Obama gets cold reception in NC diner

This is the reason this guy is winning. He's fearless in trying to make inroads, and gradually, slowly wins you over through even-keeled, confidence inspiring simplicity.

This is what McBush and his campaign has brought. Republicans are the most Unamerican people.

Do not blame McCain for Obama stating that he wants to "spread the wealth" (aka socialism). A recent poll shows that a majority of Democrats favor that ideology. That others would object to that idea is no surprise, nor is it unAmerican.

Whether you agree with someone or not, you should show them common courtesy. The rudeness of some of these peoplespeaks volumes about their racism and lack of christian behavior - thes behaviors give people on the far right a bad name.

I think he is just amazing. I have so many of my republican friends mad at me. My husband, the Pastor, finally decided it was time to switch to Obama camp. He wanted McCain in the beginning but now it is Obama all the way. He even got a sign for out yard!

Meanwhile, Diane, those "socialist" over at Costco have a Union, a living wage and decent benefits. But you go ahead and lash out at Obama because, we know the Waltons have your best interest at heart.

Politics, even at the Presidential level, is at root a local and a retail business. It is encouraging to see that Obama has no fear in pushing the envelope in this regard. I would also add that McCain seems to have this quality as well. 2 good candidates.

Fanning was probably raised in a barnyard, manners are manners no matter what, but the "socialist" came from Palin and McCain...I hope they are satisfied in rending our country apart with their epithets at a time when we all need to be one regardless of our political proclivities.

Let me get this straight. these group of women , claiming to be church goers. but are clearly not practicing christians. just segregationists and judgemental are cleary hypocrites. Becuase of people like these this country is divided.

Give the lady credit for the truth- Comrade obama is definite a sooc-

If elected he will be right at home with all the worlds socialist -

The idea that some people should pay more taxes is a pretty old one. The Bible called on people to pay tithes so that the money could be redistributed for food and shelter for the poor.

After all our Founders placed taxes on whiskey, tea and tobacco and used that money for other purposes....including pensions for impoverished soldiers.

And the idea of a progressive income tax originated with a guy named Adam Smith, the ideological founder of Capitalism, in the "Wealth of Nations". Abe Lincoln had one as an "emergency tax" to pay for the Civil War. It was Teddy Roosevelt and Taft that got the 16th Amendment through to establish a progressive income tax for the country permanently.

And Sarah Palin comes from Alaska -where they tax the oil companies (Alaska Permanent Tax) to pay for almost everything in the State (schools, hospitals, roads, etc.) and gives $1000 back per person.

Socialist?

Bad Manners are just Bad Manners

What is all this problem with "spreading the wealth?" among predominantly white Christian voters? Didn't Jesus feed thousands of people with loaves and fishes? If that's not spreading the wealth, I don't know what is. Is there something "patriotic" about wanting only the richest 5% of Americans to have 80% of the wealth? I don't get it.

Obama fearlessly wades into Red areas and Red states and displays a civil demeanor whereas Republicans show their narrow-mindedness and mean-spiritedness. Is it any wonder why Obama is winning over independents? Which side do you want to be on - the rational problemsolver or the irrational, emotional erratics?

Those patrons at the 'Cape Fear BBQ & Chicken' are very fortunate.. For they just met the next President of the United States! These are the very people who will benefit from his proposed plans for America. Some of those whose manners are lacking probably are among the few Americans left who adore the present occupant of 1600. Moose Burgers anyone? You betcha..

I think this lady is racist and she should at least show respect for Barack. She has no morals to act like that. I have the most respect for Barack for going into this diner where there were so many bigets. You go Barack all the way to the White House.

This is how candidates win new votes at any level -- talking with undecided, even hostile voters, being friendly and respectful, and explaining their positions on the issues.

Rallying and energizing your base is fine, but you also have to go beyond your base into not-so-friendly territory.

Real voters are looking at a combination of issues and character/personality. Even if the candidate doesn't win many (or even any) votes from this kind of encounter, he will benefit from having left a good impression.

Dear Christian, Now we know what Jesus meant when he said "Be gone for I never knew You" . That you can vote for a man that believes in abortion and partial birth murder shows the spirit of God does not live in your heart. Or at the least, you ignore his voice and commandments. Christian for Obama is a true sign that we are living in the end times. It is so sad to read of your decision.

This is AMERICA. Obama is the most radical communist/socialist/marxist/fascist nut on the planet. His economic nonsense will destroy this country and it was he HIMSELF who did HIMSELF in with that "spread the wealth" nonsense. Only some lazy creep who doesn't want to work would vote for OHitler and wait for a handout. Normal, decent people with brains, who love this country, would NEVER vote for OHitler. NEVER. This country was founded on FREEDOMS that OHitler spits on and he HATES anything and everything AMERICAN. Period. He will lose. There are plenty of countries that (miserably) embrace OHitler's insanely radical views. I suggest that the OHitler family, and his voters, move ot one of them.

Never knew COSTCO HAD A SOCIAIST UNION-

As a Christian, Obama should continue to reach out even if some other "Christians" would treat him rudely.

He is doing the right thing by trying to run an inclusive party. The US can only compete if we are all together. McCain is trying to run a divisive campaign that will lead to a divided country that will not be able to compete worldwide.

Wake up people

From everything I've seen about the man...I think Sam Walton would be spinning in his grave..."we know the Waltons have your best interest at heart. " about how his heirs have run the company into the ground. He was proud of selling only things "Made in America"! That was when I shopped at Wal-Mart. Not anymore...they only care about product made in China.

How ignorant can one be? Socialist because he wants to give people like Diane Fanning a larger tax cut and increase her wages? This is why the Republicans laugh all the way to the bank. They get people more interested in some hazy cultural values then their own personal and financial well being. This lady works at Walmart, and is especially taken advantage of,with little or no benefits and a barely living wage, but she'll vote Republican because McCain says Obama is a Socialist wanting to give her a tax refund.
Unbelievable. Ignorance and hate is alive and well among the uneducated. Another reason we need better educational programs.

This incident is exactly why I'm a Democrat. Some Republicans go way beyond expressing basic difference in views on issues. They are the
"Knee-Jerk" Republicans, and haven't had an original thought in their lives. You were WRONG in 2000, and had a chance to wake up in 2004, but let this country nearly go down the tubes. Now it's our turn.

McBush spread the wealth; the problem is they spread it among their rich friends and not to you. Ask yourself: Am I better off than I was four years ago? Has "trickle down" ever worked?

Never knew COSTCO HAD A SOCIAIST UNION-

For Obama, "Spread the wealth" means taxing the rich and giving tax cuts to the middle class. That's not socialism. We call that fair play.

But not McCain. McCain is a weasely politician so whatever Obama says, McCain turns it to s**t.

What has McCain wrought?

Socailist? Becasue he wants to raise taxes on the highest earners?

We already have a graduated tax.

Hope McCain and Palin are proud of dividing the country via buzz-words.

To the idiots who talk about spreading the wealth-do you know that the republican GW Dumb-Bush has just redistributed $700 to the banks! Socialist haaaaa..give me a break and use the brain if you got one after 8 years of ignorance distribution by the repugnicans.

I think what people are genuinely surprised about with Obama is his disarming charm and intelligence. He meets and talks to people where they are. If people approach him with an open mind; he's quite successful at gaining their acceptance.

In my opinion, to call someone a "socialist" because you are afraid or you don't understand someone is un-American. Warren Buffet, capitalist extraordinaire, has endorsed Obama and will be advising Obama on economic policy. Obama has said he won't raise taxes higher than what Ronald Reagan had (which actually makes Ronald Reagan a socialist as well). I know the people of Fayetteville are good people, but accusations of socialism are underhanded and unnecessary. Both Obama and McCain are good people. Let's accept it.

Just because Obama wants to create less taxing on the middle class, doesn't mean it's socialist.

Spreading the wealth via taxation has been the fact of the matter since 1914. It's not socialism. It's called graduated income tax. McCain spins his own spin.

Whether you vote for Barack Obama or John McCain, you should know what you are voting for. Barack Obama is no more a socialist than Warren Buffet. The suggestion that wealthier Americans pay a bit more in taxes vs. the middle class that have borne the brunt of the tax burden is reasonable and fair. And I am a small business owner that will be paying that higher tax. If you still believe Sen. Obama is a socialist, perhaps you should read The Economist's October 4th edition. In it, it reviews both candidates economic plans. This will give you a sense of the tone of the article:

AS THE financial crisis pushes the economy back to the top of voters’ concerns, Barack Obama is starting to open up a clear lead over John McCain in the opinion polls. But among those who study economics for a living, Mr Obama’s lead is much more commanding. A survey of academic economists by The Economist finds the majority—at times by overwhelming margins—believe Mr Obama has the superior economic plan, a firmer grasp of economics and will appoint better economic advisers.

UNCOUTH, FOUL-MOUTHED CONSERVATES NEVER FLINCH FROM FLINGING THEIR FILTH AT OTHERS AS McSCUM IS DOING NOW CEASELESSLY....

Say hey!! Take that druggie
"Rush Limbaugh" screaming into a microphone to all his red neck followers is all it takes to stir the pot. Definition of a red neck is: beer guzzeling, gun toting, whiskey sucking, dumb, cussing, uneducated, church going hippocrate. Intelligence will trump experience anytime, anyplace. Obama will be sworn in as our 44th president in 93 more days. whiteagle38

More Swamp trying to make a poor Obama victim of those vile rednecks (of course, the "kill him" one didn't quite pan out as being, uh, true, did it?). After several times attempting to post, I'm wondering if the Swamp will ever let its readers know about or comment on the Obama supporters who sport t-shirts that say "abort palin," "palin is a c***t," or most enlightened of all, a baby sized shirt that says "another retarded republican baby for palin." Obama and his reprehensible supporters make this former Democrat ashamed. I will never be fooled by this charlatan.

Its pretty clear that Obama is ahead because of this kind of tenacity. He's willing to go where he doesn't expect to be welcome in the hopes of getting people to listen to him and maybe change a few minds. I want a president who will work that hard and smart for us.

A christian woman refusing to shake a humble God fearing Christian' hand, that unacceptable to God on any day. People like her should try re-examining themselves and ask what Christianity is. Shame on her for that crazy rude and selfish nature!

I'm from a small city in NC, a White Male in the mid forties, I make over 100K a year, and I understand that many southerners have been swayed by the animosity and inunendo regarding Barack Obama, my mother told me she was scared that the "blacks" will take over, if he's elected, she stated he's a muslim and that scares her as well. I for one, am scared of the Republican far right and their tactics, it's anti american to me, I am voting for Obama and I hope to God, the majority of this country rejects McCain and Scary Sarah

Senator Obama is a very classy guy. I thought that everyone in North Carolina was supposed to be polite and mannerly, but apparently there are exceptions to every rule.

This is a great example of what Obama's trying to accomplish and how far he's willing to go. It takes a lot of strength and self confidence to be willing to listen to people who don't like you. He knows a good number of these people will never vote for him -- but he'll still have to be their President if he wins.

Conservative colleagues and professors from Harvard law have remarked again and again about how far he was willing to go to understand their positions. The man is the farthest thing from a radical, and that fact has actually gotten him in trouble with African Americans in Chicago from time to time.

Hey, was she the lady in red with the fright wig from that McSame(AstheOldBoss) rally a couple weeks back?

Fearless, I would call it obnoxious and pushy. He only forced himself on her to try to make her look like a fool. He does that to everyone that disagrees with him. Or else he calls the racist. Kathy Oman is another one that thinks if every one doesn't kiss Obama's royal side they are racist. Sorry Kathy but if you enjoy the royal side go ahead and kiss it all you want. Doesn't make me racist.

Regardless of whether a person agrees with Senator Obama's politics or not, is that any excuse to be rude? The polite thing to do is to shake the offered hand, say,"Hello", and then say," Thanks anyway, but I really support the other candidate". Why must Republicans act so ignorant? This hateful attitude is part of what divides the country. People CAN disagree without being disagreeable.

These words are shouted by people who have been listening to the divisive speeches of Palin & McCAin. Real leaders speak in terms of unity - they are inclusive - they bring people together ...................

http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/10/19/obama-kennedy-lincoln-jefferson/

I guess Obama didn't realize he was sitting at the "whites only" counter. Disgraceful for a church-going, christian woman to behave like this.

Obama is the most liberal member of Congress, and people don't like him because of that. Trust me, there a million reasons not to like this guy. I certainly don't like him, and it has nothing to do with race. I wouldn' t shake his hand either, nor would I shake Hugo Chavez' hand or Karl Marx.

I cannot necessarily blame people for being ignorant because I don't know how much support or access anyone has to resources.

The 'socialist' claim is simply out there to breed fear.

I would guess the same ignorant individuals who latch onto the fear of 'socialism,' whatever that means to them, would also freak out at having the police force privatized. The military is [mostly] a result of "spreading the wealth around" to pay for their training, support, and equipment.

More than anything else, in my opinion, the hatred and vile comments are worse than any -ism.

Amazing that those who can't think for themselves rely on sound-bite simpletons to interpret their news for them.

When Obama talks about "sharing the wealth" -- besides talking about a very Christian concept, of course -- he's not just talking about taking money out of the pockets of the rich and giving it to the middle-class and working class. It doesn't end there.

The point is that, as that money hits the wallets of consumers, it will come back into the economy in the form of spending, and fuel the growth that increases the total wealth of rich and poor alike.

It's not a zero-sum game.

Since Mr. Obama was born in Hawaii the community tends to be very proud of their ohana (family that extends to more than just relatives). The Hawaii polls are at about 70%. I wonder what it's like in NC on the other side of America. Here's to wishing Diane Fanning and the others in the diner a warm aloha and thank you for your honesty and kindnesses.

I wonder what would happen if Sarah Palin or John McCain were to stop by a dinner in the upper westside of Manhattan ?

VJ Machiavelli
http://www.vjmachiavelli.blogspot.com

I am so sick and disheartened by the so-called Christians and so-called patriots who are so filled with hate and so remarkably ignorant. Let me share a story: I hang an American flag in my window. A neighbor stopped me in the street of my Democratic-leaning neighborhood to say, "Thank God, I'm not the only Republican around here." I asked her what made her think I was a Republican and she pointed to my flag. As I said to her "How dare you claim that as yours alone. We Democrats love this country and for that reason want the most intelligent, fair-minded, decent human being around to help us run this wonderful country. And, in this race, that man is most definitely Barack Obama. When McCain picked that non-reader Palin, he might as well have dumped his "Country First" signs in the nearest landfill and just admitted that he'd do anything to be president, even sink the country further than it has already sunk. I hope and pray that Americans will wake up, stop hating, stop being so very afraid, and work together to rebuild this country.

It is a real disappointment to see, a once proud, Party, the Republican Party stoop to such unamerican activities as character-assassinations, Senator Obama's and Max Cleland's, in their " fear and smear " campaign against the Democratic ticket of Senator Obama and Senator Biden !! They have hit rock bottom, their campaign is starting to stink like rove and they aren't bushing anyone. They have lost and they can't handle the truth !! America is tired of 25 years of lies, distortions and the bullying of the electorate, by a handful of war- and fear-mongers of the Republican Party. Maybe, if they lose this election they will learn a vital lesson: American voters are a lot smarter than you treat them.
I don't think they will learn, because their position is based on lies and distortions. Their ideology is based on the few taking advantage of the many, for the benefit of that few. This is America, not 18th century england or 17th century France, we are a democracy and we demand a fair share of our nations bounty, not some crumbs !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

Don't you just love it when my white brother and sisters worry about blacks taking over. Everyone does understand that blacks make up only about 9% of the population and the number is moving down not up and don't really think it will ever move up. So, how is 9% of the population of which several percent are incarcerated going to take over the country.

Please someone pick up a book and read, please.

Barack may make blacks proud, but he can do very little and probably less than a white candidate to help blacks.

People need to think, then pick the candidate that will do them the most good.

If you think Obama's tax cut is socialism, you can always just give the money you get from the tax cut to some rich person if it makes you feel better.

Acropolis Review has a summary of some good reasons to consider supporting Obama. Be sure to send it to undecided friends:
http://acropolisreview.com/2008/04/top-reasons-to-give-barack-obama-your.html

I don't know where all this "socialist" crap comes from. The US is probably the only Western nation that views health care as something other than a bais right. The US is a great country, but we have some problems. Our education system is rock bottom, poverty and gun violence are out of control, our cities are dying, and we have a higher rate of infant death than many developing countries. We are the wealthiest, most powerful nation on the planet and we can't take care of the basic needs of many of our citizens. It's embarrassing. We need to start doing what most of the rest of the Western World is doing. Some call it socialism; I call it basic decency. We are better than this. It's time we started showing it. Time for change.

United we stand, divided we fall. Doesn't anyone remember basic Civics lessons anymore? I can support any candidate and be a good American. Rudeness is uncalled for. I don't consider it pushing themselves on me to have anyone extend their hand and talk to me in a respectful way. I do consider it pushy to yell names at someone and tell them to leave a restaurant--try to make them feel uncomfortable. The person who said he was pushing himself on her to make her look like a fool has a point of view I don't agree with. Looking foolish can only come from your own behavior--no one can make you do or say anything you don't agree to do or say.

The IRS reports 16,000 taxpayers with income over 10 Million a year in 2006, and 350,000 with income over 1 Million a year. Where does all that cash come from? Don't know, but Joe the Plumber and I are among those that make it possible for other citizens to reap the benefit of the American Dream. And what happens to that money? How much of it goes to lobbyists, special interest groups, and political campaigns with the aim of maintaining the status quo? You want to talk about fairness in our national wealth management? Taxpayers in the over 5 Million income bracket paid a lower average percentage of their gross adjusted income than taxpayers in the 500,000 to 5 million income brackets in 2006 (www.irs.gov/taxstats/index.html). Socialism? Wake up. Republican policy has made a comfortable bed for the most elite socio-economic group in the country.

Part of America is still like this. It's sad but true. The good news it's not like that in my neighborhood.
obama, obama, obama, obama and so on and so on lawn after lawn in Elmhurst Illinois. Thank you

You right wingers better be careful about who you call a socialist. From one perspective, McCain has been a socialist all his life. After all, the military is the most socialist institution in America. The government gives all and takes all. And as a Representative and a Senator he has had access to whatever goodie he wanted from the welfare state. All at taxpayer expense. Socialism is as socialism does.

Shouldn't the headline be "Obama gets MIXED reception in NC diner"? This is a problem with reporting today. A diner full of very positive and polite people, but if there is one rude person, that gets the headline. It's a poor representation of the facts and is unfair to both Obama and the folks at the Cafe Fear diner.

Mr Obama is not looking for everyone to love him. He is looking to make a difference in this country and to do that he needs to gets votes. He has the courage to go among those who are not going to be immediately receptive because he has a vision that he wants to fulfill.

This is what makes him attractive to Gen Powell and to the majority of Americans.

"A group of six retired women said they were mostly Democrats - but mostly undecided about how to vote."

He should have pointed out to them that McCain was planning to make major cuts in medicare which will result in seniors getting cut-rate medical care. That would have made them think.

Obama is showing what it means to turn the other cheek.

Sounds like a damn good price for the food!

Quoted Ninch above-"Do not blame McCain for Obama stating that he wants to "spread the wealth" (aka socialism)"

From MY viewpoint, the Republicans have already "spread the wealth" to the super rich. It is time that the rich start paying a little more.

Socialism is "any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods".

Socialism is NOT a change in who is taxed and for how much. That is democracy.

So please dont use hyperbole or Republican demagoguery.

The GOP just sponsored the biggest bailout of corporations in the history of the world and this woman is yelling "Socialist" at Obama?

We've socialized the banks, socialized AIG, socialized the housing industry, and all of this under George W. Bush. So yes, Obama is a socialist. So are we all.

People don't understand that any taxes at all means "spreading the wealth". As long as you are paying taxes, you are spreading the wealth. Under the Bush administration, and under the McCain plain, the wealth gets spread from the middle class to the wealthier people. The philosophy is that the wealthier people will know what to do with the money. Both candidates have a tax plan. They have to because the US Government has bills that it needs to pay--bills on the order of 10 Trillion Dollars. A Ten Trillion Dollar debt does not magically go away. It has to come from Americans. Under Obama's tax plan, more of that money will come from wealthier people. Under McCain's tax plan, more money will come from the middle class and poorer people. The McCain tax plan favors the rich. The McCain tax plan will not "make you rich". It will make people who are not rich poor, and it will make rich people richer. Taxes are the primary mechanism for wealth redistribution. If you get taxed, your wealth gets redistributed. It gets spread. Just because Obama wants rich people to pick up more of the bill does not make him socialist any more than McCain's plan that the middle class pick up more of the bill makes McCain socialist. If you earn more than $250,000 per year, you will want to vote for McCain because his tax plan will favor people who make more than $250,000 per year. If you make less than that, you will want to vote for Obama. McCain's plan is socialism for the rich with the middle class and poorer people paying the bill. Think about the necessity of taxation before you call anyone a socialist.

So I guess as a great country of "non socialists", we should have let our investment markets and banks fail taking down with them countless investors and depositors - most of them American citizens. My parents got to where they are first by the acts of FDR and later Truman's GI education bill. In times of serious trouble and turmoil , a government that is not FOR the people stands for nothing.

Dear Luke, Do you excuse George Bush for sending 4,000 American soldiers to die in Iraq over a lie? How "Christian" is that? Not to mention the tens of thousands of Iraqis who have lost their lives. I guess only unborn babies matter to you.

Or let's talk about a President who deregulated banks, and authorized Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to start offering subprime loans for the first time in their history. Now we have a crisis that has cost us taxpayers $708 billion and has drained the retirement accounts of the elderly, leaving them broke in their old age. How "Christian" is that?

By the way, the scripture is "Depart from me, for I never knew you." And you're not God.

You fools. The man is a "Marxist" along with the rest of the Dems. Guess what, the Reps. are not much better.

If this political stuff makes you angry, it's a good thing you have the distraction of it, rather than having to dwell on how powerless you are to affect anything as massive as the direction, much less the destiny of our country.

I think we all need to step back just a bit and not let our emotions overcome us. Being aggressive, rude and even hateful is not useful. Try controlling yourself a bit and think about civility and the value of respect and dignity, specifically your own, before you speak unwisely.

As repulsive as this rude woman was, I am impressed that Reuters and the Chicago Tribune balanced out the article by quoting the majority of the people in the diner, who were civil and decent to Senator Obama. That includes those who weren't voting for him. I think it's important not to characterize all Republicans, and all of North Carolina, as an ignorant group of people.

I agree with Joe-the-first-poster: Obama is fearless. Kudos to him for handling Diane's rudeness with grace. I'll bet my next paycheck the rude woman doesn't even know what "socialist" means -- she's just yelling some crap she heard spewed on Fox News.

I see Jeff says he wouldn't shake Obamas' hand either. Is there anything more unamerican than these republicans? They are not one bit interested in all Americans, just themselves. They are very good at name calling...not so good on coming up with solutions. Remember the issue of flag pins? With the republicans, wearing a flag pin is like putting perfume on a pig.

It's about time someone had the guts to call this guy what he is -- a stinking socialist. McCain lacks the guts to to that himself, and will lose because of it.

I just don't understand how the Republicans brainwash poor white people into voting for Republicans whose policies favor only rich businesses. The woman screaming at Obama worked at Sam's Club, a company that pays only minimum wage, practically doesn't supply its workers with health care, spies on its employees in order to keep unions from organizing, and gets all their products cheap because of cheap Asian slave labor. By all indications she should vote for people who will protect workers from being taken advantage of by big business, but she obviously is falling for the "Obama is a socialist" line from the Republicans.

The notion of "sharing the wealth" isn't socialism. It's Christianity. Get your definitions straight before you start cursing people. I guess right wing enemies of Jefferson prefer the domination of totalitarian, theocratic, fascism over the potential of a government of, by, and for The People - ALL of the people.

If I didn't feel my Vote might matter I wouldn't even Vote because of the Bias News Coverage Obama has received. I can't get those 20 years of Rev. Wright and his wife saying her terrible words about the USA.I have no Trust in Him at all!!! But I was shocked that the Chgo. Tribune Posted the story about N.C and the woman who called him a socialist who were they trying to kid they never put anything bad about their hero!!!!!

McCain just gives the money to the Rich, so what the big issue if the middle class get some. McCain doesn't understand that the middle class can vote too.

I am so embarrassed for my beloved Tar Heel state. I can only hope that Ms. Fanning is a transplant from somewhere else, especially since this drop-in visit was in Fayetteville, the home of Ft. Bragg, the world's largest military base, land-wise. Therefore, there are lots of people living there who didn't grow up there.

I grew up 30 miles down the road, in Southern Pines, and would hope that the good Senator from Illinois would receive a warmer reception there than he got in Fayetteville.

I know I was certainly brought up with better manners than that.

As an Obama-supporting Democrat, I would still absolutely shake McCain's or Palin's hand (hands?). Even though my beliefs as to what's best for the U.S. are very different from theirs, both of them have served this country and care deeply about it as well. There have been a lot of very nicely worded comments here - thank you to those writers.

How is Obama a socialist? President Bush and the GOP administration just nationalized the banks and passed the biggest bailout bill in our history. President Bush and the GOP administration, these are your socialists.

Of course it's ok for 5% of the people to have 80% or the wealth. If you work 2 or more jobs, pay your bills, save your money you would be wealthy too. Christians are charged to tithe and take care of the less fortunate, but we should be the ones to decide who we help, not the government. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY NOT EQUAL OUTCOME!

who can afford a 3% tax increase?

1) some one making $8/ hour

2) some one making $1,000,000

no matter how it turns out Americans , even those in the highest brackets, will pay less than some countries in Europe

"Bad Manners are just Bad Manners"
Honesty is never 'bad manners".
Miss Manners, I believe, would agree that no one is under obligation to shake hands with someone you find repugnant. I

i used to be for Obama but after hearing how socialist he is and how he want his hands in my pockets I am for McCain.
Remember when john Kerry almost made McCain his VP choice! And Govenor Palin has some brass vs Joe 'the panderer' Biden. Democrats Pander.

Funny that the "socialist" is able to raise his own money for his campaign. McCain is the real socialist relying on $84 million of our money to run his campaign. Republicans are always socialist when they need something.

Regardless of whether a person agrees with Senator Obama's politics or not, is that any excuse to be rude? The polite thing to do is to shake the offered hand, say,"Hello", and then say," Thanks anyway, but I really support the other candidate". Why must Republicans act so ignorant? This hateful attitude is part of what divides the country. People CAN disagree without being disagreeable.

Well this is the real question isn't it? Senator McCain and the Republicans have ignited such fervor that it isn't about disagreement anymore it's about hate. Not shaking his hand? That's disgraceful. We're all Americans folks, despite any disagreements we may have, let's all try to remember that.

You will always find ignorance on either side. Your vote for president is not near as important as your re-electing anyone on Capital Hill. They are the ones that are destroying this country.

How can you entitle this so as to make people think the reception was "cold?" Because one rude person was nasty? Single words do matter very much. Words like this and like "terrorists" and "socialist." Know their connotations before using them. These single words seem to get repeated and repeated so that, even though they do not pertain to true facts and occurrences, they are taken as "truths." It is admirable that Obama has run a clean campaign, not using slurs or words that can be keys to imply unfavorable aspects to his opponents. This is not true for McCain; I feel sort of sorry for him and for Palin. They have nothing to offer but this same innuendo/slur; they have no positive, proactive policies to offer us.

Looks like McCain finally found the hot-button message to fire up his base. This whole socialist, "spread the wealth" b.s. is nonsense. Once again the Republican party found a way to convince people who won't benefit from them, vote for them. Lemmings.

The idea that some people should pay more taxes is a pretty old one. The Bible called on people to pay tithes so that the money could be redistributed for food and shelter for the poor.

After all our Founders placed taxes on whiskey, tea and tobacco and used that money for other purposes....including pensions for impoverished soldiers.

And the idea of a progressive income tax originated with a guy named Adam Smith, the ideological founder of Capitalism, in the "Wealth of Nations". Abe Lincoln had one as an "emergency tax" to pay for the Civil War. It was Teddy Roosevelt and Taft that got the 16th Amendment through to establish a progressive income tax for the country permanently.

And Sarah Palin comes from Alaska -where they tax the oil companies (Alaska Permanent Tax) to pay for almost everything in the State (schools, hospitals, roads, etc.) and gives $1000 back per person.

Socialist?

Posted by: cinnamonape | October 19, 2008 7:33 PM

Best. Post. Ever.

The whole "spread the wealth" notion is a farce. If some of the richest people in American (who don't pay that much in taxes to begin with) do have to pay a little more on revenue above $250K, it is a small amount and none of it will trickle down to the those with little revenue. It will just get sucked up into the the $10T federal debt. It will be invisible for the most part. But desperately needed to reduce borrowing costs.

In the past 7 years, the top 400 wealthiest people in this country have gained $675 BILLION dollars. Hmmm.

We have bailed out banks, and insurance companies. The middle class is shrinking at an unprecedented rate.

The result of almost 30 years of trickle down economics. That smacks of Fascism. Everything for the wealthy corporations. Nothing for the middle class.

What Obama is proposing is fair and balanced Democracy. I can live with that. And probably way better than I'm living now.

The Tribune is Smart and So is Colin Powell. Now all of a sudden people are second guessing them??? Place the blame on the two suckers the GOP has running for president. Its a no-brainer! But love of party and racism is ruling the hearts of people. This guy has walked through the fire with gasoline draws on and has come out unphased - by BOTH campaigns. Sometime you gotta quit your moaning and tip your hat! There are some people that said Jordan could play basketball, Tigers no good at golf, and that Ali was just a loud mouth. And they ate those words and lost all of their credibility. The TRIBUNE and POWELL had never endorsed a Democrat. Should tell you something, but go ahead and back those losers if you want. The rest of us are going with the champ. He is going to shake up the World! He's a bad man!

One crazy lady and a few others is hardly a 'cold' reception. It also sounds like this woman has other issues.

I think this happens often, the media just doesn't report it. I know Obama isn't welcome in my Chicago neighborhood.

Sad to see that McCain's antics of dragging everyone to the bottom of the barrell are working - my guess is that that "socialist" gal had no clue what the term means - other than what McCain has told her it meant.......uneducated folks - educate yourselves and dont get fooled by lies by the McCain/Rove - I mean palin camp.

These so-called Christians conveniently forget the Bible's plea to love thy neighbor. I detest Palin and McCain but would never be so incredibly rude as to not shake one of their hands if offered. Shame on Fanning. But she probably is one of those miserable souls who is never happy because of the hate brewing in her heart, yet won't ever figure out why. I am so glad I already voted for Obama!

There is one thing many posters are getting wrong. The bailout of the banks and AIG was voted on (almost unanimously) by the DEMOCRATICALLY-CONTROLLED House and Senate and was supported by Obama and McCain.

So these bailouts were approved by BOTH PARTIES, not just Bush.

Get your facts straight.

I think in the end both parties tend to tax and spend about equally. They just use the money on very different things.

It is important to remain civil no matter how much you despise the guy and his politics. I wouldn't shake his hand either and he would get an earful from me.

So it's socialist to return to Bill Clinton's tax brackets? Then what the hell would be the right term for what George Bush did to this country?
Can't wait for this election, and the Bush era, to be over.

I understand the feeling of not wanting to shake the hands of a politician. I hate when they walk up to you and assume that you owe them a hand shake. I never will touch a hand of a politician even if i know them. I dont want to be associated with the lies and common problems associated with a politician.

As others already pointed out: what would Jesus have done? He despised greed and selfishness. He probably would have been a socialist. Of course, it is typical in our culture to conflate Democratic Socialism with Communism - there is a HUGE difference.

I for one, believe that we all have a responsibility to do what we can to take care of each other and ensure that no one in the world's richest nation goes hungry or without health care. If that's socialism, then so be it.

Cause im so sure any Obama supporter would gladly shake McCain's hand gleefully and be nice to him. Not even a late nite comedy host that supports Obama could show him any respect or decency.

Obama's a socialist? Meanwhile this Republican president has pushed through the government purchase of a huge portion of America's banking system, as well as the largest insurer in the world AIG. I'd call THAT socialist.

Obama goes to a North Carolina BBQ joint and doesn't have pulled pork? Talk about bad judgme