I'm amazed that the DN publishes letters so barren of facts or examples.

Meanwhile: during the primaries, when he's trying to woo the GOP base, McCain insists Americans are better off under Bush; now that he's trying to distance himself from Mr. 28% during the general election, McCain flip-flops and says Americans are worse off under Bush. McCain has also flip-flopped on energy, torture, Social Security, health care -- the list goes on -- all because he's trying to simultaneously kiss up to the right wing while appearing to be in the mainstream.

Obama's position tweaks are tiny compared compared to McCain's moral acrobatics.

John McCain was against Bush's tax cuts, now he is for them. He was against offshore drilling, now he is for it. Mitt Romney was pro-choice, now he is anti-choice. He was pro gay-rights, now he is anti-gay rights. George W Bush campaigned against nation building and then embarked on the biggest nation building project in sixty years. I'm not picking on Republicans, just pointing out they, just like Mr. Obama, change their minds from time to time.

Right on the money. I have to smile when they were willing to crucify Romney for being a "flip flopper", yet Obama is given a free pass and he does it weekly, if not daily. Remember though, "he's for change". :-)

Republican Talking Point #18

"Barack Obama cannot be trusted"

Emphasize with every statement that Barack Obama cannot be trusted. Include some reference to this talking point at every opportunity. Use phrases like "he changes his mind for political expediency" or "he is refining his position and now he's being pragmatic about reversing his previous absolute conviction."

Under no circumstances allow the subject to change and acknowledge Obama's intelligence, knowledge, keen understanding of the issues, eloquence, articulate speech, or consistent views on issues from the beginning.

Avoid references to McCain's significant changes in position over the years and do not allow comments comparing his position in 2000 and 2008. John McCain does not speak for the McCain Campaign and cannot be held responsible for the things he candidly says to people.

Divert the discussion to examples proving Obama's untrustworthyness by referring to his daily change of mind in selection of what to have for breakfast or what shirt to wear that day. Remember that Obama is a realist and pragmatist with regard to issues, a quality to be discouraged as being willing to change when new ideas are introduced or events change requiring an adjustment in policy.

Republicans don't like change!

I'm glad to see candidates tweak their position if it's not realistic. Look were Utah's hero Bush and "Stay the Course" has gotten us.

Tweaking a position is not the same as flip-flopping for political expediency. Two good examples are "I support gay marriage" Gov. Romney and the formerly respectable maverick John McCain becoming BFF with the Reich Wing.

Obama is for change thats his slogan. Changing his mind again and again and again.

I too am concerned about two of Obama's supposed "flip-flops." The apparent promise to enlarge the unconstitutional "faith-based" funding and the off-shore drilling possibility. Nevertheless, I find him to be far more consistent than McCain. The latter's record of going with turning on issues is very alarming but I don't see Republicans applying the same standards to him as they do to Obama ... probably because Mccain is one who will do anything and say anything.

Worse than his inconsistency, however, is McCain's lack of knowledge and his inability to produce anything new. Everything he has said indicates gross ignorance and an inane loyalty to the failed policies of a failed presidency. He is neither innovative nor particularly intelligent. Add to that his negativism in his ads against Obama and his failure to produce anything positive about what he intends and we have another yet failed presidency looming. Twelve straight years of failure is too much of a risk.

I don't support McCain, but I am opposed to BO. I'm still trying to find the most effective way to vote against BO.

Don't expect to find objective reporting on the network news; when Hillary says Fox treated hre more fairly than anyone else, you know the rest of them are in bed with BO.

It does not matter which one wins this November. The only thing that will really change will be the nameplates on the doors and the interior decorating that will go on for the new person that will occupy the White House.
Cynical? Yes. Both "leading" candidates have changed course as they and their advisers/handlers.
An article in the Detroit Free Press on Monday, 4 August 2008, was a small article about the Michigan/ Florida delegates that were to be allowed 1/2 vote at the Democratic convention. While Hillery was running Obama was ok with the 1/2 vote decision. Now that Hillary is out of the running Obama wants them to have a full complete vote.
If Obama gets elected we will have the same old dirty politics. If McCain wins we will still have the same old dirty politics.

He changing his position on drilling for oil, isn't that a good thing? You have never changed your mind over time?

So we hear the daily rants against both Obama and McCain everyday about how they are this and that. I think we are all pretty clear how people feel about the “other” candidate, what is the policy plan of the candidate you plan to vote for that makes you willing to vote for them? How are these plans likely to affect the country? Remember your candidate not the “other” guy.

What do you mean Obama changes weekly... try each campain stop... well maybe not that often, but regularly. He will do and say anything to get elected. Remember the esteemed Senator Obama is for change. His kool-aide drinkers need to open their eyes. Obama supporters aren't as much for Obama as they are anti Bush. It seems they have never gotten over 2000 election that Gore tried to steal.On the change issue I expect Mr. Obama to support lifting the drilling ban this week.

The two most frightening books that I have ever read are "Dreams of My Father" and "The Audacity of Hope". They make Steven King look like a sissy. If their narrative appeals to the left then we really are a country divided.

Know how to tell if a politician is lying ?
He's lying if his lips are moving.

According to an article in this paper today only 7 percent of the news coverage of the race for the presidency has actually focused on policy.

You just described Utah's favorite politician: Willard Romney. That guy changed every stance he had ever taken as the Gov of MA.
The only shifts Obama has taken are to the right, so all you wingnuts should be pleased.

As a rule, Barak's a fool,
When its hot, he wants it cool,
When it cool, he wants it hot.
What is it Barak wants not?

S0metimes there is just too much Rush Limbaugh and not enough critical thinking.

Google "On the Issues" and you'll find a web site that has literally hundreds of quotes from all major candidates. The quotes cover a variety of important topics. They list a summary of the quote as well as full text of the quote.

As November approaches, it will be interesting to see how Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain handle important issues. Oil and drilling are hot topics today.

Depending on the poll, right now the election is too close to call. The Rasmussen poll shows less than 1% difference between Obama and McCain.

If Mr. Obama is serious about changing his mind on oil production, if he is serious about taking another look at off-shore drilling, he would be better served by demanding that Congress immediately reconvene and that Congress stay in session until they have discussed and voted on drilling. That would show leadership. Does he think that, as President, that he would only have to deal with soft-ball issues?

If he's a leader, now is the time to show that leadership. Talk is fine, but it doesn't put food on the table, nor does it pay for a tank of gas.

It has been said the Republicans do not like change. This is an easily challenged point, but be that as it may, I wonder what alternative the current Democrats offer. It is impossible to effect any change if you will not allow Congress to operate. Pelosi is the anti-change agent. Obama, for this part, offers limited change from traditional Democrat doctrines...even claiming to be "for change" is evidences of not changing.

One thing Barrak Husein Obama will never change is his position on killing unborn children.

I remember the McCain of 2002 and that man was actually worthy of my respect. Now I think he is putting himself "in bed" with the same people who did him in back in 2002. What happened to the man who could crack jokes and be one of the people. I am saddened that he wants to be president so badly that he gave up on what gained my respect so many years ago.
With Obama I am not sure what to think. The future election is going to be a worldwide event... The outcome frightens me to no end.

Wow, ultra reich winger Loa Don Glade doesnt trust Obama? I never would have guessed, unless I had read his/her weekly letter to the editor. Obama in a landslide! If you dont like it just move to another country.

If the Barak Obama-ites want to see just how experienced he is, go to his Senate website, and look at his voting record. Not much there. The thing I noticed most was the number of times that the vote status read, "Did Not Vote." That's experience for you. In two sessions of Congress, Mr. Obama seems to have missed the entire second session. How many committees has he served on? How many pieces of legislation did he propose? If his Congressional record is any indication, Mr. Obama has zero experience. The thing that scares me the most is that he will assume the title of "Commander in Chief." We will be in a world of hurt.

You don`t trust Obama. I don`t trust McCain. At least not John McCain. I trust Lucas McCain the Rifleman.

Anyone who says a willingness to compromise is changing one's mind or flip-flopping deserves the do-nothing congress we have.

To Anonymous:

Don't attach a person because they don't like, or trust, a political candidate; that is their CHOICE!

Don't be so presumptious as to think Obama has it in the bag, he could very well lose, and it is that kind of arrogance is exactly what will cost him the election.

Americans aren't dumb, they see past his "words" and realize he hasn't done ANYTHING that qualifies him for President, if you can give me one thing he has done that does qualify him, well, maybe THEN Ill consider him.

So am I to take it the closest anyone is willing to come to actually discussing policy of their respective candidates is Mike Richard’s referral to Google quotes of the candidates. This is a pretty weak excuse for civil discourse. To all of you, if you are actually expect these people to do anything when they get in office and/or wonder how we got to the sad state of politics we are in, look back over this thread and read what passes for discourse these days. It becomes clear how we got here and where we are heading. It really does not matter what the politicians policy positions are when the people electing them have no idea what they are and will not be able to hold them accountable for following through with them, but you all have fun with the name game, I am going to go find something more productive to do with my day.

Again, hardly any reference by the right wingers to actual policy; they just put their fingers in their ears and recite whatever mantra Rush gave them that morning. I've only seen one reference to any actual policy shift on Obama's part: his stated willingness to compromise with Repubicans on offshore drilling if it will grease the skids for the other, more effective energy initiatives he supports.

Meanwhile, McCain has changed his position on a number of issues, including offshore drilling, social security, economic policy, etc. etc. -- that is, when he can even remember what his position is.

But I know that facts like that have difficulty taking hold in the ears of right wingers when they've got their fingers resolutely stuck in them so that nothing can be heard above their recitation of Rush mantras.

In my opinion, neither Obama or McCain are what I would consider critical thinkers. As I've heard each of them speak an then re-read their speeches, Obama seems to operate from emotion and McCain seems to operate from a "gut-feeling" type of stance. It also appears that Obama could be somewhat naive and McCain may not listen as well as he could.

Either way, deciding which candidate is more personally readied for the Presidency is a diffcult one.

If I were solely responsible for "hiring" someone to act in the office of the presidency, Mr. Obama's resume would not even have made it past my assistant's initial screen. That said, the genius and folly of our political system rests precisely in its ability to put forth someone of his ilk for our consdiration.

To the point of the initial letter, I cannot fault anyone for not trusting Mr. Obama. Every speech is carefully calculated to make as few commitments as possible, other than to vague notions of change.

To the point of policy, he has many troubling policies. He has supported legislation that would make it illegal to have private ballots for union voting. Imagine the union thugs knowing that you were the one who defeated their measure. What supporter of democracy writ large could ever support non-private ballots?

Among the few things economists agree on is that free trade is a net positive for all countries involved. Mr. Obama would unilaterally renegotiate our key trade agreements to limit this mutual benefit.

He has some positions I favor. These are but a few of those I oppose.

Publius wants to know what changes Obama wants. Look at the web site. HEALTHCARE: Nat'l health insurance exchange to make private insurance more affordable and effective, FISCAL BALANCE: tax cuts for the middle class; greatly reduced borrowing for war purposes; debt reduction. SECURITY: actually "capturing" Osama et al; positive engagement with the rest of the world (where we are now a pariah). Sounds good to me--substantive, intelligent--not what we have now.

Dear Grimble, if you don't know what policies Obama has done as the letter writer describes, then you haven't been paying attention.

They aren't hard to find if the network news isn't your only news source.

Loa nailed it spot on. I don't care if someone has changed their positions because of new information or enlightenment. I think the flip-flop dilemma gets played too much on both sides. I would hope that someone has the room to change their mind if they need to for sound reasons.

However, we know that most politicians change for votes; pure and simple. All politicians do it and many gullible voters can't see through the rhetoric.

Obama is an empty suit; nothing more, nothing less. He has no principles and he has shown horrible judgment in the church he attends and the friends he keeps.

I won't vote for him if he's the only one on the ballot.

KM: I like the Husein thing, did that come from Rush or Sean?

Oh, by the way it is correctly spelled Hussein with 2 s's. You might want to make sure you get the talking point right and not give people a misspelling.

And as for choice, didn't Jesus fight a war in heaven to give man free will? Didn't Lucifer fight to take away freedom of choice?

No matter what is said, America will be making their choice after the televised debates.

The camera doesn't lie.

One candidate will clearly emerge as a superstar -the other the same ol' same ol'.

Senator Obama is the better choice for America today, he will bring a new age and change to American politics. But he can not do it alone, so if we want better times we are all going to have to make changes and put our shoulder to the wheel.

B. Hussein Obama is doing the smart thing; changing his position to agree the will of the people. What's so wrong about that?

I would question a dunderhead politician who would hold fast to an unpopular/untenable/unworkable position. Such as not drilling for more oil in the US of A and off our shores.

Somebody please tell me ONE THING THAT OBAMA HAS DONE TO QUALIFY HIMSELF AS PRESIDENT! I really want to know, just tell me one thing! You all talk of him bringing change and a new age, well what has he done that enables him to have the experience necessary to create this change? TELL ME ONE THING!

I know that is not going to happen. Obama just isn't qualified; he just hasn't done anything worthwhile that gives him the experience he needs.

These aren't "talking points" from Rush and Sean, that is the Democratic scapegoat when asked what experience Obama has, since he doesn't have any, they just say, this an attack from conservative radio, but its not, its a question from the American people. What makes Obama QUALIFIED?

Hungry for Change | 10:22 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008

"No matter what is said, America will be making their choice after the televised debates."

When watching, try to remember that McCain was a prisoner of war for five years with broken limbs and in a body cast. B. Hussein Obama, on the other hand, was living the life of Reilly.

"The camera doesn't lie."

The question is, will politicians lie on camera. Answer: Are their lips moving?

I fing it somewhat shocking that people on these comment boards day in and day out plagarize Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh, and never give them the appropriate credit. I think that those of you who are participating in this dishonest act should take notes from the guy who wrote the poem. Althought he poem was short and simple, and even ignorant, no one can accuse him of being unoriginal.

I, along with many of these right wing reactionaries, am disappointed that Barak Obama has changed his postion on critical issues. I was very disappointed when he decided not to take public financing for his campaign. In general, I am concerned about his shift from the left to the cneter. But, inspite of these shifts, I still think that Barrak Obama is a far superior choice for president. Obama, seems to have one thing that John McCain and George Bush have lacked, a thought process.

It will really be a shame to have a president who not only grew in a lower middle class family-like the majority of Americans- but, was also intellignet enough to be a stellar student.

Conservatives wish we would forget Bush being against nation building and the video on Youtube of Chenney explaining why it would have been stupid to have overthrown the Iraqi government during the First Gulf War.

Why have conservatives forgotten McCain: the Manchurian Candidate, The POW who sang like a bird or conservatives calling McCain a liberal?

Anything is better than a stay-the-course BushCo clone.

This country simply cannot take another extension of the Cheney/Bush policiey with their stooges Limbaugh, Hannity and Coulter doing all they can to divide the country for them.

Cambridge,

"If I were solely responsible for "hiring" someone to act in the office of the presidency, Mr. Obama's resume would not...have made it past my assistant's initial screen."

That's why you and your assistant aren't the ones who get to make the decision. Obama's resume is an exceptional one compared to McCain's.

Obama graduated from Columbia University with a B.A in International Relations. Then went on to graduate magna cum laude with a J.D. from Harvard Law School. While McCain graduated at the bottom of his class of 899 at the U.S. Naval Academy (894th out of 899).

There were only 4 students who did worst!

While at Harvard Obama served as President of the Harvard Law Review. On the other hand McCain was busy crashing Navy planes at the Naval Academy.

From 1983 to 1988 Obama served as the Director of the Developing Community Project. Where was McCain? McCain was busy cooperating with the enemy after crashing his 5th plane.

I don't think heading towards hell at 600 MPH is a good change from heading towards hell at 237 MHP. change for the sake of change is stupid.

Doesn't matter if those from the reddest state in America trust Senator Obama or not (These fools want Mitt Romney in the White House).

There is a monumental movement in America right now.
And the tip-off of what will ultimately occur can be found in the gazillions of people registering Democratic and the huge drop of people registering as Conservatives.

@ Tommie-
I'll give you one thing that qualifies him to take the reigns of the White House...he's not George W. Bush, and he's not a Republican.

To can't take another extension:

Its liberals that are dividing not conservatives, were in the majority

Both candidates need to get their changes in now, because the memory of the voters is less than the remaining three months. Many voters won't remember any of their positions from before the conventions anyway. If you haven't made up your mind by now, no matter which way you go, you are nothing but an impulse shopper. I have decided to not vote for the lessor of the two evils and vote a third party. The lessor of two evils is still evil. Also, I do not consider this a wasted vote, because it is at least a protest vote on these two candidates.

Re: TOMMIE

"Somebody please tell me ONE THING THAT OBAMA HAS DONE TO QUALIFY HIMSELF AS PRESIDENT! I really want to know, just tell me one thing!"

He graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in International Relations and magna cum laude from the Harvard School of Law while McCain graduated 894th out of 899 from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Obama served as President of the Harvard Law Review, Director of the Developing Communities Project and as Senior Lecturer of Constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School. He also served in the Illinois Senate and U.S. Senate (12 years) while McCain has only served in Congress (25 years).

"I know that is not going to happen. Obama just isn't qualified; he just hasn't done anything worthwhile that gives him the experience he needs."

I guess the plane crasher who needed his Admiral father and grandfather to get him assigned as Navy Liaison to the Armed Services Committee so that he could pivot himself into politics is experienced (sarcasm) even though he was a second rate officer and has never done anything with his life.

"What makes Obama QUALIFIED?"

Tell us what makes Captain McCain qualified?

To Obama v. McCain pt.1:

At Least McCain was fighting to defend this country, Obama did nothing even close!

And you haven't given any reason why Obama is qualified, what he did in college doesn't make him qualified to be President, sorry to break it to you.