There’s an old saying that goes “when you’re good you can tell people but when you’re really good, they’ll tell you.”

Judging from the immense failure of leadership over the last eight years by most leaders, politicians and executives, it should come as no surprise that no one today is viewed all that favorably.

To infer that Barack Obama is our nation’s favorite for the White House this fall and to suggest that John McCain “now poses a threat of an upset this fall” says more about the dearth of real leaders than it does about the candidates.

Pick any industry today and one can see failed leadership; Wall Street? please; Federal Reserve? yikes; Mortgage Banking? oh my; Real Estate? pure fraud. FEMA? unfathomable; Bush’s regime; total bust.

It appears that the American public will have to hold off on the highest praise for at least another four years.

This is a great article and I hope that the Obama campaign follows your advice. How about David Gergen for chief White House correspondent?

O BAMA HAS NO GAME HE WRITES STORIES OF SELF INTEREST…. he has been found out to be inept…….a no vote senator….always present never committing…..it was by the luck of thr DNC….. and the SUPERDELEGATES….and those 1/2 votes that got him nominated in the first place….no matter who he chooses for his VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE it won’t matter because O BAMA himself lacks the experience and the judgement to lead

there’s no glory in winning by lying and cheating. don’t understand why americans make their decisions this way. i think we deserve a more respectful campaign

Gergen is so right when he says many of Hillary’s supporters are not on board with Obama. We do not like him and will not support him under any circumstances. Most of us cite his inexperience, his arrogance, and most of all his shadowy past. McCain08; Hillary 2012!!

In my opinion, Obama needs Hillary and Bill more than ever. McCain has established himself as a fighter, and showed the American People that he is willing to cross over to Democrats by asking Liberman to speak at the Convention. Obama for the past year and a half told us how good he will be, but never showed us. The only thing that we were shown is that he skipped visiting the wounded in Germany by going to play sports and he was chasing fishes in Hawaii while Russia was invading Georgia. Thats not a leader, thats a Politician!!!! The 3 Am ad is coming back reminding people and voters that he lacks leadership. Hillary have destroyed any chance of him winning. Like the old saying, Where is The Beef???? Now, we know that Hillary will not be the VP, why vote for him???? We all knew that she is a better leader than him and a McCain-Romney ticket looks promising to me. I was a Democrat til I realized that Hillary is out. We are looking for leadership, not for a great Preacher. So please listen to Madonna’s advice and Papa Don’t Preach!!!!

I can’t fathom why anyone is voting for McCain given the current state of the nation. I am totally amazed that people are still fooled.

They will never talk to or for real Americans. The time has come for White and Black people to take back our country. Obama and Mcain will never talk for the middle class and the poor, We are just pawns to get them elected. You must vote but vote with your heart and believe this democrates have been in control for two years now. Gas prices and food and everything else we need to survive has gone up. I am a 38 year old father of 4 and don`t know how much longer me and my family can survive and believe me thats what we are doing Just surviving. I want to live again. I will be voting with my wallet in mind.

Why hasn’t anyone taken into account the 18-25 yr old voters. These voters go largely unpolled. I am a college student and I can safely say that the 18-25 group is overwhelmingly in support of Obama. I think Obama needs a game changer, but I also believe the polls aren’t reflecting the nation. The polls are reflecting the views of 30-whatever yr olds, some of whom have deeply in-bedded attachments to Republicans or Democrats. I see a record turnout in November, and I also see Obama winning handedly.

Frances Beinecke, Interior; Michael Bloomberg, Commerce; Hillary Clinton, Attorney General/Supreme Court; Warren Buffet, Treasury; Sam Nunn, Defense; Bill Richardson, State; Joel Klien, Education; Wes Clark, Homeland Security; Veteran’s Affairs, Bob Wexler… the qualified candidates are too numerous on the Dem side…

It doesn”t matter what strategy Obama tries or which candidate he picks as his running mate, he cannot win in November. In the parlance of software development, he is “vaporware”, a term meaning that you get promised the world but nothing you thought you bought is ever delivered. You end up throwing the whole project in the trash and starting over from scratch. That’’s what the DNC will have to do after the election — reinvent their party.

David/AC360:
I always enjoy your thought-provoking posts.

In my opinion, Joe Biden would not be a game changer. I think he would be a liability to Obama. Unfortunately, Sen. Biden has what I call “stick foot in mouth” disease. He has embarrassed himself and others many times with outrageous and narcissistic statements. His ttemperamentis not what Obama needs right now. Evan Bayh sounds good to me…and not just because I am from Indiana.

Also, to be honest, most TV viewers were watching the Olympics rather than the Saddleback debate. I switched back and forth during commercials. It was a casual debate with a casual line-up of good questions.

I am ready for the conventions basically because voters need a shot in the arm to gear up for the elections. The antics of the Republican Party is expected. The Karl Rove-type attack ads are not going away. When it comes down to the finish line, John McCain will do whatever it takes to get the White House job, even if he loses the respect for himself and the Office.

Obama is a little game player, especially whrn it comes to suiting his convenience, no change of game, or strategy can help ignore the fact that he is simply not qualified to lead this country, it was in the face of many that watched his performance or lack of on the faith forum “Above my pay grade”…. what the hell does that mean, he can’t even articulate an opinion on abortion Above my pay grade”? the presidency of the US is also above his pay grade, sorry David I know how much you luuuuv Obama , but the thruth is getting harder to ignore.\

Maritza

Hillary is the game changer…… not for VP, but for President.
It’s not to late. We get a roll call at the convention. Vote for Hillary!

Nobody is going to help Obama win this election, because he’s not going to win it. Simple. The American people are finally getting to know Obama, and are seeing that he’s just like Clinton — a charmer with no substance, who has baggage from his childhood that is likely to cause him to behave erratically if he were elected president. He can attack McCain all he wants, but the American people are seeing that McCain is actually a guy with character who really puts America first. Meanwhile, Americans are finally coming to see that this is a popularity contest for Obama. He is running and wants to win, because in his heart of hearts, he needs to prove that his worthy of praise. We don’t need any more Bill Clintons, thank you.

I so much appreciate David Gergen as the most impartial, rational, and wise “pundit” on the CNN circuit. I have listened to him for months, and find his insights and views right on the money.
Thanks David. Now if only they’ll listen to you!

I do not like Hillary very much but David is absolutely correct, Hillary or Gore almost seals the election for Obama. Lets see if Obama has the political smarts and flexibilty to make this move prior to Saturday. It would say a lot about the creativity of an Obama administration

Harry
Newport Coast, CA

David, I understand what you are saying about Hilliary Clinton to win but once they win that would create a whole lot of problems for him. It is not only important to win but to win with someone that you are going to be comfortable with for 4 or 8 years. As far as the polls go, I know of younger people who don’t use house phones but cell phones. There are your first time voters who in most cases have not been polled. I have been voting for over 33 years and have never been polled. I really like your number 2&3. Especially your number and would love to see you be a part of it.

I think Hilary is still the best selection. I voted for Obama for the primary election, but I was torn between the 2 quality candidates. She would bring with her millions of votes. The Obama staff and supporters, and the Clinton staff and supporters, need to get over the jabs that were taken at one and other during the primary and do what’s best for the Democratic party and the country.

The Republicans don’t seem to have this problem. Though most of the republican party and its talking heads have been downing McCain for years, they have no problem standing by their candidate when election time comes, even if they generally do not like him and think that he leans too much to the center. They simply vote Republican over Democrat.

Obama and Clinton - work it out. Our country needs real change and I fear that if these two democrats do not align, we could be stuck with another 4 years of the same.

Also, as a woman, I would love to see the first female Vice President of the United States. And odds are it could lead to Hilary getting another chance at the White House in 8 years.

Gee, the way it is now - with NObama’s RAPID DECLINE in the POLLS based on NObama’s OBVIOUS failings..

Reuters/Zogby - McCAIN up 5 %

In the latest 8/20 RCP Electoral College - NO Toss-Up States Poll:
McCLAIN: 274 ev
NObama: 264 ev

NObama’s VP selection is now expected to SAVE NObama !!

Unfortunately, not even Hillary as VP can SAVE NObama !!

BUYER’S REMORSE

Is it too late for Hillary ???

McCAIN or Hillary in ‘08 !!

Mr. Gergen has served four administrations and he knows what he is talking about. Hillary would be good for VP. The Obama team needs to circle the wagins and get this campaign together. I can remember Democratics back in June predicting Obama pulling further away from McCain in the polls as we moved ahead. Their predictions were wrong.

Also the Obama team should hire Mr. Gergen. They need someone like him.

Has the nation forgotten about the Cone of Silence Lie? So called Christians who will use these tactics…winning by any means necessary really frighten me. If he wins, those that did not vote for him, well we would just have to get ready for pay back time. I hear you just don’t cross John McCain. But you know what…his arms are too short to box with God. Thank you God, for letting me hide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91).

This is exactly why media is bias from the start. All the little “( )” comment made were seen during primary and now again.

Congratulations, mr. Gergen, for this great analisys. As a brazilian citizen, I can’t understand how some Americans could elected (???) this G.W.Bush. Do they know what people all over the world are thinking about the Republicans and this moron they have put in White House? And do they want more four years of these warmongers?

We can only “hope for change” for so long. Unless we learn at some point, some details of this change from Obama, his numbers will continue to recede. It will not matter who he picks for VP, cabinet, or anything else.

Also, now that Obama has opened up the “scandal” avenue with a recent ad, he will have to deal with Wright, Rezko, Ayers, Chicago Machine for the rest of the campaign.

If Obama is so stupid to not pick Hillary then I hope he loses. If he picks some old out of touch guy like Biden then I am done. I will not vote at all.

I never thought I would say it but Obama has surrounded himself with IDIOTS

Definitely TEAM OBAMA! Can you imagine a more powerful image than Obama with his new VP, Joe Biden/Evan Bayh standing next to him and flanked by his new Sec. Defense Chuck Hagel, Sec. Treas. Hillary Clinton, and Sec. State Bill Richardson with their arms crossed and ready to take charge!
McCain could not respond to that effectively. It would be awsome!

He needs the Clinton’s. Face it, change cannot happen if he isn’t elected. The 3 potentials that are being mentioned, are bland and boring and don’t stir up much excitment in me.

Obama/Clinton ‘08, that will get me excited about his candidacy.

If its not that, I don’t know if he has my vote.

Just 153 days before George Bush is out! I have been counting the days and looking forward to a new President, hopefully, Mr. Obama but after reading the previous blogs I am becoming very concerned that Mr. Obama is losing his lead. I have been a strong supported of Mr. Obama and also feel that Hilliary would be his best choice for a VP.
I agree that Mr. Obama should let the country know who he would have in his cabinet should he win and definately have David Gergan as his number 1 political advisor, such a wise man.

I am a registered, moderate, Republican and I have to admit that Barrack Obama is inspiring. Unfortunately it is a case of him having his heart in the right place but not the experience to back it.

I greatly admire him for changing the political tone in this campaign to something more positive. I am even more proud that he has resisted the liberal media outlets urging to demonize John McCain and campaign dirty.

If we are honest with ourselves we can admit that this campaign is far more clean (on both sides) than many that have been run in the last 20 years.

For Senator Obama I say this: I will be voting for Senator McCain this fall but you have made us all think. That is something we should be greatful for.

So many of us pro-Hillary democrats feel like saying “I told you so” but that would be counterproductive.

Of course Hillary should be Obama’s choice for VP. If he’s afraid of being overshadowed by a stronger and more presidential VP then doesn’t that say something about his ability to lead? McCain isn’t “doing” anything to Obama - Obama needs to fight and if the fight is not in him now, it’s not going to be in him when confronted by aggressive world leaders or other challenging personalities he’ll have to face as President.

The Hillary vs. Obama issue is still the single biggest thing dividing our party right now with millions of votes at stake - and if indeed her name is up for actual nomination at the convention, I say, let the numbers speak for themselves and let us nominate the strongest possible candidate.

I am a loyal Democrat but that does not mean I have to be forced into being loyal to Obama (yet).

Obama needs the Clintons like he needs a hole in his head. That will show weekness to a bunch of presumtuous sore losing babies.

I for one am amazed at these delusional Hillary supporters that are hoping for Obama to lose the election so Hillary can run again. I just can’t remember a more vindictive, narcissistic, selfish, bitter, presumptuous, divisive candidate and supporters in my lifetime… to top it off you expect the Obama campaign to pay for her debt? Do you want the country to slide further into decline just so your hero can run again?
Does this sound a bit odd? I can’t remember such venom spewed at others inside their own party…. voting for McCain and against their own interests (more wars with more countries, taking away a woman’s right to chose, trickle down economics).. so their girl can run again?
How disgusting and pathetic.
Barrack Obama has been extremely gracious to a bunch of whining babies as are the Clintons.. They need to just step aside graciously and quit trying to stay in the spotlight.

It’s interesting that the younger folks support Obama, and the older ones support McCain.. From these comments, there seems to be a real difference in maturity level that would suggest the opposite trend.

If McCain picks Romney for VP,and hopefully he will, then there is little doubt that he will lose this election. Obama just beats around the bush and now denies his voting record on abortions and said it is all lies. How about the discovery of a half brother who actually lives in a house the size of a bathroom and has no money?. Hopefully, Obama will extend help to him and not deny that he is a half brother by the same father. This will show his true colors.

Hey guys, Obama is no longer running for president of USA. He skipped town to Bejing and joined the Olympic gymnastic team flip flopping on the gymnastic floor. Obama claims to be a christian but wants abortion and he is very liberal. What part of Christianity is he professing to have. The bible says that not all that say Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but those that do the will of God. The bible also says that by their fruits you shall know them..

It is a shame when it still comes to color in our society. Obama has learned and conducted himself very well. I like H. Clinton for V.P. but I not so thrilled about her husband anymore after his tactics over the winter and spring. I truly never thought I would say such a thing. The truth is that most whites would settle to be poor and jobless before they elect a black man to the oval office. It sounds bad but it is the truth. Look at the Republican record and look how McCain flips from ultimate conservative to liberal. He is not a bad guy when he is being himself, as a matter of fact, I would trust them both together but that just cannot happen. This country is racist and people need to recognize our problem as a nation.

Unfortunately, cheap tactics are sometimes required to SUCCESSFULLY get beyond the challenge of politics.

Not everyone is methodical about their voting logic and this is why low-blowing, cheap tactics often work. For those Americans who aren’t particularly comfortable with politics in general, they frequently default to the better known, less controversial candidate.

I, for one, will vote for Obama no matter what because I know, for a fact, that he is the best candidate. And, although I have a tremendous amount of respect for the way he has run his campaign thus far, I’m afraid that it’s time for him to start firing back. There is plenty of controversial, yet very TRUE, information to point out about McCain that he hasn’t even touched on yet.

Best of luck, Mr. Obama! I’m rooting for you!!

Kendra
Albuquerque, NM
Obama Supporter

My husband and I were discussing this over dinner tonight.

Obama needs to listen up hear the footsteps towards McCain if he doesn’t pick the right VP.

It’s not too late, Senator Obama. Still time for a game changer.

Hilary or Gore as VP would put us over the top in ‘08!

I agree Gore would be a game changer. HOWEVER, that aside, even MSNBC said tonight the only other game changer is Hillary Clinton. Biden and others do NOTHING to help Obama win in November. If it’s not Gore (which would stun me if it was) then he REALLY screws up if he doesn’t take Clinton.

People are fooled into voting for McCain, no thats not it. Obama has a white mother but his skin is not white enough to please a large segment of this sick country. That why they say the most prejudice day and time in the week is Sunday morning at 11am. That should tell you something right there, this sick country of mine has such a problem with race that they would vote for someone they know is too old, to fragile both mentally and physically, too quick to shoot from the hip with his crazy statements about defeating evil, I know wars, I can win wars, and bomb bomb bomb Iran, etc etc etc. He certainly isn’t a christian because ONLY God can rid the world of evil. Here’s a guy who is worth 100 million dollars, who while campaigning had to read a card in his hand to know that a gallon of milk is $4. Check out his comments in his town hall meeting today when asked if he would reinstate the DRAFT. Let see all you lovely McCain supporters jump for joy when 6mos after McCain gets in office, he gets America in some conflict and YOU get those papers to report. SHAME ON AMERICA YOU KNOW MCCAIN IS NOT FIT TO BE A 1 TERM PRESIDENT!

David,
I’d be interested in getting your opinion on having Michelle Obama as one of the prime time featured speakers the first night of the Democratic convention. I can not recall any other presumptive presidential candidate doing this before. Also, Michelle Obama has had no past involvement in politics or the national Democratic Party. I also recall Obama stating at one time that his wife was “off limits” to political criticism. Doesn’t this contradict that by featuring Michelle as a speaker at the convention?

I have to say I like Hillary but her supporters are just some of the worst that America has to offer. They are sore losers who will bring down their own country because they are so delusional. How can some one end their post ‘McCain or Hillary 08′? It is proof that they don’t understand the issues and they are not only mislead but irrational.

It is a shame because Hillary deserves better supporters than this. That said if McCain wins they will get the 3rd Term of Bush that they deserve (shame they will bring the rest of America down with them).

Clearly some PUMAS writing on this blog, but David is so right on his point that Obama needs a game changer quickly. I hope that Obama recognizes this as well. He just might need Hillary to win this election. I agree that Al Gore would be a game changer as well, but I personally don’t think that he would do it. We might all get a big surpise before the weekend. Thank you David Gergan for your wonderful insight once again. I agree with the others on this blog- David Gergan- Advisor to Obama or some other top advisory role.

Really CNN and especially Anderson 360 has really become a Clinton Network once again both on air and on the blog. Too bad because it used to be objective.

Why is everyone ignoring the huge elephant in the room? The reason that Obama is not doing better is that there are simply white people who aren’t going to vote for him EVEN if he could deliver manna from heaven. The Hillary/Inexperience excuse is simply that. There’s no way they were going to vote for him in the first place.

If the president is someoene who is able to put together a team then obama is ready to lead. look at how he is able to put people together and create a team to win the primary while clinton was struggling and blundering. she could not create a team to win.

America needs to wake up! This is yet another tactic by the GOP to use fear and confusion to steal an election again! Don’t be fooled. McCain is a lying cheat who will do anything to win, even sell his soul to the devil himself!

I have been an excited Obama supporter from the get go. I have to say that I was totally dissatisfied with the performance he gave on Saturday night at the forum. It wasn’t that McCain suddenly was so great it was that Obama dropped the ball in a big way. I was even embaressed in my own home while listening to some of his answers.
I truly believe now that an Obama / Clinton ticket is the only way to secure the election, beyond any doubt and shut McCaine down.

Did anyone believe that the Republicans would not throw Hillary’s taunts and negative comments back at Senator Obama?

She and Bill certainly poisoned the “well” and will be solely responsible if Senator Obama fails to be elected.

I’m disgusted and so very worried. Obama is Hope, Change, and Integrity.

Four more years of McBush??? The Supreme Court will be a bunch of kangaroos.

Amazing that this is any big surprise.

Please…cast your vote for Senator Obama!!

The translation is Obama is too weak on his own. No surprise. The truth is there’s no solution here. If the Dems didn’t nominate Obama the apes would be swinging from the trees……you live by the black vote you die by the black vote. Dems gotta die this time around.

McCain said they should reinstate the draft today in a town hall meeting. That is it.

I’m so tired of reporters being “more than reporters” just report the news—factual and objectively–without TOTALLY NOTHING BUT OPINION.

Where have all the REAL journalist gone?

There is simply not enough liberals in the country to elect BO. All this talk of GORE is desperate people looking for anything to get him elected.

GORE didn’t even win his home state in 2000 why do you think he would help now? IF every single liberal voted for BO/GORE it still won’t be enough to win the election.

GORE has too many skeletons in his closet to want to be 2th banana again. It seems that a lot of liberals are running around scared to death of their own party and it’s members. It’s starting to show and the convention just might be a death knell for this election.

If Democrats can’t field a better option that what’s been mention they don’t deserve to win anything. Which is a shame because the Republicans are just as bad.

There is a lot of infighting in the democrat party that we’re not seeing but the results are visible. The liberals are fighting tooth and nail to hang on to power and BO is their last great hope to remain relevant. He’s proving to not be enough in most areas that count. Simply not enough of anything but showmanship. That’s starting to show as well.

I am a Nigerian,I hate polities ,but this between Obama and Mcain has attracted my attention,I prefer to skip diner than Situation room.This election is not only for the Americans but the world,we are all eyes and ears.M John is an old man,secondly that you were a war prisoner is not a credit for presidency.
American’s should get ready for another attack like 9/11 if McCain is elected,because he is going to wake sleeping loins,all in the name to show his supremancy.
Electing Obama,is all that USA need for now.

If Obama does not put Clinton on his ticket then I am voting for McCain.

An Obama and Clinton or Obama and Gore alliance would almost perfect certainity result in a winning team in November! This is the game-changer Obama needs now to end his downward spiral that would likely end in a very embarrassing lost in Novemebr.

Foremost, he should not listen to any advisor (elitist-types) and also swallow his thought of being comfortable–it is about succeedingby winning the election so one can affect the change he envisions! No one will fault him for wanting to win, but the key is not to appear desparate when he introduces Clinton or Gore as his running mate in November. It is American as apple pie to do all one can do to win the Presidential election as we have seen others who came before him that have become the Commander-in-Chief.

Candidate Obama, you become the president and the VP will follow and that is what Clinton will do, but importantly now she will help with almost perfect certainity boost your chances to win in November. need to be perfect in selecting Clinton as a running mate

McCain getting knee deep in the slime is really no surprise. It’s the GOP M.O. Negative campaigning may get you a bumb, but in the long run, it won’t work because McCain has no positive agenda for the country, just 4 more years of Bush. That’s why the grumpy old man has to slime. Obama tried to run a civil campaign to his credit, but when someone slimes you like McCain has, time to break out the big guns. The game changer is Obama changing his campaign strategy and going on the attack and nailing McCain to the wall. The latest McCain-Ralph Reed campaign ad is a good start. Hillary as VP would be a three ring circus I think. Too risky. Biden is perfect.

how much CNN paid for this advice to obama.
Obama didn’t require ur analysis,he is doing fine.

Asking David Gergen to comment on VP candidates for Obama, is like asking Putin to comment on the invasion of Georgia. Gergen has an agenda, and unlike Putin, he is certainly not very thoughtful. The average voter in America has a much better grasp of politics than Mr. Gergen. However, politicians and political commentators both seem to have similar success stories–mediocrity rises to the top! Sorry, but the truth must be told.

David is so right in his idea that there needs to be a game change. Obama and his arrogant staff will not see this, of course. so, the party will be taken down by them.
Obama is a community organizer;he knows how to motivate people to come to his side. But then he doesn’t have anything to show them.Biden has said he isn’t the VP choice and he will be home Saturday, not in Illinois, where Obama will be campaigning with his VP. Biden is vapid anyway. He knows foreign policy and that’s it.
Now to change the game, Obama needs Hillary Clinton. he needs her to either be the lead on the ticket or the VP. Hillary is a community planner.;She knows the details . She is the expert on subject matter. With her you may get bored over discussing a topic, but you get the facts and the solutions. Let’s get the Dems to choose Hillary. Call your Congressional delegation through contacting your democratic party of your state to get your congressmembers telephone number. send emails. Tell them Obama is sinking in the polls and we need a win with hillary. I will not vote Obama if Hillary is not on the ticket. I will either not vote or go NAder.

Maybe, just maybe, people are starting to wake up and realize that Obama:

1) has NO experience and that no amount “yeah, buts” from him or his supporters is going to explain that away.
2) is a 20 year follower of a raciest venom-spewing cleric.
3) is a believer in Black Liberation Theology; a radical Marxist influenced form of separatist Christianity that’s been condemned by mainstream Christian theologians from the Pope on down.
4) counts among his friends William Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, the Marxist Weather Underground bombers of the late ‘60’s
5) Is a liar. He lied about his position on NAFTA and he lied about his position on public campaign funding. He’s flip-flopped on Iraq, off-shore drilling, telecom immunity and government eavesdropping, abortion, capital punishment, and the list goes on and on and on……..
6) is NOT an agent of change or a messiah but is just like most other politicians who are willing to say anything, or grease any palm (Rezco) to get themselves elected.

The right wing doesn’t like his Marxist big government politics, the left wing feels betrayed by his flip-flopping on favored issues, and those of us in the center are feeling that we can’t trust him on anything. We Democrats have done this to ourselves. We threw our best candidates under the bus. Sadly, McCain’s all that’s left.

David,
you have been saying this for month’s that if he’s tight in the polls going into the convention then he should rethink Hillary for VP, but alas, he cares more about himself, than righting the Democratic ship before it goes under again!!!!!!!!!!!!

My fingers are crossed that Obama does pick Hillary as his VP. Obama is terrific. But, he needs Hillary to help fight the GOP machine. The GOP doesn’t want Hillary as Obama’s VP. C’mon Democrats. What does that tell you?

Once again we see comments from Obama supporters who believe the ONLY reason someone wouldn’t be supportive of Obama is because of his race.

Listen up, people. That is NOT it. I’m a white guy, and while I find some of what he says pretty inspiring, I also know enough about his past to know he is NO saint, but rather a good old-fashioned, Chicago-style politician. Now I don’t have a major problem with that, since you have to be able to mix it up if you’re the President. My problem with Obama is his tax policies, and more signficantly, his inexperience and unwillingness to actually VOTE something other than “present”.

It’s pretty clear that many Obama people will continue to believe that those not supporting Obama are racist…but you would be well served to look at the REAL reasons why some people don’t support him as THAT is where your efforts need to be placed. If you REALLY think race is an issue, ask people if they’d vote for Colin Powell. I am firmly convinced he could throw his hat in the ring right now and be in the lead a week from now…including with my vote.

Try thinking a little more deeply and with a little more maturity. Lots of people won’t vote for Obama because of the things I mentioned, NOT because of his race.

I would like to know if all of you “NoBama” people are Democrats?? If you are why don’t you guys pull a “Lieberman” and get the hell out of the party if you can’t line up behind OUR nominee. I voted for Obama in the NY primary but if Hillary would have won I would have pulled the lever for her without thinking twice. You guys/girls are acting like a bunch of 6-yr olds throwing a tantrum to get your way. You are making yourselves and Hillary look foolish. She will not get the nod in 2012 because the DNC and higher ups will blame her if we lose this election.

Nobody had anything stolen from them. Hillary and her team did not plan beyond Super Tuesday because SHE was the arrogant one and thought SHE had the nomination sewn up a year prior. Hillary NEVER stepped foot in my city or my state before her Senate run. New Yorkers put her in because we liked Bill so much.

Just take the loss as adults vote for Obama so we can get the country back on the track. If you don’t not only will you regret it for the next 4 years, your champion will lose all respect in the Democratic party. Maybe she can be the V.P. on the next Republican ticket?

The polls will probably go back and forth from now until the actual election. I am disappointed that the Democrats aren’t showing a big lead in a election year where you would think they would. And I’m not inspired by any of the VP choices. Guess we will see what happens.

Suzanne
Knoxville, TN

The only way Obama can win is with Hillary. The Republican attack machine is chewing him up and spitting him out, just like Hillary predicted. Obama is a great talker and makes lofty promises, but believe me, when politicians like him get into office and see how bad the finances are, they have to make tough, very unpopular decisions (either big tax hikes and/or big spending cuts). Many of them cave in like a house of cards. Obama has already proven that he would be like a deer in headlights. Hillary has always understood exactly what she would getting herself into and she has the courage and the strength to see things through to the end. This woman has earned the right to be president (or vice president) in spades. Only she can attract the voters that Obama needs. Only she can steer things in the right direction. Besides, she would make the blood of my ultra conservative Repulican aunt and uncle in California boil, much to my mother’s delight!

Mr. Gergen is 100% right. Hillary Clinton is THE ANSWER!! “SHE is the one we are waiting for!!”

Obama gets my family of 5’s vote here in southern CA IF he choses Hillary - otherwise - we are the 25% that won’t “go home” - we’ll find another home over at Camp McCain….

In California we are fine with McCain - we know him and while we don’t agree with him on EVERY issue - he is NOT George W….

Very thoughtful piece. Obama should be arguing that there is nothing more risky than four more years of Bush policies, like McCain is proposing. Time for the gloves to come off. So, Mr. Gergen, would you consider being a counselor to Mr. Obama, if he is elected?

From an Obama supporter:

“McCain is a lying cheat who will do anything to win, even sell his soul to the devil himself!”.

Aren’t you people embarrassed by comments like this? I mean, seriously?? Let’s add something to the list of reasons why people don’t like Obama: His Supporters.

let’s see, obama needs to pick someone with more governing experience because he doesn’t have any. He needs someone with foreign policy experience because he doesn’t have any. Hummm, sound like what WE HAVE BEEN SCREAMING FOR MONTHS! If he does not pick Hillary he is a bigger fool than I thought and trust me I am pretty convinced of that already. Hillary for VP or this vote goes to the Greens.

Obama, himself, IS the game changer, and that’s what is needed.
Insanity means ‘doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome’.
Yet we keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting different outcomes.
The last thing we need is a long-term politician in the White House again.
History has shown that 20+ years in politics rarely makes for a good president, except possibly the very first president we had.
We don’t need somebody that has experience with politics, we need somebody going in that doesn’t do politics as usual.
McCain will be politics as usual, no matter what’s promised before the election.
Clinton would also be politics as usual, and she’d probably be the one caught in the Oval office this time - what comes around goes around they say.

Obama IS the game changer - and that’s exactly what this country needs so we can get out of this cycle of insanity that we’ve been in for the past 16 years.

Gergin writes, “Game changer.”

Obama reads, Flip flop.

At what point are Democrats going to wake up and tell Howard Dean and the rest of the DNC to stop mis-managing the party as a whole.

If Obama loses this election there should be a real review about Dean’s managing abilities. I mean honestly… the man loses his own bid for president and is rewarded by being given the top job at the DNC?! talk about the Peter Principle in action.

I blame Howard Dean for everything that has happened to Obama, Hillary and the Democratic party as of late.

We NEED Obama to win this election but he can’t do it with Biden, Richardson, or anyone else… I am sorry but Hillary is his only chance now that his numbers have dwindled… Mc Cain will be leading the polls any minute now. This is not about Hillary or Obama… It is about anyone that can get us out of this hole that Bush has let us fall into.

The only change the Democrats need is to put into nomination and to give the nomination to the person who got the most votes…has the tenacity….has already been vetted - can beat McCain - does not have bad abortion laws under their belt….has no Reverend Wright - Trinity, et al. They need to get Clinton into the mix! Obama cannot carry the Party - never could - but Pelosi, Brazile and company wanted him. Well - put Clinton in or lose! Simple…..Obama was as unelectable in February as he is today. The youngin’s got snowed - but the rest of America will not!

Dems lose in November can be squarely be blamed on DNC, Obama, Pelosi, Reid, Kerry, Kennedy, Edwards and the rest of the boys! See ya in four years!

David, I can’t see your getting so agitated if it was McCain in trouble.
Hmmmm, Mr. Non-Partisan? I enjoy imagining your sweaty fat fingers typing furiously to pull this one out for your fellow traveller…er…liberal…er…moderate. I hope it’s too late for B.O. to take your advice and select Big Mouth Biden.

If McCain selects Romney, there goes Michigan, Nevada and Colorado along with Ohio, Virginia and Florida. Congrats, Democrats. You screwed the pooch again! If you want to win now, you’ll have to nominate Hillary as Veep or Pres. I know you’ll be very happy together, (not). Happy conventioneering!

Barack Hussain Obama is surrounded by the loosers. He will be the first Muslim by birth president for USA. Voters are not going to have first Muslim president for this greate land. He will loose by 12% margin in the final poles. Born Muslim is always a muslim. His DNA has not changed by converting to christanity.
God bless this nation and all its people.

I am praying that Obama DOES NOT offer the VP to Hillary.
why would a bright accomplished woman like her want to be second fiddle to such an empty suit like Obama?

I said it in - February, March, April, May, and June (the month that the DNC leaders pushed Hillary off the stage), and I’m saying it today - Obama will NOT win.

The Dem leaders were adament about making Obama the nominee, thinking HRC supporters would just fold into the Obama Nation.

Dean, Pelosi, Brazile, Kennedy, Reed - now choke on your choice!

Never Obama!

chose the wrong horse for the race. again in

People are sick of Obama. He’s been on 24/7 forEVER–and never says anything worth listening to.

Gore has already served 8 years as VP. He has outgrown that role, it’ll never happen….Sen Biden has enough gravitas and Foreign Relations experience to be a game-changer.

Besides, we need an attack dog to tear into McCain’s old-world, no- economic-policy-having, simple-minded, go bomb the world with our over-stretched military, give-the-rich-more-tax-breaks, same as Bush, … I guess you get the picture.

The “Change we can believe in” needs to begin right now and it needs to start with the campaign. So far they have squandered a 6 pt lead. by playing all defense all the time. But then we all know that. A few weeks ago I would have said bringing Hillary on board was nuts. Yes the Clinton’s will cause problems after the elections. Problems can be dealt with. but not if you don’t get to 1600 Penn Ave. first. The Republicans understand this. The campaign is all about winning. Once you win you get to govern and the two don’t necessarily have to match up. Hillary would be a game changer for sure and she would be the fighter we desperately need. Not that I expect it to happen.

Nobody has mention the total change in campaign styles lately. After June 9 OFA circled the wagons. The big rallies and soaring speeches are gone. One game changer would be to go back to the big visuals because they raise enthusiasm. During the primaries “the campaign” was really hundreds of local campaigns who were really fired up, and yes, ready to go. And go we did. Then the national campaign came in and took over. We’ll vote but there is no longer a large roll for the grass roots that won the Primaries and Caucuses.

you Obama supporters are the biggest bunch of babies there every was. You say Clinton supporters are sore-losers, but you should have just left us alone,to do as you like to say lick our wounds. But you kept writing nasty blogs day in and day out for two months now. But now that he might not win, it’s still Clintons fault,grow up, you can’t have it both ways. Don’t ask for HRC, to campaign for him, and then still talk trash about her. If Obama loses, it will be because his supporters,his wife and he himself are to ignorant to know where they are wrong. And to stupid to admit it.

i am an american but i have not lived in the USA for 25 yrs. from afar i am quite surprised to see americans so divided over the election between mccain and obama. doesn’t anyone remember the last 8 yrs? don’t you know where you are or where you want to go? it seems to me that if something is not working the next course of action is to change it. mccain is 4 more years of the same. at 71 yrs old will he even live out his full 4 yr term?