the Pollitikat

No Bail out for Hillary!!!

The Pollitikat — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 20:14:41 EST

Taking Obama's advice and sharing my story----- I went to my mailbox today and in there was a letter from Joe Biden asking me to donate $100 dollars to help Hillary Clinton retire her debt. First of all I did not make any pledge to Hillary Clinton. Earlier this year I donated during Obama’s "one in a million" promotion and I never got my "one in a million" t-shirt. I have been campaigning January for this movement, I have phone banked and gone to two states. I purchased three copies of Obamas books. I did canvassing knocking on hundred of doors, and entered countless data into votebuilder, and made signs. I have been to two rallies and fundraisers, convinced friends and co-workers to vote for the ticket ObamaBiden. I have personally donated almost $1500 that does not include the money I spent traveling and renting hotel rooms and cars. At the end of the campaign I donated $30 to get my "one voice" t-shirt and here it is over one month later and no t-shirt, and personally I don't think I am going to get one. Friends brag about how they receive t-shirts and autographed pictures from Obama and Michelle, did I receive anything of the sort--no.

So imagine how pissed off I am to open my email and see a letter from the Obama campaign telling me about the pledge they made and asking me for my money. Listen you made the pledge you give her the money. Hillary Clinton and her husband are worth over $100 million I might be worth $65 thousand dollars, who should be helping whom. Obama is making enormous amounts of money from his books he can afford to help Hillary.Hillary decided to run for president, she knew what was involved and did not plan for it. Even though she was losing and her campaign was running out of money she continued the effort. She claims she loaned her campaign money, personally I don’t know how someone lends themselves money. She was investing in herself and unfortunately it didn't pay off, that's how it is sometimes. When my investments fail, no one bails me out, the losses I took when trying to start a small business. She poorly managed her campaign and now I am being asked to reward her, how will she learn the lessons there. She should have suspended her campaign when it became mathematically impossible for her to win. This debt is her responsibility alone. I think it is appalling that a millionaire is asking "common" folk to help them with a debt. How insulting to the hardworking people who donated to this movement, some of us having to endure the insults and injuries Clinton caused with her tactics.

Yes, I know the campaign is over, but I never thought Hillary would be a good president, that's why I did not support her candidacy and I am not going to fund her debt. I think the fact that she is nominated for Secretary of State is enough sacrifice for me, did you promise her that during the campaign too Obama? I don't know how she will do considering her record on healthcare and this recent campaign. If I look at those two incidents as her resume I would say she doesn't manage money well, and she doesn't have an ability to lead. I think she is good at carrying out a task and I am hoping that's the reason Obama is nominating her. I think it is nice that Hillary now has to work for him considering all the mess she talked about Obama not being ready to lead. He did tell her during the campaign that he was looking forward to her working for him, so we did see some type of appointment coming.

I am not sure I trust Hillary yet and she has to show me more than just being a good campaigner, all of this makes me think she was just campaigning because she had the promise of being Secretary of State. Yes, I understand there are valid reasons for choosing her and they have been cited by the campaign and I agree those reasons are all pros for Hillary, and since she has been trusted with such a delicate and high profile position (not a bad conciliation prize) now she can really prove herself by carrying out Obamas agenda. I think it's a good idea to have her in a situation where Obama has control, in the senate she would be his nemesis. Now is the time for her to prove she is a person of integrity and morals by paying off her own debt. This should be a growing process for her; I have a problem with people who crave the spotlight because they are often part of the problem. I am looking forward to the Obama administration and wait to see how it will rise to the many challenges that are dominating the headlines, and those that are not: like education and poverty, racial tension and profiling, the lack of community centers and outreach programs in impoverished neighborhoods. This is what I care about, not some millionaires debt that she brought on herself.

I am sorry Obama, forgiving is good, working together is good, but I also believing in standing for what I believe in. I understand diplomacy and the need for everyone to get along but I have to draw the line here. Maybe you could show me your word is bond by sending my autographed pictures and t-shirt first.

Change We Need Rally with The Gores, Clintons, Bidens, and Obamas

The Pollitikat — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:30:29 EDT

It would be great to see a rally with the Clinton, Gores, Biden, and the Obamas. Maybe in West Virginia, and then they can seperate and cover the state in one day. It would garuantee media coverage.

On McCains fake outrage against John Lewis

The Pollitikat — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:51:57 EDT

I too was appalled when hearing McCain demanding Obama repudiates John Lewis statements when he has yet to denounce anything said by himself or Palin, or his supporters. In fact he went on TV and defended those supporters, bringing up veterans, exploiting his military affiliation. Well I reject and denounce McCain’s comments. He has the nerve to say that John Lewis cannot have an opinion, this man was beaten and fought for freedom in the same sense that John McCain did and in John Lewis' case it was the country he loved that was doing the beating. John McCain was overseas so I think John Lewis has a better understanding of what that time was like in this country having been on the forefront.

When they ask us to reject people like Rev. Wright and Rep. John Lewis they are asking a portion of the population to deny what happened in this very country at the same time defending the right to Israel to exist and declaring never again. Now I only bring up the Israeli thing to say to whom should America be more responsible and defending to the death? Please do not interpret this as some rant against Israel it is just to drastically highlight the discrepancy. African Americans have been put in the corner that if they talk about the history of this country that included the tragic periods of slavery and Jim Crow and the civil rights movement they are perceived as complaining or playing the race card and won’t forget the past. The truth is white America played the race card, they decided that brown skin was not good enough; your skin had to be white in order to be considered human and a child of god. All the while African Americans must suffer through substandard standards in our school system, job discrimination, and terrible living conditions

read my full post on dailykos: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/15/85831/443/567/630992

check out Pennsylvania rally pictures: http://www.thepollitikat.com/

MAKE THE CONNECTION: Vicki Iseman(Lobbyist) and John McCain/Why is Keating Five Relevant TODAY?

The Pollitikat — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:17:26 EDT

I know that everyone is getting excited about the Keating Five controversy but lets not lose our focus. Why it is relevant today, well let’s think back to early February when the New York Times released an article questioning John McCain’s claims of being ethical. Many focused on his relationship with the young lady (Vicki Iseman) as possibly a romantic one, but the important little facts about that relationship is that the young lady was a lobbyist and John McCain wrote letters to regulators on behalf of Vicki Iseman’s client list.

http://www.nytimes.com/...

Learn about McCains relationship with Vicki and the relevance to the Keating Five and why it shows that John McCain is still unethical and has no character at all, he will continue to be corrupt and when he gets caught he tries to act magnanamus by quiting and then trashing his former associates. But as soon as things die down he goes right back to being the same corrupt, wreckless, immoral individual he has always been. This is a man that made a joke about a sitting presidents child, stood there and laughed when someone called Hillary Clinton a bitch, votes against veterans while declaring his love for them, screamed about experience and then selected Sarah Palin.

Guys we must write the media and make the connection because you know they will not do it without being pushed. They are going to sit right there at Keating Five and Ayers. Write to you local media and remind them of the New York Times story, because there is so much more there--there!!!

TAKE THE POLL ON DAILYKOS: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/6/74323/9819/5/621384

WE need OBAMA to handle HEALTHCARE, the system is BROKEN!!

The Pollitikat — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:42:36 EDT

Michael Moore's Sicko, gives a detailed analysis of our healthcare system in comparison to other industrialized nations, and even some not so advanced countries. "Nationalized Healthcare" is the chant used by the opposition to keep the country skeptical of a modernized and socialized system, which is practiced in countries like Britain, Canada, France and even Cuba. Long lines and reduced services are the threats that are levied to scare us from doing something about this broken system and keep profiteers making money. I was at the doctor yesterday, and there was a long line, and I saw the doctor for about five minutes. This is a private doctor, and I have very good insurance but the potential for profit and greed causes doctors to overbook cheating the patient out of time and care, turning healthcare offices into factories.

The doctor gives me a hard time filling out paper work to ensure I get paid for the time I am out, yet they have signs up saying I have to pay the co-payment promptly after being seen, and this is in a well to do community. How rude is that, even though they are definitely going to get paid by our insurance they want to make sure they take some money right out of our pockets and some even say you won’t be seen without paying the co-pay, even though we have insurance. This is definitely a broken system. Although I don’t care for doctors, because I think they often over diagnose and medicate, I had to constantly remind one of my doctors that they work for me, and to listen to what I am saying, and don’t speak medical jargon to me, I am not a doctor.

A couple of weeks back I tried a new doctor and was not happy with their service, instead of listening to what I came there about they were annoyed that I had not come with my authorization number for the insurance. I walked out, the doctor wrote me a hand written letter threatening to sue for the $30 co-payment, I threatened them right back informing them I will write to medical board, better business, and I also I knew of several people who would testify for me, this doctor had a reputation. I let the doctor know that I did not appreciate the way I was spoken to and they needed to examine their bedside manner. I don’t want to hear about doctors and paper work we all have that with our jobs, but this doctor hand wrote me a letter, probably spending more time on the letter than I spent in the office.

My company, the ones who provide this wonderful healthcare, forces me to fill out a five page dossier every time I am out sick even if it’s just for one day. They feel because they pay me they have a right to know everything in my medical records, so I have lost some privacy and something that should be between me and my doctor is now a strange four-way between me, my company, the doctor, and everyone at the insurance company. The company wants me to use my vacation days when I'm sick, but then what do I use for vacatio, or family matters. My nineteen year old daughter was promtly dropped by my employer based insurance because she decided not to be a full time college student, but work and going to school part time. She is nineteen years old with a part time job she can’t afford to buy healthcare

This is why we need Obama, not only to assist the millions left out of the system but to also give relief to those of us caught in the bureaucracy of the current system. No one should have to go through these conditions when they are not well. No one should have to worry about losing their job, or not getting the care they need, or the time to care for themselves. The world is not really going anywhere and we are all in this together so why can’t we be a little more humane. We need to move in a new direction. We already pay a great deal of taxes. What services do we really get for that. A drivers lisence, dont we pay for that? A bridge or tunnel, don"t we pay a toll? The post office, don't we still pay for shipping and postage. What services do we get for all the taxes we pay. Politicians go to Washington every year saying they are going to make things better, but yet they always manage to stay the same.

The free market is good for electronics and clothing, but not for our healthcare or education. I consider medicine to be like teaching, your in it because you want to help people not get rich. I am not saying doctors shouldn't have a decent life, but why should their expectations be to live extravagantly. I agree with Obama, most diseases are lifestyle based so there absolutely needs to be a focus on preventive medicine. Gym memberships and nutritionists should be covered by our healthcare system. I you take yoga or some sort of destressor then that should be covered. Stress is the number one killer, the source of many diseases.

We also need to talk about our food and agriculture markets, the contaminants that are used when growing and processing our foods. There has to be a way to bring down the cost of organic foods, maybe if we demand everything is grown that way. Farmers should be subsidized by the government but that money should only go to hiring the employees needed to maintain the farm..the farmer is going to make a profit on their goods. Yes, I said it working on a farm should be a government job....they are providing a service to the country..maybe offering $10-12/hr, and healthcare--it is hard work, then farmers can pay a decent wage and eliminate the need for migrant workers.

I am not saying I have the answers or that even Barack does, but I know he will try his best to reform the healthcare system. He will find a solution that benefits the American worker because he is representing the people and not the insurance, and pharmaceutical companies. He is there to be our voices, not special interest. He is our lobbyist, and a darn good one. Using his campaign and previous achievements as the example I am confident he can handle the job and will be better at it than John McCain who has been in Washington for 26 years and hasn't accomplished one significant thing.

"John McCain is the most wonderful, thoughtful, bravest, caring maverick, aaaah, man I know."

The Pollitikat — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:40:47 EDT

I didn’t know skirting around, and showing zero understanding of the issues means qualified to be president. I mean the woman recited from her “memory cards”. I thought Sarah was terrible, she didn’t answer any of the question and the answers she gave were disturbing. All Sarah proved tonight was that she could read and memorize. Being folksy and witty is not an answer to the question. I was not impressed, you have to be more than a pretty face and know how to speak, you should actually know something, and I don’t think she proved that tonight. The most important thing Sarah said tonight was that she agreed with the Cheney philosophy of expanding the role of vice president that bothers me.

Sarah reminded me of an aggressive small dog that is hyper and barks at everything that passes. She was just on the attack and she offered no real solutions. She was not even familiar with John McCain’s record. Seems like all she did to prep for the debate was memorize answers and watch the democratic primary debates, too bad she didn’t come with any facts. The most amusing thing she said was that examing the Bush years was looking backwards towards the past. “You prefaced your whole comment on the Bush years …dog done it.” Those darn Bush years, which John McCain agreed with George Bush the majority of the time, we should just forget about that. The pesky past. Hilarious!!

The McCain/Palin ticket offers no solutions to any of the questions that face our nation. All they did was trash what the other guys is proposing without putting forth their own vision. I find it to be a very empty ticket that’s only appeal is the "celebrity" of Sarah. This has proved to me more than ever that Sarah is not ready to be vice president, she did makes mistakes by not answering the questions, and not knowing what she was talking about, and I think equating yourself with Cheney is a pretty big mistake. You could see the light go off in Joe Bidens head when she did that, he almost burst out of his skin. She talked about expanding the role of vice president. Bingo! Cheney in a skirt. When asked what her role would be as vice president, she said John McCain asked her to work on energy, special needs, help reform Washington. What does that mean, when you just talked about exerting power over the senate? Even on Energy she didn’t seem to know more than Joe Biden, and she regurgitated her answer for energy on about four or five of the questions that had nothing to do with energy. Smile, wink, smile!!! Wink, wink!! I don’t want my politicians winking at me, ‘cause I don’t know what you’re talking about when you do that. Are you saying “I’m kidding”, “I don’t mean what I’m saying”, “just go along, and I’ll explain later”, that’s what it means to me.

For women the fact that pundants are saying that she did well in this debate is a real set back. To have a bar set so low, her main qualification is her "cuteness". Selecting Sarah Palin is affirmative action at its worst, and speaks to John McCain’s lack of respect for the nation and the position of president. She corrected Joe about the "drill, baby, drill" but she didn’t know much about the economy or foreign policy. Her main headlines were taxes, maverick, and reform, all of which were knocked down successfully by Biden. He effectively attacked McCain’s record and tied him to Bush. I’m not saying a woman is not ready for the position, but this woman clearly is not. She came off very rehearsed, even during the times she looked into the camera I don’t think she connected, she looked drone-like. At times I felt like I was watching a terrible remake of the Manchurian Candidate, "John McCain is the most wonderful, thoughtful, bravest, caring maverick, aaaah, man I know."

I also think she wants to be at the top of the ticket. She did have the slip of saying that John McCain is the guys we most need to "leave"...oops, lead.

An Ode to Obama and The Flag Pin

The Pollitikat — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:32:59 EDT

I am so moved by the fact that Obama has chosen to wear the "flag pin". I am one that did not feel it necessary for him to prove his patriotism, but I understand that someone gave him that pin and he has worn it ever since. By this little gesture he is doing two things honoring the family that gave him the pin and reaching out to those who feel this gesture is important and could influence their vote. I do not see any other politician wearing the flag pin but Obama has to wear it because he is black, it was as simple as that for me. But I see in this gesture a very thoughtful, caring, decent man.

While the flag had been a characature of patriotism Obama has managed to restore some of the lost honor. When I think about the so called "rural white voter", I think this is the best gesture he could give them to show he is a true American and truly has the interest of all Americans. We know that many of these voters are also the people who feel Obama may be a muslim, and doesn't salute the flag, (I dont ever remember saluting the national anthem). By wearing the flag pin he says to those voters he hears their concerns. While he may not get their vote this time around he is representing them in his campaign. Maybe a few might change their minds. I believe the only thing Obama can do is get into office and institute policies that will change these voters lives, and they will overwhelmingly support him in four years.

It is amazing to watch Obama and how skillful he is as a politician, the way he maneuvers through the minefield of presidential politics, his intelligence and wisdom is remarkable, and his confidence and charisma is off the charts. A true phenomenon. He really represents the best of America and the posibilities this country has to offer.

I listen to his stumps every day and although I know what I am going to hear, it is as if I am hearing him speak for the first time-everytime I feel refreshed. He is so inspirational and pleasing to the eyes, his voice is like a painter using long strokes, or like smooth jazz, with the uncanny ability to relax you and get you pump up at the same time.

He is the ideal president, the American President, uniquely qualified to represent us all. His story is the American story, the immigrant story, the civil rights story, a mulit-racial story, a story of education, hard work and responsibility, but most of all a love story--not just the love that we see him share with Michelle and his children but the love he clearly has for this country and its people. Why else would he risk everything to run for office. This man could have sat back and said "I will just make money and secure the future of my family", but he chose to put himself out there, to risk his life, his pride, his security and that of his family to ensure a better future for our families. Thats courage, that is making a sacred sacrifice. That's putting country first.

Here is a man that stands up for what he believes, the American worker, the American family, Education, Service, Equality. I admire the fact that he will not back down from his proposed programs, why should he. We are the richest nation and yet the people get no services for their money. How is that possible? Yes, we have roads and bridges, but we still pay a toll. This counrty has lots of money. If we can blow up a million dollars everytime we drop a bomb, we can spend that million on our childrens education, I think it is better spent that way. I dont mind my tax dollars going to some social programs like education--building high-tech schools and teacher salary increases, programs like healthcare for everyone. I would rather that than building prisons and fighting wars. Obama has a plan for America, it is a clear plan with a focus on the average person. Those voters in apalachia, and rural america will finally get a president who will not forget them after election day

Victory, one we can define, is only a few short weeks away. I have to admit I am nervous, I am feeling butterflies, but I am also confident of this win, Obama is a master campaigner. Try as they may they will not be able to take it away. I am so proud of the race Obama has run. Thank you Senator Obama, for bringing class and dignity back to the electoral process. I know you are tired but you know we are with you, I cant wait until November 4, so you can get some rest. You are going to need plenty for the mess that faces you in the white house and congress, but I know that you are up to the challenge. I admire that you are humble enough to wear the flag pin, and tough enough to look John McCain in the eye. I respect that you dont know how long you've been married, and smart enough to always give praise to Michelle, referring to her as your rock and the love of your life. You are intelligent enough to see that America is made up of small parts but wise enough to know we are one people, and we must behave as one nation.

I cannot wait to have a president with Obamas knowledge, experience and thoughfulness.---Onward to November 4th. OBAMA/BIDEN time to CHANGE the world, YES WE CAN!!!

Palin is wrong McCain fought 40 years ago, BARACK FIGHTS TODAY

The Pollitikat — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:54:55 EDT

When Palin says McCain is the only one who fought for us, she is discrediting all the people who fight against injustice and for equality, womens rights, voting rights, health rights, workers rights, rights for the poor, childrens rights, veterans rights----community organizers. These type of people also fight for america, that she may be true to the promise laid out within her documents.

The Republicans are just flat out liars and have an us against them mentality, thats not change we can believe in. They exploit the ignorance of the american public and the unfortunate is there are many americans that their type of politics appeals to. The good thing is their numbers are shrinking, McCain is banking that they are still the majority out there, November 4, will be a shock for him.

The country wants to move forward, we want policies that are fair to majority of americans, we want quality education, affordable healthcare, we also want to heal and become a community and are tired of divisive politics. John McCain is out of touch if he believes that.

Obama has been fighting for us, he became our voice. People think we follow Obama like sheep, what they dont know is Obama is just the vessel, we were already out there. He, however heard our voices, and it ressonated with his, and thats how we became one. He stood up to Washington when no one else would, he spoke out against the war, and wasnt afraid to say so. He actually attended a march against the war.

He went to washington and exposed Walter Reed. Remember that, he was out there telling us what was going in washington. He started the google database, and opened up government, John McCain could have done that, he didnt.

He became the voice of the disaffected. We cannot allow McCain to distract us with a circus sideshow, to me that shows his disrespect for the position and the american people. Thats why he is copying Obamas message but he'd better watch out because Obama is comming.

ON OBAMA FIGHTING BACK

The Pollitikat — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:59:44 EDT

I have been following the blog for a few days and I just want to pass greetings on to everyone. For everyone who has been questioning the strategy of the campaign, the decision by Barack not to answer John McCain through the press need to go back and check out the debates against Clinton. Barack is a fighter, but he is also classy, thats what we want in a president, if we didnt we would be for McCain. Check out McCains debates, he is not a good debator, and if you saw Joe Biden on "meet the press" you know he is not one to toy with. As he stated, he has ample experience debating women, so I think he is studying Palin and she is just digging a hole for herself with all these attacks. When debate time comes she is going to have to back all that up. I think she is a dog with a big bark,very small bite. I caught one of her debates and she is very wishy washy, here she will have to give specific answers.

I dont question whether Barack has it in him, I know he does, but why attack someone when they cant really defend themselves. Let McCain keep talking he will have to defend his record at the debate and I think Obama is taking notes. I say wait for the debates, there might be blood on the stage when Obama gets through with McCain.

I admire his style, he knows the media is not in his corner and they are doing everything against him, but Obama has to be consistant. Keep the faith, because it's our time. We have to do our part, and win it on the ground for Obama, he has done his part and gotten the name of the parties candidates as well as the message and platform out there. Obama cannot do all he is doing and register voters, and make phone calls, and defend himself on our local streets and in our meeting groups. Its up to us to win for him on the ground, remember we are not just fighting for Obama, but ourselves. We are the ones we have been waiting for.

This wouldnt be easy, he said from day one. Things will change from day to day, but we have to stay committed to the fight. OBAMA/BIDEN'09

NOT THIS TIME!! Making the case against John McCain

The Pollitikat — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:50:22 EDT

When I think about the presidential race I am reminded of old Kung Fu flicks, a story of a two masters. Two masters, an elder, and the apprentice. Let’s say these two masters are going out on a journey of challenges and were given a chance to take one companion along to assist them, someone who could possibly complete it for them. One of them have chosen and apprentice and the other an elder.

The master, who chose the apprentice, has chosen someone with lesser years and even lesser knowledge which makes it a teacher-student relationship. It is unlikely that the teacher will ever agree with anything the student says and would rarely seek advice from the student because of the nature of the relationship, it’s antagonistic—and intimidating. By choosing the student the master reinforces his power position as master. The student is expected to be patient and learn from the teacher, but the student pushes because they are eager. It is likely the teacher will only consult the student after a decision is made and would do so as a test, to see how the student’s education is going; the student is beholden to the master. By choosing someone younger the master enhances his physical strength. He does not want someone of his years who may not be able to complete the journey. This master is John McCain. He has chosen to preserve the future of the Republican Party by choosing Sarah Palin; she is the fearless apprentice eager to carry the mantle of the republicans into the future. But in choosing her McCain weakens his position, neutralizing the main argument he used against Obama, it shows the arrogance of McCain, daring the country to challenge this choice. John McCain has chosen someone who can only serve him and the republican party, because she has not developed the bonafides or the knowledge base to go it alone, but when her education is complete she is in a position to run for the presidency giving her an advantage over anyone candidate that comes along she will be become a master.

The other master has chosen an elder-someone who could have taught him, the elder was a master once himself. Applying the same theory, when people go to an elder they usually go for advice. It is a relationship built from respect and modesty, although the elder is in service to the master, this relationship is more balanced. It is unlikely that there would be a situation the elder is not familiar with, if given a task the elder need not be given instructions, his skills are equal to that of the master but his knowledge surpasses. In choosing the elder this master reinforces his base of knowledge and his expediency—he is able cover more ground. He has chosen someone who can function independently. Surely this pair will have disagreements but this master is more likely to consult the elder prior to making a decision and information from the elder will be weighted heavily in the solution. In choosing this person the master is showing that he is fearless and determined to complete the challenge. While exposing his vulnerability he has chosen based on the one thing no one can attest to, that they know everything, it is the weakness of all mankind. This master is Barack Obama. In choosing Joe Biden, Obama shows he is willing to listen, and take into consideration the opinion of others. He is also showing respect for the mission by choosing someone who is wise. Someone whom he knows will be beholden to the American people. Instead of choosing someone who can be the future of the Democratic Party he chose a president for the future of America, what he is saying is the future of the Democratic Party is now.

I am one who wants to know why after having five months to make a decision on a running mate did John McCain chose to introduce this novice to the country with such little time for us to get to know her. If this was going to be the choice, why didn’t he announce her earlier? The Obama campaign had his veters out there the next Sunday on Meet the Press answering questions. John McCain says he wants transparency but he is not running a transparent campaign. Stephen Colbert reported Sarah Palin was recommended to the Republican Party by some kid who started a “draft Sarah Palin” page. I am one who wants to hear from John McCain why he made this choice and how he came to this decision. I believe in making this choice John McCain has ignored all the evidence that shows that most of America is not to the right but square in the middle on issues. To chose someone who does not represent that lends to the argument that we must examine the ideology of Governor Palin and the real record of John McCain. The fact is that people want a sensible solution that will be beneficial to the majority of Americans, it may not be fair to everyone but where there is no fairness you should be able to find justice. The majority of the people do want some government run programs, they want efficient government. Most Americans want common sense solutions that allow people to be themselves while understanding that we are linked as a nation and we will rise or fall as such.

When it comes to the republican convention, the imagery that I had while watching the convention were disturbing, and emphasized why we need to heal this country. I thought of cigars, and fat-cats, golf, and backroom deals, and old traditions. As an African American other images that came to mind I’m sure was different than a lot of people, and sometimes I can’t understand why people don’t get that. In a nutshell white Americans look back at history and see something rosy, some black Americans look back at history and see a little slavery not that we don’t love the country but that part of history is just a fact. So when you see a scene like the one at the convention you wonder how far we have really come. Anyway, what I also saw were old white men, fawning over Sarah Palin. They were saying Sarah was “hot”, and they had clips of her high heels, clearing exploiting her gender, so I see a lot of sexism going on in the Republican Party. The problem with that is they are the party of morals.

The way the media is now, with all the coverage of Sarah Palin I’m afraid that once again we are seeing the marketing of something, the marketing of Sarah Palin. It reminds me of the marketing of the Iraq war. There is no more reporting. The cable channels have turned into something like televised talk radio, just commentary and little facts; they are operating from a stand point of swaying opinion and not providing information. You have establishments like FOX news which is clearly leaning towards one party which is the Republican Party; the Republican candidates are promoted heavily there. They are also functioning as the research department of the Republican Party. When the Democrats put up a candidate FOX goes out and get all the information about the candidate and they are able to put that information out, slanting it and influencing voters and in some cases guiding the rest of the media because the news channels all pick up stories from each other these days, the Rev. Wright controversy was such and example. It’s a weird time, exciting because of the politics, but scary because of the media. I am concerned the media is more influential now than ever and I don’t think people are picking up on just how influential and dangerous the media is. The punditry on MSNBC laughable, they do have radicals on like Pat Buchanan who worked for Nixon, how long ago was that? He is one promoting the old style politics and even older ideas. CNN is unsure what type of channel they are going to be, but I suspect they are slanted towards the Republicans. The media is heavily involved in the way people make decisions about these candidates and I am afraid it favors one side; I doubt we will ever get the real facts about Governor Palin and John McCain.

As far as her speech at the republican convention I thought she “delivered” and I stressed delivered a good speech. I feel a good speech has to evoke conviction, I did not feel any conviction, or passion coming from Sarah. I did not see wisdom only strength in Sarah, vice-President “Pit-bull”, someone condescending, and a little self righteous. Her and Rudy Giuliani’s comment about community organizing was very insulting to people in the country who work on behalf of their community trying to make it a better place, the impact of this might show its head on election day. You couldn’t get more of an impression of her from that first speech, and all her subsequent speeches have been a repeat of the convention speech, she has not answered any questions. What we know is she is a former beauty contestant, PTA member, city council member, mayor of a population of about five to seven thousand of which she received about sixteen hundred votes, and now governor. There are rumors questioning her integrity, honesty, and fundamentalist views. She is under investigation for abuse of power, she is accused of lying about her pregnancy, trying to ban books from the town library, her teenage daughter is pregnant and she thinks abstinence only education is best, and she has a special needs child. It is also been said when she was mayor, the town was run by an administrator appointed by party leaders and the town was left millions of dollars in dept. Sarah worked part time—makes sense since the town is small and not a bad deal for a mother. This gave her time to work with her husband fishing and tend to her children. Her experience in no way matches that of Obama (a Constitutional Law Professor, Civil Rights Attorney, State Senator, Author, US Senator, and yes—a community organizer, which may be his greatest success because he has been able organize the Democratic party and most of the country), and should not be compared to his but to that of Joe Biden. The main standard that should be used when assessing Sarah is the standards set forth by the Republican Party.

Other than cries of sexism, we have no answers from Governor Palin or the Republican Party regarding her political and social views or in defense of her record which she talks about on the campaign trail or the rumors swirling around her. The statement about her daughter is the only one she has made other than her stump speeches. I didn’t like the deception in it either, the way she covered up her daughter and had her holding the baby during the initial introduction. One of the main questions I have about Sarah is the fact that she has five kids and the attention it has brought to their lives. As a mother that concerns me and I don’t like when anyone tells me that I shouldn’t look at that, I don’t think that’s fair because then I have to disregard my experience when judging Sarah Palin. As a concerned individual who loves this country I want to make sure the best person gets into the job, this is a job interview. This woman is applying to be our Vice President and we have nothing to go on but the word of John McCain. If she wants to be the Vice President, which is a very high powered position, before we give a person that power we need to know what we are getting. We’ve already seen what can happen when we don’t have the right person in that office. She is coming as a novice, and we have very little time to find out who she is, what she stands for, what direction she thinks the country should go, and how she would govern if given the opportunity. We are asking question because we have never seen her before.

When someone is a mother, and I am one, I don’t know how you couldn’t put family first. It’s not that she’s mother however, it’s all that’s going on in her life. People will say what about the dad, but during the convention, that dad held that baby for about two minutes. If she had adult children, or fewer children, maybe I would feel different. Also one of her children is about to have a baby, that’s a red flag. It’s not like her daughter is of age and having a baby, it’s not a reflection of the child, but it is a reflection of the parents. Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton are twenty five years old and people were asking about their parents? Was Palin too busy as governor that she did not have time for her children and now we have to ask ourselves do we take this woman away from her family by promoting her? Is that the kind of employer we want to be? Maybe we are able to see something about Sarah Palin's family that she can’t see for her self.

Five children, a special needs child, a pregnant teen, a son going to Iraq, very little experience in world politics, and now you are going to being in line to govern one of the largest military and economy in the world, second to a seventy year old. That’s a lot on someone plates. As the people who are making this decision about Sarah we have to take these actions into consideration because they are all we know of her. We also have a right to say we feel this person has too much on their plate; they have too much going on. We have a right to make that judgment; we are the American people the ones to decide who gets the job. No one should tell us how to make the decision, and it’s the same for Obama. When Obama's children went on television people made comments, if we had determined that his girls were brats it would have affected the way I felt about Obama. But we learned after getting whatever information we did and determined, yes they are beautiful children and all the talk went away.

For Governor Palin to hold her daughter up as an example and says she supports her daughters “decision” to have the baby she put her daughters pregnancy on the table. She is announcing that her daughter made a decision that fits into a policy that she believes. Because of Governor Palin’s religious beliefs and their possible impact on her policy we should ask questions. This is a woman who doesn’t believe in sexual education in schools, and rumored to have tried to ban books from a library. All this says she doesn’t believe in information. We have to ask questions, like what about abstinence? Did your daughter plan to have a baby and is this something she discussed with her? If she didn’t, with this new information has Governor Palin changed any of her views? The past two administrations are clear examples of why we need to know more about the candidates, is there going to be a scandal that is going to embarrass us later. Governors Palin’s answers to these questions will influence my decision about her, this is a personal issue but these are people who want to govern the most intimate decision in a womans life from Washington DC, so if they want to do that, before we give them that much power, we have every right to examine them thoroughly, so these are all relevant questions.

I picked up on two policy issues at the republican convention, one was education and the other was the Iraqi war. The republicans talked about a choice based education system.

A choice based education plan is a plan for failure. It means that schools, even new charter schools will have the potential to become failures again. When politicians talk about failing schools they just don’t realize how silly they sound. The schools are primarily failing because of politicians. The school system is stagnant by bureaucracy.

It often takes about fifty memos and twice as many people to accomplish one thing. This is the richest country in the world, our schools should not be failing, and the fact that politicians hold that up as a reason for choice is shameful. A choice/voucher program is putting a Band-Aid on a gapping wound. Should our school systems continue to be failures, we need to clean up and fix the broken systems. We do this by holding people accountable and putting people with integrity and the best interest of our children into the position of teachers and administrators. Rewarding teachers with a fair salary for the important job they do. One thing for sure our children should have a quality education, they shouldn’t be scrimping for supplies, and they should be able to get two decent meals at school.

The republicans also advocated continuing the Iraq war to victory but did not outline what that victory looked like or how they might achieve that. My opinion on Iraq is

bring in NATO and instead of ridiculing the United Nations all the time lets be of service to them. Let’s show respect for other nations and their sovereignty and we do this by working through and cooperating with the United Nations. We could have committed our troops as UN troops. We criticize the UN but we can transform it, we must be an example to the rest of the world, as Obama’s visit showed, they are waiting for America to lead. I agree that we should provide financial assistance to the Iraqi as well as job opportunities for Americans and Iraqis in Iraq. Not for Corporations, but for non-profit organizations, using our outreach programs like Americorp, or Peace corps, we should send our peace ambassadors not our military to assist the Iraqis. This is how we should approach the Iraqis, we have to give the Iraqis the freedom to pull themselves back to dignity, and anything else would create a sense of false pride. Whether or not the surge worked is a moot argument because we simply should not have been there.

To me the fact that John McCain was a POW and tortured in a military camp is enough to exclude him from the presidency. I see that the same as someone who may have been in a mental facility. We know that people who have been though such traumatic experience could very well snap or have developed some hidden aggressions. We know that he has a very bad temper. We would not put someone who has been through extensive mental treatment into the presidency as we should not put someone who has been through these severe forms of torture in the presidency. We also know that he made certain statements while in captivity, it bothers me that someone who did that should be elevated to the position of the presidency. We should examine that part of his biography, because he puts it out there. The fact that he throws it out there all the time is also a reason to worry. He uses the POW story as a crutch, a wedge, and a bludgeon, how many ways are you going to use this one story. He is running as if the country owes him the presidency because he was a POW, but we have already rewarded him by electing him to congress and giving him twenty six years, we should not however give him the presidency. John McCain sees this as a plus I see it as a minus.

The most appalling thing about John McCain is the fact that he votes against veterans, the scandal of Walter Reed Hospital, and his stance on torture--which he is for. The fact that it took Obama going to congress to expose the conditions at the Walter Reed Veterans Medical Center while John McCain sat in congress all that time is just another reason why John McCain should not be president. After touting his POW experience as reason why he has character to be president I was surprised to learn of John McCain’s consistent voting against increasing military salaries and veterans benefits. He wants to allocate funds based on service time, and I guess if you were a POW you should get to be president. He is for torture, I am wondering if he wants to be able to do to someone what they did to him.

John McCain said “we went to Washington to change it and Washington changed us”. So he agreed he was changed by Washington. With all his declaration of independence from Bush and Washington it doesn’t erase the twenty-six years he has been there. Where was his leadership all this time, bringing the country together and working across the aisle? How come he hasn’t gotten more done, how come he hasn’t gotten rid of the earmark. He wants to do that now, but he’s been there for years, he has had the opportunity. That’s when his leadership should have come out and it didn’t, he has been a mediocre member of congress, not an outstanding member and became a “celebrity” member of congress when he started running for president in 2000. Why didn’t he call for investigations into his own party when they were abusing power and leaking CIA information, and awarding no-bid contracts to their friends? Not only has he agreed with the policies but he agreed with the conduct of the Bush administration. Now he wants to say he is a maverick and he is about change but where is the proof? I don’t see what he has contributed significantly outside of his military experience.

2004 is the year John McCain and even Hillary Clinton should have run. If John McCain wanted to prove he was a maverick he should have run against George Bush in 2004. That’s when he should have showed us what he was made of, that’s when he should have taken on his own party, when it counted---not after thousands of people have died and our country is divided and falling apart structurally. He could have laid out a plan to end the war, to open up government, stop the bleeding economy. In 2004 the country was begging for direction and leadership, our children are dying, prices were rising, and bridges were falling down. We knew there were no weapons of mass destruction, and it was possible the administration had lied to the country in order to go to war. Democrats had called for investigation after investigation to advance the conversation and get to the truth about the war but were stonewalled by the Republican congress. Howard Dean and Dennis Kucinich were out there and the media and the opposition made them out to be crazy.

I don’t think Hillary Clinton should have been president either this time around. The simple reason, she voted with George Bush, for the war, was enough for me. Coming out of the white house after eight year, I feel she should have known more and did better on that vote and that’s why her argument of experience did not work. I understand that they were under pressure during the lead up to the war but they should have made a better case to the American people, these were people that we looked to for leadership. I don’t think anyone who voted for the war should be president in 2008, maybe in 2004 when it didn’t matter whether you voted for it just that you end it. Hillary was held accountable for voting for the war that is why she is not the Democratic nominee; in 2004 she might have gotten it. Joe Lieberman’s, bid for re-election was one the first signs that things were about to change when he lost his democratic primary for re-election having to run as an independent. All the seats that are turning are Democrats holding people accountable. The Republicans do not believe in holding their members accountable.

If John McCain had run against George Bush in 2004, that would have been a bolder move and truly standing up to his party and putting country first, but John McCain remained silent and supported the re-election of George Bush. It seems like for eight years John McCain put George bush first and his dream of the presidency first, and now he says he want to put country first. Where has he been the past eight years?

In this entire malarkey one person rose above the “noise and static”, the only respected voice was Barack Obama, risking backlash not from the obvious enemies, those who declare their hatred for Americans, but from those who claim to love America. People who weren’t waving the flag and condoning everything George Bush did was basically shut out of the conversation and chastised as unpatriotic and un-American. They were saying “IF YOU’RE NOT WITH US, YOU’RE AGAINST US”. It was under those conditions that Obama spoke out against the war.

This is an election about taking our country back, and I see John McCain has finally gotten that message because he is now copying the change message of his opponent, but unfortunately it’s too late for John McCain this is not “change you can Xerox”. We are not going to accept that argument, because I don’t think John McCain has behaved any differently than George Bush and now its time to hold John McCain accountable.

Palin Pregnancy deception...speaks to the issue of Honesty and Trust

The Pollitikat — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:55:35 EDT

Response to blog post: I agree with your post and was even checking out her mamories during the mothers speech and they looked extremely enlarged (im no expert, just a mother).

You arugment is right on point, this observation was also made by Joy Behar on "the View". This is the double standard and hypocracy of the republican party. This woman is using her ability to juggle family and governorship as part of the reason she is qualified to hold the second highest office but she will not answer basic question. The fact is even though Barack may say family is off limits I disagree. When you have limited experience, one must look to how the candidates manage their personal lives.

I have alway said it is not so much the pregnancy but they way the family tried to deceived the public by covering up the daughter during the initial introduction of gov. Palins family. Why did she do that, and if the internet wasnt abuzz about possible pregnancy she would have continued to hide and deceive the public. It was too easy for her to do that.

Also on the Trigg situation is this, the story is: she announced her pregnancy claiming she was seven months pregnant, no one in her inner circle knew or thought she was pregnant because nothing about her changed, not weight, not clothes, not habits. One month after announcement she gave birth. Her water broke while she was in texas, she did not go to hospital there, but flew over 11 hours and two flights to Alaska followed by a 45 minute drive to hosp (some say she did this to make sure baby born on alaskan lands) BUT ISNT FLYING WHILE IN LABOR DANGEROUS, plus she flew over eleven hours. Also she returned to work three days after baby born, showing no signs of a woman who just gave birth.

I think there is something strange about this, and it goes to the honesty and trust issue. Based on her claims about her accomplishments in alaska it is clear she has no problem, stretching the truth or outright lying.

John McCain just described the Obama Campaign

The Pollitikat — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:12:48 EDT

everything he said right there is what is happening in the Obama campaign. I feel motivated.

On the Palin Speech

The Pollitikat — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:42:41 EDT

I was unimpressed. I noticed that the air started to leave the room half way through her speech. She represented the kind of politics this country needs to get away from, the contradictions, the hypocracy. John McCain recommending her is an insult to the nation and shows poor character and lack of good judgement on his part.

She spent a lot of time attacking Obama and trashing his plan but this speech offered nothing in the way of solutions to the issues ailing the country, instead the republicans have chosen to engage in divisive culture and racial politics. It will be a sad day in America if this backwards ticket is elected.

Let me say one thing about the sexism charges. I am a female, a mother, I personally am tired of women using sexism as a shield and still want to play in the real world. I say, if you are any good, cut through that sexism and stop "whining". Is it still sexist when the person giving the critique is a woman. This is a fake charge and this woman is using it as a shield so she does not have to answer real question. Girls, we know this as the oldest trick in the book.

Sarah is applying for the second highest job in this country with the potential to move up, I want to know every thing there is about her, because I have never seen her before. The people are the interviewers, remember us, the ones who ultimately have to vote for you. We need answers, why is there no Bio for you on John McCain and your website. I find that weird since Obama has the Bio of the candidates and their wives, when I check for your bio all I see is your "speech". Why was there no bio introduction video for you?

She came off rude, and condensending, and her voice was not at all pleasing. I got a party girl vibe from her and did not take her seriously. She did not look presidential. I was trying to picture her on the world stage and I just couldnt. She seemed very uncomfortable when talking about substantive issues and quickly glossed over them. She offered no real insight to her own views or how she would govern. She seemed to be playing solely to republican base and those who traditionally vote against their own interest and are swayed by identity politics.

She left a lot of red meat on the table for the democrats, points of attack the democrats could sieze on. I dont think the family played well either. I also feel whatever votes she gained him, John McCain lost them when he came out on stage, I thought he was going to pass away right there. The imagery was not strong or positive. I give her C+, and thats just because her delivery was good.

Just posted on CNN website

The Pollitikat — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:59:33 EDT

JUST POSTED ON CNN WEBSITE Response to article that Meghan McCain feels "kinship" toward Bristol Palin

oh, really?!!! When is she due? Yeah, this is the model we want to hold up for our daughters. What about the sin they committed? Isnt part of the conservative stance is that sex before marriage is a sin? Where is the outcry, the stoning, and burning at the stake. Thats what we would expect if this story were about a Democrat or anyone who doesnt subscribe to the right wing agenda.

If my daughter was pregnant and 17, I would curse her out, chastize her, scream at her…..and then I would support her decision and love her what mother wouldnt. But the point is to avoid that isnt it. How wonderful Sarah is looking forward to being a grandma, well lady, and I am one, if thats what you want for my daughter, seventeen and pregnant, your crazy.

Just like your daughter had a choice and wants her privacy, I want my daughter to be able to make her choices privately. Just like your daughter can choose to have her baby because you and the family feel thats whats right for her. I want to be able to make the decision with my daughter. I want my daughter to have all the information available so she can make the decision that is best for her, based on her circumstances.

Where does Sarah stand?

the media is twisting the issue, its not about whether she can handle the job, because she has kids. Its because her kids are out of control, and her views are crazy.

CAN NEW YORK GET SOME OBAMA LOVE

The Pollitikat — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:44:13 EDT

I urge the campaign to visit the NEW YORK area. Maybe Buffalo and New York City. I know Obama has to cover the battle grounds and New York is a sure thing, but we would love to have a visit. We never got the big excitment associated with having the candidate come here, and it might throw McCain off and force him to visit his home state. We would love to have it in CENTRAL PARK, or YANKEE STADIUM in the Bronx the birthplace of Hip Hop. Its garanteed media coverage. New York is also a city that has many visitors from other states, a rally in TIMES SQUARE would be great. Obama can give an "If I can make it here I can make it any where" speech.

New Yorkers didn't get the excitement during the primaries. CAN WE GET SOME LOVE?!!!!

McBush and McPalin

The Pollitikat — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:16:42 EDT

I was one who wanted Obama to choose a woman in order to take this option away from John McCain and totally own the history and change argument. I was not surprised, and I figured if Obama did not go for a female McCain would. It was an ace card played mainly because of the Hillary Clinton effect. To use a poker term John McCain just went all in. He has secured his base and he is gambling on the women voters, hoping there are enough that will vote only along gender lines. I am sure that as a political scientist and skilled politician Obama must of played this out and come to the conclusion that the votes McCain would gain from going to a woman for his running mate would be cancelled by the votes he would get as a reaction to McCain’s obvious insult towards women.

How do you defeat the McSame and Plain old politics ticket? Don’t make this about McPlain Jane, make it about Senator McFlipFlop, the Supreme Court and the direction we want to go as Americans. Here are the talking points:

1. The democrats should march out the army of women in the Democratic Party, to show they are the party of progress for women, and they should call McCain- “McSame” - because women can get away with those kinds of attacks. They should be expressing outrage at John McCain for exploiting women, and not taking the female vote serious. Stressing the insult to female intelligence, thinking we will vote simply based on gender.

2. Make this about McSame’s flip flopping. This is the ultimate flip flop. McCain made this election about Obama’s experience and said that Obama did not have the experience, well now since he saw his candidacy in jeopardy he decided to flip flop and now experience is not important. He said he needed to know and feel comfortable with that person and now he has flip flopped on that as well by appointing someone he barely knows to be a door slam away from the presidency. .

3. What kind of judgment does it show when you don’t even take the time to get to know the person who you are about to appoint to the highest position in the land second only to the president. What kind of judgment does it show when McCain thinks outside Washington is simply geography. He said he has good judgment but after having five months to make this decision, only made it at the last five minutes after he saw the success of the Obama ticket. Is that putting country first? Obama was vetted by the American people and we decided that he was qualified to compete for the job, do we trust McCain’s judgment when he claimed that experience was such an important component for the person who was ready to president. Was he lying? What kind of judgment does it show when you are willing to flip flop just on something he claim was an important moral issue. After all he is saying Obama is not qualified because of lack of experience, now she has the same experience as Obama that makes her qualified. America chose Obama, John McCain chose Palin. Do we trust John McCain’s judgment? After all he thinks Bush is right 90% of the time.

4. Make this about issues. Experience now becomes our issue and we link it to being out of touch. McSame is out of touch because he has little “experience” dealing with the average person and has consistently voted against the middle class. Make his experience a negative issue and has spent too many years in Wash.DC, so he doesn’t realize that gone are the days when women simply do what men want them to do, they make up their own minds. Unlike Joe Biden who was riding the Amtrak and consistently having contact with average Americans, McSame was flying in his private jet, to one of his seven palaces, no wonder he chose someone who is out of sync with the direction the country wants to go. Palin is pro-life and pro-guns, she promotes the agenda of the most conservative wing of the Republican Party. Paint the picture of what life would be like under a McSame and Plain administration, war in multiple countries, veterans neglected, wages and jobs decreasing, and legal abortion abolished.

5. Reinforce we have the ticket in the right order. The person with the vision of where Americans wants this country to go is at the top of the ticket. Although it will be great to have a woman in high office we are not willing to sacrifice four years to John McSame and the Bush agenda to get it.

6. McPalin is under investigation, accused of abuse of power. There were 24 communications between her office and State Troopers’ office trying to get her ex brother-in-law fired. McPlain says she knew nothing of this obvious unethical behavior going on right in her very own office, does this sound familiar. She is ready to be what? By Republican standards she is very qualified. She really is more of Senator McBush and that’s not the change we need.

Republicans have been wrong on all the major social issues in the past thirty five years. Republicans say Americans don’t want government intruding on their lives, yet they want to legislate one of the most intimate decisions a woman will ever have to make. They are party whose president lied to the nation in order to invade a sovereign country for personal gain. The vice presidential debate is on my birthday and I cannot wait. Maybe McPalin can tell us what happened to the missing $9billion in Iraq. We want to have more than peace; we want community, unity and shared prosperity. The republicans have been pulling a “Kansas city shuffle” making us look right while they run left with our rights and money. They trash government as incompetent making us look away while they pillage. Enough!!!

As a female I am insulted by the ploy, but understand that McCain had no choice, this is the only shot he is going to have at being president so he has to do everything he can to win, play all his aces. He would only kick himself if he lost and he had not taken advantage of this option left on the table by Obama. By Clinton going as long as she did in the primary we became comfortable with the idea of a woman in the white house. McCain sat back and saw that as an opportunity for him, mean while it slipped away for Obama. For him to take a woman along on his ticket in the beginning was portrayed as weak and too much change. By the end of the primary it became “he better chose Hillary or no one”. Is McCain going to turn a loss for Obama into a major gain for himself? Was it a trap set by Obama? Did someone overplay their hand? See the only thing is you can play one card too many and what appeared to be a winner can backfire and you lose everything. Onward to the debates.

Two Deserving Men

The Pollitikat — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:56:40 EDT

As I marinate in the decision of Joe Biden as our Vice Presidential nominee, I found myself breaking out into a smile. Joe Biden the outspoken, crusader from Delaware. See that is my opinion of Joe Biden, the original “maverick”. I remember long summer days watching the Iran/Contra hearings and Joe Biden was a star. He was frank in his statements and straight forward in his questioning of Oliver North and Ronald Reagan. Joe Biden helped me believe there were honest people in politics. Joe Biden is an American Hero in the sense that he has diligently championed our cause. I cannot think of a more deserving person to serve as No.2 to our POTUS. He is knowledgeable, articulate and clean. Everything we need in Vice President. Knowledgeable in the fact that he knows the map very well and knows borders. Articulate in the fact that he can answer in question in complex terms but make it understandable for the average person, and clean in the sense he has no corruption or scandal in his history other than the yawn of a story that he plagiarized, heck even Obama has been accused of that. How perfect.

The more I think about this selection the more it just sits easy with me. I trust Joe Biden. I believe him. I think Joe Biden is frank, a real blunt speaker. He was built through struggles and accomplishments, he is the right man and now his time has come. I am almost tearful when I think of the possibilities of an Obama/Biden administration.

This selection of Joseph Biden has reinforced my confidence in Obama’s ability to lead this country. This is a bold and courageous decision on Obama's behalf.

C-SPAN/PBS is the new MAIN STREAM MEDIA (SPREAD THE WORD)

The Pollitikat — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:11:31 EDT

The American main stream media is a joke!!!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE turn off CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC. These so called media are a joke. Particulary MSNBC. I know that we have had an affinity for that channel because we feel that they may be a little bit more toward the opinion we want to hear, but I am convinced those guys only like hearing themselves talk. Lest we forget this is the same media that crowned George Bush, the same media that became tools of the Bush Administration, beating the drum for war, bargaining our childrens lives for exclusive em-bed. Remember the em-bed reporters who were supposed to covering the war. Yes the war was big business for those who conspired and those who exploited. Look at the news these days. How many familiar faces do we see. These people are all new faces, and remember they all advanced during the marketing of the war. We cannot and should not trust them. Remember what happened to Dan Rather, Bill Maher, and who became popular, Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly. Hannity was just some obscure Loud mouth on MSNBC. Now we trust MSNBC.

The media's lack of overage of these conventions are a betrayal of the American people. The people who litterally put the money in their pockets. The media pimps the public, luring us in with promises of being fair, and balance, honest and the only place for politics. They use our viewership to extort money from corporations for advertisement. We feed them. This is the most important election of our time and the media is not even covering the biggest event in that election. The Convention. I remember when every channel carried the conventions, it was the one time every four years along with the olympics when we as Americans understood that our television programming would be interrupted, and we reluctantly tuned in and in the end was glad we did. It was great to get the feeling of what what happening in our country and government and see the different politicians and listen for something familiar and important to our story. The American people are being denied this opportunity. ABC, CBS, NBC are only carring one hour of coverage. With all the money these people make and the fact that it is summer programming everything is a repeat what is wrong with some REALITY-TV, like the Democratic convention.

MSNBC, FOX, CNN claim to be covering it but yet all I see when I tune in are the same pundants giving their opinions. Who care what they think, this is about the American people, give us a chance to hear the convention so we can make up our minds. We dont even get the hear the speaker who dont fall into their narrative of the "clinton-obama". The media has decided that John McCain should be the next president because everything they do give him the advantage. This is a time when Obama and the Democratic party can introduce his story, and the parties plan for America, and the public is not getting a chance to hear it. We hear the pundants every day.

It is clear the media is only interested in becomming celebrities. I remember when the only celebrity news was Entertainment Tonight. PLEASE, PLEASE TURN THESE GUYS OFF. They are now exploiting and fabricating this rift with the Democratic Party, causing further friction between those who may not understand the business end of things in the media. At least we know where FOX is comming from, but MSNBC is only a bumbling bunch of talking heads yapping, and listening to their own echoes. As much as I appreciate their opinions I would have rather watched the convention and listen to their opinions after. I remember when CNN was reputable, but now they seem a little confused, not knowing whether to be a real news channel or a opinion channel like the other cable networks. With everything thats going on why am I watching five hours of pundantry. Since when did the newspaper reporter become the "expert opinion" for the television reporter. What happened to real jounalism. What is going on with the media is the next big con being perpetrated on the American people, that we have anything resembling a free press is an outright lie. How many times do we have to watch the awkward moments between guests and pundant when the guest doesnt fit with the narrative. How many times are we going to watch them dig up the two people in the room that doesnt support Obama. What is James Carville, and Pat Buchanan still doing on tv. The media have lied to us during this entire election.

Remember they crowned Hillary Clinton the winner before people even started voting. Remeber those days of Hillary "the presumptive democratic nominee". They were shocked that Iowa night, they werent able to predict that win and have been trying to get a handle on the election ever since. The media's biased coverage of that Iowa win is what gave Hillary her victory in New Hampshire. They were terrified of the prospect of not having the Hillary Clinton in the campaign because she is good for business, this is played out by their obsessive coverage of the so called "clinton-obama" rift.

CSPAN provides the public complete convention coverage including the films, from the time the doors open at 5pm. The coverage is unfiltered leaving room for your own opinion. PBS covers the convention from 8 till the end, though there is some commentary, it is usually show speeches and only talk during musical interludes. Lets not give the so called main stream media any more viewship. CSPAN is currently showing the lobby of the Denver Grand Hyatt, backstage stuff. They also show some of the different venues that take place during the convention. Lets make CSPAN and PBS the new main stream media. We have to demand that the media respect the public, and since this is a free market and we are the consumers, let stop consuming.

SPREAD THE WORD!!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!!

Re: Lawsuit filed by Clinton supporter

The Pollitikat — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:48:14 EDT

Ok so which is it Indonesia or Kenya? Can we at least know which country. Boy, some people will do anything just to ensure an Obama defeat. Well we cannot let them. Obama all the way. I am so sorry for those who are chosing to spend their time stirring the up hatred among our own citizens.

I understand the time we are in and I get whats happening. Racism, its the little dirty ugly word. It displays itself in many forms, some sounding legitimate, but when disected reveals nothing but hollow shells. We've seen it before but now it will be amplified. He's black people and there are those who will do anything to make sure he does not win.

I am dissapointed in the Clintons, and sad to see that they are allowing themselves to be used by the same right wing conspirators who tried to take down the Clinton presidency.

However we cannot allow ourselves to be distracted because Obama has always said this was not going to be easy. So let us prepare for the battle. United we will be victorious.

Not the Hillary I Knew, Female Vice President

The Pollitikat — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:50:22 EDT

Hillary's comments last night is more reason for her not to be VP, she is a lose cannon and would struggle with BO for power and her presence would over shadow him. She needs to work towards uniting the party and hope Obama gives her some role.

I dont think she should be the VP because she has too much baggage. Half the country is vehemently opposed to her, comming with a built in opposition vote. She is weight on the ticket.

I think Obama must chose a woman, the time is now. VP is a great start for female. Kathleen Sebellius, Nancy Pelosi except she is from California and does not offer any geographic advantage, Nancy Werner? I like the idea of Sebellius because her father was governor of Ohio. So she has roots in two states. Obama brings Hawaii, and Illinois.
I believe McCain will pick a female if Obama doesn't and that will split the female vote significantly. We need to be first. Women also need to be brought forward in this election as well and this would be the way to show women their issues would not be neglected. We need real drastic change, I THINK THE COUNTRY IS READY FOR IT.

I love the idea of an African American and a female. That is a dynamic ticket and I think a female would signify real change. Obama talked about new energy and people to Washington. How else to shake things up but to FEMALE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, and we have a female running the house. HISTORICAL.

Oh yes, we are ready, to shake it up, and let the people govern. We are ready to hold our leaders accountable, we are ready to be involved, we are ready to take care of each other, we are ready to be Americans, and we should not be held back by the belief that we can't have a female and a black man.

In Defense of Hillary

The Pollitikat — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:31:56 EDT

Keith went off tonite on Hillary, I agree this was a bad blunder but I really do think she was refering to the fact that primaries lasted until june in the past. I think this was a terrible example to draw upon and has set the media off. I am glad they are pouncing on this and I hope it helps to hasten Hillarys exit as well as difuses the idea of her being on the ticket. GREAT!!!

Its about time someone started playing hardball with her Im glad to see saturday night live has done it and now so has the main stream media, anything to get her out is good for us as long as it doesnt look like we are pushing her out. Foot-in-mouth syndrom is not synonimous with a particular person. Hillary has been getting away with it for months. Keith gave a great list but he left off saying she would inihilate Iran, her confession about lying about Bosnia, I could go on but I wont. I dont want to pile on. lol

I hope this moves the superdelegates and they decide to make a bold statement within the next few days. It also gives Obama an out when he does not chose her as the runningmate for the ticket. She has too much baggage and will only weigh down the ticket. The Clintons are part of the past and what we need to turn the page from. They keep the old fueds going, we need a more collaborative government, I see nothing but a Republican Congress and stalemate if she is on the ticket. I also see defeat, because she is the only person who also galvanizes the Republican party to get out and vote. She has a built in anti-vote and I dont think that segment of the constituency has been tapped yet in this process, I think they will be if Clinton is on the ticket. The Republicans have gathered a large arsenal against the Clintons and they are just waiting to unleash it. The campaign will become a spectacle and not about real issues. Obama will have to spend as much time defending her as he will defending Rev. Wright and other associations, Michelle's statements, elititism, etc. He doesnt need anymore distractions.

Hillary has run a hard but unorganized campaign. It highlights her lack of discipline and inability to lead. She is not ready to be President. Experience does not mean she is qualified for this particular job. She may be great as the Health Care Czar, or just Senator from New York. I think that is a great deal of history. I think she might be the first female senator from New York. I know she is the only First Lady elected to the Senate.

Three things the IRK me: Myanmar, West Virginia, and Hillary Clinton

The Pollitikat — Wed, 14 May 2008 07:43:15 EDT

The news lately have been primarily dominated by the coverage and outrage at the fact that Myanmar wont let relief aide into the country to help those affected by the recent cyclone. I am so tired of hearing about how they government of Myanmar is rejecting aide I am sorry for the people of Myanmar and I hope they get all the help they need, but Myanmar is a sovereign nation and can do as they see fit for their own people, we have to respect that. Most of all we need to get off our high horse. What about Katrina. How long did it take to get aide to those people? How long did it take to get the people out of the superdome? What was the attitude of our government towards the victims of Katrina? Didn’t we have deaths and hunger and abandonment in those days and weeks after Katrina? It bothers me how quickly people forget that not so long ago we had a serious tragedy in this country in the form of Katrina, and the government abandoned the people in one of our greatest cities. I would hate to say it was because of color, because there are many in the gulf region, black and white that still have not gotten relief, but in those crucial days when people were struggling for survival it was a majority of African Americans. We have no right to criticize another country about the way they are handling a disaster since we didn’t do so well when we were challenged in the same way.

Why are people acting like the voters of West Virginia are all that matters in this country. Do the media think that everyone in the country except WV is complete idiots? We know that the voters of WV are basing their votes on misinformation. How about the fact that 81% of the voters for Hillary Clinton thought race was an important factor? Why are we acting like there aren’t still prejudice people in this country. Any white person was going to beat Obama in West Virginia. Asking why Obama couldn’t win WV is insulting and asking a black man why he cant win the white racist vote is ridiculous. Millions of working class people voted for Obama if you consider all the votes he received in Wisconsin, Virginia, Iowa, Washington, Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, and South Carolina. Even in the states where he did not win he racked up millions of working class votes. WV to me is like the child who has not fully developing, the statistics on this state are very disturbing, this state has been neglected by the government and the people have been taken advantage of by their local politicians. There is much work to be done in West Virginia in building that economy so that people can actually feel like they matter; we may not win West Virginia. Unfortunately there is a part of society that can be convinced to vote against their interest. I think that is sad for the people of West Virginia and those who manipulate this segment of the constituency. Remember they voted for every president since forever that means that they voted for Bush, in 2000 and 2004. Remember that people who voted for Bush are part of the reason why this country is in the position it’s in.

West Virginia is not all of America. What the pendants and the Clinton campaign are failing to realize is that America is going through a metamorphosis. We want change because we are changing. But what has been changing the most in this campaign is the Clinton position on what it takes to win. Now she is putting forward the claim that it takes 2209 delegates to win the democratic nominee. I think this is being combative, and makes it clear that she is willing to bring down the party in order to secure the nomination. She will divide the party by race, class, gender slicing and dicing, anything to make the argument she should be president. I think she wants it too much. I am disturbed that she feels she needs to continue this race in case something happens to Obama. What is she waiting for? She has already lost; 100% name recognition, the Clinton Machinery, a former First Lady, US Senator from one of the most popular and populous state, free media coverage for about two years and she could not secure the nomination, how is she the strongest candidate? I am tired of the media spinning the Clinton agenda to the public. Whatever she says makes the evening news. Why is she still being covered? There is no doubt that if these roles were reversed which is what was expected by the Clintons and the media Obama would have been forced to leave this race months ago, but yet the media continues to reverse the real story that a former first lady with all the credentials in the world couldn’t beat the little known senator from Illinois.

Response to blog post: Why Hillary loves WV

The Pollitikat — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:56:54 EDT

94.9% white (national avg-80.1%)3.3% black (national avg-12.8%)bachelor degree or higher 14.8% (national-24.4%)median income $34K (national-$44K)

I think the statistics are very sad, and that should not be happening in America one of the richest countries. The stats show that WV has been neglected by the government and they more than many need change to take place in this country. It seems like they are being taken advantage of just like the African American vote was taken advantage of in this country. We do have more in common than the powers that be would like us to understand. What ailes WV is what ailes America and their greivances need to be addressed, I think only Obama is inclined to do that, the Clintons and the Republicans have had their chance. We will also hold him accountable. We are our brother and sisters keeper and we cannot allow the oppressive conditions in WV and across this country to continue.

Sebelius for Vice President

The Pollitikat — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:10:49 EDT

I love the idea of Sebelius. She totally rocks I loved her from the day she delivered the democratic response, and her committment to the campaign and the mission has been incredible.

I like Sebelius because she is from Baracks ancestral state. She is a democrat succeeding in a Republican state. She is from the midwest and could belp in crucial states like pennsylvania, kansas, ohio, michigan, and the famale rich state of Florida. She has management skills having been twice elected the governor of Kansas. It would show a committment to women and their issues and to the idea of bringing women forward as equals.

John McCain and Hamas/Vice Presient Choices: comment postings

The Pollitikat — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:59:54 EDT

Re: John McCain By The Pollitikat 4 minutes ago

I think I saw somewhere that Obama is getting 61% of the Jewish vote. McCain is trying to link him to Hamas to scare people and to make the Jewish Community feel insecure about their support for Obama. It will not work. Obama has opened a dialogue for all people to discuss the greivances. So lets talk. McCain is only inserting his foot everytime he speaks, I say let him talk more, because he is bound to screw it up.

Remember this war hero, who was captured and totured, supports torture; makes me wonder what information McCain gave up while in captivity and why they were willing to let him go. Why would he support torture, is he saying it worked on him. I think he said he stayed until they were willing to let all the captives free.

This man with over twenty years in Washington was not able to see through the Bush Lies and voted for an illegal war. We dont want that in the White House, and I dont like the idea of his wife as First Lady, she does not seem humble enough.

Oh I cannot wait for the general election. I think Obama will eat McCain for breakfast and this contest will be over by lunch.

Re: Vice Presidents By The Pollitikat 23 minutes ago

I like the idea of Kathleen Sebelius because she is a woman and she is from Kansas. I think this would appeal to those who want to see a woman President. Sebelius would show a committment to women and bringing them forward. She is also appealing to the mid-west and could bring crucial states into play like Kansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana; and in the important southern state Florida.

Journey Indiana

The Pollitikat — Fri, 09 May 2008 23:55:40 EDT

I decided to go to Indiana because I knew that Obama would need as much help as he could get there. I traveled with two ladies that I met while campaigning in Philadelphia. I originally planned to fly but decided to drive because I thought it would be a more enriching experience. I was right.

Saturday afternoon we loaded up our PT Cruiser and headed to the mid-west. I have never been to the mid-west. After four hours of driving I thought only Pennsylvania was to the west, it took hours to get through Pennsylvania, but we dashed through West Virginia, then Ohio, finally reaching Indiana around four o’clock in the morning. The entire drive we stayed up, discussing politics, society, culture, government, our next president, and the movement we are building. All three of us were unlikely volunteers, and none of us ever worked on a political campaign before. Two ladies over fifty and me, a single mom, we hailed from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. We dubbed ourselves The Tri-State for Obama.

The sun began to rise as I sped through Indiana anxious to reach our destination to get some sleep. I got pulled over by the police. He told me I was going ninety, I said I thought I was going eighty; the speed limit was sixty-five. One of the ladies shouted “we are here for Obama”. He said “license and registration, please”. When he returned after checking my credentials, he let me go with a warning, THANK YOU OFFICER. I asked how far to Indianapolis, he responded ten minutes but if I go ninety I will get there quicker. I promised I would be off the road in ten minutes, thanked him and continued my journey. We arrived in Indianapolis Sunday morning about nine am, around fifteen hours after we departed. Thank you to the receptionist at the University Place Hotel for allowing us an early check in. After the long night of driving, some breakfast and hotel check, surprisingly we had so much energy and excitement about being in Indianapolis to work for Obama, we decided to go to the headquarters and check in. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers at the headquarters on Fulton who welcomed us with open arms and made us feel at home.

On day one Sunday we went to a rally outside the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. Hillary supporters were across from us trying their best but we brought it. There was a high school band, an African band and plenty of supporters wearing their Hoosier for Obama jerseys, yelling “Barack the vote”, “be a part of something great, vote Barack in 08”. We chanted and danced for hours never giving in to the Hillary camp, later we went to volunteer headquarters on Meridian to help with office work preparing for the next day of visiting voters, delivering door hangers with polling information. There were volunteers from all over; Chicago, Pennsylvania, California. Max Kennedy (Robert Kennedy’s son) came by and gave a thrilling speech; this was a treat because I was out canvassing when he visited the office in Philadelphia.

On monday morning we worked out of the Shelby office, we went canvassing through the Franklin District. I got to see part of the rural areas, Indiana is a beautiful place. I spoke directly with voters; I couldn’t help smiling gleefully when I ran into Obama supporters. It was great fun. We were honored to be able to be a volunteer at an Obama event. We spent the afternoon and evening at American Legion Mall, a huge park in the center of Indianapolis, a beautiful setting. People were already arriving when we got there around three thirty for the volunteer meeting. As part of the volunteer group I was able to work with the crowd focusing on special needs. The line stretched for blocks and blocks, over ten thousand, I’m sure. People were camping out taking a seat on the sidewalk prepared for the long wait. It was unbelievable, people stood in line for hours. The only thing I can compare it to was the opening of “Return of the Jedi” I remember the lines and I stood in line for hours. The gates to Obama’s event opened around six pm. People hung out for hours even during the rain no one left. Stevie Wonder played, the press hovered, the people chanted, Andre Carson a local politician pump the crowd with a rousing speech. Finally our next President took the stage, the crowd went crazy. Obama was great, many of his remarks hit home, we cheered when he talked about not playing the same political games, and the gas tax gimmick promoted by the opposition. It was a great successful event.

On our way home we stopped by Country Kitchen, a local eatery Obama visited and became endeared with the owners and workers. Another group of hardworking Americans, just trying to do something positive and make ends meet. Obama supporters. During the drive home we met numerous Obama supporters when we took pit stops. We met a couple who supported Obama, one expressing the frustration at the media questioning Obama's ability to get white rural voters. “Me and my husband are white, rural, working class and we support Obama. We campaigned for Obama in Ohio”—her words. This narrative that the Clintons and the media put out was not borne out as we drove across rural America. We met several Hillary supporters who assured they would vote Obama in November, one talking about her concerns over Medicare part B, even stating “I would die if a Republican got in, because all we are going to be talking about is abortion, guns, and war”. “I’m too old for a kid, and if McCain gets elected we’re all going to need guns” she went on. I added “yeah, to kill ourselves” we both chuckled and hugged. A Hillary supporter.

I tried not to debate with Hillary supporters even though my companions loved to. I just found it counter productive. I encourage people to read about and listen to Obama. My only question was if they will vote Obama in November. Once they said yes, I didn’t feel the need to go further. The media doesn’t seem to understand that even with one hundred percent name recognition Hillary Clinton could not secure the nomination. Barack has eaten away at her voters because she was the presumptive nominee so all the votes were hers to lose, and she lost many.

I was very pleased with the results on election night and am more confident that America is on the path to change, and Obama is on the way to the White House. I look forward to the general election because I know it will be a tough battle. I have linked up with a local group and will be attending the voter registration drive on Saturday. YES WE CAN!

check out my pictures from Indiana: http://www.thepollitikat.com/

OUR Blog compared to Hillarys

The Pollitikat — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:53:44 EDT

After reading the late night open thread I had to go and visit Hillarys website. I do that from time to time to see what is going on over there. Frankly I find Hillarys site over stimulating and yet extremely boring. There is so much going on all of reminds me of a poorly constructed sales brochure. Hillblazer, FactHub, Hillary Hub, and a blog that is censored. It looks exciting but managages to disapoint. There are so many colors and flashing lights on that website you feel like you are at a carnival and you know you're about to lose money or dignity.

Her website is not constantly changing and providing information up front. You have to search her site to find the delegate count because she does not want her supporters to care about that. She does not show the map of states because she does not want her supporters to see the drastic difference in the amount of contests won. Her blog does not have devoted regulars like lace, bahamasforobama, or SaSa. She is only on six web communities-obama is everywhere. We have blog posting comments often go into the the high hundreds, she rarely breakes 150 yes she has had more traffic in the past day or two because of the primary but check back on friday and you will see a significant drop off. There is no question that Obama gets significantly more comment postings.

This blog is streamlined and color coordinated, it is constantly updated and visually pleasing to the eye. It is consistant with the use of the logo, and entertaining. It allows it users to freely communicate with each other and the campaign. It is filled with information both from the campaign and the users. We dont censor, you can tell by the amount of trolls lurking throughout, some being very destructive.

Importantly this blog is filled with hope, encourage, a sense of community, we share and we are charitable to each other, and it is all played out on this blog. Yes, we are unique.

Guys I just came back from Indiana I drove thirteen hours each way. Things were so intense there I did not get a chance to blog while I was there. I did get to see our leader and next president in Indianapolis. I took some great pictures and I plan to post later when I write about the trip.

Is Hillary American? Why Would Anyone Listen to this Woman. Holding the media accountable.

The Pollitikat — Thu, 01 May 2008 07:32:31 EDT

I was offended when Oreilly asked Hillary "what is an American?" and she did not defend freedom of speech. Another moment for her to be magnanimus and she decides to try to win the white house by way of gutter. She would have walked out of Rev Wrights church but she voted for the war in Iraq following Bush and the republicans into an unjust and illegal war. She continued to vote for funding of the war and voted in favor of resolution declaring Irans army as a terrorist group. This woman is clearly a warmonger and will continue to devide the american people the way she is now attempting to divide the Democratic party. She is a danger to the world, and should not be allowed near any sort of weapon of mass destruction much less the precious lives of our men and women serving the country in honor through the military.

My idea of an American is someone who loves America despite her flaws. The first amendment belongs to every american and every person within her boundaries, even those who may not agree with her policies. The issue with Rev. Wright is the media and its ability to control the conversation instead of reporting information. It is the media that decides not to properly cover the Hillary Clinton campaign. It is the media in this country, the most corrupt and censored media in the world that refuses to bring forward the questions surrounding the Clintons and their business dealings. She is allowed to just laugh off any question she does not want to answer. I find it odd that at her town hall no question arise that are unfavorable to her. Is the media leaving those out or is her audience questions pre-determined like a Bush press conference.

Hillary has made some very inflamatory statements since this election. Would an american try to incite one segment of the country against another. First she was whining about the media even though she got the majority of the coverage. She successfully convinced the media that she wasn't being treated fairly and was the only one getting the tough questions, or the first questions. Now she is trying to paint Obamas pastor as an angry militant. She can lie about her experience and be caught on video tape, she can be recorded making conflicting comments, but the issue is flagpins and Rev. Wright. It is the media that deserves the outrage. Whatever they decide is going to be news is news, we watch them bully people and by tuning in we give them more power.

It was the media that hyped the Monica Lewinsky controversy, the media that convinced us that Bush won the 2000 election, it was the media that sold the concept of the Iraq war and weapons of mass destruction. The media stopped covering the war. The media refused to fairly cover the other candidates. The media that presumed Hillary the democratic nominee. The media fabricated the Rev. Wright story and they got the result they were demanding from day one. Obama denounced his pastor, allowing the media to freely ridicule the man as seen on Colbert last night. Now today the media decided that this story is no longer important, and that Obama has successfully put it behind him, because they say so. The true impact will be determined on election day, and days after as it permeates and people start to talk more about it. I dont think it will go away, it has been stoked too much and will have a political impact in one way or the other. There will be a backlass either against the media, or one of the candidates.

The fact that there is no real truthful media in this country is depressing, you cant find the truth in our media. The media has their own statistics and agenda that they follow. They know the education level of their audience, they know our habits, and they know how to manipulate. The role of the media in the recent events in our history has been more significant than at any other time. I mean the media actually became a tool of the White House. The media allowed themselves to be used in stunts by the White House. The media allowed themselves to be dictated to by the Administration. There is no journalism in the media, they are all pundants.

No one has to leave their glass desk. I love Keith Olberman, but now Im concerned for his health. I thought reporters walked the beat to get the story, they went to talk to sources. Nowadays interviews are conducted by cell phone and satellite, and research by You-Tube. I am disapointed in Hillary for trying to play the racism fear card, but Im outraged at the media for trying to control this election.

He better start wearing a Flag Pin. Does this mean he is “White” enough? Holding the Media Accountable!!

The Pollitikat — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:01:47 EDT

I wake up today extremely disappointed in Senator Obama. I am sorry to see that he has allowed to media to pressure him into denouncing his own pastor. When will we learn not to give in to media pressure and to pressure the media? Too bad he was not able to see the trap laid by the republicans and corporate controlled media. By denouncing his pastor he has acquiesced to the media interpretation of Wrights “politician” comment and opened the door to future denouncements. He allowed the pastors words to be taken out of context and pandered to a certain element in American society who has long controlled the social agenda in this country.

This incident harkens back to the Al Gore Elian Gonzales debacle or the John Kerry “the troops died for nothing” statement. Al Gore was pressured to say he thought Elian Gonzales should stay in America pandering to the Cubans in Florida who were not and did not vote for him, and probably would have gotten more votes if he has said the Elian should go home to his father preserving the family unit. John Kerry made a legitimate critique of the war in Iraq and was pressured to reinterpret and then apologize for his words which were in fact true then and continues to be true today. These two incidents to me were minor but had a significant impact on the campaign. Both related to the candidates delectability in the sense that it showed weakness and lack of conviction. I am concerned that this is another one of those moments.

I have listened to the Reverends three televised appearances, and while I can understand why his comments would be considered controversial I don’t think they reflected an irrational or hateful man. They showed that Jeremiah had thought deeply about issues that plague the country and offered solutions to fixing some of them as he has in his community in Chicago. There are many things he said that I agree with, including the possibility of spreading the AIDS virus. Anyone who has studied the history of America knows that in the past America has conducted medical and scientific experiments on certain sections of its population and as with the Tuskegee Experiment is capable of giving our citizens incurable diseases. The Reverend did not say America spread the AIDS virus; merely that she is capable of doing so. America has also been the only country to use a nuclear weapon against another country. How come no one questioned or researched what the Reverend said about selling biological weapons to Iraq. We all know that America is the largest supplier of military and biological weapons.

But I don’t want to dwell on the Reverends words because I know them as harmless as Patrick Buchanan, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. The fact that Obama would denounce a man that he has known for twenty a man that has helped to shape him by brining him to Christ as he said, but wouldn’t call Hillary Clinton a liar even after she was caught lying about Bosnia to her face. Who cannot be blunt with Hillary about the truth of the Clinton administration, he can’t call for the impeachment of George Bush? Is he saying that what Rev. Wright is saying is more damaging to the country than what Hillary and George did by sending our troops to get killed for oil based on a lie? Who died at the hand or word of Jeremiah? Did freedom die at the word of Jeremiah or those who showed their lack of patriotism by voting for the “patriot act”? I believe the veil has been set aflame, is a politician saying what a politician says to get elected? Maybe Obama should start wearing a flag pin.

Baracks comments that this is not an attack on the black church shows Obamas lack of understanding of the civil rights movement, and the role the black church played Martin King was a Reverend. This is where his youth comes in and the fact that he was raised in white America. This is an attack on the black church because these are comments made from the pulpit, is the government going to tell what can and cannot be said from the pulpit, is the media going to dictate that? That is precisely why there is separation of church and state. Look at the work the church does, how anyone can think that hate is being preached at that church. How could Obama let people think that. What about the membership and the people who go to that church. Is that church the same as the FLDS church that is now under investigation? If this could be done to a congregation of this magnitude who can’t it done to? To me the Jeremiah Wright issue only related to Barack in the sense that white media who claim to be surrogates for white America wanted to know “is he white enough”, and I guess the answer is yes he is.

It is clear the media is shaping and molding this election campaign. Chris Mathews, Joe Scarborough, Tucker, the entire cast at CNN and the carnival over at FOXnews have decided that the American People are just stupid enough to be controlled. The even with the truth staring them in the face they continue to mislead the public. I am ready to get rid of my television and just use my computer for entertainment and information. The media lied to us about the 2000 election. Lied to us about weapons of mass destruction, became a tool of the Bush/Cheney Administration. Marketed the war to the people. Refuse to do real journalism and investigation. Remember they all have access to the entire sermon from Rev. Wright but have chosen not to play them when it is clear there is an interest in getting the full picture. The media deliberately decided to continue to just use sound bytes. They refuse to fairly cover all three candidates and even candidates who are no longer in the race when they were in the race. Do we trust the media? Now I sit and listen to reporters praising Obama, but will the issue of Rev Wright go away? I think it has only grown another dimension, there is more to analyze, but it won’t go away. Those who had issue with it will now talk about the twenty years he was in that church, it gives legitimacy to that part of the argument. How could you be around someone for twenty years, work with them, socialize with them and not know them? Or what will they pounce on tomorrow?

The media is now scrutinizing Obamas comments from yesterday and if they decide they are disingenuous this will continue to dominate, and will now be a liability. This issue which could have been muted if Obama just went to church and told America to get over it this is the black church. If he has encouraged people to listen to some of the sermons for themselves and turned this into an indictment the media. I feel the media has bullied this candidate from the start and now they are succeeding in shaping the candidate in their own image. I understand that Obama is saying what he feels he needs to say but based on what? The media decided this was an issue. The media put Jeremiah Wright on television. Are we saying Jeremiah doesn’t have the right to speak bluntly to his specific audience? No one in the room objected to what Jeremiah was saying. I did not hear any booing. If the media decided to amplify Jeremiah, is that Jeremiahs fault? Is that Obamas fault, when will we hold the media accountable? Everyone else is paying the price but the media goes free.

I still believe that Obama should be the next president because if I had to chose between the three politicians I still think he is the most capable to bring about the change needed in the country, but these past days only reinforced that this election is up to us the people. We must stay diligent, because we are the only ones who are going to look out for us. If anyone has any suggestions on what to do about the media Im listening.

Black President response to post

The Pollitikat — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:08:53 EDT

By The Pollitikat 7 minutes ago I have been irate about that fact since the beginning of the campaign Hillary has been exploiting the female vote. She is urging women to vote for her because she is a woman but Obama could never say vote for him because he is black. That just shows that there is still a serious racial problem in this country. African Americans are far more discriminated against than women, because if you're a woman of the right color things are a little easier than if you were the wrong color, and thats according to society not my personal belief.

In order for a black man to be president the media wants to castrate him and take away his manhood. They want him to give up his entire life. If they are successfull at having Obama denounce his pastor, where will it end. Next they are going to ask him to denounce his wife. what next his children. When has this ever happen in history, someone being asked to give up so much. The Clintons had their shady friends, they had them over to the white house.

Why because this blackman is saying things that maybe contrary to someones belief. Freedom of speech is written in the constitution. Even if he said god damn america he is not asking people to pick up arms. Is america that afraid of god, why if your doing right, do the christians believe god would damn them on the word of Jeremiah right?

Meanwhile Hillary, lies and only admits to lying when caught on video tape, she admited to lying during the last debate. Her words: "I repeated something I knew not to be true". Has no real experience, has been indicted several times on several different charges. Has all kinds of questionable relationships. However she is more acceptable to many because she is of the right color. In my mind there is no comparison between Obama and Hillary. She has done very little since she entered congress. Her Congressional page is a joke. Her and Bill want to continue living off the public which they have been doing for most of their lives. She has no qualification to be president, she has never ran anything succesfully, not even her campaign. She is only asking for the presidency preying on females and she is not even addressing womens issues.

Oh yes, it is hard being black in america and now the world sees it.

Clinton Wants to be President

The Pollitikat — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 06:22:26 EDT

Even when she is caught in a lie and even admits to lying the media passes over it as if it never happened but wants Obama held accontable for not getting the racist vote, or the words of his pastor, or his Illinois friends.

Hillary doesnt care how she gets this election as long as she is the nominee. It doesnt matter that she has to lie and cheat. She doesnt care if it tears the party apart and hands the election over to the republicans. She just wants it to be her.

She knows that she has very high negatives, she knows that the republicans are not going to stop attacking her and distracting America from the issues during her reign. She know that Barack Obama is ahead and she has not closed the deal in sixteen months of camapaigning and four months of voting. She is the one who has failed to put Obama away. She just wants to be the first female president, because her husband was president and that gives her the experience to be president.

It doesnt matter that she is tarnishing the legacy of her husband the former president. It doesnt matter that Bill held the highest office in the land, he proved he can go right back to the gutter he crawled out of. Bill figured his wife getting in would be a validation of his presidency because he knew the republicans controlled the agenda during his time. What better way to stick it to the republicans by having his wife rule on his behalf.

The republicans love the idea of the Clintons because they know they have defeated them before. They were successful in uniting the party under the Clinton regime and took over the congress. They were able to pass their agenda, NAFTA, THREE STRIKES, WELFARE TO WORK. The Clintons were compromised on issues like healthcare, education, gun control, and gave in on supreme court nominations.

They were investigated for questionable stock deals, and land deals, use of government funds. They were scandalized by their opponents with sexual harrasment lawsuits, and impeachments for lying about sex. The lincoln bedroom and fundraising in the white house.

The Clintons made it possible for George Bush to emerge. They left the democratic party weakened and vulnerable. They want to bring all of this back.

Pictures from Pennsylvania

The Pollitikat — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:45:25 EDT

check out pictures from my journey in pennsylvania

http://www.thepollitikat.com/

One More Debate

The Pollitikat — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:36:27 EDT

I know this may sound crazy, but I am for one more debate. I know the candidates have debated twenty-one times before, but one more debate is not going to hurt. I propose these conditions:

1. It should be conducted on C-Span, the other channels can carry it if they want but it should originate from C-Span.

2. It should last five hours, two and a half hours for each side.

3. There should be no questions, only point and counterpoint on the issues. Among them should be Rev. Wright and Bosnia, Rezko, and the Clinton Library. Baracks time in Illinois, and Hillarys time back in Arkansas and the whitehouse. Topics should also include, the constitution, war crimes, judgement, executive powers.

4. There should be no audience and at a location of no significance. No candidate should have an advantage or be at a disadvantage, and more time for answering questions.

5. It should be hosted by Bill Moyers

If Hillary wants to debate lets have a real debate.

Pollitikat on the Ground in PA -- Day Three

The Pollitikat — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:48:29 EDT

This is day three for the Pollitikat on the ground in PA. After a late nite labeling door hangers today I started out early hanging signs reminding people where to vote tomorrow. After we drove around in the sound truck pumping Will-I-Am's "yes we can" through the streets of center city and northern Philly. We got many shouts of "Obama" and "yes we can" as we drove by from all kinds of people.

This afternoon was particularly interesting as we staged a visibility presence across from a bunch of Hillary supporters. When we came out (followed by the media of course) the Hillary supporters decided to get bigger signs. Well we called for backup and they showed up in force. Eventually we had several corners covered.

If I was to conduct a snap poll on the amount of cars that drove by with Obama signs, and honking their horns there is no doubt in my mind that we will win PA. The response was outrageous, the Hillary supporters got so frustrated by the level of attention we were getting they packed up and left. Victory!!!

The level of energy has been intense all day here at the headquarters, a constant heavy stream of volunteers have been showing up at all the offices throughout the city. Our ground force is really aweswome guys, but Im sure many of you already know that.

Tomorrow is d-day, and we are prepared for the battle. I continue to believe that Barack is going to win. YES WE CAN

On the ground in PA

The Pollitikat — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:13:52 EDT

Its day two for the Pollitikat in PA. I am on the ground and blogging from the headquarters in Philadelphia. Today I canvassed what felt like the entire north Philly area. Many Obama supporters there. I worked out the the office in Girard near Broad street. If you are in Philly you should walk over to help out, we need you.

I continue to believe that Obama will take Philly and Pennsylvania, I continue to have hope, because I believe in the man, the mission and the message. Despite what all the pundants are saying I think Barack will WIN here. There is no way for the polls to capture what is happening on the ground. While out canvassing today I ran into very few undecided and very few Hillary supporters.

I can honestly say that Pennsylvania is FIRED UP!!.

I ran into university student and veterans all for Barack. My most interesting contact today was with a white man from Bucks county. Well he was very warm, and although he was undecided, he was excited to see the campaign comming through. He seemed so genuine in his interest in what was going on I almost cried right there. I managed to hold it together to tell him we need to win Bucks county so if he could talk to all his friends and remember to bring them out to the polls on tuesday.

Tomorrow will be another day and boy am I ready to go get out the vote. I also ran into many New Yorkers and people from all over the country who made the trip to PA just to show their love and support for this candidate. Its morning in America again.

Barack Wins Debate

The Pollitikat — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:06:34 EDT

I think Barack did great in the debate and he was the clear winner strategically. He pulled out his ammunition in several case on Hillary and she seemed to be struggling throughout. I thought the comment about the "baking cookies", "the weather underground" and the "rev wright" gave Barack opportunity and he made the most of them. He exposed her when he talked about her being recorded making comments which she was criticising him for.

He bested her on the tax issue, and economics, her supposed strong suit. She was defeated on the capital gains tax question. I think once this debate settles on the minds of Americans Barack will benefit. Her attacks were rebuffed and Barack launched succesful counter attacks, like the pardon, and the recording. He gave her a taste of his raw politics and I dont think she liked it, because she backed off in the end.

Oh yes I think Obama won this one hands down

Although ABC seemed to be more dramatical than substantive, I go against all pundants and say overall it was a good debate for Obama. He looked like a winner and like he knew more about real issues and real people. He made the connection that Hillary talked about last night. Hillary's answers showed just how out of touch she is the the american people and the fact that she is not really paying attention.

Also she is constantly trying to steal Barack ideas and re-work them for herself. I think americans are on to this.

I cant believe we less than a week away from pennsylvania.

A well Regulated Militia and The "right" to keep and bear Arms

The Pollitikat — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:29:29 EDT

Because of Obamas recent comments the second amendment has become part of the debate. Isnt it great that Obama is allowing us to speak about these issues honestly. We have been having the big gun debate for decades, and in the mean time we've had thousands of killings in the inner city (drug battles being fought in our neighborhood street), thousands of spouses killing each other. We've had thousands of "accidental shootings" many involving children. There have been dozens of shootings in schools and colleges across the country, the periodical police hail of bullets on innocent americans, and ofcourse the vice president shooting his friend in the face.

Even with all this evidence as to why indidviduals should not have guns, those who believe in guns cling to the second amendment as the constitutional right to own and have a gun in their homes. The problem is many of these supporters have never read the second amendment and are listening to the politicians who use this as a wedge issue by dividing americans into an us against them mentality.

I strongly disagree with the gun lobby analysis of the second amendment. The second amendment comes with a qualifier, it states:

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed". (1791)

It does not say the "individual right". Some of the rights laid out in the constitution are to protect the individual and some are to protect institutions. I think this is one of those that are speaking about an institution, the militia, which in 1791 when this amendment was passed was all they had. I think militias of those days are todays national guardsmen. They were the protectors of states, because in those days there could have been a situation where one state tried to overtake another state: The amendment is clearly referring to an institution because it talks about regulation, and the need for the militia to be regulated, I take that as necessary to know who has a gun. In those days the militia like todays national guard lived in the community and only mobilized when needed.

How does that translate into everyone packing a gun. This is a big misconception, if everyone owns a gun it would negate the first amendment right of the people to peaceable assembly because then any group could be a militia and confront the government.

It is true that "people kill people", but guns make it easier. If one wants to go hunting, fine, but you can purchase your gun at a regulated gun dealership, and if your gun ends up in someone elses hand being used in a criminal enterprise then the gun owner should be held responsible. If a gun dealer does not follow proper background checks and waiting periods, and a gun they sold under those conditions end up in a crime then they should be held responsible. You should need a hunting license and a gun license to own a gun. I think a mental assessment should take place, and the type of gun should be regulated. You dont need a machine gun, some shotguns, or handguns that are sold all over this country, many of these weapons are for killing man only, I mean what are hunters hunting (ducks, geese, deers) harmless, non agressive animals, you need an uzi for that?

The fact is we have a military, and a national guard, it is their job to "secure the free state". Anyone else who has a gun is just another killing waiting to happen. All the murders show that individuals should not be trusted with guns, because it is the first thing they turn to when anger controls them and they feel the need to get even.

Polls, Presidency, Being "Bitter", and WINNING IN PA

The Pollitikat — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:17:15 EDT

Response to blog post about hating polls:

I love the polls. Polls are our friend. lol. we need polls to gage the situation, the key is not to take them too seriously. We all have an internal poll, and I know what Im feeling. Im feeling a win in PA. Barack has campaigned different in PA. He did what needed to be done. He did the Bus tour, and he allowed his visits to marinade by visiting other states in between. He talked with locals, gave important speeches, launched effective add campaign, and pushed back against her attackes. I believe he has made great inrodes in PA and these recent comment controversy will only gain him votes among those who the opposition think it will cost him votes. Those voteres will realize that Barack really does understand them, and he is willing to take their message to the "elites". This comments shows that Barack speaks for all people no matter who the audience. His response was effective in positiong the comment in its proper context. Because of Barack I am beginning to have great confidence in the American populous. I realize now that many people are hungry for truth just like me and soon there will be only those who are ignorant by choice because the truth is out there.

Barack looked presidential, while Hillary looked "bitter". When I think over the past weeks I cant help feeling sorry for her. The humanity in me hopes she comes out with some dignity. We shall not take joy in her demise, but grant her the courtesy she may not have given Barack. I TNIHK HE IS GIONG TO BAET HER!
and he will win the general election.

Barack has defied all the odds, and I honestly did not see it coming. My only concern is the debate tomorrow, if he comes off too cocky the tide could turn. the last time he debated barack acted like he was singing her goodbye song at the end, it was awkward and that turned voters off. This time he just needs to take it easy, and he will win.

Barack Campaign Superior By Far

The Pollitikat — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 07:32:57 EDT

The superiority of the Obama campaign was displayed when he started out by raising just as much money as she did. I think she was finished after Iowa but things just had to play out. It is clear that Obama had the strategy down and understood his mission in this contest.

Hillary ran a campaign of entitlement, one that said she was owed the white house because of what she went through as first lady. She believed she was going to play off her husbands popularity and that would translate into votes for her. She also listened to the media who also had her crown as the next Democratic Nominee, she believed her own hype. She positioned herself in a delegate rich and popular state to gain national attention. But she wasnt listening to the people, only her own ambition.

Obama had the pulse of the populus. Imagine if Obama was our president after 911. Remember the energy of the country. People were desperate for leadership, real leadership. We were desperate for the truth and peace. Instead we got lies and war and death. The media lied to us and politicians thought we were buying it. They thought were were completely fooled and ready to be mislead again.

There were many lone voices crying out. Bill Clinton when he took on Chris Wallace, Keith Olberman who understood what that moment meant for the public, and the country and the media, Kucinich, Gravel, Paul who ran if only to keep themselves and the war, corruption and greed in the discussion. Barack, who showed courage to not support the war from "day one". His voice rose above all and struck the right cord for many reason. He is the right person at the right time with the right message. A raw truth forcing us to face reality.

The polls have been bearing it out for months, but the most important poll which is the votes cast has supported the theory.

MLK the truth and fighting Back : Response to post in overnight thread

The Pollitikat — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 07:14:54 EDT

MLK believe in telling the truth even if it hurt a bit. I think that is what Jade is trying to say. I also feel the campaign lets things fester, as a strategic thinker though I would speculate it is because there would be a liability in attacking on certain points. Like the "just words" and "3am" incident. I thought the campaign should have used clip of Bill Clinton talking about people playing on your fears, because Bill Clinton who is so revered was also the hope candidate. Obama said he thought the truth was a powerful weapon and I know this is true.

I thought that Barack should not only portray himself as the next possible Kennedy and Lincoln, but also the next Bill Clinton, someone who can balance a budget. It is the most endearing asset of the Clinton legacy and always mentioned as his biggest triumph, that will be his legacy (cause everything is pretty shot to heck).

She could have been finished in Texas, I still think the perceived victory in Texas still went to clinton because she won the primary there. I believe that texas and nevada elections were blunders in the Obama campaign, but was able to recover because the candidate and team is so experienced and they believe in Obama as we all do. It is frustrating because I want the campaign to respond, but I leave it to Barack to select his battles. It is up to me to give him the support by expressing opinions here. Fight on.

Uplifting Day

The Pollitikat — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:09:09 EDT

This day turned out to be as typical as it was unusual. It started out with my train going out of service three stops from where I got on and I had to go about fifteen more stops. As we all unloaded onto the narrow platform I thought about being late for work and positioning myself near the door to ensure that I would be able to get on the train. Well when the train came I got on and got a seat, my day was taking a twist because on the last train I was standing. I sat down and closed my eyes and started to doze off.

When I opened my eyes I was underground and standing before me was a lady wearing an Obama button. It was just a round blue background with “OBAMA” typed across it. I was shocked and I couldn’t hold back the smile. I glanced around the train to see if I saw anymore Obama buttons, this was unusual for me because I don’t usually see politics paraphernalia on the subway and I live in New York. Here only business is on the mind, and we trek to work in a daily grind without even noticing. You would think with our reputation we would be more expressive, breaking out their “Obama” signs all over the place, but I had never seen anyone else since the primaries or even before wearing any kind of political signage on the subway.

Well anyway, I kept staring at her button and smiling, then the person next to me got up and I scooted over to ensure she would get the seat. Now she an older white lady, and me a younger African-Jamaican, were supporting the same candidate. I said to her “you know, you’re the first person I’ve seen wearing an Obama button,” she said “really” and then the young lady setting beside her leaned over and joined in saying “yeah, I was going to ask you where you got it” I couldn’t help but chuckle inside. I showed them my shirt that I brought for a co-worker and we commenced to discuss all the activities around town that will be showing support for Obama over the weekend, making signs and buttons. Turns out the button lady will be in Philadelphia on the 20th and I will be going down on the 19th. We were both so excited to have a candidate who was bringing out the positive in people.

I felt so uplifted after this encounter I could not wait to write and share it with you, but those of you in here already know what Obama is doing in America and around the world. He is bringing strangers, cultures and genders together. After this experience on the train I went to work and found that my sign and my buttons I order last week arrived. I smiled again, another Obama influenced moment. I put my sign up at my desk and handed out the buttons that I bought for my co-workers. They were very excited to get their “Obama stuff”. As I have written before I am not an American so I cannot vote in the upcoming general election. I really do not have any regrets because I know I am trying my best to do my part and influence as many votes as possible.

This is my support for Obama, by promoting his values, and blueprint for change, getting people excited and on board with this movement.

Tomorrow I will call Fred an older white man that I met while standing on line getting lunch one day, he told me he liked my button and said he wanted a button, I tried to direct him to the internet but he brushed that off. It was then that I realized many older people who support Obama are not comfortable with the new technology so it is up to the younger generation to help them get their information and “stuff”. I told Fred I would get him a button. I called him today but he only comes in on Wednesdays, imagine that. I can’t wait to call him tomorrow and give him his button. Then I came home and wrote this blog and I am just smiling as I write it. Thanks Obama, for allowing us to be free again, to not be afraid to talk to each other.

Hillarys Sniper Fire Joke makes me think of Bush3, more Lies

The Pollitikat — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:44:54 EDT

Could Hillary be Bush III “pinned down by sniper fire” joke from Leno.

I was highly offended by the joke Hillary made last night on Leno about being pinned down by sniper fire as the reason she was late for the show. This reminds me of Bush brushing off the fact there were no weapons of mass destruction and how he lies to congress and the people, and the way his Administration jokes about lying to the public.

Hillary is running for president, leader of the free world and commander in chief. I don’t want my commander in chief joking about lying about something as serious as her foreign policy experience. She would be in charge of the military, she insulted the military by making what they go through seem like something that can be joked about. She repeated this story three times and tried to discredit those who spoke out truthfully about the trip. She didnt just lie she was adamant about it, just like Bush.

The fact is that Hillary’s resume is fabricated, meanwhile she downplays Obama’s real experience. The Clintons are dishonest, remember that Chelsea basically corroborated her mother’s story. Hillary’s public appeal for already pledged delegates to consider changing sides has the potential to be political suicide and an open call for people to betray their country and conscience, and candidate.

This is serious, and a real insight to what a Clinton presidency might be like, more lies and double talk. Just Like Bush, we cannot afford to have another Bush three.

Link of Chelsea Clinton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEB2P8DNE08&NR=1

Iraqi RESISTANCE “Insurgents”/Hold the Media Accountable for Exploiting 911

The Pollitikat — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:48:14 EDT

I am very disturbed by the anniversary of the war. I remember sitting in my living room and crying the morning after 911 because of the telephone calls that were coming in the television morning shows about loved ones that were missing and feared dead after the attack at the world trade center. As a resident I was not surprised that we were attacked. Al Qeada had declared jihad on America several years before and someone had already bombed it, so I know they had it in for us. What surprised me was the level of incompetence displayed by the American Government and the Bush Administration. After a full commission and several investigations it is clear that the attacks could have been avoided. With all that said the Iraqi war is a despicable use of this tragedy by the Bush administration. To take this country in an illegal and corrupt war for the sake of fattening the pockets of his compadres is the ultimate disrespect to those who lost their lives.

I am a New Yorker, and I knew there was NO WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTIONS before the military invaded Iraq. I knew because I remember previous presidents and the previous Bush administration. I remember The Iran-Iraq war, Iran-Contra, and Reagan saying to congress “I do not recall”. I remember Saving and Loans scandals, and a president being impeached for sex. I heard about Lincoln, Malcolm, Kennedy, Martin, Robert and their assassinations. I remembered this was America.

I saw Saddam giving interviews affirming he had no illegal weapons programs and Inspectors saying they found no weapons or any evidence there was any intention to create any. The reality is Saddam had to be a magician for me to believe there were weapons the way we were scouring and scrambling across that country. The fact remains, that sitting in my living room and just watching what was going on via news I could tell there were no weapons. So why couldn’t the member of congress, why couldn’t Hillary with 35 years of experience and travels to 80 countries. The Iraq war is the worst betrayal in history of the American people. The way the Bush administration has handled the country and the arrogance they continue to show during their reign is a reflection of their disdain and contempt for Americans. The fact that the Bush Regime is going to get away with it is sickening enough; I certainly do not want to see a president elected who supported that decision.

The American people need to understand who we are fighting over there. We are not fighting “insurgents” these are Iraqi citizens who are “resisting” the illegal invasion and occupation by a foreign force. The Bush administration labels the resistance “insurgents” and the media picks up the lingo sells it to the public and we validate it. This is another reason why the media has to be held accountable. Instead of “escalation” we have a “surge”. We have been fighting the Iraqi for five years and they are not giving in. We have gone into their homes and killed fathers and mothers in front of their children. Our soldiers are firing into houses. Imagine if that happened to you, unprovoked. We have to be careful of the language we use when we talk about the war. 911 was a terrible attack, but imagine five years of 911 and that is what the Iraqi people are facing. By referring to the people fighting as insurgents we act as though we are not fighting Iraqis, just as we labeled the victims of Katrina “refugees” as though they were not Americans. By saying insurgents we make it ok to kill them and it has the feel of sterilizing the brutality of killing. Are we to believe that the Iraqi people are going about their daily lives while foreigners come to their country and start a war? Who would stand for that? Wouldn’t it mean that if we went away the insurgent would go away; since our presence is the reason they are there? Maybe, just maybe the Iraqis love their country and that’s why they fight?

These doubles speak started right after the attacks when patriotism was redefined and it meant “flag”. Security was now “war”, and giving up privacy and freedom became the “patriot act”. When the name of a CIA agent who was responsible for securing loose nukes was leaked her position was redefined as “secretary”, and military occupation became “liberation”. The media has been taking their cues from the Bush party and selling the agenda to America, they should be held accountable. We disrespect our soldiers by sending them to an unjustified war, to the Iraqis they are the “insurgents” I mean didn’t we just conduct a “surge”?

I was very upset that one American had to die in this illegal war, I remember debating against it with many friends. Ones who had fell for the argument of fear, and were obviously suffering from the shock of the attacks and whose emotions were being exploited for the Bush/Cheney agenda. I watched as ten died, and then twenty and I said maybe when it gets to 100 people will start to think and this war will end, but it kept on going. Then it went to one hundred and then two, and I thought maybe when it gets to a thousand people will ask questions and this war will end, but it kept on going. I knew then that it had to pass the almost three thousand that died in the 911 attacks. Well that happened in December 2006. We had a new congress and I thought maybe now this war will end the people have spoken, but it still goes on. We need a president that can bring this war and the notion of preemptive war to an end, a president who has studied the art of war not just the battles.

It is sad that 4,000 Americans and countless Iraqi have had to die for no justifiable reason, but because of Obama their deaths will not be in vain. He was against the war from “day one” and he vocalized it. I think he is the best to handle foreign policy because he has shown graciousness and wisdom. His call for Americans to get involved and stay involved shows he is for the people, he is the best to handle domestic issues because he shows he can understand both sides of issues and negotiate a balanced conclusion. He has shown he can unify, strategize, and fight tough, and his campaign is a testament to his superiority. We need this leader.

Obama ‘09

The Measure of Leadership and Experience in the American Experiment

The Pollitikat — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 09:10:19 EDT

What a week. I find myself trying to organize the scrambled thoughts of Jeremiah Wright, passport gate, Obama’s speech on “racial tensions”, and Hillary calling out of Obama on the Michigan and Florida primaries. There was John McCain confusing Al Qaeda with Shiites, Bill Clinton saying that John McCain and Hillary are the two candidates who love America, and Bill Richardson’s endorsement. It was a very stimulating week.

On every news channel, every program, every reporter was questioning why Obama was a part of this church or had anything to do with Rev. Wright. Obama went on the talk programs; he offered an explanation and apology. I did not have confidence in Obama’s first statement, I felt they gave new fodder to the opposition but I understand why Obama felt the need to say something, the media hyped the country to new heights of hysteria (which resembled the days leading up to the Iraqi war). Obama’s comments on that evening was an attempt to quell the anxieties felt by the public for various reasons and blunt the media barrage making the sale on the idea that Obama was going to be a “black radical”. I was looking for a courageous person to step forward take control of the conversation and offer direction to the nation. Someone had to move the country beyond the clichés and stereotypes, and speak honestly to the American people. We needed a leader.

On Tuesday a Leader came forward. Leadership gave a speech in the City of Brotherly Love. In a classy and historic fashion Barack Obama addressed the differences in our cultural politics. Gripes that inhibited our ability to genuinely discuss social and economic issues, creating a situation where election after election Americans routinely vote against their interest and send the same politicians to Washington who has been bought off by the corporations and interest groups.

True leadership is facing tough critique and learning from it, it is standing out and standing up when it would be much easier just to go along. It is speaking truth, when truth could be dangerous. We know great leaders and something they share is opposing establishment when no one else dared. Any candidate could have come forward and show leadership. John could have seized the moment and attempt to bring the nation together, and refocus on subjects of common interests. Hillary Clinton could have come forward and commanded this subject, spoke to the color divide and try to unite. That would have surely gained her points with the African American Community but also she would look like a leader. Any one of the candidates could have made this moment their moment and bring the country together moving us away from the hysterics of the main stream media. The only person who chose to step forward was Barack Obama. Alone, he faced the bright lights in a city where the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence sealing in it many freedoms being eroded by the Bush Administration, in a state he is predicted to lose.

The speech, I think did what it was designed to do, examine the subject of race and start an honest dialogue. The speech made me revisit a question I ponder from time to time, this description of “race”. Should we label ourselves in terms of “race”? Race to me implies competition and unless we believe that we are in competition with the other color groups, then “race” seems contrary to American ideals. If we believe we are different races we will never be able to solve the common issues. By defining ourselves as “races” don’t we concede that one “race” should seek dominance, wouldn’t natural law come into play and one “race” has no choice but to subjugate the other for its own survival? Aren’t we one race? By saying that we are of different “races” to me is like saying there are drastic differences between us, as if each color group offers a contrast as stark as between the Bull and the Feline. They share many things (two eyes, tail, etc) but those are two groups that can never really come together, is the difference between us that striking? To say we are different races for me plays into the color divide. It dictates that power should be responsive to skin color, implying we are fundamentally different. I don’t think we are. We are one race. Why should people continue the entangled complicated dance of division by “race” never coming close enough to touch the real problems that permeate American Society?

Obama had the courage to speak to the American people on the longest standing and most controversial issue in American history. He did it with great insight and wisdom, speaking for all Americans, exhibiting understanding of the sensitivity of the subject matter. He seemed sincere, authentic and knowledgeable. Obama reiterated that we needed to bring the public back in public service by holding our elected officials accountable and not be distracted by the petty arguments of the interest groups and the media.

I feel like I don’t have to force myself to support Obama as I have had to do in previous elections. With Obama I feel the public is getting a real advocate for the people and not a puppet for the lobbyists. There is no way of knowing for certain what an Obama presidency will be like, but I am convinced he can handle not only any crisis that may come about during his presidency, but the everyday “crisis” that faces the average Americans: Healthcare, childcare, employment, fair wages and working conditions, affordable housing, decent schools and a good education, safe and clean streets, affordable consumer market.

Obama has run a superb and consistent campaign, from the logo to the website, the discipline, fundraising, organization, and strategy. He has carried the same message to every state, the same message when he was high in the polls and when he was low in the polls. It is the same message of unity, justice, and opportunity for all. A message of optimism and hope while not shying away from the reality that America has a diverse consciousness.

States that did not have significance in previous primaries are now having their voices and votes count because of this candidacy. Obama didn’t just take advantage of the “black vote” as many politicians have in the past, nor did he disregard the so called “blue collar-rural” voter because the media and the opposition infer that segment of the voting public too ignorant and prejudice to vote for Obama. He didn’t leave out the Latino voter because they did not vote for him, nor did he ignore the female vote because his opponent may have an inherent advantage with that voting block. Obama is speaking to all people and for all Americans, showing we are all part of the American story. Also important is Obama showed enlightened vision; a blueprint for healing and moving forward, out of the darkness of the Bush Administration and the politics of ethnic and gender division, fear, and corruption. Barack showed that he can be and will be a president for all the peoples of America, elevating both our standards and our standing in the world. The events of the past weeks confirm that Barack Obama has the experience and judgment to be the next President. In this great experiment, let this man lead.

(See my previous post “We Need Moses”)

On Michigan and Florida

The Pollitikat — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:48:49 EDT

I know that it is important to seat the delegates from Florida and Michigan but I cant help but wanting to maintain our democracy. Somehow it seems that seating the delegates as is may seem a little unfair and that is not how one wants to win. I have been thinking that splitting the delegates evenly between both candidates may be a more fair way to handle this. If the delegates are split evenly Florida and Michigan get to seat their delegates, they would not have an impact on the outcome but they would be allowed to contribute to the platform and counted in Denver. This way Florida and Michigan are still penalized for moving up their primaries and the candidates and voters wont have to pay for it. Since hillary won the votes in those states she should get half plus one representing her majority. We need to move forward and beyond the florida and Michigan debate so that we can talk about real issues.

Does This mean he is black enough/Outrage to Action.

The Pollitikat — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 09:34:43 EDT

After watching Barack answer the charges of hate against his pastor, sadness came over me. Barack was forced to say he was never in church when Wright was giving sermons that might have been peppered with the kind of comments being played on TV. I’m sure that republicans, the Clintons and the media are digging to see if Barack was indeed at such a sermon. To show how ridiculous this thing was at one point Anderson showed Barack one of the statements he was condemning it went something like, paraphrasing” “Hillary has never had a cab whiz by her because the color of her skin was wrong, Hillary has no idea what it is like to be a black man and live in a country controlled by rich white people,” after showing the statement Anderson repeated this is one of the statements you are condemning, even Anderson knew it was ridiculous, because the statement is true.

I then watched as Anderson and David Gergen and Roland Martin went on to talk about how it is possible that Wright could be a patriot and could possibly love this country more than many people but feel that America has not lived up to what it could be, how we needed to dialogue about the issues behind the statements and see the entire ceremony before casting judgment. Imagine after backing Barack into a corner and after he had committed himself to a particular position the media was offering up another explanation for the same words that was before being characterized as evil and hateful. Making him denounce a man he obviously loves a great deal and who has had nothing but positive influence in his own personal growth. Great.

This is one of those moments when I am proud I am not an American. Some would say America is the greatest country. To that I say; has anyone in your community been shot to death by the police simply because of the color of their skin. Has anyone in your community been tied to the back of a truck and dragged until the head separated from the body. Has your child been confronted with a noose lately?

Of the fifty states and one hundred senators did everyone know that Barack was the only black person in the senate? Did we forget King was jailed and the youth was beaten and killed just to be able to drink at a water fountain, imagine being deprived water because of the color of your skin? Does everyone understand that slavery was preached from the pulpit? When was the black vote fully realized? If you live in a ghetto you may have a different view of America, that’s why I support Obama, because America can be great.

Strength from force does not make greatness, strength of character does. Didn’t Jesus speak out against the corruption in his own community? Didn’t he turn over the tables of merchants at temple because he felt they were desecrating the sanctity of the temple? Remember there were those in Jesus’ day that spoke out against him. Why? Because he was interrupting their ability to make money, and too many people were starting to listen to Jesus, standing up for themselves. They conspired against Jesus and paid one of his own disciples to help in having him crucified? I’m not religious but I understand what happened to Jesus.

Playing Offense is Not Stressing Taxes until after April 15

The Pollitikat — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:09:06 EST

The argument that Barack should continue to make is judgement!! The fact that she did not read the national intelligence estimate should be in an add. She did not have the judgement to read the intelligence, she did not call none of the eighty leaders that she likes to talk about to find out what was reality. She did not go to Iraq to see for herself what was going on before she decided to authorize the killing of iraqi citizens or the deployment of troops in an unnecessary war leading to the death of innocent lives of both of iraqi's and americans. Thats poor judgement.On sunday "meet the press" had a clip of bill clinton saying and i paraphrase; "if one candidate is trying to play on your fears and another is trying to get you to think and have hope, you better vote for the one who is trying to get you to think and have hope". That should be an add. We need to play offense. I dont think this tax issue has enough meat for the campaign to spend time valuable time on this. It is not after the tax deadline so technically she does not have to release before then. On April 16th Barack should call for the release but not before. He could use these weeks making much more compelling arguments that will question hillary's integrity, judgement and ability to get things done. Stay on message. Reclaim healthcare if her bill is better let america know that he has a better chance of passing her bill than she does. This is her issue and we can take it from her. Continue to talk about the process in 1993/94 and how she shut out the people and the party. Poor judgement.

You have to use people's own actions and words against them. That is why her tactics over the weekend were so effective. Obama not only has to deflect her attacks but he has to land one of his own.

Also the question is not whether or not the media is giving hillary favorable coverage, because we all know that there is no such thing as bad coverage. the real question is how many times has she been the lead story, or how many segments of a broadcast mentions her or some aspect of her campaign. The media once again is marketing to the american people, they did so on the war and they are doing it now. candy crowley from CNN, on bill maher last year said she thought the best race would be hillary and virtually anyone on the republican side, good ratings. the Clintons represent sensationalism, and play very much into the celebrity atmosphere. The media's role needs to be scrutinized.

Remind people that during the Clinton years we suffered through a government shut down. This is not the example of someone who works well with others...when sides just refuse to talk, to negotiate and when you do you just give in to opposition. Talk about the fact that because of the Clinton presidency we had to endure eight years of Bush and war. Lets stay focused.

Thanks George Bush! Thanks America! Now, Can We Shorten the Work Week?

The Pollitikat — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:01:43 EST

I could not help but think of the irony and how we have to thank George Bush. I have been living in this country for almost thirty years. I have always had an interest in politics, I love the game. Move and counter move. I have to admit that sometimes I get frustrated when I think someone should have made a particular point and it was lost by the distraction of media or moment. But the fact that we are in this moment just seems to be miraculous to me. Four years ago most people had never heard the name Barack Obama. Some saw him speak at the Democratic Convention but many did not. Most of the country was tuned out at that time. We has been in the spell of hatred and fear forced to accept an unjust war, and incompetant president and the crashing economy. All these things due to the worst president ever George Walker Bush Jr., and I just want to take this moment to say thank you George Bush.

I thank George Bush because without him I don't know if a Barack Obama candidacy would have been as successful. If Bush had not been such a complete disaster I don't know if the country would have been ready to embrace Obama. So, in trying to find something positive about the Bush administration, I chose to focus on this. When I focus on this I can not think of the soldier who is dying for no real reason. The mother who is on the brink of losing her job because her mega-corporation is forcing her to work ten hour days, knowing she is a single mother. The drug infestation in our inner city communities. I don't have to think about the teacher who is showing her belly ring to her students instead of taking great care of the precious minds that look to her for guidance. I don't have to think about reality.

These are the problems that face this America. The real America, not the America on Regis and Kelly. Writers could afford to strike for three months, most people can't afford to fight for fair wages. Now we have a chance to fight for things that really matter in people's everyday life, I think one of the most important things is to shorten the work week. 30 hours should be enough for the fat cats who sit in boardrooms and play golf. Why should the little people spend their entire lives working to make rich people richer and not having the time necessary to cultivate their own families to help them rise. I think the times call for it. We need a drastic change in the way that people are treated in the work place.

If He is President I am American

The Pollitikat — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:15:22 EST

It dawn again in America. Oh my goodness. I can hardly believe that Barack Obama is on his way to becomming the democratic nomination for president. A real chance to make change in America. I am so pleased with the outcomes in the past election that I have made a pledge that if Barack become the President, I will finally become an American. I have been living in this country for over 30 years. I was seven years old and it was the late seventies. Even though we could hardly watch tv I developed a keen interest in civics and politics and what that represented to me. Living in the Bronx, New York, I saw and heard many things. I saw my middle income neighborhood transformed and become and extention of the ghetto simply because blacks moved in and whites decided to flee to the outer sections of the city such as Long Island and Westchester. I saw the schools that were excellent when I attended because they were still predominantly white deteriorate and become victims of underfunding and uncommitted teachers because now there were many blacks. By the time I went to High School the tranformation was complete. Schools that were once considered excellent were now considered the worst. There is something fundamentally wrong with that. Healthcare should not be out of reach of any member in the richest nation in the world. This country did not take action in such places like Rwanda, and Darfur, Kosovo. We've had too many police shooting unarmed black men, stacking our prisons with young black men instead of investing in educating them so they will have real choices in life. I got tired of seeing people held down with low wages and slave like working hours leaving no time for family. I got tired of politicians just spouting the party lines Tired of the people being treated as if they are irrellevant to the process and candidates just being crowned by party members.

For all these reasons I was not an American. I felt it was the last thing I had to hold on to. I could not pledge to a country that treated people the way I saw the American government treating its people. The recent developments in the past elections have lifted my spirits and hopes for America. Can she be great again. I think so. Barack is the answer to making America great again. If he becomes president then I will become and American. We need to make America great again.

Moving Forward!! The power of Endorsement: Posted on John Edwards website

The Pollitikat — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 07:03:24 EST

SOMETHING GREATER FOR JRE

For those who say John should not endorse anyone and stay on the sidelines is contradicting what we represent as a Democracy. Should the unions have stayed on the sidelines instead of showing support for John, should Martin Luther King III have stayed on the sidelines, should we have stayed on the sidelines. We should understand the bigger picture, John has stepped down. I know this campaign was very important to John and his family. I wanted him to win and said from day one I would like to see him and Obama on the same ticket, that would have been an unstoppable ticket.

If we cannot have that then why not support the person who best represents the kind of change we need in this country. For John to stay on the sidelines he makes himself irrelevant. Great leadership is not about staying on the sidelines, it is taking a stand, believing it and fighting for its reality. I would like to see John in the Cabinet, or as the president of the Senate, or ambassodor. I think that would more likely happen in an Obama presidency.

There are great opportunities for John to influence the world and help to bring about the change he spoke about during his campaign. He is a passionate and compelling speaker and I believe in the changes that he wants to make in America. There have been many great leaders in this country who were not presidents. John can drive the debate without any restrictions now, I think that makes him very powerful, but why would we ask John to be something we know that he is not, vengeful and selfish. Why should we ask him to deliberately take himself out the democratic process.

John loves this country and the values that are dear to us, I urge him to listen and support the candidate he feels would be best for this country, his opinion is valued. This election is not about JRE, it is about this country. It is about the position we are in right now and who can lead us out of it. It is about doing something drastic when it comes to combatting the social and economic issues that face us. It is about making changes that will be in the best interest of the American people and ease tensions around the world.

Democrats must become cohesive or the Republicans will win again. The previous two presidential elections should have been won by Democrats and yet they lost. I supported to last two Democratic candidates, by default. I am an Independant. I liked JRE in 2004 and naturally supported him this time around, but more than I wanted JRE to win, I know I did not want a Republican. What the Republicans are saying frightens me, and our goal should be to keep them from remaining in the white house.

Thank you John, Elizabeth and family for your service to this country and for your commitment, strength and love.

We Need Moses!! Stopping the Clinton Machinery.

The Pollitikat — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:36:17 EST

I was just watching Hillary speak about credit cards and the fact that she thought we should cap imposable interest rates at 30% for credit card companies. Well thirty percent might seem low to Hillary but tell that to the every day person who is trying to feed a family on a single income. You could feel the gaff in the audience. The idea of a thirty percent cap is terrifying to the people whom this election is supposed to be about. We need laws that are people friendly. Laws that are not only looking out for the corporate interest but for the average person. Hillary cannot win because she is not in touch with the everyday man, her and Bill have lived a very priviledged public life.

Barack must not come off so smug, and calling the Florida Primary a beauty contest is an insult to Floridians every time he says it. I am insulted and I am not from Florida. It is those small things that may turn a voter off. We like that Barack is straight forward, but he needs to take the conversation to a higher level. Here are the talking points:

1. With all of the experience Hillary talks about how come she did not know that George Bush was lying(yes lying, it time someone said it. we are all thinking it) when he took this country to war? Shouldn't she have picked up the phone and called someone to get confirmation as to whether or not Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. Shouldn't she have shown more

Do It Now!!!! EDWARDS/OBAMA

The Pollitikat — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 08:49:04 EST

The time has come for this country to take a giant leap forward. With Barack winning in Iowa and South Carolina shows he is viable and should be on the ticket no matter what. Now is the time for the move of the century. Barack and Edwards should join together on one ticket and finish off Hillary. It doesnt matter to me which is at the top althought I would understand if Edwards would not want to be a vice presidential candidate again. I think there is significant history made if Barack is Vice President. Also Edwards at the top makes the ticket more pallatable in the south and midwest. We need a ticket that is a sure win and I think Edwards/Obama is that ticket. Lets do it now before Clinton ends up winning and being the candidate. We have to stop the Clintons as much as we have to stop the republicans.

Barack Should Not Attack Hillary

The Pollitikat — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:36:46 EDT

I just finished watching the news broadcast and I saw the clip that is being spun by the media as comments made by Barack toward Hillary. I don't think it is wise that Barack attacks Hillary. No, I am not a supporter of Hillary, just a politics junkie. When I saw the clip of Barack I was dissapointed. When Barack attacks Hillary it puts her in a position of strength. What he should be doing right now is ignoring Hillary and focus only on himself and what he wishes to accomplish. I understand, any press is good press, but I think Barack should focus his attacks against this administration and the crimes being commited and what he plans to do about it. Focus on education, middle class and expose the administrations lack of attention to domestic issues. Focus on the lies told at the UN and to the nation to justify this illegal war that Barack was against from day one. Focus on big oil and the high price of oil and the administrations connection to oil companies. Focus on the memo briefing that basically spelled it out, "Bin Laden Determined to Attack in US". The fact that there was information that foreigners were learning to fly planes without wanting to learn to land, and yet the Bush Administration did nothing. Let's take back Bill Clintons legacy. Focus on Immigration which is basically flooding the country with people who will take jobs away from teenagers and struggling Americans. It seems to me that everyone has taken the blame for this administration except the people who really matter. Maybe the Democrats don't want to talk about these things either, I don't know why. I know they are wrong about immigration.

When Barack attacks Hillary he makes her a part of his campaign. You can point out that Hillary had been first lady for eight years and had travelled the world and knew many leaders, she could have picked up the phone and called somebody to try to verify the information presented by Bush. Afterall Bush had a reputation of being dishonest so to question his intentions would have been good instinct, you can bring up these things but only at debates where she has an opportunity to give a rebuttal and you can debate. Make her defend herself. I agree with Mike Gravel and others when they say that everyone who voted for the war is not fit to be President. That was a crucial moment in time and Hillary got it wrong, she should be held accountable, because everyone didn't get it wrong. A pass is what she is asking for and she should not get it because she continues not to lead, she must come clean. Does she have a chance yes and may even be good, but this election is about ideas, honesty, ability, and trust. Are we going to let it be only about corporations? Barack needs to reign it in if he wants to be taken seriously and win. I mean is he running just for the symbolizm or is he running because he believes in something. If its the former then he is just another black man running. We need real change, I sense the people are ready. We don't want anymore Presidents that just want to be president, we want someone who is going to really change things and they should start by being different, not a politician cut out.

Why does Barack want to be President?

The Pollitikat — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:32:02 EDT

Is Barack the everyday man. I am definitely a fan of his, he is inspirational. Is he presidential material, yes, but not now. I think he is a great vice presidential candidate, and after eight years, he can run for president and he would win. I don't think that Barack has given us enough information about himself and his ability to lead and manage a large organization like the government. What has he managed? He has never been Mayor or Governor, only served eight years in the state senate and one term in congress. What does he know about budgets, how well does he understand the issues facing the nation. How will he work with the congress. Too often Barack sounds like a democrat. I think this country has evolved beyond party talking points. We are ready for the truth, to be spoken to like adults.

America is great because the people make it great, yet elected government shows such a lack of confidence in and respect for the people. Every election politicians come before us and promise to be different than the next one. We need more than that, we need to hear real ideas, we can handle it. I am listening and can't wait to hear. would love to see Edwards/Obama ticket.

check out my full posting at www.thepollitikat.com