Sheryl Crow: Trust is restored through sacrifice and patience

Larry,

I live in Canada and am an American. I have access only to "liberal media" including CNN and frankly, have been appauled at the nastiness and unfair bias against John McCain and Sarah Palin. For the last 18 months, I have been following the process daily, in newspapers, e-journals and the bloggs. What has been apparent to me is that Obama has had the luxury for the most part of sitting back while many pundits, personalities and anchors have made many unfair commentaries and nasty comments often not based in fact. In fact the supporters of Obama have done the "dirty work" for him.

Why were the Clinton supporters so angry? Because it happened in the primaries too. How many times was Obama on the cover of "Time" And the winner is....? As I recall, it was pretty hard to tell.

Yes these are very auspicious times. Difficult times. This is serious business. But the media, has to take its responsibility for some of the frustration coming from the McCain campaign and selling a narriative that perpetuates and magnifies the flaws of the McCain/Palin campaign while down playing the flaws and real questions about Obama...His on-going difficulties with his associations and the little we know about him should have raised more eyebrows. Where is the vetting? Good vetting by the media-including a real examination into the "Acorn" agency ?(Chicago politics as usual) This would calm the anger and frustration in the McCain camp and bring the tension down.

Why is it that these issues regarding Obama are not covered with the same intensity that Sarah Palin was investigated and why must racism always be invoked because of a few yahoo's. This just distracts from Obama's flaws and real questions that Americans have about his true nature and inherent philosophy.

Bill Ayers and the Weather underground, Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, The fact that he's a democrat and not a republican, and the insertion of the notion of tax and spend liberalism is a straw man and red herring so the republicans can engage in more ad hominem attacks, and attempt to sway the voting public away from Barack Obama using Ad Populum Rhetoric.

Thems the breaks kiddo.

What we have here is not a solid connection to the Ayers philosophy on Barack’s part, but an opinion that a connection exists as supposed by conservative mouths like Dick Morris and Eileen McGann. You notice in any article that there are no examples of Obama speaking out in support or encouragement for the Ayers 60’s ideals, but you do see a hysterical jump to that conclusion in many of those articles with terms like “Radicalize” and “politicize". You also see, as you read on, that the fear of brainwashing is inserted in regards to children, an obvious fear tactic, and never, anywhere in such articles, is any proof brought to bare. Just supposition, illusory corelation, and innuendo.

That Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae benefited from Government support is largely irrelevant because the decision was agreed apon to support them, and the arguement that “these companies should not have made loans to questionable borrowers” is a sign of being oblivious to the fact that these companies were given large government support for that reason. These companies were MEANT to allow loans for people who, by rigid and unequal standards, could not get loans otherwise, and the government, representing the interests of Americans everywhere, agreed that they would support the action because under proper regulation it could only help the American people.

Republicans being the selfish and paranoid dopes that they are decided they would add a caveat; that the Mortgage rates would be adjustable, and since Big Bad Governement is always out ta gitcha, they faught the idea of any sort of regulation all the way. As well, republicans are also against big bad Education and so they faught that every step of the way too, and they felt they could rely on a few other things happeneing… One, that people who werent’ educated enough on how to use their money would end up losing it, wouldn’t be able to defend themselves when they found out they’d been duped, and that they, republicans, could feed off of that.

The problem being of course, was that they felt their republicnas buddies in power already and running far more of the large banking industry and loan and insurance industry, that they would escape the cascade of economic devastation that would certainly come from such lack of education. A good example of this philosophy is Bush attempting to privatize social security. That is yet another attempt to take advantage of those who haven’t received the education to know what to do with the money now allocated back to them. I will give you something though… the Dems were fooled. “Were” being the active word in that statement.

First, President Clinton put pressure on these companies to slacken their lending policies for minority appicants, because a great deal of the evidence and statistics showed that minority applicants WERE being discriminated against, and since you have all but stated that you believe no one should be denied a loan based on race I can take that as you agree with Bill Clinton for doing what he did.

Second, that former Fannie Mae CEO Franklin Raines is currently an Obama advisor and was also an advisor to President Clinton, only suggests that they understood the need to understand the financial system, and especially those most effected by it, and they should be informed of the state of things when big government is involved. Who better to do that than the people in charge of those institutions most involved with the government. McCain would have been wise to do so.

Third, that either Barack Obama or Sen. Chris Dodd ( Chairman on the Senate banking commitee) were the top two recipiants of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae political contributions, is highly suspect. I have seen no evidence of this? You mean they were recipiants of individuals that worked there or recipiants of donations from the companies themselves? If you worked for these companies and a candidate like Barack Obama, who supports fully your position on lending to those who deserve a chance at equal lending rights, wouldn’t you donate to him? Or would you donate to the old white guy who voted agsaint Martin Luther King Juniors b-day being given national holiday status? You and I both know the answer.

That these two men have benefited from the success of previous democratic ideas and legislations should be no indication of shadowy goings on. I am not responsible for what the slaveowners did and I will not be held accountable for what they did simply because I happen to be born white. Barack Obama and Chris Dodd should not be held accountable for simply being the candidate of preference for those they represent. Now if you can prove some sort of sneaky sneaky on their part, that’s a different story, but you and I also know that that isn’t possible.

It is obvious that the Democrats spoke out on behalf of those who, regardless of race, should have equal opportunitty to get a house, based not on old money, but on the very capitalist idea of new money, Eauntrapenurialism [Forgive my spelling], and the desire for the American dream; homeownership being a prime example of the American dream.

The republicans are to blame for thinking that poor people just want something for nothing, and to interfere in their lives and bring down the value of their neighborhoods, and then using those pety arguements to take as much regulation out of the deal as possible. President Clinton didnt’ deregulate the home loan system by fighting for equal rights for minorities, or for better education and better funding for better education for minorities, but republicans did by taking out the regulations necessary to guide these people down a more secure path and whittling away the funds necessary to educate a burgeoning populace; namely, applying an adjustable rate to a home loan instead of a fixed one, and the ‘no child left behind’ policies of the bush administration. To preempt your remark, If democrats called for that, then they are equally culpable.

Unwise government deregulation of both companies policies can rightfully be blamed because it has been proven to be a rush to judgement based on greed and a sincere lack of empathy- not capitalism or liberal social activism and government regulation. If you think it was not… consider these points…

Bush Administration and largely the republican conservative base are responsible for the rush to judgement to go to war in IraqThese people now want us all to make a rush to judgement over the economy
The tactics of fear are still being applied, only, this time, it is a fear of a shrinking wallet, depression, worldwide, if not nationwide, financial and economic colapse, and lose of value in what is a staple of the American dream…. your house.

An $800,000 donation to a company that gets out the vote is not a bad thing. John McCain would have been wise to find a similar program to help his campaign. Then maybe he wouldn’t be in the position he’s in now.2. The company you speak of is a not for profit communitty organizing association and does not grant loans to anyone. Don’t get your wires crossed.

A company like ACORN that gets out the vote is not a bad thing. John McCain would have been wise to find a similar program. Ergo, there is no reason that this company SHOULD go away. It is beneficial to society that it stays. ACORN does not pull the non-existant strings that you enjoy imagining attached to Barack’s policies. They simply have common interests.

They have him linked to a college professor who once committed acts of terrorism based on what he believed in and to this day has no remorse for the acts he committed, AND got away on a technicality. Sad but true. It is also true, that the COLLEGE PROFESSOR that Bill Ayers now is and NOT the DESENTER that he once was did hold a get together at his house, and that it was customary for those associated with his Communitty Organizing roots to attend such get togethers, but it is FALSE that he launched Obama’s career. Obama launched Obama’s career. Bill Ayers was just the host of a get together.

He didnt’ cut ties with it because it became scandalous, he cut ties with it, because it only served as a distraction to the real issues and because he recognized that while they beleive in the same goals, they don’t believe on the same ways of reaching those goals. they have him linked to his pastor, as you are likely linked to yours. A Pastor that does NOT preach hate of white people, only uses history to preach good and bad, right and wrong, by way of existing examples of what has happened in the past. He is also the voice of a small sector of african american society that wouldn’t put it passed a primarily white government to bring things on itself, based on those past experiences. In essence saying, look they enslaved an entire race of people, who’s to say they aren’t capable of this. Reverend Wright believes that History is a hitching post, and Barack Obama recognizes that it is a guide post, and while barack has clearly moved on, Reverend Wright Clearly hasn’t. Then again, reverend Wright is entitled to a little Hysteria every once in a while because he hasn’t just read about the prejudices and hatred against black people, but rather has lived it and knows it exists first hand. What you imply is that a victim has no right to be bitter, and I can garauntee you that Rape victims see things a different way. I suppose you think Iraqis have no right to bitter either?

If god committed a rape, he would be committing an act of evil, even though he is the one who gets to dictate good and evil. He would simply have committed an act he has ditated as evil and could no longer be considered good. George Bush tried to committ an act of evil and call it good, but we all know that the act was still evil, and John McCain and Sarah Palin are supporting that act of evil and still trying to pass it off as good.

Some people claim that they think the focus was on how Obama denounced his Muslim faith, but how could Barack denounce something he was never a part of. Some people make false accusations claiming they do so not because they can directly link Obama to terrorism, but to a man that clearly denounced the American way [Ayers/Wright]. When objectively considered though, their examples skip around like a rock across water, my friend. Again, he never denounced the muslim faith because for that to happen he would have had to have been a part of it to begin with. We know that he never was, and you simply deny it because it is convenient for you to do so. That’s called a straw man arguement. Some people also think that is why people are saying what they are saying.

The truth is, the few people who are saying what they are saying are saying so because, like you, they are comfortable in their ignorance and it suits them to do so because it only attempts to lend credibility to an uncredible candidate, and one that THEY support. They are saying what they are saying, because THEY don't want to just own up to the fact that THEY are wrong, so, they keep repeating the same ignorance.

The reason you don't see most respected and objective journalists bringing up such issues, is because they have no genuine credibility, and more often than not, just distract us from the real issues and our priorities.

Right On Ckelly, I agree 100% The only ones running a dirty negative campaign is Obama & the liberal Demos supporting him. They falsely project & blame others (McCain & McCain supporters) of the race card when it's the liberal Demo Obama supports that interject the Race Card in the lst place. Obama's campaign is so full of manipulative psychology it makes my head hurt and want to SCREAM!! AGAIN, WHY IS MCCAIN ACCUSED OF NEGATIVE ADDS WHEN THE ADDS ARE THE TRUTH: Obama was not born in Hawaii, why lie about it? Obama has had a very long term relationship with Ayers both business and social. Obama has also had a long term relationship with Rizko, a convicted criminal. Obama has had a very long term relationship (over 15 yrs.) with ACORN, he ran ACORN's Project Vote in 1992. Obama knows about ACORN's voter fraud investigations and convictions. He was ACORN's lawyer and still hired them for $800,000 to register voters and for his 2 past campaigns as well. Obama was a member of Wright's church for 20 yrs. and did not disassociate himself until he found out the majority of Americans did not agree with Wright's Anti-American rhetoric. Obama has received large campaign contributions from Ayers & Dohrn, ACORN, Rizko, Wright, Farrakhan, Khalid, Auchi and God knows who else and does not seem to mind taking campaign contributions from know terrorist and criminals. What has he promised they in return? If these are his buddies, who will we elect to his cabinet and other government offices. Americans need to know the TRUTH about all the above and McCain needs to keep informing us because Obama will not tell us the TRUTH. I wonder want else he is hiding? Obama will not even release the information about his college days and his pre-college days which seem to be a blur from drugs and alcohol. This is who American want for our President, a man with questionable associations, judgment and character? PLEASEEEEE!! Don't let the left-wing, radical, liberals Democrats brainwash you to get your vote.

Sallie, you just succeeded at proving my point and showing us all that I'm correct.

Sallie D., WA October 13th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

Right On Ckelly, I agree 100% The only ones running a dirty negative campaign is Obama & the liberal Demos supporting him. They falsely project & blame others (McCain & McCain supporters) of the race card when it’s the liberal Demo Obama supports that interject the Race Card in the lst place.

James...Got an example?

Sallie again putting her foot in her mouth..Obama’s campaign is so full of manipulative psychology it makes my head hurt and want to SCREAM!!

James... Such as? Look, just because oyu have no examples doesn't mean that you are being manipulated. It jsut means oyu have no evidence to support oyur claims. Tha't not manipulation, just an observation of fact.

Sallie.. AGAIN, WHY IS MCCAIN ACCUSED OF NEGATIVE ADDS WHEN THE ADDS ARE THE TRUTH: Obama was not born in Hawaii, why lie about it?

James... What ads are you talking about Sallie? Of course Obama is from and was born in Hawaii. What information do oyu have to counter that truth?

Sallie..Obama has had a very long term relationship with Ayers both business and social.

James... In what regards? I have already countered your every arguement correctly with facts. You on the other hand, like CKelly have just brought supposition based on your own misconceptions to the table with no evidence to back it upp; just more suppostition from other parties. Suppostition based on supposition is not fact. Again, Corelation is not causality.

Sallie..Obama has also had a long term relationship with Rezko, a convicted criminal.

James... And John mcCain and Cindy mcCain have had a long term relationship with both Keating and Bush. Again, corelation is not causality.

Sallie..Obama has had a very long term relationship (over 15 yrs.) with ACORN, he ran ACORN’s Project Vote in 1992. Obama knows about ACORN’s voter fraud investigations and convictions. He was ACORN’s lawyer and still hired them for $800,000 to register voters and for his 2 past campaigns as well.

James...All of which has been cleared as inconsequential and specualtive and irrelevant since Obama masterminded none of that, and was involved in none of that, and where he donated $800,000 it was entirely legitimate and for non-shadey purposes. All of which I have already explained. Why do oyu continue to deny the facts?

Sallie Still missing the point..Obama was a member of Wright’s church for 20 yrs. and did not disassociate himself until he found out the majority of Americans did not agree with Wright’s Anti-American rhetoric.

James...He didnt’ cut ties with it because it became scandalous, he cut ties with it, because it only served as a distraction to the real issues and because he recognized that while they beleive in the same goals, they don’t believe on the same ways of reaching those goals. they have him linked to his pastor, as you are likely linked to yours. A Pastor that does NOT preach hate of white people, only uses history to preach good and bad, right and wrong, by way of existing examples of what has happened in the past. He is also the voice of a small sector of african american society that wouldn’t put it passed a primarily white government to bring things on itself, based on those past experiences. In essence saying, look they enslaved an entire race of people, who’s to say they aren’t capable of this. Reverend Wright believes that History is a hitching post, and Barack Obama recognizes that it is a guide post, and while barack has clearly moved on, Reverend Wright Clearly hasn’t. Then again, reverend Wright is entitled to a little Hysteria every once in a while because he hasn’t just read about the prejudices and hatred against black people, but rather has lived it and knows it exists first hand. What you imply is that a victim has no right to be bitter, and I can garauntee you that Rape victims see things a different way. I suppose you think Iraqis have no right to bitter either?

Sallie..Obama has received large campaign contributions from Ayers & Dohrn, ACORN, Rizko, Wright, Farrakhan, Khalid, Auchi and God knows who else and does not seem to mind taking campaign contributions from know terrorist and criminals.

James...Sorry kiddo. He gave thsoe contributions back where it was appropriate. You have no case.

Sallie..What has he promised them in return?

James...Your concern is illegitimate because your foundation is illegitimate.

Sallie..If these are his buddies, who will he elect to his cabinet and other government offices?

James...If you want to knwo the answer to that, just ask him. Or better yet, go to his website and find out.

Sallie..Americans need to know the TRUTH about all the above and McCain needs to keep informing us because Obama will not tell us the TRUTH.

James... How disingenuous of you.

Sallie..I wonder want else he is hiding?

James... Why do you wonder whne he has hidden nothing so far?

Sallie..Obama will not even release the information about his college days and his pre-college days which seem to be a blur from drugs and alcohol.

James... Unlike John McCain and George Bush's Drunken High-school and college days right? Ha ha ha ha ha. What an absurd hypocracy.

Sallie..This is who Americans want for our President, a man with questionable associations, judgment and character?

James...?! Why are you switching to John McCain now? I thought you were upset about Obama?>:)

Sallie..PLEASEEEEE!! Don’t let the left-wing, radical, liberals Democrats brainwash you to get your vote.

James...PLEEEEEEASSEEEE, dont' get too overdramatic and hysterical about non-issues, and non-concerns. We've already had enough of right-wing, radical, neo-conservative, blaspheming religious zealout Republicans blugeoning us with their self righteousness and holier than thou mandates wihtout either cause or evidence, adn the last thing we need is more hysterical banter from ignoramouses like you and your chosen candidate.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, WHO IS TODD PALIN? IT IS AMAZING HOW BLIND AND IGNORANT THAT SOME REPUBLICAN BASE CAN BE. THE TWO PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN UNDER ETHICS INVESTIGATION ARE SARA & TODD PALIN-TROOPERGATE, AND JOHN S. MCCAIN- KEATING 5. IF OBAMA IS SUCH A BAD PERSON, HOW COME HE HAS HIS GOVERNMENT CLEARANCE IDENTIFICATION AND HOW COME HE IS NOT UNDER INVESTIGATION? ARE SOME OF YOU REPUBLICANS THAT IGNORANT TO BELIEVE THAT THE U.S. GOVERNMENT WOULD GIVE OBAMA THE HIGHEST CLEARANCE TO BE ON THE U.S. SENATE FLOOR.

AGAIN, WHO IS TODD PALIN?
REPUBLICAN PARTY ARE THE TERORRIST AND VERY DANGEROUS!!!! I AM AFRAID OF TODD & SARA PALIN, I AM AFRAID OF GAMBLING ADDICT JOHN AND DRUG ADDICT CINDY MCCAIN, AND I AM AFRAID OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. WHAT TYPE OF GOD DO YOU'ALL PRAY FOR? THE ANTICHRISTS ARE HERE!

THE ECONOMY IS IN A HORRIBLE CONDITION AND I HAVE TO WORRY EVERYDAY ABOUT MY RETIREMENT, FUTURE, GAS, FOOD, COST OF LIVING, HEALTHCARE, AND SO ON.

I certainly wouldn't make the jump to calling the republican party terrorists, but much of the world would. I dont' think they're terrorists, just misguided and illinformed. Too loyal to see they may ahve made a terrible mistake and too proud to ever admit it.
I am certianly concerend with Todd and Sarah Palin, not because they are republicans, or even conservatives, but because they seem to be the power trip twins... Power-trip twins powers; activate. Form of a Governor, shape of, the governors right hand goon.
I know nothing of Sen. McCain's gambling addiciton and have ssen no prrof or evidence it even exists. Cna oyu provide any? As far as Cindy mcCains drug addiction, I consider that water under the bridge in equal measure to Barack Obama's past drug use. It's a non-issue, unless someone has evidence they are still doing it, and even then, someone just accusing him or her of it without evidence will be considered an outright lie unless they have clear proof to back it up.

Nor would I go so far as to relate them to any mythilogical character nemesis. I do however believe that they are acting in an anti-common sense manner though.

THE LARRY

PALIN IS AN ATTRACTIVE CANDIDATE IF IT WAS NOT FOR HER
RELIGEOUS DOGMA SHE WOULD BE A PERFECT VICE PRESIDENT..
PALINS ZEAL AND KNOWING FOR SURE SHE IS RIGHT IS A TRAIT
NOT UNLIKE PRESIDENT BUSH AND HIS BUNCH.

WHAT AMERICA NEEDS NOW IS BRAIN POWER THE SMARTEST
AND BRIGHTEST AMONG US TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY.
NOT THE MOST DEVOUT.

Sheryl Crow has made an enlightened, patriotic and wholely noble arguemtn here and I agree completley. I ahve been thinking about the McCain campaign and the respect i once had for the man. I was shown a small sparkle of the light he once protected in himself the night he took the Mic away from the lady who was clearly just making up resons not to vote for Barack Obama as she went along, and had the dual slight in it against an entire group of innocent people; arabs.

He said flat out, "Mo ma'am." that, too me, was a definitive counter to the crpa that has been allowed to go on lately. I hoep he continues down that path, even if it won't save his campaign. It may still save him from his own blind loyalty.

I think he is still realing from his loss ot Bush when THEY battled it out so long ago, and I sincerely believe that had we had McCain the past 8 years, our postiiton in the world and on Iraq would be markedly different.

Sheryl Crow expressed a viewpoint shared by a majority of Americans in a most thoughtful and intelligent way. It is refreshing to read and I thank you.

Isn't it rather unfortunate that the republican VP candidate is unable to articulate her thoughts in such clear, moving, and genuine ways. Why is it necessary to resort to the basest form of human behavior, stripping not only oneself of dignity, but in the process, encouraging the lowest form of primitive reactions within their rallies through their vitriolic messages. The majority of Americans are deeply disturbed, and rightfully so, by the retrogressive energy being generated through McCain and Palin. There is no excuse or defense for it. It is what it is: winning an election through fear. It's how Bush won, and it's how McCain will lose.

Right on Sheryl Crow

Obama/Biden 08-12

Please! EVERY election you get people claiming that this will be "the most important election in our lifetime". Maybe the really mean it this time!

This one of the worst election choices in my 60-year lieftime. I can't decide whether not to vote (as I have not done in the past two elections) or whether I should vote against Barack. The Dems had a good, mainstream choice, and they picked a NUT Incredible

It is a sad, sad day that we as Americans are listening to the political views of Sheryl Crow. While it is notable that she is an informed American woman, there are many informed American women. Why is it that we are paying attention to the desires and views of celebrities who have zero political, economic, and often professional experience? When I want to hear commentary on the Grammy winners for the year, I will ask Sheryl Crow. Until then, we should stick to the experienced men and women who bring us, what we can hope, are facts. It is based on these facts that I hope my children develop their political opinions, not on the opinions of celebrities.

When is the liberal media going to start investigating Obama the guy has surrounded himself with criminals then it posts this crap it tells you where the true value in hollyweird lies

As a Replican African American I can safely say that I was truly distrubed by the comments that were going out of the McCain and Palin camp. Not only from them but from their supporters. I agree with Reresenative. The action we were looking at was very dangerous and this behaviour was closely related to the era on George Wallace. Racial slurs can only be felt by those who they are directed towards. So it doesn't matter what the LOu Dobbs are other might think or beleive.
I don't see the Obama camp pointing out the fact that Sen. McCain could very well be support by KKK both past and present.

We are trying to move past the racial issue and it's best we stay away from it.
McCain did not support the bill to make DR KINGS birthday a holiday. But yet he's appalled.

Who cares....

When the nominee for the vice president of the United States is a woman who cannot be respected by other women, something is wrong. When a woman candidate is running for office with a man who voted against equal pay for equal work and does not support equal rights for women, something is wrong. In light of the above, what was John McCain thinking when he selected Sarah Palin?

John McCain is the Republican nominee of the Republican Party, and thus the leader of the Republican Party. I take it that also means he is the head of his own campaign. Accepting that, I have to then wonder whether McCain has any control over his campaign staff, or if he in fact condones the ugliness now emanating from his side of the campaign. All I know is that I have never seen this much hate being spewed in a presidential campaign. And I’ve lived through a good number of them.

There is no equivalent coming from the other side; the Obama people would have to go beyond swiftboating, and they have not touched that or in fact any personal aspect of McCain’s life. Keating is not personal - and further, Keating is documented Congressional testimony. McCain was indeed one of the “Keating Five.” He was chastised for poor judgment. He continues to exhibit poor judgment.

How nasty can it get? Demagoguery is not part of the official job description for vice president of the United States. If McCain and his cohorts manage to pull a victory out of their crusade of lies and hate, they will be greatly handicapped in their efforts to govern. They will have created too deep a fissure in the delicate makeup of this country, a land that is becoming more divided each day the McCain-Palin team spews its venom. And if Obama succeeds to the presidency, McCain would have still made the healing of this country a difficult process.

Following this campaign on television, I see more destruction wreaked on our country every day. Make no mistake. This is the sort of damage that has many victims. To incite people to get so worked up that they look as wild as some of the crowds we’ve seen at Republican campaign stops, screaming “terrorist” and “kill him!” among other things, should not be considered acceptable as part of this or any campaign.

For myself, I find it difficult to forgive McCain for this deep wound he is inflicting on a country to which he once gave service.

I could not have said it better myself! Thank you Sheryl Crow!

Sane ,Educated people know that Senator Obama is not an Arab.Then why the accusation?First of all i want to ask all such ignorant Republicans as to where the hell do they think the Gas comes from ,which is used to fill their Vehicle tanks to attend Mccain Rallies?Answer is Saudi Arabia in case they don't know.So it is in the best interests not to brand all arabs as radicals or terrorists.US is at present in good terms with Saudi Arabia.These comments by some Republicans are indeed Racist comments.Sheryl Crow is indeed right.

James October 13th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

That Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae benefited from Government support is largely irrelevant because the decision was agreed apon to support them, and the arguement that “these companies should not have made loans to questionable borrowers” is a sign of being oblivious to the fact that these companies were given large government support for that reason. These companies were MEANT to allow loans for people who, by rigid and unequal standards, could not get loans otherwise, and the government, representing the interests of Americans everywhere, agreed that they would support the action because under proper regulation it could only help the American people.
-----–
your belief that loans were not given to low income people based on rigid and unequal standards does not fit with results of giving them loans. they were denied loans on facts and prudence, they were given loans on racism and fear and greed.

nicely put Sheryl!

"PALINS ZEAL AND KNOWING FOR SURE SHE IS RIGHT IS A TRAIT
NOT UNLIKE PRESIDENT BUSH AND HIS BUNCH."

That statement really sums up Palin and Mccain so well...cocky and over confident. Complete opposite of what one would look for in a leader for a democracy. I'm really glad that Obama is doing so well in the polls. DON'T BE COMPLACENT THOUGH... VOTE VOTE VOTE!!

Lance dumped her so why shouldn't we?

I own a smalll business and I have six children and I have a happy marriage and my husband for those in the know is an MD on Wallstreet. I was ready to hear what Obama had to say, weren't we all. Isn't it time for change. Oh yeah, initially bought that. This man has no experience, he is churned out of Chicago and who is supporting him? The, " weatherman, Acorn oh and a racially challenged church. Is he that ignorant or that stupid, either way shoudln't be in Washington I have a great idea let's elect a KKK member to fill the job of the Presidency of the United States. I am sick over what legacy this country will leave our youth with what we are looking at now. If anyone else had the credentials that mr obama has, we would laugh our butts off, but hey he's black and he stands for "change" God help us all.

I think we should look at Obama's lack of experience in his career. he has never authored any legislation. Even when he claims he does it was someone else's idea. Nobody knows what Obama is really going to do. If you need proof of that look at Jimmy Carter. He was a nice guy and we ended up with a gas shortage and a hostage crisis. Cheryl Crow is not looking at this from a non bias point of view. She is disrespecting John McCain who spent 5 in a half years in a prison Camp. She is closing her eyes to the obvious. She is another hollywood millionaire who can afford to pay more in taxes. Obama is not cutting anyone's taxes. I looked at his tax plan. You can't cut taxes to 95 percent of all people when 47 percent don't pay federal income taxes. Big Corporations don't pay taxes. Did you know that GM is about to lay off more people. With John McCain those people will be able to keep their jobs. He is not going to add more taxes. Obama is going to add to the taxes to make up for his spending plan.

Larry
I am a Canadian and Live In America. For over 50 years. I have seen elections, assassinations, riots, B/W then Color TV, internet...
Served in your army. Barack Obama is the most inspiring, leadership-ready (and 'way best vetted) candidate i have ever seen.

Billy, no one says Sheryl's opinion is news! Read the title..."Guest Commentary" Sheesh, some people.

I have noticed the same nasty rhetoric comming from the Obama campaign. The reason I will vote for one or the other is not because I want one of them to win. It is because I do not want the other to be our president. It is more a vote AGAINST the one I do not want in the whitehouse. I dislike them both, but one of them is going to be president. Which one do I NOT want to be in the whitehouse.

Independent

To James:

Editing is a very good thing...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

PLAIN AND SIMPLE........
VOTE FOR THE DEMOCRATS! ARE YOU AS A NATION SO STUPID???????

I share Sheryl Crow's viewpoint on this campaign.
I was once an admirer of John McCain, the man who did what he thought was right no matter how large the pressure.

McCain is no longer the one steering his political campaign. Other powers have taken advantage of his age and condition for a different agenda.

John McCain is no longer capable of defining his campaign, and now relies on Karl Rove's deputies who forced him into the type of dirty campaign that he once stood against.

Alas, John, you have been a brave man and we thank you for your sacrifices, but it is time to let Barack Obama lead this nation.

Sheryl Crow is an entertainer and part of the Hollywood elite, much like Obama and most of his supporters in the media. What do you expect her to say?

I dont understand why CNN.com gave a musician a platform to express her political feelings. She hasnt any experience in politics or any related subject. I was under the impression that the Cable News Network was in the business of journalism and reporting the news. I would prefer to have my news source report the news, and not become a platform for any candidate.

There is so much fear that is fed through the media, that people watch on TV, and believe before they think twice. If people would read books, various differeing opinions in newspapers/magazines, and get involved in the community they live in, they would be more in touch with what is happening for real, and what they themselves can do about it. Believing the media, and joining opposing teams based on hearsay, estreme opinion, and yes, even creed or color, will feed the fear, and allow gossip and false facts to become larger than they should be. Get real everyone!

I'm democrat and I Know that the Media is for Obama, No question!!!

I didn't like what they (Media )did to Hillary and when Bill remarked about it, He was attacked by them. Race is a major factor, He's getting a FREE pass. weather you are a Republican or Democrat you have to agree.

Thank you Sheryl for you comments. I especially like the part where you point out that the road ahead is going to require sacrafices from all of us. Interesting in that President Bush never thought we should sacrifice anything - he told us our patriotic duty was basically to go shop and max out our credit cards - this in the middle of a war.

I cannot wait for Obama to take charge. I just hope the damage from the Bush mistakes can be undone - especially our low standing in the world.

PS The fact that it is going to be a black man that fixes this mess where in is wonderful.

PSS I am white and an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran - so there!

I am seriouly tired of the Hollywood elite telling the working class sxhlep like me and mine who to vote for........these are people who are the rich and have no idea what is like to really work 5 – 7 days a week all year long just to make ends meet...please go away and let each person make up thier own mine.......... my dog does not wear fancy clothes like thiers either......

Ms. Crow is a celebrity but is she qualified to provide guidance to the public on where their votes should be placed? I think that Obama's connection to a former prominent member of the Weather Underground should be exposed to the public. His position that Ayers is merely somebody he knows is ridiculous and I believe is a cover-up. Ayers hosted an event at his home to benefit Obama and that qualifies as more than just a "somebody I know" comment. McCain is not George Bush and dissatisfied people ought to realize that and give fair consideration instead of simply running to a candidate who makes empty promises with no explanation of how he can accomplish his goals.

Way to go Sheryl! The more times the truth is spoken the better. Your words were perfect. I think the country is sick from 8 years of fear and hate mongering. I think people are ready to choose hope this time. It is possible to have freedom and security at the same time. (If not, I choose FREEDOM).

You anti-Obama folks remind me of bitter drunks who refuse to leave the bar at closing time.

The party's over for the GOP. Get used to it. There are tens of millions who don't agree with you. We've had enough of the Republicans and the right wing. You got your eight years – it couldn't have been more messed up.

Keep dreaming on about Sara Palin and John McCain. They're no "dream team" for the rest of us.

hey yiu people, celebrities have the right to express their opinion as any other American citizen in this country. This type of views and mentality that makes us a divided coutry as we are now. all discusting comments about Obama is the consequence of this dogmatic views the made the most hateful regimes come to power in the past century ( Ofcourse if one knows the world history).

I care what Sheryl Crow thinks. She is an American citizen and her opinion matters just like anyone elses!

I am so fed up with the scandalous Republicans. They continue to fight dirty and changes messages and direction every other day....and they call Obama a risk? What hypocisy!

I am voting for Obama because he has new and solid ideas that will help not only the middle class but also the whole country.

We have lost our "great" standing in the world and this needs to be restored. I believe that Obama and Biden can restore this standing and become the leaders as we once were.

I see Palin as a "joke". There is so much that the Obama campaign can bring up about this woman but they chose to stick to the issues. I wish that the McCain camp would do the same. OOPs, did I say "issues"? The McCain camp doesn't have that word in their dictionary.

Obama has been the only candidate who has stayed on message, with everything thrown at him , he remains to act like a leader. McCain allowed himself to lose focus and go dirty. I am focused on the issue and who can best lead our Country,

I vote for change and new leadership Obama/Biden

If you wanted to vote based on pass associates ALL THE CANDIDATES will fail, do your research, so stick to the issues, Obama has laid out a plan and have stuck to the same message as he will fight for the middle class, McCain said middle class 2 weeks ago for the first time, with 23 days left McCain has yet to give a plan

If McCain has ANY sensible ideas at all he's doing a terrible job conveying them to the public. I've tried so hard to see by his perspective but it's warped. I've tried to educate myself about his plan but it seems to always fall flat on it's face, it's essence is nothing different than the last 8 years. He is terrible at articulating ANY positive, intelligent, thoughtful, creative message... yet he has no problem at all spewing incendiary remarks, as if trying to make those who don't know any better that Obama is a member of some terrorist sleeper cell!

It makes me downright angry the way he tries to create diversions by insinuating Obama is guilty of something by association. It's absurd and it's hypocritical and very few buy it. Perhaps we should focus more on his "friends". It's documented that McCain was much, much closer with Keating than Obama EVER was with Ayers. He and his wife (who still refuses to provide her tax returns, so much for "transparency") profited from a man who, in my opinion, is a dangerous domestic economic terrorist. And what about his gushing support and friendship with Liddy? It's typical and falls right in line with the rest of these warped politicians who have such a lack of social and moral compass and have completely and selfishly neglected the people who elected them!

As more and more people like Sheryl Crowe speak up...a sense of decency is being restored to this election. Those who, in position to do so, but who still fail to speak up during this period are complicit in McCain/Palin's vile , unpatriotic campaign.

Tara shouting in caps pretty much answers her own 13 year old's question. Answer: No, but you clearly are. Stop regurgitating your parent's upbringing and decide for yourself!

I've always enjoyed Crows music, she is very talented but what she said here was straight from the Obama campaign, nothing much new in this song and I don't need to be told how much is at stake I'm actually living it, don't try to tell me how to vote and I won't tell you how to sing.

Obama does not resinate with all us – some of us know he only says what he thinks we want to hear. Want change?

George Bush has been in office for 7 1/2 years. Thefirst six the economy was fine.
>
A little over one year ago :
> 1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 > year high;
> 2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a > gallon;
> 3) the unemployment rate was 4.5%.
> 4) the DOW JONES hit a > record high–14,000 +
> 5) American's were buying new cars,taking cruises, vacations overseas, > living large!...
>
> But Americ an's wanted 'CHANGE'! So, in 2006they voted in a Democratic Congress and yes–we got 'CHANGE' all right. In the PAST YEAR:

> 1) Consumer confidence has plummeted
> 2) Gasoline is now over $4 a gallon > & climbing!;
> 3) Unemployment is up to 5.5% (a 10% > increase);
> 4) Americans have seen their home equity > drop by $12 TRILLION DOLLARS and prices still dropping;
> 5) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.
> 6) THE DOW idropped to the lowest in years and $2.5 TRILLION DOLLARS HAS EVAPORATED FROM THEIR STOCKS, BONDS & MUTUAL FUNDS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS!
>
> YES, IN 2006 AMERICA VOTED FOR CHANGE...AND WE SURE GOT
> IT! ....
>
> REMEMBER THE PRESIDENT HAS NO CONTROL OVER ANY OF THESE ISSUES , ONLY CONGRESS.
>
Miss Crow – Stick to singing – You don't speak for main stream America.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> AND WHAT HAS CONGRESS DONE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS,
> ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> NOW THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT CLAIMS HE IS
> GOING TO REALLY GIVE US CHANGE ALONG WITH A DEMOCRATIC
> CONGRESS!!!!
>How much more change can we take?

Republicans have dirtied up the Capitol's hallowed halls for far too long. The GOP has become nothing more than religious extremists and corporate fatcats working together in an ad-hoc arrangement in a largely anti-populist arrangement. Their past successes in Presidential politics are largely due to instilling fear and hate to court votes from the undereducated, uninformed masses. I thank God (ironically) that we will no longer have to worry about the Religious Right dirtying up the Supreme Court and the White House with their personal and unconstitutional agendas. I am grateful this nation has embraced change in 2008, and I look forward to the resounding "Yes we can" on November 4th.

I love John McCain, as a true American Hero. But John McCain is not the right person at this critical time and unfortunately I like many Americans who wanted McCain back in 2000, have watched as he has moved more and more to the extreem Right to win over the Republican Base.

Note, been a card carrying Republican for over 20 years. I didn't vote for George W. Bush, not once....and I won't be voting for John McCain. Good Luck Senator Obama, Gods Speed in healing this Country.

I couldn't agree more. I was for Hillary but even then when I heard Barack Obama speak I felt he was a great speaker and a very clear thinker. As I listened to him time after time I realized how sincere he is and how much he really wants to make a difference. I thought how difficult it must be to not react to such insults on your character, but he just stays on message because it's what he knows is so important. What a calm steady manner he has. Just the leadership we need in a president. I'm shocked at what the McCain campaign has become. It's just beyond words. Thank you Barack for showing what great character you do have in light of all you've had to indure from McCain and Palin.

Constancy is good, if we are aimed in the right direction. Change is good, if aimed in the right direction.

However, the constancy in Obama's call for change in the economy brings out failed ideas.

Raising the minimum wage typically results in larger unemployment numbers and inflation. Obama's desire to index it to inflation means runaway inflation. Economists can validate that raising the wage actually hurts the poor the most and decreases competition in the marketplace. Face it, the last few increases have been spread over multiple years for a reason; it hides the harm more easily.

Taxing corporations more increases their costs. Increased costs appear in the cost of goods. We the people still pay the tax, but it's rolled into the inflated cost of goods. Oh yeah, that's inflation cropping up again.

McCain admitted he didn't know as much about the economy as he wished. But Obama has confidence in his grasp of economics, but his answers would receive a failing grade in economics. People who don't understand how the economy works listen to Obama and hear someone that would run an economy as they would. But in a time of economic strain, we need people that can understand economics, which the average person wouldn't recognize.

This of course overlooks other issues, such as his support for the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which would reverse the Partial-Birth Abortion ban, laws requiring women considering abortion to receive information to have an informed choice, and any other law that aimed to reduce abortions. He also opposes the other programs geared to lower abortions.

It has been shown that Social Security could remain solvent if we hadn't killed the nearly 50 million children through abortion over the years. Supporting abortion results in tougher economic times decades later. There are countries that now recognize this and pay people to have children, knowing the investment will benefit them.

Our children are our future; what does it say of a nation that would kill their children?

I'm afraid that our nation has been charmed into the charismatic speaking points of a man that has confidence in plans that will bring our nation down. If he sees so many areas to 'change', why has he neglected his current responsibilities? He has never authored a single bill in Illinois or the US Congress. Presidents don't introduce bills, they only veto or sign them into law. It's Congress members like Obama that are supposed to write the bills that become law. He speaks well, but fails to do the job he was elected to perform.

Think before you vote, but look beneath the surface. We know little of Obama, but his plans are dangerously flawed. But it does go to show that someone has the chance to become President, even if they have neither written a bill nor been the final signature to enact it as law.

Sheryl Crow has class...I am sorry to say that I just heard Hank Williams Jr and I no longer have any respect for him..He just sang that Sen Obama is linked to terrorist friends...I am sicken by his sng and words!! He sang it today at a rally for Mccain/Palin in VA

1. I'm really tired of hearing about the Hollywood political view. How about printing the political views of Joe the Dairy Farmer or Kelly the Machine Shop Operator. Are viewpoints of the Hollywood elite any more meaningful?

2. CNN has become a joke. What was once a respected news outlet has become the Enquirer of online news.

3. James, 20+ paragraphs for a post? Do you work for Obama?

Who is "Who is Todd Palin?"

Wake up. Todd Palin is not running for President. BTW – If I worried about candidate's spouses, I would worry much more about Mrs. Obama than Mr. Palin.

wow,

Sheryl Crow is so one sided? She knows best... we all need to take a stand/. everybody, Sheryl Crow does not pay your bills, don't even bother with her... just stop paying your taxes, if we all do that, we never have to deal with this stuff, what does the fed govt give us anyhow? I say to each his/her own.... I'm done paying for everyone

Vote for me and I'll save the world? Please. The democrats are running a very good ad campaign. But voting for someone simply because he says what you want to hear, and is the right shade of brown? Obama grew up and was taught by and with muslims, anti american radicals and racists. Now he says he denounces all these people just to get elected?

I'm voting for the 2 candidates who stick by their word , their country and who have shown to have strong morals. McCain and Palin.

I am a undeclared voter who has never once voted by party. I will absolutely not vote for Obama. I will not be fooled by the democrats into doing so.

I just wanted to share this in case no one here knows, Todd Palin was a member of the Alaskan Independence Party, The founder of this group Joe Vogler HATES AMERICA, he has said some horrible things about AMerica and even wanted to separate Alaska from the U.S.

Why was Todd Palin a member of such group?
Why did Sarah Palin give a speech this year telling this group to keep up the good work, Now what work would that be Sarah?

I agree on not needing to hear celebrities views on politics, but believe they have the same right of raising their voice and speaking their minds, they just have louder voices. Its only the people that are supporting Mccain that don't want to hear these people with louder voices speak up further hurts their cause. I definitely disagree that Obama is a NUT choice though, he graduated top of his class at Harvard and Mccain graduated bottom of his class at the Naval Acadamy and actually was almost kicked out and I'm a firm believer in the highest office in the land I want the smartest man in the room.

Why does everyone insist that McCain is running a dirty campaign? I think it is coming from both parties. If Obama would just answer some of the questions people want to hear an answer to then just maybe everyone would shut up and start talking about the important issues in this country. By the way, judgement and character do matter also when we pick the person who will lead our country.

Brenda:

Why woudl you call Sheryl Crow inexperienced to speak on the subject? How do you know this? There are many people who are in entertainment that are very knowledgable on political, economic topics, etc... Some who become politicians themselves.

This is a prime example of how quick we are to judge people we truly don't know. America is reaching a low. And this election has resurfaced a lot of supressed feelings many Americans are fooled to believe no longer exists.

One of the writers said it best...America is reaching a sad state. And with the country consisting of many dominant cultures/races, the outcome won't be as it was before.

Ms. Crow is an excellent singer. But I will never understand why news casters think her political opinions are important. It's not her expertise. You might as well ask my barber his opinions about the election.

Thanks Sheryl Crow for the wonderful analysis of these past eight years and the state of this election.
Let us hope and pray that many will see this article and take it to heart before they go into the voting booth to cast a ballot either to save or destroy this great country.

Well then brenda I hope you never have an opinion on anything political. And if you do definitely don't share it with anyone to "sway" their opinion or even to clarify you own stance. Since your not a professional it would go against your own advice. And just an FYI: John McCain has said that he's not an expert on the economy. So based on your own assesment, why should we listen to him? Obama isn't an expert of fighting in a war, so why should we listen to him? If your intelligent, as Sheryl Crow surely is, what does it matter what you do for a living? Can people not be informed and then share their knowledge? What your asking for is people to never give opinions outside of their supposed field. and sorry to say but this is america and everyone has one.

As a NYC Police Officer, we have to go through a very rigorous backround check which includes divulging all personal information and documentation such as:

ORIGINAL Birth Certificate
College Transcripts
Extra – Curricular Activities
Family, Friends, Associations
Drug Use (if any)

Refusal to divulge any of the above = automatic disqualification from the hiring process.

Obama refuses to submit his original birth certificate, refuses to submit his college transcripts, refuse to divulge information about his extra-curricular activities, has had relationships with convicted felons/ domestic terrorists/anarchists/racial hucksters, and has admitted to recidivist drug use.

All of these things, or just 1 of these things would disqualify him from being a Police Officer in a major City.

If he couldn't be hired as a Police Officer, which whom is responsible for the safety and well being of the population within a precint (approx. 15,000 people)....HOW DOES HE QUALIFY TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF 300 MILLION PEOPLE???

I'm no big John McCain fan but CMON people! WAKE UP!

There is a power play going on for this Country by international and domestic forces that have bad intentions.

Sheryl, Beautiful commentary.
For this post, I just want to cry..finally..some real discussion and insight going on..
Both Obama and McCain are good people who chose two different avenues in which to, hopefullly, achive their goal. The election will speak for itself on 'that day' (voting).
Personally, post media obsession, I did my research and was very satisfied on what I learned of Obama shy of anything new to come to light he has projected him vision well. Politics is ugly, dirty, slimy....yet he has held his head through it all..that in itself says alot...

Ckelly,

I want vetting too!! Now that Palin's secrets are starting to come out, we have learned why she 'all of a sudden' didn't want to cooperate with the Troopergate investigation. And now, as of this evening, there's more damaging information (1) how Todd Palin abused the governor's office (2) how aides interfered in the investigation and then lied about their involvement only now to come clean - I'm referring to past Palin political aide Bailey; and finally (3) as ABC ex-anchor Lynn Scherr said this past weekend "how can she (Palin) abuse her office and be ethical w/out breaking state law"? She can't!! And now, we learn that Glass the chief of police says Wooten has a legal leg to bring a substantial lawsuit against the entire Palin family.

So yes, I want vetting as much as you. Be careful what you wish for. As an INDEPENDENT, I'm tired of the Republicans lies, deceit and distractions as you are with liberal coverups.....

The entire Palin family has dirty hands here CKelly. Don't ignore those when you write to Larry with your complaint about Obama not being thoroughly vetted. To be sure you are taken seriously, you should seek honesty and transparency from BOTH candidates. Instead, you only chose to seek it from Obama. That, is partisan.

Obama, has no ideals of service to America , it is all about turning the U.S. into Obama's goal of America the slave of socialist international politics. Driven by ego Obama's intentions are not good, as I see it.

Ckelly writes:

"I live in Canada and am an American. I have access only to “liberal media” including CNN and frankly, have been appauled at the nastiness and unfair bias against John McCain and Sarah Palin."

You must have a computer to post a message on the website. Try googling Limbaugh, Hannity, et. al. and you'll come up with the "conservative media" you're looking for. Then come back and say you're appauled at the nastiness and ugliness against Johnny and Saint Sarah!

its interesting to consider why people believe the media would support obama not only over the republican candidate but also over other democratic candidates competing for the nomination, can anyone please give a motive to support your accusation??

OK, everyone who thinks that Sheryl Crow really wrote this, please raise your hand. OK, now everyone with your hand in the air... you are a liar or naive. This is not commentary... it's a commerical for Obama. Weak sauce...

Message to Ckelly of Canada and to may others.

Hey, maybe the Media, whether liberal or not, has got it right.

And so does James.

Time for change.

Sheryl Crow, I am no fan of your music but I must say that you write better than the pundits out there. You are level headed and articulate. I for one had a double mind when the campaign started, but after the events at McCain rallies, my vote is for Obama.

I am terribly dismayed to see the "lynch-crowd" mentality at events associated with the McCain/Palin ticket – which goes hand in hand with the twisted lies that their low IQ campaign continues to parrot. Its a disgrace what this campaign has stooped to.

I also don't understand the McCain take on the bigoted woman who shouted that "Obama" is an Arab. McCain corrected her by saying that he is a decent man and by implication – are Arabs not decent?. McCain should have not just corrected the woman, but used the opportunity to blast a bigoted viewpoint (Arabs are bad). He did nothing of that sort but went on to pout his usual talk.

I have no doubt in my mind that the McCain/Palin ticket will lose. I now just want them to lose BIG and teach the bigots and liars a lesson.

In case you are wondering – my religion does not begin with an M and neither am I from the mid-east.

It requires "sacrifice and patience" as we redefine what America is, eh Sheryl? Thanks but no thanks. Sacrifice: higher taxes. You maybe can afford that, me not so much. Patience as we redefine America: Didn't grow up Socialist. Don't want to be now.

CNN continues it's losing streak with appaling bias.

I am SO sick of everyone who seeks to reduce this campaign into an issue about color. For the record Obama is NOT a black man...he is biracial. This presidential race transcends racial lines, and comes down to the real issue at hand. Americans are sick of the same policies that have destroyed the economy, reduced the mortgage industry to shambles, and embroiled America in a war with Iraq, which we should have pulled out of a LONG time ago.

Let's stick to the facts. If you read CNN and the review the Fact Checker, you will see that McCain has stretched the truth on QUITE a few issues. I applaud McCain for everything that he did for the nation ...by serving, by being a POW for 5 years, and for defending our freedom. Does that mean that b/c of those sacrifices he has the right to be the leader of the free world? It does not in my opinion. McCain is all about BIG Business and continues to push laws/issues that will ultimately benefit big business and an elite few......

Let this race play out as it will...but PLEASE stop insulting everyone's intelligence by trying to make this into a racial issue.

how did Obama become a Senator without producing the required documents, some people are chasing a dream

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

I been waiting for a "Change" for a very long time now... and Sen.Obama wins my vote!

Sorry Jim B, you know little of Obama, those of us that support him pretty much know all there could be known about an individual. If your caught up on needing someone to pass legislation and are on the lack of experience bandwagon take a look at some of the greatest presidents in history and the experience they've had prior to getting into office. Ex. Lincoln, Wilson, Roosevelt

Why is it that the Republicans don't look into McCain's past the way that they try to tie Obama guilty by association? McCains has 3 degrees of separation of Ayers, too!

McCain is PART of the "Keating 5"!

I lived a neighborhood in Billings, MT where 95% of my neighbors are over 65 and white, ALL OF THEM are voting for Barack Obama, signs in the yard and all! I think that the Bradely effect would be that people become complacent and didn't get out to vote!

perhaps the voting system should be changed that people can vote against candidates too. given the two party system and quality of candidates we should be able to vote against these two

My understanding of the Sheryl Crow bashers on here, is that Dean Caine is going to take the position as the GOP supporter. Why he did not write a commentary in support of McCain, is anyone's guess. He is supposed to be on the Larry King Show tonight with Sheryl Crow.

I hope you all will afford him the "same sentiments" you wrote about Ms. Crow.

Thurmond was a racist and Dick cheney is his friend and yet no question raised.
Trent lot the same and is a friend of McCain
and still no questions raised and now so many question raised for this imaginary friend.Yea right

Bette I agree with you 100%. I'm a shame to be a Republican. McCain should have never be heading the ticket. The Republican party seem to gone in this with trying to find someone to beat a Hilary ticket. We got spooked..... As a consertaive CHRISTAIN Minister I dumb founded by the church. The platform we claim to stay for seem to evade us more with each passing .

For example the abortion issue. God gives everyone the RIGHT TO CHOOSE. (life or death). This is the fundmental princilpe of our faith.

This is a God given right to every living person. So how can we beelive we have the right to support taking that right from women in our society.

This is ludarics and un Godly. What the church needs to do more is to teach the fear and reference for God. Allowing people to make their own choose. But providing information so people can make sound GODLY decesions.

I'm PRO LIFE and as a Christian this should be our position. Societies has been killing babies in and out of the womb even in the days of the Bible.

So this platform Palin is trying to push as a Conservative Christain prospective is not the reality at of those of us who are true followers of CHRIST JESUS.

There are Republicans who are praying for GOD's divine will in this election. THE WHOLE part of his plan........not just a small few who are all about those like us.

Thank you Sheryl...your commentary, imo, was right on the mark.

P.S. love your music

Peace, people.

C Kelly, to answer your question:
"Why is it that these issues regarding Obama are not covered with the same intensity that Sarah Palin was investigated "
First, the charges against Palin are legitimate and are dealing with an issue that happened last year. Also, these charges are something that had been ongoing BEFORE she was chosen as VP. That is a much more serious charge than the 'trumped up' charges of Obama 25 years ago, 'hanging with' a terrorist. One is fact and one is fiction.
Let me now ask you a question. Would the US govt truly allow a terrorist/sympathizer to acquire the office of a US senator?

Rob October 13th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

James October 13th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

That Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae benefited from Government support is largely irrelevant because the decision was agreed apon to support them, and the arguement that “these companies should not have made loans to questionable borrowers” is a sign of being oblivious to the fact that these companies were given large government support for that reason. These companies were MEANT to allow loans for people who, by rigid and unequal standards, could not get loans otherwise, and the government, representing the interests of Americans everywhere, agreed that they would support the action because under proper regulation it could only help the American people.
—————–
your belief that loans were not given to low income people based on rigid and unequal standards does not fit with results of giving them loans. they were denied loans on facts and prudence, they were given loans on racism and fear and greed.

James...Not at all Rob. They were not being given loans because they were in large part minorities, and that they were being discriminated agaisnt by a laergely white abnking system. Non minotiy applicants were given loans based on facts and prudence, but statistics at the time, as the facts DO show, point to the very real systematic prejudice and discrimination perpetrated against them. They didn't get these loans because of racism, they got these loans in spite of racism. And my assertion fits the facts perfectly. My assertion as well is that they then had those loans given to them but had an adjustable rate applied, something any educated financial advisor would KNOW was counterproductive and in fact destructive to the integrity of the loan.

Sorry to disappoint you.

Can someone help me? When these people become such experts in politics? They all need to shut their pie holes !

Larry , who cares what the Hollywood elite thinks anyway? Why is Crowe your guest article for crying out loud? Never mind, we know why. CNN and NPR and MSNBC think they can control the information feed to America.. Unfortunately they can and do control the minds of the uneducated and irresponsible. CNN thinks this is a media coronation for Obama. What a joke.

Sheryl Crow is an American, is she not? So, what does it matter how much money she has or what she eats? Heyel, McCain and his wife are as rich as it comes...so if he can head a ticket, why can't she give a little interview?

I've seen them interview a average guy on the street. And since he had a lot of good points and intelligence in his conversation, they put it in the press. He was from Ohio.

I think some of you are REACHING

Give me a small break here. I watch with disbelief at the conservative bias on CNN – yes CNN. They try so hard to be "balanced" that they ignore facts in favor of providing equal footing to conservatives who have a disproven position. For example, this weekend CNN waffled on the whole Palin investigation. Several journalists remarked "Is this partisan politics? Who can say." Well, the fact is, it's NOT partisan politics. This investigation was going on long before Palin became the VP pick, and the investigation was headed up by a Republican in Alaska. It was NOT partisan by any means, but CNN gave the illusion that perhaps this had something to do with it. Again, this is CNN trying to be "balanced" without actually providing the facts. Now, FOXNews (AKA FAUXNews) goes a step further in the wrong direction by actually stating that the investigation was indeed partisan. See how this works? FAUXNews is deliberately biased towards conservatives, whereas CNN often mistakenly tries to balance things and unfortunately often errs – making a conservative position seem like it has equal footing despite facts to the contrary. Don't kid yourself – FAUXNews is always biased; CNN at least tries to be balanced – even when they shouldn't be balanced.

Let me remind ALL McCain SUPPORTERS – ONE NAME

RICHARD NIXON!

The economy is in shambles. The Republicans have been in charge for 6 out of the last 8 years. The buck stops at the President's desk. That should be enough for most of us who can think rationally. If you want real change, it's time to switch.

You know Larry King , I am in love with the world. I have great neighbors, I live in a beautiful neighborhood. The republican party have Govenor Sarah Unethical I letmy husband take the fall palin. Senator John McCain has a daughter that looks like him her job is to trail Gov Palin to make sure she don't say anything wrong..

Sad but true, Senator John McCain daughter has a higher GPA than Gov. Sarah Palin? Wow did you know that.

I could not agree more with everything written here by Sheryl Crow. I am about Sheryl's age. This is the first time in my life that I have contributed money to a political campaign. Today, I signed up as a volunteer for the Georgia Obama campaign - again, something I have never done before. I agree with Ms. Crow, that this will be, without a doubt, the most important election in our lifetime. I was born the year that John F. Kennedy died and this is the first time in my adult memory that I feel what Kennedy supporters must have felt all those years ago ... hope.

The Sheryl Crows, Kevin Costners, Oprahs, and other entertainers must certainly be the ones we should listen to about economics, military strategy and defense, healthcare, social reform, the environment, etc etc. Afterall, more than any other group of intellectuals in our country, they must be the ones who are educated and knowledgeable about the important issues, and we should listen to their opinions about what is right for country and who is best qualified to lead, right? Get real, people!
If Sheryl Crow wants Obama for president, I hope she is ready to open up her wallet and pay all the taxes he intends to increase. In fact, if she is so convinced Obama is the answer, I'll let her "redistribute her wealth" and pay my share of the taxes. I grew up in rural poverty, managed to make my way through college and graduate school on loans and working at fast food jobs nights and weekends. Now that I have reached a degree of success, my money is taxed when I earn it, it is taxed when I save it, taxed when I spend it, if I have too much tax deducted from my paycheck and am owed a refund I will have the privilege of having my overpayment taxed again by the state, if I give away too much it is taxed, if I buy real estate or an automobile I not only have the sales tax but also a property tax every year, I'm taxed if I make a phone call, buy gas, or subscribe to an internet service. All told, I work three days a week to pay the taxes! And Obama wants more from me, so he can "redistribute" it to the people who are so lazy they can't even find their way to the DMV to register to vote – they have to have ACORN come to their door to sign them up!

Actually I find Cheryl Crowe's comments more thoughtful than the VP Candidate from Alaska. Maybe Cheyl should have been chosen as the Rep VP candidate. She could have entertained the crowds more effectively than the current candidate!!!

well said!.....I have traveled over seas a couple times since "W" has been elected, and was asked so many times"why did you elect him?"
how do you respond to that? being an american, I am ashamed to say I am when over seas as this is reflection of his administry.
I do hope we get a good presedent this time around, without hate and shows proper respect to everyone.

This is just TOO funny – really what did people reading this really expect to get out of it – more leftest , socialist, communist wannabe, I'm a celeb supporting Obama, can't we all just get along, Ayers lovin, Acorn voter fraudulent, CNN smear campaigning CRAP!

Great comments, James. Spot on. Ever consider running for office? Just watch the typos! 🙂

Dear Ms. Crow,

Thank you for your music, for your political insights, for your work on behalf of the environment, and for being one class act. You have my admiration and support, and I think of you whenever I soak up the Sun!

I can not believe what I'm reading here My first thoughts are your all a bunch of cry babies or fruit cakes , Give both Candidates a chance I am neither republican or democrat I just vote for the best person for the job who makes the best sense and has some good ideas . I do agree thou that this country hasn't had a real stand up president for decades far as see, right now things are about as bad as they can get excluding another attack but things change and who knows we may be alot better off 4 yrs from now with the next administration instead of us all being so worried about who's the next president and acting like a bunch of chicken littles maybe we should all pull together whoever wins this election and do whats right

In perusing some of the comments on this blog, I've come across a number of people who seem to think that because Sheryl Crow is an entertainer that somehow disqualifies her from expressing a viewpoint.

I'm left to assume these people must be republicans. Yes, it must be a tad unsettling when a former English teacher/turned singer/songwriter exemplifies greater intelligence than the repubs VP nominee Palin.

And if we apply the same standard of qualification which you seem to want to apply to Sheryl Crow, then why are any of us expressing our viewpoints?

rock on Sheryl Crow....

Obama/Biden 08

hussein obama is a freak...history will take care of him...

It is the level of discourse that has suffered because of "input" from irrelevant third parties like Sheryl Crow and Dean Cain. All repeat the talking points of the sides that they choose.

In fact, the leadership lacking on both sides is incredible. Though they may speak about issues, these are only a smoke-screen and politics-as-usual, which as we have seen from others elected to the presidency changes the moment that they step into office.

As pointed out by Roland Martin this evening, Bill Clinton "looked at the books" once in office and said we would not be able to do all that we promised.

Or let's think back to the "compassionate conservative" and a "uniter not a divider" for W.

Ultimately, politicians promise the electorate anything, while riding on the money of the corporate lobbyists whose control of the system means that $ determine the winner.

Naturally, now that Obama said he would not take public finance dollars, Republicans cry foul. For once, a large chunk of the money comes from voters, but to his opponents that seems unfair. Unfair? They have no right to call it unfair when they have used third party money to swift-boat opponents with negative ads rather than address the issues.

The system itself must change. Lobbyist money must be taken out of the system or voter input and contributions must be part of it as well. Full advantage must be made of the Internet and online systems to enable voter input and discussion of issues. Debates must be interactive and the election campaigns shortened.

Listening to both sides yelling at each other has proven to be the greatest waste of voter time and effort. The town hall was a joke. An institutionalized system to shorten the timeframe of the election, change financing to eliminate the negative corporate influences and sharpen the focus on the issues will lead to a far different, hopefully better result and campaigns and candidates who will focus on the real facts instead of making them up or altering them statistically to suit their needs.

"...voted 94 times to increase taxes"
"...her daughter is actually her illegitimate granddaughter..."
"...they voted against regulation..."
"...he pals around with terrorists..."

GIVE IT A REST!!!

Yes, personally I prefer Obama. He was not my first choice among the Democrats, and perhaps he is a better less politics-as-usual candidate. Perhaps I hope that once in office he will do far more good than bad. Maybe once elected, he will once again be a Democrat who gets us to a balanced budget.

Ultimately, Bush had a choice to attack those who attacked us, or start a war against those whom his daddy could not eliminate. Did we really have to continue a war like this for a one-hunudred years as McCain stated? Do we still have to spend $10Billion a month on this to continue to inflate our deficit?

We need to do so much that a simple post like this cannot go into – live within a real budget; invest in education, not penalize schools for not living up to a program that demands testing that distorts the education our children must receive; be consistent and INTELLIGENT about why you support an issue, and not hide your religious preferences being your guiding principles – let people choose intelligently and give them the facts to work with.

I certainly could go on, but right now the bottom line is that none of what we have now makes sense.

PS – Sheryl Crow's thoughts are news because she is an involved voter. Same for Dean Cain. But should they be a fact that people consider? If so, let's be sure to include the person on the street.

Why should the American people care what Hollywood thinks? Half the time the Hollywood stars don't even have their lives in order, according to the media. Do they have the slightest clue with what is going on in Washington D.C.? I highly doubt it.

As for the blame game...congress is to blame for the troubles our nation is currently facing (i.e., the economy, fuel prices, etc.) Beings it is controlled by the Democratic Party, they should be the ones to get the blame. Because the Democratic Party is failing to lead us in the right direction, I plan on voting for the Republican Party candidates all the way down the ballot.

Why CNN is PRO OBAMA. It is very disappointing. Why they are not focusing on Obama's ACORN Relationship. Why did Obama support ACORN – $800,000 this year. Is this an election plan supported by OBAMA.

Can we trust him? Because of the media's wrong direction people are fooled. I am very disappointed in CNN – Probably CNN received millions of dollars for covering the facts.

I must again reiterate how happy I am that the conservative base is imploding before our very eyes. Let's send the Religious Right back to the dark ages where they belong.

In response to all the people belittlign Sheryol Crows input... why dont' you all think of that as you applaud Sarah Palin... Hey sarah... go back to skinning moose!

HERE IS THE COLD HARD TRUTH AMERICA, ON ELECTION DAY THERE WILL BE THE LARGEST TURNOUT IN HISTORY OF AMERICANS TO VOTE FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. UP UNTIL THAT DAY OBAMA WILL LEAD IN ALL POLLS AND SURVEYS OF A FEW THOUSAND PEOPLE FROM A DEMOGRAPHIC PREDETERMINED BY THE SPONSORS OF SAID POLL.ON ELECTION DAY ALL OF AMERICA'S JAWS WILL DROP AS JOHN MCCAIN WINS THE PRESIDENCY BY A LANDSLIDE VICTORY BECAUSE WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT, MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WILL BE TURNING UP AT THE POLLS TO SUPPORT THE CANDIDATE OF THEIR SKIN COLOR .....FOR THAT REASON ONLY.IS IT SAD? YES, BUT IT IS THE TRUTH AND EVERYONE IS JUST GONNA HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT.ASK CNN TO RESEARCH THE STATISTICS ON HOW MANY WHITES VOTE FOR MCCAIN AND HOW MANY BLACKS VOTE FOR OBAMA AND THAT SHOULD BE MORE THAN ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO SUFFICE.POINT BLANK, THE END.SEE YOU ON ELECTION DAY, MCCAIN WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT WHETHER YOU, I OR ANYONE ELSE LIKES IT.DEAL WITH IT AND MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE.

Sheryl Crow is very young and has no clue about the history of this country. I am 62 and have lived through Korea, Vietnam an the current fiasco....Obama has no experience especially with foreign policy. His running mate is part of the current problem. His ties with Moslems and low life characters speak for themselves. He has no business being President of this country. Biden is a big part of the problem. Blah blah blah that is all I hear from Biden. Obama wanted a running mate that could assist in a big way if he is elected since he has no clue about any of this other than a short stent in Congress. If Obama is elected I am moving to Canada along with lots of other Americans. We do not need his kind as President.

I live in Canada and I sense a great new enthusiasm for America in Obama's leadership.

In 1968 our late Prime Minister , Pierre Elliot Trudeau gripped the imagination of Canadians as he called out for a "Just Society."

In2008, Obama has called for a new "vision of hope" for America . It's a compelling messagie and one the world is hoping for too.

Good Luck America.

Cheryl Crow's comments are eloquent. Why should we care what she has to say? Why shouldn't we care? Writers, even pop music lyrics writers, have keen powers of observation. She has voiced an opinion that is well-reasoned, supported, and eloquent. McCain's course of running his campaign has been erratic. He seems to be searching for a message. Having betrayed his promise to avoid character attacks, and having stooped to frightening tactics of guilt by association, he has destroyed the respect I formerly had for him. He demands repudiations every time someone says something his handlers can deem offensive, but yet he makes no attempt to repudiate the sleazy tactics he and his running mate have been taking. He is shameful. Thank you Cheryl for an eloquent and well thought out piece.

Breaking news... liberal, left wing entertainer backs Obama – film at 11:00.

Cheryl Crowe is right, she says it all.
Do we prefer reason, leadership, and steadiness in a crisis; or do we fan the flames of prejudice, forming poorly conceived solutions and loud denunciations?
There is really, at this point, no other choice: Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

"It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you, that they've got a chance for success too." This dialogue from Sen. Obama with a small business owner smacks of socialism. What is success? Success is rather subjective in this regard and the government ought not tell me or anyone what success means. I guess loving our neighbor is going to be a law if this idea becomes incarnate through legislation.

I agree with the pop-singer. I'm glad to see someone with a powerful voice put it to good use.

McCain has lost his way and his sidekick has spewed nothing but hatred since being chosen. This is the last thing our country needs ... we need unity and Obama has a much better chance of delivering. McCain has proven himself as a hater and that is pathetic.

When Barack Obama is elected President, it will be the greatest day in the history of the United States of America during my lifetime.

GO OBAMA!!!!!

Jennifer: McCain's idea of giving coporations tax cuts that will create a "trickle down effect" is completely dilusional. That's the type of policy that Bush adopted and look at where it's brought us. There's no trickle down effect!

I lost my job this year and I know that trickle down effect didn't help me. McCain IS MORE OF THE SAME. He will adopt the same tax policies as Bush. How is he going to get the people at GM or people like myself in a financially comfortable situations, with the SAME policies? And why are you willing to trust someone who has admitted that the economy is not his forte?

As for Sallie D., WA: If Obama wasn't born in the US or Hawaii like you say, HOW IN THE WORLD COULD HE BE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT?!? Sometimes I wish I could cuss at you people for being SO MORONIC. How do you think a non-citizen would get this far? Do you think Obama supporters are as dumb as you to come to such idiotic conclusions? You need to choose a more intelligent reason not to vote for Obama, I've heard plenty from other McCain voters and it looks like we'll never get a good reason from you.

As for the ACORN situation. I've volunteered for this organization and they make it absolutely clear they are NON PARTISAN.

And if you're a rational person, you'd know that all those duplicate forms and fake names would not go through the government system. There may have been falsely filled out forms, but there's no way that they could fully get through the system and have a pretend person show up and vote. And even if Obama wanted to, there's no absolute way that Obama can manipulate the system in that way.

Obama doesn't need to cheat the sysmtem to win this election.

"Hollywood elite"... "liberal media"...

Good to see that the little Sean Hannity clones are out in full force!

Yes...because we should look to "one square" Sheryl Crowe for political advise

Kenny...ok well if she has legitimate reason for not having foreign policy experience, they shouldn't have ran their campaign primarily on who was experienced and who wasn't.

I was voting for McCain until his pick of her. She's lacks pretty much everything, except energy. And no matter what you say about McCain and Obama...they don't actually have several "pending" investigations on them.

Talk about ethnics SCREAMING out in the open. They are digging up dirt on McCain and Obama and her dirt is in plain sight, and GOP wants it overlooked.

How dumb are we?

To those of you dogging- Cheryl Crowe did this not as a political analysist, but because we all should care as Americans, do you have a career like she does?! I think it is very influential to see that some celebrities are engaged in America and average Americans, and other celebrity figures should endorse such as well! Go Cheryl-

and to those that still badger and push around– look into real facts- i know that many republicans won't even dare look both ways before crossing the road, and you cannot tie morals of abortion into this all the time, because America is America, freedom of speech, religion, love, life, and Obama won't take away the guns either, though I have no idea what pleasure keeping a gun at a person's side could bring you?!

What would Jesus bomb?! Watch 'Slacker Uprising," or "Farenheit 9/11," and then tell me that liberals and democrats are nothing but liars-

Obama/Biden '08 Baby!

I just heard that sen Obama has pulled ahead in Missouri. I also noticed that my little sign for him has been popping up all over my very rural neighborhood! God Bless Marys Home, Missouri!!

You go girl!! Hitting the nail squarely on the head. God bless America, as we go on to hopefully choose the man who will lead us into better times than we have seen in the past 8 years.

Arnold October 13th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

3. James, 20+ paragraphs for a post? Do you work for Obama?

James... Well, with so much BS, SPin, ignorance, falsehood, ourtight lies and disingenuous, misconceptions false analogies, obliviousness, it has become apparent that it is needed. You will notice as well that what I posted when objectively looked at, defeats every last argument posted against Obama thereafter BASED ON the reasoning applied thusfar.

....oh, wiat... someone DID post something different regarding the minimum wage... and now I have to fix that too.

It may be long, but it's all also correct. But hey, if you can find evidence to the contrary, maybe then I'll gain the enlightenment that others say I am missing. Sadly, they have all, to a one, shown that it is THEY who need the enlightenment.

Why doesn't Obama bring up the fact (more) that we would not be having (as big) of a financial crisis, if John McCain had not voted for the money and life losing Iraq War. Why are the Republicans not being held accountable for the primary decision to go to war?

There is absolutely nothing that McCain can do to win back the votes of the Middle Class, Smal Business Owners, like myself. Here is a man that won his parties nomination long before the Democratic Nominee had been determined; and he has failed to present one policy that would benefit the working man. Maybe he thought that being Republican was enough. Sorry Charlie!!!!

It seems as if some people are totallly blind and deaf. What does Sheryl Crow, know about Barak Obama except for what he has told her which is nothing. I watched hin speak time after time, and found that he talks alot, but says NOTHING. I then changed my democratic point of view and feel only fear if Obama is elected!!!!! It is my opinion he does have an agenda, but it is not what you all expect. John McCain is a REAL american, he spent time in a Vietnamese hell hole and came out still loving this counthy after what our OWN people said and did to these soldiers!!!!! THINK!!!!! Who would want for our leader? A man who is sympathetic to the people who have killed our brave soldiers, or one who really knows?

Wow! James should write a book. Then, like political opinions from entertainers and comedians, we could chose to ignore it.

I wonder if there is any concern regarding ACORN and the chance of Couldn,t multiple votngabsentee ballots being used to have people do voting without showing ID?

I don't want to vote for either of them. They both voted to add pork to the bailout. Where's the change. The fact that they to want to bail out these large companies is beyond belief anyway. If I make poor business decisions, I will lose it all, no one to bail me out. I've never heard Obama answer a question yet. He is a great talker but never really says anything. I certainly think Palin was just a poor choice and can't picture her running the country if she had too. I do enjoy her ability to talk to the normal person but this doesn't make a good presidential choice. I think I'll throw my vote this time around. I'm actually still surprised I can't make a decision on who to vote for. Just seems like the same old same old. Very discouraged with it all at this point.

It's all just pro wrestling for Americans who like to think they are too high class to enjoy pro wrestling. The illusion of violence is far better than real violence(wrestling) and the illusion of power is far better than real power (electoral politics). But it helps to create the appearance of a system built on a human induced equilibrium, because the appearance of human -induced equilibrium (aka 'society') is better than NO equilibrium. You should all go and vote!! Promulgate control!!

AND-– she has just as much right to express her opinion as anyone on here- that is why it is a democracy, because WE , as a people, can state our judgement and views as well!

I live in Fountain Valley California. The heart of Orange County. Yes Orange County..... That place where family values still count for something. When I read Cheryl Crows little rant I feel like maybe shes living in another world or maybe another galaxy . Mrs Crow speaks of someone with vision and leadership.... I think of Mccain when I think of those two words. When I think of Obama I think of a deceiver. Someone who has fooled the entire USA into thinking that he actually is a SUPERSTAR. First of all..... You cant go to a church that is obviously filled with racists for 20+ years and not think the same exact way. Anyone can come up with excuses for why he went there and why he was so close to his pastor. So close to his pastor before it was not politically advantageous to be so .... at which point he through his racist pastor under the bus so to speak. There is not an excuse or a lie that makes sense for Obama being these for 20 years. Sure Obama made a fancy speach about race to hide the facts and sure he disowned everyone but his mother invloved in his life. This one item alone and the way Obama has dealt with it is enough for me to say.. No thanks Obama Nation. Ill use my brain and vote for Mccain. David

I see a lot of comments that McCain is not getting a fair voice from the media. This is crap ....

Can you please ask your Repulican guests: What sunstancial policy changes or "material" changes have been introduced by the McCain campaign that merits "more" coverage?
- so far I have seen only personal attacks specially from Sarah Pelin, who unfornately is yet to convince anybody that she is upto the job.... sher has not provided any serious interviews after her gaff?

AC

Sheryl Crow is the best.

the typical story by a liberal hollywood has been...go sheryl!

Is Sarah Palin for real???? We Americans must be out of our mind to vote for those two stuges. It look like to me when Sarah talks she doesn't even think what she saying.

Sage insight from this University of Missouri graduate. It is time for a change, and we need to support the one who will be calm, cool and collected in a crisis and who understands the economy. That person is Obama.

I have been saying this to many people for nearly a year. First, I did not "see" Hillary in the White House (I knew she would throw her name into the hat as a candidate) but kept saying, "I do not see her in the White House. When McCain got the nomination, I did not SEE him either. I still do not see him in the White House.

Obama will win in a landslide that will shock many people. Everyone is talking about the "critical states" and how tight the race will be. It will NOT be close. What is the single most factor that supports what it is that I see happening? It's this: Disenfranchised people in such incredible numbers cannot be dismissed forever. Martiin Luther King's "I have a DREAM" is taking form and will manifest on November 4. This landslide is meant to be -and there is nothing that Senator McCain can do or Governor Palin to stop it. Their personal attacks and corrupt values AND their bloated egos and delusions will ALL be swept away in the aftermath of this lesson in humility they will eventually learn.

I find it odd how conservatives always accuse the media of being liberal. They seem to forget the media coverage of Reverend White and Obama's supposed closed relationship with a "terrorist." Lets get real, the media is reporting what they have to report. McCain's campaign has disingreted into a continuous attacks on Senator Obama. It just happens the American people in general are smart enough to see past this. We are smart enough to recongize that just because Obama worked on some projects and is mildly associated with a man who once committed an act of terrorism in protest of veitnam war, doesn't make Obama a terrorist. The man was a college professor whose crimes had sense been pardoned. Obama was seven at the time of the attack. The other day, I volunteered to deal cards at Monte Carlo night for our local Chamber of Commerce dinner, and two week before that I went to a dinner that was raising money for kids with Autism. I couldn't tell you the history of the other volunteers and contributors to these projects. I was simply supporting a good cause. Perhaps we should all do background checks and a criminal history on every person we might associate with lest one day we be judged by thier past.

Perhaps conservatives believe that media shouldn't print news worthy stories about the Sarah Palin investagation or her alleged abuse of authority. Perhaps conservatives believe that the media should not tell us how at rallies for John McCain, people have shouted racial slurs at media commentators and at least one person shouted "kill him." This is what the McCain campaign has disintergrated into, a hate fest.

I came into this election not being sure who I would vote for. While a democrate, I had doubt about Obama's experience in such trialed times. It didn't take me long to decide. I am voting for the guy who talks about the issues, not the guy whose intentionally misleads people about the guy who talks about the issues. Because I would rather have misgivings about our president's experience, than have misgivings about his character.

This is my first presidential election as an American Citizen........Coming from Europe, being child of flower-power generation parents people kind of expect me to go for Democrats, but no thanks......Yes Obama is a great looking guy and talented talker and that's why in my opinion Hollywood follows, if he'll get elected and country will slowly take the turn backward I am packing for Bahamas, because I love this country, but just cannot stand shallow principles...... abortion equals murder, not fighting terrorist, but just talking about it equals fear of living here and solutions to taxes & medical issues suggested by democrats equals failure and long terms nuisances for our country, goodness sake!

OK, America. Time to step up to the plate. First off, wake up. And grow up.

This is not a time to be the angry adolescent of the free world. It is a time to be adult. To be considered, calm thoughtful and determined. It is not a time for rhetoric and sabre-rattling. It is not a time for replacing reason with religion. It is not a time for being the bully in the schoolyard or the swaggering braggart in the class. It is time to look carefully at the future.
Look to someone who is stable, reasoned, and has vision. Don't look at someone who is angry, small, erratic, and bitter. Rise above. Think bigger. Show the world you're a large enough nation you can demonstrate leadership in the free world by electing a good man with no axe to grind. Wake up. This is your future. And this is a crux time....rise above racism and fundamentalism to a bigger vision. America has already lost standing in the world. This election will make the difference: a joke nation led by a pugilist or a visionary nation led by a statesman.

Annie

The people who are citing the negativity toward the McCain/Palin ticket do not understand that the nature of the reporting is reflective of that campaign and its dismal performance to this point. It is easy to paint the media with this broad brush, and attribute a candidate's utter collapse in the polls to unfair coverage. This is an old tactic– one that was used effectively by another Republican President, Richard M. Nixon. If there were positive things come out of McCain's and Palin's mouth then it would be reported. But the fact is that the angry rhetoric at rallies and Palin's abysmal performance in her unscripted interviews has led to some sensationalized coverage. So the perceived bias of the media has been generated by the news creators, not the news reporters. For years, John McCain was the darling of all media. No one but he himself can be held responsible for what the media is reporting about him.

Cheryl you are right on! God help us all from Sarah Palin!

This article is crap. Another liberal diatribe about a candidate that has openly painted a picture of a socialist uptopia and all the leftest are marching to his tune. Wealth redistribution doesn't sell in middle America and it's time to stand up shout down the anti-Americans and their minions. Why in the world would anyone feel Sheryl Crow has anything to share of value when it comes to electing a presidential candidate. Must have been a slow news day for CNN. You're scraping the barrel....

"As Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace of the United States"
Palin the "Maverick" grabs her shotgun....If she and McCain begin to spiral downward in the polls....as they will.......The rich and powerful may very likely create a major international military incident.....To allow John McCain to come to the rescue..........

Republican or Democrat....
You will feel a cold chill running down your spine....as McCain and
Palin assume control of the nuclear trigger.

Rod Hemeon .... Nova Scotia

Travis, although your theory is entertaining, the evidence don't support. Whether we like it or not, WE white americans are becoming the minority citizens. This election is going to be decided, not by black or whites, but by all the other races.

That's why the election stats are understated and underestimated.

rbonilla October 13th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

hussein obama is a freak…history will take care of him…

James...Why so frazzled rbonilla? In history we'll all be dead.. meh he he heh

I am with David. The party is over for the right wing, war mongering Republicans taking our tax dollars for illegal wars, giving to the rich. It is time now to bring our country together and work for the common cause, for jobs, for health care for everyone, and fixing this nation. Bush accomplished nothing good while he was in office because he did not care about America or the people. Obama does and he will heal this nation. And as for Cheryl being qualified; she is a citizen speaking out on the most serious election of our time. If we mess this one up, America as we have known it is gone forever.

It's really sad to see how we (the American people) have been sold out by our own government....it's almost like we are becoming a communist country with everything being taken over by government. First, it was our right to have a private conversation on the phone without our government listening in, now the fat cats on Wall Street have given them just cause to takeover our banks. What's next!! When will the bleeding stop!! We need a change...and we can't wait any longer...we need change now. McCain is a decent man, and I always liked him, but if he's elected he will have little control, except to continue doing what his party wants. At this juncture, Obama is the right man, for this time in our history. Now! If McCain wins...the little people will get poorer- and maybe even the rich ones too. When times get tough you need someone who can be an innovative thinker, because they've had to scratch their way to the top. (Obama knows this from simply being a person of color.) Obama is right in believing that the Republican party has sold us out..by shipping our jobs overseas. That's why you can't even talk to an American when you call Customer Service at some of these companies. It's just really sad what's become of the great America!!

I agree with Sheryl, John MCcain is losing this election without a doubt.

What is this liberal media everyone is talking about? The media is so conservative it's not even funny.

For the past 2 weeks, John Mccain and his campaign have been like a fast moving car with no driver. He does not seem to know which way to go. This man is picking his directions soley based on what might pick up his poll numbers and not what is important to be addressed right now.
This is the man who who is actually asking the american people to hand him the presidency???
Obama needs to publicly question McCain's ability to first bring his campaign under order (from that wild dog gone crazy) and then seek to govern USA

" I think we should look at Obama’s lack of experience in his career. he has never authored any legislation. "
-Jennifer: October 13th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

See Below. And by the way, pointing out differences in tone/policy etc. in a presidential debate is not disrespecting McCain's POW status. It's called democracy...and your vote should be based on ISSUES not BIOGRAPHY; but that's your choice. That's why we VOTE.

Obama passed legislation with Republican Senator Jim Talent to give gas stations a tax credit for installing E85 ethanol refueling pumps. The tax credit covers 30 percent of the costs of switching one or more traditional petroleum pumps to E85, which is an 85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline blend.

-After a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Senator Obama worked with law enforcement officials to require the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.

-His first law was passed with Republican Tom Coburn, a measure to rebuild trust in government by allowing every American to go online and see how and where every dime of their tax dollars is spent.

-Obama created the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income working families in 2000 and successfully sponsored a measure to make the credit permanent in 2003. The law offered about $105 million in tax relief over three years.

-Obama joined forces with former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon (D-IL) to pass the toughest campaign finance law in Illinois history. The legislation banned the personal use of campaign money by Illinois legislators and banned gifts from lobbyists. Before the law was passed, one organization ranked Illinois worst among 50 states for its campaign finance regulations.

-As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Obama has fought to help Illinois veterans get the disability pay they were promised, while working to prepare the VA for the return of the thousands of veterans who will need care after Iraq and Afghanistan.

-He traveled to Russia with Republican Dick Lugar to begin a new generation of non-proliferation efforts designed to find and secure deadly weapons around the world.

-Obama has been a leading advocate for protecting the right to vote, helping to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act and leading the opposition against discriminatory barriers to voting.

– In the U.S. Senate, Obama introduced the STOP FRAUD Act to increase penalties for mortgage fraud and provide more protections for low-income homebuyers, well before the current subprime crisis began.

-Obama sponsored legislation to combat predatory payday loans, and he also was credited with lobbied the state to more closely regulate some of the most egregious predatory lending practices.

-Barack Obama introduced the Patriot Employer Act of 2007 to provide a tax credit to companies that maintain or increase the number of full-time workers in America relative to those outside the US; maintain their corporate headquarters in America; pay decent wages; prepare workers for retirement; provide health insurance; and support employees who serve in the military.

-Obama worked to pass a number of laws in Illinois and Washington to improve the health of women. His accomplishments include creating a task force on cervical cancer, providing greater access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, and helping improve prenatal and premature birth services.

-Obama has introduced and helped pass bipartisan legislation to limit the abuse of no-bid federal contracts.

-Obama and Senator Feingold (D-WI) took on both parties and proposed ethics legislation that was described as the "gold standard" for reform. It was because of their leadership that ending subsidized corporate jet travel, mandating disclosure of lobbyists' bundling of contributions, and enacting strong new restrictions of lobbyist-sponsored trips became part of the final ethics bill that was signed into law.

Hi Larry I am a 42 yr Old black Georgia male and ex-marine Sgt. that is here to defend John Lewis's Statement. Recent history of the battle of words between the left and the right has proven one thing. The left merely comments on their oppositions on ideas, the Right Acts. The Conservative Right want to say that they're are not responsible for the actions of the people that follow them, then my question is who is? When John Lewis spoke of stoking hatred lets look at the facts. during the 60's Two Kennedys killed , Martin L. King killed, Malcom X. killed and hundreds of other civil rights activist killed. There are no records of Pro-abortion activist bombing any anti-abortion activist houses or offices, no records of a group of Gays going out and beating down and anti-gay activist, no record of an anti-christian group bombing any churches, no record of a group of angery black or hispanic group dragging a white male to his death, and the list goes on and on. The fact is the Conservative right has proven time and time again to be extremely violent people. For the media to pretend that there are crazy comments coming from both sides does not help. Because you can not produce one sound bite of a democratic event where someone from the crowd yell out to kill John McCain or harm him any any way. God please protect Obama from history as he tries to save our country.

Cindy, California: Well said! Thank you.

This is a country where everyone is allowed to voice an opinion. It's called freedom of speech. So what's the big deal for an entertainer to voice an opinion? Reagan was an entertainer before he became a governor and then President. So was Arnold Schwarzenegger. I'm sure they had/have opinions.

The head of John McCains campaign Mr. Schmidt has had 2 years training working for Dick Cheney and the rest of his team were trained by Carl Rove.
Mr. Schmidt stated the only thing they have left is throw dirt, attack and destroy.
The results of those actions in the year 2008 is that this 30 year Republican is voting for Sen. Obama and I am certainly not in the minority. Over and over I read comments and talk to so many Republicans voting for Obama. I live in Collier County ,Florida and at the Republican campaign headquarters were 2 cars, Obamas/ 250+ people showed up this last Saturday at a strategy meeting. I think this will be a much bigger landslide than any polls have indicated. A lot of us Republicans stopped watching Fox News when Ann Coulter showed her true character towards the 9/11 widows. Hate is a deep rooted disease and we need to eradicate it by voting for a change and not more of the same. We cannot continue to operate with fear, hate and being total oblivious to the needs of the average American. There is no way, that large corporations who are getting billion dollars of defense contracts should be having a 3 man headquarters of shore to avoid paying US taxes.

Most of us don't want one more day of hate, division, fear mongering, lies and threats. As for Gov. Palin she abused ger powers already and we don't want to be at the receiving end of her and hubbies vendettas. We don't want our intellect insulted with senseless remarks of hate and race pandering. it is time America unites again as one nation and we learn to love our neighbors again and sit down for a cup of coffee without asking them what their pedigree is or if they maybe committed a crime when we were learning to walk. We need to respect other countries so they can respect us again as decent and kind people.

I can't believe no one is really questioning the possibility that should McCain/Palin win and Senator McCains health fails that Palin could be an acting president or even President. I heard McCain make a comment that "We don't have time for on the job training" when it comes to Obama. What the heck does he think Sarah Palins been getting for the past 4 weeks.

This is really a scary thought for our futures.

Maybe Ms. Crow needs to hear from someone other than the media. Maybe she will read this:

Subject: Media Bias

The media appears to be one of the only sources we listen to on a daily basis about the upcoming presidential election, and if you can't tell the bias then you need to be aware......We really do have the ability to decide, but we should all be more informed. And not just by
the media.....
>
I'll guess we will just have to share this over the Internet. Wonder if we can get it out to all homes in next 28 days. If I send it out to 50 friends and one radio talk show host, maybe we can get the word out. If each does the same with in 5 permutations we will reach 312,500,000 homes. Listening to the mainstream media these last
few days I've learned a few things about the GOP's VP nominee but also had to learn a few things on my own.
>
> 1. From the media I learned Sarah Palin's husband has a DUI conviction from 22 years ago. * On my own I learned that Ted Kennedy (hero of last week's tribute at the DNC) was drunk while driving a car off a bridge in Chappaquiddick. That same crash killed a young campaign volunteer with whom he was having an affair. Oh, and that woman was pregnant with his child. * Mr. Palin's (who is
not running for office) DUI came a mere 4 years after Barack Obama (who is running for president) stopped using cocaine and marijuana (by his own admission in his autobiography). Shocking – it's OK for the presidential candidate to use drugs or the party patriarch to kill someone while driving drunk yet the husband of a VP candidate should be demonized for something done 22 years ago.
>
> 2. From the media I learned that Sarah Palin's daughter is pregnant. On my own I learned that Joe Biden's (the other VP candidate) son was paid a large amount of money as a consultant to credit card company MBNA. That same company had business before Senator Joe Biden concerning regulation of consumer credit practices. After > the company paid a hefty sum to Mr. Biden's son, he > voted in favor of legislation to help that company. * That > same son, Hunter, is also engaged in a legal investigation and suit for defrauding a former business partner. Shocking – it's a crime for the republican VP candidate to have a child who's pregnant even though it's irrelevant to
how she performs her job. It's ok, however, for the democrat VP candidate while a senator to vote in favor of a company who paid his son over a quarter of a million dollars.

> 3. From the media I learned that Sarah Palin should be > considered 'selfish' for agreeing to run for VP knowing about her daughter's condition. Knowing that her public role would bring extra scrutiny on the family is selfish and she should have declined to protect her child (actually heard this on ABC this weekend). Strange – the same people who said Sarah is selfish for running for VP did not
seem to care about any impact on Chelsea when Bill Clinton had his dalliance with Monica Lewinsky. That was a private, personal matter you see.

> 4. From the media I have learned to be concerned' that Sarah Palin probably won't be able to manage her family and do an effective job of
being VP at the same time. Funny – I never heard anything about Hillary's ability to support Chelsea while re-doing healthcare or any
of the other feminist icons who say you can balance work and family. They also never mention that Barack will have to balance time with his children while meeting with heads of rogue nations or how Joe Biden's kids don't even have a mom and will be fighting for his time while he hosts white house coffee fundraisers and sells nights in the
Lincoln bedroom.

> 5. From the media I have learned that Sarah Palin is 'too inexperienced' to be a heartbeat-away from the presidency. * Apparently taking on corruption in your own party and running a state that's the same size people-wise as Delaware (hint hint: that's where Joe Biden is from) is not really experience. * However, time spent as a 'community organizer' and less than 180 days in the senate where you've authored no significant legislation is just the type of 'change' > we're looking for from the top of the ticket. Funny – inexperience at the top of the ticket is a mantra for 'change' and 'hope' while strong practical everyday experience as the #2 is cause for concern.
>
> 6. From the media I learned that Sarah Palin's > husband once got a ticket for fishing without a license. I haven't heard much about the fact that if he were still a practicing attorney, the VP candidate Joe Biden would be dis-barred for plagiarism not once but multiple times. It's ok to break the rules if you're a democrat candidate but not Ok if you are the spouse of a republican candidate.
>
> 7. From the media I learned that Sarah Palin doesn't know much about Iraq ; in fact we wonder if she even knows where it is. * Sarah's son volunteered into the US military and is now deployed in Iraq . I guess that doesn't count. Sarah has spent more time with troops in Iraq (a commander of the Alaska National Guard she visited Iraq last year) than Obama has even while running for president. In fact, when Sarah went to Iraq she spent time with the troops. When Obama went there, he skipped a base visit to instead go work out at the Ritz Carleton.
>
> 8. From the media I learned that Sarah Palin is a 'lightweight' and she better be a 'quick study' to keep up with this team. Funny, nobody is talking about how, after Barack Obama had 'visited 57 states' according to him he only had '5 more to go' or endless other stupid gaffes that expose who he really is.
>
> 9. From the media I have learned that (gasp!), Sarah Palin's husband was once a registered member of a 3rd party that favored states' rights (man, this is really bad stuff) That same media has been silent to the story that when Barack Obama announced his first senate run, he did so in the home of William Ayers. Mr. Ayers is an
un-repentant terrorist convicted for bombing the pentagon. This same
Mr. Ayers said on 9/11 that he and his group did not do enough to harm our military and he wished he had done more. During the same time as that comment, he was serving on aboard with Barack Obama. All notes and information about their serving together is now locked up by the corrupt Chicago machine and reporter access to those records are being blocked by the Obama campaign.

If we've had any doubts about the bias of the media,it's pretty clear now where they stand. People on the fence need to read this rather than get all their information from Katie Couric, Wolf Blitzer,Tom Brokaw and the gang. This is egregious and corrupt. The only way to stop it is to spread information using other outlets and make these guys irrelevant.

Sheryl Crow did a fine job calling McCain on his own shortcomings. The electoral process had devolved into a Hollywood-style popularity contest. I want someone who can take the bull by the horns, get this country off its knees, and has the ability to put in the 18 hours a day it takes to be a president, and not play the same old cards we have been dealt for the last 8 long years. There is only one candidate that fills this bill: Obama. McCain is not up to the job, and Palin certainly is not.

Sheryl Crow is an American. She has the right to voice her opinion every bit as much as any of YOU do. If you don't like it , don't read it!
What is sad is she has communicated with such eloquence and thoughtfulness...FAR MORE than Sarah Palin could ever do. She
shows far more intelligence and reflection than McCain or Palin.Fact is: McCain knows he has run a dishonorable campaign.He just figures since it worked for Bush it will work for him. But , WE WON"T BE FOOLED THIS TIME!!! We have seen this trick play TOO MANY TIMES before! Republicans have shown they have NOTHING to offer but fear and smear.Truth has never been their strong point. Greed has gotten us into this mess and it will take TRUE Americans, not
false patriotism to fix this disaster the republican party has left us.

Byron: Lewis' comments were obscene and offensive. No one is buying your rhetoric.

By the way Sheryl You rock !!!

Every time I hear a celebrity speak out for any left wing candidate and say he (they) know whats good for the masses, I get a little choked up. Just one more reason to distrust the guy.;

That is what freedom is about, being able to share your opinion.

Let us focus on the issues, not records. Let us focus on solutions.

I always find it amusing that, whenever a celebrity with Democratic leanings speaks out about political opinions, Republicans lash out with comments like "shut up and sing" or "shut up and stick to acting," as though an American in the public eye should have no political opinions. Yet, Republicans turn around and elect Ronald Reagan, Fred Thompson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sonny Bono and other celebrities as your elected officials.

Yes, it is true that people like you are ready for change. You are so mad at what has been happening that you are ready to simply jump off the cliff. You can hardly point out a single thing that Obama (a name that cannot be shouted in an airport) has EVER done in his lifetime-except to be associated with a bunch of crooks like Toni R. and people who hate America like Bill A. and Rev. Wright-whom he denies ever listening to. So, since people say their feet hurt from being overweight, they will vote for anybody who promises to change gravity. And the gravity of this situation is that we are becoming a socialist nation as quickly as the Liberals can formulate new laws and bailouts. Instead of simply throwing out the crooks and people who have misled us, we are throwing away an entire system that has worked for 200+ years. And on what basis? The basis of change itself. Change is not always good. Change your religious beliefs just because someone was a false preacher. Change your core beliefs just because somebody violated them. Change the entire Constitution just because you are a whiner and a complainer and haven't got a clue as to a proven leader who has demonstrated some sense. But it's Barack for Barack's sake alone. Change. Change. Change. I think the only thing you need to change is your ability to reason out what is true and what isn't-not throw out the entire U.S. to become like a European nation or an Iron Curtain country. Ask those who were under socialism how it is. Those Eastern bloc nations are running away from it. But you? You are embracing those charlatans with philosophies that are totally un-American because you are angry at George Bush. That's plumb stupid. And now the Democrats get a 'Super Majority' so that they can run roughshod over the Constitution and do ANYTHING. Just because you wanted CHANGE. Well, you'll get change. Probably that's the only thing you will have left after they take your dollars.

Although the country and world are progressing, our electoral system seems quite antiquated. The Electoral College.
Everyone is saying – let's sign up and get out to vote but if you are in a Blue State, and CNN has already tallied 264/270 votes for Obama, then why should I vote, – it truly will have no effect.
Is it about time to vote on number of absolute votes with a sophisticated system – almost everything else in the country runs quite well with a fool-proof computer system.
Your thoughts.

Ken October 13th, 2008 9:18 pm ET

Wow! James should write a book. Then, like political opinions from entertainers and comedians, we could chose to ignore it.

James... Here here, ken and I would certainly applaud you after all I'm for Obama so I mUST be pro choice as well right ;P.

But to respond to your post...riiiiight,. Because ignoring a problem just helps it go away fast? ;P

Who is authorized to clear Sarah Palin of her unethical activities of abusing her power as Governor of the unathorized firing. Today she made a statement saying that she was very happy that she had been cleared....................cleared by whom?

Sheryl Crow has been politically active for many years now and is very involved with environmental issues. She was also a school teacher for many years (which I think deserves a lot of respect!!!). While I don't think her opinion is important enough to change anyone's mind on the issues, I think she is very informed on the issues and not just spouting off things she is making up. Like someone else said, Guest Commentary! Just because she is a musician does not mean that she should have to keep her opinions to herself. Why did you bother reading what she had to say if her opinion is just to be mocked? Whether you agree with her or not, she at least put together a thoughtful commentary and and was not just bashing anyone like a lot of you are doing! There was a lot of hatred at McCain-Palin rallies, not everyone obviously, but enough to definitely cause concern. I heard people at an Obama rally "boo" McCain and he immediately stopped speaking and told them "we don't need any of that, we just need you to vote".

Obama has just wat too many very questionable friends,pastors etc..
his pastor for 20 years is racist,he has "friend"that he met on more than one occasion that is known to have used bombs,is is labeled terrorist..Ayers..Obama just has way too many ties to some very unwelcome people..that I don't think we want as president.

Who cleared Sarah Palin?

awesome:

I see that all the McCain supporters are either from Rich places or have spouses in rich jobs (ask that lady with 6kids and husband in wallSt.)

Hell, this sampling is statistically enough to convey that only the rich love john. He's gonna serve em some dollars and sarah is gonna serve em some guns.

Sheryl,
I too feel sorry for McCain. How will this campaign affect his work as a senator when he has to work with the Obama administration?

Cheryl Crowe I totally agree with you! McCain can't even manage his campaign so we would just have another George Bush in office and every American should be afraid of that possibility!! Palin just doesn't know enough to be anywhere near Washington, DC.

"When this presidential campaign began what feels like decades ago, the one man who seemed to transcend the rhetoric of all the other candidates was Sen. Barack Obama. His lofty ideals and inspiring calls to action resonated with all of us"

What makes you think that? One needs to look no further than the 2004 illinois senate campaigns and 2008 Dem's primaries to see the true colors of Obama.

Larry,
I had an email sent to me by a guy named Dr.John Tisdale that said,"Oboma is the antichrist according to Rev.chap .13" A Muslum ,40 year old .What is up whith that ?

McCain has lost his integrity.

He has run a campaign of hate and fear mongering. Obama has attacked the issues and McCain's stance on those issues! McCain only attacks Obama. He has no ticket to run on.

His choice in Palin proves how out of touch he is. He's old! Face it, his best days are over. He seems to have thought this campaign was owed to him! I'm sorry.... no one owes anyone anything. POW... Maverick.... whatever.... he is out of ideas.

Obama has the ideas..... The Republicans got us into this mess.... no way are they the ones who can get us out of it. All they will do is continue to feather their own nests and those of their cronies. They don't care about the rest of us! That is obvious!

Let's clean house.... put them all out on their fannies! It's time to get this country back to normal! Obama is the man for that.... a man of the People For the People!

I am a Christian who is praying Obama will win. The inflamatory statements made by McCain supporters are not being denounced by McCain or members of his campaign sincerely, if at all. . These people are speaking directly to McCain or at rallies for McCain that he or Palin attend. To not denounce the prejudical statements regarding religion or race made by McCain-Palin supporters shows support for them. I see this as a way to have prejudical statements made without the McCain camp having to assume a certain amount of responsibility for them.

Sheryl Crow has as much right as any of us to express her opinion. In fact, Freedom of Speech is guaranteed to her–and to the rest of us–in the U.S. Constitution. Celebrities have the right to speak their mind as well.

Very well put. Although I'm for Obama all the way, for many of the same reasons that Sheryl laid out in such a straightforward and sensible way, I also know McCain is a good man.

I think his handlers talked him into taking the low road and being nasty in the last 10 days or so, because he was behind and that's how Republicans seem to handle such things. And then when those hateful comments about Obama came oozing out of McCain supporters, I believe Sen. McCain was probalby shocked into the realization of what he was doing.

Rock on Sheryl....

I applaud Travis for giving notice to the elephant in the room.

Let's face it, how many Americans do you think will be voting for Obama without ever really knowing anything about his politics and simply because he is NOT a 70+ year old white haired, Caucasian. I don't think it can be igored, not that there is anything to do about it, it is what it is. The masses will eagerly cast a vote for the popular choice, eagerly cast a vote simply because the candidate is far from the norm. Change can be good, but sometimes people change simply for the sake of change — for better or worse.

That said, I'm a registered Republican but harbor no strong feelings toward McCain, nor any ill feeling toward Obama. In fact, I admire Obama for his intellect, charisma, and the strong image he portrays. I just don't definitively believe his politics are in the best interest of me and my family.

Once again, without a strong third party I am forced to vote for the lesser of two evils.

for all those on this blog who want to rant about Sheryl Crow's thoughtful articulation from her point of view.... here's a question:

You think Sheryl Crow has no right to express a viewpoint, and yet you support a hockey mom who thinks seeing Russia from her backyard is equivalent to Foreign Policy, and you would vote for this woman to serve the highest office in Government?

But then aren't the republicans the same ones who elected Reagan, the actor?

Obama/Biden 08

Lisa,
You have a small business, a lot of kids , happy marriage and your husband is an MD. Sooooooo??????? I am a healthcare professfional with MBA, own a sucessful businss, happy marriage and my husband is ph.D. who tought MDs. And I have terrific kids. But who the hell cares?????? People aren't interested in your social standing. What's important is your attitude and ability to do the right thing for the country in this critical time. Anyone who talks about KKK openly like you have ought to get her head examed.

I voted for GOP in the past but not this time.

The interview with a woman from Chicago's south side was quite interesting. 20 years later, she said Obama gave us hope but when asked, what else – she said nothing else has changed in the neighborhood. Are we about to experience the same. Talk, hope and little action.

Obama's own words should scare the pants off anyone with any sense at all or love of our country. Read the truth about our Socialist candidate.
Comments to a small business man owner of a plumbing company by Obama.

"It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody that is behind you, that they have a chance for success too. I think that when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody." Everybody but the person who's money this clown wants to spread around. Check out Obama admitting he wants to give our money away.

Out of all the frustration and hate towards Bush over the past 8 years, you would think someone great would stand up and run for president. You would think that a great leader would rise out of this nation and turn America around. But instead, we have Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama running for president. And the country is completely divided amongst the two. We focus completely on the political party and not the person.

McCain will DO nothing. We won't see change with him.
Obama has DONE nothing. He has a blank resume and a questionable past.

George Washington warned against political parties, and we ignored him. Benjamin Franklin told a citizen after the writing of the Constitution that our government would be a republic "if we can keep it." Can we keep it?

America was/is the greatest superpower this world has seen thus far, but we're beginning to look like the biggest colossal failure of a nation this world has ever seen. Unless this country turns back to God instead of to politicians and Congress, unless we restore common decency and love for our neighbors as for ourselves, I shudder at the thought of our future. We've lost sight of the American dream...

There are some comments here suggesting that opinion of entertainers is overpraised. I completely agree. But:

1. Politicians like McCain or Sarah Palin do not show at all a level higher than a level of a good comedian or a singer. Not even close.

2. Take then opinion of most educated people, spending life in extremely difficult areas of critical thinking, logic and research. These people, a few heads above the crowd, are mostly in American academy of sciences, and we all know well that most of them are traditionally for democrats, not republicans.

I agree that education and opinion of good deep thinkers must be voiced far more than opinion of entertainers or of dumb head ignorant extremists. When we done that, we will have again two major parties: progressive democrats and moderate democrats.

Obama/Biden 2008

hollywood forces me to vote republician ..thanks hollywood for helping me make up my mind

Thanks to Sheryl for her remarks. I agree with her. I have already voted early by mail-in ballot for Obama.

To answer the question of one of the people commenting on this poll, the reason CNN (and many news outlets) don't cover Obama's campaign with as much intensity as McCain's lately should be obvious.

McCain is the one who nominated a person for VP with ZERO experience in national politics.

McCain is the one that announced he would go negative to see if his poll numbers would improve.

And Palin is the one that couldn't answer any question in an interview (not even "what newspapers do you read?").

There is simply more to cover, it is not bias! I'm not just defending CNN, I don't know why we should care (for example) that Sheryl Crow has a statement (especially since it's just a list of platitudes), but I digress...

I have never seen so much ignorance in my life. If the media is so "liberal", and has anything to do with the outcome of elections, why is it so that we elected Bush twice. I do not understand why when something is said negative of a republican right away its the liberal media, how about it is the truth. I have read many negative things about Obama on CNN. As well as reading positive things of McCain. I also don't see where the negative campaiging that Obama is using anywhere. McCain and Palin are going as far as practically calling Obama a terrorist because of his doings with Ayers. Who is obviously walking the streets today; federal charges were dropped against him so is it really fair to call him a terrorist when he was never convicted. We are putting labels on the man who was never convicted, so I guess it would be ok to call Palin "unethical" because of her unethical firing of that trooper. Oh wait we can't call her that because what she did was legal, or at least that is what the republicans will say. But lets continue to call this Ayers guy a terrorist. How can you people not see that, they are trying to play into the fears of people who actually think Obama is a muslim. I am sorry but the conservative way of life and the republican party has failed us, and it will continue to. It really is time for change.

Do you Republicans really want Palin to be president if McCain dies?
I'm just saying....

I'm a Republican. I get up and go to work every day. I pay my taxes and my speeding tickets (when I get them). I give money to non-profits and I like to go to church and work on community projects. When did I become a dope or a terrorist just because I believe in a free market and a person's obligation to take responsibility for him or herself?????? Why can't political discourse be any more thoughtful than this?

We'll see if Sheryl Crow's opinion is shared by the majority of Americans. I think there is a lot of arrogance in Hollywood in thinking that it's that way.

Hope this resonates throughout SE Missouri and Sheryl's hometown of Kennet, MO.

No Sheryl, we don't all agree, and to stifle the controversy is stifling the most beautiful thing we have in this country. I am not enthralled with either candidate, which is another perspective shared by a lot of americans, but given the two party fiasco we have as a structure, our country is inhibited in reaching the dreams and potential that it truly has. I think a lot of us are sad that we are not represented and that our elected officials are mired in a system that is desperately broken. Your words were eloquent, but please join the conversation and advocate for something greater than our current system is structured to deliver.

I suppose the pumapac people will be all upset now, over Sheryl Crow's wise words.
All 15 of those pumapac people.

Obama Biden 08. Go Barack and Joe!

Look where experience has gotten us the last 8 years. I will take Obama's inexperience anyday.

For Sheryl:
Should there be more awareness and money raised specifically for early breast cancer detection by increasing the number of digital mammographic units in the country and sending images to those most qualified to read?

While I generally like Larry King, one of the more annoying aspects of his show occurs when he brings someone on who is famous in one field and then asks them for their opinion about something totally different, such as a comedian's view of relief plans for a natural disaster or, in this case, a singer's opinion of a political race. It's actually insulting to the viewers because it implies that because someone is famous in one field, their opinion or knowledge in other fields is more important than our own. I think it diminishes Larry and makes him look like he's pandering.

Bill October 13th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

The author is an expert in singing and entertainment. Why do we have to listen to her political opinions?
################3
Well she makes a LOT more sense than Palin and McCain put together.

McCain has been running this nasty campaign from day 1 and the republican attack machine has only cemented this fact. The proof is in the recent McCain rally when he took questions from the audience and a woman said she was "scared of Obama because hes a muslim" ... *and then implying that he was a terrorist* i couldnt believe that someone was actually buying these republican scare tactics but it makes me even more horrified that americans arent concering & educating themselves on the most important issues in this upcoming election...i hope all generations start to pay attention to each candidates plans for our future...

Who is obviously walking the streets today; federal charges were dropped against him so is it really fair to call him a terrorist when he was never convicted. We are putting labels on the man who was never convicted,

Have you ever read about Ayers? I gather you never have..go read,research him..The man was about as low a lowlife,no regard for innocent life,etc..alot of it from his own mouth.

I Lived in NYC, household income $90.000 I used to be middle class today 2008 I have found out I now the working poor. I feel a since of now is the time for Mr Barack Obama he will be our next President. He will win by a landslide. I am proud of being a part of history its what you tell your grandchildren I will tell mine. I reached my fundraising goal, I made phone calls, I went out of state to volunteer I still feel a desire to not stop.

oh, I forgot an important factor in my earlier posting. The "finish" percentages will be 68%-28% Obama. This, too, I have been "seeing" for a long time.

Larry, McCain and Palin are playing hate game. They are injecting potential violence in this great nation. They have the audacity to blame Obama for this. Does McCain think Americans are fools? May be, Joe Six Pack that Palin, THE idiot. are. Palin is a disgrace to American politics. She is the most unqualified, dangerous and low-IQ person to contest any election. McCain is angry. He said today he will "whip" obama on his "you know what." Aftter "that one" he exhibits mental retardation to use racial overtones again. He wants to whip? Obama is not a slave. For God's sake McCain should quit.

At this time of year all of the candidates are liars. A polite term is political expediency. Nothing is believable. I will vote for John McCain, not on the strength of what he is now saying or doing but on the strength of his character and past actions. Mr. Obama simply does not have the experience or faced the same test of character. For Ms. Crowe to get caught up in the hype of the moment is naive and lacks substance.

Who in there right mind would vote for a republican reguardless of who it is after George Bush. We are in this mess because of Republican policies anyway. Its time for the working man to have some representation. Furthermore we need to have a president that will keep military families togehter

What is truly scary is that BOTH McCain and Obama are so similar. They both voted for the bailout. They supported FISA, which originally was to allow the government to eavesdrop, without warrants, and now has been shown that it was abused and used to eavesdrop on our soldiers in personal conversations.

Both McCain and Obama talk about lowering taxes and increasing government spending and its role in our lives. People have begun to think that it is government that allows us to do things or that it gives us our freedoms.

In this election year, it is indeed change that we need. We do not need more of Republican "smaller government", nor do we need Democratic funding of the government to "save the world".

We need Libertarian candidate Bob Barr to shrink government, return our freedoms and re-instill a sense of personal responsibility. It is unfortunate that the Committee on Presidential Debates (founded by the Democrats and Republicans) has essentially legislated the two party monopoly. The committee will not allow third party candidates to participate in the debates. This limits freedom of speech and limits our choice as Americans. ANY American should be outraged by this. Both McCain and Obama have had the chance to step up to the plate as other candidates have in history to allow other voices to be heard...most recently Ross Perot was invited to debate.

Real leadership would be asking Bob Barr to debate. But then, I don't expect either McCain or Obama to step up to the plate. This is truly sad when they talk about change and silence other voices. They both have worked hard to have Barr removed from ballots in many states, and both missed the deadline for ballot access in TX. The TX Sec'y of State rolled over though and put them on the ballot. This is not following the rule of law. It is following popularity with the only goal to be re-election, not that of change and leadership.

Barr/Root '08 In Liberty!

If that wasn't Sheryl Crowe, this guy would be all over her with insults and more of McCain's untruths.

Should Sarah Palin, address the issue about her husband's affiliation with the Alaska Independence Party. Who's main platform was promoting secession of Alaska from the United States.

Obama does give us hope but he also has some very specific plans, posted right on his website. Obama certainly has vision. After 8 years of no vision and no hope, that alone is a welcome change. McCain's vision, just neocon platitudes and waving the flag. Palin's vision, Joe six pack and hockey mom. So, who do you want as President?

I have lived thru the republican regime back when we had 16 years of Reagan and Bush. Now we have not learned from those years to even think that America would consider taking the chance of electing another Bush photo-copy. I have been trhu it, having to sell my house in 1990 for a $50,000 loss to avoid foreclosure myself. Unions were at a all time low for membership, un-employment as I recall was around 10%. Barrack, do not let this happen again. Hit Mc Cain in the jugular at the next debate in NY.

As a non-American, I am appalled at the way you are all carrying on. You should be proud to have a candidate for President who represents a cross section of your culture, someone who is intelligent, thoughtful, dilligent and who thinks outside of the box. A person who has risen to the top not because of privilege, but because of determination and hard work. The world needs a strong head of state in America, not someone who divides the world, but someone who helps to bring the world together. Barack Obama is someone who will do that and I and millions of others globally hope that he is elected. Finally someone of vision comes along and many of you spend your time trying to make him out as someone who is dangerous and false. Shame on people who do that, shame on them. If you would take a moment to quiet the venom, the charlatans, and the public parade of lies, you might just realize how lucky you are and give thanks, truly give thanks for all that you have.

Is this the 1950's? I am hearing more then the regular smear campaign tactics from the McCain camp. Why are they allowing people SELECTED to speak at rallies TODAY, not years ago, to make prejudicial statements that will serve to promote fear and division then, not denounce the statements and mean it? I am a Christian and had far more respect for McCain before he begain running for president this time. It seems now he really will do ANYTHING to win even lie. How dishonorable and non-Christian.

You would think if Obama and Biden were really interested in the plight of the oppressed that they would give to charity. Do you really want a president that only gave $320 to charity and a VP that gave absolutely nothing?? Why don't they practice what they preach. They just want the working class to foot their ideals.

Thank you for that "unbiased" editorial Sheryl. Maybe we could get some more Hollywood types to give funny one liners and biased comments to tell us how we should vote. Don't look at the facts and come to your own opinion, people! Listen to the most out of touch people in the country (people in the entertainment world) and do what they say.

Don't vote based on whether someone is a Republican or a Democrat. Vote for the person you think will do the best. Don't listen to what they say they'll do. You can't trust either of them. Look at their records. How they voted and what they've done will let you know what they will do.

In the last election, the media and Hollywood told us George Bush was the worst and most hated President ever. Yet he still won (barely). Was that a reflection on Kerry? Or was the media and Hollywood out of touch with the feelings of the nation. Why do actors and musicians seem to think the rest of the country wants to hear their opinions on politics. I can make up my own mind thank you.

I BELIEVE BARACK OBMAMA. Please excuse the grammar, I am 48 African American WOMAN husband Jewish Ivy league educated I believe that Barack Obama will win this election by a land slide or am I crazy. The President of the USA was not even invited to the covention, If Bill Clinton did not come to the convention they would still be talking about that today. My 401 k is with Merrill Lynch they were sold for half of what it is worth I am a retail manager Middle Class I thought I was until this year I used to travel 3 times a year maybe 4 every couple years to europe I get 5 weeks a year vacation not complaining have not been able afford to go visit my grand children in Cali or in the Midwest I am really concern about the ecomomy MCCain does not know to much so I am going with the guy who graduated from Harvard hopyfully he will have a message some kinda of direction and goals for the future I like the Idea of not depending on Oil from the middle east I don't drive I live in NYC I like the Idea that every kid could have a labtop in schools and compete with the children of the world who makes these games to distract our young where are those games made at. I believe the country who making the Wei there kids are not linning up to by it ENOUGH ENOUGH I have listen I have really thought about the next 50 days is clear I cannot vote for SP as VP ITS about choice even when they say it is not its about choice so in Novenmber I will not have a problem not voting for a woman VP she is as theY say NO Hillary

I supported Hillary Clinton and when she did not win the nomination, I was unhappy and upset, but not ANGRY. When she asked that we support Obama, I had a difficult time putting aside my disappointment and then again when he did not ask her to run as his VP. I still listened carefully to everything he said and the turning point for me was his Berlin speech. I can't believe people didn't "get it". I continued to pay close attention to both campaigns and became more and more disturbed at the very clear method of the Republicans using fear to control middle America. I know the Bush people started it but the depth of these McCain hate rallies is freaking me out. McCain, to give him credit, KNOWS things are going too far and has tried somewhat to settle this hatemongers down, apparently to no avail. The conservative end of the Republicans are pushing McCain HARD to "get" Obama. I hope that John McCain remembers who he really is and doesn't give in, no matter the cost. Palin scares me to death. The thought of her actually winning scares me to death. We as Americans need to change the road we're on. It's going to take alot of sacrifice, which is a word that I don't think most Americans really understand. It's not a matter of not going to McDonald's as often or maybe being a bit more cautious about driving your vehicle. There is so much more to it than that. I believe Obama is an intelligent and rational man. He listens carefully and doesn't seem to make rash decisions no matter who is pushing. I am at a point that I HAVE to believe in him because I sure don't believe in going for another 8 years of the same insanity. I hope and pray that Obama is everything I have come to believe he is because if he lets me down and follows the same old party line, I don't think I can take it. I'll never be able to believe again.

This question is for everyone....

Should Sarah Palin, address the issue about her husband's affiliation with the Alaska Independence Party. Who's main platform was promoting secession of Alaska from the United States.

If you want to get a point across, don't use all capital letters. It comes off as screaming, which is a turn-off to me.

Paddy O

You Republican idiots love to throw racial slurs around, but where the hell do you think you get 80% of the gas you consume??? No, not Alaska, which only produces 3% of the US's gas (contrary to the outright lie Sarah "Troopergate" Palin continues to tell). The US gets it from ARABS and NIGERIANS (yes, Nigerians). Today's Republican Party is NOT your father's Republican Party! These new "conservatives" live by no principles.

Denese said, "The inflamatory statements made by McCain supporters are not being denounced by McCain or members of his campaign sincerely, if at all."

So, has Obama "denounced" what hsi supporters have said or done... the comments about "Palin can suck it" (Pamela Lee Anderson) or "I'll have my black brothers gang raper her " (Sandra Barnhardt) or yelling profanities and screaming at McCain supporters holding signs and walking down a NYC street... it's right there in a Youtube video... never heard Obama "denounce" that behavior, these statements, or any of the ones like it.

Obama supporters have been FAR nastier and grosser people than the McCain audiences. And one of the reasons that McCain's supporters are so angry is because they are tired and angry at the sick behavior of the Democrats.

The Democrats are like a immature child who keeps kicking a dog... they don't like the dog.. .he's not their dog, he doesn't think or act like their dog, so they kick the dog... and they kick, and kick and kick the dog...and finally the dog gets really angry and kicks back,. And they open their eyes in astonishment and say "What a bad dog. He's so mean. My dog is would never be that mean."

Obama wants it that way. He sits back acting all "calm, cool, and collected" because he's got his supporters/worshippers/converts to do his dirty work for him. That way, he looks like a saint and people vote for him. If he wins, you"ll have no one to blame but yourselves. Just remember that, because it ain't going to be the "change" or "hope" you want or think it'll be.

EXACTLY: this candidate came out of nowhere, "15 minutes ago".... if a businessman did this.... you would ask for him to open his books for tax evasion......

Why is it everytime we (McCain supporters) question an associate or toe to Obama, does it have to go back to racisim..... we arent picking on race.... we are picking apart a man that wants to run this country.... a man that "came out of nowhere 15 minutes ago" (according to your guest)

I am so sick of hearing conservatives whine about the "Hollywood Elite Liberals..." What do you think Reagan was???

I thought Cheryl Crow's piece was excellent. Of course all elections are important, this is no exception. I totally support Sen. Obama, but I am realistic. He will make mistakes, but I have great confidence in his judgement and leadership. Americans are finally realizing that trickle-down economics and "cowboy" diplomacy are killing us. Sometimes literally. Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. It time for change! Obama-Biden '08

Larry, You were talking about the 90 foreclosure moritorium. It is my opion that this will do nothing. obama needs to check into finance before mentioning something like this. It won't work. The borrower already has 120 days in order to pull their loan out of foreclosure, would this give then an additional 90 days. What good will that do.

While it's almost a certainty that Liberals seldom think cogently-they usually cannot spell or use correct grammar in a blog either. James is a wonderful example of trying to teach others how to think, while he has neglected his education and doesn't even mind others seeing it. The public educational system claims another Liberal victim.

Well, I guess that the masses are finally going to get what they want, which is to tax and spend the 'rich' people into oblivion. Didn't anybody ever read 'Atlas Shrugged?' Ayn Rand certainly knew that the poor masses, while certainly average citizens, never hire anybody. When's the last time a poor person hired you? If you hate the rich so much (thus violating the 10th Commandment, but Liberals don't believe in the 10 Commandments anyway, and they try to remove them from every situation), who don't you grit your teeth and show some honor: Never work for a rich person or anybody who even wants to make a profit. Come on, buck up and try it.

Sometime soon the innovative and prosperous in America are finally going to get sick and tired of working for the masses and take their money, their businesses and everything they own to another country. Oh??? That has already started??? And Barack Obama is going to stop it? Well, he is not. He is going to speed it up by going after them personally. Get 'em Barack. Tax the wealthy. (he is one of them, by the way) Bear down on them. Hurt them. Take everything they have. And then you will wonder why you don't have a country left at all.

Very well said.

Pretty much describes how any American citizen with common sense thinks and feels about what has gone on during this historical presidential election. We have enough problems going on in our country today. Negative campaign smears are the last things that either candidate should be wasting their time and money on.

sheryl your gorgious!!!!!!!

I have come to the conclusion that many Americans do not want to here the truth. They would rather be lied to and accept the lie. The truth is that race is still in the DNA of America and many Americans are ignorant. If this were not so, Mr. Obama would not be called an Arab or a terrorists. Mr. McCain carries the white man's burden, and it is called entltlement. Although he may never say it, he believes that he is entitled to be president simply because... Next, many Americans are ignorant, and to my surprise many of them of overwhelmingly Republicans but this is not to say that Democrats are not either. Many of the people that I talk with are not only ignorant but call themselves Christian. They are Christian in title only but wear the religion of hyprocrisy very well. They would rather have Barrabbas than give Mr. Obama a chance. Personally, I would not want to be president of the United States because it can be a thankless job. Many use his name Barrack Hussein Obama to say that he is Arab, but it is his father's given name. I am quite sure I would not have been an Anne if my ancestors had been given the opportunity to choose to come to America rather than come as slaves and work for free without any compensation. They use his name to spread hate. If he were Arab would that offend you? If Arabs offend you, as Americans we should stop importing their oil. But, if you are up on Biblical history, Arabs are descendants of Abraham and Abraham was promised that they would be taken care of when Haggai and Ishmael were sent away. If he we truly connected to a terrorist, he would not be running for president. There is one thing that blacks know and that is that in this country many still believe that we cannot be intelligent and black based on all the stereotypes and negative images. The majority of black people live law abiding productive lives but that not what you really want to know. You can blame the conservative and liberal media if you would like. When you vote, vote but do it based on facts and the issues and not fiction. Do not justify fiction in your mind to offset the truth and that is that you cannot vote for the 23 chromosomes of Mr. Obama that carry his black ancestry.

Right on Sheryl!

In Obama's district in Illinois, more men and woman have been killed by violence and crime this summer than US Soldiers in the Iraq and Afghanistan war combined this summer.

If this is the "change" and "hope" he's talking about that I have to look foward to, I'm not buying his brand.

Where's Sheryl's outrage on that statistic?

If I had a lifetime for every election I've been told was the most important in my lifetime, I would live to 300.

Hi, can ms Crow recount what made her decide not to support mr McCain

Dear Mr King,

Who cares what Sheryl Crow has to write or any Hollywood movie/TV or Musician.

This campaign has been extremely biased on the behalf of Obama, and has a american feel this is not fair.

Whne are you going to report about his donation to ACORN, association with the Rev Wright, and his flip flopping ways he met Ayers.

CNN keeps crying racism toward Obama, just the opposite, it is racism toward caucasions, because if the democratic canidate was white, you would be all over those association.

I WANT FAIRNESS!!!! And Mr. King, I used to be a fan, but due to the biased way you and your network have treated this election, you have lost a faithful viewer

Gary Locke

Sheryl, I DO like a beer buzz early in the morning.

However, not big on your analysis. As soon as I saw "McCain" and "erratic" in the same sentence, I knew this was nothing more than a regurgitation of the same e-mail any Obamabot rec'd when signing up on barackobama.com.

Please, give me a list of 3 MAJOR things BO has accomplished. One small caveat...you can't use his two books, nor his Demo Convention speech.

Good luck. I'll wait.

During the last debate Mc Cain debunked Barack's point about talking to recalcitrant regimes. McCain said Henry Kessenger would not say such things. But immediately after debate, CNN played the tape showing Kessinger saying exactly what Barack said. When the McCain campaign saw that, they quickly released a statement apologizing for the McCain. There are other examples of errratic actions of the McCain campaign.
If barack was white, there would be no need for a campaign!

What a beautifully written letter! Thank you for summing up the state of what I believe most Americans agree with. I've read some angry responses and I'm tired of these tactics. We need dialogue, but we need productive dialogue. Obama brings dignity, responsibility, community, and a vision that will engage both the US and the world. I can not take any more horrific truth-twisting, character assignations, lies or fear-tactics. I believe and hope the majority of this nation agree.

Most small business' make 250k + ...... so when Obama says small business will benefit, who is he talking about? The factory in our town is considered a small business by the govmt...... they surley make more than 250k.......

Obama thinking most small business' make less than 250k, just shows his inexperience.....

John obviously you did not get my point. The point was the government failed to put him away. It is like OJ is it fair to call the guy a murderer, he was let off he was never convicted of murder. But come on we all know he did it. So it would not be fair of us to call him a murderer. He was never convicted of murder.

Oh my word, get real Ms. Crow!

RFK on MLK? Read this from CNN:

The FBI began secretly tracking King's flights and watching his associates. In July 1963, a month before the March on Washington, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover filed a request with Attorney General Robert Kennedy to tap King's and his associates' phones and to bug their homes and offices.

In September, Kennedy consented to the technical surveillance. Kennedy gave the FBI permission to break into King's office and home to install the bugs, as long as agents recognized the "delicacy of this particular matter" and didn't get caught installing them. Kennedy added a proviso - he wanted to be personally informed of any pertinent information

SO YOU WANT THE KIND OF LEADERSHIP RFK BROUGHT BY AUTHORIZING ILLEGAL WIRETAPS OF MLK?

You liberals live in a complete dream world.

What a joke. I bet you deirde Bush for FISA while singing the praises of RFK who wiretapped MLK. Hypocrite.

MU provided you quite an education I see. So typical.

Well if Obama wins this election..and it's close with this whole mess ACORN has created by their own hand,it will be tainted victory and the whole republican say that he cheated to win..which may or may not be true..the more and more this ACORN information that comes out..more today, that more it looks like they are finished..now it's up to like 13 states..with false voter registrations..forgery etc..

Sheryl Crow is a liberal, and as such, she has put a well-written liberal spin on the current state of the Presidential campaign.

Big surprise.

Conservative pundits are hard at work in their outlets spinning away in their direction.

Nothing new here. Sheryl crow is backing Obama.

What a surprise.

I agree that the two party system is broken.

I just joined the Libertarian party last month. A number of friends have too. It's just too painful to think about voting for Obama or McCain who are so negative that I have not heard a plan from either one of them.

They jumped too fast to the bailout and I'm sure were S**ting bricks on friday when the dow plummeted, but are probably sharing pats on the back now because the dow is up. I hate both of them, they are hypocrites not offering change.

All the pundits need to stop. Both democrats and republicans. The people will vote. They will have their say and whoever becomes the president of the United States may God be with them because they will need all the help they can get. Who wants to be the President.......

Sad to see politics taken to political correctness. Lets face it peeps the only reason the left wing see Obama as the saviour is his colour. His platforms weak, his experience as well ... The media has put him where he is as front runner they too in turn should take he blame when he DOES falter.

Obama has surrounded himself with good people? Who would that be, Bill Ayers the terrorist? Or Sheryl Crow mean the Rev. Jeremiah Wright who is clearly anti-America? And I'm glad she mentioned leadership. Doesn't anyone care that Obamba is a first term senator with little to no experience? How about the economy? Has anyone paid attention to Obama's connection to FANNIE MAE and FREDDIE MAC? People need to stop speaking in general terms like, "Its time for change," and start looking at the facts. Obama has basically no experience, his ecomomic ideas are scarry at best and the people he is associated with are anit-American and terrorists. If he were elected president our country would be in serious, serious trouble.

Obama has been hanging out with the likes of Ayers and Rev. Wright. What else do you need to know? He came out of the illinois political machine, cheating his way up (by knocking opponents by suing them). Obama is very dirty. Do not fool yourself into believing otherwise.

Larry, I understand why Dean cannot describe the difference between Obama and McCain. It reminds of Sarah Palin and Katy Couric interview. Palin couldnot answer basic questions as Dean cannot described difference betwee Bush and McCain.

OK..I am really confused.

From what I have seen, Obama has been measured and diplomatic. And his supporters have been fairly restrained, while remaining enthusiastic. Contrast that to McCain supporters SCREAMING about Obama the terroit, Obama the Muslim, etc,. etc. Not to mention the avalanche of blogs, talk show commentaries etc. that accuse Obama and the Democrats of being the source of everything wrong with America, to wit, the current economic meltdown, our debt, Osama, you name it.

If one looks at our current situation, especially versus shere we were 10 years ago, how can you point the finget at Obama and the Democrats for our hopelessly failed foreign and economic policies? In the last 28 years, we have had 20 years of Republican rule of the Whitehouse!!! So 70% of the last 3 decades our policy has been set by the Republican agenda. Where has that got us? Pre-emptive foreign policy (regime change) that will cost, by some estimates, $3trillion? A national debt that stopped at $5trillion in 2000 (after the Clinton administration stopped the bleeding and produced a budget surplus) and now is at $10trillion due to the idiotic policies of this administration?

Man, if getting us another $5trillion in debt in just 8 years is Republican 'small government' at work, give me 'tax and spend' Democrats any day (at least the money will be spent in America rather than in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and China!!!)

McCain keeps saying Obama is going to raise taxes, has it ever occured to him that we, Americans, don't mind paying taxes for the benefits of what he plans to do with the money that would benefit all of us, not just the rich of America.

Obama has been so "focused" on becoming President that his state has suffered for it, I have to live here in his state and the trickle down to the small towns from his LACK of action in Chicago area is hurting us...... I thought he was a "multi-tasker".

Dear Mr. King,

I enjoy your show. My husband and I wonder just how in touch either candidate is. After closing our tile business due to the downturn in construction here in southwest florida, we have filed bankruptcy and now are working with our mortgage company to gain some time to find employment. We will be forclosed on shortly if we do not find jobs. In the next 3 months, without employment we will be homeless. We need immediate help and wonder which candidate truly can help. Thanks, April.

Celebrities have a right to voice their opinions just like the rest of us.
After all this is a democracy right.

I have to be honest, sheryl , i'm a big fan from back in the day, and I couldn't agree with you more. And i listened to Dean, who I've been a big fan of since lois and clark, who i can asoociate with because of his decision to be non-partisan. Dean, the problem is to be an informed american you have to research your candidate and know where he stands not just say its better than the other guy. Oh and the "disagree without being disagreeable" that's a famous line in the Obama campaign just so you know.

But for Sheryl, Do you feel that Obama is the strongest candidate on what it takes to help families? And not just Economy, but also Education, Family values, protecting our rights (including our rights to privacy), and Equal Rights and treatment across the board?

Larry;
Why is it that I don't hear more about the most scary fact of all. If McCain wins, and dies during his presidency we just CAN NOT have Palin as President!! Can you even imagine that?!?!

Sheryl is way smart talking about the issues. She seems more competent than Sarah Palin.

Sheryl Crow and all Democrats:

Have you forgotten how un-American Obama is? Have you forgotten that he spent 21 years paying homage to a violently, racist, anti-American preacher? Take a moment to read through or actually listen to some of Wright's racist poison. Do it. Put yourself in Obama's shoes and them imagine listening to that racist, anti-American poison live and in person for 21 years. Have you forgotten that Obama's political career was launched by and Obama continues to OPENLY accept support from an unrepentent domestic terrorist?
How on earth does a person like that get nominated even for dog catcher? Have you ever seen the media have such an enormous bias in favor of one candidate?
The Republicans and anyone else for that matter have EVERY right to question Obama's integrity and background without being accused of being racist or attacking him. Afterall, what qualites are more important in a candidate than integrity and experience, dedication and loyalty to your country and your own preacher. First he loves Wright for 21 years, then when he realizes that he can't run for President while continuing to listen to Wright's vile, racist hate, he turns his back on him. Just who is this Obama who came out of the woodwork only a few short months ago, and who has spent his entire career in the senate running for president? Question everything. Read Everything. Listen to Everything. Keep an open mind, and vote your own conscience. Of course if you have one at all, and you love your country and you are smart, you will see that Obama is nothing more than a racist, chamelion, not to be trusted, much less voted for.
I must confess I was not impressed by Sen. Barack Obama
> from the first time I saw him. At first I was excited to see a
> black candidate. He looked youthful, spoke well, appeared to be
> confident – a wholesome presidential package. I was put off
> soon, not just because of his shallowness but also because there
> was an air of haughtiness in his demeanor that was unsettling.
> His posture and his body language were louder than his empty words.
> Obama’s speeches are unlike any political speech we have
> heard in American history. Never a politician in this land had
> such a quasi “religious” impact on so many people. The fact that
> Obama is a total incognito with zero accomplishment, makes this
> inexplicable infatuation alarming.
> Obama is not an ordinary man. He is not a genius. In fact
> he is quite ignorant on most important subjects. Barack Obama is
> a narcissist. Dr. Sam Vaknin, the author of the Malignant Self
> Love, also believes, “Barack Obama appears to be a narcissist.”
>
>
> Vaknin is a world authority on narcissism. He understands
> narcissism and describes the inner mind of a narcissist like no
> other person. When he talks about narcissism everyone listens.
> Vaknin says that Obama’s language, posture and demeanor, and the
> testimonies of his closest, dearest and nearest suggest that the
> Senator is either a narcissist or he may have narcissistic
> personality disorder (NPD).
>
>
> Narcissists project a grandiose but false image of
> themselves. Jim Jones, the charismatic leader of People’s
> Temple, the man who led over 900 of his followers to cheerfully
> commit mass suicide and even murder their own children was also
> a narcissist. David Koresh, Charles Manson, Joseph Koni, Shoko
> Asahara, Stalin, Saddam, Mao, Kim Jong Ill and Adolph Hitler are
> a few examples of narcissists of our time. All these men had a
> tremendous influence over their fanciers. They created a
> personality cult around themselves and with their blazing
> speeches elevated their admirers’ souls, filled their hearts
> with enthusiasm and instilled in their minds a new zest for
> life. They gave them hope! They promised them the moon, but
> alas, invariably they brought them to their doom. When you are a
> victim of a cult of personality, you don’t know it until it is
> too late.
>
>
> One determining factor in the development of NPD is
> childhood abuse. “Obama’s early life was decidedly chaotic and
> replete with traumatic and mentally bruising dislocations,” says
> Vaknin. “Mixed-race marriages were even less common then. His
> parents went through a divorce when he was an infant (two years
> old). Obama saw his father only once again, before he died in a
> car accident. Then, his mother re-married and Obama had to
> relocate to Indonesia: a foreign land with a radically foreign
> culture, to be raised by a step-father. At the age of ten, he
> was whisked off to live with his maternal (white) grandparents.
> He saw his mother only intermittently in the following few years
> and then she vanished from his life in 1979. She died of cancer
> in 1995.”
>
>
> One must never underestimate the manipulative genius of
> pathological narcissists. They project such an imposing
> personality that it overwhelms those around them. Charmed by the
> charisma of the narcissist, people become like clay in his
> hands. They cheerfully do his bidding and delight to be at his
> service. The narcissist shapes the world around himself and
> reduces others in his own inverted image. He creates a cult of
> personality. His admirers become his co-dependents.
>
>
> Narcissists have no interest in things that do not help
> them to reach their personal objective. They are focused on one
> thing alone and that is power. All other issues are meaningless
> to them and they do not want to waste their precious time on
> trivialities. Anything that does not help them is beneath them
> and do not deserve their attention. If an issue raised in the
> Senate does not help Obama in one way or another, he has no
> interest in it. The “present” vote is a safe vote. No one can
> criticize him if things go wrong. Why should he implicate
> himself in issues that may become controversial when they don’t
> help him personally? Those issues are unworthy by their very
> nature because they are not about him.
>
>
> Obama’s election as the first black president of the
> Harvard Law Review led to a contract and advance to write a book
> about race relations. The University of Chicago Law School
> provided him with a fellowship and an office to work on his
> book. The book took him a lot longer than expected and at the
> end it devolved into…, guess what? His own autobiography!
> Instead of writing a scholarly paper focusing on race relations,
> for which, he had been paid, Obama could not resist writing
> about his most sublime self. He entitled the book Dreams from My
> Father .
>
>
> Not surprisingly, Adolph Hitler also wrote his own
> autobiography when he was still nobody. So did Stalin. For a
> narcissist no subject is as important as his own self. Why would
> he waste his precious time and genius writing about
> insignificant things when he can write about such an august
> being as himself?
> Narcissists are often callous and even ruthless. As the
> norm, they lack conscience. This is evident from Obama’s lack of
> interest in his own brother who lives on only one dollar per
> month. A man who lives in luxury, who takes a private jet to
> vacation in Hawaii, and who has raised nearly half a billion
> dollars for his campaign (something unprecedented in history)
> has no interest in the plight of his own brother. Why? Because,
> his brother cannot be used for his ascent to power. A narcissist
> cares for no one but himself.
>
>
> This election is like no other in the history of America.
> The issues are insignificant compared to what is at stake. What
> can be more dangerous than having a man bereft of conscience, a
> serial liar, and one who cannot distinguish his fantasies from
> reality as the leader of the free world?
>
>
> I hate to sound alarmist, but one must be a fool if one is
> not alarmed. Many politicians are narcissists. They pose no
> threat to others.. They are simply self serving and selfish.
> Obama evinces symptoms of pathological narcissism, which is
> different from the run-of-the-mill narcissism of a Richard Nixon
> or a Bill Clinton, for example. To him reality and fantasy are
> intertwined. This is a mental health issue, not just a character
> flaw. Pathological narcissists are dangerous because they look
> normal and even intelligent. It is this disguise that makes them
> treacherous.
>
>
> Today the Democrats have placed all their hopes in Obama.
> But this man could put an end to their party. The great majority
> of blacks have also decided to vote for Obama. Only a fool does
> not know that their support for him is racially driven.
>
>
> Let us call a spade a spade. This is racism, pure and
> simple. The truth is that while everyone carries a misconceived
> collective guilt towards the blacks for wrongs done centuries
> ago by a bygone people to a bygone people, the blacks carry a
> collective rancor, enmity or vendetta towards non-blacks and to
> this day want to “stand up” to the white man.. They seem to be
> stuck in 19th century.
>
>
> The downside of this is that if Obama turns out to be the
> disaster I predict, he will cause widespread resentment among
> the whites. The blacks are unlikely to give up their support of
> their man. Cultic mentality is pernicious and unrelenting. They
> will dig their heads deeper in the sand and blame Obama’s
> detractors of racism. This will cause a backlash among the
> whites. The white supremacists will take advantage of the
> discontent and they will receive widespread support. I predict
> that in less than four years, racial tensions will increase to
> levels never seen since the turbulent 1960s. Obama will set the
> clock back decades…
> America is the bastion of freedom. The peace of the world
> depends on the strength of America, and its weakness translates
> into the triumph of terrorism and victory of rogue nations. It
> is no wonder that Ahmadinejad, Hugo Chavez, the Castrists, the
> Hezbollah, the Hamas, the lawyers of the Guantanamo terrorists
> and virtually all sworn enemies of America are so thrilled by
> the prospect of their man in the White House. America is on the
> verge of destruction. There is no insanity greater than electing
> a pathological narcissist as president.
>

sarah palin she cannot campaign alone Barack, Michelle, Biden, has been to the battle grounds states 98 times to ther 54 please fact check
Jacqueline Oberlander

YOU DON'T GET THE NOBEL PRIZE WITHOUT MERIT!!!

Paul Krugman, the Princeton University scholar and New York Times columnist, won the Nobel prize in economics Monday for his analysis of how economies of scale can affect trade patterns and the location of economic activity.
Krugman has been a harsh critic of the Bush administration and the Republican Party in The New York Times, where he writes a regular column and has a blog called "Conscience of a Liberal."
He has come out forcefully against John McCain during the economic meltdown, saying the Republican candidate is "more frightening now than he was a few weeks ago" and earlier that the GOP has become "the party of stupid."
"Krugman is not only a scientist but also an opinion maker," economics prize committee member Tore Ellingsen said. He added that Krugman's analyses tend to back free trade and his research gives no "support for protectionism."

Why are people so obsessed with Obama's adult relationship with Bill Ayers, when the Obama was 8 years old at the time of Ayers abysmal behavior? I am sorry, do the religious conservative Christians not believe in forgiveness over ones past sins. Why are those same people not MUCH more concerned about McCain'r real adult relationships with not only the jailed G. Gordon Liddy but the also jailed Charles Keating. I seem to remember a full-fledged investigation into 5 senators for their inappropriate relationship with Charles Keating–the leader and cause of the first Savings and Loan collapse. Do we really have such short term memory loss as to lose the perspective on who McCain has chosen as an adult to associate himself with. Really? Do the Republicans really want to go there?

LARRY: I want to thank you for taking a stand and checking the orchestrated and packaged statements from the Republican Marketing Machine. I believe that Virginia, the first state to elect an African American for governor, and the state in the union with the best Bond rating will become the crucial state the will put Obama and Biden in the White House. America can’t afford to put its future in the hands of an ERRATIC candidate that clearly cannot produce his own strategies to solve the economic issues that are plaguing us. I have a question: If McCain can’t lead and control his own campaign, how is he going to control the Republican cronies that have led the fight for deregulation? If we want to have a conversation about trust, Americans really need to ask themselves if they can trust a candidate who is willing to put the future of The United States of America and its citizens in the hands of an in-experienced former governor, who would be severely lost if called to be President. That is NOT putting Country First, that’s putting the McCain campaign first. Voters for McCain have no shame. Why can’t they see that they have done enough damage when they elected Bush.

Celebrities have as much of a right to make their views known on candidates as any of us! They are more in the public eye, but that does not mean that they do NOT have a right to voice their opinion! I for one, would rather hear Cheryl Crow voice her opinion on politics than Brittany Spears flaunt her nonsense.

Crow is knowledgeable and I agree with her completely. She is merely stating what many of us out here see and beleive! Just as the male celebrity.... sorry, I don't know him.... *awk ward* But he has stated his opinion. He has a right to it... and it is a free country. We have freedom of speech..... EVEN celebrities!

Obama has shown more leadership and wit than John McCain.Sheryl crow doesnt have to be partisan to know that the president has to be consistent and proactive.
lois,Tx

McCain chose Palin for affect and not effect... fortunately, the American population is smarter than McCain thought...

Rock A. Allen
Sudbury, Ontario, Can.

Larry, I wish people could just look pasgt obama's colour, i mean if Obama was white here's what would hppen: he will have alot more supporters, people wouldn't be "scared" of him because of his policies. He would probabl have 270 electoral votes before the election and people will not mistake him for an arab.

Folks, Sheryl Crow has as much a right to speak about this campaign as all of us who are offering up our comments here on this BLOG.

I'm happy to hear her opinions because for years I've enjoyed her music and found her lyrics relatable and inspiring. Why would that stop when it comes to her personal politics? She represents a population of 30- to 40-something women who are fed up with the divisiveness of our nation. We want someone in the white house who can heal our country and bring to it a sense of tolerance and compassion. I hear Republicans repeat the phrase: "Obama scares me." What are you afraid of? The end of white supremacy? I'm looking forward to that. I'm looking forward to an end to the bullying tactics of our leaders for the past 8 years. I'm looking forward to a leader who can sit down with our enemies "without pre-conditions" because it's the first step toward growth, toward resolution of our differences, and toward mutual understanding among human beings of different ideologies. That's the change I'm hoping for. That's why I'm voting for Obama.

Why is it such a bad thing that Palin's husband has influence? Has any First Lady never had influence? Would you rather have a Husband and Wife that dont communicate...... would you rather have a husband doing what Bill Clinton did(MONICA)?

The "Sad" truth about this is:

300 million Americans, and these two are the one's we thought were most qualified for the job.........

You guys can say what you want about Obama getting a free ride because he is black. I think if he was white with the exact same ideas he'd be leading by thirty points in the polls!! BTW Obama graduated from Columbia and got a doctorate from Harvard.Obama was the first African American to be president of the Harvard Law review,you dont get much smarter than that.

I currently plan on voting for Obama.

But I think it's a shame that Sheryl's comment here tend to paint this race into such black and white terms – that Obama represents good and McCain represents evil. That THIS election is the most important in her lifetime – as if Bush represented evil incarnate. Each election is a little important, but since we tend to just be voting about whether the pendulum is little too far to the right or left, it's not really that important who wins. We aren't voting for Marxism – we're not voting for Fascism. We're voting on whether the top 5% of taxpayers should pay 33% or 36% on their taxes, whether we finish up in Iraq in maybe two years or three years and whether corporate taxes should be 25% or 35%. Each position has a rational arguement.

I think an article I read on CNN today made my feelings quite obvious. That in fact, the differences between Obama and Bush are few, just like the difference between Republicans and Democrats and most sane Americans are few.

Obama, let your hater's be your motiver's, tellin Sheryl... Palin is not ready to be VP.

well people in Alaska are seeing Palins true colors...its down right scary...she has no clue...what a SCARY LADY!!!!

Very well said, Sheryl! Thank you!

Bravo! Beautifully stated; we cannot afford to sink to the level of crowd mentality in considering the future direction of our nation. The consequences are no longer national but global and no longer personal but universal.

HERE'S MY RECURRING NIGHTMARE.....
REALLY MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT ARISES....OUR ELECTED PRESIDENT, JOHN MCCAIN HAS SUFFERED A HEALTH SET BACK, OUR VP IS NOW OUR PRESIDENT....SITTING AT THE TABLE WITH WORLD LEADERS, FRIENDS AND FOES....PRESIDENT 'PALIN' IS TRYING TO PREVENT A GLOBAL CATASTROPHE.....
CAN SHE........I DON'T THINK SHE CAN!!!!!

OBAMA /BIDEN 08

Now that CNN has Sen. McCain completely tarred and feathered why bother? CNN has been completely biased toward Barack Obama. As the campaign meves into it's most important phase it would be nice to see McCain get a little more air time with a little less cynicism especially from your all important "Situation Room"

Stay Informed do exactly that. The lowest the unemployement rate was 4 % when Clinton was in office in 2000. Do some research before you post stuff like that, none of that is true. If you know how government worked you would know that it takes 2/3 vote majority to pass a bill. The senate is 49 to 49 that does not give the 2/3 vote majority.

I have been telling folks for months that Hollywood is going to elect themselves a President and just this backs it all up. While I enjoy Sheryl Crow's music and she is a great live performer, I really do not like seeing all these overpaid actors, musicans and athletes blowing their democratic horn...their economy is not hurting and yet they are steering their adoring masses towards the most unqualified individual that has run for President in my lifetime. If you think things are scary now folks, just wait!

I just don't understand, with what has happeded in the last 8 years under the Republicans, that a middle class American would even think it would be a good idea to vote for McCain.
Sarah Palin is an embarassment. I feel like Cheryl just said. She doesn't know what she doesn't know. I was embarrassed for her when she had the interviews with Katie Couric.

Sarah Palin is NOT qualify for any job. The only job that she will be good at will be the advertising for eye glasses.

Sheryl Crowe is the real deal....so articulate and a rational thinker.
It's why her music hits us...she speaks and sings from her heart.
Rock on Sheryl!!!! ...way to call it like you see it!!!! Thank you for taking the time to write that...it's really patriotic of you. You obviously care a great deal for this country. It shows.

i am just so tired of mccain always saying war war war and that he was a good soldier and that he is so worry about the us troops in iraq i think he should become just the minister of defense not a president and also i think palin´is still in high school. she thinks that this election is so funny and cool she doesnt realize the many problems America is having right now the republican party is so wrong about how to handle the us economy righ now just like George Bush 8 years ago and i am sure republican people wil not vote for Obama because he is black not because is democrat but the true is that the republican politics are killing and destroying Americans just for Oil

thank you

To Cnn,
So you're saying that an entertainer can't express any thoughts outside of entertainment? Would that apply to a mom at home, that she should only concern herself with the house & kids or that a doctor should only be concerned with medicine? Do you really only want to hear from politicians about politics? Seems to me from the state of your country, they weren't too bright in the last 8 years, maybe it's time to listen to other people. But I guess your just what the republicans love, a non-thinker who only listens to them.
I really hope the Republican party turns itself around so your country has 2 good choices next time. And it is great the public is seeing past the fear tactic that has been used for too long. The world wants the US to get back to being great & good, a leader, not an ignorant bully.

I'll ask agin– If this administration is interested in boosting our economy, they need to send out another stimulus check. So many Americans will use it in the conomy because the holidays are fast approaching and no one has money! Is this being considered or in the near future?

You are so right Cheryl, McCain has lost it and he lost it when he chose Palin as a running mate and he lost it when he and Palin started inciting crowds with rhetoric and hate speeches to the point where Sen Obama's life has been threatened and we don't need anybody the divides the country and sound like the 1960's hate rallies. I really thought that people didn't think like that anymore. I though we were more intelligent but racism is still alive and hate is spreading through our country again. It is disgusting and disgraceful for the the smear campaign that they have created. And, as for Palin, she is something else. They need to send her home. She is still spreading fear and anger wherever she goes. And, I agree because of the fact of McCain's age, there is the thought what if and she became the P R E S I D E N T???? I don't even want to think about it.

Wow, there is A LOT of latent racism as an undercurrent to a lot of the posts on this board. I'm guessing that these are the same people that think that racism no longer exists in this country.

Obama has been hanging out with the likes of Ayers and Rev. Wright. What else do you need to know? He came out of the illinois political machine, cheating his way up (by knocking opponents by suing them). Obama is very dirty. Do not fool yourself into believing otherwise.

Well it one thing to be a close friend of pastor for long time..even if that pastor has some very unsovering views of what he says about america or race..Obama being close to him for long time,you just brush off racist rants..like Obama did..still not right..but Wright never killed anyone..

the idea that Obama would meet with Ayers several times and not have any idea that this man was murder of innocent lives and ranted proud it on numerous occasions..shows me Obama has some very bad judgement in people.

Come on... the media, for whatever reason is so biased, it is pathetic. The fact that anyone could vote for someone as inexperienced (to put it nicely) as Obama .. over a true patriotic American as McCain... wow.. is just crazy.. I am so sick of hearing Obama's smear ads.. blah blah blah... GO MCCAIN & PALIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The real question in this election is whether each individual wants a to live in a free democracy where capitolistic gains are possible for everyone or in a socialist society. The US has always been a free democracy. It is what I've grown up living, working and breathing. I've no desire to change to anything less than those fundamentals.

While the democratic party probably once really stood on those foundational truths it no longer does and well meaning individuals are leading people down a path that will ultimately lead to our ruination as a free nation. John McCain sees this. He is willing to help us remain free while at the same time lead the charge to stop doing what we, (or our elected officials), have been doing to this country.

No matter how you slice and dice this thing, democrats are responsible for the bulk of the financial situation we are in. This isn't a crisis after 8 years of President Bush – this is a crisis of run away spending and stupid socialistic ideas born in the minds of elected democrats.

Vote for Barrack if you want socialism. Vote for McCain if you actually care to retain the fundamental buildling blocks that created the great country called the United States.

Congress man lewis is in his right to say that John Mccain & Sarah Palin are sowing the seed of hate by saying that Barack Obama is paling around with terrorist.

I would like to know what happened to all the black Christians that are in those mega churches, are they part of the evangelical Christians. Please let me know.

We dont need a VP that will be investigated for ongoing problems in her own state...she is going to have lots or problems in the months to come in regards to troopergate and other issues regarding wrong doing with her powers as governor that have not even surfaced yet but will within the next couple of weeks.

Larry,
Sarah Palin is such a lighting rod, because she is good-looking, personable, has Christian views and knows how to work a crowd. She would be a very good TV personality and could probably have her own show, but she is not ready to be VP.

I am a retired senior citizen .I worked for GM for 35 years. When I retired i was told that I would have medical insurance for life.
Starting 1-1-09 GM will cease to pay for our medicare insurance.Will Obama's health plan address this situation?

Wow a celebrity for Obama, go figure.

Susan that is exactly what the government should not do. It is not going to boost the economy, people are going to use that to pay there bills and it is going to go to the credit card companies or the banks. Not in the commercial market, living above our means is part of the reason we got into this mess. That and the deregulation we took on under the Bush administration, and that we would under the McCain one.

Obama Biden 08

I completely agree with Sharyl! I am a senior at the University of Utah and as I plan to attend graduate school in the upcoming year, the economic crisis is going to impact me greatly. The decision is very simple when it comes to the election... Senator Barack Obama! As Senator Obama presented today a very comprehensive economic plan Senator McCain and Governor Palin continue talking about issues that are not relevant. Voters want clear answers and Senator Obama continues to present these answers.

I am grateful for someone who is going to voice my opinion and is going to be a true champion for all Americans. Senator Obama is prepared and he has proven time and time again that he is ready to bring change to this country. We can not afford to have another four years of Bush.

YES WE CAN!

These people who post a novella on here are probably paid political consultants. What do you think?

Why doesn't Anyone

Talk about that Trillion Dollar War that Has Us in Debt

Oh My Fault George Bush Gassed You'll 2....LOL

Obama 08

Just Live ya Life

Let's take one example of Senator Obama's platform (healthcare) and see what kind of swiss cheese he's proposing:

Obama point 1 – Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums.

So if I'm an insurer and now I'm required to cover someone with pre-existing conditions (as most employer plans already do) – I say fine – then I raise my rates – significantly – hurting both business and individuals.

Obama point 2 – Create a new Small Business Health Tax Credit to help small businesses provide affordable health insurance to their employees.

Nice idea – so small business pays less tax – means somebody else pays more. Who pays – big business? Good luck – they'll either figure out a way around the taxes or in an extreme situation move their operations to a lower cost country. Since Obama plans to GIVE tax money to low income earners, that means the burden falls on rich people – but there weren't that many to begin with and we just lost half the rich people in the economic downturn – so guess who's left to hold the bag – the middle class. Brilliant!

Obama point 3 – Lower costs for businesses by covering a portion of the catastrophic health costs they pay in return for lower premiums for employees.

HUUHHH? I think this means government spending on catastrophic health care if they pass savings on to their employees. Does this qualify as robbing Peter to pay Paul or simply the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing (does the left know what the left is doing?)

Obama point 4 – Prevent insurers from overcharging doctors for their malpractice insurance and invest in proven strategies to reduce preventable medical errors.

So now government is in the business of price controls? Most of the doctors I know are REALLY smart people – perfectly capable of making an intelligent decision about malpractice insurance – they don't need Dr. Obama's help. Last time the government tried to implement price controls – the companies just launched new products – exempting them from the rules. Government is really good at makeing rules and business is even better at getting around them – legally.

Obama point 5 – Make employer contributions more fair by requiring large employers that do not offer coverage or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of their employees health care.

Ooh – really smart idea. Companies are already struggling to keep up with global competitors so let's raise their cost structure. Nice idea – but unfortunately there won't be many large employers left if you impose these kinds of rules.

Obama point 6 – Establish a National Health Insurance Exchange with a range of private insurance options as well as a new public plan based on benefits available to members of Congress that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health coverage.

So I can buy the same health care as Congress and it's "affordable" ? Why don't you just post the insurance company's name on a website and I'll call them up for a quote?

Obama point 7 – Ensure everyone who needs it will receive a tax credit for their premiums

Ooohh – more tax breaks – maybe we should just tell everyone – we'll only tax your neighbor! No taxes for everyone – just rich people – most of whom have moved to Costa Rica, are living off of a generous annuity and reading the news about how Central Park West has become a giant slum.

Sheryl – answer me this – have you even read any of this? Do you have any idea how weak this platform is?

It is a shame there are only two prime parties in the election. People vote for the president, but we will be ruled by the party.. and they both are horrible.
We can be driven by great speeches (well if we get any) or driven away by poor ones, but at the end of the day what is really going to happen.?The people behind the candidate will rule. The days when a president thought and acted of their own accord are well behind us.

So who really thinks either candidate is going to make a real change for America. Each party has there own agenda and right now they are prancing their puppets in front of everyone. McCain/Palin are getting down and dirty.. why, because they are behind. Obama/Biden get to ride the high ground.. that of those ahead in the polls.

Many will disagee with me, that is just the way it is. I believe in Bush we have a scapegoat for all our problems. I believe Obama will likely be our next president not because of who he is, but because of who he is not.. a Republican. I fear many will be dissappointed that he is not the cure all that they hope for, but he will bring change as the Democrat string pullers finally have their puppet to play with and their agendas can be brought to fruition. Some changes might help us, some will not, but what else can we suspect.

In one way I can at least be glad of the string pullers as I at least believe they will do less damage then if either of these candidates were to become the real rulers of this Nation. I just hope that one day we will have a candidate who breaks out of this mold that ties up these string wielders and brings Truth and Justice back to America. Now we just have to endure until that time comes.

GOOD FOR SHERYL CROW! GO OBAMA!

Why is cnn not covering the investigation report results on Governor Palins breaking Alaska's ethics law? That is HUGE! Talk about a persons character, and "also" Come on Larry, isn't Todd Palin count as association, He was(is) a card carrying member of the ALaska Independant Party, I dont think there is a need for me to tell you about what that party stands for, nor what happened to the founder of that party and why. And Americans should be able to count on you Larry to provide your viewers with unbiased information. (Also) Governor Palin was present at their convention and gave a speach giving them her support , Jeez Larry a sesscionist party? And as to McCains repetition of who is Obama, where did he come from, how much do we know about Obama? Give me a break ...Who is Palin...what do we know about her? Apparently the media isnt being upfront with their public. Larry Please, I'm begging you sir! You must tell your viewers all you know. You have to tell the truth Larry, so when it finally comes out you guys will be the ones that can claim the truth!

I am tired of conservatives, republicans, and indecisive independents using the "lack of experience" card against Obama. Experience is not the only factor here. If that were the case, Obama would not even be in the running. The American people want innovative, concrete change that will reflect t rational thinking , planning and executing of the White House. Look at the picture people, at any rally, convention, forum, etc, the McCain audience is 99% white – while Obama's audience represents the diverse culture of this great country. Obama is clearly the right choice. No one knows everything on Day 1 – which is why it is essential and imperative to have a team that provides the counsel needed to effect change. McCain – NO WAY!! Obama – ALL THE WAY!!!!

I agree with Cheyrl Crow.
I work in the entertainment business as a Contortionist and I have been witnessing a decline in the gigs I get.
Barack Obama is my choice.

Hey John...you seem to get all your info from the like of morons like Rush Limbaugh....hummmm

Obama is comparable to Abraham Lincoln? McCain is running negative campaign and Obama is not? Sheryl Crow better keep her day job because hers are the thoughts of a moron.

I think Sarah Palin is really scary. Yes, she seemingly knows who she is and presents herself very well, but I agree that she (and McCane) are using unnecessary racial/background slurs. Regarding her abuse of her Governor's office, she may not have actually broken a law, but I certainly don't want a candidate that doesn't have any ethics.

mccain chose palin just for a blink of an eye

To those of you who voted for Bush and feel no regret, please stop reading now. Turn off your computer, turn on Fox News and you will be safe.
Now, to those of you who voted for Bush and feel regret, I beg you please, do not make the same mistake! A vote for McCain is a vote for four more years of the same. Please, put country first for real and vote for genuine change. Thank You!!

Hope Americans will take a closer look at themselves and what they are supporting. You know, all those people out there struggling...the Republicans may seem like they are helping you with their policies of suspending regulations and cutting taxes but the truth is they are pulling the fleece over your eyes.

Those tax cuts are helping the rich much more than they help you. Don't let the Republicans BUY your vote with a little tax break because it is a pyramid scheme. You may get a $1000 back next year but the rich will be getting MULTIPLE THOUSANDS back...you WILL be relatively worse off in 10 years, and so will our planet, and our education system, and our military. Do you think think that it is right that less than 2% of people in this country own more than half of the wealth? Do you think that you can honestly compete in this country against someone who is more wealthy and more connected? You can't. Redistribution of wealth is a key component to a fair and level playing field! (this is coming from someone who IS wealthy...just like Sheryl Crow probably is...don't vote for self-intererest, vote for your grandchildrens interests)

Sarah Palin is a blank.... an air head. You do not have to have a brain to be a convincing speaker! Her college degree is in journalism. She was a sports broadcaster! Come on.... she can talk. But she does NOT have a clue!

McCain really showed HIS ignorance when he chose her. I think a lot of people will not vote for him purely BECAUSE of Palin. All she knows to do is stir up the worst element in our culture..... how and why.... because she believes what she says! She is of the lowest mentality herself! And wants to legislate her morality. God protect us!

And this is what we are exposing our CHILREN to? They are following this election in Classrooms all Across this Country on all grade levels...

...while the Republican candidates spew hate and ugly lies, Barak Obama speaks intelligently about issues that are important to the middle class. He was a college professor. He knows how to present his case.

Unlike McCain and Palin and McCain's Wife, he does not have to spew hate!

I've been a proud American all my life,
no need to change now.

Therefore the only choice I see
is to vote for a patriot,
John McCain.

I don't want to go back to the 80's as Obama
will take us.

Hey Sheryl....... Obama was NOT 8 years old when Ayers held a political event for him....... oh wait, that was just coffee..... in his living room!

Question: Why cant Obama and supporters own up to that? Why do they keep touting the he was only 8 years old thing?

Ms. Crowe....Obama can't pay for his plans. or get his wish list passed...
-we are going from a California sanctuary state to a welfare state...
–.I am a Mexican American independent voter who does need handouts, paid my mortgage off, sent my kids off to college, managed to fill voter registration card
–i"m sick of the "polls" telling me where my vote going
–I have a huge family always democratic...not anymore
–We are also tired of hearing Palin is not experienced....she has more executive experience thanObama.

Most conservatives and evangelicals in this country do not want a democracy. They want a Christian theocracy where everyone says and does exactly what is deemed as correct and acceptable; no dissent, no gays, no abortions, no liberalism, no pornography, no drugs, decent Christian family values (whatever those are but they certainly don't preclude condemning someone for their sexual preference, race or religious beliefs). And they want Supreme court justices to be just as narrow minded to ensure that intolereance is sanctified by the law.

Last country I saw that had that Utopia realized had most of it's citizens wearing armbands with swastikas and raising a stiff armed salute.

and lets not get started about the Keating Five...and the lack a regulation in the banking industry..that McCain has failed to support. McCain should have learned the first time that we need regulation on Wall Street and the banking institutions in the US..

It amazes me that celebs aren't aware of the experience that Palin has, she has more executive experience than Obama. As a Governor she has been in the position to make executive decision that are more comparable to what a president or vice president would have to make. Oh by the way the $3,000 payment isn't a payment it is a credit for each individual that a small business hires and it expires after one year (2010).

"PRESIDENT ‘PALIN’ IS TRYING TO PREVENT A GLOBAL CATASTROPHE…..
CAN SHE……..I DON’T THINK SHE CAN!!!!!"

Insert the word "Obama" in place of "Palin" and you have the exact same dilemma.

(And, of course, "HE" replaces "SHE".)

It is still troubling, that old wounds, are reopened over and over again, when it comes to race, color, creed... We have a long way to go as Americans. As an African American, who has never been biased or automatically categorized a person by the color of his/her skin. It pains me deeply, that this plague of racism has worked its way into the last 3 weeks of this historical presidential election.

I truly believe that both presidential candidates want the best for the US. But, over the past 8 years, ask yourself this question, Are you more financially stable now, than you were when the 8 years ago.

Senator Obama, has clearly communicated what he want's to do for middle class Americans, (me included).

McCain, although he has tried, but he is not really, saying anything new, when it comes to all Americans basic needs.

I've been fleeced by high healthcare premiums, higher gas prices, which has never been justified, my tax burden has increased to bail out high paid execs, that I never worked for or even heard of.

What matters to me is the economy, the famillies losing their homes, the everyday people, who's just trying to get by.

As an Air Force Veteran, and well educated, it bothers me that every mimimal opportunity the attacks on Barack is deplorable. My vote is for Barack Obama.

John, McCain knowingly invested and was friends with the Keating 5. McCain said it was bad judgment. I wonder how much bad judgment he put in the bank.

Sheryl is such a lady. So sweet and so polite. She is stating it like it is. There is no comparison between Sarah Palin and Senator Obama. Sarah Palin appears sadly lacking in education, and by educated, I don't mean having formal education but being intelligent and truly aware of reality. Obama is a scholar and a gentleman. As to the Christianity issue: I am a Christian and there is absolutely nothing wrong with voting for an Obama/Biden ticket. I think it's the Christian thing to do, if you ask me. When the woman at the town hall meeting told senator McCain last week that Barack Obama was an Arab, why didn't McCain stick up for the myriads of Arab Americans in this country? What is he telling me, that he doesn't want the Arab vote? Is he telling the good Americans who worship in Mosques all over America that he doesn't want their vote? When are they going to get it that Arab or Muslim is not equal to terrorist? Voting for McCain and Palin appears to be synonymous for voting for the same bigoted and ignorant trend from which America has been working so hard to depart.

This is nonsense about the charity item. Barack Obama is a new rich because of his book, before that he was a nobody like most of us.
Joe Biden spent a large part of the value of his house to pay for the school of his kids.

Both helped the middle class and poor more than any republicans with big pockets.

The way I see it about charity, the best charity is that of people like Frank Sinatra who didn't want anyone to know about it. He had a point, this is no charity if you get your money back or are just doing it to put your name in the news.

I would like someone to give me an example of this "low" campaign that McCain is running. Are you sure those are McCain ads that you are watching. Sheryl mentions lack of leadership. Why don't we look at our democratic control congress of 1 1/2 years. Things were going pretty good 2 years ago.

On another note. Since when did the Hollywood crowd that have so many times been called the "Hollywood YO-YOs" become someone that knows what is best for this country and the working man. Everyone says that the republican party is for the rich. Then are all the actors and actresses broke. Maybe they uphold the same poor, sinking moral standards that the democratic party is striving for.

Kudos Sheryl. I'm not a huge fan of your music but I appreciate your commentary. People like to discount what celebrities have to say but the truth is that celebrities have a responsibility to speak up, and it is courageous of you after what happened to the Dixie Chicks. People just don't like to hear people who disagree with them. Funny that a lot of people don't even address what you wrote, they just discount it because you are talented and make money.

Fact Check for the Right: As you spout your hatred and anti-american comments about Rev. Wright and Bill Ayers lets review the truth.
(1) Rev. Wright was in college in Virginia in 1961 when he took on President Kennedy's challange to the nation and waved his right to remain in college and join the Marines to fight in Vietnam served his two year obligation and re-enlisted in the Navy as a Corpsman which is a field medic for the Marines. Wright was so good at his job that he was sent to join the President medical team at Bethesda medical center. Rev Wright helped as a cardiopulmonary tech. during President Johnson's emergency open heart surgery. in 1966. For his service he received letters of Commedation. During the same time Vice-President Dick Chaney who is the same age as Rev. Wright received five deferments four for college and one for expectant fatherhood. Remember Rev. Wright did all of this great sacrifices while the very country he was fighting for killed four civil rights leaders and considered him to be a second class citizen. What greater sacrifice can an american make that to be willing to give his life even when his country does love him back. When Bush turn came up he also ducked and hid out in the Reseveres while John Kerry volunteered and went into combat.
Bill Ayers: Ayers has been tagged by the Right as a domestic terrorist yet everyone one that I have challange on this has to admit that he has nevered served one day in jail and found guilty of anything. That fact is the group that he belong to was an anti-vietnam war group not anti-american. The bombings that they performed never killed anyone outside the group. They made sure that no one was harmed in their actions. The Vietnam war killed over 50,000 americans and wounded over 100,000 physically and mentally for what? The Consevative Right how ever has made sure that people were harmed in their acts as the killed one president and killed his brother to prevent him from winning. They made sure that there was someone in the church when they killed those little girls in alabama and the list goes on and on. So when the Real Domestic Terrorist stand up, you will notice that they are standing to your Right.

Obama is overpromisng America!. Day by day they are promising us this and that. The Dems are planning to withdrawl the troops within 16 months. How on earth can they do that? Within 16 months? Who are they kidding? And what's so new about what Obama said today or yesterday or last year? How on earth will Obama and Biden be able to keep all their promises? McPalin is more realistic. McPlain is learning from Bush's mistakes, they are real change agents and Sarah Palin is a reformer who will reform the government.

Hey Mike – John McCain released 1100 pages of medical records, Obama released 1 page, and he's a known filthy dirty unintelligent smoker – what is he hiding in his medical records? He's an admitted drug abuser. Imagine how safe our national secrets are in the hands of a drug abuser – almost as safe as they were in the hands of Bill Clinton getting u know what under the desk in the White House!! Talk about a disgrace to our nation. Democrats are the ultimate disgrace, take from the hard working middle class to give the lazy people bigger welfare checks.

I detest both candidates, but of the two prefer McCain. Obama is a Marxist who believes that more government intervention and power is the answer to everything ... namely,

1. Not everyone can have all of the healthcare they want ... promise healthcare for everyone and attempt to convince everyone that someone else will pay for it.
2. install a massive beaurocracy to create and control "carbon credits" and convince people it is the only way to solve global warming and attempt to convince everyone that someone else will pay for the economic consequences.
3. Add another trillion dollars of government spending and attempt to convince the people that someone else will pay for it.
4. Attempt to convince people that taxing oil companies will result in lower prices at the pump.
5. Do not tell the people the truth about the government's role and the Democratic party's role in the financial meltdown ... tell the people that more government will solve the problem ... if only he is put in charge of it.

I guess PT Barnum was right - there is a sucker born every minute.

McCain is not much better, but I simply cannot believe that people are gullible enough to fall for Mr. Obama's lies and overt Marxism. Marxism has never worked and will never work. Four years of Obama will be a disaster (four years of McCain merely very bad).

It always amazes me how so many are not only ready for 4 years of someone they really know nothing about, but are declaring support for a future term as well. Do you think any Carter voters in 77 had any buyers remorse. Remember, he only promised change, he never said it would be for the good.

Um, Ronald Reagan was an actor turned president. Sheryl Crow is a citizen and has as much right to voice her opinion as everyone posting here.

I know it's unpopular in some circles to be informed or curious about the world you inhabit, but luckily people aren't being bullied by that noise coming so often from the right.

this is still america, where people have the freedom to choose who they support without fear of retaliation. people can decide that obama represents the best america has to offer without being reduced to elitist, stupid, blinded sheep. we can support mccain or obama without it being scandalous.

I think everyone is drinking the kool aid when it comes to the relationship of barack obama and William Ayers. Sen. Obama has not come out and told the public of his relationship. He has skirted the issue every time and the press lets him get away with it. These are not smear tactics by the Rebublicians. They are the FACTS! Let the truth be told!

actually Mr. Ayers is an outstanding English professor

james, you stated that obama was born in hawaii, have you looked him on wikipedia. their are two different statements, on says he was born in Kenya and on states he was born in Hawaii. In a TV event on him they stated he was born in Kenya and attended a Muslim school until age 10 then was sent to Hawaii to live with his Grandparents. He was getting into trouble at the Kenya school, that is why he was sent to his Grandparents.

Does it not scare you knowing that he is backed by many middle eastern countries? Remember the next attack will be from within.

I'm willing to bet that many of the same folks who feel Sheryl is not qualified to have a political opinion are the same ones who feel Palin IS qualified to possibly be the next VP of this country. HA! I'm pretty sure Sheryl has more knowledge in her little finger than that hate monger has in her entire body!! And unlike Palin, she probably remembers which newspapers she reads. Not bad for a musician!

McCain's choice of Palin lost my vote and watching how they've handled themselves on the campaign trail has assured me Obama is the right choice for our country. BTW, for the God-fearing folk out there–Palin is a fake Christian. What kind of mom would put her own personal agenda in front of caring for a newborn special needs child? It's not enough just to choose not to abort a downs baby-you actually have to care for him as well.

I am so tired of celebrities thinking that they should have any input in how Americans vote. We as adults should listen to the politicians and their stands and quit listening to these people and let them decide for us. PEOPLE-decide for yourself!

I am constantly amazed at the things I keep reading about this election. It is so obvious that the media is on the side of Obama. He is always put in a positive light while McCain is constantly painted as negative. This just reminds me of a cult and Obama is the leader. Keep feeding the people his "message of change" and they will regurgitate it out everytime they open their mouths. What has he done. Nothing that I have seen. He has spent all of his time running for a new office (president) when he has neglected the job he already has (senator). He has associated himself with some questionable people and groups (Acorn and Rev Wright). I know we need change, but he is not the change we need. It truly scares me to think that he could be our next president.
As for Sheryl Crow, anytime I see where a so called celebrity wants to share their insight on politics, I automatically get turned off from them. They can have their opinions, but that is all it is......their opinion. Just because they sing or act, most celebrities automatically think that makes them politically intelligent. Nothing could be further from the truth. They need to keep their opinions to themselves. When they endorse someone, I usually then go for the other candidate.
Wake up people before it is too late. Obama is not the person we need in the oval office.

LARRY,

I AM A 40 YEAR OLD MARRIED FEMALE FROM ANCHORAGE WITH TWO TEENAGE DAUGHTERS 17 AND 18. I HAVE TWO COLLEGE DEGREES AND NEITHER ONE OF MY GIRLS ARE SEXUALLY ACTIVE. DOESN'T THAT MAKE ME A BETTER CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT? OH YEAH, I ADD THE "G" ON THE END OF WORDS THAT ARE REQUIRED IF WRITTEN AND SPOKEN. SHE SOUNDS LIKE SHE HAS A NATIVE INDIAN ACCENT NOT A TRUE ALASKAN ACCENT.

God help us from Obama,

Look for high taxes, and other countries
to run over us.

I haven't seen enough from him to feel
safe with him in charge. I think he currently is just a puppet.

At least I know what I'm getting with McCain.

Now isn't this something to think about????

If Barack Obama would apply for a job with the FBI or with the Secret Service, he would be disqualified because of his past association with William Ayers, a known terrorist.

If he is elected President of the United States, he would not qualify to be his own body guard!

For all you whiners about the liberal media...you have Fox News...what are you complaining about? Truth is CNN spends almost 10 times more money trying to be "objective" than Fox News does. It is WAY cheaper to hire biased pundits and just let them argue and then call that news.

I think alot of people mistakenly substitute "liberal bias" when in reality it is just "informed reality"

America Lover: blah, blah, blah-dee-blah-dee-blah. You missed the point.

The point is that CELEBRITIES like Sheryl Crowe get access to voice their opinions, when all they have is just that. You have to settle for a blog.

I don't see Larry King and the CNN Wonder Bus rolling up on your front lawn for an in-person interview.

Did any of you Obamabots see that Obama said today that he wants to "spread the wealth around" He wants to tax you more so he can give to those who don't work and don't pay taxes. Way left nut......and that's only part of it. I won't get into all of his shady friends or ACORN. Are you people blind.

Sarah Palin has more executive experience than Obama. And judging from the fact that Obama is a puppet for who knows ?? behind the scenes merely spewing talking points; her judgement is superior to his as well. What did Hillary say about Obama's experience?? "He made a speech once."

Obama has the same magnetism as Jim Jones. Fools followed Jim right to the grave and the liberal press is treating Obama like a god and will not follow up on any story negatively toward him.

So all of the liberals bow before your god and follow him where ever he leads.

CNN should annunce that they are a branch of the Democratic Party. They are bias on most ever instance when it comes to Obama or McCain. So CNN should be changed to DNN.

For those who say they're moving to Canada if Barack gets voted in – if you think we're going to greet you with open arms, think again.
Stay where you are, give him his 4 years & then we'll see if you're so willing to run away. You lived with Bush for 8 YEARS & did not move, doesn't get any worse than that.

I used to like Sheryl Crow until I read her comments. She does not know John McCain like I do and many many veterans. He is a true American and stands up for his country. He believes in the flag and does not have
terrorits as friends and confidants, anyone like Obama who has such acquaintances does not belong in the White House(which might change if he is President. His ties with the William Ayres gives me the chills knowing what that man did to the US. So, I will not listen or see Sheryl Crow ever.

I will continue to put my vote with JOHN MCCAIN, who is a soldier and an American, ask any veteran.

Why are the large stock market investors worried if obama gets into office. They have stated that they will no invest in the stock market if he does win. We all should be very worried.

My policitical beliefs have been stated over and over again here (former McCain supporter now voting for Obama) so I won't go into those in too much detail....what I did want to say was, why all the hatred towards Sheryl? Sure, she's no political expert, but she is an American and she has the same rights each one of you have to voice YOUR political opinion right her on this blog and anywhere else you choose to voice it. Did she tell you to shut up and stick to supermarket checking, or practising law, or whatever your day job entails? No, she didn't. Do I tell you to shut up because I don't agree with some of you? No. Last time I checked, this was still America (barely) and everyone, even celebrities, have the right to voice their opinion.

Let's try to remember we're all in this together. Let's try to make this country as great as it should be!

If the McCain Campaign always say they want less Government doesn"t jive with what is happening to us now. We need Government oversight on Wall Street -that means more Government????? This is one of the reasons we are where we are.

Who is this "James" guy?

Can i buy you a drink bud? Spot on with all your comments. Thank you for the sanity amongst all these Right-sided morons who still dont get it.

I am from the Metro Detroit, Michigan area as you know Detroit just went through a big ordeal with it Mayor "Lying" under oath. It was a awful thing having America watch.Sarah Palin will be bring the same type of situation to the White House if elected except the whole world is watching. America should think about that when they go to the polls. It was not pretty. McCain decision for a VP should have been better if years of experience is important. Detroit looked like the most disorganized government every. Isn't that how the McCain campaign is looking already.

Sheryl hit the nail on the head and drove the nail with one swing of the hammer with-- Obama brings out the "best" in people. With ANY good CEO/Leader they will surround themselves with the best people and work to bring out the BEST and MOST potential in them and this is the BEST qualitity Obama has-seeing the best in others and helping them to bring what he sees out!!!! WTG Sheryl!!!! + I love the direction your music is goin'!!!!!!!!

Sarah Palin- is in over her head! There is no way she can run the county.....Shame on McCain – he passed over a lot of really qulified Rep Women...he gambled and it cost him... Runny the country is not a crap shoot!

how many Executives on Wall Street with all the Golden Parachutes buyouts were Republican...hummm well just about everyone of them...AGI executives are all Republicans.

Oh for crying out loud people, please learn to spell Barack, it is not Barrack. Spell check has its limitations.

A lot of people see it the way Cheryl Crow sees it. I am a life long Republican. I voted for Bush twice. But, I now have to agree with Cheryl Crow as well.

The reason it appears that McCain is getting all of the negative attention is because Obama has taken the high road and that makes him less news worthy. Those who disagree aren't willing to be objective. It's a shame.

Larry please ask your guest if they feel that Obama has to be as good a President as he can be because he is a proclaimed black man even if only half black? Further that he will be the first black American to hold that office. Everyone is screeming about his spending of campaign funds but they should know that he is the first candidate to turn down party funding for public, and it is the public that is supporting his campaign.
Mike Rose
Phoenix, AZ

It is unbelievable to me to read some of these comments against Barack it is clear to me that if you read between the lines – you people would never vote for anyone that is different from you (non white) I so much hoped for a different outcome but it is clear to me that it will come down to bringing up irrelevent things and things that you know in your own mind aren't true. It is sad to say the one person that really wants to do good things for the country (for everyone) will never get elected. A person that worked hard to get where he is and then to be called everything but a child of God – my goodness shame on you all.

Given the state of the economy and what Bush has done to our country in the last 8 years,I dont see how anyone could vote repulican.It all boils down to this.....Some people would rather see America burn to the ground than be led by an African American.

When I read a celeb like Cheryl Crow blab on and on about change I want to wrech. Left wing feel good noise obscures the fact that Obama is a big government tax and spend socialist. He will ruin the United States as we will no longer be united. He most certainly will not be my president. To many of us he is the last straw and if he is elected, I suspect things will be very tense. Old school says you have to earn the job. Celebs think it is fashionable. Oil and vinigar folks or is it vinigar and baking soda?

So long as Obama penalizes and demonizes success via punishing tax rates he will rule by class warefare. Exactly what Obama wants with ever more government control thrown in. The Problem for the U.S. is that average joe is poorly educated and uninformed and he lives pay chech to paycheck -watching the flat screen he got with the last hand-out "government stimulus". Most are are sheep and unfortunately they vote. Obama is a smooth tallkin fox. DInner anyone?

I think the discussion Ms. Crow provided, ahem – at the request of LARRY KING – to be put on "THE LARRY KING SHOW" was intelligent, respectful and interesting. Okay, she's a musician but why is that a bad thing? What are you? Larry King didn't ask for YOUR opinion... I'm a social worker and I'm adding my views...we are all entitled to express our opinions...why can't she?

I'm totally plagiarizing the following...saw it elsewhere today and I think it hits the nail on the head:

To date we have had:

“Palling around with terrorists” – the Hate Talk Express
“I’m getting angry” – the Irate Talk Express
“I’m suspending my campaign” – the Wait Talk Express
“My friends” – the Mate Talk Express
“Hair transplants” – the Pate Talk Express
Every word Sarah Palin says – the Grate Talk Express

Just about everything but the Straight Talk we were promised?

And I have to add one of my own,
"I did nothing wrong – read the report." – The TrooperGate Express

Easy credit, greed and lack of personal responsibility is the reason for this economic downturn, not lack of risk management by the Bush adminstration. Greenspan planted the seeds of the economic mess by opening the door for years of cheap and easy credit. At this point people made poor decisions and lived beyond their means. As much as you would like to, you can't blame the Republicans for everything. It's good to see such 'expert' commentary on this website.

What does being a Vet and POE have to do with being a president...

Democratic Doctrine:

To keep every American at or below poverty levels with handouts.
To continuously manipulate their every day life with social programs and to ensure that they are totally dependent upon their leaders for
their very existence.

A very condensed version!

HELPING THE MIDDLE CLASS – THAT IS A JOKE

Read Obama's own words people and then tell yourself honestly that this will help our country? He is a Socialist pure and simple. Think about his associates and then read again his comments to this small business owner just today.

If you care about your future Read it over and over and be scared!!!

Obama’s own words should scare the pants off anyone with any sense at all or love of our country. Read the truth about our Socialist candidate.

“It’s not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody that is behind you, that they have a chance for success too. I think that when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody.”

Enjoyed Sheryl Crow, She was very informed and answered the questions very clear why she was supporting her candidate.
I don't think that Dean Cain knew why he was supporting his candidate.

Keep in mind the Bush administation (Treas. Sec. Snow) warned Congress in 2005 on the impending mortgage disaster. Rep. Barney Frank, for one, dismissed the warning so that all the sub-prime folks could get that dream home. Check it on YouTube. And the Dems took no responsibilty or share of the blame. Sen. Obama has a fine tuned machine that masks and spins the truth. His tax and spend policies will hurt the country in the long run. This country's greatness was fostered by the hard work of capitalism. If I risk it all for a business venture, then I should reap the rewards if it is a success, frankly more so than my employees. Do you homework Ms. Crow, seek the truth on the issues and the choice is clear. Take a look at any of the prime issues (for instance earmarks) and compare records. Enough said. I want a statesman in the White House, not a neophyte political rock star with a spin-prone aparatus.

I just cannot understand that after listening to both Barack and McCain that anyone would still think that McCain is the right choice for President. I believe that if Barack was an all white man that he would be much further ahead than he is now. I work for his campaign and people will tell me that they will not vote for a black man. There are times that I remind people that he is half white. It just makes me so angry that people would rather hang themselves out to dry, so to speak, because of the color of a persons skin, that they would vote for a candidate that does not have them or their families best interest at heart. I hope by November 4th these people wake up and put all their prejudice aside and really vote for the issues and the one who will really benefit them and their families the most.

Mama always said Life is like a box of chocolates you never know who is apart of the Alaska Independence Party. Todd Palin is a card carring member and his wife as Goveneor supported that.....now mama says thats unamerican, well I dont know anything about that..but sometimes, late at night I wonder...Who is Sarah Palin, and what shoes is she wearin?

That's all I gotta say bout that.

I have yet to hear about Sarah Palins abuse of power...
Gee, dosent sound like a mavrick to me, seems like what we've had the las eight years. It is time for a CHANGE and John (Grandpa) McCain can no way bring that. Imagine asking your Grandparents to bring change...Elderly people have a hard time changing grocery stores, Doctors, banks, cars, etc...
I am Praying Obama gets elected for the good of this Country, If he does i think he will go down in history as one of the greatest Presidents ever.

You know i am so sick of the meaningless ramblings of people acting as if Obama has been above reproach. It just seems that anyone who would dare question him is labeled an extremist. He just smirks, lets his people do the destructive work and refuses to answer any questions. You would think it would scare some of his supporters. You see, some of us feel like we are living in the movie "Red Dawn". But sadly it is not a hostile takeover we are just gladly handing over the keys to one of the most liberal men in our government. Do you really think that makes us feel warm and fuzzy?

I am absolutely "dumbfounded" that the media is choosing to ignore Obama's relationship with Ayers. Michele Obama tried to "deflect" it on Larry King – yes, we are all concerned about the "issues". But, more than anything, we have to be sure the person leading our country is of the highest moral quality – and loves this country above all else. I'm really and truly concerned about the course our county may take with an "Obama" presidency. I DON"T want to live in a "socialized" country. I don't want socialized medicine. I hate how the media has manimulated this presidential race. I'm sure my "blog" will not be posted as it will be considered "pro-left". I love this country and am very concerned with the direction in which it may be headed. NO OBAMA! Please!

Clinton said she was concerned about Obama's association,with Ayers, a former member of the Weather Underground who Clinton pointed out said in an interview published on Sept. 11, 2001, that he didn't regret bombing government buildings. Obama quickly responded that Clinton's husband pardoned one member of Weather Underground and commuted the sentence of another.

he Washington Post also points out that Ayers contributed to Obama's state senate reelection campaign in 2001.
Bill Ayers, the unrepentant terrorist from the Weather Underground in the New York Times said "I don't regret setting bombs. I don't think we did enough."

What makes Ayers so toxic is his own written record equating U.S. Marines with terrorists.

Obama saying was 8 years old is just pure boloney..he sat on the same board with him,met him numerous times..the guy contributed to his re-election campaign in 2001..

Let's make this easy....

3,000 died on 9/11.

Over 4,000 soldiers died in Iraq.

No WMD, no Iraqis on those planes that attacked us. Republicans can't do simple math, can you trust them with our government?
By the way Our current first lady smokes! Hmmm......

I don't care what kind of change Obama claims he can bring. Anybody who could sit in a church for 20 years and listen to the words of hatred toward America and Americans, especially white Americans, is shameless. For someone who could have their young children be of part of that is beyond comprehension. It all speaks for itself. His mentors – Ayers, Resco, Rev. Wright – says all I need to know about who he is. Michelle Obama says we know his heart. No, as a matter of fact I don't. Everything said about his relationships with these people is factual yet he dismisses it and won't talk about it. Why is that? I am waiting and willing to listen. Trust and honor are earned.

The US media has a vital role in keeping facts that are in essence true on the air,but what is seen is half truths,distortion of facts and things not true are debated again and again and have more air time than what is actually true.Its time to spin with responsibility.

The vote for the president of the United States is not a competition about patriotism. Being a POW is NOT a qualification for presidency. Being a Hockey Mom is NOT a qualification for vice presidency.

It is about who has the skills to lead our country. About who has the vision to foresee events like the current Wall St. situation, the housing bubble, foreign turmoil, etc., and take steps to deal with them BEFORE they happen. Rather than a Maverick, John McCain strikes me as someone who is inconsistent, erratic, and frankly not dependable. Why else would he choose Sarah Palin for VP. Why would he cancel his first debate as a political stunt? Why is he campaigning so negatively when he has clearly stated that he is above that in the past?

Despite the change that he promises, his cabinet is not made of Americans...it is made up of lobbyists!

His policies are not clear because there is no way for him to pay for them with all the tax cuts he is proposing.

WAKE UP PEOPLE!

Obama is an opportunist. If he is elected president he will not be on the 'throne' long because a foreign country will do away with him in order to cause chaos in our land. Then Biden will be president. Biden is no more qualified to be the leader of this, the greatest country in the world, than Obama.
You can say Obama is not a muslim, but he was raised in the islamic faith til the age of ten, all his formative years. How does that impact his spiritual beliefs and world view?
Obama is a socialist who wants this country to embrace socialist values the way europe has... europe, where socialized medicine gives DOCTORS the power to decide who gets good care and who is euthanized. Do you really want that kind of 'medicine'?
Healthcare insurance... Obama says that 'insurance companies' must insure 'pre-existing conditions'. ?? Who will be able to afford such coverage? Who will pay for it? Obama is LYING about his plan because it is NOT do-able, and any sane adult american knows that is true. Obama has utter disdain for the voters, for the WORKERS in this country. He has no integrity and does not honor agreements... not even little ones, such as the aqreement he had for the last presidential debate. He could not even debate according to the agreement between the candidates and the moderator. You want a man who is known for NOT having integrity, for NOT being able to keep his word, to be president?
You want a man who PLAYS THE RACE CARD to be President? I surely do not, and neither do most of the thinking adult blacks in this country. Did I forget to mention that? I am 1/8th african which does NOT make me 'african-american' because the other 7/8th are 2 parts Hawai'ian and 5 parts european. I consider myself to be polynesian, if anything.
Another thing... the racism in this country is BLACKS hating whites. My home is Hawai'i but I have worked projects on the mainland (all over the US) for the past 12-15 years. I SEE I FEEL the palpable racism and it is NOT whites hating blacks. Besides, even if it were, who cares? The Asians are not hating blacks or whites, they are living their lives, going about their business and they, the 'yellow horde,' will take over from whites (europeans) in the next two decades as the leading force in society. It will not be african-americans taking over, it will be ASIANS, who will do it by steadfastly progressing towards their goal and not blaming others (or their racial identity) for their failure to succeed.
Don't blame Republicans for an opportunistic, evil democrat.

I just gotta address something here.
It's really pathetic when I hear these white "Americans" address the racist smear and inciteful hate meeting that Mccain and palin hold, it is extreemly hypocritical.
1st of all, they bring up rev wright, farrakahn and this ayers guy.
And we all know that if Barack was a white man that non of you (Racist) people would not mention anything that dealt with race relations.
Hell, are you "Americans" forgetting that when Nelson Mandela was to be released, that Dick Cheney was the ONLY one in the UN, who wanted to, and who voted to keep him locked up?
So dont talk about democracy like so many of you have been in iraq, and then turn around when someone who is Black wants to run for president, you still cant get over your racist hate! It is the racist whites and the ignorant blacks in America who dont know their own history or selves that are the illness that is wrong with todays society in America, which is the greatest country in the world.
This country is a super power, and every nation on the planet loves it.
It's just too bad for the ignorant racist whites and self hating blacks that they them selves are caught up in a time warp of stupidty.
Everytime a Black person strives to accomplish something of magnitude, here you all (Racist whites and Ignorant blacks) come looking for any way that you can find or cook up, to discredit them!
It is these parasites who need to leave America and never return, because they cannot accept the fact that America is a diverse place, and not a place for them!

I am sick and tired of celebrities (of any political leaning) being elevated to the level of a qualified commentator on US politics. Has our country gone mad? I can see where an occasional comment here and there might be valid. But not every time I turn on cable news shows. And since when did Stephanie Miller become and expert on anything outside of an vague attempt at being a comedian. I am a "straight down the middle independent" with some conservative views and some liberal thinking. Which, I believe, is where most of America lives. I have been a very successful entrepreneur, employed a lot of people, paid a ton of taxes and paid all of my bills (and mortgages) on time. The thing that upsets me the most are the voices from the left (left coast, east coast, NY, quasi intellectuals, Hollywood goof balls) who act like the know everything (with a smirk on their face) and want to let us in on their little secret. When in fact, they are absolutely clueless to reality because they are so insulated from the real world. And the far right sees the world in black and white. But at least they have values. Most of the smart people I know would just as soon drain the swamp in Washington and start over. And take the celebrities with them.

After all of the comments, concerning the candidates in the race to become the next President of The United States, both pro and con, it seems to me that the original treatise by Cheryl Crowe stands head and shoulders over and above all of the blathering that has followed.

Joe Beggs IS right!

Therefore, let me quote another true statement: "Now is the time for all good (Americans) to come to the aid of their country"

The election is NOT about 'democrats' or 'republicans' – it IS about the United States of America.

I believe Sheryl Crow is quite correct to use the phrase "hate rallies." There are several YouTube videos documenting the far right-wing extremists and virulent racists attending John McCain's rallies in droves. Disturbing stuff.

Sheryl Crow has every right to express her opinion regardless of what she does for a living, so get over it.

All of you nuts out there who still insist that McCain/Palin are still the better alternative for this country just shows your ignorance...your ignorance of the issues, your ignorance of what this country needs.

Dont' forget to vote everyone!! Obama/Biden!

Not all christians are voting for Mc Cain.
Just because people call themselves christian does not mean they are. Jesus said You will know them by their fruits. The kkk call themselves christian; and we all know they are not.

Someone give me a reason why we should pull out of Iraq? I have been in the military since I was 17 years old, I am 30 now.I have been deployed oversea's 4 times, I have spent a year in Baghdad.....twice, Kabul,and Bosnia.I pray for the day I can go back over there and serve this great nation some more. I challenge you to take a poll of all service men and women on their opinion of whether we should pull out or not and I guarantee you that you will be surprised by the results.We are the ones fighting the war, we are the ones with our butts in the sand, LET US DO OUR JOBS and quit crying for us back here on your couch, we dont need you to do anything but let us do what we are trained to do without the scrutiny of the media or your tree hugging crap.If you want to make a difference, then gather up some fortitude and go see a recruiter.Til then your opinion means nothing to this Soldier. McCAIN Biden 08

All of you have great comments. But you have to remember that it really doesn't matter who becomes President. They all are promising things that they can not keep. Obama promises jobs, tax credits and McCain promises to cut big government. Both can promise the world, but Congress, full of crooks and lawyers (oh that's right, the same thing) are the ones that have to pass these promises.

What about getting good people in Congress, maybe if they had to work a complete year that maybe they might get something done. Don't you wish you could vote your own pay raise or better FREE healt

Like so many others have said before me, Sheryl Crow has a right to her opinion – whether or not we agree with it. Personally, I am not rich enough to be a Democrat, and as such, I disagree with her. It infuriates me that McCain cannot simplify his message enough for these so-called Independents to understand it. Why is it so difficult for him to point out the obvious Economics 101 of the effects of raising taxes (on corporations and the "rich")?

Increase taxes on corporations and they raise prices (so our "tax cut" now goes to cover higher costs at the store), they cut jobs (is a $700/yr "tax cut" worth more than a $35,000+/yr salary), and they move out of the country (a less extreme example: the president of my firm actually moved to another state because they do not have income taxes... can you blame her?). Increase taxes on the "rich" – most likely a small business owner that employs you and I – and they will flounder, and soon we will find ourselves unemployed. It's been said a thousand times, but how many of us work for a poor person? The uber-rich, people like Sheryl Crow, will always have accountants and attorneys on staff to protect their wealth. At the end of the day, how much more can we expect from this 5% that Obama continues to harp on? They already pay over 54% of our nation's taxes! A mere 5% of our population is saddled with that massive responsibility, and Obama wants even more.

This message can be stated SO simply – anyone, even a misinformed Obama supporter, should be able to understand it – and yet McCain cannot eloquently get the message across. The real issue with this election is that the candidates are so night and day different. Obama is young, energizing, and he delivers his message in simple, well-executed one-liners that no one dares question (for what reason, I do not know why?)... McCain is the opposite, he comes across a fragile, old man, and he cannot deliver a one-liner to save his soul. He is thrown softball after softball by Obama, and he just lets them fly right over his head every time. To be honest with you, if I were the average, uninformed American voter-to-be... Obama would get my vote. BUT, because I don't take what I read and hear on CNN or The NY Time as Bible, I couldn't vote for him if he were on the ballot uncontested.

Canadian October 13th, 2008 10:06 pm ET
For those who say they’re moving to Canada if Barack gets voted in – if you think we’re going to greet you with open arms, think again.
Stay where you are, give him his 4 years & then we’ll see if you’re so willing to run away. You lived with Bush for 8 YEARS & did not move, doesn’t get any worse than that.
##################
EXACTLY but DARN. ONE of the MANY reasons that I am voting for Obama IS that a lot of these right wing wacko repuke neo-con nut jobs SAID they WERE going to move out of the U.S. if Obama won. So someone PLEASE let them IN so they will get the heck OUT of here.

I will not listen to SHERY CROW after reading her comments tonight. She does not know JOHN MCCAIN at all. He believes in the flag and
the pledge of allegiance. Obama does not salute the flag and he has
associates that are terrorists who were against AMERICA and bombed peoples homes, police dpt, pentagon and several other buildings. I do not feel safe having OBAMA as PRESIDENT. I believe he will bring in
more terrorists and terrorists money into the US.

JOHN MCCAIN stands for all AMERICANS and all soldiers. I live in Phoenix and have met JOHN MCCAIN more than once, you should see how many people stop to meet him, and he always visits the VA hospital here in PHOENIX and everywhere he goes. JOHN MCCAIN is a true AMERICAN and SOLDIER. He has all veteran votes.

Most of us could care less about Mr. Obama's race ... it is his politics that are frightening.

The last time we had a liberal democratic president and democrats in charge of both houses was during the Jimmy Carter era ... If you like double digit unemployment and double digit inflation, vote for Obama ... he is the man that will deliver those results (McCain is only slightly better ... I can't believe the people of this country have voted to provide us with such a crappy pair of candidates).

I'm a foreigner who lives in the US. The fact that McCain still has a chance to win the elections is just unbelievable to me. this is mind buggling to the extreme. Larry, I just can't understand how a large portion of people in this country process all the information available out there, and then decide to vote AGAISNT their own interest. I still can't believe you guys voted for Bush.....TWICE !!! OHHHH man !!!
Now we see the same thing all over again. Obama has to almost beg them to focus on what's important: the economy, the war in Iraq, etc... while McCain can say just about anything irrelevant to the problems America is facing. And please, don't tell me I don't understand what's going on in those battleground states. I've lived in Ohio. I've seen many of my dear blue collar friends getting laid off because all the jobs were being shipped overseas. The fact of the matter is: Bush destroyed the economy and the people in Ohio, MI, PA, KY,etc were affected the most. And yet they have to be convinced before voting for a Dem, let alone a black candidate. I can wait to get my citizenship so that I can vote. Some of you guys out there just don't deserve to be american.

diana brest -

I am a veteran. I will not vote for McCain because he is a veteran anymore than I will vote for Sarah Palin because she's a woman.

You are blowing the Ayers connection totally out of proportion to suit your beliefs. If you took a second to listen to Obama objectively you'd realize he is an amazing person. That doesn't mean you'd have to vote for him but at least you would respect him for his efforts.

I respect McCain. I don't respect some of his choices, but I think he is a hero. I think he has the best intentions, but I will not vote for him because I believe he has made erratic choices. That's a legitimate concern. The fact that Obama had a working relationship with someone that was put in very professional position. The fact that that person did something deplorable when Obama was 8 years old cannot be a reflection on Obama's character. It doesn't make sense. It's extreme to try to make that connection.

Everyone should try to be more objective–both Obama and McCain supporters. They are both great men. Neither should be spoken about in a disrespectful manner. Those who are extreme in either direction appear to be unbalanced, and difficult to respect. It's not an effective way to make your point.. I can only imagine the hardship it brings to your personal lives.

I am in Canada following the debates and the back and forth slander...
However if one is to close your eyes and listen to the talks almost like listening to a radio – I have noticed that Palin says alot of things without saying anything ,,,, like dont look at the past, we will take you into the future...will that not happen even if she did not say it>?>>

My advice to you guys is stop looking at the candidates close your eyes and listen....then make an informed decision....

Linda. Obama was born in Hawaii. He graduated from the most prestiges school in Hawaii, Punahou. He was not educated very long in the Muslim school. It is his father who was born in Kenya. Always check more tha one source for your information. I do. Also, McCain was born in the Panama Zone, not on American soil, granted his parents were American. The people who raised him with love and care, his mom and grandparents, are from Kansas, american. Obama never attended school in Kenya. Have you checked McCain's school behavior or how he behaved in flight school as an adult? Give a look.

Its people like Kelly that are stoking the fires of racism. She is as bad as the Obama camp with their playing of the race card. Maybe we don't want to vote for Obama because of higher taxes or because he is way too liberal, he has goofball friends, inexperience, elitism.......(I could go on and on) NOT because he is half black. That is becoming a very tired story, we heard it in the primaries.

Sheryl,
I completely agree with you. Our country has a long way to go to get us out of this mess from the Bush administration. However, Obama can help put us back together. He is so unbelievably inspiring!!!!

Believing that Barack Obama will bring change to the country is a nice thought, but is very naive. To the informed voter, he has shown enough evidence that his words might not match his actions after he is elected. This has nothing to do with dirty politics or a republican smear campaign. These are his actions which the majority of the public and the media seem to ignore.

He said that he would take public financing, and then didn't.

He refused to town hall debates with John McCain which would have really tested the substance of who he is.

He attended a controversial church for 20 years and then said that he didn't hear any controversial messages.

He befriends an individual with radical socialist ideologies and then lies about the nature of the relationship until pressed.

As a state legislator, he voted 'present' 129 times, indicating a lack of strong convictions or courage.

On the surface, what he represents is good and refreshing...'change'. But deeper, there is not much there, and plenty of reason to question the character of the individual claiming that he will bring about this change.

The safe bet in this election is John McCain. John McCain has proven himself to the American people for his entire life. His service and commitment deserves to be honored with the highest office in the country. For those that believe that John McCain will bring more of the same, has not been following this man's career at all. He does what he believes is best.

Give Barack Obama a few more years to prove who he really is. This is not his time.

I agree with Sheryl Crow. To everyone above, pro and con, we will all know, hopefully, on Nov. 5, 2008. In the meantime, everyone should pray to make the right decision for the United States, and because of our place in it, the World when we step into the voting booth on Nov. 4, 2008.

It's just unbelievable all of these politicians (especially Obama supporters) that are coming out and sowing the seeds of hatred. Obama and Biden and all their supporters including Sheryl Crow and the other Obama commentators are the ones who are helping sowing the seeds of hatred. McCain supporters are learning from them from the Obama media because it is obvious - the media is biased against McCain. They keep hearing Biden, Obama and all their commentators/supporters bashing McCain and Palin day and night on TV by people like McCain-Palin haters, Rachel Meadow, Jack Cafferty, Arianna Huffington etc) . Obama is the root of this problem. And his supporters are sowing the seeds of hatred. And they know it.

The reasons that I will not vote for John McCain have nothing to do with John McCain. They include:

0) Harriet Miers
1) Tom DeLay
2) Karl Rove
3) Dick Cheney
4) Jack Abramoff
5) Don Rumsfeld
6) Mark Foley
7) George Bush II
8) Larry Craig
9) Paul Wolfowitz
10) Newt Gingrich
11) Alberto Gonzales
12) Scooter Libby
13) Ted Stevens
14) Duke Cunningham
15) William Kristol

Abu Ghraib
Guantanamo Prison
Halliburton
Blackwater
Global Benevolent Hegemony
Permanent Republican Majority
$800B spent/allocated for Iraq

Using a copy of the National Geographic Atlas of the Middle East, you can see that over 60% of the world's oil reserves are within 700 miles of Kuwait City. Small wonder why we're in Iraq, and trying to pick a fight with Iran.

Enough already. McCain is NOT Bush, I am tired of hearing the same thing over and over. The Democrats are just as much to blame for our economic misery as the Republicans and Mr. Bush are. There is plenty of blame to go around. What we need is experience and wisdom to lead our country and Mr. McCain provides that. We think that the last eight years have seen out of control spending, just WAIT to see what happens if Obama becomes president. Obama does not have the leadership or the experience to lead the US. Also, how can a man NOT be perceived by the company he keeps?? We cannot conveniently dismiss Mr. Obama's choice of "friends". Eight years old??? Please, stop with the rhetoric. He's not eight years old anymore. America needs sound leadership from someone with strong principles and a clear vision. McCain is the one to pilot our foreign affairs. Yes, it is a mess we are in, in Irag and Afghanistan, and we have made some wrong decisions in the past, but that being said, we need someone of McCain's experience to steer the ship. Sarah Palin will make an outstanding vice president. Ms. Palin has the experience and determination to be a great one. Vote McCain-Palin, it's the only choice we can make as a people of this great country. Sheryl, you need to stick to rock and roll. I enjoy your music, but do not share your political views. I am a middle class American who fears that a wrong choice of president could have a huge negative impact on all of us.

well if Mccain had the the type of pastor for 20 years..that Obama had..the anti-american views..the racial views,and if Mccian had the type of connection to a know member of group that advocates bombing goverment buildings,rants about killing innocent people,calls marines terrorists..etc.. I can only imagine the double standard...the media would rip Mccain apart if he had the same type of questionable friends,connections,pastors that Obama has..

Obama has gotten way way too free a pass..

I saw your show tonight and I totally agree with Sherryl Crow. I too am very afraid of Sarah Palin, I think she's dangerous, and there is no doubt in my mind that she would abuse her powers AGAIN. What worries me most is, God forbid that something happens to McCain, and she has to step up to the presidency. I feel for her predicament with her Down Syndrome baby. My friend had a Down's baby when she was 35. She had already had 2 children and was not inexperienced at being a mother. There are a multitude of problems that these babies have. J was always guarding whenever she was feeding or giving the baby food of milk, he had a problem swallowing and tended to choke. She was wonderful with him. Before his 6 months of age he had open heart surgery. I know she has nannies and nurses available to her, but, will she be able to give her FULL attention to her demands during any of these problems with the child? The problems are a matter of when, not if. BTW, I am voting for Obama, simply because he is the right man for this job, I think he is truly ready to take on the job, and I think he is very qualified. I really hate dirty politics, and this one is one of the filthiest I've seen. Thanks for your time.
AMV

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and all the ships at sea...

Sheryl Crow, believe it or not, has just as much right to express her opinion as any of you do [unless, of course, you subscribe to the opinion that 'Freedom of Speech' is a right reserved only for those who agree with you]. Her status as a recording artist is irrelevant. Her status as an American citizen, isn't. In fact, it's her right. And, it's your right to accept or reject her opinion.

Perhaps it's unfortunate that we Americans have given over the formulation of our opinions to the 'Oprah's and Rush's' and other celebrities, but, however your beliefs were arrived at, it should not be a platform to denigrate the opinions of others. Just try to be respectful of another human being if you don't agree.

I am 44 years old and I am done with everyone pointing the finger. I have myself struggled financially over the years and about 5 years ago I took ownership of my life and believe if it is going to be it is up to me. I am now in the midst of all of these ecomonic issues going to buy a house for my daughter and have a good amount of money put away and have no issues with my life as of now. My wife and I only make about $80,000 a year and have 6 kids and she is a stay at home mom in an expensive state, California and near the Los Angeles area. We need a canidate that is going to tell the American people it straight. Stop relying on the government to solve your problems unless you are eldery or can't take care of yourself. Allow us as americans to decide what I am going to do with my money and allow me decide who I will give it to, and reward me for helping those that can't help themselves. Support business and help them grow that will provide the jobs that we need, and penalize those the mislead or take advantage of the American people. and make sure that we are safe against all those that hate us.

I truly believe that any Presidents term is actually the result of the previous 8 years or more and to blame our current President for the issues of today is rediculus. We have three forms of government and if there is anyone to blame it is all of them not being able to produce the will of the people together and point the finger at each other instead of themselves.

The Boston Tea Party was because of government taxing the people and I think our government is way off track on what there true responsibility is. Keep the money in the hands of the people, keep us safe, and let the people decide how their money should be spent

No matter how hard we try there is always going to be people that will continue to take from those that are willing to give and never do anything to lift themselves up. These people need to be cut loose and this means we will always have people that are poor or homeless. It is impossible to equalize society it will never happen. We should only be asked and allowed to make our own decision on helping those who are willing to help themselves.

Two years ago we supposely needed change so we elected in a Democratic Congress who believes in the give, give, give and look where we end up, no ability to act and get things done and no fore site to see what was coming. This all began way before George Bush and it is because Alot of Americans are lazy and have I am owed it mentality. We have people that are new to American come here and make it big because they are thankful for the opportunities that are available here and don't expect any handouts.

Government needs to put the money in the hands of the people and be as small as possible. Those that will sufer by not doing something with these opportunities will and those that will prosper will, and do not take from the rich and punish them because they did something with the American dream. Only punish them if they abused the opportunity.

Tante Waileka

Foreign Country "Do away with". That is so republican of you to interjecting voilence and blaming it on someone else. You are one to be watched by your neighbors. You are a scare unstable person.

The question for us tonight was (paraphrased) 'Do celebrities influence our vote'? I'd say yes, except maybe not the way they think they do. Why do these people who make a living by acting think they can advise us on how we should vote? When did they become anything more than obscenely rich entertainers? Congratulations to the small group who are finally having a conscience, but my God, don't tell me how to vote! Their lives are NOTHING like the average American's reality. They are not struggling to pay bills, not trying to decide whether or not their husband can wait to buy his work boots til winter, etc, etc. Have they looked at an "average" American paycheck lately? They have become lousy examples to our kids, for the most part they glamorize money, parties, multiple partners, and fun! Clue: they are in the "entertainment" industry...movies are not real!!
We have been lied to forever by politicians, and now we have celebrities advising us which of those is best for us??? Please. The sad part is, a large segment of our population is so uneducated and lazy that they will follow the celebrities. After all, they must be doing something right, they're rich! And that's what counts.
Me, I'll try to research it and make up my own mind, thank you.

Maybe Obama doesn’t have all the answers but he chose a veteran like Joe Biden to advise him. I am confident that Obama will continue to surround himself with educated experienced people. McCain on the other hand, claims to have all the answers, and has surrounded himself with people who under shaddow him. What is better? An intelligent president who doesn’t know everything, or one that thinks he knows everything and repeats historical mistakes.

Byron King: Good Lord. We get it. Your black. You are voting for Obama. Now go to bed please.

I'll be so glad when this election is over, it brings out the racism in most of us! Why can't Obama be President, it's his right as an American, get over it, why do you guys agree wih McCain cause you're undercover racists. Let the votes speak for themselves. Let everybody have their own opinion ,but if you dont like Obama dislike him because of the issues not because he's Black, remeber he's half whte too just cant see it, we all need to wake up before we're in ONE world order, look at the signs of the time.

Ssgt Travis Smith–

I'm a veteran and I don't support the war. You make an interesting point, but unfortunately this war doesn't only affect you. It also affects the families that are left behind–young children, etc. It affects people with no family members directly involved. We are hated in other parts of the world. Our dollar is dropping steadily. Our economy is in the tank. The unemployment rate is out of control.

For you to do what you do, you have to wholeheartedly believe it's the right thing to do. I understand that and appreciate it. For you, it is the right thing to do. Those are your orders and you are serving proudly. That's your job. But, the president has to consider the broader picture. That's his job.

Larry, Why not have real people supporting their candidate?

\I am really getting tired of the celebrities getting all the air time.

Joe,

If you are going to quote her song...quote all of it and it has a slightly (sarcasm there) different meaning:

My friend the communist
Holds meetings in his RV
I CAN'T AFFORD HIS GAS
So I'm stuck here watching t.v.

Do ya have any depth, Joe...do you have any soul? Or do you just take everything at face value? Life is more interesting when you try to read between the lines and see what people might REALLY be saying.

(I tried to speak as plainly and straightforwardly here as possible.)

I have to say, too –
#1 – Ayers was protesting the VIETNAM WAR for goodness sake – should I really believe that all of you people thought that war was a good idea? Perspective...
#2 – Speaking of perspective...the whole ACORN thing is just ridiculous. Minimum wage workers filled out cards with fake people to meet their quotas so they could keep their temporary piddily job – nobody is trying to stuff ballot boxes. Poor people are trying to keep their limited-time-only jobs!

Senator McCain, Do you know by now how many houses you haveby now?if you don't, here is an idea, just keep one house , sell rest of them and donate the money to pay those thousands of people losing theirs due to the bad economy. May be that will be good for the economy

Dianne, TX

If he was born in Hawaii then why has he refused to provide the Federal Court his birth certificate and is fighting for a delay in discovery rather than just produce the document. If he produced it the case would have beeen dropped by the judge immedately.

It makes one ask why that is.

I liked McCain, thought he was a maverick, thought he could change some things and be his own man.

Then he selects a running mate who knows less about the issues facing our country and about government than most people in my college government class. Next thing I see is enormous amounts of mud-slinging from McCain and advice from his own campaign managers to avoid talking about economic issues because he quite frankly, doesn't have good answers.

Sorry but that tears it for me.

I've been a republican my whole life but in the last 8 years, a group of people calling themselves republicans and calling themselves conservatives hijacked my political party. These hooligans have packaged their ideology and policies and wrapped it in the republican party but they are not republicans and they are not conservative.

What I am talking about is a lack of critical thinking, a lack of accountability, a fondness for doing the easy thing (no child left behind, easy credit, pandering) instead of the hard and right thing, corruption (Abramoff, Libby, Rove et al). We all know the list goes on.

What is very disheartening to me is that this whole approach to government and running our country is so deeply entrenched throughout Washington given George Bush's 8 years of reigh, that it now seems apropos.

To me it seems that in the past 8 years, the wheels have come off the cart.

The whole reason I was going to vote for John McCain was because of his character, his leadership and his independence. I don't see any of that in him anymore.

The nail in the coffin for me was selecting Palin as a running mate and his failure to come up with a good economic plan and solution to our healthcare problems. It's all based on the same paradigm we've been living with for 8 years and it is not enough. Palin was him caving in to pressures outside of what he wanted. There's goes the maverick status out he window. It is also very frightening to think the Palin could be the leader of the most powerful country in the world should something happen to McCain.

It boggles my mind that people do not really consider this. It is a hell of a lot different that being a soccer mom and governor of a state that only has about 620,000 people in it, than being the leader of the free world with a country of 300 million.

Isn't it funny that Sheryl was compairing Abe Lincoln to Obama? For your info...Abe Lincoln was a REPUBLICAN!!

This election isn't about race nor gender....it's about a candidate who can bring this country together by being Bi-partisan and I don't think Obama has ever crossed the party line.

To all of you out there that says what Sheryl Crowe says means nothing, who says she should stick to music and keep her political views to herself.

She is a citizen of this great country and her vote count just as ours does. She has the same right to reflect her views as you do. Just because she is a musician does not mean she is to stupid to make a informed political stand. You go Sheryl!!

Dianne. I guess you did not see the TV program "Profile on Obama". It mentioned in there he was in fact born in Kenya. That he in fact did go to a Muslim school. This is why their is a lawsuit against him for not being an American! I think that the one thing that bothers me the most, is that he associates with, and employs the very people that caused many of the problems we are having today!

Kelly,

Well-said. However, I do not believe that Obama is a great man. He spent 21 years listening to Rev Wright's anti-American, racist poison live and in person. And then when it became literally politically incorrect for him to do so, he tried to distance himself from the man. Obama spent 21 years being an anti-American racist while McCain gave his life for our country.
Puh-leaze. There is absolutely no comparison between the two. No matter what your party affiliation, Obama is NOT the candidate to choose. His character and integrity are non-existent.

To those who don't think Sheryl should have a platform like this to speak to us (meaning fellow americans) are so narrow minded and naive about the GREATNESS of this country and the freedoms of speech ought to trade places with someone in a country where you're killed for voicing your opinion in public!!

As in her music she brings truths out as pleasant or painful as they may be. She said something that is at the core, I believe, of this race and that Obama "brings out" the BEST in others around him. As ANYONE knows a Leader will surround themselve with others who are more knowledgeable or he can see something in another that hasn't been tapped yet and bring that out in them.

Sheryl I love your music and the direction it is going-Peace be Upon Us!!!!! One I thought would be the PERFECT anthem for Obama–I saw that song the first time I heard it as perfect fit for the Obama campagin.

There are just as many Christians in the Democratic party. I am one of them (and you were one of them too). The Democratic care more about the average person and humanity. They care about people get health care and jobs and education and the future of our (all) children, Social Security, etc. God cares about all people. He created all people equal but republican Christians are basing their argument on Pro life and gay rights, 2 issues. To me that is manipulation. What if there was a law that says we all have to be Christians? Will we all be Christians? No, It's a person decision. Just like abortion and homosexual if you make a law that says no abortions and no homosexual activity is allow do you think that's going to chance anything? No people will find away to do it just like drugs. Christians both Democratic and Republican know these thing are wrong but God says he will separate the wheat from the chaff for fear we may remove some of the wheat. The Republican Party are removing a lot a people from Christianity base on their bias views. I sure glad they don't have the last say so. And you know what I economic suffering America is going throw is because of America's choice of presidents. The Republicans along with a whole lot of mislead Christians put Bush back in the White House even though they seen the country headed down the wrong road. So know we are paying for it. I don't understand how they can fall for it again.

Dont be afraid of Obama folks if he wins you wont all wake up black the next day:) I think Obama is the embodiment of America. If you work hard and do well in school you can be anything you want to be.

Do you REALLY believe that Obama and Joe Biden are terrorists? Didn't think so. Truth is, if the world could vote, Obama would win by a landslide (8,837 to 13). Can you beleive that? McCain got only 13 votes to Obama's almost 9000!!!

Now some of you may be sitting on your big American horse and say, it is only American votes that count...and you are correct. But think about it...9000 to 13!!! The leader of this nation has to repair foreign relations with the rest of the world. After the collapse on Wall Street, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the nuclear issues with Iran and North Korea, our decidedly pro-oil stance with regard to Global Warming...who is going to come to the global table with more street credibility?

The U.S. doesn't live in a bubble.

WAKE UP!

Did u noticed how Sarah Palin changed her accent when speaking to her REDNECK audience. Sorry, never will be quite a fit, sarah. When you visit the BLACK house ru going talk with george bush accent?

All of you have great comments. But you have to remember that it really doesn't matter who becomes President. They all are promising things that they can not keep. Obama promises jobs, tax credits and McCain promises to cut big government. Both can promise the world, but Congress, full of crooks and lawyers (oh that's right, the same thing) are the ones that have to pass these promises.

What about getting good people in Congress, maybe if they had to work a complete year that maybe they might get something done. Don't you wish you could vote your own pay raise or better FREE health care????

Bailouts??? I own a small business. If I make a bad purchase, the government doesn't come bail me out.

If you were "tricked" into buying that home that you knew you couldn't afford. Tough..... Did you read the full contract?

If you are a banker and you gave someone a loan that you know they couldn't afford.....you are an idiot and you should loose your job, but no big golden parachute, and no I am not going to pay for your unemployment.

Don't you wish you could believe what the idiots running for president are saying???

Just because you were a soldier and a prisoner of war, doesn't make you a good President.

And if you have great speech writers and you can memorize them, that doesn't make you a great President.

Lets get a new Congress in and see what they can do, lets get a Congress to live like most of us have to do. Pay bills like we do.

This comment is for Cathy. The first one to bring out the "RACE" topic was Obama. He clearly told the crowd these words "...The McCain Campaign are telling you that I might not look like the other presidents on the dollar bills..." Gee, who brought up RACE first and who is using it to move people over to his side.

On another topic, let's get over the race factor and let's start treating Obama as the equal everyone wants him to be treated as. Let's start asking the tough questions about all the shady supporters and sponsors he has and WHY he really wants to be president of this country. And drop these ridiculous Palin issues which are so insignificant. They can't find anything dirty on her so they have to dig and dig to take the attention away from the real issues.

Open your eyes people, "BIG GOVERNMENT", I don't think so...

Another thing, Obama's message is contradictory. He is saying that he will be raising the taxes for couples / families that make $250K and up. Let's see, so if my husband and I have studied and worked hard all of our lives to be successful and over the years have had to struggle to keep growing our careers and might be making $250K or more, why should I be punished for being dedicated and responsible. Yet, for those people that aren't even paying income taxes because they live off of Welfare, they will be getting extra money and tax cuts.

Hmmm, there's something wrong with this picture. He tells young people to study and make something of themselves but yet turns around and says he'll punish people making a decent living, so how does that work. I think it pays off to be lazy and not work under a possible Obama administration. Heck I'll be telling my manager I don't want a raise.

And as for the leftist / liberal Hollywood crowd, please get over yourself. You don't live in the real world, worrying about taxes, buying groceries and having enough to put gasoline. I love how rich, millionaire entertainers love to live in this country but yet want it to be completely "leftist"... Oh please...

It is my sincere hope that all those people who speak vitriolically about Barack Obama are not allowing their subconscious racial prejudice impair their thinking.

Obamas heritage, middle name and racial identity do not impact his loyalty or his ability to lead.

The United States and the world is in the greatest financial and environmental crises of the 21 century.

The United States is carrying the worst national debt in history. This administration has pursued a single minded agenda at the expense of the American taxpayer while the very rich have gotten richer the middle class is disappearing.

John Mc Cain was a cheater and a philanderer on his first wife who stood by him while he was a prisoner of war. He married money to enhance his ambition. If he would betray his wife for money, why not us

Sarah Palin was a last ditch, poorly thought out candidate for vice-president whose only qualification is that she seems capable of inciting violence and hatred .

Governor Palin should be dedicating her time to her young baby and her unwed teenage daughter if she wants to portray herself as a concerned parent. She has plenty of time to pursue her political ambitions in the future. Many of us, myself included, had children late in life and chose to have those babies and raise them. That does not make her a hero but it does make me question her dedication to her childrens welfare.

People of America, embrace our diversity, distinguish between eloquent rhetoric vs vitriolic attacks, We are a nation of immigrants of all colors and all religions. Our diversity makes us strong.

My husbands family came to this country in the early 1600s. His family has served in every war since the Revolutionary War. We both love this country, we love our children and our grandchildren.

That is why as upper-middle class ,patriotic, religious Caucasian proud Americans we are casting our votes for Obama-Biden. I beg you to open your mind and hearts and do the same.

Vote for hope not hate!

Another serious problem with Obama is that he never has explained what part of the so-called "black liberation theology" that he believes in. For example, does he support reparations. What does he believe about affirmative action, etc.

I can only wonder if John McCain had attended a church that believed in white liberation theology, if the barometer and silence on this issue would be the same as it has been with Mr. Obama.

One last thing,you guys need to check your facts,you are considered 100 percent American if one of your parents are American,regardless of where you were born.

Guilt by association does not work in both cases or it works in both cases. Arguments of experience count for both sides or not. One cannot dice it the way they want. Being an independent I am sure I can say the following:

1. IFF McCain is McSame coz he is a republican ( voted 90 times along his party lines), then the same guilt by association applies to Obama. It is an insult to the intelligence of the so called "educated liberals" in this country if they turn around deny the 20+ yrs of Obama's association with Rev Wright.

2. IFF Obama is inexperienced to run for the presidency then the same can be said about Sarah Palin – Albeit she has more experience as a Governor of a state. But nevertheless one follow the other.

I am appalled by the hypocrisy of the democrats in not voting for Kucinich IFF issues were all that defined their politics.

Republicans on the other hand should have not been obsessed with the zipper of President Clinton – perhaps and I say perhaps, we may have avoided the tragedy of September 2001. The same Newt Gingritch who was the speaker himself was being unfaithful to his wife and having an affair.

God help America. We are filled with DUMB people. The republicans who are blind with their religion and ideologies and the educated fools on the democrats side who are committing the same mistake that the republicans made 8 yrs ago – blindly vote for their candidate. It is a travesty!! The gall and audacity of people who call Bush all the names now forget that they ( 51%) voted for him. And the remaining 49% in their defeat or rather failure to prevent W from getting elected are collectively put together as AMERICANS are equally responsible for this mess and now they are going to create another 8 or 16 yrs of Obama dynasty. What a bunch of nitwits!!

sorry...was referencing an article from the Economist entitled "Global Electoral College".

Bill Hodges

Birth and Death are public records. Do you think the media has triple checked out this information. There isn't case. Where did you get that information, I would like to read that document. Also, I live in Hawaii also.

I read Sheryl Crows statement and I am pleased she mentioned the fear mongering of the republican party. It is noticeable especially in the conservative emails I get from my relatives (the ones in giant font, some say they are by Bill Cosby or Jay leno when they aren't, the ones that say veterans should be posted at the border to shoot people) , fox news saying fear this and that. It began with duct tape and ended up in a war in a country that didn't attack us. It is this thinking, the Sarah Palin type of kick butt thinking that has led us into killing so many people and spending our childrens future by increasing our national debt. There is no logic in people anymore. How will we compete in a global economy with small minded people like Bush and McCain running our country. Sarah Palin has not left the US. Intelligence is very important if we want to succeed globally.

Ted Florida

One of your parents donot have to be American nor the other parent. In the US, you only need to be born on American soil.

This is absurd. Just because you disagree with the article doesn't mean that you should be so pretentious to say the person isn't qualified enough to have an opinion. Everyone has the right to an opinion, and if you were in a position to voice your opinion as Ms. Crow has I doubt you would pass up the chance.

I keep hearing that people did not know about our recent economy woes years ago. I take issue with this position, as I was the personal assistant to the CEO of a large residential development and investment company in late 2004 and early 2005. I believe it was January 2005 when I was asked by the CEO to order two books from Amazon.com. One titled "The Crash of 2007" and the other book was titled "The Crash of 2008". I don't remember the author, however, I did indeed order these books, and received them; upon which I provided them to my CEO. We were all "riding high" in 2004 and 2005 in the residential market here in California. I did share this information with a friend, and when I started losing my jobs along the way due to the slow down in the residential market, my friend reminded me of the books I had mentioned to her in 2005. This CEO continued to attract investors in his company offering a substantial return on their money. My frustration now is that he INDEED did know about the impending slippage and/or fall of our economy. I have tried to search Amazon.com for these titled books over the past couple of years, and they are not listed any longer????? I believe with every instinct that "the powers that be" knew where we were headed. They knew what they were doing and laughing all the way to the bank..........

McCain stop saying "My Friends" I don't see you coming to my rescue.

Not that this would happen, but if no one voted for these two fools who would then be President?

I am very concerned about Obama's character as supported by the multiple associations he has had with questionable individuals . He has an excuse for everyone. This is our first presidental candidate that has had to explain away so many marginal relationships. In addition to his lack of experience, this is also a compelling concern.

"scientist-CA October 13th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

Let’s make this easy….

3,000 died on 9/11.

Over 4,000 soldiers died in Iraq.

No WMD, no Iraqis on those planes that attacked us. Republicans can’t do simple math, can you trust them with our government?
By the way Our current first lady smokes! Hmmm……"

LETS TALK SIMPLE MATH
SEPT 11TH -2998 DEAD
AFGANISTAN -987 DEAD AND COUNTING
IRAQ -4496 DEAD AND COUTING
TOTAL -8491 DEAD AND COUNTING

MURDERS IN AMERICA IN 2003 ALONE
-16,528

DO THE MATH!

Dianne being born in America makes you a citizen,that is true,but being the son or daughter of an American citizen makes you one also,actually you would have dual citizenship.

Also serving in the American Military gaurantees you citizenship also,I was in the Marines and we had Marines from a lot of different countries.

This counrty is so divided. As it is written in the word of God a house divided with in itself will not stand. During the primary I was upset with the racist talk. The Lord asked me two questions. The 1st question was why do I care about this world that is fleeting away. 2nd which is worst punishment on earth or after.
The people who are racist has been pass down from generation to generation. It is a demonic spirit . It would continue to spread to there family line until someone denounce it. The Lord laid in my heart to pray for them. The word of God states how can you say you love God who you can't see but hate your brother you do see. I believe this election is bigger than the economy, gay rights , or abortion. I know God knows all. His ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts. I know God is looking down see people who claim to know him. I wonder if God is saying I know you not.
To those of you who do not know Jesus seek him for yourself do not look at me or others seek him. For yourself. Jesus is not a religion he is a relationship. The more time you spend time with him the more you know him.

James are you sure you arent John McCain???

Ted from FL...Really being born in America shouldn't make you an American, That is what is happening with a lot of the illegals coming into this country, They get pregnant then they think there kid is an American and we should pay their way. If you are illegal and you have a kid here in the states....your still illegal and your kid is too.

It is possible to despise Mr. Bush and still be terrified of an Obama presidency ... high taxes ... economic disaster.

If you wanna put it that way Clay,the Pilgrims were illegal immigrants also

Obama and Ayers moved in some of the same political and social circles,where they lived several blocks apart. In the mid-1990s, when Obama was running for the Illinois Senate, Ayers introduced Obama during a political event at his home, according to Obama’s aides. Ayers, a professor of education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, later contributed to Obama’s state campaign.

Obama and Ayers met a dozen times as members of the board of the Woods Fund of Chicago, a local grant-making foundation, according to the group’s president

Clay and Grandma for Pres & VP!!!

James...Don't you think God is disappointed in the Dem's as well. I bet he is

It is possible to despise Mr. Bush and still be terrified of an Obama presidency … high taxes … economic disaster.

If taxes are raised within the first 6 months of the new president,I really believe we could have another great depression..if you want to completely destroy the economy..raising taxes at this point in time would be a sure fire way.

You are right, they were....Wonder when the Indians got here

Ted from FL October 13th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

James are you sure you arent John McCain???

James... Positive. Why would oyu ask such an unwarranted question?

Hollywood needs to put down the Obama kool-aid and step away from the glass. Let the regular Americans decide who to be president and keep your thoughts to yourself. Celebs have no idea what real life is all about. I only caught the last few minutes of your show, but it was amusing watching Sheryl Crow try to put sentences together to try and sound intelligent.

In the last two years since the Democrats took over Congress, I would like to know which Celeb has had to take a calculator with him/her to the grocery store to stay within budget, which celeb has had to figure out if they can pay the electric bill and still fill their gas tank for work or even buy new school clothes for their kids.

The amazing thing about celebs is that they don't realize who actually pays THEIR salaries...it's not the studios, the agents or the media...it's WE THE PEOPLE. They might want to start treading lightly when it comes to influencing regular Americans and how they should think or who to vote for President. Afterall, they have the money to pick up and leave if they make the wrong choice....we have to live with it.

If the shoe were on the other foot and McCain had a past with domestic terrorists, racist reverends or criminals from Chicago, you know it would be plastered all over the media and on every front page of every newspaper. The democrats would be screaming from every roof top. MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC and yes, even CNN, has failed miserably when it comes to unbiased reporting.

Honest journalism is truly dead and buried.

Instead of simply throwing out the crooks and people who have misled us, we are throwing away an entire system that has worked for 200+ years.

Code: Why elect a Black guy? White guys have ruled well and peacably for 200+ years.

Our beloved land is being forced, by the inexorable progression of an open society, to reassess the assumptions upon which it has administered its governing principles. It is safe to say that Obama is something of a rarity and that his presence itself has added to his being catapulted to a national figure. It is, however, unfair to say that he is getting a pass because he is Black.

Fact is Obama has shown the ability to handle this unprecedented situation and emerge with ideas and principles that the majority of the country is at least willing to test. Extremists would have you believe that you are throwing away a sure thing. But, let's review:

Economic Policy

1. Obama wants to keep the current tax cuts for anyone making under $250k. This equates to 95% of American households. He also wants to cut capital gains taxes for business owners whose personal income is under $250k. It is true that the repeal for those making over 250k would amount to a tax increase, many of whom are small business owners who chose to pay taxes through personal tax. However, the net effect of the tax abatement and capital gains cut amounts to a net positive cut for the vast majority of Americans.

Obama has also been charged with being a tax and spend socialist. I find this somewhat amusing when it comes from those of us who voted Bush into office. As a fiscal conservative, Bush has been a disappointment. He has spent at a clip that surpasses any other president; he is fighting a war that drains tens of billions from the economy and he has not proved to be a leader in restraining Congress from fattening all bills with pork and special interest projects.

What's more, Obama is supported by a wide range of capitalists (yes, capitalists) such as those in the venture capital business, owners of both large and small businesses, industry leaders, former Fed chairs and former SEC chairmen. A notable and probable Secretary of the Treasury is Paul Volker, who was credited with taming inflation and sustaining the value of the dollar during the Reagan industry.

Wither the wisdom of the mob, but I don't think these men and women would throw their support behind someone who was going to nationalize and redistribute their assets. First, they realize that the focus on job creation and sustained middle class growth will put more money in their pockets by creating consumers who can actually afford their products. Second, the asset nationalization claim is a rouse. Britain has recently taken stakes in HBOS, who nearly drowned from the overweight of its bad mortage securities. This action, which Paulson sheepishly retracted his opposition against and is set to announce tomorrow, is mainly a defensive posture meant to protect bank deposits.

Also, socializing losses and privatizing profits, the wrongheaded combo over which Bush has presided, is hardly capitalism. Nor is the massive subsiziation of irresponsible lending through interest rate that only benefit banks and don't filter through in consumer behavior.

Now, one poster remarked that "we were doing well in the first six years until the Democratic Congress came into power". This is very misleading. The stock market highs were sustained principally by the creation of wealth without underlying value. As mortgages without fundamental future value were packaged into securities, which were then bet on through swaps and derivatives, it sure looked like America was riding an economic wave of prosperity. That is, until the dirty secret of homeowner credit began to show and the house of cards fell.

The principles of Keynes (who favored government intervention at the right times through capital infusions) + Adam Smith (the "invisible hand") is what our economy is based on. It is not a one-mode rocket ship to success, but it is rather like the complicated controls of an aircraft which lands and takes off normally without trouble, but the passengers have no idea as to the constant tweaking and adjustments that the pilots make. The people who shout out that Obama is a socialist, therefore, give a bad name to "the people", who are much much wiser.

Presidents do not emerge from the abyss. As we eat, work and sleep, they are being groomed for positions of leadership. Obama was no different. Like Clinton, his story is somewhere between someone who made it from nothing and someone who had everything. His background and associations deserve scrutiny, but we make a laughing stock of ourselves when we pretend to scrutinize it for the first time at the eleventh hour and disregard his those checks that were performed before he became the junior Senator from Illinois. Whatever their associations with Obama may have been on a charity board and as an associate, it is pretty clear to all but the most wildly partisan that neither Ayers nor Wright will not be part Obama board.

It is equally clear that most of these association-by-guilt claims have already been "priced in" (as we in the market like to say) into the race and have no effect on undecided voters who are thinking about meat-and-potato issues like money in their wallet and food on their claims.

McCain shows poor judgement when he decides to cloud the fruitful debate on economic policy with these "terrorist association" claims. Obama backers quickly flip the switch to highlight Palin's own associations and McCain's rebuke by the Senate for the Keating-Five scandal, and then the debate becomes not how we will work our way out of this mess, but who has the least dirt on them. Having had this tactic used against him, he seems a bit ashamed and taken aback by the venemous response it produces at his rallies. He also readily falls prey to the claim that he is willing to say and do anything to win.

What is perhaps most pathetic are racist rallying calls for the "White man to regroup" and show who really controls this country on election day. As sure as a hangover from homemade moonshine, the leader of that small group is supressing the fact that were that tactic to have much chance of throwing the election, Obama should not be in the position of Democratic Nominee in the first place. We are sure to have some sort of Bradley effect, where voters essentially proffer politcally correct lies in the polls to hide their race worries. Yet, the question is how large will it be and what will it say about America circa 1982 and America at 2008.

Clay October 13th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

James…Don’t you think God is disappointed in the Dem’s as well. I bet he is

james... not nearly as much. You see the dems were suckered into going into Iraq, the republicans are not only happy about it, but actually WANT to continue it.

I don't know Clay... you tell me.

John how maqny times did McCain break bread with the Keating 5? How many enjoyable things did he do with them?

You are the one that said God is disappointed in the Republicans, I thought maybe you had a conference call and that is what he or she told you. If I had to guess, because God has not told me one or the other. I bet you that God is disappointed in both.

This is funny! Is the Larry King show and CNN hurting for guests and comentaries? Please put on some guests that have some economic expirience that can disect the issue's and give viewers a reason to watch your show . I have not watched CNN for months actually except for tonight because nothing else was on. CNN should be part of Obama's TV station, it would save them some money. After the election I am not going back to watch it either. They have totally turned me off to their network. Here is a question for you Sheryl; why are we begging people to get out and vote. Aren't most intelligent people voting, and aren't most intelligent people who can make intelligent decisions registered to vote? I have been registered to vote since I was 18. For some reason we are begging people to vote and register to vote. People who have never voted? People who don't know the issue's; but just think that a lighting bolt will hit the earth and this huge Change will occur and we all will be rich because 95% of Americans will get their taxes cut, be provided healthcare; will be able to afford college if you want to go, have thousands of new jobs to pick from, even green jobs, thats not all, also all of the american car companies will be re-tooled to make hybrid cars, all new energy sources will be created and affordable; the war will end; Osama BinLaden will be caught; and our president will sit down and meet with all of the other world leaders by appointment and negociate and settle things over coffee. Furthermore businesses will be given a $3000 dollar tax credit if they hire a new employee; you will be able to take a loan from your 401K with no penalty through 2009 (up to 10,000 per year) and if your bank has been given bail out money they have to give you three more months to get your act together and catch up on your mortgage that you have defaulted on. There you go, now does anybody else see any issue's with this list??? Does empty shirt, blow bag, ego maniac come to mind, or just plain stupidity if you can actually believe all of this. I am starting to think that 50% of the American public are just plain ignorant. Furthermore my dog could win this race if he had a D under his name, this is no great feat to number one beat George W, or any party that has been in the white house for 8 years. Obviously people are to brushed up on there history either.

Again i agree Clay... but continue to think. WHo, based on bible stories, would he be more angered with? the one who committed an evil act out of naivety or the one who knowingly wishes to continue that evil act.

But to be absolutely clear. I am an atheist. I use the example of god because I find it amusing that so many religious folk become stumped when their own rhetoric paints them as fools and hypocrites.

😀

I don't think there can be anyone that truly believes that racism is dead, in America. To the contrary. Racism is alive and well, although it doesn't look the same as it did in the 50s, 60s, or 1800s, for that matter. So, it would follow that there are a large swath of Americans who are, (possibly subconciously, possibly consciously), forming atleast some of their views on the Presidential candidates based on inherent racial bias. So, why is it, that when confronted with the idea that race matters in the election, so many people can be in denial, become defensive, and start going through some illogical rationalization to defend their preference.

That reaction alone provides the telling answer. But no body wants to admit it. They don't have to. They just did.

For me, this Presidential race has been an incredible opportunity to check the pulse of the American people on the issue of race. It has brought to head a level of cultural transparency that I can't imagine would be afforded us any other way. And I'm not talking about just outing a bunch of closeted, white KKK members. No, the way Americans, of all ethnicities, have reacted to this challenge, this important task of deciding who would be the best person to lead our country in undeniably hard times, the way Americans have struggled with their biases, refused to acknowledge them, or wholeheartedly ran with them, has been fascinating, enlightening, and at times, quite disturbing.

I've heard people of every color candidly express views they didn't even know they held. I've had black and Hispanic friends tell me, with all sincerity, that though they support Obama, they aren't going to vote for him, because, 'What's the point? He'd just get shot anyway.' Just the other day, I overheard a political conversation between a middle aged, black, self-described staunch Republican man, and another middle aged man, who was white lawyer, and a self-described independent. The black man was talking up how great McCain was, (listing all the reasons for McCain's 'great'-ness), and how he was positive that he'd be our next president. Apparently, he had mistaken the lawyer for a fellow republican, I assume, based on his appearance, (he wore a tie and jacket). So, when the lawyer mentioned that he was indeed an independent, and that, though he is a Kucinich fan, he'd be voting for Obama, the black republican threw his head back, in shock! 'What the hell are you doing voting for Obama!?? ...You're not black!!' It was, in the republican's mind, as if this white lawyer had no right to vote for Obama, as that was a special privilege reserved for black voters, if they were to choose so.

A lot of non-white people I know seem to view this idea of a potential black president cautiously, as if it's too good to be true, and maybe a sick joke is being played to get their hopes up, while still atleast as many embrace and celebrate the idea of Obama as president. But I've noticed an air of uneasyness and uncertainty toward the idea that white people would vote for a black president. This idea reinforces the suspicion of a sham, as a lot of black people, ultimately do not trust white people. Now you could argue many reasons for or against why that is, but the point of the matter is, that's just how it is.

Now, I'm admittedly generalizing here, based on my experience and observation in New York, with the people I see and interact with, some friends, some strangers, and wholly and assuredly admit that not everyone fits the stereotype that I'm laying out for arguments sake. There are plenty people that I could put up to argue against my generalization that are very much in contrast, and would be supportive to an effective counter point, but, I'm trying to explain an atmosphere, which is not about individual behavior. There is a big difference between generalization and prejudice. Prejudice is a judgment based upon a generalization. In making an my views known, I will use generalization, but leave the prejudice to the reader. I'll admit, also, that I am not without biases, and don't think I've ever known anyone who was bias free, but at this point I'm totally beating a dead horse, and must move on...

That's my disclaimer, I guess. My hope is that open-minded, intelligent, unbiased persons understand, and don't read my words constantly thinking about the fact that I am a white man. That has always been a challenge for me, in talking about race relations, in which I have always been very interested. And unfortunately, given most peoples hang-ups, I feel it's necessary to point out, that when discussing race, its best to leave racial bias at the door.

I have had white people react towards me the same way, when I tell them about my plan to vote for Obama. On several occasions, when politics have come up at the centers I work at, I've had co-workers ask me who I was going to vote for. You see, I am pretty much the only white person most of them work with, and, for some, maybe the only white person they've ever really associated with regularly, for any length of time, (no exaggeration). So it's a common curiosity to get my views on the world. And, because I'm white, there are preconceived ideas of what I'm all about, how I was raised, where I come from, what kind of music I listen to, what kind of food I eat, how much money I make, what tv and movies I watch, what my girlfriend and family must be like, the things I enjoy to do, pretty much everything... (Usually, these stereotypes are pretty hilarious, for me anyway, and almost always are brought up to me lightheartedly, ...but no less sincere, if that makes sense?) So, when I'm asked by these co-workers who I'm going to vote for, for our next President, they are usually taken aback, at first, when I answer Obama. They seem a dash confused and dis-trusting at my answer, and sometimes, that conversation ends pretty quickly, because though most all the time, they are Obama supporters too, they don't feel that we relate enough to have a comfortable conversation about it, so the subject will get changed after a couple sentences.

See, for a lot of non-white people around here, as are almost all of my co-workers, race is the major factor separating the two candidates. Much like, I don't know if they'd admit it, but much like it is for a lot of white people. But unlike those white people, my non-white coworkers don't even think for a second, to hide that fact. Unlike some white people, they practically broadcast their prejudices. No one believes I can actually dance, and they all thing I listen to Creed or country music. And that I know nothing about rap. Seriously, do you know how many times people have asked me, just out of the blue, and without an ounce of forethought or shame, 'do you like country?' Anyway, I'm getting off topic here, but I'm just saying that racial bias and prejudice and generalization, and the attitude and intention behind these things are much more complex than many people would believe.

Crazy, right? But you see what I mean. You can't deny race is an issue in the election, but, you can't always predict which way it'll go... A person with racist bias usually sees the race issue in this election as either non-existent, or based solely on black vs. white. The black's support the black candidate, the white's support the white candidate. But if you really open you mind a little and watch what's been going on, a person's racial identity doesn't always predict how their assumed racial bias behaves. One white person might prefer the black candidate, and one black person might prefer the white one. This doesn't mean they aren't using racial biases in forming a preference. No, race is an issue through and through, for most all of us. It just exists at varying levels, and can't be predicted. Understanding that, has made how people react to this Presidential race so educational to observe. On the topic of race, this is an unprecedented opportunity for us to see what we Americans are made of. ....All of us, regardless of ethnicity.

I can't think of a better place to observe people being people than here in New York. It has been enlightening so far...!

My question is that housing values have declined and there are all kinds of ballout proposals for folks that are losing their homes in foreclosure and cannot make their payments.

What about those of us who are keeping up with the payments, but cannot sell the home for the current mortgage balance because the value has declined more than 10% this year?

What happens to the responsible folks that are losing equity value? But will have double hit, first decline in home value and then the tax burden of baling everyone else out.......

Fact check for Charles James –

Obama's so-called tax plan is an out-and-out lie. He simply cannot increase spending by a trillion dollars (do the math – $30k for every man, woman, and child in this country) and get the top people on the food chain to pay for it all.

Guess what! If the majority of citizens don't pay for this massive expenditure in direct taxes, the cost will be passed along from the corporations and affluent portion of society ... to everyone in our country. There is no such thing as a free lunch and Mr. Obama's socialist agenda will be an unmitigated disaster!

James: are you a paid blogger for Obama? Wonder where you get the time to write these long lengthy notes. And don't bother to reply. Coz I have better things to do in life than to spend more than an hr on this blog. And your hypocrisy is appalling. Are you telling me Obama was the best candidate amongst all that ran in the primaries for the nomination, that is, if we evaluated them on the issues?

That's sweet

I am stunned that someone could be so blind. Obama has surrounded himself with a group of some of the most corrupt people of any politician I have ever known and you say he's taken the high road. WOW, I thought the dillusional drugs of the 60's were bad.

Well Sheryl, check out Obama's connections to the following men:

Larry Walsh now under FBI investigation for fraud, played poker with Barack weekly and they are friends.

Alexi Giannoulias- State Treasurer Illinois- His bank loaned a known syndicated crime boss who ran a prostitution ring $15 million dollars- Obama's friend whom Obama endorsed and who raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Barack's campaign.

William Ayers- The terrorist who bombed the Pentagon in the 60's who as of 9/11 thought how he wished he did more damage- Friend of Barack -served on several boards with Barack and worked in College together. He held Barack's first fundraiser for in his home.

Tony Rezko- Fraudelant Business and Real Estate man who helped Barack and raised mony for him.

Mr. Luo O'Dinga- Barack's cousin who first attempted to take over Kenya's government by military coup. He was raised in communist Germany and talks to Barack daily.

Reverend Jeremiah Wright- Anti Semetic-Anti-American pastor and as Obama called him"my spiritual mentor" of 20 years.

Governor Rod Blagojevich- Governor of Illionois under corruption investigation for ties to giving out contracts in exchange for fundraising help.

On September 15th members of Obama's campaign-muslim outreach met in a closed door meeting with members of muslim groups tied with Hamas.

Reverend Michael Pfleger who is a longtime friend of Reverend Wright and Barack Obama and who made racial slurs against white people and Hillary Clinton.

In 1999 Barack Obama declared "white people don't care about black people" after attending a million man march.

Barack has had significant ties with ACORN and there is a scandal now of voter fraud from within their organization.

Does a person's associations matter- of course it speaks of personal judgement of character. Barack's judgement is tainted at the least never mind the fact the vouches for all of them still-some more quietly then others.

He wants to be president of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA– he has little to no experience–he has poor judgment with his associations and there are questions as to how involved he is with them,-his high taxes for those earning over $250,000 will crush upper middle class America and the small business owner. He thinks a baby who survives a third tri-mester abortion that is born alive has no rights, and you think this is ok....wow those drugs your taking must be really amazing.

Oh and did I mention 3 men from his beloved Trinity Church that he was a member of until June- were assasinated in November and December of last year. Shot at point blank range-all three men were gay-2 were known friends of Barack.

Oh and Sheryl be prepared to spread your wealth, all of it, to the less fortunate, 55 cents of every dollar you earn.

To Conservative Republican Educated Professional Female 43 NY: You have a severe case of ignorance & myopia. WAKE UP!! With all due respect, being a soldier and/or veteran does NOT qualify one to lead a nation. And you referred to Sen. Obama as a "known filthy dirty unintelligent smoker ..." Wow. Talk about passing judgement. Did you know that our First Lady is a smoker. Do you feel the same about her? You say that Democrats are the "ultimate disgrace" that take money from the "hard working middle class?" On second thought – you DO fit in with John McCain. You are as out of touch as he is. Why don't you do some research on just who the "middle class" is. You'll find many of us "disgraceful" Democrats are hard working members of the middle class.

BTW ... did you know that if you lived in Palin's Alaska & became a victim of rape, YOU would have to shell out the $1200 for the rape kit used in the investigation. Is Palin the kind of person you want wielding power in Washington????

vkuy yes he was, and no, I am not a blogger for Obama, but I have written a letter to my friend Andrea in the past and altered that letter a bit to fit here.

Now that you've tossed a red herring in... have you ever thought about anything I've wqritten with any objectivity and made the research effort to attempt to prove my posts false or inaccurate somehow?

I thought not.

Obama/Biden 08. ALL THE WAY BABY. Change is what we need.

Bottom line: for 4 (or 8) more years of:

sky high gas prices
crumbled mortgage and housing market
near universal disdain of Americans globally

vote John Mccain and Sarah Palin

This is a great country, whether you are Democrat or Republican this is what this country is all about. We are able to tell our views whether we are right or wrong. We see actors per try and make fun of them and make money doing it.
We have people saying that I and Grandma should run for President and Vice and they don't even know either one of us....wait a minute. kinda like the two guys running for President now....we really do not know them....in that case I will run for President. Send me lots of money and you can write my name in the ballot in November.....

if you are not going to finish don't start reading this. don't know if you care but ill tell you any way .I've told people before that there is no way i would vote for a black man .let me say Ive never thought my self as cross burning racist ,but i do know that i judge black people harder than others. Ive found my self consciously avoiding them when possible ,i wont ask for directions from, invite into my home if at the door i just don't. i am from a small rural town never had black a black family in during that time probably explains my discomfort in these situations and no it ain't my parents fault. yes Ive use the "n" word i dont say that bragingnly... i did not go to collage you can guess that by miss spelling and lack of punctuations .I've judged them from the riots in California i saw on tv when i was in high school ,news reports tv shows all that said i had a change of mind/heart i am from ariz i was not happy with mccain but like i said i sure as hell was not voting for a black man! then i really listened to Obama for the first time in july i stood when every one else did. i did not clap but i tell you now i was clapping before he was done this guy new why i was worried why i was scarred and he gave me hope. that i could have a life at least some what comfortable. i came home looked him upon the inter net even bought rolling stone magazine with him on the cover checked out the Muslim story in i was during this time ive found that i have more in common with and trust for this "black man" I HAVE HOPE! FOR for my my family's future do i agree with all his views not by along shot but pray that he has a change of views just like i did thanks for reading the till the end

As a mom, I want the best for my children's future. I want them to be able to go to college, have a good life, marry if they wish, and live in a world that is not toxic to their health.

I am afraid that if McCain wins we will be set back even further in helping the next generation meet its goals. I think since they are "down" in the polls now, (nothing is absolute in today's world), they are using the "shock and awe" technique in their campaign right now. They are throwing everything they can at the Obama campaign (whether it's real or not), and hope something sticks to the minds of the undecided. They are trying to scare this country into making a "safe" choice (the one we've had for the past 8 years).

well, speaking for my kids, I'm tired of being "safe" but Wrong! I thing Americans can choose to get off the "4 more years of the same 8" highway and get on a different road.
My personal impression of senator Obama is that he reminds me of JFK. I think he speaks of taking a new direction and not being afraid to do so, deciding that things can be done better, and having HOPE for America. This is so refreshing to hear, and I've seen No evidence of any ties to terrorism (or anything else the republican party is accusing him of doing) from scouring the net and papers for information. I really think the McCain campaign is using dirty tactics to put just enough doubt in the minds of those undecided to vote their way.

I think America is smarter than that. I think we can rise above the rhetoric and actually look at the plans both candidates have laid out and ask "how does this plan effect me and my family for the next 4 years?" That is the most important thing in this election. It doesn' t matter if the candidate is African American or white, or what they liked to do when they were young (I read McCain was the worst student in his military academy class and was reprimanded on record many times), but if I think his plan will work specifically for me, then it's only natural who I should vote for. Look at EVERYTHING (social security, health care, the economy, foreign relations, the environment, and even security).
I also think we should SERIOUSLY look at the VP candidates.
No one is safe in today's world (look at the attempts on Regan in the 80's), so this makes the candidate's choice for VP essential. Do you feel comfortable with Joe Biden's record and experience?
Do you like Palin better? (personally she scares me because of her obsessive views on many issues including her ability to bring her religion into politics not to mention using her power to influence her personal agenda). But there are those who feel comfortable having her in the 2nd highest position in the land.

I think it would be wise for all Americans to take a deep breath in the next 3 weeks. Take a pause, think of your family, your needs, your dreams for your children and yourself, and pick apart the candidate's plans for this country for the next 4 years. then decide Is this what I want? Will I be better off with this candidate in office for the next 4 years, or will it be the same thing all over again?
Do I feel I can trust what this person says? (that will be hard for both).
Then make your decision based on an informed mind. No rhetoric, accusations, scare tactics, or bullying. Put that all in the back of your mind and sift through the Facts. Then with a clear mind go vote for your next president!

that's what I will do.

PS Sheryl Crow, I love your music. I write some myself and have always listened to you for inspiration. Thanks for your input on this campaign and thanks for writing such great songs.
God Bless

Published on Monday, October 6, 2008 9:14 PM AKDT

Thanks to Sarah Palin, women who wish to run for higher office will have to battle their way again.

Palin’s novice understanding of the important issues of our time and her unprofessional, valley girl behavior feeds right into the hands of those who would like to think that women can’t handle higher office.

John McCain should be ashamed of himself. If he were to pick a woman as his running mate, why not pick someone of substance such as Kay Bailey Hutchins or Olympia Snow. Palin’s foolish verbal jabs and her eye winking adolescent flirtatiousness is embarrassing. I’m surprised that she wasn’t cracking gum during the debate.

When she asked Senator Biden if she could call him Joe, he should have said, “No Sarah, call me Senator Biden. You haven’t earned the right to call me Joe.”

well, joe, i'm about to throw up from reading all that racism – wow. good for you that you've stepped out beyond the rodney king incident and are researching things for yourself. i'm from a small town originally – it's hard, I guess to get past your "roots" sometimes.

now that you've started – educate yourself more...cultural diversity is a VERY good thing! if we try – we can learn things from each other, but we can't do that while we are hating each other...or as you put it "judging harder than others."

peace.

Larry,

I have heard a lot of talk from both sides about creating new jobs.
My concern is with the companies that have been allowed to send jobs overseas. I worked for HP for 25 years, but because of jobs being sent overseas I have changed positions twice and finally took ealry retirerment in fear of being laid off. I feel that the under lying cause for the current problems is the lost of jobs in so many different
areas, mostly due to sending jobs off shore. When are the politicians going to stop representing the top 10% and start representing the 90% of Americans that vote these people in to office to represent us!

Can someone tell me what kind of ignorance would elect someone with no military background as Commander in Chief? I suppose it must be the same lunacy that voted a draft dodger into office in 1992. bill clinton (lower case intentional) was an embarassment to our nation. obama, with his past and current ties, will likely sell out our nation if he's even in office long enough. Might wanna get used to the idea of Biden for pres if obama gets elected.
America is no more ready for a black president than they are a woman president. Of course, I'm sure billy is still crying about hillbillary having to defer the ticket to obama, because he was so wanting to join the whitehouse bridge club.

I so agree that Palin set women back a few decades every single time she winked...don't you bet Geraldine Ferraro wants to just slap her?

I can't believe more isn't being said about the ethics violations...that report is just incredible...I get the feeling Mr. Wooten isn't a saint or anything remotely close, but to use your office/authority so blatantly is 10 times worse in my humble opinion!

When she hired Monegan, get this, she told him, "I want you to be my...um...come up here and be my top cop!" She couldn't remember what office she was hiring him for.

Ted

Yes Ted I know. In your previous statement you seem to discount this. You donot necessarily hold dual citizenship. It is a choice made after 18 years of age. that has to do with the draft board. To your previous answer, neither parent has to be American. You are American due to being born on USA soil.

I do not blame Sheryl Crow for voicing her opinion. it is the same thing everyone posting here is doing, but I do blame the media for making it 'newsworthy'. It is the new tool for candidates.
Works rather well for the stars as well. Instead of donating millions of their own money to support a candidate all they have to do is answer a few questions.

I cannot agree with her though. I cannot see Obama as our brightest star, the president we have all been waiting for. Is he the lesser of two evils..maybe.

Here is what i am sure of. Both sides have lied, both sides are making promises they do not intend to keep. Both sides know every trick in the book to 'inspire' people to vote for their candidate. We are being manipulated and need to keep our own wits about us. This is what the Presidential race has become.

But where are our wits, I come on here and find everyone throwing what they have been told by our 'nuetral' media back and forth at each other. Repeating what they have been told like they are going to prove each other right or wrong. Do you really think there will be that big of a change with either candidate? True they will have different people speaking in their ears, but are those people that different? Which candidate would sit in front of his advisors and blatantly go against their advise if he thinks diffrently. Who do you believe you are voting for, who are they truly.. we will not know until after they are in office, maybe not then either..

The same Bush who had those astronomical ratings after 9/11 now has some of the worst ratings ever..did he change in that time? I believe Bush did well when he did what he thought was best, but I do not believe he did that very often.

I do not expect much difference from our next President, regardless of who it will be. I hope things will be better. A new President is a chance to start over. We can blame all OUR failings on the last President so the next starts with a blank slate. A chance for all Americans, and all the so-called 'advisors' to start over and hopefully do better.

So with the final wave of ads and name calling coming at us, please take time to really see what is in front of you. McCain is failing as Hillary did. He expected his name and experience to win it for him. The Obama side is using a different strategy and it is working wonderfully. He stays polished and clean while letting others do his work, waiting for the republicans to stick their foots in their mouths..which any politician who keeps talking will do 🙂 McCain gets his own hands dirty, the old school approach that didn't do Hillary much good either. People like Obama's approach, many see it as the real him. I see it as just another strategy and so I am still trying to decide on the lesser of two evils...

Hi Sheryl,
thanks for the input.. I appreciate your comments not just as a celebrity but as a woman of confidence and compassion to speak out on your views. Isn't that what we all want to just be heard, however briefly that may be.
thank you , thank you. much love to you and Larry.
God Bless

Uh hello........how much ignorance is out there.

Anyone who judges Palin on Troopergate is nuts the freakin guy she wanted ousted....wasn't just a brother in law....criminal fact ,he tasered an 11 year old boy-shot a moose off season without a permit-was caught drunk driving and threatened physical harm to others-but he should still patrol the streets in your city?

And the mortgage issues I am a real estate broker I've been in it for 24 years....wake up most of America benefited from this last overinflated real estate bubble. Here's a list of all who benefited from this boom you'd like to blame on Bush...........deregulation is a liberal agenda by the way-
this is the second crash- the first was in the 90's under Clinton–

Every person in America who benefited from this and there are millions are as follows:

Every Federal agency and employee that saw an increase in spending and wages from increases in revenue due to federal taxes from sales and purchases on everything from increased travel and gas tax to increased revenue from incomes due to profits in the real estate industry etc.

Everyone who got a higher appraised value than the market should have reflected on their home when they took their equity out.

Everyone who sold their home at a great profit, that was higher than the true value.

Everyone who got a higher value on a reverse mortgage scenario.

Everyone who used increased equity to purchase another home.

Every mortgage lender and underwriter and appraiser who made fees based on how many and mortgages/appraisals they did during the boom.

Every mortgage lender and realtor who received fees based on the inflated values during the boom.

Every retailer and car salesman and business who benefited from the homeowners newfound inflated equity cash flow.

All of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac people who received wage increases, all the banks and credit cards that saw a boost of spending and borrowing due to the boom in the markets.

Every stock broker and stock holder who benefited from the false inflated values of holdings from companies.

Every person whose retirement fund or savings benefited from this overinflated value system.

Yes and Every CEO, bank executive who benefited from this newfound money pool.

Every tenant who saw more affordable rents due to excess in apartments as the housing market boomed.

Every charity organization that saw an increase in donations due to people having more money from their home or property values.

Every contractor and building supply company who saw an increase in demand and more abundant work at a higher premium.

Every place where wages went up due to the booming housing and overall market conditions.

Every person who borrowed at ridiculously low interest rates due to ample money flowing through the markets from the over inflated values in the lenders portfolios.

Every town and municipality who saw increased tax money due to increased property values, every school budget that was increased, fire departments, police departments able to buy better equipment etc..

Every subsidized housing project that could lessen their rents due to cash values allowing them to build more units, and the credit flowing enough to build them.

Every senior housing facility subsidized by expanded town taxes that benefited in lower rents and more amenities from the increased town revenues.

Every supermarket that saw an increase in spending on more pleasurable non necessary specialty foods or items because money was more plentiful overall.

Yes, all of these categories and more which equals most of America are those who benefited from this, From Main Street to Wall Street. Most everyone got a piece of the pie, now everyone's pointing fingers. To them I say look in the mirror and ask if you benefitted from this. These categories fit over 95% of America.

By the way gas is down to under $3.00 per gallon in much of America,
Stocks are up. We killed many top Al Qaeda because Iraq is a battleground area....oh and we killed one of history's most heinous dictators

Sadaam Hussein who gassed the Kurds, the Iranians-napalmed the Marsh Arabs in 1999, and threatened to destroy the US....

Guess we were wrong!!!!!!!!!!!

Hmmm... quick question to all you out there in Larry land...

Do any of oyu know the difference between racism and other types of prejudice?

After watching your program I was very impressed with Sheryl Crow. She had actually studied and compared the two candidates as opposed to Dean Cain who really hadn't listened to either side, (he did not even know that McCain voted with Bush 90-95% of the time) He came across, I hope that I'm saying this in right way, there are some people who will not vote for a black man even if they know he's the right one for the job. Because of his interview I lost alot of respect for him. It would have been better if he had known about the two candidates. but in any case I fell in love with Sheryl Crow. As for your question can celebrities influence a vote, yes! Oprah definitely can, she gave Obama a foundation and I am proud that she did, because he is definitely someone who is qualified to be president as opposed to Sara Palin. The one question or point know one asks or says is this, "If Obama was to be killed or die God forbid, but after watching the McCain /Sarah rallys , it could be a possibility , Biden is definitely qualified. You should do the comparison not just state that Sarah is a heartbeat away. We all know possibility that John McCain could die, and again God forbid, but even more so God forbid that Sarah Palin becomes the president.

Anthony

Once again the repulicans try to make Palin look good. First they send her to a pro hockey game where most of the fans and players are anglo and she gets booed.So they say lets find another sports event that is even more anglo nas car,are the republicans just writting the scips for SNL.
This is just too funny.

Lori...
The answer to your last question is... yes, you were wrong.

McCain does not really get his hands too dirty. He has Sarah Palin and his wife Cindy for that. Meanwhile he pretends that he doesnot know anything about the mean rhetoric that is at his rallies.

I live in Canada i would vote for OBAMA and alot of people here would like to see OBAMA win. American's influence other countries Canadian's should have a say in voting in America too:)

And now... the long and arduous process of tyelling you how and why you were wrong...*breaks out Hot pockets and doctor pepper and sets the Keyboard like he's playing World of Warcraft*

Lori F. October 13th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

Uh hello……..how much ignorance is out there.

Anyone who judges Palin on Troopergate is nuts the freakin guy she wanted ousted….wasn’t just a brother in law….criminal fact ,he tasered an 11 year old boy—shot a moose off season without a permit—was caught drunk driving and threatened physical harm to others—but he should still patrol the streets in your city?

James...He didn't taser his son to hurt or punish him but because his son wanted to know what it felt like. there was no malice, even if stupidity. Shooting a moose off season is certainly a felony and he should have been let go by his superior, IF he did so with the motivation of sticking it to the man, rather than he was just ignorant of the law at the time. the Drunk Driving and threats towars others is hearsay at best, even if someone charged him, and even if any of this were absolutely true and based on your terms, Sarah Palin, even as governor has no authority in the matter, and her husband in her office is a clear violation of ethics, and smacks of enabling both croniism and the equivalent of thuggery and attempting to charge someone protection money.

Lori F. ..And the mortgage issues I am a real estate broker I’ve been in it for 24 years….wake up most of America benefited from this last overinflated real estate bubble. Here’s a list of all who benefited from this boom you’d like to blame on Bush………..deregulation is a liberal agenda by the way—
this is the second crash— the first was in the 90’s under Clinton–

James... It's a lineral agenda? really? How so? and if so, then why on earth would a conservative like bush adopt such a policy?

Every person in America who benefited from this and there are millions are as follows:

Every Federal agency and employee that saw an increase in spending and wages from increases in revenue due to federal taxes from sales and purchases on everything from increased travel and gas tax to increased revenue from incomes due to profits in the real estate industry etc.

James...Crap heroes is on... be back on later

I don't think there can be anyone that truly believes that racism is dead, in America. To the contrary. Racism is alive and well, although it doesn't look the same as it did in the 50s, 60s, or 1800s, for that matter. So, it would follow that there are a large swath of Americans who are, (possibly subconciously, possibly consciously), forming atleast some of their views on the Presidential candidates based on inherent racial bias. So, why is it, that when confronted with the idea that race matters in the election, so many people can be in denial, become defensive, and start going through that exact rationalization process that Mr. Texas tried to describe?

That reaction alone provides the telling answer. But no body wants to admit it. They don't have to. They just did.

For me, this Presidential race has been an incredible opportunity to check the pulse of the American people on the issue of race. It has brought to head a level of cultural transparency that I can't imagine would be afforded us any other way. And I'm not talking about just outing a bunch of closeted, white KKK members. No, the way Americans, of all ethnicities, have reacted to this challenge, this important task of deciding who would be the best person to lead our country in undeniably hard times, the way Americans have struggled with their biases, refused to acknowledge them, or wholeheartedly ran with them, has been fascinating, enlightening, and at times, quite disturbing.

I've heard people of every color candidly express views they didn't even know they held. I've had black and Hispanic friends tell me, with all sincerity, that though they support Obama, they aren't going to vote for him, because, 'What's the point? He'd just get shot anyway.' Just the other day, I overheard a political conversation between a middle aged, black, self-described staunch Republican man, and another middle aged man, who was white lawyer, and a self-described independent. The black man was talking up how great McCain was, (listing all the reasons for McCain's 'great'-ness), and how he was positive that he'd be our next president. Apparently, he had mistaken the lawyer for a fellow republican, I assume, based on his appearance, (he wore a tie and jacket). So, when the lawyer mentioned that he was indeed an independent, and that, though he is a Kucinich fan, he'd be voting for Obama, the black republican threw his head back, in shock! 'What the hell are you doing voting for Obama!?? ...You're not black!!' It was, in the republican's mind, as if this white lawyer had no right to vote for Obama, as that was a special privilege reserved for black voters, if they were to choose so.

A lot of non-white people I know seem to view this idea of a potential black president cautiously, as if it's too good to be true, and maybe a sick joke is being played to get their hopes up, while still atleast as many embrace and celebrate the idea of Obama as president. But I've noticed an air of uneasyness and uncertainty toward the idea that white people would vote for a black president. This idea reinforces the suspicion of a sham, as a lot of black people, ultimately do not trust white people. Now you could argue many reasons for or against why that is, but the point of the matter is, that's just how it is.

Now, I'm admittedly generalizing here, based on my experience and observation in New York, with the people I see and interact with, some friends, some strangers, and wholly and assuredly admit that not everyone fits the stereotype that I'm laying out for arguments sake. There are plenty people that I could put up to argue against my generalization that are very much in contrast, and would be supportive to an effective counter point, but, I'm trying to explain an atmosphere, which is not about individual behavior. There is a big difference between generalization and prejudice. Prejudice is a judgment based upon a generalization. In making an my views known, I will use generalization, but leave the prejudice to the reader. I'll admit, also, that I am not without biases, and don't think I've ever known anyone who was bias free, but at this point I'm totally beating a dead horse, and must move on...

That's my disclaimer, I guess. My hope is that open-minded, intelligent, unbiased persons understand, and don't read my words constantly thinking about the fact that I am a white man. That has always been a challenge for me, in talking about race relations, in which I have always been very interested. And unfortunately, given most peoples hang-ups, I feel it's necessary to point out, that when discussing race, its best to leave racial bias at the door.

I have had white people react towards me the same way, when I tell them about my plan to vote for Obama. On several occasions, when politics have come up at the centers I work at, I've had co-workers ask me who I was going to vote for. You see, I am pretty much the only white person most of them work with, and, for some, maybe the only white person they've ever really associated with regularly, for any length of time, (no exaggeration). So it's a common curiosity to get my views on the world. And, because I'm white, there are preconceived ideas of what I'm all about, how I was raised, where I come from, what kind of music I listen to, what kind of food I eat, how much money I make, what tv and movies I watch, what my girlfriend and family must be like, the things I enjoy to do, pretty much everything... (Usually, these stereotypes are pretty hilarious, for me anyway, and almost always are brought up to me lightheartedly, ...but no less sincere, if that makes sense?) So, when I'm asked by these co-workers who I'm going to vote for, for our next President, they are usually taken aback, at first, when I answer Obama. They seem a dash confused and dis-trusting at my answer, and sometimes, that conversation ends pretty quickly, because though most all the time, they are Obama supporters too, they don't feel that we relate enough to have a comfortable conversation about it, so the subject will get changed after a couple sentences.

See, for a lot of non-white people around here, as are almost all of my co-workers, race is the major factor separating the two candidates. Much like, I don't know if they'd admit it, but much like it is for a lot of white people. But unlike those white people, my non-white coworkers don't even think for a second, to hide that fact. Unlike some white people, they practically broadcast their prejudices. No one believes I can actually dance, and they all thing I listen to Creed or country music. And that I know nothing about rap. Seriously, do you know how many times people have asked me, just out of the blue, and without an ounce of forethought or shame, 'do you like country?' Anyway, I'm getting off topic here, but I'm just saying that racial bias and prejudice and generalization, and the attitude and intention behind these things are much more complex than many people would believe.

Crazy, right? But you see what I mean. You can't deny race is an issue in the election, but, you can't always predict which way it'll go... A person with racist bias usually sees the race issue in this election as either non-existent, or based solely on black vs. white. The black's support the black candidate, the white's support the white candidate. But if you really open you mind a little and watch what's been going on, a person's racial identity doesn't always predict how their assumed racial bias behaves. One white person might prefer the black candidate, and one black person might prefer the white one. This doesn't mean they aren't using racial biases in forming a preference. No, race is an issue through and through, for most all of us. It just exists at varying levels, and can't be predicted. Understanding that, has made how people react to this Presidential race so educational to observe. On the topic of race, this is an unprecedented opportunity for us to see what we Americans are made of. ....All of us, regardless of ethnicity.

I can't think of a better place to observe people being people than here in New York. It has been enlightening so far...!

Uh James.....

It wasn't a question mark , It was a bunch of exclamations,it was sarcasm--look up the word in the dictionary!

Ask the troops how wrong they feel when they have given another country freedoms you take for granted with the blood they shed for you since the founding of this country to today!

Larry,

Why is it that when you ask Republican strategists direct questions about McCain they do not answer the question, rather they focus on some oscure negative fact in relation to Obama. Answer the questions that all Americans are asking about McCain. We are Independants, but we are voting for Obama because he and his supporter specifically answer the questions they are asked.

And James

George Bush didn't adopt the mortgage agenda , Clinton did it just never got changed under the Bush administration , the first crash that happened in the early 1990's same issue....most conservatives tried to change the laws surrounding deregulation but they couldn't get them passed.

now here is crash #2.

Why doesn't anyone comment on McCain's response to the woman claiming she doesn't like Obama because he is an Arab? McCain said, "Senator Obama is not an Arab, he is a decent, honest man" (paraphrased a little). Does this mean being Arab eliminates the possibility of being decent and honest.? This mind-set is ubiquitous in our society, and is the sort of thinking that turns into all-out violent racism.

Why does the media not let the people know about all the cooked things in politics that Barack Obama has done, before the election?

Hello my name is Julia i live in Maryland and i would just like to comment on the Mccain campaign , i feel as though they are a very negative untruthful campaign that is trying any and every solution or any possible idea they may have to try to bash Obama . Its not working its not going to work and i think that any one supporting Mccain should just give it a rest already its getting down to the wire. Time is running out, Palin is untruthful and abused her powers lies about it on national television, and continues to say she didn't abuse her powers, there campaign is driven into the ditch already....Let the man Shine in peace we are all equal.......

The world is watching these US elections and asking just one question: "PRESIDENT SARAH PALIN?"
Wink wink.

Why are people having difficulty in understanding that George Bush was chosen over McCain, 8 yrs ago and we have seen what that has cost America and Americans... and last 8 yrs records no way adhere to whatever McCain has been campaigning ...

Why isn't Barack Obama bring up the point that John McCain voted against raising the minimum wage more than 10 times? He also voted against equal pay for women.

I can't believe you guys are always ranting about the 'Liberal Media' when YOUR party have won the White House way more times than the Democrats. Are you saying that your Presidents got elected despite the media? If so, why worry? I think you just have to quit blubbering and face the fact that you are behind in the polls this time because you have a lousy candidate.

Lori

Conservatives including McCain, Graham, and Bush himself believe in less deregulation which started with Pres. Regan. Regan first job to open the market was tp bust union contracts. That was the beginning of deregulation.

I am 91 yrs old and I cannot understand why people can't see what
Sarah Palin is doing,She is just saying what she is told to do because she has never really known anything about John McCain and certainly does not know Barack Obama. So she is just a highschool type.

sarah Palin is jus saying what she is told to say

i have listened to all of the debates both presidental and vice-president debates and i just wanted one debates or interview made (i think Larry King Live will be the perfect place for this) where after the debates the candidates comes on and are asked about statements that they made which aren't true or factual and are given the true fact and let me see them explain this. you could also use this any time a candidate make a major speech (boy would Governor Palin be in trouble).

I consider myself a Christian. Is it just me or has anyone else noticed. All the negative and hostile comments toward Barack Obama who is a mild mannered Christain man reminds me of one
thing. JESUS CHRIST WAS SPIT UPON, CURSED, THE CROWDS YELLED KILL HIM! HE TOO WAS A MILD MANNERED MAN WHO LOVED THE POOR! All people in this country should stop the evil comments and pray that we make the best most cililized decision who is best to run this country. Race has no place in this election!

The race is over and the discussion as well as the unending foolishness from the McCain camp needs to stop by putting the unexperience Palin on a diaper. Start by asking Senator Obama and the America people for their forgivingness with all of the verbal "BS".

I went to visit my in laws hard core conservatives. I was brainwashed after the non stop fox noise acorn william ayers blah blah blah. I get it now. Hannity is king colmes is a whipping boy orielly is a freak and the belt way boys are grummpy old man.

WOULD YOU IN RETROSPECT – have preferred that McCain went nasty and beat George Bush???? History taught us that in a weak economy increasing corporate taxes results in THE GREAT DEPRESSION...
...if Obama wins & corporate tax rate pushes US BUSINESS to the highest tax rate in the world – EXPECT MORE price increases, exported jobs, reduced benefits, layoffs, unemployment above 9% for US BUSINESS to COMPETE GLOBALLY.

The folks that hurt most from this policy is the MIDDLE CLASS.

What is McCain's plan for Senior Citizens

With an income of $9325 Social Security
$3600 Unemployment Compensation
$ 12,925 Adjusted Gross Income

I had to pay $463 in taxes

i am a flight attendant for 33 years......i was a single mom and i am now married to a vietnam vet....needless to say we struggle with who would be the best president for our country. i do have my finger on the pulse of people from everywhere. our reputation as a solid country has been diminished. i respect mccains service, however, he rarely speaks to me.......or our 6 children, ages 20-30......
barrack obama does.....the republican regime has pushed the worker bees to far. the former middle class wants to put a roof over their heads , food on their table and they want to go to the dr. when they are sick......it is simple.......the republican party forgot about the middle of the ladder.....we need every rung on the ladder ..........the next president needs to speak to all..........the fat cats have the money the people have the vote

No Dianne

They believe in free market-not deregulating market checks and balances. The truth is it was a liberal ideology to let everyone get a home.

Everyone doesn't deserve a home in America- everyone should have a place to live, but a home is earned– not an entitlement.

I watched mortgage companies lend to people I wouldn't lend $5 to
no money down,no credit, bad credit ok, no income verification, etc

Reality is still this crash is a set of liberal ideology everyone bowed too.

As shaky as McCain is on the economy, and with Palin standing for almost everything I'm against, it is a no-brainer that we need to elect Obama. He has a direction in mind for us to take to improve our economy and to get our troops out of harm's way.

I have sat back for years and watched the battle of rhetoric and words that has taken placed between followers of the right and left as they denigrate and slam the other for their beliefs. I have always instead chosen to use my voice in the voting booth to elect who I felt was the most competent to lead our nation. A belief that all Americans should ascribe to in voting for the overall package instead of the party, and this election is certainly no different. However the reasons being offered forth by certain fringe elements of the Republican Party in support of Gov. Sarah Palin can only be seen as bizarre at the very least. To quell a mutiny and abdication within his own party, Sen. John McCain a honorable man to many Americans and hero to many in uniform, chose to compromise common sense and pick Gov.Sarah Palin of Alaska to placate the zealots of the religious right. Even Republican Pat Buchanan and others have seen the damage done by those who tried to "evangelize" America with its platform of moral righteousness and religious intolerance. As a Christian with a deep rooted faith of some fifty years, I strongly believe that a nation "under God" does not mean a nation ruled by self appointed emissaries of God, who feel that they and only they as the fourth part of the Trinity have a special insight into His mindset. "Now Sen. McCain in a vain attempt to appear as one of "them", has picked a person who is totally unqualified to be "one heartbeat" from the Presidency. Her education which is minimal and sporadic at best, along with two terms as councilwoman and mayor of a small Alaskan town, and recent election as Governor only demonstrates that she knows how to climb the political igloo. Shooting the game winning shot in a high school basketball game does not in and of itself make for Vice Presidential or Presidential credentials when meeting with foreign leaders or hostile governments or acting as Commander in Chief to the country's military. Being able to bring down a moose or spear an Alaskan salmon is possibly good copy for the Hunting/Fishing Channel but does not show leadership if catastrophe were to strike our nation. Sarah Palin's denouncement that those who stand against me are unworthy to serve with her, strikes at every priniciple our country was founded on. Her actions in serving as mayor and as Governor clearly show that she will with no hesitation "clean the slate" of any and all persons who she feels do not represent her beliefs or are not in 100% agreement with her. Such intolerance and tunnel vision is an anathema to the foundation and purpose that our Country was created for. As a person with 29 years experience in our country's armed forces, I know what it takes to serve and lead and when people have it. And Gov. Sarah Palin clearly doesn't have it. Katie Couric easily confirmed it and now I question John McCain's ability to recognize it.

The pastor John McCain selected to give the invocation at his recent rally should be defrocked for the hateful things he said. How can that man call himself a Christian? Someone should have immediately gone out there and taken the mic from his hand and told him to leave! It's one thing for some redneck to show up at a rally and spew hate, but something quite different to invite one to "Warm up the crowd.' No wonder John McCain is losing the respect of even those in his own party.

I am an independent voter, stuck between both candidates on this election. Although this may be considered an extreme view, it is not meant to be. This election has made me believe that this great nation, and the world, is in need of greater change than what is usually discussed in the mainstream media... Beyond competition and political parties. Will there ever be a day when we can put the political parties aside? Can we come to an agreement of something more-like an elected council of leaders, rather than electing one person for the position of the president of the United States? For example, McCain and Obama could on a council of several elected official to vote on issues, instead of only, often extreme candidate sitting in the white house. Instead of fight, come together. Wake-up from whatever illusions may be, to live as one, protected in peace.

John O'Keefe
Student/Musician

Explain to the Middle Class how increasing corporate tax rate will...

create even one job...........reduce job exports...........reduce rising prices
reduce healthcare costs...increase benefits.............reduce layoffs
reduce unemployment......reduce trade defecit
IMAPCT OUR FUTURE IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY
.
when the current corporate tax rate is the 2nd highest in the WORLD

Hating George Bush Is No Excuse For Government To Reduce Competitiveness
.
............................................FOR AMERICANS...........................
.

This is a question from someone who served with the U.S. M.C. to cnn and the media and to republicans with only a few weeks before election why have I not noticed any McCain fellow P.O.W . on T.V. endorsing McCain and saying what a great leader and american hero he was.

Oh Sally....give it up. Mitt Romney said that John McCain knew nothing about the economy when he was running against him and now Romneys Campaing manager is all for McCain. The primaries are over, you got John McCain and you're stuck with him.

Mr King, Obama is not a Christian even if he says he is one. It is a lie. King, I am a third party challenger in a highly contest Congressional race. The poll that came out today has us near
30% in a three man race.
I get sick, when everyone is trying to say on your program that
Obama is a Christian and he is not. My Congressman now, Lampson says he is Catholic and he is not. I am backed by Priest for Life which is mainly Catholic ministers. I am Christian not catholic and Father Frank says and I agree that if you say your are Pro Choice then there is no way you are Christian or Catholic!!!!! So I want you to
know that when Obama says he is Christian, Us Christians and Catholics will say he is not Christian in any wave shape or form!!!!!
We (Friends of John Wieder and John Wieder are going to be
televised Friday Night on prime time with the Leauge of women voters hosting the Debates for Congressional District #22 Texas.

May GOD bless all of us, U.S. Too!!!

John Wieder for Congress TXD22

(Edit)

Larry,

I am an independent voter, stuck between both candidates on this election. Although this may be considered an extreme view, it is not meant to be. This election has made me believe that this great nation, and the world, is in need of greater change than what is usually discussed in the mainstream media... Beyond competition and political parties. Will there ever be a day when we can put the political parties aside? Can we come to an agreement of something more-like an elected council of leaders, rather than electing one person for the position of the president of the United States? For example, McCain and Obama could on a council of several elected official to vote on issues, instead of only, often extreme candidates, sitting in the white house. Rather than fight, come together for now and forever. Wake-up from whatever illusions may be, to live as one, protected in peace.

John O'Keefe
Student/Musician

Lori

Do you remember the big down turn and the many people who were being laid off 1983 through approximately 1988. I was one the millions laid off, when then Pres Reagan said there was work, the unemployed did not wan to work. Sincerely, Lori, Burger King and other fast foods would not hire anyone. So, the early 90's we overcame with Pres. Clinton. I never thought I would see the USA out of the red into the black in my lifetime. Imagine my shock when Pres Clinton pulled it off. In the early 1980's under Pres. Reagan mortage interest rate where betweem 10 to 13 percent. Also, government increased in size uder Regan. Then the first Bush, took away the ability to use interest rate on the loan of new cars away from average americans. The well to do kept there multi home ownership and other tax breaks. And now, McCain wants to tax health care by giving a $5000 tax credit. That will cost most American citizens much more by putting you into a higher tax bracket. At this time, we pay for our medical benefits before tax, therby placing you into a lower tax bracket.

(Edit)

Larry,

I am an independent voter, stuck between both candidates on this election. Although this may be considered an extreme view, it is not meant to be. This election has made me believe that this great nation, and the world, is in need of greater change than what is usually discussed in the mainstream media... Beyond competition and political parties. Will there ever be a day when we can put the political parties aside? Can we come to an agreement of something more-like an elected council of leaders, rather than electing one person for the position of the president of the United States? For example, McCain and Obama could on a council of several elected official to vote on issues, instead of only, often extreme candidates, sitting in the white house. Rather than fight, come together. Wake-up from whatever illusions may be, to live as one, protected in peace.

John O'Keefe
Student/Musician

I am changing the subject but I want to know why we saw on TV the fact that Sen.Obama would not place his hand over his heart in salute to the American Flag as everyone else did during the "Pledge of Allegiance " when he is running for the office of President of America?

I think Chris Rock put it in perspective when he said "If Barack Obama loses his house he is homeless like the rest of you, but John McCain can lose at least THREE houses and still not be homeless."

Faye-
i agree the words of hate should stop, but lets not compare Obama to Jesus Christ.
Enough is being said on both sides and neither one is faultless.

The McCain/Palin ticket cannot talk about the economic conditions because they are out of touch. For eight years John McCain supported big spending, now he wants to back paddle. Unbelievable! They are incapable of caring about the middle class because we don't make enough money for them to consider our needs.

Sarah Palin needs to put the coloring book and the crayons in the drawer and go back to Alaska. She has not got a clue on what is going on and, she is in no way ready to run our wonderful country.

I think Dean Cain, a la Ronald Reagan is preping himself for a presidential bid, he just needs a touch of gray. Dean can I stay in the Lincoln room for a night?

I cant believe that Sen. McCain goes around praising President Roosevelt and President Reagan, who were both wonderful presidents, yet doesnt think about the fact that these two gentleman are probably turning over in their graves over the kind of campaign McCain is running. Sen. McCain is rude and insensitive and have lost all proper political decorum and decency.

This crisis of the economy is a direct result of the Republican mismanagment and also outdated tactics. Hey, the future is now and we need a change. In a footbal game, when coahes don't put there best players in the game the usually lose the game. I stay in a small town in Texas near Nacogdoches. Most whites in this area will not vote for Obama because he is black and not because he's the best person for the job. People here are willing to put asside the fact that if McCain's health fails him we have Palin and WE ARE IN TROUBLE with her running the nation.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MONEY THAT WAS LOST AFTER A BANK FAILURE .

HOW ARE THE ECONOMY OF IRAQ DOING, ESPECIALLY WITH THE UNITED STATES SPENDING OVER TEN BILLION DOLLARS EACH MONTH ,WHILE THEY HAVE A SURPLUS OF SEVENTY-NINE BILLION ?

As a military officer I admire John McCain's military leadership. As a voter I think he is severely lacking in judgment to lead our nation as President. His choice of Sarah Palin, a evangelical fanatical who believes in firing those that disagree with her views on religion, and brought to bear punishment on the State Police Chief because of a state trooper's divorce from her sister shows how vindicative she can be. She has no qualms in bringing down the axe on someone's career who crosses path with her puritanical rule. We do not need any more bashing by religious zealots who feel that their mission is life is to usher in the second coming of Christ.
John McCain has told many lies about Barack Obama and other candidates in order to further his agenda. Instead of letting the facts stand for themselves, McCain chooses to throw the perverbial politicl mud at anyone it will stick too. His relationship with the most recent failures and lobbyists who bribed their way to deregulation shows that John McCain has mastered the political games that Washington plays, and is an expert at it. Also his relationship with Phil Gramm and others who sold our country down the toilet years ago, at the expense of the American taxpayer while his friends reaped billions is absolutely criminal in my book and deserved judicial review.
Washington needs a revisit to 1792 France where all the members of the aristocracy and monarchy need a major hair cut on the guillotine of voter anger.

Larry,
Can you please tell the gentleman on your show tonight to stop claiming to be an independent. He is clearly a Republican and he is trying too hard to fool your viewers that knows bwtter......

WAS OBAMA BORN AS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN?? IF SO WHERE??

In the last debate, the candidates were asked about tax increases. John McCain said that he would not raise our taxes today. What does the panel feel about that comment.

I AGREE WITH SHERYL JOHN MCCAIN HAS DONE NOTHING LATELY BUT CREAT HATRED AMOUNG PEOPLE AND BROUGHT THE USA BACK 100 YEARS – HE HAS ENCOURAGED A WOMAN PALIN TO SLIDE ON THE DARK SIDE AND SPEW HIS EVIL DOING THROUGH HER MOUTH BECAUSE GODS KNOWS SHE HAS NO THOUGHTS OF HER OWN – RACISIM HATRED, STUPIDITY NONSENCE GARBAGE CRAP HAS COME FROM THIS CAMPAINE ...HE HAS AWOKEN ALL THE KKK'S AND REDNECKS – 2 MORE WEEKS IS TO LONG TO ALOW HIM TO CONTINUE THIS UGLINESS – ENOUGH ENOUGH USA GOD HELP US IF THERE ARE MORE OF THE DARK SIDE PEOPLE AND THEY ALL VOTE !!!!

Mr King!!!!!We want you to know that Obama is not a Christian. You will find many of my Black Christian Friends support Obama but the ones that take the time to find out that he is for Killing Americans before they are born, repent and say they will vote for one of the
real Christian Contenders.

We (Friends of John Wieder and John Wieder) are going to be
televised Friday Night on prime time with the Leauge of women voters hosting the Debates for Congressional District #22 Texas.

May GOD bless all of us, U.S. Too!!!

John Wieder for Congress TXD22

I've a question for Ms. Crow (and for everyone else remotely connected to the arts): in a campaign-season dominated by economic and military concerns, don't you think it's important to think of the future of the ARTS in this country? Which candidate is more likely to encourage contemporary poetry, theater, visual art, and (in general) resurrect a high culture which has been sacrificed upon the alter of capital?

i agree with you sheryl that John mccain is really out of youch and desperate to try anything or say anything to win. I love your music

(Edit)

Larry,

I am an independent voter, stuck between both candidates on this election. Although this may be considered an extreme view, it is not meant to be. This election has made me believe that this great nation, and the world, is in need of greater change... Something greater than what is usually discussed in the mainstream media... Beyond human competition and political parties. Will there ever be a day when we can put the political parties aside? Can we come to an agreement of something more-like an elected council of leaders, rather than electing one person as our "leader"? For example, McCain and Obama could be on a council of several elected officials to vote on issues, instead of only one, often extreme candidate, in power. In my mind, a foundation of government of this sort seems like it would be much more well rounded, and much more fair for everyone. Rather than fight, come together. Wake-up from whatever illusions we may be living in, to live as one, protected in peace. Am I just dreaming, or do you think we may ever live to see the day?

John O'Keefe
Student/Musician
Scottsdale, AZ
(Note: Edit as needed for use.)

I wanna thank you Larry for what you do and how u conduct yourself in a totally professional and polite way.

I think Crow is doing a wonderful job in articulating why Obama is the person for the Presidential job. She, like Obama, gives specifics.

Cain, on the other hand, dances around the issues, because he (like the Republicans), have no answers – only attacks.

Obama is winning in the polls because he is the best choice.

Well put Cheryl...."She doesn't seem to know what she doesn't know" in regards to Sarah Palin. I say "stick to "Sex Education" Sarah, you're ONLY 95% WRONG there."

Larry,
I'm excited to see O' bama elected, he has a very good chance to make his strategies and policies work. On taxes, hey there's two things promise in life your gonna die and your gonna pay taxes end of story. The thing that worries me Larry is how this money is being spent, I mean $10 million a month in Ira, thats a lot mortgages, that's a lot food off Americans, and just to poke fun at the republicans, thats a lot of money we can use to drill baby drill even though O'bama will drill but also use other natural resources such as: solar and biodeisel. And as far as race, GET OVER IT!!!! 40 years after MLK and we're still racist, what a shame.

We have to get out of Iraq or our country will go BANKRUPT. With this 700 BILLION Bailout we cannot afford to keep spending 1.5 BILLION a week in Iraq. We owe almost 40 TRILLION in UNFUNDED and FUNDED LIABILITIES. We have to stop the stupid war in Iraq, focus on Afghanistan, pull out of countries that can fend for themselves, dismantle the MISSILE DEFENSE SHIELD and one of the JSF or F-35 Programs. We will have to cut our military spending back, and save only the best and most viable programs. We must throw out every over priced private contractor and put a military service personnel or civilian personnel in a decent pay grade. We have to shore up Border Security but get rid of all programs and entitlements that benefit a few instead of the country as a whole. That is how America is going to survive.

My hat is off to Sheryl Crow for her insights. I am not bamboozled by the Republican Mantra that the "free market" will fix everything. We have heard this bedtime story so many times that many folks continue to believe the story rather than the reality of what is all around us. When the miners of yesterday went into the mine shaft, they took a canary in a little cage with them. When the canary died, the miner knew the air was dangerous. Well folks, look around, there are a lot of canaries out in America choking in our toxic economic environment. I don't trust the Republican Free Market to fix our country. I think that Americans deserve a real change for the better.

MS Crow,
Missouri is an important swing state and is very divided! We need help in st. louis county! Are you willing to come home and help the cause!

I was wondering why some American people can not see an African American as President. But can watch them in most major sport events, even wear there names on there jerseys, and cheer for them. But not cheer for them as a Presidential Canindate?