YOUR COMMENTS

I read this op-ed off the McCain website so you know where I lean. Great piece of writing! No one could not have said it better. Those of you who are complaining better watch out! Some bitter, flag pin wearing, gun toting, religious, small town dweller might come after you!
- Sharon, Minneapolis, KS

Barack Hussein Obama doesn't deign to answer questions from the plebiscite. Barack Hussein Obama thinks we should be pleased with his presence and his recitation of remarks read from a teleprompter.
- Tom, Campton

I am a liberal Democrat who snuck into the event. The anonymous "woman" who asked the question is a lcoal activist named Barbara Hilton who in fact is not a Democrat. (She was a Democrat until recently, but she left the party in frustration over their failure to hold Bush and Cheney accountable for his war crimes.)

He did show a lot of respect by letting her speak her piece. This was not an entirely a maganimous gesture however: he did use this opportunity to restate his own position on the war (and to say some things about the war which are frankly not true.)

And frankly some of the earlier questions were more difficult to answer: he got several questions from veterans who naturally admire him but who are angry about the Department of Veterans Affairs. They wanted him to fix the problems at the VA and to build a VA hospital in New Hampshire. (We lack a VA hospital, although Vermont's hospital is about a half a mile from the state line.)
- Timothy Horrigan, Durham, NH

Let's see...first you conservatives complain that Obama hasn't been to the Persian Gulf countries enough to know what he is talking about. Then, when he does go, you complain that the media is paying attention to him while your candidate stands around and does nothing.

And now you have the gall to complain that Obama is off on the other side of the world (where you said he needed to go) instead of visiting your state.

This just goes to prove two things:

1) Conservatives have no legitimate arguments to put forward...they just want to bitch.

2) McCain's new motto seems to be "The whining starts here."
- Richard Johnson, Burlington, IA

OH yeah for all you clueless Obamatons who have NO IDEA what that man is about, read this:

The Global Poverty Act of 2007 (S.2433) is coming up for a Senate vote..

You want to send $850 Billion to foreign countries so they can build palaces while their people starve?

Forgettaboutit!
- Sue, Manchester

Xenophobic? Why must we all be for Obama forced by some sort of guilt over some imagined xenophobia? How about we are against him because he's a racist nobody who hates America that has been promoted by a former leader of the Soviets and the CFR and thus pumped up in the press for those with IQ's less than 80 who watch Oprah? They can't even remember that he has flipped on FISA and public funds already and will do as his handlers say because he is not smart enough to make his own decisions?

I'm voting against Obama because he is just about the very worst candidate the Democrats have ever offered.

Plus he is not for the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. He's more for the UN's form of rights which unlike our Bill of Rights are only guaranteed so long as they say you can have them.
- Sue, Manchester

Hey GOP, you aren't voting for McCain anyway, you are voting for his running mate, if you get my drift. McClueless has one foot out the door and the other on a banana peel.
- Silvia Kaine, Meredith

this election makes me laugh... both are idiots and neither should ever be in this position.... God help us all...

Time to move out of the good ol' US of A!
- Jeff, litchfield

During the past few years the UL has printed some true comedic editorials. This one is the current crowning jewel. Was this written by a xenophobic rube, or was it written as a joke? It’s no wonder the UL prints so much anti-education rubbish – they walk the talk. It’s amazing this rubbish makes it to print. This is just the latest evidence that this paper is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.
- Peter Sorrentino, Manchester

There sure are plenty of crybaby liberals here bashing the UL. If you do not like the editorial page, don't read it. I don't watch ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and MSNBC because they are making Obama out to be some sort of rock star, rather that report on the facts, or his total lack of qualification for the job he seeks, or his longtime ties to his racist friends....and the list could go on quite easily. I can't stand it, so I don't tune in. I applaud the UL for not following the mindless mainstream media with their Obama love affair. I cant stand McCain, but for many like me, this will be a "lesser of two evils" election again, and I will be voting for the man who at least has some qualifications. Obama is nothing more than a motivational speaker who offers nice soundbytes that the media gobbles up. His sad record as US Senator speaks for itself. America needs a leader, not an empty suit. Obama is no leader, he's a fraud. If this hurts your feelings, go back to watching CNN and make yourself feel better.
- Mike, Temple

We should all be suspicious of people who like bitter greens. The leaves are bitter so as to deter animals from eating them. What perversion of nature causes people to enjoy and seek out bitter flavours(coffee, tea, chocolate, hops) and consume them? People who like their bitter greens grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers and are interested in people, places, & events outside the U.S. are most likley terrorists. We should be grateful to the editors of the Union Leader for pointing out how to discern non-patriots by there idosyncratic personal preferences for strange flavors & non mainstream production methods. So watch out organic Arugula eaters the union leader has got your number, you can’t hide your plans to destroy america any longer. We should also be on the look out for people who express fondness for greens like Watercress, Endive, Radiccio and other chicories. I have long suspected these people are up to no good but I could never quite put my finger on it. Now the Union Leader has hit upon it. People who like flavors many people don’t must also like other things we find distasteful.
- Douglas McFarland, Springfield, MA

Sophisticates? People who speak multiple languages? Just who does Obama think he is talking to these people? I bet Toby Keith wasn't playing in one of those radios during his trip! Everyone knows that Americans are a bunch of rednecks who refuse to travel or speak multiple languages. Hell we even elected a president (twice) who has yet to master one language. You're right, Obama truly is an America-hating socialist.
- Jason, Londonderry

It all comes down to experience! If Obama sits in a church pew for 20 years and says "I never heard the Rev. say those bad things", which would you vote for the lair or the stupid one?? Neighther of the Clintons are running any longer.
McCain is the only choice.
- Francis Callahan, Springfield, VA

I am embarrassed for the UL. You guys are better than this partisan drivel.
- Abby, Manchester

Obama's spending more time with his speech writer to learn how to be able to speak in public more clearly and "off the cuff"! When asked, "If you had to do it over again, knowing what you know now, would you support the surge:" Mr. Obama eloquently responded:

"No, because keep in mind that question, you wouldn't ... but keep in mind that kind of hypothetical is very difficult to know hindsight is 20-20 ... later ... but I think that what I'm absolutely convinced of is that at that time we had to change the political debate because the view of the Bush administration at that time was one that I just disagreed with."

GO FIGURE!
- R, Raymond

I asked a question at a town hall meeting. I could have asked anything I wanted. Nobody told me what to say.

I liked the editorial, did I take it as an unpartisan view of McCain-v-Obama. Absolutely, not. The audience (NH voters) know that the UL is biased toward McCain. Just as I hope they know ABC, CBS, (MS)NBC, the NYTimes, The LATimes, The SFChornicle and many others are biased toward Obama.

I hope that Americans are voting for Obama and not against Bush. It seems they are, as they try very hard to equate Bush with McCain. I even see them mumbling to themselves, McCain == Bush, McCain == Bush. Sad.
- Mike, Nashua

It is amusing that the UL displays its true colors when it launches an ad hominem attack at Mr. Obama by suggesting he is less than worthy because he appeals to "sophisticated" people who are capable of speaking "multiple languages." Would that include people like me, who don't believe the world is flat? Yes, I amuse myself by reading the quotidian UL from time to time, like today, when this editorial was posted on a link from someone who said "getta load of this partisan dreck!" I also read to understand just how disingenuous the right wing is these days - willing to attack Mr. Obama as uninterested if he does not visit Afghanistan and Iraq, then accuse him of galavanting around the battle zone when he does. And while McCain can fool the UL, he apparently can't fool New Hampshire residents, who now favor Mr. Obama over Mr. McCain in recent polling. Apparently, they believe a candidate who promises another round of Bush/Cheney - inept government, borrow-and-spend economy, no-golf-until-its-done war is not good for America and not good for New Hampshire.
- Martin, Forest Hills, NY

Wow Mike I didn't realize you had qualified as a constitutional law professor You are obviously much more intelligent than Sen. Obama.
- Eric, Concord

JOSEPH W. MCQUAID got his primary wish by bashing Mitt Romney the better match-up to defeat Obama. Now all we can hope for is an uPsIdE-down ticket if McCain selects Mitt as his VP running mate.
- Charles D Johnson, Sharon, NH.

Senator Obama, per news accounts, has so far had conversations with the leaders of Afghanistan and Iraq, (the same our current President speaks to), plus US troops.

I'm shocked the UL editorialist would use such false caricatures about the linguistic capabilities and dietary habits of foreign dignitaries and US troops.

Do you normally insult the intelligence of your readers or are your subscribers all middle school students?

THE UL used to be a bastion of American conservatism but apparently can no longer attract editorialists that can meet that old standard and has resorted to providing employment to circus clowns.
- Kevin Hayden, Eugene, OR

Since when does a legitimate newspaper not print the name of the author? This is an editorial, the author's name should be prominently displayed. Perhaps s/he is embarrased by the ridiculously ignorant and uniformed statements that create this "article" and thought it would be better to avoid complete ridicule?
- Elizabeth, Hanover

McCain should have a second stool on stage with him. He should have a picture of Obama or his campaign symbol on the stool and shed light on the empty suit in the empty stool.
- Jim Sinz, Hatfield, PA

Obama just said "Israel is a strong friend of Israel" in his news conference. And that was just one of the amazing number of gaffs this flaming idiot just made. What a baffoon!!! Dumber than a box of rocks!
- Mike, Concord

Anyone who is watching the news conference of Obama right now would see what a complete and utter moron this guy is when not reading someelse's words. He's horrible! Keeps saying duh,uh,duh and sometimes just blanking out.
- Mike, Concord

Re: "why do people who disagree with the UL read it and comment on it?"

I do it strictly for amusement. Look at today's editorial - criticizing Barack Obama for meeting with the world leaders he'll be working with if he gets elected president? This stuff is priceless.

What will the UL come up with for tomorrow? Will the paper criticize Obama for coming home? Stay tuned!
- Dan, Manchester

I hope Obama avoids photo- ops like McCain's "brave new market" shot. You know, the one where he attempts to show how well things are going in Iraq by visiting a marketplace done up in flak- vest, surrounded by armed G.I.'s and with helicopters overhead for protction. That was a pip!
- James Tewes, Dennis, MA.

For Pete's sake, I eat arugula, I speak three languages, I prefer wine to beer . . . and I'm a Republican. I am thrilled that McCain is fighting for votes here, but I really wish the UL would quit perpetuating the stereotype that we are the party of xenophobic rubes.
- Ellery, Salem

Maybe somebody should ask McCain about his comment that he wasn't proud of America till he was denied her.
- john, newmarket

'Where is Obama?' Is the writer of this editorial living in a closet or a cave? Or maby he is unable to read.

I thought this was a newspaper. Obviously he is not aware of current events.
- Bill, Tuftonboro

NH won''t be so foolish as to vote for the inexperianced candidate if they want to remain true to honoring America and who we are. We are Republicans, thru and thru.
- Teri Hampton, Lee, NH

Hold on, McCain often criticized Obama for only visiting the Middle East as a Senator once before this. Now that he's fulfilling McCain's wishes (and fulfilling some of Iraq's president's wishes too, much to the dismay of the WhiteHouse) he's now criticized for LEAVING the country? Can Obama do anything right in the eyes of the UL? Why does it feel that whatever direction Obama steps, the UL already has an attack on him just waiting to be released? How can anyone consider themselves dignified with this style of attacking? When Obama came to NH last month, he was told to "get out", but now he's gone, he's ignoring us NH voters? I understand that the UL wants McCain to win, but do they have to stoop to levels this pathetic?
- Breyer S., Manchester, NH

I love all the people that hate the UL but keep coming back for more. Perhaps it's an addiction that they just cannot overcome?! Why would one spend valuable, limited resources (their time) doing something so appalling to them (reading the UL)? This merits a Harvard case study to understand why the natural laws of economics are being so blatantly violated... People usually want more of what they like and less of what they despise, especially when not forced or coerced to do the latter. Quite amusing!
- Thom, Hummelstown, PA

"Sen. Barack Obama will be somewhere on the other side of the world, playing to his real constituency -- those sophisticated non-Americans who speak multiple languages and eat organic arugula."

Now there's the self-hating, half-witted, xenophobic UL of old.

Gary Dodds drops out of the news for a few days and you guys lose your minds...
- Jack, Franconia

The NYT should be shut down and also fined for not only disrespecting the first amendment- but being biased, and for dishonoring McCain. Shameful newspaper. Shameful media for treating Obama like a "rock star" He is a pebble.
- Brad Kern, Hookset, NH

I would like to say that Obama is not afraid of McCain, Obama just doesn't want to shame that man. Obama is doing his job, and so what if he just "preaches" thats what speaches are, sermons from the heart. I mean what does "one nation under God" stand for? Check yourselves first faith w/o works is dead. Whoever wrote this article has their right to their opinion, but it will get them nowhere in life to downgrade a man.
- Anisha, cleveland, OH

Where is Obama you ask?
Parading around the middle east looking for photo-ops. The socialist, anti-war candidate has even called for a troop build-up in Afghanistan.
How does that sit with all you lefties who voted for him because he was going to start pulling the troops on day one?
Hussein Obama hates the military but he would have no qualms about sending your son into war.
- Bill Howard, Exeter

I hope Senator McCain and Senator Obama will participate in televised town hall debates with each other and other types of debates that have them asking each other questions, taking questions from audience members, and taking questions from the media.

I hope other Presidential candidates are allowed to participate in some televised debates with them.

I hope candidates will be asked questions dealing with the Bill of Rights, other parts of the United States Constitution, health care, health care of soldiers and veterans, STOP-LOSS of soldiers, the economy, energy independence, taxes, border security, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, living conditions of soldiers and their families on military bases, foreign policy, public transportation, and other topics.
- Ken Stremsky, Manchester, NH

The highlight of my day is reading all the rants from Obama's flock of Sheeple any time someone says smething negative about him. My second favorite are from the people who talk about what a horrid paper the UL is. Don't stop reading or anything!! Priceless.
- Mike, Concord

This editorial says a lot more about the biased bile of the Union Leader than it says about Barack Obama. Mr. Obama tours Afghanistan, Iraq and Europe to signal to potential voters the importance with which he regards these areas - areas that have either been abused or neglected by the current Republican leadership I might add - and is pilloried by the Union Leader as un-American. John McCain goes to Baghdad with the obviously premeditated purpose of pronouncing it safe - while wearing a flak jacket and surrounded by troops and attack helicopters - and the Union Leader spins that as the height of bravery, patriotism and straight talk. Hey, if you want to back McCain, that's your right. But just call yourselves propagandists and be done with it.
- Martin, Forest Hills, NY

If you do not like the news here at UL, please do not keep coming here just to post hateful diatribes. I'm really sick of people coming here just to bash the UL for having a republican stance. There are hundreds of other newspapers to choose from. Why not go there?
- Sara D., Manchester, NH

I attended a meeting at UNH where Obama took 20-30 questions from people at random. There was no screening, no softballs, no planted campaign aids posing as members of the audience. I think he impressed pretty much everyone there with his grasp of the facts, reasoning, and eloquence.

I laughed at the opinionist's sly dig at people who speak more than one language, as if this is somehow a mark of Cain. Who knew that the No Nothing Party still was alive?

Blaming Obama because he is meeting world leaders? The opinionist really needs to get a grip and try to control his whining. If this editorial is the best the Union Leader can do, it is going to be a long, tough campaign season for the GOP.
- Rep. Michael Marsh, Greenland

The Manchester Union Leader is one of the few NH newspapers to print the truth. Unfortunately, the influx of liberals primarilly from Mass and NY are changing the great state of NH into a poor melting pot.
- Russell W. MacDonald, Previously of Alton, NH

Well, at least Obama isn't sitting on the Iraq Pakistan border waiting for the Shiite members of Al Qaeda to lead the Mexicans over the border to amnesty as is McSame.
- Robert, Deerfield

Who is writing your editorials? Rush Limbaugh? - if you are going to write "playing to his real constituency -- those sophisticated non-Americans who speak multiple languages and eat organic arugula." then let's have an editorial name to put the words in context. Where is Obama? Out learning how to clean up after eight years of Republican disaster. He's given NH a lot of his time during the primary. Hopefully NH voters have enough sense by now to change the executive leadership party in Washington without the need for yet another local town meeting.
- Bill G, Moultonborough, NH

When have you ever seen Obama answering real questions during his appearances? McCain has made this a staple of his campaigns. All Obama can do is preach "change and hope" from the pulpit. Without his script, he is clueless. Why won't he appear with McCain? What is he afraid of?
- Mark, Amherst

Here is a question I would like to have one of the hand picked McCain supporters who get to attend the "town hall meeting" ask. Why does the 71 year old Senator support mandating insurance companies pay for Viagra for men but not birth control pills for women? The cost of health care is an importatnt issue, as the father of a daughter I would like to know his answer.

He was asked this question recently and he mumbled for a few seconds and was whisked away without answering. I would like to understand how he justifies his position on this issue.

The guy who ran in 2000 actually held town hall meetings and actually answered questions from real people. He was a refreshing candidate. Eight years later however he is a trained candidate ducking questions and kept insulated from the folks. I miss the straight talk express.
- Rick Newman, Nottingham

This is a joke, right? No? Then bring back the red ink headlines you used to use for your propaganda, so I can tell.
- Mary Henderson, Nashua

The affirmative action candidate Obama has shown to be an empty suit, just like his twin Deval Patrick. Both of them used the same speech writer to fool people with big lofty but empty speeches. The people of Mass are finding out the very hard way that when you vote in an empty suit with no real experience, you get a disaster. Obama wants to do to the USA what Deval is doing to Mass.
- Mike, Concord

Why should Obama agree to debate McCain on McCain's terms? McCain's town hall meetings are set up and tough questions are rarely asked. When a tough question does get asked McCain "really doesn't want to discuss that right now," like when he was asked if it is fair that Viagra is covered by health inurance while birth control is not.
check out the clip on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7NdJ0oDZCc
- George Wells IV, Sunapee, NH

Perhaps the Union Leader is not watching the same campaign I am, but Senator Obama has held town hall meetings since securing the Democratic Party nomination. He held one in Las Vegas just last month. He is not ducking people's questions. If some "whiny" American misled by the media into believing we are in a "mental recession" (an obvious play on McCain lead economic adviser Phil Grahm's remarks) wants to ask him a question, Senator Obama has and certainly is there to take those questions and tell them that no they are not misinformed about the state of the economy, the cost of health care, or the reality of the home mortgage crisis. This is truly a sad editorial, based on stringing together political attack words and trying to create the impression of making a point. Unfortunately the point trying to be made is just simply flat out factually inaccurate.
- Michael, Las Vegas, Nevada

THE MANCHESTER UNION LEADER once again gives Granite Staters a reason to look elsewhere for it's news.

John McCain makes a trip to Iraq and he's showing true leadership the next President should have, however when Barack Obama makes a trip to Iraq it's because he's unamerican.

John McCain can go speak to his supporters at his town hall meeting, maybe a whole 20 or 30 people will show up and get more lies from McCain.

Meantime Barack Obama speaks in front of tens of thousands of people who are energized by him, not put to sleep like McCain does to voters.
- Travis Liles, Manchester, NH

Who wrote this editorial? Anytime McCain gets hit with a hostile question first, his staff makes sure the next three or four questions are softballs.

I've got nothing against McCain, but his "Town Hall Meetings" are no more or less contrived and phony as any political event...a couple people ask legit questions, and his staff sprinkles the audience with enough inside men to make sure he stays on message.

The phony part isn't McCain or his town hall meetings...it's the writer of this editorial, who should know better...
- Frank, Wolfeboro