211. Sam Donaldson has tried to influence past elections but failed. Stop trying. We are smart enought to figure out things on our own.

Clyde Rabideau at 10:18AM on Oct 26th 2006

212. Sam, after five years, do you and the American public still think this idea of Homeland Security was a good idea? Do you think Customs, Immigration and Agraculture all work together as a big happy family? Do you think the job is getting done? Do you see this as a mistake when we have such huge problems protecting our boarders right now an then add on a new agency? Was that smart?

Lonnie Davey at 10:20AM on Oct 26th 2006

213. Why do we send more kids to jail then we do to college who fault does the blame lay in? Be for you answer that question is it Us the parnt or is it what we the people allow on our tv sets? I only ask cause I go to a school where they send bad kids and talking to them they dont seem to be no worst then any other kid. If you like to know what school its called the O.A.C.S its in Crestview Florida right by Movie Gallery.

Larry Hudson at 10:25AM on Oct 26th 2006

214. Why is there not more outrage concerning the waste in $'s due to lost money, profiteering (Haliburton and it's subsideraries) in Iraq? Also, what about Katrina as well.

Rebecca Dengler at 2:19PM on Oct 26th 2006

215. I would just like to know why we (the people) can not get a station or newspaper to just tell us the straight of what the canidates believe in...on the issues instead of all the crap & bad-mouthing of each other. I want to vote on the ones who are honest, intellegent, & have good moral ethics as a person and forget about the Democrates vs. Republicans.

Mrs. Carolyn Oberle at 10:36AM on Oct 26th 2006

216. I was just wondering what are we going to do with Iran and North Korea?

They obviously seem defiant and want to not only develop a nuke, but use it. I think North Korea just wants THE BOMB to show that they are a power to reckon with.

I don't see the UN sending them letters is going to make them think differently.

Knowing that! What do you think chances of war with Iran could be, and how many other nations would join in the fight?

I think even the UK would think twice about entering into another fray! That would leave Australia and maybe some other small countries!

so, that's my question What will we do with Iran
and how do we lean on NorKorea to stop him from decisively developing a nuke and using it on Japan or Los Angeles?

M Peterka at 10:41AM on Oct 26th 2006

217. Why has the media become so bias since the days of World War II? Are you not there to report and not just influence?

Sally Hebert at 10:55AM on Oct 26th 2006

218. It seems everywhere you look there are negative campaign ads.Whether it is on TV or radio or print,there are ads running from both sides,Democratic and Republican, with negative, and outright nasty accusations(which neither side can back up).
It used to be that politics was about discussing the issues that matter-and done in a civil and respectful manner. Now it has come down to the candidates'tearing each other down-outright character assasination.
How I yearn for the old days where people actually talked about the issues-and got along with each other. If we went back to that, American politics would be a whole lot better than it is now.

Juanita Dawkins at 10:52AM on Oct 26th 2006

219. I want to know why it is such a big deal to have English listed as the official language of the United States. I went across the border to Mexico and in a border town all the signs where in Spanish (as to be expected) they do not cater to the thousands of Americans that come across spending Dollars. My argument is that one of the original languages of Mexico was that of the Aztecs, but since Spanish colonization (for three centuries) the official language changed to Spanish, so why can't we (America) have English as our official language given the fact that we where colonized by the British, and why is it that anyone who even dares to mention that is accused of being racist. When I go to China, I do not expect people there to speak English that is probably why we look at the French as being arrogant because they want to preserve their history and heritage and have pride in their language. The constitution was written in English, all American colleges (to my knowledge) teach in English, one would think that an immigrant (illegal or otherwise) coming into this country wanting to pursue the American dream would take the time to learn the language instead of crying about America not accommodating them, if that is the case I am originally from Africa, so I would like that my language be included, so that way the official language of America ends up being one from every country as each country has representation here, those are my modest opinions, thank you for giving me a voice to vent.

Otsuko Notoma at 10:58AM on Oct 26th 2006

220. I still say that the administration is working to bankrupt the US so all social programs will have to be drop do to insuficient funds. The Reps have hated our social programs since the begain because these programs take from the rich and give to the poor. After so many years of unsuessful attempt to eliminate the programs they have finally found a way to do it. However taxes will have to increase to pay the debt back. He give the common person a small tax break will making it possible for a rich person to go tax free. Just ask Warren Buffet.

Jerry Wimberly at 10:51AM on Oct 26th 2006

221. Sam, Why is it no one in the white house is talking about or doing anything about the fact that perscription drugs are twice the price in the US.

David S at 3:52PM on Oct 26th 2006

222. Many years ago at your request you interviewed me on the targeting tactics by the tobacco industry toward kids. I told you many years ago and very little has been done by the you or the media. You were interested in my story after I testified in Congress that the tobacco executives told me at the top of Mt. Evans,Colorado that the "right to smoke was reserved for the young, the poor, the black and the stupid". I have since been telling the same story for the last 15-16 years. Why is the media so afraid of the tobacco industry? Could it be that the advertising dollars from non-tobacco companies re: Nabisco, Miller Beer, Kraft and 3700 other companies owned by the tobaccco industry could be in jeopardy. The tobacco companies have won and they are laughing all the way to the bank. Shame on you and the media who could have done so much more in raising the level of awareness on our nations #1 cause of premature death and disease. I was also the ABC Person of the Week way back then with Peter Jennings. You would think his premature death from Lung Cancer would have a lit a fire under you journalists. I am giving back my World Health Organization Medal of honor given to me back in 1990. I DON'T WANT IT
If you could respond that would be great. Thanks,
David Goerlitz, (former WinstonMan)

David Goerlitz former Winston Man at 7:59AM on Oct 29th 2006

223. On October 18 the Treasury dept., with no notice came out with an edict that companies could no longer market privat annuity trusts as a way to defer capital gains taxes on home sales. Why no notice and doesn't this take away a tax advantage from the citizens. Does the administration, that supposedly wants people to keep more of their own money back this decree. This is just another example of government not allowing people to take advantage of a tax code that is in place.

Marty Dotts at 11:51AM on Oct 26th 2006

224. Hi Sam,

Governor Schwarzenegger of CA is criticizing Pres. Bush. Given the Governor's receord in CA (e.g., taking money from the school budget) I am afraid he is doing this for political purposes only and does not deserve another term in office. The CA governor's race is high profile in the U.S., so I think this is an important question. Do you agree with me that the governor does not seserve another term and why or why not?

Thanks in advance,

Jim Sullivan
Ventura, CA

Jim Sullivan at 10:58AM on Oct 26th 2006

225. I really don't know why anyone in the world would trust or believe anything the media has to say about anything! Gas prices are going down only because it is election time! I don't give a rat's ass who was or will be the next president! It doesn't matter! The rich will stay rich and the poor will stay poor. The middle class will dwindle away and become poor. Who the hell is Sam Doaldson to try to justify the bureucratic sadistic minds of the idiots in washington dc?

David Martin Holt at 10:59AM on Oct 26th 2006