Is it just a rumor that part of the deal for Hillary's Secretary of State position is that her campaign debt get paid off and her personal loan of $10 million be repaid?
NOW THIS CAMPAIGN/TRANSITION TEAM IS ASKING FOR DONATIONS... I WILL NOT PAY HILLARY CLINTON ONE DIME FOR HER FAILED CAMPAIGN. THIS DEBT IS NOT OUR RESPONSIBILITY.
I am thrilled right now.
Republicans rule, rather than govern, when they are in power by imposing their authoritarian conservative philosophy on everyone, as their answer for everything. This works for them because their interest is in power, and in what it can do for those who think as they do. Ruling, of course, must be distinguished from governing, which is a more nuanced process that entails give-and-take and the kind of compromises that are often necessary to find a consensus and solutions that will best serve the interests of all Americans.
Republicans' authoritarian rule can also be characterized by its striking incivility and intolerance toward those who do not view the world as Republicans do. Their insufferable attitude is not dangerous in itself, but it is employed to accomplish what they want, which it to take care of themselves and those who work to keep them in power.
Authoritarian conservatives are primarily anti-government, except where they believe the government can be useful to impose moral or social order (for example, with respect to matters like abortion, prayer in schools, or prohibiting sexually-explicit information from public view). Similarly, Republicans' limited-government attitude does not apply regarding national security, where they feel there can never be too much government activity - nor are the rights and liberties of individuals respected when national security is involved. Authoritarian Republicans do oppose the government interfering with markets and the economy, however -- and generally oppose the government's doing anything to help anyone they feel should be able to help themselves.
In my book Broken Government: How Republican Rule Destroyed the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches, I set forth the facts regarding the consequences of the Republicans' controlling government for too many years. No Republican -- nor anyone else, for that matter -- has refuted these facts, and for good reason: They are irrefutable.
The McCain/Palin Ticket Perfectly Fits the Authoritarian Conservative Mold
During the 2008 presidential campaign, Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican candidates, have shown themselves to be unapologetic and archetypical authoritarian conservatives. Indeed, their campaign has warmed the hearts of fellow authoritarians, who applaud them for their negativity, nastiness, and dishonest ploys and only criticize them for not offering more of the same.
The McCain/Palin campaign has assumed a typical authoritarian posture: The candidates provide no true, specific proposals to address America's needs. Rather, they simply ask voters to "trust us" and suggest that their opponents - Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden - are not "real Americans" like McCain, Palin, and the voters they are seeking to court. Accordingly, McCain and Plain have called Obama "a socialist," "a redistributionist," "a Marxist," and "a communist" - without a shred of evidence to support their name-calling, for these terms are pejorative, rather than in any manner descriptive. This is the way authoritarian leaders operate.
In my book Conservatives Without Conscience, I set forth the traits of authoritarian leaders and followers, which have been distilled from a half-century of empirical research, during which thousands of people have voluntarily been interviewed by social scientists. The touch points in these somewhat-overlapping lists of character traits provide a clear picture of the characters of both John McCain and Sarah Palin.
McCain, especially, fits perfectly as an authoritarian leader. Such leaders possess most, if not all, of these traits:
* dominating
* opposes equality
* desirous of personal power
* amoral
* intimidating and bullying
* faintly hedonistic
* vengeful
* pitiless
* exploitive
* manipulative
* dishonest
* cheats to win
* highly prejudiced (racist, sexist, homophobic)
* mean-spirited
* militant
* nationalistic
* tells others what they want to hear
* takes advantage of "suckers"
* specializes in creating false images to sell self
* may or may not be religious
* usually politically and economically conservative/Republican
Incidentally, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney also can be described by these well-defined and typical traits -- which is why a McCain presidency is so likely to be nearly identical to a Bush presidency.
Clearly, Sarah Palin also has some qualities typical of authoritarian leaders, not to mention almost all of the traits found among authoritarian followers. Specifically, such followers can be described as follows:
* submissive to authority
* aggressive on behalf of authority
* highly conventional in their behavior
* highly religious
* possessing moderate to little education
* trusting of untrustworthy authorities
* prejudiced (particularly against homosexuals and followers of religions other than their own)
* narrow-minded
* intolerant
* bullying
* zealous
* dogmatic
* uncritical toward chosen authority
* hypocritical
* inconsistent and contradictory
* prone to panic easily
* highly self-righteous
* moralistic
* strict disciplinarians
* severely punitive
* demanding loyalty and returning it
* possessing little self-awareness
The leading authority on right-wing authoritarianism, a man who devoted his career to developing hard empirical data about these people and their beliefs, is Robert Altemeyer. Altemeyer, a social scientist based in Canada, flushed out these typical character traits in decades of testing.
Altemeyer believes about 25 percent of the adult population in the United States is solidly authoritarian (with that group mostly composed of followers, and a small percentage of potential leaders). It is in these ranks of some 70 million that we find the core of the McCain/Palin supporters. They are people who are, in Altemeyer's words, are "so self-righteous, so ill-informed, and so dogmatic that nothing you can say or do will change their minds."
The Problem with Electing Authoritarian Conservatives
What is wrong with being an authoritarian conservative? Well, if you want to take the country where they do, nothing. "They would march America into a dictatorship and probably feel that things had improved as a result," Altemeyer told me. "The problem is that these authoritarian followers are much more active than the rest of the country. They have the mentality of 'old-time religion' on a crusade, and they generously give money, time and effort to the cause. They proselytize; they lick stamps; they put pressure on loved ones; and they revel in being loyal to a cohesive group of like thinkers. And they are so submissive to their leaders that they will believe and do virtually anything they are told. They are not going to let up and they are not going to go away."
I would nominate McCain's "Joe the Plumber" as a new poster-boy of the authoritarian followers. He is a believer, and he has signed on. On November 4, 2008, we will learn how many more Americans will join the ranks of the authoritarians.
Frankly, the fact that the pre-election polls are close - after eight years of authoritarian leadership from Bush and Cheney, and given its disastrous results -- shows that many Americans either do not realize where a McCain/Palin presidency might take us, or they are happy to go there. Frankly, it scares the hell out of me, for there is only one way to deal with these conservative zealots: Keep them out of power.
This election should be a slam dunk for Barack Obama, who has run a masterful campaign. It was no small undertaking winning the nomination from Hillary Clinton, and in doing so, he has shown without any doubt (in my mind anyway) that he is not only qualified to be president, but that he might be a once-in-a-lifetime leader who can forever change the nation and the world for the better.
If Obama is rejected on November 4th for another authoritarian conservative like McCain, I must ask if Americans are sufficiently intelligent to competently govern themselves. I can understand authoritarian conservatives voting for McCain, for they know no better. It is well-understood that most everyone votes with his or her heart, not his or her head. Polls show that 81 percent of Americans "feel" (in their hearts and their heads) that our country is going the wrong way. How could anyone with such thoughts and feelings vote for more authoritarian conservatism, which has done so much to take the nation in the wrong direction?
We will all find out on (or about) November 5th.
John W. Dean, a FindLaw columnist, is a former counsel to the president.
This is part of an interactive roadtrip criss-crossing the heartland from Indiana to Michigan, through Ohio, then into Pennsylvania for the ten days preceding Election day. Volunteers with the Obama campaign invite people to participate in the large scale projections, and have been successful in signing up more volunteers to help out with getting out the vote and issue awareness.
Campaign for Change Road Blogger Paul Notzold wrote this post.
Lebanon ValleyWe held an amazing and beautiful rally in the on-campus chapel with a crowd of close to 200. The serenity of the chapel reinforced the significance of this event and this campaign.The Governor got a tremendous introduction from Pat Walter, who talked of her and her family’s commitment to LVC. She explained that for the college and the community to move forward; an Obama/Biden Administration is what is neededGot a chance to meet a great and active Democrat; Pat Stephens She has great story to tell about her long history of support the party in Southeast PA and Philadelphia. After moving near LVC she is ready to help this ticket and this party move ahead. Her enthusiasm was tremendous
It is clear that people are very engaged with the issues of the campaign. It was great to talk with young people who understand the importance of protecting Social Security and Medicaid/Medicare.
ScrantonA beautiful day and a tremendous rally. Thanks to the UFCW 1776 for their great shirts and their enthusiasm. It was good to see so many of our friends in organized labor. We had a great meeting with Field Organizer Matthew McCabe and Regional Field Director Bill Rubin. It was clear from the success of the event that they have a strong team.
Back on the road and headed south the Bethlehem. The search for candy corn continues...
Lebanon ValleyWe held an amazing and beautiful rally in the on-campus chapel with a crowd of close to 200. The serenity of the chapel reinforced the significance of this event and this campaign.The Governor got a tremendous introduction from Pat Walter, who talked of her family’s commitment to LVC. She explained that for the college and the community to move forward an Obama/Biden Administration is what is needed.We also had a chance to meet a great and active Democrat; Pat Stephens. She has great story to tell about her long history of supporting the party in Southeast PA and Philadelphia. After moving to Lebanon she is ready to help this ticket and this party move ahead. Her enthusiasm was tremendous.
A few more photos from Day 2 of the tour:
This post is the latest in a series chronicling Governor Rendell's Road to Change Bus Tour.
Beating the sun and on the road again, Gettysburg College is our destintation.We walk into an early morning rally of 300 full of all ages and races. A beautiful sight to see.The story of Susan Eisenhower, grandduaghter to President Eisenhower, and her reasoning for supporting Barack Obama, speaks volumes to where this campaign is going. We are bringing people of all political backgrounds onboard. Ms. Eisenhower goes on to say how excited she is to see a candidate and campaign "transcend the racial and cultural divide"The Governor's energy at these campaign stops is a site to see, espeically with a schedule as aggressive as his, so we all follow his lead and power on through.Some really hearty cheers for the calls for "renewable and alternative energy to be a key part of our economy", especially in light of the sucesses that already are occuring in PA with wind energySeeing the children of so many volunteers and supporters is a tremenouds reminder of the long term importance of this election. Young Andrew (11) of Gettysburg gets his placard signed and gets a picture with the Governor and then says "this is most historic election ever and it is great to have a candidate we can be proud of..."
-"Out of the mouth of babes, out of the mouth of babes"
Campaign for Change Road Blogger Abass Kamara wrote this post.
Obama ~ Leadership for the 21st Century, written by best-selling author Victoria C. DePaul, is now available for a limited time as an Ebook download at no charge. This book will be available as a pdf download or readers can view it online via Scribd. The book is available at www.ebookobama.com .
Note: The book will be available in hard copy in 2009. The author is still looking for quotes from citizens for inclusion in this project. If you have a statement that you would like to be added to this work please enter your thoughts in the Comments section found on the Contact Us Page at www.ebookobama.com.
Day 1 of the Road for Change tour concluded with rallies in New Castle, Monaca and Beaver. All of our events today took place in a cold, driving rain. Under most circumstances the conditions would have made it a day to forget, but with only a week left until the election, the tough weather actually served to accentuate the passion and the commitment behind this campaign. Abass submits these words to end the day:
I was able to meet some of the great volunteers of this region. Their work really helped pull of a great event and will drive this camapign to victory. Doing all these events, sometimes we forget how powerful it is for citizens to meet their politcal leaders and make that personal connection with their government- the enthusiam these folks had for this event is so infectious. That so many folks would come out during late hours and in cold weather is a tremendous energizer....I wish I could bottle it up.
The Road to Change Bus Tour is currently crawling through the sleet in Western Pennsylvania, which gives us an opportunity to upload some photos and set the scene for the rest of the tour. In the slideshow below you'll find pictures from this morning's event in Erie as well as shots of some of the people accompanying us on the journey. We have the Governor of course. You'll also see pictures of Abass, our fearless road blogger (he's standing next to the cardboard cutout of Barack) and Fred, who miraculously doubles as both bus driver and Road Tour Chef. Those meatballs in the crock pot are the ones I mentioned earlier. It's safe to say at this point that they have all been eaten!
Thanks for checking out the Road Blog. We look forward to sharing the next 7 days of the trip with you.
Barack spoke to a packed house this evening at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. We'll have an extended shortly, but for now, enjoy these photos from our western Pennsylvania correspondent Anne Batchelder:
With the campaign entering its final stage, newspaper editorial boards around Pennsylvania have been meeting to decide which candidate to endorse for President and in an overwhelming number of cases, their answers have been the same: Barack Obama.
The Campaign for Change is fighting for every last undecided vote and these endorsements can be a useful resource for voters who are still trying to make up their minds. If you know anyone who is still on the fence, please send them some of the links listed here:
Newspapers that Backed George W. Bush and Made the SwitchErie Times-News (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004) - “Our pick: Barack Obama for president”: Because of his steady hand, his demonstrated intelligence and his promise to listen to a range of views on domestic and international issues, the Erie Times-News Editorial Board endorses U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president… In Sen. Obama, we see a president who will inspire Americans to work together to address the current financial crisis and to repair our international relationships.
The York Daily Record (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004) - “Barack Obama for president” [Obama's] campaign exudes optimism -- much like Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton did at times in our recent history when our nation suffered from crises of confidence Ultimately, though, Barack Obama, standing on the doorstep of history as the first black man with a realistic chance to become president, is the best hope for a nation that is searching for inspiration and whose highest ideals hold that all men are created equal.
Easton Express-Times (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004) - “The Express-Times endorses Barack Obama for president over John McCain”: A riddle for our times: Most Americans agree we are confronted with a historic choice in this election, one that will determine whether we continue climbing the mountain or fall off the precipice, with dire consequences. Obama does not win this by default. He wins The Express-Times' endorsement because of his platform, because he has demonstrated a cool head in troubled times, because he inspires confidence and because he is conducting an above-board campaign.
Scranton Times Tribune (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000) - “Barack Obama for president”: Change of course requires new leadership Pressing economic and security conditions, separately, are massive issues. Together, they point to the overarching requirement for the man who will be elected president: the leadership ability to inspire Americans to a new era of greatness. As this campaign has progressed, it has become clearer with time that Barack Obama is well-suited to the awesome tasks ahead. The Times-Tribune endorses him for president… America's problems call for new leadership. In that regard, Mr. Obama has the potential to be a truly transformational figure.
Harrisburg Patriot-News (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000) - “Democrat shows temperament, judgment to be a good president”: It's this approach to the office and its challenges that we believe sets Obama apart from his Re publican rival. His cool and thoughtful analysis, his willingness to consider alternatives and his promise to seek pragmatic, rather than ideologically pure solutions suits him especially well. Where McCain, the self-described "maverick," is inclined to go it alone when he believes he's right, Obama is much more likely to seek counsel from those offering a different perspective. It is such "intellectual curiosity" and "intellectual vigor," to use Gen. Colin Powell's terms, that this nation clearly needs in its leaders in this troubled time.
Big City and Small Town Papers Alike Make the Call for the Change We NeedPocono Record - “Obama can inspire us to be 'United' States again”: Obama continues to reach out to all Americans, in small towns and big cities, rich and poor, Christian and non-Christian. He has focused his stump speeches and public statements on the issues and acquitted himself with calm and intelligence during three televised debates. His spirit of inclusiveness has drawn large crowds to campaign events across the nation, including the Midwest where his mother and grandparents are from and where he has put down roots. His campaign fundraising arm boasts of some 3 million contributors, most of them small donors. In a recent endorsement, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican, referred to Obama as "transformational figure" who represents a new generation of Americans on the world stage. Our divided nation badly needs this kind of leader.
Sunbury Daily Item - “Our pick: Barack Obama”: These are trying times. We are in a war with no clear path to victory. Our dependence on foreign oil has been crippling and the economy has gone from sour to outright putrid. Increasing numbers of financial experts have called the current economic situation the most perilous facing this nation since the Great Depression. Which of the two candidates for president, then, seems most reminiscent of FDR and his thoughtful, inspiring style of leadership? The answer seems clear. That is why The Daily Item is endorsing Barack Obama for president.
Beaver County Times - “Common ground: Obama has shown the qualities our next president will need”: The next president of the United States doesn’t necessarily have to be a uniter. He does, however, have to be a leader who can convince Americans to start pulling in the same direction. For that reason, our editorial board endorses Democrat Barack Obama for president. We start with a basic premise: Neither candidate will be able to fulfill the promises he is making. In addition to working with a dysfunctional Congress, the next president will be limited by the economic meltdown. Therefore, what matters most is that the next president has the temperament to be a steady, focused leader who can communicate with his fellow Americans.
Pottstown Mercury: “Sen. Barack Obama is best choice to lead forward through change”: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell last week endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president, offering a perspective on the system that has brought the nation to this point, as well as on the candidates who will lead us forward from it. Powell spoke of the polarization that has overtaken much of the political thinking in 2008, and he chastised the Republican platform and Sen. John McCain's campaign for taking things too far. This newspaper's choice is Sen. Barack Obama. We believe he has demonstrated, particularly through how he has conducted this campaign, the ability to lead through differences and inspire unity.
Wilkes-Barre Times Leader - “Barack Obama”: Sen. Barack Obama exudes a cool confidence during debates and other high-pressure situations that, even many of his detractors will admit, makes him appear composed, somewhat soothing and, yes, even presidential. But Obama’s composure – combined with his intelligence, ideas, communication skills and capacity to rally people to a cause – gave our endorsement board the evidence it needed to reach a decision: Democrat Barack Obama is the man for the job... the 47-year-old Obama has shown, especially during the recent Wall Street calamity, that he will react quickly to a crisis, consult with trusted experts and draw up an appropriate response – without appearing flustered. His opponent, by contrast, looked at times during the market collapse much as he did during the second presidential debate – adrift. His election would help to salve some of the country’s longest-festering wounds and energize a population inspired by the notion that Obama first raised at the 2004 Democratic Convention. He said this is not a nation of red states and blue states, but rather the United States.
Delaware County Times - “Daily Times endorses Obama for president”: Change. It is the single word that has dominated the political landscape for months. On Jan. 20, 2009, change will indeed arrive. Both Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona have made change a hallmark of their campaigns. There is another reason to believe Obama would be the more effective leader. He has proven he is more than an eloquent orator. Throughout the course of the campaign, he has appeared unflappable, even in the face of ugly accusations and mud-slinging. Instead, he appears thoughtful, cool and not prone to rash action. On the other hand, McCain’s temperament and actions continue to sow doubt. The Daily Times endorses Democratic Sen. Barack Obama for president.
Philadelphia Daily News - “BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT” At this point, maybe no one has the solutions to the country's problems, but Barack Obama has the best chance, by far, of finding them...He is big enough for the moment. As he has throughout his career as a community organizer, a law student, a state legislator and a U.S. senator, he will apply an intellectually rigorous approach to making decisions, crafting policy and bringing people together. But it is his core temperament - and the movement that he has built, and that has been built around him - that will allow him to lead Americans into a challenging future with confidence.
Philadelphia Inquirer - “For President”: The situation facing the next American president may be the most dire since Franklin Roosevelt took over the job in 1933. With the Great Depression holding the nation by its throat and as talk of another war in Europe lurched toward reality, FDR offered this country something better than money or guns - hope. Both major candidates are trying to avoid association with Bush's failed policies. But only one does so successfully. On every issue important to America, Barack Obama offers a plan that would pull this nation from the precipice built by bad Bush decisions. The Inquirer endorses BARACK OBAMA for president.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - “It's Obama: We need a president who will break with the past”: American exceptionalism -- the idea that this nation by virtue of its history, political beliefs and the blessings of divine providence has a favored place in the world community -- is easy to believe in this year of a presidential election that is in every way exceptional. In three weeks, Americans will be called upon to make an exceptional judgment worthy of the times. The forces of history appear to invite boldness and the Post-Gazette believes they should be heeded by voting for the only authentic, fresh agent of change in this race, Barack Obama.
This afternoon we announced some exciting news. Barack is going to make two stops in Pennsylvania early next week. Here are the details: Monday, October 27th Doors Open: 3:00 p.m.
Mellon Arena 66 Mario Lemieux Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219
RSVP Tuesday, October 28th Doors Open: 8:00 a.m. Program Begins: 10:00 a.m.
Widener University Main Quad One University Place Chester, PA 19013
Public Entrance off of E 17th St.
After nearly two years of campaigning and countless volunteer shifts, our final Get Out the Vote (GOTV) push is now just a week away. The Campaign for Change has put together the most extensive Get Out the Vote operation in Pennsylvania presidential election history and the Campaign for Change field staffers took it out for a test drive today. Even with rain in some corners of the state, we had volunteers lining up out the door to get canvass packets in all 81 Campaign for Change offices. Here is the scene in Scranton at 10am, just before the first wave of canvassers headed out:
The Campaign for Change is actively recruiting volunteers for our four day Get Out the Vote operation (11/1-11/4). It is not too late to get involved in this historic campaign. When this election is all over you are going to want to be able to tell your kids, and your grandkids that you knocked doors for Barack. Signup here to get involved.
Barack's run for the presidency has energized young voters in a way we have not seen in more than a generation. Young people have been foundational in this campaign from the start, providing energy at rallies, boots on the ground in our local field offices, and multimedia creativity over the Internet. Only one question remains. Will they get out to vote?
The Youth Vote Project is a collection of high school seniors which aims to ensure that this year, the answer is yes. To that end, they put together this video:
To all the Obama supporters out there---
I am convinced Barack Obama will be an outstanding president not just for our time, but an outstanding president of historic significance. I expect that if you are reading this, you share this sense of the importance of this election. But, for that to happen, he has to win the election!
The Republican candidate in the past few weeks has left his own stance of a campaign focused on the issues, and allowed his campaign to become one whose main message is "fear"---of each other, of our government, of our economy, of the world. And the Republican candidate has made Pennsylvania a "must win" state for his team.
Barack Obama has set and stood firm behind a higher standard for himself. And he has asked us believe in ourselves --- to remember that a lot of little voices together can raise a noise loud enough to bring about positive, constructive change.
Now is the time! We each need to do our part to carry Pennsylvania for Obama! We each need to use our voice --- and to encourage others to use their voice --- in the most effective way possible----to VOTE!
if you're like me, you read yesterday's post about the Hope Field in Shickshinny and wondered, "How'd they do that?" Well, the answer arrives today. Consider this slideshow your own step-by-step tutorial for how to paint a 7000 square foot picture of Barack!
With the help of artists across northeastern Pennsylvania, Hilary and Jim Lennox chose to put a field on their property to good artistic use this election season. Expressing their hope for change in the coming months, the artists involved painted a 100 by 70 foot mural of Barack. Then they climbed up a nearby tree to take this picture (for a sense of the scale, note the person walking by the P in HOPE):
New Media Correspondent Patrick Furey wrote this post.
