As we approach the big Convention in Denver, I find myself, for the very first time, actually coming to terms with the fact that Senator Obama may, indeed, lose this election. I find that I am actually getting sick to my stomach with the idea that Barack may have "blown it". Just can't believe that he allowed himself to be drawn into that fiasco of a "debate" with John McCain hosted by Rick Warren. That has really gotten me wondering just what he will do when he and McCain actually do meet for their three debates that are scheduled.
I do question whether Barack can go toe to toe with McCain. While it is OK with me that he takes forever to explain himself, because I like the way he examines an issue, it is obvious that the method used by McCain is what appeals to the average voter. The drop in the polls tells us that.
I am puzzled by the drop in the polls, and hope that the Convention will bring about a turn-around. Although, the thing that I am placing my hope on now is the VP choice. I have come to the conclusion that the only choice left to give Barack's campaign a lift is Joe Biden. As much as I hate to admit it, Barack NEEDS Joe Biden. I truly never wanted it to come to that. While I have favored Biden, I never really thought he would become so important. But now I do!!!!
I have always thought that Barack Obama had what it took without that much help from anyone else. I suppose he did appear to be a sort of Superman in my eyes. Well, it's time to come back to earth and accept the fact that HELP is needed. Obama just simply has underperformed and we need to really push, but he needs to help himself as well, and get a running mate who can fill in where he is lacking. I think Joe Biden can do that.
I wouldn't mind if I had to eat my words. I would love it if I was totally wrong. We'll see....
Joanne/Go Barack Go/Obama in the Heart
I watched Meet The Press this morning and, WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. I know that Tim will be missed and cannot be replaced, but certainly there is someone who could do better. I never realized, until now, what it means to be truly objective and fair. Those two statements, "objective and fair", describe the way Tim operated as the Moderator of Meet The Press, but have gotten lost with Tom Brokaw as the Moderator.
Certainly Chris Matthews, Chucky T. or Keith O. (all of MSNBC) would have been a better choice. This is my second time watching the show without Tim, and am awfully afraid it may be my last. I almost changed channels the second time Tom interrupted John Kerry (especially after he let Joe Leiberman go on and on and on and on....) Perhaps Tom should join the crowd at Fox News.
I would suggest Andrea Mitchel to be Moderator, but don't think she is strong enough. But anybody would be better than Tom Brokaw...........
Please check the Link below to get insight on John McCain's true record regarding his support for the Military.
Joanne/Go Barck Go/Obama in the Heart
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/07/things-that-make-you-go-hmmmmm.
Guess what? I have had another "change of heart". Just can't believe how easily I can be persuaded to another viewpoint when confronted with some "common sense" talk. Thank you. It just goes to show that I do not feel strongly about the Vice President position. I am only interested in getting the person who will do the most good for Barack.
Also, I truly had forgotten just how negative Hillary had been when comparing Barack to McCain. (just watched some YouTube videos and was reminded) I'm sure that she didn't mean all that she said, but the problem is, because of those statements, there are voters out there who will have a hard time believing tht she NOW thinks Barack is a qualified candidate. That is what happens when a candidate attacks another candidate at the personal level. There was far too much of that during the Primary.
Consider the personal attacks McCain is leveling at Obama. They are nasty and untrue and create hard feelings that will be hard to discard when this is all over. Shame on McCain.
So, I'm back with my original pick, Joe Biden.
Hi Everyone,
Well, we've come a long way, but there is still a way to go. As I look back and "review" all of the ups and downs over the last year, I can't help but laugh at some of my opinions at various times. Just can't believe how strongly I felt about certain things. One of the issues that caused me to lose sleep was my attitude about Hillary Clinton. I think her absence has allowed me to mellow and look at things a little more objectively. I like to think that anyhow. I will admit one thing though. She was right about the Republican's attack machine. They are getting quite nasty. More so than Hillary.
Now, as we approach the time when Barack will be choosing his VP, I am wondering just who would be the most help to him. The last time I gave it that much thought, Joe Biden was top on my list. But, now, since Barack has demonstrated just how capable he is in dealing with leaders of other countries, I don't believe he is in need of anyone to help him look "strong or more capable" in that area. I do believe he can handle Foreign Affairs discussions with other leaders quite well on his own. So, should he not choose Joe Biden as his VP, he still would make a great Sec. Of State. So, he (Joe) would still be a player in Barack's administration and be there for counsel, etc.
To cut to the chase, I have now concluded I could live with a Hillary Clinton on the ticket. In fact, I'm not too sure but what it would be a good thing. She is a fighter, and frankly, as an "attack dog" for Obama, she would definitely fill the bill. Don't know under what conditions Obama and/or Hillary could work together, but I do believe they would be an unbeatable ticket........
Please know that all of you who have been actively supporting Senator Clinton are welcome to join with us in making sure we have a Democratic President. There is definitely "room for you" at our table. I do believe that you will find we have more in common than we have differences.
We had our Platform Meeting Sunday and it was a rousing success. The very issues that you have been concerned about were discussed and it was apparent that had you been there you would have "fit right in" and been right at home.
I certainly can respect Senator Clinton for her dedication and hard work during the Primary, and now I believe she sincerely wishes to finish her job by seeing a Democratic President in the White House. You will fulfil her wishes and complete her job by honoring her wishes to support Senator Barack Obama.
Please join us! We welcome you.
Well, it happened again! Where do I begin? I watched the whole hour of Meet The Press and probably cried for one half hour of it, especially the last fifteen minutes.
That song by Israel is implanted in my brain with Tim Russert's face and the background of a double rainbow. I will never be able to separate the three whenever I hear "Over The Rainbow". It will be a constant reminder that there are "good, kind, intelligent, caring, and loving individuals out there that God has made, and it is up to us to seek them out and appreciate them for who they are. For if we don't, then we may have missed a wonderful opportunity to know the joy and feel the presence of what scriptures speak of when they say,"By their fruits you will know them". Tim Russert was such a person.
That said, I must move on and comment on the show as a whole. If not, I'll just blubber on and not accomplish a thing today. As for the show, I thought Brian Williams did an admirable job...I give him a high mark. I know it was tough for him, but he is a professional.
As for the "discussion" between Joe Biden and "the other guy", I give Joe a big fat A+. In fact I have now changed my mind, again, and think Joe Biden would be a great VP. I started out with Bill Richardson, then switched to Nuhn, now I'm with Biden. One thing I am sure of, picking a Vice President is a tricky thing to do. It's probably a good thing it's not my job. But, I have liked Joe Biden all along, mainly because he is so outspoken and he is smart as well.
I did learn something new today. All the time that Barack was taken to task for not "chairing" the meetings regarding Nato and Foreign Affairs (I guess that is the title), Joe Biden was doing it. I'm sure that Joe and Barack made that agreement in order for Barack to concentrate on the campaign. And I'm sure Biden kept Obama informed. So what's the big deal????
Anyhow, I just felt compelled to comment on this morning's show and what I thought of Biden's performance, as well as to, once again, call attention to the passing of such a good man.
Remember, we need to keep supporting Barack through our contributions. We don't want another slow month like we had in May.....DONATE.
Good Morning,
I was disapointed to read that the fundraising total for the month of May was only $22 million. I surely do hope that is not a trend as we approach the upcoming General Election.
I know I feel bad because I cut back, largely because of the talk that some of our donations were going to be used to pay off Hillary's debts. I suppose I resented that idea because of the fact that she stayed in the race longer than was called for, and ran up her tab unnecesarily. Not to mention the constant negatives she sent Barack's way.
But, since she has agreed to support Barack, I feel a little more kindly, and now that it seems there will be separate fundraisers to help her, I have every intention to step up my donations.
That said, I would URGE EVERYONE TO STEP UP YOUR DONATIONS and get our campaign back on the right track so we can be assured that Barack will have the necessary money to win the General Election.
Barrack is doing all the right things...we couldn't ask for anything more....he needs our financial support....go get 'em...all fired up?....YES WE CAN!!!!!!!
My previous post was lacking, in that it didn't send a message of a higher thought or even one of encouragement. I would like to correct that.
When lending our thoughts to those things that can't be proven, or cause us to question what life is all about, etc., I simply must reflect on the passing of Tim Russert. For those of you who watched him on "Meet The Press", I'm sure you detected a little something special about the way he handled his job and the way he treated people. I, personally, looked forward to Sunday mornings because of Tim Russert.
When word was given that he had passed away due to a heart attack, I was devastated. For the next few days as I watched MSNBC and became immersed in the grief of those who knew him, I began to know him better. As I knew him better, I realized just what a good and kind man he was, how grounded he was in his Faith. I could go on and on but probably most of you have already seen and heard everything that I did. But there is one incident that happened that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
On the day of the funeral service, which was private, there was a public service which was televised and included several of his close friends who spoke, including his son Luke. The one theme which seemed to be emphasized throughout their speeches was just how much Tim enjoyed life and felt we should live each day to the fullest, as well as seek the joy life held. He was, indeed, a happy man and made others happy when he was around them.
At the end of the service, as people were leaving, a song started playing that I recognized right away. It was the recording of the Hawaiin singer, Israel, playing his Ukalele and singing, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". I surely felt a lump in my throat, but as the camera focused on the people going out the door, you could see a DOUBLE RAINBOW in the sky. Now, I'm a rather practical person, but my heart flipped and something inside me said that we had just received a message from Tim, telling us that all was well and to go forward with hope and joy.
So, I am trying to take his advice and would encourage everyone else to do the same. We have a Presidential Candidate who is capable of the same type of encouragement. How very fortunate we are.
I just read a Post on another person's web-site and didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Just can't believe the foolishness some people can come up with.
The article was about how there are those who are calling Barack Obama the "Anti Christ". It seems like every few years there is a "group" who like to think that the Anti Christ has made his appearance. I remember a time when the Russian leader (can't remember his name), who was rather balding, was accused of having the "Mark of the Beast" because he had a birthmark on his head that was quite noticable. I remember too that we had a popular political leader, Henry Kissenger, who was being accused of being the Anti Christ. They were able to determine that because of some mathematical procedure, which when used when counting the number of letters in his name, came up with the numbers 666. That idea was passed around for quite a while, and even discussed in several Bible studies.
I do believe we can find Demons wherever we choose, if that is where and what we want to do for a pass time. But, frankly, our time would be better spent concentrating on factual information and looking for the good in other people. We might even consider what "demons" are hiding deep within our own psyce waiting to be exposed. I sometimes scare myself when I lose my cool and am shocked at the outrageous thoughts I have and words I'm tempted to say.
Anyhow, those are my thought for today.
I am tru;y relieved Senator Obama is now our legitimate Democratic Nominee. We can finally heave a sigh of relief.
But, when I jokingly talked about the agony of defeat for Hillary, I didn't realize to what extent she would go in an effort to resist. I watched her when she gave her speech to the Jewish Committe and if ever there was a face covered with exhaustion and shock, it was hers. It seemed apparent that she was still struggling with the news that she had not received the nomination, instead it had gone to Barack. ( At least, in hindsight, it now appears that way.)
I do believe she is still struggling and will not give up the fight totally until after the Democratic Convention. Just can't help but feel a sense of pity for her. But, as I said before, and believe even more so now, to seek any position for the purpose of pride and power, rather than for the lofty goal of service, is asking for heartache if one loses. I have been taught lessons myself because I chose to forget that "Pride Goeth Before The Fall". Of course my goals weren't as lofty as the President of the United States. ha ha Still yet I wager most of us could say we've "Been there, done that".
So, the time has come, as Barack said, to prepare for the second race, to beat John McCain. I tend to think it will be a cakewalk after dealing with Senator Clinton. At least I hope so. This heart of mine isn't up to too much more excitement....ha ha
Just can't believe how easily I can be moved by what I perceive as another person's weakness. I have always been considered as one who readily supports the "underdog". Frankly, I would always disagree with that assessment, but now that I am getting older I have come to see that as a truth about myself. Realizing that as a weakness on my part, I said to myself, "Self, why are you suddenly beginning to feel sorry for Hillary Clinton? Is it because, all of the sudden she seems to have aged before your very eyes? Are you suddenly noticing the look of defeat in her expressions? Has her comments lately made her seem more humane, and therefore less vindictive? Is it because you know she has lost and is now the underdog for sure? Are you beginning to sense how much of a toll this race has taken on her physically and financially?"
I have to ask myself those questions while at the same time I am rejoycing that "our guy" is on the way to the White House singing Yes We Can all the way.......
I will indeed be comfortable thinking kind thoughts about those who are still trying to get over the shock of losing, or haven't yet given up. My only comment is, Thank God, we are on the winning side. Losing can be a hurtful thing, but it is much easier if those who win, do it graciously. And our candidate wants us to be gracious, I know.
This race should really be over. But, as times goes on, I am beginning to realize what, and why, it isn't. In case any of you have read Bill Schneider's comments this morning,( you may or may not agree with him) perhaps you will see what I am talking about.
At the beginning of this race, I felt that the motivating force behind Hillary was the need for Power. It is my view that ABNORMALLY ambitious people are always seeking do to better all the time. They seem to never be satisfied with their status quo. They will pursue an "illusive dream" their whole lifetime. But the problem is, they are never satisfied, and never truly happy unless they are seeking to do more, be more, and have more than their counter parts. Believe me, I know people like that. Sometimes you admire them, and sometimes you resent them, and sometimes you feel sorry for them. It's like a hungry lion that is never full. The more it is fed, the more it wants.
Everyone associated with Hillary in this campaign keeps saying that she needs to be allowed to end her race when she is ready, that she deserves the courtesy to stay in as long as whe wants. Well, that has a nice ring to it, and suggests a respectful and concilliatory attitude by those who surround her and compete against her. But, I fear that there is a "Woe is me" awaiting for everyone who takes this attitude.
Once one achieves that ultimate power of the Presidency of the United States, there is no where to go to top that. At least I can't think of where else you can go. So, what does this power hungry person do to satisfy their hunger? Frankly, I got a taste of a possiblity when she off handidly made the comment about Iran and how easily they could be "annihilated". Does the potential of taking over other countries seem tempting? Just how far would a person go to achieve that? I don't think such thoughts about Hillary are outside the realm of possibility.
Just look at how well Bush has been able to creat havoc and chaos, all in the name of "protecting" the United States. And I don't happen to believe that the current president is power happy. I just think he is not very smart and lets others do too much of his thinking for him.
That doesn't mean that I think she is planning to do anything harmful to this country. Far from it. I feel she truly believes that she, and only she, is able to decide what is best for America, and only she can make it happen. It's more a matter of a "Control" thing. All power hungry people have a BIG control problem. She has already said how she intends to stay in control of those around her once she is in the White House. In fact, she took Obama to task because he admitted that he liked to delegate responsibility. I recall distinctly when that came up in one of their debates. Frankly, that was a red light to me.
Anyhow, as far as I am concerned, it's time to call a halt to the doubts and negative suggestions generated by Hillary and her staff towards Barack. Can't understand why those in a position to do so just won't go ahead and pull the plug. Senator Obama will be able to bring others to his side when he is not being distracted by the Hillary crowd. Just give him a chance and quit letting FEAR of Hillary's influence be a deciding factor. She has had her day in the sun. It is time for her to say "night night" and give it a rest.
Joanne/Go Barack Go
Well, what do I say. I was taken in, and formed a solid opinion which I felt was accurate. My only consolation is I am not alone. But that is nothing to be proud of, I guess. I'm sure there are many out there who were taken in by the former pastor of Senator Obama's church.
I had intended to not mention Wright's name again, but I just can't let my last Post stand as my present opinion. So I need to clarify my position now. I can just imagine the depth and breadth of Barack's total disappointment and feeling of betrayal. My heart truly goes out to him and Michele!!!! Frankly, I'm not too sure Pastor Wright hasn't gone slightly off his rocker. The Press Club interview and performance was actually humerous at times, but at the same time quite pathetic. I've never seen anybody totally disentigrate right before my eyes, and not even recognize it at the time for what it was.
It really wasn't until Barack spoke that I truly realized the impact of Wright's attack. then I was furious, because it hit me that this was possibly going to be a fatal blow to the campaign. But we just can't let that happen. I gave another donation and am hoping everyone else does too.
Obama is going to be on Tim Russert's show, "Meet The Press" this Sunday. Am hoping some effective damage control can happen. I like Tim and I know he is a fair and just person. Obama needs our prayeers, but our prayers should move us to action. Let's go Obamanites!!!!
Right on "Willa from Obama". You called it. There is not much I can say to improve upon your Post. I watched Rev. Wright's speech and am totally impressed with the man. His credentials and background certainly warrant his taking steps to correct the image that was portrayed by the sound bites shown over and over on ALL of the TV channels. As far as I am concerned, the matter should be put to rest. Also, the introduction given him spoke VOLUMES of the man's character and educational credentials. (Eat your heart out Lou Dobbs, Shawn Hannity, Morning Joe, Fox News, etc. )
I can better understand why Senator Obama refused to "disown" the man. I hold Barack in even higher esteem because of the way he handled the whole thing. But, there is no doubt, they are two different type of personalities, cut from a different cloth. Perhaps Barack could use some of the good pastor's fiery dialogue and Pastor Wright could use some of Barack's laid back temperment. It matters not, really, they are who they are. Each are best suited for the professions they have chosen.
I do know one thing. I would consider it a privilege to be a member of a church that was Pastored by Rev. Wright. Certainly I would be able to leave the church on Sunday morning knowing I had been been in the presence of a messenger of God.
As far as I am concerned, anyone who chooses to speak ill of Rev Wright now, or puts Barack down because of his association with Rev. Wright is in the wrong corner, and up to no good.
I want to thank Ben for giving a blow by blow accounting of Obama's interview with Chris Wallace. That was very good. Had I known he was going to do that I would not have bothered watching although I am glad I watched too. I always enjoy watching and listening to Barack. I was all primed because I had just finished watching Howard Dean on Meet The Press. Sorry, but I did not do as good a job as Ben. I never documented anything, just relied on my memory, which is not very good!!! I am really mostly left with an impression of the overall discussion.
I hate to sound critical, but I can't help but feel that Howard Dean is a "Woos" (whatever that means). I've heard that term before and I think it means weak or timid or not much back bone. Anyhow, as far as I am concerned he comes across that way. What disturbs me the most about him is his attitude about the Super Delegates. According to him, it appears that they can, indeed, change the end game of the election if they decide that the person "most electible" is not the one with the most delegates or the highest number of votes. I find that appalling and will protest with much vigor should Barack be denied the nomination because of the "whim" of the Super Delegates. There is no way that should be allowed!!
