McCain – wrong to spurn Romney. Lieberman, OR Ridge – pick Palin

Thank you Ed for speaking the truth of the matter. If Obama looses this election, his campaign would have lost not because Hillary should have ended her campaign early, but rather because Obama failed to energize Hillary supporters towards her effort. A vast majority of Hillary supports support her in an of herself and not all of the values Obama embraces. This will go down in history, if Obama looses, as the 18 million vote that sunk Obama's ship.

I haven't heard that Hillary Clinton has defected to the Republican party, she's still a Democrat and will support Obama/Biden. Republicans are so desperate for democrats support and Americans are desperate to rid themselves of the Republican 8 year mess.

Ed,
I have to agree with you. If Obama would have put aside that big ego and chosen Hillary he would have had this thing in the bag. Now even after the debates he is only tied with McCain in the polls. The way that people supposedly don't like Bush, as we are always told, then you'd think that Obama would be way higher in the polls than McCain. But he's not. I guess his rhetoric of McCain being like Bush isn't helping him, neither is Biden. I bet he's kicking himself in the butt now about picking him! LOL

Cindy...Ga.

Ed, you write:
"If Obama had done the smart thing, he would have picked Sen. Hillary Clinton for vice president. If he had, he would have united his party for sure and energized his base." I don't know about that. What I do know is I would have voted for an Obama/Clinton ticket in spite of Obama. Obama's obvious hatred for H. Clinton clouded his judgment. He has lost me as a supporter. I can't trust Obama because he can't accept or admit that he has ever made a mistake or anything negative is his fault in any way what so ever.

I wrote the other day imploring the CNN anchors not to role over for the Republicans during this election cycle. Articles like this one from Ed Rollins are just more propaganda from the Republican pundits. Too many folks in this country get news spin from the likes of Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, Ingraham, Savage, etc. and that's not right.

We need objective, fair reporting.

No matter what side of the aisle you are on, I can't help but feel that the Palin nomination was a cyncial move by Republican strategists who have little regard for the intelligence of the American people. And, unfortunately, their cynicism seems to work. Regardless of her political views or her personal crises, Palin is just not a vialbe candidate for such an important job. It's not enough to just say, "she's been a mayor and a governor, so she's ready to lead." The fact is, my daughter garnered about as many votes to become a student ambassador at her middle school as Palin did to become mayor of Wassilla. The fact is also that she left her small town with a large debt. It is also a fact that in her meager time as governor she has taken credit for a lot of things that she either didn't do, or hasn't had time to do.

American's standing in the world is not nearly as strong as it used to be, despite what so many myopic conservatives may think. Bringing a neophyte into the White House with her seemingly extreme, narrow views will certainly not help.

Please, media, stay fair but tough!!

Do you really think that he would have energized his party? now that is kind of hindsight vision. It is always 20/20 isn't it?

It just proves that Obama is the real maverick, making his own personal choice of a running mate that he believes he could work effectively with and not giving in to the pressure of picking Hillary because she's a woman and would guarantee the Clintonite voters. Clearly McCain picked Palin to satisfy his base. If the media does it's job properly and asks tough questions of Palin and if the VP debate is an honest hardline Q&A and they don't dumb it down to accommodate the inexperienced Palin, then I believe Biden doesn't have to be the champion debater to make his case honestly in a forthright manner. But, of course, the media seems to have returned to McCain's base.

Hillary gave a wonderful and strong speech at the convention. The day McCain picked Palin, was the day I decided to vote for OBAMA. Listening to Palin and McCain is like listening to the same prepared speeches they gave at their convention- nothing new to say, no solutions, nada. I also find it funny that they refer to Iraq (with a long I) and then have Al Queda and Bin Laden in the same sentence. Was that not in Afganistan??? Please stop these scare tactics and stick with real issues. Oh and Gov. Palin, stop hiding behind controlled environments, we want to hear from you, not your speech writers!

You may be right. However, here's the dilemma. If Hillary Clinton had been picked, would McCain have picked Palin?

When you are as lightweight as Obama adding a fresh face like Palin wouldn't do it for him. Picking an experienced old guard name was his only option. Too bad that Biden is such a bloviating blowhard. He's a turnoff to many voters.

The game changed and Obama doesn't have many cards to deal. "Hope and change" is looking as vacuous as he is. Biden is an entrenched insider who offers nothing new.

Hillary has her own agenda, why settle for second place with a novice light weight and cheapen her brand.

obama did wroung when he call for chang washington then ,HE COME BACK AND PICK BIDENwhat a weak candidates!!!!!!!
he never admit righ or roung on any issue ...he alwaues chang his postion .besida he came to senat to RUN FOR PRISEDNT NOT FOR THE PEOPL.

Can we focus on the now, and not on what should and should not have done? Let's remain united and everything will be alright. Republican's empty promises and attacks might help them gain some ground, but sure enough, after the dust settles, people will see their true colors. Until then, CNN, along with many other news media, should give the Democrats better coverage. There's too much talk about Sarah Palin. The woman has not had ONE press conference where she had to answer to reporters on her own. She can't hide behind McCain for too long. People are starting to catch up and ask questions. Let's remain focused and all will be alright. GO OBAMA.

Ed,

Energizing your base is not going to get the win. Swaying those Hillary Dems as they call themselves as well as the undecides are what's going to decide this election. I read that in these latest polls, the analysis shows that the republicans have not pulled this off. Let's face it, the Electoral College has Obama up 260 to 179. You can't deny those numbers.

Obama picking Hillary would have been a dumb move because it would have looked like the Clintons bullied the man who is supposed to be our next president. For what? Biden was a far better choice because for most educated people, issues are what's important.

Ms Pitbull with lipstick is a gimmick. Can't wait for her to fall on her snow boots!

Barack and Hillary had a secret meeting after the primaries. How do we know that Hillary didn't tell him she didn't want the VP spot? We all knew McCain was waiting to see who Obama picked before he was told by his party who to pick. A woman was a smart choice for McCain. Though, I think he chose the wrong one. She is popular now yes..............that will fade when we hear her speak for herself.

Biden? He was chosen for his foreign affairs experience. He has the ability to nail Palin to the wall in the debate...........though women will be enraged when he does...............double standard? Absolutely..............The Dems should show video of Biden kneeling at the alter worshipping the lord..............that would get the evangelicals. You will never get McCain to do that............

As an undecided Independent, I have always believed that Michelle Obama is the born leader in her family, controls her husband's every move and would never allow Hillary Clinton onto her husband's ticket.

The DNC chose Obama four years ago but failed to understand that it's one thing to speak about change and an entirely different matter to accomplish it; picking Hillary would have provided change validation.

Obama has had ample time to change the corrupt, Chicago, Democratic political machine; rather than doing so, he flourished in it's cesspool; he was pushed up the line by the President of the Illinois Senate, a former sewer inspector; selecting Biden reconfirms his inability to act on change.

Our nation is littered with unqualified politicians and executives who have erroneously been pushed to the tops of their professions only to run things into the ground; Obama is starting to look like another.

Hindsight is 20/20. I still think Biden is a good choice.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

POLLS, POLLS, POLLS, who take POLLS, AND WHERE CAN I? i dont know one single person who participate or know how to. So how can they be accurate for over 30million people?

Not really considering Gov Palin does not understand
Fannie Mae and Fannie Mac. Economists are all over
this one.

Sorry that is Freddie Mac.

I saw the polls today and said, The last time that me or any person in my area had been polled was when we voted on Super tuesday. But as for the V.P picks Sen. Obama made the best choice, because Sen. Biden does have a track record for doing things and telling people what they need to hear, and not just what they want to hear. Unlike Gov. Palin, The only thing I her from here is rewrites and smug remarks from her convention speech. Thats one of the big things the McCain camp says about Barack Obama , is that all he can do is give a good speech. I never thougt it was bad to be a Great speaker, and I think Sen. McCain and the and the GOP like the words from the Obama camp too, Because they no longer talk about the" Experience facter", All they talk about is Change, And YES" Change We Can Belive In".

I would have loved to see Hillary on the ticket but as the presidential candidate not the VP. Since that didn't happen though I agree that Obama should have picked her as his VP – Joe Biden is a great Senator but the Democratic ticket now seems flat – the rhetoric the same we've heard from the beginning with no specifics on what specifically Obama plans to do to effect change and how it will impact the average voter. Its too bad that Biden can't bow out and let Hillary take his place but I have never seen that happen after a convention.

The GOP ticket scares me – I keep thinking about McCain's age and picturing Palin as president and its not a picture I want to see happen. Instead of 4 more years of the same failed policies we might see worse than Bush. Fareed Zakaria wrote an article recently about the candidates and their views on foreign policy. His conclusion was that Obama had a more sophisticated view of foreign affairs – one that hit closer to the mark than McCain's.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

I'm absolutely delighted with the Biden pick. The ultimate test should still be who can immediately step into the President's role should that become necessary. Biden meets that measure; Palin does not. Hillary certainly meets the standard as well, but with Hillary you get Bill and two more people that would rather be the President. Obama chose not to go there, and I support that decision. The country needs a fresh start.

This sudden national hysteria over Palin is in my opinion symptomatic of a bigger problem that plaques our country - an uninformed, egocentric electorate that is manipulated by single issues, media clips, and whatever they might have in common with the candidate. Gee, will ya look at that! Sarah Palin went to six(6) colleges before she finally graduated. Sounds like she enjoyed school as much as I did. I'll vote for her.

McCain is reportedly superstitious and it appears he really does have luck on his side. This haphazard, politically motivated, last minute pick seems to be gaining some synergy. A significant portion of the public appears to be delirious; or else, looking for any shallow reason they can not to vote for Obama - our first black candidate for President. I often wonder how close the polls would be if he were white.

It appears we may very well be headed down that dark Republican road again. How quickly people seem to forget exactly where the country stands today and the party that brought us here in less than eight years. Oh, that's right, McCain wants to convince us that he's suddenly not a part of all that.

If this madness continues, I hope everyone that votes for the McCain/Palin ticket still remembers what they did in about four years - when the rich are richer, but things are otherwise much the same or worse for the other 95%. Seek and pay attention to the details; or get the government you deserve.

I agree. Hillary would have been the obvious and easy choice. I think Senator Obama is banking on the base being there for him (no matter what) and Biden perhaps being a better fit to attract undecided voters and independents. Many of those in these ranks are perceived to have views that Hillary was too liberal. . . . Just a thought.

I have to admit Palin gave an interesting and good speech for someone nobody knew. Yes she will give Mc Cain some additional votes, especially the conservative once, which Mc Cain was struggling to get.
Finally we have an election where the debates hopefully will show the voters who has which program in mind and whom do they believe more to deliver.
Ed it is not about who is ahead at the beginning of the race, but it is all about who has the stamina to last and be the strongest on the final stretch and make it first over the finishing line.
Biden was a good choice the best choice we will have to see, but surely the Obama-Biden ticket has all it needs to get over the finishing line first.
Now it is about substance and how believable each team will be. For Mc Cain to suddenly portrait himself as a change agent is quiet funny, especially when one looks at his past record in decision making within the political arena.

Hillary Clinton can do a lot to work for the people in other forms of good position in government other than Vice President. The party can unite for what most of what this population needs in America right now. I am sure her hard work and relentless stance for what Americans need will pay off for her in any position she chooses to endeavor in the future. Her heart lies with universal health care for all and hopefully she will have a prominent position leading much of the hard work we will need to get that done.

This republican divide and conquer strategy isn't going to work. Palin's extreme right wing views are going to push more of Hillay's voters towards the Obama-Biden ticket. That is, if more people are allowed to find out how Palin actually feels about the issues, if she ever speaks to the media, and answers tough questions; eventually she'll have to.

I can't say I was disappointed that he chose Joe Biden because I have always liked Joe. At least Obama was the one to make his decision. I'm saying this even though I voted for Hillary in the primary. The way it works is the winner of the primary goes on to run in the general election for president. There are no more ifs.

We'll just have to wait and see what the debate reveals. Palin may have had experience with teleprompters but her stage was always small town. It looks like they both may share some disadvantage if what you are saying is true. Who knows? Perhaps in the end, McCain will regret not having selected his best buddy, Joe Lieberman. However, I believe in making a decision and going with it. They certainly had ample time to do this. Should be interesting.

You're preaching to the choir here Ed in regards to HRC being the best choice for VP. BUT I also greatly admire Biden and he was my second choice. As to Biden not being a good debater I think he is being modest, he held his own in the pre-convention debates. If he can keep his foot out of his mouth he will do fine.
I still am astounded that Obama felt the need to take the hard road to the White House. Hillary would have made it a much easier path with women and with rural Dems. Surely controlling the Clintons wouldn't have been to tough a task for someone who wants to control the economy, the housing crisis, health care costs and our country?
Phebe
Phoenix, AZ

I am now at the point where I believe that the Amercian people are flat out stupid.

I am revolted by both Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. They make me ashamed to be a female. Neither one should be in the White House.

Our country is in deep, deep trouble.

Ed:

6,000 advisors------ Millions of $$$$$
war chest--------- Millions of $$$$$
not picking Senator Clinton– JOBLESS

Susan
Phoenixville,PA

I don't feel choosing Biden was a bad move. The bad move was made by Mccain when he chose Palin. It shows that he is continuing to try to run his campaign similar to the democrats with Obama. Does he have anything original? A woman in the race for democrats was Hillary. Mccain chooses Palin. The platform for Obama is "Change". Mccain tries to steal "change" beginning at the gop convention. I was like when did he start talking about change. I believe the media is right to continue their own investigation of Palin. However, we all know she is just a "mini-mccain"!! Women of America are too smart to vote for her just because she is a woman. She may be a woman, but she is still a republican, and the "grand ole party" has nothing to offer my family and me!! Keep doing what your doing democrats!!! Go Obama, Go!!!

Surely controlling the Clintons wouldn’t have been to tough a task for someone who wants to control the economy, the housing crisis, health care costs and our country?

You underestimate the Clintons. lol

If McCain and Palin get in office women will lose their Free Will to Choose to use birth control vs. the ridiculous method of abstenance-–What a non effective method of birth control abstenance is! Imagine our population then-–neither one of them will know what to do with all of the new babies whose families are without homes right now as it is due to forecloseres because of this administration we have had to endure and barely could for the past 8 years. Even God gives us a free will to CHOOSE to obey him who are this people to take away free will! Talk about socialism what do you call taking away Choice!

6% of dem delegates are happy with the choice of biden, wonder who the other 94% wanted.

I am so sick of this argument already.

1) It makes me think Hillary supporters are sore losers. Obama won the popular vote, however close it was.

2) If Hillary had won, do you think she'd picked Obama? Or does that not matter?

3) Now Hillary supporters are so upset that they'll either not vote this election or vote for McCain. All I have to say is, I don't want to hear all the crying (IF McCain wins) of the new Dick Cheney.

Obama couldn't pick Hillary because she will be in court in November for Paul v. Clinton case. The media is not covering it because of a slap (gag) order!

I decided to vote for Senators Obama and Biden because I can see how desperate the Republicans are. I was undecided, however, after thinking about Sarah Palen as our possible heart-be-away from becoming president, I decided to go for Obama/Biden. Just think about this: we will definitely be on a bridge-to-NOWHERE if she becomes the president of the US-the same stagnant economy, the same tax cuts for the rich, and the same healthcare crisis that we are in right now.

Enough with the should haves, he did not pick Hillary and she is supporting the Dem. Party so let's stand behind the democratic nominees and show the Republicans how it is done.

It is to bad that we are still talking about Hillary not being picked for VP. Do you really think Hillary wanted to be the VP Pick. I actually heard it from her own mouth considering I watch CNN everday. She stated that she never said she wanted to be put on Obama's ticket.

If we are that hateful to be angry that Obama did not pick Hillary that's to bad, if Hillary has got over it why don't all her supporters. Do not get me wrong I am a Hillary fan but also a Obama fan. It is time for a change and if us Dems cannot get it together we will inherent another 4yrs of Bush/Cheney think about what that will be like.

If you have not listened to John Mccain speak people need to start. Oh I forgot they never talk about what they attend to change instead they make jokes. WOW! what a world we live in. I guess if you are not struggling in today's economy I guess you would think everything is a laughing matter. LETS GET REAL.

Please! Don't even try it. Hillary did NOT want to be anybody's #2.

Sarah Palin may have "floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee", at the Republican convention in front of a friendly crowd, with a pre-written speech, but Biden will put a "rope-a-dope" on her come debate time.

A lot of the statements in that speech stretched the truth to the limit. This will all come to bear in the weeks ahead.

The Republican bounce is definitely temporary.

Come on people, this is a republican divide and conquer strategy. Rollins and the rest of them would love to reignite the Clinton-Obama debate amongst democrats. Some posters here seem to be falling for it hook, line and sinker. Hillary and Barack are friendly, they are both from Chicago, theyy virtually agree on the issues. Hillary said herself this election is about more than her and Barack, it is about "nothing less than the future we leave behind for our children."

The whole purpose McCain picked Palin was to make history on his terms. He knew the moment Obama picked Biden he had to pick a women. But he needed someone who was like him. He also was hoping to get some of Hillary's female votes. He needs Palin more than she needs him. He also needed someone to please the base. She also has the executive experience he doesnt. He figures this way regardless of who wins,history will be made. Plus the only other thing Palin is good for is like Dan Quayle impeachment insurance. McCain doesnt realize that women and men who supported Hillary didn't necessarily support her because she is a women but because we know her. We know the good and the bad. Of course who doesnt. We also identify with her and agree with her views and policies. McCain picked Palin for strategic reasons and historical reasons. Obama didn't Clinton for well you watched it. Hillary Clinton is not meant to be veep. She was first lady she already knows what that is about. Obama picked correctly.

Obama had his chance, and what a blunder he made, they wouldn't be terrified now if they had put Hillary on the ticket. too little too late. Now they are whining about Palin just like they were whining about Hillary in the primary. that's all they know to do. I hope when MCcain and Palin get to the whitehouse she will sell Pelosi's jet. Let her fly commerical. I hope they will shake up all of washington, it is severely broken. The people are tired of all the lobbyist and special interest group's they showed a list today on t.v. and Obama was the third person on the list to recieve the most money ,from these group's. Hillary Clinton was fourth.

Obama can't stand this woman that's stealing his show. He better hope the women don't decide thie election, or his goose is cooked.

The people are tired of the media giving Obama a free ride, with their liberal bias. Now a woman is stealing his show, and they've had all the media attention till now,. Palin is getting it and they can't stand. How does it feel. Please somebody tell Palin that Nancy Pelosi has a private jet that is funded by the tax payers.

NEWS FLASH Change is coming, MCCAIN -PALIN
I love it The dems are terrified, and they have good reason to be.

Barock Obama made a big mistake in not picking Hillery for vp. That would have been a winning ticket he let his ego get in the way.Boo Hoo she hurt his feelings.Biden is not what the people wanted ,Hillery
truely look's presidentual.Obama truely does not have the experience
the country need's at this time.I really feel that Mc Cane for president make me feel more secure given his foreign experience.That is where Hillery could have helped Obama.Now he need's Hillery and Bill that ticks me off. I am a Dem. for McCane and so is my son's,their
wives my husbond and any one else i can convince.If Obama,s first
decision was a big mistake i don't want to find out what the next one
will be.
Hazel from Pa.

The economy is important but if we do not have someone who can
deal with our national security we wont have to worry about the economy or our childrens future. I believe that person was Hillery Clinton ,Obama does not have the experience. My second choice is
John Mc Cane.
Hazel

Seriously, when are Republican strategists going to stop trying to make these "Obama spurned Clinton" remarks in order to convince Clinton's supporters that they have been wronged?

How many years had the Republican Party mercilessly and unfairly attacked Hillary Clinton as everything that was wrong with the Democratic Party? Yet all of a sudden Republican strategists seem to find themselves as the defenders against the imaginary wrongs that Barack Obama has done to her by not selecting her as his running mate.

Hillary Clinton is a great Senator and excellent Democrat and will continue to do this country service in the many years to come.