This article is the most optimistic I've heard of this Presidential Election.

Wow!!! Bipartisanship. After 7 years of the uniter, I didn't even know that word still existed.

This is the type of president that we need. Someone who'll consider the whole population in finding the talent we need to move this country forward. Not just half of it.

"we have to have some humility and restraint in terms of our ability to project power around the world"

That's also a great quote!! Definitely what it takes to be a world leader.

There is no doubt we are in a new dawn! Obama's presidency will usher in a new beginning for the United States and the world. Obaba does not just say things; this man thinks before he acts. He has worked with both democrats and republicans and have seen results. By reaching out to republicans and bringing them to his administration, we will have a United States that no other power in the world can pierce through. Hillary boasts of fighting the republican right wings; this is no time to be fighting among ourselves. This is the time for us to join together as one united people fighting against islamic terrorists. God bless Barack; and God bless American for the new beginning.

Go ahead, announce your cabinet, this is truly the "fun" part ... admitting the awful truth that Republicans aren't evil, they're just woefully in need of some decent leadership. Here's to hoping we get a Dem in office like Obama who can provide it.

We are the only superpower in the world because we have done so many things correctly. Wasn't the WTC1 bombing, two embassies in Africa, US Cole, etc. enough restraint? Bush is the greatest leader this country has ever had.

Wow, as a Republican who voted for Bush but has realized this was a mistake I am really considering Obama and am very tempted to vote for him.

You can name a cabinet if you don't get elected. He has zero chance in becoming President.

Can you say RINOs. What has Arnold done for California. Illegal immigrants are destroying that state and what is their answer, raise taxes. There you go, that will fix it. I think Arnold needs to stick with acting.

Democrats, please wake up! Obama is a guy who could unite the country. An independent like myself would consider him for sure but never that awful person Hillary Clinton. She would destroy what George Bush has not already. Obama or Ron Paul for me---no phonies in either party.

I really wish people would stop looking at Obama like he is some new found golden idol and everything that falls out of his mouth is gospel. He is saying this to win back the independents that John mcCain is stealing form him. He is one of the most liberal people in the Senate and let's not forget his voting record in the State Senate. How many times did he say present in stead of standing up for issues he believes in? It was 130! That's standing up for issues. He is so full of it.

Why is it Obama is such a great guy for including Republicans when Bush has appointed Democrats?

Obama talks a good game but if he is elected I am willing to bet he is a disaster on foreign policy and our economy will tank (a real tank, not the imaginary stuff the MSM makes up about Republican economies).

Chino said Republicans need leadership.

Obama is not a proven leader so who do you propose? Given the "leaders" in the Democratic Party (Reid, Pelosi, Hoyer) it might be hard to actually come up with someone who knows how to lead.

Obama...here's hoping he is our nominee. We Dems need to cut loose the past and move forward. We are better than that. No more following of a dynastic approach to presidencies.

You have got to be kidding me. These so-called "Republicans" are as liberal as they come:

Arnold: The guy is a joke. Illegal immigration and overspending are ruining California, and he has done nothing about it. Has not delivered on one campaign promise.

Lugar: This is Obama's gun control guy. Obama wants an absolute ban on all kinds of semiautomatic weapons, and don't think it would stop there. No true conservative would think of doing the things this guy has done.

Hagel: Really? I don't think anything more needs to be said.

Obama sure must have worked to find the three most liberal Republicans in the country, in an effort to appear "bipartisan" to all of you. Since you don't seem able to read between the lines yourselves, I have done it for you. You're welcome.

Obama is a lightweight. He'll be in way over head if he ever makes it to the Oval Office.

if uniting the country means giving power to republicans, it's not worth it

Hagel liberal? Anything but! He's one of the true conservatives in the Senate, and probably the only person I'd vote for over Obama!

Perhaps "President" Obama will consider Governor Schwartzenegger for Treasury Secretary? The Governor of California, after all, has presided over a 40% increase in his state's budget in 4 years, and is now facing a $14 billion projected budget shortfall. Judging by this, he's a Democrat in all but name anyhow.

I thought Oprah was going to be Sec of State and Dr. Phil was going to be Surgeon General

As a conservative, I agree with most posters here...I hope the liberal crack head one term Senator, Barak Hussein Obama is the Democratic Nominee for President.

Can we name one thing that Obama or Hillary have accomplished? Anyone?

Who cares who Obama would choose? He's so immature and raw I wouldn't be surprised if he has his kindergarten classmates with him.

Uh, Roy, every president makes a big show of naming a few people from the other party to his Cabinet. Bush did that too with "Underperformin' Norman" Mineta at Transportation, whose TOP priority, after 9/11, was making absolutely sure, with strict enforcment, that airlines paid no special attention to combat-age men who seemed as if they might be Muslims, and that everyone be searched equally, even elderly Norwegian grandmothers.

Bush was quite bipartisan in Texas, and wrongly assumed that DC Democrats would be like the culturally conservative, easygoing types he knew and worked with closely in Austin, like Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock. He naively walked right into the buzzsaw of the Chuck Schumers, Pat Leahys and others were lying in wait.

I think the brilliance of those opposed to Obama speaks for itself here ...

Surrrrrrrrrrre he will appoint Republicans in his cabinet and I will be his choice for VP. Get a grip. The guy is just trying to get the Liberal Republican vote by saying this stuff. Besides, the Dem Congress would never approve. More pie in the sky from a Dem.... go figure.

An excellent article on Senator Obama. I applaud all the positive comments posted here. Having met Senator Obama several times, I can attest to the fact that he is as genuine in person as he is out on the campaign trail. I have a great deal of respect for him as well as his wife Michelle, who gave a great interview on the news last night.

I'm surprised he didn't name Arlen Specter to some post... he certainly fits the RINO mold of the names he dropped!

Who was the last President to "unite" America? Reagan? And before him? Eisenhower? FDR? Unity means putting a lid on endless, pointless criticism. All you negative people think you are so smart because you see everyone else's faults. How about bringing some unifying solutions to the table?

Oh come to grips. The Dems aren't going to do anything more than now except create a Carter administration. Here they have complete control of the house and still can't get anything done.

I wouldn't worry about these things everyone is talking about anyway. The Dems bumbled so bad this year while they had a chance and instead they have the lowest approvals in American History.

Unless you guys really decide to clean house, like Pelosi and the likes, you'll blow it again.

This whole bi partisanship thing is ridiculous. No one votes for moderates. You vote for winners. Someone who believes in something.

Wow. talk about a bunch of idiots. Wow.

Obama comes across as a true weakling.
Cowardice in terms of foreign policy, acquiescence in terms on foreigners invading our country, but full speed ahead on looting the earnings of the most productive members of society. He is as big a dolt as the buffoon hillary.

I think it is funny that Obama's idea of diversity in his cabinet is to add Republicans. George W. Bush had one of the most diverse cabinets in history and the dems found something wrong with every candidate until they either had to resign or did not get approved in the first place. However, I guarantee that if Obama surrounds himself with white men in his cabinet (like the three he mentioned) no one will claim that he is against diversity, because he is black. The dems demand diversity in the cabinet but if you are a republican it will never be good enough, that is one belief system the tolerant just can not tolerate.

Obama brings a real chrisma to this office that has been lacking for sometime. Bush was put in a tough spot with 9-11 but instead of rising to a challenging situation, he fumbled. Clinton won't fare much better.

Lets put Barack in power, be nice to have someone that isn't poisoned into ignoring the ideas of others just because they come from across the isle.

On a sidenote: I don't think he can place Arnold in a Cabinet position since he's foreign born and cabinet official have the potential to ascend to the presidency if there is a catastrophe.

I am not voting for a candidate because they are a woman, because they have held office, been first lady or because they are half black. They better bring some solutions without growing government, have answers to problems facing this great nation and have voted in the past the way I would have voted, period. We can look at their voting record to see their true colors.

Ah...so Obama TOO will pander to folks on either side of the aisle. I bet Hillary is upset that he trumped her "send Bush '41 on a mission" tactic.

Well then maybe he should find some real republican's. These three are liberal leaning Rino's.

How could anyone support Obama, a person who will not put his hand on his heart and recite the "Pledge of Alligance"?

"George W. Bush had one of the most diverse cabinets in history"

Ok Joe, name ONE Democrat in President Bush's cabinet. ONE. Oh, wait, there AREN'T ANY! I think you need to go back to 2nd grade and learn the definition of diversity.

Bush put in a diverse cabinet of neo-con Yes Men. When they disagreed with him,they were replaced.

As a Hollywood Liberal, I have been very surprised in Arnold. I think he's been one of the best progressive gov in California History.

It is time to put an end to the my way or the highway mentality

That is just my point Dominic, diversity is not about being a republican or democrat, it is about ethicity and cultural background. When we start believing that political affiliation is equal to race struggles we are in trouble. I do not care if Obama or Bush the opposing party on their cabinets, but when they are demanded to be diverse by the congress and the american people, they are rarely talking about political party. And of course you insult me in your post, why can't democrats have an actual debate without getting nasty, I did not call any names, I just posted facts, once again my point about tolerance is true, dems are good at tolerance, they tolerate anyone who agrees with them.

Why have we not learned that with politicians talk is cheap. Promises, promises, promises, for a politician equals B.S.

Alex - You are incorrect. Henry Kissinger, born in Bavaria (Germany) was Secretary of State.

The only problem with who Sen. Obama would appt. is that none of the three mentioned are real republicans. They personify the term RINO.

Wow, Joe, sounds like you've been sipping from the PC well, which is unusual for a conservative.

In politics, diversity means diversity of political opinions. Bush had the least diverse cabinet ever, unless you count varying degrees of incompetency as 'diversity'.

Obaba can name all the names he wants, no chance of getting into the White House. He needs more experience. Nice to see young people motivated about the country though.

I like this crazy idea of reaching across the aisle to the minority of sensible Republicans, instead of just being paranoid of the "Vast Rightwing Conspiracy" all of the time

Kas wrote:
"How could anyone support Obama, a person who will not put his hand on his heart and recite the "Pledge of Alligance"?

Do these things really matter? Does anyone really think that Obama hates America? I am not a fan of Bush but even I don't think he hates America. Let's focus on the issues and not these silly trivial things.

I can't believe how gullible some of you readers are. Obama is not a uniter, and never will be. He won't cozy up to people who disagree with his ultra-liberal ideals. Notice how he only cites RINO's (Republicans In Name Only) as people he'd be so gracious to work with...in other words, people who already agree with Mr. Obama.

He's not much different than any other politician, and no different than any Democrat running for President. He's a high-tax, entitlement giving, illegal alien protecting, troop bashing, terrorist appeasing, anti-capitalist just like all the rest.

Nice posts here even those who did not agree with Obama disagreed respectful without smear attacks like the ones from Hillary and Bill, shame on them. Is it me or what? As a minority, I m starting to realize that some "liberals" are as racists as some conservatives even worse than conservatives, just reading from this primary competition between Hillary and Obama. Any thoughts people?

Chino said

" We are the only superpower in the world because we have done so many things correctly. "

Actually, America is the only superpower in the world because it recklessly spends all its money on the military rather than universal healthcare, infrastructure, education and quality of life like every other non-superpower western nation.

Any nation the size of America could be a superpower if it wanted to make the sacrifice, but what is great about Obama's statement is that he is admitting power isn't everything.

If nominated Obama will win easily because the independents and the "RINOs" will vote for him.

The people who say RINOs are not republicans need to found a new party. I am a republican, a real republican, and Dick Lugar and Chuck Hagel are real republicans too.

I'm a republican, and I'd like to vote for Barack Obama as president over any candidate (but I'd look hard if McCain is the nominee). If the republican party is so foolish as to nominate anyone other than McCain, to heck with them.

Joe, regarding immigrants serving in the cabinet, the answer is that yes, they can serve, but then they are skipped over in the order of presidential succession.

When he said "republicans" he meant "Republicans in Name only" (RINOs)

I agree with you Dan from Texas. The REAL Goldwater conservatives is who I relate to. And these "chip on their shoulder" neo-cons are nothing like those who created the party. They're just parlaying there minor influence in the party to control this country.

A few people need to read up on the political stances of Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Eisenhower and countless others. Now those are REAL Republicans!!! Hagel, Swartzener and Lugar came from some very honorable proud Republican molds.

And have True Conservatives and Tru Liberals in the same cabinit who have the interests of this country at heart would be what this country needs to unite us.

But the neo-cons would hate this. Because, they would lose influence. Their motto is, "Divide and Conquror."

The link provided only says he'd work with those people, not put them in his cabinet as the post says.
For something like this, you'd think they'd do a better job of reporting.

Arnold is not a republican. He is a RINO which means "Republican In Name Only."

Barak Obama is as shady a politician as there is and is wrapped up in the dirty politics that the state of Illinois is famous for. He talks a good game, but judge the man by his actions. Any questions, google Tony Rezko - currently under federal indictment - and Barak's neighbor.

Obama certainly has charism. However, his immigration policy would turn our country into the United States of Mexico.

Great, another puff piece about Sen. Obama, and what a furtive way to woo California's favor. As much as I laud him for his potential bipartisanship, I still do not know a thing about him, or what he stands for and what he has accomplished as a state legislator.

A black man (even part) can not be elected predident in 2008 with a 70% white popluation- just the facts....
Even a woman will have a hard time even though they are in the majority over men.

I saw this "interview" on tv and Obama was asked about these people. Nice hit job Sulen. Why not write another Obama doesn't wear a flag pin story.

I want to see a transcript of this "interview".

Mark said:
"...google Tony Rezko - currently under federal indictment - and Barak's neighbor."

Yes, please google Tony Rezko. It is a total non-story. Obama has done nothing illegal. People are grasping at straws to try and smear Obama. There isn't anything there. The right-wing fears Obama because he is a complete change candidate who has the ability to actually work across the aisle and get things done. He doesn't appeal to the venom spewing Rush Limbaugh crowd but he is appealing to the silent majority in this country who are ready to try a new approach to politics in Washington.

Why can't a black man be elected with a 70% white population? Studies show that the well educated and the under 40 years of age crowd could care less about color. Fortunately, more and more people are getting an education. As for the over 40 year old crowd--they aren't getting any younger. And as they move on their offspring and future generations can elect a person based on their ideas and not solely on the color of their skin.

Reading some of the republican posts; I have to confess that I am pessimistic about the future of this country. No wonder we have an idiot as the leader of the "Free world."

Read the poor soul referring to Obama as a crack head.. He is a Harvard graduate sir!

I think we have come a long way on skin color, but we are not there yet. The highest percent of people that vote are older people (over 40 and the largest part of our population). Maybe in about ten years with more inter-mixing of races and more educated people we will be there, but I have a feeling that we are not there yet.

The interesting this about Obama is that he is the candidate that ruffles the fewest feathers - on the left and more importantly on the right. Electing Hillary would certainly widen the political divide.

Bill Richardson made this decree awhile ago. He was met with mostly negative response despite it being a good idea. Good to see Obama has the sense to follow Richardson, the man who most definitely should be the nominee. BR has more experience than Hillary and has demonstrated greater commitment to change and greater leadership than BO. BR has better foreign policy strategies with the credentials to back it up, is a border-state governor with a solid immigration and education credentials as well as a generally progressive record.
Richardson/Biden 08

Mike--

What gives me hope that a black man can get elected president is that although 70 percent of the population is white, more than 1/2 of voters are women. Studies show that women tend not to discriminate when it comes to race or gender. Also, both blacks and hispanics are voting in record numbers, as are the youth (18-26 years old). The voting minority is middle-age white men. That is the group that tends to be the most discriminating but a group that can be defeated if there is a strong minority candidate that can appeal to the young, to women, to blacks and hispanics.

I used to think it would be a near impossible proposition to put an african-american in the white house but after checking out the voter demographics from the past couple of elections I think it is a very real possibility.

"Bush is the greatest leader this country has ever had."

Can whoever said that please write back and say that they were joking. Being sarcastic, maybe. I like sarcasm, I really do. But if this guy was serious, then I really don't know what to think. I mean, if he's serious, then is 2+2 still 4? Am I supposed to Go when the light turns red and Stop when it turns green? I'm so CONFUSED!!!

The Romney comment was out of line. For somebody who wants to be bipartisan, he is more than happy to throw out jabs at the other side. (For the record Romney hired a company to take care of his lawn. Does Mr. Obama want us calling the INS everytime we see somebody of hispanic origin?)

Arnold isn't exactly doing a great job with the budget in CA. Obama could make a good figurehead with an opposing congress but a Dem Congress with Obama could be trouble. I trust Dems even less with the pork than the Repubs, and the Repubs have been horrible. Veto is going to be a real important word for the next President. If it isn't our $$$'s are going to get weaker.

Does anybody really think that Obama or any other candidate has a chance against Hillary (No knock on Obama). I don't care what the current polls show, Hillary will win the democrat nomination in 2008.

WHAT A JOKE! THESE PEOPLE ONLY KNOW HOW TO LIE. DO YOU REALLY THINK THEY CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE? PRESIDENT BUSH HAS DONE WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS RIGHT AND IS THE ONLY ONE WITH GUTS TO DO IT. A VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT IS FOR MORE GOVENMENT AND MORE GOVERNMENT MEANS MORE TAXES AND MORE CONTROL OVER US CITIZENS. WHAT A BAD DEAL!!!!!

Come on, do you REALLY think he will appoint republicans to his cabinet? Or is this a CLEVER way to reach over and get some votes!
D'UH!!!!!!!

It is so refreshing to see a candidate who will actually work with everyone.

That is exactly what our country needs.

Obama has experience making different sides work together, he was incredible at Harvard. Not only do his fellow students all still respect him, but they acknowledge he had real leadership qualities. He was the top of his class. Unlike Hillary who married the guy who was top of her class.

I hear a lot of criticism about Obama, but where are all the other candidates willing to go across party lines to find the best people for cabinet positions? Where are all the other so-called leaders who can see past "D" and "R", and see what is right for our country?

Partisanship is destroying our country. We are more polarized than ever. Americans have such deep hatred for other Americans. If we continue down this path, we're doomed to lose our standing as the #1 superpower in the world. We'll be too busy trying to oppose our fellow Americans instead of uniting to find solutions to our problems.

Obama has about as much chance at becoming President as I have watching Little Rascals reruns on TV, Oh that's right Bill Cosby bought the rights to
the Little Rascals and took them off TV.
SO MUCH FOR OBAMA!

Alex

Not true. Obama could appoint Arnold to a cabinet post even though he was foreign born. Nixon appointed Kissinger to State and he was born in Germany.

Dominic

Bush appointed Norm Mineta (D-Calif) to a cabinet position. Worst mistake appointment in his entire predidency.

Bill Cosby did NOT buy the rights to the Little Rascals. That is an urban myth. King World (a famous synidicator of early evening game shows--and Oprah!) bought the rights to the Rascals years ago.

If you are pro illegal aliens, pro gun control, pro abortion, pro Socialists, pro gay marriage, pro higher taxes, pro global warming myth, then by all means vote for any Democrat. They will make you feel good as they put it to ya. HA

Let's face it Bush is going to go down as one of the worst presidents of ALL TIMES! I find it very hard to believe a Republican is going to win. Hillary and Obama win both in head to heads with all republicans. So who will lead better. Hillary or Obama who lacks Washington experience. Humm, what has anyone in Washington done lately? Spend all our money. We need to be supporting Obama for letting the Republicans in. He's smart, we all know that Republicans have always been evil hate mongers. It's going to be easier to get bills through congress with some of them in our corner, at least the few intelligent ones. Republicans will be out to get Hillary from day one. Bless her lying, calculating, conniving heart. I think Republicans are just like little lost children they need some guidance and love Obama can give that. Plus we all know what Bill will be doing when Hill is out and I don't need flash backs.

Maybe before Sen. Obama starts thinking about cabinet appointees he should read the constitution. All cabinet members are in the presidential sucession line after the VP and Speaker of the House. Since he was born in Austria, Gov. Arnold is not a confirmable cabinet candidate since he could not assume the presidency if necessary.

Ha!Ha!Ha! The whole office is laughing about this one! If there was ever any evidence that this guy is too inexperienced to be president - THIS IS IT! Ha!Ha!Ha!