News Junkies for Obama

Update on the Petition to Boot Debate Moderator Brokaw

ZapDuff — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:18:26 EDT

Thanks again to all of you who took time to add your name to our effort to force the Commission on Presidential Debates to give the American electorate the BEST chance to compare our choices for leadership of our great country. We delivered the petition and your 2,100 signatures to Janet H. Brown, the CPD Executive Director, as well as several other Commission officers. Copies were also sent to top NBC-Universal executives, hoping the network would respond to our demonstration of dissatisfaction of the bias in their programming.

Sadly, we failed to even get a simple acknowledgment from ANYONE for our efforts. And as we saw, during the debate moderated by Mr. Brokaw as well as his subsequent behavior on the weekly Meet The Press show and various MSNBC programs... his obvious prejudicial (pro-Rep/anti-Dem) favoritism continues.

UNreported $Billions Campaign Contributions

ZapDuff — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:49:22 EDT

Julie wrote:
> http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/05/rnc-to-seek-audit-of-all-contributions-to-obama-campaign/#more-22768
>
> Sen. Obama's July speech in Berlin drew tens of thousands. Now the RNC wants an audit to determine whether the federal ban on contributions from foreign nationals may have been violated.
>
> (CNN) – The fund-raising prowess of the Obama campaign may be put under a microscope, if the Republican National Committee has its way, the RNC announced that it plans to file a complaint with the Federal Election Committee Monday that seeks an audit of the more than $450 million donated so far to Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.Second, the RNC plans to ask for an audit of possible excessive contributions to the Democratic nominee.

This is predictable but oh... so much BS!

All the while... NeoConMSM are pumping $BILLION$ everyday into the GOP cause... and not one frigging ¢ EVER reported!

Campaign to Boot Brokaw from Debate

ZapDuff — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:24:55 EDT

As many members of the various O-Forums continue to complain... the once reliable source of political analysis, NBC's Meet the Press, has become virtually unwatchable. The reason has been what has become a matter of routine, after the passing of Tim Russert: The obvious display of the political bias of temporary host, Tom Brokaw.

Scores have filed protests with NBC President Steve Capus, and many received profanity laced responses from the pompous media boss. It's obvious the Peacock Net will NOT correct this situation before the election... but after November 4th, we need to pressure the people to whom Capus reports: Hire a successor to Russert who has his temperament, professionalism, and dedication to lack of bias. Personally, I would like to see Gwen Ifil get that special chair.

Debate Prep/Bowling & Sarah Palin Never Saw Russia

ZapDuff — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:20:12 EDT

Yea, yea, yea.... I would not worry much about Palin's natural debating skills either. Why? Because of ALL the guidance and training she's getting from the McCain/Bush "debating experts."

In high school, I was a pretty good bowler... frequently shooting 200+ games. In college, one of the requirements as a Freshman was at least one physical education classes per semester. Not a "jock" I stuck with what I knew... bowling. Well, all that "education" gave me little benefit. The instructor worked to successfully correct my many "problems" and... my average dropped from 180 to 115... but my form, delivery, ball control, etc. was much improved.

Train Sarah well.. and fix all her back woods skills... you Bushie experts!

Campaign Issues... New Bells to Ring!

ZapDuff — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:16:53 EDT

O-Group Forum poster wrote: "As a citizen of the U.S.A. I find it incredulous ... This comment on the Rezko connection to Senator Obama is not only lame it is a lie! I won't even point the discrepancies out. i am sure you are aware of them upon a quick read. Any H.S. student can tell ya."

Well, O-Fans... the GOP/McCain campaign response to our Seven Houses spot is another gift... giving us a whole new spectrum of "acceptable" subject matter to address in this campaign. To set the mood for the rest of this message, play this Ring My Bell music video in the background... starting at 0:51 on your player timer.

Who To Trust in a Disaster?

ZapDuff — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:16:43 EDT

Does Florida need more reason to go with Obama over McCan't?

An hour after Tropical Storm Fay came ashore in Florida for the THIRD time....
President Bush has finally declared a State of Emergency.

Need I remind anyone... the crisis with evacuations started Sunday night with the Keys raked on Monday? A 4th day later.... Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.... THIS White House finally makes the call.

McCain Jabs DC Lobbyist Corp?

ZapDuff — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:52:05 EDT

For all the effort the people at Politico.com have put into establishing their credibility as a viable news source, one of today's showcase articles diminishes those accomplishments. McCain calls lobbyists 'birds of prey' is billed as an interview in which "McCain vows a lifetime ban on lobbying for members of his administration."

For me, as a curmudgeonly media critic, the words in that article fell short of deserving the promotion it got as the results of an interview. It really seems more like a case of two reporters taking dictation from a crafty politician... reporters barely able to ask a question unless it was an invitation for John McCain to read stump speech talking points from his notes. Why send reporters to such an opportunity when a stenographer could have collected what readers got?

Wet Starts and Disability Claims

ZapDuff — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:37:12 EDT

A historical discrepancy will air on CNN Wednesday night - not accurately reporting McCain's claim (now) his disability was caused by torture when he was a POW. In the '73 US News & World Report article.... the injuries that prevent him from full use of his arms and legs were from his faulty operation of his ejection seat!

For this he gets MORE than the median income for an American family of four - in addition to his Senate pay ($160k) and all his "beer" money:

$ 23,157 Annual Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)
$ 57,000 Annual Naval Disability Pension (while working to slash benefits and care for people currently in uniform and recent veterans)
$ 80,157

Cone of Silence & More UNreliable Sources

ZapDuff — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:01:44 EDT

There was a lot of chatter on various Obama forums and listserves this morning about something "not kosher" going on at the "Civil Forum" featuring Senators Obama and McCain Saturday night. There are more than a few clues that McCain had been tipped to what was being asked, before he went on stage - despite assurances from the program host the second candidate would not hear what was asked of the first candidate - being kept in a "cone of silence" for the first hour.

We all know, the aging McCain is not the quickest drill bit in the tool box. So how was he able to respond so quickly to impromptu questioning.. sometimes before Rev. Rick Warren even finished his questions? Should we have asked for blood tests to see if he had chemical help - to give him telepathy skills? Probably more likely, did McCain sneak a mobile communication device into the "cone of silence" to get tips about the questions he would face?

Name The Biggest Media Weasels

ZapDuff — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:07:41 EDT

Barack Obama supporters say there's a conspiracy among the Main Stream Media to slant coverage to favor GOP candidate McCain. This is an effort to document MSM violators of journalistic principles.. on a daily basis. Results will be posted and new surveys launched at noon ET.

YOU tell us who are the MSM pundits, bloviators, ranters, banters, and would be cantors to avoid! It limits us to the 1st hundred responses/day... unless we upgrade (decision pending) to the paid version. So... make your opinion count at: Who was the biggest Media Weasel on Tuesday

MSM's Selective Focus - as a Sign of Bias

ZapDuff — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:13:08 EDT

Early today, Senator McCain summoned television crews.. so he could make a speech on his position regarding the deadly crisis between Russia and Georgia. The effort was to show his expertise when it comes to international relations. The first thing I noticed, was how the wrinkly white haired dude (as referred to by Paris Hilton) pronounced the name of the Georgian President... three different ways... and ALL of them badly wrong.

Even if you give him a pass on a tough to spell name like Mikheil Saakashvili.. it's impossible to ignore three parts of his speech were lifted from Wikipedia. Even though news of this became public knowledge a little after noon, neither Fox (as expected) nor CNN bothered to mention the transgression... preferring to continue their preoccupation with the Edward's indiscretion.

Reliable Sources - UNRELIABLE!

ZapDuff — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:02:58 EDT

With the Olympics bumping Meet The Press... I watched CNN's Reliable Sources, instead of catching it via the podcast later. I was eager to see a discussion about the Washington Post travesty - addressed in my previous Blog Posting.. WP Defends Milbank Harm to Obama With Lie.

Until I have a chance to watch the recording... I would like to think I nodded off at some point and missed the segment I wanted to see. Although, I don't think I went to sleep. I think Reliable Source host Howard Kurtz ignored the biggest media faux pas of the summer.

WP Defends Milbank Harm to Obama With Lie

ZapDuff — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:28:35 EDT

Well, the Washington Post Ombudsman finally responded to the (reporter) Dana Milbank lie that serves to discredit Senator Barack Obama - far more effectively than any of the nasty attack ads from the McCaca Campaign. But, oh my goodness: Deborah Howell's response to our complaints falls a light year too short of satisfaction. First of all, she tries to discredit everyone who protested faulty journalism at the Washington Post as "partisans." Her label is almost as insulting as Milbank referring to Obama as the "presumptuous nominee."

Instead of admitting errors by Milbank, she defends the pejorative little wretch - who used something in an anonymous email: "I saw it, and it was quoted accurately." Excuse me Ms. Howell: Publishing an accurately quoted falsehood still spreads a lie... and THAT is wrong! I know, I've been out of the newsroom many years now, but it's still credibility damaging - bad journalism.

Obama Energy Plan

ZapDuff — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:07:30 EDT

The next time you read or hear someone say "Obama has a vague energy plan!" here's a way to effectively correct them. Senator Obama is now on the record - supporting a comprehensive program to wean America off its addiction to foreign energy. The plan (the bullet pointed version is below and convenient for copy/paste/printing.)

Commit one idea to memory as a quick response... should you be confronted by someone parroting a version of McBrokenRecord's, "Obama's energy program is about using a tire pressure guage!" Simply say: "Maintaining your car and its tires is common sense... and should be part of YOUR energy program. Obama's ideas are SOOOOO much more!" Then hand (or email) them this:

Another McHypocrite vs Obama

ZapDuff — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:10:06 EDT

Perhaps you've heard, some right wing blowhard is organizing a prayer group. Stuart Shepard wants his flock to ask god to make it rain enough to cause flooding on August 28th. Not on some drought striken area that needs precipitation, no... this not so good shepherd wants "torrential" rains to fall on Mile High Stadium. That's the place and date Barack Obama is scheduled to accept the Democratic nomination for President, before a crowd of more than 70,000 American voters.

Since 9-11, we have lived in fear of what will come next from religious radicals. While Christian zealots involved in Focus on the Family (combination ministry/political action group for which Shephard is a spokesman) may not deserve to be labeled terrorists, I can not imagine why god fearing believers would call on their supreme being to do harm anyone - if only in the spirit of being "party poopers." This is mean spirited and hateful... and not at all Christian like, from the understanding I got as a boy.

Hiding Racism In "Colorful & Weird" Words

ZapDuff — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:14:53 EDT

I think MSNBC did huge disservice to American voters the other day. Race for the White House host, David Gregory dedicated much of his hour to investigating, "Is Obama Weird?" That lead to more than a few postings to the Obama blogs and listservs.

Lisa Owen wrote:

Race for the White House, MSNBC, Tuesday, August 5th...

Conservative talk show host Michael Graham, quote, "...I've met all people from all kinds of strange and colorful backgrounds, and I can honestly say I don't know anyone like Barack Obama."

Hello?!?!?!? THIS is one of the a-clowns Barack is talking about when he refers to, "Those Guys.." then gets attacked by the McCrap Campaign for "playing the race card."

Dutch town tests 'air-purifying' concrete

Stuart Mason Dambrot — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:00:52 EDT

http://www.physorg.com/news137230645.html

Dutch town tests 'air-purifying' concrete

A recent picture shows the special paving stone in a lab of the Twente University. A road in the small Dutch town of Hengelo is to be paved with air-purifying concrete in a trial that could lead to a breakthrough in the fight against rising pollution, scientists said. A road in the small Dutch town of Hengelo is to be paved with air-purifying concrete in a trial that could lead to a breakthrough in the fight against rising pollution, scientists said Wednesday.

Experts from the University of Twente developed and tested the concrete paving stones which contain a titanium dioxide-based additive. In laboratory conditions, the additive -- under the influence of sunlight -- binds the nitrogen oxide particles emitted by car exhausts and turns them into harmless nitrates. "With one rain shower everything is washed clean," the institution said in a statement.

Nitrogen oxides, produced by industry and motor vehicles, are among the main air pollutants that lead to acid rain and smog.

Developed from a Japanese invention, the bricks are now being put to the test in Hengelo in the eastern Dutch province of Overijssel. One half of a road under reconstruction is being paved with the new, green bricks, and the other half with the ordinary variety. "By measuring the air quality in both areas, we will be able to show the efficacy of the bricks," said the statement.

Apart for their ability to clean the air and repel dirt from the road surface, there was no other difference between these new bricks and the old ones, the university said. "The province of Overijssel sees an opportunity in these bricks to improve air quality," it added. "This trial project is of great significance for the entire country."

The road was expected to be finished by year-end. The first air measurements will be taken early next year, with the first results expected next summer.

Obama and the Declining Significance of Race

ZapDuff — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:37:18 EDT

Isn't this new Ebony cover AWESOME?

Simply breathtaking. Michelle is so..... Real: With smarts. With beauty. With class. Look at that personality beaming from the magazine. Yea... She gets my vote for America's next First Lady.

The picture attracted me to take a look at the Ebony website... where I discovered another gem. No spectacular pictures, just words. Words confirming that even before the election, the national recognition of the Obama family is changing the way America thinks. And it's changing things for the better.

As a guy who has banged my head against the wall for decades, (such as when I was hired by one TV station [facing discrimination charges] with the mandate to improve diversity... only to be canned when I tried to implement those changes) I'm almost giddy to read on Ebony's website: The Declining Significance of Race -Version 2.0!

McHypocrite vs Obama

ZapDuff — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:16:18 EDT

Wake up America.... Don't believe that stammering fool on the South Dakota stage.

First: The latest crap. Paris Hilton fired back today with a lovely rebuttal to the McCrook commercial using her image in that reprehensible Celebrity Spot. It's worth your time to watch the two minute message from a new "candidate" for president... http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d

Notice anything about her energy plan? YES! It's the one Obama promoted the last few days... a compromise of the best ideas offered by both parties!

Guerilla Warfare for the MSM

ZapDuff — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:48:31 EDT

Another day of angst over prejudicial programming practices by the cable networks. In a relatively slow news day... It's tough to understand why the cable and network news nets fail to provide live coverage of Barack Obama's appearance before the National Urban League conference in Orlando.

Hard to believe... but of the cable nets, only Faux News actually started to carry Barack's speech, but after a few minutes cut away to run commercials. After that, Faux returned with a voice over Obama speaking.. "We will continue to monitor this... and return if something newsworthy happens."

Excuse me.... "Newsworthy?" What was this appearance by Obama in Florida?!?!?!

Confrontation at Obama Town Hall in Florida

ZapDuff — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:16:27 EDT

You may not have seen the entire episode in the national media... as all dumped coverage of Obama's Town Hall Meeting in Saint Petersburg - before a tense moment erupted. So when CNN cut away, I switched to live coverage on Bay News9. Almost immediately I saw three young men and a couple women on the top row of the bleachers behind Obama stand up, unfurl a banner, and start screaming. The banner, and their chant was: "What About the Black Community?" Heckler Video

Cool and collected, Barack turned to face his tormentors and politely asked them to not interrupt his message... and if they showed respect... they could ask their questions when he was finished. When they kept yelling.. he again showed he was unruffled and calmly and politely suggested they sit down and be courteous... and he would make sure they would have an opportunity to speak when he ended his talk. Order was restored when Obama urged,"Just Relax."

"President" Label on McSicko Spot

ZapDuff — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:18:08 EDT

First... view the new 30-second McSicko Spot... watch the first few seconds closely!

You may have witnessed this issue was raised last night on MSNBC, by Rachel Maddow. In a clear case of deceptive advertising, the McSicko Campaign fraudulently uses a President McCain super at the top of their commercial touting their health care plan. Never mind, the plan has no substance.... the REAL complaint here is FALSE ADVERTISING... by claiming their candidate is already serving in the nation's highest elected office!

The bottom line (in case you want to skip the full story:) I discovered the local FBI office will accept such complaints! But getting there took an afternoon on the phone. The details follow:

Wounded Critters and Dangerous Storms

ZapDuff — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:09:19 EDT

The buzz this Wednesday (July 30, 2008) is the full tilt negative attacks from the McLimping campaign. Many of the Obama forums are transmitting messages of concern, if not fear and loathing, for the hostile tenor - coming before either of the major party conventions. About as scary as the powerful afternoon storms - common this time of the year in Florida. As I write this, I am tempted to advise: Stay safely inside and avoid indiscriminate lightning strikes and flying debris until it passes.

So it is with a 4th new anti-Obama political advertising appearing on all the news nets: Celebs today... in the wake of the dispicable Troops spot, attacking Obama with false claims that he skipped a hospital visit with wounded soldiers to go to the gym. But like a quickly fading storm, our exposure to the latter ended after a long front page story in the Washington Post that debunked the lie filled political ad.

O-Camp HQ: Please Target These Issues

ZapDuff — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:44:03 EDT

While the McDevious campaign ratchets up its Anti-Obama rhetoric, we have a couple signficant opportunities to tout Barack's positions AND record that validates who is better to lead our country. Assuming no one at the campaign HQ in Chicago has time to read these epistles, I hope fans of my scribbles with access to campaign decision makers can pass along my observations.

Public statements by the candidate and advertising messages should quickly give attention to falsehoods repeatedly turning up in McCaCa messages:

Counter McRanting claims that Obama is naive and does not understand international affairs...
Counter McLie2Vets&GIs bragging he supports both and Obama does not...

Excellent Time's "The Page" post on Obama response to McCain “Troops” ad

Stuart Mason Dambrot — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:27:07 EDT

LINK: http://thepage.time.com/obama-camp-response-to-mccain-ad-troops/

Obama Camp Response to McCain Ad “Troops”

Obama campaign response to Senator McCain’s latest attack ad:

“John McCain is an honorable man who is running an increasingly dishonorable campaign. Senator McCain knows full well that Senator Obama strongly supports and honors our troops, which is what makes this attack so disingenuous. Senator Obama was honored to meet with our men and women in uniform in Iraq and Afghanistan this week and has visited wounded soldiers at Walter Reed numerous times. This politicization of our soldiers is exactly what Senator Obama sought to avoid, and it’s not worthy of Senator McCain or the ‘civil’ campaign he claimed he would run,” said Obama campaign spokesman Tommy Vietor.

FLASHBACK – Senator McCain in 2007: “How can we possibly find honor in using the fate of our servicemen to score political advantage in Washington? There is no pride to be had in such efforts. We are at war, a hard and challenging war, and we do no service for the best of us-those who fight and risk all on our behalf-by playing politics with their service.” [Congressional Record, 5/24/07]

MCCAIN “TROOPS” ADWATCH

July 26, 2008

SCRIPT

RESPONSE

Anncr: Barack Obama never held a single Senate hearing on Afghanistan.

McCain Missed Every Armed Services Committee Hearing In The Last Two Years That Discussed Afghanistan. A review of the Senate Armed Services Committee hearings as listed on the committee Web site for the past two years reveals that McCain’s committee has held six hearings that included the word “Afghanistan” in the title or Central Command — which overseas U.S. troops in Afghanistan. McCain missed them all. [ABC News, 7/17/08]

Senator Obama Chaired A Foreign Relations Committee Hearing That Discussed NATO And U.S. Efforts In Afghanistan. Obama chaired a Foreign Relations Committee meeting chaired by Sen. Obama in April 2008. During the meeting, Obama discussed NATO and Afghanistan and the lack of resources we need to win the war there saying, “Afghanistan, NATO’s first major mission beyond the borders of Europe, has been overlooked and undermanned by many members of the alliance, including the United States. Success in Afghanistan, I believe, is critical to American national security and to the security of the entire world, and a failure there would not only endanger our nation and global stability, it would cast serious doubt on the ability of NATO’s military and political architecture to uphold our security in the 21st century. Some new troop commitments to Afghanistan were made in Bucharest, and that is good news. But neither the administration nor our allies have yet done enough to muster the resources that would win the war there and prevent Afghanistan from re-emerging as a safe haven for the Taliban and al Qaeda.” [Foreign Relations Committee Hearing, 4/8/08]

HEARINGS ON NATO’S ROLE IN AFGHANISTAN WOULD BE HELD BEFORE THE FULL FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE AND NOT OBAMA’S SUBCOMMITTEE

Republican Lugar’s Spokesperson Said Criticism Of Obama On Not Holding Hearings On Afghanistan Is Unfair Because NATO’s Role In Afghanistan Would Be Held Before The Full Foreign Relations Committee. The website PolitiFact, run by CQ and the St. Petersburg Times wrote, the claim “is unfair, said Andrew J. Fischer, a spokesman for Republican Sen. Richard Lugar. Lugar now serves as a minority member of the Foreign Relations Committee, but he was the chair, from 2003 to 2006, when Republicans controlled the Senate. He is the ranking Republican on the committee. Fischer, who is a minority staff member of the Foreign Relations Committee, said something as major as NATO’s role in Afghanistan would typically be held before the full Foreign Relations Committee, rather than Obama’s European subcommittee.” [Politifact, 2/26/08]

Biden: Obama Didn’t Chair A NATO And Afghanistan Subcommittee Hearing Because I Did As Chairman Of The Committee—“We Hold Those Hearings At The Full Committee Level.” Sen. Joe Biden said, “The reason Senator Obama didn’t chair a NATO and Afghanistan subcommittee hearing is because I did, as Chairman of the Committee….when it comes to the war in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq, we hold those hearings at the full committee level.” [ABC News, 7/15/08]

Kerry Said That Oversight Of Afghanistan Falls Under His Subcommittee And Not Obama’s; Said Top Topics Like NATO Are Left To The Foreign Relations Committee. “Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., an Obama supporter and member of the Foreign Relations Committee, pointed out in a teleconference with reporters Monday that oversight for Afghanistan falls under the jurisdiction of his subcommittee — Near East and South and Central Asian Affairs. He said he had conducted hearings on policy in Afghanistan. He also said top topics such as NATO are left to the Foreign Relations Committee.” [AP, 3/3/08]

Subcommittee On European Affairs Doesn’t Have Primary Jurisdiction, Secondary Jurisdiction, Or Even Tertiary Jurisdiction Over The Campaign In Afghanistan; Clinton’s Claim Is False And “Represents Politics At It’s Most Cynical.” It’s worth reiterating: the Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on European Affairs doesn’t have primary jurisdiction over the campaign in Afghanistan. The Armed Services Committee (on which Senator Clinton serves) does. The Subcommittee on European Affairs doesn’t have secondary jurisdiction over the campaign in Afghanistan. The full Foreign Relations Committee (which has held hearings on Afghanistan) does. The Subcommittee on European Affairs doesn’t even have tertiary jurisdiction over the campaign in Afghanistan. The Subcommittee on Near East and South and Central Asian Affairs does. Both Clintons, obviously, fully understand how the Senate operates; and recognize that any freshman senator who hopes to have any influence in the upper chamber isn’t going to hold hearings on a matter almost wholly tangential to his subcommittee’s jurisdiction… The Clinton memo’s charge about the Subcommittee on European Affairs—which the campaign now has repeatedly made—represents politics at its most cynical. It’s a false statement. The campaign officials who made it know it’s a false statement. Yet the issue is arcane enough that most readers of the memo wouldn’t know the statement was false—and the press (as seen by Halperin’s introduction) can be counted on to frame the issue in a neutral fashion, since most journalists want to avoid the appearance of editorializing.” [History News Network, 3/17/08]

He hadn’t been to Iraq in years.

Headline Five Days Ago: “Obama Visits Iraq, Focus On U.S. Troop Levels.” “U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama met Iraqi leaders and U.S. military commanders in Baghdad on Monday in a visit overshadowed by the question of when U.S. troops should go home.” [Reuters, 7/21/08]

He voted against funding our troops.

FACTCHECKERS: CLAIM THAT OBAMA VOTED AGAINST TROOP FUNDING IS “MISLEADING”

Annenberg Fact Check: Saying Obama Voted Against Troop Funding Is “Oversimplified To The Point Of Being Seriously Misleading, Which Is Exactly The Problem With McCain’s Ad.” “As recently as April 2007, Obama voted in favor of funding U.S. troops again, but this time Democrats added a non-binding call to withdraw them from Iraq. McCain (who was absent for the vote) urged the president to veto that funding measure, because of the withdrawal language. President Bush did veto it, and McCain applauded Bush’s veto. Based on those facts, it would be literally true to say that ‘McCain urged a veto of funding for our troops.’ But that would be oversimplified to the point of being seriously misleading, which is exactly the problem with McCain’s ad.” [FactCheck.org, 7/22/08]

AP Fact Check: The McCain Ad’s Charge That Obama Voted Against Troop Funding Is “Misleading.” “The ad’s most inflammatory charge — that Obama voted against troop funding in Iraq and Afghanistan — is misleading. The Illinois senator consistently voted to fund the troops once elected to the Senate, a point Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton made during the primaries when questioning whether his anti-war rhetoric was reflected in his actions.” [AP, 7/18/08]

And now, he made time to go to the gym, but cancelled a visit with wounded troops.

Seems the Pentagon wouldn’t allow him to bring cameras.

Obama Has Been Clear: He Did Not Want Visit to Wounded Soldiers To Be Perceived as Political, Which The Pentagon Had Ruled It Would Be, And Never Planned To Bring Media. “We had scheduled to go, we had no problem at all in leaving, we always leave press and staff off — that is why we left it off the schedule. We were treating it in the same way we treat a visit to Walter Reed which I was able to do a few weeks ago without any fanfare whatsoever. I was going to be accompanied by one of my advisors, a former military officer.” Continued Obama, “And we got notice that he would be treated as a campaign person, and it would therefore be perceived as political because he had endorsed my candidacy but he wasn’t on the Senate staff. That triggered then a concern that maybe our visit was going to be perceived as political. And the last thing that I want to do is have injured soldiers and the staff at these wonderful institutions having to sort through whether this is political or not or get caught in the crossfire between campaigns.” “So rather than go forward and potentially get caught up in what might have been considered a political controversy of some sort,” Obama said, “what we decided was that we not make a visit and instead I would call some of the troops that were there. So that essentially would be the extent of the story.” [ABC News, 7/26/08]

Obama Visited Wounded Troops at Walter Reed Last Month. The AP wrote, “Barack Obama stopped by Walter Reed Army Medical Center Saturday to visit wounded war veterans, a group that he has said endures substandard care under the Bush administration. The presumed Democratic nominee, who was in Washington to speak to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, slipped into the facility shortly after 9 a.m. without stopping to speak to the small group of reporters who follow him. The visit wasn’t on his public schedule.” [AP, 6/28/08]

Obama Visited Wounded Troops In Baghdad’s Green Zone. Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said, “On Monday, Sen. Obama stopped into a combat support hospital in the green zone of Baghdad, some of you may have seen the show on HBO called Baghdad ER, that was this hospital.” [Fox, 7/25/08]

McCain Senior Advisor Steve Schmidt: “We Follow The Rules” Banning Political Campaigning On Military Bases. “With Department of Defense rules prohibiting political campaigning on military bases, it was determined that in some cases McCain could visit the installations as a senator but could not engage in any political activity or have news media present. McCain campaign officials said Thursday they intentionally did not campaign on military property. ‘We follow the rules,’ said senior McCain adviser Steve Schmidt.” [CNN.com, 4/3/08]

John McCain is always there for our troops.

McCain. Country first.

John McCain: I’m John McCain and I approve this message.

MCCAIN REPEATEDLY VOTED AGAINST AND OBAMA REPEATEDLY VOTED FOR FUNDING FOR MILITARY EQUIPMENT FOR SOLDIERS

Obama Voted For And McCain Voted Against $360 Million for Armored Vehicles for Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2005, Obama voted for and McCain voted against providing $360.8 million for armored tactical wheeled vehicles for units deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and $5 million to establish ballistics engineering research centers at two major research institutions. The measure against which McCain voted also required such centers to advance knowledge and application of ballistics materials and procedures to improve the safety of land-based military vehicles. [HR 2863, Vote 248, 10/5/05, Passed 56-43: R 13-42 D 42-1 I 1-0]

Obama Voted TWICE Against And McCain Voted TWICE For Keeping Capital Gains Tax Cuts, Rather Than Using the Savings to Replace or Repair Equipment for Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2005, Obama voted for and McCain voted against repealing the extension of capital gains tax cuts and use the savings to repair, rehabilitate or replace the equipment used by the Army and Marine Corps in Afghanistan & Iraq. A week later, prior to the issuance of a conference report regarding that measure, Obama voted for and McCain voted against a measure to “insist that conference report include funding to strengthen America’s military, as contained in Senate-passed amendment, instead of any extension of tax cuts for capital gains and dividends (which do not expire until 2009), as contained in House-passed bill.” [HR 4297, Vote 8, 2/2/06, Passed 44-53: R 1-52 D 42-1 I 1-0; HR 4297, Vote 18, 2/14/06, Failed 45-55: R 1-54 D 43-1 I 1-0]

McCain Voted Against Providing An Additional $322 Million for Troops’ Safety Equipment, Including Body Armor. In 2003, McCain voted against an amendment to provide an additional $322 million for battlefield clearance and safety equipment for U.S. troops in Iraq. As National Journal noted, the amendment would have provided funding for “soldiers’ body armor, communications and other equipment.” The increased spending would have been offset by a reduction in Iraqi reconstruction funds. [S 1689, Vote 376, 10/2/03, Passed 49-37: R 46-0 D 2-37 I 1-0; National Journal’s CongressDaily, 10/3/03]

McCain Opposed $1 Billion For Equipment For National Guard. In 2003, McCain opposed providing $1 billion for equipment for the National Guard and Reserves. [S 762, Vote 116, 4/2/03, Passed 52-47: R 51-0 D 1-46 I 0-1]

Polling the Pollsters - Do the Numbers Add Up?

ZapDuff — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 19:39:33 EDT

In a recent O-Forum posting, I mentioned why we might distrust some of the national polling services. My skepticism for a couple of those was greatly enhanced while trapped listening to the Hannity show last night - hoping to get a traffic report from 970-WFLA. Sean's guests shortly after 8PM (Friday 07/25/08) were John Zogby and Scott Rasmussen.

I was blown away with the bias they gleefully demonstrated - in harmony with the anti-Obama tone of their host! Both took on the persona of McWrong advisors in sharing their insight of how the GOP must address the weak areas (for McBad) in their polling results.

Hannity Whines For Fairness

ZapDuff — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:39:33 EDT

Sitting in a Tampa traffic jam last night, hoping for a radio traffic report... I was forced to tune in the ClearChannel NeoCon station. McBabble mouthpiece Hannity came screaming through the speakers. He gave me my BEST laugh of the day. He was bemoaning to a caller how the Main Stream Media was shunning McWhiner... while spending so many resources covering the Obama tour overseas. He never quite got around to endorsing the reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine... but he sure repeated "It's just not fair!" about a zillion times!

It's not fair, eh Sean? While the MSM you blast gave viewers an average of 4-minutes to O-coverage in each of their three evening half hour broadcasts... they tried to give equal time to McMunchy. In each case... both candidates had control over the backdrops used to frame the words coming from their mouths. Don't blame the media that one chose to appear like a leader, while the other chose to appear like someone looking for something to eat.

Email template for contacting or responding to a "low-info" voter

Stuart Mason Dambrot — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:07:15 EDT

Dear <name>:

You might have heard or read that <the exact misstatement>. While you may have seen this on television, read it in the newspaper, or heard it on the radio or from a friend, the real story is very different.

Perhaps I can help. Here are the facts you need to make an informed decision, as well as the sources of those facts so that you can check them out for yourself.

<facts>

<links/references>

I speak with people about issues like this every day, and I've learned that the only way to be an informed citizen is to use honest, documented facts. I hope that I've given you a good place to start.

Best regards,

<name>

<city, state>

Bloviators Reference Hitler

ZapDuff — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:18:37 EDT

Sherry Clark wrote:

I knew this was coming... I had heard something about this a few weeks back but I didn't think anyone else would have the gall to raise the subject of Hitler again. It makes me nauseous.

----- Original Message -----
From: Becky Bonnette
Sent: Thursday
Subject: CNN GLENN BECK - BEN STEIN SAYS OBAMA LIKE HITLER
Stein on Obama's convention speech: 'Seventy-five-thousand people at an outdoor sports palace, well, that's something the Fuehrer would have done'
On Glenn Beck, Ben Stein...

Dear Becky and Sherry... Please take a deep breath and consider my perspective.

Shortie - MSM Alternatives

ZapDuff — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:53:56 EDT

The following are book marks to use as alternatives to the MSM sites... Friends of mine are involved in some of these, and may still be experimental or still in beta testing.. . Send feedback, when time permits, to the site operators if you have content/operational suggestions.

Marumushi News Map - AWESOME headline linkage device for assignment editor desk tops/wall panels.. with easy customization for time/geo/subject focus - the MOST expansive aggregator)

Live News Camera Desk Top - Same concept as above... but with streaming video instead of text, high RAM

Other, more traditional, links from headlines/synopsis follow.

blogging party tonight here

MarkkraM — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:55:27 EDT

SEN. BARACK OBAMA WILL SIT DOWN FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERWITH WITH ABC NEWS' TERRY MORAN IN BAGHDAD FOR "NIGHTLINE" AT 11:35 P.M. ET TONIGHT. EXCERPTS OF THE INTERVIEW WILL ALSO AIR ON MONDAY'S "WORLD NEWS WITH CHARLES GIBSON" AND TUESDAY'S "GOOD MORNING AMERICA"

Link

gonna have to break my boycott.

Al Gore for Energy Czar!

FitNYC — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:56:51 EDT

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/19/opinion/19herbert.html?th&emc=th

Brilliant!

Under-reported News: The (2nd) Longest Walk

A New & Better Day! — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:43:28 EDT

http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417745

Barack vs Pardons and Electrocutions

FitNYC — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:32:39 EDT

In the last death throes of the Bush administration, I predict we will see many aberrations of justice and misjudgments that will astound us.

Today’s New York Times mentioned multitudes of criminals hoping for pardons from Bush in his waning days. I bet they will get their pardons.

Yesterday’s Times mentioned Cheney’s KBR company’s incompetence, electrocuting our soldiers in Iraq while they were taking a shower! They will assuredly get away with this. No prosecutioun for them.
Sometimes I want to move to another country.

Na Meen? (Terrorist "fist bump" ebonic speak for "Do You Know What I Mean?")

"TIME HORIZON", A Sci Fi Classic Tale of A President

Obama PEACE Warrior — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:33:39 EDT

"TIME HORIZON", A Sci Fi Classic Tale
Our Commander in Chief doesn't call it "retreating" anymore, the Brave New Word is "dis-established" the Outpost", i.e., when it was overrun by Afghan Taliban insurgents, the NATO and American Troops were ordered to "dis-establish" the Base by their Leaders.
Also, we're not on a Timetable, goodness, No! That would be silly! No, America's Troops now have a "TIME HORIZON" in Iraq, folks! Sounds like somebody in little Bush's camp has been reading some Science Fiction at night, and running phrases past Focus Groups to see what sounded "Commander-in-Chiefy", as Pres. Bush might put it. I guess "Time Horizon" sounded the most "Commander-in-Chiefy"!
"TIME HORIZON", the Sci Fi Classic tale of an American President in the 21st Century who caused a terrible ..... and ..... and .... oh my.... !
.... well, what kind of terrible surprises will be sprung on a wary America, by an increasingly out-of-touch Bush regime? Right now, Bush is in the final months of his "Lame Duck" but still "Imperial" Presidency. Just who in his circle of advisors will be the One to decide what 'tricks" to pull on us? Dick Cheney? Condi Rice? Sec. Gates? George W. Bush himself?? Daddy Bush?
Whatever their decisions, they hold the "TIME HORIZON" of the entire WORLD in their hands. I sure hope they don't make the same kind of wrong-headed decisions they made during the rest of his Presidency!
Or we might end up with a "LOST HORIZON".

Poll: Obama backers are more excited than McCain's

Mikeystyle — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:20:16 EDT

By ALAN FRAM

WASHINGTON (AP) — John McCain is facing an excitement deficit. While overall interest in the presidential campaign has swelled since last fall, backers of Barack Obama are more fired up and express more loyalty to their candidate than McCain's do, a poll by The Associated Press and Yahoo News showed Friday. In addition, individual groups backing Obama — African-Americans, Democrats and liberals — are more enthusiastic than whites, Republicans and conservatives, who are more aligned with McCain, the GOP senator from Arizona.

Obama faces hurdles of his own. The poll shows lagging fervor for the Democratic senator from Illinois by supporters of his vanquished rival, Hillary Rodham Clinton. And there are lots of dispirited and undecided independents, who are expected to be pivotal on Election Day, now less then four months off.

The passion and interest shown by blocs of voters are important because they affect who will be motivated to vote. For now, the numbers favor Obama: 38 percent of his supporters say the election is exciting compared with 9 percent of McCain's. Sixty-five percent of Obama's backers say they are hopeful about the campaign, double McCain's, and the Democrat's supporters are three times likelier to express pride.

Dwight D. Eisenhower's Unique Experience A Model For Obama's Presidency

Obama PEACE Warrior — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:25:09 EDT

In Jean Edward Smith's Op Ed July 7th, "We Should Still Like Ike", the wisdom of Ike about War was discussed:"Eisenhower has been ignored by Republican power brokers for the past 40 years. Yet with the exception of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eisenhower was the most successful president of the 20th century. He ended a no-win war with Korea with honor and dignity, resisted calls for preventive war with China and the Soviet Union and weaned the Republican Party from its isolationist past.

The supreme commander of Allied forces during World War II, Eisenhower believed the United States should not go to war unless the nation’s survival was at stake. “There is no alternative to peace,” he said. He refused to engage American troops in brush-fire wars for political abstractions. After Eisenhower made peace in Korea, not a single American died in combat for the rest of his presidency.

When the National Security Council recommended the use of nuclear weapons at Dien Bien Phu to rescue the beleaguered French garrison there, Eisenhower rejected the proposal. “We can’t use those awful things against Asians for the second time in less than 10 years,” he said. Four years later, when China threatened force against Taiwan, the joint chiefs again recommended a nuclear response, and once again, Eisenhower rejected the idea."

As Smith's Op Ed shows, Dwight D. Eisenhower was a President who was wise when it came to War, having seen the terrible cost of both World War I and II and of the Korean War, both on the War Front and on the Home Front, both to Soldiers and to Civilians. One other event is seldom mentioned by Historians or News Pundits when they talk about Ike: his experiences as a Captain, serving under Gen. McArthur, after World War I when HOOVER was President.

It was during desperate times, especially for the World War I Veterans and their families, during the Great Depression which followed the War. The "Bonus Army" WWI Vets marched on Washington, DC, coming from all parts of the country, to demand that Pres. Hoover honor their Service and Sacrifices during the War, and help them and their families. They set up a Tent City, with their wives, children and babies along, which Hoover could see from his White House "ivory tower".

Pres. Hoover ordered Gen. McArthur to remove the "Bonus Army" Veterans and to destroy their Tent City. Gen. McArthur ordered a man under his Command to execute that terrible order. The man was Captain Dwight D. Eisenhower, and he followed his orders, having the Troops march against their fellow soldiers, the Veterans who had fought for their country in World War I, and forced them to leave, then bulldozed over and burnt their Tents and all their possessions which the Vets and their families could not carry.

It took F.D.R., when he became President, to "shame" the U.S. Congress into giving the WW I "Bonus Army" Vets the financial help they so desperately needed. It also took F.D.R. to end the Great Depression, with the help of the American people.

Looking at the state of our Nation today, would you say Pres. George W. Bush is acting more like a Pres. HOOVER, or a Pres. Franklin Delano Roosevelt? And, ask yourselves this: Do you want the next President to emulate one of our greatest Presidents, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who realized that War has serious unintended consequences, and should not be waged recklessly or needlessly; or to do you want the next President to emulate our current "Cowboy" President, George W. Bush?

GOP Senate Candidate Fesses Up To Oil Deal

Candace N. - V.O.B — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:16:01 EDT

Colorado Senatorial candidate Bob Schaffer acknowledged today that he knowingly arranged an oil deal in the Kurdish region of Iraq that was counterproductive to American interests in the region. He argued that the deal was allowed under Iraq's federal system, and so he felt comfortable pursuing it.

Schaffer, a Republican, came under heavy criticism in recent weeks for arranging the deal, because U.S. officials said it would be damaging to the tenuous oil-revenue sharing agreements that the Iraqi government was, at the time, putting together.

Initially, Schaffer denied he was aware State Department officials had warned against such an arrangement, despite the fact that objections from Condoleezza Rice and President Bush were highly public.

But on Thursday, the Colorado Republican changed his tune, acknowledging, according to the paper the Pueblo Chieftain, that "U.S. officials in Baghdad did not want U.S. oil companies doing business directly with the Kurds."

"It's troubling enough that Bob Schaffer flew into Iraq in the middle of the war, not to support our troops, but to cut a money-making oil deal that undermined the mission our troops were fighting for," said Tara Trujillo, campaign spokeswoman for Schaffer's Democratic rival, Mark Udall. "But now we see he won't even give Coloradans a straight answer on what he knew and when."

Schaffer initially traveled to Iraq in November 2006 to lay the groundwork for an oil deal in the Kurdish regions for Aspect Energy, his former employer. Previous deals like Aspect's had drawn disapproval from President Bush. And the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office reported that the Iraqi government viewed foreign deals like the one Aspect was arranging as "illegal."

Schaffer continued to work on the Aspect deal while officially a candidate for the United States Senate. For his labor he earned a $160,000 salary from Aspect Energy in 2007, and a $226,000 severance package when he left the company after conclusion of the deal.

His initial claims of ignorance that the Aspect deal was against U.S. interests were highly dubious, as the Huffington Post reported two weeks ago:

Throughout that time period, Iraqi officials, including the country's oil minister, were expressing fears that Kurdish oil ambitions would result in open political conflict within the Iraqi state. Additionally, the State Department wrote a letter to Congress stating that any contract signed between a foreign energy company and the Kurdistan Regional Government would elevate tensions.
...
What makes the issue so damaging, critics allege, is not just that Schaffer is claiming he was unaware of the concerns of the President, State Department and Iraqi officials, but that he was doing this all at the same time that he was officially running for Colorado's Senate Seat.

American Hunters & Shooters Association (AHSA) Endorsed Obama

bob-pol — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:52:04 EDT

http://www.thejnotes.com/blog1/american-hunters-and-shooters-association-endorses-obama/

Barack Obama received the endorsement of the American Hunters and Shooters Association (AHSA).

The President of the Association released this statement:

As a gun rights organization we have not come to this decision lightly. We were formed two years ago because our research shows that millions of gun owners wanted a change. They not only wanted an organization that would protect their gun rights but an organization that was also committed to the protection of their communities as well as the protection of our lands.We reached out to the Obama campaign several weeks ago to offer our support and approval as was reported by Paul Bedard of US News and World Report.

We believe recent attacks on Senator Obama's stand on the 2nd Amendment and his commitment to our hunting and shooting heritage are unfair and American Hunters and Shooters Association is stepping up to set the record straight.
Senator Obama has clearly demonstrated his commitment to the 2nd Amendment by his vote in support of the Vitter amendment to HR 5441, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill of 2007. This amendment prevents the Government from confiscating guns in a time of crisis or emergency.
Imagine how the citizens felt during Hurricane Katrina when government agents kicked in doors to confiscate law abiding citizens' guns at a time when they needed them the most. We know Senator Obama "gets it." To say that he is an elitist is patently ridiculous.

To hunters and shooters everywhere, Senator Obama's vote demonstrated a fundamental understanding of the meaning of the 2nd Amendment which means he recognizes the individual right of all citizens to keep and bear arms. Senator Clinton, on the hand, failed to grasp the importance of this critical issue to hunters and shooters and voted against this Amendment. She turned her back on America's gun owners.

In addition, Senator Obama's commitment to conservation and protection of our natural resources and access to public lands demonstrates to us his commitment to America's hunting and shooting heritage.
Senator Obama will be a strong and authentic voice for America's hunters and shooters and it is with great pleasure that we endorse his candidacy.

Senator Obama's statement on guns given during the Democratic Primary:

We need sensible gun laws. I just got back from Montana where just about everyone has guns. In that culture, fathers and sons bond over hunting. You can't take that away from rural America. But the inner city is different, and we should tighten the laws on gun purchases and close the loopholes in gun show sales to unscrupulous buyers. The gun control people and the right to bear arms people are talking past each other about disconnected topics.

Rob [bob-pol]

Email template for responding to misstatements

Stuart Mason Dambrot — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:26:52 EDT

Dear <name>:

In your email or posting, <forward email or link to web posting>, you incorrectly stated that <erroneous/biased statement - the exact quote>. These misstatements frustrate and even anger those of us who, like me, value accurate, factual and unbiased campaigning.

Perhaps we can help. Here are links to references specifying the facts we hope you use to correct your statements. Again, should you decide to ignore our strongly-felt but reasonable request, we'd be obligated to discontinue this conversation and immediately inform our friends and associates, as well as the web community at large, about your divisive tactics.

<links>

Best regards,

<name>

<city, state>

3 Facts That Could Change This Election (If We Share Them)

Sherry C. - Talent, OR — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:30:17 EDT

3 Facts That Could Change This Election (If We Share Them)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6430781

Here are 3 Stunning facts that could not only change the outcome of this election, but with regard to the first two points, they could change the results of every election for years to come if we make enough people aware of them.

I want to keep this as simple and short as poss ible, so that the people who need to read this actually do. And again, I encourage you to share this information with as many people as you can, either by recommending and commenting on this thread, by emailing these points out and or by posting a link to this thread on the appropriate websites.

1) Over 70% of our National Debt was created by just 3 Republican presidents.

Go ahead, get out your calculator and add up debt by president/party. Apparently the party that claims fiscally responsibility thinks it's ok to borrow massive amounts of money from foreign countries like China. Consider that we spend hundreds of billions of dollars in interest payments on this debt each year. That means more and more of your hard earned money is going to make interest only payments on what is basically a Giant National Credit Card. Not to mention the fact our debt/deficits are largely behind the weakness of our dollar, which in turns makes gas more expensive and creates other serious problems.

If you want to learn more about the National Debt, check out these links:

http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock /
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/20...
http://zfacts .com/p/447.html (A running clock with the cost of the war)
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/business...

2) According to new research from Larry Bartels out of Princeton, real middle class wage growth is double when a Democrat is president compared to when a Republican is president.

"...Even more remarkable, the real incomes of working-poor families...grew six times as fast when Democrats held the White House. Only the incomes of affluent families were relatively impervious to partisan politics, growing robustly under Democrats and Republicans alike...": http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/magazine/27wwln-ideal...

Here is a short summary of this research: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008...

And here is a good, short audio interview with Larry Bartels: http://youngturks.wmod.llnwd.net/a591/o1/4-25-08Bartels...

3) 90% of Americans would pay less taxes under Obama's proposed tax plan compared to McCain's.

This is according to the non-partisan Tax Policy Institute as reported by CNN: http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/11/news/economy/candidates...

People making under $112,000 a year in individual (not household) income would pay less taxes under Obama's plan.

By contrast, John McCain's tax cuts mostly benefit the top 10% of Americans. Under McCain's plan, people making over 2.9 million dollars in individual annual income would get almost a million dollar tax break.

Conclusion: Countless millions of Americans vote Republican because they believe they'll pay less taxes and that they'll have their money spent more responsibly. As you can see, those beliefs are directly contradicted by the facts. Of course we can choose to ignore the facts and instead focus on which candidate is wearing a flag pin (you ever notice that Hillary and McCain don't wear them? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi5nbZvS9cg ) but I think we're a smarter country than that.

PS---If you're not sure how to respond to those laughably bad, factually inaccurate anti-Obama smear emails and or you want more information on John McCain, here is a nice resource guide of articles, videos and commentary: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6430781

Email template for contacting the media

Stuart Mason Dambrot — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:43:02 EDT

Based on the Media Matters guidelines for communicating with journalists, I've written a template that might be helpful - especially when the writer is really incensed about a media misstatement.

Everyone's comments are actively encouraged!

Stuart Mason Dambrot

Only Obama!

--------------------------

Dear <name>:

On your <data and time> broadcast, you incorrectly stated / allowed <guest> to state that <erroneous/biased statement - the exact quote>. These misstatements frustrate and even anger those of your viewers who, like me, value accurate, factual and unbiased reporting - often to the point of deciding to no longer watch your program, as well as to tell our friends, your program's producer, and your station's advertisers how we feel and what we're doing about it.

Perhaps we can help. Here are links to references specifying the facts we hope you use to correct your statements. Again, should you decide to ignore our strongly-felt but reasonable request, we'd be obligated to contact your network and producer about that as well.

<links>

Best regards,

<name>

<city, state>

--------------------

A Loss of Civility Among Us

ZapDuff — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:23:07 EDT

Little roadblocks are again cropping up more frequently on various O-Forums. I'm sure not all of the "Schism Drivers" are GOP infiltrators... but a lot of these mean spirited postings to listservs and blogs still serve to sap time, focus, and energy with detours on the routes we are using to drive Barack & Family to the White House. This is an (abridged) example of one of the most recent incidents:

On Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 10:02 AM, Henry <scuffling@****.com> wrote:

Ooops, I thought that this was the Countdown with Keith Olbermann Fans for Obama group. I seem to have wandered into the "whatever anyone writes is worthwhile if you know them" group-therapy group by mistake. I guess... they are a troll, a liar, or at best afraid to admit their mistakes... I think is more important than Lisa's feelings and the self-satisfaction that masquerades as righteousness on this mail list... Lisa was wrong...

MSM as Cheerleaders for the Bush Legacy

ZapDuff — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:43:16 EDT

When the (Tuesday) coverage of the Presidential News Conference concluded... I sent the following to MSNBC. It will likely never get much exposure, beyond the eyes of the intern in charge of hitting the DELETE key when this kind of thing reaches the network headquarters. Nonetheless, I needed to verbalize and ship my outrage - if for no other reason than to purge the expanding wrath from my body and soul, as a form of cardiac, spiritual, and mental therapy. I hope it serves you similarly.

NEW YORKER cover flap/Day 2

ZapDuff — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:02:18 EDT

Follow-ups:

Got an insightful email from Carmilo Varas, noting an issue I neglected to address, but should have.

So... Lest we forget, something else happens by reviving the focus on this ugly smear tactic. In addition to rebuilding old hurdles for the Obama campaign to waste time, energy, and focus addressing, it serves to demonize the Islamic faith.

Jesus for President

Mikeystyle — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:05:27 EDT

Young evangelicals are not necessarily in the Republican camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJyT39q-X24

Responding to the Offensive NEW YORKER Cover

ZapDuff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:07:32 EDT

Late this evening.. the O-email listservs started buzzing... with calls to send messags of outrage to the publishers of the New Yorker magazine. The angst is over cover art by Barry Blitt, a cartoon of Michelle and Barack in the Oval Office as Islamic extremists if not terrorists. The majority of posters urge a barrage of protest email to Conde Naste Publishing, which owns the New Yorker.

By sending emails to the magazine... you will only wind up becoming part of their power point demonstration for potential advertisers, "Look how we stimulate traffic for our magazine!" I would advise against helping spread this waste of pulp and ink. Instead, take your notepad to the library or news stand - with or without sticky melted ice cream on your fingers - and leaf through this issue. Take notes on the advertisers who helped pay for this to get into print.

Bank of America Boycott Petition

ZapDuff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:59:56 EDT

(original listserv post 07/07/08)

From: obaman2009@aol.com member of the Countdown Fans for Obama Forum
Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2008 11:25 PM

I just created a petition to try to get Bank of America to balance their political contribution by either withdrawing their $150,000 to the Republican Governor's Association 527 or to make a matching contribution to the Democratic Governor's Association 527. Please go sign it, even if you don't have a BOA account. Thanks.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/BOA_Boycott

If you really want to accomplish something... STOP LETTING THEM USE YOUR MONEY AGAINST YOU! Personally, I would feel bad if BOA managed to put money into any campaign to boost a candidate I love like Obama who goes out of his way to avoid becoming indebted - beholding - to these kind of scoundrels!

Carly Fiorina touts McCain's Tech Credentials

ZapDuff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:53:13 EDT

(original listserv post 07/09/08)

Here is why you gotta love Carly working for McBoosh!

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2008/07/carly-fiorina-t.html

Only MSNBC Offers Proof: McLiar Cheats Vets

ZapDuff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:48:35 EDT

(original listserv post 07/09/08)

Thanks be to the powers of the universe who have FINALLY conspired to deliver a major GOTCHA to that bum who has betrayed not just ALL the people now in uniform... but every one of us who are proud veterans that served our country in the past!

And again... that charming AirAmerica/MSNBC Poli-Sci Phd, Dr. Rachel Maddow was in the anchor chair and delivered what should be the coup de grâce for the entire world to see -- proof that John McLie2Vets has opposed improving the G-I Bill for many years... including the one just passed... for which this disingenuous scoundrel is still trying to take credit for its passage. Not just that, he even had the gall to shamefully attack the bill's author, Senator Webb - falsely accusing him of not putting enough into it!

Keeping Toxins Out of Your Inbox

ZapDuff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:37:30 EDT

Many well intentioned people still do not understand how they are helping to spread a virus... a thought virus to sap O-Resources, if not a computer virus that damages our hardware.

I have sent dozens of private emails to members of various O-forums... pleading they NOT respond via the email list serv by REpublishing the irrelevant rants of infiltrators who are opponents of the Obama campaign. Apparently my efforts to make the point that this is wasting our time, energy, and focus is falling on blind eyes.... the resources of EVERYONE here who really want to work for the election of Barack Obama.

Inauguration Countdown: 191

RBlake — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:59:35 EDT

191 days until Barack is inaugurated.

Organize, Donate, Organize!

News Priorities Run Amok

ZapDuff — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 23:01:37 EDT

OK folks, this is your News Lesson for the week from a long time broadcast journalism insider, still in mourning for the passing of my once proud craft. Many of you may have missed the death notice, hidden on the inside pages of the business section when the Fairness Doctrine was rescinded on August 4, 1987... the date when Barack Obama marked his 26th birthday and I really turned the age that Jack Benny quit aging - 39 - an age he claimed to be for about 40 years... until the passing of this great star from the early days of TV at the (real) age of eighty in 1974.

Death notices often reveal a lot about news values. News values are what is deemed worthy of coverage, a system that seems to have run amok these days. Check out the newscasts today... and focus your attention on the obituaries. Which of the following is getting top billing in your "news" source? Dr. Michael DeBakey or Tony Snow?

Help stop FOX from launching racist and hate-filled smears against Barack and Michelle Obama.

Yes We Did!...OBAMA/BIDEN '08 — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:26:57 EDT

More than 428,000 people signed a petition telling FOX to stop their racist and hate-filled smears against Barack Obama—thanks for signing! If we hit half-a-million signatures, we can draw media attention and put pressure on FOX's advertisers.

Can you help us reach half-a-million by forwarding this email to 5 friends today? They can sign the petition—and watch a new video about FOX's smears—by clicking here:

Sign the petition

Last week, we kicked off a campaign to stop FOX from launching racist and hate-filled smears against Barack and Michelle Obama.

Good news: Over 428,000 people have signed a message protesting FOX. That's unprecedented—thanks for signing! Early next week, our partners at ColorOfChange.org will hold a major event to deliver boxes and boxes of petition signatures to FOX's headquarters.

Other media outlets will be invited to cover this event. If we can deliver half-a-million signatures, this becomes a much more powerful media story. And when that happens, FOX's advertisers will get the hint that it's not a good idea to associate their products with FOX's hate-speech.

Can you help us get to half-a-million signatures by the time of the big delivery next week by forwarding this message to 5 friends today? They can just click here to sign:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3914&id=13196-9187590-yd7WaXx&t=1

The petition reads: "FOX must stop injecting racism, prejudice, and fear into our political dialogue. We intend to hold FOX, its advertisers, and its personalities accountable for FOX's attempts to smear the Obamas."

You can let your friends know that FOX is shameless: In the last several weeks alone, they've "confused" Obama's name with Osama's, referred to Michelle as "Obama's Baby Mama," and called an affectionate fist bump by Barack and Michelle a "terrorist fist jab."1

This morning, Robert Greenwald's Brave New Films launched a short video called "FOX Attacks: Michelle Obama" showing some of the latest FOX smears on the Obama family. You can see it on our petition page.Greenwald's previous videos documenting FOX's smears on Barack Obama and the black community have been seen millions of times on YouTube.2

If we reach half-a-million signatures, we can generate media coverage that sends a message to FOX that their racist and hate-filled smears go over the line—and put the heat on FOX advertisers as well. Can you help us reach that goal by forwarding this email to 5 friends today? They can just click here to sign the petition:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3914&id=13196-9187590-yd7WaXx&t=2

Thanks for all you do.

–Adam G., Peter, Anna, Justin, and the rest of the team

P.S. Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) has a new book out, and we thought you might be interested. The Nationcalled Wexler the country's "Most Valuable Congressman," and he's stood with MoveOn on numerous causes, from ending the war to stopping warrantless wiretapping in FISA. Now he's written Fire Breathing Liberal, a fascinating account of life as an outspoken progressive in the House of Representatives. Says comedian Stephen Colbert, "I enjoyed Congressman Wexler's book even more than I enjoy cocaine and prostitutes." You can check it out here:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3906&id=13196-9187590-yd7WaXx&t=3

You can also sign up for Wexler's email list here:
http://www.wexlerforcongress.com/join.asp

Sources:

1. "Fox News Jokes About Killing Obama," YouTube video posted May 25, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjYpkvcmog0

"Fox News' E.D. Hill teased discussion of Obama dap: "A fist bump? A pound? A terrorist fist jab?" Media Matters, June 6, 2008
http://mediamatters.org/items/200806060007?f=h_clips

"Fox News in trouble again over Obama smear: 'baby mama,'" Los Angeles Times, June 12, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3855&id=13196-9187590-yd7WaXx&t=4

2. "Fox Attacks: Obama," Brave New Films at FoxAttacks.com, February 2007
http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/573-fox-attacks-obama

"Fox Attacks: Black America," Brave New Films at FoxAttacks.com, June 2007
http://foxattacks.com/blog/572-fox-attacks-black-america

"Fox Attacks: Obama, Part 2," Brave New Films at FoxAttacks.com, March 2008
http://foxattacks.com/blog/32376-fox-attacks-obama-part-2

bus tour schedule

Ann — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:51:49 EDT

Project Vote Smart is doing a bus tour. You can view the schedule here.

You can visit them when they roll into town and/or volunteer.

This year, 6 types of voters will decide the presidential election

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:29:18 EDT

Source: USA Today

SNIP:

1. True believers: 30% of the electorate

Nearly one-third of those surveyed could be called the true believers of this campaign.

They're excited about the election, sure of their choice and unfavorably inclined toward the other guy. They see the stakes as high: Two-thirds say the election will make a great deal of difference to them and their families, the most of any voter group. Eight of 10 feel more enthusiastic than usual about voting this year.

John McCain has some support among this group of the year's most intense voters, but Barack Obama has more. By 2-1, such voters back the Democrat.

This group includes the highest percentage of women, African Americans and liberals — the sort of voters who fueled record turnout in a string of Democratic primaries this year. They express the most concern that McCain will pursue policies similar to those of President Bush, and they give the former Navy fighter pilot the lowest rating as a potential commander in chief.

"I know who I'm going to vote for," Renee Prigmore-Onwu, an Obama supporter from Nashville, says firmly. She works as a child care provider. Her biggest issue is the struggle to make ends meet for her and her three children, ages 16, 11 and 9. "Gas prices plus the cost of food — everything's going up except wages," she says.

Prigmore-Onwu, 46, has watched the campaign closely, supporting New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton during the Democratic primaries but now loyal to Obama.

"A black man running for president — this has been a long time coming," she says.

"Then of course Hillary Clinton being a woman as well — it made history."

2. Fired up & favorable: 14% of the electorate

Like the "true believers," voters in the second group are overwhelmingly more enthusiastic than usual about voting. Unlike the first group, though, nearly all of them view McCain and Obama favorably.

Members of this group have been the face of Obama's primary campaign: They have the lowest average age — a third are younger than 35 — and the highest average income. More of them have a college education than any other group.

They're confident in the ability of either candidate to handle the Oval Office — the least likely to worry about whether Obama has enough experience to be president, for instance, and the most likely to rate both Obama and McCain as capable of serving as commander in chief.

That would seem to make them a swing group, but voters in this category say their minds are settled. By nearly 2-1, they support Obama.

Daniel Seagull, 33, a middle-school science teacher from South Glastonbury, Conn., admires McCain for his days as a Republican maverick.

"You knew where he stood and if you didn't like it, too bad," he says. He's solidly for Obama, though, drawn by a message during the primaries that Seagull shorthands as " 'change, change, change' and 'yes we can.' "

In recent weeks, he's been disappointed in each candidate. "It's become the same old story that you see in every election, with the candidates attacking each other and 'blah, blah, blah,' " he says, fretting Obama has become a "play-it-safe" candidate.

Even so, Seagull has a suggestion if Obama becomes president. "Idealistically, if we took one day's worth of spending on the Iraq war and put it toward a Manhattan Project for alternative energy, I would think we could get pretty far," he says.

3. Firmly decided: 12% of the electorate

In a year when many Democrats are keyed up and Republicans discouraged, this group isn't the norm. Nearly eight in 10 say their level of enthusiasm about voting is "about the same as usual." A small fraction of any other group reports seeing this year's campaign as business as usual.

These voters tend to have higher incomes and be older than the average, and they include the highest percentage of registered voters. More than a third hold post-graduate degrees.

Although they are closely divided — 50% for McCain, 48% for Obama — few swing voters are in this group. Almost all of them say they have made up their minds about their vote.

Diana Sparklin's choice is McCain, though she's not convinced he'll succeed enough to win a second term, assuming he manages to win a first. "I feel safer" with the Arizona senator, she says. "I feel he's older and more experienced, and he has some war experience background."

Sparklin, 69, retired to Lady Lake in central Florida 3½ years ago after working as a specialist on foreign patent applications for a law firm in Wilmington, Del. For her, global issues such as climate change, turmoil in Africa and conflict in the Middle East are major concerns.

Obama's relative lack of experience and his association with Jeremiah Wright, whose sermons blasting the United States for racism caused controversy, give her pause. "You just don't separate on a verbal basis" from a longtime pastor, she says of Obama. "I'm afraid he has taken (Wright's views) in his mind."

4. Up for grabs: 18% of the electorate

These voters are squarely in the middle. They tend to have favorable views of both candidates and are the most likely to say either would make a good president, but they aren't yet settled in their choice. They aren't paying as much attention to the campaign as the most engaged voters in the first two groups, but they're also not as disenchanted as those in the last two groups.

One in four of those in this group say they're undecided about whom to support, and the rest say they might change their mind before Election Day.

This battleground group has a GOP tilt. It includes the highest percentage of whites of any group and more of those who attend church every week. McCain needs to make major inroads with them to offset Obama's edge among other voters.

Stephanie Clemens cast her first presidential vote for Bush in 2004. This year, the 23-year-old student from Chico, Calif., sees a lot to like in both contenders. McCain "has strong leadership and he seems like an approachable person," she says. She admires Obama's idea of "a change, something different." She can't think of anything she doesn't like about either one.

She does have definite views about which issues matter most to her. She's studying at California State University-Chico and considering a career in human resources management or event planning. "College tuition, health care, the economy, gas prices," she says, ticking them off. "These are things that affect my life."

5. Skeptical & downbeat: 12% of the electorate

The election's most downbeat voters are the least enthusiastic about voting and skeptical about whether the election will make a difference for them and their families. They give Bush his lowest approval rating of any group.

They aren't excited about the contenders to succeed the president, either. Four in 10 haven't decided whom to support, by far the largest of any group, and the rest are open to changing their minds.

Voters in this group are older than average and the least likely to have a college education. It includes the highest percentage of those who live in small towns and rural areas.

They favor McCain over Obama by 11 percentage points, but can he persuade more of them to support him — and then turn out to vote?

Joe Heiser, 49, a steelworker from Pittsburgh and an independent, has qualms about both candidates. McCain "might be a little bit too old" for the job, he worries. Obama "has more passion as to what he's trying to achieve," but Heiser wonders whether he'll be able to deliver on his promises. Most politicians don't, he says.

Heiser's biggest concerns are economic, "health care for the elderly and the way things are rising in costs." He's concerned about securing U.S. borders and resolving the Iraq war. His expectations that anything will change are low, however, one reason he questions whether it really matters who wins.

"I'm not too excited about it," he says. "It turns out to be the same, no matter who is in there."

6. Decided but dissatisfied: 16% of the electorate

Don't tell voters in this group that elections matter: Not one of them says the campaign outcome will make much difference to them or their families. By 2-1, they are less enthusiastic than usual about voting. Still, in contrast to the previous "skeptical and downbeat" group, all of these voters say their minds are firmly made up.

They include the highest percentage of conservatives and Republicans of any group, and they give Bush his highest job-approval rating, albeit still just 37%. This group is the least likely to see the Iraq war as a mistake, although 51% say that it was.

That underscores a quandary for McCain. The groups that clearly favor the Arizona senator are the two final ones. One gives Bush his highest rating, the other his lowest. One group has the fewest members who say invading Iraq was a mistake; the other has the most. Bridging that divide and building support from both groups could be a challenge, especially when it comes to calibrating how closely to embrace Bush.

National security concerns drive the "decided but dissatisfied" voters. It is the only group in which a majority favors a candidate whose strength is protecting the country from terrorism rather than fixing the economy, and the only group in which a majority doubts Obama can handle the responsibilities of commander in chief. This group is McCain's base, the only one in which his support tops 50%.

David McLen, 53, from a town north of Houston called Spring, admires McCain's military service but worries that he's not really a conservative. Obama, though, is "to the left of me on just about everything," says McLen, who works in the oil business, verifying land and mineral claims before drilling begins.

He supports more domestic exploration of oil, is concerned about the economy and illegal immigration and calls security issues "very important," though he's come to question the war. "What are we doing there, and when will we leave?" he asks.

In the Republican primaries, McLen preferred nearly every GOP presidential contender over McCain. He voted for former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney in the Texas primary, liked former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and was intrigued by some of what Texas Rep. Ron Paul had to say.

"I don't think either of these candidates are evil," McLen says of McCain and Obama, "but to use the cliché, I'm choosing the lesser of two evils."

Jessie Jackson , John Mc Cain and the Victim Card

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:17:12 EDT

Well, here we go again.

Re: Jessie Jackson "foot in mouth" episode.

There is a problem within the Black Community as it pertains to the epidemic of Black men who are using this nations horrible history as an excuse to not take responsibility for their families , communities and their country. It is TRUE. It is a fact !. And every time anyone attempts to address the Black men in this country, they throw a fit. Black women try to address it and we are accused of "keeping a brutha down". Whites try to address it and they are accused of being racist. Black men , who are responsible , try to address it and they are attacked as well. As was Obama by Jessie Jackson.

Let me make something very clear. Jessie Jackson SENIOR does NOT represent the African American Community no more than John Mc Cain represents the United States Armed Forces. PERIOD ! Marching in the streets during the Civil Rights ERA does not inoculate one from being held accountable for their actions today, no more than claiming to be tortured in a prison Camp in Vietnam inoculate a former POW from being held accountable for his Foreign Policy decisions today. These Generational Victim Cards are EXPIRED and I say to John Mc Cain and Jessie Jackson, get some new material or join us in 2008.

The Jessie's and Sharpton's within the Black Community need to start realizing that we are no longer , as a community , going to give the men of our comunity, a free ride on the victim train. The days of allowing Black men to run amok and destroy our community in the name of VICTIMHOOD , are over. It is time to stop making up excuses and start taking responsibility. Black women are doing it and we are doing it in the face of much greater odds than a Black man because we are not only people of color, but we are women. It's time to stop halting the much needed debate within our community as it pertains to holding Black men , the HEAD of our community, accountable.

Sure, no community likes airing out it's dirty laundry , which is why many white Americans don't like discussing Racism , but when you ignore it or throw a fit whenever it's brought up , you are the one airing the dirty laundry by grand standing your objections outside of the Black Community in front of the national Media , against those who try to address it within the Black community in front of an African American audience. I can understand objections to those outside of the Black community , who only talk about our communitys issues as a means of degrading African Americans as a whole. But degrading and bad mouthing those within the African American Community , especially , a fellow Black MAN , is unproductive.

Jessie Jackson , Al Sharpton , Tavis Smiley , The Congressional Black Caucus , The NAACP , it is time to own up to the problems within the Africa American Community with specific regard to the role of the African American MALE. Until you all start dedicating just as much time to the the responsibility of the BLACK MALE , as you do to the responsibility of Black WOMEN and White People , then you will continue to hold the African American Community , as a whole , back. If you are looking for a place to start this discussion , might I offer a suggestion ? You can start with RESPECT. That's right RESPECT ; for your community , it's women and it's children .Because as it stands right now, there is no RESPECT.

Just go watch BET for about an hour and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Iraq Wants us Out

Dena, St. Thomas — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:52:07 EDT

John Soltz in the Huffington Post writes, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-soltz/the-flip-flopper-on-iraq_b_111551.html

"Late yesterday, [July 7] Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki said it's time for the US to leave, or set a timetable to leave.

There you have it. The Iraqis are basically telling the US that they endorse Obama's policy -- they want us to set a timetable to bring the troops home. John McCain in 2004 said we'd respect such a request, telling the Council on Foreign Relations:

Well, if that scenario evolves than I think it's obvious that we would have to leave because -- if it was an elected government of Iraq, and we've been asked to leave other places in the world. If it were an extremist government then I think we would have other challenges, but I don't see how we could stay when our whole emphasis and policy has been based on turning the Iraqi government over to the Iraqi people.

I just checked the McCain campaign website, and so far, he hasn't announced today that he will respect the sovereign government of Iraq, and adjust his Iraq policy to include a timeline for bringing troops home."

New Group

Sherry C. - Talent, OR — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:42:42 EDT

I have started a new group because frankly, I am sick of watching MSM and Cable News because of the slant I see everywhere there and the fact that it seems that the media is CREATING the news these days instead of reporting on it. The pundits are treated like political experts instead of reporters, thus their opinions, of which they have plenty, become "facts," in the public's mind. The Media throws something out there into the 24 hour news cycle, create chaos and controvarsy, then move on to the next topic, never to come back and correct or make changes in the information, if it is found to be incorrect. Meanwhile, it is effecting the subject of the story for days or weeks to come. I have decided I would rather just watch C-SPAN and then I can be the pundit (and the EXPERT!) Just kidding ya'll. Join me and other C-SPAN addicts in discussion and support of Barack Obama.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/C-SPANJunkiesforObama

The Moving Finger of Fate Slides Across America

Obama PEACE Warrior — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:51:42 EDT

I'm a big fan of science fiction, and it has struck me how Americans all seem kind of hunkered down now, watching the "moving finger of "fate" slide across America, from one end to another, striking at random like the Alien ships in the Movie, "Independence Day", with actor Will Smith or "War of the Worlds" with Tom Cruise?

I think We're all just hoping, and praying if we are religiously inclined, that the dreaded "finger of fate" which has been bringing increasingly powerful, more destructive natural disasters, that it will please, God, just pass US by; spare OUR loved ones and friends!

So, we watch the valiant Volunteer Firefighters in Small towns across California, many of them retired and in their 60's and 70's even! facing the flames and fighting the flames, mostly alone, while one weary volunteer, in his 60's, wonders aloud, "Where is the government"? While they beg for supplies & resources and Manpower that NEVER COMES. It's diverted to bigger cities, while National Guard troops have been "diverted" to fight in the Iraq War.

We watch Farmers and small town business owners in America's heartland along the Mississipp River, State after State, see their crops, their homes,their hopes & dreams, their way of life, wash away along with the muddy, churning Floodwaters, as Levees they have busted their backs shoring up with sandbags, one by one break.

And although most bravely "soldier on" they have a stunned look, like they're thinking, like me, of the Flooding that hit New Orleans, Louisiana and rural Mississippi. But this is different, it's hit HOME now, how truly vulnerable we are, as Americans.

And the worse thing about seeing these random natural disasters hopskotch across the Nation, hitting who-knows-where NEXT? Is that we all KNOW, even the most loyal, staunchest Bush "grassroots" supporters, that the President currently inhabiting the White House, is NOT going to be there for us. That if the "moving finger of fate" hits OUR homes, OUR loved ones, OUR communities, that we won't be able to COUNT ON this PRESIDENT, George W. Bush, to help us.

John McCain, my "friend", THAT is truly SCARY! More scary than a Sky full of Alien Spaceships attacking Earth.

And THAT is why I am supporting Barack Obama! He has his feet planted firmly on Terra Firma, he understands what we are facing, and he is the one we need in the White House to see us through the next Eight years!

McCain Violates Free Speech Rights

Dena, St. Thomas — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:12:37 EDT

McCain's campaign reminds me of the Nixon days when dissidents were turned away. This is shameful.

"DENVER, Colo.-On orders from Senator John McCain's security detail, Denver police escorted a 61-year-old woman away who was waiting in line to attend a so-called town hall meeting with McCain that was billed as open to the public.

Carol Kreck, who works as a librarian in Denver, held a homemade sign reading "McCain = Bush." On orders from McCain's security detail, police cited her for trespassing and escorted her to the sidewalk. She was told if she returned she would be arrested.

"And all I did was carry a sign that said McCain = Bush," Kreck said. "And for everyone who voted for Bush, I don't see why it's offensive to say McCain = Bush."

This episode by McCain's Secret Service appears to be a rerun of McCain's 2005 town hall in Denver with President Bush in which the Secret Service had three Denver citizens removed from an "open" event where McCain was campaigning with Pres. Bush for his plan to privatize social security."

For the rest of the story, http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cqyh

Obama is Rodney's voice!!!

Rhonda — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:50:11 EDT

As a 41 year old catholic who was on welfare for 6 months as a single 19 year old teenage mother, I am voting for the first time in my life because Barack's message of RUUNING FOR EACK ONE OF US....He is listening to us,working for us and that has captured my heart, my attention...our voices matter. And now...WOW... he is reaching out to US!!!

My husband asked me about a week ago, why are you so into this and why Obama? I thought about this, why really?

After finishing college at 26, I was a teacher in NJ(1994-2000) and loved my career. My new husband and I moved to Americus,Ga for 4 years due to my husbands job. As a white person, I was shocked, ashamed and sickened by what was occurring in this southern town miles and miles away from any big city. Segregation; Education:split -whites payed for the best private schools, blacks in poor public schools. Health care and good jobs were for whites too.

At the time, I was so depressed and try-ed my best to help the kids in Sumter County GA but I was told to just pass them- told that they don't have a chance. I tried my best to ignore the comments and teach them basic reading,writing, and math skills-9Th graders.

Three years ago my husband took a job in PA and I have never forgotten the children from Ga.

Obama has me hoping for them. HE IS THE HOPE and the CHANGE they need and that is why I am excited ...for all the poor children without a voice, like Rodney in Americus, Ga. Obama is Rodney's voice!!!

Rhonda for OBAMA

If Something is Sticky It's Probably Slime!

Nick Danger — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:28:15 EDT

For some, when you lay out a welcome matt some folks think it's an invitation to walk right over you and that's the strategy of the big red machine! Never before has a whisper campaign been created with such a prominent undercurrent than this year. It's all over the net. Somehow the misinformation and just plain lies have even made their way to my inbox from unwitting relatives and friends forwarding emails. Some of the claims are so ridiculous they're almost believable cause they're too far fetched to be made up! Some on our side laugh, but the Red Machine are hoping for just that as they secretly plot for a slight fragmentation of the Obama confederation to whittle away at his lead. And in those who are looking for an excuse not to vote for a man with a unique name and who is also of African American heritage, no counter measures will ever change the doubt in their minds. But others are not beyond reproach and the blue counter insurgency can, should and must reach out to them. As Obama supporters we've rallied behind our candidate and are fighting the disinformation and lies. Following the last Presidential election we're ready for the challenge. However, we must remember that the other side are infectious termites and as such eat away at our foundation. I learned long ago that as with termites it's not a question of; "Is this house infected?" but how badly is it infected. Therefore we must not rest for the enemy never sleeps. And aiding in their campaign to dissenfranchise Democratic voters and Republicans leaning blue on the net, Fox has begun a dissinformation campaign of it's own. A few of their 'Oops, sorry' but now the seed is planted gaffs have included, a paid FOX commentator accidentally confuseing "Obama" with "Osama" and then joking on the air about killing Obama, a FOX anchor saying a playful fist pound by Barack and Michelle Obama could be a "terrorist fist jab." And lastly (for the moment) on air talent calling Michelle Obama "Obama's baby mama" which is ghetto slang used to describe the unmarried mother of a man's child. If we hope to keep this a campaign of issues and not insinuations we must all stand vigilant and active. Exercising your right to vote is not enough when the stakes are this high. Tell a friend to tell a friend and help light the fire of change and seat our man in Washington!-Nick Danger

Barack Iraq-Gate: Anatomy of a Media Smear

Sherry C. - Talent, OR — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:04:43 EDT

Well, if you are like me, you hve suspected this, but here's your proof that you aren't crazy. This is an ugly campaign and the Media is MAKING the news, instead of reporting it.

The You Tube Video is called Barack-Iraq-Gate: Anatomy of a Media Smear and it exposes CNN's Jessica Yellin who is the sole person responsible for the negative story about Barack Obama and his position on Iraq.

This is what the Media do all the time, but the only difference was that Jessica "LYIN", er, Yellin was so sloppy and so obvious, she pretty much gave herself away and got caught. Watch the video.

Dishonoring Those Who Served

ZapDuff — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:54:50 EDT

What the hell is wrong in our country, that our government - from the top guy at the White House down to the the intake clerk at the local VA hospital - that allows such a travesty to happen to the young heroes we sent to the Bush War Zones? How can this be happening and where is the outrage?

Each and every person who had any contact with Joe Dwyer is to blame, whether that contact was face-to-face in real life or someone who only saw his name in paperwork. Especially to blame are the many bureaucrats who, with the power of a deadly pencil, drew a line through this man's name on a list of people known to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after serving on the front line, as if eliminating his diagnosis was the cure. But most to blame is the man who drew that front line, whether in Iraq or Afghanistan. Since Bush brags that he ignores the media, the odds are pretty strong that Dwyer's Commander-in-Chief never saw or knew his name.

For those opposing FISA, Consider these consequences

Dawn — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:10:10 EDT

I respect your opinions, but I implore you to PLEASE think about the consequences of your words and actions. Are you truly an Obama supporter? If so, please CONSIDER this quote by Edmund Burke: Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices it to your opinion.

I joined this campaign because I trust Barack Obama and his judgment. If you think that means I agree with him on every single issue you're mistaken. However, I'm not so fickle that I'm going to change my opinion of him based on one vote or issue, or even if I think he's making a strategic political move. I'm realistic. I do not expect to agree with him on everything, but I do think he is THE best candidate for president and a truly remarkable man.

Everyone who joined this campaign made a promise to support Barack Obama and should be committed to doing so. I do not believe he has changed his fundamental positions on things. What I see is a quality that helped him gain my support in the first place, his ability to know when to compromise or lose out completely (the way we all did when the Clinton's Healthcare reform was not passed). I think Obama knows, much more than we do, what it takes to get things done. And, when he is president, I believe he will do everything within his power to honor the promises he has made. However, he cannot do so unless he becomes our next president.

Thank God we have freedom of speech, and we should definitely exercise it. What I feel many people who oppose his vote on FISA are doing, however, is betraying him by making public statements that imply they do not trust his judgment. No one can prevent people from airing their opinions. But, it's a shame when people abuse their freedom of speech by bullying the person whom we said we trusted enough to elect him the Democratic Nominee for President. Before you continue along this negative path, please consider one more thing -- the alternative. Would you rather watch ALL hope of your pleas being heard VANISH by helping McCain get into the White House? Because that's what you are doing.

Obama picks 75,000-seat stadium for convention speech

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:18:21 EDT

Source: CNN Political Ticker

From CNN's Richard Allen Greene

Obama will accept his party's nomination at Invesco field, home of the Denver Broncos.

Obama will accept his party's nomination at Invesco field, home of the Denver Broncos.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Barack Obama will give his main speech of the Democratic National Convention at a 75,000-seat stadium rather than the 20,000-seat hall where the convention is taking place, convention organizers announced Monday.

Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for president at Denver's INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 28.

The move looks likely to put him in front of a much larger audience than normal for a political speech, even for a presidential nominee.

Convention organizers portrayed the move as a reflection of Obama's success at encouraging people to vote for the first time.

"Barack Obama's campaign for change has inspired millions of Americans and brought people into the political process who might never have been involved," said Convention Co-Chair Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. "This change in the Convention program will allow thousands of first-time participants a chance to take part."

Obama's largest event to date was in Portland, Oregon, in May, where he drew a crowd of approximately 75,000. He has done at least one previous stadium event, a joint appearance with talk show host Oprah Winfrey at Williams-Brice Stadium in South Carolina that drew about 29,000 people.

Beyond the Clout of Petition

ZapDuff — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:04:25 EDT

With respect to those who want to get the attention of a huge banking institution, there are more effective ways to deal with them than efforts such as the following:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: obaman2009@aol.com
Subject: Bank of America boycott petition

I created a petition to get Bank of America to balance their political contribution by either withdrawing their $150,000 to the Republican Governor's Association 527 or to make a matching contribution to the Democratic Governor's Association 527. Please go sign it, even if you don't have a BOA account.
www.ipetitions.com/petition/BOA_Boycott
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you really want to accomplish something... STOP LETTING THEM USE YOUR MONEY AGAINST YOU!

Vision From the Former Communist Bloc

ZapDuff — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:09:43 EDT

It's really amazing how the Obama Campaign is really bringing people together... not just here in America, but around the world! One indication of that is how many people from other countries are taking part in the O-Camp email (Listserv) forums. One of those participants is a fellow named Steffan, from an area near Poland, in what was - not so long ago - East Germany.

It may be hard to imagine a government more oppresive (at least in our country) than what we now experience under George Bush, and the fear of that legacy continuing under McCain. But I am pretty sure Steffan has experienced far worse when he was younger under Communist rule. He has yet to talk much about that, but he certainly shows he is watching "the world stage" with his messages, and now... a pretty incredible BLOG effort: Internet monument for New Heroes for future of US

To which, I responded:

ELECTION YEAR SUMMER BREAK

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:00:33 EDT

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN !

Pundits have nothing new and of interest to talk about with regards to the 2008 Election , so they are stuck reporting basically nothing and trying their hardest to look and sound like they are excited. Those disappointed in the outcome of the Democratic Primaries are still pulling out that left over Beef Stroganoff (sp) casserole , combing for little bits of meat while ignoring the overwhelming smell of mold in their argument. Republican activists , realizing that for the first time in 6 years , they failed to successfully politicize the Fourth of July to their advantage, are now strategizing to politicize the anniversary of 911. Democratic activists do what they always do when they get bored in a General Election; seek to fine tune their party's candidate , analyzing him with a magnifying glass and going over the party's talking point positions, with a fine toothed comb in preparation for the Fall.

The American electorate have turned their televisions off . They don't want to be bothered with a bunch of ads. Especially those living in "swing states" who are currently being bombarded with tons of political ads. They just don't want to hear about politics right now . They want to swim in the pool. They want to soak in some rays. They want to drop the kids off at Grand Ma's house so they can "steal away" for some quiet time. They want to go to the Water Parks or go Sailing. They want to lay in a hammock and read a real good book; *ahem* (Fire Breathing Liberal By: Rep. Robert Wexler) ahem * cough* . They just want to relax and ease their minds because they know Summer will be cut short this year for, as soon as the Democratic Convention takes place at the end of August , Summer is pretty much over.

But right now, they don't want to be bothered. Don't ask them for donations right now. They're spending it at Disney Land. Volunteer to make calls ? Pffft! They're going Fishing. Canvass in a neighborhood ? The only door to door outreach they plan on doing is at the Mall. Instead of handing out pamphlets , they will be handing out cash and credit cards to the vendors. And while all these activities are enough to make a die-hard, political junkie, party activists blood boil, they are still gonna go it. Yep, against our wishes. LOL. But , don't worry party activists. While we sweat , and toil all Summer long trying to make America a better place for them , they will come to appreciate our sacrifice. And then, we'll get to have our vacation .

In early November.

Enjoy your Summer , Everyone.

Dee Anna

Fairness Doctrine: Do Not Resuscitate

ZapDuff — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:29:37 EDT

Something popped into my eMail box this morning from a friend with whom I am often in complete harmony. But this time, I think her dream is an exercise in futility, an effort that will lead to disappointment, even if waiting until after Inauguration Day:

Linda Poole wrote:

The FCC Chairman is a guy, remember, that BUSH appointed, so you all would be just wasting your time, spinning your wheels so to speak, by trying to influence the FCC while BUSH is in the White House. A million people could try to influence the FCC right now, and would have no more affect on the FCC than a gnat buzzing around their heads! After we get Obama elected President, that is the time to call for change and to work to get the FAIRNESS DOCTRINE restored...

Must See Video : Media Caught In The Act

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:09:36 EDT

This is what the Media do all the time, but the only difference was that Jessica "LYIN", er, Yellin was so sloppy and so obvious, she pretty much gave herself away and got caught. Watch the video.

Strategy and Focus

Stuart Mason Dambrot — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:25:32 EDT

Many voters don't vote on the issues, and never go beyond sound bites and headlines. They vote for who they like (Bush beer buddies) or, most of the time, against who they don't like.

This is the basis for the Bush and McCain campaigns: negative attacks, especially (as in McCain's case) where they have no real chance on the issues. Since they are ethically corrupt and have found that the above-mentioned voters accept what they hear and will not try to determine truth or falsity, their negative attacks are dishonest but effective.

It's all too easy to think that what is clear and important to us is transferable to the body politic at large. If we are truly sincere about understanding that our lives and livelihoods are under dire attack unless we elect Obama, and if we understand that the last thing we should do as a party is provide fodder for the opposition and material for McCain-biased and anti-Obama media sources, then comments like wanting donations refunded or threatening to not vote for Obama if we don't like one of his decisions are akin to Joe Lieberman's stumping for McCain while remaining in the Democratic party.

Debating our differing opinions internally is our duty. Using it to hurt Obama because we feel that we are entitled to do so if we don't get exactly what we want is narcissistic and antithetical to our cause.

If we really want to help Obama get elected, we have to go beyond voter registration - we must do everything possible to present a united front to the rest of the country. We can conduct a powerful, dignified campaign based on truth and the greater good. In so doing , we can beat Republicans at their own game, but only if we understand that this requires us to focus on the ultimate goal of our campaign - Obama in the White House - first, last and always.

Polling Results Shows More Good News For Obama Than Some Think

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:53:18 EDT

I keep hearing right-wing pundits and picnic pal media friends of Mc Cain asking, why Obama is not polling much higher than he already is over Mc Cain. They ask, but they never answer.

For those who don't know, I have some knowledge in this area because I worked for a Political Polling Firm for four years back in California and I can tell you why Obama is not polling higher than he already is over Mc Cain.

DEMOGRAPHIC ! Polling Firms have not updated their system of polling with regards to targeted demographic groups. They are still only calling people that they trust show up at the polls to vote. A certain age , race , household income , home ownership and those with land line phones.

They either have no access to or are too lazy to target other demographics of America voters that never get polled. Young people, people with cell phones , people who don't own a home. They also continue to under poll Hispanics and Blacks .

As we have seen in this Primary, there are millions of brand new voters , not reflected in the polling. There has been a spike and /or increase in turnout for Hispanics and Blacks which matters most for down ticket candidates in the south and West.

We have seen that the Youth who had been written off with regards to anticipating turnout, literally turnout in numbers and win elections and they still don't get polled and if they do, they too are underrepresented in the Polls.

All of these groups have one thing in common. Combined, the majority of these people make up Barack Obama's base. So, given that they are underrepresented in these polls and yet Obama is still ahead of Mc Cain among those who are being polled, I am very confident about our chances this Fall.

Think of it this way. Take a bag of M&M's. You know how they used to not have blue ones? It would be like counting a bag of M&M's , but only counting the colors from way before they had the blue ones . Not counting the Blue M&M's is like these pollsters not counting the youth , cell phone users , and first time voters.

Polls Show Obama Winning Big!

Nick Adamo — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:46:39 EDT

According to CNN Barack Obama is beating John McCain 231 to 194 in electoral votes (that are attributed to polls in each state). There are still 113 Electoral votes up for grabs with big states such as Florida, Michigan, Ohio,and virginia Not given to either candidate. However Other sources show Obama with nice leads in Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Colorado and Iowa And a virtual Tie in Virginia, Nevada, New Hampshire and Missouri. However all of this information is from Polls and are by no means official. If these Numbers hold untill Election Day then Barack Obama will win by a very large margin!

Bad News For Republicans: "Your Fear Card Has Been Declined"

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:37:13 EDT

Poll: Terrorism fears are fading

Posted: 07:00 AM ET

From CNN's Alan Silverleib

Mourners throw flowers in a reflecting pool at Ground Zero.

(CNN) – As Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama battle over who has the best approach to national security, a new CNN poll finds Americans' concerns about terrorism have hit an all-time low for the post-September 11 era.

According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Wednesday, 35 percent of Americans believe a terrorist attack somewhere in the United States is likely over the next several weeks. The figure is the lowest in a CNN poll since the al Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington, which killed nearly 3,000 people.

Between 2002 and 2006, summertime polls typically showed that a majority of Americans believed that a terrorist attack was likely. Last summer, that figure dropped to 41 percent. This summer, it dropped another six points.

The new CNN poll also indicates that the war in Iraq remains deeply unpopular. Only three in ten voters favor the war, while 68 percent oppose it.

Similarly, only a third of voters would like to see the next president keep the same number of troops in Iraq that are currently stationed there.

For McCain, who is seeking to highlight his national security credentials and has staunchly defended the U.S. presence in Iraq, the latest poll results may not be viewed in a positive light.

"Senator McCain's greatest strength is in foreign policy, particularly his reputation as the candidate best able to fight the war on terror," CNN Polling Director Keating Holland said.

Read the rest of this entry »

Obama Denounces Mischaracterization Of Gen. Wes Clark

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:08:51 EDT

Obama: Don't Call Wes Clark A Swiftboater

Source: Huffington Post

MILITARY PERSONNEL GIVING MORE TO OBAMA

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:05:00 EDT

Source: Huffington Post

MILITARY PERSONNEL GIVING MORE TO OBAMA

But Of Course...We Already Knew This.

Veterans Respond to General Clark's Comments

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:00:04 EDT

Source: Daily Kos Blogger;Brandon Friedman

Judge for yourselves what the troops who are left-of-center think about this whole deal.

General Clark was right. Service as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is only one of the roles of a president. General Clark did not attack Senator McCain's ability to be president, he simply pointed out that his military service does not inherently qualify him for that role.

Chris LeJeune
Salt Lake City, UT
Iraq Veteran
Army
2003-04

General Clark is right. We should honor the service of any veteran who has suffered in war, but I don't think that in itself qualifies one to be the Commander-in-Chief. And that’s the point General Clark was making. He wasn’t attacking Senator McCain personally, and anyone who says otherwise is being disingenuous.

Patrick Almand
Dallas, TX
Iraq Veteran
Army
2004-05

General Clark is on point in his comments about Senator McCain. There are many fine leaders in the military. Some--like Senator McCain--have persevered through the most terrible of circumstances. They are all heroes, but they do not necessarily possess the skills to lead the free world. If Senator McCain really wants to show his Commander-in-Chief credentials, perhaps he should start advocating for a sound national security strategy, rather than marching in the proverbial formation of eight years of failed Bush administration policy.

Richard Smith
Huntsville, AL
Afghanistan Veteran
Army
2007-08

Combat veterans understand that General Clark did not denigrate Senator McCain's honorable service to this nation. In fact, it's Senator McCain's lack of support for the troops--like his opposition to the new GI Bill until recently--which dishonors and dismisses the selfless sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. General Clark understands these things and is never hesitant to speak out about them. General Clark has our back and I have his.

Ernesto Estrada
San Francisco, CA
Iraq Veteran
Marine Corps
2003

General Clark's criticism is accurate and well-founded. No one is disputing the fact that Senator McCain served his nation with honor, and I am forever grateful for his sacrifice. That being said, the question at hand is whether the senator's military service alone qualifies him to serve as Commander-in-Chief. Despite Senator McCain's horrific experiences in Vietnam, during his tenure in the Senate, he has been a staunch advocate of the disastrous war in Iraq and the Bush administration's failed foreign policy. Senator McCain did not support the Webb-Hagel G.I. Bill or the dwell-time amendment, either of which would have reduced some measure of the emotional and financial stress on active duty service members and veterans. General Clark was not attacking John McCain's military service--he was questioning whether he learned anything from that experience.

Casey Howard
Colorado Springs, CO
Iraq Veteran
Army
2005-06

In no way has General Clark questioned the honorable service or the patriotism of Captain McCain. Rather, he questioned the judgment of Senator McCain who has foolishly endorsed the failed neo-conservative foreign policy of the Bush administration.

Peter Granato
Washington, DC
Iraq Veteran
Army
2003-04

General Clark needs to be making these comments. Its the only way to get through the free pass the media is giving John McCain because of his honorable service as a POW.

Elliot Anderson
Las Vegas, NV
Afghanistan Veteran
Marine Corps
2004-05

General Clark and John McCain are both equally honorable patriots. However, if we can’t have an honest and open debate about policy and military experiences, then the significance of this campaign will be greatly diminished. This is something on which John McCain has based his entire campaign and, therefore, General Clark was totally justified in pointing it out.

David Brignac
Baton Rouge, LA
Afghanistan Veteran
Army
2006-07

As a third-generation Army veteran, I’ve been fortunate to know many admirable men and women with service in the Armed Forces, but I’m also rational enough to understand that military service alone is not a qualification to be President of the United States . Having the foresight to avoid unnecessary wars and the compassion to fund health care and education for returning veterans is also essential; unfortunately, Senator McCain seems to focus solely on sending troops to war while ignoring other problems facing our nation. With American jobs going overseas, home values plummeting, and our nation’s educational and health care programs under-funded, we need a national strategy focused on resolving our problems both home and abroad. While John McCain’s Veteran and POW status makes him a hero to me and many others, his background in no way qualifies him to tackle the challenges facing our country.

Aaron Bailey
Ann Arbor, MI
Afghanistan Veteran
Army
2007

To attack General Clark for stating what should be obvious -- that military service alone does not automatically qualify one to be Commander in Chief or President -- is ridiculous. Some of our most successful presidents have not served in the armed forces. President Bush did fly a plane in the military -- and his record as Commander-in-Chief has been disastrous. While everyone should respect the service and sacrifice of John McCain (which General Clark did), this respect must not be a gag on honest questions or open debate.

Kayla Williams, Author of Love My Rifle More than You
Broadlands, VA
Iraq Veteran
Army
2003-04

General Clark’s comments were taken completely out of context by the media. He never questioned McCain’s service to the nation. He only repeated the words of the reporter asking the questions. General Clark is one of the most qualified voices in the debate over U.S. foreign policy, and it would be a huge loss for the pro-military crowd if his voice were silenced over this nonsense.

Peter O’Brien
Boston, MA
Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran
Army
2001-03

General Clark is right. Gen. Clark has seen combat as a company commander in Vietnam as well as the commanding General in Kosovo. If anyone knows that military service alone does not qualify one to be the President of the United States, General Clark is it.

Brian McGough
Broadlands, VA
Iraq, and Afghanistan Veteran
Army
2001-03

My fiance and I both served with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He was infantry and served two tours in Iraq, I was a public affairs specialist (journalist, photographer). Like many, we both saw a lot of death and destruction. As a result, we are both strong opponents of Senator John McCain, as are many of our fellow veterans. We were so relieved to see General Clark say publicly what so many of us who served in uniform have been thinking. Not only do we fundamentally oppose Senator McCain's view on the war, but we are appalled by his constant commitment to voting against, or abstaining from voting, bills that would improve the welfare of service members and veterans.

No one disputes that Senator McCain served honorably in the Navy and is to be commended for his actions. He is truly an American war hero. But these events occurred 40 years ago and the circumstances under which he served in Vietnam (both in the country and under military regulations) are very different from those faced by service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan today. Americans should be looking at his current record--and not lingering on his past one to see just how much he understands about this war and how committed he is to this country's troops.

Linsay Rousseau Burnett and Robert Huddleston
Clarksville, TN
Iraq Veterans
Army
2003-04 and 2005-06

General Wesley Clark is the leader of veterans in the progressive movement. As such, he will defend himself and other, like-minded veterans will defend him--publicly. All parties interested in having the support of the military support should take note.

Great Iraq and Iran analogy

Low — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:58:57 EDT

check out this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw2nkoGLhrE&feature=email

McCain to reporters: "Suck up to me or I won't talk to you"

Poway for Obama — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:49:07 EDT

The Washington Post reports that Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is now traveling in a new “Straight Talk Express” campaign airplane. It “features a special area” with “a couch and two captain’s chairs” where “McCain will conduct group interviews with the press.” But not all reporters covering McCain can enjoy this new lap of luxury. Top McCain aide Mark Salter said “‘only the good reporters’ would get to sit in the specially-configured section for interviews. ‘You’ll have to earn it,’ he said.” So how can these reporters “earn” a seat? Never challenge the Senator, as McCain biographer Matt Welch explained in a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times:

[McCain is] very open to people. You can come on the bus, everything is great but if he knows or if his team knows that you have a hostile line of questioning or you have a long and well documented critique, they’re not going to talk to you. […]

As a human, he’s haunted by the notion of honesty and about honor and truth. He wishes that he could speak the truth all the time. He doesn’t. I don’t think he speaks the truth any more than any other politician really, no more, no less.

Fact Writer?

Poway for Obama — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:30:05 EDT

Huh. I can write facts, too!

Fox News is a joke. That's a fact....

Presented without comment,

because it's Fox.