One of the factors that turned me off Senator Obama was the outburst by his former Reverend Jeremiah Wright. Bitter, anti-American - one has to believe that Reverend Wright hates America. Senator Obama has spent 20 years in the same church with this man - can he secretly harbour the same feelings?

Andre, Machias, USA

Barack Obama's nomination represents the real America. GW Bush fooled the populace into war with Iraq with the help of Tony Blair, and the media. England profited in the form of oil money, and the crash of the dollar, as the US took the blame. I will not forget England's complicity in our downfall.

michael , santa rosa, ca, United States

Senator Barack Obama will be elected in November as the 44th President of the United States. A minimum of 300 electoral votes encompassing victories in the three biggest bellwethers — Ohio, Nevada, and Missouri. No Republican has won the White House without Ohio. Right there, John McCain will fail.

Dave, Detroit, USA

I think that the secret to whether America is ready for a black president is not such a broad explanation like Morris 'hell yes' analysis. The truth probably is that some states are (like Iowa or Colorado) while states like Kentucky and West Virginia aren't. I believe Obama will lose.

Andrew, Greenville, South Carolina

If you subsidize failure, you just get more of it.

RML, Freeport, US

Experience means nothing when that experience has been filled with flip-flops on major political issues, and drastic changes in platform from election to election. Yes, John McCain used to be a Maverick...he was anti-Bush after 2000. Not anymore. He is a war-mongering morally conservative kook.

Matt, Kansas City, USA

Dick Morris is pandering to the leftists here.

Obama will LOSE in a landslide. If anyone has been paying attention the primary voters have already told you that.

bob, baltimore,

I judge people by their world views and who they associate with. Obama has consistently hung around far left-wing wackos and his wife's views are no different. John McCain loves America more than most. Barack is also 46 years old which, to me, makes him way too young and immature for the office.

Kevin, Seattle, USA

"With McCain/Rice, the public knows what to expect." yeah more wars based on blatant lies. NO THANKS! The majority of Americans will dump the Republicans for allowing their great party to become utterly taken over by big-spending-big-government chicken-hawks. The GOP is no longer conservative.

Ken Hall, Barrow in Furness, UK

Our media and liberal elites pine for a camelot vision. They don't know America, don't understand optimisim and fear opportunity since they have never had to earn any of those things.

The dumbing down of America through liberal poilicies make so many blind to what an Obama presidency will be.

gboettner, Spartanburg, SC USA

The movie 'Mississippi Burning' is an exaggerated version of all this doubt and fear. Mistrust, mis-information, and plain old prejudice are tucked away in dark corners all across America. The US barely seems like one country. Obama will not unify but he can take the better part and work with that.

Boris, Belgravia, London

Outwitting the clingtons was not easy. None of the tasks at hand come close to leading the USA. If Reagan said there was some divine plan for America being where it is and what it is, one may say the same of Obama's life. One story is great though in the past. The other is just being written.

joseph, Lusaka, zambia

Why does the fact that McCain was clearly a very brave soldier mean he would make a good president? And if Obama (or McCain) doesn't try to talk to the enemies of the US, what happens next? More wars?

Mollie, Perth, UK

I'm a Clinton supporter who doesn't really like Senator Obama. Barring self-immolation he'll slam it in.. As much as a Democrat in a General election can.

Nathan, Melbourne, Australia

Inexperience, has sense of entitlement, & looks down on middle class. He favors yahoo/google/youtube 20ish millionaires. He says no "old politics" then clings to Kennedys! Takes other's ideas & claims as his own. Friend of Sharpton & Farrakhan!! His wife is harsh. I will sit out this election.

Rita, Seattle WA, USA

If McCain picks Condi Rice as his running mate then the Republicans will win by a landslide. With McCain/Rice, the public knows what to expect. Obama and his Euro style policies is a step too far for the average White American voter.

Sam, Glasgow,

The disjuncture between who he is and what his background and associations suggest he might be is the core issue. His background, associations and prior judgement clearly defines exactly WHO HE IS and his poise and elan should not mask that. Are we so desperate for chanthat they don't or won't see?

The Kid From Bondi, Sydney, Australia

Saying that McCain "sang like a bird" while a prisoner to get special treatment is no better than my saying that Obama is a closet Muslim who is sworn to destroy America from within (I don't really believe that but it helps to make my point). It shows Obama's folk are no better then any other.

Mark, St. Louis, USA

On Victor of Charlotte's argument, some people get a real opportunity by living through certain times and events - even Gen Patton almost missed WWII because of his age. Also, Obama is much younger and, like many other younger politicians, has had less chance of demonstrating those qualities.

Padraig, Perth, Australia

The Vietnam War was a tragedy and John McCain supported it. The Iraq War was based on a lie and John McCain supports it. Why would anyone vote for John McCain based on his judgment, leadership, or experience ? He has been and is wrong on all the important questions.

Alan , Iowa , USA

So why did Americans choose W, twice? He had no evidence of a moral compass other than some religious zealotry.

Why has Obama the burden of proof

Every time I listen to Obama I sense a very high moral standard and as much experience as a president needs.

robert, vancouveR, BC

M.C.C.A.I.N! :)
Apparently-the boy making comments degrading his military service is unaware of the fact the McCain declined release from his POW camp in lieu of staying with his soldiers ..talk about a hero.FYI He will sweep the race. Watch out Obama...you ain't seen nothin yet!

Jamie, New York, America

Victor Bowerman, There are reports that McCain was singing like a canary while a POW in Vietnam, possibly to get preferential treatment. Regarding his moral compass, he claims to have been tortured as a POW but yet supports torture of suspects. His head needs examining let alone his "moral compass".

A. Khan, Afghanistan,

The man has over 10 years as an elected official at the State level (8 as I recall) and in the US Senate (3), in addition to being a Harvard Law grad, editor of the Harvard Law Review, a Constitutional Law instructor-professor-whatever and people disrespectfully say no experience? Peruse his site.

Marsha, Houston, US

I remember that J.F.K. was thought suspect by some because he was Catholic and would have to take orders from the Pope.
The name "Husain" was born by a recent England cricket captain so should e a positive factor for Mr. Obama.

David, sydney, australia

there is no way Obama can win by alot if he wins at all He'll be lucky!! The democratic party is split!!!

Luke Allen, Springfield VA, USA

His wife said for the first time she was REALLY proud -- meaning especially, and that's quite understandable and common among Americans, who'd grown used to our citizens general detachment from the political process. She's right. Not quoting her completely is fraudulent. Her hubby's got my vote.

Sarah P., TX, USA

This election will be fought and won on character. McCain was a POW in Vietnam, who was offered release but refused unless all those who were imprisoned before him were also released. What evidence from his past can Obama draw on to convince the American people of his integrity and moral compass?

Victor Bowerman, Charlotte, NC, USA

All said and done,theres no doubt in my mind,that average people get scared of change which is something the man Obama will bring to this great nation.His stance on foreign policy should not be misconstrued.Israel is having a behind door contacts with Syria;US had direct contact with North Korea.

joseph, Madison, usa

DIck, it will be a landslide win for McCain. He only needs to get some of the Hillary voters on his side (which he will) and don't let Obama get away with soaring but empty talk.

Florestan, San Anselmo, CA,

The presence of Barack Obama has not left me spellbound and willing to support him. I worry about his emotional maturity evident in the decisions he has made that are up front for everyone to evaluate. This pattern of emotional immaturity is evident in our last two presidents also (B, C. & G.W. B).

Susan, Richardson, USA

McCain keeps reading the same chapter of the book and hopes to come out with a different dialogue. Obama wants to rewrite the book. Who better to tackle Iran with diplomacy than man who has spent time in a Muslim country? The world will embrace America with Obama at the White House.

Mr Smith, Bristol, UK

I have never heard such noncence about experience, you voted for bush twice and after all that experience he is still a fool. Obama even if he tried could not be as stupid as bush. You will see Obama will make an excellent President, i wish him the very best.

Brendan Dowling, Marbella, Spain

The American people want an inspiring leader with good judgement, energy, and the ability to organize and manage well. I think that in this campaign for the Democratic Nomination for President of our country, Senator Obama has shown the above mentioned qualities. The US and the World need Obama.

Art Davidson, Seattle, USA

Why doesn't anyone mention the full name of the Democratic nominee, Barack Hussain Obama. Hillary Rodham Clinton is bandied about all the time, is this considered racist? and Y. When sworn in as President will he not be invited to take office under his full name? Talk about 'the elephant in the room

maurice brady, Worcester, England

Diana...what is with the experience issue? If Hillary had all the experience then why did she get beat by an upstart with little experience? If Hillary has the experience why did she make so many errors of judgement during the campaign? If Hillary is so experienced why has she over spent so much?

AT, Sydney,

Tom, dont be so mean-spirited. Change can be a good thing. Just embrace it. I will pray for you.

Dee, Lowndes, USA

It is not his race that worries me, but his stance on foreign policy and his willingness to be so closely associated with horrible people for so long. And it doesn't help that he sees working class Middle Americans as people who "cling to their guns and religion..." out of bitterness.

Bryan, Patchogue, USA

I am a white senior American woman and a Liberal. I sat on Eleanor Roosevelt's lap as a child, so I can't help it. Americans will vow to interviewers and polls that they will not vote because of race, but when it comes down to it they simply will not yet vote for a Black person. I hope I'm wrong

NW Chadwick, North Carolina, USA

Reference the statement by Tom, Houston, Texas, USA:- "We (USA) are the only country that century after century has liberated people - some groups slower than others, but done it".
Tell that to the forcibly expelled (British) Diego Garcia citizens; their atoll now occupied as a US bomber base!

Ron Durham, Auckland, New Zealand

I'm from Obama's congressional district in Chicago. Obama
is an empty shell. He has no experience, no leadership skills,
he has done NOTHING. You reading this are much smarter
then he is. He will be the most polarizing figure in US history.
The machine has created a fantasy. Don't fall for it.

Tom , Chicago, USA

You know, I just don't get how people feel the way they do about Obama not having America at heart. Politicians, all of them, has had some stigma attached to them, Noriega, Whitewater, Watergate and selling out America at any cause to make a dollar by sending our dollars overseas. DUH!

Deborah Callahan, Grosse Pointe, USA

How about calling Hillary Clinton 'disingenuous"..( read liar) ,constantly implying she is corrupt with no basis in fact or any evidence acceptable in a court of law or having his campaign paint her (with her history of fighting for civil rights sice she was a teenager) as racist..definitely classy

Prithi, Boston, USA

Dick Morris' analysis is always worth reading. I dont think McCain will win a landslide, shy of some October surprise. It will either be an Obama landslide or as close as 2000.

Jack, Charleston, SC ,

Sourena got it exactly right.

The most we can ask from a candidate is to have a deep understanding of the Constitution and maintain its principles in changing world. A true patriot wants to see his country reach (or maybe restore) its full potential. I get the sense Obama feels the same way.

andre, San Francisco, usa

There has been much discussion in this thread but I believe only one poster noted Senator Obama's love for the US Consitution. He was a Professor of Constitutional Law. I would trust his love for and *knowledge* of the Constitution of our land against anyone. Patriotism based on ignorance = GWB.

Phil, California, USA

The problem for Obama is not race. His race is a net positive; it would be great if America elected a black President. However, Obama is very liberal, and many liberal economic policies don't work. Also, Obama has shown poor judgment by choosing long term relations with Rev. Wright, Ayers, Rezko, et

Shefali, Austin, Texas, USA

Since when has "experience" qualified someone to be President? Surely only second term candidates have "experience" of being President? It isn't the same as being a minor provincial governor you know.

Robert Laundon, London, UK

I believe in policy Senator Obama most resembles Michael Foot. Both are far to the left. Foot was chillingly close to the Communists during the Cold War. Today in the War on Terror Obama is understanding of and close to the Islamists.

s weber, london, uk

Clinton's "experience" is the stuff of myths. HRC is good at repeating phrases into the vernacular of America. Even CNN had to admit that they always gave puff interviews to Hillary because she's kind of a Lewis Carroll Queen of Hearts. "Off with your Head!"

Shannon, Detroit, USA

It is time for Barack Obama. He has the qualities - intellectual sagacity, personal charm and moral fibre, all of which are combined with an energy of purpose to enable him for this important role. I am not saying he is perfect. Who is? But the first time I saw him it was obvious he is the man.

John Drummond, Dundee, Scotland, UK

Speaking as a 34 year old Englishman, Obama could be the best US President I've ever seen. I wasn't around for JFK but with Obama I can imagine how it must have been. The whole world will be willing Obama to win. Americans will do the world and especially themselves a huge favour if they vote him in

H Beck, Crewe, England

sometimes one can do this and that but cannot achieve what you say --> voters are difficult. Once their minds are set they are set. He should work hard over a long period until Americans trust him....that is all. Saying this and doing that without sound proof over a period of time is meaningless.

kamuhomu, Victoria, Victoria

Black African-Americans are as partriotic as European-white Americans.. But the issue is would the Americans be comfortable imagining Obama the president-elect with his hand on the Bible taking the oath saying "I, Barak Hussein Obama...", .That middle name... I am a liberal.

Gary Smith, London,

Instead of race, this election will be based on young vs old.The race card is always an issue with the older generation but not with the young. It's the younger generation that came out in droves during the primaries! They want new ideas, not the old and same strategies, and all wants change!

Arlene, LA,

Obama was easily voted president elect by democratic party members. Thats the easy bit. The hard bit: convince the mainly conservative American voting public (they were smart enough to put Bush in for two terms) that they should elect an African American male. Good luck Dems- the world needs it.

Timbp, Stanford, USA

I initially leaned towards Sen.Obama, but I have pulled back when he has shown such indecisiveness and unwillingness to address issues head on. As to being humble and kind, most of you don't truly understand Chicago politics nor are you willing to accept that it goes far beyond "associations".

Genevieve, Tuscaloosa, USA

No matter how eloquent he is, Obama still has the belief that the US is wrong in many ways. We're not perfect, but we are the only country that century after century has liberated people - some groups slower than others, but done it. I don't think he believes in American exceptionalism.

Tom, Houston, Texas, USA

Well done Dick! Another thought is to put Chuck Hegel on the ticket, a truly bipartisan option for the country, and this will not even by close.

John , Winnipeg, Canada

Indeed, Sen. Obama might win in a landslide or lose in one...but I reject the idea that a loss would indicate that America hasn't moved past the "race" issue. That's insulting to anyone that looks at Sen. McCain and believes him to be the more capable candidate.

Brian, Cincinnati, United States

McCain or Obama to stop a nuclearizing Iran? And who would do less damage domestically, McCain with a Dem Congress or Obama with a Dem Congress? The answer to both questions is McCain. Obama will be president, but it would be better if that happens under other circumstances.

Chris, Chicago, USA

i almost never agree with dick morris, and if he made 1 wrong prediction in the primaries, he made 1,000, but what he says here is entirely on the mark.

keevan d. morgan, chicago

Keevan D. Morgan, Chicago, USA

The problem is that Obama cannot do as you ask. This isn't his fault, but the result of not having spent his formulative years here in America. He does not and cannot have the in-your-gut feelings for this country that the majority of Americans have.

Molly Pitcher, North Carolina, USA

Voters look for clues when voting. The clues that they see from Obama are not good -- associations with Rev. Wright and the domestic terrorist Ayers, the "clinging to their guns and religion" comment -- all spell trouble for Obama in spite of the best clue he has gained: the nomination of the Dems.

Stephen Peters, Camarillo, California, USA

The people who still doubt Obama's patriotism have not been listening to him.

The problem lies in the fact that some people seem to think that patriotism is equal just accepting the status quo

Obama's patritiasm goes deeper then this: he thinks the US should change to what it can nd should be

Hans-Erik Iken, Roosendaal,

Obama will be doomed by the same problem that Kerry had, which is that he did not really want to be President of the UNITED STATES -- indeed, he appeared embarrassed by his country. Enough swing voters perceived the globalist elitism and rejected it. The same will happen this year.

Jim Bowen, Houston, Texas, USA

This is the most important election this country has seen in a long time.We can either choose to engage the world in a policy of fear:fear of terrorism,fear of losing power,fear of a black president, or we can be a country of hope and change and peace and equality.The America I love isnt fearful.

Patrick, Oakland, CA, usa

Race will of course play a role in the upcoming presidential election. Most importantly Americans will vote for a candidate with whom they can identify and trust. Does he have my values ? Are his politics close to mine ? Is it safe giving him the keys to the White House ?

Rick Jones , Prague , Czech Republic

Core of Obama's patriotism is his love, understanding, beleif and respect for our constitution. This document forms the essence of our nation, and defines who we are. Its defence and upholding is what constitutes the true patriotism. Nothing else comes even close.

Sourena Fakhimi, Houston, USA

Morris might miss the mark on occaision, but his analysis of Ms. Clinton was not wrong. Clinton's campaign was a miserable failure. She squandered all of her advantages and did not compete in a meaningful way in caucus states. She allowed herself to beaten by an empty rhetorical suit.

JAY JOHNSON, St. petersburg, USA

Diana, isn't experience useful for the sole purpose of having good judgment while making decisions as President? So why vote McCain when he doesn't have good judgement, even with his experience, when Obama does have it and is closer to Clinton in policies than McCain by a landslide?

Peter D'Aunno, Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A.

Is Obama black? I always assumed he was of mixed race. I only ask as the only thing that white supremacists, liberal left (white) media folk and black supremacists seem to agree on is that any amount of African blood, whether from one of your parents or further down the ancestral blood line, will mean you are "black". Understandable perpahs from an Afro American point of view, but a tadge racist from the other two groups?

gryff, horsham, sx,

McCain will win by a landslide for one simple reason! Americans KNOW McCain LOVES our country and almost lost his life defending us!
Obama's love for our country is in DOUBT based on the people he has CHOSEN to associate/ advisors/fundraisers (Wright,Phlager,Ayers,Dorn,Rezco)with for 20 years!

arlan, Davis Junction,

I agree - landslide one way or the other - but wiht Obama's money machine, and his organization of precints not seen since 1990, the will be the winner.

Horace, Toronto,

Diana. As a female economist who was an early soldier in the feminist battles I will tell you that Hillary 's grasp of economics is minimal. Better to get top advisers and listen - not her strength either.

don't underestimate the underlying bigotry in the US and assume rationality will triumph.

judith, New York,

For four years, this Grand Lizard of Bill Clinton's Permanent Campaign told us nearly nightly Hillary would be the next President in a walk. Now, having been shown to be utterly and completely wrong in that assessment , he presumes to lecture Obama on winning strategies. Go away man!

peter, miami, usa

Mr Morrisand everyone at the TIMES, PLEASE read Pulitzer Prize winner, ex-NYT ME bureau chief Chris Hedges' piece "The real consequences when America is at war", the "contempt and necrophilia" towards the Iraqis, and the blowback for both the soldiers and, worse, the civilians: It's at salon.com.

Julia Iskandar, London, England

I think Obama will inded win a landslide victory. McCain points to "experience" - but that virtue is in fact a huge millstone; America does not want the past, it wants change.

Glenn, Charlotte, USA

Congratulations to Ian Cheese of London, for what must be the most incisive comment of the day:

"I have lost interest & , as far as I am concerned, America is history."

Be sure to let the UN know, Ian!

Paul Carpenter, Leeds,

Experience is important but is it necessary to be a good President?

Abraham Lincoln came to the Presidency with even less experience than Obama has today. Like Lincoln, Obama seems to possess a unique political intelligence and I hope the American people will be shrewd enough to recognize it.

Mike, Oxford,

American politics is a rollercoaster & panders to the basest instincts. I have lost interest & , as far as I am concerned, America is history.

ian cheese, london, uk

but what good is experience if it is not coupled with good judgement? Would really choose a conservative warmonger who wants to pack the Supreme Court with more right-wingers over Obama? That doesn't make any sense to me.

Glenn, Arlington, VA, USA

to put it simply, I would vote for Obama, except that he does not have enough "experience." Its not that complicated. Actually, very simple. I was a Clinton supporter, as she did have the experience and necessary grasp of economics. I have not choice but to vote for McCain, for experience.

Diana , los angeles, usa