Senator Barack Obama eyed the crowd on Wednesday at a rally at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City.
OMAHA, NE – Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) today endorsed Barack Obama www.barackobama.com for President, citing Obama's ability to bridge the partisan divide and to carry Democratic candidates across the country to victory in 2008. "Those of us on both sides of the aisle who have made it our purpose to set aside partisanship to address some of the important issues of the day want a president that will join the effort, not foil it. Barack Obama, to me, represents the best hope for our own political reconciliation and a future where the cogs of government are working smoothly for progress instead of being gummed up by partisanship," said Senator Nelson. "Barack Obama will be the strongest candidate in the heartland, because he puts solutions and consensus fist and he inspires great crossover appeal among Republicans and independents." "Senator Nelson represents how Washington should work – he reaches across the aisle to make progress where there is common ground," said Senator Obama. "Senator Nelson understands that Americans in the heartland do not believe the country is divided into red states and blue states, they are ready to unite around a common purpose to bring the change we so desperately need. As a Governor and a Senator, Ben Nelson led the fight to bridge the divide between urban and rural communities, to expand health care for children, to boost the production of renewable fuels, and to strengthen our military. Independent-minded leaders across the country are joining my campaign because they know we'll need to unite Americans of all ideologies and from all walks of life to bring change we can believe in." Ben Nelson, serving in his second term in the U.S. Senate, also served as the two-term Governor of Nebraska. As Governor, Nelson expanded health care for children, produced balanced budgets, cut taxes for the middle class, expanded ethanol production, and launched a "One Nebraska" initiative to combat disparities between urban and rural communities. As Nebraska's Senator, Nelson has been a consensus builder who has worked to strengthen our homeland security, keep our promise to our veterans, and to support our agricultural economy.
Nelson, McCaskill Backing Obama
By ANNA JO BRATTON and SAM HANANEL – 13 hours ago
Presidential hopeful Barack Obama www.barackobama.com has won the endorsement of two fellow Democratic senators from the heartland — Ben Nelson, a popular moderate in largely Republican Nebraska and Claire McCaskill from Missouri, historically a bellwether in presidential contests.
Nelson said Saturday he believes Obama has ability to bridge the partisan divide and to carry Democratic candidates across the country to victory in 2008. Nelson, pledging his support for his Illinois colleague, said Obama has "the greatest potential to ending the bitterness and poisonous atmosphere in Washington."
McCaskill plans to announce her support for the Illinois senator Sunday, according to an Obama aide and a McCaskill staffer who spoke Saturday on condition of anonymity so as not to upstage the announcement.
Her endorsement is expected to be a major boost for Obama in Missouri, one of nearly two dozen states holding primaries or caucuses on Feb. 5, and could help Obama woo female voters in his race against New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, his chief rival for the Democratic nomination.
The backing from Nelson and McCaskill caps a slew of big-name endorsements for Obama over the past week, including former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.
McCaskill has praised Obama often and was widely believed to favor the Illinois senator over Clinton. But the Senate freshman had resisted openly supporting a candidate until now, saying she wanted to preserve working relationships with Senate colleagues.
She said last week that she identifies with the desire for change that Obama supporters have reported to pollsters.
Nelson said Obama's victory speech after winning Iowa's Jan. 3 caucuses was an effort to reach out to Democrats, independents and "enlightened Republicans," and that Obama's campaign epitomizes what Nelson has tried to do in Washington.
Obama is the "prototype of what we need today," said Nelson, who served two terms as governor.
Nebraska Democrats will choose a presidential candidate Feb. 9.
Nelson often votes with his GOP colleagues, and in 2005 won praise from President Bush, who called Nelson "a man with whom I can work."
Republicans hold all statewide offices in Nebraska except Nelson's seat, and enjoy a heavy majority among voters.
Anna Jo Bratton reported from Omaha, Neb., Sam Hananel from Washington.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/sarahramey/CjPd
Arizona and California -- two crucial Feb. 5th voting states -- began airing two ads for Barack Obama today.
You can watch the ad "Mother" currently airing in Arizona here:
And here's the ad, "Quiet" which is currently on the air in California:
For more happening in these Feb. 5th voting states, visit AZ.BarackObama.com and CA.BarackObama.com.
CHECK OUT THIS NEW MINNESOTA OBAMA SUPPORT PAGE
http://www.myspace.com/obamamn08
LETS GET FIRED UP!!!
Okay, it's only tiny Dixville Notch, N.H., the town that votes at midnight on primary morning, in order to call itself "first in the nation" to vote in each presidential election. But with all seventeen (!) Dixville Notch votes counted, the Democratic primary currently stands at Obama 7, Edwards 2, Richardson 1, Clinton 0. (In related news, on the Republican side it's McCain 4, Romney 2, Giuliani 1.)
How does winning New Hampshire by 50 points sound to you?
Okay, I fearlessly predict that Obama's lead will shrink. But it would be pretty cool if Obama continued to collect as many votes as all of the Republicans put together!
Update: There's one other tiny New Hampshire hamlet that votes in the middle of the night, a town called Hart's Location. With those 13 Democratic votes added in, the election now stands at Obama 16, Clinton 3, Edwards 3, Richardson 1. So Obama's lead has actually grown from 50% to 56.5%--woo-hoo!
I know that plenty of folks are opposed to poll-watching, because (theoretically) it takes our eye off the ball.
I understand the sentiment... but for the moment I say nuts to that, because the news out of New Hampshire is looking stunningly good for our guy--and it's the post-Iowa polls that show him with a big lead:
Obama 39%, Clinton 29%, Edwards 19%, margin of error 3.4%.
Obama 39%, Clinton 28%, Edwards 22%, margin of error 4%.
Obama 39%, Clinton 29%, Edwards 16%, margin of error 5%.
Obama 41%, Clinton 28%, Edwards 19%, margin of error 4%.
Obama 39%, Clinton 27%, Edwards 18%, margin of error 3%.
Obama 33%, Clinton 31%, Edwards 17%, margin of error 5%.
Okay, now back to work!
(Update: I fixed two clerical errors in the Rasmussen item and added the Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll.)
Among the nuances that get glossed over amid the fervor of this process is precisely what the campaign reveals and/or doesn't about the aspirants. The attributes voters admired in the previous general elections gave us George W. Bush, resulting in a series of policy decisions that at best leave the economy and our standing in the world in a shambles for whoever is elected to clean up. Nobody can deny that he was an effective campaigner.
In the current race Senator Clinton, too, is running a polished, effective campaign. She's got good people, effective fund-raisers, and reacts adeptly to adversity, having preserved plausible deniability when a viral smear linked back to her organization emerges.
The challenge is to help voters see that while Senator Obama is undeniably a politician, he uses politics as a means to demonstrably noble goals, which is why so many believe he will wield the power of the Presidency in pursuit of bettering the country.
Unfortunately the qualities we need in our next President are not simply those of the veteran campaigner; being effective in the race is neither sufficient, nor inherently synonymous with being worthy of our votes.
Senator Clinton is as aware of what's going on with progressive voters as the rest of us are, likely more so. Naturally she's disappointed and doing all she can to regain the spotlight and momentum in the fight for delegates. I was stunned to hear her in the New Hampshire debate claiming 35 years of experience yet finding fault with John Edwards when his patient bill of rights stalled in the House of Representatives despite being passed by the Senate. The two are same sort of "experience," working hard on something you believe in which flounders - and ultimately sometimes fails, as was the case with her laudable health care initiative while First Lady. Yes, that's experience, and doubtless Senator Clinton and Senator Edwards both learned from the process.
Ironically, every experienced Democrat persisting after Iowa has taken up Obama's message, each claiming to be an Agent of Change. Yet Senator Clinton, for example, has resorted to very old-school ad hominem sound bite politics as her inevitability has evaporated.
In fact, if all we needed in the White House could be summed up as "effective campaigner" she might be the best. What we need, however, is not somebody who smiles and orchestrates a slick, effective campaign, but rather a visionary capable of reversing the disenfranchisement of the citizens of this country while restoring the integrity of the office of the President.
I've just come back from Iowa totally inspired.....
It's great to win an election, but even better when it's done in a way that brings people together. Those of us who have spent a lot of time in politics know that too often people win by ripping others apart. Barack and the campaign, from the start, have been about something much more...about finding a way to unify a deeply divided country....and we saw that repeatedly in Iowa.
There was the lifelong Republican precinct captain who showed up at the Obama rally on election eve....he turned in his caucus materials to the Republicans and went to his first Democratic caucus for Barack. There were people who hadn't voted before. And there were scores and scores of young voters who have been told over and over again that they won't matter because they won't show up...
I even had one conversation that started bad, but got better: At a senior center I walked up to a woman named Pearl. She said she was going to the caucus but "wasn't sure about Obama.....I'm a little worried about his name." When I asked her want she meant she was embarassed to say it but thought with a name like his he could be a terrorist. I was pretty upset to hear this, especially because there were emails going around later traced to the Clinton camp that alleged he was a Muslim terrorist...and apparently those rumors got to Pearl.
I stumbled around for a response for a while but finally said: "Pearl, do you remember that in World War 1 and World War 2 people suspected Americans with German names could be spies...but they ended up fighting for and dying for our country." She thought about that an eventally came around.
As the results came in and the hall began to fill, you heard these wonderful stories about how Barack brought them into politics, or about how they saw this campaign as the hope to change the way poltiics happen in this country.
I could go on with great stories from down there but the better news is they mirror what I've been seeing here in Minnesota for months as the campaign has built. A year ago there were a handful of us marching in Uptown to try to convince Obama to run...and month after month more and more people got on board....coming from all parts of the state and politics. Now we get a few weeks to make it a real movement.
So let's keep it rolling. We should all be thinking right now about people we know who haven't gone to caucuses, including people who are independents and Republicans. Talk to them in the wake of this big Iowa win about coming with you to the Minnesota caucuses on Feb. 5. Wear your button around, especially in unlikely places, and talk to strangers about the chance we will have in a few weeks to pick a president.
I really look forward to seeing you all on the campaign these next few weeks. History is really being made in America right now, and Minnesota is about to get its chance.
The Hawk Eye | December 28, 2007
By WILLIAM SMITH
Marjorie Marsh has been participating in caucuses since John F. Kennedy ran for president in 1960. He remains her favorite president.
She hadn't seen a presidential candidate like Kennedy until she saw Barack Obama.
"I see many of Kennedy's attributes in Obama," she said.
A self-professed "die-hard" Democrat, Marsh has never voted for a Republican presidential candidate in her life.
Marsh, 94, is taking an even more active role this year drumming up support for Obama. The Fort Madison woman is a precinct captain for the Jan. 3 caucus and makes her way to Obama's Fort Madison headquarters three times a week to campaign.
Read the full article from The Hawk Eye
Often labeled “the greatest generation,” our senior citizens have seen a lot in their time. Many of them marched for equality beside Martin Luther King Jr., fought for justice with Bobby Kennedy, or answered a timeless call to service under President John F. Kennedy.
But now, many of them need help. They’re concerned about Social Security or dealing with the maze of coverage for Medicare Part D. They’re paying too much for prescription drugs and coping with rising costs on everything. More than anything, they’re worried about the country they’re leaving behind to their children and grandchildren.
Across New Hampshire, they’re ready for new leadership. They're ready for the torch to be passed to a new generation to bring about change we can believe in.
Our van trips to Iowa have been a huge success thus far. This weekend volunteers got a special treat and attended a rally that Barack hosted in Mason City. Photos from the event can be found at the link below.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9927&l=5433f&id=529339527
Now, more than ever, is the time to do the hard work that will get Barack the nomination. The Iowa Caucus is only 16 days away and we still need to contact thousands of Iowa Democarats and ask them to caucus. Help our supporters spread the word of why Barack Obama should the the Democratic Nominee by joining us on our Saturday trips to Iowa!
I have had the opportunity to go to Iowa the last 2 Saturdays and walk the streets of Iowa going "door-to-door" for Barack Obama. As I get some quizzical looks from some friends/family who I have talked to when I say that I am spending my Saturday walking in Iowa. I spent sometime this past week on why I do this.
I truly believe that we are making a difference by realizing the importance of the next election and having conversations with people about issues that face our nation, our caucus/primary process and our candidate, Barack Obama, and other candidates.
The Star-Tribune | December 13, 2007
By Bob von Sternberg
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama snared a new Minnesota endorsement today, winning the backing of U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum.
"Senator Obama is a leader I respect and has sound judgment on the most important issues facing the nation," McCollum said. "That judgment is desperately needed in the White House."
She also cited Obama's longstanding opposition to the war in Iraq: "I voted against giving President Bush a blank check to wage a war of choice. Many others in this race signed that check."
Read the full article from The Star Tribune
The Obama Campaign today announced that 4 more Democratic County Chairs have endorsed Senator Obama's campaign to challenge the conventional thinking in Washington, D.C. and truly transform our country. These local Democratic leaders from Appanoose, Benton, Lucas, and Monroe counties will reach out to Democrats in their county and discuss Barack Obama's ability to bring America together and bring change to Washington, D.C.
"Barack Obama and I share the same vision and hope for the future of our country," Ron Donald, Benton County Democratic Committee Chair said. "I want to support a candidate who will inspire us to rise above the petty partisan bickering and finally make progress on the real issues my family and my county face, and Barack Obama is that candidate."
"After decades of partisan politics that haven't produced results that look out for average Americans, it is time for a leader who can inspire trust and unify Americans again," said Lucas County Democratic Chair Buzz Malone. "Barack Obama has proved that he respects the Iowa caucus process and gained our trust by talking to real Iowans about the issues that matter to them most, and I know this is the sort of respect and trust that he will bring to the White House."
"Senator Obama's Iowa campaign has proved the most respectful, considerate and inclusive of any I have seen in many years in this state. This is of course a reflection of Barack, who is the most thoughtful and genuine candidate in a generation," Jim Jameson, Appanoose County Democratic Chair. "When Senator Obama is president, the voices of all Americans will be heard in the White House. His vision to bring us together and move past failed Washington politics will enable him to bring about the change we demand as a nation."
"I am supporting Senator Obama because America is tired of the divisive politics that have failed us in Washington," said Joe Judge, Monroe County Democratic Chair. "When it comes to bringing people together to find solutions, Barack Obama is the most talented and experienced candidate in the race. We need a president that recognizes our similarities are greater than our differences, Barack Obama would be that president and that makes him a candidate who can deliver change all Americans can believe in."
Democratic County Chairs from across the state will play a vital role in Barack Obama's Iowa campaign. Active in their local communities, these county chairs will provide advice and support to the Obama Campaign as they continue to build Obama's grassroots movement for change.
"I'm thankful to have the support of these community leaders ready for change in Washington, D.C.," Senator Obama said. "With the help of these dedicated Democrats, we will strengthen our grassroots movement for change and transform our country."
Source: Barack Obama campaign
Posted at 05:54 PM in Endorsements | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: 4 additional county chairs back Obama, Barack Obama, Iowa
Digg This
Throughout this adventure being part of the Barack Obama campaign, I have met people from all walks of life. I have been inspired by the dedication and the strength of all of Senator Obama's volunteers, inspired by the wonderful Students for Obama as they engage in politics and working for their future, but this video of an Iraq War Vet brings it home and makes it so clear exactly why Senator Obama is the man we have been looking for. Take a look. I hope it inspires you as it has inspired me.
Posted at 07:06 AM in Grassroots Campaigns, Iraq | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Bobby Wise, Iraq, Iraq war vet
The Clinton campaign continues to plant negative statements against Sen. Barack Obama showing signs of internal turmoil and a desperation over his continued rise in support and her drop in the polls. I thought attacking his grade school paper's about "wanting to be President' was stooping to a new low, but rather than focus on their differences in policy and platforms which are legitimate forms of debate, the Clinton campaign yet again chooses to now go back to Sen. Obama's HIGH SCHOOL years, which he had written about in his first book, and spoken about with young people across the country in full disclosure of the mistakes he made as a teen, to attack him, and state it as an example of what Republicans would attack if he were the Democratic nominee.
For the much touted "controlled" campaign of Clinton, this is yet another low in their negative attack mode and one they ASSUME the American people will turn against Obama. For someone who says that speaking about her past is "slinging mud", I think Senator Clinton and her staff need a reality check. Attacking an opponent's TEEN YEARS goes beyond the pale. You are showing your desperation and take a little piece of advice, voters DO NOT LIKE NEGATIVE campaigning and it will only serve to shine the light on the type of candidate Clinton is. Win at all costs, attack the character of your opponents when your own candidate and her husband have character issues they DON'T WANT brought to light.
A story by the AP shines a light on yet another NEGATIVE ATTACK and now the Clinton campaign wants to distance themselves from it? They put out the attack about Obama's grade school paper as proof he wanted to be President since a child and that turned against them so they backed off that one, now they are attacking him as a teen which he himself wrote candidly about in his book and has talked about. Gather they are going through his books and scrambling to go through his high school and college years day by day, examining every paper he wrote to get ANYTHING they think will help them stop the rise in his popularity and his increasing strength as a candidate.
The AP writes:
A top adviser to Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign said that Democrats should give more thought to Sen. Barack Obama's admissions of illegal drug use before they pick a presidential candidate.
Obama's campaign said the Clinton people were getting desperate. Clinton's campaign tried to distance itself from the remarks Wednesday, and the adviser said later he regretted making them.
Bill Shaheen, a national co-chairman of Clinton's front-runner campaign, raised the issue during an interview with The Washington Post, posted on washingtonpost.com.
Shaheen, an attorney and veteran organizer, said much of Obama's background is unknown and could be a problem in November 2008 if he is the Democratic nominee. He said Republicans would work hard to discover new aspects of Obama's admittedly spotty youth.
"It'll be, 'When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?'" said Shaheen, whose wife, Jeanne, is the state's former governor and is running for the U.S. Senate next year.
"There are so many openings for Republican dirty tricks. It's hard to overcome," Shaheen said.
Clinton's campaign said it had nothing to do with his comments, and Shaheen said later he regretted them.
"I deeply regret the comments I made today and they were not authorized by the campaign in any way," Bill Shaheen said in an e-mail released by the campaign.
A campaign spokeswoman, Kathleen Strand, earlier had said "Senator Clinton is out every day talking about the issues that matter to the American people. These comments were not authorized or condoned by the campaign in any way."
Obama campaign manager David Plouffe said in response to Shaheen's remarks:
"Hillary Clinton said attacking other Democrats is the fun part of this campaign, and now she's moved from Barack Obama's kindergarten years to his teenage years in an increasingly desperate effort to slow her slide in the polls. Senator Clinton's campaign is recycling old news that Barack Obama has been candid about in a book he wrote years ago, and he's talked about the lessons he's learned from these mistakes with young people all across the country. He plans on winning this campaign by focusing on the issues that actually matter to the American people."
Obama wrote about his teenage drug use in his memoir, "Dreams from My Father." His rivals have largely remained silent on the subject.
"Junkie. Pothead. That's where I'd been headed: the final fatal role of the young would-be black man," Obama wrote. Mostly he smoked marijuana and drank alcohol, he wrote, but occasionally he would snort cocaine when he could afford it.
Speaking to Manchester high school students earlier this month, Obama said he was hardly a model student and had experimented with drugs and alcohol.
"You know, I made some bad decisions that I've actually written about. You know, got into drinking. I experimented with drugs," he said. "There was a whole stretch of time that I didn't really apply myself a lot. It wasn't until I got out of high school and went to college that I started realizing, 'Man, I wasted a lot of time.'"
New polling shows Clinton and Obama basically tied in New Hampshire. A CNN-WMUR-TV poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire shows Clinton at 31 percent support, Obama at 30. The same poll had Obama trailing by 20 points in September.
Clinton's campaign has distributed its first flier that criticizes Obama's health care plan for leaving 15 million people without insurance. TV ads following the same theme also have been prepared.
"This is not the time to go back to the same old politics of, 'now I'm going to smack you over the head with a baseball bat and call into question your character,'" Obama co-chairman Ned Helms told reporters in a conference call earlier Wednesday, decrying what he said was Clinton's negative campaign.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now the Clinton camp is distancing themselves from the attack. In my opinion she should have issued a campaign directive to EVERYONE in her campaign to stop these attacks, that is IF SHE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM, which I highly doubt.
This is just another example of how divisive Clinton is, and I must give some credit here to the Edwards campaign for refusing to go that direction. They can argue policy and platform all they want, that is expected in politics, but going negative and attacking one's faith, or teen years is only going to highlight exactly the type of campaign and candidate you are.
I may not agree with a lot of what Senator Edwards says, though he is on the same page of much of what Senator Obama says, but I have to credit him for not going the route Clinton is in attacking a person's character.
My advice to Senator Obama is to just ignore it and continue on with our POLICY AND PROPOSALS and don't be drawn into her negative campaign tactics. Stay above it and in today's debate ignore her "baiting" to get you into a negative discussion. By ignoring her tactics, you show you are above what Senator Clinton is all about and will show us that you have too much class to engage in the "slinging of mud" to degrade another candidate. And you would have a ton more ammunition against Clinton, but you have shown class in not going that route.
The difference is, you don't NEED to go negative, SHE DOES, those are her methods and have been for years.
You are doing fine Senator Obama and your supporters are behind you 100% and you know that. Rely on that and it will bring you to victory.
Posted at 06:50 AM in HILLARY - GATE | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, campaign, Hillary Clinton, negative attacks
Just Released report by Rasmussen Reports polling for New Hampshire:
New Hampshire: Obama 31% Clinton 28%
National Polling Update: 12/12/07
Date
Giuliani
Huckabee
Thompson
Romney
McCain
Clinton
Obama
Edwards
12/12/07
20%
23%
10%
14%
8%
36%
28%
13%
12/11/07
21%
22%
12%
9%
39%
Clinton drops 3 points nationally in one day. According to Rasmussen polling her lead now nationally is in the single digits.
Posted at 05:49 PM in Poll Updates | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Rasmussen reports
Barack Obama's Democratic presidential campaign picked up another endorsement today, this one being from a former chairman of the Democratic Party in South Carolina.
Saying Obama could "change the course of American politics," Joe Erwin announced his endorsement on a conference call this afternoon with reporters.
Erwin said he plans to work aggressively with the campaign to boost Obama in the early voting state of South Carolina.
"It's a first-rate team," Erwin said. "They're on fire. And I anticipate a victory here."
Erwin also said Obama can win in South Carolina -- a state where racial conflict has a long history -- even though he is black.
"White Democrats are ready to support Barack Obama," he said. "Times have changed."
Speaking to reporters who might be spending more time in colder climates in Iowa or New Hampshire, Erwin gave a weather report of 80 degrees and sunny. "We can't wait for you to spend more time in sunny, warm South Carolina," he said.
That doesn't sound bad.
Posted at 05:15 PM in Endorsements | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Joe Erwin, South Carolina
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN04) today endorsed Barack Obama for President.
“The Iraq War has been the most disastrous foreign policy decision of our lifetime and Barack Obama got it right when he opposed this war of choice from the start,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Barack Obama has the courage to move our country forward by challenging Washington’s tired conventional thinking. I’m endorsing Barack Obama for President because I trust his leadership – for my family, for our country and for a more secure world. We need a President who can unite the American people to confront the serious challenges facing our nation, especially ending the war in Iraq, and that is Barack Obama.”
“Congresswoman McCollum has been an outspoken leader on the challenges facing communities across America, and I’m grateful for her endorsement,” said Senator Obama. “Betty McCollum had the judgment to oppose authorizing the war in Iraq, and she has worked to end the war as quickly and responsibly as we can. As a former teacher, McCollum has fought for strong schools, well-trained teachers, and affordable and accessible education programs for all students. Above all, Congresswoman McCollum knows that to make progress, we need leadership that will unify the nation to get things done.”
In 2000, McCollum made history as the second woman in Minnesota state history to be elected to Congress. McCollum serves as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, as well as a co-founder of the Global Health Caucus.
In Minnesota, Obama has also been endorsed by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Congressman Keith Ellison. Obama for America was the first presidential campaign to open an office in the state – the headquarters is located in St. Paul. In the past ten weeks since that opening the campaign has held a caucus and grassroots training in St. Paul that drew a crowd of 400; caucus and grassroots trainings in every congressional district, every week; an eight-city canvass of Minnesota where 80 supporters knocked on over 2,500 doors on a single Saturday; individual canvasses every weekend in cities across the state; phonebanks every night of the week; and a Turn the Page in Iraq rally at Macalester College.
Senator Obama was endorsed earlier this week by Congresswomen Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH).
Posted at 03:00 PM in Endorsements | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Minnesota
FIRST EVER INTERNET DRIVEN NATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL CAUCUS:
PRESS RELEASE OF RESULTS:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Presidential Caucus Announces Results From First-Ever National Caucus
-- Barack Obama Wins Democrat Caucuses; Ron Paul Dominates Both GOP And "Open" Caucuses --
Washington, DC (December 12, 2007) -- On December 7, 2007 in cities and small towns across the country, Democrat, Republican and "Open" Caucus groups formed independently online and Caucused face-to-face on National Caucus Day. The first-ever National Presidential Caucus is now history and the results are in.
Barack Obama wins over Democrat voters generating 40% of Democrat Caucus voter preferences. Obama was followed by a three-way tie for second, with John Edwards, Bill Richardson and "Undecided" each generating 20% of Democratic Caucus preferences.
On the Republican side, Ron Paul obliterated the field for the GOP generating the preference of 50% of GOP Caucuses. Mike Huckabee and Fred Thompson follow, generating 33.3% and 16.6% of Republican Caucus preferences, respectively.
Among votes in Open Caucuses, Ron Paul wins with 62.5% of Open Caucus votes, followed by Barack Obama (18.75%), Fred Thompson (12.5%), and Hilary Clinton (6.25%).
Results were tallied from 19 independently formed Caucus groups (Republican, Democrat, and Open) that met on Friday, December 7th, 2007 in Dallas, TX (2D); Sarcoxie, MO (O); Boise, ID (R); Needham, MA (D); Carthage, MO (O); Manhattan, KS (D & R); Pineville, MO (O); Richmond, MO (O); Costa Mesa, CA (O); Springfield MO (R); Winston-Salem, NC (O); Overland Park, KS (R); New York City, NY (O); and Joplin, MO (R), Warrensburg, MO (R), Roselle Park, NK (D), and Philadelphia, PA (O).
Some caucuses used multiple voting rounds with minimum vote thresholds to give citizens a chance to change their minds and switch candidate preferences, but all meetings were built on a first round of issue discussion and deliberation. Multiple rounds of voting were not prohibited and each group was encouraged to create the most engaging caucus format possible. However, threshold voting eliminates all but the top vote-getters. While that may have been the intention for some groups, the NPC feels obligated to recognize the efforts and opinions of all caucus goers.
Issue results reflected opposition to Iraq involvement, foreign intervention in general, and health care, immigration and erosion of civil liberties rounding out the top concerns of all caucusers.
Self-organized and independent, most gatherings were small, informal discussion sessions, while others attracted hundreds of participants including party officials and campaign operatives in a raucous bid for supporters. The NPC feels that the results at each caucus is of greatest importance and relevance to those in that caucus room and to that local community where those ideas were exchanged, relationships were created, passions were shared. We believe this is social capital formation at its finest.
The NPC was previewed by major media from CBS News, The Washington Post and The New York Times, among others. The actual Caucuses are receiving a fair amount of local attention from the mainstream media, including front page newspaper coverage in Greensboro, NC and TV coverage by WNBC news in NYC, the largest NBC affiliate in the nation.
But even better, people reported on their own caucus events. Using numerical reports, commentary, pictures & video, and through a growing number of blogs, each caucus tells its own story. Some reports from those who participated, include Kansas City: "Wow, what a great evening it was in Kansas City!"; New Jersey: "It was a fun night with close to 200 people participating in this exercise."; Chicago: "It was a very informative experience."; Boise, Idaho: "It was an extremely fun event..." Video footage is being compiled on the official National Presidential Caucus channel on YouTube. Visit http://www.youtube.com/NationalCaucus to view.
"The NPC wants to applaud everyone who took the time and made an effort to engage their neighbors in this evening of passionate civic discourse, said Don Means, NPC's primary organizer. "You have just ushered in a new era of participatory democracy in America. Your country should be proud of you!"
National Presidential Caucus is the product of a consortium of partisan, bi-partisan and non-partisan interests who seek to demonstrate how local, self-organized, web-enabled face-to-face gatherings is the new basis for participatory democracy. To view National Caucus endorsers visit: http://www.nationalcaucus.com/endorsements . For more information about the National Presidential Caucus vision visit: http://www.nationalcaucus.com/about
CONTACT:
Myles WeisslederNational Presidential Caucusmyles@nationalcaucus.com
Posted at 02:42 PM in Caucus Results | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, first ever, National Presidential Caucus, Obama wins Democrat caucuses
BREAKING NEWS
Political Wire got an advance look at a new Strategic Vision poll in Iowa that shows Sen. Barack Obama leading the Democratic pack with 33%, followed by Sen. Hillary Clinton with 25%, and John Edwards with 24%.Among Republicans, Mike Huckabee leads with 30%, followed by Mitt Romney with 25%, Fred Thompson with 13%, and Rudy Giuliani with 10%.The full survey results will be released tomorrow.
Posted at 02:06 PM in Poll Updates | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Iowa, Obama widening lead, Stategic Vision
Kidz In The Hall, a rap/R&B group have recorded a new song for the Obama campaign called "Work to do". You can download the mp3 here. Also, please visit their myspace page to listen, and post a note. This is another example of grassroots efforts on behalf of the Obama campaign. Please visit and say your thankyou's for this song from a great group.
Their myspace page is here.
Posted at 07:24 AM in Grassroots Campaigns | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Kidz In The Hall, new Obama song recorded
Obama’s comprehensive agenda to empower individuals with disabilities fits in with the campaign’s overarching message of equalizing opportunities for all Americans. In addition to reclaiming America’s global leadership on this issue by becoming a signatory to – and having the Senate ratify – the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the plan has four parts, designed to provide lifelong supports and resources to Americans with disabilities. They are as follows: First, provide Americans with disabilities with the educational opportunities they need to succeed. Second, end discrimination and promote equal opportunity. Third, increase the employment rate of workers with disabilities. And fourth, support independent, community-based living for Americans with disabilities
Download full details of plan here (pdf format)
Posted at 06:41 AM in Platform Issues | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Americans with Disabilities, Barack Obama, Obama agenda, video remarks
Barack Obama returned to Seattle on Tuesday to whip up the local "Generation Obama" crowd and scoop up a big pile of money for his presidential campaign.
Obama, riding the momentum of his much-hyped weekend campaign tour with TV megastar Oprah Winfrey, was in Seattle for three scheduled events.
About 1,000 people shelled out $100 — $35 for students — for an event at the Showbox SoDo that was part concert, part pep rally, part fundraiser.
The crowd, somewhat subdued after the music sets, turned electric when Obama came out about 9:30 p.m.
In his 30-minute speech, Obama painted the 2008 election as a make-or-break moment for the nation. "America, our moment is now," he bellowed.
"I believe there is such a thing as being too late, and that moment is almost upon us," he said.
Some of Obama's stock attacks on the Bush administration drew the loudest cheers.
"The era of Scooter Libby justice and Brownie incompetence and Karl Rove politics will finally be over next year," he said.
But he also got in some not-so-subtle digs at other Democratic front-runners, including Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who voted to send troops into Iraq.
"When I'm the Democratic nominee, my opponent won't be able to say that I, too, supported the war in Iraq, because I didn't," he said.
Earlier in the evening, Obama spoke at a $250- to $1,000-per-plate reception at the Bell Harbor Conference Center. Campaign organizers said they sold more than 500 tickets to the event. He also attended a private fundraiser at the home of Nick Hanauer.
Many people at the Showbox event echoed the theme on a giant banner above the stage: "Change we can believe in."
"I truly believe that he has the charisma to be a world leader," said Annette Ademasu, a state employee from Seattle who was working as a volunteer at the rally. At 48 years old, Ademasu was probably one of the older people in attendance.
Like others, Ademasu said Obama is the first politician she's gotten excited about.
Denielle Aduba, a 28-year-old home designer from Tacoma, said Obama has a "fresh new approach."
"I'm just inspired by him and his life story," Aduba said. "He motivates everyday people to get involved."
Elizabeth Evans, a 20-year-old University of Washington student, waited in line more than two hours to see Obama.
"I think he offers something completely new to the country," said Evans, who was studying for an exam as she waited to get into the Showbox. She said Obama could restore the United States' standing in the world.
"I think if we could elect someone like Barack Obama, people might think twice about this country," Evans said.
Farther back in line, Monique Duluoz, of Kent, was wearing an "Obama Mama" T-shirt and a pin that read, "Mommy make the scary Republican go away."
Obama spokeswoman Jan Psaki said the Washington campaign for Obama is starting to show clear signs of momentum.
"What we're seeing in Washington state is the same we're seeing elsewhere around the country, that people are watching the developments and seeing the exciting movement in the four early states," she said in an interview. "So we feel we have some real momentum here and we hope to be strong heading into the Washington primary (and caucuses)."
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, one of Obama's earliest congressional supporters, is his state chairman. Others endorsing him include Seattle City Council President Nick Licata, state Sens. Ken Jacobsen, Derek Kilmer, Chris Marr and Ed Murray and a number of state House members.
Posted at 06:30 AM in Fundraisers, Grassroots Campaigns, Senator Obama Appearances | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, concert, Generation Obama, Seattle
Hillary Clinton's criticism of Senator Obama's HOPEFUND PAC and the fact the funds that were in the account were used to make donations to candidates for office across the United States as somehow proof of him "buying" endorsements is hypocritical and completely baseless.
Like many of her other attacks, her campaign staff fails to do it's homework, or have done it, but just want to throw mud, hoping something will stick in their apparent desperation with the current rise of Senator Obama in the polls. I guess they are thinking, "Why not?" It's a " Let's throw it out there and see what sticks" attitude. In their attack they fail to mention that in fact, the HOPEFUND PAC made two donations to Senator Clinton's senatorial campaign. Never mind that many of the donations were made to Democratic candidates that have endorsed Senator Clinton. No, that is not what they want you to know as it doesn't serve their purpose to slander the good intentions of what HOPEFUND PAC is all about. Helping to elect Democratic legislators so some work can get done in congress. Without a majority to override veto's, the congress has been defeated over and over again by Bush's vetoes and work has not been able to get done that needs to be accomplished.
But what the Clinton campaign also FAILS TO TALK ABOUT is her own willingness to find financial means in which to ensure endorsements and votes. I point to two particular examples in South Carolina, but pick your state, and I can show how her dealings have ensured endorsements and campaign donations.
A glaring example of endorsement buying, is the so-called "campaign adviser" label given the $30,000 per month deal given to two South Carolina African American political leaders who a day later endorsed Senator Clinton. I doubt she would allow them to advise her campaign on anything, but the $30,000 a month is currently going into their pockets.
Another little known and unpublicized FINANCIAL DEALING was the convenient donation by the Clinton private foundation of $100,000 to fund a library in Bennettsville, S.C. to be named after an African American female, Marion Wright Edelman. In the Hillary Clinton world of politics, it is always wise to put your money where it will be most useful. I doubt if this were not an election year, neither those political leaders who endorsed her would have received their $30,000 per month "advisory" deal, nor would a small town had received $100,000 for a library.
But Hillary Clinton learned well the art of "making the deal" and not from Donald Trump. No, when she was first elected Senator from New York State, she embarked on a non-stop process of "pork barrel" spending that rivaled anyone in the Senate. What is interesting about the hundreds of millions of dollars she tacked onto legislation that she would claim benefited New York State, is that money went to CORPORATIONS and indeed they did NOT benefit the people of this state. But they surely ensured the endorsements she wanted this year in her run for the Presidency.
Stay tuned for my report on the biggest take of all which led to not one single job in the state, but netted a corporation hundreds of millions of dollars, and oh, by the way, the head of the corporation held a major fundraiser for her this year and most of it's executives are also donors to her campaign, totally $1 million dollars.
Since taking office in 2001, Clinton has delivered $500 million worth of earmarks that have specifically benefited 59 corporations. About 64% of those corporations provided funds to her campaigns through donations made by employees, executives, board members or lobbyists.
Stay tuned for more details on Hillary's attempt to "buy a Presidency" for many years..........
So Hillary, it may be wise to stop digging and finding nonsensical items to attack Senator Obama on, for instance that document filled out by an aide of his who misstated his views on the Death Penalty and Gun Control when you know very well where exactly he stands on these issues? You also claim he has been running for President for years, yet YOU ARE THE ONE who has systematically used your position in Congress to attach "earmarks" for your friends to legislation, taking tax payer dollars to help your friends who would then support your candidacy. But then, one can not expect anything else from such a hypocrite, now can one?
Because of her perch on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Clinton has been able to earmark $1.4 billion for defense contractors in New York state since she arrived in the Senate, including $140 million this year, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense. Her record of home-state defense earmarking on that panel is second only to that of Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), who is chairman of the committee and has served in the Senate since 1979.Clinton has raised more than $270,000 for her campaigns from defense companies with New York operations that have received federal money with her help.
But then that is NEVER mentioned in her campaign now is it? Does anyone think she would not OWE defense contractors if elected? No, Senator Clinton's campaign fails to answer to her massive and gleeful gutting of funds from the Federal Government to feed her "friends", but instead attacks a small PAC formed by Senator Obama to help OTHER candidates for office, specifically NEWCOMERS to politics who want to run for office but need funding. Yes, he did help others more well known, ie., Hillary Clinton, but he also helped candidates running for office for the very first time as it his philosophy that new blood in the political arena is important and should be encouraged. I specifically point to Harold Ford, who HOPEFUND donated to and Senator Obama even went to campaign for him the final week before that election and yet Harold Ford has endorsed Senator Clinton. Do you see Senator Obama complaining about it? No, it was more important to bring new Democrats into politics.
But then Hillary Clinton, with her guilty conscience, always sees evil where it doesn't exist, dishonesty that isn't there, and impure motives that don't exist. But then, that's Hillary, now isn't it..............
Posted at 06:15 AM in HILLARY - GATE | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Clinton donors, congressional earmarks, corporate support, endorsements, Hillary Clinton, HOPEFUND PAC
Heidemann says that she had just laid down for a nap when the phone rang on Tuesday afternoon. She says that the man on the phone -- she didn't know how old he might have been -- said that he was calling from the Obama campaign to inform her that her caucus location had been moved to Elkader, 12 miles away from the fire station where she believed that her precinct meeting will be held on January 3. When she asked where exactly in Elkader the caucus would be, the caller replied that he wasn't sure yet. (Heidemann's tiny town of Garber is in the Elkader area.)Then, Jean identified herself as a precinct captain for Hillary Clinton. She says that the caller then immediately hung up.Heidemann does not have a caller ID function on her phone, and she doesn't recall the name that the caller gave her. She says she thought little of the incident until she told the local field organizer from the Clinton campaign, who then raised the alarm. "At first I thought it was a kid pulling my leg," she said. The twist to the story is that her leg wasn't exactly being pulled. Her caucus HAS been moved from the location where it has been in years past, but that change is recent within the last few days. According to Iowa Democratic Party spokeswoman Carrie Giddins, the party made a public list of over 1,700 caucus sites last Friday. But, because of pressure from campaigns and county officials to push that list out as quickly as possible, the party published a list with a few blanks for the 5% or so of caucus sites that have not yet been determined. The precinct where Garber is located is one of those blanks. Earlier this week -- but probably after Heidemann received the call -- her caucus site had been confirmed; she won't be walking to the fire house where she has caucused in the past, but to the Anchor Inn Supper Club less than half a mile down the road. So, when the caller told her that her caucus would be moved "somewhere in Elkader," he was over-generalizing and -- if he did hang up the phone -- probably less than professional, but, it appears, not incorrect. The caller "sounded really sincere," Heidemann acknowledged. "But they just didn't know what they were talking about."
Coming to Iowa? With the hunt on for "dirty tricks," make sure you buy a map before you hit the road."
Additional News:
The "Caucus" Blog at the New York Times is reporting the Clinton campaign apparently after 9 months have not done enough digging desparately attempting to find anything they can to attack Senator Obama on. Here is their report:
By Jeff Zeleny
DES MOINES – Presidential campaigns have unlimited appetites for information about their rivals. They track their whereabouts, they study their records and they obsessively follow nearly every movement. By this point in the race, though, it would seem a candidate’s work history would have already been sufficiently combed through.
Apparently not.
If there was any question whether Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign was concerned about the rise of Senator Barack Obama, here is a fresh example: A deputy campaign manager for Mrs. Clinton sent an e-mail yesterday, trying to find out about Mr. Obama’s background as a community organizer in Chicago.
The deputy campaign manager is Bob Nash, who served as White House personnel director in the Clinton administration. In March, Mr. Nash left his position as vice chairman of Chicago ShoreBank to join Mrs. Clinton’s campaign.
Here is the text of his e-mail, with the addresses redacted:From: Bob Nash To:Sent: Sun Dec 09Subject: BARACK
HOW ARE YOU ?? I AM FIGHTING HARD >
SECOND ARE YOU PEERSONALLYAWARE OF TH EWORK BARACK DID ON THE SOUTHSIDE WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION S , ETC ./. BOB
WHAT DI DHE DO AFORE HOW LONG AND WITH WHO ??
PLS TELL BOB HELLO BOB
Bob J NashDeputy Campaign ManagerHillary Clinton for President Exploratory Committee4420 N. Fairfax DriveArlington, VA 22203
—
Mr. Nash, 59, did not respond to an e-mail request seeking comment. A campaign official said he was unaware of the matter, but would look into it.
Looks to me like the Clinton campaign is in desperation mode here. They put out a rediculous attack regarding Senator Obama's grade school essary on "I want to be President", yet they don't know anything about his work in the Southside of Chicago working for the inner city poor? Oh, that's right that would be a POSITIVE thing, now wouldn't it? They are still digging for dirt? If Senator Clinton wants to go that route I am perfectly willing to put out the dirt I have on her, if that is the way she wants to play. My sources close to the campaign tell me there is quite a bit of disarray in the Clinton campaign with accusations flying back and forth as to who did what wrong, Hillary furiously calling campaign team members telling them to get ANYTHING they can, Patti Solis-Doyle, Hillary's campaign manager sending out her daily email news updates and states with no factual information to back it up that the Obama campaign is "push-polling" and sending Clinton supporters wrong information on their Iowa caucus locations. They produce ONE person who claims to have received a call from someone who CLAIMED to be from the Obama campaign, with no facts to back THAT up, other than the claim and then the person states they didn't have caller ID so couldn't state with proof that in fact it was an Obama campaign volunteer who had called (it could have been a Republican volunteer for all they know) but they put it in their newsletter as FACTUAL, when facts they did not have.
The elderly lady produced who claimed she had been called telling her that her caucus had been moved, was used by Patti Solis-Doyle as an example of the Obama campaign re-directing Clinton supporters to different Caucus locations, when in fact, her location HAD BEEN CHANGED. I gather Patti Solis-Doyle just didn't want to bother putting in that little fact.
In New York, I have spoken with many "previous" Clinton volunteers and they are fed up with how they are treated. What Sen. Clinton apparently doesn't acknowledge, is that grassroots volunteers are the backbone of a cam
Election 2008 Latest Polls
Email this page to a Friend
Dear Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Supporter!
Last year, we as a nation asked and expressed our desire as voters to take America in a new direction. Presidential Candidate Barack Obama www.barackobama.com is leading and taking this challenge seriously every day to bring about that change. Together we can move forward. Together we can restore trust in our American values. Together we can reclaim that precious American dream of hope and opportunity for all. Together we can put Presidential Candidate Barack Obama on a firm path to victory in the 2008 Presidential General Election.
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama is committed to turning the page on textbook campaign politics, providing quality and affordable health care for 10 million American children - kids not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid and not lucky enough to have parents with health insurance - and passing a new national energy policy that lowers energy bills and begins to reverse global warming. And we are determined to end the war in Iraq responsibly. Presidential Candidate Barack Obama will use his power and leadership authority as our next president to help Americans live and prosper in a nation of bountiful hope and opportunity!
In a few weeks, the primaries will start across America and voters will again ask for a new direction. Let us offer with our ongoing support and dedication this nation and the world the new vision and hope which Presidential Candidate Barack Obama uniquely possess. We are all playing an important role in this historic Countdown To Change.
Wishing you best wishes this Holiday Season,
Raphael Holoman-Franklin
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Supporter
p.s. "We are in a defining moment in our history" ... "Our nation is at war. The planet is in peril. The dream that so many generations fought for feels as if it's slowly slipping away. And that is why the same old Washington textbook campaigns just won't do it. That's why telling the American people what we think they want to hear, instead of telling the American people what they need to hear, just won't so it." "America, our moment is now," ..."I don't want to spend the next year, or the same four years, refighting the same fights we had in the 1990s. I don't want to pit red America against blue America. I want to be the president of the United States of America." (Presidential Candidate Barack Obama)
We are in a defining moment in our history:
"Our nation is at war. The planet is in peril. The dream that so many generations fought for feels as if it's slowly slipping away.
And that is why the same old Washington textbook campaigns just won't do. That's why telling the American people what we think they want to hear instead of telling the American people what they need to hear just won't do.
America, our moment is now. I don't want to spend the next year, or the next four years, re-fighting the same fights that we had in the 1990s. I don't want to pit 'red' America against 'blue' America; I want to be the President of the United States of America."
One needs only to find a hint of hope to cause an uproar in the universe.
Barack Obama is this hope.
PEACE
Love Jared
When A Movement Gains MomentumThe Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner is one of the pivotal moments in the contest for the Democratic party's presidential nomination, and Barack Obama gave what could be the most important speech of the campaign to more than 9,000 Iowa Democrats in Des Moines this weekend. He sparked new momentum on the ground in Iowa, where the January 3rd caucuses will be the first true test of our campaign and Senator Clinton's.
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/11/10/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_33.phpSee some of the overwhelming response to the performance and donate now so we can capitalize on this moment.Des Moines Register (David Yepsen) "Yepsen: Obama's superb speech could catapult his bid":The six leading Democratic presidential candidates showed up for the Iowa Democratic Party's big Jefferson Jackson Dinner on Saturday night, and five of them gave very good speeches. Barack Obama's was excellent. It was one of the best of his campaign. The passion he showed should help him close the gap on Hillary Clinton by tipping some undecided caucusgoers his way. His oratory was moving, and he successfully contrasted himself with the others — especially Clinton — without being snide or nasty about it. Read more from the Des Moines Register The Garance (Garance):Barack Obama, on the other hand, finally gave the speech his supporters have been waiting for him to give all year. If anyone comes out of this dinner with The Big Mo, it will be him. Obama’s supporters used their voices, not tools, to make noise. The moment House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced his name in her introduction, she was met with screams, whoops, ululations, whistles, shouts, and cries of wordless enthusiasm. When she said, "Please welcome the next president of the United States" — a line she’d used in earlier introductions — the crowd burst into what my notes could only capture as "TOTAL ROAR."Read more from The Garance Washington Post (Dan Balz and Shailagh Murray) "Obama stands out in night of speeches":...In the view of many watching, he [Obama] emerged as the oratorical winner at the biggest Democratic political event in Iowa before the state's January caucuses....Before the Saturday dinner, Barbara and Mike Donnelly hadn't been certain which candidate to support in the Democratic caucuses. They left with colorful glow necklaces, handed out by Obama's campaign. "We just think he's a very strong character," said Barbara Donnelly. Obama's speech "crystallized it for me," said Mike Donnelly. Read more from The Washington Post ABC News (David Chalian/Eloise Harper/Sunlen Miller/Raelyn Johnson) "Democrats Rally the Troops in Iowa":... The Obama troops clearly won the contest for loudest cheers in the hall as they offered some call and response with the "fired up, ready to go" chants that have become the standard finale to the senator's stump speech.... In what appeared to be the most rousing speech of the evening, Sen. Obama was sure to revisit his theme of calling for a change in the political climate and again offering a thinly veiled swipe toward his main opponent. "This party -- of Jefferson and Jackson, of Roosevelt and Kennedy -- has made the most difference in people's lives when we've led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction," Obama said to applause. Read more from ABC News MSNBC (Aswini Anburajan) "Obama Shows Off Organizational Strength":Nearly one in three people at last night’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner was an Obama supporter. The campaign brought 3,000 supporters to a dinner that had 9,000 attendees. They also made sure to have a representative from each of Iowa’s 99 counties in attendance. ... Obama’s speech was buoyed by his large crowd of supporters. They chanted, yelled and stood up and cheered as he evoked the civil rights movement to talk about how he could only stand on this stage because those who had come before him were not afraid to take the difficult positions that he is supposedly espousing now.Read more from MSNBC First Read Chicago Sun-Times (Jennifer Hunter) "Obama vows moral high ground for Dems, U.S.":About 9,000 activists turned up for the dinner... But Obama's followers were the most uproarious.Read more from the Sun Times Time (Anna Marie Cox):Obama: The excerpts give a flavor of what he delivered, but I have to say, given the low energy of the room, his performance was especially striking. Again, the applause at his introduction was thundering. He also drew the longest, loudest responses throughout his speech: hooting, hollering and he was the only candidate to draw an enthusiastic chant. He also was the only candidate that seemed, for lack of a better word, to be working it. He gave that speech as if he was trying to convince people, not just solidifying the support he already had.Read more from Time.com Barack Obama's Speech at the Jefferson Jackson DinnerNBC Nightly NewsABC Nightly NewsTucker CarlsonPaid for by Obama for America
Powered by Obama '08 (and supporters just like you). Privacy Policy Terms of Service Contact Us
Tuesday December 4, 2007 12:31 AM
By LIZ SIDOTI
Associated Press Writer
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Rodham Clinton have secrecy issues dogging them.
The front-runners in national polls for their parties' nominations both are grappling with disclosure controversies as they seek to succeed President Bush, known as one of the most secretive chief executives in modern history.
For the Republican former New York mayor, the primary issue is Giuliani Partners, the consulting business he formed when he left City Hall. He still works for the firm but won't shed light on its business dealings or release a client list. He's not required to; the company is privately held.
``It isn't mysterious at all,'' Giuliani insists, arguing that the media has identified clients.
He's also battling - and dismissing - suggestions that security expenses for extramarital liaisons with current wife Judith Nathan were hidden in little-known city accounts. And, he is facing criticism for the handling of his mayoral records.
Clinton, the Democratic New York senator and former first lady, is taking heat over locked-away correspondence between President Clinton and her during their White House years. She often cites her experience in her campaign, and rivals argue she should expedite the opening of those records to allow her experience to be evaluated, particularly on health care policy.
She says the National Archives, which has custody of the records, ``is moving as rapidly as the Archives moves.'' Her husband said last week: ``I'm not trying to cover anything up.''
A direct comparison between the Giuliani and Clinton situations is difficult.
``There's a concern on the part of Giuliani about his behavior, a man known relatively little to the public except in flashes of post-9/11 take charge,'' said Thomas Mann, a political analyst at the Washington-based Brookings Institution. ``There are real questions about his probity, his choice of associates and potential conflicts of interest given the extraordinary amount of business he's done since leaving office and that touches on government policies.''
``With Clinton, it's a bit of a muddle,'' Mann said. ``It's appropriate that presidential documents be released and made public as soon as possible. It's a reasonable question to be raised,'' he said. But, he added: ``It's not like there's necessarily some crucial information in there that's not being revealed.''
Still, both candidates face lack-of-disclosure questions in a campaign marked by public concern about honesty and ethics.
A recent national survey by The Associated Press and Yahoo News found that both Democrats and Republicans rated those two issues as very important or extremely important qualities in a presidential candidate more often than any other trait measured.
Neither Clinton nor Giuliani was seen as particularly honest or ethical. Just 38 percent viewed Clinton as honest, while just 40 percent called her ethical. Forty-two percent called Giuliani honest, 40 percent ethical.
Secrecy questions about them could give voters pause - particularly after seven years of Bush's behind-the-curtain approach that included covert CIA prisons, warrantless wiretapping and classified memos on interrogation techniques.
Generally, a president prone to secrecy can have long-term implications for a democracy.
``The effect is sort of an imperialistic presidency that's unchecked,'' said Anne Weismann, chief counsel of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. With Bush, she said: ``We're pretty far down that road, but I don't think we're there yet.'' However, she added, given the outcry over Bush's actions, ``It's hard to imagine a president that will follow in that same course.''
Giuliani laughed, then grew agitated, when the AP asked recently whether he would ever outline his role with his firm or release a thorough client list. ``Everything I did at Giuliani Partners was totally legal, totally ethical,'' he said. ``There's nothing for me to explain about. We acted honorably, decently.''
The media have unearthed some client names that show his firm represents or has represented airlines, energy companies and communications businesses. One client, Purdue Pharma L.P., makes the controversial painkiller OxyContin.
Separately, Giuliani has called reports that he charged security expenses to obscure city offices as his affair began ``a typical political hit job with only half the story told.'' He also has dismissed criticism over the 2,000 boxes of his mayoral documents temporarily going to a private foundation his supporters ran and financed to be copied and archived.
Clinton, for her part, rejects charges that she's been secretive about her own documents. This month in Iowa, she said: ``My husband has not withheld a single document.''
But, like some of his predecessors, Bill Clinton had the power to limit what records the National Archives could immediately make public. In a 2002 letter, he asked that the archives consider withholding certain categories of information, including personal correspondence between himself and his wife.
``We're not trying to hold up anything,'' he told C-SPAN last week. ``We're getting this stuff out as soon as we can.''
^---
EDITOR'S NOTE - Liz Sidoti covers presidential politics for The Associated Press.
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/11/10/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_33.php
