Gee whiz, Bryan Rivera, I’m sorry you didn’t think our questions were suitable. Perhaps you should have taken the time to submit one of yours in the first place instead of being so rude to those of us who did. I asked Mr. Brokaw what I wanted to know, if there were times he wished he could consult with the late Mr. Russert. He was kind enough to answer and I appreciate this because we share something in common: Missing Tim Russert’s take on the world. I don’t know why some of you are being so harsh. If you don’t approve of Mr. Brokaw that is certainly your right but why expose your negativity so blatantly? I’m sure you could find other more productive means of expressing your creativity.

From countrywoman: Are there things the moderator is NOT permitted to ask? Tom Brokaw: Not that I know. Well, maybe this: “If one train leaves Philadelphia for Boston traveling 60 mph and another train leaves Boston travling 75 mph headed for Philadelphia, where do they meet?” Or this one: “What are the birthdays of your children?” :: Oh, I am laughing at this one! I always HATED those kinds of word problems. What a delightful answer to Countrywoman’s question.

While I agree this was Senator McCain’s best performance, the fact remains Senator Obama was able to defend/explain his thoughts and plans without breaking a sweat. The most impressive thing to me regarding Senator Obama is for the past twenty months (it feels longer than that to me, how about you all?) he has kept a consistency of temperament which has not wavered. This is one cool, calm and collected man. I think we have nothing to fear about that 3:00 a.m. call should it come. He is gifted with an extraordinarily intelligent, quick mind and when he said at the end he would work tirelessly for us, I found that more than just campaign rhetoric. This is a person who can keep his emotions in check, no matter what is thrown at him. He is willing to listen to advisers and learn and grow and I think he is blessed with impressive energy, both mental and physical.

Barbara, if you look back, I was the one who pointed out that the picture was photoshopped and yes, I think that is deplorable use of an underaged child.

Thank you, Countrywoman, I always read what you post, too. I think we’re fellow Northwesterners. I am going to look at the site you posted and educate myself. And the pic is of my Tibetan Terrier, Remy. He is the light of my life and a very cheeky monkey.

Actually, you know darn well that you or someone else on this site would certainly be critisizing her. You people have attacked her over and over again for anything and everything. Yes, you have the right to an opinion, but no right to critisize. If you were offended by the use of the word Moron, I’m sorry, but I call a SPADE a SPADE. By Irish Eyes NY on 10/14/2008 8:37 pm :: I do not know what anyone else on this site would do or not do, but I DO know what I do and would do. I do feel I am entitled to my opinion as well as to criticize if I think something is worthy of criticizing. I did not attack Ms. Palin. I said I hated to see the kids being drug all over the place if for no other reason than they are exposed to all sorts of illnesses around big crowds and that is not good for babies or pregnant ladies. They belong at home with a stable environment, not listening to speeches with people in the crowds yelling ugly such as “Kill him” or booing their mommy at a hockey game. Many aspects of politics are not suitable for children to be exposed to. I AM offended by a total stranger calling me a moron. Who are you to criticize ME if I am not allowed to criticize? You are perfectly entitled to think I’m wrong but not to call me names.

I do beg your pardon, Diane, I am not a moron and I don’t appreciate you calling me that. I have done nothing to you, I have not attacked you in any way, I have merely stated my opinion. And for you information, I would prefer her small kids be at home with family - Governor Palin’s parents live there - rather than being on the road with her. I would not criticize her in the least for leaving them with someone suitable at home. Again, you need to watch whom you call a moron. It is most inappropriate and rude.

You know, I hate how she carts those kids around as if they were props for a stage act. They should be in school and not going from one venue to another. Especially that little baby.

Actually, I think that pic is photoshopped because here is the original: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/large_photo.php?id=175

Belinda, you put into words what I’ve been thinking. Awesome job. The pecking order has been reconfigured and people will just have to get used to it. The American Dream is such that if an individual works hard, he/she can achieve great things. Obama is the epitome of the American Story and if that upsets people, they will have to search inside themselves to come up with the answer as to why this is such a problem. The American Dream is for ALL of us, no matter how we look or what are ethnic background is composed of.

Jennifer, even if you had the absolute best insurance, 20% of $300,000 is a huge chunk out of any savings. I understand and I worry for you and all of us. And, yes, what about those of us who don’t have children, we just sort of get swept aside.

Excellent question, Bonnie. I’d like an answer to that one, too.

Snadbee, that is one beautiful cat you’re holding in your picture. He looks huge or you are just itty bitty. I know what you are saying. McCain’s $5,000 doesn’t come near covering my medical situation. Not even close. I will be sending you good thoughts that your home sells and you can find a suitable place to live soon.

I would agree with Mr. Gibson as well as PBS’ Mark Shields on that matter. I am not sure if they are both afraid of stating the truth that we will be facing difficult times for fear of turning voters off or if they are unsure how to proceed. But yes, I think the answers do not reflect the current status well enough.

C O, it’s M L here again needing clarification. You posted regarding Mrs. Obama: Well if it takes her husband to run for President of the United States to be a really proud American that still makes me wonder how she felt before then, disappointed, ashamed? :: Yes, disappointed that it has taken this long for the racial issue to come this far that an African American could make a serious run for the presidency of a country in which this demographic population lives/pays taxes AND has fought and died to protect our freedom, lest we forget. I doubt it had much to do with that African American being her husband but more to do with how long it has taken equality to present itself. Y: So what a 1/2 black man is running for President of the United States…I never once thought about Obama being a black man running for President until the press started making such a big deal about it…I still dont care what color his skin is…I care how he will change my life and lives of my family and friends…and keeping us safe. :: C O, it is very easy for you not to care about the color of a person, but not so easy for people of color because there is never a moment when they have that luxury. Their skin colors are perceived from the second anyone casts eyes upon them and unfortunately, judgements are made that are often not kind or fair. Skin color may not be an issue for white people but I assure you, it is for those of color. Being of mixed ancestry, I know what I am speaking of because while I take after my Scottish mother’s DNA almost exclusively, the DNA roll of the dice was different for my sibling and we could be treated entirely differently in each other’s company in public. Again, I am not saying your attitude is cavalier or heartless or unkind in the least, I’m just pointing out a reality of life in America for people of color that perhaps you might not have taken into consideration. I put out for your consideration the fact Senator Obama and his wife as parents have as much invested in safety as you do as a parent. They want this country safe and sound for their daughters as much as you do, no doubt. Y: There is a part of me that likes how laid back Obama is but that also scares me when it comes to our Safety…There are parts of McCain’s personalty I dont like either, he is hot tempered but sometimes you have to be a hot head to get your point across…You can’t just sit back and be… :: C O, it takes far more strength and dedication and passion to one’s cause to remain level headed and collected than it does to fly off the handle. To curtail one’s emotional responses under fire is the very definition of grace and power. When everyone else is losing it, the person remaining calm is the one who accomplishes the most. For example, look at Emergency Room doctors. They never allow themselves to be emotional until after the crisis is met. This is a sign of great intelligence and personal power. I am always amazed that someone could perceive calmness and control as a sign of weakness when it takes far more fortitude not to be a hothead. Just some thoughts for you to consider on this day.