I believe that people want the illuision of change. Tehy want to be able and say this that we have right now isn’t working. That is change, but most people are scared of change. You never know if it is going to work out right or not. But there is one thing that is constent in life- CHANGE. Who ever you vote for will be change, it is the policies and the experience of that person to have the ability to right wrongs. That is what should be at the for front righting the wrongs, Go Hillary.

By nature, people rather have the devil they know than the devil they don’t. Change can be scary so we go along repeating the same mistakes by voting for the known. Congress has a high negative but if you ask a person about their senator or rep, they usually say they like him or her and they keep voting the individual back in office.

I think voters do vote to change things; however, the need for campaign contributions, special interests, politicians turned lobbyists, poltical parties, re-districting, and Senate rules conspire to resist meaningful change. That would threaten their livlihoods. “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” could only happen in the movies, never in real life.

Don’t be so quick to write off Obama. I had no intention of voteing for him until the other canidates started dropping out. We do want change, the question is will Washington let us get away with it.

I feel that change for change’s sake is fool hardy. I also believe that there is plenty of room for change in Washington. How to achieve that change is the real question. The process begins with the voters. We must try to look beyond the labels that are either chosen by the candidates or foisted upon them by various interest groups, foremost in my opinion, is the media. We must then try to sort out the truth from the half truths and lies. Hopefully, we will then make an informed decision when we vote.
Yes Jack, we do want change but not necessarily the change you appear to want by the framing of your question.
What’s the old expression, throwing the baby out with the bath water. I might apply your question to “talking heads” like you and Wolf . I might, if I had the vote, throw you out because you have been part of the news scene for tooo long.
Experience is a valuable and often elusive quality. Unlike Teddy Kennedy who feels some might have it now!! I feel it is acquired with time and as a result of life’s expeiences.

Maybe because change scares most people. They would rather stay with the status quo rather then try something else for fear it might be worse.

Think about what you just asked. Big money funds the campaign, which hires consultants to find those hot button issues. One of those is usually “change”. So they package it in a short form that best suits their target audience, playing it over and over. People think they’re voting for change. Yet once elected, candidates shed their promises like a used condom, which is exactly what we’re left with. No, it wasn’t good for me.

I believe that the people have spoken for change. The only one that has given us any chance for change is Obama. I’m not sure if he will fulfill his promises,does any politician, but he is so far, not deeply tainted by the Washington establishment and the lobbyist. If it comes to a race between McCain and Clinton, McCain would win but between McCain and Obama. It will be Obama. Yea, and I’m a conservative.

Jack, After decades, of pandering legislators, apathy runs deep, in our country. American’s won’t vote, to really change a damn thing, until our last good jobs are outsourced and Corporate U.S.A. has reduced our standard of living, to that of a third world country. The time to clean house is way over due but there’s no one, to vote for. We need a viable independent candidate, such as Lou Dobbs, to jump, in the race, then the stuff will strike the whirling blades.

Maybe it’s my age, but I’ve heard this “change” thing enough times during previous campaigns that I can’t take it seriously. Particularly when it lacks specifics, like in the Obama campaign.

Republican obstructionist tactics have had a devastating impact on middle class and poor Americans. If Obama’s plan is to reach across the isle and bring these same Republicans into the White House, then we’re looking at some grand compromising on important democratic principles …. and that kind of “change” we don’t need. Americans cannot afford mediocre legislation for the sole purpose of singing Kum-By-Yah on the Senate floor.

Change requires political courage and that is no longer something Americans have. Our current crop of leaders do not match any of our founding fathers and we do need that kind of leadership today. We would have to stop voting for both parties and encourage independents to become much more involved. Will that happen? Probably not; we are just too tied to the two party, corrupt system to break out of their grasp. We may be watching the beginning of the end of our country. We should all reexamine the words of George Washington to see if his ideals match what we have become.

Jack, We need change as a informed voter I will start the change. From Republican to Democrat (Thank You, Florida) If you think that a liberal is the best choice for the highest elected office in our nation ( One that I have shed my blood for for the past twelve years) than I will do the same and vote for the candidate one who seems to be wanting to bring both sides together. Change ! Yes we Can. Yes I Will.

Jack this is the same drivel that talking heads say over and over again and then wonder why people are so hostile to their own government. People like McCain and Clinton have devoted their lives to serving this country in the best way they know how. You may not like them, because they know that you can’t wave a magic wand and change the world and they are honest enough to not claim that they can. They are honest enough to admit that there are competing interests in Washington and that there are winners and losers in every policy debate.

You sound like what you want is someone to lie to you and make you feel better, at least for a while.

Mr. Jack,
All in all I believe our government is the best in the world….that being said, even though President Bush has screwed up royally, we as Americans have great faith in the establishment, especially during such bad times. If we were not at war, if our economy was not crumbling beneath us, if we were reveared in the world as we used to be, we could stomach “CHANGE”. But because we face such complicated and stressful times, we do put a lot of trust in those who have been through the ringer in Washington and those who have lasted through the muck….those two being Hillary Clinton and John McCain…..
Jack, I dare you to use this on the air

We will/would, Congress won’t, they’re bought, Jack! MONEY!

change is in the eye of the beholden.
and the beholden is blind.

bowling green, mo.

No. They prefer to snipe over Presidential candidates. The majority of the people are too lazy to get off their backsides and contact their representatives. The representatives will continue to ignore the wishes of the people that do contact them. The merry-go-round continues.

I don’t know Jack and it is unfortunate. Americans continue to say “we want change” every election cycle and then continue electing the opposite of change. They keep towing the status quo. Even with Mr. Change himself Obama, it really isn’t a change. He is backed by big money lobbyist just like Clinton.

-Brett
OH

I think it’s because that old people like myself are really afraid of change esp in programs like social security and medicare while the young seem to be more interested in “American Idol” and what’s happening to Brittany Spears.

every two years it “throw the rascals out but not MY rascal because he got us a nice fat pork project for the state or district”. that’s why you have “professional politicians” like Senators Byrd, Kennedy, and Stevens that have been in office forever.

the ONLY way things will ever REALLY change is IF we were to inact TERM LIMITS for the House and Senate like there is for the Presidency but THAT’S never going to happen because these intrenched politicians would NEVER derail their own gravy train.

I think that the problem is too many people put too much weight on the so called experience factor. Many of the great leaders of the past did not have experience when they went into office. George Washington was a general not a politician. Abraham Lincoln did not have any experience that would have prepared him to deal with a Civil War. We need more statesmen who can solve problems and get stuff done and less Washington career politicians who spend all of their time bickering about the other party and selling out to the special interests.

Jack, You should know the answer to this question. No one can change Washington. Its always Washington changing people. Bush, Clinton all wanted to change Washington. Look what happened?

Many of us try to vote for a change from the entrenched bureaucracy, but money and power talks and controls. Both parties are loaded with “sheeple” blinded by party loyalty. They’ll believe whatever they’re told and do as they are told. Life’s easier that way, especially for sheeple. For the rest of us, we continue to buck the system while we down antacids to stomach the idiots holding power over us all.

YES let’s change direction and now! Obama/Edwards 2008 sounds like a huge step forward. Imagine that W, forward! We demand people who represent the will of the people not their own personal views, or worse yet, those of their corporate backers.

Jack
Everyone wants to stay in their so called comfort zone and are reluctant to change. Most of the canidates are campaigning for change but have not outlined their game plan for this change. We have heard all this before and nothing has changed.

A McCain-Clinton race makes for a very difficult choice for independent voters. I would say that most, if not all independents will not vote for Clinton. Independents don’t share the same sycophantic fanaticism as those who worship the Clintons. Unfortunately, that leaves the only other choice who is pro-war. A war that is not supported by the majority of Americans. A war that is a money pit.

We truly need a viable third party candidate in this election. Al Gore, are you listening?

I think what we are seeing is that the older generations (40+) aren’t prepared for change. The votes suggest that experience really is more important than change. Experience does lend itself as more secure. Then again, the vote might represent a racial divide that has existed for quite some time.

At the same time, I think people are also leery of Obama’s change campaign since he has been caught up in his own political drama (i.e. Slumlords and Snubbing). I was rooting for Obama pretty strongly because of his freshness and commitment to revamp everything that seems so dirty in Washington. Now that he seems susceptible to get just as dirty as the rest of them, he might be losing his edge. By the way, his message is losing it with me. It was great as in introduction, but I’ve heard a bit too much of what I deem his “motivational speeches.” I hope he starts integrating his plans for actually making that change in a more specific manner. That’d make me more confident in his ability to become president. For now, I think McCain seems a pretty good candidate.

People are ambivalent about change. On one hand they are tired of the same old thing. On the other change is scary. At least the same old Hillary is familiar. Bill is familiar. Besides the economy was good under Clinton. With Obama trying to bring change it might mean that you don’t have as much money in your pocket. Really, the same old politics are the politics of greed. I want mine, and yours too if I can get it. With Obama you get the picture that he is bringing in a altruistic framework. We all know what will happen then. Why taxes will go up.
With Hillary Bill and McCain being such good friends and Bill being such good friends with George Bush Senior we will just get 4 or 8 more years of the same. Besides, I am relatively sure that McCain will beat Hillary. There are just too many people who hate the Clintons and the scandals. No, a good policy of greed is what we really need. Oh and yes, we can continue to fight in Iraq, What joy! You don’t really think that Clinton is going to get us out do you. That would be too much like change.

Jack,

When was the last time voters actually voted for Change? Remember the congressional elections of 1994? Need I say more.

Because deep down most of America is afraid to make real change in Washington. Sure, we’ll turn over control of Congress from the useless Republicans to the useless Democrats. But what really changes, nothing. If we, as Americans wanted real change in how the government is run, we would have the two parties plus Independents, Green Party candidates and other groups represented in Congress. Hillary Clinton and John McCain are the establishment, everyone knows that and all of the American drones go to the poles and vote that way. It’s unfortunate that even today, in the 21st century, Amercia remains stuck on the same, tired rhetoric of the “establishment” candidates.

For me, I’m supporting Barack Obama as he sees America as it should be with all of the hope and promise its founding fathers knew was there. All we have to do is wake up, take a long hard look at what’s really going on in the US. Acknowledge that America has problems and we really need to fix them. Only when that happens will Americans vote for real change.

I think Hillary Clinton would be he best chance for change. Bill Clinton’s administration brought us change. I think the pair working together would make that change. What is there about prosperity that all the right wingers don’t like. We had that with Bill Clinton as much as the right wing tried to prevent it with all their investigations that they held . The only thing they could get him for was lying about sex, that would get everybody in Washington.
McLain would have us in a continual war, just what we have now.

People won’t vote for change because they depend on the corporate media to spoon feed them their choices and even though John Edwards won most of the debates, the media took no notice because he wasn’t the flavor of the week. Our election process has become about as worthless as American Idol, and our presidents as lacking in talent and substance.

hey jack , Dont be quick to pronouce hillary front runner, and when it boils down to change. edwards said two people can make it happen . Him edward and obama, now he drops out , dont you think its only one agentof change remaining.

Jack,
Its not that we don’t vote for change. People’s votes don’t matter. Clinton and McCain have been running for president for years. They have everything locked up from the inside, money, important people, etc. Challengers start off with an automatic disadvantage. It is amazing that Obama has gone so far with the odds stacked against him. You can see that Romney, an outsider, is having an extremely hard time, even with his milllions. Its those Washington insiders who will determine the next president.
Terry

In the words of the “poster girl for Washington establishment”, ‘having the first female president IS change’!

Change only comes when you dare to dream or the situation is so terrible that you have no choice but to change. Some see things as they are and ask why. I dream things that never were and ask why not.

Ben
Louisville

Being willing to want change means that you are willing to recognize that our political system is bascially broken. Too many people rely on those 30 second sound bites to make their choice on election day rather than take the time and energy to research a candidate’s record and stand on the issues. They worry about what a candidate can do for their individual district instead of what’s good for the country as a whole. Most individuals will rant on and on about changing our government but once in the voting booth, they end up selecting the same tired officials that got us into the mess we are in now. Until the fat cat K Street crowd is run out of Washington, we will never have true change. Money talks, Jack—–and until we finally remove corporate money from the election process, we will simply have more of the same. What you are smelling is the stench from Washington and we all need a gas mask to survive.

Change is something that lerks around corners and under beds. People like change if it is good and hate it if it’s bad. The road flows both ways, change is scary. I believe if you take a person that knows whats going on in America, that has experince of the past, then you are changing. People look to much into speeches and who makes them feel good right now. Its not about feeling good right now but feeling good 2-3 years from now. To Believe is to achieve but the leadership of experience is always in the front. Go Hillary.

Jack, I think people are afraid of change because they don’t have a clue what real change is. We haven’t had real change in government since the death of JFK. Most people under 50 never experienced the “magic” of the Kennedy era. Obama represents that kind of change but people are scared, can’t blame them, seven years of Bush is enough to scare the best. Remember the old adage “a turtle never gets anywhere without sticking his neck out.” Let’s hope that todays great young people can help us turn the tide.

We will all vote to change things, Jack. The last name “Bush” is not on any of the ballots, and that may be the biggest and best change of all.

The desire for some measure of change is the fundamental reason why people vote. Whether it is a vote to re-elect an incumbent to sustain change or a vote for a non-incumbent to introduce change, the “want for change” is what motivates people to vote on election day be it for Dog Catcher or President of the United States.

The US is like a burning bridge… We know that at some point we are going to have to jump and fix things, but no one seems to want to do it. We need change but we are in need of fundamental change. The call for reasonable candidates like Ron Paul are only going to get stronger. Hopefully we jump before its too late.

When it comes right down to it, why won’t we vote to really change things?

To many people, real change appears to be the right thing to vote for…except if it effects them!! And that fear is why every election year the status quo continues!!

Fran
Michigan

I will book that Theresa’s comment gets read on the air tonight.

“Our election process has become as worthless as American Idol, and our Presidents as lacking in talent and substance” just about says it all

Could it be that old habits are hard to break or that our choices are limited or that a ridiculous number of Americans don’t even bother to vote? But whatever the reason is, it works great for those in power because that is where they will remain.

I think the fact that Obama is doing so well is a testimony to the desire for change. Remember that HIllary had to Flip/flop her whole campaign strategy from one of experience to one of change.

HOnestly, everyone knows shes in bed with special interest groups. However I still dont understand why she retains support. Its almost as if people are afraid to NOT vote for her because of concerns of another republican president. If Obama doesnt get the democratic nomination, americans will have a hard choice between the lesser of 2 evils

Frank Esper

Jack, voting for change is a good idea, but who has the clout to lead it through government? As much as the words of so many candidates sound promising, we still cannot look forward to a leader that will bind our country together.

I am beginning to believe true CHANGE will only come in this country when we are forced to leave our polling booth with a PURPLE FINGER showing. Right now there are too many voters that think they get change in Washington from talking about it - they forget that change is done by voting.

Obama is the true changemaster in this campaign….now if only we had to show a PURPLE finger!

I want change so much jack, If Obama doesn’t get the nomination.
I will not vote for anybody.

MA

Some people won’t vote for important issues because our democracy is hugely affected by the opinion polls and its bandwagon effect. There’s a tendency to not to vote when they feel they are voting for a losing candidate even though they want to change things. This unconscious behavior suppresses the minority voice that actually have a chance of winning, but that “chance” is crushed by the opinion polls. I hope people will not care for the opinion polls and just vote for what’s right for them. Also, it is a good idea to tell your friend how you are going to vote to fend off the bandwagon effect.

What change? The people do not elect the President, lobbyists and special interest groups do. That is why John Edwards is no longer in the race. Clinton is status quo and Obama can be controlled.

Because we are all creatures of habit. You know not making too drastic of a change might just be a good thing. Our government is like a house of cards, and when you make a hugh change most times the house will crumble. Case in point, look what has happened the last eight years when the Republicans came to Washington with one thing one their mind, and that was to dominate, do only things that helped only one group of American, and let the rest to fend for themselves. They did just that until 2006, now the worm has turned, and they can only blame themselves, and us who help put them in power.

Of course no one really wants change, Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton; who’s next, Jeb then Chelsea?

We do want change and will vote Obama President……but the polling is behind the change in the tide.

People want to restore pride and common sense to government……and have a government for the people and by the people. This is President Obama and Vice President Edwards.

The entire political system has been modified to keep change at bay.

Want to vote early, the party strips your delegates because you tried to change things. Meanwhile a select few super delegates within the Democratic party have as much power as thousands of individual voters. What happened to one person, one vote?

We are sending Americans to die every day in foreign countries so that they have representative democracies while turning a blind eye on how the two party system has corrupted our own.

The desired change is not being an insider or person outside of Washington. It is more fundamental than that. It is a desire to Trust that the leadership of the country and the 2 parties will put aside having their parties be the priority instead of the people they represent. The key point is that people want to trust their government and know that it is working to better improve their lives. This is an issue of trust, integrity, and being proud to believe in your government.

Jack,
Everyone wants CHANGE as long it’s not in their backyard!

Keith
Ft Leonard Wood, MO

Simply voting in a newcomer or and outsider does not necessarily bring about change. Jimmy Carter was a good, moral guy, a Washington outsider…what did he change? His Presidency was a disaster. But comes from a political dynasty, yes, but he was not exactly a Beltway dinosaur either.

Jack, it is the media’s narrative that the people only want change. We actually care about competence and strength, too. It does us no good to vote in someone with a deficient resume. Simply being “new” is not enough to run the executive branch properly.

Change is easy to talk about but difficult to accept. Change from Bush to Hillary or McCain is also a change. But changing from divided country to united one is much bigger change. People sometime accept smaller changes easily but are scared to accept bigger changes.

Hillary and McCain both project themselves as change agents but they are talking about minor changes whereas Obama talks about fundamental changes. This election will show if people can really digest fundamental change. I hope they do.

Jack,
I don’t accept the premise of your question. By no means is Hillary Clinton the front-runner, Obama is clearly in the lead as far as delegates go. I think the country is salivating for change as is the Democratic establishment; the strong support Obama is seeing from party elites (Kennedy, Kerry) surely is evidence of the changing political ethos.
Although McCain has become part of the Washington machine in the last 26 years, it is clear that he does not fit the mold of a traditional conservative. He has for years, even when it was difficult, defied Republican leadership and the conservative platform coming out against torture and advocating comprehensive immigration reform.
I believe that on February 6th after half the country votes, we will see Obama and McCain at the reigns of what is surely to be one of the most exciting elections in American history.

Arjav Ezekiel
Kenyon College ‘10

Jack.
For years I’ve stated that the American voter is ill-qualified through a fundamental lack of education to vote for the the right candidate for the Presidency. This has and will continue to encourage less than qualified candidates to run for and occupy that coveted office. Since we know that special interest groups run our political system, then change has to begin with 1) Educating Americans towards informed decision making and 2) Putting democratic rule directly in the hands of the voters. Our system of representative democracy is outmoded in the 21st Century.

What is change? Bush waving BYE BYE to all of us is all the change I have asked for.

Hey Jack,

Change isn’t better or worse, it is just change. I think people know that change is an uncertainty. What courage it would take for a politician to run on a platform of “reform” or even “start over”. Changing what we have simply means doing the same thing differently. People know that. If someone really wanted to create a new environment of cooperation and intelligent choice I would vote for them in a New York minute. The problem isn’t that we won’t vote for change, it’s that no one is really proposing anything new.

Dennis

It’s pretty ironic isn’t it Jack? Iowa wanted someone tough on immigration, so they picked Huckabee who wants scholarships for illegals. New Hampshire wanted someone good on the economy, so they picked a Senator who has never run a business and admitted himself that he doesn’t know much about the economy. It is absolutely sickening how uninformed the average voter is, and the rest of us will have to pay for it.

Change is never easy but.. someone has to take this country by the bootstraps, distance themselves from the White House crap as we know it, and bring us back to what our Founding Fathers meant this country to be.

We need change, but we won’t get it until we have a legitimate third party to choose from. Obama talks about change and that he is not about the same old Washington insider, but he is receiving endorsements from these same oldWashington insiders that he mentions. Kennedy, Kerry, and the same old party elders will mold Obama in their image.

The spin on every issue is to make it look like “their candidate” is for change. The two front runners are basically identical on the major issues of Immigration and the war. Hillary voted for the war, but now “spins” herself as being against it, but who can really tell since she has flip flopped so many times about troop withdrawal that one can only wonder. McCain is also for the war. McCain was for the “comprehensive immigration reform” just as Hillary is, but now both say that they will “secure the border first” It is all about spin, spin, spin—-we will all have to “hold our nose” and vote for someone, Please God help us!!

It might have something to do with the fact that, for the Democrats at least, the party powerful retain a full 40% of nominating power in the form of the “superdelegates” to the national convention. That means that we, the powerless and meaningless people get to select the other 60% which sounds good until you realize that that 60% is split half and half between Hillary and Obama. Ok, now who’s ahead? That’s right, the party power brokers whom do not want change. I imagine the Pubs are no different.

Jack,

I think we have misinterpreted the “CHANGE”. We want to change the Bush’s administration not any other change. Any inexperienced intern in White House will cause another four year of bad economy, etc. - THAT IS NOT THE CHANGE WE WANT!

Yeah sure, I want change. But change from George W. Bush and his nonsense government. Change from war against imaginary threats. Change from colors of fear to describe the possibility of a terrorist attack. Change from a Vice-President on the payroll of a big government contractor. Change from the influence of drug cartel on the street of America. Change from the race issues that divided us so deeply. Change from a Congress that doesn´t work for the people. Change from a campaign about winning political power and not about providing solutions to people´s problems.
So many changes Jack..so little a vote can do for…

Mind-boggling…simply mind-boggling! All these candidates have stolen Barack Obama’s original message of ‘change’. And to think, that the American people, after voting for George W. Bush a second time, would not learn their lesson, that is the saddest thing about this election.

It is quite clear– if Americans want change, they should vote for Obama. The democratic establishment is behind him. Nearly every important figure of our time has given either direct or indirect support for him.

Why don’t Americans support him, if they want change? Obviously, Clinton and Mccain do not represent change, right?

The answer: Americans are politically inept. Most Americans do not even know that Florida was a so-called ‘beauty contest’. Women are voting for Clinton because she’s a woman. Republicans, for some odd reason, support Mccain even though he pretty much has many values that go against their so-called ‘conservative values’.

And, more importantly, Americans voted for George W. Bush, TWICE.

They obviously spend too much time on the superbowl, not enough time on the CNN political ticker.

That would be a sad day if out of 300 million Americans the best candidates the two major parties can come up with are an idiot who can’t wait to attack Iran and “Billary” two more terms Clinton. To paraphrase Sen. McCain’s comment last week, that would be America’s worst nightmare.

Change may be frightening but the status quo is even more so. Hey, it’s not over until the fat lady sings. Cream rises to the top - Obamarama is oin the horizon.
And Jack, just love you too.

If you aren’t afraid of it, you will vote for change. Funny thing about change, It comes at times when we are afraid to reach out for it.

What is it that describes “crazy”…doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results?

I think the amazing success of Barack Obama’s campaign is proof that not only are people looking for change, they are coming out in record numbers to vote for change. There is only one candidate that can really bring back the America we treasure and want to preserve and that is Barack Obama.

The only reason we don’t vote for change is because we don’t have anybody to vote for. The only candidate that offers any chance of change is Ron Paul, but even if he got in, he’s too socially conservative and will continue to irreparably shift the Supreme Court to the extreme right and it will take until the end of this century to balance it out again. Any candidate who would make a real change has been marginalized by the media, like Kucinich and was never given anywhere near the free publicity as the chosen darlings.

Jack:

People who scoff at the value of inspiration should reflect on it a little. It’s that singular force that propels us to go against the inertia that is ingrained in us all: the natural tendency to resist change.

Humanity, and more specifically, American’s are terrified of change. We’ve become so abhorrent tot he idea that we will willfully dismember and decimate our freedoms and virtues for the appearance of ’stability’ and ‘normalcy’. America actively seeks to further our detriment by placating the entities that would see us wither and fail by creating ‘free trade’ agreements so that it’s cheaper to send American jobs to countries that allow their citizens to be treated as little more than slaves. All of this so that they don’t get angry and threaten to withhold our imports or raise the prices on our exports (what few of them remain). Because the one thing American’s cannot abide, is change. We react badly to change, almost idiotically to the most mundane of societal speed bumps, and this overzealous and over packaged reactions create panic, recession and a furthering loss of our most basic freedoms.

A great number of people believe that the electoral process is flawed, so it is during the caucuses and primaries that Americans have a chance to TRULY have their voices heard. And while we want change we think “Is this person qualified?” and “Have they done this job before?”.

The question we should be asking instead is, “Why are we electing the American ‘royalty’ again?” George Washington, our first president, did not have American political experience, and yet we elected him over 200 years ago, and he put us on the right path. We need someone who is intelligent, but has no clue how ‘politics’ work.

Jack Cafferty, as usual, is right on target with his political observations. I am very deeply saddened by John Edwards having to withdraw from the presidential race. Big corporations have won again. I’m a man so I’m not supposed to cry, but I sure feel like it. May GOD help us because this nation is in deep trouble. The middle class is quickly being wiped out and religious eccentrics are in bed with the fat cats who are wiping out the middle class. Are we heading back into the dark ages?

Jack,

Like most organizations, the American people are somewhat resistant to change. After being disappointed so many times they believe that true substantive change may be beyond their reach. The Obama campaign represents the best possibility to bring about change as he has shown he can bridge the partisan divides within us as an American people and begin to seek the common ground we all desperately need to reach.

In this election it’s not so much about “change” as it is about moving ahead, getting something done, ending all the in-fighting. People are tired of listening to everyone beating each other up while our country is sliding down the slippery slope. They want the blame game to stop and the focus to be on fixing the problems that confront us every day.

I think the amazing success of Barack Obama’s campaign is proof that not only are people looking for change, they are coming out in record numbers to vote for change. There is only one candidate that can really bring back the America we treasure and want to preserve and that is Barack Obama.

Our nation was founded by educated, righteous citizens who were fed up with their former government, and in our Constitution they provided that citizens of the United States have the right to do so. I think Americans have forgotten that change is what our nation was founded upon. We should embrace change, not fear it. There’s no way we can revolutionize our current system of Washington without some radical change in our government and the mega corporations that run it.

The main issue is that many women are voting for Hilary only because she’s a woman. That’s just as bad as voting for someone based solely upon race.

Jack,

Until we find a true independent populist with the smarts to do the job, the perseverance to weather the verbal brutality and dirty tricks of the Washington Two-Party Machine, and the deep pockets to fund a national campaign, we are stuck………those of you that meet these qualifications, are you listening? We need you to step up right now.

I hope you’re wrong and that people wake up.

Feb. 5th could be the turning point if Obama does well.

His ‘change’ may not be as radical as some would like, or too radical for others; but at least one can hope for a difference if he gets elected.

Electing either Clinton or McCain would be keeping the status quo, and of these two I’d rather see McCain win, as Hillary is just too polarizing (and this is coming from someone who’s never voted for a republican before).

Just got my Obama yard sign and bumper stickers. Ready to rock!

Simply voting in a newcomer/outsider does not necessarily bring about change, at least not good change. Jimmy Carter was a good, moral guy, a Washington outsider…what did he change? His Presidency was a disaster. Bush comes from a political dynasty, yes, but he was not exactly a Beltway dinosaur either. I don’t think the failures of his Presidency need introduction.

Jack, it is the media’s narrative that the people only want change. We actually care about competence and strength, too, rumors to the contrary. It does us no good to vote in someone with a deficient resume simply because they’re a stranger to Washington. Simply being “new” is not enough to run the executive branch properly.

I for one would feel more comfortable voting for change if I knew what kind of change I was voting for. Change can be good or bad. Candidates need to provide more details about the changes they would bring.

“Change” is only a word. No one running is giving any specifics on anything, and it would be pointless if they did. Because whatever their plan, they have to get it through Congress. I think it’s easier to run a rope through the eye of a needle than to get Congress to make any meaningful changes. I support McCain because I believe he is a true conservative - one who won’t cut taxes without cutting spending. Tax cuts are popular, spending cuts aren’t, and that’s half the problem right there. As much as I support him, I know it will be an uphill battle to accomplish this. I also supported Edwards, too bad he didn’t catch on, because he was honest enough to admit back in 2004 just how difficult it would be to balance the budget (the popular “change” at that time) when everyone wanted to spend money on their pet projects. Like Hillary wanting to pay the heating bills for the poor. Great sentiment, but how are you going to pay for that, Hillary?

Change doesn’t scare me. More of the same, however, is terrifying. And I’m not just talking about the past seven years. John Edwards represented those Americans who have been marginalized since the Reagan Era. Ask the young people, like myself, struggling to pay off student loans, without any form health care if we are scared of change. Absolutely not! With John Edwards out who am I suppose to vote for now? Ron Paul?
Sarah, Springfield, MO

Jack voters want change they just keep doing the same thing,that of course is voting for the Dems or Republicans.I am now totally convinced that the only candidate of real change will have to come from a Third Party.By the way if Lou Dobbs does run how bout Vice President Jack Cafferty at least we will finally get a direct answer to a question.Yeah now that’s change!!!!

I think Obama would turn Washington upside down. If only the country had the courage to put him in.

Change? Everyone wants change but no one is willing to accept change.
The only real hope we, as Americans, have is for Barack Obama to choose
John Edwards (who really should be the next president) to be his running mate.
God, I hope he does.

Things have changed in the last few months. A fire has ignited- and I think the State of the Union address has helped feed that fire of change. Ultimately we want results in this country and “change” doesn’t always equal results. Sometimes experience is how results get made. All this interest in Obama as the “it” guy IS captivating. But, when it comes down to it- The American people want someone who won’t be left standing with the clipboard saying “If we do this, this will happen; if we do that, that will happen, let’s deliberate…let’s explore all options…” It is great in theory; however, we need a president who has spent her life deliberating and is ready to make the decisions needed NOW. Hillary ‘08.

Jack,
We the people are afraid to make a move towards change! Often times we get side track with the thought of losing which pushes us to vote in the status quo which creates frustration and anger. The change and excitement that is in the air now is about the prospects of a candidate who truly brings us together and inspires us to a higher calling. A candidate who has brought out new voters, independence and Republicans to the conversation. Imagine a President inspiring us through a bully pulpit to unifying red and blue states, a President that isn’t divisive and a leader who actually try diplomacy first before confrontation.

Jack, how can we really care about change if all we have are candidates that are alittle like those we voted for in High school, the poplar ones, you remember. None of the kids that were really smart or even normal, ever won a seat on student government. Change will only come about when we vote with our heads and not with our eyes, that means, people like Ron Paul or Joe Biden. I can only hope that with Obama, comes change. If you will remember, we did have change with GWB - look where that got us…………enough said.

I think change is here in Obama. Hillary is what’s wrong with politics. It’s time to stop to politics of old and move forward. McCain is not a conservative and is the Republican’s worst nighmare, but they’re so worry about retaining power that they have not alternative. I’m not sure Obama will be the really thing, but he the best hope this country has seen since RFK. Let’s face the facts, independents decide elections and Hillary has not growth ouside of the democratic party. Obama is the only canditate who has this potential. It will be a sad day in November if Hillary or McCain become President. Change will of taken a step back!

I absolulty was routing for Clinton (i am canadian so i can not vote) but I can’t understand how she thinks she is going to implicate universal healthcare in a country that 5% of the population own 95% of the wealth. People of the lower class will end up paying the price for the middle and upper class. I like Obama’s plan for healthcare by starting at the rout of the problem, the overwelming cost of it. As a member of the county that a lot of other countries say has the best healthcare, I would say Obama’s plan is a lot better to start the rebuilding of healthcare in the one the the greatest countries in the world. Clinton thinks u can just make healthcare universal in America, i say Rome could not be built in a day, every plan needes a start.

Jack,
Talk about sarcasm, this is the most “changed” primaries I have ever witnessed. One woman, one black man, one millionaire, one minister, one war hero, and the winners are…Stay tune…

The status quo is always less scary than out and out change. I believe that John Edwards radical views frightened some voters away. Some change is good, but a lot at one time might be too hard to swallow. Personally, I voted for him.

If we really want change, we need to be willing to make changes in ourselves.

Saldy I believe that the people of this country do not want change particularly in their political leaders. People would rather have what they know then what they do not know. Change is challenging for many people and some are just simply unequipped to deal with it. The same types of things in this country continue to divide us i.e. black vs. white, latino vs. black , rich vs.poor even as we sit here in the 21st century. Because of money and special interests it is very diffilcult for new leaders to emerge and be elected. I also believe that this is why 2 families have shared leadership of this country over the past 28 years.

We did vote for change. We voted for change in 2006. The democrats promised it to us. So far they’ve given Bush everything he wants on a silver platter and Patirck Lehey turns his head to all the White House Corruption. So…fool me once…shame on me

Now Obama promises us change. He doesn’t tell us how he’s going to deliver and he’s getting endorsements from Kennedy and Edwards who should have left Congress a long ago…I’m not buying his message of change….Fool me twice, I’m a moron.

Jack:
Change will never happen until the Congress is swept out, thus throwing the “old money” out. As long as the straghold exists on our Congress by lobbyists and large corporations, any candidate promoting “change” will be saying it into an 60mph wind!

The truth is;
Change costs too much. Its the same reason that there is no real pork spending reform or real campaign finance reform. Jack, change costs; friends, positions, prestige and not to mention money!

A notable quote: when traveling down lifes’ highway and you come face to face with truth, Turn Around!

It sure makes you wonder. Last presidential election people had enough of the war and Bush still won. I think we really need to look at do WE want the change or do we want others to magically change things for us. Wanting it and demanding and owning the vehicle for it are two very different things.

Every time someone is elected to public office, we get change. There will be a new president. Bingo! A change. There will be new faces in congress. Bingo! Another change. Our country has been changing for over 200 years. Sometimes we get it right on the first try, sometimes on a later try. But one thing is for sure, change is constant. Senator Obama promises change. So what. Change is inevitable.

Jack,

Of course voters want change and there is only one candidate left in this race who can deliver it to the American people–Barack Obama! But make no mistake about it, true change won’t occur until the American people demand more acccountability from their leaders.

Take Hillary’s latest tactic to regain attention on the national stage. She was unwilling to stay the course in South Carolina and thank the dear people of South Carolina who campaigned hard for her and went to the polls last Saturday to vote. She hopped on a plane and put the hopes and dreams of South Carolinians in her rearview mirror. Nevertheless, she was willing to go to Florida to thank people that she never met, not because she cares about delegate votes counting but, instead, because it takes attention and momentum from Barack Obama’s campaign. If the American people are going to see change take place, we can no longer afford to allow this sort of politics to dominate Washington.

Sadly, it seems that the American people are not truly engaging the politics of each candidate other than hearing a blurb or shibboleth from each candidate here and there. How many Americans visit the candidate’s website he or she is supporting to see where that candidate truly stands on the issues? I suppose that not many do this and only end up voting for the names that are familiar to them. It’s like the NBA all-star game, except the corollary to us choosing to go with the status quo has far deepening effects than a three hour ball game.

Jack, in the final analysis, you do realize that if Clinton wins the Presidency, we will have the last four Presidents of the United with a last name of Bush or Clinton. There is on way that we can believe that any change will come about should that happen. I guess the only change will be the first name of the candidate in office.

Americans want change for the moment. We get caught up in a frenzy that lasts far too short for the purpose. The election is reminiscent of the 911 events. One week all the flags on vehicles! People with patriotic pins and ribbons! I had a woman come up to me and ask if she could pin a small set of red, white and blue streamers on my shirt. I of course said yes. The next week, flags on the road, crushed and ran over. No pins or ribbons. They faded as if the meaning had no original purpose. So goes elections.

Voters are more concerned about which candidate can save us from the rescission we about to enter very soon. Come November, Hillary Clinton can easily run on her husband record that during the Clinton’s Administration the economy was at its best in American history. We know that American citizens are more focus on the economy right now, so Hillary has the upper hand to cash in on her husband previous record. However, if Hillary becomes president there will be changes in policy making but no change of people in office. We will be going from a Bush dynasty to a Clinton dynasty, and we have already had too much of that in the past. I personally think the best candidate for change would be Barack Obama since we never had an Obama dynasty in Washington.

Jack,

We certainly need change and lots of it in the right direction. There is actually a foundation that our government is built upon that we should return to — it is the Constitution. It is time for us to vote our conscience and elect a candidate who has wisdom and experience but is not tainted by big money politics. The one candidate left for the Republicans is Ron Paul. He is the last hope that America has. He would deal with the real problems that face our country, such as national bankruptcy and global militarism on behalf of the U.S.

You will not get change with John or Hillary…..real change will come from Romney or Obama. The public is sleeping or just plain stupid.

Ron–Wheaton, IL

Change = Barack Obama. We’ve had too many Yale grads in the White House. Time for a Harvard man to return.

I know that I really do want change and for a long time I was under the impression that Hillary was the one that was going to bring it to us. Once it became clear that she was just out to win at any cost, and was playing the same old political game I left team Hillary and threw all of my support behind Obama. I now stand alone among most of my New York friends but after volunteering in South Carolina last weekend and meeting the people who make up Obamas team, I know I made the right, ethical decision.

Damn straight Americans want change ! We are sick of a house divided and a do nothing congress , and thats what Hillary Clinton brings to the table “more of the same”.

Yes, the people want change and they will vote for it. But, the premise of your question is that candidates who have been part of the Washington establishment cannot lead that change. It is a mistaken assumption and suggests a false choice. Either of the Democratic candidates likely to be chosen in November will change policies related to the war in Iraq, the economy or health care in significant ways. It would be more helpful if you focused on what changes they would make and how they intend to bring about those changes. Why CNN continues to enable your political bias makes a viewer question their objectivity.

Based on the low voter turnout, the majority of voters either could care less or they are just plain lazy. I’ve voted for the past 30 years regardless if I was off the coast of Somalia while serving our country in the United States Navy or in Bahrain with my fellow reservists.

Obama can preach change all he wants but he’s doing nothing more than giving voters false hope. He stirs up the crowds with his false hopes and he knows that he can encite voters by preaching he can make the United States better. For once, I wish he and the other candidates would ask the voters what they are going to do to make their communities and our country better. I joined the military in 1992 because I too was fed up with our country but more importantly, I joined the Navy because Bill Clinton spoke at a rally and asked everyone what they would do to make their country better.

It takes for American citizens to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Clifford

St. Petersburg, Florida

Yes, the country and its politics are BROKEN. We need change for our sake and our children’s futures.

I think most Americans think we are heading in the wrong direction. We are losing our edge globally, we are not fixing the biggest problems facign us, we are squandering our opportunities ….

Change is our only option.

The press must stop choosing our candidates for us. You all didn’t give John Edwards, the only candidate who was electable and would change things, nearly the same attention you gave to Clinton and Obama. Now, by the way you phrased this question, you’re declaring Clinton as the Democratic candidate. Stop pressing and be just press.

Everyone voting for Obama — who has more delegates now than Hillary — is clearly seeking change. Remember — more Democrats voted for SOTH (Someone Other Than Hillary) than voted for her. She is NOT the choice of the majority. Do the math, Jack — she has a plurality, but you don’t win a general election with a plurality.

Perot got 19% of the vote in 1992… That’s a big number for change against the machine and was exciting to see the challenge, we just haven’t seen anyone since then worthy of a revolution. I had always hoped Gore would get into the fray, but I’m still feeling great about our candidates this year… ANYTHING is better than the past eight insufferable years of George Bush!

Scott
Rocky Face, GA

The only person that would have possibly given us change has had to suspend his campaign so that gives me no hope for change any time soon. John Edwards could have brought about change but the corporate elite and the media did not want him.
I will have to do a lot more studying the candidates before I can even think of voting for them. If John Edwards is not on the ballot next Tuesday, I will walk out without voting.

Jack,

The American people do want change, as long as it does not affect us to personally. The bottom line is, we are not willing to make any of the necessary sacrifices that change involves And effective change requires sacrifice.

Sue Clayton
Irving, TX

It seems that all the candidates are using “Change” as there voice of inspiration in this election.
I haven’t heard once how Senator Obama plans to change the economy, healthcare system, foreclosures and so forth.

I’ve heard Senator Clinton’s voice on these matters..

I live in Miami and in my heart I know that my vote yesterday mattered….

People do want change and the wave of democratic support is just starting to form into a tidal wave for Obama. Lets face it McCain will NEVER be elected president just based upon the fact of his stance on the war and refusing to understand that the american people want it ended and us out of Iraq and the american lives to stop dying for all thr wrong reasons. Iraq never had anything to do with 9/11 despite the delusions that the republicans are under and try to purport to the public, it is proven fact. I hope Obama wins because I think he is more electable against McCain who is basically too old to “get it” in today’s society. Obama will get my vote. I fear that Clinton will polarize more people while Obama will bring them together.

Apparently none of the other candidates have (so far) convinced enough voters that they really represent change either. There is still a chance someone might. Unfortunely the process is so complicated and campaigning is so expensive, we have very little choice. Until campaign financing is changed, this will continue, and we will continue to have to vote for the person we HOPE will bring change. I’m afraid I will not live long enough to see that happen!

Sure people want change, anything is better that this! So why didn’t we elect Ross Perot? Why isn’t Ron Paul polling better? Simple follow the money. They can’t attract it. Besides, neither of them had or has a snowballs chance in heck of winning because of that, and no one wants to stand at the water cooler the next day and say ‘I voted for the guy who lost’. Courage is all it takes to make things better. Sadly, we seem to be lacking it.

good question, jack. i like congressman dr ron paul from texas myself. while the other candidates talk the talk, my guy walks the walk. and as president ron paul, he will be able to bring our troops home from around the world without anyone’s permission or interference, thereby saving hundreds of billions of dollars for our economy while stopping the ”wars” in iraq and afghanistan and eliminating our menacing presence elsewhere. that would constitute change in my book, how bout yours? ps- love the cafferty file

“Change” that magic word is in the air. Yet, one has to be realistic. In order to get change, one must fight some battles in order to win. Obama is a new breed in American poltics, but he is still young and needs a little more experience and understanding in Washington before he can be President. We know that Clinton has the experience and toughness to fight for what’s right. Change can mean many things to Washington. Change should not mean turning the whole government inside out with a whole new breed. That could in itself be devastating. Obama is a great speaker but I wonder what he would give up to compromise? I really as of yet don’t know what his specifics are to accomplish change. All politicians promise change, but the question is who actually has plans to get things done, even if we may not agree with everything that has been said.

Jack, the American wants change but they will never gets it if the media keeps running with the head liner instead of the real issue. Mr OBAMA is your man for head liner.
Go Hillary!
I know you will not post this, that’s okay too.

Change is the only thing that we can predict. Yet, most people are afraid of it. Are voters ready for a change? I don’t believe so; people feel safe with what is familiar.

They say if you want change vote. Yet we never change our vote to allow change.

It’s the system, period. You want change? A dictator would bring wholesale changes but then how would you get rid of him/her? Kinda like we are caught in our own web. Obama is our best choice for real change, but really an unknown.

Choosing someone else the republician is a “Change” voting for first femaile president is a big change. She will win among the male dominated congress, country and mind set.

Hope this change happens and it all depends on us.

Jack….if we change the way these people do business, then we risk the country going ino a long recession. The markets will tumble as well as the world financial areas. We don’t do change very well. We need not tip over the apple cart. McCain and Clinton are well versed in the folly of politics, so let’s just go along, nice…nice…besides, I’m gonna retire soon and In need all my 401K money!

Joe - St. Augustine, Florida

The political process and media outlets currently in-place make it very difficult for anyone other than established political leaders to get their message out, in other words provide the exposure necessary to win votes in a full nationwide contest. The entire primary process builds on the left or right viewpoints from either party and each candidate must pander to specific power groups within their party to be nominated, carrying a large amount of baggage if or when they are elected to office. Any candidate that is not pandering has a very difficult time raising the necessary cash to campaign in step with the established candidates.

Americans desire change but appear completely unwilling to risk anything for change, and not all change is for the good. The leadership change in 2000 was dramatic both fiscally and morally, but where are we now?

I think Clinton and McCain are both a big change from the present administration. And if Clinton does not get the nom, I will vote for McCain. And I have never voted for a republican in my life. In eight years I might consider Obama again, but he certainly is not the change I am looking for now. I want someone with experience, not just rhetoric.

The downside is we could have another Don Q. chasing windmills in the White House. Obama in many ways is like Jimmy Carter. Nice guy, Washington outsider. Lousy President. When in comes to world politics we don’t need a Martin Luther King, we really need a Jimmy Hoffa. That’s an indictment of our system, but it is the very reason Bill and GW were two termers. They were good at twisting arms, and the truth at times. It’s broken, but putting a non-effective well wisher in even if like Lou spews and Indepedent hell it ain’t gonna get any better.

Many of us want change and many of us do not; I personally do. But the fact of the matter is the candidates with the least money do not get all of the “free face time” on television by the networks because they do not have as much to spend on television advertising during the primary elections. They to not get lots of free “sound bites” out there at no cost as do the the wealthy candidates. The media owns the presidential race and unfortunately, many Americans do not pursue the candidates and his/her stand on issues beyond what they see on television.

Many of our candidates do not make it through the primary elections due to the reasons listed above. Also, I want the Electoral College gone. There was a need for it in the horse and buggy days when people could not get to the polls. That is no longer a problem so my vote is not truly a vote on a Election Day. That makes me angry, but I vote anyway to try to make a difference.

Our political system needs a compete overhaul, but how the hell can we get one when our candidate never makes it through the current system?

Cheryl

Change means UNCERTAINTY, not knowing what will
will happen. What we do know for sure., History will be made.
America Lets GET THIS RIGHT. This is not a Puzzle.
Hillary will Make a Great President. Lets not HOPE OBAMA will.

mm

Jack,
We need a referendum to get term limits for Congress. This will clean out the corruption. Career politicians are going to be the down fall of this great country. Congress is bought and paid for. The president can only be purchased by special interest groups for eight years maximum. Senators, Congressmen, and Congresswomen can be purchased for as long as they can be reelected. The winning game is earmarks, keep them coming into your district and you keep getting elected. PAC’s and lobbyists control the votes of Congress. If we truly want change, then the American people will get term limits for Congress.

Kalvin
Beltway survivor

Come on Jack,

You should know this one.

We vote for change, but once they get in office they go stupid and forget what they promised that got them elected.

Case-in-point-the Democrats Fair, open and honest. Their closed rules and continuously spending us into the poor house, are not the actions we were promised.

Taking away from seniors to give to illegals.

Illegals and too many guest workers are destroying our economy, health care and job market.

We want harsher penalties and enforcement of employment and