Tomorrow, many of us will gather around the table with family and friends to give thanks over a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy -- and let’s not forget pumpkin pie! But for some in this country, the feast will not be as bountiful. In fact, it won’t be much of a feast at all. Hunger is on the rise in America -- hitting its highest levels in nearly 15 years. A recent report released by the USDA reveals that in 2008 an estimated 1.1 million children were living in households that experienced hunger multiple times over the past year. To combat hunger this winter, we’re launching, in coordination with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United We Serve: Feed a Neighbor initiative -- a program that empowers you with all the resources you need to mobilize against the hunger crisis in your community. Learn how you can get started today: Barack and I are committed to doing all we can to end hunger by making food programs more accessible to eligible families. But government can only do so much -- it will take all of us working together to put an end to hunger in America.
That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to get involved at Serve.gov. Find local volunteer opportunities like delivering meals to homebound seniors, offering your professional skills at a food pantry, or planting a community garden and sharing produce with your neighbors. You can also create your own volunteer opportunity using our anti-hunger toolkit.
This holiday season let’s recommit to serving our communities and working together to feed American families. Get started giving back today. Thank you,
Michelle First Lady Michelle Obama The White House
Israel's leaders congratulated U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday for winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing the hope that his presidency would "usher in a new era of peace." "Congratulations on winning the Nobel Prize for Peace," said Netanyahu in a message to Obama. "You have already inspired so many people around the world, and I know that this award also expresses the hope that your Presidency will usher in a new era of peace and reconciliation." Netanyahu added that the Middle East was in dire need of peace, having been long marked by terror and bloodshed. "I look forward to working closely with you in the years ahead to advance peace and to give hope to the peoples of our region who deserve to live in peace, security and dignity," he said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1119998.html
Christopher Hass stated that: Thousands more woke up this morning, gathered together as neighborhood volunteer teams, grabbed clipboards and continued going door-to-door, making calls and connecting with their neighbors one-on-one as part of OFA's methodical, meticulous, focused organizing strategy. That's Awesome, Organized and Disciplined! Way to Go Health Insurance Reformers, Way To Go!!
What I like about President Obama and His Presidential team is that they stay abreast of all that is going on in America,they have their fingers on the pulse of all cultures and mentalities of the The American People they are not intimidated nor or they shy about dealing with militias, cooks, wingnuts and etc. This kind of mess, being spewed by wolf's in sheep clothing like Anderson and a few others will not be kicked under the carpet, nor ignored and it is unacceptable and unjust to think or do so... Personally to me : S. Anderson is a thug and he needs to be treated as so, and as demented and dangerous as he is, his followers are even more so...for example, the guy with the militia gun had just heard Jim Jones lite(Steve Anderson ) called for the Destruction of Our President the previous day. I really like this Administration because they don't run from problems, they run to them and handle/solve them. GoD Bless President Obama His Entire Presidential Team and may God Continue to Give Him Wisdom and Knowledge/Favor and Solutions to Riddles/Hard Problems and Enigma's that Confounds/Stumps and Stun his enemies and Amazes his Supporters. Definition of Confound:
-verb (used with object)
1.to perplex or amaze, esp. by a sudden disturbance or surprise; bewilder; confuse: The complicated directions confounded him. 2.to throw into confusion or disorder: The revolution confounded the people. 3.to throw into increased confusion or disorder. 4.to treat or regard erroneously as identical; mix or associate by mistake: truth confounded with error. 5.to mingle so that the elements cannot be distinguished or separated. 6.to damn (used in mild imprecations): Confound it! 7.to contradict or refute: to confound their arguments. 8.to put to shame; abash. 9.Archaic. a.to defeat or overthrow. b.to bring to ruin or naught. 10.Obsolete. to spend uselessly; waste.
Definition of confound is Courtesy of Definition.com
From David Plouffe:
Earlier in the week, we asked if you thought we should put the experiences of real American families on the air and online to show why we need heath care reform. The overwhelming answer? Yes.Thanks to your support, we were able to spring into action and share with America the very personal reasons why we cannot afford to miss this one chance to finally reform our health care system. I want you to be the first to see this powerful ad. It features real people telling their true stories of lost coverage, watching loved ones go without care, and making the case for why we need reform. Once you watch this, you'll see what we mean about how powerful these personal stories can be -- and why we need to get them on the air right away. Will you watch the video now, and then donate $25 or more to put it on the air?As we speak, Congress is rapidly hammering out the details of the health care bill, and getting this message out now is crucial. Our representatives must understand how strongly we feel about the need for real reform -- and that we need it now. In the next few days, we must decide how many of these ads we can make, where we can air them, and how many views we can guarantee. The more resources we have, the greater the impact we'll be able to make. So watch this first video, and then please dig deep with a donation of $25 or more so we can get this ad and others like it on the air and online in key areas across the country. https://donate.barackobama.com/healthcaread Thanks for making it happen, David Plouffe P.S. -- Over 99,000 people have already donated to power our campaign for health care reform. This is the perfect time to join them, and help us hit our big goal of 100,000 donors for health care.
Earlier in the week, we asked if you thought we should put the experiences of real American families on the air and online to show why we need heath care reform. The overwhelming answer? Yes.
Thanks to your support, we were able to spring into action and share with America the very personal reasons why we cannot afford to miss this one chance to finally reform our health care system. I want you to be the first to see this powerful ad. It features real people telling their true stories of lost coverage, watching loved ones go without care, and making the case for why we need reform. Once you watch this, you'll see what we mean about how powerful these personal stories can be -- and why we need to get them on the air right away. Will you watch the video now, and then donate $25 or more to put it on the air?
As we speak, Congress is rapidly hammering out the details of the health care bill, and getting this message out now is crucial. Our representatives must understand how strongly we feel about the need for real reform -- and that we need it now. In the next few days, we must decide how many of these ads we can make, where we can air them, and how many views we can guarantee. The more resources we have, the greater the impact we'll be able to make. So watch this first video, and then please dig deep with a donation of $25 or more so we can get this ad and others like it on the air and online in key areas across the country. https://donate.barackobama.com/healthcaread Thanks for making it happen, David Plouffe P.S. -- Over 99,000 people have already donated to power our campaign for health care reform. This is the perfect time to join them, and help us hit our big goal of 100,000 donors for health care.
From OFA Director Mitch Stewart:
We're working hard together to help pass real health care reform by the end of the year. We also know that for so many people in our communities, America's broken health care system is a daily crisis -- but there are ways that we can help right now. So we're organizing a National Health Care Day of Service. On Saturday, June 27th, in thousands of communities across the country, Organizing for America volunteers will roll up our sleeves, raise awareness about the urgent need for reform, and do what we can to improve vital health care services for people in need. Join us! Learn more and sign up to organize or participate in a National Health Care Day of Service event near you.
This summer, Organizing for America will fight to ensure Americans receive much-needed health care reform in 2009. Community service is a critical piece of our health care campaign and our National Health Care Day of Service on June 27, 2009 will highlight its importance.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hcservice/
Choosing a Better Future in the Americasby President Barack ObamaAs we approach the Summit of the Americas, our hemisphere is faced with a clear choice. We can overcome our shared challenges with a sense of common purpose, or we can stay mired in the old debates of the past. For the sake of all our people, we must choose the future.Too often, the United States has not pursued and sustained engagement with our neighbors. We have been too easily distracted by other priorities, and have failed to see that our own progress is tied directly to progress throughout the Americas. My Administration is committed to the promise of a new day. We will renew and sustain a broader partnership between the United States and the hemisphere on behalf of our common prosperity and our common security.In advance of the Summit, we have begun to move in a new direction. This week, we amended a Cuba policy that has failed for decades to advance liberty or opportunity for the Cuban people. In particular, the refusal to allow Cuban Americans to visit or provide resources to their families on the island made no sense – particularly after years of economic hardship in Cuba, and the devastating hurricanes that took place last year. Now, that policy has changed. The U.S.-Cuba relationship is one example of a debate in the Americas that is too often dragged back to the 20th century. To confront our economic crisis, we don’t need a debate about whether to have a rigid, state-run economy or unbridled and unregulated capitalism – we need pragmatic and responsible action that advances our common prosperity. To combat lawlessness and violence, we don’t need a debate about whether to blame right-wing paramilitaries or left-wing insurgents – we need practical cooperation to expand our common security. We must choose the future over the past, because we know that the future holds enormous opportunities if we work together. That is why leaders from Santiago to Brasilia to Mexico City are focused on a renewed partnership of the Americas that makes progress on fundamental issues like economic recovery, energy, and security.There is no time to lose. The global economic crisis has hit the Americas hard, particularly our most vulnerable populations. Years of progress in combating poverty and inequality hangs in the balance. The United States is working to advance prosperity in the hemisphere by jumpstarting our own recovery. In doing so, we will help spur trade, investment, remittances, and tourism that provides a broader base for prosperity in the hemisphere.We also need collective action. At the recent G-20 Summit, the United States pledged to seek nearly half a billion dollars in immediate assistance for vulnerable populations, while working with our G-20 partners to set aside substantial resources to help countries through difficult times. We have called upon the Inter-American Development Bank to maximize lending to restart the flow of credit, and stand ready to examine the needs and capacity of the IDB going forward. And we are working to put in place tough, clear 21st century rules of the road to prevent the abuses that caused the current crisis.While we confront this crisis, we must build a new foundation for long-term prosperity. One area that holds out enormous promise is energy. Our hemisphere has bountiful natural resources that could make renewable energy plentiful and sustainable, while creating jobs for our people. In the process, we can confront climate change that threatens rising sea levels in the Caribbean, diminishing glaciers in the Andes, and powerful storms on the Gulf Coast of the United States.Together, we have both the responsibility to act, and the opportunity to leave behind a legacy of greater prosperity and security. That is why I look forward to pursuing a new Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas that will help us learn from one another, share technologies, leverage investment, and maximize our comparative advantage.Just as we advance our common prosperity, we must advance our common security. Too many in our hemisphere are forced to live in fear. That is why the United States will strongly support respect for the rule of law, better law enforcement, and stronger judicial institutions.Security for our citizens must be advanced through our commitment to partner with those who are courageously battling drug cartels, gangs and other criminal networks throughout the Americas. Our efforts start at home. By reducing demand for drugs and curtailing the illegal flow of weapons and bulk cash south across our border, we can advance security in the United States and beyond. And going forward, we will sustain a lasting dialogue in the hemisphere to ensure that we are building on best practices, adapting to new threats, and coordinating our efforts. Finally, the Summit gives every democratically-elected leader in the Americas the opportunity to reaffirm our shared values. Each of our countries has pursued its own democratic journey, but we must be joined together in our commitment to liberty, equality, and human rights. That is why I look forward to the day when every country in the hemisphere can take its seat at the table consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter. And just as the United States seeks that goal in reaching out to the Cuban people, we expect all of our friends in the hemisphere to join together in supporting liberty, equality, and human rights for all Cubans.This Summit offers the opportunity of a new beginning. Advancing prosperity, security and liberty for the people of the Americas depends upon 21st century partnerships, freed from the posturing of the past. That is the leadership and partnership that the United States stands ready to provide.
Choosing a Better Future in the Americasby President Barack Obama
As we approach the Summit of the Americas, our hemisphere is faced with a clear choice. We can overcome our shared challenges with a sense of common purpose, or we can stay mired in the old debates of the past. For the sake of all our people, we must choose the future.Too often, the United States has not pursued and sustained engagement with our neighbors. We have been too easily distracted by other priorities, and have failed to see that our own progress is tied directly to progress throughout the Americas. My Administration is committed to the promise of a new day. We will renew and sustain a broader partnership between the United States and the hemisphere on behalf of our common prosperity and our common security.In advance of the Summit, we have begun to move in a new direction. This week, we amended a Cuba policy that has failed for decades to advance liberty or opportunity for the Cuban people. In particular, the refusal to allow Cuban Americans to visit or provide resources to their families on the island made no sense – particularly after years of economic hardship in Cuba, and the devastating hurricanes that took place last year. Now, that policy has changed. The U.S.-Cuba relationship is one example of a debate in the Americas that is too often dragged back to the 20th century. To confront our economic crisis, we don’t need a debate about whether to have a rigid, state-run economy or unbridled and unregulated capitalism – we need pragmatic and responsible action that advances our common prosperity. To combat lawlessness and violence, we don’t need a debate about whether to blame right-wing paramilitaries or left-wing insurgents – we need practical cooperation to expand our common security. We must choose the future over the past, because we know that the future holds enormous opportunities if we work together. That is why leaders from Santiago to Brasilia to Mexico City are focused on a renewed partnership of the Americas that makes progress on fundamental issues like economic recovery, energy, and security.There is no time to lose. The global economic crisis has hit the Americas hard, particularly our most vulnerable populations. Years of progress in combating poverty and inequality hangs in the balance. The United States is working to advance prosperity in the hemisphere by jumpstarting our own recovery. In doing so, we will help spur trade, investment, remittances, and tourism that provides a broader base for prosperity in the hemisphere.We also need collective action. At the recent G-20 Summit, the United States pledged to seek nearly half a billion dollars in immediate assistance for vulnerable populations, while working with our G-20 partners to set aside substantial resources to help countries through difficult times. We have called upon the Inter-American Development Bank to maximize lending to restart the flow of credit, and stand ready to examine the needs and capacity of the IDB going forward. And we are working to put in place tough, clear 21st century rules of the road to prevent the abuses that caused the current crisis.While we confront this crisis, we must build a new foundation for long-term prosperity. One area that holds out enormous promise is energy. Our hemisphere has bountiful natural resources that could make renewable energy plentiful and sustainable, while creating jobs for our people. In the process, we can confront climate change that threatens rising sea levels in the Caribbean, diminishing glaciers in the Andes, and powerful storms on the Gulf Coast of the United States.Together, we have both the responsibility to act, and the opportunity to leave behind a legacy of greater prosperity and security. That is why I look forward to pursuing a new Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas that will help us learn from one another, share technologies, leverage investment, and maximize our comparative advantage.Just as we advance our common prosperity, we must advance our common security. Too many in our hemisphere are forced to live in fear. That is why the United States will strongly support respect for the rule of law, better law enforcement, and stronger judicial institutions.Security for our citizens must be advanced through our commitment to partner with those who are courageously battling drug cartels, gangs and other criminal networks throughout the Americas. Our efforts start at home. By reducing demand for drugs and curtailing the illegal flow of weapons and bulk cash south across our border, we can advance security in the United States and beyond. And going forward, we will sustain a lasting dialogue in the hemisphere to ensure that we are building on best practices, adapting to new threats, and coordinating our efforts. Finally, the Summit gives every democratically-elected leader in the Americas the opportunity to reaffirm our shared values. Each of our countries has pursued its own democratic journey, but we must be joined together in our commitment to liberty, equality, and human rights. That is why I look forward to the day when every country in the hemisphere can take its seat at the table consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter. And just as the United States seeks that goal in reaching out to the Cuban people, we expect all of our friends in the hemisphere to join together in supporting liberty, equality, and human rights for all Cubans.This Summit offers the opportunity of a new beginning. Advancing prosperity, security and liberty for the people of the Americas depends upon 21st century partnerships, freed from the posturing of the past. That is the leadership and partnership that the United States stands ready to provide.
I have been reading through so many questions on Change.gov, and I have noticed so many questions that I look at and wonder...what was this person thinking.
So here are some thoughts I would like to express...
One...so many have asked the question "why do I have to pay for individuals who did things wrong, when I did everything right?" My question is why, because someone is caught up in this economic downturn, do you automatically assume that the person has done something wrong? What about the people who did everything right, but because of others greed, they are in trouble...why do you assume the people asking for help do not fall into that category?
My second thought...Maybe we should all take a step back and understand what a President can truely do. I understand, and partake in the excitement of a President who promises change from the same old politics, but all of the questions requesting things completely out of the control of a President does nothing to advance the cooperation that will be needed between the Government and the communities they serve. I understand that everyone has the right to ask what they choose, but questions that request the President to do things beyond his control are not productive.
Common questions I have come across...and my thoughts on them...Please give me your input...these are meant to get ideas going, so that we can be more proactive in our Government...
I have come across several questions that have had to do with legalizing Marijauna and taxing it the same way we tax cigarettes and alcohol. The common argument is that this would give an instant boost to the economy, both by the tax revenue this would raise and also by the billions of tax dollars saved in law enforcement costs each year. I personally see the argument, whether or not I believe in the cause, as a plausible way to stimulate the economy. What are your thoughts on this?
The next question that I have seen over and over is in regards to U.S. stimulus...Why not give a stimulus check to each American adult...the amount varries based on the questioner, but range from $30,000 each to 1 million each...included in the stimulus package to be voted on later this month. The arguement...That giving that much would allow those who have been hit hard to pay their mortgage payments and get bills caught up, and will then continue to stimulate the economy by spending, saving, or investing the rest. What are your thoughts on this?
The last question I am going to address here is whether or not we should abolish the current tax system and go to a sales tax instead of income tax system? I would like to hear all your ideas on this subjects as I am still trying to weigh the pros and cons of each. What are your thoughts on this?
The great part about this is that you can vote on which questions you want the Obama team to answer...with the questions that get the most votes being the ones they answer...if you have time you should stop by change.gov and answer a few...
What is Extensive Vetting for Potential Obama Appointees?
Michigan has approved the smoking of marijuana for medical reasons. Can smoking marijuana threatened your hopes of landing a top presidential appointment? An army of lawyers from Michigan is faithfully volunteering on President-Elect Barack Obama’s Transition Team to vet his potential picks.
The assembly of President Elect Barack Obama’s administration is an explicit, exemplary and prodigious investigation. This process is beyond previous prerequisites of a government job. It’s above the acquisition of obtaining your actual precise hair count, yes, numbers of hair strands you may have. Tidous process?
These lawyers are utilizing a new level of scrutiny of any task on his transition team. They are vetting his potential picks with unprecedented scrutiny of their personal, financial and professional backgrounds.
Embarrassing e-mails, text messages, diary entries, my space web pages and Facebook profiles? Gifts worth more than $50, other than those from relatives and long-standing friends? Family members though third generations. Validate it. What did your great grand parents do for a living? Do you have any second cousins with connections to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mack, AIG or any other company receiving a federal bailout?
Obama is conducting the vetting process much the way he managed his campaign: methodically, thoroughly and on a prodigious scale. He did not wait until he won the election to vet his favored picks. Soon after he clinched the Democratic nomination, lawyers quietly prepared dossiers of about 150 contenders for senior positions -- often without the candidates themselves knowing. Obama is discipline to reading and studying with a semblance more towards Lincoln’s political strategies and thought processes and other a select few others.A Senior Obama Transition Adviser stated, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
By Nina Calahan-James Email: Nina@BarackObama4change.us
Greetings from the Obama family. Awesome Video. Hope you enjoy. Click the link below.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1348330398?bctid=1349141721
Please post your comments regarding our blog or email Nina@BarackObama4change.us
Will Jesse Jackson Jr. fill the new Senate Seat of President Elect Barack Obama? Just like with any job, when the boss resigns, a position is open! There is no difference with the Senate seat. This seat will not be filled as quickly as Detroit City Mayor's replacement. The process is somewhat different with State Law. CHICAGO – President-elect Barack Obama said Thursday that he will resign from the Senate effective Sunday.In a statement, the junior Illinois senator called his four-year term "one of the highest honors and privileges" of his life and said the people of Illinois will stay with him as he leaves the Senate to begin "the hard task of fulfilling the simple hopes and common dreams of all Americans as our nation's next president."Obama victorious won the presidency last week over Republican John McCain.Under state law, Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich will name Obama's replacement for the remaining two years of his term. Blagojevich has said he expects to make a decision by year's end, and has ruled out appointing himself. Obama, elected in 2004, is the only black senator.His resignation reduces the Democratic majority to a bare minimum for the post-election session that begins next week. The party retains control as long as Independent Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut sides with them.Some Democrats favor punishing Lieberman, who endorsed McCain, for his speech at the Republican National Convention this summer and other critical remarks about Obama. Obama has told Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid he is not interested in seeing Democrats drive Lieberman from the Democratic caucus.Blagojevich's appointee would serve until the next national election in 2010.Obama has made clear he's deferring to the governor, saying last week: "This is the governor's decision; it is not my decision." However, Obama also said his replacement should be "somebody who is capable; somebody who is passionate about helping working families in Illinois meet their dreams."Potential candidates to replace Obama include Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Illinois Senate President Emil Jones and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. On Tuesday, Obama appeared with another possible replacement, Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth, to commemorate Veterans Day. She is a former congressional candidate and head of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.A day later, Obama friend and adviser Valerie Jarrett made it known that she's not interested in the Senate seat. Last Saturday, Jesse Jackson Jr. appeared on the new CNN show of Late Night with DL Hughley speaking with dilligence his run for the senate seat. Sources say that the early front-runner has fallen off the radar, despite actively pursing the appointment. My inquisitive eyebrow has risen, perhaps Mr. Jackson Jr. will accept our interview invitation for a closer look.Speculation among political watchers that Duckworth -- the state's director of veteran affairs -- has the best line on the job were fueled after she and Obama appeared together to mark Veterans Day in Chicago on Tuesday. The two placed a wreath on the soldiers memorial at Soldier Field.Other Springfield sources point to Dan Seals. He has run for congress unsuccessfully twice against North Shore Rep. Mark Kirk. His appointment would enable Blagojevich to say he kept one African-American in the U.S. Senate, which would otherwise have none with Obama's departure.Seals says he's flattered to be a part of the discussion and that he would accept the appointment if it's offered. Blagojevich has said he wants to name Obama's replacement by Christmas. Potential successors said Thursday they had heard nothing from the governor to indicate that he has changed plans or intends to make a decision soon.Duckworth said the governor's office hadn't contacted her to discuss the position or a timetable. U.S. Rep. Danny Davis said the same, although he predicted Blagojevich wouldn't let the decision wait until Christmas."My sense is that the governor will probably not drag this out too long," said Davis, D-Ill.Obama's aides say his Senate office will remain open for a while so that staffers can archive Senate documents for Obama's future presidential library and contact constituents. It will close some time within the 60 days after the resignation becomes effective Sunday.Blagojevich said whatever thoughts Obama has on the subject would carry a lot of weight. The governor's press secretary wrote in an e-mail Thursday that Blagojevich would have no comment on Obama's announcement. .President Elect Obama made a statement regarding his resignation effective this Sunday November 17, 2008 "It has been one of the highest honors and privileges of my life to have served the people of Illinois in the United States Senate. In a state that represents the crossroads of a nation, I have met so many men and women who’ve taken different journeys, but hold common hopes for their children’s future. It is these Illinois families and their stories that will stay with me as I leave the United States Senate and begin the hard task of fulfilling the simple hopes and common dreams of all Americans as our nation’s next President," said President-elect Barack Obama.
Will Jesse Jackson Jr. fill the new Senate Seat of President Elect Barack Obama?
Just like with any job, when the boss resigns, a position is open! There is no difference with the Senate seat. This seat will not be filled as quickly as Detroit City Mayor's replacement. The process is somewhat different with State Law.
CHICAGO – President-elect Barack Obama said Thursday that he will resign from the Senate effective Sunday.
In a statement, the junior Illinois senator called his four-year term "one of the highest honors and privileges" of his life and said the people of Illinois will stay with him as he leaves the Senate to begin "the hard task of fulfilling the simple hopes and common dreams of all Americans as our nation's next president."
Obama victorious won the presidency last week over Republican John McCain.
Under state law, Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich will name Obama's replacement for the remaining two years of his term. Blagojevich has said he expects to make a decision by year's end, and has ruled out appointing himself. Obama, elected in 2004, is the only black senator.
His resignation reduces the Democratic majority to a bare minimum for the post-election session that begins next week. The party retains control as long as Independent Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut sides with them.
Some Democrats favor punishing Lieberman, who endorsed McCain, for his speech at the Republican National Convention this summer and other critical remarks about Obama. Obama has told Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid he is not interested in seeing Democrats drive Lieberman from the Democratic caucus.
Blagojevich's appointee would serve until the next national election in 2010.
Obama has made clear he's deferring to the governor, saying last week: "This is the governor's decision; it is not my decision." However, Obama also said his replacement should be "somebody who is capable; somebody who is passionate about helping working families in Illinois meet their dreams."
Potential candidates to replace Obama include Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Illinois Senate President Emil Jones and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
On Tuesday, Obama appeared with another possible replacement, Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth, to commemorate Veterans Day. She is a former congressional candidate and head of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.
A day later, Obama friend and adviser Valerie Jarrett made it known that she's not interested in the Senate seat.
Last Saturday, Jesse Jackson Jr. appeared on the new CNN show of Late Night with DL Hughley speaking with dilligence his run for the senate seat. Sources say that the early front-runner has fallen off the radar, despite actively pursing the appointment. My inquisitive eyebrow has risen, perhaps Mr. Jackson Jr. will accept our interview invitation for a closer look.Speculation among political watchers that Duckworth -- the state's director of veteran affairs -- has the best line on the job were fueled after she and Obama appeared together to mark Veterans Day in Chicago on Tuesday. The two placed a wreath on the soldiers memorial at Soldier Field.Other Springfield sources point to Dan Seals. He has run for congress unsuccessfully twice against North Shore Rep. Mark Kirk. His appointment would enable Blagojevich to say he kept one African-American in the U.S. Senate, which would otherwise have none with Obama's departure.Seals says he's flattered to be a part of the discussion and that he would accept the appointment if it's offered.
Blagojevich has said he wants to name Obama's replacement by Christmas. Potential successors said Thursday they had heard nothing from the governor to indicate that he has changed plans or intends to make a decision soon.
Duckworth said the governor's office hadn't contacted her to discuss the position or a timetable. U.S. Rep. Danny Davis said the same, although he predicted Blagojevich wouldn't let the decision wait until Christmas.
"My sense is that the governor will probably not drag this out too long," said Davis, D-Ill.
Obama's aides say his Senate office will remain open for a while so that staffers can archive Senate documents for Obama's future presidential library and contact constituents. It will close some time within the 60 days after the resignation becomes effective Sunday.
Blagojevich said whatever thoughts Obama has on the subject would carry a lot of weight. The governor's press secretary wrote in an e-mail Thursday that Blagojevich would have no comment on Obama's announcement.
.President Elect Obama made a statement regarding his resignation effective this Sunday November 17, 2008
"It has been one of the highest honors and privileges of my life to have served the people of Illinois in the United States Senate. In a state that represents the crossroads of a nation, I have met so many men and women who’ve taken different journeys, but hold common hopes for their children’s future. It is these Illinois families and their stories that will stay with me as I leave the United States Senate and begin the hard task of fulfilling the simple hopes and common dreams of all Americans as our nation’s next President," said President-elect Barack Obama.
You may email Nina at Nina@BarackObama4change.us Coming soon Nina will Co-Host a new radio show focusing on the Transparency of the Transition Team.CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery and the Associated Press writers Nedra Pickler in Washington and Christopher Wills from Springfield, Ill., contributed to this report.
Memory Lane: January, 2008 in New Hampshire on a bus tour.
"I Think We Can Do This. Yes We Can. I think we did this on November 4, 2008. Yes We Can. Yes We Did!" Nina Calahan-James
Is not registered to vote:
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/The_Politico_Ben_Smith_s_Blog_The_Joe_file_The_Joe_file
and he does get a tax break but thinks Obama would change things:
http://digg.com/political_opinion/The_Politico_Ben_Smith_s_Blog_Joe_Obama_s_tap_dance_almo
I think Joe would fit in well with some of the people we've seen lately at some of the McCain/Palin rallies.
BTW, in January the Plumbers union endorsed Obama.
Great video. Share and make it go viral!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg5tl87rEE4
It's also on DIGG:
http://digg.com/politics/I_m_a_Little_Confused_3
View Official site www.artistforobama.com
So AIG execs, get an 86 billion dollar bailout, then they take a little vacation. It only cost us $440,000 of our hard earned dollars. Maybe they should have thought about saving that money, maybe then they would not have to come back to us again for another 37.8 billion. Yes you heard me right...they want us to fork over an additional 40 billion so they can again stop themselves from going under. Here is the article, please dont let it get lost.
When Obama said they should pay the government back and be fired, I guess the execs at AIG thought that was double talk for we should give them more money.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081009/fed_aig.html
