hate Speech")

However, you are correct!! I'll start up again when the MSM or anyone begins ordaining Obama the second coming of Christ!!

PEACE & THANKS FOR THE "CHECK"

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Laura, St Louis, Mo — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:32:33 GMT

Pam - I agree with both of your posts today - Last nite, I heard something worth repeating here - Evidently Gloria Steinem wrote an Op-Ed piece in the NYT over the weekend and stated (I'm para-phrasing here) "if Obama were female he'd never be treated to this kind of 'rock star' status with only two years as a U S Senator " - and especially one that's missed so many votes in the last year -
In the words of one of my great idols, Ms Bette Davis - "Fasten your seat belts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride(nite)" -

~L~

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Viv - Austin, Tx — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:32:38 GMT

Saw that freaky Bill O got Worst Person again yesterday - got me to wondering - who has gotten this "honor" most often? Y'all shoulda done a "Worst Person of the Year" - it's one of my favorite parts of the show.

My guess - it would be a tie between Bill O and Rush

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Muzz — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:33:03 GMT

RE: Karen F, Florida (5:09 pm) Sure KO is entitled to his opinion, as are you, and am I...but aren't we on dangerous ground when commentators deign to make the final judgment call on whether or not a "communidate" is sincere and imply that they are right while others are wrong? Aren't we ALL entitled to our opinions? A lot of people actually believe that "Communidate Clinton" was at nearing the end of her tether that morning. Does that make them all wrong? (And hey, just for the record, I'm not a banner-waving CC supporter...)

We didn't see people attacking Rudy G. for tearing up during and after 9/11 -- perhaps if you had been in NYC during that time(as I was) you'd feel differently...he has said as much.

When one candidate's very humanity is stripped away, then we are all at greater risk. Perhaps NONE of the candidates are sincere. How would we really know? Through slanted journalism? What then? What do we do, whether the "communidate" is D,R,I, or whatever else?

And I wonder just how many PRESIDENTS HAVE CRIED THEMSELVES TO SLEEP since 1776. Golly, we may never know the answer to that one.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

David Hoffman, St. Louis, MO — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:34:52 GMT

Lost in all this 'Who's the front runner?' frenzy are two historically sifnificant events for the country. The first monination process primary win for an African-American and a woman in U.S. History.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

David Hoffman, St. Louis, MO — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:36:58 GMT

Lost in all this 'Who's the front runner?' frenzy are two historically sifnificant events for the country. The first nomination-process primary win for an African-American and a woman in U.S. History.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:38:02 GMT

Karen F., Florida (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 5:09 PM)

Karen, it is this kind of stuff that is really, really old also. Clinton won because the people of NH voted for her; end of story, it's no JFK conspiracy; however, this will turn more people away from Obama in my opinion --

Oh, but what do I know?? I was the stupid one, etc. etc. etc. I was even accused of being a "Hillary plant" --just like the woman who asked the question that made Hillary have her "emotional moment" was --until it was discovered SHE voted FOR Obama!!

Please, let's move on; let's debate; let's get ALL candidates involved; thank you!!

PEACE TO YOU!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:40:23 GMT

Chris F., Just o'er the border in Williconsinois (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 4:18 PM)

Senator Kerry has endorsed Obama; someone correct me if I am wrong; however, I'm sure I heard this on the news over the weekend.

PEACE!!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Anna Molly (: — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:43:53 GMT

Anna Molly: … Go ahead and run for public office and cry away. Naw, Anna Molly wouldn't do that anyway. She would smack them right back so hard it would bring tears to their eyes. C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 3:51 PM)

Why, C A, thank you – I think. I might be more inclined to kick than smack, but tears would be involved, for sure.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

B. A. Buddusky — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:52:45 GMT

People say Hillary's the life of the party,Ah, take a good look at my face
"You see my smile looks out of place
Now look closer it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears"
Back to Dubya and that Peace Mission.
"Man the Potatoes Men"!General Quarters! The Iranians are Water Skiing off the Port Bow!You may throw your potato when ready,but do not ask Dan Quayle to spell the word,it's top secret.Wonder when the last time was he had a Peace?Cheney knows I bet or Condi?
Yea less waste some more air time on this primary nonsense to divert the attention from the War and the problems being created to keep our attention off our problems.TAX OIL IMPORTS WITHOUT IT BEING PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMER!I want a Robin Hood candidate who is going to rob the rich tax-less and give to the poor who need help with jobs,educations,and medicine!
The primary process is all about the money!If wanted that they have got some better places than that they could spend that money.Go back to old school and conventions delegations, candidates I'm tired of all of you already,and these stupid one horse primaries.
Pam's right about Obama too.He's the Democratic Romney. I want George Clooney as the Big Guy,to run with Martin Sheene,or Brad Pitt and Even yeppers Angeline the Ambassador of UN good will.I'm tired of these boring boars.I want change Obama.
CLOONEY means and Sheen Change to me.Angleline and Brad mean change to me.You want pretty faces and smart people there ya go!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

B. A. Buddusky — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:53:09 GMT

People say Hillary's the life of the party,Ah, take a good look at my face
"You see my smile looks out of place
Now look closer it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears"
Back to Dubya and that Peace Mission.
"Man the Potatoes Men"!General Quarters! The Iranians are Water Skiing off the Port Bow!You may throw your potato when ready,but do not ask Dan Quayle to spell the word,it's top secret.Wonder when the last time was he had a Peace?Cheney knows I bet or Condi?
Yea less waste some more air time on this primary nonsense to divert the attention from the War and the problems being created to keep our attention off our problems.TAX OIL IMPORTS WITHOUT IT BEING PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMER!I want a Robin Hood candidate who is going to rob the rich tax-less and give to the poor who need help with jobs,educations,and medicine!
The primary process is all about the money!If wanted that they have got some better places than that they could spend that money.Go back to old school and conventions delegations, candidates I'm tired of all of you already,and these stupid one horse primaries.
Pam's right about Obama too.He's the Democratic Romney. I want George Clooney as the Big Guy,to run with Martin Sheen,or Brad Pitt and Even yeppers Angeline the Ambassador of UN good will.I'm tired of these boring boars.I want change Obama.
CLOONEY means and Sheen Change to me.Angleline and Brad mean change to me.You want pretty faces and smart people there ya go!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Linda, Pittsburgh — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:53:15 GMT

Just wanted to pass along a reminder that I got from my boss today--and a very wise woman she is. She doesn't care who gets the Dem nomination--for her it's truly "anybody but Bush." It is hard to understand how men like Biden and Dodd can't get any traction, but I guess all politics has that high school popularity contest component.

What bothers me is that I am not hearing questions in the so-called "debates" about things that are really important: where do these people stand on the expanded executive powers? on signing statements that erode the powers of Congress? on the political neutrality and independence of federal agencies? on how and why the U.S. should go to war? on using nuclear bunker-busters in pre-emptive strikes? on holding their appointees accountable for breaking the law (Scooter Libby, Karl Rove's destruction of emails that are required to be archived. etc.), the outsourcing of government responsibilities to for-profit corporations like Halliburton and Blackwater. And so on. How else will we know who intends to clean up this awful mess?

PS--JAM the invitation to do laundry at my house holds...

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Doug Gunderson — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:58:57 GMT

How can a Senator from New York who was leading the polls until last week pull an upset in a state that is 20 minutes away. I am happy for her that she won, but an upset, no. Richardson, Dodd, or Biden, That would have been an upset.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Karen F., Florida — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:59:05 GMT

RE: Chris Matthews. He seems to react to the blatent rewriting of history and the numerous and obvious ploys of the Clintons (could Bill have whined or blamed any more!) more than, to me, displaying a true vehemence or disdain for the Clintons. I have seen him defend them as much as he has denegrated them.

RE: Diebold. I am not saying there is a conspiracy. I just am still exceedingly nervous as the election approaches that the past troubles with these machines have not yet been addressed. If women did vote for Clinton out of empathy for her emotionality, which seems to be the general consensus being offered, then I would urge them to understand that each of the candidates are human and they should look past the drama to see the vast and incredibly consequential issues facing the next president and vote by those criteria only.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:59:30 GMT

Laura (4:09 PM Post):

I was angered at how the media tended to be harder on Hillary then the other candidates. Not because she is a woman but because no candidates should get breaks and all candidates should be made to answer some tough questions, including Hillary, equally.

But in addition to your feeling that the media is being harder on Hillary based on her gender let's look at how gender can impact this race in another way. If one of the male candidates had had a tearful emotional moment prior to the NH primary would they have received the same sympathy vote that Hillary apparently received because of her teary emotional moment. I doubt it. And most likely a male having such a moment would have been labled as nuts or weak. Not by all mind you but by quite a few folks. So on the one hand Hillary's gender may be the reason for the undue criticism from male media pundits yet her gender also allowed her to receive sympathy votes that a male candidate would not have enjoyed given the same circumstances. So lets not allow gender to play a role in the reason for ganging up on a candidate, but let's also not allow gender to play a role on who we vote for and especially refrain from giving sympathy votes. We have come a long way from the days when boys were taught it was not right for them to show emotion and to cry, but there remains a stigma in this society that when a male cries, especially under those same circumstances as Hillarys, there is no sympathy awarded the male and certainly it would not be followed with a sympathy vote.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Cathy Kelley, Stockton CA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:07:44 GMT

Nora O'Donnell cited exit poll results indicating that over 50% of Dem voters were more concerned with the economy than Iraq. Maybe some NH voters voted with their wallets. Remember the '92 Clinton campaign refrain-"it's the economy stupid."

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Diane Driscoll, Ellensburg, WA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:21:10 GMT

After hearing Chris Matthews say that Hillary was only elected Senator because people felt sorry for her (because of her cheating husband) I better see him on you Worst Person of the World. What kind of ignorant sexist statement is that? How is he allowed to get away with saying that? If O'Reilly said that you wouldn't let it pass but Matthews continuously makes the most ludicrous and offensive comments as if he actually knows something. All of you guys would be doing us a service by clearly presenting the positions of the different candidates on the issues, WITHOUT your unqualified pontificating. Let's see a show FULLY discussing the different proposed health plans, not a soundbite, a FULL analysis by QUALIFIED people, not opinions like we get from the media now (i.e., Tom Delay's opinion on Hillary Clinton??? WTF???)
Countdown is the only news show I watch anymore, but you are losing me Keith. We need facts, not opinions. I feel that the media has forgotten they are supposed to provide us the facts. We can all develop our own opinions.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Nick Lagala, Camarillo, CA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:32:02 GMT

What's with Chris Matthews? He comes across as tho he has a personal vandetta aginst Hillary? My favorite person on MSNBC is Olberman. Hope he does"t get like Chris. A shame that the media is trying to inject the race card. Chriss may be the reason why people are turnig against Obama.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Nancy Duan, New York, NY — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:33:25 GMT

I don't know where to put this, but I hope Keith names this guy as the worst person in the world. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-begala/fox-news-we-report-e_b_80698.html

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faboofour — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:35:18 GMT

So according to Chris Matthews, "...the reason [Senator (if you please, Mr. Matthews, not "Mrs") Clinton is] a US Senator, the reason she’s a candidate for President, the reason she may be a front runner, is that her husband messed around."

This right after referring to Senator (if you please, Mr. Matthews, not "Mrs") Clinton as a "Lioness" as if unaware that such diminutives like "actress" and "launderess" haven't been used in intelligent circles in over twenty years.

And when has a representative of a alegedly respectable news organization actually pinched the cheek of a legimate candidate for the President of the United States?!?

Wasn't Jimmy the Greek fired for far less a bigoted act? Mr. Matthews seems to announce on the air his hatred of women on each and every appearance!

If anyone has ever deserved the label "sexist pig" Mr. Matthews surely does. At the very least, he's topped my list of the "Worst Person In The World."

Why is Chris Matthews still on the air?

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Kathryn Wilson, Dallas, TX — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:42:46 GMT

I find the anchors making this a race issue so insulting. Watching Chris Matthews talk this evening about how could exit polling be so off in NH. The inference was that voters were racist and lying when they said they voted for Obama, when in fact they voted for Clinton.

Did it ever occur to ANYONE that if there was deception, that NH voters found it more acceptable to say they voted for a BLACK MAN instead of a WHITE WOMAN?? In my mind that makes it a Gender issue rather than a race one.

I have lost much respect for Mr. Matthews and Mr. Carlson in this primary season. They have been almost as bad as those on FOX. And I have been a big fan of both these gentlemen for years.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

melayne,phoenix,az — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:48:46 GMT

Am I surprised this happened? Well, I was surprised when Bush Jr. won the election against Gore via the Supremes. I was surprised when Bush won the election against Kerry via Ohio. I was surprised when Kyle was re-elected, since the polsters were all against him. Am I surprised this happened? Heck no. The political machine wants what it wants and does what it does to keep the power it has.
I watched both Obama and Clinton be emotionally moved by John Edwards speech at the last debate with ABC. Hilary mentioned several times after that in various speeches that great speeches and beautiful words do not a good president make, but she got the point. Watch her on Letterman- she was acting. Watch her at the ABC debate when she said "that hurt my feelings" - this was acting. See those tears - that was acting. In a blink, she moved onto another topic.
I am frustrated with AP that they 'declared' the winner before the votes were in. I am frustrated with the idiots who decided that the NH primary occur when it did, and not wait till the rest of the college students were back in college from break. I believe that the pollsters got it right - in the days of no rights except the patriot act, we cannot even do a decent sit in without being arrested and thrown into a system we could stay in forever without an attorney. So, am I surprised that this happened? No, heck no. The powers that be want to keep that power-Obama is a threat to that power. Kerry's loss was just a tease-didn't we all think he won? I think the goal was to let us all think there was an election. I can only hope that Obama and his supporters, of which I am one, can break thru this mess. He represents our hope for a decent future.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Unhappy Voter — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:49:44 GMT

I'm incensed that Hillary and her husband would resort to the dirty tactics that they have, and simultaneously insulting blacks who have supported them overwhelmingly since the '90's. As for the MLK and President Johnson comment, that was as racist as it gets, and is worse than what was done to Harold Ford in the Tennessee campaign for US Senator, since this came from a fellow Democrat. Then for Hillary to use the 'cry' tactic just demonstrates that they'll stoop to any level to try to win. I for one, had vowed that if Hillary won the nomination, I'd abstain from voting for the President, as I absolutely will not vote for Hillary, but previously wouldn't vote Republican. However, if Hillary wins the Democratic nomination, I certainly will vote Republican in an effort to keep Hillary out of the White House. The feminists seem to want to give Hillary a blank check on everything and attempt to explain it away (double standards), rather than play by subscribe to one rule book. The have done irreparable damage and will never be viewed w/the favor they once enjoyed from many die-hard Dems.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Pat, New Lenox, IL — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:06:54 GMT

Chris Matthews just started his show with a comment something like"you have to give her credit-she had a gutsy performance". WTF?? Now he is discussing what went wrong with the polls! Hah. Maybe the American people are tired of the polls and told the pollsters what they wanted to hear and they voted their hearts and consciences.

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May Vote Republican, — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:20:34 GMT

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Brian Mooresville N Carolina — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:22:59 GMT

Can anyone actually explain to me why in 2008 all primaries aren't on one day ,So all americans can have a say without any bounce or media medaling to keep all our voices heard? Does this sound to fair perhaps ? We all vote one day in the general?

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Karen F., Florida — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:33:11 GMT

RE: Kathryn Wilson, Dallas, TX I am also exceedingly dismayed currently watching Chris Matthews and the vast references to race. Since women overwhelmingly voted for Clinton, are they saying the NH women are all racists? I believe this absolutely denegrates the entire election process. Obama deserves better coverage than this, as do the other candidates as well actually; it is an insult to everyone involved in this process. I, too, want to know why the pollsters' numbers were so far askew...but given the data they do know regarding what specific groups tended to vote for which candidate, the racist references demean everyone. The explanation that women were empathetic to Clinton given the barrage she was facing seems much more likely an explanation to me. Again, I consider the gravity of the issues facing this country should take preeminences over a sympathy vote for any of the candidates. I think, too, that this kind of sideline reporting takes away from the time which should be being given to the issues, positions, plans, etc. of the candidates involved. Come on!

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Rich Bixby — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:41:58 GMT

Kathryn (6:42 PM): It doesn't seem to occur to any of the pundits that maybe the group of people who said in the polling sample that they voted for Obama actually did vote for Obama, without lying, but that the sample simply wasn't representative of the state as a whole. They'll believe the respondents are liars rather then believe the poll was inaccurate.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Saifee, Utica 13501 — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:51:56 GMT

What happened 24 hours before the N.H. primaries?
Hillary played the women card. Question I have, What if we found out that lady who's question sparked emotions in Hillary and the guy holding "Iron my shirt" at one of her rallies just day before the elections were actually planted by Hillary's campaign?.
Just a question...
Saifee
Utica, NY

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Jaynee Buckelew, Branchburg, NJ — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:59:14 GMT

First Congrats to Hillary Clinton a job well done. Chris Matthews has been bashing her for months and I'm glad to see the people of this country are no longer allowing the media to influence their decisions, as it should be. Just one question to everyone, I recently received an email talking about Obama's muslim backround. He attended a Muslim School in Jakarta as a child. That when he was sworn into the senate he put his hand on the Koran not the bible. Also, he will not put his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegience. Keith, I always felt your a truthful newscaster and get to the bottom of series issues, please look into this. If Obama is Muslim at heart maybe he isn't the best choice of canidate for President. Also, don't forget the muslims always said they would destroy us from the inside out. I know this may sound crazy, but if I told you in 2000 that 2 planes would take down the World Trade Centers, you would say I was crazy then.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Nanalinda, San Antonio, TX — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:59:39 GMT

I don't understand all the fuss over Hillary shedding a tear. It's an emotion which our commander-in-chief has never felt as he's sent our friends, relatives and loved ones into an unnecesarry war. Tears when you are unhappy are as valid an emotion as laughter when you are happy. We've seen grown men cry at athletic events for goodness' sake.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Isaac Davison, DuQuoin, Illinois — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:20:52 GMT

I'm watching tonights show, and shouldn't it be "taking nothing for GRANTED", not "granite"?

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Susan — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:21:04 GMT

How come nobody mentions the Diebold machines used in New Hampshire? Are we supposed to take for granted Hillary's jump
past double digit losing polls to victory? How do we know the results
aren't already being hacked to make Hillary, the only Democrat who
might be defeated, the nominee?

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Karen, Moore, Oklahoma — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:22:32 GMT

As a liberal, I don't know anyone who would vote against Obama because he is black. Most liberals detest the idea that he is going across the aisle to get lovey dovey with the far right wing. That is all it is and the fact that people have decided that Clinton is too emotional and that ticks a lot of us women off. She isn't my favorite, but the more they talk about fake emotions or being to emotional the more I will defend her.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Max Friedman, Washington, DC — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:30:26 GMT

Keith misunderstands the "Tom Bradley Effect" (voters tell pollsters they'll vote for an African American candidate, then pull the lever for a white candidate). He just asked: how can this have happened in NH but not in Iowa? Answer: the theory is about the difference between public and private behavior on race. Iowa caucuses are public. You physically stand for your candidate by going to that corner of the room in front of your neighbors. NH primary voting is private. Whether or not one accepts this theory as the explanation for the discrepancy between polls & results on Obama in NH, media folks should stop saying it's illogical. The results so far are not incompatible with the Bradley Effect. Whether it is the best explanation is another matter.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

Don Deppeller — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:32:08 GMT

While I agree the 'vetting' process is served by this election theft, it is still important that we find out WHY the jurisdictions in urban areas with large vote counts using DIEBOLD machines gave Hillary such a whopping edge. A careful study of the votes shows that in areas counted by HAND, the exit and tracking polls were correct. In most of the vote-rich DIEBOLD jurisdictions, the exit polls as well as tracking polls were turned on their heads. Even the questioner who asked the question that prompted those tears of Hillary (who felt her dreams of the Offal Office going up in smoke) saw through the facade and voted for Obama. SOMEONE needs to talk about the possibility of ELECTION THEFT just like Ohio and Florida were stolen in Novembers past. Keith, I hope to God you spend more time on this than you just did a few minutes ago.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

DKincaid, Alcoa, TN — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:33:16 GMT

The majority culture jump up and down when race is mentioned. Jim Crow became James Crow, Esq when Ronald Reagan ran for President in Philadelphia, MS. I live in a state that the Senator who represents the majority culture says slavery should not be apologized for because we would not be were we are today if we had not been in bondage and were slaves. That was just before Harold Ford thought he could be a senator. WAIT, JUST WAIT and watch what they will do to Obama. I am a BLACK FEMALE, NOT AFRICAN AMERICAN - THE PURPOSE OF MY AGE GROUP FIGHTING IN THE 60S WAS TO BE CALLED BLACK, but many in the majority have a problem with that and they don't want me to be african american, so there. I really don't want Obama to win. My reason: today Pat Buchanon said Obama is not running on race because he didn't even get involved in THAT JENA 6 MESS - that's right he didn't and every other Democratic candidate said something about it except the AFRICAN AMERICAN who is convinced that this country will elect him as president. Yeh and when they find out something else about him I bet you a $1,000.00 it will not be considered as a youthful indescretion. Only for the majority. You can do drugs, go awol from the service and as long as you say, "It is just a youthful indiscretion." Then everything will be ok. Oh by the Keith, I thought you were better than the rest. I guess it takes too much effort. Oh, by the way I am for Hillary Clinton and LOVE Bill - He didn't screw over the country he screwed over his wife and she forgave him.

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Cheryl, San Leandro, CA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:34:22 GMT

Keith, I have been irritated by your coverage of the campaign lately, and beginning on Monday, I have fast forwarded through your coverage of the dems. It has seemed like you have gone after Hillary Clinton unmercifully in the law few weeks--I would appreciate the same hard-nosed journalism directed at John Edwards and Barack Obama, or indeed any of the other candidates. Directed at more than her opinions and stated policy positions, your criticism has led me to suspect that the you, as one of the boys, are going after the only girl in the race. She got teary on Monday--so has every other politician in the race on both sides of the aisle at one time or another. It happens, and it has nothing to do with Hillary's ability to be president. If it did, maybe no one would have elected Bush. But when the boys cry there is no debate, is there? Why is our country dead last in electing women to public office? Even Muslim countries have had women in high political offices. We have had a handful of senators and even fewer state governors. Shameful gender bias throughout this country's infrastructure. Please don't promote it.

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J. Nelson Leith, Washington, DC — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:37:46 GMT

Clinton fans who are rejoicing in the discrepancy between the exit polls and the official tally (which, oddly, only occurred in the Clinton/Obama contest) should remember that the standard "race" explanation of the exit poll discrepancy requires that NH Hillary supporters are far more racist, and far more likely to lie to cover it up, than supporters of any other candidate. Edwards' and Richardson's numbers didn't vary that much from the exit polls, and neither did ANY of the Republican numbers. Not exactly a flattering way to debunk polls. It would almost be better if the exit polls were right and the official tallies were wrong. At least that could be chalked up to a handful of crooks, rather than a widespread tendency of Clinton supporters to lie for no good reason.

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Full Moon — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:42:56 GMT

Talk about an emotional Hillary, can you imagine the crying that went on that night inside her hotel room?

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Laura, Groveland, FL — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:47:35 GMT

WOW, I love this place. Guess I should thank the writer's strike for forcing me to turn on Countdown instead of watching Daily Show and Colbert Report reruns.
Keith, if Chris Matthews is NOT the WPitW, you should be for refusing to place him on that pedestal. I'm also amazed and appalled that we live in a culture in which people relish in tearing others apart and drool as the blood oozes out of their dying body simply for sport. And when the dying are revived and saved by those that refuse to stand by and witness this phenomena, somehow something sinister is at hand. Maybe racism or a fake/staged boo hoo hoo sessions or rigged voting machines. Poor press didn't get the glory of the gloat; they worked so hard for it. Hallelujah for the people of New Hampshire that spoke for the rest of us that are tired of this crap. And still the haters cry to continue the destruction of Clinton. That’s the game that needs to stop and I'm so happy the voters of NH slapped all of you in the face with the voice of the voter. What went wrong? You're a bunch of sharks blinded by the smell of blood to the point where you wish to create the news rather than report it. At least The Daily Show is on Comedy Central and admits to being comedy. How about this, maybe all you rich powerful white guys are so against Hillary Clinton because she's a woman and you know women won't put up with you're crap anymore...so you lose some power. BUT, the black guy, now you can still exert some power over him because you, Mr. rich powerful White man, you can make or break him...still some power. And he's your friend because he knows it. Sound pretty nasty? It is...but it’s your game. Daily Shows back on...thank God! But I think I'll visit this site now and then because those that post are thoughtful intelligent people... for the most part.

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Russ, Woodstock, CT — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:54:11 GMT

Tears? You may recall that tears drowned Ed Muskie's run in New Hampshire.

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Ali Paz — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:01:18 GMT

wow, this blog is busy today.

Only have time for this one post tonight so I want to make it quick... I'll expand on it hopefully tommorrow.

The comments about certain people blindly following Obama might be fairly true for some of his followers. But as I just take a quick check of the writers on this blog, it seems to me that Clinton backers have a much harder time being open minded. Matter of fact I would say that Clintonites are being much more emotional than rational.

Just my observation over the last 2 days...
Anyhoo, hope everyone has a good night, and I'll talk to ya'll tommorrow.

Pease and <3

Ali

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:04:57 GMT

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 5:59 PM)

C A -- It was not her "one" emotional moment; as I have already stated, it was the straw that broke the camel's back --it had brewing; I wrote several posts three weeks ago --I was angry and disgusted!!

NO ONE and I mean NO ONE has ever been treated as Hillary Clinton was --EVER!!

It was ugly; it was mean; it was vicious!! It was NOT that one moment; that one moment was it!!

Again, "it mattered"!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:07:38 GMT

Nick Lagala, Camarillo, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 6:32 PM)

"We" and I am one of them, are not turning against Obama; we are HORRIFIED that ANYONE in the media would treat Senator Clinton as they have; they would not DARE treat Senator Obama the way they did Senator Clinton --that is the difference; again "it" matters!!

PEACE!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:10:59 GMT

melayne,phoenix,az (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 6:48 PM)

There was NO conspiracy; also, Bush and Gore was 2000 --BEFORE the Patriot Act you blame for yesterday!!

Again, Clinton won; we need to move on and debate ISSUES not "superficial" --thank you!!

PEACE!! melayne,phoenix,az (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 6:48 PM)

Please!! There was NO conspiracy; also, Bush and Gore was 2000 --BEFORE the Patiot Act you blame for yesterday!!

Again, Clinton won; we need to move on and debate ISSUES not "suferficial" --thank you!!

PEACE!!

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Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:15:34 GMT

Nanalinda, San Antonio, TX (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 7:59 PM) Hey!!! :) Where ya' been??

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:16:58 GMT

Laura, Groveland, FL (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 8:47 PM)

PLEASE DO!! Also, "some" men will NEVER get it!!

PEACE!!

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LBush, Washington, DC — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:07:18 GMT

And I wonder just how many PRESIDENTS HAVE CRIED THEMSELVES TO SLEEP since 1776. Golly, we may never know the answer to that one.
Muzz (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 5:33 PM)

Oh honey, I can answer that-at least one! Why it was just last night, in fact, when that horrible Clinton female won the primary!

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Isaac Davison, DuQuoin, Illinois — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:21:09 GMT

OOOOOHHHHHH, "granite"...I get it now. Please diregard my earlier comment.

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Michelle, Oregon — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:37:36 GMT

Wow! I am so glad so many people agree with what I am feeling as well. 1). Chris M has overstepped himself in showing his blatent favortism for Obama. I love Chris but he went way over the line. 2). The MSNBC crew (minus Keith is the best!) should watch their shows pre and post voting in NH. 1/2 of them contridicted themselves and flip flopped to the point that I too switched over to CNN to watch the end of the coverage. 2). I really like Obama. He has class and character. He is genuine and smart. What he lacks is experience. Obama is the future for sure but it is Hillary's time. She has spent her entire adult life dedicating herself to public life. She has the knowledge, the experience and the right team around her to lead our country.

Finally....I really wish the media...including MSNBC would take a step back, take a breath and do a much better job of doing balance reporting. Unfortunately the media has way to much influence.

Peace for 2008!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:16:58 GMT

Peace for 2008!
Michelle, Oregon (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 10:37 PM)

Excellent post; thank you!!

PEACE!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:20:16 GMT

untitled, Chicago (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 5:27 PM)

Perhaps you didn't "get it" after yesterday; bashing Hillary Clinton OR slinging mud a Bill Clinton OR attempting to re-write Bill Clinton’s presidency = Clinton wins and Obama loses!!

Your choice!!

Pam: 1 MSM: 0

PEACE TO YOU!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:21:53 GMT

Ali Paz (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 9:01 PM)

You just said the word Ali; "followers" --I maintain that scares the heck out of me; that is the impression I got there; that does matter; "it matters"!!

PEACE!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:32:25 GMT

SECOND ATTEMPT TO POST
C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 5:16 PM)

C A -- I was proud last Thursday of Senator Obama and America; I was angry and disgusted at the way Senator Clinton had been, and continued to be, treated.

With regards to the youth on the Obama blog; I can only guess; however, there is an awful lot of parroting of Fox News talking points there; that also scared me.

One of the reasons I have the utmost respect and admiration for Junebug is that she is a conservative yet has admitted George W. Bush is not only no conservative, he's a horrible president. I have learned SO much from Junebug here; I appreciate Junebug SO very much!! The youth there, in my opinion, are taking the lead from some of the older people on the site; they also get mean; however, the youth were much more rude; they slung insults at Hillary Clinton that were and are awful; they "made up" facts about Bill Clinton's presidency, while slinging mud at him.

I stated to them the following, "it's one thing to attack Senator Clinton on her policies; it's another to attack the way she looks, or call her evil, cold, mean, a liar and a crook without facts. It is also dangerous to insult Bill Clinton....,etc."

I was assaulted and called names by these Obama supporters that are very young; it was obvious --many said so. If you are insinuating they learned their behavior from Senator or former President Bill or Hillary Clinton, I will disagree right now!! I hope you are not; for they are taking the lead from the older people, who are doing them a disservice!! I also told them that others on the blog were not helping their cause or them; they were hurting their cause and hurting them, both personally and in their support of Senator Obama. The blog upset me so much I wrote several people a letter and mailed it a week ago.

I do congratulate Senator Obama; I just wish Senator Clinton had "her moment in history" last night -- she was stripped of that moment; that both angers and saddens me!!

PEACE!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:36:19 GMT

If anyone has ever deserved the label "sexist pig" Mr. Matthews surely does. At the very least, he's topped my list of the "Worst Person In The World."
Why is Chris Matthews still on the air?
faboofour (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 6:35 PM)

Excellent; I have NO answer though --only God knows; I certainly explain why he's still on the air -- he's a disgrace!!

PEACE!!

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Ruth, Northbrook, IL — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:49:43 GMT

They keep talking about racism and how it affected the race. I don't believe it. Unfortunately, racism has been shown to be just as alive as it was in the 1960s. It has just gone more quiet, is not voiced or overt anymore, but it is very much there in the conversations behind the scenes.

Unfortunately, I am part of a demographic that is very like that of New Hampshire, and I just believe that they happen to be very exceptionally nonracist and likely have a high population of those who have supported African Americans throughout their history.

They are directly descended from the Puritans. They never owned slaves. Their economy never depended on slavery to succeed, so, the foundation of racism against African Americans would be simply among the lowest in the country.

Before we pronounce them the same as most of the rest of the country in which racism is unfortunately far from nonexistent, we ought to be careful of throwing out the baby with the bath water.

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Nanalinda, San Antonio, TX — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:11:41 GMT

Hi Krista,
I've been really, really sick. Too worn out to turn on my computer. Mostly better now, just trying to find the energy to take down the Christmas tree. I missed you guys.

Countdown, Countdown, Countdown!

ArkansasTraveler — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:22:26 GMT

DKincaid, Alcoa, TN (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 8:33 PM)

Good post Thanks

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Karen F., Florida — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:22:43 GMT

RE: Nanalinda in San Antonio...cannot speak for everyone but my problem with the Clinton crying episode is not the crying per se. Everyone cries. Everyone is human, sometimes fatigued, sometimes frustrated, sometimes vulnerable. She may well have succumbed to any of the above or it may have been utterly contrived. What has made me personally question the entire scene being the latter was the fact that she immediately launched into verbage that seemed nearly verbatim to that of John Edwards during the previous debates, along with an immediate attack on Obama without seemingly missing a beat.

I do want to thank Mr. Olbermann for the clarity of the actual information the pollsters had regarding the percentage of undecideds, etc., prior to the vote. This made great sense to me and quite plausibly seems to account for the discrepancy in the actual percentages. I had no idea as many as 28% were unaccounted for prior to the election. Many thanks.

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George, Louisville, Kentucky — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:34:00 GMT

Keith,
I dont think it is fair to show critics and criticize Mrs. Clinton without doing the same to the other delegates. I support Mrs. Clinton, because I believe she has the most experience and stands for all the right things we (Americans) need. Also, when my father died my mother was left without an income, and when my mom filed for her old age pension (Soc. Sec.) the Soc. Sec. office told my mom it could be 6 months for her to get it. I wrote then Pres. Clinton regarding this and explained my mom's situation, and that my father served his country in WW2 and was a P.O.W, I asked in the letter only if Pres. Clinton would help expedite the matter so my mom would not have to endure more stress and struggle to survive. My mom got her first Soc. Sec. check about 3 and half weeks later, and Pres. Clinton sent me a commendation for my father's service to his country. So please be fair Keith, you dont know the Clinton's like I do.
P.S. All this info. can be verified.

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Jamie, Lago Patria, Italia — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:22:17 GMT

Unhappy Voter (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 6:49 PM)

I'm not exactly sure what in Senator Clintons speech about JFK & MLK was racists-she simply pointed out what Kennedy & King had accomplished and endured, of which Senator Obama had NOT!

As far as what happened to Harrold Ford, it was his Republican rival that made that horrible, albeit, very subtle racists campaign ad against him. If there was one done by a Democrat, I must have missed it.

As I attempted to post before, I'm still unsure of who I will be voting for, however, I'm getting tired of the personal attacks on Senator Clinton because of her name and gender. Why not attack Senator Obama on having the nerve to equate himself to the late great Martin Luther King, Jr?

Please people, vote for or against people because of where they stand on the issues, not whether or not they can get emotional, or because of their name.

Ciao!

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Angela, San Carlos, CA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:02:40 GMT

In defense of Hillary Clinton’s comments about LBJ-
Her assertion that a president like Lyndon Johnson was necessary for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in my belief, is absolutely true. Johnson certainly had his flaws (Vietnam, for one), but his famous/infamous "Johnson treatments" and masterful skill as a lawmaker made the passage of that bill, and so many others, possible. Some historians doubt President Kennedy could have succeeded in passing this civil rights legislation, and most agree that even if he did succeed, it would have taken him several more years. As much as we berate the insider, an understanding of how the Legislature and the Executive actually operate will matter when the candidate becomes president. How long are we willing to wait for real legislative change? Idealism and charisma without practicality will not change this country. You may not agree that these things are important, or whether she indeed is the most ready to lead, but these are fair talking points for a Presidential candidate.

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Tru M., Cleveland, Ohio — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:01:14 GMT

I'll try to keep it short, sweet and succinct:

1. On election night, I'd dearly love to see more Keith, less Chris Matthews. He is becoming absolutely intolerable to watch.

2. Those crying about the Diebold machines in New Hampshire: They were paper-ballot machines, not touchscreen. There is a paper trail.

3. Pam Bignardi, personal message here: I don't mean to be cruel, but I really don't think you need two exclamation points at the end of each sentence you write in order to get your message across. In fact, I think it's counterproductive, because it has the effect of making it look like you're shouting!! all the time!!, just like typing in all caps would!! Or like you don't think your words can stand on their own!!, so you need to emphasize them!! with an exclamation point!!, and you figure that if one exclamation point is good, then two are better!! Sorry, but I find that sometimes your communication style gets in the way of your message!! and it would be easier for me to just consider the substance of what you say if I wasn't getting irritated!! by!! all!! the!! exclamation points!! PEACE!!

...hope you'll consider it, and thanks.

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C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:38:54 GMT

Pam (9:04 PM Post):

Pam, I have not disagreed that Hillary has been treated harshly by the media. But so has some other candidates. Some other candidates have been treated very harshly by not getting any attention at all as Hillary has received. Think of Biden, Kucinich and Richardson who have been treated quite unfairly as well because they received no attention at all. Imagine if Hillary had been ignored through this entire campaign as these three have. Her and Bill would have gone through the roof and Hillary may have shed even more tears for being ignored. Yet we do not see Biden, Kucinich and Richardson crying foul or shedding tears as to how they were treated. You might say the type of treatment was different but was it really? What is worse for a candidate? Getting excessive attention including some harsh comments or getting absolutely no attention at all. Just look at the results. Hillary is still in the race. Those treated harshly by the media by way of a lack of attention never had a chance.

I suppose this emotional moment for Hillary has been chewed on enough and it is time to move on. I am just somewhat confused as to why so many were not as up in arms with the media during the summer when they were proclaiming Hillary the nominee (and even Presdient) before the primaries even started. I saw or heard no great outcry against Hillary or the media at that time. But along comes Obama who for a week is annointed by the media as the chosen one and everyone has a heart attack. Was there not some type of double standard applied here? If Hillary had made it through the summer, waltzed through the Iowa and NH primaries as the victor and continued to be touted by the press as the chosen one there would not have been half the outcry for more time to give others a voice in the selection as there has been because the roles were reversed. How come?

I still think the other candidates should be treated no less or no more harshly then Hillary. But I am getting tired of people saying that they will vote for her just because they are pissed at the media for treating her harshly. Now that is a real good reason why to vote for someone to be your President and throws out the window all the suggestions to review all the candidates carefuly before making a choice. And if Hillary can't stand the heat she needs to get out of the kitchen.

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Chris F., Just O'er the border in Williconsinois — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:13:44 GMT

Senator Kerry has endorsed Obama; someone correct me if I am wrong; however, I'm sure I heard this on the news over the weekend.

PEACE!!
Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, January 09, 2008 5:40 PM)

Pam, you are a class act all the way!

The Sen. Kerrey I referred to in my earlier post was the former senator from Nebraska, Bob Kerrey as opposed to the former democratic presidential candidate, John Kerry, D-Mass. According to The Sun Chronicle, Sen. Kerry has not yet made his pick. See:

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/01/10/news/news9.txt

But here's some good news fer ya! I work in downtown Chicago, and when I got off my commuter train yesterday morning, we were met by a group of Hillary! supporters, complete with signs and buttons. They were bright-eyed, well-scrubbed and as adorable and energetic as a litter of Border Collie pups!

Peace to you my sister!

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Niobe Glenn, Wild Rose, North Dakota — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:37:48 GMT

Allochthon – I don’t know if I would go so far as to name Matthews WPitW. After all, he did say he liked her personally. Sometimes he misses, like everybody else, but in general, he seems to be a pretty likable guy. Hillary handled it pretty well, I thought. If you want to play in the big leagues, you have to be pretty tough.

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KFH - Des Moines — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:03:57 GMT

Can't some of you just believe that the people who caucussed for Obama in Iowa did it because they thought he was the best candidate? My husband is an Obama supporter - and I can guarantee you he is not an Oprah fan. And I was for Edwards - and incredible as it may seem, no one thought me a racist because of it. Some people just like him as a candidate more than they do Senator Clinton. Get over yourselves.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:33:38 GMT

Jamie, Lago Patria, Italia (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 3:22 AM)

You, my friend, nailed it!! The press or MSM would not DARE do to Obama what they have done to Hillary Clinton - EVER!! Al Sharpton and Company would be ALL OVER the air waves --the double standard is not only blatant, it's disgusting!!

You are exactly right on; I too am disgusted, which is why I volunteered to work on Senator Clinton's campaign yesterday!!

PACE & AMORE &i GOD BLESS JAMIE!!

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C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:40:02 GMT

Pam (11:32 PM Post):

Relax a bit kiddo. Asking me if I was inferring if the young people learned their dirty tactics and disrepectful behavior from Bill or Hillary Clinton. I did not infer that and you know better then that. I like Bill and you know that. I respect Hillary's intelligence but do not want her as my President. As far as the youth their behavior typifies the times, the manner in which they are raised in this society today, and the lessons they have learned from many adults in our society. There has been a gradual loss of respect for adults, authroity and people in general since I was a youngster and there is no one to blame but our society. That does not mean there are not many fine and respectful kids out there today as there are. And when I have been somewhat critical of Hillary's politics, whether during a tearful moment or not, it has absolutley nothing to do with me thinking she is weak because she is a woman. On the contrary, I think Hillary is a hell of a lot stronger then you and others may think she is. My criticsim comes from my personal belief that she contrives and stages her emotions. I can't prove 100% beyond a doubt that this is true but you cannot prove 100% beyond a doubt it is not true. It is a matter of personal opinion.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:11:40 GMT

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:40 PM)

I agree C A; I didn't "think" that is what you were implying, I was just covering all of my bases. I agree that the youth is different today; my father would have knocked me from San Francisco to New York and back if I DARED speak to way I hear many of the youth speak today.

I will also say this, both of my daughters decided BEFORE me to support Senator Clinton; Rana, who lives and attends school in New York as you know, decided several months ago. I told her to study all voting records; study all statements; study both the character and credibility of those running and then make a decision. She called me about a month later, or three months ago and told me she had; she was supporting Senator Clinton. My other daughter who lives with me did the same; however, just recently decided.

As I stated, the older people are not helping the youth there either; they are doing them a HUGE disservice in my opinion. I am proud to state that while I am certainly NOT the perfect mother and have made mistakes, NEITHER Rana or Reema would EVER speak in the manner I was spoken to on that blog --and several times --they DO have respect. You know Rana; she respects you very much --she has learned a lot from you!! I thank you for that too!!

PEACE & GOD BLESS ALWAYS!!

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Dave in Tucson AZ — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 21:15:46 GMT

Supporters of Obama really need to take a hard look at other past and present black heads of state….

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Elisabeth Ham, tulsa,ok — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:08:27 GMT

When CNN got so bad with the likes of Beck and Dodd I turned to MSNBC and was pleasantly surprised. I can only tolerate Matthew's rudeness and defensiveness (when someone disagrees with him) but I thought Keith was refreshing and not so full of himself. That has pretty much changed and he's become as arrogant and biased in his reporting as Matthews. Too bad. Maybe he has been spoofing Fox so long he's gone over to the dark side. He has met the enemy they are him--to paraphrase the comic.

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Laura, Groveland, FL — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:36:08 GMT

Karen, perhaps Ms. Clinton's ability to pull it together in a moment of feeling overwhelmed and get back to the work at hand flew right by you. If she would have kept crying, she would be a weak little wimp, which some are still trying to claim. However, as all strong leaders, she sucked it up and went on with the job that needs to be done, explaining why she's campaigning. Seems to me someone else might be proclaimed as strong, dependable, competent, someone that can carry on with the job at hand no matter what's being thrown in the way. But the American public is not being brainwashed to believe that, rather, you're being brainwashed to believe Keith’s version of the incident. And so now I suppose people will begin believing the Bradley affect...if people keep saying it enough times. But all the brainwashing tactics in the world will never make Keith's version or the racist version true.
I suppose the racist professor touting the race flag on Obama’s behalf is just what the white guys have been hoping will happen. And then why would it be OK to play the "race card" but its criminal to play the perceived "gender card"? Those guys sure seemed to be sucking it up last night.

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Arthur Frame, Canton, OH "Home to Diebold" — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:40:36 GMT

I found this over at Slashdot.org and it appears that there was a reason why everyone THOUGHT the polls were wrong in NH:

"Multiple indications of vote fraud are beginning to pop up regarding the New Hampshire primary elections. Roughly 80% of New Hampshire precincts use Diebold machines, while the remaining 20% are hand counted. A Black Box Voting contributor has compiled a chart of results from hand counted precincts vs. results from machine counted precincts. In machine counted precincts, Clinton beat Obama by almost 5%. In hand counted precincts, Obama beat Clinton by over 4%, which closely matches the scientific polls that were conducted leading up to the election. Another issue is the Republican results from Sutton precinct. The final results showed Ron Paul with 0 votes in Sutton. The next day a Ron Paul supporter came forward claiming that both she and several of her family members had voted for Ron Paul in Sutton. Black Box Voting reports that after being asked about the discrepancy Sutton officials decided that Ron Paul actually received 31 votes in Sutton, but they were left off of the tally sheet due to 'human error.'"

The chart is at http://ronrox.com/paulstats.php?party=DEMOCRATS

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Mary Cheruss, San Diego, CA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:57:18 GMT

Can someone explain to me how being 3 percent points below someone with a much closer relationship with NH in a mostly white state is a huge upset for Obama? It sounds like a tremendous victory to me.

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Riley Doll — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:24:38 GMT

I am a Obama supporter and it irks me that John Kerry endorsed Obama. There ia a reason why Kerry lost 2004 and his endorsement is like a nail in Obama's political coffin. One rule in politics, always be with the winning team. Kerry's endorsement is useless and will cause more harm than good. I don't understand why Kerry needs to inject himself into Obama's campaign. Vying for the VP job? Urrrgggh! Please, Obama please don't just accept any endorsement. Show some discretion. To be honest, I am disappointed.

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Susan Hart/Federal Way, WA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:26:21 GMT

Keith, I'm sorry to see you switch from the fair and unbiased person you were before becoming Obama's mouth piece and cheerleader! Shame on you!! You have a big following by women and you lie tonight about Hillary not having any endorsements. I'm reading dozens of endorsements in most of the states having a Feb. 5th election date coming in today. Guess what, the other side of your rosed colored glasses show your bias regarding the Kerry endorsement. Kerry is a loser, by choice and otherwise. He wouldn't fight for the presidency in 2004 by quitting eary and allowing the Ohio ballot problems to go unchallenged...and now a true unloyal creep (to John Edwards)by jumping on the imaginary bandwagon you boys think is going to win. Hmmm--remember NH?? I'm glad Kerry isn't for Clinton. She needs winners on her team and from all the blogs I'm reading, she has enormous support and endorsements including 10 Senators and 70 Congress-persons...but I only heard that from a guest on another talk show. NOT yours though. You used to be fair! What happened? You are now in the same category of other talk show/news persons who are trying to force America to want your precious King Obama elected! He swaggers like Bush and has three different ways of articulating his speech..one for the blacks, one for the whites and one for the religious folks where he tries to come off like MLK. I hate to know that you aren't a person I feel I can support anymore. I have respected your views toward Bush all these years, but now I see you are one of the 'good ol' boys' and you don't mind misrepresenting information re: Hillary with your power. I see how you are trying to pursuade us, the viewers to your boy! Sorry, you just lost a great fan!!!

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Joe Hudson Bedford, TX — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:57:15 GMT

Mike Huckabee has claimed that he did not benefit from the $10,000 fee paid him by Cornerstone Church.

Since Baptists give 10% of their income to the church, did Huckabee use this entire $10,000 to count toward his tithes? If so he benefited to the tune of $9,000.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:06:49 GMT

Mary Cheruss, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 5:57 PM)

It's a huge victory because Senator Obama was projected to win big - anywhere from 10-15 percentage points. Therefore, that 3% "COULD" be viewed as 13-18% if you are not biased.

Thank you!!

PEACE!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:10:50 GMT

Susan Hart/Federal Way, WA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 8:26 PM)

You know, I WAS enjoying your post until you chose to slur it with the race card. Shame on Keith? NO!! Shame on you!! I have no respect for ANYONE who would attempt to smear Senator Obama -- by using his name as I have read –I find that despicable; smear him by attacking how he speaks or in any other manner I perceive as bigoted as you have!!

The “shame” is misplaced; nice to meet you!!

PEACE!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:23:00 GMT

Laura, Groveland, FL (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 5:36 PM)

I agree with 1,000%; even Pat Buchannan told Chris Matthews flat out that Matthews' was trying to minimize Senator Clinton's victory --of course Gas Bag Matthews interrupted him and shouted him down --he really needs to go work for Fox News!!

PEACE!!

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Laura in Los Angeles — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:38:01 GMT

George, Louisville, Kentucky Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:34 AM..I have heard about many personal things like this President Clinton did while in office. Someone actually left his mail and he actually read it and acted on it accordingly. I think it's wonderful he was able to help your mom..and that letter commendating your father for his service to our country..a keepsake for sure. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

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Roy, Queenstown, MD — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:12:28 GMT

If, as Keith says, Rush is prejudiced after his comments about Obama, then Keith is a sexist based on his comments about Hillary. He and the rest of the media vampires are giddy with glee about the demise of Hillary. She cries! (Poor Rachel Maddow must be frustrated to know that there are knuckle draggers on all sides).

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ddpruett — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:28:58 GMT

**As of Dec. 2007, Iran began trading oil in Euros!**

After carefully reading the link below, Bush's trip to the east becomes somewhat suspicious, perhaps even transparent. As with Iraq, prior to the 2nd U.S. incursion, Saddam also dared to raise the ire of the Bush Corporate Oligarchs when he began to trade oil in Euros. And now, Iran's similar infraction on the dollar has once again given Bush an itchy trigger finger. It begs answer to the question: Is there an ulterior motive for the purpose of Bush’s trip east? Perhaps a clandestine handshake, to give Olmert a thumbs up for a strike against Iran?

The Proposed Iranian Oil Bourse
http://www.energybulletin.net/12125.html

While Hillary weaps, are the magicians of sound and vision intent on ignoring this one also?

Best Wishes

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Kathleen Percy — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:52:07 GMT

I'd like to know your position on NBC's outrageous decision today to rescind the invitation and exclude Dennis Kucinch from this next Tuesdays debate & how that reflects on our democracy.

Let's see the Democrats stand up to the MSM like the Republicans did last week when MSM tried to exclude Ron Paul from getting his message out!!

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Borivoje Markovic, West Orange, New Jersey — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 02:00:09 GMT

Dear Mr. Olberman,
It escapeed you this evening to ask the mass media anti-Clintontes and racemongers, especially a host of black persons: "Have President Clinton and Senator Clinton done precious little or nothing for the black population in this country?; "Oh, Couore ingrato!"
HOW QUICKLY ANMD SHAMELESSLY (regardless of the fact that American is not a culture of shame) THEY FORGOT THE SUBSTANTIVE GOOD THE CLINTONS DID FOR THE BLACK POPULATION IN AMERICA! I MIGHT ADD THAT NO OTHER PRESIDENT OR POLITICIAN HAS DONE SO MUCH GOOD FOR THEM IN THIS CENTURY.
IT IS CLEAR TO ME,AND THIS IS BETWEEN YOU, ME, AND THE LAMP POST, THAT MOST OF THEM ARE BEING PAID BY THE RIGHT WING ESTABLISHMENT (incidentally, I am a member of the "Capitol Hill Club" in Washington, and know a lot about this.
Kind regards.

Dr. Borivoje Markovic

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Borivoje Markovic, West Orange, New Jersey — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 02:01:22 GMT

Dear Mr. Olberman,
It escapeed you this evening to ask the mass media anti-Clintontes and racemongers, especially a host of black persons: "Have President Clinton and Senator Clinton done precious little or nothing for the black population in this country?; "Oh, Coure ingrato!"
HOW QUICKLY ANMD SHAMELESSLY (regardless of the fact that American is not a culture of shame) THEY FORGOT THE SUBSTANTIVE GOOD THE CLINTONS DID FOR THE BLACK POPULATION IN AMERICA! I MIGHT ADD THAT NO OTHER PRESIDENT OR POLITICIAN HAS DONE SO MUCH GOOD FOR THEM IN THIS CENTURY.
IT IS CLEAR TO ME,AND THIS IS BETWEEN YOU, ME, AND THE LAMP POST, THAT MOST OF THEM ARE BEING PAID BY THE RIGHT WING ESTABLISHMENT (incidentally, I am a member of the "Capitol Hill Club" in Washington, and know a lot about this.
Kind regards.

Dr. Borivoje Markovic

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Marc Pierantonis Chicago, Illinois — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:14:22 GMT

Am I the only one who notices Andrea Mitchell’s passive aggressive comments against Hillary? Every chance she gets! She is at least skewed against Senator Clinton and at most a raging Republican!

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Barbara, Hampton NH — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:22:51 GMT

Why did Keith Olberman refer to Sen Clinton as Mrs. Clinton, but called Mr. Obarma as Sen Obarma. It seemed disrespectful to me