that willl depend on how good a driver he is

Hopefully he will garener enough of the Republican votes so that the democrats will win by a landslide.

Hopefully it will harm the Republicans and help the Democrats. After all, he’s been a diehard Republican for years.

With Georgia’s bell- weathered suppot for the GOP in the past and presumably McCain now …with Barr in the race in 2008 …Georgia is on “Obama’s” mind !

I don’t know who Bob Barr is, but he sounds important, but not to this race. We always think that other people effect this race other than Obama and Mccain.. They don’t !!

Does anyone outside his home state know who Bob Barr is? For that matter, does anyone In his home state know who Bob Barr is?

If Barr gets any traction, I expect he will leave the Republican party feeling even more indifferent about McCain. Or, it may push McCain further to the right in an attempt to staunch the bleeding of Independent voters from the Mccain camp. None of it fixes the flaws in the Republican party.

Jack
BOB WHO ?

If Ralph Nadar loses, I’m blaming it on Bob Barr.

I doubt it will mean much in reality – he’ll motivate some folks to vote that won’t vote otherwise, and the Republicans will whine if Georgia and North Carolina go to Obama and make the difference for him in the election. It’s a mistake to assume that McCain will receive all the votes for Barr if Barr wasn’t in the race.

With the GOPs fvorability rating and McCain’s stance on issues like Iraq and the economy, Bob Barr could have a Nader effect many times over General Election: Obama-48 states won to McCain-2.

Barr’s campaign will give those who would never, ever vote for a Democrat a reason to go to the polls.

Bob Who?

He will not help McCain but he will help Obama.
I hope all the students in grade school and high school are required to keep up with this years Presidential race because it is going to be a one of a kind and once in a life time experience. Diane from PA

I hope he will be the Republican spoiler like Nader was the spoiler to the Democrats.

Bob Barr will provide the much needed humourous distraction that this election needs.

He will probably hurt McCain more, though some Republicans who might have voted for Obama because of the war issue may vote for Barr.

One can only hope.

I Hope So!

It depends on how many people vote for him, ha ha ha.

Jack

Bob Barr will have little or no impact except to drain away a few Libertarian minded voters from that faction of the GOP conservative confederation.
Mind you, this is not a bad thing. Every little defection will help.

Pablo en Tejas

Jack, living here in Georgia, Barr is a non-consequent. He gets an occasional guest column in the local paper where he rants and raves, but as a national political fixture, he’s not. I can’t imagine the kahones on this guy to even attempt to run for President. He’s NOT a factor. He is OLD news (although younger than the Presumptive Republican Nominee). I think it’s going to be Obama….in a landslide!

I don’t see him hurting a whole lot. Obama is going to win by a landslide anyway.The biggest thing that hurts John McBush is that picture of him and Geo.Bush In that bear hug, oh! I am sorry that is McBush bear hugging the prez. The only thing he might make the people question is if all the repubs have are these two old white haired gentlemen to offer the American people. OBAMA 08

Connie from Indiana

He’ll raise the Barr for John McCain!

And Bob Barr is who? I think a trillion dollar war and life alterations from oil dependency trump Bob Barr’s miniscule affect on politics!

Wildwood Crest, NJ

I don’t remember the Liberterians ever making a difference in any
election, but in this case, any vote taken away from McCain is a
vote for the good.

No I don’t think a third party canidate has a lot of effect on the election. The thing that helps in a election like the first GW Bush is to have a brother in the Governor office and a few of Daddy appointee on the Supreme Court.

Yes Jack, he will and It is a good thing!

Well… it could depend on how Ron Paul handles the situation. If he doesn’t openly and often tell his die-hard supporters to vote for McCain then Barr could have a dramatic impact. If Paul’s supporters do bounce to McCain then Barr will probably join Nadar in their quest to beat Snoopy and Micky Mouse come election time.

If given a choice between McCain and Bob Barr, I’d vote for Barr.

I hope so, then McCain will lose and we can get rid of the Bush forth grade presidential brain trust! McCain is just four more years of Bush and this country can not handle that!

Bob Barr’s only contribution to this election will be the creation of a bumper sticker after the election that states “Don’t blame me, I voted for Barr” for all the republicans that are too ashamed vote for McCaine and the Clinton supporters that are too pig headed to vote for Obama.

Yes. Ron Paul dropped out of the race and still nearly won a few primaries but he has decided not to run as an independent. Since Paul and Barr both share libertarian beliefs, many of Paul’s votes are sure to transfer. This could be the knock-out blow to McCain’s presidential dreams.

Absolutely! As the poll in GA showed, McCain is on his way to loosing the state, thanks to Barr. With Georgia, Obama can lose toss-ups Ohio and Florida, as well as CO, NM and NH. He would only need MI, which he will get!

Hopefully, he will do to McCain what Nader did to Gore. Let’s also hope that Nader stays muzzled, if not then Barr and Nader will cancel each other out and we are back to square one.

Bob Barr will draw some votes from the Ron Paul lunatic fringe of the Republican party, as well as a handful of protest votes, but he will not be the spoiler that say Ross Perot or Ralph Nader was. This is because the Libertarian draw of Bob Barr is concentrated in highly rural areas that are already strongly Republican. Places like Georgia, Alaska, Montana and North Dakota. At worst this means that McCain wins by 5 or 10 points instead of 15.

Maybe Obama gets a state out of it, but not a big enough one to be the one and only state that costs McCain the election

Jack: You could take Bob Barr and Ralph Nader combined and the effects are going to be “nada.” Change always moves forward….not backwards.

Bob who?

McCain’s faultering support will continue to diminish. Bob Barr has a connection with the conservatives of which McCain can only dream. Net result, alotta votes to to Barr and Obama wins!

God I HOPE SO!!!!!

If anyone needs to reintroduce himself its “Bob Barr”. I had to look him up just to figure out who he is. By the way Jack, how come they don’t give you your own show. I think that you should switch with Lou Dobbs and he give every once in a while a thirty second speech on border patrol. I can see the Jack Cafferty Show, can’t you?

Mccain need not worry about anyone taking votes from him other than obama. He has an uphill climb with that alone. Good luck Mccain.

Mr. Barr with the right VP running mate could flush McCain down the drain. But neither McCain nor Barr (especially Barr) is very captivating or inspiring. Voters also vote for the better-looking candidate. Some outside force is the only thing that might stop Obama’s momentum.

EL PASO, TEXAS

Barr is fiscally and socially conservative, against illegal wire tapping (unlike Mac), and in favor of pulling away from the expensive “Texas Tiger” war first politics of Dubya that MacCain seems to be parroting. That puts Barr way more in line with many Republicans.

If the last few elections have taught us anything, it’s that one hundreth of one state can make the difference. Barr can put several states in flux. If that happens, McCain may also be fluxed.

Jack

Bob Barr is more likely to attract voters who are disillusioned with McCain. This will probably do little to influence the overall election other than to attract voters who would have otherwise stayed home.

Political junkies know Bob Barr. He is the conservative in the race. As for McCain’s position on issues—depends on the day and what group he is trying to woo. McCain was against tax cuts for rich folks and then he supported them and now he wants more of them. McCain was against torture and then he voted to support Bush’s torture plans. What kind of president would McCain be?? No one knows, but the same right wing nut jobs would be running the country and we would never get out of this mess!!

Votes? What votes?

Americans are tired of seeing the same old faces in Politics. These people represent all the things that are wrong in America (failed policies) Bob Barr, represents another piece of our failing Government puzzle. Of course he will take voted away from McCain, who is just another piece of the screwed up political picture.

Dear Jack,

I’m glad I’m not the only one who didn’t seem to know who Bob Barr is. I suppose I’m just getting a little tired of this election. So I did a little research. Bob Barr seems like he may cause some trouble for the Republicans, but I don’t think he’ll do much damage. It doesn’t look like he’ll hurt the Democrats. How many days left until the election?

I didn’t realize he was running, but sure, I guess he could. Apparently, though, Mickey Mouse could steal the presidency away from both!

If anyone looked up Barr’s history, it would not be an issue. But as we all have learned the hard way, intelligence is not commonly used when folks are in the voting booth.

Is that the same Bob Barr that left office the same time Clinton did? I don’t think so…If they didn’t like Clinton family history would they like his.

Carol

well you refrased the question, lol. originaly it was, “how will bob barr affect the race”.
i didnt know who he was until now. haveing a libertarian or an independant. should serv to drive home the fact that macain doesnt go along with the status quo, in this case (party line). mcain is a MAVERIC, and always has been. at least when it comes to political parties

I do not think that Bob Barr will end up taking as many votes from Sen McCain as will McCain’s advisors, Phil Graham and Black. For those of us that remember ENRON and the part his advisors played in it, give me reasons of concern. Then looking at the current speculator game being played with oil prices, McCain’s economic plans, (which are not real clear), deregulation, and even more free market expansions, I believe that will be more responsable for loosing votes than Barr. Sen. Lieberman won’t help either.

Barr has no more potential to hurt McCain than Nader has to hurt Obama. It does make you wonder what might have happened if a legitimate Libertarian candidate would have run in 2000.

Yes, they should worry, and while they’re busy worrying with that angry mosquito buzzing in their ears, Obama will run across the finish line.

From your lips to God’s ear Jack.

Being Canadian means that we don’t get to vote, but we get to feel the effects of US policies firsthand. Our boys/girls are dying in Afghanistan in the greatest numbers in the Alliance. If the US could get out of Iraq and focus on the Taliban then our kids could come home in one peice too. The mortgage meltdown… the rampant pandering to US automakers and Big Oil and Gas at the expense of the environment. Please!!! Take me away from all this.

Yes. Lots of Republicans are hungry for someone different from Bush-and McCain is seen as Bush’s third term. A Libertarian like Bob Barr will be seen as a perfect alternative to him and the Republicans should be VERY worried.

Nader will probably get more votes than him, but I guess it helps the Democrats if he balances out the Nader factor.

heheh I hope so .. then Obama will be sitting pretty for the general election in november !!!!

1984 was the second presidential election I was eligible to vote in and I voted for Ronald Reagan. I voted Libertarian every presidential election until 2004 when I voted for George W Bush. After that fiasco I promised myself that I would never again vote for a Republican. I won’t be voting for Bob Barr or John McCain. I’ll vote for the socialist Barack Obama before I vote for another fascist.

As long as Barr takes votes away from McCain in Georgia.. That’s good enough for me, Jack. Georgia is one of the states I wasn’t counting on to get to 270… More icing on the cake.

Probably not.

Is he the same Bob Barr who was voted out of
Congress just recently???? Just asking!

The real question should be ‘Will McCain make republicans stay home on election day?’
The answer is a clear and definitive YES!
Mc Cain does not have the votes of republicans needed for them to be taken from him by Bob Barr. For that matter Barr does not have the support of Libertarians. The whole right wing is a complete wash. If they don’t chose a completely new candidate at the republican convention the right has no incentive to show up at the polls.
It’s pathetic, Jack, pathetic…

Here’s my question to you: Should Republicans worry that Libertarian Bob Barr will take away votes from John McCain?

Hi Jack,
What the Republicans need to worry about is Bush starting a third war just to help McCain get elected. Bob Barr would be irrelevant. One thing I’ve learned over the past seven and a half years, no matter how bad Bush and his cronies make it for us they always come up with an ingenious way to make it much worse.

Mike, Wethersfield, CT

Barr, being a WACKO, will only siphon off the far right wing WACKO vote…..which could be up to half of McCain supporters, now that I think about it.

Bob Bob Bob… Bob also ran.

Am no sure what you were referring to in your book Jack but I have to agree with you: It is getting ugly out there…

He will take some of McCain’s vote, but will it be enough to make a difference nationally? Probably not. But when one considers that the popular vote means diddly squat — just ask Al Gore — one can see that Barr only needs to make a difference in a couple of southern states to change the electoral map. With an anticipated record number of African Americans in those states voting in order to make history, the 4 or 5 percent Barr does steal in close southern states could be enough to tip the scales and be a major factor.

No, we should not worry or be concerned because that loser is going to lose anyway!

No Way !!!!

Yes he will hurt because he will get my vote. Since they don have a “none of the above” selection on the ballet this will have to do.

As much as I dislike old Bob Barr, I think he is a better choice then Geo McCain.

I had not idea that Libertarians were conservatives. Thanks for sharing Jack. Where would I be without you. I always thought Libertarians were Liberals standing to the left of Teddy Kennedy.

My late brother, a Canadian defector to the US, always thought a Libertarian was a Democrat in disguise. Was he wrong?

It doesn’t matter who the public votes for anymore. The American people don’t elect our leaders. Big business does. Until a candidate declares a real change in government by putting term limits on the Congress and our Representative in the House, the American people will continue to be ignored by elected officials. A couple hundred years ago, Americans fought against, among other things,taxation without representation. Wake up America, we’ve got taxation without representation on a much larger scale than before. We need to stop letting politicians spend their lives in Washington, getting rich on our hard earned money.

Actually, I think Obama is the one who should be worried about losing votes in November. His standing with Independents and conservatives is much more shaky than McCain’s and those are the ones that will win the election for John McCain.

I hope Barr is included in the election debates and takes McCain to task for being a wishy washy Republican. Maybe America will then see what kind of candidate he really is.

Yes, yes, yes. He’s still a conservative Republican no matter which party du jour supports him. The ultra-conservative right will now have a choice — Barr / none.

Jack,
Is this the end of the world, because I happen to agree with Newt Gingrich. After seeing all the uncertainty that spoiler Ralph and that big ear little puppet Ross Perot caused in the past elections the conservative voters in the Republican Party will not support Bob Barr in order to hurt McSame’s chances to win the Presidency…

C.I., New York

It should be even then with Nader getting some of Obama’s votes and Barr getting some of McCain’s votes.

Jack, if the Democrats accepted their candidate overwhelmingly, then the November election may be a cake-walk for them. However, if too many voters have their doubts about Obama, every vote could be crucial, so the GOP and McCain may have reason to worry about every single vote they may lose to someone relatively unknown but who could be a spoiler in November.

It doesn’t matter if Bob Barr has any effect or not. When this whole election mess is finally over, either way, we will be no better off. Once again we have to resort to the “lesser of evils” approach again.

Jack, Bob Barr won’t matter anywhere… except Georgia. If he can pull in even 4-6% of the vote there, that could be enough to tip the scales for Obama, especially considering the high African-American population in and around Atlanta. And I think we can all agree, if Obama somehow manages to win Georgia, this election is probably pretty much over, anyways.

Well even here in GA he is not a popular figure. He lost his own seat as an incumbant, in fact he is more a butt of jokes around town than anything else. I think McCain will have other things to worry about in GA, mainly all of the enthusiastic Obama supporters. I count the bumper stickers in traffic here (not much else to do in ATL gridlock) and 1 in 15 is for a Republican, McCain is only on about 2 out of 5 of these, the rest are Huckabee or Romney.

Jack, who is this man? I don’t think enough people know who Bob Barr is for him to take too many votes away from McCain. But every vote counts right, so this dem will take every anti McCain vote she can get.

A vote for Barr would hurt McCain and our country cannot afford obama to be elected.

One can only hope so.

Jack,

Republicans should be very worried because Winnie the Pooh would be able to take votes away from McCain. And Winnie would at least be entertaining and able to keep his audience awake and happy.

Judie
St. Augustine, Fl

I certainly hope so,

Republicans should just plain worry about everything – because no one is taking them seriously anymore. They’ve abandoned the American people in favor of a few corporate interests and lining their own pockets.

Didn’t they get the memo (called the Constitution) about this actually being a democracy?

Janice
Aberdeen, SD

That is the least of their worries. McCain is so dysfunctional he can barely walk and talk and his thinking is so muddled that I have trouble following anything he says. One can only hope that both Barr and Ron Paul will pull enough votes away from him to let Obama win in all 50 states.

Let him run. It will make it easier for Obama to take the White House.

As there is a GOD I hope he does…..hope he takes at least half of McCain’s votes in every state, so that Obama will have the resounding victory we crave!

Jack, I don’t think Barr will affect the race at all but the Republicans will have someone to point to if they lose. Wouldnt it be refreshing if we could really talk about the issues and not all the distractions?

It could be some thing to look at. but I don’t think it will make as much of an impact as you think. Most that will vote Barr are not repubs anyway. Most people voting repub or dem will not vote independent because they think it is a wasted vote.

I have heard Barr speak about somethings lately and he has seen some light at the end of the tunnel.No matter how dim that light may be.He puts me in the mind of one of the pesants who was alongside of the road,and the King said my wife is coming through the village naked,and all men shell cover their eyes,and Barr would say well I”m going to cover just one.

Are you serious Jack by November McCain won’t have enough votes for anyone to take away.

Isn’t Bob Barr that dimwit from the Borat movie who ate cheese made from breast milk? He sounds pretty stupid but I sure hope the conservatives vote for him. He can be the Nader of 2008 and hand Georgia to Obama on a silver platter.

McCain is in a position that requires him to prospect for every last vote. He cannot afford to lose a single voter to Bob Barr. Unfortunately for him, Barr’s message resonates with libertarians and conservatives in the Republican party who will choose Barr above him any day of the week. McCain is in trouble already, and this only makes his situation worse.

Voting for a thrid pary candidate is equivalent to attending a football game that your team isn’t even playing in. Either way, you can’t win. People will vote for Bob Barr for one reason and one reason only: They’re not happy with BOTH major party candidates. It’s a mistake to assume all of those votes would go to John McCain if Barr were not in the race. These voters simply cannot overcome their differences with either McCain or Barack Obama; they would simply be without a team altogether if it weren’t for Bob Barr.

Probably, as the conservative base of the Republican party doesn’t know what to think of McCain and is not very enthused about his candidacy. Barr is much more clear on his positions and thrills the far right. If the overly-zealous Clinton supporters, upset that their candidate lost the primary, follow through on their childish threat to vote against their own interests, can be convinced to vote for Barr instead of McCain, then it should be a blowout for the Democrats.

Barr’s voes will probably equal or fall short of Nader’s votes, which would probably go to the leading democrat. So this helps the democrats a little bit but the real spoiler, if there is one, will most likely be Nader and not Barr.

Absolutely not, I hope they miscalculate Bob Barr and shot themselves in the foot.. I hope he gets every ultra conservative vote.

I will vote for Barr over Mccain!..

I doubt it. I think Barr is a Republican troll who is trying to re-enter the political arena the only way he can. But I don’t think that he is a threat to the Republicans. The Libs. could have done so much better.

Jack,
Isn’t amazing…….a lot of people said I Hope So. The sad thing is that those people who vote for Barr could also vote for Obama. But now they have a third choice, and I think in the long run it hurts them both. Barr votes amy be Mickey Mouse votes, but like Mickey mouse votes they impead the process. My question is why didn’t Barr run during the primary as a Republican? Then he could have had a reall shot of being the nominee; or maybe that was his plan all along, just to be a spoiler

They’ll be more Hillary supporters voting FOR McCain than this guy taking away votes from him. But then Jack, you wouldn’t dare think about that given it is much more realistic than what you are asking.

4% of the vote? Give me a break. He might get 4% of his relatives if he sent out all the christmas cards last year and remembered the birthdays this year.

Yes it will . They love Bob Barr down here. All I want to know is where can I send Mr. Barr a thank you note.

Yes

The only place that Bob “Nader” Barr can hurt the Republicans is in Georgia, his home state, where I presume he has a base of support. But if he swings Georgia from red to blue, that might be enough to swing the whole election. So yes, they should be concerned about him.

The United States of Corporate America will figure something out. They have to much to lose and don’t like to share.

i hope so. but wait WHO’S BOB BARR?

OH who cares they will lose in November if Barrack doesn’t blow it by not including Hillary on the ticket. Hey you always say who cares well 18 million of us who voted for her do so unless he doesn’t include her this will be a who really cares issue.( Oh get over the Nader factor)

jacks whos bob barr well if he is gonna help mccain lose than i say bring him on!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe McCain will take votes away from Barr.

I hope that Barr takes votes away from McCain. But I am concerned that Barr will take votes away from both of the mainstream candidates. McCain doesn’t need Barr to lose, McCain can do that all by himself.

He will take Conservative votes and Ron Paul supports away from John McCain and I don’t blame them for voting for Bob Barr. McCain is too busy trying to woo Clinton supporters and he sound like a Democrat.

Jack after eight years of Bush Republicans Should worry weather Libertarian Bob Barr running or not. They put our country in a mess in every thing who in the right mind is going to vote for republicans in 2008. The only people who might vote repulicans this year are the Millioners for they are own interest and the igrnorant suckers who do not know any better.

He and Ron Paul are just making a statement that a neo-con is not a conservative. I am a conservative and would vote Obama because I cant stand the neo-con BS and see Obama as a man of god and a man of family and hence a conservative. Barr wont be taking any votes from pubs just like Nader wont be taking any votes from the dems. The votes Barr would be taking away would be that of conservatives planning to vote Obama. Similarly if Hillary will run, she will take vote of dems planning to vote McBush.

McCain should worry. Every vote Barr will get is a vote that would otherwise go to McCain.

The extreme right makes up a good portion of the “Republican base”. Barr will give them someone to vote for because he really represents their views as opposed to voting for McCain merely because they perceive him as the lesser of two evils.

Sophia
Louisville, Ky

Who cares once he’s not a Democrat. Thank God Ralph Nader is not as popular as he was in the year 2000 when he spoilt the Democrats’ chances to win the white house.

If it is just 4% Mccain shouldn’t worry. He’ll pick up more than 4% of the Democrats that don”t like Obama aka (Fast Eddie) or Clinton.

Gwinn Oregon

Maybe I missed something, but I don’t think Bob Barr poses enough of a threat for John McCain to even rate a question on your blog, Jack. Next question.

For the most part, Barr won’t play as a spoiler, but if I were McCain, I should worry about him in Georgia. Right now, Obama is tied with McCain in that state. Barr has a small percentage in Georgia, which could benefit Obama, not to mention the African American population. These two facets could swing the state over to the Democrats.

Jack,
I certainly hope so!
Lily

Bob Barr will be like a straw in the ocean wave of victory of Barrack Obama .

Shafi Alam
Austin, Texas
Now Tokyo, Japan

Jack,
Barr won’t hurt McCain because the major networks won’t treat him seriously. We never hear of a Ralph Nader rally or press release or a Nader comment on a topical national issue . Why do you think we’d hear anymore about Mr. Barr from those same news networks?

Richard Green
san Clemente, Cal.

Jack while this is a possibility, I sure hope more folks vote for Barack Obama. Let’s face it, if you can’t support Obama, then voting for Barr is the lesser of the 2 evils. What a sad day American politics has come to.

Barr may affect McCain vote totals, but it depends on how much free press he gets on CNN, MSNBC, FOX. Their are some hard core conservatives that would rather vote for Barr over McCain, especially since Obama is going to win the election anyway.

No the states that Barr will get votes will go for McCain 3 to 1. South Carolina,West Virginia,Alabama,Mississippi,Tennessee,Kentucky, Wyoming,Idaho,Utah,and the others that Dick Cheney likes to descibes in less then faltering terms.

Barr is going to be a spoiler for both sides. He will be the answer for all those who do not want McCain or Obama. People will feel better voting for him instead of writing in Micky Mouse.

You know Jack i looked at Barr’s website, he is a complete idiot, conservatives that would side with him would be fools.

Sweet, maybe this Bob Barr guy will end up “Nadering” McCain, this has a chance to make things that much easier for Obama in this election.

Donald Gordon
Ontario,CA

If Bob Barr picks “Mr. Independent” as his running mate, then Lou Dobbs could retire from CNN and take his tirade against immigrants with him. A Barr-Dobbs ticket would be a smash with the looney fringe and a path to obscurity for both of them. I’d support that!

There is already a mass movement going on of conservatives to Barr. I am a former Huckabee supporter, I know many other former Huckabee supporters. Most of us now support Barr. McCain would be smart to put Huckabee on the ticket sooner then later. We may start liking how the water feels in the Libertarain Pool. If Huckabee isnt on the ticket with McCain. I have no reason to vote for him.

Other than Lou Dobbs, I can’t think of a soul who will vote for Bob Barr. No one wants to risk having almost no government to protect the citizenry. And as many commentors have pointed out, Bob Barr is one of the most obscure men in congress.

Still, if he pulls the conservatives his way, McCain will lose by 30 points….mostlt because there won’t be voters left who are stupid enough to continue the Rrepublicans’ destruction of the country.

Let us hope so!

Jim, MI

I’ll try again…Hi J—,
They can’t afford to lose votes this time around. Neither can the Dems. I hope both parties worry about all Independents who threaten to break up the 2-Party Mafia. Bring ‘em on, I say…..Folks are pretty sick of “business as usual, because it’s obviously not working for “The People”.
Later,
Deb

Bob Barr?
No.
George Bush took votes away from McCain.

Jack,

I hope not he will need them to beat Obama , And if Obama keeps flip flopping on every issue he talks about he will make their choice very simple and easy. If we can’t trust Obama to keep a simple promise like public financing how can we believe him on more important promises ?

Wait…I’m confused…which party is NOT UNITED???

Forget Bob Barr the Libertarian, I would prefer to vote for Johnny Depp, the Libertine. Loved that movie – well, okay, the movie was okay but it had Johnny Depp in it!!! ( In my fifities but not dead yet!) My cousin worked in Washington for Joe Califano and said if you walked the halls, you mostly saw handsome, well-groomed men. That’s what American votes for. So forget about your polls and listen to the Obama girl.

No way! American’s are NOT going to allow Barr,the priviledge of lessening the chances for McCain. To do so would be disasterous.

No, if anyone would be getting conservative votes, it would be Chuck Baldwin running for the Constitution Party for President. He has my vote.

Daniel – Murphysboro, IL

Can america afford to continue listen to Washington,DC Bull and Lies anymore? I don’t think so.

Spoiler…maybe….but it is his right as a American to run. It would be unfortunate if he cost Senator McCain the presidency though.

One hopes, Jack.

Should Republicans worry about Bob Barr? Well, I doubt of the extreme religuous right folks would vote for McCain anyway so why would the “Republicans” worry?
Its not like it used to be when people were just Dems or Reps.
the 2 party system is dead….. more and more people have been indipendents for decades and now even more young people have turned away from being die-hard Dems or Republicans.
More people vote on the candidate at all levels; not the party. I have done that for decades. Mary from Sarasota, FL

Republicans don’t worry about anything, including Barr. They will pass out enough lies and innuendo to carry the day. Or, as Charlie Black suggests, they’ll start a scare campaign that will drum up enough fear to make Barr irrelevant.

People tend to vote for 3rd party candidates out of digust towards the two major party options. If someone like Edwards or Biden were the nominee, I’d be voting Democrat. If Romney were the Republican nominee against Obama, I’d vote Republican. Since I’m stuck with two bad choices, I’ll be voting for some 3rd party candidate simply out of protest (As a responsible citizen, I’ll be sure to come out to have my voice heard in House and Senate, plus other local races)

In the whacky world of electoral votes this has to be a major concern to the RNC. Bob Barr is well liked in his home state of georgia and neighboring South and North Carolina. With an increased african american turnout in these states, even a 4% shift might allow Obama to win by 1% or less. Once again the electoral “winner take all” rules make a mockery of voting.

What we need to worry about is that no ‘accidents’ befall Barr before the elections, I honestly wouldn’t put anything past the republicans.

Bob Barr is just another right-wing nutcase who thought that wasting $40 million dollars to impeach Clinton was a good idea. If anyone votes for Barr it would make him the Ralph Nader of 2008.

Republicans have more to worry about than the few votes they will lose to Bob Barr. Their biggest concern should be how to recapture their party from the nut cases that hijacked it quite a few years ago and turned it into the ugly political machine that is about to be swamped by the youth movement entering the political arena.

I think he will. especially in states in the south such as Georgia, North Carolina and maybe others in that area. Even if he just takes a small percentage in any close contests he will hurt McCain. I understand that a poll taken last Friday showed Bob Barr taking 9% in Georgia his home state. Jack, The Republicans shouldn’t be laughing like they were in 2000 and 2004 when Ralph Nader ran. Even though he is running this year it is unlikely he will take that many votes away from Barack Obama. What goes around comes around!

Depends on who John McCain chooses for his running mate. If he doesn’t shore up the Conservative base then YES, Bob Barr will take some votes away from him in November. But if he picks Huckabee
or a similar Conservative running-mate people will be saying BOB-WHO?

Most likely no, why would conservatives waste their vote on Barr, when they could vote for Barack Obama? He’s more conservative than McCain.

That’s right! There is a third party candidate. He should join forces with Ralph Nader for the ultimate “Dream Team.” Whatever votes he receives will be a nominal factor for McCain or Obama.

Kevin
Warren, MI

Republicans have bigger things to worry about than Bob Barr. Ralph Nader didn’t cost Al Gore the election in 2000, Al Gore did that all by himself. Barr won’t cose McCain the election, but we’ll see if McCain does that all by himself.

This is part of the problem with modern politics…too many politicians of both major parties are more concerned with denying their constituencies any electoral alternatives than they are with earning those votes through action.

Unfortunately, it will help Obama, as we republicans will cut off our nose to spite our face by voting for Barr, remember republicans did the same thing in 1992 when many of us voted for Mr. Perot and what did we get Bill Clinton, so you guys go ahead and vote for Barr, but becareful what you ask for and remember our countries security is at stake.

I sure hope so. We don’t need a ole war monger as President. Just look at how his advisers think. I know he has issued an apology, but it is like in a court proceding where the judge instructs the jury to disregard that statement.

Being from Georgia, I’d have to say that most conservatives I talk to are interested in Bob Barr’s prospects. The split in the Republican Party between neo-cons and more libertarian conservatives is evidenced by the fact that Barr is beginning to gain traction in largely conservative states, like Georgia.

On a side note, does anyone else remember that Bob Barr was the politician who ate cheese purportedly made from breast milk in “Borat”? Just throwing that out there.

Augusta, Georgia

Most likely no, why would conservatives waste their vote on Barr, when they could vote for Barack Obama? He’s more conservative than McCain.

Scottsdale, Az

No…Barr will drop out in exchange for the inclusion of a few of his planks in the Republican platform. There is only enough stupidity on this planet to make one Ralph Nader.

I certainly hope so, but It’s a strange world. Pat Buchanan once took votes away from Al Gore in Florida.

Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX

I hope so.

we are so happy you care…….jonn will…with out you

Bob who?

Jack, I say no they shouldn’t be worried. I’m a democrat, and I’m not worried at all. Keep up the good work Barr

Jack,
Republicans should be very worried about Barr. A vote for Barr is a vote against McCain. The GOP can not afford that this November. Obama will be our next president, guaranteed.

Dam straight, it will…I am an Obama supporter who will be donating to Barr!

Yes, they should worry because Mr. Barr has my vote!

I hope so. Anything that would cause George Bush’s cheerleader to loose is fine by me.

Hey Jack

Looks like the Right has their own Nader now.

yes because Mccain is too old , old visions , Bush ideas .

Maybe Clinton should run as Independent, and the race to the White House would last another 7 Years.

Patricia- Canada

Nope…the GOP shouldn’t worry at all, Jack…in fact, they should just stick their heads in the oil sands they love so much and pretend Bob Barr doesn’t exist. McCain’s sure to win if that happens…

The Republicans should not be worried about Bob Barr. They should be worried about the complete loss of their credibility on (1) deficit spending; (2) the appointment of conservative (as opposed to right wing activist) judges; (3) competence in governance; and (4) ability to lead the country in war. Bob Barr did not dig the hole, and he is not the one who will bury them in it.

Yes the Republican Party should be worried about Barr but the Democrats should worry about Nader.

Why? Isn’t Barr a kook just like Nader? Who would vote for a kook?

Sarge
Indianapolis

Yes he should be worried, a good conservitive would vote for the one that is going to give them what they want and McCain isn’t. It happens here in Canada, the third party screws up one of the other parties.

Fulton, MS

No they shouldn’t, and don’t remind them…..Obama needs all the help he can get.

Seriously though, there should be no political parties in this day and age. It just opens politics to a war of opinions which makes it convenient for Americans to argue over what should be stone cold facts. Every politician should be indepedent, but we’re still in the dark ages of party politics.

What the Republicans should worry about are weak Republican candidates, loss of voter appeal, ideologically similar Bush term (promised by McCain), and their political power taken adrift. Not some Libertarian named Bob Barr.

Obama ‘08!

Should they worry? Absolutely. The most concern should be Georgia. Does it matter that Georgia only has a few electoral votes? No. CNN itself has shown numerous scenarios where the electoral votes could tie. Every state matters.

By the way, I think referring to the Republican issues as “stuff” may catch on.

Jack,
Yes, Republicans should worry that Barr could take votes from McCain…….And if Obama wins, ALL of us should worry.

Jack, if McCain chooses Bob Barr as his Vice-President, he’ll have the best chance to win, don’t you think?

Start singing “Sweet Georgia Blue!”

Of course they should be worried Jack, but as usual they will do nothing to address the issue. Rather than focusing on solidifying McCain’s ever-changing views on the issues, they will attempt to win those coservative votes through typical fear mongering and swift-boat type tactics.

The Republicans and Democrats as a whole should be worried, Jack., because with Bob Barr and the Libertarian Party in the race the debate will finally be about substance and not five second soundbite rhetoric. Whats not appealing about limited gov’t, the Constitution, no income tax, civil liberties, and an end to interventionist policies which include the war in Iraq? Maybe you guys in the media should talk about some of the good stuff that Barr’s campaign can bring about in this election and not this negative and false spolier stuff, which plays into the hands of this failed two-party system that shuts out true legitimate change candidates!

Bob Barr? Don’t you mean Ralph Nader?

It’s 2000 all over again. Bob Barr is the next Ralph Nader, and will ruin the Republicans. May I say, thank you Bob!

Yes they should be worried, Barr will be somewhat problematic…..but McCain’s biggest problem is George W. Bush. The fact that McCain voted in a virtual lockstep with Bush’s agenda over the past 2 years, will not be lost unto the voters of this great nation in November.

It depends…if the GOP doesn’t need the Barr votes it won’t. If they need them they will just find a way to take them…does Florida and Ohio ring a bell in the last election!

Dear Sir, I don’t think anyone with any intelligence would vote for McCain. Senator Obama is superior in every aspect. The second most qualified candidate is Mr. Barr. Far superior in every aspect to Sen. McCain. I do not understand why people think Sen. Mc Cain is superior on National Security. As an old trial lawyer, former U.S. Judge I was always interested in a person’s rationale. Why do some people think Sen. McCain is better in anti terrorism? Please expalin!.
Judge John R. Stewart

Jack:
McCain’s been worried about the Hispanic/Latino vote. He should have been worried about votes such as mine. I’m currently registered as a non-partisan and will vote that way in November. McCain shouldn’t have been counting chickens before they’re hatched, but since he apparently has been a turkey may emerge!

Kathy
Omaha, NE

As a card-carrying Republican, my husband and I both voted for Ross Perot. However there is no way we were going to vote for George Bush. Perot did not take that vote away from Bush.

Jack, of course the Republican Party needs to be worried about Bob Barr. The party nominated a middle-of-the-road candidate like McCain to help draw in undecided Democrats, but by using this method he will, without a doubt, turn much of the ultra-conservative base towards Barr. Now, I don’t believe that this will be such a shift in support that it will hurt McCain in the long run, but don’t be surprised if we are here on November 5th talking about a resurgence of the 2000 “Nadar Effect” taking away enough votes from McCain to help push Obama over the top.

Marc
Morgantown, WV

Jack, Most republicans Now know that although McCain is not the conservative they really want, they know that a vote for barr is a wasted vote, therefore hewill not lose many to Mr. Barr. Joe, new castle delaware

Of course,

best answer…….

Does anyone forget that Ron Paul won more delegate votes than Rudy Rudy Giuliani? John McCain should watch out for the Libertarians out there who will be voting for Bob Barr this year as there will be more independent votes this year than any other year.

Adama
Belgium

Considering the vastly energized Democratic party base and a seemingly lethargic Republican base, I see Barr’s candidacy as taking away crucial conservative votes from John McCain. But while McCain needs every vote he can get due to an increase in registered Democratic voters, he still is in strong contention with Barack Obama for key independent votes. The way I see it, Republicans shouldn’t worry too much because any traditional conservative votes McCain may lose to Barr can be more or less offset by the independent votes which he stands a good chance of garnering.

Bob Barr will take votes from John McCain. Bob Barr impresses many independants and conservatives. Free of the GOP, Barr may now express his own views on various issues. I have never seen before so much disgust with the two major parties. Both parties appear to be flawed. Is this the year for the independant?

Jack, are you stupid? Can’t you answer your own question? Sure Bob Barr will take McCains conservative vote. At least a third of it. McCain has thumbed his nose at the conservatives. Even I’m considering voting for Barr. When you have McCain as a conservative, who needs liberals. He’s a disgrace to his idol Barry Goldwater. Jack, I can’t believe you proposed such an easy question. Can you make them harder next time.

ABSOLUTELY, Jack……I am a “Liberal Democrat”….but strongly favor the Libertarian defense of individual freedom—-and if I wasn’t voting for Obama, Barr would be my second choice—-so if Republicans do not see that Barr will drain votes away from McCain, they have their head buried in the sand!

The cut-off-your-nose-to-spite-your-face crowd can rationalize anyway they want to, but the fact is that a vote for Bob Barr is a vote for Barack Obama. It does not seem rational for someone on the right, who thinks that John McCain is too much in the center, to cast a vote that could result in the election of someone on the left. So, go ahead and cast a vote for Bob Barr, which will certainly not result in the election of Bob Barr, but may result in the election of Barack Obama, and get a big Band-Aid for that spot where your nose used to be. C’mon, people, the American conservative movement cannot afford protest voting, this year. It is much better to wind up with a mainstream conservative authentic centrist, than a hard left liberal, feigning to the center to get elected.

To be honest i am a republican/libertarian from AZ and with that being said i cannot stand Mccain. I was planning on voting for Obama this upcoming election but about 3 weeks ago i started taking a serious look at Barr. I dont think that he will have a major impact on the race but i think that he may get the libertarian party enough of a boost that in another… 20 years we may not have a 2 party system any more. Well i guess i can dream.

Jack,

The reason republicans have been falling behind and McCain is not being supported by many republicans (including our own former Montana Republican Senator, Conrad Burns) is because they are no longer “conservative”, or consistent with real conservative ideologies. Senator Barr is a threat, because conservative voters will take a long look at his platform and consider voting for him. Party affiliation will not matter if they like the candidate.

I am a democrat, but I think the balance of conservative and liberal ideals is important. But we need to recognize that the current republican party is no longer ideologically conservative—Big Government, huge deficits…you name it. Bob Barr will be very popular among conservative voters.

Cindy,
Billings Montana

Not necessarily. I am a registered libertarian and have only once voted otherwise. Most of us could sway either way. Both Mike Gravel, who was a candidate in the primaries as a Democrat and Ron Paul, who in the primaries ran as a Republican could run as a good and true libertarian, Mike for his social stance and Paul for his fiscal. I myself am going to vote for Obama since I live in a state that every vote literally does matter.

Bob Barr is about as relevant as John Anderson (who?) and he didn’t even make a dent in 1980.

To quote Lloyd Bentsen, “I knew Ralph Nadar. Ralph Nadar was a friend of mine. Mr. Barr, you are no Ralph Nadar.”

Nice try MSN, but no banana.

It is ridiculous to assume that he won’t take some of the votes from McCain. However, he won’t be the Ralph Nader or Ross Perot of the 2008 election. The difference that will be seen is that republicans will vote for any candidate their party finds, even if his views are the opposite of republican ideals. Democrats have a little more self respect. Not a lot, Jack, but a little.

I’m voting for the lesser of three evils…I’m voting for Bob Barr.

Finally, Bob Barr has raised the bar for John McCain. Hi GOP this is pay time for 2000 presidential election.

Yes. Sen McCann is not connecting with the Rep base. I am confident Sen Obama will be our next President but love the extra assurance.
Marygrace..Port Orange, FL.

John McCain isn’t the only one who should be worried about Bob Barr being on the ballot in this, what has turned into a big carousel of an election. With the 25+% of Hillary Clinton supporters (you know; the uneducated) stating that they will give up on their morals, their stance on the economy, education and health care by voting republican out of spite, might as well jump ships twice. All the way to conservative Bob Barr.

Jack:
Bob Barr has much to bring to the table, but he will not bring Obama the election. Either candidate has to win the election by proving themselves to the Amerian people.

Chris
South Salem, NY

BaBar needs to make another appearance on the Ali G show to increase his chances:)

Darn right. McCain is an opportunist and flip flopping worse that a fish out of water. This will be the perfect year to take a chance on Bob Barr and his conservative agenda since Bob Barr at least has the integrity to stand by his policy. McCain has too many negatives for my taste and is taking the conservative vote for granted. I’d stay home rather than vote for him so i will be listening very carefully to Barr; however, he should be vetted like the Obama and McCain as well.

Renee,
Sacramento, CA

Of course Bob Barr wil not affect McCain’s chances of getting elected. I mean its not as if a significant portion of conservatives have still not accepted McCain as their candidate and its not like the American people at large question his economic policies, which is the number one issue nowadays. And the fact that many voters aren’t able to distinguish between McCain’s first term and Bush’s third term isn’t a concern, but if these issues were problems then Bob Barr would simply compound them to hurt McCain’s chances even more. Its a good thing that isn’t the case however.

They should absolutely be worried. Barr seems to be more conservative than McCain, and will most likey take some votes away from him. Maybe not that many, but enough to tip the balance. Now the Republican’s will know how the Democrats felt 8 years ago. I’m already feeling happier knowing that this is likely to happen.

The Republicans should worry about Bob Barr, and they should worry because the Democrats probably could win by nominating Laurel and Hardy.

Can I have the option…none of the above?

Susie Q
Atlanta

Yes, but I hope Barack gets the independent votes.

Obama 08

I think Bob Barr should at least frighten some Republicans. The fact that his message and Ron Paul’s are closely connected should make many in the party worry. I am not saying this because I supported Paul, but because I recognized the fervor of his followers. If they join with traditional libertarians who didn’t follow the Republican primary, they could raise money and start to tear into the base of that party, wittling it not only now, but maybe for years to come with new converts.

Nah, they needn’t worry. They know there are at least 5 ways they can fix the election. Why should they worry about anything?

Jack, you mentioned Ross Perot this morning. Mr. Perot campaigned for health insurance for all of us like the health insurance available to members of congress. He campaigned for the restriction of former American government officials being allowed to lobby for foreign governments. .. against the provisions in NAFTA that allowed for the loss of worker protection and uninspected imports among many other things … the mantaining of a strong military because there would be wars in the future and America needs to be strong in that respect … If some of us take a look at Mr. Perot’s books, “Not for Sale at Any Price” and “United We Stand: How We Can Take Back our Country” … it might show that that many good ideas have been around for years and all we need is the political will and attention to issues to change this country, well maybe …

Ben Hoff
North Las Vegas, NV

It would be an issue for both parties but “Papa” McCain should start planning his exit strategy. The earlier, the better.

Gosh, I hope so…to offset the Nader vote.

Jack, with all the lobbists, lies, secrets and gaffes McCain has…. Bob Barr is the least of his worries…… Republicans have become the new comedy central……..

Absolutely they should be worried. They need every possible vote. Us Amereicans need not to worry. There is a chapter onthe horizon for America. Lets not allow us to be manipulated by fear by those desperate politicians… Moreover, the clowns over at Fox Cable News arent helping with the fear-mongering. Go Jack.. keep them honest like Anderson Keeper and Jesus..
Luis,
CA

Absolutely. And I can’t wait.

Jack, I don’t see too many conservatives voting for Barr. Here is an example from their official website on gay marriage: “While Libertarians hold many different views on the issue of gay marriage, with some believing marriage, both straight and gay, should not be an issue for government and others believing that gay marriage should be recognized so long as straight marriage is recognized–Libertarians believe “government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships.” Don’t true conservatives love to stick their noses and bibles into everyone’s business?

Bob Barr brings many qualities to the Political table. The way this election is going for John McCain, any distraction should be of major concern.

As he is seen as a third term to Bush’s administration and his wife isn’t helping either as she’s too busy posting other people’s recipe.

But let’s face it; the Republicians will be out of office in November 08.

Marco
The Bahamas

Bob Barr gives Ron Paul voters like me someone to vote FOR in November. If you want to shrink the federal government and restore our civil liberties, neither McCain nor Obama are worth plug nickel.

Jack, I do think that Barr will hurt McCain. At a time when Conservative Republicans (Yes, they still exist) are looking for someone that’s more aligned with their beliefs, chances are Barr will be seen as a better alternative to McCain. Barr has been a true Conservative from day one, unlike McCain, who began moving to the right when he realized it was politically necessary to do so. Somewhere along the line, McCain’s “straight talk express” hit an oil slick and spun out of commission.

I hope the republicans are not worried about Bob Barr running for president. Let Barr take as many far right conservatives as possible! After returning from a trip to the south this week I’m convinced many would vote for him because of his religious views. There is a church every few hundred feet, but no jobs, schools, or social services. Obama can’t win these folks, but McCain can’t either! Obama can get the rest of us.

Republicans should have worried about the Bush administration if they wanted 4 more years…too late…should they worry about Bob Barr, I guess that depends on how serious Barr is…his run could just be smoke, no fire.

Can you say “Ralph Nader”?

We can only hope!!

More than Barr, McCain will be hurt by his “Bush Worshiping”.

One can only hope though I’d prefer the next president be elected based on their stand on the issues. McCain doesn’t even come close to representing my values & stand on the issues and, after listening to Barr, I don’t think he does either. Obama comes closest though isn’t perfect. At this point, I’d take Obama over the other candidates.

I do not believe he’ll take votes away from McSame. But If he does, I think that would be a GOOD thing.

I’m trying to get my head wrapped around what motivates Barr. Could it be his rightist leanings and philosophy? I think he is a danger to McCain. How could he not be? He’ll certainly take votes away from a man who is absolutely a centrist Republican, no matter what he’s saying now. I believe that’s where he ought to be, but how many of the Republican base think like that?

No! He’ll take the ADR vote. American Disconnected from Reality. He is not a viable candidate and even though I am voting for Obama, I can see he is not on the same level as McCain. Big fish in small pond does not say leader.

Bob Barr gives those who are disgruntled, dissatisfied and jaded with the whole political process the perfect chance to cast a protest vote and let Washington know that there is not enough choice on the ballot. Vote Barr, I know I will.

Maybe the only way the Republican party can save its self is by having its base rise up and vote for the third party candidate that is more Republican than the Republican nominee. McCain should not be worried about losing a few percentage points to Barr, but rather fear the possibility of placing third behind Barr in the general election. The word on the street is that Bob Barr has lost of support. McCain losing to Barr could not please this traditional republican more. Go Bob Go.

The Republicans have a problem. Many of the Republicans who will vote for Bob Barr don’t care if the Republican party loses. They are so frustrated with their party that they don’t really care if McCain loses.

I’d be voting for McCain if Barr wasn’t running. I guess I am one of those “spoilers” for the GOP.

Athens, GA

YUP!

Yes, Jack – he’ll take a few. And those few just might be enough to make the difference.