Mr. Rubin...Could not DISAGREE with you more. For the record, Senator Obama has earned the right to be referred to as SENATOR, Not Barry. I dont care if you drank beer with him, back in the day. He is a U.S. Senator. He deserves to be addressed as such.
Next (Please Clip and save this comment) Senator Obama has no real skill's. He does, however have a great *Q* rating. The upcoming election is about the lesser of two evils. Sen. McCain is a Hawk. Sen. Obama is a Dove. American attitudes will determine who will be President, next.
Don't hold up Sen. Obama as the next great leader, since you cannot tell us who will lead KTLA back to greatness. Reminder. Republicans free'd the slaves and Democrats dropped the *A* bomb on Heroshima.

Well, Sammy, I hope Senator Obama has a better grip on the correct use of punctuation than you have!

Sam, from your mouth to God's ears! I hope he does win. Four more years of McBush (which is what it will be) is not what this country needs.
Bill, I respectfully have to disagree with you on your points. It may have been a Republican who freed the slaves and a Democrat who dropped the A bomb but it was a REPUBLICAN who has gotten us into this quagmire we may never get out of. Countries that were our allies HATE us because of this President. It is this Republican who wants to write discrimination into the constitution of the United States. Katrina - You're doing a heck of a job Brownie. His promise to fire anyone on his staff responsible for leaking a CIA operative's identity...HELLOoooo Karl Rove! Housing Market at an all time low everywhere. Gas at an all time HIGH everywhere. No what we DON'T need is 4 more years of what we have had to endure the last 8.
Oh Sammy, you sneaky man making your blog political!

Obama seems like a shoe-in, but leave it to the mainstream media to spin things any way they can to make for a close race = better ratings. Have you noticed how close all the major elections have been in the last decade - think it's a coincidence? In the past few weeks McCain, who claims to be the expert on foreign policy, has made one dufus mistake after another, and the press has preferred to cover non-stories about the race between BO and HC, that in reality was over weeks ago. McCain repeated his "mistake" that Iran was helping Al Qaeda 3 times, even after Lieberman whispered the correct facts in his ear. He thinks the power in Iran is the president, while any expert will tell you Ahmadinejad is mostly figurehead and the real power is in the clerics' hands, McCain refused to admit this mistake even when reporters gave him an extra chance not to screw it up (I guess it doesn't really matter to him since his big strategy is that he won't talk to anybody anyway). His claims of his easy walks through the Green Zone are as ludicrous as Clinton's Kosovo fantasy, but for some reason we haven't seen the media show his claims next to the video of him in flak jacket surrounded by the hundreds of troops and 2 blackhawks put at risk for his photo-op. His claim that General Petraeus rides around in an unarmored Humvee is another fantasy he refuses to admit was wrong, even though the General has admitted it's dead wrong. I could go on, the man can't open his mouth without getting the facts wrong or contradicting something he said 2 weeks ago, and yet the media is still touting him as the man on the "straight talk express", they'll do anything to see if they can keep the race close till the end. So Sammy, unfortunately this race isn't over, we could get another 4 years of Bush and another war, but at least the corporate media will be happy.

The reason most Republicans are trying to find fault with Obama and they keep mentioning his middle name when they speak about him....they're afraid that if he is elected, he could just possibly do what no one else has been able to accomplish....bring nations together that have never come together!

Could this mean a possible endorsement of Barack Obama on Sam Rubin's part? I'm with you buddy!

I'm no fan of McCain, but I am truly fearful of the widespread destruction that will be done to the country should Obama become President.

From destruction of the American health care system to wholesale disassembly of the American economy in the name of preventing "Global Warming" which there is absolutely no proof is actually occurring.

Let's not forget forcing American troops to flee from Iraq, proving to our enemies that America is merely the paper tiger they always thought it to be.

Americans will get the President they deserve and if Americans are so stupid as to actually vote for a man promising "change" without going into details of many of those changes, so be it.

It's just too bad that the "change" he will be bringing will be to destroy the very things that have made America a success for the past 232 years.

Well done, Sam. Well said.

The next 6 months will indeed be interesting.

Wow Sam that was a good blog, did Mark write it for you. Keep Bush in office, he has the balls not to let our great U.S.A. from being pushed around. How many more would have died over here unless he showed that we will not take crap anymore.

Dan, aint America Great? I dislike both candidates. In fact, it would not be a stretch to say that I am disenfranchised. I served this GREAT Nation and I am Navy, just like the Republican nominee. My vote is "None of the above!" Neither candidate speaks to me or for me. I will vote. Don't misunderstand. I will write in MICKY MOUSE. Can he be any worse? Point is this. Senators have earned the right to be called SENATOR. Presidents have earned the right to be called “President XXX” or Mr. President. Shame on Mr. Rubin. Sen. Obama has earned the right to be called Senator Obama, not Barry.

Dan, to continue...
We, the American people, deserve a viable third party candidate. Senator Obama will not, NOT, bring nations together. He will only weaken us further. A proud people cannot negotiate with terrorists or nations that support terrorists. I truly fear the direction, our country is following. Best candidate for President? NONE OF THE ABOVE!
Mr. Rubin. So educated and so disrespectful. You sir, have been in Hollywierd for FAR TOO Long! Respect is what every U.S. Senator has earned. Even Senator Obama. I often refer to you as Mr. Rubin. You have earned the title "Mr." I am certain that Sen. Obama has, as well.

Dan I truly agree with you. Any change would be good at this stage of the game. Mickey Mouse could come in and put our country in a better condition than what it is currently in. I drove around today trying to find the cheapest gas and the cheapest for my grade was $4.47 per gallon. How are people who make minimum wages or delivery drivers who need their cars for work making it?
This is really sad. McBush should just leave a little earlier and began a flourishing career as a comedian.

Sam just like you have bragging rights there are people out there saying they went to college with the (C student) McBush, I like that name Dan.

Hey Sam that is really good to know you must be so proud. Maybe you could invite your buddy (Obama) on the Water Cooler for a sip of hot topics. I could see him now trying to get a word in and holding deep intellectual conversation with Jessica.

Bill,

I have to agree with you. We do deserve a viable third party candidate. But we don't. I wish we did have more choices. And Sam, good blog. Thanks

Agreed that Obama is clearly the presumtive President. Especially after watching all three speak last night. McCain is embarrassing to watch and give him too much credit comparing him to a lounge singer - he appeared more like one of the doofs on the audition episodes of American Idol. And Hillary is just living in some weird fantasy world where she can make up her own lyrics as she pleases.

I have to completely disagree with comments about our present man in the White House. Don't forget 9/11 happened on HIS watch! We then went in and invaded a Country that not one, I repeat NOT ONE of the hijackers were from. Oh yeah, and how's that hunt for Osama bin Laden going Mr. Bush? Have you caught him yet? Have you caught his second in command yet? What, the reward is up to 50 Million now, and no one can seem to capture him! Talk about things that make you go Hmmm!
You don't know how good Obama will be as a President so let's not even begin to debate that issue until we get further into the race. You may prove to be right, but you may prove to be very, very wrong too!
And what military qualifications does McCain really have of being Commander in Chief for those of you that use that argument? My understanding is he didn't do much in the military prior to being captured. Then he was a POW for 5 years. Yes that was a horrible fate to have to endure, but that doesn't necessarily qualify him for being President. He's known for having a violent temper. That's just what we need is a War Hawk that will go ballistic at the drop of a hat. At least Obama is willing to sit down and discuss with our enemies. He's not the first President to do that by the way!
People are so quick to judge Obama, a man that they can't dig any dirt up on. Yet, people are hurting right here in this very Country because of this current administration - and nobody seems to want to listen or hear - until now. I will support Barack Obama 100% and I hope he chooses Hillary as his V.P. running mate!

Sam, thanks for the words of encouragement and the positive support for Barack Obama. It would truly be wonderful if everyone saw Hillary and Bill Clinton as the people they are: Sore losers and the type of people who will do whatever is necessary to get what they want. They are not team players and will do harm to the Democratic campaign if she runs for VP. Even with her 18 Million votes - she has lost. Even with this loss - she won't concede. The Clintons' have too much baggage and ego for a second go round at the White House.

It's disgusting that you would make To Tell the Truth news.

Sam, I thought your blog today was excellent. I don't think that you meant any disrespect by calling Senator Obama, Barry. I believe you were just providing an insight to the young man you went to college with before he became a senator. However, success should not be measured by a title or your position in life. It is more important to be in a position to do what you feel passionate about and to be surounded by people you love who love you in return. That is true success! I think you are absolutely right about the biggest problem facing our nation. The gap between the haves and have-nots is what is destroying the American way of life. I hope that everyone makes this their first consideration when going to the polls this November. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I hope that your words will open people's eyes and minds.

Your point that style is important is well taken but a dangerous proposition. That the people would elect someone based on their oratory skills is simple minded and shows a lack of critical thinking. It is my hope that the people make a decision based on the candidate's stance on issues not their ability to make good speeches. We are in trying times and we need a leader who can take us forward and do what's necessary to protect and preserve the United State's greatness.

Sam Rubin what's wrong with you? YOu just said Barack " is a way better speaker". WHAT??? You've got to be kidding me. He is THE WORST speaker --he can only speak if he has a teleprompter in front of him. Otherwise he sucks!!! For the first 15 mins of last nights speech is all he said was "thank you". So what if you went to school with Barack Hussein Obama--if you did, then you should know what type of president he would be for our country--high taxes, a potential 1st lady who isn't pround of our country, his reverend Wright calling our country the US of KKK. YOu have got to educate yourself much better and do some research on this guy and the media needs to cover more fair and accurate news. They have been totally biased toward Obama and against Clinton, and most people unfortuntely believe what the media tells them which is scary. The media doesn't report all the lame things Obama says and does--if they did he wouldn't be where he is today. If we criticize him, we are called racist. It just angers me.

Well Emily Shoup, if you had to listen to speeches from Obama or George W. (any speech or just read a book) which one would be more moving or motivating to you. This clown has been in office all of these years and I have yet to listen to one of his speeches all the way through. Between the blinking and the stuttering I can't keep up.

As a woman (African American) who voted for Hillary (because of her history) and never gave my decision a second thought, I was never moved by Obama simply because I didn't know anything about him. It floors me when people say that black people vote for him because of the color of his skin. As if we are not smart enough to see past the color of a person's skin. That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard.

Although I grew to dislike Hillary during these elections due to her negative campaigns, I have since done more research on Obama and I find him more intriguing especially after his speech when he addressed the issue regarding his former pastor. Now how eloquent was that whether he was reading from a teleprompter or a book it was flawless.

If everyone had to take the fall for something that goes down in their respective churches, there would be no more churches nor denominations. Do you agree with everything that goes on in your church? I certainly don't! If that was the case I would be looking for a new church home every Sunday.

Emily Shoup I would refer you to the 4th comment by Tim in Morningside. We have a much better chance of surviving in America with Obama that we do with Mc Cain!
You people amaze me that don't do your homework and go with the rest of the Republican Sheep that pull all the lies out of the desperate Neo Con closet to scare people against the Obamas. I'm a white male, Senior Citizen and disabled and I say GO OBAMA ALL THE WAY!

Hello you all,
I forward this e-mail, and I copied and pasted the text below in hopes that you in the media can see what is being sent and forwarded and at the same time see the frustration of more and more Americans feeling the greed and uncaring of politicians. Democrats have the reputation of raising taxes and spending OPM (other people's money). Politicians in general is an ugly word, and these ugly people vote themselves raises, buy their big houses and all their toys..........now, I still believe that people who work hard for their 'wants' & 'desires' deserve them, but politicians .... or most politicians don't deserve what they have.
The text below says it all.

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then
campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are
against deficits, we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and
high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations.
The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, The Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court
justices - 545 human beings out of the 300 million - are directly, legally,
morally and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague
this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was
created by the Congress.

In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound
currency to a federally chartered but private central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They
have no legal authority.

They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman or a president to do
one cotton-picking thing.

I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The
politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist
promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what
they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of
party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount
of gall.

No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and
criticized the President for creating deficits.

The president can only propose a budget.

He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole
responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving
appropriations and taxes.

Who is the speaker of the House?

She is the leader of the majority party.

She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want.

If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace
545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -
of incompetence and irresponsibility.

I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to
those 545 people.

When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of
the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they
want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.

If the Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan
not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire
and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they
can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from
whom they can take this power.

Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists
disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,''inflation' or 'politics'
that prevent them from doing what they take an oat to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the power.

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their
bosses - provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Thank You for your time............Raul

First of all - way too much to read. Second, do you expect the Democrats who just came into power not quite a year and a half ago, to fix the damage that the Republican Congress AND Senate caused in the last over a decade? Sure we would like to think of ourselves as MIRACLE WORKERS but, unfortunately we only hold a small majority over the Republicans and we need a certain number of votes to pass legislation. When you have both being so stubborn as to not compromise....you get NOWHERE. So don't go blaming this on Ms. Pelosi, I'd look more at who held the power for over a decade prior to Dems coming into power. There's just so much that can be done when you have a blatant incompetence in the White House and all the diversionary tactics this President has caused. No matter who gets elected, whether it's a Republican or Democrat. They're going to have one Hell of a mess to clean up after these past 8 years of this Corrupt and Incompetent Administration!