Clinton, Obama Field Questions at the Compassion Forum

Hillary loves guns and bible. Bill loves interns and cigars!!! These two millionairs are sympathizing for poor rural America…Give me a break!

It’s pretty ironic that Obama is out there again downplaying Wright and saying his words have been distorted and yet we have the eulogy he just gave and Wright starts by paying homage to Rev. Farrakhan and other dignitaries and then says:
“White supremacy is the law of the land, from pre-school through law school.”
He also slams the founding fathers “who planted slavery and white supremacy in the DNA of this republic.” And he caps it by calling Thomas Jefferson “a pedophile.”
And this is how Wright honors a friend at a funeral? By condemning America, its founders, and its white supremacist orientation? Obama didn’t know Wright spoke this way consistently, even though he sat in the pews for more than 20 years and calls Wright “his spiritual mentor”?? This is the kind of hate Wright preaches even when he knows America is watching him closely and it’s affecting Obama’s candidacy. Is Obama that out-of-touch or is he just flat-out lying on Wright?

I enjoyed watching the forum and believe Clinton spoke from her heart and I like how she talked about her faith in God. When questioned she answered in a manner I could relate to. I liked the policies she talked about and they were very promising.
I kept wondering why the audience clapped after something Obama would say. It was out of line. Sen Obama never talked about his faith with deep personal meaning. Unfortunately, I had the impression it was another stump speech.
I hope and pray the religious community noticed the difference too.

It was shocking to hear that Obama rhetoric…

MM, my observations as well. Clinton spoke from the heart, Obama from his talking points.

Senator Clinton is at her best when she sticks to the things she believes in, rather than what polls well. She wouldn’t be in this mess if her advisors had let her be a normal person (or instructed her to do so). Unfortunately for her, it seems that whenever she gives a glimpse of herself that she feels a pathologic need to try to be ‘tough’ the next moment.

Hillary sounded like a blithering idiot. Did you notic that the people stood and cheered when Obama came out. They sat and politly clapped when Hillary came out – that sums it up for me. Additionally the clapped longer and stood longer. They clapped after when he was talking about Re wright. I guess you guys missed that one too. read the tea leaves folks. Hillary is donw – People don’t like a constant, habitual liar.

Clinton spoke from the heart and Obama spoke from a political pulpit.

re: oldgaman -
a, “compassion forum” could be the magnifying glass, the ear to the wall, the means we’ve been seeking for understanding the candidates.
Earlier, as in months ago, BO made much of his faith, but when his pastor became politically embarassing, nothing else has come from him on the subject (on a personal level).
HC doesn’t need money, I see her as flawed, but truly doubt she’s motivated by profit.
How a person sees the world and the universe, how ethics and leadership come into their philosophy, how they see change in themselves and the world around them, what they see as the source; these are key.

to: No More Obama Votes
I can tell you’ve never been to Black Liberation Theology Church before. Before the BLT bashing starts (Dr. Martin Luther King was a preacher of BLT). Rev Wright, the person you describe has a hate-monger, Serve has a Marine, Went back to military as part of Medical Unit, who served his country after that by becoming one of the doctor who attended to President Lyndon B Johnson when he became ill. Obviously Rev Wright is a hate-monger but then again they accused Dr. King of being a Communist.

I am awake and I am for Obama. Sometimes I am drunk and spew things favoring Hillary. Huge mistake! I apologize for that in advance. I am for Obama.
========================================
Hillary, the Witch of the West!
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MIguy
Insulting someone for disagreeing with you on who to support is not becoming.

I’ll say it one more time religion and politics don’t mix.To many diffeent faiths in this country.As long as a person belives and goes to church that is all that matters.No one trys to push religion onto you.
Many of youin here should try church ,you have hate so bad it isn’t funny anymore ………Your remarks are sicken

MIGuy
So calling someone, fake WCM is not condescending. Mine your words that was very condescending to West Coast Messenger.

h…..
this was a [compassion]forum, not religious. The issues do overlap, but separate are: denomination, prophets, various names of god, even nationality and hopefully, political party.
you probably have thought out some good stuff, but take more time writing it out so people can understand your point better.

The only way to settle this is for West Coast Manager to reveal his of herself.

@MM:
Not really necessary methinks. For the past month, including today and tonight on the blogs, WCM has been pretty fervently pro-Clinton.
Whether I agree with WCM or not, taking over someone’s nickname as a joke or out of pettiness doesn’t play well. But then again, I guess some people need to have some fun…

People ARE bitter and angry. I think Obama gets punished every time he speaks the truth. Guns and faith are important to certain sections of the population, and when they have lost everything else, they turn to what they have.. I really don’t understand what this whole uproar is about. The media, especially CNN and Fox News, is stoking this current “controversy”. We must be terribly ignorant, or immature as a nation, if we cannot differentiate between reality, and the lies spoken by the likes of Bush, Cheney, and the Clintons. Look at what is happening to our country. People are losing jobs, homes, and are fighting the rising cost of gas and food, health care and essential items. The war in Iraq, which should never have taken place, seems to be going on for ever and ever. Bitterness exists, not only in the small towns but also in the big cities, and if we don’t change things now, I am afraid our nation will end up in chaos. Obama has been touring the small towns and is keeping a finger on the pulse of those people.
Clinton is the one who does not understand the true state of our country. She is desperate and is using GOP tactics in attacking Barack. We need to question her loyalty to the Democratic party. Ever since she lost Super Tuesday, she has shown her true nature. I used to be very supportive of the Clintons. But she lost my vote a long time ago. She is the one who should apologize to the people in the small towns, for her support of the war, NAFTA, and for her lies about her foreign endeavors!

Hillary is the Better Candidate and would make the best Nominee for the Democrats.
Obama seems fake even on something he says he beleives in.
Of course Obama will come back tomorrow, Putting someone down to make himself look better,Casting blame for something upon someone to take the eyes off him.
Maybe some day Obama will grow up and be a responsible Adult.

Tonight I think Clinton made a MUCH bigger gaffe than Obama’s “bitter” comment: She insulted Al Gore! Is she trying to push him into endorsing Obama the same way she pushed Ted Kennedy into Obama’s camp (after implying that Ted’s brother, John, had nothing to do with the passage of the civil rights laws)?

John Lai
A) This fabrication you speak of is not a fabrication at all. The context of what he was saying would clearly showing that of Republican values. If you read the whole passage and not cherry pick it is hard to call it condescending nor inflammatory
B) Hillary told the Bosnia Tall Tale In January, February, and two times in March. She lied, no one misspeaks about sniper fire that many times.
1) That may be true. but that survey was filled almost over decade ago, during the Clinton Administrations. Things have change since then.
2)Obama doesn’t take money from Federal Lobbyist or PACS. Hillary even defended special interest in a Daily Kos Forum in August.
3) Obama has raised more money from small donors then any other candidate. Billionaires will not help because of the max $2,500 limit. Why Hillary funds are tapped out.
4)That False Ad turned out to be true. White House documents confirmed no one knew her opposition, and she was actively Lobbying for it.
5)Kenedy endorsed Obama, and I don’t think a white person sleeping with a black person is a typical thing you do in Southern Segregationist States.
6) Rev Wright’s church is alot like other black churches in Chicago. See my earlier comments on Rev Wrights character, and then visit any inner City Chicago South side Baptist black Church. You’ll surprise how not racist they are.
7) This is also wrong. Out of thousand of votes in the Illinois State Legislature, and The votes in Senate. I count two fault votes. Hint Hint he has more Legislature experience then Hillary.

As a devout Christian, Hillary Clinton never connected to any of the questions asked. She was informed it would be personal, not political and she then went to town with her regular rhetoric. For the people who see Obama as “just words” and a “liar”, it just goes to show how disconnected we are as human beings. Obama was personal and answered most questions directly. He put himself out there and I expect him to do the same as President because I am willing to take the risk to trust him. Trust a Clinton? I think not!!!!

Senator Clinton’s comments were thoughtful and compassionate. Senator Obama just trying to make it through with more political rhetric and nonsense. Senator Obama lacks sincerity and compassion. He does not answer questions in any direct manner. I believe Senator Obama is just another politician who will say or do anything to misguide the voters to get elected.

Yikes, where are the reasonable, smart people??? I can’t believe how nasty the anti Obama crowd is. What a bunch of insecure, cynical nitwits we have on this board, posting more lies and cynicism… Those people would have never voted for Obama anyway. The people who can think for themselves and can see brighter days ahead “get” Obama’s message. The rest of you want more of the same. It’s ashame you can’t see clearly thru your veil of hostility and negativism! GO OBAMA!!!

No More Obama Votes
Let’s put this in perspective. I doubt you’ve met Rev Wright, or been to his Church. You’ll calling a person racist on loop a footage. You past Judgement on a person you’ve never even met. Yes there are racism in churches. Sunday contains the most segregated hour of the day. I learn from a Jesuit that Church is not just it’s leader, it’s everybody, it’s a group gathering to serve God. You’ve erroneous gloss over his service to the country yet he is anti-American. You gloss over what his Church has done for the community – yet you say he preaches hate. I am appalled at your lack of empathy. You can’t place yourself in someones else’s time frame. That is why you speak so erroneously about Rev Wright. Don’t be surprised that older black people may hold racist sentiments towards whites, oppression does that. Any preacher of Black Liberation Theology is a preacher of agape. Anything else is a distortion.

Why do people care what a candidate’s pastor says? I don’t care. Who cares? It’s just something to “cling” to for folks who are jonesing for a promised handout from Hillary.

The biggest reason to vote for Obama is that he can be trusted. Other reasons are his ability to organize a 250 million dollar organization, his campaign, is better than either opponent and to inspire the country because he has a vision for this country in the future that neither of his opponents possess. He has the ability to gain support from religious leaders from the pro-life movement, Doug Kmeic and the pro-choice movement. He will be able to lead the country towards peace in this area of public life.He is uniquely capable of finding common ground with diverse viewpoints.
He has never demeaned his opponent whether he was leading or behind in the campaign. He is the most talented presidential candidate in a half century. It would be tragic were he to lose to a disingenuous, mendacious opponent who is dominated by lobbyists and special interest groups.

Second that Ron M

I don’t know what channel some of you were watching but it was pretty clear from the audience at Messiah College that Sen Obama’s thoughtful eloquent answers were very well received
Sen Clinton used a compassion forum to continue her baseless attacks on Sen Obama.
People who have been devasted by this economy are not turning to their faith to watch Hillary Clinton morph into Jimmy Swaggart or Annie Oakley
Unfortunately the woman doesn’t have a drop of authenticity in her body

And talk about condescending: I am from Pennsylvania and when I saw Hillary on tv today taking a shots of whiskey and bragging about her love of guns, I was very insulted. I thought that was really demeaning and undermining of smalltown folks from PA. Does she think that everyone in these small towns are that provincial and simple minded that the only way to connect with them is by going to the local bar and take shots of whiskey? Is this something she typically does to gel with people? Not to mention, this is the first time I have seen her pull this act during this campaign cause I certainly didn’t see her pulling this stunt in Rhode Island or California, states where small towns exist as well. And so it leads me to believe that this is what Hillary thinks folks from PA are about, a bunch of whiskey swigging, gun-totting, small-minded people and I find that insulting, demeaning and downright offensive.

It is true religion is not necessary in the presidency. But it is important to know ones religion to know there value systems. One of the first things Atheist had to form was a values system. I am not railing against Atheist, but Atheist took alot of their values from other religions and melded them to their viewpoints. Similarly the basis of values differ from Christianity, to Judaism, to Islam and the other religions. So when taking into acount religion Christianity for instance, Jesus calls for us to be servants and act agapicly, (Did I invent that word, I hope so – root: agape). By this standard Hillary is not up to snuff. She hasn’t serve are country like she claims. Walmart, Lobbyist, she was only a Senator for 6 years people. Obama has been there. His resume is pack with things that don’t pay well but are spiritually awarding. Yes atheist can be spiritual. Everybody on this blog should leave go to bed and wake up in morning, call in sick, and work at soup kitchen, the Salvation Army and serve this country and fight the poor.

Ron – Name one single original policy idea from the mouth of your so-smart-looking-down-on-you-bitter-voters hypocrit? What Obama said has not been thought out by others?
wait, he is selling Hope, only he looks down poor people as hopeless bitter losers who can only cling on guns and religion.
Guess that is his original idea.

boneheaded
Take a history class. Study the 1960s, 1970s. Learn something and stop being boneheaded. Show some empathy. If you don’t know it look it up. Obama speech is called to end racism in America. Get Real. Stop talking about it, and start acting in getting rid of racism. The best way is to get educated and educate others.

@ MM
Saying African Americans have a right to hate whites is like saying all women have the right to hate men. BTW, Don’t be surprised if women beat the crap out of all the misogynists that have oppressed them for thousands of years by voting for Hillary.

Will somebody please put this lying witch and all of her STUPID supporters out of their misery. America should hold a major celebration on the day she’s finally kicked into the street where she belongs.

NEVERVOTEOBAMA
Actually, Zip, Nada. I should be paid. I was following this champaign since the beginning. Yes over a year ago. I know everything that went down. Obama inspired me to leave the country. I went to Argentina to study for a summer. I learned so much a bout the world. I understand what he is talking about. Reality Check the world doesn’t Hate us, there just extremely disappointed. That why understand the need for Obama. Too many no show politicians show up for votes and leave us in the dirt when push comes to shove. I fee if I don’t at least do a little with the time I have I will explode. This is an opportunity to put someone in power that didn’t get rich off exploitation, or from heritage. But someone who is committed to us and got lucky. I liked Hillary before August. But you are welcome to your opinion.

MM – sorry, but cannot help. evry time I get caught I become boneheaded. Learned how to be hypocrit from the true practitioner BHO.
It is Obama who skillfully framed evry one who criticized him as being racist. At the same time, he is being mentored by the hatemonger for 20 years, untill he was caught.

Obama is the USA Hitler
As many people who he manipulated with their minds, brainwashed, is astounding.
His campaign follows Hitlers almost to exact.
His youth run around like broken records defending him no matter how wrong he is.
His friends are a who who’s in coruption and destruction. Rezko, Ayers, Wright to name a few radicals and his close friends.
His arrogance, egotistical and elitest attitude.
He plays and thrives on peoples problems and weaknesses.
Playing other governments in political games.
His lies and lies on friends and family, he even threw his own grandmother under a train. How low can you go?
He lied to the black people in Selma.
He promised the gays marriage and benefits rights.
He promised the Blacks restitution for slavery.
He promised non-profits government funding. even though they do not pay any taxes. He has it all wrote up and ready to go. maybe his church wanted that or the hospital his wife works at. sure seems odd.
He is a constitutional lawyer who wants to re do the government.
Yes America Be very afraid
Vote No for Obama

“@ MM
Saying African Americans have a right to hate whites is like saying all women have the right to hate men. BTW, Don’t be surprised if women beat the crap out of all the misogynists that have oppressed them for thousands of years by voting for Hillary.”
Republican Playbook pg 66 line 51 take words out of context and exploit.
Mine you I never said being racist was acceptable. I merely told you to have empathy and to place oneself in another shoes. Oppression leads to Anger, although righteous, this can lead to negative stereotyping and then racist. Understand where he is coming from. Racism is evil and if you read my comments earlier you know how to fight it. Now I know something about you, your a bigot. Look it up. Research it. Nothing I said excuses racism, but you recite it like it’s your creed of honor.
Forgive me for stating facts. Alot of older black men do have racist sentiments. I know I grew up in the black community. This is because they were oppress. Most blacks aren’t racist to Jews, because they know what oppression was and were actively helping us when we were oppress. So don’t give me this Racist BS. You’ve problaly never met a damn Racist in your life. Don’t you know that racist act on their beliefs. They don’t just say it they act it out. Rev Wright hasn’t acted out against White and you are demeaning me and most other black pastors, and reverend to defend your candidate.
I have to stop. I just been insulted and will leave this blog to accumulate my thoughts. so I don’t lash out. Because sin is only achieved with actions.

I can’t say that I found all of the questions asked at the forum to have been completely relevant, specifically in regards to the “does God want you to be president” question. I do find it interesting that Clinton got the chance to field a wider range of questions, while Obama had to continually defend/explain himself over the “bitter” comment, as well as the whole deal with Rev Wright. Perhaps he would have faced the “does God want you to be president” question as well, if he’d not had to spend so much time covering ground he’s dealt with any number of times before this.

MM – Obama had been a community organizer for more than 20 years, so he claimed and whatever it means. I guess has has not a lot of records to show since the poor Chicagoans are still hopeless, so you said. I can only conclude Obama has only words and no actions. For those actions, he has no results. he is just an empty soul.

Let us not forget that when Bill Clinton was running his campaign back in the 90′s he made a statement referring to “these economically insecure white folks…” i’d surely like to know how Hillary felt about that remark.

Let us not resort to non-issues. Talking about a candidate’s appearance and basing that person’s message on their looks is foolhardy, not to mention a cheapshot. I am sure you can come up with a more cerebral issue to point out.

C’mon now The Champ Liar is Obama
His lies on Rezko would take up one page.
Then there is Ayers
Then Wright
Then His famly
Who lies on their own family?
Who lies on all their friends?
His Lobbyist
Just the ones one his friends and family are more dispiciple then the mind can imagine. No morals, no Scruples No Christian values in that man!!!!!

Sonia, are you suggesting that if a crowd is comprised of adults who are mildly responsive, it is synonymous to being dignified, polite and respectful meanwhile, the young crowd and/or Obama supporters are hysterics? Not only are you generalizing people, you are also being short-sighted.

I appreciate the CNN program tonight,but I am disappointed in the questions that were asked by roll-call. The questions to Sen. Clinton were faithbased and the one asked to Sen. Obama were worded to stimulate campaign related answers. Where was parity in this forum? Who selected the public inquirers and were the questions submitted beforehand? Senator was much more forthcoming in faith-based questions than was Obama. He tied everything back to his campaign. I did not think this was going to be a campaign opportuntiy for either candidate. This was disappotinting that both did not have the same questions. Whomever was responsible for this programing needs to rethink the standards for this type of programming.

Then what about Hillary’s embellished stories about Bosnia, Ireland etc. what does that say about her campaign? Can you equate nicotine addiction to lying?

Compassionate, abiding-by-her-faith Hillary? It’s so hard to stop laughing and type! Shot-at-by-snipers-in-Bosnia Hillary? I’m against NAFTA always was but my campaign chief works for Colombia to pass another sweetheart trade deal – for CEOs Hillary, is that the good Christian Hillary? The Hillary whose husband said “The reason (George H. W. Bush’s tactic) works so well now is that you have all these economically insecure white people who are scared to death,” [Bill] Clinton was quoted saying by the Los Angeles Times in September 1991 – but I’m gonna use those same words by Obama today to divide people more and support McCain who’s better than Obama – that Hillary? Oh, they gotta love her in her church!

I think it would of been nice to see Michell on the compession forum. Where is she now?

Obama was compassionate and truthful…Hillary on the campaign trail once again saying anything to get elected at any cost necessary.
And yes, Americans are BITTER! They’VE been promised THIS and THAT by the Bushs and Clintons long enough! Americans are facing foreclosures, poor educational options, energy crisis, lack of good paying jobs despite higher degrees, and too much partisan politics. It’s time to make a change for someone willing to change the system for the better while representing the American people – NOT THEMSELVES!
Obama ’08

Obama directly answered all the questions and even got the crowd to cheer and clap when defending Wright.
Pundits are trying to make issues out of things people clearly either dont care about or in fact defend Obama over.
Fox went out digging for angry Pennsylvanians and only found people saying “yes, we are bitter!”
check out bittervoters.org for proof.

so you think obama does not lie or embellish his credentials? lay of the koolaide girl. obama LIED that he was a law professor-when in fact he was an hourly paid instructor big difference in academia.
lied about his chruch’s connection to Farrakhan.
lied that he was fluent in indonesian.
plagiarized-and presented speeches as his own.
i could go on and on and on.
but i am just one of those typical poor, bitter, gun toting, uneducated, small town hick’s who has to go to bed so i won’t be late for work. adios for tonight.

Lani, GA – I don’t know where to start… I watch CNN and C-SPAN all the time on three TVs and DVR on all three to try to keep abreast of the campaigns, but I still do not see any parity with the democratic candidates. C-SPAN is great for their coverage of Congress and the Senate, but their coverage of candidates seems to be biased, same for CNN. I believe these cable networks need to take a hard look at their anchors and maybe rotate them to another area of responsibility and replace them with un-biased reporters. Historically, newscasters are supposed to report the news, not make it. Maybe we all need to speak up with a loud voice. I do not care who you support in this race, but coverage needs to have parity on both sides.

More forrums like this one would give voters a pretty good idea on who they are voting for. I think we should hear from religious scholars as well as professors in economics and social studies and just plain folks of different ages and socio-economic background. Let the candidates answer our questions directly No media Filtrage.
this means No much money for the media well than the forum should be at the cost of a reasonable speech time. At least your station will be recognized as an honest people involed network.
and you guys can rotate too. the object isto let people make their decision based on fact not fiction.
Go!!! ABC

A MESSAGE TO ALL PENNSYLVANIAN WOMEN
Hillary Clinton once said:
“Those of us who have tried to have a career, tried to have an independent life, certainly somebody like myself…you know, I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas but what I decided to do was fulfill my profession which I entered before my husband was in public life.”
Now, who’s dismissive? This is elitism in action.
See the video on The Jed Report

Obama SHOULD BE ASHAME of himself, maybe we are poor but we never cling to guns or religions we don’t feel bitter because we don’t want hate, we feel bad and then good, we feel sad then laughter
but this is what life is all about even the rich feel same way, so please don’t make us feel like your feelings.

Hillary a true Christian? Not that I, who has been following over the years, know of.
For nine Christmas seasons before Bill’s election as president, Hillary, Bill, and Chelsea together had attended Renaissance Weekends with the families of other prominent Americans. Scientists, journalists, educators, business executives, and political figures were afforded a chance at these gatherings to participate in off-the-record panel discussions and workshops that focused as much on individual empowerment and public service as policy. In contrast to Washington political discussions, the Renaissance meetings tended to include a spiritual or religious dimension, from mainstream Protestantism to New Age.
Of all the New Age thinkers whom the Clintons had gotten to know from these weekends, few had intrigued Hillary (and millions of other Americans) more than Texas-born Marianne Williamson. Like many New Age authors and circuit-riders, Williamson’s résumé was a mix of the serious (infusing politics with spiritual principles), the celebritized (presiding over Elizabeth Taylor’s eighth wedding), and the silly (promoting a version of solitaire with a fifty-card “miracle deck”). She was five years younger than Hillary, and her “underlying message,” according to one reviewer, “encourag[ed] women to seek and find God via the love inside themselves and to reinforce their sense of self-esteem.”
In December 1994, when Hillary seemed near the point of emotional collapse, her failed health care mission and alleged ethical lapses having led to the election of the Newt Gingrich Republican majority in Congress, with Bill deeply depressed and dysfunctional and their political future imperiled, Hillary reached out to Williamson. New Age thought borrowed heavily from traditional theology, especially its message of going deep within and finding personal strength in adversity. No one had preached this message more effectively, or profitably, than Williamson, who took the initiative to suggest that Hillary and Bill consider getting together with her and a group of people far removed from the political establishment to discuss alternative ways of looking at the next two years of the presidency, and the difficulties of the previous two. Hillary was receptive, and the weekend of December 30 and 31 was set aside at Camp David. Williamson, with Hillary’s approval, picked the other participants, including Anthony (Tony) Robbins, the motivational infomercial king and author of Awaken the Giant Within, and Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and its successor best-sellers. The titles were suggestive both of the participants’ approach and Hillary’s sense of what might have been missing in their first two years.
Since Don Jones’s counsel to Hillary during her depression at Wellesley, she had been receptive to a pep talk that advised digging down into yourself to call on your inner resources, while maintaining belief in some sort of higher power. Though she had come to see herself since the inauguration as a victim, she was not one to collapse in a heap of self-pity. Even her decision to retreat from the front lines of the administration— regarded by many acolytes and opponents alike as a kind of abdication —represented this precept of taking action.
For the Camp David weekend, Williamson had also engaged two lesser-known women on the seminar and lecture circuit whom she thought Hillary would take comfort in talking to in her current state: Mary Catherine Bateson and Jean Houston, who often worked in tandem. Bateson, the daughter of renowned anthropologists Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson, was a highly regarded cultural anthropologist, specializing in the burgeoning field of gender studies. Hillary had read and recommended to friends Bateson’s 1989 book, Composing a Life, which concerned itself with choices women in the post-feminist era could make in balancing and constructing their lives. Jean Houston, with her husband, Dr. Robert E. L. Masters, was co-director of the Foundation for Mind Research, in Pomona, New York, best known for research into psychedelic drugs, hypnosis, sexual behavior, and “humanistic psychology.” She was also founder and principal teacher of “the Mystery School,” a bicoastal seminar ($2,995 per student) of “cross-cultural, mythic and spiritual studies, dedicated to teaching history, philosophy, the New Physics, psychology, anthropology, myth and the many dimensions of human potential.” She described herself as a “scholar, philosopher and researcher in Human Capacities,” as well as a best-selling author. Her books included The Varieties of Psychedelic Experience: The Classic Guide to the Effects of LSD on the Human Psyche, written with her husband; The Passion of Isis and Osiris, which used Egyptian myth as a modern “design for the marriage of body and soul, life and death, the tangible and the hidden”; and Godseed: The Journey of Christ, in which, through “mythology, Jungian psychology, mysticism, anthropology, new science, and just plain creativity,” Houston suggested ways to “experience the Christ life.”

The part of Obama’s speech that bothered me was not when he called White working-class small-town Americans bitter, or even when he said that they cling to their guns and religion(although that was bad enough). THE PART THAT BOTHERED ME WAS WHEN HE SAID THAT WHITE WORKING-CLASS SMALL-TOWN AMERICANS DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT CHANGE FROM A 46 YEAR OLD BLACK MAN. THEY CLING TO ANTIPATHY FOR ANYONE WHO IS NOT LIKE THEM.
For Obama to say that all White Working-class small-town Americans have no sympathy for people who are not like them is really racist. We have heard too many racist comments from this man (typical white person etc…) and from those who he is closest to(US of KKK A).
How can people keep overlooking these things? I know the republicans won’t.
For the good of our nation we must all unite behind Clinton.

I have to say that what I care about is that our country gets the he** out of Iraq. I truly believe the Clinton has the ability to get us out safely and quickly. I have seen too much battle over the past few years to blindly vote for a man who has never proven himself.
Hillary gets my vote

@Sue
“The way that he gave that speech on race and talked t o Americans like they were in kindergarten.”
Sue I think Hillary will lose more of her former voters such as me when her so called supporters continue to tell such lies and nonsense about Obama. That speech was very impressive and important for our country, you don’t have to vote for Obama to see and understand that. And the last thing he did – as everyone agreed on – was talking us as if were little kids. The general and well deserved praise was that finally an American talked us as adults.
Even if you yourself think otherwise, you and others are hurting Hillary’s campaign by such silly posts that are so out of touch with the general perception of reality. All this has the opposite effect Hillary ‘supporters’ hope to have: Democrats in large majorities line up behind Obama. The only image of the Clinton campaign you transmit is one of an out of control desperation. That doesn’t help…

Flip Flopping Hillary in 2005 said Republicans have a god complex
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/07/nyregion/07hillary.html
Flip flopping Hillary a gun control advocate now trying to obscure her record. Notice she didn’t do this during the new york primary.
http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/Hillary_Clinton_Gun_Control.htm
Hillary is an extremist when it comes to gun control for her to try and obscure her record is laughable.
Hillary wants each gun owner to have to pass a test.
She wants a nationwide database.
Hillary won’t sign on to the DC Heller case. She is against the second amendment.
Here are some of her more extremist views on gun control from 2000.
http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/05/09/hrc.guns/index.html

Berthe,
Just as you have the right think Obama’s speech was impressive I have the right to believe that it was condescending. Obama gave that speech because politically he had to. The truth about his racist spirtual leader had just come out so he gave that speech to save face. You may think that he gave a great speech but I think Obama’s speech divided the country. He is separating whites from blacks and as we know from history, that does nothing but cause problems. We need to be focusing on what we all have in common and not pointing out how some people are still racist. Obama had made it sound like all white people are racist and blacks are racist. I for one felt that as a nation we closing that chapter in our history. I feel that Obama is condoning racism by telling people blacks are racist, whites are racist, that is just how it is. How someone can follow this man after all of that amazes me.

SHAME ON HILLARY, beating people with a word. WEBSTER defines “BITTER” as resentment and frustration. Well if people are not resentful and frustrated with the present economic problems, the lack of jobs and this illegitimate war, then why is she fighting to be president. This is the same platform she stands on. When people fall on hard times and jobs are scarce, there is the tendency of some to turn to crime (ala the gun), some would also turn to religion to give them comfort. HILLARY CLINTON is playing on the intelligence of the American people out of desperation. We know what BITTER means. Mr. Obama felt that people would understand what he meant, therefore he did not break down what he was saying. Now he knows that he has to break things down for Hillary. That’s a shame, people gave her a lot of credit for at least being intelligent.

OBAMA was the one who said the smalltowners are the ones CLINGING ON TO GUNS AND RELIGION,NOT ACCEPTING IMMIGRANTS ETC ETC….not Hillary— SHAME ON HIM!(behind closed doors)
Obama is calling on these folks as being gun tooting, religious, racist hicks….. SHAME ON HIM !! Who is he to judge/critic them. He is a public servant, running for the highest office in the nation…… SHAME ON HIM!

I think it’s very telling what the senators did when they were young. Hillary was involved in helping the poor and inspiring people of all colors to get involved in their government- right out of college. Her motives, as a young person, were to dig in and help people (all people) any way she could. She has never faltered from this goodwill.
Obama, on the other hand… is all about Obama and having power, and getting what he wants.

It was painful and uncomfortable watching Obama scamble and stumble over his words. I don’t know what would have been worse- more moments of silence (why he’s thinking) or yet even more “uh…uh..” His awkward and uncoordinated hand gestures seemed like they needed much more practice. What about this guy seems trustworthy? And that’s JUST his body language… I didn’t even go into his arrogance.
NO WAY OBAMA- I’m not fooled

Way to go Obama!
Hillary and her faith?! “Living it” versus just saying it? “Wanting to know Esther?” Right. She’s a conniving liar.

Why does Obama “cling” to Wright?
I thought he wss the greatest speaking off all time? Why then does he have to frequently explain his alleged poor choices of words?

******It is truly difficult to hear Obama speak without a speech written in from of him….
why?
Because this dude is full of hate and resentment of the white folks…. yes he is part white in his birth, but I don’t think he values it as much as his BLACKNESS…. Obama is the one CLINGING —to his own bitterness to racial sterotypes and slowly but surely,…… we are staring to see his true color…. WE the public were colorblind when we applauded him to this podium….. But he and his wife can not let go of their own BITTERNESS—and we should not be insulted anymore by this couple.( AND THEIR REV.Wright)

so what do those numbers represent
I think the both struggled for the right words at times.
But i do believe that Hillary tried really hard to ,,,,look good for he voters…stumping hard for women,,,,,
when asked the question who is your favorite Biblical story was ,,she said with the jewish holiday a rabbi sent her scriptures,,, she chose Ester.
then came the questin do you believe GOD wants you to be President?? the crowd roared with laughter she laughed also and said I could be Glib..
then came her stump speech.

during Barack questioning he also struggled for the RIGHT words, because as he said there are some who twist everything he says,,,which is very true,
he went on to explain his reasoning for the so called (HILL and JOHN )bitter statement. that people in small towns FEEL THAT THEY HAVE BEEN LEFT
BEHIND THEY HEARS CANDIDATES PROMISES
BUT THEY DO OT SEE THEM FULFILLED.
AND HE IS DEAD RIGHT.. THE PROBLEM LIES IN
HILL AND JOHN DO NOT WANT IT OUT IN PUBLIC VIEWING.
He talked about his core values . How he came to GOD.
he talked about also being in the broken town after the STEEL MILLS CLOSED DOWN .
he talked about tolerant in the different religions.
helping the poor.
i believe he done a wonerfulr job.

Poor Poor Barrack Obama
He had to resort to mind manipulation of the masses, like Hitler did, to get this obama youth and followers.
He has to send his little Obama youth out to all the forums, putting down everyone one of his opponents.
He has to lie and lie and lie about his friends and family.
He has to cast blame, point fingers, twist things, mislead and tell half truths to try to make himself look better.
He Takes an Unpatriotic person, God Damning his Country and Thrashes out against those who do not like people God Damning America so he calls them Racist.
Forgives The Person God Damning the country publicly, but continues to call the rest of the country racist.
Poor Poor Obama, does not know the difference between unpatriotic and racism.
He sells out small town America for money from the rich people.
He does not know the difference between Immigrant and Illegal Immigrant.
Gets Crooks to help buy his house.
He supported infanticide.
He lied to the Black community in Selma.
His best friends are Criminals and thief’s, Radicals, mad bombers, Anti-Americans
He let the people down, he showed up for work voted present, that is saying I am here, but I do not care. He took the pay check though. A time he could of made changes, helped the people and did some changes to believe in, He choose to do nothing at all.
He changes his polices and platform for each person or group he is trying to impress.
He knows nothing about the military, and does not care to learn.
His Canadian trick was priceless, not in a good way.
For over a year, he has been telling people how bad the economy was, how bad they had it. So of course they are going to stop spending.
He threatened trade pacts.
He threatened business and industry, with taking aways their tax breaks, and charing them more. Raising the min wage, spewing affordable health care, So they are moving out of the country, In preparation of the fascist socialist state he will run.
He threatened the rich, so they are investing else where.
If Obama is elected we go into the worse depression every known to man.
That could be his plan, considering the rest. Would give him time to rewrite the government and constitution. Redistribute the power, and redistributes wealth.
Nothing for you to believe in with Obama.
No Hope with Obama

It was obvious to me from the mere fact that Obama chose to run for president this year, after insisting that he had no intention of doing so when running for senator from Illinois, from how quickly he changed his tune when he got a little encouragement, that he is nothing but an arrogant glory-monger. He got some attention after his DNC speech and it all went straight to his head. He really seems to believe he is somekind do saviour/saint. The only ‘vision’ he seems to have is of going down in history as the First Black President. I have not found anything he has said revolutionary or enlightening, and in fact, think he has some serious personal issues and think less of him after getting to know more about him through this campaign than when I voted for him to be my senator. I really think the man has delusions of grandeur. He IS out of touch, and I don’t find his actions to reflect any kind of deep faith. I think his membership in that church was for political convenience only, and if you haven’t noticed how he is constantly re-wording everything he says every time he gets called on something, then you obviously are just hearing what you want to hear and believing what you want to believe. That is not real faith. Obama doesn’t even stand by his own words. He doesn’t stand by anyone who is politically inconvenient to him. He is always ‘distancing himself’ from anyone that doesn’t serve his purpose. He’s is constantly twisting his own words and “renouncing , denouncing and repudiating” everyone else’s. These are the recurring themes of his campaign. The only ‘change’ I hear is his attempts to change what he meant about this and that. What is his vision that is so different from others who want a better America? What is different about him from any other politician except for his arrogant lack of experience and holier-than-thou attitudes? I find him to be one of the most hypocritical, insincere people I have ever listened to. It is disturbing to me how many people are still taken in by his persona which seems lacking in integrity in so many ways. When he decided to run, I realized immediately what that would do to this campaign, and to this country, and it has been the opposite of unifying, the opposite of bringing people together. The most hateful and divisive comments I have ever heard in a political campaign, have come from Obama and from his friends and associates, and all thise who claim to support him and his alleged unifying messsage. Obama supporters spewing so much hate is the epitome of the hypocrisy of this phenomemon. When he decided to run against Hillary, he all but handed this election to the Republicans. I thought the minute I heard of his candidacy, and anyone who didn’t see this coming shoudln’t be in politics. One of the reasons Obama is doing so well is because Republicans are voting for him, and not because they like him. Come Novenber, you will all be sorry Mr. Obama ever set foot into this campaign. His impatience, immaturity and inexperience were revealed from that one act. Slow and staedy wins the race, and Mr. Obama is but a careening hare. I see no evidence of true wisdom in any of his words, just a goody-two shoes who is used to getting whatever he wants because he is a little smarter and cleaner-cut tahn people expect a black man to be. It is a shame he couldn’t honor himself and his own people by not focusing so much on his image and personal ambition and do the issues he claims to espouse some real justice. He seems to think he is better than black people and white people, and, in fact, just about everyone, and this is a brittle state of mind for a man to exist in. He will be easily crushed by the Republicans.

Ah, you poor grasshoppers still don’t see it, but it is over.

That has nothing to do with him being a good man or a man of faith. We had two very good men and men of faith run for president in 2000 and 2004, but large segments of the electorate concluded that they did not really understand or relate to or frankly respect their ways of life and I think that has been an issue for voters.”
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AND hILLARY YOU ARE FOLLOWING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS WHEN YOU REJECT THAT SMALL TOWNS ARE FRUSTRATED AND BITTER THAT
ALL THE POLITICIANS PROMISES HAVE BEEN FRUITLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

in my county we have lost over the last 30 years 9 manufacturing company’s.
we are small town USA.
this is the listA&P
Westinghouse
Ward la France
LRC
US Steel
Bendix
—————————————
These within the last 8 years
Toshiba
Cuttler-Hammer
MCMIllan Blodell
POllyO Diary.
ask these employees if they lost health insurance good pay money enough to support their familis
and you will hear a resounding yes

Hillary with her 109 millions just don’t get it !!
But she will on April 22

And what do you think Obama is going to do with his money when he starts making the big bucks, Lauren? Give it all to you?

Maria
is that why you have convinced yourself that hill the liar and sell out our jobs to the highest bidder, will win ????Keep saying it to your self it might come true!!!NAH but good luck anyways.
By the way Hillary’s words last night about talking about the poor was
despair!! despair despairs…. here she goes maybe she does get it BUT cant admit it publicly…like when she was against NAFTA

Give Lauren a break. She is merely another Obamabot “clinging” to the myth that Obama is some kind of savior.

Hillary talked in the forum last night and answered a question what about the poor?
Her words were ..they feel,, despair hopelessness frustrated
wow she admits their are poor
now if we can just get John to admit it!!
ELITIST TAKE OF YOUR ROSE COLORED GLASSES AND SEE WHAT IT IS REALLY LIKE IN SMALL TOWN AMERICA!!!!!!
COMMUNITIES DEVESTATED!!!!!!! HER WORDS RIGHT NOW ON CNN

I have not convinced myself of anything, that is my point. I am trying to be realistic in my expectations and it seems to me that many of the people who are supporting Obama are expecting miracles and that they are going to be confused and disappointed when he cannot deliver. Despite their flaws I know Hillary (and Bill) will work much harder than Obama is even capable of to make things better. I am not expecting miracles, though, at least not from politicians. People who are, are looking in the wrong places.

If With a Bitter Mouth
If with a bitter mouth you will speak
Sweet words, the world will
Neither sweeten nor become bitterer.
And it is written in the book that we shall not fear.
And it is also written, that we also shall change,
Like the words,
In future and in past,
In the plural or in isolation.
And soon in the coming nights
We shall appear, like strolling players,
Each in the others’ dream.
And into these dreams
There shall also come strangers
We did not know together.
–Yehuda Amichai

These comments, from both sides, are amusing.
Perhaps Democrats have forgotten that there’s something after the primary?
I wonder, after fighting each other, bloodied, bruised, and heaving for breath, will they realize that they’ve got to take on John McCain?
Or do they assume McCain will let the Democratic nominee walk over him to the White House?
Actually, it might be interesting to see what the Republicans are up to.
Who is the RNC preparing to wage a campaign against?
And who are the pundits endorsing?
And these shrill cries of “IT WAS YOUR FAULT YOU DIRTY BASTARD/BITCH” only serve to remind the country that Democrats can’t win an election if it was handed to us on a silver platter.

Actually, even better is the inability of both sides to see or listen to the other side.
All Hillary or Obama supporters do is go to the candidates supporters and just slap each other on the back and go “Yeah, our candidate rocks! Screw the other person!”
That’s it, guys and gals. Validate idiots like Rush and his undemocratic, 3rd world tactics like “Operation Chaos.”
I’m voting Democrat this year, but you rabid supporters, from both sides, are making it really hard. Hey, what did Bill say?
Chill out.

Feel the need to clear a few things up: Some of you here do not know the full truth on some things. First, Obama is no longer a smoker and has not smoked for quite some time and has spoken openly about this. Secondly, the reason that Obama was last to speak at the compassion forum last night was, as they stated in the beginning, there was a coin toss and Hillary won and she chose to go first. These are minimal things but yet the truth needs to be heard.

MikeL,
Ted Kennedy didn’t endorse Obama because of something Hillary did or said. Obama ingratiated himself with Kennedy on the very first day he came to the Senate. This is something he did when he was working in state politics also. This is his MO, find the most powerful influencial person who will get him what he wants. Remember Rezco? Didn’t matter that he was a crook, he needed his favor. Rev Wright? This helped to make him black enough for the black voters. Notice how the other candidates went to Memphis on the anniversary of MLK’s death? Not Obama, he has turned his back on the black voters more than once. He doesn’t need to court their support, most follow blindly. For those who continue to support Obama don’t be surprised when he turns his back on you once he gets what he wants.

Hillary Clinton received an ovation at the beginning (just like him), got lots of applause throughout her segment (unlike him), and was fluent in her delivery(unlike him). Why then did they have her sit and wait for him to enter? When Nora moderated their last debate, she was clearly in support of Sen. Obama and that bias showed again last night.

Hillary lies! I’d like to know one time she has “taken” her “faith” and “put it to work.” Certainly not Christian faith. She pretends and lies so well, she actually believes her own lies. Someone needs to explain what the Bible says. It is only Truth, but she doesn’t know Truth. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light. No man comes to God but by Me.” She does not know Truth.

Obama doesn’t deserve his US Senate seat — let alone the White House.
His whole career is based on divisive lies, and back stabbing people, with an incredible capacity for being absolutely uninspiring.
It took Barack Obama more than a year to repudiate his former pastor’s radical, racially-charged anti-American tirades, but when it came to denouncing Don Imus for his racial slurs against the Rutgers girls basketball team, it took Obama only a day to demand the shock jock be fired.
How about Obama’s relationship with another racist Reverend? This one is Rev. Meeks. Check him out!
If Obama thinks this about “working class people”, then what does he think about a man who was born in a manger, who had no formal education, was basically homeless and wondered around speaking to strangers?
NO OBAMA! We don’t need a president who looks down on us — we need a president who stands up for us.
HILLARY 2008!

no disrespect intended, but from neither one of these candidates did I receive any hint of a truly personal spiritual encounter with the God of the Universe. The lack of such a comment indicates more to me than any comment someone could make.
By the way, Mr. Obama did NOT explain “how he came to God,” when asked, but instead responded with “how he came to find a suitable church.” HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Mrs. Clinton simply said “she had always been that way.”
Again, each shows an appalling lack of biblical understanding. I’m not surprised by this, simply pointing out the incredibly obvious.

I agree with Helen B ; Obama reminds me of the antichrist, how else could a man who represents hate for America ( which is in essence all of ‘us’ black, white, hispanic, native american ..how else could this man mesmerize and hypnotize so many into ‘believing in him.
His message is no message , it is empty,yet people hear what they want to hear, just as those who listened to Hitler heard but did not hear.
Jai

I’m a Canadian and watched the forum Sunday night on CNN, and having no say in the outcome of this election my opinion will hold no sway with voters.
However after watching HRC and Obama answer some very thoughtful questions if became glaringly obvious that Obama was head and shoulders above Senator Clinton.
Senator Clinton seemed to be convenient follower of her faith on the program while Obama showed that it his faith is what grounds him, and I think that is obvious when the debate on ABC aired Senator Clinton seemed to have lost her faith while Senator Obama very obviously still had his.
At a time when America desperately needs a leader with leadership, honesty, integrity, and the obvious ability to bring together a nation, Senator Obama is the obvious choice.
As a Canadian I would love to see that man as your President, what a breath of fresh air.
Hope springs erternal,
God bless America

This was an enlightening discussion in more ways than one. For Hillary, it underscored how out of touch she is with herself. She gave long-winded answers that made absolutely no sense. It seemed as if she was trying to figure out what to say as she was saying it. Her answers lacked logic, focus and direction. She seemed extremely uncomfortable. She didn’t answer the questions she was asked, instead going on and on, like a filibuster, trying to eat up show time so she wouldn’t be faced with another question she couldn’t answer. CNN actually went to commercial break during one of her answers without any announcement. She looked like a talking head trying to get back to stories of other people and her policy talking points where she was more comfortable and could sound convincing. There was no applause after her answers. She was uninspired and uninspiring.
Conversely, just looking at the body language of Barak in the chair on the stage showed you a completely different person. He was sitting forward and engaged in the discussion. He actually answered the questions he was asked with concise, thoughtful, insightful, compassionate, logical reasoning. Questions came one right after the other. He seemed sincere, genuine, respectful, kind and connected to his heart. The audience was listening and responding. There was applause after each answer he gave and a standing ovation at the end.
Having a forum that was outside the typical political debate was refreshing. It allowed us to see the real person underneath the façade of Presidential candidate.
If I had to choose on this discussion alone, Hillary would not be someone I would vote for President. I don’t look at the words people say, because words alone aren’t impressive. Anyone can memorize policy talking points and sound authoritative. I look at a person’s actions and judge their intentions. Lying or exaggerating about Bosnia; trying to spin Barak’s “bitter” words and keep the discussion going in the media every day the week before the election are actions of a person who is willing to manipulate a situation for their own gain. That is a person who lacks integrity. Those who have voted and are going to vote for Barak recognize this crucial difference and are trying to help move this country forward.