CNN

Hopefully it will mean that all the incumbents get voted out.

Hi Jack:

I find all of the political mudslinging coming from both side borish, childish, and conduct unbecoming United States Senators. It is incredably sad when we have two grow adult men acting like adolecent children. Every time I see either one of them on TV I get terribly disturbed both of these men are running for the highest office in the land. Does that not sour your stomach. I think no matter who wins this election we are in a whole lot of trouble. WHERE IS SENATOR ROBERT KENNEDY JUNIOR?? America needs you.

Ron San Diego

Nothing. People will change their minds dozens of times and will walk into the polling booth with their minds made up and get in and change it. Polls mean nothing. Actions speak louder and I wish both candiates would stick with what they are going to do to help us out instead of playing playground bullying. I don't care if Obama is black but it does bother me that McCain is Bush Jr but with 15 years added on.

When the people are angry (and they are), there is always a big turnout at election time and they always vote for change. This bodes well for Obama in this election cycle.

it should mean watch out everyone–both rep. and dem. They do nothing and shouldn't be paid for the job or should I say unjob their doing. Shame on all of them. And for God sakes get ride of Pelosi and Reid . Their the worst.I'm a Democrat and totally ashamed of both of their antics

The country's sour mood will mean little for the election. It will mean that there will be domestic violence, more attention to football on TV, longer lunches, more drinking, and angrier drivers at the super markets....no one can afford to drive on the roads and pay their kids' tuitions.

It will mean incumbents are in trouble. Incumbents who are Republican are in real trouble. Incumbents who are Republicans continuing to aid and abet Bush's attack on America are history.

It better mean a Democratic sweep with a supermajority in Congress. Anything less will be a continuation of what we've seen this year: nothing gets done. The Republican minority in the Senate has filibustered about 90 bills including such things as heat subsidies for low income people who are at risk of freezing to death next winter. People have blamed the Democratic majority for all the problems in this session of Congress, but it's actually Republicans blocking legislation through procedural maneuvers that is the problem. Vote Democratic.

I think it will depend on what specific beefs each voter has. It will be affected by Hillary nuts who plan to vote for McCain or not vote at all. It will be affected by the competition between the haves and the have nots, e.g., corporations vs individual wage earners and so much more.

What will the country’s sour mood mean for the election?

It will mean that a number of citizens will not vote in November.

Many are sucking on those sour grapes of Hillary not being crowned Queen of the Democratic party.

Republicans are in denial that the best their party could muster up was a geriatric, immoral, anger laiden, racist as their best bet.

I'm voting for Obama

Jenna
Roseville CA

It means if we pick the wrong one AGAIN there will be mass suicide.

Thanks

This country's sour mood means nothing for this election. We know both parties are talking out of both sides of their face and neither have the answer nor capability to pull America out of its dire straits. Because of their ineptitudes, we will expect to gain nothing from McCain or Obama.

It means the people will go into the polls very bitter. It means the people will go into the polls without a level head. It means we're probably going to elect the wrong candidate.

Jack
A sour mood at election time means trouble for John McCain. People will definately want a change not the same old policy they have lived with for eight long years.

Voters will be wanting a change. Obama offers change. It is a bit of a gamble as to what we will get, but he will bring change.

It means..... to tell McCain to turn the lights out when he exits the Political stage. We need new blood and a change!!

It means there will be a big turnout for the elections, and more than likely a Democrat will win the election since most Americans are unhappy with the Republican given the current state of the country.

On election day I'll be in a better mood than I've been in for 8 years! At least those of us who choose to vote will have an opportunity to change things!!

Well, it isn't going to help either of the candidates unless they start addressing the issues that can RELIEVE that sour mood. Like being able to buy gasoline and groceries with the same paycheck.

However, combine a sour mood and the negative campaigning that McCain has embarked on, and you are going to get a backlash. People don't want to hear that we are "whiners" because we are paying much more at the gas pump, the cost of food is going up, and we see oil companies making obscene profits, and the rich getting richer.

I hope the sour mood will mean that people will actually look at the issues, and both candidate's viewpoints and ideas. But probably what will happen is what happens every four years–we will vote someone into office and everybody will gripe and complain, on both sides, and nothing will ever get done.

I quit voting after Dukakis. I got tired of voting "Against" someone all the time. I hadn't even registered until this year. I have a little hope. If McCain becomes President, I will be thinking the same way again, nothing ever gets done, and nothing ever changes.

I would think it would mean a landslide for the Democrats, but sadly the hate and fear this administration used to brainwash us are having lasting effects, based on recent polls. And McCain seems to be taking his cues straight from that playbook.

I'm not sure if it will mean much. After the election there will be a honeymoon period with whoever gets elected. What happens after that initial period is the better indicator.

I think the sour mood will galvanize people to the polls in droves. We all feel helpless now with the repubs controlling the oil prices and other forces at work ruining our lives and the only action we feel we can take is by voting. Hopefully the republicans don't still have control over the voting booths or we are doomed.

Voters will be buying more honey and molasses.

Monty in El Paso, Texas

It means that BIG changes are coming in DC. The people of this country are fed up with business as usual and they all better get on the ball or else. Do you hear that Washington?

Jack, we're sour because of what this administration has done to this country. I look around and see the 1,000 yard stare in my friends and coworkers eyes. We absolutely don't hav a clue as to what we're going to do from day to day. Sour? You betcha. Then we have to contend with the constant droning on who are next President is going to be. Frankly, I think we're all over it. Elect Sen. Obama, now and in a hurry. Until this country gets off the "drunken" power that this administration has weilded over us for the last seven years, I think sour will remain in McCain.

Jack,
Look at your own CNN exit polling from 2000 and 2004.
What group comprises the largest pct. (76%) of voters?
What group is most immune to the economic ills.
What group voted in favor of Bush in 2000 (51%45%) and 2004 (51%-47%)?

This is the same group that is doing okay in this economy. Need a hint...... Ain't, (excuse me), isn't higher education a wonderful thing??

Harry
Ky.

Change

It means we would rather have "NONE OF THE ABOVE" on the ballet than anyone from either the Democratic or Republican parties. This country is in a hell of a mess and the D & R goon squads are far to busy spending our greatgrand childern into the poorhouse and infighting to address the problems of this country. Just like in corporations, stinky stuff starts at the top and flows downward and we are in it and deep.

It's a very unfortunate situation: voters are certain that things are going very badly in the country, and here, out of all the candidates we had, we have these two left from which to choose! The huge undecided vote we see in the polls is evidence that millions of us do not want EITHER of them! Not the warmed over Reagan wannabe, and not the unqualified celebrity who constantly parrots the ambiguous idea of "change"!

This will be the lowest turnout in November we have seen in modern times. As Jesse Ventura has said, if the ballots offered a NONE OF THE ABOVE choice, it would win!

here in my lovely state of arkansas,it means i will not be able to wear a burka,when i go to vote for obama,because i will get beat up.not that i'm muslim,or even female,but,i hoped to hide my face from future repurcussions, for voting for someone else who isnt a muslim.

Jack
A large turn out for voting
Bill, Farmville, VA

I see two scenerios either there is a huge election turnout or everyone just stays home. We're tired of fighting Jack. Democrats are idiots,republicans are idiots !!! I though this was a democracy .. who's going to be the voice of the people !!! Everybody's has ulterior motives its pathetic !!!

I really hope that the people who think that McSame will be different from Bush will wake up and realize that things will be exactly the same with McBush if he is elected. He and the idiot republicans that have left us in this mess will just do more of the same. They need to understand who put the country in a sour mood. It was the republicans who lied and conned the country into voting in Bush not once but twice.I hope they will remember this and vote for change. With all the problems we have, I can't understand why McSame is so popular. But, there is a group of people that would vote for the devil himself if he were a republican!

We are a divided nation fed only conflict in our tv news and on the 2500 plus right-wing-nut hate radio stations, 24/7. Research has show with enough repetitions people come to believe patently false information. Propaganda works, hate, anger etc drive the message into the brain. Our brains love strong emotion. We have 96 days of hate mongering to endure. Then the 2012 campaign begins and we do it all over again.

Hopefully it means Mcsame won't Get elcected but Americans are gullable any gimmick mcsame comes up with they will accept lets just hope america won't make the same situation twice

Jack, it means the incumbents on Capitol Hill had better practice their job interview skills because they may be joining the working man in the unemployment line.

It means certain victory for Democrats because the Republicans have been in power for eight years and the economy has fell apart due to their incompetence. I am looking for to Obama to win and bring an end to the economic malasie that Bush and the Republicans have caused with their reckless trade policies that favor their greedy executive buddies.

The parties have got both sides wired up for a change. If you're doing better than others. You will vote for the guy who will keep you safe.your If you're the guy or gal at work ,just told by your sepervisor cutbacks are coming. You will vote for the guy gives you the impression. He can stop all layoffs from happening. Your job and company is safe. Even if it's just pulling your leg. That's how they get elected. REMEMBER

We thought that we sent a sour message the last election when a few of the incumbents were voted out... but we we fooled again, because it's back to the same do-nothing congress that we've always had.

This time we had better such a strong message that the good-ole-boys-club finally realizes who's money they are getting rich off of. Any incumbent who is up for re-election should start getting their resume in order.

Hopefully it means we throw the Grand Oil Party out

Jack,

My mood isn't sour. In fact I'd love to treat the Big Oil company executives, both Parties Presidential candidates, campaigns and Congressional leaders and a long list of wonks, pundits and know-it-alls to a free trip on Richard Branson's Space Ship 2 into low Earth orbit where with any luck they would be lost like so much luggage on a domestic passenger flight! Bon voyage!

Timothy in Texas

It is too early to tell. A lot can happen between now and November.
I am not exactly sure where your idea that people are in a sour mood comes from. Most of the people I know are no more sour then they were before the Democrats took over control of congress.
I have determined however that being a member of congress is the only job in America where you can be wrong 90 percent of the time and still have a job. Although I am not quite sure how the hell those people can sleep at night. Must be a requirement as a congress member to have no heart or conscience.

Sadly, I believe it means we'll have the lowest voter turnout in decades!!

The whole bunch will get a no confidence vote.

Jack,

CHANGE!!!!!!!!

Jack I would love to see everyone voted out of Congress and all-new voted in. I think it would send a message that the American voter is fed up with what is going on in Washington. We are tired of the kiddie fights they have across the aisle with each other while getting nothing done except when it comes to special interests groups and lobbyist concerns.

jack, it means that the American electorate is angry with how the country has been run by the Bush Administration and the Republican brand. With soring gas prices, plunging home prices, foreclosure on the rise, etc, Americans are looking for a change. People may not like Obama for whatever reason, be it race, youth, preceived inexpereince, etc, he is not a Republican and is a breath of fresh air.

If I were a Republican holding an office, I change my part to Democrat or Ind, today.Or pack my bags for more than a five week vacation.

The press(including you) and your stupid questions and your false reporting of what is really news worthy.
Jack your are a hack.

the question should say country in failure and as far as the election it will prove if we or how many in this country can think. we can vote for the old failing ways that our country has been traveling for the past 25 yrs or try something new. the people will show how much our brain power has been depleted in this election.

The incumbents are safe, We, in the US, have a 96% re-election rate. We hate your representative but ours is just great, thank you very much.

It should mean that we want to change. Not a little tweaking here and there, but actual change. We should want to get some control over our elected officials, get some bang for all the bucks we pay year after year. How about a sensible healthcare system instead of the embarrassing sham of a system that we have now. How about a sensible energy policy, funding for education, etc, etc. It all boils down to getting government to work for us rather than the oil, insurance, and energy industries. Are we ticked off enough, sour enough to vote in our own best interests for a change? I am.

It means that people should stop complaining, and deal with it. There are good times and bad times, and mostly, the people, not the puppet government are the cause of it. Unemployment is a result of not trying hard enough and becoming expendable, not from any legislation that Congress failed to pass.

Jack, Looks matter in politics, however; to win a candidate must manipulate popular opinion anyway possible, so packaging a candidate to satisfy all the peoples wants is important also.
Image counts more than reality, and can be controlled, so you can remake virtually anyone into the kind of person people want. It's an awesome power, and will inevitably be abused. As demonstrated in our last two presidential elections.

Jerry N/Tulsa

It means that voters will vote for "quick fix" solutions which McCain is offering such as offshore drilling, which won't reduce prices and won't happen if the states don't approve it.

It will probably mean a lower than expected election turnout...people will either be unable to afford the gas to get to the voting booths or they will be at work at their 2nd job and will miss out on voting altogether!!!

It means very little to the people who can change this. That would be those clowns on Capitol Hill taking an "up yours, America" vacation. While America burns, Congress fiddles, and shows absolutely no signs of a desire to turn things around any time soon. I hope this "sour mood" grows into an outright revloution and we the people change the course of history.

The sour mood of the country will result in a 'throw the rascals out "vote. Eight years of a Republican White House and Republican Congress will come to an end and the Democrats will be stuck with the mess Bush has managed to create with the help of a Republilcan Congres.

Bob Fleming
Louisville, Ky.

It means Hot Head McCain will throw one last and final fit for the 2008 election. Then he will ride off into the sunset!!!!!!!!

We will have a record turnout at the polls. The question is will it be a record high or a record low.

Incumbents better start listening to their constituents. A lot of incumbents will go.

Maybe this election voter apathy won't win again!

Jack,

Obama will win the presidency and Democrats will win more seats in Congress, and when the economy turns around they will get the credit, but I think the turnaround is likely whoever is in the White House. I'm an Obama supporter but I believe the president can do a lot less about the economy than we like to think.

It means that the Republicans will lose the White House in November. Good riddance!!!!

The country's mood apparently doesn't mean very much or Obama would be winning in a landslide. What matters is how the country reacts when Israel attacks Iran in September or October.

A sour mood means people will oust the source... By GOP.

And if Barney in Massachusetts gets his bill through, we will all be happier as adults will have an alternative to alcohol.. the less destructive cannabis.

Hopefully it means not one republican will be elected or
re-elected to office.
They have done such a number on middle class America,
we wil be forever digging out from their diasterous policies.
Hopefully it means the voters are tired of politics as usual,
Oil companies, big business, lobbyists and special interests
having control of our country, end to Iraq war, and a president
in office who cares about us.

Things are changing and not for the better. We need a HERO and SHE has left the building!!!!

The Country will feel a kinship to cranky McCain.
Jack Carlson
Portland Or

It is no coincidence that 3 of the 4 presidents that you mentioned are Republican. Still it is amazing that McCain is running neck and neck with Obama considering the dire circumstances this country is in.

The most vocally sour people are young adults and of course you jack. But since we all know the young people don't turn out in November than I guess it does not matter!

Hopefully those who are up for re/election will be evaluated by the amount of mudslinging. The more mud, the less people should vote for them. When one party decides to filibuster lock all doors, give them bread and water until there is a vote and we see white smoke.

With half of america under real stress, how many robots have been put out of work or been dismanteled and sent elsewhere?

Jack,

Depends – if people are angry they may vote for change. If they're depressed they may not even get out of bed on Election Day.

CHANGE!

Jack, it means that there will not be enough polling places to hold all
of the voters who are going to show up to say good riddance to Bush and
the republicans. This will be a voter turnout so unprecedented, that
even the white house mice will be trying to vote.

Hopefully, Jack, it will mean that more people will go to the polls to stop those who are responsible for our woes. Of course, there is no guarantee that one who preaches change may put our country in an even worse condition. One of the reasons for the sour mood as that the individual best suited for the position to be our leader may not be nominated or elected; for this reason and because many see no hope now and in the future, many may not vote at all.

Not sure about the election but shouldn't you be putting out your sequel, " It's Getting Even Uglier Out There".

The sour taste in American's mouths is not from sweet tarts. No, through all of the outlandish spending by the Bush Administration we didn't get any candy or flowers. We got a gas nozzle that spews out the equivalent of liquid gold and prices at the grocery that drain our bank accounts like a siphon. Americans will vote for the candidate that can promise the most change in our lives.

Jack,

The mood may be sour now, but it will be bitter soon. With Congress on hiatus during some of the worst economic times of our country's history, and a disconnected, lameduck President in office pointing the finger at Democrats for our woes, we are unlikely to see any positive changes anytime soon. By November, people will have a really bad taste in their mouth and they will be ready to vote out of office anyone associated with the GOP.

When things hang around too long they usually get sour.

Jack, I hope the country will take it's sour mood and focus that energy, to vote every incumbant out of office come this November. Our feckless and pandering 9% congress is directly responsible, by not even attempting, to address the numerous critical issues facing our nation.

In the Senate and Congressional races there will be a route by the Democrates.Jack, people vote by their pocketbooks and want the trains to run on time. This presedential election is different than any other election in history. Jack, you can ask people if race counts and get different answers, but when they get behind the curtain, ready to pull the level, will the years of bigotry taught by parents, friends and even men of the cloth cross their minds? I guess we will find out soon.

Kenneth Chadbourn N.C.

It means the exit gates of Washington are going to be busy this coming January.

Jack, apparently, judging by the recent popularity polls, the sour mood doesn't seem to be doing McCain any real harm. It indicates that many Americans wouldn't be all that dissatisfied with another four years of Republican governance because they feel McCain, with his vast experience gleaned as a former POW and a C average senator will turn the country around. Good luck.

That they should have thought about alternate energy sources more years ago which would have created lots of new jobs and cheaper costs and that drilling in protected offshore areas is more of the same.

America will be singing, "Thank God and Greyhound you're gone", to all the incumbents.

THe sour mood could only mean one thing. The Republicans are in a lot of trouble (was going to say something else, but cleaned it up a little bit.) The mood of the country right now might just be "None of the Above". I agree with the people who say it is time to eliminate all lawyers from and political scene, and go with people who are closer to the main stream. Guess they have the same view of attorneys as I do, and that is it all depends on the situation which way they go. They defend people who they know are guilty. We need people who work for, or have worked for a living to represent the majority in this country, and that is workers.

I hope this election punishes the Republicans as badly as the election of 1932, but I am not optimistic. When we re-elected (correction: elected) GWB in 2004 we got what we deserved. I am afraid that the verdict is coming in on our attempt at democracy: failure.

Jersey City, NJ

That many will not vote at all. That nothing will change unless we make it happen, and the only way is to vote for someone with integrity. Unfortunately, it will not be this election, because we need someone to run that has ethics, a word that is extinct in Washington D. C.

Interesting jack about the spike in the unemployment number. Could be that a portion of the number is related to the 13 week extension in un-employment benefits. With the number reflecting those unreported un-employed who fell had fallen off the unemployment rolls and who are now back on. If that's the case then maybe after the 13 week extension period the unemployment numbers will drop and Bush et all will claim "improvement" in jobless numbers just before the elections.

It just means we are all a nation of whiners and it won’t mean anything. – Phil Gramm

It reminds me of the election of 1968. The Democrats lost the majority in congress and the White House. Yet, in Washington it was "business as usual". In 2006 the Republicans lost the majority in congress, but I don't see much, if any, of the promised changes being made.
I seriously doubt if many incumbents from from states where one party hold sway (Democrats in Massachusetts, Republicans in Georgia for example), so that the actual control, and way things are run in Washington will not be affected by what happens at the polls..... More "Business as Usual" no matter how the public feels... Mr Cheaney said it for all politicans when they are told that the public doesn't like what they are doing.. "So????"

The last 8 years have definitely left a bad taste in my mouth and almost anything resembling change will be welcomed. Sen. McCain scares me because he sounds a lot like what we have had under Bush. He accuses Sen. Obama of flip-flopping when he's been all over the board on almost any subject (except war) you can imagine.

It really depends on how well the Republicans can pull off their lies and false accusation and whether people fall for their tactics again. If they can get enough voter to believe the Democrats are at fault by using the same strategies they used in 2000 and 2004 then they win. If the voters finally see through the GOP lies this time around then the Democrats win. Plain and simple.

Jack,
Not a thing.First thing on nov 3 ,I will be there to cast my vote for Obama
peggy,tenn.

I like the comment seen yesterday about not voting for any incumbent. When the politicians understand the "Throw the bums out " mood of the voters, they might get a clue and figure out who is keeping them in office.

Jack,
Pink slips for most Republicans and a few Democrats, that are in the Congress or the White House. Our country wants change and results expeditiously from new leadership at the top of our government. Are you listening Nancy, Harry and everyone eyeing the White House...

C.I., New York

Well Jack since we create our world out of our beliefs, ideas, thoughts, feelings first – then we act, the mood you speak of portends that we will probably elect the one that strikes us as the biggest sourpuss. Afterall like does attracts like. However, with the guy we have in office now I still wonder if we will have an election. He can always declare our economic problems as a national security emergency and enact the National Emergency Preparedness Act, probably around October 31st. If that occurs there won't be an election not for at least six months.

Geri – Mead, OK

With some luck maybe common sense will enter and people will decide to elect Senator Obama. But I'm not that optimistic.

We were at a sour mood in 2004. What did some of us do (not me)? Re-elected the war mongering, oil rich crowd that got us in this mess in the first place.

Basically, if we're that stupid to vote for McCain who will undoubtedly continue with the Bush policies, we deserve each and everything his administration dishes out to us the next four years.

It will go very badly for the Democratic lead congress who's apporval rating is only 19% compared to Presidents Bush at 30%. As upset as the country is with Bush, they are even more unhappy with Democratic congress. The Dems are angry with the Democratic lead congress for not standing up to Bush. And they are in fighting big time over offshore drilling and the Obama/Hillary primary.
The Republicans are united behind McCain and mad as hell at the Demorcatic congress. We are eager for a fresh start with McCain and retaking the House and Senate. We all voted for Bush in 2000 and 2004 and will all vote for McCain in 2008. And McCain is more popular with the independents than Bush ever was. Plus all those angry Hillary supportes say they are going the vote for McCain. Looks good to me.

No doubt Jack, it will be a sour election. Even an election year isn't picking up our economy, it's more sour than I've seen in it in my own lifetime.

Jack,
What do you mean "sour" mood!! I think "surly" mood would be a more apt description!! Are write-in votes counted? How about Popeye the Sailor Man? Now HE can get things done!!

Jack,

What it really means is that there are still so many people in our country who either don't really care, don't listen to the candidates, don't listen to the media, or just don't understand our dire situation. Also, too many people connect emotionally to a candidate's qualities, accept their proposals wholeheartedly, rather than thinking for themselves.

We were in a bad way in 2004, given not as bad as the shape we are in now, and George Bush won anyway!

Martha, Pittsburgh

Hopefully it means people are fed up and ready to move forward. I am hoping we have record voter turn-out. I find it interesting to hear some people commenting on how they don't trust Obama or think he is still a Muslim. I felt exactly that way, when watching Bush during his campaign. and today as well. And Mc Cain is not giving me any warm fuzzy feelings either. Obama is not an empty suit. I am relieved some one with a brain and a heart is willing to apply for this position as it is the biggest up hill battle he will ever face, winning this election, and then showing what he is made of, I believe he can lead us to a brighter future. So sweeten up people.

Jack, it means that this will be a very "bitter" election.

Hopefully it will mean that we are sick and tired of the politics that have gotten us into war with Iraq, that has grown our national debt to almost $10 TRILLION. Our sour mood is due to the FACT that will all his experience Bush.......lied, lied and lied. He has spit on our Constitution, he has spit on the Geneva Convention....... we only know the half of it!

It means the candidates had better get their act together, stop all this non issue back and forth, and lay out their plans to help America become her Great self again. Have you notice that "Made in America" not only doesn't mean anything anymore. It pretty much doesn't exist.

Perhaps the twenty four percent is either rich, delusional or being sarcastic. The presidential campaign is starting to play out like a bully at recess (McCain) coming after the one guy who is the class phenom and different (Obama) with the classmates on the sidelines (media) egging the different guy on to hit back or he'll get beat up like the guy(Kerry) before him. And when he hits back and the bully starts to cry, the crowd turns on him.

We, the people, of the United States, are tired of all of this nonsense. Tell us what you can do, tell us how you'll do it and tell your campaigns to show some class. Those of us who have a brain will use it and vote for what you stand for. Those of us who cannot see past what we chose to believe will do what we do no matter what you say.

Indiana

Jack, we saw a glimpse today at Obama's town hall in St. Petersburg, Fla. heckler's stood up and asked Obama what is he going to do about the black community.

Although Obama cannot and should not pander to a specific group as all American's are hurting and want answers. It shows that we are getting sick and tired of politics and want specifics, so I applaud the hecklers for asking a pointed question.

Hopefully this was the trigger we needed for the Mcain campaign to realize that we want answers to our questions instead of battering and bashing through defamation into the oval office.

I think when heckler's show up and take him(mcain) to task, the rest of American's will realize that he doesn't have answers to our pain and the polls will start to show Obama pull away as it's clear the Bush administration, Republican's and the "Do Nothing Congress" are the reasons we are in the mess we are in.

Jack,

The desire for change has been pretty clearly expressed by most voters of late. John McCain is certainly no agent of change.

To be honest I am still laughing at the McCain campaign saying Obama is coming off arrogant because he looks "Presidential".

People shall elect an outsider,i.e. someone who has nothing to do with the establishment, with status-quo, business-as-usual,
mutual back-scratching between business and politics, war-mongers,
good-for-nothing officials, corrupt lobby, etc.

The Americans shall elect Obama, unless they are all under age.

Greg from Warren, Michigan

It means that McCain is going to have to do a hell of a lot more than to scream about a race card being played. He needs to get back on message and tell what he's going to do for this country. Much like Senator Obama has been doing!

Throughout American political history, its been the democrat who got the country back on track after an economic fall and I expect it will be no different this year.

Clinton supporters for McCain!!

I hope it means the people realize government no longer works for them because of the incestuous relationship between politicians, lobbyists, and the special interests. What is so shocking is what is now legal. Sen. Stevens has not been charged with taking bribes. He's been charged with not reporting them on a disclosure form. It's past time we throw the bums out.

Ed Reed
Port Aransas, tX

Jack, you'll hear the usual, repetitive stuff – "The Democrats will raise taxes" and "The Republicans will pander to the rich" – with greater intensity than normal.

In my opinion it's very bad news for the democratic party. They keep saying we need new blood in washington to get change. The problem is all this new blood is infected. 2 years with a new congress, and nothing. Also, if I recall, President Bush only had 5 years political experience when he went into office. Does it get any more new blood than that? I think it's time for tried and true.

Four or more years of the same, if the polls are any indication. The public may seem to be more interested in stupid ads and even stupidier race charges, than their own pocketbooks or physical well being.

It means John McCain is toast. He promises he can fix the economy and high gas prices by lowering taxes for Big Business and drilling in more places than my dentist. Even with my hefty stimulus check, I'm not buying it!

It means Jack, that the people are fed up. McCain's incrediablity ugly campaign is going to drive young people and Independants to the polls.

It means that millions of us will be voting for Ralph Nader and third party candidates who are discussing solutions to the many severe problems facing our country.
Brownwood, Texas

What it means is people are fed up with the Republicans and their failed policies. People are looking for a change and his name is Barack.

that the people do not want the same stuff from that last eight years.

It means predictably Americans will vote 'against' the incumbent party for the presidential election. But of course they won't vote against the ruling party of Congress, a Congress that has worse approval rating than even the President. The thought to vote against both parties will not cross most people's minds unfortunately.

Jack,

It means that we won't be fooled with promises that we know aren’t going to be kept. Obama talks the talk but will he walk the walk? Personally I don’t think he will walk the walk but he sure talks the talk.

Jack we all know it is a bad year for republicans but John McCain is no average Republican, hence he is nearly tied with Obama who hasn't sealed the deal with the American people as to whether he, a first-term senator with no foreign policy experience, can walk the walk-not just talk the talk.

that they do not want a senile mccain that cant even answer questions properly in office. Did you see him in the florida reporters questions? I'm even more scared now. Help us jack, give us your opinion!!!

I can't say about everyone else, but as for me, I am voting a straight Democratic ticket. Top to Bottom and not even looking at names.

Jack, you asked if a cannidates phisicle condition matters, the answere is yes, because TV creates a false sense of that being important. Roosefelt was one of the greatest Presidents we had and couldn't walk a step.

I don't think it'll mean much. Although everyone complains about Congress and the Senate they seem to love their own congressman/woman or senator. Part of the gridlock is the result of issues like subsidies or government jobs/contracts that people don't want cut in their own area. Same with earmarks. I won't complain about yours if you don't complain about mine and before you know it there are 9,000 earmarks in the budget and politicians that have us taxpayers stuck paying for wasteful, inefficient, incompetent and unnecessary programs till the end of time. Linda in NJ

hopefully it will mean that people will not want a different flavor of bush, the new Budweiser foreign flavor of "Bush Light" from the GOP camp, that McCain is.

It mains that the President office is won by the party who can sling the most mud. And we have to pick a Senator for President from our US Senate with the worst record in our history, give us a break here! What we have to look foreward to in either candidate is more of the same!

Wise America: Obama in Landslide!
Unwise America: McCain by Supreme Court Decision.

Which it will be is really testing my faith in the wisdom of my fellow Americans.

For me, it will mean that I don't care to spare the feelings of a mean old man who's not up to the job he's seeking. He can go on stretching the truth to the point of lying, he can go on playing race cards while pretending that it's his opponent who's doing it - but he won't get the small campaign contribution I can make, and he won't get my vote. I'm mad as hell.

amScray epublicansRay!!!!
Mark
West Palm Beach, Fl.

As far as the Republicans go, it means don't let the door knob hit ya where the good Lord split ya!

I certainly hope The Sour mood will turn the tide for change. People might feel good again with a new direction from Obama. He Im sure will make mistakes but not the repeated mistakes of the republicans. We really need hope right now

It could mean that the idiots will vote for an idiot.

Hopefully the sour mood will make US reunite and go vote. Unfortunetly though, our mood could also make some feel like their votes wont make a difference.

What it should mean is a landslide victory for Barack Obama, Jack...but the pulls aren't suggesting that.

If McCain continues to bombard the air waves with negative ads, and attacks, he may stand a chance at the White House.

Obama may provide the best solution to our problems, but fear may allow McCain to win the election.

Sour sounds awfully close to bitter, and we all know what happened the last time someone called Americans bitter.

My granny always said, "You attract more flys with honey than you do with vinegar." Obama is the honey, McCain is the vinegar... only Obama can sweeten the country's sour attitude.

If the media sticks to the issues, presses candidates for details, and hold them to the facts, it'll make a big difference. If the media keeps playing up "he said... he said" and endlessly repeats any, every, and all negative attacks, it'll mean little. The 2000 and 2004 campaigns were evidence of that. Here's a question I'd like to see asked often: "Tell me why I should vote FOR you, instead of harping on why I should vote AGAINST your opponent?" How about it, Wolfe? Ask it!

I means whomever is elected President November 2008, will have to make lemonade out of lemons. Barak Obama is the best candidate, however, I wouldn't envy taht job. Kate Grady

Jack:
America doesn't know the half of it. The unemployment figure doesn't include those who are incarcerated, hospitalized, or those about to leave the military. We can't handle the truth...

Jack,
I think all of this b.s. is going to come down to who the candidates choose to run as VP. At this point it's looking like voting for the lesser of the two evils. I'm thinking of writing in Lou Dobbs, Pres. and Jack Cafferty V.P. (or the other way around would do too)
Linda
Sarasota, FL

I would like to think that people would vote for the candidate that they agree with most on the issues. At least, that's all we can hope for. Just because all the troubles that the economy is having under Bush's watch doesn't mean we should all vote democrat by default. We should all make wise, educated choices. That being said, I just can't see everyone doing that.

High gasoline prices are the reason the economy is going from bad to worse. It's the Democrates fault because they are holding up offshore drilling. The country is seeing this and will vote Republican in November.

Donald Donovan
Watertown, MA

Jack – People are extremely worried about this country's future. They see things are bad now and getting worse, and are afraid of how bad things are going to get. But when faced with adversity and uncertainty, people always have two fundamental choices: either hope for the best or fear for the worse. I trust that the American people will listen to their better nature when they're standing in that voting booth.

You know the answer Jack. The 'ins' will be out and the 'outs' will get in. Will that help? Don't know, but we HAVE to try something!

The voting result will shame McCain and GOP and cause fundamental change inside GOP while the nation is under Obama's leadership heading the change for better and better. Jack, soon we will be proud to be American again – once that oily cowboy is out of the office.

Jack,
What it means is I won't be voting for Obama. Why on God's Green Earth would I vote for someone who will raise my taxes, and not allow us to drill for much needed Oil? Obama's recipe for America would put us in a downspin. Frank.y, our economy is not in that bad of shape, where have you been? It's the housing industry and gas prices, stupid!

Frank in California

Ideally, it would mean this would be an upcoming period of signicant reform and a change of directions.

However, it seems like we are all just becoming extremely unhappy and negative. I agree that there are many hardships, but I don't know who is guiding the country nor what our grand goals are as a country or as a world.

We all seem to just be fighting with each other, dividing further into groups, and insulting one another. People are angry.

Ray M.
Oviedo, FL

It will mean that voters will cast their ballots for the candidate that addresses their issues. It is not a beauty contest. Sorry Obama.

Martha Roanoke, Va

The country's sour mood means a win for Obama and a historically low vote for incumbent members of Congress. As an independent, I am so disgusted with the do-nothing attitude of both parties in Congress I will not vote for any incumbent.

The Republicans have achieved their goal. They have blocked legislation, even good legislation, in order to make the Democratic majority look bad.

The Democrats need to play by the Republican rules and give them a taste of their own medicine.

In the end, McCain will win and the country will wish – Bush was back in office.

I hope people realize that our country hasn't had a Democratic in the White House AND a Democratic controlled congress in a long time. I also hope they relize that this congress has had road blocks and walls put up by the Republican's in congress, and that any attempt to change the direction of the country was vetoed by the White house.

I hope that the sour grapes you ask about compell people to build a larger majority in congress and a Democratic President so that the plans that actually will help the condition of the country can be emplimented.

Spread the Wealth, don't consolidate it.

It will mean the voters made a mistake 4 and 8 years ago and is thinking about makeing another one with Mccain. Frustration and mis-information will lead to another lost nation. This election will also mean 49% should not be allowed to vote.

With all the bad news about the economy, cable news today is flooded with who played the race card. How sad..

An Obama landslide. Including Georgia.

Ken
Atlanta GA

hope for a change.

A lot of people seem to blame the candidates. We should be blaming Congress. They just started their 5 Week Summer Break. They hardly work at all and when they do they accomplish nothing. We have the power to replace these Senators and Representives, they are hoping we are distracted by the upcoming election for President and if confronted they whine partisan politics. Come on people, would you still have your job if you performed as badly or acted as childishly? No, so let's quit giving these politicians a free ride and let's hold them accountable. Oh, I guess it will have to be after their 5 Weeks of hard earned Summer Vacation.

The country's sour mood will make people remember the fact the country would not be like this had a democrat been in office the past eight years. Therefore, people will finally understand that electing another Republican in these hard times would be the worst possible thing to do. I'll see you on inauguration day President Obama!

Stampede to the lifeboats. Mccain wins because NO NEW TAXES and damm everybody else. As long as I am a survivor

We all should be sour,all the actors and actresses in the captiol are going home. we need to start a petition to lower there wages,and make them drive there own cars,i never hear anything about cutting there pay,they have a sweet life and we get the left overs all state offical need ther pay cut since we need to cut back on spending

It means that we will electe the first black president.

That sour tone will only help the upcoming election. I've been out of work for the past quarter! Education does not secure a job in these times. I might not be working......but be the first to cast my ballot for Obama. Change does not mean the current mess will end immediately. It will take the next two terms to fix all the foolishness of Bush and his cohorts.

Jack, I'm past sour, in fact I'm just sick of the whole political process... I've heard the fishing on election day this year is going to be great! I'm gonna forego my civil duty on election day, fetch a bucket of worms and a cane pole, then head for the river!!, Wanna join me!!

It means that as Americans we need to take those sour feelings and turn them into action. We are going to be bombarded with cover up tactics and stories that plan to keep us distracted. While we were not looking they changed the unemployment and bankruptcy laws that benefited many working class individuals.

Anyone knows that it is a job looking for one once you become unemployed! These are hard working people losing thier jobs!

Become an FACT CHECKING EDUCATED VOTER!!!

Since everything seems to be going overseas such as money, jobs, etc. I have really been thinking about moving to Brazil. They have solved their energy crisis and seem to have a really clean happy group of people over there and I am retired so why not?

Jack, When will we ever learn from our mistakes. HOPE does
matter and if we are not smart enough to vote for someone who
really cares about who we are, thats tragic... no wonder we would
feel a sour taste in our mouth. Betsy

Jack
Do you think asking Americans negitive questions will get you positive answers?
Start asking positive questions.
Stop blaming Bush for the deficit. The President cannot spend a dime with out the Congress and the Senate's approval.
All the media leave the Senate and the Congress without any blame.

Maryann

If an unknown John McCain submitted his resume to gain employment in any of the top corporations in the United States, his apparent age, lack of high tech capability and probable lack of expertise in financial world would not gain him an interview or even a complimentary "we will keep you in our files". Yet, John McCain thinks he is able to be elected to the highest office in America in the 21st century.

Strange!

I think we ought to read the biography of FDR and his terms in office and by the way, be sure to read the wonderful books on Eleanor Roosevelt, his wife, and just dream of a better life. If you like that, then just look back the past 8 years and you'll be sick at the comparison. Then decide if having McCain, the Same is what we need. I've done all that and I'm convinced, that Obama is a start to turn this mess around and I for one am giving him a chance.

Pat in Mississippi

We will throw our hands up in the air again, and say, "Here is another idiot for the next 4 to 8 years".
Fort worth, TX

The sour mood means nothing! Obama is a world citizen that is more interested in opening the border with Mexico, spending billions to educate Mexico’s most illeterate, and giving out welfare and Social Security to millions of illegal immigrants. Granting citizenship to millions cannot be undone. The financial impact on our overburdened welfare and retirement system will be devastating. This is why McCain may win.

To the sour taste in my mouth, add an upset stomach at once again having to choose and vote for the hopefully least harmful of two candidates. Both parties not only dropped the ball, but then tripped over it and slid facedown into the mud. If we cannot have organized parties that are intelligent and responsible, why do they exist? To tell the citizenry of states that, sorry, we've decided to unilaterally disenfrancise you? Give me and the American people a break!

Hopefully our sour moods will incourage US to go out, vote, and make a difference. Unfortunatly, many peoples sour moods have caused them to not trust our government which in turn may discourage them from voting.

If one attributes the current economic conditions to the party of the President, then it bodes ill for McCain as a Republican. If one understands that the Democrats have had control of the Senate and House for a while now, then the picture becomes more muddled. Frankly I believe that it would be a mistake to identify the Presidential candidates solely with their party affiliation. They should be fairly judged on their resumes’ ;i.e, not only on what they say they will do, but more on what they have done as individual Senators and how many times they have effectively reached across the aisle. By that standard, McCain should win hands down. Perhaps the press should consider looking more closely at the candidates’ records; then they might understand why the race is “closer than it should be”.

The mood is sour, the look is dour.
The prize is power, in the ivory tower.
They offer a flower, but seek to devour.
Is this the hour, for all to cower.

Jack,
I like your humor and brilliancy in analysing political issues. Our leadership has gone down the sewer system and we need remedy so badly

Maybe America's sour mood would be sweetened if candidates were required to present their prospective cabinet members so voters get the "whole" picture. Remember, the president is only as good as the cabinet he relies upon.

Tucson, AZ – All other things being equal, the popular dissatisfaction with the present Administration would mean a landslide for the opposition party. However, there are three complications:

1) There is "a war on." Americans have never switched parties in power during a war.

2) Power in Washington is now split, the House controlled by Democrats, the Senate and White House by Republicans. If the Republicans can shift the blame for the deadlock to the Democrats, they may hang on to enough Senate seats to keep the deadlock going, In which case, a Democratic President would be stymied too.

3) The Democratic candidate is not an establishment white male. Past experience is based on white male candidates only. Anywhere from ten to thirty percent of voters will not vote for a person of color no matter what, with many of them not admitting this.

Here is my view:

"Not another C student – Obama for President"

My mood is way pass sour. It's more like bitter. My mood has been bitter ever since Mr. Bush decided to unilaterally attack Iraq, a soverign country that had nothing to do with our people getting attacked on September 11th. Now our troops are dying there everyday and our army is spread thin. We went there for the oil. Mr. Bush got his oil, but did that do anything for the average American citizen at the pump? Nope. It did do quite a bit for the oil companies though. They continue to make record profits while I feel even more pinched at the gas pump. I will definitely NOT be voting Republican in the near future. Thanks a lot guys.

What it means is that there will be short lines at the polls, not due to voter apathy, but because a trip to the voting site may not be in the weekly travel budget with gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon. Still others will have to rationalize between the lines at the unemployment office and lines at the voting booth and the rest will just be too darned hungry because the rising costs of food prices means that they had to skip breakfast. That's enough to make anyone sour!

I see the Libs are out here in full force. Obama speaks of change and hope. What's he changing? Did he ever explain that? You people should stop watching the drive-by media.

CONGRATS to Rush Limbaugh (the Babe Ruth of talk radio)!!!!!
20 years on the air. I've been trying for years to call his show and Hannity's but can't get through. I heard a clip of Alec Baldwin on one of those Air America programs begging people to call. Sadly, the phone didn't ring. Gee, I could've gotten through to HIM.

If it doesn't mean the voters throw this worthless Administration and Congress out of office, someone is not paying attention or they are not as bad off as they would like everyone to believe. Hasn't it been Bush in the past who was always bragging about how good they were making the economy? DUBYA, I DON"T HEAR YOU!

America needs a catharsis. Let the Democrats have the House, the Senate and the White House. The whole thing. Let them ruin the economy even more. If they make it better, and by a lot, they should stay in power indefinitely.

We have two choices. People can wake up, take the responsibility of their goverment back on their own shoulders, hold politicians accountable for their actions, and turn this country into a nation of patriots. Or they can stay angry, bitter victims and vote for the angry, bitter politicians, as they have done for the last two elections. It's up to WE THE PEOPLE to restore this nation to a democracy.

What it means, expect record voter turnout. People don't want another eight years of this economy, this unemployment, these gas prices, not being able to afford to eat. Expect to hear the roar of the crowd screaming, "We are mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore!"

McCain and his camp are insulting...

All that is going on in America, the economy, soaring gas and food prices, home foreclosures, increasing education cost, etc. and this is what the McCain camp wants to talk about....Britney, Paris, Moses

America deserves better!

It means McCain will call in Karl Rove and the Texas "Swift Boat Boys" to remind everyone that we have terrorists in our basements, unemployment is a myth and Republicans are prophets of God sent to save us from the evil ways of Barak Obama and his followers.

R. Allen
Columbus Ohio
.

Jack This isn't a sour mood Americans are in, it's a stupid mood. These voters will probably elect McCain as President and sit back expecting different results by electing the same morons from the same Bush Republicans party. Most Americans are like addicts when it comes to voting or making the wrong choices. And now Mccain has an video comparing Obama to Moses. This is plain ridiculous!

Dear Mr. Cafferty,

I wish the election was tomorrow! Then all the mudslinging and criticism would be deverted towards one person. I hope Senator Obama does not fall into the trap of negative politics. My prayer is that he will find a new church very soon. He's going to need one when he's elected! Derek in Memphis, TN.

It means we throw these bums out and let the other bums in. What this country needs is about five viable parties, forced to work together and compromise to get things done - and to put the presidential election back into the Electoral College, where the Founding Fathers intended it to be. But that will never happen because of the vested interests of the two parties and the short-sighted and unimaginative nature of the American electorate, who are blissfully unconcerned about George Washington's warning against a two-party system.

Jack, hopefully a change or it will be – 'God Save America R.I.P. – !!!

The midterm elections clearly demonstrates what America's sour mood will mean for the election. Even the GOP has adopted a save yourself strategy in hopes of retaining some congressional seats.

Well Jack, I hope it wakes up the voters to the fact that we need a change in this election. I saw on the news where Cindy McCain's beer company may be selling Cuba beer. Just goes to show John McCain doens't want to talk to Castro, but it is ok for his wife to sell them beer. It is imperative that we get someone new in the Presidents office.

Hopefully it means electing a real majority in Congress capable of overriding Presidential vetoes, instead of the hapless 49 Democrats, 49 Republicans, and two Independents we currently have. We need a strong and decisive legislative branch at a time when ineptness is the norm, and one of the proposed solutions is a transition to senility!

It appears to mean that we will have to endure a campaign that focuses on pop trivia, "gotcha" moments, character attacks and anything else that distracts voters from the fact that McCain belongs to the discredited Republican brand. If he were an outdated can of soup on the shelf, the toxic bulge couldn't be more obvious.

San Jose, CA

Will somebody tell me exactly what George Bush has to do with rising gas prices?

Blame Republicans. Don't you people know that Democrats (the majority in Congress) have been running the country for the last 50 years?

Blame the oil companies....who pays $140 for a barrel of oil. The oil companies. The just pass the cost to us. They still only make what?..6 cents a gallon?

Wayne from rednect Pasadena, Maryland

jack,
hopefully this means a bigger vote turnout, and with smarter people than four years ago, who will take republicans out of the office, and put in obama,

republicans' out democratics In

Jack,

People will go to the polls down-hearted with the way our country has fallen into bad times under the Bush regime. Our only hope is for Obama to become our new president, even with his less experience. But I have faith in his judgement and faith in the judgement of the people he will choose to work with him. He will be a leader to listen to all options, then make his wisest decision. You don't need 20 yrs in the government service to be a good leader. Just good common sense, good judgement and wise advisers around you who are not corrupt & full of ego, as our present administration.

Under George Bush it felt like we were trying to walk with only one leg, putting McCain in his place is like cutting the other leg off thinking that will make walking easier.

You bet it has an impact. For me, you could hold a gun to my head and I still wouldn't vote for a republican.

Jack, I'm afraid I'm not very optimistic. Last November the people spoke and nothing really changed. The Democrats had a chance to make a lot of changes, but we are still pandering to the Mexican government and selling our country out. Obama wants to continue where Bush left off by giving special privileges to people who enter our country illegally. What is the "change' everyone keeps talking about? I'm not sure I can vote for either candidate.

The mood is very sour and surly indeed. But contrary to what one might belive, it is not just Democarts angry with Bush and Republicans. Republicans are just as upset with the Democratic led Congress which has a lower approval rating than Bush.
There will indeed be a lot of angry voters on election day. Angry Democrates voting for Democrates and angry Republicans voting for Republicans. Bush one the last two, McCain will win this one.

Jack,
What all this means, is that people are thinking more about who to cast their vote for because they are reluctant to make the same mistake again. This also means that we will electing a new president with new ideaas well a fresh breath of air.

It means McCain shouldn't quit his day job

It means the Republicans should be very worried.

Jack,

Frustrated people + Election year = Greater voter turnout.

Allan Von
Dallas Tx.

Too bad that Obama doesn't follow the same old Rove tactics with respect to those stupid commercials. He should put one out with those angry old men in movies and flash to McSame's sound bytes about his not knowing about the economy, just learning how to check his email (and isn't he just so proud of himself!), and ask the public, do you seriously think this guy can take our country into the 21st century?

Cindy McCain for VP!!!! Yehaw!!!!!

It means McCain should retire. But, Jack, why do you ask? Or why do I bother expressing my opinion. You won't read it anyway.

I don't know who to vote for since no one will change things. I am an independent. I know that the unemployment rate given out is a joke because of the way that bls.gov does it. Go and look at how they get the numbers. It took me several times of reading it to figure out just how messed up it is.