Washington File

How can anybody say that the U.S.A. is a democracy. The mass-media only focuses on the contenders with the most money. Obama got a kick start from Oprah and thats the only reason he's a contender. It also helps that he's a great orator and that got him past the door and then the money started to roll in. Like Canada, the U.S. political machine is controlled by the business and political elite and they're very selective on who they allow into their club. Think of it, in 2000 George W. Bush received less than 25% of the eligible votes because more than 50% of them didn't vote at all. That doesn't sound like a democracy to me.

I disagree Wilson, I envy the Americans for having 2 good choices. I'd take either one over what we have to choose from here in Canada. I like Mcain, But I think Obama is the the best choice for America and the world. I hope he does change things up a bit. Unfortunately there is only so much a president can do. He'll get them out of Iraq and hopefully sort out Afganistan. I think this whole experience issue is political spin, what did Bush and Cheney do with their experience?

Mr. Champ, like many of your colleagues, the so-called journalists, you have postulated (I would say pustulated) and prognosticated about Obama and the Democrats, and about their readiness to lead. None of you talking heads is content to report, you all want to play editors. That is why so many of us in the 20-40 age group no longer seek our info from `traditional`sources anymore. Next time, you'd be better off following this dictum - show us don`t tell us!

I find the american pres. race to be very interesting as a unit of observation. There is no question that Obama offers the best outcome for the USA, if elected, as opposed to
McCain's "strategic" moves in order to "sway" voters - which should really speak for itself.

Why I can say this is as a result of how McCain has been reacting to Obama. Observe mcain, watch and listen to him. He "doesn't get it". Everything he has been doing lately seems to be a futile attempt at giving voters a poor reason to tune out Obama and watch him. Showing up on SNL, other prime time television programs, and on top of everything, allowing a women to be his VIP (McCain is trying to sell the Clinton voters by this stunt, hopefully american women are not too dense, where they can see through this scheme).

The bottom line, as a Canadian, Obama will not only do America good, but the world as a whole. I can only hope that he sees a day in office, as assasination seems inevitable at this point. Governments are owned by corporations, and when profits (in the trillions) are at risk, ...what's a few thousand to save those trills with the application of a hitmanÉ

As I read some of the comments I almost feel ashamed to be Canadian. I have always believed that Canadians were more intelligent and could form their own conclusions and not be a mouthpiece of the propaganda machine unleashed by American media conglomerates.

How could anyone believe Obama lacks accomplishments? Obama is the American dream in every sense. He has shown the world that even if you come from a broken home and live below the poverty line as a child you still have a chance to live your dreams so long as you persistently work hard.

Every politician has the ability to sound like a breath of fresh air. However, the best predictor of a man's future is the road he has travelled and the decisions made along that road.

Obama's road to success speaks for itself, he moved to Chicago in his early twenties to help people who lost their jobs. Then after graduating from Harvard Law he turned down big money on Wall Street to help the poor and underprivileged in Chicago once again. His dedication to serving the underprivileged is the change American needs. His record shows that he cannot be bought by any of the multi-national American corporations. This is why Americans must elect him to demonstrate that every American still has a voice and that American dreams are still possible.

The interesting thing going on in this election campaign is NOT what the media says or what the criticisms are. The truly interesting thing is the message and the messengers of this new era. The media are owned by the corporate elite, who are not the people who will be helped by the Obamas. So the media commentators sit back and seem almost purposefully not to get it, not to report on what's actually going on here.
There is an awakening of the human psyche showing up in these new Democtrats, a deepening of the human heart and soul on this small planet. These are smart, savvy, intelligent, kind and wise people who have dedicated their lives to making life better for others. So why does the media act so small-minded and self-serving? When was the last time a news-personality had his or her sexual affairs or tax evasion made public? The media don't have a media to scrutinize and criticize their every statement, unfortunately. I want to say to the media folk: Open your eyes and hearts and souls and minds to really see and hear and be touched by the humanity that is being offered. Every person on the planet will benefit if this Democratic team is given a free and fair opportunity to do its work.

Once in Boston, I met American politologist who told me very interesting things. "Who, - he asked, - was the worst American president in XX century? --- JFK. Not only he didn't actually do anything for the country but he managed to put whole world on a verge of nuclear war for nothing. It was only his assassination that made this looser a national hero. And who was the most successful president in XX century? Clinton. He did for the world and the country more that several other presidents taken altogether. It was a misfortune with Monica Levinsky that tarnished his otherwise shiny record." Well.. and now they are telling me that Obama is a second JFK? :)

It was inspiring to witness Obama's intellect, empathy, compassion, direction, determination AND the intestinal fortitude to 'take it to' McCain.

For the first time post (Bill) Clinton I can truly taste a Democratic victory in the offing.

And although as yet unsaid, I am encouraged that there is an opportunity and the potential for the return of a positive, and balanced relationship between Canada and the United States governments.

At last, for the first time that I can recall, I have some sense that each has the potential and is willing to make a balanced effort to recognize and understand the opportunity and benefits of working together towards rebuilding a united, progressive and strong North America.

This election offers the American people two terrible options.

With that said, I fail to see the links from Obama to JFK, aside from the fact that they are wonderful speakers.

JFK was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives for SIX years,

Then a a US Senator for SEVEN years,

Obama has been a US Senator for just over TWO years.

And most of those two years he was campaigning to be President.

Obama can try and invoke Kennedy all he wants, as long as Obama cannot invoke Kennedy's experience its nothing more then a Vegas Act set to music.

If America was not at war on two front with a record debt then by all means take a chance on this kid, but at a time like this EXPERIENCE is all that matters.

I do not envy American voters this fall, you are faced with two bad options.

While we'll need to wait to see how McCain does at the RNC with his speeches and platform, it seems that the US election is coming down to "4 more years of the same" or 4 years of vision, forward-thinking and progress. But, one has to wonder if the US voting body is ready for a leader as visionary and progressive as Obama. Let's hope they are and that the tide of the current draconian, conservative, fear-mongering government can be turned toward a more inclusive, responsive, and enlightened administration.

Frank Madigan in his comments got his history all wrong. Ted Kennedy not JFK was involved in Mary Jo Copechne's death. JFK only had military advisors in Vietnam, Lyndon Johnson expanded the war into an offensive campaign. Marilyn Monroe told an author friend about her sex affairs with both John and Robert Kennedy. Peter Lawfords widow also wrote about the JFK/Monroe affair. It is public knowledge now. The Bay of Pigs was first planned by the previous Republican government Kennedy did not cancel this invasion but he also did not initiate it either.

Hey Robt!

And George W. Bush was a draft dodging drunk who owned a second rate baseball team.
What's your point?

When Kennedy became president he was a servant of the global elite, but he soon realized that this hidden control over the government was destroying the United States from the inside. Kennedy began to work for the best interest of the people instead of the interests of large private businesses, and for doing so, they murdered him. Do you still believe in that 'lone gunman theory?'

During this American election campaign Obama has clearly shown himself to be a servant of the global elites. I hope he realizes the sinister power destroying America and stops serving it just like Kennedy ceased to serve it.
The best Democratic party candidates were Gravel and Kucinich, no debate, period. I still cannot believe Democrats chose Obama instead of these two much more capable and qualified candidates.

Camelot didn't exist. It was a movie stage. Think about it. Marylyn Monroe, Mary Jo Kopechne , the invasion of a sovereign country by JFK.

Kopechne wasn't at the convention, nor were her children. She was left to die by the liberal lion. Monroe sadly never told her story. Hundred of soldiers died at the Bay of Pigs. Viet Nam was a Kennedy folly and on and on and on...

Kennedy.. not a proud name. and certainly not legacy or a inspiration.

Let's hope the Obama camp addresses the charges of Himself being a media hound: someone high on rhetoric and oratory, but low on the nitty gritty of policy. The extent to which Mr.O refrains from expounding the details of policy is the extent to which is bid for the presidency falters.

Obama has to start attacking this old man. He is real ruthless. It is typical conservative character the preach something and behave different. They know they do not have points to make so they are attacking his personality and trying to paint him as a media creation. All their attack is not policy related issues. McCain people are using desperate time requires desperate measure attitude. I do not think there is any value left in them. Win at any cost is their mode of operand.

It revealing that Obama isn't getting any bounce.

I think his attempts to mimic JFK will backfire on him. Obama should be running on his own accomplishments but he has none. Instead he is trying to shelter under someone else's.

None of Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton or Joe Biden in their speeches menioned any of Obama's accomplishments. They mentioned some of his positions eg he was against the war and his attributes eg 'insight' .. but absolutely nothing about his accomplishments.

It is truly shocking that someone with such a meagre resume is looked upon as a messianic figure in the Democratic party.

JFK was a war hero and Pullitzer Prize winning author.

As Senator Lloyd Benston famously said to Senator Dan Quayle "Sir, you are no Jack Kennedy".

Good column as always. I think you and I have been around about the same amount of time and although I don't recall specifically Kennedy's Coliseum speech, I do remember the thrill of the "New Frontier" image. Obama has a lot of the same 'moxie' that Kennedy projected. If America is to rebuild its image abroad (and to Canadians in particular)the U.S. voter must select Obama for president.