Anyone who doubts that journalists shape events as much as they report them, need only read this article. If bored pundits bring Obama down just for the drama of it, they will have a lot of explaining to do to the soldiers in John McCain's 100-year war.

Sent by Marla | 5:49 PM ET | 02-20-2008

Kevin Drum is absolutely correct. Obama's popularity has largely to do with the fact that he is a made-for-media candidate. He speaks eloquently, he offends almost no one, and he is just black enough to be comfortably exotic. His rise to celebrity politician reminds me of the movie, The Truman Show. I wonder who's really behind the scenes and what Obama will do once he finds out that hope is just another four-letter word in Washington.

Sent by Karen W | 6:12 PM ET | 02-20-2008

To paraphrase the lovely and talented Cindy Lauper; Obama dear, we know your the one but pundits just want to have fun.

Sent by Michael Jacobs | 7:19 PM ET | 02-20-2008

The comments by these "pundits" smacks of wishful thinking on their part. Obama's message of hope is striking a chord with a broad cross-section of Americans and it's a message that members of congress had better take heed; The people are "mad as hell" and they aren't going to take it anymore!

At Karen W. "he's just black enough"? Exactly how "black" do you have to be to be excoriated in this country? How much blackness is necessary in order to appreciate the decline and fall of the middle class, the exportation of American jobs and the dumbing down of our society in general? In this case, color is insignificant, get a clue!

Sent by Kevin Spurlock | 7:36 PM ET | 02-20-2008

Please don't call such junk reporters a "pundit". The word pundit means expert or authority. There are no facts to back his non-sense.

Sent by anantha | 8:07 PM ET | 02-20-2008

Pundits need to continue to make these political races exciting to keep their jobs and sell advertising. People seem pretty passionate about their candidates. Besides it seems like the Clinton criticism has just made him look stronger and be a better candidate.

And, frankly, its time we had an eloquent candidate...we've had to listen to the bumbling misspeaking of George Bush for way too many years.

Sent by Vanessa | 8:13 PM ET | 02-20-2008

Spoken like true Washington insiders. Who really actually cares about what pundits think? I've never heard a voter once mention that their decision was even slightly influenced by the so called "chattering class." The popularity of the Democrats, as evidenced by record turnout across the country has everything to do with the Bush legacy and failed conservative ideals. They have really "stuck it" to the middle class this time around and people are mad as hell. The popularity and appeal of Obama has everything to do with the message--people really do want CHANGE. It's obvious that people across demographic groups; groups that might otherwise be polarized or vote differently are consipicuosly united around this candidate. Someone forgot to put America and our people first. Average ordinary people have been in truly dire economic circumstances over the last seven years. For this reason, I cannot foresee the Obamamania bubble that people have spoken of. If he doesn't make any major missteps between now and the candidtae debates next year, it may just be a Democratic landslide!
And this, from a political INDEPENDENT.

Sent by Michael | 10:10 PM ET | 02-20-2008

We all need to get a life and focus on how we ourselve are being fruitful to our live and those around us.

Sent by Karen J | 11:28 AM ET | 02-21-2008

Michael, don't underestimate the effect of the "chattering class." Voters may claim never to be affected by talking heads on cable news shows, but too many people get their news primarily or even exclusively from these sources.

Remember Howard Dean? That's a perfect of example of media-controlled news. His poitical freefall had nothing to do with his policies, demographics, or missteps by his opponents; the "scream" video clip, played over and over on network after network, took on a life of its own and opened the door to a series of other attacks on Dean. What would have happened if the first network to play that clip had instead decided it just wasn't news?

Sent by Marla | 12:16 PM ET | 02-21-2008

As an American, I am inspired by Barack Obama's willingness to bring the kind of change that will move us beyond all the labels and polarities that have trapped humanity.

I was labeled retarded, forbidden to read, and subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as a child. I re-entered grade one public school at age twenty-eight. As I peeled the "retard" label away, I saw the trap of all labels.

I have written a song called "Label Liberation", and am giving it as a free gift to the Obama campaign, to all Americans, and to everyone in the world.

http://www.labelliberation.com/Label%20Liberation.mp3

With Obama's leadership, America can truly inspire clarity and compassion. May the idea of seeing everyone as a person first, beyond all labels, become a reality.

Justin Thomas
www.labelliberation.com
info@labelliberation.com

Sent by Justin Thomas | 12:46 PM ET | 02-21-2008

Perhaps the most entertaining of opinions is the one from Paul Krugman who is featured in a Hillary Clinton ad.
Then Krugman writes an opinion piece suggesting there's a bubble around Senator Obama? Get real. Krugman wants to star in Clinton movie ads and then blast his version of "journalism" on the public?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/12/hillary-ad-cites-paul-kru_n_86235.html

Seems to me the bubble is wrapped around the heads of people like Krugman (from the NY Times which endorsed Senator Clinton) who seem to be incapable of being in touch with reality: the reality is that all across America, people are choosing Senator OBAMA. They choose him for a variety of reasons that range from his ability to capture the imaginations and hearts of Americans all across the country, for his outstanding leadership ( if raising 30 million is such a snap then why didn't McCain and Clinton accomplish it?), the record numbers of people he draws to each and every rally ( if attracting 20,000 at a clip for numerous rallies is such a snap, why isn't McCain and Clinton doing it at every rally? - and don't think the public is being fooled by those tiny small rooms jammed with people being used for Clinton "PR" photo shots to give the appearance of a "large crowd"), but for those interested in truly learning about Senator Obama's fantastic legislative record, here's some information for starters, and more can be found at his website: barackobama.com

1. ear mark reform where Senator Obama's efforts in working for transparency in government is challening the manner in which the business of the people is being conducted!

2. Senator Obama was the first Senator to bring about legislative reform in addressing the horrific treatment of OUR SOLDIERS - those brave men and women who gave their very lives in service to this nation, only to return home to inhumane health care treatment at Walter Reed Hospital. It was Senator Obama who took action and had these egregious issues addressed. Yes indeed, action speaks far louder than "words" about "health care reform".

3. Senator Obama worked with Senator Coburn on working for legislation to open up the records of spending by our United States Government. Efforts were sought to have government spending made public on the internet. Transparency in governance is a hallmark of Senator Obama's leadership efforts.

4. Senator Obama worked with Senator Lugar in securing loose nuclear weapons from all around the world.

5. Senator Obama voted to initiate an ethics committee for the Senate which apparently, Senator Clinton voted against.

There are many more significant accomplishements by Senator Obama.

All you have to do is READ and learn about what his leadership is capable of accomplishing.

Meanwhile, Mr. Krugman should stick to making movies because journalism requires the ability to remain unbiased, while informing the public of the truth through facts, and information that allow the public to make an informed decision and choice.

The last unbiased poll taken recorded that Senator Obama leads Senator Clinton in the national polls:

Obama 52%
Clinton 38%

That's reality. So much for Krugman's "bubble" and who that bubble is wrapped around.

Sent by Hope | 4:11 PM ET | 02-21-2008

Barack Obama: The Barry Bonds of the '08 election.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 5:55 PM ET | 02-21-2008

The power of Obama comes from his drive toward civility. The country MUST have it--and he's the only candidate standing that can deliver it. Of course, everyone else is so envious of his lock on this essential "middle." And calling him liberal just won't work, as there are too many conservative values in this his life and values.....he'll steal LOTS of GOP votes with his stated intention to pay for what we spend....after the last 8 budgets of lies from DubYuh.

Sent by Robert Harmony | 11:51 PM ET | 02-28-2008