Obama would withdraw troops in Iraq without concern or regard to whether violence increases. McCain would slowly and carefully withdraw troops. Both men would "end the Iraq war" from the American side. Obama would recklessly leave a war raging in the wake of his withdrawal. Save Iraq,vote McCain

JohnF, Los Angeles, USA

Just want to reiterate and continue to try and put down the falsehoods about Obama. He does recite the Pledge of Allegiance, he sings our National Anthem, he swore into office on a bible, he is a Christian. Do not fall for the lies by those who would continue to try and divide us. Do research

Zach Braff, Pittsburgh, USA

I don't think Obama needs to worry about "being seen as the leader of a ragtag army of dreamers and pacifists." Why? Well, I don't think he is. Obamaphiles may dream big, but one thing that inspires them is Obama's practical side, his desire to work with the system we have-changing, not overturning.

Marc Elliott Levy, Washington, DC, USA

I am a Vietnam war baby who strongly support Obama. A vote for McCain will mean a continuation of Bush's policies and the degration of American power. Do we want change for the better or do we want experience for the worse?? Those are our two options in this election. Obama is like JFK. GO OBAMA!!

Michael, Morristown, USA

How true of Americans are we when we would actually want to put a person in the White House who won't even say the Pledge of Allegiance or sing our National Anthem.WoW! really patriotic aren't we. We must also realize how all this is part of the fullfillment of Biblical prophecy. Ask God what to do

nancy, Antigo, USA

People, people, too much of nothing is no good!!! It is simple to pick who you want as president of the USA. If you're secure w/your finances vote for McCain and if you have one doubt for Obama. McCain, "Pride gos before the fall of the USA". Be smart this time and vote Obama.

Mimi, Jersey city, USA

Had Ifshin been a chicken hawk I doubt McCain would have ever been pal's with him.
As a Viet Nam Vet I am repulsed by chicken hawks.
We have chicken hawk Cheney running the show and look at the mess we are in.
Obama needs his chance.If he can't cut it ,it will not be any worse than this bunch.

Peter Talas, Haverhill Ma, USA

Voters won't vote based on nonsence like McCain's age or Obama's flag pin. Not to insult this article, but I don't believe that the history of politics is a major issue in this campaign. The only Presidency that most people remember is Bush's, and that will of course work in Obama's favor.

Ben, Pennsylvania,

I finally figured out what Obamabots mean when they say heal and live in tolerance. They mean that we can finally throw the race card out the window and that its all equal now so no more hard luck story just because of your color. I wish the race card would go out the window too but not like this.

Josh, San Antonio, USA

I think Obama could appeal to everyone open enough to understand that the hatred we carry will not help the future. To make the United States as great as it can be we the people need to unite and work together. I know it sounds simplistic, but it is true.

Judy Hoffman, San Jose,

To Jack of Chatham, careful of your labels...some of us boomers were 'later boomers' born in the sixties and raised in it's tide. So, we've got memories of what soldiers were like coming home and what the news showed on the grainy early TV screens.

Beth, New Jersey, USA

Where have these people been during their history lessons when they say that liberals in the usa have never won an election running as a liberal?... The first that comes to mind is Harry Truman in 1948, the second Lyndon Johnson in 1964. Then how can you overlook Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936, 194

stephen lee byrd, santa barbara, california, usa

What point is this article meant to articulate? There is good and Bad in everyone. That is what makes us human. Being a prisoner of war does not make you a better man than the one who didn't. What we have to start discussing is policy. No more sob story or empty associations.

Antoinette, Los Angles, USA

Excellent article. I supported McCain in 2000, but it's true, that man is gone. Another four years of economic mismanagment and war will undoubtedly sink us. Obama's candor is his greatest weapon. I hope he will bring renewed faith in our gov.'t, a faith the current administration has destroyed.

Colin, Boston, Massachusetts,

People in my country do hunger for change: they tire of the old broken promises, the corruption that power seems to bring, the same nonsense with "earmarks" and the enormous waste in government spending.

But Obama is not the man to do this. He is a radical, posing as a healer. He will lose.

Thomas Malone, Minneapolis, USA

The Longhairs and Shorthairs of the Boomer generation will never forgive each other for what they were doing in '68 and will carry that hatred to the grave. Obama's appeal is to those not even born then. We'll see if enough turn out.

Jack Cerf, Chatham, NJ, USA

Obama is a slick politician from Chicago. A town known for its sleezy politics. I want change, but a conservative one, not like Bush or Obama and i dont want experimental social engineering like the disasters in Europe. As an American im Proud Obama has this chance. I just wont vote for him.

William, Atlanta, USA

Were John McCain not running for President, he might still be the man who forgave David Ifshin.

He is no longer that man. His 2000 run, destroyed by Rove and Bush, was his moment. He is now too old, too befuddled and too angry .

Obama will win and bring some, but not enough, change.

Christopher, Miami Florida, USA

There are more surprises ahead if we can put behind us the failed policies of manufacturing, processing, packaging and transporting that has brought us to world problems: energy crisis, food crisis, pollution, and disease; make a retirement lifestyle of food producing plants and animals for freedom.

Marie Devine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

To Europeans, look to your own corrupt and fascistic government (the EU) and deal with it. You have no say in our elections, and never will. Why are you afraid of letting your citizens vote on the Lisbon treaty you seek to enslave them with?

A proud Obama supporter.

Jenny, Grand Rapids, MI, US

Excellent article - the US at its very best.

But Mr Thomson - shifting left isn't the answer - it will just re-ignite the culture wars of the past. And citing the UK isn't encouraging given public hostility to the Labour Govt and its policies and the forthcoming electoral meltdown.

Mark, Berkhamsted,

It is true that no Northerner since Kennedy has won the race and no out and out liberal has ever done so. However Obama offers America and the world the opportunity of a LIFETIME TO CHANGE COURSE, to heal, and to live in tolerance. McCain will have a tough time matching this, despite his humanity.

LAKSHMAN PARDHANANI, GOA, India

The healing of the 1960's and Vietnam are most important for America. It has dominated our politics and culture for 40 years. Whether it's the "maverick", or the "first ever" who becomes the Pres, the schism must be closed for America to fulfill our image of ourselves. Either candidate can do it.

Musgrave, Fort Myers, Florida

Good article. Nixon set off a generational shift to the Republicans that is running out of steam as the US greys. Like it or not, the US is shifting away from the Republicans as the population looks for answers to today's pressing issues. That involves a shift leftwards as in 1997 in the UK.

William Thomson, Hong Kong, China

As I have written before Obama is truly the wrong man at the wrong time(no time would be right).
If a man cannot admit his mistakes how can he truly be a leader of men.
You only have to look to the recent past to know what this sort of leader inspires -chaos and disharmony everywhere.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, London, England ,UK

McGovern in later life tried to become a small businessman (an innkeeper). He failed and surprisingly blamed his failure on too much government regulation. He apoligized for his earlier misunderstanding of governments role. The difference between him and Obama is that Obama would never apoligize.

Christopher Marks, boca raton, usa