After months of specualtion, it is official: Joe Biden, Senator from Delaware Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and a member of the Judiciary Committee in the US Senate, will be Obama's running mate. This is an excellent choice. Even though I am not from Delaware, I have been a staunch supporter of Senator Biden. For over 30 years I have followed his fascinating career as a public servant. His voice has always been a voice of reason, common sense, and sound judgement. When he dropped out as a candidate for the Democratic Nominee for President, I had said privately that he would be a good choice for a Vice Presidential running mate. His experience and voice of reason are excellent qualities that he brings to this campaign and this ticket.
As we get ready for the start of the Democratic Convention in Denver, CO this week, the Obama-Biden team starts a new era of American politics. A kinder, simpler approach to public service. A team we can believe in and stand behind as we forge ahead and write a new and invigorating chapter of American history. Today I am proud to be an American. Today I am proud to a Democrat. Today I am proud to move forward to make the world a better place for all citizens of all countries.
There is a wave of change coming. It is on the horizon. It is gathering strength and it is a force to be reckoned with. It's coming fast and it's coming hard.
There is a chours of hope in the distance. It is on the horizon. It is adding new voices and it is writing it's own lyrics. It is coming on strong and the music is it's song.
The train is coming. Better get on board. It's slowing down to pick up people. It's slowing down but it won't be stopped. It is riding on tracks of change and it's fuel in the chorus of hope. Raise your voice and sing the song of change.
Today, Senator Barak Obama spoke before a crowd of 22,000 on the lawn in front of Old Main at Penn State. Yes, there was a rally in the valley of a different sort this day. The Centre Daily Times reports that it is the largest crowd at a political event at any time in the history of PSU. That is a awesome feat.
I can't wait til he gets to Erie...YES WE CAN Let's go change the world, one poliitical rally at a time.
Since Tuesday's primaries there is a lot of discussion focused on the "disenfranchised" voters of Michigan and Florida. If I recall correctly, it was made clear by the Democratic National Committee what the focus of the Democratic primaries were going to be in the 2008 election. All the states, including Michigan and Florida voted and agreed upon the rules and how they were going to govern the role each state's primary was going to play in the democratic nomination process. Historically, the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire Primary have always gone first, and that was what was agree upon again in 2008. Then, for whatever reason, states started to "position" themselves fr "front-runner" status or they wanted somehow to be the first state to influences all the rest. I guess none of these "anxious" states wanted to play the spoiler like Florida and Ohio did in the 2000 Presidential election. So, what happened? States started to leap-frog one another to be a front-runner. Soon, instead of the start of the primary season to be toward the end of January or the first part of February, primaries where being scheduled for the first part of January. This was unheard of, and unprecedented.
When the leap frog effect started to take hold, the DNC said quite clearly if any state scheduled their caucus or primary before Iowa or New Hampshire, their delegates would not count in the final tally of delegates at the DNC convention. In spite of this declaration by the DNC, Michigan and Florida moved their primaries ahead of Iowa and New Hampshire.
The way I see it: Florida and Michigan knew the rules. They voted for the rules. They moved their primaries ahead anyway. Each of the candidates who declared themselves in the running for the Democratic nomination for President agreed (before any popular vote was cast) upon the rules laid down by the DNC, and the delegates from Michigan and Florida would be null and void. Between Clinton and Obama, I don't think either of them actively campaigned in Florida. Clinton made appearances in Michigan.
When Clinton started to look like she was going to a major contender for delegates and began having mathimatical chances at securing the nomination, she started talking about wanting the "null and void" delegates to count in the final tally. Basically, she won the popular vote in both states, and if things were counted as they were, she would be get the majority of those delegates. However, those delegates aren't going to count. REMEMBER WHY?
Well, with the outcome of Tuesday's elections, one way for Clinton to continue to be a mathimatical contender for the nomination would be if those "null and void" delegates would be counted now, which would be in direct violation of the rules set down by the DNC. And, yesterday Howard Dean, the chairman of the DNC, clearly stated that the rules were not going to be changed. And Lou Dobbs of CNN ranted and raved to Wolf Blitzer how unfair Howard Dean was being to the voters of Michigan and Florida. Talk about trying to manipulate media influence. CNN is infamous for outrageous bias with their reporting.
So let's bring this back into focus. Barack Obama has played by the rules throughout this campaign. He has not complained or maneuvered for position or want to manipulate the outcome. HE PLAYED BY THE RULES OF THE GAME. To somehow change the rules now in midstream would certainly would not only be not fair, it would send the wrong message. If you are a person of moral integrity, you are an honest person, you play the game by the rules. If at the end of the day, you come up short and lose the game. You concede defeat and live to play another day. You do not complain that the game is not fair and whine that rules put you at a disadvantage. Come on. Let's grow up here.
THis campaign may come down to the wire with no decisive winner. Then, the purpose and the role of the convention comes into play. The differences are worked out until someone does come away a clear winner with the consensus of the delegates. This discussion is not over by any means, but let's put a perspective on it, and not allow manipulation and feeling "disenfranchised" change the rules of the game.
For several months I have heard Senator Hillary Clinton's question Senator Barack Obama's executive experience, stating the he has none, and who would you want answering the phone at 3 am to respond to an international crisis. Well, quite frankly, I would want someone who has sound judgment, someone who is not quick to be critical of others, and someone who has a sense of moral intergrity. I would want someone who has a sense of the world and a vision of the world to answer the phone in the advent of an international/crisis. The allusion that just because you haven't lived in the White House somehow makes you less qualified to be President somehow misses the whole point.
"Great men/women are not born great. They have greatness thrust upon them"--Theodore Roosevelt.
I would want a person that I trust to make the right decision when that time comes. I trust Barack Obama. I do not trust Hillary Clinton.
This is a question that I first thought I answered back in December 2007 when I first became involved with the Obama campaign. But, what I have come to realize is that my answer that I gave then was in global terms of what inspired me, and I remember liken it to the connections that I had felt early in my adulthood during the late 60's and early 70's. America was in the crux of such social and moral upheaval to say the least. It was in the aftermath when three significant American leaders, John F. Kennedy, his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr, were assassinated. THese tragedies of monumental proportions tore through the very fabric of American life, Further, it was also a time that the Vietnam Conflict, a very unpopular war, was at its ugliest. With these experiences, I found myself going through such gut wrenching and soul searching to find balance and meaning in my life. I was inspired by all three men and what they brought to the forfront of not only American political thought and philosophy, but to what it meant to be an American, what it meant to actually believe that all men are created equal, and living through a part of history that enphasized civil rights for all Americans, no matter what their skin color, religious beliefs, or policital afficliation. And, most importantly that your voice can be heard and your vote will make a difference. I felt proud to be an American with such moral integrity and unwavering devotion to serving all men, not just the priviiged few. But, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot in Memphis, TN, and three months later, almost to the day, Robert Kennedy was killed by a deranged individual just after he finished giving his victory speech after sweeping the California Democratic Primary on his way to securing the Democratic nomination for President in 1968, I was devastated. I lost my faith in what I thought America stood for. I became cynical and I no longer felt inspired. What I learned from this dark experience was don't open yourself to believing it can be different because in the end it is taken from you, and it will always be beyond your reach.
So, when this young man from the South Side of Chicago burst on the political scene in late summer 2004 talking about a united United States of America. I listened but I wasn't allowing myself to believe unconditionally that anything would change. Why should I think any different? For the past 40 years I lived with such disappointment and such loss of hope I wouldn't allow myself to believe like that again. It brought back too many painful memories.
What I have discovered is in the last three and half years is not only did I have to heal myself and get through the pain of past diappointments, I had to find the courage to believe in something again. What is remarkable to me is this transformation that I found myself going through. iT has changed my perspective on how I look at, as Barack so aptly phrased it, "the audacity of hope." I had found hope that it can be different, and change does matter, and all I needed to do was believe again in it's endless possibilities. My inspiration became my healing potion, and Barack Obama became my catalyst.
Time is a test of character. The questions asked, "Is this the right time?", or "When will I know if it is the right time?" This presidential campaign is all about the right time. It is the right time to change the political direction of this nation. It is the right time to have historical choices for the Democratic candidate for President. The time is right now.
For those who believe now is not the right time for these events to be occurring, the right time will never come. The candidates will never be the right choices. To these people I say, "The time has to be now because we can not afford to wait any longer." America needs change. America needs a new vision that sees well into the future. The time is now not to be conservative in our political views. Now is the time to be demanding change.
It is not just having a political philosophy. And, it is not just ascribing to one political prespective. It is having the courage to be the vehicle to make change occur. It is having the strength of character to say, "Yes change is possible and we need you on our journey to make change a reality."
"Are we going to move forward into the vast uncertainty of change, or are we going to wait and lose the right moment that time has given us?"
"We are the ones we are waiting for."
The political landscape is looking quite interesting today. It is down to a two person race on the Democratic side, and technically a four person race on the Republican side (McCain, Romney, Huckabee, and Paul), although one could argue that is probably is a two person race unless Huckabee shows an unusually strong presence in the majority of states primaries on Tuesday. Ron Paul by any means is a long shot.
Today, I know that there are current undertakings to encourage key Democrats, namely Bill Richardson and John Edwards, to endorse Senator Obama. These drives to get key people on board might be premature to expect immediate results. However, looking at the big picture as to how would an Obama administration look, there are several interesting scenarios that could have possiblity. Any one of these scenarios could have specific implications. For instance, there are several former candidates who have a wealth of political experience and influence, i.e. Senator Joe Biden, D- DE; Senator Chirs Dodd, D-CT; Governor Bill Richardson, D-NM; former Senator John Edwards, D-NC who represent a dynamic selection of core Democrats. Any one of whom could play a key role in an Obama administration. Furthermore, there are other Democrats who carry their own impressive influence and could an impact on how the Washington landscape would change. Claire McCaskill, D-MO; Governor Nancy Napolitano, D-AZ; Governor Patrick Deval, D-MA; Senator John Kerry, D-MA; Governor Tom Kaine, D-VA just to name a few. And, the list of endorsements seems to grow daily. I am anxious to follow any political developments as the unfold in the next few weeks and months.
Barack Obama spoke today at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. A pastor by the name of Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke there some 40 years ago. He preached of peace and non-violence and civil rights. He not only set examples by voicing new ideas and new ways of looking at the same old problems, he also led by deeds and action. And, by doing so he inspired a nation and changed history forever. He took his moment in time and made the most of it, and he gave it his ultimate sacrifice. If there is only one thing you do today, read Barack's words that he preached from that Atlanta church today. Words that echo a passion for change and unity. Words that echo a passion for tolerance and forgiveness. Words that surely if all who hear them would raise their voices as one the walls that divide us as a people and a nation would come tumbling down just like the walls of Jericho.
I believe unity is possible. I believe that what makes us different is what makes us strong. And, what makes us strong is the belief that America was a grand experiement that was started over 200 years ago on the premise that "All men are created equal" and we all look the same in the face of God, however you see God to be.
I want the United States of America to fulfill it's destiny that was layed out first with the Declaration of Independence and later with the words to the preamble of the Constitution of the United States. I want a leader who understands the true meaning of democracy and has the courage to stand up for what sees America to be, a nation of compassion, a nation of integrity, a nation of tolerance, a nation that understands that it's differences are it's strength.
If this doesn't describe Barack Obama, I don't know what does. He is the one and our job is to spread the word put his message of change and unity out there for all to hear. Let our actions be true agents of change.
There is a deep discontent in America today. There is a longing for a new direction. We have been immersed in a whirlpool of despair for the past 7 years, and the spiral continues in a negative direction. There is a lack of leadership. There is a lack of moral guidance. There is a sense of profound lost hope. And the news doesn't seem to get any better.
This is why it is so important to turn the tide and find a way to believe again. Believe in what this great nation can do instead of accepting what can't be done. We need a leader who will instill in us a new vision of hope and healing, with a new found sense of purpose and belonging, and a new commitment to change.
I believe the one candidate running for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, Barack Obama, is the one leader who can do what needs to be done, and do it in a way that unites us, not polarizes us. He can bring about change because he is committed to change. He doesn't just talk about it. He does it. The spirit of his campaign is so captivating that it excites people wherever he goes, whenerver he speaks, and whoever he engages. His candidacy unites people of all races, backgrounds, ideologies, and walks of life. His message is inspiring because it instills hope in the hearts of those who hear him.
That is why now more that ever we need to do whatever it is we can do to encourage others who may not feel the passion yet, who may not believe yet, who may remain skeptical to consider the message of hope and unity. We need to promote a YES WE CAN attitude. Let's GET FIRED UP AND READY TO GO!
The Obama campaign is continuing to pick up key endorsements, i.e. Senator John Kerry, D-MA; JGovernor anet Napolitano, D-AZ; Senator Bob Nelson, D-NEB, "a moderate"; Senator Claire McCaskill, D-MO; and Senator Ben Nelson, D-NEB. With these endorsements, I believe there is a very strong and clear message being sent: Barack Obama is the best Democratic candidate to win in the primaries and caucuses and the best candidate to go up against the Republican candidate (whoever that may be) in November. Further, the message is that Barack Obama is the best candidate to unify this nation, to bring people to the table, and to end the gridlock that exists in Washington.
Barack Obama identifies with people's hardships. He understands their day-to-day concerns. He understands the sacrifices that are made to keep food on the table and clothes on the children. His message is clear and it resonates through the daily fabric of American life. Aa he said today, "We're going to put money in the pockets of hardworking Americans who deserve it. That's what I am fighting for." "Change for me is not rhetoric. It's been the cause of my life."
"Si se puede...Yes we can! " "We are readu to start the next chapter in American history, starting with those three words: Si se puede."
In the past few days, as I ponder the events of Iowa and New Hampshire, I realize that the results of this election will make a very profound statement. We have the chance to elect the first African-American or the first woman to the office of the Presidency of the United States of America. That in itself is worth getting excited about. But, as I continue to ponder, this election is more that just that profound phenomenon. It's about getting people, the voters, engaged in the political process, some for the first time. There are more young people engaged in the voting process. There are more older people feeling rejuvenated and excited that their faith in the political system has been restored. There are comments that I have heard that say, "He reminds me of Bobby Kennedy" or "Because of Barack Obama, I have hope for the future", or "I am tired of hearing the same old rhetoric, making the same old excuses, and blaming everyone else for the problem. I like Barack Obama because he tells it to me straight. He shots from the hip. I like that."
The grassroots effort in Pennsylvania is starting to get off the ground. In Erie, we have another meeting this week to begin organizing to canvas our wards and precincts to obtain signatures to put Barack's name on the ballot for our April 22nd primary. We have a lot of work to do in the next four weeks. I'll keep you posted. michael
Why were the polls so far off? The numbers seemed to be correct for all the other candidates except for Clinton and Obama. Interesting phenomenon. My thinking is this: This primary received a lot of attention and prompted more voters to go to the polls. New Hampshire seems to pride itself on being very independent in its approach to its politics, and the national news analysis and pollsters could not capture this New Hampshire attitude. I suspect more young people voted and perhaps more seniors voted. The mild weather may have played a part in this outcome. The other aspect of this vote is, I believe, that many voters did not go into the polling booth with their minds made up on whom they were voting for. I also believe the "independent attitude" that permeates New Hampshire politics put the national news coverage and pundits on notice: "No one makes up our minds for us. We may be influenced but we won't be swayed by popular opinion."
Other thoughts: We, in northwestern Pennsylvania are beginning the development of and the continuation of the Obama grass roots effort. We had our second planning and organizing meeting tonight and we are generating local media coverage. We meet again next week to begin the daunting task of obtaining signatures to place Barack Obama's name on the ballot for the April 22nd primary. There are 180 delegates at stake here. Depending on what transpires on "Tsunami Tuesday" (as Tom Brokaw puts it) and assuming that there will not be any significant "blowouts", how Pennsylvania votes may loom large in the scheme of the political outcome of this nominating primary election.
More to follow as events unfold....Michael
There is new found enthusiasm in the hearts of the voters of New Hampshire. A number have expressed their sentiments and solidifying their support for Barack Obama in the past few days. The Obama bandwagon is building upon the historic win in Iowa and it seems to be gaining momentum.
The debates that aired last night had a different format from earlier debates. The format encouraged interaction between each of the candidates discussing their differences and similarities. Barack seemed to excel in this format. I think the negativity that Clinton promoted did her more harm than good. There is a "likability factor" that seemed very evident that Barack comes by this naturally and Hillary has to really work at it and she clearly is not comfortable in this light.
There continues to be similarities drawn between Barack Obama and Bobby Kennedy, and rightly so. Barack Obama speaks directly to the people and captures the essence of what is most important to them. Both Barack Obama and Bobby Kennedy personafy the common, everyday man/woman. There are qualities that define the man and, in my opinion, define this election. And the whole wide world is watching to see what is happening in this presidential election. Barack clearly stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Tuesday, January 8th, New Hampshire will be the next state that makes a statement that change is what the majority of democrats want and the direction that this nation needs to move towards.
The beginning of his historic run started in Iowa on January 3rd, 2008. Bringing in over 37% of the caucus vote, Barack Obama made a substantive statement: Change is what the American people want. "Thank you, Iowa. You have started the the engines on the train for change."
Thanks to the Obama staff and volunteers in all of Iowa, Obama has come home a winner!
As we approach a new year and we count down to tallying the first votes in this 2008 Presidential campaign, I am hopeful that Barack Obama will make a substantial impact on the national political stage. In the days leading up to the Iowa caucuses, I have listened/seen video and audio clips of Obama's speeches and interviews. I have read and participated in blogs and reader feedback sessions. I have seen endorsements of his fellow statesmen/womem and other high profile people continue to come in daily. I have written letters to the editor to newspapers in New Hampshire and South Carolina (I don't know if any were printed). I have been talking to friends and family about why I support Barack Obama and why he is the best choice of candidates for the Democratic candidate for President of the United States. Yet, inspite of all this, I still find myself feeling anxious and nervous..."Are we doing enough?" "What else haven't we prepared for?" "Do we have everything covered?"
Then, I take a deep breath and exhale..."Relax," I tell myself. "It will all come together and we will begin to see positive outcomes. The people of Iowa will speak, and they will show the rest of the states the way forward." I am proud that I am part of this campaign.
In Pennsylvania, the primary is April 22. In Erie we are beginning to put together teams of volunteers to begin the important work of canvassing neighborhoods to obtain the necessary signatures to get Barack Obama's name on the ballot. For anyone interested in joining us, our next planning meeting is Wednesday, January 9th at 7pm at The Brewrie in Union Station on W. 14th St near Griswold Plaza. Come join us! Lend your support for the effort.
"The Fierce Urgency of Now." "Let's go change the world."---michael
Less than a week until the Iowa caucuses meet to give us some numbers to go with our unbridled enthusiasm. I am excited about the prospects that the future holds for Barack Obama's candidacy for President. He brings a vision that is fresh and crisp, and a sense of purpose that sets him apart from all the others. As he has said, "this is a defining moment in history." We are at a crossroads of unparalleled proportions. There are no limits or boundaries that can hold this wave of collective energy that will soom wash over the country. Go with the flow, and get onboard to ride the crest of that wave you see on the horizon.
Make a difference in what you do today. Talk to everyone you know about why Barack Obama is the right choice for this quest to "turn the page" and not look back.
