I have never watched the Keith O. show. I guess since it's his show, and he's a big enough "star" then he can pick his format. Does he get good ratings?

I have to say that I am a Bill O'Reilley fan. Sometimes I don't agree with all he says, does, or his postitions, but I often do.  I prefer that the "devil" actually come on the show and debate, rather than the host being the devil's advocate always.

Please don't delete my post for saying that, as it is simply my opinion. Hey- wait a minute, this is my blog, and I CAN say that!

Just kidding, Mike, I know you're a fair guy and only use the zinger when necessary.

Have a good weekend.

This is a common misconception about Keith Olbermann show on MSNBC.

Keith does not want an hour of shouting over each other, or name calling, (WWF)because he is presenting the alternative to Bill O'Reilly on the same timeslot.  I doubt if any minds are changed or if any useful information is exchanged on a shouting program.

I compare the Keith Olbermann show to the company seminar were emphasis is made on one point of view of the current events. The president has the bully pulpit, where he gets to make his one-sided presentation, and Keith usually breaks it down and gives the other side.  He has devoted his show to emphasizing what's wrong with this current administration and the Iraq war. This is not to say that one cannot get useful information, because he does have military generals, former and current politicians and journalists as guest. Keith is an antidote to Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity.

Mary ann, I am in good company. I got my post deleted too.

Oh well. Some of the things are just like watching the Keith Olbermann show. He doesn't ever interview anyone who disagrees with him, unlike other stations who routinely will.

No problem on the deleting posts issue, Mike.  I hear you loud and clear.

You and I have different styles- and I have learned from you at times.  I picks my battles these days.... cause it could be a part-time job staying on here talking about all the social issues. Not going to do it.

You're a self-admited political junkie, and I'm a self-admitted social issue junkie.  You do your thing, and I'll do mine. Sometimes we'll agree, and sometimes we won't.

Have a good day.

First I did not not call abortion a wedge issue, but it along with gay marriage are considered wedge issues according to public opinion.

I have to side with that blogger because they clearly posted warnings...I do not enter ANY Advocate blog if I have an issue with that person...They are a waste of my time..

I am a avid supporter of Barack Obama, but I do not feel I have an obligation to discuss an issue that will be mocked by the receipent. I am sure you can tell if a poster knows the subject they are discussing or merly want to shoot down your message and take you down with it.

I can count on one hand ,the posters that keep up with current events ,and the numerous ones that make their descisions on sound bites and small UTube clips.

Mike, I can understand why some posts are deleted. I can't say I wouldn't do it myself in a particular situation.

When someone puts himself out there as a supporter of a candidate, he sticks his neck out and should be prepared to discuss issues. Taking one's ball and going home when the game differs from the one you want to play is an odd way to support a candidate.

 From my point of view, my post was deleted because the blogger was unable to defend the issue or even to respond to it calmly. To me that's a tragic scenario of avoiding issues.

Much of what I posted it reproduced here from the magazine Human Events. I say let's discuss the issues like adults.

Ironically, that poster refused to discuss abortion with me or anyone else, but now, he has his own blog calling attention to the issue (deleted since then). Also, I have my own blog entry in which people can discuss things fairly.

You call abortion a "wedge issue." I disagree. It's a necessary wedge that right to life. Without it none of the other points about taxes, gas prices, and education are necessary. Ya got to be alive to enjoy those things!

Hello maryann

A little housecleaning first. You posted.

I welcome discussion on this issue. I am not for censorship, intolerance of people's views, personal attacks, or generally totalitarian methods of blogging.

I have a different view of a personal blog.  I genuinely welcome people who do not agree with my point of view, but I don't encourage trolls by pretending I pay attention to them. What did that Supreme Court judge say” I know it when I see it.”  Three posters views are automatically deleted when my e-mail warns me that I have a new blog. I do not subscribe to your theory, that it is a totalitarian method of blocking.

I have been a political junkie for over 25 years and I do vote on issues and not a singular issue. If I took to your line of thinking, I would never vote for Democrats.  and we would continue to have constant wars and debating wedge issues.

I am game for attacks when I post on the online forum threads, but I do have some control in my personal Advocate blog, where I welcome a serious discussion, but will not tolerate gibberish and personal attacks. These posters have a right to post their blogs and they can rest assured I will continue ignore them.

We have already debated Obama’s lack of good judgement.