Oct. 17, 2008: In Londonderry, Obama draws thousands to Mack's Apples

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The Democrat spiel is that the last 8 years under Bush caused the present economic crisis. No - the first 6 years were great: unemployment 4.1%, economic growth 4%/year - and all that after the Clinton-caused 9/11. The last two years we had Democrat majority in both the Congress and the Senate, and that is the direct cause of this incoming recession!
- Marc Jeric, Las Vegas, Nevada

OK, now that I have read the rules I'll try again. To people like Elizabeth quote "wish people could see that no republican is going to help the poor. Like McCain said "why should hardworking Americans have to spread the wealth".


Open your eyes!! Elizabeth Why would I stay a hard working American if I am forced to give it to some one who won't get off their butt. Awww heck screw it you are right...pass the bon bons and lets become a nation as one waiting for our Gov. checks

I have a good job and make pretty good money (thank God). I give freely to charity and to my church but screw anyone that thinks they are "entitled" to MY money. That includes the Obamaman.
- Andrew A. Andrews, South Berwick Me.

The Oklahoma State Election Board proudly boasts that there’s no problem with voter fraud in Oklahoma. You probably won’t read about voter fraud problems here, but surely there’s no state where it would be easier to commit.

If there’s “no problem with voter fraud,” it must be because there are no issues where the outcome matters or because there are no close votes. It’s certainly not because the OSEB does anything to prevent it.

I just got off the phone to the OSEB. I told them I thought I might have transposed a couple of digits in my Social Security Number when I registered and wondered if that might cause a problem when I try to vote. (C’mon, it wasn’t a lie — I _might_ have.) I was told no it wouldn’t be a problem, that only the county election board had the data. When I asked if it was verified against a state database I was told no.

In a subsequent call to a county election board, the election board employee confirmed that nothing on the voter registration form is checked to verify elgibility to vote. It was a sort of we-don’t-have-enough-time-to-do-that response.

Did I misread the Help America Vote Act? I thought it required that every state compile a state voter registration database and verify registered voters against other state databases.

I’ve been told repeatedly that absolutely no checks are made in Oklahoma — not unless there’s a complaint. Oklahoma relies on people to not commit perjury. It’s not “trust but verify,” it’s trust alone.

Mark Yacoub
mark_arabsoldier [remove] at [remove] hotmail.com
- Mark Yacoub, Bartlesville, OK

Obama has the interests of the country at heart. The belief that helping business helps workers is just false. It sounds good, but businesses don't really raise wages or hire many new people when the profits are good. Instead, they pay out the profits in salaries to the CEO's. Only when the Democrats came into office was the minimum wage raised. And haven't you noticed that more and more companies are eliminating health insurance or increasing the worker-paid monthly contribution. Voting for McCain, who wants to tax the healthcare benefits provided by companies, will make it still harder for most people to afford insurance.

And what's all the talk about socialism? There's nothing socialist about the Democratic plan, unless you think that providing any public service is socialist. So public schools, highways, and veteran's benefits are socialist? If you don't want to use the benefits that a government sponsored healthcare system provides, stay with your current private provider.
- Jake Johnson, Atlanta GA

To answer the below poster, JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY CUT TAXES massively, which resulted in the 1960s boom.

Ronald W. Reagan cited Kennedy's tax cuts when pushing his own; ditto for Dubya.

OTOH, JFK was the LAST major Democrat party figure to actually believe in the capitalist system.

His assassination, besides being the obvious national tragedy for the entire country, also put in office a dyed-in-the-wool New Dealer socialist (LBJ, and gave him an unnaturally large Democrat Congress (thanks to teh JFK sympathy vote) in 1964.

Thus we got the Great Society, the destruction of black American family values, and the growth of entitlements.

So JFK ought to be a hero to the Republicans (though maybe for different reasons than he is to Democrats).
- Al Simmons, Vallajo, CA

I may be in TX now but was born 53 years ago in NH. Still have roots there. My Grandfather and Father are rolling over in their graves seeing the work ethic and pride in Country going out the window. All of the New Hampshire people I have known were proud to put in an honest days work and keep the government in DC. They were a proud lot. My Grandfather and Father served NH/MA and loved NH and their neighbors as I do. NH is one of the most beautiful of the 57 States (sorry,little joke there.) All hard working people. Now I hear a bunch of whiners in the land of "Live Free or Die." Maybe too many out of state Red Diaper welfare babies moving in. The kind that needs to suckle on Gov't. fom womb to tomb. Not the proud New Hampshire folks I have known. For those who are still proud Americans and like to own guns, may I remind you that the last challenge to the 2nd amendment won by only 2 (two) votes. What direction do you think an Obama court will go? I am in TX now and I will keep my guns. I have to get back to work now. God Bless America!
- Jim Hines II, Flower Mound,TX

As a former NH resident (concord) and business owner, I am appalled at how far left the state has gone.
I am not surprised, however, that Barry Hussein Obama does not want to play the national anthem. America hating socialists are like that.
- ricardo maxwell, orange park FL

What Democrat in the past 50 years has actually cut taxes for the middle class? Or for anyone actually?
- Sam Deakins, Richmond, KY

everyone calm down... this country will not vote such a socialist in office... man i can't wait to enjoy that 3rd victory drink on nov 4th for the 3rd straight presidential election won by conservatives..
- Rhonda Tracey, Seabrook, TX

Democrates in Congress, in the past 2 years, have brought down the world financial system. Dodd, Franks, Reid, Shumer blocked ALL efforts to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which was the sorce of the current problem. Fannie was leveraged 80-1, morphed loans into securities and sold them to investors. These "securities," were backed by the government, so many, many bought them. A large percentage of those loans were bad, forced on Fannie and Freddie by groups representing the poor, led by ACORN. Clinton et al trashed Glass-Stegall, an act which had kept banks, stock brokers and insurance companies from doing each others businesses. We need some maturity and morality in Congress...or at least some folks who can add and subtract numbers in other than their own bank accounts. The Democrats have run Congress for the past 2 years....how's that workin for ya???
- Susannah Surgeoner, Las Vegas, Nevada

It is a considerable wonder for me when I hear the trickle-down economy disparaged. There is on other kind of economy - all of it is by definition trickle-down. First you need an inventor willing to spend thousands of days working on his invention and risking his money and health while doing it. Then you need people who saved money willing to invest in that invention. After that you need to convince a bank to finance a new factory that will produce that invention. Of course you have to have a capable manager who will hire productive workers (preferably non-union, since the unions have already destroyed a great number of our industries - auto, textile, electronics, etc.) and organize an effective production. Then you must have a good sales force to market that invention. All of that is by definition trickle-down!
Marc Jeric, Las Vegas
- Marc Jeric, Las Vegas, Nevada

There must be something wrong with me. I must be the only Republican from New Hampshire not surprised or shocked that Obama flip-flopped and scrapped the National Anthem at his event. Hopefully, his coming world-wide socialist health plan and "spread-it-around" redistribution of wealth will get me free "rehabilitative counselling" so I too can benefit from the "change we need", right?
- Ed Holdgate, Live Free or Die Sandown, New Hampshire

It is a considerable wonder for me when I hear the trickle-down economy disparaged. There is on other kind of economy - all of it is by definition trickle-down. First you need an inventor willing to spend thousands of days working on his invention and risking his money and health while doing it. Then you need people who saved money willing to invest in that invention. After that you need to convince a bank to finance a new factory that will produce that invention. Of course you have to have a capable manager who will hire productive workers (preferably non-union, since the unions have already destroyed a great number of our industries - auto, textile, electronics, etc.) and organize an effective production. Then you must have a good sales force to market that invention. All of that is by definition trickle-down!
Marc Jeric, Las Vegas
- Marc Jeric, Las Vegas, Nevada

We already pay until June taxes for this current size of government, Obama will grow it more, give more to ACORN and other radical groups and to people who don't want to work. So much for America the beautiful and the American Dream will be just that.
- Sandy Santiago, Bedminster, NJ

Its easy to listen to Obama speaking and want to believe what he is saying, we all want something better and he knows he needs our votes and what he has to say to get it.

My biggest problem with Obama is after the speech is over, when I'm home thinking about what he's said I think about what he's done. Obama wants us to vote for him President for "change", then his pick for President, in the event he's not able, is his VP pick Joe Biden, a 35-year career politician with a Lobbyist son and son-in-law.

Is this the "change" we can really expect? Business as usual? Career poiticians and lobbyists still pulling the strings and Obama doing what they want because they placed him where he is today and he owes them, they only need us to get elected, they need to keep these people happy to stay there. I don't see Obama making a "change" I only see extreme left-wing Liberals pulling his strings and hurting our National Security and military defense, I'm just not comfortable trusting them with my childrens future.
- Maxwell Williams, Londonderry, NH

In response to Richard Johnson in Burlington, IA, McCain doesn't need to wear a lapel pin, because in his pocket is the little home made flag that he stitched together from scraps while he was imprisoned and tortured in North Vietnam.
- Dean Gabriel, Isle La Motte, VT

The way Obama plans to pay for alot of his programs is based on lifting the cap from SS tax (presently only on the first 100K of income. ) This mostly affects non incorporated sole proprietors. What will happen is this: These businesses will incorporate and pay them selves a smaller salary. the tax is only on the salary, so the net effect of rasing this tax is less overall income to the SS fund. A fund that congress raids each and every year of any surplus.
- Kevin Barrett, Plainfield NJ

The dropping of the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance speaks volumes about the man we are asked to support.

How long does it take to sing and recite these?

People of New Hampshire do not be fooled by this sorry excuse for a presidential candidate. He sounds good now but down the road you are going to asking yourself "why did I ever vote for this man"?

The Northeast already pays the most in the U.S.,standby because you are getting ready to pay even more. Can you or your state afford to pay more taxes?

Remember all companies do not pay a one penny in taxes,they pass that cost onto the consumer and they pay it for them.
- ELI ELLISON, VIENNA,WEST VIRGINIA

I just don't get it. I would love to ask who employs you guys in New Hampshire. Is it the poor or is it small business and corporations? I know in Delware its the later and I'm grateful for my job. The dems would like to tax me out of a job - when that happens, I will not be hiring a plumber, taking my clothes to the dry cleaner or eating out. The really small mom and pop shops will close down or have to lay off people. But I guess if Obama wins I shouldn't be worried because when that happens I will jut have the govt pay for my mortgage, go on welfare and look forward to my "tax cut" at the beginning of the year.
- Deb Gemell, Wilmington, DE

Having lived in NH I know most of you have common sense and are not being sucked in by the smoke and mirrors of the Obama campaign. Last week here in Ohio a guy called "Joe the Plumber" asked a perfectly reasonable question of Obama, and as luck would have it Obama told the truth. Its' his goal to "spread the wealth" around. Now did the press jump on this..heck no. So far they have invaded Joe's privacy to the extent I could give you his address, the amount of his bank account, the reason for his divorce..well, you get the idea.A vote for Obama is a vote for socialism and all you have to do is look at Mass. to see how that works.
- Thomas Poole, Mentor, Ohio

Whenever I hear a Democrat say "Middle Class Tax Cut", "Tax Cuts for 95% of Americans", I think of Lucy and the football in the Charlie Brown comics. In the past enough of the US Electorate has fallen for it. Any one who believes Obama's promises, ask yourself, "Where will the money come from?" Obama's plan of taxing working capital (most of which is in small business) will depress job creation and increase jobless levels at the same time. That equals less revenue.

In foreign policy, meeting adversaries without preconditions is naive behavior.

I will be voting FOR John McCain/Sarah Palin. They have the sensible solution of freezing government expenditures and extending tax cuts.
- Alice Moore, Midlothian, Virginia

No matter what your circumstances, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do to take responsibility for your own welfare. Only this can be the foundation for a truly free society. Let’s get America back to basics: where each citizen carries his or her own weight and does not expect their neighbors to do for them what they should do for themselves. Let us not be a burden to each other any more. Let us not allow socialism any more into the fabric of our society.
- Jeff Petrie, Satellite Beach, FL

Wake up New Hampshire!! So much for LIVE FREE OR DIE??? Can you say SOCIALSIM??? I'm one of those Massachusetts' working to one day afford a place in your state. I can't believe that my dream might turn into a nightmare. I'm even hopeful that the silent majority in my state will wake-up and find the time to vote. I know those who will benefit from my tax dollars will be voting in large numbers. They are not the majority that works hard, pays their taxes and believes in a STRONG work ethic that MADE AMERICA GREAT!!
God help us!!!
- joyce lynn, raynham, ma

New Hampshire'"Live free or Die"???
Are you kidding me??? Can you say SOCIALISM?? I've been dreaming of buying a property in your state. If McCain can't beat a Socialist program being proposed by the Democarats this time, I'll be amazed. So much for "Live free and Die" I, like many others in Massachusetts can only elieve that the intelligent, informed voter is the SILENT MAJORITY and we will wake up. God help us!!!
- joyce, raynham,ma

One can easily measure how much a man cares about his neighbor by observing how he cares about the most vulnerable of society. In this case, Obama is the most radical pro-abortion individual who has ever run for public office. It makes no matter to him that african americans make up only twelve percent of the population yet account for over thirty percent of all abortions in this country. What black MAN would see this statistic and still be pro-abortion? The answer is: not much of one. Hell will freeze over and the devil will give free sleigh rides before I vote for an individual or political party that advocates the premeditated murder of American babies. Semper Fi
- David D. Demar, georgia/vermont

joekelly, Obama was honest about his past drug use. There are plenty of politicians, including some here in Manchester, who have been far less open and forthcoming. Your griping jst shows what a silly man you really are.
- Benjamin Linus, Manchester

Sad, I thought NH was the live free or die state. If Obama is elected, there will be no more freedom. He wants a country like Cuba. Spread the wealth and no one will have any wealth!
- Moe Black, Manchester, NH

Yes, Yes, Obama is not a normal politician. He ACTUALLY CARES about you and your problems... As far as it will get him into power. When it comes right down to it, no politician actually gives a rats you know what about you and your stupid little problems. Why should he, he's "running the world." It's time you people realized that no one else is going to fix your life for you, nor is it anyone's job but your own.

That is really what Obama is standing for, and even to a lesser extent McCain. It's not about fixing the problems you face, because only you can do that, it's about making you think that he cares. Because only then can he buy your vote with your own tax dollars. If you listen closely to what he is talking about, he will tell you straight up that he will implement socialism. The same thing that is bankrupting Europe and ruined the Soviet Union. That is why he refers to "fundamental change." It's not just a change of leaders, it's a change of basic beliefs that the government can make your decisions for you better than you can.

All you people who want change, how about getting the power out of the hands of government and taking control of your own destiny. That is true hope and true change, is taking charge of your own life, instead of putting your "hopes and dreams" in someone who wants the power and who doesn't know your name, much less care.

Socialism is not the answer, it's the path to forced mediocrity. No thanks, not in this, the greatest country on Earth. Putting politicians in charge of your lives will ruin it. Imagine the entire medical industry run like your local DMV. Ever been to a free clinic? If you have, imagine paying hundreds of dollars a month more in taxes so that ALL medical care is run that way.

Obama is not our savior, he is a pretty new face on an ugly old failed system. Oh well, I guess if it is good enough to bankrupt Europe, we might as well try it here too, right?
- Jon Corbrey, Houston, TX

A wise president by the name of Thomas Jefferson once stated:
" I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. "
- Steven R. Padilla, burke VA

I'm curious, and perhaps one of you folks who are concerned about the lack of a Pledge or Anthem at the Obama rally might be able to answer it for me.

Why did McCain not wear a US Flag lapel pin at two of the three debates?

Why does John McCain hate America?
- Richard Johnson, Burlington, IA

Tom, per this paper earlier in the week, the two boston papers, the AP and the Obama campaign, tickets were available at the four NH locations, none in Mass.
- Jim Wilson, Manchester

Mr. Paradise, I was refering to the 2000 Primary. Sad to hear you have to vote for the lesser of two evils, some of us have a candidate we can believe in.
- Jim Smith, Merrimack NH

I just think it's funny that everybody keeps talking about the past 8 years. This economy has been a LONG time coming. We're not talking 10-20 years, we're talking 40-50 years when the government took us off of the gold standard and changed us to the fiat system. Look it up, folks. Not one single economy has been successful on it. Not one. Sorry, but in order to re-build, you need to knock it all down. We need to get government out of our lives and stop looking for help.
- sheana, chester

This IS a great country. One can come out and write a book about one's own drug abuse as a young man, float it out to the country as a test to run for president, run for president so you can sell your own books, make millins and because Hillary has a 43% negativity rating win the democratic nomination. Then the pissed off "poor" people of which 40% do not pay taxes and 80% rich people (liberals with too much money) along with a very liberal media go out and smash mouth a real American hero that gave up his freedom and body for his Country as a prisoner in Vietnam. What is wrong with you people? You liberals are so hell bent on your own selfish interets that you would sell out this country by puonding on a man who honestly wants to take this country in the right direction. Look at the latest news from Hawaii. They just stopped their health care program for kids because they could not longer afford it. We are talking about one of the most higly taxed states in the country. You want O'bama because he is not George Bush and you are so lost in your own hatred you are all willing to elect a man who never thought for a second he was going to win and has no real experience running a State or even a town? This nasty hateful bitterness towards republicans has gone far enough and you all should be ashamed of yourselves for the hatefulness and nastiness you show. You live in a safe country and you take so much for granted but its never enough for you. Never enough!
- jeokelly, manchester

Jean Holden: be glad you're not a trout because you sure took the bait on that national anthem bit. It was simply a cheap shot by the Union Leader to inject their right wing opinion into what they claimed to be an unbiased news item.

Are you sure anyone sang the Star Spangled Banner at all of Governor Palin's rallies? Does it matter?

But I guess when you are as out of ideas as GOP seems to be, all you can do is resort to cheap smears.
- Leo Cotnoir, Manchester

Yep, the wealthy are sure creating a lot of jobs now, aren't they? That's just pure republican trickle down, voodoo economics; and it's worked real well the last eight years, hasn't it?
- Pete Brown, Manchester

Jim Smith, no, I did not vote for McCain in 2000. Why? Because he was not running against Obama.
I am not pro-McCain, I am anti-Obama.
Given all the Repubs faults, the one big thing they have going for them is, they are not Dems.
They do not have congresses only self-avowed socialist (B. Saunders-Vt) in their party. Saunders, while not a Dem(he is an Independent), votes with the Dems 98% of the time. That tells me that the Dems have more in common with socialists than do the Repubs, although this is becomming less and less so.
I also did not support Bush, until he became the 'lesser of two evils' choice.
That is, unfortunately, what McCain is.

Thanks for asking, Jim.
- Michael Paradis, Manchester

To Toni Bell, I come from manufacturing and I used to believe in trickle down economics. I voted Republican a few times because of it. But then I saw that the jobs weren't trickling down, they were trickling overseas. Obama has a plan to give incentives to companies that create jobs in the US. He has plans to invest in the Us by creating jobs in infrastruture and new energy technology. And if US corporations and their greedy CEO's continue to send our jobs overseas so they can get cheaper labor and no environmental regulations good riddance to them. We will do just fine without you.
- Linda Dionne, Raymond

Hey Jim, Have you forgotten or refuse to aknowledge that in 2001- 9/11 happened? The country was not the same after that. A Democratic Congress promised you things that they never delivered. McCain is not Bush. Obama is a disaster. You will go broke, the wealthy will not pay higher taxes before they give it you, and this country will be toast. Obama is just not mature, qualified, or experianced enough to know what the heck he is saying or doing. Yes, a good campaign, but he certainly does not have good judgement.
- Carol Morris, Salem, NH

Mark Harris--give it a rest--I am a Republican voting for Obama BECAUSE I love my country. Unlike you and your ilk that regurgitate the daily neo-con talking points, I actually did spend a lot of time in researching and deciding who I was going to vote for. I love John McCain and how much he sacrificed for America, but his time is past and the country is in no condition to endure another 4 years. The nation needs a shaking up and the time is now.
- JB, NB, NH

To those who want to redistribute the wealth. Please move out of the US and maybe try any other Socialist country. The American Dream is to work hard and benefit financially. Hard work equals financial gain. It doesn’t mean make more money and redistribute it to poor. If the fruits of my labor don't reward me financially, then I may as well stop working and wait for all of you to support me..............
- Bob Hill, Concord

Mr. Paridis, If anybody can say "told you so", it is all the people that didn't vote for Bush and watched him drag this country through the mud for the last eight years. By the way, did you vote for Bush or McCain in 2000? If you didn't vote for McCaine, why?
- Jim Smith, Merrimack NH

The wealthy "spread the wealth" by creating jobs, not by handing it over to those who don't work. As the old saw goes, when was the last time you got a job from a poor person?

Today's community organizer = yesterday's street corner agitator.
- cheryl in NH, Hampton

The “non-bias” news agencies slant so stongly towards (or are paid by) Obama that they have actually brain-washed the American people. I love my country and I am disappointed with the all anti-American influences from Democrats & Liberals telling us what we want.
God help us.
- Mark Harris, Exeter, NH

All these neocon mouthpieces ranting about socialism and the prospect of higher taxes and lost jobs...HELLO...who do you think has been paying for the 10B a month fiasco in Iraq, who do you think is going to pay for the 800B bailout for the housing fiasco, who do you think is going to pay for the 250B fiasco to bail out the banks and as far as jobs go, have you read the paper lately to see how many jobs have been lost in the last eight years? Wake up, all the nonsense you cons babble about Obama is already here and occured during the last 8 years!!!
- Jim Smith, Merrimack NH

I did not attend the rally for Obama, but what disturbed me the most is that that cut out the singing of the National Anthem, a young man Zach Bencal from Londonderry High was supposed to sing and they contacted him and told him that they did not want him to sing instead they wanted to have more time for speakers. That says a lot about what Obama does not stand for and that's "America". John McCain is "proud" to be an "American" and has shown it in many ways, while Obama refuses to say the Pledge and have our nation's anthem sung at his rallies.
JHolden
- Jean Holden, Manchester Nh

Linda Dionne, you say, "The Union Leader picture of the big bear hug Obama got from a supporter says it all."

Does it? Really?
To the true believing, unthinking, if he sounds good he must be good Obama supporter it might.

On the other hand, to a student of history, who has seen pictures of such "loved" figures as Stalin, Hitler, Pol Pot, and Saddam Hussein being hugged by their "supporters", it says nothing.

Many people, throughout history, have been "for" someone, or something, before they woke up and realized their dream was more of a nightmare.
If only they had thought with their head and not their heart, many historical nightmares may have been averted.

I hope all the Barrack "He is the Truth and the Light" Obama "lovers" aren't leading us down that dark alley.
Afterall, getting to say 'we told you so' won't be much of a consolation prize.
- Michael Paradis, Manchester

Linda, That is just sheer nonsense. People are supporting Obama because they want a socialisitic society. If you are comfortable 'sharing your wealth', losing your job, & higher taxes.. good luck to you, I am not!
- Toni Bell, Lee, NH

I was at the rally yesterday and what struck me is how different it was to what I have been seeing at the McCain rallies.
It was all about being for Obama, not about being against McCain.
The Union Leader picture of the big bear hug Obama got from a supporter says it all.
People are supporting Obama because they love him, not because they hate McCain. The same cannot be said of the McCain supporters.
- Linda Dionne, Raymond

Pam....there must be 3 supervisors of the checklist at every election.
You have no idea of the hours we put in preparing for an election. To register to vote one must show some form of photo ID. We cannot deny someone the right to vote and you would be upset if your town/city denied your right if questioning your info.
There are certain criteria we have to look for in new registrations.
Although every state has it election flaws as long as the people sitting behind that checklist are careful NH won't have any illegal voting.
The biggest flaw for NH is the number of seasonal homes in some areas. There are people who do try to register using their 2nd home as their address. But that is also easy enough to check on with the taxpayer list.
There are checks and balances in place that do work.
I wouldn't worry about flawed votes in NH.
- Mary, Thornton, NH

I just can't believe how mean and misjudging people are towards Obama, I just wish people could see that no republican is going to help the poor. Like McCain said "why should hardworking Americans have to spread the wealth" um duh the poor can't. OPEN your eyes and listen to them both speak PLEASE!!!!!!!!
- Elizabeth Chavira, Manchester, NH

I'm willing to take my chances with Obama.

I've had enough of neo-cons and regular cons and just plain right-wing whackos
running amok in the White House, and corporate lobbyists
rewriting our laws with the help of Dick Cheney. I don't think Sarah Palin would
be any improvement.

McCain supported the Patriot Act, the war against Iraq and its ongoing
occupation, fought to protect corporations (like Enron and UBS) from government
regulation, and readily gave up a sham fight against American use of torture, black ops and hidden prison camps.
McCain pretends to be a reformer, but is as attached to lobbyists and the status
quo as any other Washington insider.

He's right - the last 8 years haven't worked very well, have they?
What he doesnt mention is that he's been right there in the Senate and hasn't
done doodly during those last 8 years to make things better for us working
stiffs.
What in the world makes anyone think he'd do better for us in the next four?

Obama has inspired millions of people to participate in the democratic
process. His plans will invigorate education, restore a rational American foreign policy,
and generate millions of new jobs here in this country, not China. I don't have any problem with that!
- tom stmartin, candia

I would like to encourage all of the readers that take the opportunity to read the UL and post comments to think about laying off of the political boundaries and focus more on logistical points. I find myself doing the same as I feel strongly about the candidate that I support. Nonetheless, take the opportunity to learn from one another with supporting facts. We all know that both candidates have had run-ins with shady characters. We all know that they both have weaknesses, but as Americans, we are going to have to support whomever wins the seat in the Oval Office. So, let's leave the pointing fingers to their campaigns. We are not the campaign managers for either of them. While it is nice to see people so engaged, I think it may be more effective to take a little different approach. Furthermore, both candidates believe they are the right man for the job, and both are doing what they think is right for us and their country. How can we fault them for that?
- Justin Pike, Portsmouth

Kevin, at the risk of bursting your conspriratorial bubble let me appraise you a few facts:

1) Londonderry is close to the Manchester airport and the state's largest city, making it an ideal location for a campaign stop.

2) Salem, where Governor Palin spoke, is MUCH closer to Massachusetts than is Londonderry.

3) Massachusetts IS one of the United States so it is entirely appropriate for a presidential, or vice-presidential, candidate to seek supporters from there.

4) Neither campaign is paying much attention to Massachusetts because it is solidly in the Obama camp. The GOP has also stopped campaigning in Michigan and Wisconsin because they know they have lost those states as well.
- Leo Cotnoir, Manchester

Sorry, Adam, the McCain's did NOT work hard for their money and seven houses. Cindy inherited the money from her father who built the family fortune through some rather shady dealings that resulted in his being convicted of a felony. Senator McCain dumped his first wife, who stuck with him through his time in Vietnam, to marry the much-younger Cindy, who picked him up in a bar while he was still married. Character??
- Leo Cotnoir, Manchester

Where were all you McCaine loyalists when he ran against Bush eight years ago? Why did you feel Bush was more qualified than McCaine? Please don't tell us you bought into that whole black baby thing concocted by Rove. McCaine has gone on record claiming he voted with Bush 90% of the time....so what makes you think he is going to stop giving to the rich and big business and pay attention to those making less than 250K a year? Why should anyone listen to what you McCaine loyalists have to say when you could have put McCaine in office 8 years ago but instead chose a man who couldn't serve his country when it was his turn and has his father to thank for any success he had had in life? Basically, based on all your right wing rhetoric, the country wouldn't be in the mess we are in if you had all voted for the right man in 2000, which you didn't...so why should anyone listen to you now?
- Jim Smith, Merrimack NH

Paxinos Ron et al--if you hadn't been paying attention, the country IS on it's economic knees right now--thanks in large part to 8 years of failed Republican leadership in the White House.

Next--ACORN hardly had any involvement in the Florida 'chad' scandal.

And other reports of 'socialism'--like nationalizing the banks?

Or 'redistribution of wealth'--such as currently exists in the USA? Any society without a flat tax is redistributing wealth. That includes the USA.

Broken records playing silly music...
- JB, NB, NH

The charges and counter charges about character need to stop. This campaign is not about how many homes owned by McCain or allegations of terrorist ties to Obama. Both men are politicians and both men have flaws. Therefore, mark your ballot on November based on your understanding of the issues and not tired political rhetoric. The reason nothing gets done in Washington is because of political name calling. Are the politicians to blame? I say "no." We citizens are to blame because we fall for it. Right on this blog, people are throwing labels around like "terrorist" and "conservative." Let's discuss the issues and refrain from using rhetorical labels as tar and feathers. Otherwise, we run the risk of losing the ability to have real political dialogue in this country.
- Ken Wyatt, Bedford

Obama thinks he has this won but once our voters start to pay attention down the wire he will be in trouble. First, he is one of the most liberal candidates ever to run for president. Look at his background and voting record. With Pelosi, Reid, Frank, Dodd and Biden, Obama would put this country on its' knees.
Second, he cannot raise taxes during a severe recession. If so, we will be in a depression for many, many years. Third, he has to come clean on his association with ACORN. This radical group is causing the greatest voter fraud in the history of our great nation and we cannot let this stigma occur in our country.
- Ronald Schreffler, Paxinos PA

Obama- You are right, John Lynch has been a great governor for NH, but he has been because he has a proven record of bipartisanship. You on the other hand are SO liberal and SO far left that you would never work across party lines. My respect for Gov. Lynch has dropped dramatically after hearing that he introduced Obama at this event. Sadly, you've lost my vote Mr. Lynch when you backed such an extreme liberal for president.
- Jake Gorski, Bedford, NH

Hey Adama, do you really want to talk about houses? Because maybe the McCain's have worked hard for what they have, but Obama on the other hand got his home in Chicago for $100,000.00 below market value thanks to his shady political deals with the Chicago real estate mobster Rezko. So if you want to have a conversation about houses, we'll just have to bring up just one more of Obama's questionable relationships that further paint a picture of Obama as a man who has several ties to several horrible and anti-American men.
- Casey Johnes, Manchester, New Hampshire

I need change, which is why I oppose Obama - he wants to take my change and give it to someone he thinks deserves it more. The Robin Hood theory of government as practiced by Reverend Wright's favorite son.
- Tom Boucher, Campton

No Jim, you are wrong. Tickets were also made available in Massachusetts as well.
- Tom Moore, Manchester, New Hampshire

25 Billion fund??? And he is going to cut taxes and he is going to start a new Managed Heathcare system with MORE Government and he is going to invade Afganistan and he is going to turn the economy around..... ENOUGH! Stop the insanity and vote for McCain. If any of you Obama supporters actually believe these things can happen without increasing your taxes and continuing to ruin the economy, you are wildly mistaken. It is not Hope that Obama is bringing, it is more government and more taxes. We can't afford Obama's plan for change.
- Bob Hill, Concord

Adam Traore of Manchester you really need to look at the facts and stop soundling like the soundbites and political ads your listening to.
If you think for one minute that Obama understands or cares about the middle class then your living a dream that I feel will end up a nightmare.
I can't believe so many people are buying what this fraud is sellling. I will ask this one question and see what the answer is.
If as he says he is going to give 95% of Americans a tax cut how is that possible when approximately one third of them do not pay taxes yet already get a check? Sounds like more welfare to anyone with common sense. I will end by saying in his years in the Senate just what did he ever do to help the middle class? The answer is the same as it will be now. Nothing!!
- Bill B., Pelham

How can you believe in change when change means destruction? How can you accept a man who studied hate of America for 20 years? How can you trust someone who has terrorists on their side? If you do then you are just as wrong for this country, too.
- Mike Avery, Lee, NH

The denial of truth will be a real haunt with people if they do not understand socialism. It will destroy what this country stands for: Honor and integrity. If you don't see that liberals are angry and project everything they are as a whole onto the other, this blindness will hurt you and America in very extreme ways. Fact: McCain is not Bush and Obama is extremely liberal. How can you believe in change when change means destruction?
- Mark Harris, Exeter, NH

Fred, however you allegedly heard that is false. Unlike the Palin visits and their ticket issues, this one required getting a ticket at one of the NH campaign offices earlier in the week. From actually being there and not hearing from the boogeyman, NH residents made up at least 9 out of 10 license plates.
- Jim Wilson, Manchester

Pam from Manchester, The NH election commission held classes for every local Election Supervisor and then they held a class for all local election workers on the Registration process here in NH. There will be NO rouge door to door registration here in NH. A certified Election Supervisor is present at all Voter Registration events in each town.

Personnally, I think that it should be considered harrassment to go door to door to get people to register. It is their right to OPT NOT to register and NOT to vote. Not to mention the obvious fraud that could be perpertrated.
- Lisa, Londonderry

This is the time for America to stand up and said we cannot let up now, we have to fight harder to make America a better place to live. For this, we need a candidat who can work for us evry single day in the White House. This candidate will be Barack Obama who really understand that the middle class need a big help because he came from there. but not someone who has 7 houses and who does'nt understand it is hard to live without a house.
- Adama Traore, Manchester

I'll reiterate basically what Hillary wanted to say, but couldn't because of the forcefulness of party loyalty: "No way, no how, no Obama!" and especially not here in the great state of New Hampshire.
- Shannon Lee, Manchester, New Hampshire

Unless Obama cheats in NH with groups such as Acorn, I believe McCain will carry this state. I sure as heck hope that government officials are watching out for voter fraud in our state. We SHOULD require all voters to show proof of ID when you vote in order to cut down on fraud. It actually makes me nervous that there haven't been complaints of fraud in NH so far when basically every other battleground state has announced voter fraud. It almost makes me think that either they are getting away with it so far, our voters laws are just so manipulable in NH that it will never be caught, or the Republicans aren't doing enough to make sure it doesn't happen. Regardless, I sure hope people are out there making sure it doesn't happen in our state.
- Pam Dupont, Manchester

Notice how close Obama held his rally to the Massachusetts boarder. Coincidence? I don't think so.
- Kevin Lyons, Raymond, NH

Wait a minute, did I catch that right? The school actually allowed a field trip of students to attend a political rally? That's nice, glad to see that our school system is trying to brain wash our kids now. Please tell me that taxpayer money wasn't used on a bus to transport the kids to the rally because that would be the final nail in the coffin. I read earlier that parents are getting very angry at some schools because they are having their students read Obama's speech from 2004 in their English classes without offering any of McCain's to read as well.

This is so sad when political bias has entered our school system. There is a difference between using the election to teach children about the process and using it as propaganda to brainwash kids into supporting a particular candidate or political party and bringing kids on a field trip to an Obama rally is a bit over the line.
- Holly Lane Ginder, Concord, New Hampshire

Anyone count the Massachusetts and Vermont liberals that were bused in to boost Obama's numbers at the rally? Because I've been told that at least half the people there were from out of state.
- Fred Jenkins, Manchester Nh

Isn't that typical. Obama cancels the national anthem in order to fit in another speaker. That's awesome. I'm not too surprised though, I guess that's what happens to your patriotism when you sit in an Anti-American church for 20 years.
- Ben Thomas, Manchester

Its pretty funny hearing Obama say that he doesn't want his own supporters to get too cock or too sure of a victory when everything Obama DOES is totally opposite. Obama has begun setting up a massive victory rally in Chicago and has actually made comments about changing the White House's bowling alley into a basketball court. I'd say that when you are talking about redecorating the White House already, you are a bit over confident.

However, Obama has no reason to be so cocky. First of all, polls are just polls and are never totally accurate. Is Obama a bit ahead? Probably. But for those of you who like polls, yesterday's Gallop poll of likely voters has McCain only down 2 points, which is within the margin or error, so its a basic tie. The media wants an Obama win so bad that they are actually trying to dampen support for McCain and make his supporters think it is all over. It is VERY far from over and will come down to a very close race on Nov. 4. McCain needs NH and NH needs to go for McCain to keep our state in that category of being a swing state rather than a dark blue one like the rest of the north east. New Hampshire is different. We don't just rubber stamp any democrat that goes on a ballot. Lets keep it that way, because there is too much to risk in this election by rubber stamping Obama. Do we need Change? Yes. But not the kind Obama wants to bring!
- Chris King, Manchester, New Hampshire