Yeah, Obama's small piece of sound bite does come of sounding condescending. Of course, I grew up in Philly and we all know how strikingly different the thinking is, particularly and increasingly, in rural Pennsylvania. It doesn't sound flattering or pretty.

OTOH, the great irony here is, of course, that Obama told it like it is. That's right, he nailed it. You often find an insular type of thinking throughout many places in the US (and everywhere else) where people's concerns go totally unmet. Just lipservice. Personally, I thought Obama's comments were accurate, nuanced, empathetic and honest. I know, I know. He's a politician. Why in the world does he think he needs to speak the truth?

Yea, just keep siding with Bush. Perhaps McCain thinks no one will notice or care that he has just screwed people who put their lives on the line for a war he supports! Somehow I don't think so.

All sarcasm aside, we know that education is one of the greatest transformative agents in our society. Given that educational levels correlate to long-term economic stability and ability to "rise", so to speak, the McCain/Bush rejection of the GI Bill is unforgivable. Totally unforgivable.

Wouldn't you also be bitter if you had a reduced-wage job with no prospect of advancement and little opportunity for better elsewhere? Our economy has left these folks behind and the Republican AND Democratic party response has been one giant yawn. Now, as we close in on recession, lots of people are equally scared. Perhap not bitter yet, but lose that home and see if bitter doesn't come close to describing the mind frame.

I know me and my middle-class friends are already bitter about the price of gas the cost of food hikes. I'm bitter about my family using perhaps a few hundred dollars of medical services each year and yet watching as my premiums rise regardless of health status or usage of the system.

Frankly, McCain has got his work cut out for him to sway independents if the economy remains on course for the next several months. People are hurting and McCain hasn't a clue hoe to help them. Both Clinton and Obama have the advantage because they at least have been speaking to the very problems that are on everyone's mind, including independents and most Republicans.

Clinton is. That's the real kicker. The ersatz outrage against Obama pointing to the Clinton admin's poor legacy on trade. The fact that the record was even worse than Obama stated. The hesitance to release documents related to her tenure as First Lady or years of tax returns. The patently, demonstrably false Bosnia claim. The, again, alleged outrage at a close advisor selling her campaign out..and then he's only demoted?!! Come again Hillary?!

The only caveat is that her husband and her close advisors have sent Hillary Clinton on this trajectory and they will have to shoulder the blame when she loses the nomination.

McCain has no idea what the problem is and less of an idea of how to fix it. The only bad part is that the slugfest going down in Philly tonight between the Dems will eclipse any major fumbles by McCain. I'm staggered by the free passes McCain is getting lately. This primary should end just so we can turn some of that harsh glare on him. These are golden opportunities here people and McCain is fumbling badly.

You wrote:

"The Clinton Enigma

As seasoned as Hillary should be, the bald faced lying is a mystery. She should know better. An occasional bout of hyperbole is one thing but these lies are disturbing and are a big problem."

__________________________________________________________

I agree. It's amazing that she has allowed herself to be caught out this way. The bottom line is that it undermines her image as a leader. Her husband Bill's equally discordant ruminations on her fatigue levels and advanced age also undermine her. Can't she see that?

This debate was worthless. It wasn't even a debate. I'm appalled. I've emailed ABC News and I encourage all others to do the same. Let them know what you think of the "work" of their two anchors. They owe me an apology.

I see you at least got that the moderators were gunning for Obama. Now how that occurred in previous debates I'd love to know. I watched them and I saw each candidate given real questions, albeit in boring formats. At least they were substantitve. The other debates were debates over issues, topics. Current events. It took almost an HOUR for Gibson/Steph to get to Iraq. Come again?!! Didn't we just have hearings on Capitol Hill for goodness sake!

Frankly, I find the fact that Obama has to field questions about Wright and Ayers disgraceful. Why does he have to speak for others instead of himself? Is one black guy responsible for what every black guy he has ever been acquainted with has ever said or done? Why was Ayers even a subject of debate?

Lapel pins? Cythera, you must live under a rock if this is what you think voters want to know about and hear discussed.

OTOH, given that Clinton appears on the verge of really, really losing on Tuesday (as opposed to just plain losing), I can see why you'd like the attention to be on anything other than substantive issues. Far better to question Obama about what someone else did 40 years ago. Yes, that's an important topic for Americans.

I take it that you've got a prescription, right? It explains a lot.