Oh my gosh. I never thought NEWS could send me into a depression! Laugh. And I’m serious. Life long democrat, mom said great things about President Carter when I was growing up and at 18 I registered as a democrat. Now, I keep driving myself crazy and turning to Bill O’Reilly and Hannity & Colmes, WHY?! It’s making me crazy and sad and highly highly, like, Katrina had me crying—but I actually turned the channel. I can’t on this and I’m trying to not go back to Fox News. Bill Maher is depressing me because HE points out the obvious problems and he’s telling the truth. I liked the Clintons, probably because my Mom voted for Bill (me too). Now, she semi-threatened me (jokingly) when I said I would vote for Hillary. Actually, she went on a tirade and I agreed to listen to Obama and, now I’m depressed cause, geez, does he have to be so elegant, the sound of his voice, this man is a gem and I bet Europe would put a crown on his head. Over here, we’re connecting him to a possible American terrorist? Oh man, Oh God, I’m feeling really scared, cause, OK, this country won’t vote him in—and, I’ll say it, get ready for President McCain, and, if for some reason God or this government is playing some joke and Obama wins….Christ, what do we do to people who try to help the poor and those suffering? Look up American history. At any country’s history, hey, Jesus was nailed to the cross. Make a list, King, Malcolm, Kennedy’s, I’ll even add in John Lennon cause it was over here and an American guy shot him (Lennon WAS making comments on human and civil rights, who knows if HE wanted to help? “Give peace a chance…”) I’ll vote for Obama, and, now my stomaches turning again. For him to want this pressure on his shoulders when he knows! Decency is driving him and I want to say —this is American, save yourself! Yeah, and I’m volunteering nightly risking my neck—but I’m not running for the Presidency of the USA! Hillary, is it a power trip, and, I LIKE HER. McCain? See, I can’t take it. I wish I was seven again, and, my Mom’s shoulders held the burdens and worries and fears.

Ms. Sussman, it amazes me how lies and half truths are bandied about for the sake of “winning”. Let us choose to be fair. What is atrocious about Obama’s backstory? That he graduated from Harvard and chose to be a community activist rather than a 6 or 7 figure corporate lawyer. He has taught at the University of Chicago. He knows the Constitution. And don’t you think if he was more seriously connected to Rezko we would know it by now. His pastor is much more to his church and community than a 20 second sound bite looped in the 24 hour news cycle. Obama has returned campain money from questionable sources and frankly, he does not need it. So he and Hillary did not agree on a vote. She obviously did not agree with Bill about NAFTA. She did not come up arguments that were good enough to change Bill’s mind. And Hillary has her own issues with her own people and lobbyists. None of these candidates are perfect; they are human. HILLARY IS VERY CAPABLE AND SO IS BARACK OBAMA! We have two great candidates to choose from for a change. It is just not the cake walk that some people thought it would be for their candidate. Obama and Clinton have made their mistakes and are likely to make a few more before this over. Be happy that there are 2 qualified people from which to choose. It is possible support our individual candidates and to be fair. We can be that good. It is a recently adopted choice that makes me feel better and less stressed as this process proceeds. Finally, for Wanda B.’s comment that Obama is intelligent with no experience…the same could have been said about the founding fathers. They did not do too badly or is that jury still out?

I visited this site because I watched Charlie Rose. I was intrigued by Lesley Stahl’s question, “Will Obama prove them wrong?” I hope so. After months of oscillating between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, I have chosen to support Obama. Although, I am a white Southerner close to 60, I do not feel that I have selected Obama because (to borrow a snippet from his speech) I am trying to “purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap.” I am inspired by him and have bought into his Audacity of Hope. I do feel that his international and interracial experiences give him both a perspective and capacity to relate to both sides of the racial divide. His speech on “A more perfect union” helped to solidify my decision. In regard to Reverend Jeremiah Wright often repeated sound bites, I do not feel that I know the full story about those disturbing quotes. I do not know what was said before and after or in what context that he made those statements. I do now that those statements were not made by Barack Obama. He has clearly stated that he does not agree with them. I applauded his statement that he could not disown Reverend Wright any more than he could disown his grandmother. I have friends and family that I love and respect but frequently disagree about fundamental issues. This issue reminded me of two quotes by Edward R. Morrow. “If none of us ever read a book that was “dangerous,” had a friend who was “different,” or joined an organization that advocated “change,” we would all be just the kind of people Joe McCarthy wants.” He described his friend Professor Harold Laski as “a civilized individual who did not insist upon agreement with his political principles as a pre-condition for conversation or friendship” I detest the politics of personal destruction and do not want to vilify Clinton or McCain. Both have made significant contributions to our county and dedicated their lives to public service. I can understand why they might be your candidate of choice. Obama is mine.

Thank you, thank you, Wanda Bowen, Bella Mia, and Simmy Sussman. I am appalled by Obama’s lack of experience and his apparent tendency to be easily led. I really feel that he may be being backed by corporate entities that will do anything to keep Hillary Clinton out of the White House, e. g. military contractors, pharmaceutical companies, and health insurors, to name a few. Hillary knows what to do and has a good handle on how to get it done. And she is tough—I think, very tough. And it will take someone tough to stand up to the forces that want to keep moving the USA in the direction it has been going. Speaking ability? I learned a long time ago never, ever to put any stock in what a person says. It’s what a person does that counts. And I like what Hillary has done and has tried to do. Her strength has been forged in hard experiences that would have destroyed anyone who is not very, very strong. I think we really need her. It is terrifying how easily people are seduced by smooth oratory and a pretty face and slick advertising. We need someone strong who will not be fooled by skilled, experienced manipulators. We need Hillary Clinton. Anne M., Georgia

the qustion is -can and african american win in this country—god i hope so -we have our weakness which we indulge -but when push comes to shove i hope we can do what was done in to kill a mockingbird and find a way to over come our backwardness-go publicly for the man who who will represent the “better angels” of our nature—if anyone can overcome this bigotry i think obama can -he speaks to our needs -i hope people listen and do not go by pejiduce but by our need as a country and a world to work together

I believe Senator Obama will be our next President. The Campaign really starts when both Parties have a Candidate. That will be Senator Obama for the Democrats. I lived in Chicago all my life until moving to AZ 16-1/2 years ago, and was very aware then of Obama’s Community Organizing success. I also think People should read his complete and cosmopolitan biography. His judgment in publically expressing his belief that we should not invade Iraq shows his judgment. Senator Clinton is a wonderful Candidate but there is so much hate out there about her, I don’t think she can win Independents like Senator Obama can, as well as the New Registered Voters for the Democratic party. He is a dynamic, brilliant leader who will work to bring people and countries together. He is our Best Hope for a Better World. By the way, I’m a retired Financial Professional, White and Protestant. I worked for Senator McCain in 2000 and I am very aware of his voting and other positions. As Pat Buchanan said on NBC’s Today show “McCain makes Cheney look like Gandhi”. I will not vote for anyone who will not hornor Women’s CHOICE. Nor will I vote for anyone who wants to continue WAR in Iraq. -from Arizona.

I am a voter from Ohio. I did not vote for Obama. I studied all the candidates , I did not vote because a candidate was black or white, male or female. I voted for the candidate I felt would be the best President. I really resent people saying that Hillary won Ohio because we must be racist!

Barack Obama can win the general election IF and when the under thirty folks vote. This generation has grown up being able to communicate world-wide and has formed a complicated inner map of the world, unlike many of the older generation. (This includes me—fifty-something Mom, teacher and community volunteer who has been listening to high school and college-aged kids.) Senator Obama speaks clearly of the complications of issues. Treating issues as either “on” or “off” or Rep. or Dem. or conservative or liberal is an OLD way of thinking and not very productive. Sen. Obama speaks to his audiences as adults who can understand shades of grey and purple and does not depend on “sound-bites” to explain his policies and view of the world. I think we need a mind and a point of view like his. He has my vote on April 22.

Within my own family there are disagreements on the relative merits of Senator Obama versus Senator Clinton. The older members favor Senator Clinton because there is a comfort factor - they know more about her and have some confidence about her priorities if elected. The younger members of my family support Senator Obama. In their eyes, Senator Obama represents more than change- he represents true transformation- a complete departure from the ordinariness of current politics. They truly believe he can hit the home run that would fundamentally change race relations in this country and infuse meaning to the words ” all men are created equal”. They also believe that America cannot be in denial of destiny. Our demographics show one third of our population is non-white and growing. Yet, there is a pervasive notion that whites are on top and every one else is somewhere below. This is despite the mounting evidence that excellence is sprouting up through out the population independent of gender, skin color or ethnicity. I find myself torn between the comfort provided by Senator Clinton- I like her. I believe she can hit the short balls and make real progress. I also believe Senator Obama has an incredible opportunity to make us a better country. The question is not Clinton vs Obama. The question is about us. Do we have the courage to go for the home run and make good on our destiny or are we going to play it safe and go for modest gains in the near term. This is the difficulty.

I have to agree with “DorothyS”. Personally, I’m a white female - closing in on 35. I was raised in a predominantly white neighborhood just outside NYC. I’ve lived in Sweden and currently reside in Washington State - outside Seattle. I’m also a republican. However, my vote is most likely going to Sen. Obama. I like the lack of experience. That may seem odd but, I am tired of “old” politics. I’m not speaking of age. I’m tired of the game and although it is apparently part of the election process, Sen. Obama seems to repel the game and when forced to plays it with dignity. He comes across, to me, as an intelligent and articulate man with a passion for a positive change. I love my country and I am proud of her. However, even I have to admit that over the past few years there are moments I’m not too proud of and I voted for Bush. I think Sen. Obama is what this country needs. It’s the change I’m willing to back with a vote.

We don’t need change. We need a experienced candidate to solve the problems we are in now. Change we had in Europe in 1933. People are in a frenzy abouth the situation we are in. Don’t follow the crowd. Otherwise the wrong person will win. I hope its not to late already.

I am a white retired greatgrandmother. I have seen people of many races, socio-economic levels, and different genders treated with respect and at other times treated with discrimination. It makes me sad to hear so much discussion about race. But perhaps it is a good thing. Obama’s race — mixed heritage — has been a determining factor in who he is today. For me, he qualifies as a intelligent experienced leader suited for the presidency. Hopefully people, such as the producer, who view themselves as being treated with discrimination will realize that most of the time people are really doing the best they can in that given circumstance. For the other times — times of hatred and real discrimination — I pray they will find inner strength, poise, and the ability to walk away with head held high. There are many of us of all races/colors who grieve with you at the ignorance of a few.

I like the way you think Suzanne. The world is watching VERY closely the outcome of this election. They see that America has had either a Clinton or a Bush in the White House for some odd 28 years. And in the past few years, they see that Bill and George the first have been partnered together and seen traveling the world together. This worries us - even if it is apparently for charity. The undertone of these alliances is that it doesn’t matter who wins, or even what party wins, because there are higher echelons with unfathomable amounts of money and power beyond the government who control what goes on anyway. This is going to come down to, once again, the discretion of a FEW which leaves everything wide open to dissension. This decision will fall into the hands of a few Super-delegates, which in my mind, is not unlike a few judges in Florida who decided Gore was NOT going to be President, much to the world’s chagrin. The world smells a rat….I am not a conspiracy theorist, however, I am watching with interest the fact that the Democratic party in Florida and Minnesota, suddenly forgot the rules????? I suspect there are a couple extra aces in the deck that a few people will be able to pull out at the last minute to influence the outcome. If something doesn’t feel right you all need to start looking outside the box. I digress… is America ready to put a woman in the White House when they can’t even pass a bill to give women equal rights? I think it was swept under the rug in 1981-2? The other point I wanted your opinion on, and most importantly, Obama is an outstanding presidential candidate regardless of experience! There are so many experts guide him along, just like if Hillary or John get in. That shouldn’t be a worry. America could use an inspirational leader for awhile. Obama IS going to be great because he will actually SIT DOWN with countries like Iran, and bonus, I believe he can actually FIND Iran on a map too-Hallelujah. Most of all, the world needs hope. We need hope that whoever gets in will write out the damage that Wolfewitz(sp) did when he convinced Bush 1 (please confirm this) that it was OK for America to strike PRE-EMPTIVELY within the borders of countries to protect American “interests” abroad. This is what scares the world! The world waits and hopes that this ideology goes away….because without hope all there is is time….and other four years of world-wide worry. However, if racism is indeed alive and well in America is the fact that he is so hypnotic enough? I guess we can only hope and pray. We (outside America) are worried that the Democrats have set themselves up for disappointment by dividing the party in creating the race versus woman scenario. The party needs to get it together and fast or McCain can book the U-haul and start packing! The only way I see out of this is to walk, crawl, swim, hitchhike to the polls so that regardless of the outcome, the Super delegates can see who got the popular vote and MUST follow the popular will of all the citizens. As apparent leaders of the free world its time America started showing the world that its not OK to cheat in democratic elections. Sigh.