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Feedback ForumNOW wants to hear from you! Send us your opinions, reactions and ideas about "Obama in Danger?"Submissions for this question are no longer being accepted. Previously submitted comments appear below. Comments may have been edited for content or space. Poster: Lucy Comment: One of the comments above seems to say that people choose a candidate to bolster their religious congregation. It is just the opposite--people vote for someone because they like the values that the candidate will apply to policy. Every candidate has values, whether or not they attend a church, and that is what people are looking at. Barack Obama's values are for big government and Hollywood culture. McCain's values are for individual empowerment and personal responsibility. Barack Obama's audacity of hope seems to refer to talking nice to global aggressors in the hope they will like us. McCain knows the real world--that the Hitlers of the world will not be appeased. Poster: Mike Comment: Obama doesn't need to attact the Republicans, the bloggers are doing that for him so he can keep his hands clean. Poster: Terry Comment: I appreciate all that is being said about the Dem's misteps, but what I think is important for the American voter is to 'feel' that Obama is passionate about what he says - not just that he believes in it, but that he is PASSIONATE about it. As much as Sarah Palin says very little that I agree with, I do feel her passion. I have seen Obama's passion, as in the Dem convention speech, but his daily speeches have more sarcasm than passion. I hope someone gets this accross to him. As Drew Weston says, the people need to get excited about his passions, before they listen to the details. Poster: J Martin Comment: The elephant in the room that Mr. Westen will not speak to is that Democrats don't lead with principles because the party's main guiding principle is a forerunner to communism... the state as savior. Senator Clinton used her speech at the convention to entice Americans with the promise that if we only could secure a uniformly Democratic national government, we would have a society free of all suffering. Although she cannot bring herself to endorse him wholeheartedly, she should not worry; Senator Obama is right there with her. Let me be the first to say how my heart yearns for a perfect world, one in which we are all buffered from the consequences of natural disaster, our neighbors' greed, the general apathy of a rich nation, and, yes, second hand smoke. However, to push for the government to redeem us from all pain and evil, is at its best naive and at its worst a sinister push toward the ultimate conclusion of such thinking: communism. Having said that, I do not believe in my heart that Democrats desire to usher in such an age and am lead to surmise that it is political expediency which is prompting our liberal party to embrace such a costly and unfortunate core value. Shame on NOW for stategizing its success. Poster: meinla Comment: Obama does not speak well without his prepared speeches. From saying there are '57+ states' to his 'muslim faith'. And now Iraq has come out to say that he asked them to delay withdrawal until he can do it as President!!! Google 'Logan Act'. Obama is just another good ole boy doing what is best for himself, not us. Poster: J Moore - Texas Comment: Mr. Obama has lost momentum. He lost it because he did not choose Hillary and because McCain did choose Sarah. He should have had the courage to choose the best candidate even though she and Bill would have been difficult to manage. I do not think he will be able to re-gain the momentum. McCain showed his maverick tendencies by getting outside the box in his selection of Sarah Palin and it will probably win him the day in November. Poster: Nikos Comment: I think Obama is coming off as windy with nothing substantial to say. He seems so immature and is the least of the four candidates when it come to experience. I was not even going to vote this year but with the entrance of Palin, my wife and I will vote McCain/Palin ticket. Actually Obama seems like a young kid who is just spouting words and ideas he got from the class room. He really has no solutions and no executive experience. Poster: Kathy K Comment: This time around for a new President is terrible. We are approaching a rude awakening. Obama and McCain both are not ready to be a President. Both of them are at each other. I see only lies and decieving to this country. I see them as promising this but meaning something else. The voters need to open up their eyes to whom they are voting in. Poster: Cindy Comment: As a African American woman I would love to see a woman in office. Palin is far from my first choice but she's the first in my lifetime. I'm torn because I see my best choice now is a republican. Poster: Darryl Comment: Even if the other problems were not here, the rep. still see Rev. Wright. That was a Snafu we didn't need and now we try to dismiss Gov. Palin. We need to stop looking so defensive. No matter what is said, she's a real politician. Poster: John Comment: Lemme get this straight; according to Drew... * Unlike Palin, Obama didn't get where he is by appealing to people's emotions? * The Democrats 'big mistake' was that they didn't attack Palin before the convention for inexperience or being a 'desperate' pick? * Joe Biden understands policy, and Palin is just some charismatic woman? * Democrats are 'constantly in a defensive crouch'? * The problem is that Democrats are too 'up front' with what they believe? * And my personal favorite: Democrats have really 'mainstream' values... but never talk about them? If Democrats think that this is all something revealing; gosh... I hope they listen to Drew. Obama needs to start appealing to people's emotions. The Democrats should start attacking Palin. Biden needs to talk about policy. Democrats need to attack Republicans, and stop being so darned nice! Obama needs to stop talking about how he wants to mandate Universal Health Care, and talk about his mainstream values. Sure. If Democrats feel that they haven't done this yet... then that giant image of Obama in his headquarters is just to remind everyone in the office who the candidate is. -John Poster: Bonnie Comment: You bet he is in D A N G E R! Because he doesn't have the experience to run for President of the United States let alone be President. I can't wait to see him go down like another Michael Dukakles. Anyone who would vote for inexperience and increased taxes with the way the taxpayers are supporting illegals, Banks and Insurance companies right now is crazy in my book. McCain stated he would stop sending money to countries that don't like us much anymore and put it to good use here. That's my kind of American!!! Poster: Wilma Comment: If Obama does not get elected it will be because he is half white and ashamed of it and the other half is Arab and it is not the color that counts. I am just saying what a lot of people are thinking. He should not be playing the Race Card and whining about his color. Obama is cold and out of touch with the real people of America. Just watch his body language in the act of tossing the rose on the 9/11 Memorial. This would have been a good time to bring his children to show them some real American History that he might wish to forget. Most of us will never allow ourselves to forget. Poster: Kel Comment: The people put Obama where he is. He is fine. It's Mcwar you need to worry about GOP really think Americans are stupid? not this time Poster: Chris Comment: Stick a fork in him. He's done. Now the bad news - - in the next four years the hundreds of unanswered (and un-asked on PBS) questions about Obama will end any future aspirations he might have in American politics. The more Americans know about him, his past, and his wife, the less attractive he becomes. America doesn't want or need another socialist in the White House. Bill Clinton was enough. So I suggest you folks get to working on why Americans are so stupid not to elect your Messiah. Obviously you are much more informed and better able to decide what is best for the rest of us - - NOT! Sit back and watch the landslide. Even the combining of Hollywood and the media can't stand up to the will of the people no matter how stupid you believe us to be. God bless America. Poster: Lessie Diffey Comment: How stupid do those, guess who people think the majority of Americans are? When a country has 50 to 60 percent of one Democratic Congress or Republican Congress, it makes no damn difference what they promise unless the Congress is of the same party or at least evenly devided. It's really called a stalemate! We would have a better chance picking a Congress, Vice President and President by blindfolding a few good folks of America and send them out into the streets and point to someone for one of the spots. When the lips of those you see on TV part you only hear, he said, she said, they said lies. No one can possibly be trained to fully be President no more than we can be trained to know all about raising kids from pregnancy to old age. Once you live through it. its seems easy....hello1 Lessie Diffey Poster: emilee Comment: It saddens me that the world has stooped to such a level. All that anyone seems to focus on is what the other candidate has done wrong or not done at all. It is all about criticism and talking trash about the other person. Everyone wants to express opinions about what the other person has done wrong and why they are not capable of being president. Honestly neither candidate is perfect and from here until jesus comes back we will NEVER have a PERFECT president. We all have skeletons in our closets and our views may not match that of others but we are all children of God and that means we have ALL sinned and yet we are all forgiven. Why not focus on the positive aspects. When i hear a candidate criticise the other (even when its who i think is the right person for presidency) it makes me realize what a joke the race is. just because you dont agree with someones views dont give you the right to talk about them. we are all entitled to our view or opinion and when the world accepts that we will be better off. Poster: John Pierce Comment: If Obama isn't in danger, we are all in danger. Regarding Palin's qualifications, she is more qualified than Obama by a long shot. Liberals need to get a life. Poster: TJ from PA Comment: As one of those Independents that has sat on the fence, I was open minded and willing to listen...hoping to hear the right things come from a candidate. His first mistake. Selecting Biden as a running mate. His second HUGE mistake (if he wanted my vote), the ads that he is running this week. He is now doing what he said all along he wouldn't do. We are to believe that he is going to give us change in Washington...he just got sucked into the type of politics that disgust many of us. Spending 20 years working with the govt. I just want one of them to define HOW they are going to fix the issues and run the govt instead of the sleazy attacks on each other. At this point, I would vote for Palin as President...at least she has some experience running an executive branch. I really don't care if she does or doesn't know what the Bush doctrine is. Poster: Teresa Walters Comment: I hope so he is definately not qualified for the job and a treat to our freedom. Poster: J. L. Sirrom Comment: This is what liberals think of all who don't agree with their viewpoints (taken verbatim from above). Quote: A very large percentage of Americans can be persuaded, only with the techniques that I use with my cat. In other words, their reasoning ability is equivalent to a 2-year-old. I don't know how or when we got so stupid, but it is certainly true that Americans are among the dumbest people on earth. End qoute. Well, liberals may think conservatives are easily led, stupid morons with the IQ of a two (2) year old but think again. The average American knows better. Just keep on calling us stupid and underestimating us. I have a graduate degree from a top 20 university, yet you call me among the dumbest (of) people on earth. It so happens that when we conservatives hold sincere, heart-felt, bible based views, you call us liars and hate-mongers. Why? Because you cannot discuss issues in a civil manner--you can only attack the messenger. When an articulate down-to-earth conservative comes on the scene, liberals claim the conservatives hijacked the media. As if that could even be possible. You attack Palin for lack of experience yet she has more than Mr. Obama when it comes to actually accomplishing something in government. About 95% of the folks offering an opinion here favor Mr. Obama and think that he should adopt the technique of NOT saying, I favor universal healthcare. Instead, you say he should obscure the message by saying something indirect and not to the point. You need to question yourself about what it is that scares the American public about universal healthcare and other issues that tend toward socialism. But then, what do I know? I'm among the dumbest people on earth...according to you. Poster: Sanford Shiff Comment: I have become nearly obsessed with reading and exploring both sides of this presidential election and researching their arguments. The Obama campaign has clearly avoided all direct questions about their candidates more questionable past, past associates and characters a truthful and direct response which would quickly dispel the McCain campaign's ability to place Obama in a weaker position. What is best for America and Americans is we need to be responsible and accountable for our own greed and apathy which contributed to our present unstable situation and quit blaming others. Vote for one side or the other?s at least take the responsibility to make a well-informed decision when you vote and not an emotional decision BUT VOTE you must if you are ever going to CHANGE the way things are today. If you don't vote, then you have no voice and I will not value your opinion because it is just words, not actionable. If you do vote and your candidate wins, then be responsible for all they do right and wrong and stay involved. If you vote and your candidate loses, then join the winning side to work to correct the faults of this country to make it better for us and our children. The message is VOTE wisely, be accountable and accept the outcome with a desire to work with other Americans to make things better. It is the people of America who run the government. It starts with your vote on November 4th. Poster: Shirley Comment: Obama needs to GRAB OUR ATTENTION. He needs to get his message out in short, catchy 'slogans' people can remember. He & Biden should repeat, Enough!, multiple times in every speech. They need to hammer their message to the less informed voters who only read headlines. Begin & end each segment with the slogan, the headline. Then, deliver the details for the rest of us who want to be informed. Repetition sells. If he wants people to buy, he needs to use the Keep-It-Simple-Stupid principle in his ads & speeches. The swing vote is the last S in KISS. Poster: Paul Griffin Comment: Dear Friends at NOW, Thank you for allowing comment on Mr. Westen's ideas. Frankly, I expected more out of an educated man. I was especially dishearted by his reductionist view of Republicans, basically equating Republicans and their platform as racist. He is incorrect on that. Let's deal with issues,and not perceptions. And, let's not create false perceptions in order to try win an election. I am neither Democrat nor Republican. I am, however, very concerned about the holes that Mr. Obama has dug for himself in his relationships and negative - even haughty - attitude toward people who are different than himself. And, I am concerned with contradictions (such as his statements on the SFA and SOFA agreements in Iraq) and the perception that he is less than forthcoming in a number of key areas. Too, his lack of experience - especially as relates to Middle Eastern political thought - is telling. THOSE are the things which he must address. THOSE are the things which are costing him support, and which may well cost him the election. As Americans, also, we must remember that as one man loses the election, the other will have won, according to the constitutional provisions via the electoral college. The attitude that we have on this side of the election will greatly impact our ability as a nation to pull together on the other side of the election. I'm afraid that Mr. Westen's comments will only serve to degrade that ability to handle common problems and establish and pursue common goals... Thank you again for reading this. Respectfully, Paul Griffin Poster: Martin L Comment: Times is awasting. Drew Westen is right on. He is not dumbing down the rhetoric. He is giving solid punch lines to draw people in to engage and listen and be impressed. Obama is losing the election! He had best get in touch with Drew Westen as soon as possible and change his style! Poster: Eli Comment: I am in the middle of listening to Drew Weston, and frankly his ideas are hackneyed and just not informed. he says the Obama as he appears in debates is just like Michael Dukakis?? Is he nuts?? Did he watch any of the debates he had with Hilary Clinton? The Democratic primaries had record turnout this year, sometimes outdrawing the Republican turnout 2 to 1. Weston just doesn't know what the heck he's talking about. This guy's ideas are EXACTLY what is wrong with politics and punditry. It's all about guts and style - substance be damned. Frankly, I am also very dissapointed with David B. just sitting there letting this crap go unremarked upon. Jeez! Poster: Unes Gollestani Comment: Obama looks like the Manchurian candidate; Obama entered into the Democrat camp to win their nomination and then lose it to the Republican. That is the only plausible rational that I can make for this Democrat’s tragedy! Obama team campaigned very effective against Hilary Clinton and now against McCain they are campaigning so stupidly! Poster: J.S. Comment: Obama needs Westen on his campaign team. His point is elequently put but not new. George Lakoff and Thomas Frank conveyed a similar point. Democrats need to reframe their messege. Unfortunatly the DNC is not listening. Poster: pyrotechny Comment: I think it speaks VOLUMES regarding political bias when one of the headings on this website is What does Obama need to do in the next 60 days I didn't see a What does McCain need to do in the next 60 days title...hmmmm guess it's pretty obvious, isn't it?! Poster: Jill, TX Comment: I was cringing during this interview. When did we get so stupid that we need smart candidates to look folksy and dumb down the rhetoric? Come on! That woman from Alaska is not smart and formidable...she is a zealot and has conviction in what she is saying, which is scary and wrong. Unfortunately, 51% or more seem to think she is more like them and trust that. I wouldn't trust myself being VP or Prez and I think I am fairly intelligent! I say wake up and start doing your civic duty and less American Idol watching. Pay attention to facts, not Fox News. Realize that the person who has the finger on that button needs to be really, really smart and can actually pronounce the word nuclear correctly. Poster: Diane Comment: Obama: Please listen to Drew! I love that you are thoughful about issues, but for the debates, come out with the emotive and go for the nuance later. Follow his advice! We need YOU, not George McCain. Poster: Anita Comment: I am not of American nationality but I have always considered it to be a great nation of vast oppurtunities, and so to think that Obama ( who would be truly a great WORLD leader and a great American president) could loose because of lies and distortion of facts is not only sad but if it happens it will be a huge American Loss. Poster: Conrad Haas Comment: Erik Gronning's comments above about Drew Weston are exactly what I wish to say. Please, will you get Drew Weston in touch with Senator Obama, like right now? Time is a wasting. PBS is the messenger. Dr. Weston has the message. Senator Obamba needs to deliver the message. Do it NOW! Many thanks on behalf of the American people. Poster: Injustice4all Comment: Democrats can get over the fact that facts don't matter. As a trial lawyer I have known this for years as have the Republicans. Quit looking for the smoking gun on Palin it is a waste of time. Poster: Sherri Jackson Comment: I just saw the interview with Bishop Jackson. As one who is a woman,minister,activist,and healthcare provider I would like to see the media portray a more balance critique of this crucial election in 2008. It has been mostly talking heads spewing out non-critical rhetoric! Jackson makes some valid points,however in past elections the tactics of same sex marriage and abortion have always been used to get the right-wing vote,and the evagelical vote. Who one loves in a committed realtionship is between that couple and thier God. In the case of abortion I beleive that is a woman's right to choose ,and discuss with the Higher Power that be,not the goverment or the evangelical movement. It is time for CHANGE in this country. We cannot endure another eight years of turmoil,war,and dis-placed hope! Poster: Emmy Comment: Sadly, I couldn't make it all the way through this interview. Not that I thought it was untrue, just too depressing to bear. A very large percentage of Americans can be persuaded only with the techniques that I use with my cat. In other words, their reasoning ability is equivalent to a 2-year-old. I don't know how or when we got so stupid, but it is certainly true that Americans are among the dumbest people on earth. The Chinese, on the other hand, have an energy policy map that goes out to the year 2100. They are depending on Americans to continue to be stupid about energy. Seriously! They have built this into their plans! In other words, we get what we deserve. We are too stupid to act in our own self-interest; we are too unethical to repay our debts. And the rest of the world knows it. Poster: ssord Comment: I now feel more threatened than ever,to work so hard to do the right things for all and then being put down for it is a real test.It seems only the cruelest behavior is rewarded! Why cant our government do an honest days work? Until the people show love for one another, the old ,young and infirm and unborn will continue to get the world we have.On earth as it is in heaven! Poster: Normsp Spier Comment: As a reason- and Enlightenment- oriented sort of person, I am afraid that the thoroughly emotion-based and intellectually vacuous over-the-top positive response of the public to Ms. Palin has made me quite dispirited. The appearance of Mr. Westen on your show, and the points he makes, has only reinforced my lack of faith in the wisdom of The People. Let's all kill ourselves now, why don't we? Poster: Rose S. Comment: The convention was thrilling,the wonderful women, Senators and Representative from all states in the union. I came from the depression and this truly brought tears to my eyes. Women in America have real issues: Marriage, Sexual fredom to choose and to have birth control, to work even when pregnant & married, to run for office and fight for American values. I want to see women educated, to raise sons and daughters that will help America achieve its big environmentalgoals. I hope their goals will be goals that promote peace and prosperity to all Americans and to the world. This is why I want Barak Obama to stay on the task of talking about the Bush Administrations disaster to our economy, it fruitless agressiveness in the Middle East, the job lessness in America, and his bottom up economy that will help us re-build America. Sara Palin/McCain press is taking our eyes off of the prize. Let the press reveal the lies. I am still mad about the Bush Administration bringing California to its knees with the manipulation of our gas and electricity through Ken Lay and Enron. The little old lady they talked & LAUGHED about lived across the street. The stock her husband left her to live on...GONE! I used to be a Republican, but never again! Poster: Bryan Bremner Comment: I watched your wonderful interview with Drew Weston. I have been a fan of his ever since I saw him on a panel discussion about George Orwell. He has got to be one of the most brilliant Democratic minds of our generation - too bad the Democrats haven't realized this yet. Poster: DD Miles Comment: Abortion and same-sex marriage are nobody business but their own, Look at your own relationship with God. Those who are against abortion will not help support the child and mother if she needs help. The world is over populated. Obama has a plan to curtail abortion. Love is GREAT, better than War! Poster: John Miles Comment: I think it's the Media who control what get on . Right now Sarah Palin are what they want to advertise. Evangelical Christan's will lie for their cause, and follow their church leaders,I been there. And the last elections of 2000 and 2004, there was fraud,and I think this will go the same way. We need Obama who is a good honest man, not a Washington Insider and a person who lies and has fits on stage at church. Poster: j mohr Comment: now is so left why doesnt it try to be fair Poster: Ed Shop Comment: That's the most common sense I've heard in a short interview ever. Poster: ella Comment: This man is so right in his observations. I hope Obama adopts some of the strategies. I cannot believe that the majority of this country will not look around and see how completely Republican policies have failed them. And if the only way to make people see, is to have them feel first; in order to engage them, then I say DO IT! Wonderful program, as usual from the NOW team. Poster: maria Comment: Thank you for your show. I haven't been able to sleep because of this election because of this sinking feeling that something is wrong and Drew Westen confirmed my fears. I couldn't say it as well as he did but I feel that we will lose if Obama doesn't speak to the people in the way Drew talks. I think we have the best candidate by far, but for some reason we are not connecting with 50% of the people. I hope Drew Westen continues to consult with the Obama campaign and Obama himself before the debates. We need to win this election or we are in big trouble. If anything happens to McCain and this woman is our President, God help us all Poster: ed phillips Comment: I have been a Harry Truman, JFK Democrat for all my life. Now it seems the Democratic Party is being hijacked by the likes of the Howard Deans, Michael Moore, Daily Kos crowd et el. There are millions of us out here that will be voting for the McCain ticket and Mr. Obama is in for a big suprise this November. Ed Poster: Atul Comment: I found Mr. Westen's comments were right on the money. Most people in our country have made up their mind for who to vote for. Those who claim have not made up their mind are the ones who only understands small sentences which what Mr. Westen's referring to. Make a one liner statement and then explain. There are enough negative advt. that distracts mind of these people and I find that what Mr. Westen's view that the first debate Obama needs to come out swinging and overpass McCain who is poor in the debate. I saw ABC show view on Friday and I did not see McCain answering the question from Barbara or Joy about negative advt of sex education in school and lipstick on pig commercial. His comments were off the wall. Obama needs to join me in town hall meeting. That is not the reason you are putting negative advt. I hope, Mr Westen offers himself to Obama's campaign to help out before the first debate. Poster: gerry Comment: It should be obvious that McCain will not bring change. But the general public, not just students, do not have critical thinking skills.This is a close race but clearly the east coast and west coast will go Obama. Some people are not ready for a black president but this is balanced by people not being ready for a women. Poster: Lee Comment: I enjoyed hearing Drew's comments about Obama and the Democrats, but I take issue with his statement that Democrats do not talk their values. The very fact that most Democrats, at least the ones I know, do not listen to hate radio nor engage in swift boat tactics speaks volumes about their values. I agree, however, that democrats need to speak from the heart yet continue to uphold the values of decency and civility even in the face of the hate talk and the lies being promoted by such extremists. Poster: Don Henderson Comment: Drew Westen is right on target. Obama is supposed to be about change but his campaign is repeating the same old failed strategies of Dukakis, Gore, and Kerry. Always reacting - never attacking. And there is so much ammunition if he'd only use it. It's a crying shame. The Republicans are having a hay day with such a pathetically weak opponent who dares not fight back. People love a fighter - not a wimp. That's why Palin is leaving Obama in the dust. Forget about universal healthcare and make ready for creationism in the science curricula. Poster: Karen Brewer Comment: I'm a Christian. I'm not sure that makes me an Evangelical by your definition. Everybody I know Christian or not is facing financial distress. I lost my home to foreclosure in 2007 (took my aunt in and became her sole caregiver). I'm 55, without a home and I make $5.00 less an hour than I did in 2003! I'm not alone in this. This election is about more than male and female. It's about being at the pivot point in America's future. Do we go forward and be the people we were destined to be? The city on the hill? Or do we go the way of the world consumed by our selfishness and greed, a soul-less America living for only self-pleasure? Everybody I know is thinking long and hard about this election. Karen Poster: Carlton Sagara Comment: Generally, NOW has very good journalists on the program. They are thoughtful, insightful. even provocative. But my understanding is that it is not the journalists, primarily, who control the news or what the public gets to hear or read. The people in control are the publishers and the editors -- these are the people whose philosophies and ideas decide what gets told. For example, the recent *kerfuffle* over Barak Obama's metaphor about lipstick on a pig (shouldn't the headline have been that *Republicans Call Palin A Pig*?) became a media event. But on whose authority was the issue promoted? Could an editor said, *this is not news, stop wasting my time and report on the issues*? And if he could have, why didn't she? Poster: Susan Comment: David's disparaging of the Democrats did not go over well with me. He is supporting the myth that they are 'weak' in the way he kept doubting their ability to speak out with passion. We are very passionate, but we are not liars nor are we sarcastic and mocking. Obama is thoughtful and wise as your second guest mentioned. But yes, I guess we have to play the game, a game that has been set by Carl Rove. Sad but apparently it is true that we are electing presidents on the basis of gut social issues and in many cases against our real interests and real values. Poster: Joan Tibbetts Comment: After viewing the interview with Drew Westen, and his excellent blog on what Obama has avoided, and can do in the next 2 months, I believe his campaign is in danger of tanking to McCain-Palin. This disturbs me greatly as I have much respect for Obama and Michele, and am alarmed at the prospect of a McCain-Palin victory. I hope the Obama team will take Drew Westen's recommendation that he bring Paul Begala on board to coach him on speeches that will deflect the public's excitement re Palin. It's been said over and over that Obama needs to return to his more progressive vision for change, and to go on the attack with McCain's pit bull tactics. Likewise, Biden needs to play hard ball in debate with Palin, not deference to her gender and youth. She's out for blood and has been carefully coached by the GOP pros. Poster: Cassandra Hogan Comment: Whatever happened to The Fierce Urgency of Now? I can think of no better way to describe the stakes of this election. Obama should be framing every issue he is running on with this phrase-HIS phrase-and SPEAKING- with the fierce urgency of now....NOW!!!! This election isn't over.Although I greatly admire his intellect, Obama needs to get out of his head a little,and speak from his heart.His heart has a lot to say. Poster: Derrick Priebe Comment: Dear Editors, The story on Obama blew me away. Amazing guest and top notch interview. The analysis was so insightful and relevant…unlike anything I’ve seen of late. I felt like I was listening to analysis that was steps ahead of the political campaigns themselves. I hope they were taking notes. Keep it up. Thanks so much. Derrick Poster: Neil Fitch Comment: Looking at your poll regarding the degree to which religion will play in one's vote, I was surprised by the 57% indicating it will be very important. I am proud to live in a country that mandates freedom of religion and hopefully protects that freedom. Beyond that, I wonder why religion has become such an important issue in politics and why people look to political administrators to promote specific religious beliefs. Do the 57% have give less weight to foreign policy, the economy, education and health care? May your congregation prosper but is it the roll of the president to make that happen? Poster: Faith W. Silver Comment: Drew Westen's comments were so insightful and made so much sense that it was a pleasure to listen to him. Too many Americans make important decisions based on emotions rather than critical thinking. Politicians are fond of saying that the American public is smart knowing that, too often, the opposite is true! Barak Obama really needs to listen to Drew Westen's advice!!! Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion. Poster: Ben Andrews Comment: Thank you so much for Drew Westen interview! I have written every PBS and NPR interview or news show to urge them to get Drew Westen on before the end of this year's election--except yours. Your show is the first PBS/NPR show (I think) to feature Westen. Good for you! This guy's book (The Political Brain) is amazing. Again Thank you so much, and I hope you make Westen an every-so-often feature of your show. Poster: Nancye Belding Comment: Well with friends like you Obama can just drop out of the race right now. What are you THINKING? It is not about emotion vs. issues. If people are as stupid as you believe, we might as well just lie down and let global warming claim our future. But in fact Obama is a master of both emotion and issues as the whole world knows (outside of the dumb-dumb US MainStreamMedia). McPain and McPalin are masters only of lies. Why aren't you fact-checking? Why aren't you letting people know that campaign ads by Repugs don't tell the truth? Why are you, the press, letting the Party of Stupid and/or Rich get away with sleaze, lies and vicious attacks? Poster: Lisa Goldman Comment: It is unfortunate that religion continues to play a part in discourse regarding the candidates, and that so much media coverage has been centered on the candidates faith. Frankly, we should look very closely at interviews and upcoming debates and consider the fact that Sarah Palin could NOT answer Charles Gibson when he asked about her views regarding the Bush Doctrine (ABC World News). She had no idea what the Bush Doctine was. This concerns me a lot more than her pandering (and McCain's) to so-called white, Christian women voters, or to the evangelical vote. Drew Weston points out on tonight's installment of NOW, that the public responds emotionally to words and colorful rhetoric, rather than scrutinizing the KNOWLEDGE these candidates have (or, in Palin's case, don't have) regarding key issues. Poster: Desert Dessert Comment: I heard the questioned asked; how much will religion play in my vote? Really not that much...except perhaps in the oposite way of the right. I believe completely in the separation of church and state - extreme views of any kind scare me. Poster: Rachel Marta Greenberg Comment: I really appreciated Drew Weston's comments that Obama should appeal to voters' emotions. We Democrats never seem to learn that being knowledgeable about the issues (the intellect) is never as appealing as connecting with our hearts. It isn't words that matter most, it is what those words invoke. Say less and get the voters to feel more. Politics in an interactive sport. Poster: Mary C. Emas Comment: Tell Obama Listen to what Westen said on NOW. We're working for you. Keep on being yourself. We understand what is going on. Leave Sara to the press. ENOUGH!!! NOT FOUR MORE YEARS!! Poster: Delayne Comment: I think it's our DEMOCRACY that is in danger. I am dumbfounded by people who say they are christians yet voted for the most vile, corrupt, morally bankcrupt administration ever. How they can't see through the lies and deception of McCain/Palin, I just don't understand. It's the democrats who have taken the words of the Olivet discourse to heart: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick, the widow, the fatherless, etc. Poster: Jack from Ohio Comment: Having a masters degree in theology from a leading independent evangelical seminary, I listened to your segment with Harry Jackson Jr. with some interest. To think for a moment that evangelicals are in lock step with Republicans doesn't do justice to evangelicals. I can't imagine that any thoughtful evangelical would agree completely with Senator McCain or the Republican platform. But what is the alternative? Do we bolt Republicans in hope of being embraced by Democrats, Democrats that by and large dispise evangelicals, our worldview, and personal values. For evangelicals to bolt the Republican party would perhaps be not unlike Senator Joe Lebierman. He is a man without a party. His only hope of having any influence going forward in American politics is for McCain to win. The same can be said of evangelicals and the Republican party. Should 2 or 3 or even 4 percent of evangelicals peel away, beyond those who are already in Obama's camp, what becomes of them should he win? The Democratic party will have garnered the White House, the Senate, and the House. My suspicion is that they, that is the evangelicals who voted for Senator Obama, will be quickly discarded as excess baggage. A squeaky wheel not worth the greasing. The Republican party may not hold the greatest hope for evangelicals, but unless the Democratic party shifts drastically from the left, they are still our best hope. Poster: Peter Skaar Comment: It is hard to imagine anyone complaining about taxpayer dollars supporting PBS. I just finished watching the interview with author Drew Weston where the Obama campaign was provided with tactical advice. We as viewers were reminded that McCain might tells us what we want to hear, but the republicans won't deliver. Is it any wonder that people look to Drudge and talk radio? Is PBS part of the liberal machine? This segment was far from balanced. Poster: Idesta Severin Comment: Obama has good intentions in wanting ordinary people to see the TRUTH, but he need to remember he is a SALESMAN.I agree with the professor. Obama beat Clinton by staying on message, despite the encouragement of others; fearing that he would lose. However he was much more SHARP, precise, selling the truth to the peoples emotions-better side. Poster: Susan Mullins Comment: YES! You are right! I absolutely did go back, re-listen to the Daid Westen interview, and write the salient questions and comments down! What a great interview! Thanks a Lot! Poster: David Berarducci Comment: I was so impressed with Drew Western's interview that I emailed the Obama campaign and sent them the link to the interview and urged them to take the time to listen to it. I think the saddest (and most frightening)thing about this whole campaign is that if McCain wins it will forever change the way we choose our elected officials. The notion of speaking to the issues and attempting to get those points across to the voters Will be rplaced with simply avoiding takling about the issues, introduce outright lies and mis-information about your opponent and just let the media take off with it and it takes on a life of its own. This stragety forces the candidate that the lies are directed at to spend time refutiating them thus looking defensive and puts the control of the campaign in the hands of the attacker. Bottom line: Issues don't matter, lying works and WILL get you elected. Poster: Daphne L. Comment: While it may be true that Sara Palin injected certain energy in the McCain Campaign, her 'phenomenonhas been largely created by the mainstream media (with 59% more coverage of her than Obama and Biden last week). The Republican Party hijacked the media and most in the media bought into it and made Palin a 'sensation.' Then there are stories about Democrats panicking because the polls (most if not all of which do not reflect the newly registered) showed that McCain has gained grounds. And suddenly there is supposed to be a momentum shift. All the while, no one in the mainstream media seems to be calling the McCain Campaign out for their outright lies such as the 'bridge to nowhere' or McCain's 'support' for the troops. The only fact check in response to McCain's ridiculous accusation of Obama's 'lipstick on a pig' comment is on Jon Stewart's Daily Show where he showed clips of McCain speaking the exact same phrase at various times. The mainstream media seems to have fallen for the Carl-Rove-esque strategy to make an election that should never be that close seem close enough to make it easier for McCain and the Republicans to be able to cheat on the election day and have a repeat of Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004. It is sad enough that the Republicans led this country into such disastrous state. It would be the saddest day for everyone-- Americans and the rest of the world as well, if the Republicans end up stealing the election because the American people allow it to happen. Poster: Mike Lee Comment: I ll faint the day i see a program about what McCain can do to gain votes, given in such great reframing tones as those spoken by the guys on Brancaccios? latest foray. I hated it, it appeared to be a thinly veiled attempt to explain why a duck shouldnt sound like a duck, and if it just walked a little differently, stood up a little straighter and quacked differently, no one would really know that it was a duck after all. We can only hope the duck is watching and can change his feathers. News flash - the duck is really a duck - the problem is everyone can see it, but memory is short,so keep trying all, maybe you can reframe and obfuscate in time to save the day for Obama, miracles do happen. Poster: James Carpenter Comment: That was indeed a low blow, Bishop Jackson. You compared my wish to marry someone I love with human slavery, in your comment that America's original sin is actually slavery, not abortion or same-sex marriage. And I was very disappointed that the show's host did not challenge his sleazy remark. NOW, we deserve better from you. Poster: Erik Gronning Comment: It was a wonder segment. Drew Westen is spot on. I have been saying this from day one. Obama must be succinct and easy to understand for the average American to understand his message. Please, for the love of this nation, get Drew Westen to speak to Barack Obama. If I could I would put them on the phone together this minute. I must say, I would consider anyone who has the ability to make this happen and does not would be aiding and abetting the McCain candidacy. I plead with you! Poster: Steve from NYC Comment: I just turned the TV off in the middle of your interview with the evangelical minister who was so disappointed that the republicans didn't pass the Marriage Amendment. The fact that David Broncocio just sat there without blinking an eye while this supposed religious leader spewed this hatred as if it were nothing at all, disgusts me. Interesting that this would be pledge week because as a result of your interview you will not be getting a dime from me. Hatred and bigotry need to be called out for what they are -- not given a platform! Poster: C Comment: The man is ABSOLUTELY right!! What a shot in the arm for one depressed liberal. Will Obama listen? I hope so. He can only benefit from this suggestions Poster: Jean Wright Comment: I was having a hard time deciding on who to vote for I can see a balance with Sarah Palin, she's smart, quick and wants whats best for the country not herself. Ofcourse being a women makes history. It's shows the world that we can make the right changes. |
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