Are you more or less likely to vote for Barack Obama because of his acceptance speech?

What else do you need from him? He's a brilliant person concerned with moving our country forward, and committed to serving the public. He has worked to serve his community and country his entire life.

Jim,

Obama was the President of the Harvard Law Review. He was a middle class black kid who worked his way up from nothing. He is truly a self-made man who used skill, intelligence and grace to get to where his is today.

He IS our best and brightest. He WILL lead our lation to new prosperity. He WILL be our next president.

So get used to the idea, and let's work together to get this country back on track.

Have a good night!

No we are in trouble already because we have had 8 years of the worst and dumbest that this nation has to offer. We are in trouble because of the BUSH/CHENEY/NEOCONS co presidency.
Wake up! We need a change in course and McCain does NOT offer that. Barack is an extremely intelligent and thoughtful man.....stop listening to the FOX news talking points.

I feel so sorry for you. If you can see the future he has put before all of us then you go on and vote for the other guy who ever it may be,McCain? Barr? Nader? wake up and smell the coffee. And by the way, this train pulls out in a few minutes, better on board. Go OBAMA!!! :-)

okay, this guy went to Harvard and is a brilliant person - McCain was 5th from the bottom--you want to go for the one without intelligence then?

Jim - without any factual basis, it is hard to take you seriously. I can only conclude that you have come into this with some sort of pre-conceived notion / bias / discrimination which ultimately points back at you. Reflect. This Obama is in fact, one of our best and yes, one of our brightest

Paul, you are right, there is hope for America. But not with him!

Don ITS ABOUT YOU - do you believe in yourself? i feel your cynical stare already - "what is he talking about?"

YES YOU CAN
YES WE CAN!

-big Zach

Zach, Yes, I believe in myself. But, NOT him. He has some real bad friends and policies.

Don, I suggest you actually read and try to understand the policies that McCain proposes and those that Obama proposes. And as far as 'real bad friends', do some research to find out who is working for McCain. McCain only offers more of the same failed policies that the GOP keeps ramming down Americans' throats with a strong dose of lies, mudslinging, and fear.

CW what policies does McCain have oh yes mudslinging your right but I do love the new one he has for the GRAND OLE PARTY renaming it to the POTP the PARTY OF THE PAST with no dreams of the future

Yes, Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, Rice, Wolfowitz, etc., are responsible for the past 8 years....but let's not forget to give the religious right wing zealots credit for their part, as well. They worked hard to weaken and destroy the separation of church and state, declare everyone who disagreed with them unpatriotic, etc.! I want to see a clear separation, once again, between church and state and no more imposed religious zealotry.

Cl38, There is NO seperation of Church and State in the Constitution. Read the Constitution sometime.

You're right, not in the Constitution as such. Read Thomas Jefferson, et al. Bill of Rights, etc. But doesn't it appear that the rightwingers would love to have the 17th and 18th centuries return for their burnings at the stake and lynchings, etc? Their stance on women and efforts to subjugate through 'dreamt up' avenues, i.e., calling birth control akin to abortion. Their rhetoric parallels extremists to the core. The leaders of organized religions could make note of Bush's separation tactics and Sen. Obama's bringing us together.

Don, I have read the Constitution, hundreds of times. I have also delighted in reading expert opinion on Constitutional Law.

One of the most concise analyses and refutations of the trite but common statement: "There is NO separation of Church and State in the Constitution." is paraphrased from memory as follows.

The ACCEPTED principle of the separation of Church and State is one of the founding precepts of this Country before she became an independent nation. Those early settlers fleeing from religious persecution risked life and fortune to have the freedom to worship as they desire. This is why the First Amendment Opens with "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof......"
It is clear to even the most obtuse that the concept of Separation of Church and State is derived from the first amendment. Are you saying that we need to convert to a Theocracy from this wonderful Democracy?

What if the particular Religion of that Theocracy was not one you adhered to? Would you still claim that "There is NO separation of Church and State in the Constitution." ? Or is it because the infractions agains the Constitution and the Bill of Rights happen to suit your agenda?

Barbara in Houston, sorry to burst your bubble, but I do not have an agenda. Since the Constitution says Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise thereof, why can't prayer be allowed in schools? My religion teaches to go out and spread the Gospel. That would include schools, courthouses and other public places. Restricting me from praying or talking about Jesus is prohibiting my free exercise of my religion.

The concept of seperation of church and state was taken from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson and was only one line in the letter.

Don,

The words Separation of Church and State came from that letter, not the concept. The Constitutional support for that concept is still there but it is for ALL Americans, not just Don in California; ALL religions not just yours that "teaches to go out and spread the Gospel". Schools and courthouses are not a proper venue for you to force your brand of religion on others for obvious reasons. It is that respect for each other and the rights of every individual that the First Amendment protects. As far as "praying or talking about Jesus" in other public places, such as a park, nothing prohibits you from doing this. What you may not do is try to force others to listen to you. Nor may they force you to listen to their beliefs. Your right to exercise your personal beliefs end where another person's begin because the Law is for every American. I ask you again, " Are you saying that we need to convert to a Theocracy from this wonderful Democracy? What if the particular Religion of that Theocracy was not one you adhered to? Would you still claim that "There is NO separation of Church and State in the Constitution." ?"

Isn't he a member of the same Congress that has a 17% approval rating?

The Democrats in Congress couldn't do much because of their slim margin in the Senate, Bush's veto power, and a conservative majority on the Supreme Court. Let's hope enough Democratic senators will be elected to reverse this situation. Obama's election would eliminate the veto threat. And with enough time, he might be able to appoint enough Supreme Court justices to make a difference there.

And Sen McCain isn't?

Not if you make less than 250,000.

Not if you're a woman who wants control of her own reproductive choices

Not if you want your government to look out for your interest as a citizen.

Yes, Sen McCain is, but his party is NOT in control!

Don buddy....... get a life, develop some objectivity. Sen. McCain and his party controlled both the house and the senate as well as the presidency for 6+ years!!! How do you think we got into this mess? (although to be fair we also need to take umbrage with those that knew better but let themselves be cowed/browbeaten on the Iraq war issue). And yes, the democrats have a majority but only by the slimmest of margins and with an obtuse and inept president. It's like getting mad a t the firemen for not putting out the fire set by the arsonists fast enough!

I understand that objectivity is hard for folks like yourself, reminds me of the saying "What do you call a person that can see both sides of the issue?"

A DEMOCRAT

Sorry if I disturbed your fantasy, but President Bush had to clean up Clinton mess and then the Donkeys won the Congress.

I was a Democrat until Clinton was nominated for President and I switched to a more intelligent and logical party.

I'm not putting a Chicago thug who engaged in rampant caucus fraud in the WH or reward the DNC for the manipulation of this primary.

I'm lookin' to fire HD and his minions and hopefully relegating "flip-flop" Barry to where he belongs...more sad history of democracy in America.

Chicago thug? Was it his decision to make the states of Mich. and Fl. change their dates?

Inab

just lay back with pint of Haugen Das, and let your fingers do the work.

It will all be over in Nov.

Inab, you need to get a cure and fast too, Harvard graduate, 12 year lectureship post, State Senator and now USA senator. I detect a note of envy in your comments. I guess you are one of those fellas who's never achieved anything in life other than name calling. Is it that there is nothing between your ears to give you the benefit of comprehending what is happening.

Inab. don't hit and run. Let's hear some more nonsense from you.

While the "look" might be appealing, you really should take a close look at the specific policies he is pushing. It is unquestionably true that this is a historic event, but what does he want to do with that power. The absolute cost of the programs he wants to put in place or expand is astronomical. The country cannot afford this typical "government as a growth industry" approach to politics. There has not been, in the last century, a democrat who didn't want to push the country toward a more socialist agenda. His programs are closer to outright socialism than any other candidate the Democrats have run in recent history.

Amen, Steven C. ! People need to look beyond the speeches. After reading the comments, Barrack is beginning to remind me of the Pied Piper - people are following the music because it sounds so sweet.

The pied piper has been the Bush Administration with John McCain first in line as they lead the American people and the American way of life to ruin!

Our country is in a devestating mess...we need to work together with Obama to put OUR interests first!

Oh, please. Can we afford the cost we are enduring now? Trickle-down economics DOES NOT WORK. Privatizing public works DOES NOT WORK. That only rewards the privileged class and special interests with no guarantee that they will "pay it forward" or that they will avoid greed and corruption. There is nothing wrong with socializing some large-scale functions, such as education, retirement, and health care - yes, the challenge *is* in trying to pay for it, but it's not so bad if the wealthy truly shoulders their share of the burden. Remember - in the age of Clinton, we had a record surplus. In the age of all other modern Republicans (Reagan and the two Bushes), we've had record deficits. It is time for the GOP to own up to their failures, and stop dumping their scorched earth upon the rest of us and then blaming the Democrats for their failures.
Go, Obama! It's a welcome change to see some *inspired* leadership for a change.

I would like to point out that Obama mentioned his recognition of the cost, as well as laid out an outline for how he intends to pay for the programs he intends to implement. One very important point to make is that He intends on CUTTING useless and outdated bureaucracies and programs that no longer serve the American people and drain not only federal funding but the American economy. He also intends on creating jobs with his energy program. People are going to be needed to build and run new power plants, not to mention people are going to be needed to teach the workers how to run these new facilities. This creation of jobs and new technologies will give the economy the well deserved shot in the arm it needs. This argument is however only the tip of the iceburg of progress. IF we allow ourselves to be rational and not so shortsighted, we might just let ourselves see the bigger picture. One where America is again a world leader in technology, and is the envy of the world.

Yes, we CAN afford his plans. All we have to do is STOP letting corporations beg off paying their fair share of taxes. Via loopholes big enough to hold the egos of Bush & Cheney, 93% of American corporations (NOT small businesses) paid little or no taxes last year. 93%!!! There's your budget. And stop hiding behind and waving that socialist flag garbage and join us Americans as we raise and salute the American flag, with someone who really gets what means to BE American.

Steve and Joe, sounds like you've been listening to hate (conservative) talk radio. What will be the cost of his programs? You don't know, so don't pretend to. I'm a small government guy - voted republican since Reagan. But, the republicans with their handouts to big business - not just oil, and the MIC, but pharmacauticals, healthcare, and media. The republicans are big gov't. Open your eyes and ears and brain. Don't just accept what the hate radio and conservative media tells you, and parrot what you hear as if you know something. Think for yourself. Imagine the greatness that we can be. Imagine how much tax dollars are squandered because people are underemployed. His programs will likely pay off many times over in the long run.

I am believe there are two Americas,one that has intelligent people in it and one with idiots who blindly follow Republicans like Lemmings off a cliff!!! Its amazing how stupid people become listening to drug addicted Right Wing Talk Show Hosts.Its like this folks....either you accept positive change or be delegated to a third world status like all the other societies that consumed much more then they could produce.History is the ultimate harbinger.Red and Blue are just colors,but ignorance and greed are disorders that go beyond party lines.

I hope your kidding.

Obama may have that vision but I have my own vision of where I want to go.

McCain 08.

There was this crazy guy back in the day who decided he wanted to pay his workers well and give them the best benefits possible, Everyone thought this guy was crazy and would lose tons of money in the process. They thought his business would go under, instead it created at the time the greatest industry in the United States to work for The Ford Motor Company. Those times are gone, CEO bonuses and rediculous practices by large corporations have made the employee something less than human. The proposition to tax the wealthy and make corporations actually pay taxes instead of paying nothing or even receiving government funds, will be a step toward the revitalization of American Industry. McCain wishes to give these corporations more tax breaks.... They hardly pay any now... how is this fair to us? There is a reason corporations must pay taxes, it is to support the workers and people that have been buying and using their products, by supporting the nation that allowed them to even exist.

Obama 08

Hardly pay taxes now? Exxon Mobile earned 40 billion dollars in profits last quarter. They paid 120 billion in taxes the same quarter. In other words, in one quarter, a single company paid more taxes than half of the entire populus of the country. Those taxes afforded you the highways you enjoy, the social security your grandparents need, and safety from foreign aggression that everyone seems to take for granted.

If you would _really— prefer these companies pick up shop and move to another country, go ahead and 'tax the rich'. There are a lot of reasons why Obama is a good pick this year, but playing the typical populist politics is *not* one of them.

AWSOME SPEAKER BUT THEN AGAIN SO WAS HITLER

too much koolaid for you.
Inspirational by butt!!

what a dork

Amen brother... I am goint to puke...

I bet you are using rush as your benchmark for judgement. God bless conservatives for showing us who they really are.

Actually, he is not black. He is bi-racial. Black father, white mother.

I have a white mother and a Puerto Rican father. Does that mean I'm not hispanic?

I am white. Just saying!

No you are multi-racial. But the sad thing is Blacks tend to grab a hold of anyone in star status and claim them as their own looking past other ethnic backgrounds. A good Case is Tiger Woods (one-quarter Chinese, one-quarter Thai, one-quarter African American, one-eighth Native American, and one-eighth Dutch). He is mostly Asian but the Blacks have claimed him as theirs and I don't see the Asian community complaining!

He's Black people! let's be real. Yes, his mom is white, we all know that. But he probably has more African blood in him than some of us African-American's do. I'm proud of him, and this country for being in this moment. The point is we've nominated a good one (person), regardless of race.

However you wanna classify him, go for it. If it makes you more comfortable voting for him to not refer to him as black, or hell, if you prefer to consider him 100% Irish, it doesn't matter as long as you vote for him!

All I know is that when my son, nephews, and future grandchildren look in those history books with that brown face amongst all those other... paler ones, I can't even imagine... you have no idea how incredible the thought of that is!

I agree with you, it does not have anything to do with the color of anyone's skin, it is what is in their heart!

He may believe it, which I doubt, as most politicians will tell you exactly what you want to hear, but he will be the Manchurian Candidate of 2008, put there by George Soros and his cronies. How else would he be able to get this far without having any experience and no real morals (look at the church he came from). Why, he even lets his small children listen to trash and thinks nothing of it. Such a liar. Such a hypocrite. Such trash. God help us if this man gets into the white house. GOD HELP US ALL. Wait until that extremist Muslim walks up to your door, you open it, and he cuts your head off because your Wife is not wearing a burka. I am telling you, Obama is the beginning of change alright, change YOU WILL NOT LIKE. He's fooled you all. You have been warned. BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID. Ther goes the white house.

LMAO!! "be very afraid" I'm hoping you're an Obama supporter pretending to be a lunatic and that this is not really your stance...

Where did Martin Luther King Jr. come from? How did he end up getting all those people to show up in Washington with no experience? How did he become the leader of the civil rights movement w/out years of training? Who cares!?! We have equal rights now!

How much experience did our founding fathers have with writing constitutions, building a nation, and governing a people? None. And who cares?!? Look where we are today, we are the United States of America!

How much experience did Harriet Tubman have when she became the leader of the underground railroad which led slaves to free states? She didn't even have a map! Who cares!?! She led them to freedom!

I don't care how much experience Obama has or doesn't have because he inspires me and millions of others to get off our butts and change OUR country for the better. By the People, For the People

Obama-Biden 08

This is one of the best responses to this argument I've seen. Great Points!

Since when does his color or race have anything to do with it. Is this historic that this is the first time in American History that a person of color or a woman had a serious chance at becoming the President of the United States? Yes. But I am not voting for him because he is black, or that it is time for people of color to be able to hold these kinds of positions in our Government. I am voting for him because of his character and his reputation. I am voting for him because like him I share the same vision a United States where color isn't a division, where sexuality isn't a division, where sexual orientation isn't a division. An America that can be and should be united. Any one who votes against this man because of the sound of his name, or the color of his skin, is nothing more than a fear mongerer. America was founded on the principle of hope, a place where people can live in the hope of a better tomorrow. A place to where fear will be challenged and conquered with reason. The republicans continue to try and divide this country with fear tactics, and they do so because they themselves are afraid. They are afraid. We cannot live in fear.

Ok, you have a point and in a perfect America maybe people would close their eyes and really embrace the possibilities of change. We, the people, have that power, however, if you think that the "Reagan Dems" are not cautious because of Obama's color, you are in denial. I have heard some angry "Hillary" supporters state that they would vote for McCain. When asked why.. the response was that they felt that America was not ready for a Black President. It is sad. I have been devastated from the Bush term. Job gone. Home lost. I cannot take another republican. So, I really don't care if Obama was green. He has given some hope. I have not had that in a long time. Now, I wonder why McCain's chose a woman whom he only met 2 times. Someone whom he doesn't even know. This election is too serious!

There was nothing flowery in his notions of hard work, personal/individual responsibility, difficult changes and complex problems. The only thing flowery about it was that he rightly identified that through these very difficult tasks that we are all faced with, we will rediscover the American dream and affect the world as a whole for better. The road ahead is going to be hard. The flowers will be found at the end of it.

Chas,
Since you agree to us being in a mess, do you remember WHO put us there? As to Mr. Obama's knowledge of how to run things he simply needs to take a page from GWB's rule book, all of the graft, greed, lies, crimes, personal agenda pushing and cronyism, and do everything the opposite.

But that is NOT what he will do he will use his intelligence, over a decade of experience and his passion for his fellow man to create a better path for ALL Americans. That benefits you, me and the rest of the world. No down side. So what exactly are you afraid of?