YOUR COMMENTS

Jason - you're not picking up on the 'TWENTY YEARS IN THE CONGREGATION' thing. Every Sunday, week after week, year after year. Nice try, but the two situations are not even close.
- Tom, Campton

Its nice to see a news source that isn't afraid to raise questions about the "Messiah" Barrack Hussein Obama.

Keep shining the light on the roaches guys and watch them scurry and make excuses.
- JP, Warner

How refreshing to read an editorial with a conservative slant! My liberal friends, there's no need to wring your hands! Just move to California, and you'll be in good company. It amazes me that the liberal posters here are frothing at the mouth because someone dares question the Almighty Obama. You want change? Well, if you vote for Obama, you'll get it, all right. A senator with no foreign policy experience to speak of? As long as it's anyone but a Republican, huh? Buckle your seatbelts, kids; it's going to be a wild ride if Obama is elected come November.
- Wendy, Danville, CA

Nice to see a journalist who remains unafraid of the truth. There are too many flip flops and just plain silly notions in Obama's head.
The truth matters! Voters need to do their own investigation of the candidates. Articles like this help point the way. The Chicago papers are a good source for the truth about Obama and his shady connections and I see the Boston Globe has finally started to shed some light on Obama's connections to the slum lords in his district in Illinois.
Pay attention voters- Obama is NOT who you think he is- get the facts.
And for the record- Hope and Change are not policy positions and buzz words and mantras are not a reason to vote for somebody.
- Melissa Whitener, Conneaut Lake PA

This editorial is entirely based on logical falicies (state a claim, then defend it by attacking character). Unfortunately, that is not a legitimate or respectable way to state a claim. As a journalist, I'd be embarrassed to put my name on this article.
- Lisa Riley, Lincoln

Joe, The Loebs are gone! So is Nixon and Regan. Sell your slaves and plantations and we will welocme you into the 21st Century. Your arcane philosophy is Not In Tune With New Hampshire. Give It UP!
- John, Franklin

An editorial, which this is clearly identified as, is by definition "a newspaper or magazine article that gives the opinions of the editors or publishers."
Good thing some of you folks were not around during the William Loeb, B.J. McQuaid era!!!
- Jack, Candia

I used to write for the UL, but even I can't defend this pathetic and disgusting attack. The blatant disregard for journalism from a major newspaper repulsed me.

Nobody cares about Joe McQuaid's opinion. Front page? Give me a break. And look at McCain, who in all honesty, has flip-flopped in his career more than 90% of politicians.
- Ryan, Derry, NH

Hey Jason in Londonderry, do you know why the Bush Administration chose not to meet with the Iranians in 2003. Go look it up. Go look at the list of demands they had. I would have thumbed my nose at them as well. You want to blame any one person in this country for Iran, put the blame squarely on Jimmy Carter, who thought it'd be a wonderful idea to oust the Shah and allow the "peace loving" Khomeini to come home to his people, and look where THAT has gotten us....and people are already calling Obama "Carter II." I wonder where THAT will get us? Hopefully after 4 years of this guy, it will get us "Reagan II" and people will finally figure out that radical liberals like Obama do more harm than good. Why is it that bad news for America always translates into good news for the Democrat party, no matter who's in charge....hmmmm.......
- Mike, Temple

Tom, you mean similar to what McCain did with regards to seeking out Hagee's support and then denouncing it as soon as it became politically damaging?
- Jason, Londonderry

"Obama denounced Wright from the start but refused to abandon him until he was abandoned. At that point, Wright was on his own, as he should have been."

Obama stuck with Wright for TWENTY YEARS, through all of the hatred, bigotry, racism and race-baiting, and only split from Wright (I believe Obama is not being sincere, and only did this for political expediency) when Wright told us what we already knew about Obama: Obama is a politician, he does what politicians do, and would someday renounce Wright when Wright became a political liability. In this sense, Wright is a prophet.
- Tom, Campton

What sort of newspaper writer needs to bold his words to get his point across?

Pathetic.
- Steve, Manchester

This lifelong Democrat "ain't buying" this unity cr@pola. Obama made his bed, and now he wants Hillary to sleep in it with him. As for Hillary, I am extremely disappointed in her for accepting the job of promoting someone that she knows is not right for America, and Obama's race has nothing to do with it. On the other hand, John McCain needs to rethink some of his positions because they are not good for America either. I would vote for Hillary if she magically manages to become the Democratic nominee for president in August, but if it's a choice between McCain or Obama, it's McCain for me. Let's see how unity works when McCain becomes president, and Obama and his merry band of thugs lose. At that point in time, America will get a good idea of how the word unity is just one of the many "words" from Obama's long list of "words for pandering and obfuscation". And to my fellow Democrats I ask, "what they hell are you thinking? You never like to win".
Good grief!
- Joe in Florida, Hudson, FL

Bryan in Nashua, I am an independent who has never voted a straight ticket. I am by no means a partisan, I dislike both parties.

There has been one time in my life when I put a campaign poster on my yard and that was for McCain in 2000. I was a huge fan, but he has significantly shifted his stance on many issues, from drilling in ANWR to being pro-choice. I understand why he has done it but it doesn't make it any less disappointing.

Obama denounced Wright from the start but refused to abandon him until he was abandoned. At that point, Wright was on his own, as he should have been.

Obama's decision not to attend mosques or use his middle name is simply the intelligent option as it would open the floodgates for papers like this to slam him as an "Islamofascist" sympathizer.

His position to speak with our enemies is logical as we lack the military manpower or international goodwill to employ any other tactic. Remember, the Iranians approached us in 2003 to discuss abandoning their nuclear program. It was Bush's decision to ignore them and look where that has gotten us.
- Jason, Londonderry

Brian H., "Commaner KooKoo Bananas"

What the huh??? Is he the Secretary General of the UN?
Or maybe the Govenor of Barry O's 57th state.
Much too comical,Brian H.
- Mike P., Manchester

Instead of a candidate for change, how 'bout one for the honest truth - including the parts we don't want to hear - like we can't all share in what others have worked hard for? Like universal healthcare - and the dark fact that unless you have your own coverage in addition to the universal plan, you may die before you get the treatment you need.
- R, Raymond

To compare Obama's repeated history of flip-flopping by the hour (coupled with his record of abstaining from votes) to McCain's change of heart on the drilling issue is fallacious. A person who says anything to anybody just to win them over, then changes his story time after time after time depending on who he is talking to is NOT the same as someone who is open-minded to changing his position on a policy matter after facts on the grounds have changed. McCain had been against drilling because his priority was environmental protection...but that was a position he developed back in the day gas cost less than two dollars a gallon. Those are not the facts on the ground anymore.
In order to become energy independent, we need to have a SHORT TERM solution, a medium term solution and a long term solution. The Democrats refuse to remedy anything short term and want to focus solely on the long term, which will ruin the economy and make many of us lose our jobs.
On an unrelated point: what is disgusting about Obama playing the race card against McCain is that McCain himself has a biracial family...for which he was attacked back in the 2000 race
- Sandra C, Iowa City, IA

Get a grip, McQuaid, Obama's the next president. Hold onto that! You know what's really interesting about Obama supporters not desperately trying to refute McQuaid's exaggerated criticisms? -- they are honest enough to acknowledge the flaws and mistakes, unlike Republicans who lie to others and themselves even after their leaders are caught redhanded, like Glenn Murphy, Mike Erickson, Bob Allen and of course Commaner Kookoo-Bananas himself. Obama is playing the game like all the politicians do, and that's what will get him elected, because let me tell you he's not a real liberal because if he were he would not win. I'm a real liberal, and Obama is not my first choice, but I'm voting for him because now he's my only choice. Vote for McCain, you vote for war with Iran. I'm voting against that.
- Brian H., Manchester

The Democratic Party is now down to Obama...he got this far because he on occasion, would pull the race card..and it worked..He is now up against McCain for the Republicans and once again, he it reverting back to same ole - same ole..finally a candidate has the guts to tell it like it is..Lt. Col. West from Florida made a very profound statement and this is what he said..I do hope Obama takes note as it says it all - read on::
l

In response to Obama’s claim that Republicans will use race to stoke fear, Lt. Col Allen West, candidate for Congress in Florida’s 22 District issued this release: (Clarice Feldman)

“My advice to Senator Obama is to run as a Man and Leader, and the American people will evaluate you as such, not as a victim. This is a Presidential race, based solely on a capacity to lead the United States of America. It is not about skin tone…however, perhaps we should come to expect these immature statements.

It also seems rather humorous that the Presidential candidate who was supposed to be such a “uniter” and transcend race is the one talking about it the most. If Senator Obama was confident in his abilities and character, he would not need to create a crutch for failure. Senator Obama has just tipped his hand, any criticism of him and his policies will be directly attributed to racism. I congratulate Senator Obama for taking race relations in America back some 30 years.” Lt. Col Allen West
- Catherine, Tyngsboro MA

How interesting that virtually none of the Obama zealots actually refute the content of the editorial.

That he is a double-speaking neophyte who abandons "friends" when they become "invonvenient" like a hooker does johns does not seem to concern the "true believers."

Such is the faith of the followers of the left's newest religion: "Obama-nation."

"He-who-reads-teleprompter-well" is an under achieving, pandering mealy-mouth moonbat who would force Jimmy Carter to relinquish the "worst President ever" mantle.

He is determined to not talk about how he feels, prefering to hide behind his race and use it as a cudgel against any criticism.

He makes John Kerry seem like a common man, Shiny Pony Edwards seem authentic and Hillary seem honest.

He is a fake, a liar and as his one time "like an uncle" minister said, "just a politician."

But what do I know? I am just thinking "like a typical white person."
- Bill Simpson, Concord, NH

McCain "bashers", remember the "04" democratic presidential candidate Massachusetts Senator John Kerry now an ardent supporter of Obama, asked Senator John McCain to consider being his vice president.

McCain refused, but my how quickly Senator McCain has gone from being on a "liberal" democratic list for vice president to McBush, McShame, etc.. Perhaps a bit of hypocrisy here?
- Jackie Dorr, Hauchuca City,AZ

Get real McQuaid. You are blinder than Fox noise. All politicians flip and flop - it's their job. And nobody flips better than John McCain! Over the next few months his honeymoon is over. The word that best describes Fox news, Limbaugh and you is Crybaby! Instead of working together as a country you make your money demonizing over half of our citizens. Keep crying about the "horrors" of the liberal media and NPR but at least they are willing to let everybody have a voice no matter what their opinion is!
- jeff, keene

Steve from Seattle?

Seattle huh?

Isn't that where the people who find California too conservative go to live? I feel for you.

Obama is further to the left than any other major candidate for the presidency in the history of this nation. That's an undisputable fact. Despite all of his camapign rhetoric taxes will go up significantly on everybody and not just the rich. Our taxes will be going up to pay for the healthcare of 12 million illegals if Obama has his way.

The only thing that can stop this is for John Mccain ad his people to get thier stuff together. So far I have not been imopressed by their camapign. Mccain needs to publicly announce that Romney is going to be his VP ASAP so Romeny and his people who are infitely smarter and more resourceful, can start calling the shots behind the scenes.
- Dana, Kingston, NH

Yes! I agree with absolutely everything in your editorial today. Senator Obama should replace his great seal with a warning label that reads: buyer beware.

Because he flips and flops, it's hard to know where he stands on the issues. We can't have a flip-flopper with no experience and senatorial voting record that includes 130 votes of 'present' as the POTUS.

I'm a Democrat who wished it was Hillary, but is prepared to vote McCain in Nov if the only other choice is Obama.
- Taylor Bath, Keene

I used to think the Union Leader was a biased paper. Now I just think it's a complete joke.

Congrats. I assure you I'll neve spend even one cent on this rag ever again.
- David Tenney, Manchester, NH

Thank you for standing up and being counted. I have to wonder about Americans who say they love OUR country, yet will fall in line behind someone who has a HISTORY of sitting in a church listening to his mentor, Uncle, spiritual advisor, spewing hate-filled sermons toward white americans, and America itself. Obama's wife has never been proud of America and believes America to be a mean country. All I can say is, what are you thinking? Obama has NO record of accomplishing anything as a Senator.....yet you believe him to be experienced? If any of you believe for one minute he will make your lives better, then you are in for a rude awakening, this is about OBAMA, not you.
- Susan Shell, Roswell, NM

To Jason in Londonderry... Great diatribe against the UL, but I noticed you did not refute one single claim the editorial made. That's a very interesting tactic, distract everyone with a rant against the paper in order to draw the fire away from Obama's flip-flopping. It's voter's like you, who so easily drink the kool-aid, that scare me. Why on earth would you vote for him given his extreme far-left/socialistic agenda? Obama opposes drilling for oil in the US and offshore, he opposes nuclear energy, hid foreign policy is scary, etc etc etc. All of you Bush-bashers hate Bush so much that you are completely blinded as to how bad a choice Obama really is. I understand the war is not going well, but to vote in a dangerous liberal just to spite Bush is really really stupid. Think about it. Please, for the love of our country as we know it, please choose carefully when it's time to vote.

What we NEED in Washington are fiscal conservatives (notice I didn't say Republican conservatives or religious conservatives). We need to strengthen the dollar, reduce our debt, and stop wasting so much money. It's time for the US Gov't to right its financial ship. Everything else is secondary.
- Bryan L, Nashua, NH

Tis' the season of the flip flop! Can't trust Obama's stand on a issue, but perhaps that means he could be persuaded to "CHANGE" his position on Iraq,knowledge is power.
68% say economy is issue they will base their vote on in November-
McCain states "I know little about the economy" well that explains why the Senate & House can get led around by the niose ring of lobbyist,
it's the lack of knowledge,stupid!
Please I would like another candidate, please!
Grace be with you all....
- KLaw, Manch-Vegas

Today's front page shows this newspaper's true colors.This corp. is not
a true Republican one.You are nothing
but a bunch of bigots who intoleranly
refuse to accept the TRUTH.
- Daniel, Derry NH

Hey Joe McQuaid: what does it say about people like you that with all Obama's weaknesses and failings the country is overwhelmingly going to vote for him over someone like you? Hurts, dudn't it?
- steve boyington, Chester

I had to read this editiorial 3 times to make sure it wasn't a joke. Is this McQuaid guy serious? His scary langauge, absurd conclusions, and hysterical fears make this a new entry in the Union-Leader Hall of Shame. When the election rolls around, and gas is $7 a gallon, it's won't be that Old Guy McCain people will be voting for. People want change and Obama will provide it, McQauid and his ilk will be forgotten in the dust of time, just like George Bush.
- PJ, Lincoln NH

Loved your article! I am in agreement with every point you made and many more you didn't even mention (too little space). Let's see: no experience and what little record there is speaks of far left, absent when a tough stand must be made and the racist, elitist rants of mnay associates. Why on earth would millions of Americans not vote for an elitist, far-left, sexist, racist, inexperienced typical politican? Must be sour grapes or racism. Yea right. The force growing everyday to NOT elect this typical politician is amazing.

Independent status never looked so good. I really love with the bots wield the "ubber right" crap at us and think we don't actually do our research or understand how govt. works. We have had Bush and his worthless policies for 8 years. Did Roe vs. Wade get overturned or threatened? Uh, no. Because there is a checks and balances system in DC. So why McCain? The ideologies of McCain and Clinton and their records (they actually have these, really.) show a bi-partisan, centrist position. And guess what the majority of Americans consider themselves? Centrist.

At least when McCain speaks, I believe what he says. Trust is bigger than fluff.
- Sunny Florida, Fort Myers FL

Obama is the Teflon Candidate.
- Peter, Stratham

thanks, Joe

about time someone in the media told on obama. he's a disaster, and everything you said is mild compared with what's coming at him soon. those nasty chicago skeletons dancing around in mr obama's closet , should they see the light of day in the major media, will be almost impossible for david axelrod and co. to spin.

Sen McCain is a leader. he's experienced, he's ready on day one. he's as bi-partisan as anyone in the Senate, and on top of that....he was honestly elected by his party. unlike the presumptive/selected nominee of the now disgraced and un-united democratic party.

Sen McCain will have this former democrat's support for POTUS. it is my little way of saying no deal to the theft and skullduggery perpetrated on unsuspecting democrats by the dem elite excuse for leadership this past primary year.
- mm b., greenfield, ma

What's very interesting about Mr. McQuaids editorial and all of his sympathizers is that they all bash Obama for what he is not going to do for our country, but fail to tell us what McCain is going to do. Maybe it's because they know deep inside that he will continue this path of destruction. I am a staunch republican and have voted along party lines for over 20 years, but there is now way that I can take a chance and vote for McCain. I got fooled for voting for "W" but will not be fooled by voting for the upside down version of Bush ("M"). I will cross my fingers with Sununu, but I am also very disappointed in him. He needs to let go of Bush's coat tail. My republican friends may disown me, but I am making the right decision. Don't be disillusioned again!!!
- Homer, manchester

>"Why do we think that all of the sudden, the refusal to listen to intelligence, to understand how the economy works, to accept global warming as a problem, to realize that most families can't send their children to college without aid will suddenly work for Americans."

Good God Chris! Obama is clueless as to how the economy works!!! His tired old socialist/marxist economic policies have destroyed every economy they have been applied to. Global warming is the biggest fraud going. It's the SUN! Everty planet in the solar system has warmed. Carbon dioxide is the result of the Sun's warming, not the cause.

It's grerat to be yound and idealistic and thinks Obama is some magic new Mr Wizard, but those of us who have been around the block a few times are saying NO THANKS! One grossly incomptetant Jimmy Cater is enough in a lifetime.
- Mike, Concord

Steve from Seattle,
This state also has an equal amount of pod people who will vote for a Rat because it has a R in it too. In fact, one could argue they already have! :)

I could describe this editorial as being uninspired and boring. Rev Wright? Muslims? Iran appeasement? To all that I say "Yawn!" We've already heard these flawed talking points quite some time ago. Here's a chance to create new talking-point-smears for the next phase and Mr McQuaid goes back to ol' unreliable. The Rev Wright smear didn't work(conservative-pastors also say crazy things too). The Muslim smear isn't sticking(He isn't and what's wrong with being a Muslim anyways?). The appeasement smear is laughable(ex. Reagan did some "appeasing" too). Where's the creativity? Where's Karl Rove when you need him?
It's Friday, I need a good laugh.
- Breyer S., Manchester, NH

Wow, y'all are nuts.
- Robert P., Chapel Hill, NC

Look at all the fuel that is being burned today.
- DFM, Salem, NH

Yes, imagine what it would be like if he were in the White House with an Islamist extremist state holding nuclear weapons. He might actually try to diplomacy or solicit the help of friendly countries (we are remember what those were like, right?).

The problem with the Bush-like republicans - which McCain is - is that it hasn't worked for the last seven and a half years. Why do we think that all of the sudden, the refusal to listen to intelligence, to understand how the economy works, to accept global warming as a problem, to realize that most families can't send their children to college without aid will suddenly work for Americans.

What The Union Leader is trying to do here is make you forget about all of that, and focus on little issues like Rev. Wright or campaign finance. Is this what keeps you up at night? Is this why you vote in the first place?

2008 should be the year that we elevate above all of that. We should vote on the issues that we, as individuals, find important. Not the issues that the media wants us to focus on.
- Chris Schnaars, Bedford, NH

I see you have some of the same pod people living there as we do in Seattle. The rain people here would vote for a dog because there is a D in it. It is funny to what extent they will make excuses for someone........reminds me of the excuses for Bill when he threw the party under the bus to save his own.
- Steve, Seattle Washington

Is Obama flip flopping, or having mood swings?

Governor Shaheen's husband, Bill, is a former judge who dealt with cocaine addicts while on the bench. Democrats threw him under the bus when he courageously raised issues surrounding Obama's cocaine confessions.

Before we hand anyone the nuclear button we have a right to know if they have been in recovery to beat the effects of one of the most addictive drugs on the planet, cocaine, when they confess to using it.

And, yes, former District Court Judge, Bill Shaheen, is absolutely right. We have a right to know if Obama sold it to support his cocaine use. It would help us understand the level of his use and potential addiction, and the type of recovery that is appropriate in his situation.

Mood swings make these questions even more relevant.
- Bob Jean, Northwood, NH

What says it all about Obama is how just about every terrorist leader and third world dictator has come out in favor of him. He's the officially endorsed candidate of the CP (Communist Party) USA. Go check out their website.

Why do all the enemies of this great country what this loser to be it's next leader? IT AIN'T GOOD!
- Mike, Concord

80% of the voters in Unity wanted some one other than The Empty Suit Obama.

Yes, 107 out of over 500 votes.

Obama is the perfect candidate for the MTV, sit com, dumbed down, electorate. Good Lord this guy could not get elected as dog catcher in most towns with his empty resume.
- Joe, Manchester

This is just down your alley. I like this guy McQuaid... lots of common sense and ver insighful
- aime boisselle, manchester, nh

Great editorial!

Yes, Obama is the candidate for change - changing his positions within days, weeks, months....

This Dem family doesn't vote for candidates indoctrinated with White supremacism or Black separatism - and throughout the primary Obama emulated the race-baiting and hate-filled teachings he learned at the feet of Rev. Wright.

And now Obama has become Lord of All and declared the Evangelicals "haven't been reading their Bibles."

Obama and Wright are WRONG for America!

Go McCain!
- zazzle, Douglas, GA

This passes as above the fold news for the UL now? Whatever happened to the "news" part of newspaper? You really have just become a propaganda piece for the Hannitys and Limbaughs of the world. I know I throw the word pathetic around a lot with your paper (and justifiably so), but this is beneath even your bottom-feeding standards.

If any other NH newspaper publishers are reading this, please expand your coverage to the entire state so we can give this paper the irrelevance it so greatly deserves.
- Jason, Londonderry

Senator Obama did not throw his grandmother "under the bus". He NEVER called her a racist. He said that he had heard her say things that made him cringe. We all have friends/relatives that have said cringe-inducing things about other people.

If you don't hear the love in his voice when he talks about his grandmother, you're not listening. Saying that he dissed her is just wrong.
- Michele, Chicago, IL

I wonder if the editors will write a similar piece about Mccain when he comes to town. After all Mccain has switched or compromised his position on many matters (torture, religous right, bush tax cuts which he voted against but now supports) because he's so desperate to be president.
- Jon, hooksett

Its people like you who always love to say "Our troops need to be there!" You'd have a different opinion if that was you or one of your own kids thousands of miles from your loved ones and home getting shot at and never knowing if you'll make it through the day. This country is going deeper and deeper into dept because of this war. Its time to stop the bleeding!
Because Obama doest run like your typical politician, he’s looked at as a threat to the typical republican (like yourself Mr. McQuaid). Change is something that you’re not use to. I see that, we all see that. Just read your paper and you’ll see it too.
- Ryan, Manchester

The 2006 Census estimate for Unity was 1715 residents, which ranked 151st among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.
Unifying that is easy. lmao!
- Tim Grant, Manchester, NH

How many appearances has Obama made in Bernie Sanders' utopia of Vermont? Or the People's Republic of Massachusetts? What about increasingly unfree Maine?
- Steve, Manch

Get a grip McQuaid, the next president of the United States is coming.

Like it or not the much celebrated Republican takeover of Washington 7 1/2 years ago yielded a world of hurt for most US citizens. More people were better off 7 1/2 years ago. Like many, I was optimistic for a smaller, leaner (I think the word was conservative) federal government. Unfortunately what we got was a larger government, dedicated to serving global companies, with no alliance to our country. The only way this current republican party in Washington was conservative was in their belief that they know how everyone ought to live their lives, socially conservatively. Although I agree with many of those beliefs I see federal government as having no business meddling in them.

Due to all of the above the Republican Party will be voted out of the presidency. Seven and a half years ago the Republican candidates took over Washington due to their party affiliation. One and a half years ago and in November many of them will leave Washington for the same reason. Like it or not McCain’s biggest liability is his affiliation, not his record.
- Peter Sorrentino, Manchester

Kathy- Most people are sheep- and if you and others read the policies Obama advocates you would see that he does not know what he is talking about and would put this country at great risk- he would raise your taxes- and bring unqualified characterisitics to a great country he wants to "change"- The ONLY change is that he changes his mind every minute- That is just scary- crazy.
- Ken Walsh, Salem NH

To all the Obama fans out there. If you wish to get a glimpse of what his presidency will be like, check out the governor of my state and the hope, change, and together we can nonsense. Total ineptness and no leadership skills whatsoever. Obama is Deval Patrick on steroids. Check it out for yourself, then see if you can continue to drink the Kool-aid.
- Kevin W., Lowell, MA

He's the candidate for change - yet if you listen closely, you hear nothing. He is the consumate politician.

Many people chose to vote against a candidate rather than for a candidate. In this election I believe people who take the time to educate themselves on the issues - all the issues, (single issue voters stay home), the 'change' will be clear. Obama represents bad changes. Obama's position on taxes is clear - raise taxes! His position on immigration and healthcare is clear - raise taxes!

Please do yourself a favor. Learn more about the candidates. I know you will see that Obama represents sweeping changes that everyone on the surface will nod their head and say 'yes, I want that', but think beyond the immediate issue. Our government does not move swiftly in any direction, and bad decisions are felt for long periods of time.

John McCain is the best choice to lead this country and in 4 years we will be in a better place. Obama will burden the American people with more taxes and obligations, poor foreign policy decisions, and it will take years to correct those errors.
- Sean, Manchester, NH

Obama probably isn't visiting any mosques is most likely strategic. Really who could blame him. If he did you would get all the hack newspapers(Union Leader included) with full front page head lines "Canoodling with the enemy"
- Tim, Northwood

How very pathetic!!, The publisher of the Union Leader, using his pull to get front page prime viewing to express his own opinions. So let me just tell you Mr. Joseph McQuaid, your words are just your thoughts put into print in a half hearted attempt to sway voters., But the Voters of this election are not sheep, like you seem to think your readers are, and just because you use your position as Publishers to print your clearly twisted views on Barack Obama, only makes you and your paper appear very small.
I'm just wondering, why couldn't your editorial have appeared like all the rest of your loyal readers do when they write a peice. Guess this is one sheep who will probably cancel her subscription.
- Kathy DePalmenary, Manchester/NH

Mr. Obama talks hope, but can not back it up with his actions. He can talk a pretty game about his "record", which was out of the limelight until about four years ago, but he is discovering things are different when the limelight shines constantly on him (namely Iraq). His economic knowledge is minimal; his foreign policy suggestions are dangerous to US interests; he has never had experience in the armed forces and he wants to be commander-in-chief. Mr. McCain has a record of hope we can believe in. Why could he have been the nominee in 2000? At least the US has a chance to do this correctly now by voting for Mr. McCain in 2008.
- Nicholl, Manchester

What is this “Change we can believe in”? Looking more closely at months of Obama’s statements, we can now understand: it is Obama continually changing his positions on fundamental issues.

In the CNN/You Tube debate, Obama said that he would meet “without precondition” the leaders of rogue states such as Iran and North Korea. The Change? Then his key foreign policy advisor Susan Rice told the New York Times that Obama never claimed he would have an unconditional meeting with Iran’s president.

Similarly, Obama has said he is the one candidate who has not changed on the Iraq War. Yet on March 28, 2003 on CNN he said he wanted to vote to give the troops enough support “to be able to win” and in July 2004, he said that failure in Iraq “would be a disaster.” He said in December 2005 in the Chicago Tribune: “Let’s bring our troops home … But whether that’s the best policy right now, I don’t feel comfortable saying it is.” Then in July 2007, he said that preventing genocide in Iraq “isn’t a good enough reason to keep U.S. forces there.” Now he is simultaneously on both sides of the issue: he wants to bring them home now, but not sacrifice the gains there. Every time Obama talks about Iraq, he seems to change because his policy for Iraq is not one of principle, but expediency.

Another example of the change we can now believe will occur. As a state senator in Illinois Obama voted to require illegal immigrants to get a license. The Change? In the November 2007 CNN debate, he was asked what his stand was on that issue and he said, “I am not proposing that that’s what we do.”

He is for the ban on all personal possession of weapons in Washington, D.C. The Change? Yesterday, he suddenly is against it. He presents himself as a religious person who, as his pastor advised, has the “Audacity of Hope.” The Change? He is famously quoted as saying in a private fundraising party in San Francisco that lesser folks than him and his millionaire donors cling to their guns and religion.

More examples. Could never disown Rev. Wright; Can disown Rev. Wright. For NAFTA; against NAFTA. Is against racism; calls his grandmother a "typical white person." Votes for the gambling industry as a state senator; changes vote on same legislation when constituents rebuked him.

The list could go on, but the implication is clear. We know what Sen. Obama will change. His opinion and as many times as it takes to be elected.
- Bill, Mont Vernon

"Inexperienced, opportunistic" sounds like George W. Bush in 2000 when he was Governor of Texas for 4 years and then we "elected" him as President, the UL's help.
- James Gardiner, manchester

I'd love to vote for him and may when its all said and done.While Obama is a most affable character , he says what he has to, to get elected tactics are confusing to a voter. I was clear on Hilary. McCain is easliy understood. While I like Obamas charisma and personality, I have no idea where he stands on issues and how he plans to heal Americas Ill's. I cannot vote another smoke and mirror president and that's what makes this all so difficult. We need change.
- Jerry, Manchester

Can the Union Leader get any more pathetic? We are a people of HOPE and you are peddling nothing but fear. Xenophobia runs rampant with you and I just have to smile and be happy that I don't live in your delusional, dark world.
- Rich Robinson, Manchester

You criticize Obama for failing to to disassociate himself from Reverend Wright and then criticize him again for finally leaving his church. You are critical of Obama for his friendship with Rev. Wright and critical again when that friendship ends because Rev. Wright basically calls Obama a liar. Maybe in your circle of friends loyalty ends when someone gives an opinion you don't agree with or you keep your loyalty when one of your friends calls you a liar on national television. Either way I would check the quality of your friends. Senator Obama is a thinking man who assesses a situation and when it changes he assesses it again. Something our current President is a miserable failure at. A person may go visit the slaughter house and comeback a vegetarian. Having the ability to analyze things and change your mind is a quality of strength and not weakness. One thing I look for in our next president is one who is constantly thinking about issues and understands that things can change instead of leading by pure stubbornness. You want to talk about flip flopping. Why are we currently at War? Is it to Take Saddam out? Nope, he's already gone. Is it to find Weapons of Mass Destruction? Better luck finding the Easter Bunny. Is it democracy in Iraq? Most Iraqis want us out so you can't really call our presence their to be for pro-democracy unless you understand democracy the way Pres. Bush does in that whatever he says goes. The most likely reason we are there is oil. President Bush and his buddies will be living high off the hog long after Jan 20th, 2008 and we only have ourselves to blame. We elected him. Please don't elect him again by proxy. Vote Obama in 2008.
- Scott Mullen, Dorchester/MA

Amen!!

...or does using that phrase mean I am going to lumped among those who "cling to guns or relgion" despite the fact that I have a job, and don't feel frustrated or biiter?
- Ann, Derry

Listen up McQuaid: AMERICA IS AGAINST BUSH'S WAR.

I understand you wait all year to put up propaganda like this piece, I understand you are a neocon. So, reread the line above until it sinks in.
- Joyce Muse, Portsmouth

Mr. McQuaid:

Are you suggesting that what this country needs is to elect a candidate who would be the oldest ever elected...one who admits he knows nothing about the economy...one who voted with the Bush WH over 90+% of the time? What we do not need is another 4 years of the same old right wing nonsense. Bush will go down in history as one of the worst presidents of all time. We don't need another clone of his. It's time for change, whether you like it or not. You'd better hop on the train while you can or you'll be griping along with all you pals & pols on the right until the GOP digs out of the mess that ol' "W" got us all into in 2000. Don't be a poor sport.
- K. Blake, Milford

Obama is a typical liberal politician - unwilling to take a firm position on any issue, totally lacking in real life experience and as a member of the "Elite" liberal establishment more than willing to tell common folks (translation - uneducated and dumb) how to live our lives. He will shackle hardworking folks and wreck our economy with his aggressive tax and spend approach to government.
- Patrick Spooner, Windham

In case you haven't noticed Joe, Obama is not the only one to flip-flop. Just look at what your beloved McCain has done recently.
- Bernie, Bow

Awe come on Joe, give the democrat a break. If Nacky were alive she'd call McCain a Whimp! Obama isn't a Clinton, but thank God he's not a Bush!
- Sherry Butt Dunham, Concord NH