Karen S's Blog

WATCH: One Heartbeat Away

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:54:54 EDT

From: DemocracyArsenal.org

(Apologies for my inability to embed!)

Boston Globe's Foon Rhee Gives Unbalanced View of Obama's Readiness to Lead!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:32:44 EDT

Getting ahead of himself?Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor July 24, 2008 10:57 AM

In the latest snippet in the Barack Obama being too presumptuous narrative, Marc Ambinder is reporting on The Atlantic magazine's website that his aides are already starting to plan his transition to the White House -- three months before the November election and five months before the next president is inaugurated.

" 'Barack is well aware of the complexity and the organizational challenge involved in the transition process and he has tasked s small group to begin thinking through the process,' a senior campaign adviser said," Ambinder reports. 'Barack has made his expectations clear about what he wants from such a process, how he wants it to move forward, and the establishment and execution of his timeline is proceeding apace.' … A campaign spokesperson confirmed that transition planning had begun but would provide no further details. An adviser said that the campaign wants to keep the process as low profile as possible in order to minimize distractions."

That brought this response from McCain spokesman Brian Rogers: “Before they’ve even crossed the 50-yard line, the Obama campaign is already dancing in the end zone with a new White House transition team. The American people are more concerned with Barack Obama’s poor judgment and readiness to lead than his inaugural ball.”

----------------------

Author Foon Rhee failed to include the last part of O's campaign memo as Marc Ambinder reported:

“Given the myriad challenges that will face the next president, Barack would encourage Sen. McCain to begin to undertake a similar process,” the adviser said.

Read Marc Ambinder's full article.

"Honest belief" my a$$

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:19:13 EDT

Justice Advised CIA in '02 About Legal Waterboarding

"Lawyers for the Bush administration told the CIA in 2002 that its officers could legally use waterboarding and other harsh measures while interrogating al-Qaeda suspects, as long as they acted "in good faith" and did not deliberately seek to inflict severe pain, according to a Justice Department memo made public yesterday.

The memo, apparently intended to assuage CIA concerns that its officers could someday face torture charges, said interrogators needed only to possess an "honest belief" that their actions did not cause severe suffering. And the honest belief did not have to be based on reality.

--------------

Bush looked for ways to legalize criminal behavior, so this is not news. What would be news is if CIA agents actually came forward on their own whose stomachs turned when told to use waterboarding. You know, those who have good, decent values and could not suspend their "honest belief" that waterboarding anyone was not torture. I cannot believe that decent people would be able to commit such acts. Because of this I'm sure those decent people were TOLD to suspend "honest belief", and if they disobeyed they would face consequences for having a moral core.

But no one will come forward. Not one.

I wouldn't bet a nickel on it.

Veterans Respond to McCain's "Obama Wants to Lose" Remark

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:39:09 EDT

Veterans Respond to McCain's "Obama Wants to Lose" Remark by: Brandon FriedmanTue Jul 22, 2008 at 17:21:12 PM EDT
While Barack Obama spends the week in Afghanistan and Iraq, speaking to throngs of cheering troops and diplomats, John McCain is accusing the likely Democratic nominee of wanting to "lose" the war in Iraq. Here's what he said today:
MCCAIN: It seems to me that Senator Obama would rather lose a war in order to win a political campaign.

It looks to me like desperation brought on by Maliki's endorsement of Obama's plan is starting to settle in--especially considering that most Americans and very few Iraqis even look at Iraq in terms of winning and losing anymore.
But the question, then, becomes this: If McCain thinks Obama wants to lose in Iraq, and thousands of troops support Obama's policies, does this mean that McCain thinks those troops want to lose in Iraq?

Please Sign This Petition to Add Tim Russert to The Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:37:59 EDT

This is especially fitting for such an ardent Bills fan!

http://www.petitiononline.com/basenji/petition.html

Thank you, Tim. We all miss you. 'Meet the Press' may not be the same, but whoever takes up the torch will continue its greatness in your honor.

Love from Cleveland,

Karen S.

Today on "Meet the Press"

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:48:41 EDT

Tom Brokaw moderated a group of friends and colleagues to celebrate the life and work of Tim Russert. With tears streaming from my eyes, I realized where Tim would be. Sitting right beside his friend Tom he would be eagerly saying with his signature enthusiam, "What's next? C'mon, who is going to sit in that chair? Who will continue the tradition of 'Meet the Press'? Isn't this exciting? It doesn't get any better than this!"

Tim, Thank you for your exuberance, your enthusiam, your love of family and country.

NBC, Tim's waiting...so what's next?

125 constitutional lawyers and legal experts signed a "Habeas Lawyers for Obama" letter

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:14:30 EDT

From: Supreme Court Judges Obama Right on Constitution (The Nation.)

"During the Democratic presidential primary campaign, more than 125 constitutional lawyers and legal experts signed a "Habeas Lawyers for Obama" letter that read:

Dear Friends: We are at a critical point in the Presidential campaign, and as lawyers who have been deeply involved in the Guantanamo litigation to preserve the important right to habeas corpus, we are writing to urge you to support Senator Obama.
The Administration's Guantanamo policies have undercut our values at home and stained our reputation around the world. All of us are lawyers who have worked on the Guantanamo habeas corpus litigation for many years, some of us since early 2002, and we were all deeply involved in opposing the Administration's attempt to overturn the Supreme Court's Rasul decision by stripping the courts of jurisdiction to hear the Guantanamo cases. We have talked with Senator Obama about why the Guantanamo litigation is so significant, and we have worked closely with Senator Obama in the fight to preserve habeas corpus.
Some politicians are all talk and no action. But we know from first-hand experience that Senator Obama has demonstrated extraordinary leadership on this critical and controversial issue. When others stood back, Senator Obama helped lead the fight in the Senate against the Administration's efforts in the Fall of 2006 to strip the courts of jurisdiction, and when we were walking the halls of the Capitol trying to win over enough Senators to beat back the Administration's bill, Senator Obama made his key staffers and even his offices available to help us. Senator Obama worked with us to count the votes, and he personally lobbied colleagues who worried about the political ramifications of voting to preserve habeas corpus for the men held at Guantanamo. He has understood that our strength as a nation stems from our commitment to our core values, and that we are strong enough to protect both our security and those values. Senator Obama demonstrated real leadership then and since, continuing to raise Guantanamo and habeas corpus in his speeches and in the debates.
The writ of habeas corpus dates to the Magna Carta, and was enshrined by the Founders in our Constitution. The Administration's attack on habeas corpus rights is dangerous and wrong. America needs a President who will not triangulate this issue. We need a President who will restore the rule of law, demonstrate our commitment to human rights, and repair our reputation in the world community. Based on our work with him, we are convinced that Senator Obama can do this because he truly feels these issues "in his bones."
We urge you to support Senator Obama.

Among the signers of that January 28 letter were: Rear Admiral John Dudley Hutson, U.S. Navy (Ret.), the Judge Advocate General of the Navy from 1997 to 2000 who currently serves as dean and president of Franklin Pierce Law Center; Rear Admiral Donald J. Guter, U.S. Navy (Ret.), the Judge Advocate General of the Navy from 2000 to 2002 who currently serves as dean of Duquesne Law School; Michael Ratner, the president of the Center for Constitutional Rights; and Edwin Chemerinsky, the renowned constitutional law and federal civil procedure scholar and founding dean of the Donald Bren School of Law at the University of California, Irvine."

Supreme Court Judges Obama Right on Constitution

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:12:00 EDT

Supreme Court Judges Obama Right on Constitution

posted by John Nichols on 06/12/2008 @ 11:13am (The Nation)

When the U.S. Senate voted in September, 2007, on whether to restore habeas corpus protections for those detained by the United States, the senators who would emerge as the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees for president parted company.

Illinois Democrat Barack Obama embraced the basic Constitutional principle that individuals who are detained by the U.S. government have a right to challenge their detention -- no matter where they are held.

Arizona Republican John McCain rejected the wisdom of the founders of the American experiment and voted against restoring habeas corpus protections for foreign suspects held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and others who are detained by U.S. authorities.

Today, the Supreme Court said Obama was right and McCain was wrong.

Truly Amazing!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:40:53 EDT

I grinned from ear to ear throughout this entire article! It's truly amazing how Barack has given America back to us, even before he is POTUS!!!

Obama on the Nile

by Thomas Friedman, NY Times

Here's a blurb:

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Democrats’ nomination of Obama as their candidate for president has done more to improve America’s image abroad — an image dented by the Iraq war, President Bush’s invocation of a post-9/11 “crusade,” Abu Ghraib, Guantánamo Bay and the xenophobic opposition to Dubai Ports World managing U.S. harbors — than the entire Bush public diplomacy effort for seven years."

got golf?

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:33:46 EDT

McCain's Web Site: Golf Gear Forever!

By Eric Kleefeld - June 10, 2008, 3:02PM

John McCain is standing firm on his controversial platform -- of golf gear for all!

As you may have heard, the McCain camp was subjected to blogospheric ridicule last week over their Web site's tab layout, which for some strange reason included "Golf Gear" alongside headings like "Decision Center" and "Obama & Iraq."

The McCain camp has now revised their site. But did they get rid of the "Golf Gear"? Nope. In this case, it turned out "Obama & Iraq" was the dead wood:

Obama's Organizational Genius

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 07:39:58 EDT

Obama campaign aims to turn red states blue

SUCCESS IN PRIMARIES USED AS CORNERSTONEBy Adam Nagourney and Jeff Zeleny
New York TimesArticle Launched: 06/08/2008 01:33:12 AM PDT

WASHINGTON - Sen. Barack Obama's general election plan calls for broadening the electoral map by challenging Sen. John McCain in typically Republican states - from North Carolina to Missouri to Montana - as Obama seeks to take advantage of voter turnout operations built in nearly 50 states in the long Democratic nomination battle, aides said.

Monday, Obama, D-Ill., will travel to North Carolina - a state that has not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in 32 years - to start a two-week tour of speeches, town hall forums and other appearances intended to highlight differences with McCain, R-Ariz., on the economy. From there, Obama heads to Missouri, which last voted for a Democrat in 1996. His first campaign swing after securing the Democratic presidential nomination last week was to Virginia, which last voted Democratic in 1964.

Obama has moved in recent days to transform his primary organization into a general election machine, hiring staff members, sending organizers into important states and preparing a TV ad campaign to present his views and his biography to millions of Americans who followed the primaries from a distance.

In one telling example, he is moving to hire Aaron Pickrell, the chief political strategist of Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio - who helped steer Sen. Hillary Clinton to victory in that state's primary - to run his effort against McCain there.

Obama's aides said some states where they intend to campaign - such as Georgia, Missouri, Montana and North Carolina - might ultimately be too red to turn blue. But the result of making an effort there could force McCain to spend money or send him to campaign in what should be safe ground, rather than using those resources in states such as Ohio.

Obama's campaign manager, David Plouffe, said the primary contest had left the campaign with strong get-out-the-vote operations in Republican states that were small enough that better-than-usual turnout could make a difference in the general election. Among those he pointed to was Alaska, which last voted for a Democrat in 1964.

"Do we have to win any of those to get to 270?" Plouffe said, referring to the number of electoral votes needed to win the election. "No. Do we have reason to think we can be competitive there? Yes. Do we have organizations in those states to be competitive? Yes. This is where the primary was really helpful to us now."

Plouffe also pointed to Oregon and Washington, states that have traditionally been competitive and where Obama defeated Clinton, as places the campaign could have significant advantages.

McCain's advisers dismissed the Obama campaign claims as bluster. "We're confident about our ability to win those states," said Steve Schmidt, a senior adviser to McCain.

Kenyan group vows to defend Obama from smears

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:33:42 EDT

By Daniel Wallis

NAIROBI (Reuters) - A group of young Kenyans supporting Barack Obama launched what they called a worldwide campaign on Friday to defend the likely U.S. Democratic presidential nominee from smears by opponents.

Obama, whose late father was from Kenya, made history on Tuesday when he became the first African-American to win a U.S. major-party presidential nomination. The Illinois senator will face Republican John McCain at the general election in November.

Peter Mbae of Sen. Barack Obama Worldwide Supporters said the new network would organize online forums, public meetings and demonstrations to raise awareness of Obama's policies.

What John McCain Underestimates

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:32:59 EDT

This is so awesome. OBAMA ROCKS!!! To the GOP: expect a landslide win by OBAMA!!!

From Time.com's The Page by Mark Halperin

What John McCain Underestimates:

Getty

1. The astonishing enthusiasm that Obama inspires in his supporters — and how much it contrasts with the respect, but not passion, McCain enjoys from his own backers. (And the size of Obama’s crowds…)

2. The “Major League vs Little League” difference between Obama’s infrastructure and his own.

3. The inherent difficulty/sensitivity of running against two figures at once. McCain will have to 1) explicitly criticize a sitting Republican president before Republican audiences and 2) prevent the historic event of electing the nation’s first African-American president that many in the country (and the media) desire.

4. The ever-present danger on the trail that he might evoke Bob Dole with a Bob Dole-like misstep (fall off a stage, sound like a Washington fossil, seem angry and out of touch).

FL/MI: 50 /50 split is NOT the same as halving the delegations...

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:48:03 EDT

via MSNBC's First Read:

"a 50% cut and a halving of the delegates is not the same thing. For instance, if Florida delegates are seated in their entirety, but only have their vote counted as a .5, then Clinton will net approximately 19 delegates out of the state. But if the delegation is cut in half, that's done in every congressional district as well as statewide, then suddenly Clinton's advantage is only a net of six. That's right, the complicated nature of the DNC delegate selection process will be a good reminder to math majors everywhere that a 50% cut is not the same as a halving of an individual number. Go figure..."

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/05/29/1075327.aspx

Obama picks up 26 El Paso delegates!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 29 May 2008 08:56:25 EDT

WOW!!!

Could it be???? This is such GREAT TIMING!!!

AUSTIN -- El Paso supporters of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama won their fight Wednesday with El Paso County Democratic Party officials who support his rival presidential candidate, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

A credentials committee of the state party ruled in favor of Obama supporters, who said that El Paso officials did not award the candidate enough delegates from the county convention in March.

"We got what we asked for," said Don Williams, the El Paso Democrat and Obama supporter who challenged the delegate allocation. "We never should have been here in the first place."

At the state party convention, El Paso County will seat 131 delegates for Clinton and 44 delegates for Obama. That is 26 more delegates than initially had been allocated to Obama.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_9408903

Biden to Clinton: Embrace Obama on June 3

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:29:41 EDT

This bit of reporting went largely unnoticed (at least by me) so I thought I'd post it, even though it was written 7 days ago:

Biden to Clinton: Embrace Obama on June 3 Email Share

May 20, 2008 2:41 PM

ABC News' Teddy Davis and John Santucci Report: Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., will not be lining up behind Sen. Barack Obama when the Illinois Democrat becomes the pledged delegate majority winner later today nor does he plan to make an endorsement on June 3rd when the primary season draws to a close.

But in a Tuesday speech to the liberal Center for American Progress Action Fund on the "holes" in Sen. John McCain's foreign policy, Biden showed off why he might make a strong running mate for Obama, and he upped the pressure on Clinton to embrace the "probable" Democratic nominee two weeks from today.

"From my standpoint and my unsolicited prediction will be, come June 3rd, there will be a very hard accounting on the part of Hillary as to whether or not she stays and continues this fight or shortly thereafter whether or not she fully embraces Barack Obama," said Biden.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/05/biden-clinton-f.html

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:57:33 EDT

I am sick and tired of the Clinton camp trying to blame Obama for HER Bobby Kennedy remark. IT MAKES NO SENSE. It's long been a Rovian/Clintonian tactic to blame your opponent for something your own campaign said, but in this case it's absolutely preposterous.

"McAuliffe accused the Obama group of "inflaming" the issue by issuing that response..."

What the hell????

Was the O camp NOT SUPPOSED TO RESPOND??? HOW DUMB IS THAT??? And it was a truly unremarkable response by first referring to her gross comment as "unfortunate." THAT was an understatement.

That's a question I haven't heard asked or answered by the press to the Clinton camp:

"How should have they responded?"

For once it really was the press that made a big deal, and they should have. The press is (supposted to be) the voice of the public to hold national figures like Hillary accountable for their actions and words. Just like W. and his administration, they can't take criticism.

The kitchen's too hot. Time to get out, Hill.

TPM: Gaffe-termath

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:19:55 EDT

This is such a satisfying video showing how pathetic HRC's campaign has been in defending her assassination remark:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZgivW-HKyQ

I was really surprised at Chris Wallace's pointed questions to Terry McAuliffe. A MUST SEE!!!

Hillary's "apology"

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:55:22 EDT

She is sick. I am actually SHOCKED and yet I know I shouldn't be.

You can see the FULL TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO from the Argus' website:

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080523/UPDATES/80523037

You can also comment on their blog.

In her "apology" she went out of her way to apologize to the Kennedy family which she should. But as one commenter mentioned at the Argus,

"WHAT ABOUT THE OBAMA FAMILY????"

OBAMA FILLS IN FOR KENNEDY AT WESLEYAN

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:11:25 EDT

Posted: Thursday, May 22, 2008 3:47 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, Obama

From NBC's Mark Murray
Obama will fill in for Ted Kennedy in giving Sunday's commencement address at Wesleyan University, his campaign says.

“Ted and I talked about me filling in for him at Wesleyan University earlier this week," Obama said in a statement. "Considering what he's done for me and for our country, there's nothing I wouldn't do for him. So I'm looking forward to standing in his place on Sunday even though I know I won't be able to fill his shoes."

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/05/22/1053677.aspx#comments

What an honor! Let's continue to pray for the Lion of the Senate!

Paterson Sees 'Desperation' By Clinton, Disagrees On Florida And Michigan

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:56:50 EDT

Governor Paterson of NY, a HRC supporter, sees through her bullsh!t:

from: The Daily News

Gov. David Paterson, who is right now being interviewed by WAMC's Alan Chartock and taking calls from listeners on "Vox Pop," just disagreed sharply with his presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, on her last-ditch efforts to seat the Florida and Michigan delegations.

While he stressed that he continues to support Clinton and will do so until "she makes a different determination," Paterson, a superdelegate, said he doesn't believe the DNC should change the rules after the fact on Florida and Michigan and added that he's not buying her claims about leading the popular vote if the ballots cast in those states were counted.

"I would say at this point we're starting to see a little desperation on the part of the woman who I support and I'll support until whatever time she makes a different determination," Paterson said, adding: "I thought she was the best candidate and I thought she had the best chance of winning."

Paterson, who is a DNC committee member and was present at the meeting when a vote was taken to penalize Florida and Michigan for moving their respective primaries ahead of the traditional starting contests in New Hampshire and Iowa, said he thought that decision was "a little unfair" and he "didn't agree with it at the time."

But he also noted "nobody was screaming" after that decision was made, although some people were unhappy with it, adding:

"There was a process. I thought at the time everybody agreed to it. I didn't hear any objections from the candidates...So I would think the Democratic National Committee would leave it where it is."

On Clinton's claims regarding the popular vote and likening the fight to set the Florida and Michigan delegates to the civil rights movement, Paterson said:

"You have to rule out the undecideds in Michigan. You have to assume she won 100 percent to nothing in Michigan. I don't think anybody in their right mind would do that, nor would they see it as a civil rights issue."

Paterson's comments came in response to the first question posed to him by a caller named "Casey," who sounded like a supporter of Barack Obama. She asked Paterson whether he would switch his support to Obama since his Oregon win and, if not, if he would "defend" Clinton's argument on Florida and Michigan.

Must....not...rant....

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:59:13 EDT

Okay, I can't hold it in any longer.

Hillary needs to tone down the rhetoric about taking this FL/MI thing to the convention. It's making her look silly and making the party look silly. It's giving the GOP a potential talking point: "if Dems can't even run their own primaries..."

I am REALLY SICK of this bullsh!t. First of all, the supers need to step up today and begin endorsing Obama again. Six or seven would be nice. It would give a signal to HRC that her aggressive rhetoric will NOT be tolerated.

Secondly, for all the women on the comment boards and blogs who keep screaming "Sexism!" they need to re-evaluate what feminism really is. If Barack was in Hillary's position, he would have been forced out months ago. What HRC's supporters are deaf to is that it was Hillary's campaign that lost it for her. She didn't plan to contest caucus states and it's come back to bite her. That's NOT sexism and it's no one's fault except HILLARY's.

As for her women supporters who are claiming that ppl in the party are telling her to "shut up and sit down" well, no SH*T! It has NOTHING to do with her uterus. It's for the GOOD OF THE PARTY. If she was a male candidate, you better believe they'd tell him the same thing.

I am totally and utterly shocked that Hillary's supporters care more about being victims and touting HRC's victimhood than uniting the party to make sure a Democrat wins in the fall. Their short-sighted selfish desires for so-called "equality" serve only to hand McSame victory in November.

I want to make something ELSE clear: I'm a 37 yr old single mom who believes that feminism means EQUAL FOOTING, a LEVEL playing field. By HRC's desire to change the rules regarding MI/FL and claiming it's as vital to this nation as civil rights and sufferage, she insults those historical landmarks. Her own selfish desire for power is NOT equal to civil rights for all. It's insulting and disgusting.

Obama was VERY GENEROUS in Iowa when he said she was a role model for young girls.

Sorry for all the cussing, but I just had to get it out. I'm soooooooooooooooooooo tired of her!!!!

West Virginians drive Jon Stewart to drink!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:15:21 EDT

THIS IS HILLARIOUS!!!

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=168561&title=indecision-2008-west-virginia

BREAKING: Edwards to endorse Obama tonight!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:46:18 EDT

And with John Edwards comes 18 PLEDGED DELEGATES!!!!!

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/05/edwards_will_endorse_obama_tod.php

Handwriting of Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama may speak volumes

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:37:57 EDT

Really interesting!

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-handwriting13-2008may13,0,6895285.story

Maryland PLEDGED delegate switches to Obama!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:22:40 EDT

Pr. George's Executive Switches To Obama

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 13, 2008; Page B01

Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson, a Democratic convention delegate pledged to support Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, said yesterday that he thinks Sen. Barack Obama has "in a real sense" won the Democratic nomination and that he now plans to support Obama at the August convention.

Johnson, who endorsed Clinton nine days before Maryland's February primary, said he will urge Gov. Martin O'Malley and Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, who co-chair Clinton's Maryland campaign, to bring all of her delegates to Obama's camp for the sake of party unity.

...Several Maryland superdelegates have endorsed Obama in recent days, but Johnson is the first pledged delegate to switch sides.

Superdelegates put Obama within mathematical reach!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:29:22 EDT

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER – 1 hour ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama's wave of superdelegate endorsements puts him within reach of the Democratic presidential nomination by the end of the primary season on June 3 — even if he loses half of the remaining six contests.

The Illinois senator has picked up 26 superdelegates in the past week. At that pace, he will reach the number of delegates needed to clinch the nomination — 2,025 — in the next three weeks, when delegates from the remaining primaries are included.

Obama plans major address in Hawaii

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 11 May 2008 13:04:18 EDT

From the NYTimes via MSNBC:

"Preliminary plans include a stop in Hawaii, his birthplace, and a major address there at Punchbowl Cemetery, where his maternal grandfather, who fought in World War II, is buried."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24562497/

Lieberman urges Hillary to support McCain

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 11 May 2008 11:44:52 EDT

This furthers my theory that Hillary is indeed a Neocon, as is Lieberman. They both might be liberal on social issues, but when it comes to foreign policy, they're lunatics.

This is the excerpt from RealClearPolitics:

Penalize Lieberman
Even strong support from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid may not save the Homeland Security Committee chairmanship for Sen. Joseph Lieberman if he goes through with plans to address the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

Reid opposes trying to kick Lieberman out of the Senate Democratic caucus (which would cost him his chairmanship) because he has endorsed Republican John McCain for president. But other Democratic senators complain Lieberman would go a step too far if he addresses the Republican convention. Elected as an independent in 2006, Lieberman now designates himself an "Independent Democrat."

A footnote: Lieberman recently approached one prominent supporter of Hillary Clinton with a suggestion that she consider supporting McCain if Barack Obama is nominated.

165 and counting (and another Clinton defection!)

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:23:48 EDT

Obama picks up superdelegates in New Jersey, OregonWASHINGTON (AP) — The movement of Democratic superdelegates to presidential hopeful Barack Obama gained steam Friday, with endorsements expected from two more congressmen.

Obama spokesman Dan Pfeiffer said the Illinois senator plans to receive the endorsement of Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon an event Friday in his homestate. Oregon holds it's primary on May 20.

While polling in the Oregon has been sparse, Obama is believed to hold a significant advantage over New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. With DeFazio, he will have the endorsement of three of the state's four Democratic House members. Reps. Earl Blumenauer and David Wu earlier endorsed Obama, while Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Rep. Darlene Hooley have endorsed Clinton.

In New Jersey, Donald Payne — a black congressman who had been backing Clinton for the nomination — is switching his support to Obama, Pfeiffer confirmed.

"After careful consideration, I have reached the conclusion that Barack Obama can best bring about the change that our country so desperately wants and needs," Payne told The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J. It was "one of the most difficult decisions I have made," Payne said. "I've really been mulling it over for quite a while."

Obama's endorsements from superdelegates has picked sharply since Tuesday, when he soundly defeated Clinton in North Carolina's primary and held her to a narrow victory in Indiana.

AWESOME!! AWESOME!! AWESOME!!

President Obama ROCKS!!!

One-stop voting generates long lines

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:20:32 EDT

From staff reports, Raleigh News & Observer

The final day of one-stop voting before Tuesday’s primary has brought long lines to Wake County polling stations today.

“We’ve got lines everywhere,” said Cherie Poucher, director of the Wake County Board of Elections. “I think they’re wrapped around every building. And we’re processing them as quick as we can.”

Wake County has 9 one-stop polling places, all scheduled to close at 1 p.m. Poucher said anyone in line at 1 p.m. will be able to vote.

Chatham, Durham, Orange and Johnston counties also have one-stop polling places. One-stop voting allows people to register, update their voting address and vote in one place.

For information about one-stop voting requirements, go to: www.sboe.state.nc.us.

A record crowd snaked its way outside and around the Chavis Community Center today, most waiting in line for nearly one hour to cast ballots in the North Carolina primary. Today was the last day for early voting.

Here is a county-by-county list of one-stop sites and their hours in the Triangle.

Obama picks up 3 more Illinois superdelegates!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:54:29 EDT

by: Lynn Sweet

The scoop from Washington

Obama picks up 3 more Illinois superdelegates: Daley, Currie and Stroger.

WASHINGTON--When the Democratic Party of Illinois meet next week to finish filling out the delegate slate, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) will pick up three more superdelegates, according to Steve Brown, a spokesman for state party chair Michael Madigan, who is also the speaker of the Illinois House.

That's because the three appointments are all pledged to Obama: Mayor Daley --he shares strategist David Axelrod with Obama and brother Bill, the former Commerce Secetary is on the Obama team; Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago), a Hyde Parker who lives near the Obamas'; and Cook County Board President Todd Stroger.

Stop the Smears! DONATE to Down-ticket Dems Demonized for Supporting Obama!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:33:36 EDT

Please show support for red state down-ticket dems standing strong for Obama while being demonized by the GOP for supporting him! Help make a statement to the DNC, the superdelegates and the GOP smear campaign how ObamaNation stands up for its own!!!

Ben Chandler, KY-06 has bravely stood by Obama. Please donate HERE.

Read Daily Kos entry concerning Mr. Chandler HERE.

I donated $10. Every little bit helps!!!

GOBAMA! GONATION!

Super switches to Obama: "A Vote for Hillary is a vote for John McCain."

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 01 May 2008 05:43:23 EDT

AP NewsBreak: Former Democratic leader switches to Obama

WASHINGTON - A leader of the Democratic Party under Bill Clinton has switched his allegiance to Barack Obama and is encouraging fellow Democrats to "heal the rift in our party" and unite behind the Illinois senator.

Joe Andrew, who was Democratic National Committee chairman from 1999-2001, planned a news conference Thursday in his hometown of Indianapolis to urge other Hoosiers to support Obama in Tuesday's primary, perhaps the most important contest left in the White House race. He also has written a lengthy letter explaining his decision that he plans to send to other superdelegates.

"I am convinced that the primary process has devolved to the point that it's now bad for the Democratic Party," Andrew said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press...

Andrew said in his letter that he is switching his support because "a vote for Hillary Clinton is a vote to continue this process, and a vote to continue this process is a vote that assists (Republican) John McCain."

New Jersey voters switch from Clinton to Obama!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:51:12 EDT

« Obama's Name Now Toxic In Mississippi For One Democrat | Main | »

Obama's Name NOT Toxic In New Jersey

30 Apr 2008 02:54 pm

Monmouth College's new poll shows Obama beating McCain by 10 points more than Clinton's margin over McCain. See here:

"Obama has six days left..." Encouragement from across the pond

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:21:30 EDT

By Matt Frei
BBC News, Wahington

Dear Obama supporters - look on the bright side!

Gary Hart was sunk by Monkey Business.

Bill Clinton's candidacy was almost killed off by Gennifer Flowers and his presidency derailed by Monica Lewinsky.

Barack Obama's problem is not sexual infidelity, it is spiritual fidelity towards a nutty pastor - the Democratic Party has clearly evolved...

But then so has America.

Disastrous choice

In a country where the average citizen changes his or her religious denomination at least twice, your choice of pastor says perhaps even more about you than your choice of mistress.

And for an aspiring presidential candidate at a time when America is at war and when some people quibble about patriotic flag-pins, Obama seems to have chosen disastrously.

Watching Jeremiah Wright's cross between stand up comedy, loony lefty diatribe and hellfire sermon at the National Press Club in Washington DC had the same effect as witnessing one of those really embarrassing best man's speeches at a wedding.

It leaves the guests choking on their salmon, thinking: "... and this guy is your best friend?"

Morning Rant

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:47:24 EDT

I am just absolutely flabbergasted at how so many people (in the public eye) seem to truly hate Barack. First it was that woman, who I think was a Clinton plant, at the SF fundraiser who used her secret video to undermine Obama. She KNEW his words would be distorted and used against him. I thought to myself, wow, if Obama isn't POTUS and this country falls further into the crapper, this ONE WOMAN is to blame. How can she live with herself, I asked.

And now, for the Rev. Wright show! That arrogant, self-serving man has nearly single-handedly, and I believe consciously, betrayed Obama in a way that Obama refused to betray him. I read in an op-ed that Wright is jealous of Barack's rise and how his success doesn't include Wright's hateful worldview. Wright's day is done. He had his glory back when in order for civil rights to be realized, divisiveness was a necessary tool. Those days are over, and he doesn't like being eclipsed by a black man who is a uniter of ALL Americans.

Then there's Neocon Hillary who is even MORE self-serving, who doesn't give a damn about anything except power for herself who will sacrifice her own party to get it.

WHY DOES EVERYONE SEEM SO GIDDY ABOUT TEARING BARACK DOWN? WHY DO THEY ENJOY INDULGING IN HELPING TO DEFEAT HIM IN THE MOST VICIOUS WAYS POSSIBLE?

Neither Hillary nor Wright seem to care about anything except themselves and continuing with attitudes and beliefs that have divided this country. People like Wright and Hillary thrive on disunity and hatred.

I guess I answered my own question(s), but still....

Perspective from the Blogosphere

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:22:27 EDT

This is a really neat comment posted to a really neat article about Obama and Wright. You can read the article here, but it's this comment that I wanted to post because it was so interesting, personal and insightful. It's cut and pasted exactly as it was posted.

vivienne wrote:

Thank you for this article. It is probably the first one that I have read that lined up with my beliefs. Finally, someone touched on the fact that Barack is black and Barack is white. It is a gigantic reach to believe that Barack who was raised exclusively by white people, would grow up and be racist against himself. The fact is that most people do not even see Barack as an interracial man. You are correct in your article that Barack has pretty much accepted that he is black. Just black. I cannot imagine how it was for the young Barack. I haven't seen any evidence that his family had black friends that could have impacted or given Barack an idea of what the black experience would and could be.

Obama Divorces Wright

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:44:36 EDT

by Andrew Sullivan of The Atlantic.com

29 Apr 2008 02:25 pm

That was a very impressive, clear and constructive re-framing of the core message of his candidacy; and a moment given to him by Wright. No one will ever be able to say that Obama threw his father-figure and pastor under the bus. We all know that the reverse happened. We also know that this clear repudiation of Wright's toxic, indeed "ridiculous" views on AIDS, 9/11 and permanent immiseration of people of color could not have happened unless Wright had made it necessary. Skeptics may wonder whether Wright actually deliberately did Obama a favor. I doubt it. But a favor it unintentionally is.

Maybe God does bring good out of bad. Maybe these racial and cultural divides can help us understand how better to move beyond them. Cynics may scoff - and certainly will. They will parse every nuance and try to paint Obama as another cynical, positioning pol. I don't believe it. He has more sincerity and integrity than the vast majority of politicians, more honesty, and more resilience in a very tough spot.

And today, we found that he can fight back, and take a stand, without calculation and in what is clearly a great amount of personal difficulty and political pain. It's what anyone should want in a president. It makes me want to see him succeed more than ever. It's why this country needs to see him succeed more than ever.

The Untold Story of How the Canadian Government Sabotaged Barack Obama

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:44:09 EDT

REMEMBER: Clinton only won Ohio with her lie about Obama's position on NAFTA

The Untold Story of How the Canadian Government Sabotaged Barack Obama

So much for her "big state" theory.

Obama Endorsed by Kentucky Congressman

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:23:46 EDT

KY Congressman Chandler To Endorse Obama

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, who carries a famous Kentucky political name, will endorse Democrat Barack Obama on Tuesday, Obama's state campaign director said.

The endorsement would give Obama the support of Kentucky's two Democratic congressmen - who represent the state's most urban areas - leading into the state's May 20 primary.

Carolyn Tandy, Obama's campaign director in Kentucky, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Chandler will announce his support for Obama at a late-morning news conference in downtown Louisville.

"I think it's phenomenal; we are delighted," she said by phone. "He is going to definitely be important. We're happy to have him on the campaign trail working for us."

Chandler represents a central Kentucky district that includes Lexington. He entered Congress in early 2004 after winning a special election to fill the seat of Republican Ernie Fletcher, who defeated him in the state's 2003 gubernatorial election. Chandler is also a former attorney general and state auditor.

The Chandler name is one of the most famous in Kentucky politics. Ben Chandler's grandfather, A.B. "Happy" Chandler, was twice elected governor, served in the U.S. Senate and was commissioner of baseball.

A Chandler spokeswoman would not comment on the late-morning news conference.

Obama previously won the endorsement of first-term U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, who represents the Louisville area.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, Obama's rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, made a campaign swing through Kentucky last month with stops in Louisville and Madisonville. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and her daughter have also campaigned in Kentucky.

Obama: flag always in my heart

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:03:46 EDT

Posted April 28, 2008 4:18 PM

by Mike Dorning

WILMINGTON, N.C.--Barack Obama defended his commitment to patriotic ideals this afternoon, telling a town hall meeting in North Carolina that "I always have the flag in my heart."

...Obama offered an affirmation of his devotion to America in response to an audience member at a town hall meeting in Wilmington, N.C. She asked the Illinois senator what she should tell a family member concerned Obama's patriotism because the senator does not typically wear a flag pin on his lapel, as some politicians do, as well as fictitious reports on the Internet that he refuses to salute the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance.

"Sometimes I wear a flag pin, sometimes I don't," Obama responded. "But I always have the flag in my heart and in my head, when I am running for president and when I am not running for president."

Dem ticket: Obama/Weiss

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:55:14 EDT

This is such a great story! If someone comes across a video of this, please post! I'll be checking on YouTube.

Obama (Jokingly) Picks Running Mate

April 28, 2008 4:35 PM

ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: Senator Barack Obama has chosen his running mate if he wins the Democratic nomination. Well, not really.

But Jean Weiss, an 82-year-old woman from North Carolina, has gotten closer to joining an Obama ticket than anyone else to-date.

During a town hall in Wilmington, an exuberant Weiss stood up and received the biggest cheer in the room when she launched into a long speech about all the reasons she supports Obama.

"Don't hit on Hillary," Weiss advised, "Bring us all back. Let her do that stuff. Leave her alone, you don't need to do that. You are higher than that."

"Will you be my running mate?" Obama answered. "That's my running mate there, she's got me fired up!"

The Senator, and his potential Veep, hugged after Weiss stormed the stage and Obama stepped down to greet his biggest fan.

DELEGATE UPDATE: NM SEN BACKS OBAMA

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:24:26 EDT

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro

Obama just picked up the support of Sen. Jeff Bingaman (NM), the campaign announced. Bingaman chairs the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Obama leads among senators 15-12 among senators, not including those from Michigan and Florida. But factoring in even the support Clinton has from Sens. Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Bill Nelson (FL) -- Carl Levin (MI) is uncommitted -- Bingaman gave Obama the lead, 15-14. Obama has now picked up five superdelegates to Clinton's two since her nearly double-digit win in Pennsylvania.

SUPERDELEGATES: Clinton 264-242 (289 uncommitted)
PLEDGED: Obama 1,491-1,334

OVERALL: Obama 1,733-1,598

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/04/28/953185.aspx#comments

This contest is beginning to feel like a Browns game

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:55:00 EDT

As any Browns fan knows, and there are many around the country, we are die-hard loyal Browns lovers. Whether we're up or we're down, even when they make stupid plays (over and over) through all the years going back to Brian Sipe, Bernie Kosar and Mayor White who fought and won to keep the Browns from being stolen by Art Modell, we have cheered on and supported our Browns with blood, sweat and tears.

But the storied history of the Browns is one of heartbreak. During the worst years, some of which are in the very recent past, we'd turn on our TVs every Sunday, don our favorite Browns gear from dog masks to painted faces to just an orange and brown baseball cap, to cheer on a team who went on to lose week after gut-wrenching week. This is the feeling I'm getting from our beloved Barack, and our beloved campaign.

Yes, it feels like another loss is coming on.

We've cheered on our man, we've made the calls, spent weeks away from home in strange states to knock on doors and spread the word. We've inundated the press with outrage when Barack was treated unfairly and railed against "politics as usual" and silly season.

We have been inspired, our hearts filled with hope and cheeks stained with tears at the New American Resurgance so badly needed for us all, all over the world.

Yet still, the "bad guys" the toxic tactics of hate, division and ugly lies and smears of one of the most uplifting, intelligent men ever to grace American soil, steal victory. They steal it in any and every way throwing integrity, morality and ethics to the wind. And people eat it. They stand mesmerized and unified in the politics of personal destruction, as if all the jobs they've lost and health care they cannot afford is personally Barack Obama's fault and that only Hillary can save them.

It's the fourth quarter, and the Browns have fought a hard, tough game. They've even overcome their own turnovers to lead the opposition 14-7. With eleven minutes left, there's more than enough time for them to undo their advantage. Every Browns fan screaming at the TV or in the seats in below zero weather is holding his or her breath, because no matter how many points the Browns have led by they always seem to hand victory to the opposition.

It's been the yearly frustration of Browns fans everywhere that they cannot steal victory from the arms of defeat. If Barack cannot or will not douse the burning fires of Hillary "GOP" Clinton, if he cannot settle Wrightgate, she will certainly wrestle the football from his arms and go on to win the game. She's already got her hands on the ball, but it's still Barack's to lose.

GOBAMA, GO BROWNS!!!

Rachel Maddow explains how Clinton is aiding McCain

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:30:24 EDT

This is a MUST WATCH!!!

PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS & POST ON COMMENT BOARDS.

It's one of my goals today to shed light on Hillary's Republican tactics (since the MSM doesn't seem interested in revealing them OR reporting on this.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdYzGzvXO0U

The best McCain interview EVER!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:47:44 EDT

Oh, this interview is BEAUTIFUL!

Why McCain will lose BIG in the fall:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24307662#24307662

(segment from this morning's Today show)

10 reasons why Barack has already won

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:18:44 EDT

There are soooo many reasons why the supers will endorse Obama:

1. by all counts, Obama is winning: pledged d's, pop. vote, contests won.

2. he has a money-making juggarnaut in US that will continue to support him.

3. Once Obama has clinched the nomination, WE THE PEOPLE will flush the DNC and DNCC with cash so that down-ticket dems will be elected to Congress.

4. Obama has a 56% approval rating, even after Wright, bittergate, and the ABC "debate". His rating will be even higher once HRC's gone.

5. The superdelegates, by holding back their endorsements are spineless, but they're not dumb. They won't risk alienating passionate African-Americans, young people, and the independents and Republicans that Obama has brought into the fold.

6. Obama changes the electoral map. Polls done recently show that vs. McCain, Obama puts new states in play: North Carolina, Colorado, Nevada, many others.

7. Because Obama has brought in independents and Republicans, he has expanded the Democratic party. HRC serves only to motivate them to vote for McCain.

8. Obama has a conscience and a moral compass.

9. Obama has a foreign policy that makes sense and will re-establish America's standing in the world. Hillary "I'll obliterate Iran" Clinton will further the Neocon agenda.

10. Superdelegates, especially those in elected office, are tired of "owing" the Clintons. Once they endorse Obama, they'll be free from their political & financial blackmail.

For these 10 reasons, Barack IS the nominee. It just isn't official yet.

GOBAMA!!!

The media (re)embrace Hillary

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:43:44 EDT

There's an eye-opening article, "Media Jump Ship from Obama to Clinton" detailing how it's "pressing the message -- that Obama is a likely loser in the general election."

Once again the media proves its incompetence.

This is the comment I left:

The media is so dumb. What these editorialists / pundits / so-called analysts fail to include in their "Obama beating" is that he'll be up against McCAIN, not Clinton, in the general. Hillary is arguably Obama's biggest hurdle on his path to inauguration day. Why? Because the white working class blue-collar dems would have to REALLY DESPISE Obama to vote for another 4 years of outsourcing, unfair trade practices and a psycho foreign policy (oh, wait--Hillary has a psycho foreign policy, too...scratch that last one).

I'm also amazed that ANYONE can ignore Clinton's "fuzzy math" by exalting the false claim that working class blue-collar dems will only vote for Hillary. The media's arrogant assumption that "Hillary democrats" would vote against their own self-interest in favor of Bush #3 makes me mind-numbingly bitter.

You can read the article here.

The Democrats Have a Nominee

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:20:51 EDT

The Democrats Have a Nominee
By DANIEL HENNINGER, The Wall Street Journal

So what?

Other than ensuring the Greatest Show on Earth will continue, does it matter that Hillary Clinton defeated Barack Obama Tuesday in Pennsylvania by nine-plus points? Barack Obama is the nominee.

No matter how many kicks the rest of us find in such famously fun primary states as Indiana and South Dakota, it's going to be McCain versus Obama in 2008.

I believe the cement set around the Clinton coffin last Friday. The Obama campaign announced it had received the support of former Sens. Sam Nunn of Georgia and David Boren of Oklahoma.

On Obama's Electability

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:16:33 EDT

On Obama's Electability, Contra Judis

John Judis has a provocative web article about how the Pennsylvania primary exposed Barack Obama's potential weaknesses as a general election candidate. It's defnitely worth a read. However, I'd add a couple points to balance out the gloomy picture he paints. First, you can't automatically assume that any constituency that didn't support him in the primary also won't support him in the general election. John details how Obama's share of white upscale voters diminished, and he attributes this to the Wright controversy. Maybe, or maybe those voters -- especially the women -- just preferred Hillary Clinton, but would also prefer Obama over McCain. Sure, some of the Clinton voters will go for McCain in the fall, but you can't assume all (or even very many) of them will.

John's asumption that a candidate's primary base will be the same as his general election base strikes me as seriously flawed...

Chris Matthews: The Media Created "Delusion" That Hillary Can Win

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:17:37 EDT

Matthews is really spot on!

WATCH

GOOOBAMA!!!

29 N. Carolina legislators endorse Obama

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:19:33 EDT

By Barbare Barrett | McClatchy Newspapers

Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2008

RALEIGH, N.C. — U.S. Sen. Barack Obama won the endorsement of 29 North Carolina state legislators on Tuesday, a significant boost to his candidacy ahead of the state's May 6 primary.

Led by Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand and former Speaker of the House Dan Blue of Raleigh, the lawmakers repeated the same lines as others who have endorsed Obama — that the Illinois senator can bring people together and ignite change across the country.

Blue also challenged the Clinton campaign to remain positive in North Carolina, saying he had seen nothing but negativity so far in Pennsylvania.

"I hope this is not what we can should expect to come to North Carolina in the next two weeks," Blue said. "Tired old political tactics aren't going to bring about the kind of change we need."

Blue and Rand said their support comes in part because they think Obama will help Democrats win other offices in the state and because he has committed to win in North Carolina in November's general election.

Rand praised Obama for speaking directly. "He won't just tell everyone what they want to hear," Rand said. "He'll tell people what they need to hear."

He said the group will raise money and stump for Obama if they are asked. And he praised Obama's ability to raise millions of dollars in part on the strength of $100 donations.

"We're prepared to do whatever. I mean, I'll give him a hundred," Rand said.

url: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/34506.html

And the winner is...JOHN McCAIN!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:12:13 EDT

Gotta love the Huffington Post. When I saw the front page, I LAUGHED!!! How true it is!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Maureen Dowd to HRC: "Just GO!"

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:06:20 EDT

Maureen Dowd made me laugh this morning. Speaking the absolute truth with the help of Dr. Seuss:

“The time has come. The time has come. The time is now. Just go. ... I don’t care how. You can go by foot. You can go by cow. Hillary R. Clinton, will you please go now! You can go on skates. You can go on skis. ... You can go in an old blue shoe.

Just go, go, GO!”

Read her lovely op-ed HERE

Superior judgement

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:36:01 EDT

First of all, I'm really proud of how we did in PA last night. The commentators fail to point out that PA is one of those states that votes more on familiarity with a candidate, and for a newcomer like Barack to come out with only a ten point disadvantage is nothing short of amazing.

Secondly, Barack DID win--he forced HRC to spend money she didn't have. So Hillary rose $3 mil online last night. That doesn't even cover her debts.

Most important, however, isn't what happened last night because it really changes nothing. What should really make superdelegates take another look is Hillary's plan to "bomb bomb bomb Iran." I really don't understand how any true democrat could endorse someone looking forward to committing genocide.

Barack needs to really focus on the issues. Now that HRC's neocon soul is shining through Barack can point out that when it comes to foreign policy, there is very little difference between Hillary's positions and the judgement that took us into Iraq.

If Hilly thought bombing Iran would get her more votes in NC where so many military families have suffered through the loss of loved ones, she's very mistaken.

When Barack wins NC and IN, this is OVER.

GOBAMA!!!

WATCH MSNBC LIVE NOW

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:02:38 EDT

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22886841#22886841

Exit polls: New Dems break for Obama, late deciders for Clinton

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:58:27 EDT

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama scored big with new Democrats in Pennsylvania, early exit polls show.

Sen. Barack Obama talks to the owner of Pamela's P&G Diner in Pittsburgh Tuesday.

1 of 2 more photos »

One out of every seven Democratic party voters was not registered as a Democrat at the beginning of the year, and 60 percent of them cast their ballot for Obama, according to the exit polls.

Sen. Hillary Clinton fared better with voters who made up their mind in the last week, the exit polls showed.

Fifty-eight percent of those voters said they chose the New York senator. That includes voters who made up their mind in the aftermath of last week's heated Democratic debate.

African-American voters in Pennsylvania supported Obama by a substantial margin. According to exit polls, 92 percent cast their vote for the Illinois senator, compared to 8 percent for Clinton.

HUFFINGTON POST CAUGHT FRAUD STORY

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:24:34 EDT

I KNEW IT WOULD WORK!!!

THEY HAVE IT IN RED ON THEIR FRONT PAGE:

www.huffingtonpost.com/politics

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SENT THEM EMAILS!!!

PENNSYLVANIA VOTERS: KEEP SENDING YOUR VOTING EXPERIENCE STORIES TO HUFFPO!!

scoop@huffingtonpost.com

SEND FRAUD REPORTS TO HUFFPO

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:00:29 EDT

********URGENT**********

PLEASE SEND ALL REPORTS OF FRAUD TO:

scoop@ huffingtonpost.com

PA voters who have witnessed this, please write and tell them your experience! I'm in Ohio but am so disturbed by this and it needs to get to the media. The MSM DOES report news picked up by HuffPo and HuffPo will check this out!!!

This is the email I sent to them:

Time to Get Ready

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:40:12 EDT

Ok fellow supporters! Get ready for the hit job on Barack. And it's beginning in North Carolina. The same man who created the Willie Horton ad which effectively lost the election for Dukakis against GHW Bush in '88 has created this ugly doosy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cabl0KSFUqo

From Time Magazine:

"Starting Tuesday, a group of conservative activists led by Floyd Brown, author of the famous Willie Horton ad used so effectively against Michael Dukakis in 1988, will begin a campaign to tar Obama as weak on crime and terrorism, a strategy that aims to upend Obama's relatively strong reputation among Republican voters...

Brown says the initial effort, a 60-second spot called "Victims," will be aired later this month in North Carolina and e-mailed to between 3 and 7 million conservatives this week, with a plea for more funding to further spread the message. "All of the efforts I have ever done in my life have been significantly funded," Brown claimed, though he declined to describe the size of the purchase. "This is going to be the most Internet-intensive effort for an ad debut ever."

RAPID RESPONSE, GET READY!!!

WE CAN BEAT THE GOP MACHINE, BUT IT'S GONNA GET UGLY!

The GOP's plan is to rally primary voters to vote for Hillary or to get Obama supporters, particularly GOP defectors, to stay home instead of voting for Barack.

Hillary=NeoCon Armageddonist

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:27:39 EDT

It's really disturbing when a "democrat" promotes nuclear options. Hillary proves again that in the tradition of George W. Bush, she's an unapologetic, shameless Neocon. From her courting of the "vast right-wing conspiracy" mastermind Richard Mellon Scaife, to her bias for Fox News, Hillary tops off her hawkish credentials with her desire to bomb Iran. For anyone who thought Hillary's vote for the Kyl-Lieberman ammendment, essentially giving W. a rationale to wage war against Iran, was just political posturing, this may serve as startling wake-up call. Clintonista blindness to HRC's true vicious nature and complete disregard for human existence boggles the mind.

I'm really hoping the Philadelphia suburban new democrats come out in droves for Barack. If so, he can score an upset and literally save the world.

Here are some excerpts from Keith Olbermann's interview with HRC last night:

OLBERMANN: In [the last] debate you were asked about a hypothetical Iranian attack on Israel and your hypothetical response as commander in chief and you said, let me read the quote exactly, “I think that we should be looking to create an umbrella of deterrence that goes much further than Israel. Of course I would make it clear to the Iranians that an attack on Israel would include massive retaliation from the United States but I would do the same with other countries in the region.”

Can you clarify since there was no follow-up to that which hypothetical Middle East conflicts would incur massive retaliation by this country and what constitutes massive retaliation?

CLINTON: Well, what we were talking about was the potential for a nuclear attack by Iran. If Iran does achieve what appears to be its continuing goal of obtaining nuclear weapons — and I think deterrence has not been effectively used in recent times. We used it very well during the Cold War when we had a bipolar world — and what I think the president should do and what our policy should be is to make it very clear to the Iranians that they would be risking massive retaliation were they to launch a nuclear attack on Israel.

In addition, if Iran were to become a nuclear power it could set off an arms race that would be incredibly dangerous and destabilizing because the countries in the region are not going to want Iran to be the only nuclear power so I could imagine that they would be rushing to obtain nuclear weapons themselves.

In order to forestall that, creating some kind of a security agreement where we said, no, you do not need to acquire nuclear weapons if you were the subject of an unprovoked nuclear attack by Iran, the United States and hopefully our NATO allies would respond to that as well.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's the full transcript: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24247198/

Here's the video: Iran ‘risking massive retaliation’

Here's the danger of her "nuclear umbrella" as discussed by George E. Lowe, a speechwriter for Eisenhower and Reagan. He describes her policy as "insane!" He also links her ideas to Doug Coe, spiritual leader of The Fellowship who counsels only the rich and powerful on their "spiritual conflicts" with power itself. Hillary is part of his cabal, but I digress: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/4/20/102642/719/954/499420

For more info on "The Fellowship" a.k.a. "The Family" here's a couple of links: http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2007/09/hillarys-prayer.html

http://www.alternet.org/story/16167/

http://www.theocracywatch.org/secret_theocrats.html

Clinton News Network: The new Fox?

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:47:23 EDT

Former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow joins CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Former White House press secretary Tony Snow will join CNN as a conservative commentator beginning Monday.

CNN president Jon Klein announced that Snow, a long-time political observer with a longstanding news background, will contribute to CNN as the network continues to broadcast winning political coverage.

Snow most recently served as press secretary to President Bush. For 10 years, beginning in 1996, he appeared on Fox News Channel as the host of Fox News Sunday, Weekend Live with Tony Snow and other programs. Before joining Fox, Snow served as a substitute "From the Right" co-host for CNN's Crossfire.

Snow has also been a newspaper writer, radio host and columnist, and a speechwriter in the administration of the first President Bush.

Our thoughtful Barack!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:08:11 EDT

Barack talks with Pennsylvanians. I just love this man!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24243194#24243194

NC debate cancelled; cites concerns over party unity

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:28:42 EDT

And the fallout continues over ABC's "debate" from HuffPo:

"The North Carolina debate has been canceled, according the local Democratic party:

We regret to inform you that the proposed Democratic Presidential Debate scheduled for April 27 has been canceled due to time constraints and logistical issues associated with such a large, national event.

You have shown tremendous passion and interest in being a part of history as Democrats are poised this year to elect the first female or African-American President. However, there were also growing concerns about what another debate would do to party unity."

More guilt by association!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:52:25 EDT

Hillary, it's time to throw Rendell under your underfinanced bus:

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Praises Farrakhan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXum_-8I1TA

What happened on MSNBC today?

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:52:14 EDT

Could someone fill me in on what Joe did this morning? I don't have cable so I have to wait for it to be posted online.

Just curious as to what the uproar is about (besides the fact that Joe S. is a misogynistic nutcase).

Clinton Needs Record Margins, Turnout to Catch Obama

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:49:30 EDT

Hillary's hill just keeps getting steeper.

April 21 (Bloomberg) -- To overtake Barack Obama in the nationwide popular vote, Hillary Clinton needs a bigger win in tomorrow's Pennsylvania primary than she has had in any major contest so far. And that's just for starters.

After more than 40 Democratic primaries and caucuses, Obama, the Illinois senator, leads Clinton by more than 800,000 votes. Even if the New York senator wins by more than 20 percentage points tomorrow -- a landslide few experts expect -- she would still have a hard time catching him.

Clinton needs ``blowout numbers,'' says Peter Fenn, a Democratic consultant who isn't affiliated with either campaign. ``The wheels would have to come off the Obama bus, and the engine would have to blow.''

A popular-vote victory is vital to Clinton's chances because she is likely to end the primaries still trailing Obama, 46, in the race for delegates to the Democratic National Convention...

``I am a big believer that she needs either one, the popular or the delegate count,'' in order to make a case for why she should be the nominee, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, a Clinton backer, said in an interview.

``Popular vote matters,'' says Steve Grossman, a marketing executive and one of Clinton's top fundraisers. ``If there is an opportunity for her to pick up enough popular votes, that is a powerful calling card to the superdelegates to say the will of the people is a split decision.''

To earn that split decision, though, Clinton would need a 25-point victory in Pennsylvania, plus 20-point wins in later contests in West Virginia, Kentucky and Puerto Rico. Even that scenario assumes Clinton, 60, would break even in Indiana, North Carolina, South Dakota, Montana and Oregon -- a prospect that's not at all certain.

continue at: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aLDu9y9lW3EY&refer=politics

I might get blasted for this, but...

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:30:19 EDT

I really think it's a bad idea for Barack to get into the mud with Hillary. No one plays dirty better than HRC, so it's a losing battle for him going in. I understand the conundrum Barack faces--he cannot let her attacks go unanswered. But his rapid release team, in the past, has done a great job debunking her bullsh*t while remaining pretty much above the fray.

It's been a long campaign, and it's tiring for all of us. I can't begin to imagine what this has been like for Barack & his family. But his strength, and what makes him so refreshing is that he his led by his core values and inherent goodness. As soon as he indulges in tit-for-tat, his unity message becomes hypocrisy. Barack has an almost perfect brain trust when it comes to fighting off negative attacks. What Axelrod & Co. hasn't been able to figure out, however, is how to use POSITIVITY to effectively snuff out the politics of yesterday.

It's not as hard as they think. It's a jump, no doubt. But it's a message they MUST DISCOVER. It has a lot less to do with beating HRC or McCain, it has everything to do with the core integrity of his campaign and especially with transforming American politics for decades to come.

Read: "...Reaction is a Loser" after the jump.

Urban Perspectives: Why phenomenon Obama just might take Penna.

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:23:41 EDT

Michelle Norris on 'Meet the Press' this morning noted that NEWLY REGISTERED VOTERS AND THOSE WHO SWITCHED TO DEM FOR THE PRIMARY are NOT INCLUDED in polling. The registrations used for polling are from before this year.

By Acel Moore

Philadelphia Inquirer Columnist

(this is cut from the very last paragraphs of the article:)

...My friend predicted that Obama would take Philadelphia: "He is going to beat the [Democratic Party] machine. . . . He has so many volunteers, including my granddaughter, that he doesn't need any street money" - cash candidates sometimes distribute to pay those who get out the vote.

Greg Naylor, field operations director for U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, said that there was no doubt Obama would take Philadelphia - but that he also had the potential to win Pennsylvania. Naylor is basing his prediction on the increased registration for the Democratic Party. The party has registered more than 50,000 new voters for the primary in the city alone and more than 100,000 for the state. The Obama campaign is given credit for most of the new registrations, which include those who, as I did, switched from no affiliation to Democratic to vote for Obama.

There're also the demographics, which suggest that Obama does not need to take all or even most of the state's 67 counties, but rather must concentrate his winnings in but 14 of them. That's what Ed Rendell did to become governor.

Such demographics, and the upswing in new registrations, tell me Pennsy is less like Ohio than some pundits have asserted. And if Barack Obama wins Pennsylvania - or if it's close, in low single digits - it may be time to put to rest the old, cynical canard that Pennsylvania, between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, is just another Alabama.

This state is full of people - in Pittsburgh, in Philadelphia, in every town, city and village - who make up their own minds. They're there, and they're also "in the middle." It's a state full of Pennsylvanians. And we can surprise you.

http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/17949854.html

OBAMA SITE HACKED: Let me know if you get this!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:53:09 EDT

Please go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKjomr1Afq0

Apparently, last night the Obama website was hacked into. When I press "view all blogs" the page just keeps reloading with nothing on it except the top heading and the blue background.

If anyone has any information or similar experience, let me know. Maybe HQ is working on it?

Hillary will stop at NOTHING. This is not the kind of POTUS America needs, EVER, but especially not after the disastrous Bush years.

RNC Watches Barack's Train Tour Live

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:34:10 EDT

Obama's GOP Shadow

Sen. Barack Obama leaves a whistle stop rally at the Paoli Rail Station April 19, 2008 in Paoli, Pa. (Getty Images)

By Shailagh Murray
PAOLI, Pa. -- Sen. Barack Obama's whistle-stop train tour is being covered live -- by the Republican National Committee and Sen. John McCain's campaign.

Obama infuriated the McCain camp when he unleashed a riff yesterday depicting the presumptive GOP nominee as clueless about the economy. At issue is an interview McCain gave Thursday to Bloomberg TV, where he observed of the past eight years, "you could make an argument that there's been great progress economically." McCain also noted "that's no comfort" to people who are hurting, but Obama seized on the first sentence and is repeating it in every speech as his train rolls through southeastern Pennsylvania.

Minutes after Obama spoke in Wynnewood, RNC spokesman Alex Conant e-mailed a rebuttal to reporters, protesting Obama's shorthand characterization. He declared Obama a tax hiker who "doesn't understand the American economy." Shortly after Obama wrapped up a rally in Paoli, Conant fired off another missive, although this time "understand" had been changed to "grasp." McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds weighed in a few minutes later, "Barack Obama doesn't understand the economy, and he's disguising it by distorting John McCain's comments."

Obama is drawing large crowds today, with hundreds of people gathering on platforms just to wave as the train passes by. For these "slow rolls," Obama stands on the back platform, draped with red, white and blue bunting, and waves to folks -- some of whom may be a little too caught up in the moment.

At the Bryn Mawr station, Obama supporters stood on the adjacent tracks to greet their candidate, ignoring the whistle of an oncoming train. "Get off the tracks, guys, there's a train coming," Obama warned twice, until they complied.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/04/19/obamas_gop_shadow.html?hpid=topnews

Nice local interview with Barack

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:06:23 EDT

Support in Erie impresses Obama

Following his rally at Penn State Behrend, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama sat down for a one-on-one interview with Erie Times News reporter Kevin Flowers. Here is a portion of their discussion.

Q Your campaign rally here at Penn State Behrend just ended. What did you think of the reception you received from Erie County?

A People were terrific. We had a great crowd. Everybody, I think, not only was interested in what I had to say, but we had some terrific questions (from the audience) about veterans issues, about people affording college educations, people's concerns about health care, and jobs. So I think it really covered a lot of the issues that I'm hearing all across Pennsylvania and all across the country. People are really concerned about their economic situation, and feel that over the last eight years, we haven't had a lot of leadership out of Washington.

Clinton Slams Democratic Activists At Private Fundraiser

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:10:50 EDT

Audio proof that Hillary really dislikes caucus goers. Good job, Hill.

From: The Huffington Post

At a small closed-door fundraiser after Super Tuesday, Sen. Hillary Clinton blamed what she called the "activist base" of the Democratic Party -- and MoveOn.org in particular -- for many of her electoral defeats, saying activists had "flooded" state caucuses and "intimidated" her supporters, according to an audio recording of the event obtained by The Huffington Post.

"Moveon.org endorsed [Sen. Barack Obama] -- which is like a gusher of money that never seems to slow down," Clinton said to a meeting of donors. "We have been less successful in caucuses because it brings out the activist base of the Democratic Party. MoveOn didn't even want us to go into Afghanistan. I mean, that's what we're dealing with. And you know they turn out in great numbers. And they are very driven by their view of our positions, and it's primarily national security and foreign policy that drives them. I don't agree with them. They know I don't agree with them. So they flood into these caucuses and dominate them and really intimidate people who actually show up to support me."

FULL ARTICLE WITH AUDIO

Clinton's Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich, Endorses Barack Obama

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:19:25 EDT

Friday, April 18, 2008

Obama for President

The formal act of endorsing a candidate is generally (and properly)limited to editorial pages and elected officials whose constituents might be influenced by their choice. The rest of us shouldn't assume anyone cares. My avoidance of offering a formal endorsement until now has also been affected by the pull of old friendships and my reluctance as a teacher and commentator to be openly partisan. But my conscience won't let me be silent any longer.

I believe that Barack Obama should be elected President of the United States.

Although Hillary Clinton has offered solid and sensible policy proposals, Obama's strike me as even more so. His plans for reforming Social Security and health care have a better chance of succeeding. His approaches to the housing crisis and the failures of our financial markets are sounder than hers. His ideas for improving our public schools and confronting the problems of poverty and inequality are more coherent and compelling. He has put forward the more enlightened foreign policy and the more thoughtful plan for controlling global warming.

He also presents the best chance of creating a new politics in which citizens become active participants rather than cynical spectators. He has energized many who had given up on politics. He has engaged young people to an extent not seen in decades. He has spoken about the most difficult problems our society faces, such as race, without spinning or simplifying. He has rightly identified the armies of lawyers and lobbyists that have commandeered our democracy, and pointed the way toward taking it back.

Finally, he offers the best hope of transcending the boundaries of class, race, and nationality that have divided us. His life history exemplifies this, as do his writings and his record of public service. For these same reasons, he offers the best possibility of restoring America's moral authority in the world.

SEIU helps Obama with gas price ad

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:22:08 EDT

Union helps Obama with gas price ad

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor April 17, 2008 2:17 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug9Dncj_I98

Barack Obama, whose campaign is already swamping Hillary Clinton on Pennsylvania airwaves, is getting some more help today from one of the most important unions supporting him.

The Service Employees International Union launched an ad that hits the hot-button issue of record gas prices and highlights Obama's energy proposals and his stand of not accepting campaign cash from federal lobbyists.

In the ad, motorists at the pump and in the cars complain about how much it is costing to fill up and about how too many politicians are in the pocket of Big Oil.

"Pennsylvania families like mine are hurting every time they fill up the tank, and voters need to know there’s one candidate in this campaign who will take on the oil and gas companies and do something about it,” SEIU member Elaine Oley, one of those in the ad, said in a statement. “Barack Obama cares about us and he will bring the change we need.”

SEIU members also plan to hand out leaflets at a Philadelphia service station this afternoon.

In a conference call with reporters today, the Clinton camp repeated a refrain that with Obama outspending Clinton, he should do well in Tuesday's primary -- and if he doesn't, that should raise more questions about his electability in November. Clinton leads by single digits in most polls.

Stephanopoulos Did Hannity’s Bidding

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:07:15 EDT

Stephanopoulos Did Hannity’s Bidding At Debate Re Obama Association With 60’s Radical. Ask Stephanopoulos To Query Hannity About HIS Relationship With Neo-Nazi

It looks as though George Stephanopoulos didn’t come up with those debate questions for Barack Obama about former 60’s radical William Ayers on his own but was coached by none other than Sean Hannity. The day before he co-hosted the Obama/Clinton debate, Stephanopoulos appeared on Hannity’s radio show. According to Democratic Underground, Stephanopoulos said he was taking notes while Hannity fed him conservative talking points with which to attack question Obama. If Obama’s relationship with Ayers is so significant, Stephanopoulos should also ask Hannity about HIS relationship with Neo-Nazi/white supremacist Hal Turner.

Unlike Obama's insubstantial tie to Ayers, Hannity's relationship to Turner had real substance. Turner was invited to the set of Hannity & Colmes, the two men spoke off the air and Turner had the “back door” phone number to the studio at WABC.

You can contact Stephanopoulos' show, This Week, here. You can also leave a comment on Stephanopoulos' page at ABC News here.

DailyKos diarist Billary Redux has a list of additional ABC contact information here.

Time magazine is right on the money!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:42:33 EDT

This is a TRULY "Fair and balanced" analysis:

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1731655,00.html

Starting Gate: For Clinton, Mission Unaccomplished

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:11:10 EDT

From: CBS news FULL STORY

"Hillary Clinton got the kind of debate conditions she wanted in Philadelphia last night. A heavy focus on Barack Obama’s problem spots in the campaign (such as those “bitter” comments and Rev. Wright) dominated the entire first half. There was even a “surprise” twist thrown in when Obama was grilled about his relationship with former Weather Underground radical William Ayers.
...

"Two things worked against Clinton in that drive last night. First, for the first time (in at least a very long time), she emphatically agreed that Obama could defeat John McCain in November. When first asked the question, she tried to dodge it, talking about her confidence that Democrats would win in November. But when pressed about whether Obama can win, she said “yes, yes, yes.”

"But what may hurt Clinton most is the one thing working in her favor – Obama’s stumbles. She didn’t appear elegant in piling on last night but she didn’t exactly overplay her hand either. But the sight of the front-runner sweating under the spotlight may lead to an increased desire among Democratic leaders to get this nomination process over with quickly. And the only way to do that is for Obama to win it and avoid an August convention fight..."

ABC's Direct Phone Numbers

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:57:23 EDT

I cut & pasted this from the comments on the blog from last night so we can continue calling to let ABC know what we think about the "debate".

Thanks to the supporters who found these numbers!!!

By Richard from Camden, AR Yesterday at 10:39 pm EDT

CALL ABC RIGHT NOW TO COMPLAIN!!! TELL EM GEORGE AND CHARLIE ARE IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!! A LIVE PERSON WILL ANSWER AT 1-212-456-7777!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1-212-456-7777*** 1-212-456-7777

Re: Done! | By Arlene "bitter ABC quitter" from Virginia Yesterday at 10:47 pm EDT

I called the 212 number and the guy that answered tried to connect me but the line was busy (surprise, surprise), but he gave me the number - 818-460-7477. Everyone's calling now so it's busy. I'm going to call tomorrow, and if I can't get through tomorrow, I'll call the next day and the next day and the next day until I get through.

Upside down thinking?

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:42:47 EDT

This site takes you directly to ABC's programming feedback forum:

http://abcnews.go.com/Site/page?id=3271346

I swear, I must be the most upside down thinking person on the net. Here's what I wrote to ABC (they allow a max of 500 words):

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contrary to what most of my fellow Barack supporters have been saying, my thoughts about last night are that Charlie and George did Obama a great favor.

By pummeling him with everything negative that has happened during this campaign, ABC and Hillary layed the groundwork for the superdelegates to line up behind him. I actually thought, "Gee, ABC and Hillary are accepting him as the presumptive nominee by giving him a chance to show how he'll withstand Republican attacks in the fall."

...

I actually thought they'd planned it as a pitch to the superD's. LOL!!!

In a different light

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:57:08 EDT

Let's face it, from Rev. Wright to Bittergate, Obama's had it rough since the last debate in Cleveland. Not to say that he hasn't had good weeks, but the debates will always be about the negatives. I actually think tonight's debate was really good for Obama.

Charlie & George seemed to be ganging up on him. This was to be expected. After all, he is the frontrunner. I also think it was good that Ayers was brought up because it's exactly that kind of attack Obama will get from the RNC and the GOP 527s. It was a good preview for him. Even Hillary's lame dig by mentioning Farrakhan is a reminder of what's to come in the Fall.

I think what Gibson & Stephonopoulis were trying to do was lay out not just what the general election will look like for Barack, but also the kinds of questions and concerns that may be holding back some undecided superdelegates. Being thrown into the fire enabled Barack to showcase precisely why he's the best candidate to beat John McCain.

George also forced Hillary to affirm that Barack can beat McCain. Why did she admit he can win? Because she knows that if she didn't that it would leave a very bitter taste in the mouths of other dems, particularly party leaders and elders. By pissing them off she pushes them closer to Obama. In other words, she increases her negatives with the people most likely to decide the nomination. That's something she cannot afford.

Let's face it. It wasn't a great performance by Barack. He's out of practice and I think he's more comfortable when seated. But that's okay. I think he did what he had to--no major gaffes while showing that he can indeed answer attacks the GOP is sure to use against him. He was clumsy in his delivery and leaned on his attack against the old politics, but he held his own enough to get by. As the front runner, that's all he had to do. The pressure was on Hillary.

Hillary did fine, but she didn't land a K.O. She was a policy wonk which she excels at, but didn't sway enough undecideds to change the dynamics before Tuesday.

Overall, Barack didn't hurt or help himself. All the polls are going his way. Even through Bittergate his national lead over Clinton remains strong, and he still holds his own against McCain. It's the combination of the polls and his ability to answer GOP attacks that the superdelegates are looking for. He accomplished the most important task: he showed he's electable.

Hillary's words haunt her again

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:12:45 EDT

Will George or Charlie ask about her own "bitter" comments tonight?

Hillary Clinton On Southern Working Class Whites In 1995: "Screw 'Em"

Obama: trustworthy, genuine, audacious!

Obama Endorsed by Gun Group

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:49:37 EDT

HA! I don't care what the RNC says. They're pulling their hair out right now!

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/04/obama-endorsed.html

How on Earth did a Democrat land this endorsement?

By defending and believing in the Constitution.

Go figure!

OBAMA '08

Pittsburgh paper endorses Obama!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:01:34 EDT

Pittsburgh paper endorses Obama

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor April 16, 2008 09:36 AM

Barack Obama picked up the endorsement today of one of Pennsylvania's major newspapers.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said Obama and Hillary Clinton are equally prepared to be president and united in their opposition to President Bush's policies. But it is Obama who is the candidate for the future, the newspaper said in urging voters to pick him in next Tuesday's crucial primary.

"Like two opposing armies marching to a new Gettysburg, the forces of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton come to this latest battlefield symbolizing two views of America -- one of the past, one of the future. Pennsylvania Democrats need to rise to the historic moment," the endorsement editorial said.

"The litany of criticisms heaped on Sen. Obama by the Clinton camp, simultaneously doing the work of the Republicans, is as illustrative as anything of which one is which. These are the cynical responses of the old politics to the new. Sen. Obama has captured much of the nation's imagination for a reason. He offers real change, a vision of an America that can move past not only racial tensions but also the political partisanship that has so bedeviled it."
The Post-Gazette is a major media voice in western Pennsylvania, where Clinton so far is polling better than Obama, thanks to the support of blue-collar white voters.

Hillary again playing the race card

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:06:27 EDT

April 15, 2008
BY MARY MITCHELL From: The Chicago Sun-Times

A disturbing trend has emerged from the long Democratic primary. Whenever Sen. Hillary Clinton is trailing in the polls, a racially divisive issue pops up.

Clinton loses 11 consecutive races, and the photograph of Sen. Barack Obama in Somalian garb shows up.

Clinton falls behind in pledged delegates and gets caught in a lie about her Bosnia adventure, and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. story reignites.

The fallout over Obama's "bitter" comment fits that same pattern.

It's gross, but I had to...

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:46:17 EDT

Clinton And McCain Vs. Obama

Obama's speech on race gained him respect

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:32:05 EDT

Text size – + Obama ahead in N.C., statistically tied in Pennsylvania and Indiana Email|Link|Comments (1) Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor April 15, 2008 05:10 PM

New polls for the next three Democratic contests show little evidence so far of any damage to Barack Obama from his comments about bitter small town voters.

The Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg surveys also suggest that Hillary Clinton has work to do in Indiana, which could end up being the tie-breaker if she wins Pennsylvania as expected and Obama wins North Carolina, where he is favored.

In Indiana, which votes May 6, Obama has a 5-percentage-point lead over Clinton, 40 percent to 35 percent, even though the state's demographics appear to favor her, according to the poll.

In Pennsylvania, which holds its primary this coming Tuesday, Clinton has a 5-percentage-point lead over Obama, 46 percent to 41 percent.

And in North Carolina, which also votes May 6, Obama leads by 13 percentage points, 47 percent to 34 percent.

The gaps in Indiana and Pennsylvania are within the polls' margin of error, and there are enough undecided voters in all three states to swing the races.

The surveys also found that Obama's handling of his controversial former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., might have helped him, with most voters saying they thought more highly of Obama.

GREAT POLL NUMBERS

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:19:09 EDT

More good polling news for Obama

Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 5:11 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
New LA Times/Bloomberg polls for Pennsylvania, Indiana, and North Carolina are out...

Pennsylvania
Clinton 46%
Obama 41%

Indiana
Obama 40%
Clinton 35%

North Carolina
Obama 47%
Clinton 34%

Methodology: "The poll, conducted under the supervision of Times Poll Director Susan Pinkus, interviewed 623 voters in Pennsylvania, 687 in Indiana and 691 in North Carolina who expected to cast Democratic ballots. The margin of sampling error for the findings in each state is plus or minus 4 percentage points. The telephone interviews took place Thursday through Monday, meaning the bulk were conducted just as controversy broke out over an Obama remark widely criticized as demeaning rural voters in Pennsylvania."

GOBAMA!!!!!!

CNN: More beheading, less Obama

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:07:58 EDT

Barack Obama is giving an absolutely PHENOMENAL speech in front of the American Federation of Workers right now in Washington D.C. How do I know this? Well, I was watching it online until CNN broke the feed to cover the International Space Station news conference. Fair enough, but how on Earth can they choose a beheading trial over a live stream of the man who would be President???

Boy, I'm mad.

Dan Abrams: the MSM is feeding the furor

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:30:44 EDT

He also says the MSM is holding hands with Hillary on this.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24113280#24115624

There's got to be a way for Barack to put out this fire--FOR GOOD.

A MUST SEE!!!

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:16:27 EDT

Rachel Maddow on MSNBC breaks it down: It's the media, stupid!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24113280#24115624

Honest talk about how the media spun this non-issue into a herculean mountain for Barack to climb.

Silly Season

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:09:31 EDT

I once heard Barack say that what upsets him is when he doesn't live up to the standard he sets for himself.

I think he's really upset about his "clumsy" words. and hurt that those words have offended some. His talent with words and communicating effectively and artfully, failed him. Understandably, he's been humbled.

I think this is why he has bought into the political "silly season". But it's over now, Barack. It's in the past.

It's time to forgive yourself, let the anger go. It's time to turn the page.

Ignore Hillary. She's at her worst when she's being ignored, and you're at your best when you're communicating with We the People.

Have a beer with Bob Casey. Hell, even bowling would be an improvement.

GOBAMA!!!!

Watch NewsHour

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:43:02 EDT

Here in Cleveland, we have 2 PBS stations so the NewsHour is on at both 6 and 7pm. It's REALLY WORTH WATCHING TODAY!!! Judy Woodruff had a great segment w/ four local Pennsylvania media people one each from different parts of the state.

What did they have to say about the overblown small town non-issue?

GET BACK ON MESSAGE BARACK!!!

Let it die! And that's right from Pennsylvanian's mouths!

The transcript /video from today's show may not be up until tomorrow. You can check here:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/newshour_index.html

Barack, end this.

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:11:07 EDT

The MSM and HRC keep chewing, regurgitating and re-eating small town bitterness to the point of absurdity.

This whole non-issue is officially DEAD.

It's time for Barack, the next time he's questioned about it, to say, "I have spoken to the American people and have made clear that I stand with them and will fight for them when I am President of the United States. I trust the American people. That's all I have to say regarding this." or something to that effect.

Move on. Seriously, this horse (cow?) has been beaten to DEATH.

PLEASE BURY IT, OBAMA!

thanks!

Time to move on

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:56:37 EDT

I don't know about you, but I am REALLY tired of the small town flap. However, I am very glad Barack spoke out against HRC, McSame, and politics as usual. I think he has said everything he can say. Voters will or will not, rightly or wrongly judge him on this one non-issue or not.

I think it's time to turn the conversation back to the real issues impacting America and let Hillary overplay her hand. After all, the one thing she really excels at is shooting herself in the foot.

Barack SLAMS Hillary, McCain

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:46:45 EDT

Barack was in Steelton, PA right before he attended the Compassion Forum. For all of you who have wished he'd take the gloves off, HE DID!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIxmi3e2Vmo

GOBAMA!!!!!!!!

Clinton Was For Characterization Of Working-Class Voters Before She Was Against It

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:21:20 EDT

By: Jason Linkins at HuffPo

Oh, noes! Would it crush anyone's beautiful velveteen pony to learn that Hillary Clinton hasn't always been a duck-hunting, beer-drankin', Senator-Saint who walked among the commoners and lived as they do? It's true, it's true, and apparently, there are witnesses!

Harvard University political scientist Theda Skocpol - also an elite, I guess! - provided Talking Points Memo with a following statement, which, in part, reads:

I have been in meetings with the Clintons and their advisors where very clinical things were said in a very-detached tone about unwillingness of working class voters to trust government -- and Bill Clinton -- and about their unfortunate (from a Clinton perspective) proclivity to vote on life-style rather than economic issues. To see Hillary going absolutely over the top to smash Obama for making clearly more humanly sympathetic observations in this vein, is just amazing. Even more so to see her pretending to be a gun-toting non-elite. Give us a break!...
This has to be one of the few times in U.S. political history when a multi-millionaire has accused a much less wealthy fellow public servant, a person of the same party and views who made much less lucrative career choices, of "elitism"! (I won't say the only time, because U.S. political history is full of absurdities of this sort.) In a way, it is funny -- and it may not be long before the jokes start.

Perhaps, however, it can be said that Pennsylvanians are not "bitter," at least, relative to their candidates.

Superdelegate goes for Obama

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:03:16 EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — One of Minnesota's last uncommitted Democratic superdelegates is backing Barack Obama, the Obama campaign announced Sunday.

Nancy Larson, of Dassel, a Democratic National Committee member, told The Associated Press she decided to support Obama because his campaign will bring new people into the political process, and she believes he has the best chance of winning in November.

"It's looking more and more that the one person who can do it is Barack Obama," Larson said.

But Larson said the choice wasn't easy. As one of the last two uncommitted superdelegates in Minnesota, Larson had been lobbied heavily by Obama's and Hillary Clinton's campaigns. She said she spent countless hours speaking with the campaigns and others about her choice.

Larson joins eight other Minnesota superdelegates who are supporting Obama. Three are backing Clinton.

Larson's announcement leaves Rep. Collin Peterson as the only uncommitted superdelegate from the state.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iNxTApa2sQRu0Xx99P3jt2bEXw7gD900UL7G0

White women begin to turn away from Clinton

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:34:25 EDT

White women begin to turn away from Clinton

LEVITTOWN, Pa. — Like many women over 50, Paula Houwen was eager to vote for Hillary Clinton for president.

"I was impressed when she was first lady. She wasn't the country's trophy wife," the 56-year-old suburban Philadelphia pharmacist recalled.

Today, though, Houwen's no longer a Clinton fan.

"I do not like the way Hillary Clinton has run her campaign," she said.

Clinton's strongest core of support — white women — is beginning to erode in Pennsylvania, the site of the critical April 22 Democratic presidential primary, and a loss here could effectively end her White House run.

A Quinnipiac University survey taken April 3-6 in Pennsylvania found that Clinton's support fell 6 percentage points in a week among white women. Nationally, a Lifetime Networks poll of women found that 26 percent said they liked Clinton less now than in January, while only 15 percent said they liked her more.