|
The Daily F.O.S Blog
My Goal. ( Sharing Information )
Keeping The American Voter Informed With Facts & Enlightened With Progressive Opinion Regarding Barack Obama.
The You Tube Video is called Barack-Iraq-Gate: Anatomy of a Media Smear and it exposes CNN's Jessica Yellin who is the sole person responsible for the negative story about Barack Obama and his position on Iraq.  This is what the Media do all the time, but the only difference was that Jessica "LYIN", er, Yellin was so sloppy and so obvious, she pretty much gave herself away and got caught. Watch the video.
I keep hearing right-wing pundits and picnic pal media friends of Mc Cain asking, why Obama is not polling much higher than he already is over Mc Cain. They ask, but they never answer. For those who don't know, I have some knowledge in this area because I worked for a Political Polling Firm for four years back in California and I can tell you why Obama is not polling higher than he already is over Mc Cain. DEMOGRAPHIC ! Polling Firms have not updated their system of polling with regards to targeted demographic groups. They are still only calling people that they trust show up at the polls to vote. A certain age , race , household income , home ownership and those with land line phones. They either have no access to or are too lazy to target other demographics of America voters that never get polled. Young people, people with cell phones , people who don't own a home. They also continue to under poll Hispanics and Blacks . As we have seen in this Primary, there are millions of brand new voters , not reflected in the polling. There has been a spike and /or increase in turnout for Hispanics and Blacks which matters most for down ticket candidates in the south and West. We have seen that the Youth who had been written off with regards to anticipating turnout, literally turnout in numbers and win elections and they still don't get polled and if they do, they too are underrepresented in the Polls. All of these groups have one thing in common. Combined, the majority of these people make up Barack Obama's base. So, given that they are underrepresented in these polls and yet Obama is still ahead of Mc Cain among those who are being polled, I am very confident about our chances this Fall. Think of it this way. Take a bag of M&M's. You know how they used to not have blue ones? It would be like counting a bag of M&M's , but only counting the colors from way before they had the blue ones . Not counting the Blue M&M's is like these pollsters not counting the youth , cell phone users , and first time voters. Poll: Terrorism fears are fading Posted: 07:00 AM ET Mourners throw flowers in a reflecting pool at Ground Zero. (CNN) – As Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama battle over who has the best approach to national security, a new CNN poll finds Americans' concerns about terrorism have hit an all-time low for the post-September 11 era. According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Wednesday, 35 percent of Americans believe a terrorist attack somewhere in the United States is likely over the next several weeks. The figure is the lowest in a CNN poll since the al Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington, which killed nearly 3,000 people. Between 2002 and 2006, summertime polls typically showed that a majority of Americans believed that a terrorist attack was likely. Last summer, that figure dropped to 41 percent. This summer, it dropped another six points. The new CNN poll also indicates that the war in Iraq remains deeply unpopular. Only three in ten voters favor the war, while 68 percent oppose it. Similarly, only a third of voters would like to see the next president keep the same number of troops in Iraq that are currently stationed there. For McCain, who is seeking to highlight his national security credentials and has staunchly defended the U.S. presence in Iraq, the latest poll results may not be viewed in a positive light. "Senator McCain's greatest strength is in foreign policy, particularly his reputation as the candidate best able to fight the war on terror," CNN Polling Director Keating Holland said. Source: Huffington Post MILITARY PERSONNEL GIVING MORE TO OBAMA
Source: Daily Kos Blogger;Brandon Friedman Judge for yourselves what the troops who are left-of-center think about this whole deal.
General Wesley Clark is the leader of veterans in the progressive movement. As such, he will defend himself and other, like-minded veterans will defend him--publicly. All parties interested in having the support of the military support should take note.
To Spark the overdue GLOBAL Debate on China's Human Rights Abuses Those of us who are calling for a global boycott of China hosting the 2008 Olympics , are under no illusion that George Bush will listen to us. He's a Republican and Human Rights issues are not a priority to him. The purpose for raising this stink now , is to spark a long overdue debate on the fact that China needs to be exposed and confronted on it's massive human rights abuses before the world and this is a perfect opportunity to do so. While the Media covers the various protests around the globe , at one point , they will have to talk about why we are calling for this boycott. That's what is needed. Americans and those who vote Republican , need to understand not only why everyone is so upset with China , but they also need to know why our American leadership refuses to act. Because Americas national security is at risk. Americans and Republicans , need to know that the real reason why our government is slow to confront China on it's Human Rights Abuses , is because Americas wallet is in China's purse. Yep. China is the Pond Shop and it's full of our nations stuff (Thanks Republicans). They have us financially, by the OO's. Barack Obama put it perfectly when he said that it's hard to confront someone who you owe money to. This is the real reason why the Republican government can't and won't act. And they are getting away with it because not enough of us are calling them out. (STOP: This is going to be longer that I thought. Please join me in extended ) Not only is it dangerous for China to have so much control over our nations finances, it also ties our hands as the most powerful nation in the world , to stop the horrific abuses that are taking place right now at the hands of the Chinese government . The Republicans , and a past "DLC" Administration is responsible of selling our nation over to China. Do you want to know how bad it is? Pick up your keyboard and take a look see. Where was it made ? If it wasn't made in China , it was made somewhere other than the USA. But I bet 95% of your keyboards were made in China. Why does it matter that your keyboard and everything within your eye sight was made in CHINA ? If you don't know , I am sure one of the 80,000 family members who just lost their jobs last month will be happy to tell you. China has way too much of a hold on us and even though globalism is here to stay, we here in America , are not benefiting from it. We are disproportionately suffering as a result of it. That's why raising this stink now is the perfect means to spark this debate. Something has to be done. Americans and those who keep voting Republican , need to know that all of this is connected. Instead of blaming the wrong culprits , like the Mexicans or Affirmative Action, We The People and Republicans need to know that the real culprits are the Republican Leadership , American Corporations and DLC Members of Congress who are shipping our jobs overseas and borrowing tons of money from China so they can play War Games at the expense of the people of our nation. As a result , China is doing whatever she pleases and abusing Human Rights in not only China , but Darfur as well and our Republican government cannot and will not do anything to stop it because they are afraid of China. The truth needs to come out so that Americans who keep voting Republican will understand that when they complain about our jobs going over seas and complain about Human Rights abuses at the hands of China going unanswered , they are partly to blame because they keep voting for these people. So, again , we all know George Bush , a Republican , and John Mc Cain , who's seeking to extend another Bush Term , is not going to join us in this call to boycott China , but they will be forced to defend their non-action and their complacent policy towards China will be exposed for all to see. It is an election year and I hope that those who continue to vote Republican will get over their phobias that keep them from voting Democrat and realize that voting Republican is DANGEROUS to this nations National Security and Sovereignty. Pretty ironic considering the Republicans , with their lapel pins and their saluting every flag they see , are the ones destroying this nation.
QUESTION: WHERE WAS YOUR KEYBOARD MADE ? MINE ? CHINA ( With some parts from CANADA ) When I first started taking a serious look at Barack Obama as a potential candidate that I could support for the Democratic Presidential Nomination , I noticed that I agreed with his approach on a lot of the issues we both care about. But there was something else that struck me about him and it's what fuels my , as some rival supporters call it, "cultist-like" defense and dedication to this man . There was something eerily familiar and comforting about his personality that drew me to him.
It's Not What The Numbers Show. It's what They DON'T
The Races In Iowa and New Hampshire Are Close . But it's what the polls are not showing and what the pundits unable to explain, that has me more excited than ever about Barack Obama's chances to come out on top. The race is pretty much tied among Democrats, but this year, it could very well be Independents and Moderate Republicans that may actually prove to be the deciding factor in who the Democratic Presidential candidate will be. Which is fine by me because he's running for President of the United States and not Chairman of the Democratic Party. We already have one of those.
Barack Obama , from the limited amount of polling I have seen on this subject, has more support from Independents than Hillary Clinton and John Edwards in New Hampshire and Iowa. In addition to that , Barack Obama actually has polled better among Republicans against Republicans for their choice of President. That's amazing, but not-surprising given Obama's message of inclusion and unity.
This is why I am excited. I believe that the turnout among Republicans in Iowa and Independents in New Hampshire will help bring Barack Obama over the top. Let's also not forget one more overlooked and underestimated demographic. Yes, the Youth. Exit polling has proved that the Youth Vote Turnout has increased every election since 2000. Guess who polls highest among this group whenever they get a chance to be polled? Here's a Hint:
For those who are having a hard time comprehending the differences between Barack Obama launching PERSONAL ATTACKS , versus DRAWING DISTINCTIONS between himself and Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton , here are some examples of drawing distinctions and launching personal attacks. DRAWING DISTINCTIONS: We all know that Washington Lobbyists have too much influence and I refuse to take money from them because the American people pay as a result and are left out. As President, I will be beholden only to the American people. Now, Hillary has decided that she will continue to take their money. I will not. She will. You should know. PERSONAL ATTACKS: This B**** is bought and paid for by KStreet. Everyone knows it. She admits it. She's proud of it. Do you want some Washington Establishment Cronies who's already sleeping with the corrupt Bush Administration. Of course you don't. DRAWING DISTINCTION: I believe that I will be able to bring the nation together more than Hillary will. I have a record of bringing both sides of the aisle together and actually getting things done. PERSONAL ATTACKS: Hillary couldn't even get her UHC Plan passed with a Democratic Congress in 1993. Not only that , she is so divisive and polarizing that she caused the Democrats to lose the Congress in 1994. DRAWING DISTINCTION: I have been upfront in stating that I would meet with Foreign Leaders and was criticized by Hillary who actually , not only agrees with me, but has stated her opinion openly and in public. PERSONAL ATTACKS: Hillary Clinton is a poll driven , two faced fraud. She has the nerve to call me names because I am open and upfront on my position , while all the time she was calling me naive, videos were floating all over the place showing her saying the the exact same thing I was.
IN CONCLUSION:
DRAWING DISTINCTION: Whenever Barack Obama talks about Hillary Clinton, he is only drawing distinctions between her positions (the few she articulated) and his positions (which have been open and upfront) PERSONAL ATTACKS: I think it's safe to assume that my posts about Hillary are more along the lines of an attack compared to Obama's criticism. What I and others here who have not fallen for her game, post about her is not likely to be repeated by Barack Obama.
No other candidate has the balls or the ability to bring two of the most valuable, and yet most conflicting core blocks of voters within the Democratic Party TOGETHER to confront their issues and disagreements! Now, if we could just get the "It's All Israel's Fault" Conspiracy Nuts and the Jewish Democrats to sit down and talk. Barack Obama really DOES know how to bring people together. If you don't seek to unite the groups within your own party, you sure can't unite the nation as a whole. It's time for a President that has the balls to get people to come together and openly confront divisions. They Came Cheering. They Left Volunteering
Over half of the 4,000 person crowd at the Obama Countdown To Change Rally in Madison Wisconsin, were UW-Madison students. The purpose of this event was to get supporters not just excited for the Obama Campaign , but to participate in the process by canvassing in , you guessed it , Iowa. Iowa is a very important early state, and Wisconsin is a major player because it's a neighbor. Not only that, Wisconsinites have another advantage over their "Deaniacs" predecessors. They are fellow Midwesterners who are less likely to, as Obama's National Field Director , Temo Figueroa , but it so bluntly when he addressed us yesterday morning," SCARE THE HELL OUT OF THEM ". LOL. In any event, it looks like Madison is answering the call as I saw a swarm of UW Madison Students for Obama signing up to go canvass in Iowa. They will be teamed up with a real Iowans as well so they can learn how to talk to folks. And don't worry....No Orange Hats. Sure, the polls show Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton ahead in their quests for their respective parties' nominations. But polls, at this stage of the race, are notorious for being unreliable. They measure how people would vote today, not in the future. Never mind that political surveys also can't accurately calculate if and how independents (as opposed to registered partisans) will vote in state primaries and caucuses that allow their participation. Neither do they account for second choices. But if you take into account these X factors -- admittedly a speculative venture -- Giuliani and Barack Obama may have as-yet-unrecognized potential to pull off surprise wins in New Hampshire, where both currently trail. Unknown quantities in any state, independents have the power to elevate a trailing candidate or to reinforce one's dominance. But their presence in New Hampshire is especially compelling, since independents in that state can outnumber registered partisans (particularly on the Republican side) and can vote in either contest. They've determined New Hampshire primaries in the past, and could certainly do it again. In 2000, for instance, Al Gore led Bill Bradley, while George Bush led John McCain among registered party affiliates in the lead up to the Granite State's primary. But when the independents -- who tend to support less partisan candidates or flock to the polls to vote against a candidate they don't like -- weighed in, McCain passed Bush while Gore maintained his lead over Bradley. (Had more independents voted in the Democratic primary, Bradley likely would have stolen votes from McCain and overtaken Gore, and McCain might have been an historical asterisk. Of course, that didn't happen.) Predicting where the independents will flock is pure guesswork. So there's little certainty as to how the upcoming New Hampshire primary will play out, even though "bring us together" Obama has made the strongest effort to appeal across party lines. Giuliani and McCain probably have similar support from some moderate independents, as does Clinton among voters who want to see a woman elected. An intriguing question, then, is where an anti-Clinton independent vote, if it materializes, might congregate. Obama or Edwards are the obvious choices -- though Giuliani recently has made efforts to identify himself as the "anti-Clinton" candidate in the race. That's good politics on his part, and it means independent voters who want to stop Clinton have a tactical choice that could determine the New Hampshire outcome in both parties. Second bets Second choices are another crucial -- though, for now, unquantifiable -- aspect in determining who ultimately will secure a party's nomination. Right now, the polls measure support for all candidates, but by the time most voters choose -- even in New Hampshire -- the field will be narrowed substantially by earlier results. Recent elections have shown that the primary electorate will abandon a preferred candidate if he or she has done poorly elsewhere. If Mitt Romney wins Iowa, then, he obviously will get a bounce into New Hampshire. But what about the candidates who do worse than expected in the early contests? As their support dissipates, where do their votes go? There's no telling at this point, but again, one can make educated guesses. On the GOP side, a late-July Diageo/Hotline poll showed that the vast majority of McCain voters listed Giuliani as their second choice. Note how carefully Giuliani has courted these voters since, often praising McCain in debates. He understands that, should McCain stumble early, there's a hidden trough of additional votes likely waiting for him. If Romney should collapse early, his supporters will likely scatter their votes. As will Fred Thompson's, though much of his electorate will probably search for the most conservative candidate still standing. That isn't Giuliani, though it could be Newt Gingrich, should he decide to enter late in the race. On the Democratic side, the impact of a candidate's early collapse is less clear. Leftist supporters of Obama would likely defect to Edwards, but much of his support from the black community could shift to Clinton. If Edwards were to stumble early, the guess here is that many of his supporters might seek out Obama, since these are voters who had already decided to resist the overwhelming pull of front-runner Clinton. What's clear from all of this, then, is that the polls -- especially in early state contests -- don't tell us that much. Independents and second choicers won't choose in which party they'll vote, much less whom they'll support, until the final days before each primary. But when they do, early evidence indicates that Giuliani -- and perhaps Obama in New Hampshire, if he's run strongly in Iowa the previous week -- may have a surprise or two up their sleeves. SNIP: Next Tuesday is a high holy day in the calendar for Barack Obama supporters, who will mark the five-year anniversary of the moment their presidential candidate gave his first speech against the war in Iraq. No word yet on what it will say, but it's likely to allude to the 2002 speech in which Obama warned the war could lead to “a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences.” It will probably also be critical of Washington types who voted to authorize the war. Because of my four years experience in conducting political surveys and doing polling research for a firm in San Diego, California, I have become immune to the emotional roller coaster ride that many others experience during an election year. I know the polls you are looking at are , for the most part , pure bullshet designed to sway your opinion and not a reflection of reality. I can attempt to explain this till I am blue in the face, but the fact of the matter is, those of you who don't know anything about the way polls and surveys are conducted, are unlikely to accept what I am telling you and because of that, you are the reason Polling Firms are in business in the first place. Why? The only thing that makes a poll effective, is if people act on the results . It is because of this, I am not focused on the polling results, but rather , the voters. They are the target and right now, the target is Barack Obamas core base. The Hidden Vote.
If you dig into my profile and check out a post addressed to Obama and Edwards supporters entitled: "Shhh, Don't Let Mama See This", you will see that research has been conducted that confirms a large portion of the American electorate is not being polled at all. The research also shows that those who have cell phones or receive their phone service via cable/internet , are not on the list for polling. The same research concluded that the largest demographic effected are those under the age of 30 years old. Now, based on Barack Obamas supporters , this demographic of "Hidden Votes" is his core base. Perhaps some have heard of this before and are telling themselves , " Yeah. It's the Howard Dean excuse all over again and they didn't show up. LOL. " . I actually have some thoughts on that. 1. I Love Dean, but he's no Obama . Look at Deans number of donors and money raised and compare them to Obama. Also, Dean was the front runner. Obama is second to Hillary. So, if anyones the Dean, it's her and let's face it, it will take a little more than a scream to take this one down. We simply must out vote her "establishment" supporters. 2. Our campaign is more organized and our volunteers , trained. We are not sending a group of teens wearing crazy orange hats knocking on doors saying, "Vote For Obama . Whoo Hooo! . Okay, Have A Nice Day, Bye !". No, we are well trained and knowledgeable on the campaign and the issues. Again. I love Howard Dean and mean no disrespect. 3. Crowds. Dean did not bring in as large of or as constantly as, crowds like Barack Obama is. Even when he intentionally cut the events into smaller ones in Iowa so that he could be more intimate with the voters there, Obama still managed to attrack the largest of "small" groups.
The Obama campaign has the key elements to winning this election. We have the enthusiasm. I mean, let's face it, we're not being called "cult worshipers" for being passive and flip/floppy in our support like some others who have just now figured their guy really is not going to win. We have the organization. Camp Obama has done an excellent job of educating voters and the campaign has opened offices everywhere. The College Democrats are literally registering people to vote and educating the young folks in Iowa on what it means to caucus. It's time Iowa learns that the Caucuses are not a Country Club for the Elderly or some Political Bingo Night , but that all who wish to participate , may do so. This is where Obamas Training Camp and canvassers come into play. They will know how to talk to the other Caucus goers. As for the Primaries, Obamas hidden voters just need to show up. We have the numbers. There's evidence all around. You can see Obama has the numbers when he visits a city and twently thousand come out to see him. You can see it on-line where everyone is allowed to participate and not just those of 50 who voted in 2004 like the pollsters demand. You notice that Barack Obama beats everyone online after a Democratic Debate, but Hillary always seems to come out the winner when it's the pollsters talking to only 300 people. Think about it. Obama's campaign has the voters to beat Hillary. The challenge is to get these Hidden Voters to the polls. To make sure they are not discouraged by the bullshet they see in the national survey results. Those polls and the Medias spin on those polls are designed to sway public opinion. Hillary Clinton cannot win if Obama supporters simply show up. He has the largest donor base than all other candidates . He has the most money and the largest crowds. You all saw , the last event they were at. The Iowa Steak Fry. Barack Obama had over 25% of the entire crowd of 12,000 and those were just the ones wearing the t-shirts. So, while Hillary, who maxed out her smaller donors lists, relishes in her high poll numbers, the Obama Campaign will continue to rev up his base because he has the voters to beat Hillary. They are just not reflected in the polls. So, when you see my posts about crowds and numbers of donors and money raised and all the lovely goodness of Barack Obama , and photos galore, you will understand that I am simply keeping the grass watered. My posts are really for Obama Supporters. My focus is really on them. If folks have questions along the way or posts things that interfere with my keeping the base fed, I will respond to that. But the majority of my posts target Obamas "Hidden Vote." Snips:
Blaming a vacationing donor base during the summer months of July and August, and suggesting previous donors have "maxed out" their contributions to the New York senator in the first two fundraising quarters, the Clinton campaign predicted Obama's campaign will beat them by over $10 million. "They have an advantage," the Clinton aide told ABC News about Obama's campaign. "For us, the summer is slow, because we've maxed out far more of our donors than they have." Obama has also managed to get more people to donate smaller amounts to his campaign -- allowing him to go back to those supporters again and again for more money. "He has demonstrated a capacity to raise money from donors who aren't traditional Democratic party donors. That is extraordinary," said Anita Dunn, a Democratic pollster. "He appeals to younger voters who are much more confortable giving money online." CP/ DNC PB BLOG Snip: by Students for Barack Obama Blog Mon Sep 24, 2007 at 11:29:59 AM PDT A look at what Students for Barack Obama has been doing... In the news this week....
Democrat presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama criticized the FCC for its pro-corporate position of “consolidation over diversity” and called for a tightening of government regulation of broadcasters. “I believe the FCC media-ownership rules remain necessary and are critical to the public interest,” Obama said in a statement released to news organizations. “We should be doing more to encourage diversity in ownership in broadcast media, promote the development of new media outlets and the expression of diverse viewpoints.” Obama called for “greater clarity” of broadcasters’ public-interest obligations. The Illinois senator said he supported new rules “promoting greater coverage of local issues and greater responsiveness of broadcasters to the communities they operate in.” He also urged greater FCC scrutiny of broadcast station license renewals and more public input into the process. HBCUs Figure in Obama's Campaign Strategy
 Justin Moraczewski/the FamuanIn April, the FAMU Marching 100 introduced Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., at a rally in Tampa, Fla. The Democratic presidential candidate said of the Marching 100, "It is good when young people are doing positive things."Singled out in Vibe magazine, dropped in some of hip-hop's hottest songs of the summer from the likes of Talib Kweli to Common, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination are focusing strongly on the student population, including those at historically black colleges and universities. Obama is to be the keynote speaker for Howard University 140th opening convocation on Sept. 28. In April, the Marching 100 at Florida A&M University introduced Obama at a rally in Tampa, Fla. He was at Hampton University in June, and a year ago addressed graduates of Xavier University in New Orleans. And like all the Democratic candidates, he participated in debates at South Carolina State University in April and at Howard University in June. In an Associated Press article, Vibe editor-in-chief Danyel Smith explained that Vibe put Obama on its cover "because for the first time since VIBE was launched in 1993, a political figure has burst on the scene and fired up young people in a major way. Because regardless of who wins the election, the Senator will have inspired many new voters to the polls. Because Obama is frank, brilliant, vibrant, and not cynical — all things that make him a perfect VIBE cover." Candice Tolliver, senior communications adviser for African American press, said, "Senator Obama and the Obama campaign have done several events to show our dedication to historically black colleges and universities and other historically black institutions of learning." In addition to his college appearances, Tolliver noted that in August, Obama spoke at an education roundtable in Dillon, S.C., at the J.V. Martin Middle School to address the disparities among public schools. Dillon was featured in a documentary, "Corridor of Shame: The Neglect of South Carolina's Rural Schools." Obama has also supported legislation to better finance and support HBCUs. In May, Obama joined with Rep. Danny K. Davis, D-Ill., to introduce the Senate version of the Predominantly Black Institutions Act, which would provide $15 million in annual funding for such schools. It establishes a program for approximately 75 urban and rural colleges and technical programs that serve a large number of African American students — many who are the first in their families to attend college. "The campaign is actively seeking students to help win in the early primary states like Iowa and South Carolina," Tolliver said. In South Carolina, the Obama campaign hired a youth vote coordinator, Elizabeth Wilkins, whose main focus is to mobilize students statewide. She helped coordinate a step show and voter registration drive.  Barack Obama has "fired up young people in a major way," Vibe editor-in-chief Danyel Smith said."The campaign's dedication to engaging historically black institutions isn't limited to the early states but also reaches to all HBCUs in states that have primaries on Feb. 5," Super Tuesday, Tolliver said. These schools include Howard, Florida A&M, Clark Atlanta and Hampton universities, and Morehouse and Spelman colleges. "Our national campaign organizers went to Georgia to instruct Camp Obama training seminars in schools like Morris Brown and invited students from all other HBCUs," Tolliver said. He said Students for Barack Obama, Generation Obama, Camp Obama, My.BarackObama.com, and other initiatives bring in tens of thousands of young people across the country as activists. Almost 20 historically black institutions have "Students for Barack Obama" chapters. Overall, there are nearly 500 such chapters across the country. Students for Barack Obama is the official student wing of the campaign. It is a national movement of students at every school level, particularly college. It was founded by students. Official chapters are on such campuses as Prairie View A & M University in Texas, Spelman in Atlanta, Hampton in Virginia and Benedict College in South Carolina. Charli Cooksey, a political science major from St. Louis, is the official campus coordinator for Prairie View A&M. "Our purpose it to get 20 percent of the student body registered to vote and pledge to vote for Barack Obama," she said. "We plan to do this through forums, social events, and educating people on why they should vote for Obama." Cooksey attended a Camp Obama in St. Louis, where volunteers learned how to explain Obama's policies and other ways to recruit voters. "We are employing a grass roots effort where you actually interact with people and go door to door instead of tactics like big-time commercials," Cooksey said. Camp Obama, a nationwide training program for volunteers who are eager to plan an active role in Obama's presidential run, mirrors a boot camp where volunteers take a "crash course" in political activism. Before he formally announced for president, Obama was asked whether African American students should try to swing elections by orchestrating drives to register and vote in blocs where HBCUs are located, rather than in their home districts. "There's no doubt that young people have to vote as just a starting point for involvement," Obama said. "That's absolutely critical. And I think that to the extent that you are active in the community where you're going to school, the idea of mobilizing voters around local politics is a terrific idea. "I'd just be happy if young people voted anywhere they are. Unfortunately, young people tend to vote at much lower rates than older folks do. So, I think it's great to take the next step and try to be strategic about where to vote, but the first step is just making sure you're voting, period." by Christi Parsons Sen. Barack Obama had harsh words for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today, but the Illinois Democrat didn't backtrack from his commitment to meet personally with the leaders of such hostile nations if he is in the White House. In a written statement he sent to a rally outside the United Nations this afternoon, Obama condemned Iran's "sponsorship of terrorism" in the Middle East and its pursuit of nuclear weapons "in defiance of the international community." "The terrible atrocities of the Holocaust are historical facts, and their denial is offensive and outrageous," Obama's written remarks say. "We know that the most powerful way to confront the statements of President Ahmadinejad is to shine the light of truth on his hateful lies . . . Let President Ahmadinejad learn, here in America, that we are united in rejecting Iran's support for terrorism, its pursuit of nuclear weapons, and his comments which offend Israel, Jews, and all people of goodwill." Obama set off a controversy during a Democratic presidential debate a few weeks back, when he criticized the Bush administration for what he said was a lack of diplomacy with hostile nations. He suggested that he would be willing to meet personally with their leaders. In the same debate, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) said it was "irresponsible" to make such a commitment in advance and without preconditions, and the two presidential candidates have traded exchanges on the topic off and on since. On Monday, Obama reiterated his call for "direct diplomacy," adding that it should be backed by economic divestment and other, unspecified means of "real pressure." "It's time to do more than condemn Iran's actions," Obama said in his remarks. "It's time for our own actions to apply real pressure on Iran. We will never waver in the face of President Ahmadinejad's rhetoric. We should never worry that his message will defeat ours. We must unite to make it clear that the future does not belong to hate, it belongs to hope." Content on blogs in My.BarackObama represents the opinions of community members and in no way should be interpreted as endorsed or approved by the campaign.
|
Posts