They're behind you! Endorsements politicians really didn't want

It's a fair assumption that Amanda Knox has a lot on her mind right now. But despite the murder charges hanging over her, she still found the time to back Barack Obama from her prison cell in Italy. She endorses him becase he 'is on the side of the weak.'

There's no word yet on Obama's response but it got us thinking.  What other endorsements could candidates really have done without?

Here are Comment Central's top five from this campaign season. What can you add?

Hamas for Obama

Trade unions? Check. Seniors? Check. Hamas? Check. Endorsement by the main political advisor of a terrorist group is never good. So chances are that Obama wasn't best pleased by this statement from Ahmed Yousf of Hamas.

We don’t mind–actually we like Mr. Obama. We hope he will (win) the election...

The fact that Hamas then unendorsed Obama after his appearance before AIPAC was presumably a loss he could live with.

The Ku Klux Klan for McCain

Some say that the KKK video of sheet-clad members endorsing John McCain was a fake. But nobody's actually denied it. And I'm not one to give the KKK the benefit of the doubt. Either way, there's no question that McCain is staying as far away from this group as possible.

Phil Spector for Obama

I'm not sure if Phil Spector thought he was being helpful by turning up to his murder trial sporting a large Barack Obama Rocks pin. But association with a man who once threatened to bury a Ronette in a glass coffin was probably not on the top of Obama's To Do list.

Jenna Jameson for Hillary Clinton

Every candidate wants industry support but the adult film industry was certainly not quite what Hillary Clinton had in mind. Jenna Jameson, porn superstar, added insult to injury when she sung the praises of Bill and said how much she would love to have him back in office. NB: Not the Oval Office. Just to clarify.

His Vietnam jailers for McCain

A bit of a double-edged sword, this one. McCain's bravery as a POW is one of his major selling points. But did he really want his former jailers to come out in support of him? Probably not. It didn't stop them though:

"If I had a vote in the U.S., I would choose McCain," beams retired Col. Tran Trong Duyet, the camp's former commander. "I want him in the White House."

UPDATE: Was this the worst British endorsement ever?

Comments

[Tony E.]

You forgot Al-Qaeda's endorsement of John McCain, which is much more embarrassing than any of the ones you've listed.

[onceawasp]

Just wondering, will Amanda Knox get to vote? Not that I mind if she does or not, it is just a point of interest if Americans in foreign jails get to?

[abby]

if knox is registered and kept her status updated, then she will get to vote, as long as she has not been convicted of a felon.

[Helene]

The murder of Meredith Kercher is not a circus act, and this comment on Amanda Knox is not in the best taste. Whatever the truth of the case, this is a young woman having a harder time than most people could ever imagine. Maybe a bit more respect for her and her family would be in order.

[tjm]

Obama probably cld have lived without castro's endorsement (ostensibly criticism but in effect endorsement)
http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2008/mayo/lun26/Reflections-26may.html

[John Wray]

George W Bush for McCain must be the worst endorsement imaginable given that Nixon's dead.

[paul bourke]

How about OJ Simpson for Obama or McCain?

[Michael Donat]

Tony E.

It's pretty obvious the reason Al-Qaeda's endorsement of McCain is because they saw what their endorsement of Kerry did to his lead over Bush in 2004. They're only backing McCain to indirectly support Obama.

[thnkr]

Al Qaeda for McCain? Hardly. It is well known that high ranking members have been quoted giving their support for Obama. Not to mention, Hezbollah, Ahmidinijad, and many, many other radical groups and individuals. I don't think it is any question who they DON'T want running America, especially with the daily mantra of "McCain equals four more years of Bush". for many terrorists, that's all they need to hear.

[Snorri Godhi]

As far as I am concerned, there is no more alarming endorsement than that of American academia. Hamas, Al-Quaeda, the Nazi party, the communist party, the KKK, the Inquisition? not even close.

[trr]

Not only is Al Qaeda "endorsing" McCain an obvious ply to boost Obama, you need to explain why it's bad that a former Vietnam POW camp leader would endorse him. If his jailer respects him, that says something. If there's more to it, you need to say so.

[ksmedicjb]

Um, Tony E, read today's headlines on Drudgereport. The same terrorist guys who said last week that they endorsed McCain, have now said (paraphrasing) "Just kidding, we like Obama."

[Leila]

Al Qaeda has been riding a wave of popularity and enjoying high numbers joining with them under the Bush adminstration so why would they not want to see this continue under McCain? The Bush stance has worsened the terrorist threat not made it better.

[Eric O'Neal-Peoria, IL]

I believe al Qaeda endorsed Obama. Nice try, lib.

[Timuchin]

Youtube has a video of Muomar Kaddafi giving a presidential speech in Libya praising Obama and saying he is lying about not being Muslim.

[rlk]

People are right that they are thinking that 4 more years of Bush-like policies will be good for Al Qaeda.

That is why it is universally known that Al Queeda supports Mr. McCain. And if you are an Islamic Jihadist that wishes ill for america, then you should, too.

[Diane]

Barack Obama has too many bad elements backing him. The Socialists Party of the USA, Communist Party of the USA, HAMAS, ACORN, Black Panthers, Rashid Khalidi, Louis Farrakhan, Ted Kennedy, Bill Ayers, Rev Louis Wright. Obama's campaign has committed fraud and acts of treason against this country!

[Theo Drackett]

Just like Bush's, a McCain presidency would do wonders for Al Qaeda recruitment! No wonder they endorse McCain.

[Jim Krow]

What about Al Queda for McCain

[Jill]

Al Qaeda is baking McCain because Obama wants to end the Iraq war that feeds them with suicide bombers

They need somebody who thinks, talks and walks like Bush in the white house

[Eagle in NYC]

al Qaeda leader al-Libi endorsed Obama by his call for the "humiliation" of the Republicans.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE49T76620081030?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true

Also, I was struck by your claim that the armed wing of the southern Democrat Party (the KKK) endorsed the Republican, McCain. But then I saw that it was done by some anonymous people hidden under sheets, and that because "no one denied" the claims of these anonymous people, you won't give the KKK, once led by Democrat Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) the "benefit of the doubt" and that you therefore believe the anonymous group under sheets.

I'm sure that in your mind there's logic, why an anonymous group has unimpeachable credibility simply because another, nonexistent anonymous group has not come forth to deny the first group. The logic escapes me.

[DianaMal]

All of us would want a peaceful world where we could live our life without inflicting pain on others.. I think Obama would be the best choice regardless of who is giving him their backing... Obama has this aura of sincerity in him..

[Steve]

How could you fail to mention: William Ayers, Bernardine Dohrn, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and Father Michael Pflager? All controversial Chicago figures who have endorsed Barack Obama? Oh, I forgot, you must have a bias!

[XXXKarenXXX]

Didn't get the memo, eh? al Qaeda wants election to humiliate Republicans and Bush, here: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE49T76620081030

[achillois]

Of course Al Qaeda want McCain. A Republican victory would provide them with a multitude of new recruits free of charge; young people who are tired of seeing American murderers ruthlessly destroy all they hold near and dear will rally to the standards of various terrorist organizations. It is McCain who said, "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran." Sadly, he was quite serious. America poses a threat to our very existence. Illegal US involvement in foreign affairs will escalate with McCain in office. America is the biggest terrorist on the planet.

[Madd one]

Everyone should have an opinion however evil the society may judge them. Both candidates wouldn't mind getting votes even from crooks. If Osama had a vote they would gladly have it!

[Erica]

Despite being the impetus for your story, Amanda Knox's endorsement of Obama is completely irrelevant when it comes to American voters...because it's completely invisible. Knox's alleged crime and legal proceedings in Italy receive very little play in the US. Even those who keep up with all of the major American media outlets are unlikely to have heard of her.

[Joe]

>

It just goes to illustrate what a crazy land the USA is when a felon can be denied a vote but a Republican Alaskan Senator, a convicted felon, is permitted to seek re-election next Tuesday.

[Prudence Eely Bond McGuire]

HELENE
What about some respect for the victim?
What a world we live in now.

[boris]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article4989853.ece

The "al-qaeda" endorsement of Mccain.

[Frank Lord]

The Saturday Night Live Skit on the endorsement of McCain and Palin by George Bush Jr summed up the worst endorsement of all. George W must be feeling pretty sick by now.

[Dan]

Do those who believe that Bush has been anything but the best poster boy possible for Al-Qaeda recruitment still believe that the Earth is flat, or just 6,000 years old? Either way, say it with me: President Obama.

[Omar Faruque]

The world needs peace not war. America should play her role to facilitate peace not war. I hope Obama might do better in this respect.

[Mateo Ariati]

Re: Al Qaeda's endorsement of McCain. (for Tony E)

What's embarrassing about that endorsement is anyone who doesn't see it for what it is. Reverse psychology. It's obvious who they'd rather have in there. And I would never use that as a debate point, had it not been brought up. To take that endorsement at face value is either complete naivete' or intentionally cynical political deception. Not sure which is worse.

[Nina]

I have kin in the States (Atlanta and Huntsville). There is much going on that most of their press won't report on. It seems there is question of Obama's citizenship and a legal proceeding currently in their High Court to determine his true citizenship. My cousins say no one will discuss it on their news. Most are afraid to say much that is negative about him fearing backlash from his people. They do say not everyone there is on what they call the "Obama Bandwagon", and say McCain has a history of unlikely wins.

[marc sefcik]

what s all the fuss about muslims? if obama were a muslim, so what? should all Christians be trusted? i suppose charles manson was a Christian. does it matter what religion, if any, a political candidate is aligned to? look at bush, the big faith-based policy president who sent thousands to death in an unnecessary war. thousands of americans died, too.

[Mohan]

I think the comments invited were meant to be of a funny nature, whereas most comments were very biased. I liked the comment of Paul that goes as 'what about OJ simpson for Obama or Mccain'.

[Ben]

No need to guess why Al Qaida endorsed McCain, since they said why, and it makes perfect sense. They expect McCain to continue Bush's policies which has been the best recruiting tool they could hope for. America may be ready for change, but Al Qaida is very happy with the status quo.

[Dr Andris Lielmanis]

One has to agree that being endorsed by the jailers who know full well what suffering McCain endured is the ultimate complement to him.

[William]

Erica ~

I disagree, the Seattle area has been following the Amanda Knox story closely. She was actually a schoolmate of mine at the University of Washington.

[Jonie]

To Nina, go to FactCheck.org to research Obama's birthplace. Some stories are not reported on in the popular media because they are without factual basis.

The idea that a voter's opinion of a candidate based upon third party endorsements is somewhat odd. The candidate has no control of who approves or disapproves of them, nor do they always know the motivation. In spite of the negative public image that Americans seem to have internationally, many voters educate themselves about the actual candidates - their voting records, their political actions, their ability to follow through on promises made and recognize the core needs of the population they represent.

That being said...if perhaps Satan were able to make an endorsement, that would probably sting!

[citygal]

Give Peace a Chance. McCain will not do this. It does not matter if you are Jew, Gentile, Christian, Budhist, Hindi, whatever. As I have traveled the world and seen first had the disgraceful suffering of children all over the world you would think that the adults on this planet would grow up. As a parent I want my children and all children to live in an environment that is inclusive of everybody, safe for everybody, healthy for everybody and peaceful and nurturing. Anything else is unacceptable and as adults we should come together all over the world to make sure this is the environment in which we all live.

[Dianne]

I have to echo the comments by Achillois and Mark.

I am an American who believes that my country IS the biggest terrorist on the planet and lets our own people starve and kill each other with easy-to-get guns while inserting ourselves into every other countries affairs.

If Barack Obama WAS Muslim - so what? Christians, Muslims, Jews, etc. are all comprised of people who are capable of so much good, and people capable of so much evil. Muslim does not equal evil any more than Christian equals good (and frankly, I'm quite sick of the pervasive sentiment that Christian equals American and vice-versa).

I'd love for America to become a better place for the people who live here AND the world at large. I believe Obama to be the better choice - even if he was from Mars!

[RRmike]

King George III endorsed George Washington; in a left handed manner.

[Doc Savage]

Of all the endorsements that could be considered very bad, none could come close to what would be the absolute kiss of death endorsement. The worst endorsemsnt in the world would be that of George W. Bush! That would be the true kiss of DEATH!

[Jeri]

@Jonie, it doesn't matter what you say or what proof you have to offer, people of Nina's stripe will ignorantly believe whatever slop the conservatives throw out there. Lately the right has tried to smear Obama with a connection to a guy named Khalidi, a born American Palestinian and supporter of the PLO, where Obama gave a speech for him at a party yet McCain belonged to an organization that GAVE this same Khalidi $450,000+ dollars and has been involved with him for over 10 years. Now I ask you, which is worse? Fortunately this time, the smear isn't working as well as the McCain's camp is hoping. I don't know if you have it over there, but believing whatever the conservative party tells you as truth is called drinking the Kool-aid.

[Alex Bowerman]

American felons do not have the right to vote. But seeing as how Amanda is only in custody, she should still be eligible to vote. As for the offbeat endorsements on both sides, well that is typically American.

[Andrea]

How ironic that Obama's many questionable past relationships would be newsworthy, unpopular endorsements today.

[S]

Well it's kind of obvious that the KKK, who hate black people, and half black people...... and think white people are superior...... would be backing McCain.
Does that honestly surprise anyone?
What's not to get? It's because McCain is white and that's the long and short of it.

It doesn't really matter who endorses who. We don't know the reason(s). Or in most of these cases.. even if it's true.
Most of these are rumors so I fail to see the point in the 'article' since it's based on rumored half-truths.
I'm sure that plenty of killers and racists and scum enjoy the same movies as I do. What does that say? Umm... nothing.
For the Next President there were only about 3 people to choose from. That's not many for 20 people to choose from, let alone the entire population of America.
So there are bound to be lots of idiots endorsing each side (both candidates).

[Greg from Florida]

Just for the record: George W. has done a phenomenal job of keeping this country safe considering the dog-pile he was left by Clinton !

[Ray S]

Jonie. Sorry, but Satan is still firmly in the GW Bush camp

[Michael Bate]

I'd be seriously worried if Jonathan Ross endorsed me for anything.

[superblue]

Oh dear, the republican stormtroopers are out in force on this one.

Never let it be said they missed an opportunity to be outraged.

[Trish]

I am not American - I have no vote in your election. I am from NZ
The eyes of the world watch and wait for you to vote.
We all want an end to the wars and the terrorism - all the theorizing about Amanda Knox and Al Qaida are all very enlightening , but think about it realistically, and what that means or doesn't mean. I hope America shows itself as the great country it is. Another 4 years of Bush-like administration ? - well - you choose.
Blessings to you all

[Rich Carpenter]

Doubt Russell Brands endorsement of Obama at the MTV awards went down particularly well at campaign HQ.

[Bro]

Diane wrote: "Obama's campaign has committed fraud and acts of treason against this country!"

Surely you're not suggesting that McCain's supporters -- who have allowed wiretapping without warrants, earned personal profits from Iraq and Afghanistan, and blatantly ignored the Geneva Conventions, for *starters* -- have not committed fraud and acts of treason?

[Anne Townsley]

As far as the religion issue, I'm old enough to remember when Kennedy being Catholic was feared...some people believed (and the republicans touted) that every one would be forced to become Catholic if he won..
Now it isn't even remembered...just what kind of president he was. nuff said.

[Sarko]

I don't suppose Bill's all that bothered about where Jenna Jameson has him. Ahem.

[Michelle]

British endorsements can be the kiss of death! Brits telephone-canvassing in Ohio for John Kerry did him no favours in 2002. Just let's keep our fingers crossed instead. Biassed? Me? You bet!

[Frank Lord]

Sadly the world wide web has a lot to answer for. Any idiot can put any 'fact' online for others to believe and quote as Gospel. Obviously John McCain is a descendant of Methusalah and will live for 250 years. So we are saved from the curse of Palin. You read it here first!!

[Scott P.]

Al Queda did go for McCain - not Obama. See Al Jazeera

http://aljazeera.com/news/newsfull.php?newid=176993

[Karl]

Whoever wins, we should all take comfort from the fact that who got to be Emperor in Rome made very little difference in the decline and fall of the Empire.

I believe Tiberius endorsed Caligula for Emperor. Now that's a solid endorsement for you.

[OGX]

From Satan? I'd take it. It's just one more opinion, isn't it?

[Irishman In Paris]

This is the first time I've ever participated in The Times comments section. Rupert Murdoch owns this place right? Anyway, such a silly story. I read it expecting something to find something vaguely interesting. It's true that we really are getting bored of this election which is dragging on a bit, but to come up with stories like this really is scraping the barrel. Who cares what any of these people say? This really is a case of trying to find something new to say. The only interesting comment here is surely that the most damaging endorsement of all has been Bush's for McCain. Hitler said he was inspired by Fritz Lang's film Metropolis. Was Fritz Lang supposed to be embaressed for the rest of his life?

[Josh]

McCain was probably rubbing his hands when Brigitte Bardot criticised Sarah Palin as a "disgrace to women". Few things would have mobilised more support in Palin's favour more than disdain from a French socialist.

[Chris of Aus]

What about the favourable endorsements? How about Obama's clear endorsement by the media? Ultimately the worst endorsement of the campaign is Bush for McCain. I think a lot of people don't think he has a reflection when he walks past a mirror.

[Amy]

McCain already had a Bush endorsement, and today Cheney endorsed him.

Enough said.

(In reality, who really gives a rat's ass about endorsements?)

[Dan peterson USA]

Sorry guy...Al Qaeda's endorsed John kerry, He lost! So their way of thinking is "UMMM" "a little reverse Pshychology"?
Im from the USA. Im voting for America...NOT Obama

Obamas Aunt is an illegal alien living on wlefare in Boston Public Housing - what ever happened to "I am my brothers keeper!"

Liar Liar Pants on Fire !!!!

please u guys just need to give all this rubbish about hamas and ayers and wateva up...you people that accuse and judge peoples characters based on wat the republicans want you to know are ignorant.. an informed voter would never say such rubbish.....this country needs a positive change and electing someone who forms stupid ignorant lies just to win is sad.. u all need to wake up and elect someone that has a good heart.

[LER FROM FLA]

Just what every candidate gets - a demonstration of Coolidge's Law: "If you don't want it, you'll get it." Or, as they say back in the old country, "Es man musst wie ein Loch in Kopf." (You need it like a hole in the head.) But the best comment on political careers came from the great President Harry Truman: "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."

[Marty]

Neo-Conservative endorses McCain

[Doug]

The most unwelcome endorsement of all came today, when Vice-President Cheney emerged from his bunker to speak in favor of McCain. Say goodnight, John. That was the kiss of death.

[Cate]

Nina said: "I have kin in the States (Atlanta and Huntsville). There is much going on that most of their press won't report on. It seems there is question of Obama's citizenship and a legal proceeding currently in their High Court to determine his true citizenship. My cousins say no one will discuss it on their news."

Does it not strike you as odd that such conspiracies are being communicated by relatives living in the extremely pro-Republican states or Georgia and Alabama? This is the same part of the country that was the target of Bush's 2000 push-polling to discredit McCain's adopted-Bangladeshi daughter as an illegitimate child with a black woman, essentially killing his Presidential bid at that time. Also the Supreme Court in the US would have nothing to do with citizenry questions. Election officials in all 50 states were not able to produce any evidence that he is not a US citizen, and believe me I'm sure some of the red states (which represent 31 out of 50 states as of 2004) tried. He is a citizen and legally on the ballot.

In the interest of full disclosure, I live in California which is polling 59 - 36 in favor of Obama... and no one is afraid to say negative things about him around here if they truly feel that way... they are simply in the minority. I'm not saying the US media isn't completely messed up and ignoring important stories (why do you think I'm reading The Times?). I'm just saying your relatives' perspective may be skewed by the media in the particular area they reside. Just thought you'd like to hear a different side.

[Fox]

I see many comments saying Al Qaeda endorsing McCain is reverse psychology but not commenting at all on when Hamas support Obama. What's different between the psychology of the two groups endorsements?

Also, the jailer supporting McCain might feel guilt for imprisoning, maybe torturing, McCain. I don't think the endorsement is necessarily bad but I don't at all agree that "One has to agree that being endorsed by the jailers who know full well what suffering McCain endured is the ultimate complement to him." Ask a WWII sky fighter of what they hope happened to the pilots of the planes they shot down. Most wish them the best.

What's with knocking Obama for his associations with Christian Jeremiah Wright AND also being a possible Muslim based on that one photo of traditional African dress or the fact that he's half black? The media sure has given Obama such a free ride, huh? They don't cover any of the issues that have negatively influenced him. Wait, actually, they have covered them in great detail and polls provide direct evidence of harm done to his reputation each time.

[Jerry]

Tony E. is way off target. Al-Qaeda wished George Bush and his party (Republican) would be humiliated... That would an endorsement for Senator Obama.

[Advocatus diaboli]

Apparently Hannibal Lecter has endorsed McCain. But he's an intelligent man (that's Lecter), and he knows his reputation among the public. So it may be more of a curse than an endorsement. On the other hand, he knows people are going to be thinking "hey, whatever Lecter says, I'm voting the opposite", so it could be a double bluff.

I'm surprised more attention isn't being paid to WHAT MANIACS WANT. I'm pleased to see so much agonising about who al Qaeda wants Americans to vote for, but let's not forget about keeping good, hard-working American lunatics happy too.

I think you're all completely missing the point- what do the AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT? It doesn't matter who's endorsing who; stop focusing on what Al Qaeda are apparently doing and focus on YOUR ELECTION.

[C. Reaves]

To answer the question about jailed Americans' voting rights: Just as in the US, they may vote if they are not yet convicted of a serious crime. So, Ms. Knox can vote. It might however, be difficult for her to get an absentee ballot.

There is an interesting situation now where Ted Stevens, a Senator from Alaska up for re-election was recently convicted of seven felonies for accepting gifts from constituents and so cannot vote for himself in his own re-election bid.

Conviction of minor crimes would not effect voting rights. I suspect (but am not positive) that conviction of a major crime in a foreign country for an act that is not a crime in the US (for example anti-govermnment demonstrations) would not effect voting rights.

[Shane Dempsey]

This is in appalling taste. It's an article about embarassing political endorsements which tenuously piggy backs on a current trial in a sensationalist way. Amanda Knox has not been convicted of anything and it's probable that under British law she wouldn't even be standing trial. Someone else has already been convicted of a conspiracy despite evidence to suggest the crime scene investigation was mishandled and the autopsy unreasonably delayed. It would be a scandal of untold proportions if it happened in the UK. By implication, this article treats Knox like a felon. I can't help but think that if the nationalities of Kercher and Knox were switched an article like this wouldn't be published in anticipation of a very negative public reaction.

[azloon]

one woman in alabama, a convicted felon, was quoted in the press recently as saying she and other felony-burdened friends were so motivated by obama's candidacy that they were petitioning judges to lift sanctions allowing them to vote on tuesday.

'felonious friends of obama'

???

[skoot]

This is for those of you how have a problem with Obama being a Muslim. Im not saying that its true, All im saying is that why can't a "Muslim American" apply for presidency? If a "Christian American" can then a muslim american should not eb singled out. Religion should not be a political matter and as long as someone has good policies then people should not run away from them. People do it so much these days, as well as the media.
But hey thats why the rest of the world has built a racist American stereotype---we fail to distinguish between a Muslim and a Muslim terrorist....heck maybe we should stop distinguishing between whites and the KKK, Christians and peadophiles, Germans and Nazis....the list goes on.
Come on people, lets not became a nation of hate, that would make us just as bad as our enemies.

[Ross Smith]

Those who actually believe that Al Queda really wants MCain are obviously hopelessly naive Obama supporters.

[Adam]

Seems to me Dick Cheney's endorsement of McCain is worse than all of these combined. And great timing Dick!

[william j.]

endorsements of people who would destroy america and what it stands for is a slap in americans faces we are so into every day life that we forget the people run this country by electing presedents etc. and paying them with our tax dollars that most of us work hard for.elections have become a joke. it"s whos the smothest talker or the prettyiest face and not who is best qualified to run our country.i am a supporter of mccain i do know he is for america as for obama not proved to me he is for the people. wants to make fifteen million ilegial aliens legal also aunt i"m sure.americans have gave up enough jobs and hard earned tax money to donate to ilegial aliens.now wonder why americans are living in hard times.

[joe]

Former Viet. POW camp commander endorsing McCain is a very high honor indeed. The Viet. fought with tenacity, commitment, and honor. That speaks volumes about McCain.

[Holdfast]

Well it may be odd that McCain's former jailers are supporting him, I think it shows that Vietnam is moving in a positive direction, embracing freer markets as well as personal freedoms - and they've seen McCain's soul laid bare in a way that nobody else has.

[ken pearce]

Actually, Al Queda came out for Obama this past week as did Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Both feel that they will get a "fair-shake" with Obama, but they are both also afraid of Sarah Palin...a woman without a veil! YIKES!

[Linda]

TO NINA:
Are you a "Neocon"?- otherwise i can't nderstand why you say that the media in the US won't report on Obama. Have not heard of FAUX NEWS?
also knwon as Fox News- they have a legion of liars ready to report calumnies about the Dems as facts.
FOR THE RECORD: BOTH JOHN MCCAIN AND BARACK OBAMA HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF NOT BEING CITIZENS BECAUSE OF THEIR BIRTHPLACES; MR. M. CANAL ZONE, MR. O. HAWAII-
and there is no case pending in any High Court. Please, "make sure of all things"

[Southern]

How about Louis Farakham for Obama?
Or Dick Cheney for McCain?
And I don't know if Reid and Pelosi have endorsed Obama (I wouldthink so) but who needs the endorsement from the leaders of lowest rated congress in history?

[Ron]

Are liberals all on medication or just the ones that comment on these stories. I have never seen a more angry group of unstable people in my life.
We are electing a president, not a savior you better hang on to your meds.
Go look in your Pelosi mirror and see what I am talking about.

[peter lysenko]

"To whom it may concern,

Why did you spike the article regarding Marion Barry's endorsement of Barrack Obama? That is news! Are you censoring?

Regards,

Peter Lysenko"

That was a note that I wrote to Drudge on Feb 8, 2008 shortly after they spiked the story that Marion Barry was going to endorse Obama. I bet that was a welcome endorsement too.

[james]

Al-Qaeda endorsement: Reverse reverse psychology? If you considered them crafty enough to try and trick you, who's to say they aint crafty enough to second guess you?

[J. Alejandro]

Tony E., al-Qaeda is endorsing McCain because it didn't work out last time they endorsed John Kerry! And endorsement from Vietnam is not bad at all. That means they know he is tough. Besides, we have diplomatic relations with Vietnam which looks at the US as buffer aganist China, their natural and historic enemy.

[x65]

Delighted to know so many in London are following our elections!

[Robert]

I like this back and forth fight with all its insults and insinuations. You know that none of the these people or these groups' have any influence over that candidate? You should be more afraid that they both receive a lot of money from various corporations. Both are the same old politicians and nothing with change either way.

[Macks]

Hey guys,
As a Political Science Major I am stunned by how many people are voting according to the propaganda being bandied about by the McCain campaign. I am horrified by the attempts all over the nation to keep people from voting! Who targets poor neighborhoods telling them they'll be arrested for traffic tickets if they show up to vote or tells them they don't have the right? Why is John McCain self-proclaimed super-patriot so afraid to let the democratic process do what it is designed to do??? Let the people speak! As for a war hero??? A guy who crashes seven planes through incompetence and finally gets taken prisoner is just an unqualified person who is trying to make himself out to be hero to cover his inability to do his job! People keep questioning the qualifications of Barack Obama...Last time I checked a JD from Harvard Law with top honors...earned, not bought by a rich daddy, is a lot higher ranking than a man who graduated 394th out 399 people at a military academy, who only got there because his family pulled strings! Other people earn their way! Teaching Constitutional Law gives Barack an advantage too...wouldn't it be refreshing to have a president who's not only read the Constitution but respects and understands it??? We can't afford another president who wishes to dismantle it at will to serve his agenda! We've all seen what a family bought education does for this country...George W...need I say more??? Bush has done more damage to this country in the last 8 years than all the major wars put together! Have a look at the number of people who emigrated to Canada after the last two Bush debacles... I mean elections. We can't afford John McCain... we won't have country left to love! BY the way for you Republicans who can't spell and who desperately want to throw some dogma this way...the Democrats have never had to resort to the dirty tricks and outright fraud that the Repulicans have repeatedly employed to literally steal elections they couldn't win! How is it patriotic to undermine the very heart and soul of the democracy you supposedly hold so dear????

[James Wild]

The comments on this site are all very amusing. Insults being flung back and forth as to who Al-Queda would support.The use of 'liberal' as an insult.
It is bizarre and shows the very low level of debate that seems to be going on.
What about the issues? The economy, health care, education etc?

[Dave Weeden]

Your colleague Andrew Sullivan finds another on his blog. http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/11/the-old-soldier.html
David Frum, former speechwriter for Bush. "Frum's 2005 book was called "The Right Man: An Inside Account Of The White House." It was about Bush." About who? John McCain doesn't seem to know this man. Has anyone heard of him? I've heard that Obama's run some negative ads scurrilously alleging contact between McCain and this Bush, but a few pictures of them together and rallies and shared party membership and votes by McCain - these are all just smears, aren't they?

[Erica]

While I'm sure Obama was not excited about Phil Spector's support, I think we're forgetting that he is still a citizen and still has the right to support someone in his country's election.