Who won the debate?

What an intelligent response! Your a brain trust!

I'm a baseball mom, a football mom and I have a family member with down's syndrome... I should be the next Vice President.  Palin doesn't have under her skirt what it takes to be VP.  Yes.. I am a woman.

She doesn't list being a hockey mom as part of her experience, however, it sure does look more desirable on a resume than what B.O. has.  Yes, B.O. is a perfect set of initials for someone who reeks!

Its funny how everyone says palin has not experience running a state is similar to running a country i mean their have been over 20 others who have done it ...

Thomas Jefferson, Governor of Virginia, 1779-81

James Monroe, Governor of Virginia, 1799-1802

Andrew Jackson, Governor of the Florida Territory, 1821

Martin Van Buren, Governor of New York, 1829

William Henry Harrison, Territorial Governor of Indiana, 1801-13

John Tyler, Governor of Virginia, 1825-26

James Knox Polk, Governor of Tennessee, 1839-41

Andrew Johnson, Governor of Tennessee, 1853-57, Military Governor of Tennessee, 1862-65

Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Governor of Ohio, 1868-72, Governor of Ohio, 1876-77

Grover Cleveland, Governor of New York, 1883-85

William McKinley, Governor of Ohio, 1892-96

Theodore Roosevelt, Governor of New York, 1898-1900

William Howard Taft, Governor of the Philippines, 1901-04

Woodrow Wilson, Governor of New Jersey, 1911-13

Calvin Coolidge, Governor of Massachusetts, 1919-20

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Governor of New York, 1929-33

James Earl Carter, Jr., Governor of Georgia, 1971-75

Ronald Wilson Reagan, Governor of California, 1967-75

William Jefferson Clinton, Governor of Arkansas, 1978-80, 1982-92

George Walker Bush, Governor of Texas, 1995-2000

Joe Plumber is a real person. Obama told Joe the Plumber that he plans to take what he has earned as a hard working small biz person and "spread his wealth around" Go to you tube its there live. Joe Plumber could be me, my parents or many of my neighbors. We are not rich people. We have struggled most of lives to get where we are and Obama wants to take some of that hard earned money and spread around. Thats SOCIALISM! LOOK IT UP! Those people he wants to spread our wealth around have the same opportunities as I do and my parents did to succeed if they choose to work for it. Obama says 95% of people are going to get tax cuts. 95% of People don't pay taxes. He is basically going raise other peoples taxes and give a WELFARE check to those who don't pay taxes. ITS CRAZY. WAKE UP PEOPLE AND TAKE SOME PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Dear AC-471673,

You are demanding that we citizens wake up and take some personal responsibility?  Since the Bush administration lay comatose for the last eight years and would not wake up even after several CPR attempts, we intend to take personal responsibility and vote for Barack Obama.  Thank you for the suggestion!

Excuse Me: AC-471673

Go back to College, or try attending college for once.  You can NOT receive TAX REBATES for you do not or have not PAID your taxes. And, you cannot receive any money from the government if you OWE any past/back TAXES.

You Quote: "95% of People don't pay taxes."

Lets stick to fact and use intelligence when writing. You are totally incorrect and do not understand The U.S. Tax System what-so-ever.

Is this problem you have the reason you prefer old-timer Sen McCain. He allows illegal and criminal aliens into his own state of Arizona. Are you proud of that? Your taxes are being used for Non-taxpaying illegal immigrants.  There are facts for you! There are the facts on whom are not paying taxes.

If Joe the plumber makes a quarter of a million dollars a year HE SHOULD PAY MORE TAXES THAN SOMEONE WHO MAKES LESS THAN HIM!!!!! It's called being fair, not socialism. There needs to be a massive re-distribution of wealth in this country from the wealthiest 5% of this country to the middle class of this country. The middle class of this coutry are struggling underneath high taxes. Obama's plan will finally offer the middle class the relief they desperatley need and finally make the wealthy pay thier fair share.

Oh and by the way, the Republicans are nationalizing our banking system, they have exploded our federal goverment to limits that no Democrat ever could have or would have, now that is socialism compliments of the GOP.

You need to go back to college because AC is correct.  Obama says 95% of the country will get a tax reduction-- well, 43% of all Americans don't pay a dime of tax money so why would he give rebates, refunds, etc., to 95% of Americans.

My husband works 12 - 15 hour days and has been at the same job for 36 years.  Why should he give anyone else the money he earns because they are too lazy to fend for themselves.  We aren't a welfare nation.  We all have the same free public educations available to us---some are just smart enough to take advantage of it and work hard for what we have.  The biggest problem today is that everyone stands around with their palms up saying, "gimme, gimme, gimme!"  Well, get a job and get it yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AC,

People like you are the reason we ended up with Bush...who has come much closer to socialism than you'll ever understand with his recent bail-out of bank buddies.  YOU are the one who needs to WAKE UP.  You have been brainwashed and you are shooting yourself in the both feet if you think the republicans are helping the middle class.

are you serious after they signed that 700billion dollars bailout we all became socialist. so stop fooling youself. it time they spend some money on ameicans now! now!  we all ways have money for wars, to give other countries or ceos but when it comes to helping americans we cant afford it. we have been abused for so long by the republicans for so long and like any abused person we think we deserve it so we want to stay in that abusive relationship and we dont feel like we deserve better so we keep voting for the abuser no more im tired of being abused and i feel like i deserve better so im willing to vote for change.  and to all republicans reading this you talk about a.c.o.r.n you cant steal an election through registration mickey mouse will never showed up. you can however steal one by surpressing/caging the black and hispanic vote not to mention purging over 50,000 votes off the ohio registration list this on the other hand is illegal but since 1946 the republicans have been doing this STEALING THE BLACK VOTE . just wanted you to know we are aware of this. and you judgement is at hand.

I think Obama did an outstanding job stating his specific plan. I liked knowing exactly what he was going to do. I really wanted to hear more specifics from McCain but I was left wishing he had said more about not only what he wanted to do...but how he would do it. I heard a lot of "We should" and "We need". It is my opinion that McCain can and does show hateful behavior, and it turned me off to him as the next president. I believe Obama has a great way of behaving fairly and does not feel as though he needs to interrupt, which McCain did so many times. It was so frustrating to see McCain avoid answering the questions specifically. I will vote Obama. To all those who still buy into the smears, please research the details yourself. I've taken much of my time to do that, and I feel much better knowing I have. So far, I've learned those who do not wish to find out the truth, rely on lies and smears to cover up their shameful reasons to not vote for Obama. My opinion is that people who don't want to research the truth do so because they are scared of what they do not understand and too lazy to educate themselves because they spend all their energy keeping lies and gossip alive. Doesn't matter really, does it? Obama will win. lol. I'm excited to see how he will do.

just out of curiosity, Judy...you spoke about your husband's work hours and how hard he works.  Do you yourself hold a job? 

Judy ----  Obama was talking about 95% of the Americans who DO pay taxes, I think you guys have been listening to McCain/Palin for so long that you are not able to comprehend straight talk and facts.  I would like to know where you can get a free public education after the 12th grade.  It sounds like you need to go to work and help your husband so that he doesn't have to work 12-15 hours days, help him, it may make your life a little easier as well, and not make you so mad at the rest of the world!!!

Actually AC is not correct, because the claim was that 95% of people DO NOT pay taxes.  As for Obama's tax plan, it actually lowers taxes for approximately 80-85% of the population.  (Where do you get this "fact", 43% don't pay a dime? I am sure the IRS would dispute that information!)
As for being hard working, I have worked two jobs much of my life.  My husband and I are in the tax bracket that will pay more under Obama's tax plan.  But I am not so selfish and uneducated that I think that everyone who is struggling is "lazy" and just wants a handout.  You don't know any hard working Americans who are struggling?  I say shame on my fellow patriots who cry "woe is me" about trying to help our country get back on its feet. 

Well said Pam55022!!! I was wondering what happened to "Dont ask what can your country do for you but what can you do for your country" (JFK)

It amazes me how the bible huging  folks of so called republican base are so scared of do the christian thing and  contribute a little more to help their less financial stable brother and sisters.

I guess they dont believe Jesus words when he said "Is easier a camel go throug a needle than a rich man enter the heavenly kingdom" Those people that are crying because of the 5%  tax increased on their meager 250k+ income and call themselves "christians" should take a hard look at themselves.

How can people talk about Republicans not being Christians when the Dems want to

elect a non Christian to be an American President!!!!!!!!!

Barack Obama is nothing but a Jim Jones/Charles Manson in disguise. He is a great

speaker and all of the people following him are him cult followers. 

How dare you talk about people with 250+ incomes when you have peope voting

for a man just because he's going to be the first black president!!! Yes, he's not technically

African American if you know your facts!!!

As a frustrated Republican, I still can't see the virtue of spreading lies about the opposition. No one is going to take you seriously and all you've managed to do is confirm to the undecided voters that the McCain "supporters" (if that is what you are) are as unstable and untruthful as McCain and Palin.  If you don't know the facts, read and learn first speak later.  That is why God gave us two ears and two eyes and only one mouth.

It's amazing (but not really) how much ignorance spews out over these boards.  A person making 250K a year is making substantially more than most people in the world, and in a lot of cases more than a lot of people will earn in their lifetime.  People who work 12-15 hours a day to make 250K do so by their own choice.  If they would like more free time, they should work 8 hours a day, make 150K a year, and pay less taxes!  I personally own a small business (2 in fact) and work 12 - 15 hours a day and am struggling to make ends meet.  If I get to where I'm earning 250k a year, I will gladly pay a slight increase in my taxes if it means the economy that has allowed me to earn 250K is stronger.  You can't have one without the other.

Someone spoke of people supporting Obama as being in a cult, that's just ridiculous.  The educated people in this country can see that having blind faith in a Republican politician that has lost touch with the American people and the current issues facing the world more resembles a cult following.  McCain would make a great war boss, but not a President.

I don't agree with all of the financial ideologies of the Democratic party, but I do believe this country needs a change of pace, and a return of confidence and pride of the American system.  Obama offers this change of direction and a positive future, McCain offers more of the same broken system that we've endured for the past 8 years. 

To AC and Judy, How dare you generalize the public and ridicule anybody who makes under 250k a year. If you make over 250k I truly envy you you are doing great. But there's others (like my husband and I) who work VERY hard sometimes working two and three jobs just to literally scrap by for the week!! How dare you think any of them are lazy!! I have my own childcare, taking care of others children so they can work and get by and my husband works two jobs. WE both work very very hard and are struggling so bad that we are behind on our mortgage payments and cant seem to catch up. You should be ashamed of yourselves for having no sympathy where you should be showing compassion!! You both sicken me!! And Obama said nothing about giving out tax breaks to people who don't pay their taxes!! Don't be ignorant either!!

judy, I think he meant he would give tax breaks to 95% of the tax payers.  Not people who don't pay taxes anyway.

By "spreading the wealth around" Obama meant that everyone deserves a chance at the American dream, not just the privileged few.  That is done by making sure people have jobs and the jobs are fairly compensated.  That means not just giving tax breaks to the rich, who take the jobs overseas, but making sure that money gets into the hands of middle class people.  It means that higher education is not available only to the rich, but that average citizens will be able to send their kids to college too.

The policies of the past eight years have concentrated the wealth more and more into the pockets of the few through tax breaks and corporate welfare.  The poor and middle class people are getting the shaft, because the system has lost its checks and balances that assure "everyone" who works and plays by the rules has a chance.

McCain purposely mischaracterized Obama's intent because McCain's plan is to continue the policies that have resulted in golden parachutes for the rich and left the middle class in its worse condition in years.  Belittling Obama for telling "Joe the plumber" he wants everyone to get their fair share of the American dream is just another ploy to label "fairness" efforts as "socialistic."  In these tough times, Americans have had enough of that tripe and are insisting on a change.

The American system has never been a socialist one, and to the chagrin of all of you this is the only country in the world were in one generation you can move from one income level to the next. To all of those who achieved this, did it with hard word, dedication and standing on their own two feet. It was not by government hand outs, or by just telling those who had more to hand it over, because they did not have enough. Please read the Federalist papers, please read the original writings off all those who laid the foundation to this great country. Trust me their names were not Che, Trotsky, Marx or Lenin. The constitution assures you the right to pursuit hapinness it does not guarantee it on the backs of others.

lvonne-411507 - I SO AGREE!

I'm voting for John McCain. Higher taxes, bigger government is not efficient for our economy, no matter what your tax bracket is. Wouldn't you rather have a choice of where to spread your wealth than have someone tell you where it should go? Let's believe in the American people more than some give credit for. Yes, there are a lot of people in need in our country. But bigger government spending will not solve this problem. Let the non-profits continue to do what they do best. Philanthropy is at a higher rate than ever. If we start taxing those who are able to give more than others, we may see more of a what's mine is mine selfish mentality. That is, I would hope, un-American.

That's my 3 cents.

Can we WAKE UP? McCain's trickle down policies are hopeless. Ask anyone who has worked in manufacturing in the last 20-30 years. The tax cuts for these companies are not creating jobs, they are providing funding to research how to become "more efficient." This means with less labor (man hours, employees) and cheaper resources. So not only do they downsize, their suppliers are forced to downsize as well to keep their prices competitive! The cost savings are never realized by the public. The money goes back to the company! It's a poor argument to say Obama is only about spending more ,when he clearly states the money will be taken from failing programs and used for programs that have a greater potential for restoring this country to a super power. Neither of the candidates will fix this within their first term, we have to look at fixing today's messes so we can secure our future. By the way, just because you faught for this country does not mean you are a qualified candidate to be president. Your many years of service in a senate that is part of the problem is a weak qualification too. Please, change is never easy. This is a different world than our grandfathers and great grandfathers had, we must make OUR government evolve into an entity that will better serve our needs while keeping pace with the world outside our borders. 

I agree!  I have been an HR Manager for a 300 person company.  We had mostly carpenters, laborers, and maintenance folks.  All great employees who had families and who deserved a better health care plan then a small company could offer.  I saw half of these good men and women's paychecks go straight to pay their premiums (which McCain now wants to tax).  Not to mention that $1,000 deductible.  Heaven forbid if one of them gets a devastating disease.

That was seriously a BAD moment for McCain.  It was obviously a serious attempt on McCain's part to gain votes from parents who have children with special needs.  I viewed that as using Sarah's child to gain votes.  As an educator, I am not impressed.  McCain seems the type to 'use' others for his 'gain'.  Although I cannot stand Palin, I really felt for her tonight after he made that statement.

PalinGuy, Obama easily won this election.  And why would Obama have to apologize for what Mr. Lewis said.  Obama cannot control what others think.  No more than I can control what you think, or you can control what I think.  Obama was never on the defensive.  Were we watching the same debate?  Obama was eloquent and calm, while McCain's body language more than showed that he was nervous and he did not really answer the questions that were asked of him.  Did McCain apologize for the words of the people at his rally?  If he did he should not have.  McCain is not responsible for the words of the people that attend his rallies!  I think that Obama was trying to not be so hard on the older gentleman. 

Of course Obama won. McCain only whined and called names. He has no substance. And the war hero stuff can only carry him so far. (It's no longer enough).

Obama stated he talk with Lewis and the next day clarified what he meant to say.  Andwhy should Obama apologize for what someone not part of his campainge...McCain/Palin have not apologized for the LIES they spoute,

PalinGuy, Please watch the debate again and pay attention this time.

Palin guy, If he would have said Lewis was wrong, you would have said he was changing positions again.  Right??

Let me guess......she's......HHHHot.  I have heard this comment so many times it is sickening. Evidently some men are voting with a certain appendage and not their brains.

$5000 cannot work for every family.  I have a child with type 1 diabetes and you have no idea how much we pay for daily medications for her.  Insurance companies charge us much more for coverage.  Young and healthy people may get insurance for $5000 but how does this work for the rest of us?  Obama is not proposing '"free" healthcare.  He is proposing that the rest of us can get coverage through the federal plan that covers federal employees.  The more people who are covered, the less the overall costs.  It's healthcare the "Costco" way.

You say that there's no such thing as 'free healthcare'.  You are right, I'll give you that much.  But saying it will cost every taxpayer to pay for OTHER people's healthcare (it will pay for theirs as well) WHICH THE MAJORITY AREN'T EVEN PAYING TAXES?!?  So, you're saying that the majority of people in this country who would use government mandated/supported healthcare are NOT paying taxes?  And that $5K 'relief' for healthcare is a ridiculous idea.  That might HELP you pay for your coverage, but it's not going to do much for the average family.  The healthcare system needs an overhaul, it has for some time.  And if you've ever worked in health insurance or had to battle to get medications that your life depended on, you would know that.  McCain's idea isn't nearly enough to even BEGIN to straighten out the healthcare industry problems in this country.

Amen Melissa!  I've paid my mortgage on time every month, paid my taxes on time, paid my bills on time, and bought a house I could afford.  Why am I being punished for that.  I hate the bail out of stupid people and banks that were greedy and other failing businesses that just can't cut it.  I'm going to be paying more taxes because of this bailout.  Maybe I should just stop paying everything and live off of the new Socialist government that's coming. I almost hope that Obama wins so that you guys can really see what's behind his smooth mask.

Melissa.  What he fails to mention is he will give you $5,000 dollars and then tax it and how far will that go toward the 11 or 12 thousand dollars a policy actually costs.  He has no idea what health care costs.

You are all heart.  Apparantly you have not been to Europe. Health Care there is better than ours.  You need to travel more, get an education (you and Bush).

Oy vey Josh!!!
what areeeeeeee you smoking??? lol; i bet you voted for Bush..and probably twice... ;please this time.. just go poke yourself in the eye, it will be less painful than the last 8 years of;Bush and 4 more of the same with McCain.. he will be using the sameeeeee republicans.. hes using them in his campaign right now.. cant you see that?;Let the rest of America get the white house cleaned up and the country moving again.. if you cant see the forest for the trees.
;Vote for change.. Vote for Obama!!!

Josh, if you think McCain was calm and collected, then that is very scary.  Very scary indeed.  Did you not look at his face at all??

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who noticed McCain's reference to Palin's personal experience w/ autism (more than once!) Her child has Down Syndrome, but he obviously thinks all special needs kids are the same. He couldn't remember Michelle Obama's name (lack of respect). Also, as a 30 year RN in a large hospital Newborn ICU, I have NEVER in all that time seen or heard of a partial birth abortion. It doe not happen! We save all babies over 24 wks gestation, and younger if the family wishes us to try. Obstetrics has advanced from the days when most birth problems were a surprise at the last minute. With today's care and science,, we know about and have PRE plans to care for infants who will be born w/ compromising conditions. Also, Down Syndrome is a chromosomal problem which is present from the moment of conception. Autism is a developed condition which can not be diagnosed prenatally, or at birth.