McCain has a number of mobility issues that stem from his time as a POW. It's sad and hard to watch (for me anyway). I don't know that he appears "frail" but he certainly doesn't look like a sturdy candidate for president. Obama OTOH appears both athletic and loose-limbed. I can't imagine that McCain really wants to do a town hall with Obama strolling around while he lurches awkwardly and waves his arms only up to the elbow. (That sounds harsh but I'm sure his team considers the physical appearance disparity between the two and would hesitate to put McCain in a situation where he'd be at such a disadvantage).

As for Obama's camp going after smears, it's both the appearance of toughness and the actual response that matters. By making the smears themselves the story, Obama can move out in front of these issues instead of waiting to respond. In addition, by moving so fast, he is able to frame the story for a 24-hour news cycle. So far, a number of cable news stations have made Obama's response to attack ads the story over the actual smears themselves. It's taken as a given that the smears are false.

This strategy undoubtedly stems from Senator Kerry's bitter experience as a candidate trying to remain above the fray. He moved far too late and was hurt. Obama OTOH has shown remarkable dexterity in organizing responses that will get maximum airplay and eventually drown out the smears. It also doesn't hurt that everyone who watches the news will know in rapid fashion which groups are disseminating the smears and their ties to the GOP. It's generally known that smears tend to tamp down voter participation rather than turn people off of a candidate. By tying the GOP to these groups right away, the Obama team gets to embroil McCain and other Republicans in the mess they, frankly, allow and from which they benefit. Bush got a major boost from these groups and still managed to look like a good guy.

Only someone who doesn't get what has happened in the last 7+ years in this country would state that Obama had a bad week. Really? Are you following events in the news?

Obama has nailed McCain (and Bush BTW) on a daily basis for everything from the economy, to gas prices to the Iraq debacle. And in case you didn't notice, he's ahead of McCain in polls. Then there's the McCain Town Hall fiasco. Funny stuff and Fox News looked like morons.

If you have an interest in reversing course from the Bush policies, you should be satisfied with Obama. He's hitting McCain and Bush hard. It doesn't hurt, of course, that the news from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq is terrible and that gas prices may hit $5 per gallon before the year ends. So tell us Cheryl, how does this hurt Obama? After all, he's on the right side of these issues. McCain is NOT.

What should Olbermann do then? He clearly can't stand Hillary and there's nothing sexist about it. He just dislikes her. Is that OK or is that not allowed in the Democratic party anymore?

As for Olbermann, he does what he does. Don't like it? Don't watch. Sometimes his ranting is too much for me but not often. The Bush admin and McCain just give too many golden opportunities to pass up.

I know I'm just stating the obvious but there's a good reason for Clinton and her supporters to keep banging the drum about sexism. They hope to divert attention from the various missteps and blunders that really hurt her campaign. No, blame it on the bad sexist men on cable news.

It should also be clear why Couric is highlighting sexism as well. I'm sure she thinks that's why her stint as sole anchor is failing. I've always loved Katie but after one viewing of her show I just couldn't give my time away like that. She's just bad at the job but that won't be the reason after her contract ends. It'll be sexism.

I watched when Olbermann made his infamous remark about taking Hillary into a room and basically beating her. Please explain how that is sexist? Men do this all the time...to each other!

The comment is venomous NOT sexist. Olbermann's comment had nothing to do with gender, did it? Everything to do with dislike. Gender-neutral hating. See the difference or will you just post another link to the SAME clip we've all heard and seen before?

Now, if you want to talk sexism (and racism), see the Fox News reference to Michelle Obama (possible First Lady) as Obama's Baby Mama. That's a clear put-down only made to women. Sexist.

Yet another speech that makes me hope all the more that Obama becomes president. Not exactly a surprise here but that's how I feel. It was personal, spiritual and full of praise for higher ideals to guide one's life. When I look at Obama, I see a person who has tried to live his life by those values and I am heartened that our nation could have a leader who wishes to hold himself to those high standards.

The only way to break the cycle of poverty and incarceration is education. As a teacher I can tell you that the national rate of high school graduation in 4 yrs is approximately 50%. In cities like Philadelphia, where I teach, the rate for black males is far lower. A disgrace.Obama very correctly (and eloquently) posits the engine of transformative change in education. It was for him and his wife and has been for many Americans.

Men have a choice too: Birth control. If you don't want a baby, ensure that you (and your partner) can't get pregnant. Get a vasectomy, use condoms 100% of the time. Just don't complain afterwards that you weren't consulted. You were and you passed on the obligation to take care of yourself.