Central Ohioans for Obama

Final Tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy

John Cavanaugh — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:48:07 EDT

   Having been born in Boston into an Irish Catholic family in December of 1963, my parents named me "John" in honor of President Kennedy. As we struggle with today's economic recovery and other tough issues such as immigration policy, we should remember that not long ago, "HELP WANTED: No Irish Need Apply" signs were placed in many businesses across the country which may explain why the successes of the Kennedy family have been such an inspiration to so many Irish-Americans and other immigrant families.
   I was privileged to be a 16 year old volunteer on the Kennedy in 80 campaign. Even though Ted Kennedy was unsuccessful in that effort, he kept in touch with me throughout the years and even took time to send me a personal note 15 years later saying how "proud" he was when I earned my doctorate in Political Science from the University of South Carolina. Likewise, I cherish my signed photograph of Senators Kennedy and Kempthorne with my parents and I at Arlington National Cemetery when my father was awarded the meritorious service medal for his achievements as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
   As the nation remembers my friend and political mentor, it is particularly important to share more of these very personal "behind the scenes" vignettes of this great American statesman. More importantly, we should honor his service by dialing back the polarizing rhetoric that surrounds his signature issue of health care policy. At present, we have been trying to fix our health care system to no avail for decades. As the number of our fellow citizens without health insurance, now more than 47 million people, continues to increase, who will be their voice now that Senator Kennedy is at rest?       Let me suggest an answer in his own words: "You don't have to be President. Everyone can make a difference."
John W. Cavanaugh, Ph.D.
President & CEO
CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
3683 Preserve Crossing Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43230-6467
(614) 245-8290
www.crossculturalcomm.com

I am through!

Conservative — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:50:43 EDT

I wanted to write this and tell everyone that I am through with this stuff! The Obama administration has taken a giant leap from its campaign promise of bipartisanship to direct and unopposed partisanship in which the first sign was the stimulus bill. This bill was written by the most liberal Congressman in the house, Congressman David Obey from Wisconsin. Where was the Bipartisanship? There was no consultation of Republicans on the matter. It was simply rammed down their throats. The Budget goes against the Idea of Deficit cutting. It increases it further beyond the Bush era. We continue to devalue our own currency by printing money that we dont have. My friends I joined the campaign on the premise that there would be something new happening in the politics of Washington. I joined the Democratic Party on the premise that we could have someone sensible in the office who does work well with others who are across the aisle. But instead he takes the hands off approach to congressional politics and allows his own party to continue to run their extremist liberal Agenda to spend more, tax more, and hand control of the economy over to the Government more. I have been a Democrat since the General Election of 2000 when I switched from Republican to Democrat to vote for Al Gore. At this point I no longer feel at home in the extremist Liberal party of America otherwise known as "the Democratic Party!"

This is why I am considering the switch to the Republican Party. What are your thoughts?

AIG bonuses vs. Outsourcing Outrage

GJMcG — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 13:24:07 EDT

AIG spent $165 Million on bonuses, and the nation is outraged.

BUT a recent article in the Columbus Dispatch says that JP Morgan Chase is preparing to spend about $400 Million to transfer thousands of American jobs to India, and NO ONE seems angry about this! I am furious.

JP Morgan Chase took taxpayer money in the bailout, and now plans to eliminate the jobs of some of those taxpayers! This is FAR worse than the bonus payments, IMO, because the impact is long-term. Once those jobs are sent to India, they aren't coming back. It's one more slap in the face to America's dwindling and suffering middle-class.

The proposed law to retroactively assess a 90% tax on the bonuses scares me to death. I think it's a bad precedent. BUT if they can pass something as unique as that, WHY can't they pass a law that says any firm taking bailout money can NOT outsource any more jobs until they've paid the government back in full?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me this makes you angry too! And please give public voice to my outrage! If you Google "JP Morgan Chase India" you can find online articles and blogs to verify the story, but I have not found it reported in any of the major newspapers, like the NY Times, or on Network or cable news.

I would love to see national attention focused on outsourcing by bailed-out firms!

State of the Union - Calling us Forward

David — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:37:48 EST

Barack is set to hit the airwaves in one hour with his first keynote address to both houses of Congress. This is why we elected him, because he knows how to tell everyone what needs to be said, even when the truths are difficult to hear. He knows how to express himself quite well-- so much more clearly and credibly than our recently departed Duuhbya. It's been so long we almost forgot what it could be like to have a President we can believe in. Well, we're finally on the journey now.

I realize the times are tough because of the mess we've inherited from W's 8 long years of ineptitude and slamming the national ship from shoal to reef and back again. It will take time and collective work, some sacrifices and faith in our ability as Americans working together for the common good, to patch the hull and get our ship of state out into the main channel where she belongs. Bailout is a good analogy here... If we work together, we can get this job done!

For those who haven't been there, I encourage you to check out the Recovery.gov website!

http://www.recovery.gov/

Who will help?

John Cavanaugh — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:54:29 EST

In the Feb. 1st Sunday Columbus Dispatch, reporter Rita Price asks the key question all citizens of Ohio must now address as nonprofits like South Side Settlement House struggle with declining resources and skyrocketing demand during this historic economic crisis. During these difficult days, we need only look back to the very founding of our nation to find our answer. As Thomas Paine wrote on Dec. 23, 1776 : "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman". Indeed, we can all join everyday heroes such as Child-care worker Wynida Searcy and provide a "service stimulus" to our struggling communities. Now more than ever all of us have an opportunity to fulfill the mission outlined by former Corporation for National Service Chair Stephen Goldsmith and Senator Harris Wofford who wrote: "As the government seeks to deal with the economic crisis and relieve the distress felt by millions of families, we should not overlook the great American tradition of service. More than 60 million citizens every year are providing service to their neighbors and their communities". Here in Ohio, whether that be answering Governor Strickland's recent "Call to Action" or Representative John Patrick Carney's proposal to allow retired medical workers to maintain their licenses to serve at low income health clinics, we can and should help to ensure that our friends and neighbors weather this economic storm. Can all this be done during such a time of turmoil? Again, if we draw inspiration from our recent past, we will discover that our greatest triumphs have come during times of impending peril. We can and should follow the example of our parents and grandparents who grew up during the Great Depression, fought in World War II, and whose productivity on the home front keep our nation whole. Likewise, we should remember that it was this "Greatest Generation" who survived the war pressed on to build and rebuild our industries. So who will help? The generous and innovative citizens of the great state of Ohio!

Born Again American - Founder Norman Lear

Darrell from Bloomington, WI — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:43:02 EST

The New Era of Opportunities for Civic Affairs in Broadcasting
- with Darrell Udelhoven

Because of all the new digital channel frequencies there is a broad spectrum of program opportunities for broadcasters, sponsors and the listening and viewing audience. These new technologies open up a broad spectrum of new venues allowing the radio-talk call-in programs to merge with television channels and with the Internet in both video and audio formats. This results-in by far the best audience reach compared to the use of one type of broadcast frequency format.
The quality of our mass communications is a high-level determinant of the quality of our lives and our eventual destinies. Nearly everything we know, do and achieve is communicated through our eyes, our ears and other sensory organs. This is why all forms of radio and television broadcasts represent our most important resource toward beneficial change for all of humanity.

A large percentage of America's problems have been due to the lack of transparency in government and corporate affairs, resulting in needless wars and economic inequities.

Our government gave the big finance companies $750 billion without stipulations as to how it was to be used, now they have given broadcasters are public owned digital frequencies without stipulations or guidance in the way that they are to be used for the public interest, need and necessity.

Over the air television broadcasting is a virtual wasteland. There is little or no utility value content in broadcasting programs. The hierarchical intelligentsia's voice in broadcasting has failed the owners of the broadcast frequencies & has also failed the global citizenry. This failure has cost our global community trillions of dollars of loss & untold suffering, it is time for the owners of the frequency resources to have unbridled access to broadcast over the new digital channels.

Government of, by and for the people cannot function in the interests' and needs of the people unless they have some control over the dissemination of content on their public owned broadcast frequency airwaves. We cannot permit these new government licensed digital frequencies to be used or squandered in non-essential unproductive content.

The potential to change the course of our destinies and to allow a representative Republic to function for the benefit of the people will always depend on the people having a powerful voice in the content of the information that is disseminated to them through the frequencies that they own.

We need interactive programming content that involves telephone talk, the merging of radio, television and the Internet, in order to reduce the use of energy and toward rebuilding our economic communities from the ground up.

Here is a link to WPR The Ideas Network Audio Archive Stream; 02/06/9, 10am broadcast, "Born Again American," founded by Norman Lear
Internet home of "Born Again American," Sign the Pledge & email your friends with a link. |
Internet Home of TV Producer, Norman Lear's Website

We can begin to build radio & TV communication community networks along with syndicated programs to reach every community in America so that, "We the People can begin to speak to each other & participate in organizing toward empowering ourselves toward governing ourselves, as was intended.

Wall street & the finance sector would not have gotten out of hand if 9 years ago the truth had been disseminated to "We the People," & therefore we had forced our elected representatives to force the Security & Exchange Commission (SEC) to regulate wall street & finance sector! Trillions of dollars could have been saved along with our economy!
All of what I have suggested is feasible & should be accomplished for everyone's benefit ASAP.

There is much more, which we will deal with later. - Darrell Udelhoven

BR Internet Merge

The Mass Media Role Toward Economic Restoration

My Political and Economic Page Links The Real Political Issues

Wisdom Principled - Empowerment Communications
Darrell Udelhoven (U-DL-HOVEN) Darrell - Bloomington
udarrell

Where Is Neel 'Cash&Carry' Kashkari Now?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:16:21 EST

You know, ex-Secy Paulson's Goldman Sachs-trained Asst Secy who was writing the checks to his buds on Wall Street last year...

WASHINGTON – The federal government overpaid for stocks and other assets in attempting to help financial institutions last year, a government watchdog said Thursday, taking further issue with the beleaguered $700 billion rescue program.

Elizabeth Warren, chairwoman of the Congressional Oversight Panel for the bailout funds, told the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday that Treasury in 2008 paid $254 billion and received assets worth about $176 billion.

The figures were reached by extrapolating the results of a study of 10 government transactions, comparing the price paid by Treasury and the value of the asset at the time of purchase. Warren did not present details of the transactions the panel analyzed. A full report will be released Friday.

But we taxpayers will be getting a dividend on this 'investment', right?

In a bright spot for the rescue program, however, banks that received capital infusions from Treasury have already paid $271 million in dividends to the federal government. A Treasury official said Thursday that banks are expected to pay more than $1.5 billion in dividends by the end of this month. Among them is Wells Fargo, which received a $25 billion infusion. The bank announced this week it would pay Treasury $371 million in dividends.

I feel better now. We overpaid $78 BILLION, but are getting $1.5 Billion in quarterly dividends. We should have made up the loss in just over 52 quarters, which is about 13 years. Cool. I'm cool with that deal.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090205/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bailout_oversight

Quit Whining And Put On Your Uniforms!

Hussein The Hope Monger — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:04:02 EST

A House panel discussed executive pay last month (March 2008) with, from left, Charles Prince, formerly of Citigroup; Richard Parsons, a Citigroup director; Stanley O’Neal, formerly of Merrill Lynch; John Finnegan, chairman of Merrill’s compensation committee; Angelo Mozilo of Countrywide; and Harley Snyder of Countrywide’s board.

What The Heck Were Ford's Mulally and Chrysler/Cerberus' Nardelli Smiling About Friday?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:38:13 EST

Studies show dogs have sense of fairness

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:08:37 EST

(Is that taxpayer-funded bottled water these hucksters are drinking?)

WASHINGTON – No fair! What parent hasn't heard that from a child who thinks another youngster got more of something. Well, it turns out dogs can react the same way.

Ask them to do a trick and they'll give it a try. For a reward, sausage say, they'll happily keep at it.

But if one dog gets no reward, and then sees another get sausage for doing the same trick, just try to get the first one to do it again.

"Animals react to inequity," said Friederike Range of the University of Vienna, Austria, who lead a team of researchers testing animals at the school's Clever Dog Lab. "To avoid stress, we should try to avoid treating them differently."

Similar responses have been seen in monkeys.

When one dog got a reward and the other didn't, the unrewarded animal stopped playing.

When both got a reward all was well.

One thing that did surprise the researchers was that — unlike primates — the dogs didn't seem to care whether the reward was sausage or bread.

But the researchers didn't do a control test that had been done in monkey studies, Wynne said, in which a preferred reward was visible but not given to anyone.

In that case the monkeys went on strike because they could see the better reward but got something lesser.

In dogs, he noted, the quality of reward didn't seem to matter, so the test only worked when they got no reward at all, he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081208/ap_on_sc/sci_no_fair

Got Your Reservation For The Inaugural Bloggers' Ball?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:35:58 EST

Can Carmakers, Consumers Be Weaned From Foreign Oil?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:23:05 EST

Or are we doomed?

Why Not Just Bailout The Strongest? Or The Weakest? Why All 3?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:22:19 EST

If times are tough and 3 businesses come to you and ask for money, wouldn't you ask each a few questions and expect different answers from each?

If you had a limited amount of cash to lend, would you seek to lend it to all 3 applicants? Or just the one most likely to pay it back on the strength of its business and business plan?

'The Panhandlers Four' - A Folk Group Sings Songs From The 60s

Hussein The Hope Monger — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:24:21 EST

Did anybody else hear these dopes testify that they have made significant changes to bring their current (and by implication, legacy) costs in line with those of their off-shore competitors?

Here's a little news flash form April 5, 2008:

"Just hours after threatening to strike at one or more GM plants, the UAW and the General have agreed on two-tier wages for certain job types. The move to clarify which jobs were "non-core" at the national level came as local UAWs were threatening to strike because they felt GM was asking for too many lower-paid positions at their plants. The more regimented deal identifies 16,000 positions that will soon be paid $14 per hour, which will save GM up to a half-billion dollars per year. It will take years to fill all of those positions because GM has to entice existing workers to retire before they can be replaced."

They need to do everything they can before begging for taxpayer money!

Change Not Just The CEOs, But Their Entire Management Teams and Boards

Hussein The Hope Monger — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:27:51 EST

Eric Holder as AG? Another Clinton Re-tread?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:10:40 EST

Denise (Mrs. Marc) admires ex-Prez who admires his own sax (pre pardon).

The New Secretary of State? Representing Us On The World Stage?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:41 EST

Ms. 'Shame on you Barack Obama'?

Thanks, But 'No Thanks', Detroit - Wise Up First!

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:10:56 EST

Losing Shareholders Money So Rick Wagoner Wants Ours?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:04:38 EST

DETROIT -- General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner says GM's financial distress is so dire that it must line up financial assistance from Washington before President-elect Barack Obama takes office in January.

"This is an issue that needs to be addressed urgently," Wagoner said during an exclusive interview today with Automotive News. Now is the time to "overshoot, not undershoot" when it comes to assistance for the auto industry, he added.

In return for financial aid, General Motors is willing to offer the government preferred stock, set limits on executive compensation and speed the introduction of fuel-efficient vehicles.

But Wagoner said he is not prepared to resign in return for government aid. "I don't think it'd be a very smart move," he said. "I think our job is to make sure we have the best management team to run GM. It's not clear to me what purpose would be served. …"

Wagoner conducted his interview three days after GM posted its fifth straight quarterly loss and said it may run out of cash within a few months.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20081111/COPY/311119958/1142/ANE

After Gonzales, Ashcroft We Need To Adhere To High Ethical Standards in DOJ

Hussein The Hope Monger — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:52:51 EST

I respectfully disagree with those recommending Sen Clinton be considered for Attorney General - we need someone with superior ethics, especially after Roberto Gonzales, John Ashcroft, Michael Mukasey.

"When the Watergate probe concluded, Zeifman said, he fired Clinton from the committee staff and refused to give her a letter of recommendation. She was one of only three people who earned that dubious distinction in Zeifman's 17-year career, Calabrese pointed out.

Zeifman told the columnist he fired Clinton because she was a liar.

"She was an unethical, dishonest lawyer," Zeifman said. "She conspired to violate the Constitution, the rules of the House, the rules of the committee and the rules of confidentiality."

Link

Leave her in the Senate, maybe give her a leadership role.

Tighten Your Belt And Pick Up A Broom, Bob

Hussein The Hope Monger — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:46:54 EST

Chrysler CEO says it would be difficult for automaker to survive without federal aid

DETROIT (AP) -- Chrysler Chief Executive Bob Nardelli says his company will have a difficult time making it through the economic downturn without federal aid.

Chrysler spokeswoman Katie Hepler said Nardelli made the remark on Thursday at the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Desert, Calif.

She says Nardelli reiterated his support for federal aid to help the Detroit Three make it through the worst U.S. auto sales slump in 25 years.

Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are asking Congress for up to $50 billion in federal loans because they are running low on cash.

According to Hepler, Nardelli was asked if Chrysler could go it alone without government aid.

"It would be very difficult to make it through this unprecedented downturn," he said in response, according to Hepler.

U.S. auto industry sales are down nearly 15 percent through the first 10 months of the year because of tight credit and eroding consumer confidence due to economic worries.

October's seasonally adjusted annual sales rate dropped to 10.6 million vehicles, the lowest in more than 25 years. Chrysler's sales dropped 26 percent for the first 10 months and 35 percent in October.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081113/bailout_nardelli.html

Democrats to White House: Preserve your records

Hussein The Hope Monger — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:27:48 EST

WASHINGTON – Senate Democrats on the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees last week told the White House to preserve all records produced by the Bush administration and expressed "particular concerns" whether Vice President Dick Cheney's office will comply with the law.

"We believe it is vital the presidential and vice presidential documents belonging to the American people be preserved, including those related to key national security decisions in which the (office of the vice president) played an important role," the senators wrote in the Nov. 7 letter to White House lawyer Fred Fielding. The letter was obtained by The Associated Press.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081113/ap_on_go_pr_wh/cheney_documents

Pay For Performance - Chrysler's(Cerberus) Robert Nardelli

Hussein The Hope Monger — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:56:24 EST

"Robert Nardelli walked away from a mediocre tenure at Home Depot with $210 million. It was too late for the compensation scolds to complain; the board's real sin was committed years before in luring Nardelli to the company from General Electric. His contract said he'd get 90% of his pay regardless of performance, plus an enormous retirement package when he left.

http://www.forbes.com/leadership/forbes/2008/0519/114.html

And the uber-wealthy private investors at Cerberus (3-headed dog that guards gates of Hades) want us taxpayers to fork over the cash?

Pay For Performance - Ford's Alan Mulally

Hussein The Hope Monger — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:49:42 EST

"With Ford's pay scale on steroids, directors then set at ankle height the performance bar its bosses must clear to hit the jackpot. Their "profit" goal in 2007 was to lose only $4.9 billion, excluding special items. It hit that goal, losing $3.9 billion. For beating the bogey, Chief Executive Alan Mulally got $12 million, including a $7 million bonus. Ford's shares fell 10% last year.

http://www.forbes.com/leadership/forbes/2008/0519/114.html

Where is Ford's Board of Directors?

Detroit's Big 3: Fat (L- Chrysler), Dumb (C- GM) and Happy (R- Ford)

Hussein The Hope Monger — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:21:53 EST

Now, if they want to step down and apply for unemployment compensation and allow their companies to become innovative and accountable, that's a different story.

Can You 'Call' The Make, Model and Year Of These?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:02:26 EST

(Hint - they're all Buicks.)

Detroit Auto Makers Need More Than a Bailout

Hussein The Hope Monger — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:39:45 EST

"(G)iving GM a blank check -- which the company and the United Auto Workers union badly want, and which Washington will be tempted to grant -- would be an enormous mistake. The company would just burn through the money and come back for more. Even more jobs would be wiped out in the end.

"The current economic crisis didn't cause the meltdown in Detroit. The car companies started losing billions of dollars several years ago when the economy was healthy and car sales stood at near-record levels. They complained that they were unfairly stuck with enormous "legacy costs," but those didn't just happen. For decades, the United Auto Workers union stoutly defended gold-plated medical benefits that virtually no one else had. UAW workers and retirees had no deductibles, copays or other facts of life in these United States.

"A thorough housecleaning at GM is the only way to give the company a fresh start. GM is structured for its glory days of the 1960s, when it had half the U.S. car market -- not for the first decade of this century, when it has just over 20% of the market. General Motors simply cannot support eight domestic brands (Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, Chevrolet, GMC, Saturn, Saab and Hummer) with adequate product-development and marketing dollars. Even the good vehicles the company develops (for example, the Cadillac CTS and Chevy Malibu) get lost in the wash.

"Nevertheless, the current board of directors and management have stuck stubbornly to this structure. The lone exception was a dissident director, Jerome B. York, who resigned a couple years ago. He warned that without fundamental changes the "unthinkable" might happen to GM. Well, here we are.

"Which brings us back to what the government should do. If public dollars are the only way to keep General Motors afloat, as the company contends, a complete restructuring under a government overseer or oversight board has to be the price.

A good read-

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122628230122212449.html

Hey, Rick... Quit Asking For A Handout

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:53:07 EST

Saab offers the benefits of BioPower in two engine formats, delivering both enhanced performance as well as reduced fossil CO 2 emissions. Its introduction extends Saab's leadership of the premium 'flex-fuel' segment. Running on E85, the 2.3t BioPower engine delivers maximum power of 210 bhp and 310 Nm of torque, compared to 185 bhp and 280 Nm when using gasoline.

As an example of the increased performance, the Sedan with manual transmission accelerates from zero to 100 kph in 7.9 secs and 80-120 kph in fifth gear in 11.0 secs, compared to 8.5 and 12.6 secs when running on gasoline.

It's available in Europe; bring it to the States and quit making Hummers!

Am I fired up?

You betcha!!

Why Doesn't GM Offer These In The United States?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:14:57 EST

Instead they give us the Chevy Aveo or the Suburban...

They Want Our Tax Money? Give Us What They Give Brazilians

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:54:02 EST

New Ford Ka debuts in Brazil

Posted Dec 16th 2007

Ford of Brazil has officially introduced the second generation of the tiny Ka, a model that will be put on sale in January. Europe's version of the model will be introduced by the end of next year, with no significant changes from the model pictured here.

The new Ka has a more simple and attractive style, although it loses part of the former model's personality. The car has gotten bigger, has a better trunk and better equipment (you should see the radios the old model had). The new Ka measures now 3.83 meters (up from 3.62 on the previous model) and 1.64 meters wide (one centimeter more), while height increases to 1.42 meters (1.38 on the previous model). The trunk's capacity increases as well, from 186 to 263 dm3.

All Brazilian models will be flex-fuel capable: a 1.0 liter engine capable of 73/70 HP (gas/ethanol) and a 1.6 good for 110/103 HP. Prices in Brazil will start in 25.190 reais (about $14,000 or 9,700 EUR) up to 36,390 reais for the top model ($20,250 or 14,000 EUR).

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/12/16/new-ford-ka-debuts-in-brazil/

No Pre-Conditions? HANDS OFF!!

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:03:30 EST

No Bailout For Chrysler/Cerberus... PERIOD

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:38:56 EST

Former Bush #43 Treasury Secretary and Cerberus Chairman John Snow is a "big boy".

Chrysler President Robert Nardelli got his buckets of gold from GE then from struggling Home Depot.

And Cerberus's Stephen Feinberg ain't hurtin' too badly himself.

Am I fired up?

You betcha.

Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:22:29 EST

Put 'em to work on a chain gang, orange jump suits. They can help re-build our infrastructure with the clowns from AIG, Lehman, FNMA, Freddie Mac and friends.

Speaker Pelosi Wants To Give Guys Like These OUR Tax Money?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:04:02 EST

There had better be sound conditions first!

Emanuel accepts job as White House chief

ODEH ODEH — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:17:08 EST

WASHINGTON – Democratic officials say Barack Obama's fellow Chicagoan Rahm Emanuel has agreed to be White House chief of staff.

One of Obama's first decisions as president-elect was to ask the Illinois congressman to run his White House staff. Emanuel accepted Thursday after struggling over family and political considerations.

Emanuel serves in the House Democratic leadership and will have to resign his seat and put aside hopes of becoming House speaker.

(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081106/ap_on_el_pr/obama;_ylt=Aqlj8KYBinUHjxFhQAcKmSth24cA)

God bless USA

God bless Obama

Transition Memo to the President-Elect

John Cavanaugh — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:23:05 EST

By Stephen Hess
Special to The Washington Post

The first time you are addressed as Mr. President, you will realize that your tomorrows are never again going to be like your yesterdays. Take the simple matter of words, for instance.

On Nov. 16, 1992, President-elect Bill Clinton gave robust support for moving quickly to lift the ban on homosexuals in the military, a second-tier promise in a campaign that was about "the economy, stupid." Clinton later wrote that he was unprepared for the emotional response to his words. His presidency hit the ground stumbling. You also will find that your words, as never before, have consequences.

Presidential transitions have been part of my life for nearly half a century. So, Mr. President-elect, what follows are five tips for avoiding political minefields on the way to your inauguration.

Beware of Reorganitus

You are about to be besieged by proposals to reorganize government.

But always keep in mind that reorganizations come with costs, and not merely the cost of new stationery. Congressional committees will not take kindly to matters that may alter their jurisdictions. Changes within agencies create confusion for workers, if not outright hostility.

When President-elect John F. Kennedy went to the White House to meet President Dwight D. Eisenhower on Dec. 6, 1960, Eisenhower warned his successor, "Avoid any reorganization until you become well acquainted with the problem."

On taking office, Kennedy promptly disbanded Eisenhower's elaborate national security arrangements, considering them too bureaucratic. When confronted with the Bay of Pigs crisis, he found himself without a properly functioning advisory body.

There is also a lesson about listening. Those leaving government, even if of the opposition party, are usually anxious to pass along advice. The problem is that the incoming people are often too impatient to listen.

About Harboring Loyalists

There are folks who have spent tremendous energy trying to advance your cause and now want jobs. It would be grand if they were all experienced in government management. But take note of the trail left by the friends of Jimmy Carter.

Of the top eight White House positions, President-elect Carter gave seven to fellow Georgians, only one with experience in Washington. Carter said what he most needed were aides "who were compatible with each other and who were loyal to me." His first legislative effort "alienated about as many members of Congress that you can possibly do," according to budget director Bert Lance.

Kennedy, on the other hand, was probably the most skilled at finding appropriate positions for his loyalists, adjusting duties to their capacities and balancing insignificant responsibilities with other rewards.

Take No for an Answer

You will find no shortage of applicants willing to sacrifice for high-salaried government jobs.

Yet when seeking the right people for the top jobs, prepare to be surprised. President-elect Reagan was turned down by six of his first Cabinet choices, President-elect Nixon by four. Only Eisenhower claimed he was accepted by everyone.

A case history: In the 2000 transition, Paul O'Neill met with President-elect Bush and Vice President-elect Cheney and outlined all the reasons he should not be appointed Treasury secretary. Two years later, President Bush fired O'Neill for exactly those reasons.

Case history No. 2: President-elect Clinton on making Mack McLarty his chief of staff: "He told me he would prefer another job more suited to his business background. Nevertheless, I pressed Mack to accept the position." McLarty was not a successful chief of staff, but he stayed in the administration and successfully completed a number of important international economic transactions.

The moral of the stories: Those who say no usually have a good reason, even if you think otherwise.

Know When to Fold

When a nomination is in trouble, count votes and move quickly if you don't have enough of them.

The worst case was the nomination of John Tower, then a former senator from Texas, as secretary of defense. Bush 41 would not fold and became the first incoming president to be denied a Cabinet member of his choice. The best case: Bush 43 replaced labor secretary nominee Linda Chavez within two days of a controversy surfacing over her dealings with an illegal immigrant and was given more credit for acting expeditiously than blame for making a flawed appointment.

And One More Thing

Here's my last piece of gratuitous advice -- although it will be hotly challenged by Bill Clinton:

Never give major public policy responsibility to someone you cannot fire.

Stephen Hess is senior fellow emeritus in governance studies at the Brookings Institution and Distinguished Research Professor of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University. He is the author of "What Do We Do Now? A Workbook for the President-Elect."

Yes, We DID!

David — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:53:55 EST

I am so very happy today at the positive outcome of last night's election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America.

For many, many months I have been visualizing this event, and the important work that will be accomplished under his leadership as President to restore our nation to its position as the world's bright beacon on the hill. We did not get here without suffering, hard work, hope, and persevering faith. Our children will have a better future as a direct result of today's achievement.

All the work at the community level to organize and mobilize to elect President Obama has finally delivered us to this moment. We own it together. Ohio, like the nation, is with Barack!! I am so thankful to my fellow Americans who helped in this effort. At home, I am grateful to my spouse who spent countless hours at our local Obama campaign office working to get the job done. And to Amy, who gave up two months working straight 16-hour days, for the same great cause. And to Cameron and all those at our local Bexley For Barack office... Three Cheers!!!

A SALUTE TO OUR PRESIDENT-ELECT, BARACK OBAMA -- FOR THE PEOPLE!!

And to Michelle, Malia and Sasha-- thanks for your patient support of this man who will lead our nation for the next term. (Enjoy your new puppy, kids!!)

YES, WE CAN. YES, WE ARE. YES, WE DID. YES, WE WILL!

The Victory Speech

The Kozmic Kid — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:36:29 EST

After packing up the computer, Blackberry, notepad & other stuff, we left the party at the Grandview Cafe and headed home. We listened to McCain's concession speech on CNN on the way home. The speech was far more gracious than the crowd, and I'm feeling charitable enough not to blame McCain for that.

We watched Obama's victory speech when we got home.

What struck me most was, it was not a joyful speech. President-elect Obama didn't fist-pump, he didn't cheerlead, he didn't smile much. He looked like someone who had just taken on an awesome burden and understood, to the depth of his heart and soul, it's colossal magnitude. It was at once comforting, inspiring, and heartbreaking.

Comforting, in that we have a leader who understands the challenges we face, and doesn't try to minimize them.

Inspiring, in that we feel the need to suffer a small part of that burden, and share in the better nation, and world, which we will work together to achieve.

Heartbreaking, in that what should be the most joyous night of his life was made bittersweet by the recent loss of his beloved grandmother, and by his own full realization of the hardships to come.

Barack Obama, lead and we will follow.

Yes!

ODEH ODEH — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:29:08 EST

He did it, they did it and we did it indeed! The world will never be the same again and I am happy to be part of this history, generation and advocate for Obama and the idealism that he represented which fundamentally is in line and synonymous to the aspiration of humanity and the protection of its integrity!

My goodness! Thanks be to God. Amen

Behold the next first family of the United States of America; a reflection of how much we have grown and how far we have reached!

Love from Indonesia

The Philippines with joy and surprise

Love from India

Anthens, Greece

Jarkata Indonesia

Jerusalem, Israel!

Sydney, Australia

God bless USA

God bless Obama & Biden

All pictures courtesy of The Huffington Post ( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/04/reactions-around-the-worl_n_141187.html)

Continued on twitter @tom_ohio & @tom614

Tom Stone — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:04:30 EST

WOW, what a day.

YES, we can. YES, we did. YES, we will.

And what a speech to end the campaign and start the presidency ... and our next challenge -- to unify the nation and work together to use this "chance" to make the change.

To see what I posted by TXT to Twitter today while canvassing and working as line manager and doing other volunteer work for Obama, see my Twitter account page:

www.Twitter.com/tom_ohio

and

www.Twitter.com/tom614

WE WIN!!!!!!!

colonial82 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:54:28 EST

YES WE CAN!!!!!

Dollar Gains Against Euro After Obama Victory in U.S. Election

colonial82 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:49:06 EST

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aLrMAMEn0e_I&refer=home

Great sign

Asian Stocks Advance as Obama Wins U.S. Presidency; BHP Rises

colonial82 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:48:19 EST

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a5XvwdXHVOuM&refer=home

Hey that is a good sign of things to come

Just back from a full day of GOTV

colonial82 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:46:14 EST

I just got back from a day starting at 5:30am in New Albany, OH (Columbus, OH subs). It was a long day but it was SOOOOO worth it

We delivered OH to OBAMA!

Thank you everyone

Now I am tired

11:02 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:02:24 EST

OBAMA WINS

LONG NATIONAL NIGHTMARE ENDS

10:56 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:57:48 EST

We don't have Fox on here anymore but Richard tells me Fox just called Virginia for Obama and Obama's pulled ahead in Indiana by a few thousand. When the polls close out west it will all be over.

10:03 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:04:25 EST

CNN just called the state of my birth, Iowa, for Obama. McCain takes Utah and Kansas. None of these affect my model. No update until they call Missouri, Indiana, Virginia, or Colorado.

9:37 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:38:05 EST

CNN just called Ohio for OBAMA! The expected vote total is back up to 352, but the minimum is now 292...there's no way, short of a prayer-warrior miracle, that McCain can win...now it's just a matter of running up the score...

We're having fun!

9:34 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:34:38 EST

both MSNBC and CBS have called new Mexico for Obama but CNN is still holding out. I think Keith Olberman is calling the states for MSNBC. Or Rachel Maddow.

9:25 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:26:00 EST

MSNBC just called OHIO for Obama. The room went nuts here. I won't redo the projection until CNN calls it......oh.....please......yes.......just call it, Wolf Blitzer...you wuss....

9:15 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:15:34 EST

They just called Georgia for McCain - damn. That takes three out of Obama's expected total. He's down to 349 and my prediction of a blowout is in jeopardy.

9:03 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:09:36 EST

CNN calls alabama, Wyoming, and North Dakota for McCain, and Rhode Island, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York for Obama. The update: the expected total is still 352 - but the minimum is 276. It's looking pretty good for Barack.

The Dems have their majority in the senate, barring a defection by Liebermann.

8:53 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:54:22 EST

Polls will close in 7 minutes in 15 more states.

Here are the other sites I'm monitoring:

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/

http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3641

Keep your eye on Andrew Sullivan's blog (the best there is) and Nate Silver's site, where you'll find ALL the numbers.

8:43 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:42:40 EST

CNN just called Pennsylvania for Obama. We re-ran the numbers and no change. Obama still garners an average of 352 votes. Stay tuned...

8:35 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:38:27 EST

MSNBC and CBS have called Pennsylvania for Obama but CNN is holding out. AP has called the senate race in North Carolina for Hagan. We ran the simulations for president (sans PA) and the senate with no changes to the outcome - Obama with 352 electoral votes and the Dems taking an expected 58 seats in the senate.

All of New England is blue at this point, but CNN hasn't called Maine CD-2 for Obama yet. They're showing 81 votes for Obama and my total is 82.

We'll do another update when CNN calls Pennsylvania.

7:35 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:36:15 EST

CNN has called Vermont for Obama and Kentucky for McCain. The polls have closed in Ohio, West Virginia, and North Carolina, and we're still watching results coming in from Indiana, Florida and Georgia. Warner wins the senate in Virginia. No surprises yet.

I Love This Century!

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:20:17 EST

If you're watching CNN, I'm sure you're as fascinated, in a repulsive sort of way, with Jessica Yellen's holographic image materializing in the War Room with Wolf Blitzer.

If you missed it, John King also has a new toy - he can make a 3-D model of the capitol building materialize in front of Campbell Brown.

Chance for Change - Election Night - 6:48 PM EST

The Kozmic Kid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:53:30 EST

We're here among fellow liberals at the Grandview cafe in Columbus, Ohio, battleground central. The word on the street is that the polling places were not all that crowded today, but we don't read much into that. We still hold out high hopes that Obama will carry the Buckeye state.

At this time the polls have closed in parts of Indiana and Kentucky, and with only a percent or two of the vote in, we can't draw any conclusions.

We're monitoring CNN, NBC, and, god help us, Fox news. As the networks call the states, we'll enter them into our model and post the new projection. So we'll post at least once per half-hour, and probably more.

So log on, lean back, crack a cold one, and root for the Land of Lincolner!

Election Day: OPEN THREAD

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:00:21 EST

This post is just a call for comments and open discussion. Share your experiences voting today, or questions you have, in the comment section below.

"I'm Getting Involved Because of My Children"

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:53:23 EST

Have ELECTION DAY Questions?

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:50:15 EST

If it's urgent, dial 877-622-6264 or 614-409-4701
If it is less than urgent, email ohio@barackobama.com
Looking for your polling location? Visit www.voteforchange.com

I Believe We're Going to See a Change

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:34:01 EST

You can make that change happen. There are two hours and forty-five minutes until the polls close. There is still time for you to help elect Barack Obama. Click HERE to find a place near you to volunteer.

It's No Mystery

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:33:46 EST

Throughout the day, the Ohio homepage will be bringing you videos of Buckeyes who just cast their ballots. Here's the first:

MID DAY REPORT: from the Secretary of State's Office

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:39:27 EST

Here's an update on how voting is going so far in Ohio, from Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's office:

Highlights of Ohioans' voting experience:
The maximum wait time as reported to the office is no more than 1 hour in most large precincts
The longest average wait time reported to the office is approximately 1 hour in Lucas County
Sporadic machine issues have been reported – primarily Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail jams that are easily fixed and some instances of precinct-based optical scanners that are not working, but voters are still able to place their ballots in a secure box for scanning later. Reports indicate poll workers are quickly fixing the hiccups and are offering voters backup paper ballots in touch-screen voting machine counties.
The two-line directive, one for touch-screen voting machines and one for back-up paper ballots, is keeping lines moving.

Again- if you have problems at a polling place, DO NOT LEAVE without first calling 877-OBAMA-OH, or 614-409-4701. There are people standing by to solve your problems.

Four hours and 45 minutes until polls close. Don't miss this opportunity. Use the tool above, or go to www.voteforchange.com to find your polling location.

Election Day Voting Issues in OHIO

Jennifer A Jones — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:55:44 EST

Hello all!

I’ve just come from fulfilling my civic duties (and personal responsibility of getting Obama elected) in North Canton, Ohio. I’m writing to let you know that I witnessed a few minor inconveniences at the polls this morning that resulted in a few persons leaving without voting. When I left, I immediately phoned the Voting Rights Institute of the Ohio Secretary of State, Jennifer Brunner and spoke with her assistant regarding the issues. They assured me that they would either phone or send someone out immediately to rectify the situation so that no other persons would have to forfeit their opportunity to vote • at least not for that particular reason.

I am writing to let you know that if you have also experienced or witnessed anything questionable at your polling locations to please make the call to 877-868-3874 so that the issue can be resolved today before the polls close.

You never know in Ohio, it may come down to just these few votes and you may have done your part to ensure Obama’s election! The call only takes a few moments. In addition, you can also log your experience at their website: www.myohiovote.com • please keep in mind that the issues logged here may not be addressed today.

Please forward this message to anyone you know who is voting in Ohio today!

Best,

Jennifer

IMPORTANT: New, Alternative Phone Number to Report Problems

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:54:10 EST

ATTENTION:

The Ohio Campaign for Change is asking that any voters who have questions about voting or who want to report problems or issues at the voting booth dial 877-OBAMA-OH.

However, if one has problems getting through on that line, the Campaign is asking that you call

614-409-4701

with any problems. These calls will go directly to our Columbus Call Center, where people are standing by to answer logistical questions ("Where is my polling location?") as well as more complicated, legal or "proper protocol" questions about what's going on out there.

Again, the two numbers are:

877-OBAMA-OH (aka 877-622-6264)
and
614-409-4701

Thank you very much.

A Letter to Barack on Election Day, from a Supporter

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:31:38 EST

This is a very historic day! My parents and grandparents spoke of this day, when I was a child, and I know and believe that all those who gave their lives for the struggle of people, in all walks of life regardless to creed, color, and education... Those angels are singing in heaven. Barack, you are what the struggle was about. Words that ring throughout my being, are words that my father taught us as children- "Education is Wealth." You, sir, have achieved the dreams of many, and you have empowered a nation of people, to think differently, to act differently, and to achieve the dream.

My heart is full of joy as I anticipate the election results. You and your wife, are the epitome of what a relationship should be. You feed off of each other and in these times when families are falling apart, you guys are still going strong, and will continue to gather strength. God bless you, and may the angels of light, and protection surround you and your family, poll workers and voters today, as this historic day unfolds
Rebecca

Fired Up?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:29:26 EST

You betcha!!

From a Voter

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:27:17 EST

Today is a day I hold my breath. I will do my work for the Barack Obama Campaign, but I will try not allow myself to become hopeful. Today I will try to ignore the polls and the pundits. I will try not think about tonight. I will try not to laugh with glee. I will try not to cry. Today is a day I hold my breath.

Like all who are reading this, my own reason for voting for Barack is unique. I have two strong, intelligent, loving,and wonderful sons, with wives, and five delightful grandchildren.... For generations, and even now, we are a family of many colors.

I taught my sons that they were indeed required to contribute to mankind. To volunteer for a cause. To help a neighbor. To not discriminate. To vote.

In our family, love is described as "What color are her eyes?"--instead of what color is the skin... Or "Mom, she makes my heart sing." And that remark is simply enough for me to love my soon to be my daughter-in-law--regardless of her nationality or race.

My political ties to Chicago go back to Mayor Washington--so my ties to Barack are long and strong. My whole family has been with him every step of the way.

I voted already.

I hold my breath today.

Tonight I pray I can finally breathe, dance, laugh and sing with joy.

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:56:46 EST

Today Ohio elects Barack Obama president. Let's get it done, Buckeyes.

The blog and webpage will be active throughout the day. THINGS TO REMEMBER:

Anyone can go to www.voteforchange.com to find their polling location.
If you experience problems or have questions at the polls, the best thing to do is call 877-OBAMA-OH (877-622-6264)
We can use all the help we can get to get out the vote. Click HERE to find the volunteer location nearest you (http://www.barackobama.com/splash/volunteer.html)
REMIND YOUR FRIENDS TO VOTE. Don't let them get away with not voting.
If you have any other problems, concerns, or experiences you'd like to share, please email ohio@barackobama.com (but calling 877-OBAMA-OH should be your first step in any urgent situation)
If you are in line at 7:30 pm, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE.
With your help, tonight we will be able to call Barack Obama the next President of the United States.

Our moment is now.

IMPORTANT: FIVE TIPS FOR VOTING TODAY

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:31:59 EST

The Ohio Campaign for Change has come up with Five Tips to make voting today easier for you. Please take them into consideration as you cast your ballot for Barack Obama today!

Know Before You Go - Double check the location of your polling station so you know where you are supposed to vote. (You can check using the tool at the top of the page, or visit www.voteforchange.com)
Timing is Everything - If you can, try to vote during mid-morning or early afternoon, when polls are usually at their least crowded.
Proof Positive - Make sure you bring a form of ID with you, whether it’s a picture ID from Ohio (such as a driver's license, or state or military ID); OR one of the following with a current address: your utility bill, bank statement or pay stub. (Click HERE to get all information on your rights and requirements when you vote)
What to Wear - Campaign clothing is not allowed at polling places. If you do wear clothing or buttons supporting a candidate, don't worry. You can still vote if you cover up or take it off.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Avoid the Double Bubble - When you vote, fill in the top oval for the Presidential candidate of your choice. Don't also write in the name at the bottom, because there is a risk that your ballot may not be counted on election night.

And with that, GO VOTE!!!

Letters to the Editor, from Ohio, for Barack

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:24:31 EST

For many supporters, volunteering isn't enough. They need to show their support in other, far more public ways--they want others to hear their voice for change.

There are the untraditional ways--a music video, a painted pick-up truck, or a website that gives a free song to people who pledge to vote. But the conventional, and still effective way, is to write a letter to the editor. Here are a few from supporters in the Buckeye State, writing about why they support Barack Obama.

From the Chillicothe Gazette - "Obama has the vision to improve America's health care system":

I am a health care worker and have been a nurse since 1977. I have worked in several areas of health care. I would like to share with you one of the many reasons why I support Barack Obama for president. He cares about people and has the knowledge, energy and the ability to work for all of us to see that Americans have access to the health care they need. Currently in the United States, there are 45 million Americans who don't have health care insurance. I feel the health of the people should be a national priority.
Here are a few examples of the annual compension packages paid to CEOs of some of the major insurers: United Healthcare $8.3 million, WellPoint, Inc. $5.2 million, Cigna $4.7 million (Atlantic Information Services, April 24, 2006). Can you see where I am going with this?
OK, here is what Obama is proposing: If you already have insurance and are satisfied with it, you can keep it. If not, you will be able to buy a new insurance plan that's similar to the plan federal employees receive. If you do not have insurance at all, it will be made available to you. No one will be denied insurance because of a pre-existing condition or illness. If you cannot afford insurance, you will get a subsidy. Employers would be encouraged to offer health care coverage to their employees, and would be assisted by the government in providing this coverage. Obama's plan is not government-run health care, it builds on the employer-sponsored insurance system. The income tax exclusion would be retained and people without employer-based insurance would be offered a refundable tax credit (percentage-based on income).
--Vickie Smith, Waverly

From the Findlay Courier - "Obama Would Help Rural Ohio"

As the former Ohio state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Office, I can say from experience that state and federal partnership is critical if we are to make much-needed investments in rural Ohio.
Barack Obama has two comprehensive and complementary plans that will move rural Ohio in the right direction. He has a vision for rural America and a health care plan for the nation that will enable our communities to thrive and our citizens to have access to affordable and quality health care.
Obama knows the unique demands of agriculture and is a strong supporter of the 2008 Farm Bill, which makes historic investments in conservation, renewable energy, and rural infrastructure and provides a safety net to family farmers.
Numerous innovations in the 2008 Farm Bill will directly affect rural Ohio, including a micro-enterprise program for small businesses and entrepreneurs, farmland preservation, and expanded access to fresh fruits and vegetables for our school children, which helps our youth and farmers alike. John McCain stated that he would have vetoed the bill.
--Linda Jones Borton, Ottowa

From the Wilmington News Journal - "Doesn't want four more years of the same"

I'm an Obama supporter and have been since the very early days of his campaign. I watched him win the Iowa caucus and was so proud of Iowa it moved me to tears as I listened to Barack’s speech that night. I know that none of this makes me unusual because most of his entire following feels the same way, particularly if they are young, college educated, men and women.
On to world affairs, when I watched Sen. Obama in Europe and the reception he received, I couldn’t help think how wonderful it would be to have a president that we could be proud of once more. I thought it would be so nice if Americans could visit Europe and not be viewed as ugly Americans.
Sen. Obama gives me hope that we can be a nation of innovation, and discovery, and that once again we can lead the world in technology, research, science, medicine and education. We have fallen terribly behind under this backward fundamentalist administration that rejects science.
--Nancy Compton, Wilmington

From the Zanesville Times Recorder - "Get the facts"

I will be so glad when this election is over and we no longer have to listen to the Republicans distort the truth, even in a previous letter published in the Times Recorder. Yes it is true that Obama will raise your taxes if you make more than $250,000, however, those of us who do not will actually see a tax cut. And if you are a senior citizen making less than $50,000 per year he will eliminate all income taxation. These are facts that even those who say we should "get informed" fail to mention.
If you want the facts on Sen. Obama you need to turn off those distorted McCain commercials and stop by the Obama headquarters, at 126 Muskingum Ave., and literature will be provided for you. You can also visit the Obama Web site at www.barackobama.com for factual information. I'm sure when you have the true facts you will be ready to cast your vote on Nov. 4, with pride and confidence.
Yes we do need change in Washington, the kind of change we will get from Obama and Biden.
--Bob Weber, Zanesville

From the Mansfield News Journal - "Obama, Biden dedicated to helping women"

I am making 77 cents for every dollar my male counterpart is making. Under John McCain's "Plan for the American Woman" this is acceptable because in John's own words, I "probably need more training." An Obama administration will enforce the Equity Pay Act and fight job discrimination.
I'm a single mom working two jobs, with no health insurance, and I'm stricken with breast cancer. Under McCain's plan, I am so messed up. Barack Obama is committed to ensuring that all Americans have health care coverage by the end of his first term.
Ohio women, don't take my word for this. Study the issues and find out for yourself. And even if you feel it's too late for yourself, consider the futures of your daughters and granddaughters. We need someone in Washington who respects women, not one who will choose one for his VP for all the wrong reasons. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are truly dedicated to improving the lives of women.
--Jeanne Alexander,Lucas

From the Sun Sentinel - "Independent says that Obama was easy choice for President"

I guess that I am the target audience for the Obama and McCain decision. I am an Independent voter in the state of Ohio. Once again, I believe that Independents from Ohio will decide the election.
Over the years I have voted for Democrats, Republicans and even Ross Perot. This year, I am voting for Barack Obama. It was a pretty easy choice.
Why do I say this and what do I want? I want the war in Iraq to end. I want someone to look out for the middle class. I want to hold Wall Street accountable for its actions. I want to find alternative energy sources in order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I want both political parties to work together. I want a vice president that does not embarrass this country. I want this country to work with our allies, instead of pushing them around.
In my opinion, "trickle down economics" is not working. Unchecked free trade is not working. Letting the free market manage Social Security will not work. Putting health care completely in the hands of the free market without regulation will not work.
--North Ridgeville

From the Canton Repository - "Want to hear the sound of jobs in Stark again? Then vote for Barack Obama"

Last summer, a young woman moved in beside me on Genoa Avenue. After a cool, clear evening, she had to ask what that odd pounding noise was that she heard in the night. "A forge," I told her, and proceeded to explain the complicated process of drop forging and how that bass note boom made tools.
It dawned on me later that I could have given her a very simple answer. "That sound is the sound of industry."
I could have gone on to say. "Listen closely, as it soon may be gone."
So much of our county is filled with the deafening quiet one can hear only in an empty sweeper plant, or standing in the vast, unfilled parking lot of a vacant steel mill.
These haunting silences are the echoes of the Bush administration. An administration which has, by its promotion of unfair trade deals and tax breaks for companies that take their business off-shore, caused the loss of over 180,000 jobs in Ohio. That is 61 jobs a day!
If we, the voters, choose a candidate who has voted more than 90 percent of the time with George Bush, what will we hear for the next four — or eight — years?
Silence.
One big, empty silence.
On Election Day, remember that when you touch that screen, the sound it makes will echo through our future.
If you choose to elect Barack Obama, you are choosing to change that sound to the sound of steel mills building wind turbines. To the sound of molds filling with plastic, forming solar panels to help bring us out of this energy crisis. To the sweet sound of jobs, and a healthy middle class.
Make that sound, people!
--Barbara Lewis, Perry Township

Why do YOU support Barack Obama? Why are YOU going to vote for him today?

Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, Mansfield News Journal, Coshocton Tribune Endorse Obama!

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 02:08:02 EST

It's catching on: newspapers across the Buckeye state are backing Barack Obama for President--even in places where it wouldn't seem likely.

This past week, the papers in Lancaster, Mansfield, and Coshocton announced their support for Obama. Here are portions of each endorsement:

The next president will inherit a divided country, two wars burgeoning federal deficit, and a turbulent economy that has shed thousands of jobs, especially in Ohio, just this year alone. These times call for an extraordinary leader - one with a clear vision for our future as one nation, and the demonstrated steadiness and intelligence to set us on a new path.

We believe Obama is that person, and the one best suited to lead this country and help Fairfield County residents. We support Obama on several issues, but we've listed three we believe are most important to this community.
Ohio has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Residents are asked to support tax increase every year. Your pocketbook is not a Republican or Democratic issue. It's a human issue.

Obama's tax plan would provide a tax decrease for families with incomes less than $250,000. He plans to pay for it by eliminating President Bush's tax cuts for the wealthiest in our country.

At this critical juncture in history, with our country facing unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, Barack Obama is the right choice to become the 44th president of the United States.

The problems we face today require a new approach, new ideas and a renewed willingness to work in collaboration with conservatives, liberals and moderates.

The 47-year-old U.S. Senator from Illinois has demonstrated a willingness and ability to do all of these things.

As a candidate, Obama has built a broad base of supporters; an inclusive group that crosses lines of race, gender, income and other essential constituents.
We believe Obama offers the best opportunity to begin crossing these demographic and political fault lines, working for consensus and in communicating new directions and ideas to a nation badly in need of leadership.

Obama's personal background will assist in this effort. Diversity and acceptance of others and their ideas are critical today and Obama's understanding of these concepts through his own life experiences is a major advantage he holds over McCain.

America is in a real financial crisis, the worst since the Great Depression. But the truth is, Ohio has been in an economic free fall since the day George W. Bush took office.

The Buckeye State never recovered from the post-Sept. 11 recession. Ohio has lost almost 250,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000. The exodus from Coshocton alone has been devastating - General Electric, JII, Royce Craft Baskets and Pretty Products, to name a few. Our 9.1 percent unemployment rate is higher than the Ohio rate of 7.2 percent and well above the national average of 6.1 percent.

So if you focus on the key issues of jobs, jobs and jobs, only one candidate offers a forward-thinking plan for the future. That is why four of the Tribune's five editorial board members urge you to support Barack Obama for president of the United States.
Obama's detailed proposals offer a better alternative for virtually everyone in Coshocton County. His plan would cut taxes for all but the wealthiest individuals. He understands the urgent need for health care we can afford, and our nation's desire to end our unnecessary foray into Iraq.

Most important, Obama maintains the calm temperament needed during a time of crisis. He is a clear thinker who knows how to get his points across.

Buckeyes agree--Ohio needs Barack Obama. So let's get out the vote. Now.

Hunters in Rural Ohio Stand Up for Barack

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:07:47 EST

There have been many misperceptions about Barack's stance on gun rights, straying from his spoken commitment to the Second Amendment.

Fortunately he has some well-known hunters and shooters on his side. Recently supporter and American Hunters and Shooters Association President (and former NFL player) Ray Schoenke campaigned for Barack in Gallipolis and the Jackson County Headquarters.

In a letter to the editor in the Mansfield News Journal, a hunter/supporter directly addresses the gun issue:

In my opinion Barack Obama is the wise choice for president.
I am an avid firearms person and love to hunt. I have belonged to the National Rifle Association and other organizations and have voted Republican in the past on this issue alone. I really believe this has become a fear issue with the electorate and is being fostered by the Republican Party along with the NRA. Just remember that whenever a firearm controversy raises its ugly head, the membership roles of the NRA expand, so it is in their interests to foster these issues.
It has taken the Europeans centuries to realize you have to keep religion and politics separate. This was one of the greatest tenets our founding fathers put in place for us.
If you think the rest of the world is not paying attention to nor has a stake in the outcome of our election you better pay attention. Through modern times our presidents have cloaked themselves with the mantle of leader of the free world. If you don't believe they are paying attention, then why did 200,000 Europeans listen to one speech of Senator Obama's?
This election is not about or for me; it is about my children and grandchildren. If we continue down this same path there will be absolutely no future for any of them.

On other issues important to rural Ohioans, Barack has proven himself to be light years ahead of his opposition, with strong support of the farm bill, advocacy for corn-based ethanol energy, and interest in investing in infrastructure and rural education. As this article recounts, Barack's friends from fellow corn state Illinois, including state Senator John Sullivan and former Illinois USDA executive Stephen Scates.

("Barns for Obama" like this one, written about in the Toledo Blade here, attest to Barack's visible support in rural areas).

Other issues like these, argues one Ironton man in the letter to the editor here, should also claim importance amongst Second Amendment voters:

If you are an avid hunter and target shooter like me, you should be relieved to know that neither presidential candidate wants to take away your right to enjoy your sport.

Obama and McCain both support the Second Amendment, which gives each of us the right to bear arms. Obama and McCain both have voted against a number of restrictive gun provisions, including the right of the federal government to confiscate firearms during emergencies.

What is interesting is that both candidates have also drawn the ire of the NRA for their support of criminal background checks for purchasers at large gun shows.

However, there are other positions that the candidates have taken that may be important in helping sportsmen decide how to vote this November.

McCain has voted against the Conservation Reserve Program and the Wetlands Reserve Program (Obama co-sponsored) that are strongly supported by Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.

To my fellow Ohio Sportsmen, the good news is that both Obama and McCain will protect our right to enjoy our sport, so there is not much to choose between on this issue. On the other hand, there are a great number of very important non-sportsman issues, which will decide what kind of world, and country future generations will live in.

There are big differences between the candidates, it just does not have to do with guns.

Are you a hunter who supports Barack? Let us know in the comments section below.

Monday 11/3: Door hangars and calls to Ohio and Florida

Tom Stone — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:20:36 EST

Well, that was fun! No, really!

Used half a vacation day today to help with ground battle in Ohio this afternoon. So many volunteers showed up in Westerville for 4 p.m. shift that all the door hangars were put up before the night shift arrived. But there was pizza to be had! ;-)

Then I made some phone calls -- to Ohio and Florida. Amazing how many wrong/disconnected numbers you go through before you get ahold of a person.

But so worth it ... if nothing else, narrowing down focus for follow-up calls tomorrow to those who said they would be voting that day for Obama -- so we're sure to call them and not waste time calling again those with outdated info.

Great to hear the cumulative efforts of volunteers in Ohio over the weekend. Amazing!

Tom

The Ohio Ground Game Dominates: Canvassing for Change in the Buckeye State

Michael in Ohio — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:48:47 EST

Canvassing is the meat and potatoes of the field effort here, and in that regard the Ohio Campaign for Change has created an incredible machine. Built by Neighborhood Team Leaders, operated by teams, this movement is almost totally run by volunteers. They take responsibility, and they get the job done.

And often "the job" means knocking on a lot of doors. Like a whole lot of doors. Like more than 385,000 doors in one weekend. Ohio took on the Obama field staff in Pennsylvania and avenged the Buckeyes' football loss by besting them by 7000 doors. Other statistics from that week include:

691,858 - Phone calls placed to fellow Ohioans by volunteers across the state last week
463,958 - Number of doors knocked last week
385,684 - Number of doors knocked last weekend
9,712 - Number of volunteers knocking doors last weekend to help beat Pennsylvania

Much of that ground firepower comes from setting up shop in areas that have never seen a field force from a Democratic candidate, ever--like in Dover, where a supporter created her own unstealable version of a yard sign

Unsurprisingly, the press has taken notice of the Campaign for Change's serious ground game advantage. Here is just some of the coverage from over the last couple months, regarding the field effort. Click the link to be taken to the article:

And finally, a recent article from the Los Angeles Times:

Reporting from Delaware, Ohio — John McCain has targeted this wealthy area just north of Columbus as one of 15 counties in Ohio where he needs to drive up his vote tally if he is to beat Barack Obama on Tuesday in this must-win state.

But on Friday night, only nine volunteers manned the 24 phones in the McCain campaign office. The phone bank began operating on a daily basis just two weeks ago. And only five people have shown up on most weekdays since then to canvas local neighborhoods.
Obama's campaign, in contrast, has flooded this Republican bastion with volunteers. Some canvassers first hit the winding streets of nearby subdivisions in March during the Democratic primary, and they have worked almost nonstop ever since in search of supporters.

Ohio is a battleground in the presidential race, and here's the view on the front line: McCain's get-out-the-vote operation has struggled to build momentum, and it appears outgunned by Obama's.

This time, the Democrats have shifted strategies -- and may have the upper hand.

Learning from the Bush effort, Obama has taken his fight directly into suburban and rural GOP strongholds in an effort to curb McCain's potential margins. Obama has 82 offices in the state, nearly twice as many as McCain. Labor unions are backing his effort with more than 12,000 volunteers.

"McCain does not have the kind of ground organization that Obama has, not even close," said Nancy Martorano, associate professor of political science at the University of Dayton.

"I've never seen anything like the Obama ground game," agreed Paul Beck, professor of political science at Ohio State University in Columbus. "It is light-years ahead of what the Democrats did four years ago."

It's not too late to get in on the action. Help get out the vote tomorrow. It's your very last chance to get involved.

Chance for Change - Election Eve Edition

The Kozmic Kid — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:20:51 EST

Update for November 3, one day to Election Day

WE'RE GOING FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS NOW

We did one final update to our model. Obama's chances dropped below 100%, to 99.998%, with an expected vote total of 352. Our model shows the following states as swing states:

Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Virginia

We're going out on a limb and predicting that things will break for Obama. We predict that Obama will carry Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia - for a total of 379 electoral votes.

We'll update you from the Grandview Cafe in Columbus, Ohio, from among the jolly company of Drinking Liberally, as the results come in.

My fellow sufferers, our long nightmare is almost at an end.

Until tomorrow.

All Walks of Life: Supporters in Ohio

Michael in Ohio — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:02:06 EST

This election will be an extra special one for Barack supporter Suzanne McDaniel Hayes. Not only because Barack is a special kind of candidate, but also because Suzanne has cancer, and might not make it to next November.

TheStory.org has a profile of her on their site, which begins like this:

Suzanne McDaniel Hayes has always been a committed voter, but this year she is more determined than ever to vote. Suzanne is terminally ill with cancer, but she's hoping to live long enough to cast her ballot for the last time in her life. As she tells Dick, she's trying to set an example for her three children. She intends to go to the poll with her son, who will be voting for the first time.

Click HERE for the full story - just scroll down to "October 3rd."

Some people base their support in enthusiasm for the Vice Presidential candidate Senator Joe Biden--check out what a few volunteers cooked up for the Vice Presidential debate a couple weeks ago:

Some Ohioans have specific policy concerns: this well known Columbus blogger declares on his blog The Walker Evans Effect that he's supporting Barack because of his urban policy.

And then there are the not-quite-supporters. When Barack recently went on a five-city tour of Ohio, he stopped between Cincinnati and Portsmouth at a diner in Georgetown. He had a funny encounter with the self-declared die-hard Republican owner of the diner... Barack may or may not have won him over, but as the following article from the Dayton Daily News makes clear, he's certainly benefitting from his diner's newfound fame:

Don't tell restaurant owner Bill Seip that Democrat Barack Obama is bad for business.

Seip knows better.

It's been more than a week since Obama made his surprise stop at Seip's Fireside Restaurant in Georgetown on Thursday, Oct. 9, and folks in the Brown County village still are buzzing about it, said Seip.

The last presidential campaign visit came from William Jennings Bryan in the early 1900s, said Seip.

Ulysses S. Grant, the great Union Civil War general and the first Ohio-born president, moved with his family to Georgetown soon after his birth in Point Pleasant in nearby Clermont County in 1822 but nobody way back then knew Grant was headed for the White House.

At the Fireside, Obama ordered up a "Big O" burger — a double cheeseburger – and coconut cream pie to go. Gov. Ted Strickland, Obama's traveling companion and guide through Ohio's Appalachian region, had lemon pie.

The day after Obama's stop, Seip made the "Big O" the daily special and dubbed it the "Obama Burger."

"I liked the guy myself," Seip, 46, said of Obama. "He was really down to earth. The way he took care of everybody. He was a nice guy."

Why are you a supporter? Do you have a special story? Let us know in the comments section below.

McCain-Palin Can Still Win: It Ain't Over til It's Over!!

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:53:05 EST

Time is short and the polls are painting a grim picture for John McCain, but top Republicans believe they still see a clear path to the White House.

“I don’t acknowledge it’s a long shot. It's a realistic shot,” said RNC deputy chairman Frank Donatelli of his candidate's prospects.

Donatelli argues that nearly every pollster has over-sampled Democrats, thus exaggerating Obama's support while understating that for McCain.

“I don’t think it’s outrageous," he said, "to think we are going to do much better with party turnout than some of the models indicate."

For that reason, Donatelli believes McCain can win all the big swing states in play: Florida, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina and perhaps Pennsylvania.

He also says the public now sees Obama as not yet tested and ready for the job, and is fearful that he will increase taxes, quickly grow the federal government and forestall long-term economic growth. Voters will conclude, he says, that “liberal Democrats should not control the whole federal government.”

A Look Back at Life in the Field

Michael in Ohio — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:10:31 EST

With the Ohio Campaign for Change's sprawling and aggressive ground efforts, volunteers have been engaged for months now in every single part of Ohio. In terms of their activities, they've done everything you'd expect from a campaign, and much much more. Sure there's been canvassing, phonebanking, and data entry, but there have also been house meetings, debate watch parties, birthday pot lucks, booths at festivals--too much to name. Here is a look at some moments from all the activity in the field over the last five months.

Back in September, Field Organizer Liz, in Port Clinton, held a very special house meeting... on an island!

John Donne's observation that "no man is an island" was the theme of last week's Obama house meeting on, well, an island. Marty and Kelly, longtime residents of Put-in-Bay, rounded up a dozen of their friends to talk about how high the stakes are in this election. Every vote in every precinct of Ohio -- including the hundreds that will be cast for Barack and Joe at polling places in the middle of Lake Erie -- will make the difference this year.

In Marion, a debate watch party did its job--drew an undecided into the fold. Field Organizer Hannah snapped a picture:

Anderson Township, in Cincinnati, is known as a historically conservative area. Which is exactly why volunteers held neighborhood meetings there, so that Obama supporters would know they're not alone! Local team leader Vanessa writes a moving account of the Anderson Township meeting--where everyone seemed to be shocked by the turnout:

I have been campaigning in this little conservative village for some time now. People are very reserved and do not like to talk about politics. And I'm just witnessing the power of Obama message. People are tired of war, are tired of unaffordable health care or schools not up to the level of the global economy. But they have also find a leader who gives them hope that things can be improved if we just work hard. And people are demonstrating their desire for a better country that goes beyond their personal interest. We had about 50 people convening at the Anderson Center to learn about the campaign and its grassroots effort, and to share their extraordinary and ordinary stories. I myself learned form my parents and relatives, who lived the end of World War II, how horrible is the war from their stories. I moved from Italy, where I grew up, to Japan and now I have been leaving in Cincinnati for 7 years. I was never in favor of the war in Iraq since the beginning. I would like my daughters to grow in a world as peaceful as possible. Another lady at the meeting told us her story about her childhood in Korea during Korean War and Vietnam War, and described them as an horrible experience, and she wish other people don't suffer as she and her family did. Unaffordable health care and schools that are not able to prepare future generation to compete in the global economy were also some of the reasons Anderson residents are choosing Obama as their next President of the United States. The meeting was a very energizing experience and I'll keep working with those new friends to elect Barack Obama our next President of Unites States.

Finally, Courtney has this heartwarming story from canvassing last weekend:

TaLisa and I canvassed Ward 4 today, a very economically depressed area of Columbus. Several voters that we spoke to felt that their vote would not count even though they were registered.
Amidst all this, there two young boys that were playing football with an empty Gatorade bottle across the street from our targeted doors.

These two boys, in the third and fourth grade, helped direct us to which doors were occupied. After several not-homes, we stopped to talk to them and asked if they knew Barack Obama. The fourth grader did, but the third grader did not. We gave them literature and told them to take it to their parents…
And they sat down on the sidewalk where they were playing and began reading it out loud to one another and expressed they were excited about taking it with them to school.

Do you have a story from volunteering? What kind of Obama activity has gone on in your area in the last five months? Let us know in the comment section below.

And it's not too late to make some memories in these last days of the campaign. Sign up to get out the vote right now.

Monday Polling Crack

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:02:04 EST

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/11/monday-polling.html

Good info that helps bring it to a close

Hip-Hop Stars Stump For Obama In South Florida

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:49:26 EST

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/03/hip-hop-stars-stump-for-o_n_140457.html

Shuster, McCain Flack Battle Over Palin, First Amendment

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:48:41 EST

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/02/shuster-mccain-flack-batt_n_140186.html

He deserves his own show

Republicans Scrambling to Save Seats in Congress

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:47:36 EST

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/us/politics/03cong.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin

Voting Lines Stretch To Eight Hours

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:38:28 EST

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/03/voting-lines-stretch-to-e_n_140401.html

I actually look at this in a positive way, it shows people are excited and people are voting

Final National Polls

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:35:58 EST

NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl 11/01 - 11/02 1011 LV 3.1 51 43 Obama +8

Rasmussen Reports 10/31 - 11/02 3000 LV 2.0 52 46 Obama +6

Gallup 10/31 - 11/02 2472 LV 2.0 55 44 Obama +11

Diageo/Hotline 10/31 - 11/02 887 LV 3.3 50 45 Obama +5

Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby 10/31 - 11/02 1201 LV 2.9 51 44 Obama +7

CNN/Opinion Research 10/30 - 11/01 714 LV 3.5 53 46 Obama +7

CBS News 10/30 - 11/01 607 LV -- 54 41 Obama +13

GWU/Battleground 10/29 - 11/02 800 LV 3.5 50 44 Obama +6

Pew Research 10/29 - 11/01 2587 LV 2.0 52 46 Obama +6

IBD/TIPP 10/29 - 11/01 844 LV 3.4 47 45 Obama +2 A

BC News/Wash Post 10/29 - 11/01 2172 LV 2.5 54 43 Obama +11

Marist 10/29 - 10/29 543 LV 4.5 50 43 Obama +7

Call Ohio Now!

Michael in Ohio — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:07:06 EST

Are you not from Ohio and want to help the state go blue? ARE from Ohio and want to reach some fellow Buckeyes so you can be proud on Election Night? Then call Ohio voters now! Just click the button below:

Reaching out to still undecided voters one of the best things you can do right now, during this get-out-the-vote effort. Many of the people you call will already be supporters--they just need a reminder to go and vote! If you click the button above, you'll get directions and a list of people to call--the campaign makes everything very easy and unintimidating for you.

This movement has always been about neighbors talking to neighbors about what they see in Barack Obama, and it's going to end that way too--right now hundreds of thousands of people across the United States are organizing and going door to door and calling voters. Now is your final chance to get involved. Don't let this moment pass you by.

Call Ohio now. It's waiting to hear from you.

Had Enough? GOTV

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:47:41 EST

Let's WIN this thing!!

Hockey moms for Obama

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:13:33 EST

http://www.salon.com/mwt/broadsheet/2008/10/29/hockey_mom/

This is really funny

Am I Fired Up? You Betcha!!

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:09:56 EST

"The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I've got news for them too. We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don't like federal agents poking around in our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States and yes, we got some gay friends in the Red States. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and patriots who supported the war in Iraq. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America." (BHO 2004)

There's nothing false about HOPE;

Keep hope ALIVE!!

GOTV - Canvas, Phone Bank!!

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:28:55 EST

Fired UP?

You betcha!!

A Picture of a Movement: Profiles of Ohio Volunteers

Michael in Ohio — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:18:46 EST

Right now, tens of thousands of volunteers are getting out the vote for Barack Obama, in this final stage of the Election. Their work is crucial--now more than ever--so in honor of them, the Ohio Campaign for Change takes a look at some of the people who make this campaign the powerhouse that it is.

Marion is practically a celebrity in the world of Obama volunteers. She recently had a whole article written about her and her dedication to volunteering in the Dayton Daily News, entitled "Fairborn Grandmother Hits the Streets for Obama." Hers is a special story--she got involved in the campaign shortly after her husband Lanny died from cancer, after losing his job and being left without health insurance. She's featured in two YouTube videos hugging Barack at rallies in the Dayton area, but more importantly, she makes an appearance as a Neighborhood Team Leader in this video from the campaign. She's the one who makes the joke about the conservative politics of Greene County, where she lives:

(It's not too late to be a leader in your neighborhood-- sign up to get out the vote right now).

Many an Ohio Field Organizer sings the praises of his or her best volunteers. Here's some appreciation from Tommy:

Sherill, one of my NTL's, tore something in her foot (doctors think it might be a stressed ligament or something) while canvassing earlier this week. That shift she got something like 85 doors. When she called me this evening, I was expecting her to cancel her shift tomorrow to go door to door, but instead she called to tell me that if she wrapped her foot in an Ace bandage and wore the right shoes, she could walk on the foot. She said that we only had a few days until the election and that she didn’t have time to not be on the doors. And so, with a wrapped foot, she’s going to lead a canvass tomorrow of 12 volunteers. Not a story from today’s work, but worth noting nonetheless.

Here's a picture of Mr. Hanna--as his Field Organizer Seth describes him: "86 years old, fired up and making calls."

Richard in Scioto County recounts a day of activity amongst his volunteers:

Volunteers traveled out to the home of Christina, our Western Scioto Neighborhood Team Leader who already had their maps, clipboards and sign-in sheets prepared. Christina gave an inspiring training, explaining to the students why she supports Obama and then allowing them to share as well. They knocked on doors, and found a stray dog that they promptly named “Scioto.” They took the dog and themselves out to the Scioto County Sorghum Festival, where they helped us sign up supporters at the Democratic Party booth. They and their new dog “Scioto” are now sitting fat and happy, bellies full of sorghum molasses, making phone calls here in the office.

And finally, Graham in Lawrence County swears by his tough guy volunteer, Sparky:

Sparky -- Charles if you look him up in the voter file -- is seen here posing in front of his truck, with the Lawrence County Democratic Headquarters and the Lawrence County Courthouse in the backdrop. Sparky makes sure that everyone in Lawrence County is properly registered to vote and makes sure that people are voting for Sen. Obama. Sparky doesn't understand how we are spending ten BILLION dollars each month in Iraq paving roads, building hospitals, and improving infrastructure in Iraq when there is no hospital in Lawrence County and people worry when they drive over the Ironton-Russell bridge because of its dilapidated condition. Sparky doesn't understand why the people in the upper echelons of society are relishing in the Bush tax cuts when people who depend on fixed incomes are spending a large fraction of it on soaring health care costs. Sparky doesn't understand these things because it is hard to understand that these things are happening in America. What Sparky does understand is that in America, we can do better. Sparky works everyday telling people he talks to in Lawrence County that in order for us to do better as a nation, they need to vote for Sen. Obama and that Sen. Obama is not going to take away his guns. Sparky knows that Sen. Obama is a supporter of the 2nd Amendment as he is. That is why he has two GUN OWNER for Obama stickers on his truck.

Are you a volunteer--a part of the backbone of this campaign? Give us your story in the comments section below.

NEW Q- POLL Obama up in FL,PA,OH

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:40:59 EST

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/3/81935/3337/840/649033

Not bad at all

FL- Obama 47, Mccain 45
PA- Obama 52, Mccain 42
OH- Obama 50, Mccain 43

Understanding Obamacons II

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:29:21 EST

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/11/understanding-1.html

Understanding Obamacons II

A reader writes:

I think it is very simple. I was with a woman this week who is in her sixties. She told me that she has voted Republican her entire life and this year she is voting for Obama. Her reason; John McCain is too erratic and too much of a hot head and Sarah Palin is completely unqualified. I think many "Obamacons" simply love this country more than they do their ideology.

Another adds:

Larison suggests that Obama is an unthinkable option for a real conservative. This is simply wrong. Many of the Obamacons are not just deciding it's more important to punish McCain; they actually believe Obama will result in a government as small or smaller than that of McCain, that he will pursue a more conservative agenda in foreign affairs, and that his social policy, based on a combination of libertarian values and personal morality will also be more conservative overall.

Part of the Obamacon phenomenon is certainly a rejection of McCain. But this is missing something. Some pro-lifers, for example, are beginning to embrace the idea that the best way to reduce abortions is to flood society with life-positive options, including more money for low-income health care. This has especially taken hold among Catholic pro-lifers as opposed to evangelicals because there is a deep and strong tradition for social welfare in the Catholic world.
Obama embodies this type of thinking to his soul. I think, and I could be projecting here a bit, that the reason for the size of the Obamacon phenomenon is that some conservatives in the libertarian, realist, and religious categories are acting on the sense that Obama is one of them. It's not about any one policy. It's that when they hear him talk, they recognize their own kind of thinking. He is reasoned, thoughtful, temperate, ethical. While they may worry about this policy or that, they have a gut feeling that they trust him to be making the decisions.

That certainly captures his appeal to me.

OT: Facte of day

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:28:01 EST

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/11/face-of-the-day.html

Oh the dog is so cute

Obamacon Watch: Another one again

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:21:37 EST

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/11/obamacon-watch.html

wow they keep coming:

Obamacon Watch

Jeffrey Hart, one of the intellectual founders of modern American conservatism, founder of the Dartmouth Review, and a private source of much intellectual solace these past few years, makes it all explicit:

Republican President George W. Bush has not been a conservative at all, either in domestic policy or in foreign policy. He invaded Iraq on the basis of abstract theory, the very thing Burke warned against. Bush aimed to turn Iraq into a democracy, “a beacon of liberty in the Middle East,” as he explained in a radio address in April 2006.
I do not recall any “conservative” publication mentioning those now memorable words “Sunni,” “Shia,” or “Kurds.” Burke would have been appalled at the blindness to history and to social facts that characterized the writing of those so-called conservatives.
Obama did understand.

In his now famous 2002 speech, while he was still a state senator in Illinois, he said: “I know that a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, of undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without international support will fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than the best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of al Qaeda. I’m not opposed to all wars. I’m opposed to dumb wars.”
Burke would have agreed entirely, and admired the cogency of so few words. And one thing I know is that both Nixon and Reagan would have agreed. Both were prudential and successful conservatives. But all the organs of the conservative movement followed Bush over the cliff—as did John McCain.

The View From Your Election: Ohio

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:20:10 EST

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/11/the-view-from-3.html

Ohio will be for OBAMA!!!!

reader writes:

I voted yesterday at the Montgomery County, Ohio, board of elections building in downtown Dayton and it will an event I will remember for a long time. It took 3.5 hours of waiting in three separate areas until my number was called. I was number 23XX and the queue was moving in groups of ten. When my number was called and I was sitting at the desk of one of the poll volunteers I had a few minutes to ask her impressions. She said that the day before some 3,000 people came out to vote but she was shocked by Saturday's turnout. She went on to say that the Red Cross has donated cots so the polling volunteers have something to sleep on, so I guess they're staying overnight in the building.
Then to top it off, when I get to a makeshift booth I was next to a blind guy who kept asking where the lever was to make his selection. The lady with him explained that there is no lever and then he responded that this is the first time he has voted in 30 years. By the time I finished, I met back with my wife. She said the election officials were handing out numbers in the 8000 range.

On Tuesday, I'll be opening up the blog all day to you, the readers, until the polls close. Call it: The View From Your Election. Send me anecdotes, stories, and photos that capture what your election day was like. Keep them short if you can, and no photos in polling places. But let's have a record of what the day will be like, in all its varieties.

McCain's Only Path

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:18:40 EST

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/11/mccains-only-pa.html

Thank you Chuck Todd

For Obama, Is Arizona Realistic?

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:17:13 EST

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/11/for_obama_is_arizona_realistic.php

interesting analysis,I think he can

"My Wife Made Me Canvas For Obama"

colonial82 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:10:02 EST

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/11/my-wife-made-me.html

And this white middle-aged banker who voted for Bush discovered what's actually happening:

Instead of walking the tree-lined streets near our home, my wife and I were instructed to canvass a housing project. A middle-aged white couple with clipboards could not look more out of place in this predominantly black neighborhood. We knocked on doors and voices from behind carefully locked doors shouted, "Who is it?" "We're from the Obama campaign," we'd answer.
And just like that doors opened and folks with wide smiles came out on the porch to talk.

Grandmothers kept one hand on their grandchildren and made sure they had all the information they needed for their son or daughter to vote for the first time. Young people came to the door rubbing sleep from their eyes to find out where they could vote early, to make sure their vote got counted. We knocked on every door we could find and checked off every name on our list. We did our job, but Obama may not have been the one who got the most out of the day's work.

Read the whole thing. It gave me goose-bumps.

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Yes!

Continued on twitter @tom_ohio & @tom614

WE WIN!!!!!!!

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Just back from a full day of GOTV

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