South Bay for Obama!

ANGRY Letter to Traitor Lieberman

Jill K from RedondObama Beach, CA — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:57:54 EST

12-15-2009

Joseph Lieberman
Via Fax: 202-224-9750

Senator Lieberman,

As a former supporter of yours during your run for the vice-presidency, I am outraged at your utterly despicable hypocrisy.

Did you forget that you are on the record supporting universal health care? That you campaigned on that promise? That modern technology means we can actually find the statements you made during your most recent Senate campaign, including the text from the July 2006 debate, wherein you stated, “What I’m saying to the people of Connecticut, I can do more for you and your families to get something done to make health care affordable, to get universal health insurance”? Did you forget, or are you just a liar who’ll say anything to get elected, then do exactly the opposite.

Did you forget that you very strongly opposed the use of single-Senator filibustering, to the point of being the first to co-sponsor a bill to stop that very practice? Again, did you forget that your words are available to be retrieved by today’s technology? Did youforget that you are on the record stating, “the whole process of individual senators being able to hold up legislation with a filibuster is just unfair,” and “I think the filibuster has become not only in reality an obstacle to accomplishment here [in Washington], but it also a symbol of a lot that ails Washington today”?

Did you forget that you actually proposed allowing people to buy in to Medicare starting at age 55? Did you forget that technology allows us to quote you as stating, “What I was proposing was that they have an option to buy into Medicare early and again on the premise that that would be less expensive than the enormous cost. If you’re 55 or 60 and you’re without health insurance and you go in to try to buy it, because you’re older … you’re rated as a risk so you pay a lot of money.”

That you have the unmitigated gall to single-handedly block health care reform legislation that this nation has desperately needed fordecades is despicable. That you have the audacity to not only ignore your immediate constituents (who overwhelmingly support health care reform with a public option), but the nation as a whole, who favors serious reform, not this watered-down garbage you’re forcing through your hypocritical and childish (maybe even paid-for) actions, is outrageous. You are a disgrace to the seat you hold and the position you’ve been trusted with.

Angrily,

Jill [Last Name]

ANYONE WHO WANTS, CAN COPY AND SEND TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT. BE MY GUEST!

Letter to Senator Feinstein from Cherokee Mike

Barbara McCarren — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:17:45 EDT

August 28, 2009

Senator Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Feinstein:
We are at a turning point in American history and you have the rarest of opportunities to take your place in this rich history.

Will you vigorously and openly support President Obama’s efforts for a public option in health care reform, or will you take the path of weaker, lesser human beings and cave into the lies and distortions being trumpeted hysterically from every media outlet the Republicans and Big Health and Big Pharm. can access?

Millions of Americans who are ready and financially ready to retire would do so if they had access to affordable health care. This would open up millions of employment opportunities for unemployed and underemployed Americans. When Americans no longer fear being bankrupted by exorbitant medical costs, they will do what Americans secure in their jobs and secure in their ability to pay their bills have always done: spend on necessities and other consumer goods, thereby stimulating our economic recovery in the healthiest and most effective way.

With recently strengthened consumer credit and banking regulations, no longer will working Americans fear having all they have worked for and saved for wiped out as a result of immoral, and what used to be illegal, financial manipulations. But more needs to be done.

Affordable government sponsored universal health care for all Americans, paid for by the contributions of all working Americans, can be a reality. You have an opportunity to assume an active leadership role in implementing legislation to this effect.

As a constituent, I urge you to speak out strongly, clearly, and quickly on what I believe is the most important issue of our lifetime.

I am one of the fortunate ones whose employer, upon my retirement, covered my health care premiums, at obscene rates, until I become officially a medicare recipient on September 1, 2009. As you know, my Medicare is not free. But the cost is fair and reasonable and the care is excellent. What a shame and a pity that all Americans do not have such an opportunity.

Your vote on the Iraq war can be understood considering the magnitude of the campaign of lies and deception promulgated by the previous administration. But this time the lies and deception are easily exposed. I assure you that when this issue is resolved with universal single-payer health care made available to all Americans, and the huge benefits to our country and our society as a whole begin to be realized, those who failed to champion the cause because of fear, lack of integrity, or personal financial or political gain will be forever be remembered for the spineless charlatans they proved to be.

Who will be the heroes?

There is a program on The History Channel, Medal of Honor, that chronicles the actions that many soldiers took while under intense pressure and enemy fire to earn our country’s highest military honor. Acting unselfishly and without regard for their personal safety, they took the least desirable or personally beneficial course of action, and instead did “the right thing.”

You, too, are under hostile fire. Lead the charge for a public health care option for all Americans now! Regardless of the result, you will be forever proud and honored for having done “the right thing.”

Sincerely,

MJM

President Obama Needs Our Support Now!

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:12:00 EDT

Let's get moving with the same enthusiasm we had in getting President Obama elected. Those who are shouting and disrupting do NOT represent the majority of Americans. Our voices need to be heard. Now more than ever, we must be a united America. "Health Care For All", "Homes For All", "Jobs For All", "Education For All", " Peace For All", these are our rallying calls. Knock on doors, make phone calls, write letters to the editor. Be heard.

An open letter regarding Health Insurance Reform to President Barack Obama and the Democratic Members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate

Jill K from RedondObama Beach, CA — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:17:46 EDT

August 17, 2009

Dear Honorable Sirs and Madams,

About this time two years ago, Democrats across the country started gearing up for the fight of our lives. Primary elections were just around the corner, and it would be only a year until we would have our candidates for President and Vice President confirmed at our National Convention. Although some said that Democrats could put up an asparagus and beat the Republicans, most of us in the Democratic party knew all too well, after the disastrous results of the 2004 election, that this was going to be a hard-fought battle right to the finish line.

But this was not just about President and Vice President. This was about restoring the Democratic Party to a position of power to enact the legislation we must have to help move this country in the right direction. Millions of us in every state, took to the phones and the streets and the web. We rallied, we phone banked, we pounded the pavement knocking on doors. We talked to our neighbors, friends and business associates. We raised hundreds of millions of dollars, much of it five dollars at a time. And we did this for candidates on the Democratic ticket all across this nation.

We broke our backs, lost our voices, and some of us lost friends or other relationships, so that we could have a majority in both Houses, as well as regaining the Presidency. We gave you a huge majority in Congress and a filibuster-proof 60 votes in the Senate. We handed you the reins on a silver platter!

We did this because our party ran on what is perhaps the most important Domestic issue in many of our lifetimes; Health Insurance Reform. With people filing bankruptcy, losing their homes, and dying every single day from our broken and corrupt system, we don’t have the luxury of time to wait any longer.

You have a grave and serious responsibility before you. NOW is not the time to cave in to the Republican party! You don’t have to! You have an obligation to do the job we sent you to Washington to do – pass Health Insurance Reform, and to do it as you promised you would, with a strong PUBLIC OPTION.

To say that I am perplexed, to say that I am stunned, to say that I am angry would all be understatements. You have allowed Republicans to take over control of the message and hijack this legislation. Their constituents get to go to sleep at night knowing their representatives are fighting tooth and nail on their behalf, while we Democrats go to bed wondering why on earth we worked so hard to put you in the majority, when you’re letting us down when we need you to stand up for us the most!

Make no mistake, this legislation is going to be “make or break” for our party. If you can’t get it done when you have control of the Administration, the House of Representatives and the Senate, what’s the use of working to keep you there in the next election cycle(s)? You seem to have forgotten that you work for us – the people who put you in office, not the Republicans.

While I respect the concept of bi-partisanship, there comes a time when it simply must be abandoned. And in fact, I contend that if you show the Republicans that you will pass legislation with or without them, and they get a bill they don’t like, then next time they’ll be more likely to work with you so their voices are heard, won’t they?

It’s time.

Progressives, and even moderates in our party, you have to start putting the screws to the "Blue Dogs" who are looking more and more like the "Blue Cross Dogs" every day. And to those of you who are the "Blue Dogs", don't forget that you are Democrats. You ran as Democrats, you won as Democrats, and you have an obligation to legislate as Democrats, not moderate Republicans.

President Obama, you need to wrest back control of this message, and if necessary, write your own legislation and make sure it gets passed instead of passing the buck.

You have the power. Use it.

Or lose it.

Sincerely,

Jill K

Redondo Beach, CA

Call and Write Your Representatives

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:28:29 EDT

We worked hard to get President Obama elected. We must keep going. Contact your Representatives and other elected officials who just need a nudge. They must fully support The President. We must get the agenda moving forward. Those in office are supposed to represent US. Let them hear from you.

I Vote for Nudity in the Oval Office then

Barbara McCarren — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:52:22 EST

originally posted: http://www.obamabidenusa.org/

Andy Card should apologize for his own stupidity. He said that President Obama is disrespecting the Constitution (insert irony) and Democracy (again, twisted irony) by not wearing a jacket in the Oval Office. He should apologize with his underpants around his ankles, because that is how I will always imagine him (and real tiny too). Quite simply,

‘If Jackets & Ties Made the Bush Administration Do What They Did, Then I Vote For Full Nudity In the Oval Office & on Air Force One, Immediately!’

What evil scheme are they cooking up without their jackets on?

How long do we have to put up with this graceless lack of patriotism from GOP has-beens, their cynical predictions of failure for we the people, President Obama & his administration, dis-respecting the will of the majority, a hopeful majority, hurling inane insults & the same lame fear-mongering we rejected in November? Two words of advice to Andy Card and Dick Cheney, SHUT UP! The country is in crisis, you jokers caused it and now you distract the A.D.D. media who should not, for one moment, publicize this petty crap. Andy and Dick do not live in my country, the one I helped change on the ground. They are capital, we are labor. As Lincoln said,

“Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.”

Snap! Obama got that right. We stood up first, took off the ties, rolled up our sleeves, put on the boots and the fruit came pouring in. So Andy, the best you can do is look a fool and attribute national values to Obama’s clothing, to the items he is not wearing? And Dickster, you proclaim President Obama’s lack of national values are clear because he has pledged to respect the US Constitution? What a wimp you are, to have had to wipe your bald pate off with the founding documents, as if they’d gone missing, in order to have your way. No, you could never play by the rules and get any job done. You do not have a single drop of greatness in your blood, and that is as it will remain. I am still confused about WTF you people were trying to do, and how you f**ked it up so stupendously with all that bad-ass experience you had. It must be hard for you to live in a country whose citizens turned on a dime and saw, 180 degrees away from where ever you were standing, their country. Over there, where the young organizer, jacketless, was describing that what he saw in his country, was what he hoped he would see. This country had shaped his family and that family valued education, they cultivated a wisdom beyond years, and a comprehensive world view untroubled by complexity but with a comfort and recognition that this facet of life allows for unimaginable possibilities. The call for self-reliance and community effort, national pride and global citizenry, made sense. It’s American! We’re the home of the free, the land of the brave. The genius of Barack Obama is in offering as anodyne for years of threats and warnings, an appeal to our American Spirit to labor for, not against, the impossible, a brave new future across a long rickety bridge. When we are no longer in crisis, no one will look back in longing at the dark and dreary country you created, gents. We are an accomplished people, generous and optimistic. You’re not. I admit that I did enjoy watching Keith Olberman on fire last nightin his special comment about Dick’s lowing, mutated remarks to Politico in a February 4th interview regarding President Obama’s proclamation against torture and other Un-Constitutional acts, as the founding fathers intended. You can’t look at these documents like one of your freaky oil contracts, with hidden clauses and contingencies you play to your advantage so you win and, therefore, the other party loses. Kid stuff Dick, frat boy crap at best. The difficult thing is to succeed by the principles of fairness set forth; liberty and justice for all. If you are scared Dick, to live in our country with President Obama as Commander In Chief, you are free to leave. That silly rag we call the Constitution didn’t get in your way as you pissed on the world like it was your fire-hydrant, just take your gun if you pass by the Hague in your travels. The ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’ you used on the US Congress (on your buddy Dick Armey, for example) and on the good citizens of these United States to dupe* many into supporting your murderous invasion of a sovereign nation seems like some demented chess-game that you and Rummy never had a chance to finish back in the day. You anticipated, with little regret, the slaughter of not only the innocent people of Iraq, but also of our military men and women without a second thought. Everyone is worth sacrificing for your own small and vicious desires. What are they again? You said ‘to be respected’ is important, so thuggishness and slaughter renders respect for you? Is that cauldron of hatred so fetid inside you that you can no longer even recognize good ?

And Andy Card is so small I can’t even go there (I said tiny already, right?). But you heard it straight from Andy’s A*s, Neckties & Jackets = Democracy. May I suggest that Intelligence & Compassion = Humanity, and that Humility & Fairness= Equality , six things you can’t buy at Brooks Brothers, Andy. And the will of free people, to exercise their right to select and form a better government, the arc that bends toward justice. . . never mind. Go f**k-up the Union Pacific Railroad, Andy. I am sure with your priorities, you can make that failing institution die quickly, and in a coat and tie.

BTW, Huffington Post has slide show that shows Jesus Reagan in the Oval Office, in a RED cowboy shirt. That’s RED. I don’t have to tell you what red means.

*On the duping: President Obama (State Senator of Illinois at the time) wasn’t duped by your fear mongering Cheney, millions of us weren’t duped, including me. I have a letter that Congressman Berman (D-CA) wrote to me in response to my letter asking he not vote to authorize President Cheney’s request to use force in Iraq. I’m still waiting for an apology that is as considered as his defense of the invasion was. I received a non-sensical, platitude-ridden email from Senator Dianne Feinstein, who voted in favor of using force, and it reads as if she had no choice, as if there had been no Levin Ammendment, which would have changed the authorization process completely and could have halted the invasion. The text of Senator Levin’s brief amendment is easy to find online, as is the list of Senators who admitted to not reading the NIE Report entirely. I mean, reading is tedious, and it’s not as if this vote meant the END OF THE WORLD.

With that, I am pleading for the maximum funding for new schools, new teaching tools, regular refresher courses for teachers, and a balanced and more comprehensive education for all citizens. It’s all of a sudden “San Francisco” to want the highest standards of education achievable? Oh please let them filibuster in coats and ties while we go to San Francisco in our Birkenstocks to read books.

Tiny Andy

GRIDLOCK NEEDS TO BE BROKEN!!!!

Raul — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:48:42 EST

The grassroots movement that helped elect Barack Obama President needs to start writing letters to the editor of their papers, their local elected officials and members of the Senate to stop the gridlock in passing a stimulus package. When Republicans simply vote no on a bill because they want to stop some part of it, means that nothing gets accomplished. When Rush Limbaugh says he just wants "Obama's policies to fail", he's still advocating the country to fail because the administration is Obama's. I don't care if policies are conservative or liberal, if they help get Americans working, improve our economy, and stimulate the beginning of a global financial rally, then that's fine!!!

We need to work together. If Judd Gregg (R) comes over as Commerce Secretary, I hope a Republican is put in his Senate seat so pundits don't say the move was simply to get the Dems a full majority. We need serious people now to solve serious problems.

Please comment and send your thoughts to your contacts. Thanks, Raul

Victory and Hope--President Obama is in Charge

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:04:28 EST

Change has come to America. We can all be elated and proud of our efforts in electing President Obama. We must now be equally dedicated to making change in the place where we live. I will make change in Carson. The election on March 3, 2009 is one of our most important. We must elect people who do not engage in scare tactics, rumor and innuendo. We must elect people who do not pit one ethnic group against another. We must elect people who will support the goals and values expressed by President Obama. We must move forward in a positive way. Stay posted.

YES WE DID! Thanks To Everyone Who Supported Barack & Me!

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:23:59 EST

YES WE DID! Thanks To Everyone Who Supported Barack & Me!

It's been a long journey, this road to The White House! Some of you have been with me since 2007. Others joined me in January of 2008. Some of you came along when I knocked on your door or called you on the phone or sent an e-mail in February, pleading with you to support Obama instead of Clinton. (Boy, do I have some stories about that!) And some of you joined me much later. When the campaign suggested that I run for office (something I had not done before), I agreed. Many of you voted for me and I won. I am committed to working to make you happy that you did. And as Barack said, if you didn't vote for me, I'll still represent you to the best of my ability. If one wins, we all win.

As The Word says, it doesn't matter what time you go into the field, it only matters that you heeded the call and went. Our reward belongs to all of us, no matter how long or how deeply we campaigned. Every effort counted.

We did it because we believed we could. Now we must move forward to make the win a real win for America. We cannot go back to business as usual. We no longer have an excuse. Truly, anything is possible with God.

God Bless each and everyone...

God Bless Barack and his family and Joe Biden and his family and...

God Bless America

YES WE DID!!!

Dr. Barbara Palmer

Yes We Can :: From Barack Obama, President-Elect

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:20:11 EST

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.

We just made history.

And I don't want you to forget how we did it.

You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.

I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.

We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.

But I want to be very clear about one thing...

All of this happened because of you.

Thank you,

Barack

Our Time is Now: Vote Today

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:15:00 EST

Make sure you know your polling place and get out to vote today. Take a friend and cast your votes.

Change is within our reach. We're counting on you to get us there today.
www.voteforchange.com

Obama Supporters Rally for Change in California

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:01:52 EST

Obama supporters held rallies in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Sacramento today. Hundreds of Obama supporters and local elected officials came together to show their support for Obama and rally to get everyone fired up to vote.

After the rallies, the supporters hit area phone banks to make phone calls to swing state voters, encouraging them to get to their polling places and cast their ballots for Obama.

Find a polling place near you at Last Call for Change.

California Phone Bankers Don't Quit

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:47:43 EST

Californians made a record number of phone calls to Obama supporters across the country, encouraging them to get to the polls and cast their votes.
Joined by celebrities like Orlando Bloom and Eliza Dushku, volunteers overflowed offices across California, sitting on file cabinets, in garages, in alleyways, on yards so that they could call for change all day.Check out the slideshow for more, then join us at a phone bank near you to make history!

Ryan Phillippe Works for Change

Sarah Gallagher — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:46:52 EDT

On Friday, Oct 31, Ryan Phillippe joined volunteers at the Obama for America California HQ to make phone calls asking voters in critical battleground states to get to the polls and cast their votes.

To learn more about what Ryan's volunteer effort and how you can get involved too, watch below and then go to Last Call For Change to find a phone bank near your house.

Barack-The Hero

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:41:46 EDT

You be the judge. No position on http://www.snopes.com/ http://tinyurl.com/3en2hu A Stranded Stranger The Norwegian newspaper VG has reported a truly amazing story about a newly-wed trying to get to Norway to be with her husband, and the stranger who helped pay an unexpected luggage surcharge. The blog 'Leisha's Random Thoughts' has translated the story. It was 1988, and Mary Andersen was at the Miami airport checking in for a long flight to Norway to be with her husband when the airline representative informed her that she wouldn't be able to check her luggage without paying a 100 surcharge: When it was finally Mary's turn, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness. -You'll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway, the man behind the counter said. Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway, and she had no one else to call. I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary. As tears streamed down her face, she heard a 'gentle and friendly voice' behind her saying, 'That's okay, I'll pay for her.' Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before. He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, who is this man? Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man. -He was nicely dressed, fashionably dressed with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary. She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her. Who was the man? Barack Obama. Twenty years later, she is thrilled that the friendly stranger at the airport may be the next President and has voted for him already and donated 100 dollars to his campaign: He was my knight in shining armor, says Mary, smiling. She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway. At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker* in Chicago, and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university. Mary even convinced her parents to vote for him: In the spring of 2006 Mary's parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier. And Obama replied: In a letter to Mary's parents dated May 4th, 2006 and stamped United States Senate, Washington DC, Barack Obama writes: I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I'm happy I could help back then, and I'm delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway. Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama, United States senator. The parents sent the letter on to Mary. Mary says that when her friends and associates talk about the election, especially when race relations is the heated subject, she relates the story of the kind man who helped out a stranger-in-need over twenty years ago, years before he had even thought about running for high office. Original Norwegian newspaper article: http://tinyurl.com/3g59z6

Los Angeles Early Vote and Phonebank Wrap Up

Sarah Gallagher — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:47:34 EDT

Over 500 people gathered at the LA County Registrar's office to cast their votes early for Barack Obama. They joined California Field Director Mary Jane Stevenson and Obama for America staffers, who were fired up to vote for Obama and then get back outside to make phone calls for change!

You can still vote early in California, go to VoteForChange.com to find the early vote location for your county.

Once you vote early, join us to get out the vote by making calls into swing states from now through election day, or sign up now to drive for change to a swing state and make a big difference in this election!

Eric Garcetti, LA Council President, on Driving for Change

Sarah Gallagher — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:34:36 EDT

Last weekend, I traveled with 150 friends to the battleground state of Nevada, joining thousands of Californians in campaigning for Senator Barack Obama.

Over the weekend, our group knocked on over 5,000 doors. We spread out across Las Vegas, meeting people in their homes and talking to them about their hopes and concerns. What we heard is that Nevadans, like many of their fellow Americans, are worried. They are yearning for change and strong leadership to put our country back on track. Most were responsive to Senator Obama's economic plan of tax cuts for the middle class and smarter regulation of our financial sector.

I know that an Obama administration would bring renewed focus toward reviving our urban centers, and I will be working to bring that message to other voters between now and Election Day.

Join us on another Drive for Change for the final Get Out the Vote Weekend.

Phonebanking Old Hollywood Style: A Post from Nancy D in LA

Sarah Gallagher — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:07:02 EDT

This weekend, the Obama campaign held four ginormous super phonebanks in the Los Angeles area. Harnessing the amazing enthusiasm here in the final weeks of the Presidential campaign, these phonebanks are full of great energy, dedication, and cell phone waves (oh, and yummy snacks). In my neck of the woods, our Hollywood-Los Feliz-Silver Lake phonebanks joined forces at the fabled Sunset-Gower Studios, located at the corner of Sunset Blvd. and Gower St. (This intersection was once known as "Gower Gulch" - silver-screen cowboys used to gather there looking for work as extras on western films.) Last weekend, this particular phonebank drew 200 volunteers who made 13,000 calls to battleground states and, in phonebanks throughout California, over 500,000 voters were called! This weekend our goal was higher - the campaign has challenged California volunteers to reach at least 625,000 voters - the Last Call For Change!

Former home of Columbia Pictures ("It Happened One Night", "Funny Girl" and "The Caine Mutiny") and current home to such TV shows as Dexter and Heroes, Sunset-Gower houses many independent film and television production companies. It was also the former home of one of my all-time personal favorites: Six Feet Under. (You can read more about the studio's history here.)

Last weekend, entering data from calls to Colorado, I was really heartened by the number of voters solidly in the Obama camp, versus the ones for McCain. The polls there are bearing this out. This weekend, we're over halfway toward beating last week's totals - 111 volunteers on Saturday, making nearly 9,000 calls! Sunday will surely rock.

Thanks to the incredible volunteer coordinators who are making this phonebank happen every weekend. Your dedication is inspiring. And of course, the roomful of volunteers who didn't want to leave.

Folks, if you haven't tried it yet, it's not too late - get thee to CA.BarackObama.com and find the nearest phonebank. You can make calls, enter data, sell swag, bring snacks - the possibilities are endless. You won't regret it!

Join the USA Love Train - Leading w/Love

Dr. See Love — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:34:53 EDT

Join the USA Love Train - The Obama-Biden Ride.

We are family.

Check it out! I was having some fun yesterday. Guess you could call it a visual prayer for our leadership...love leading the way. Relax, enjoy, and pass it on.

Click below - the train is leaving the station:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w13SYphB1g0

Blog from Veterans for Obama Co-Chair Dee Dee Gilliam

Sarah Gallagher — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:54:01 EDT

It's been 4 months since I was asked to take a leadership role with Veterans for Obama. Being a non-combat veteran, I knew who I would be representing; I had served with many of them during my 15 years as an Army Reserve nurse. The folks I represent are the finest of American citizens. They are soldiers, sailors, and airmen representing all branches of the uniformed services. They are veterans from World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq x 2, Kuwait and Afghanistan, plus numerous other missions that would take too much space to name. They are the ones that I looked up to, every one of them, as heroes, and always wondered if I was made of the same mettle. Some of the best days of my life were when I was at drill. No matter how much I would moan and groan about going every month, I always came home happy, having spent time with some of the best friends I will ever make in my life.

I have not regretted a moment of the time I've spent doing this. I have met new friends, including many new heroes, and have learned more about the political process than I ever thought I would know. I have learned so much about veterans and military issues, and the various advocacy groups working these issues, that I know this is going to continue to be a part of my life long after Nov. 4. And I have learned so much about how much Barack Obama cares about veterans. I was a supporter before I took on this role, but what I have learned about this man, who has never served a day in uniform, but who, with his wife, goes out of his way to reach out not only to the person serving, but to the family members of that person, has not just reinforced my faith in his abilities as a leader, but as a human being who cares for his fellow man.

Barack Obama believes America has a sacred trust with our veterans. He is committed to creating a 21st Century Department of Veterans' Affairs that provides the care and benefits our nation's veterans deserve. Obama will demand that the military and the VA coordinate to provide a seamless transition from active duty to civilian life, and improve mental health treatment at every stage of military service. He will require that they work to recruit more health professionals, improve screening processes, offer more support to families and make PTSD benefits claims fairer. We shouldn't have to hear stories about veterans losing their families and careers after they come home because they cannot deal with the emotional scars created by repeated deployments. There shouldn't be more stories of veterans committing suicide because they can't re-integrate into civilian life.

Letter from Mary Jane, California Field Director, to All California Activists

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:01:33 EDT

Bravo, California!

This weekend, we exceeded our 500,000 call goal! You made 543,000 calls to Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico, crucial battleground states that will make the difference in this election. Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication.

Catch your breath and then get ready - we are three weeks from Election Day. Our goals will grow. And we will continue to exceed them. Now is the time to recruit all your friends who have been saying 'What can I do?'.

Join us this weekend at another Last Call For Change phonebank.

I am proud to be in the company of so many amazing volunteers.

Yes We Can,
Mary Jane Stevenson
California Field Director

Another Installment of why OB should be president

Peter M. Warren — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:12:00 EDT

Check out this very short video.
It is OB at his best, a month ago, predicting you exactly what the goopers are doing now.
the man is one smart dude.
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/prescience.html
Fired UP, Ready to GO.

Patriots,
We have 6000 phone calls to make at my phone bank Saturday and Sunday.
Nevada voters, dialing you up in 22 hours.

Pass the Arecept

Peter M. Warren — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:50:52 EDT

John Mcsame is so used to saying he was a prisoner of war as the answer to almost any question, that he has gotten confused about when it makes sense and when it doesnt.

Or maybe, it is just that he uses the words "prisoner" and "my friends" so often that his synapses are just overloaded and failing him.

Check out this campaign appearance where the be addresses the crowd as "my fellow prisoners."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mBi7d6e5KI&eurl=http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/222883.php

At least, they don't say "Maverick" anymore after the response to the Palin debate, where voters made clear that term has jumped the shark.

That One

GenXer63 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:08:25 EDT

Barack Obama aka "That One", the one who WON last night's prez debate #2.

My favorite Obama quote of last night's debate: "Bomb, bomb, bomb...bomb, bomb, bomb Iraq".

Thanks For Coming To The Obama Event At The Palin Event!!!

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:21:33 EDT

Thanks everyone for showing up at the Home Depot Center. We had a great time. Barack was well represented. Though some in the Palin crowd were rude, crude and angry, we countered with shouts for Obama, smiles and thumbs up. Our candidate always displays his dignity and calm demeanor. He has class. We followed his lead.

If you weren't able to come this time, you missed a treat... great camaraderie and joyful and committed spirits.

Check at Carson for Obama for future events.

Yes We Can!

BTW: I'm still accepting donations to Obama in honor of my birthday. I'll match everything you contribute. Go here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/DrPalmer

Dr. Barbara Palmer

Not-So-Straight Talk Express--In the Ditch

Peter M. Warren — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:02:43 EDT

Lots of people are linking to this piece by New York magazine's John Heilemann, which takes a crack at explaining how exactly McCain squandered his "maverick" brand.
http://nymag.com/news/politics/powergrid/51016/index1.html

Heliemann's basic point is that McCain's repeated campaign stunts, his choice of Sarah Palin, and his dishonest adver-sleazements conspired to produce a kind of tipping-point for the press. The media went into revolt and painted the suspension stunt for the ruse it was, hurting McCain on the most important issue right now: The economic crisis.

"By the time the financial crisis hit, we were past the tipping point," one national reporter explains to Heilemann. "Lipstick on a pig and sex ed were the last straw for some of McCain's old hands and media allies. And because of this cynicism, he didn't get the benefit of the doubt for his 'suspension,' and it was treated as the stunt it was."

Some Thoughts on Polls

Peter M. Warren — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:16:34 EDT

As OB pulls ahead in Gallup 51-42% and he begins opening leads and widening margins in WI, NH, NV and other places, it is good to remember that you need to think about it like a basketball game; it aint over in the middle of the fourth quarter. And, it aint a soccer game either, so there is not stoppage time--which would have had HHH beat Nixon in 1968.

You gotta be ahead at the buzzer.

But BIG MO is a very good thing.

All that being said, there is always the Supreme Court--which makes it own rules and can erase or extend the clock.

Change That Reaches Nationwide

Peter M. Warren — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:57:09 EDT

I had a wonderful experience today that illustrates what an amazing and effective network Barack has built nationwide.

I got a phone call from a woman in Georgia, asking if I could help her son vote.

Her son is crew on a cruise ship that docks in my town, San Pedro, CA., every week but his absentee ballot from Georgia is at his house there. She couldnt find an address to reach out to him and the company that runs the cruise line was not helpful either.

What did she do? She got on the Obama website and did a zipcode search for an event in San Pedro. She found the phone banks I am running and also my phone number. She called my up and bingo--another vote for Barack, and a new friendship for me. He docks this weekend and like my wife, he is a theater performer, doing Second City shows on the cruise ship.

Fired UP. Ready To GO!!!!!!!

Official Debate Watch Parties on Tuesday!

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:22:36 EDT

With John McCain's announcement that he would rather spend the last month of this election smearing Barack's character instead of talking about the top priority issue for voters, it's more important than ever that you show your support for Obama at an Official California Debate Watch Party in LA, SF, Sacramento or San Diego!

Sign up at my.barackobama.com/cadebatewatch!

The California Obama campaign is hosting debate watch parties across the state.

We'll cheer on Barack at the second presidential debate, hear from local elected officials, discuss the issues, and get to work organizing our communities for change. You'll be able to meet field staff and sign up to make a difference in this campaign. Join us and fellow supporters on Tuesday, October 7th.

Sign up at my.barackobama.com/cadebatewatch!

VP Debate Watch Party - Los Angeles

Sarah Gallagher — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:22:46 EDT

Kit, a volunteer at our California HQ, was fired up at last night's VP Debate Watch Party at Hollywood Social in LA.

The VP Debate Watch Party at Social Hollywood drew an even larger crowd than the first Presidential debate for what was one of the most highly anticipated events of the campaign. As the two candidates approached their podiums, the excitement in the room reached fever pitch, and everyone was thrilled to see Joe Biden deliver! The statesman from Scranton clearly outlined how the Obama-Biden administration would bring the change the country so desperately needs to the White House. The hundreds of spectators in LA cheered loudly as Senator Biden advocated for the middle class and showed how we could restore America's leadership in the world. While Governor Palin defended the policies of the last eight years, Joe Biden showed the vision and judgement the country an expect from an Obama-Biden administration. And the crowd last night couldn't have been more proud!

Recap: Californians Drive for Change

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:08:13 EDT

Elizabeth Kim is a volunteer in Nevada.

This weekend Californians drove across state lines to canvass for Barack Obama alongside their Nevadan neighbors. The day started off with training sessions across the state. One group of Golden Staters got a quick tutorial on Nevada issues from NW Las Vegas Regional Field Director Evan Sutton.

Why is Nevada so important? Al Gore lost Nevada by 2% in 2000. If Nevada had turned, Gore would have won the election. The good news is that in previous cycles Democrats had a net negative of 8,000 registered voters in Nevada compared to Republicans. We now have a positive advantage of 75,000 registered Democrats over Republicans thanks to the hard work of our volunteers.

Click here to continue reading…

Our worst nightmare? See for yourselves ...

Bev Haut — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:58:59 EDT

Our worst nightmare? Watch this ... it'll chill you to the bone. It will make you catch your breath. But be sure to watch the whole thing!

www.youtube.com/ v/EzuIHjQYW2c&hl=en&fs=1

Where was McCain during bailout negotiations?

Bev Haut — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:19:09 EDT

It's unbelievable what the McCain campaign tries to get away with!

From the AP: "After making a dramatic entrance on Capitol Hill Thursday to be part of the bailout negotiations, McCain stayed away Saturday as lawmakers inched toward an agreement. He made phone calls to the White House and GOP leaders from his suburban condominium and later at campaign headquarters."

Turns out that's not quite true!

From Politico: “So lawmakers struck a deal on the bailout last night, but where was John McCain?

“Was he part of the negotiations that he rushed back to Washington, DC to rescue? Was he valiantly battling the forces of the status quo to get something done for Main Street?

“Well, it turns out that he wasn't. Instead, as his colleagues worked on the deal at the Capitol Saturday night, McCain and his wife, Cindy, dined with Sen. Joe Lieberman and his wife, Hadassah, at Cafe Mozu inside Washington’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/28/as-negotiators-struck-bai_n_129989.html

DIGG it!!!

Table at El Camino College on Tues

Hope — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:20:03 EDT

I will be attempting to get a table for Students for Obama at El Camino this tuesday, if not Money also. I will, on monday, but handing out fliers on obama's economic plan and plan for students. This is my FIRST ever political activism that I would start, and I'll try and get some help from some of my classmates that are for Obama. I'll have a number of fliers, including stuff I organized myself such as some breakdowns of the "Know The Facts" page on the lies of McCain, tax differences between Obama and McCain, and comparing both candidates on their ideas for women. But mostimportantly on my campus we will have the America's Youth flier and giving them out to as many people as we can.

I'm nervous cause I've never been part of a political rally where I would be by myself, and I'm scared of confrontation, also I'm not sure what to say to people walking by lol. But I'll make sure to get a packet of voter registration sheets to put by and a bucket of candy! lol everyone likes candy.

With Friends Like Bill Clinton, Who Needs Enemies???

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:06:08 EDT

September 25, 2008

Bill Clinton lavishes praise on McCain

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/25/bill-clinton-lavishes-praise-on-mccain/

 September 24, 2008 Categories: Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton: Will respect Jewish holidays, “Bill Clinton: Will respect Jewish holidays, then 'hustle up ... cracker vote' in Florida”

Can you believe he said that? He is making quite a case for himself. He REALLY does NOT want Barack to win. Shame on you, Bill Clinton. Carolina had it right!

Read the entire piece here:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0908/Bill_Clinton_Will_respect_Jewish_holidays_then_hustle_up__cracker_vote_in_Florida.html?showall

Bill 'sympathetic' to Todd Palin

Former President Bill Clinton has some words of wisdom for Todd Palin, the husband of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: “Give support,” but don’t “make her look weak.”

The former president said Alaska’s “first dude” is doing “just fine” since being thrust into the national spotlight in late August.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080924/pl_politico/13831

Bill Clinton says he understands Palin's appeal

Bill Clinton said Monday he understands why Sarah Palin is popular in the heartland: because people relate to her. "I come from Arkansas, I get why she's hot out there," Clinton said. "Why she's doing well."

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008195867_apbillclintonpalin.html

Bill Clinton: McCain is “a great man”; Palin is “instinctively effective”; Hillary “has the best plan to solve the economic crisis”. Obama has “some specific and sensible economic and healthcare plans.”

This and more on the ABC interview. Bill’s “support” for Obama is less than sincere. I never thought he could be so petty. He is not a real Democrat. He is self-centered and a poor loser. Shame on you, Bill Clinton!

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/bill-clinton-pr.html

Fighter Pilot Mentality at 1600 Pennsylvania

Tim from Harbor City, CA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:30:44 EDT

The recent events this political season have brought forth a glaring difference between John McCain and Barack Obama. Though there are differences in policy and position that is not the glaring difference of which I am writing about in this essay. Instead, I am speaking about the difference in how they have shown they will act in times of crisis or decision.

Quite simply, one reacts and the other responds.

Now the dictionary definition of those words is almost identical. In fact, thesaurus.com lists each as a synonym for the other. However, to me when someone reacts I equate it with a quick, instinctive action. And when someone responds I equate it with a thoughtful, measured and controlled response.

McCain reacts. Obama responds.

The question is, which trait is more desirable in a President?

Is it quick to action, proceeding because it feels right, just doing something for the sake of doing something and hoping for the best?

Or is it a reasoned pragmatic approach, looking at all options, hearing a set of possible solutions, and then responding with what you determine to be the best course of action?

John McCain was trained as a fighter pilot. And he served this country valiantly and with honor in that position. A fighter pilot must trust his instincts; he must make quick decisions – it is often a matter of life or death – and trust that all that training that honed those instincts will work out for the best as he completes his mission.

And a fighter pilot thinks only of the current mission. It is his job only to successfully complete that mission and return back for the next mission. He doesn’t have to think big picture.

So I do not find fault with McCain for being one who reacts. It is how he was trained, and what he lived as a member of our Armed Forces. And that kind of action, maverick simply by nature of the task required, is ideal for a fighter pilot. But I for one do not believe that is a desired attribute for the primary occupant of the White House.

Generally there are no quick fixes or easy solutions to the problems that cross your desk as President of the United States. And the mission is always more than just one bombing run and then back to the base. Leading in the reactionary style exhibited by McCain in the past few weeks would most likely lead to disastrous results for our country, even if his instincts were correct 80% of the time.

If the last few weeks are any indication, odds are his success rate will be much lower. In fact, he seems to keep trying and changing course on a daily basis, as each previous reaction did not lead to his desired result. Ideal for a fighter pilot. Not for a commander in chief.

Much was made in the primary season about that 3 AM phone call. Obama has shown time and time again that he is the characteristics of the person you want answering that call. Calm and cool in a time crisis. Consulting with others, both who agree and differ with him, getting multiple views on how best to proceed. Then responding in a measured and controlled way.

Responding not reacting. A key component of character for any person who will sit in the Oval Office. And a character trait exhibited time and again by Obama, but sorely lacking in the actions of McCain.

McCain loses his head

DSTPYT — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:17:22 EDT

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/22/AR2008092202583.html?nav=hcmodule

You are The Boss... which team would you hire?  

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:17:08 EDT

With America facing historic debt, multiple war fronts, a healthcare crisis, a weakened dollar, all-time high prison population, skyrocketing Federal spending, mortgage crises, bank foreclosures, etc. etc., this is an unusually critical election year.  Let's look at the educational background of your two options: 

Obama: 

- Occidental College -Two years

- Columbia University - B.A. political science with a specialization in international relations

- Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude 

WIFE has doctorate degree

Biden:

- University of Delaware - B.A. in history and B.A. in political science

- Syracuse University - Juris Doctor (J.D.) 

WIFE has doctorate degree

Vs.  

McCain:

-United States Naval Academy - B.S. Class rank 894 of 899 

WIFE has master's degree

Palin:

- Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester

- North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general studies

- University of Idaho - 2 semesters – journalism

- Matanuska-Susitna College -1 semester 

-University of Idaho -3 semesters - B.A. in journalism 

- HUSBAND has high-school diploma

Now, which team are you going to hire? The choice is yours!

Black Voters?

Hope — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:50:10 EDT

They're doing it again of course. The bastard Republicans have tamered with the black voters chances of voting for obama. SO I HAVE A QUESTION. If the poor minorities and whites and anyone who the gov. thinks they can screw with actually wanna vote but don't think they can, is there a way to register them?? Like do a tabling in poor and shifty cities like compton, inglewood, westwood, etc etc etc? I want to get as many votes as possible, and I want them registered! so how can I organize this anyone know?

McCain, Obama tied in 5 battleground states

DSTPYT — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:52:24 EDT

From Paul Steinhauser
CNN Deputy Political Director
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- New polls in five battleground states that could decide the presidency suggest the fight for the White House between Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama remains a dead heat.

A new poll out Wednesday shows a virtually tied race between John McCain and Barack Obama in key states.

The CNN/Time Magazine/Opinion Research Corp. polls out Wednesday indicate the race for Florida and its 27 electoral votes is tied.

Florida decided the 2000 election between then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush and then-Vice President Al Gore. Four years ago, President Bush won Florida by 5 points over Sen. John Kerry.

The new survey, conducted Sunday through Tuesday, indicates 48 percent of registered voters in Florida back Republican presidential candidate McCain for president and an equal amount support Obama, the Democratic candidate.

"Florida is a state that would be directly affected by offshore drilling, but voters in that state may be more affected by high gas prices," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "Two-thirds of all Floridians favor increased offshore drilling for oil and gas."

The poll shows a tight race for Ohio and its 20 electoral votes. The new survey suggests that 49 percent of registered voters in Ohio back Obama and 47 percent support McCain. Interactive: CNN's Electoral Map

Don't Miss

Election Center 2008

The small Obama advantage is well within the poll's sampling error, making the race a tie. President Bush's narrow victory in Ohio four years ago clinched his re-election.

A CNN poll of polls in Ohio, also out Wednesday, gives McCain a 3-point lead, 48-45 percent. The poll of polls is an average of the latest public opinion surveys in the state.

"In Ohio, higher-income voters have moved more toward McCain in the last few weeks, while lower-income voters have trended toward Obama," Holland said. "It looks like economic issues are increasingly dividing voters along income lines -- at least in Ohio -- in the classic pattern that we have seen in previous elections."

The poll suggests Obama is staying competitive in two red states that his campaign is trying to turn blue.

In North Carolina, which Bush won by 12 points in the last presidential election, the poll indicates that 47 percent of registered voters back Obama, 1 point behind McCain. But other polls in the state suggest McCain has a larger lead, and when averaged in a new CNN poll of polls out Wednesday, McCain has a 10-point lead.

In Indiana, the survey puts McCain up by 6 points, 51-45 percent. The lead is within the poll's sampling error. Indiana has not favored a Democrat in a presidential election since 1964, but the Obama campaign is putting a lot of time, effort and money into trying to be the first since then.

Wisconsin has voted for the Democrats in the last four presidential elections, but it was extremely close last time, with Kerry topping Bush by 1 point. It seems Wisconsin remains divided, with 50 percent of voters questioned in the poll backing Obama and 47 percent supporting McCain.

"Obama's strength is in the city of Milwaukee and along the Wisconsin-Illinois border, where he may have a home-field advantage," Holland said. "McCain does well in the rest of the state."

Third-party presidential candidates could affect the results in some of these states.

When included in the results, independent Ralph Nader, Libertarian Bob Barr and Green Party candidate Cynthia McKinney grab a total of 7 percent of the vote in Indiana, 6 percent in Florida and Ohio, and 5 percent in North Carolina, which could be enough to influence the outcome in those states.

So, where does the overall race for electoral votes stand?

Taking into account these polls, CNN estimates if the presidential election were held today, Obama would win 233 electoral votes and John McCain 189. There are 116 electoral votes up for grabs; 270 electoral votes are needed to win the White House.

The CNN Electoral Map takes into account a number of factors, including the most recent state polls, voting trends and campaign ad spending and events in the particular states.

In the poll, 907 registered voters in Florida, 890 registered voters in Indiana, 910 registered voters in North Carolina, 913 registered voters in Ohio and 950 registered votes in Wisconsin were questioned by telephone.

The sampling error is 3.5 percentage points in Florida, Indiana, and North Carolina and 3 percentage points in Ohio and Wisconsin.

Reminder: Camp Obama in SoCal

Becca — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:38:00 EDT

I attended Camp Obama last month in Los Angeles and cannot begin to explain the impact it has had on my life and my role in this campaign. I encourage all of you that can make the time to attend!

Please keep in mind that is is intensive and extensive. It will be a full 2 days of important information and workshop style learning but again, I cannot reccomend it more.

What's New

Lois — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:25:11 EDT

Hi, I just wanted to give you an update. I have been "selected" for Camp Obama and will attend the two day training in Long Beach this weekend. Once that is completed I have comitted to spend weekend(s) in Nevada at whatever task assigned. I continue to donate every month and make phone calls when I can. Several people in my community have come together to learn about the issues as well as to register voters.

I have seen myself go from a "chicken little" to moving beyond and knowing that it rests in our hands to make this happen. Without Barack Obama and Joe Biden winning, the Country is toast.

I will not waste too much time on Sarah Palin except to say she is an insult to everything I have worked for during the past thirty years. That doesn't mean she doesn't have a right to her opinions and policies just that we can't have her lead this country and the world.

Hope you are all doing things to make this happen. Be well

Palin: wrong woman, wrong message

DSTPYT — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:01:48 EDT

Sarah Palin shares nothing but a chromosome with Hillary Clinton. She is Phyllis Schlafly, only younger.By Gloria Steinem
September 4, 2008 Here's the good news: Women have become so politically powerful that even the anti-feminist right wing -- the folks with a headlock on the Republican Party -- are trying to appease the gender gap with a first-ever female vice president. We owe this to women -- and to many men too -- who have picketed, gone on hunger strikes or confronted violence at the polls so women can vote. We owe it to Shirley Chisholm, who first took the "white-male-only" sign off the White House, and to Hillary Rodham Clinton, who hung in there through ridicule and misogyny to win 18 million votes.

But here is even better news: It won't work. This isn't the first time a boss has picked an unqualified woman just because she agrees with him and opposes everything most other women want and need. Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It's about making life more fair for women everywhere. It's not about a piece of the existing pie; there are too many of us for that. It's about baking a new pie.

Selecting Sarah Palin, who was touted all summer by Rush Limbaugh, is no way to attract most women, including die-hard Clinton supporters. Palin shares nothing but a chromosome with Clinton. Her down-home, divisive and deceptive speech did nothing to cosmeticize a Republican convention that has more than twice as many male delegates as female, a presidential candidate who is owned and operated by the right wing and a platform that opposes pretty much everything Clinton's candidacy stood for -- and that Barack Obama's still does. To vote in protest for McCain/Palin would be like saying, "Somebody stole my shoes, so I'll amputate my legs."

This is not to beat up on Palin. I defend her right to be wrong, even on issues that matter most to me. I regret that people say she can't do the job because she has children in need of care, especially if they wouldn't say the same about a father. I get no pleasure from imagining her in the spotlight on national and foreign policy issues about which she has zero background, with one month to learn to compete with Sen. Joe Biden's 37 years' experience.

Palin has been honest about what she doesn't know. When asked last month about the vice presidency, she said, "I still can't answer that question until someone answers for me: What is it exactly that the VP does every day?" When asked about Iraq, she said, "I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq."

She was elected governor largely because the incumbent was unpopular, and she's won over Alaskans mostly by using unprecedented oil wealth to give a $1,200 rebate to every resident. Now she is being praised by McCain's campaign as a tax cutter, despite the fact that Alaska has no state income or sales tax. Perhaps McCain has opposed affirmative action for so long that he doesn't know it's about inviting more people to meet standards, not lowering them. Or perhaps McCain is following the Bush administration habit, as in the Justice Department, of putting a job candidate's views on "God, guns and gays" ahead of competence. The difference is that McCain is filling a job one 72-year-old heartbeat away from the presidency.

So let's be clear: The culprit is John McCain. He may have chosen Palin out of change-envy, or a belief that women can't tell the difference between form and content, but the main motive was to please right-wing ideologues; the same ones who nixed anyone who is now or ever has been a supporter of reproductive freedom. If that were not the case, McCain could have chosen a woman who knows what a vice president does and who has thought about Iraq; someone like Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison or Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine. McCain could have taken a baby step away from right-wing patriarchs who determine his actions, right down to opposing the Violence Against Women Act.

Palin's value to those patriarchs is clear: She opposes just about every issue that women support by a majority or plurality. She believes that creationism should be taught in public schools but disbelieves global warming; she opposes gun control but supports government control of women's wombs; she opposes stem cell research but approves "abstinence-only" programs, which increase unwanted births, sexually transmitted diseases and abortions; she tried to use taxpayers' millions for a state program to shoot wolves from the air but didn't spend enough money to fix a state school system with the lowest high-school graduation rate in the nation; she runs with a candidate who opposes the Fair Pay Act but supports $500 million in subsidies for a natural gas pipeline across Alaska; she supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve, though even McCain has opted for the lesser evil of offshore drilling. She is Phyllis Schlafly, only younger.

I don't doubt her sincerity. As a lifetime member of the National Rifle Assn., she doesn't just support killing animals from helicopters, she does it herself. She doesn't just talk about increasing the use of fossil fuels but puts a coal-burning power plant in her own small town. She doesn't just echo McCain's pledge to criminalize abortion by overturning Roe vs. Wade, she says that if one of her daughters were impregnated by rape or incest, she should bear the child. She not only opposes reproductive freedom as a human right but implies that it dictates abortion, without saying that it also protects the right to have a child.

So far, the major new McCain supporter that Palin has attracted is James Dobson of Focus on the Family. Of course, for Dobson, "women are merely waiting for their husbands to assume leadership," so he may be voting for Palin's husband.

Being a hope-a-holic, however, I can see two long-term bipartisan gains from this contest.

Republicans may learn they can't appeal to right-wing patriarchs and most women at the same time. A loss in November could cause the centrist majority of Republicans to take back their party, which was the first to support the Equal Rights Amendment and should be the last to want to invite government into the wombs of women.

And American women, who suffer more because of having two full-time jobs than from any other single injustice, finally have support on a national stage from male leaders who know that women can't be equal outside the home until men are equal in it. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are campaigning on their belief that men should be, can be and want to be at home for their children.

This could be huge.

Gloria Steinem is an author, feminist organizer and co-founder of the Women's Media Center. She supported Hillary Clinton and is now supporting Barack Obama

Who is PALIN? Go to SNOPES.COM!

Bob for 'Bama — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:21:41 EDT

So you think you've heard a lot about Sarah Palin? Here is a viewpoint that has been vetted by Snopes.com, which is more than we can say about how much Sarah Palin has been vetted to date.

This letter (link below) is written by Anne Kilkenny from Sarah's home town. No love lost here, as Anne fought Palin's attempt to fire the town librarian because of a refusal to ban specific books from the library.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/kilkenny.asp

This note, if accurate, confirms that some of the rumors out there are true, and some are false. It does provide some added insight into her governing style, her self-styled ethics (or lack thereof), and it challenges the veracity of a good number of her claims from the VP nomination acceptance speech.

Palin is not someone I'd want an irregular heartbeat away from the presidency!

McCain - Special interests: On Notice?

Bob for 'Bama — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:58:45 EDT

John McCain has provided warning that the days of special interests are over!

I wonder if he has started with firing all of the special interests that are seated on his campaign committee and staff?

If he were serious about this claim, that is where he would start - just to show the voting public he takes his commitment to end special interest influence seriously.

Three guesses as to whether we see any such action... no, no, and no!

I noticed something about myself

DSTPYT — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:21:52 EDT

I love to learn, read, research about theories, events, people, me and stuff in general. I noticed something about myself. I ignore the negative, I guess its denial. I hope if I don't give it energy it will go away. I know it doesn't but I still ignore until I'm obligated. I'm not confrontational, i'm passive aggressive. I don't like to argue, if we don't agree I'm not going to confront you about it, I just am not going to conform, period. I guess it relates to this campaign because I tend ignore the negative press about Obama, Biden, McCain and Palin. I pretty much ignore what they say, It's all rah-rah to get elected, for real. I read about their actions and research their records. I'm also not really interested in what you did to benefit you, I would rather know what did you do to help others less fortunate than yourself or just those in need less fortunate or not. A person's character is about what they do, no matter how much they promote themselves. I think that's where we as humans go awry. We, me included, love to hear beautiful words, a good speech, to talk a good game, but when it comes down to the real thing, I want you to show me. Show me how you will help, show me that you care, show me that it matters. I don't want to hear anymore, I want to be shown. Does anybody else feel like that?

Obama Writes Chapter on Community Organizing

Jill K from RedondObama Beach, CA — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:19:05 EDT

http://www.edwoj.com/Alinsky/AlinskyObamaChapter1990.htm

Why Organize? Problems and Promise in the Inner City

written by Barack Obama, 1990

http://www.edwoj.com/Alinsky/AlinskyObamaChapter1990.htm

"Over the past five years, I've often had a difficult time explaining my profession to folks. Typical is a remark a public school administrative aide made to me one bleak January morning, while I waited to deliver some flyers to a group of confused and angry parents who had discovered the presence of asbestos in their school.

"Listen, Obama," she began. "You're a bright young man, Obama. You went to college, didn't you?"

I nodded.

"I just cannot understand why a bright young man like you would go to college, get that degree and become a community organizer."

"Why's that?"

" 'Cause the pay is low, the hours is long, and don't nobody appreciate you." She shook her head in puzzlement as she wandered back to attend to her duties.

I've thought back on that conversation more than once during the time I've organized with the Developing Communities Project, based in Chicago's far south side. Unfortunately, the answers that come to mind haven't been as simple as her question. Probably the shortest one is this: It needs to be done, and not enough folks are doing it.

. . .

In theory, community organizing provides a way to merge various strategies for neighborhood empowerment. Organizing begins with the premise that (1) the problems facing inner-city communities do not result from a lack of effective solutions, but from a lack of power to implement these solutions; (2) that the only way for communities to build long-term power is by organizing people and money around a common vision; and (3) that a viable organization can only be achieved if a broadly based indigenous leadership -- and not one or two charismatic leaders -- can knit together the diverse interests of their local institutions.

This means bringing together churches, block clubs, parent groups and any other institutions in a given community to pay dues, hire organizers, conduct research, develop leadership, hold rallies and education cam paigns, and begin drawing up plans on a whole range of issues -- jobs, education, crime, etc. Once such a vehicle is formed, it holds the power to make politicians, agencies and corporations more responsive to commu nity needs. Equally important, it enables people to break their crippling isolation from each other, to reshape their mutual values and expectations and rediscover the possibilities of acting collaboratively -- the prerequi sites of any successful self-help initiative.

By using this approach, the Developing Communities Project and other organizations in Chicago's inner city have achieved some impressive results. Schools have been made more accountable-Job training programs have been established; housing has been renovated and built; city services have been provided; parks have been refurbished; and crime and drug problems have been curtailed. Additionally, plain folk have been able to access the levers of power, and a sophisticated pool of local civic leadership has been developed."

. . .

http://www.edwoj.com/Alinsky/AlinskyObamaChapter1990.htm

Yeah, I'd say there's some RESPONSIBILITY there!

Will you please donate to my fundraiser? http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/JewsForBarackPart2

Palin: Give back the Money!

Bob for 'Bama — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:49:38 EDT

You've heard of the Bridge to Nowhere... Apparently the GOP VP nominee Palin initially supported it until it got too hot. When did she choose to oppose it? After Alaska got their grubby hands on the cash! Sarah Palin, as the current Governor of Alaska: Give the U.S. Government (and us taxpayers) the money back! I know you can buy luxury jets several times over with our hard earned tax dollars. Don't cheat the American people, as those beltway bastards do every day. Forgive me if your sudden calls for change and reform ring hallow. They do. It's that tinny sound of nothingness!

Actually, Sarah Palin, what you have really done is to misrepresent yourself in order to get what you want, and then stick it to the American taxpayer for all its worth to line the pockets of your cronies (sounds like the War in Iraq, actually! Does Haliburrton operate in Alaska?). One thing is for sure, Sarah Palin: you fit right into the Washington GOP without missing a beat.

CNN's electoral Map

DSTPYT — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:35:21 EDT

I'm a visual person. This map makes it loud and clear what needs to be done.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/10/map.explainer/index.html#cnnSTCOther1

California, our goal is to help Nevada come from the "dark side" into the light.

Downtown Long Beach Watch Party - Thanks!

Kraig Kojian — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 03:47:39 EDT

YOU GUYS ROCK - THANK YOU!!!Thank YOU - the 200-plus supporters who attended the DNC watch party at Smooth's Sports Grille in Downtown Long Beach (CA) last night to help celebrate this historic event and hear Senator Obama accept the nomination of his party to become the next President of the United States. Thanks to LBPOST.com for promoting and covering the event, which you'll find at http://www.lbpost.com/specialreport.php?id=1&where=#1500.Special thanks to GREG, THOMAS and JEFF at BRAVO PRODUCTIONS, an award-winning Downtown Long Beach event production company, who provided and set-up the decor for the event. Thanks to SAM HALL, Vice President of the Long Beach Democratic Club for his help in promoting and organizing the event. Last but not least, thanks to our venue host, JOHN MORRIS at Smooth's whose friendship, kindness and generosity knows no limits. John allowed us to use the rooftop, which proved to be a perfect location to watch the event, catch up with friends, meet new ones and celebrate this great night.The inspiring words and passion Senator Obama shared with the us yesterday should motivate those that can get more involved to do as much as we can in the next couple of months leading up to the election. You can help support the campaign in a number of ways, but three easy contributions everyone can make are:

Register to vote http://www.rockthevote.com/rtv_register.html?ms=googlevr7&gclid=CJKC1-iFtZUCFRlRagodPT4-Pw
Encourage others to do the same
Vote on November 4

There's always more to do, so please use the campaign's website http://www.barackobama.com for the latest news, events and opportunities to help support the effort.Also, it's expected that Long Beach will open a field office soon and there is some discussions that Camp Obama, a two-day training seminar designed for campaign volunteers will also be held in Long Beach...Stay tuned and stay in touch.Thanks again!Regards,
Kraig

Thoughts As The Democratic Convention Begins

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:04:31 EDT

I BELIEVE…

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born

A Death Certificate shows that we died

Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat. . Relax . . . And read this slowly.

I Believe...

That just because two people argue,

it doesn't mean they don't love each other.

And just because they don't argue,

it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...

That we don't have to change friends if

we understand that friends change.

I Believe...

That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...

That true friendship continues to grow, even over

the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe...

That you can do something in an instant

that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...

That it's taking me a long time

to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...

That you should always leave loved ones with

loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...

That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...

That we a re responsible for what

we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...

That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...

That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...

That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe...

That sometimes the people you expect to kick you

when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...

That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...

That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.

sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...

That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...

That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...

Two people can look at the exact same

thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...

That your life can be changed in a matter of

hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...

That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...

That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...

That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in, I just did.

'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.'

72 Days to Make A Difference

tonysal — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 02:24:08 EDT

In 72 days people will once again go to the polls all across America to cast their votes for the next President of the United States (POTUS). Only 72 days. Less than 11 weeks. And with the labor day holiday, kids going back to school, jobs, etc, that time will go by faster than we realize. So if you believe, as I do, that this is a critical time for our country (both at home and abroad), if you care that the next President will probably appoint between 1 and 3 Supreme Court Justices, and that our brave men and women have been asked to do enough and deserve to come home (responsibly) and taken care of, if you're tired of having your civil liberties treated as "optional", if you think that executive powers are limited by the constitution, then we must not just vote for Senator Obama and send emails talking about his strengths and Senator McCain's short comings; we all have to make a commitment to do what we can to help him get elected. There is just simply too much at stake (once again!)
Lately I've been agonizing about "finding the time" to get involved, to do more. And I've realized that I'm never going to "find time", it's just a commodity that we never have enough of. So I have to make the time and find things that I can do that will fit into my schedule and/or make sacrifices. It might mean time away from my kids, my wife, my friends. It might mean less time on the internet. It might mean less sleep. But isn't 72 days of sacrifice a small price to pay to increase the probability that Obama will win the election? So I'm asking all of you to find a way to get involved and start doing something every week, perhaps every day, that will affect our lives and the lives of our loved ones for years to come.

My V.P Pick and Prediction

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:30:37 EDT

Al Gore!!!

Camp Obama Los Angeles

DSTPYT — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:21:23 EDT

I attended Camp Obama in L.A. over the past weekend. I was little apprehensive about giving up my weekend however I was glad it was on the weekend because during the week would have been too hard to schedule. As I thought about my angst about giving up my time, I became ashamed of myself. You know why? As Barack, Michelle and their children undertake the burden and time consuming task of running for President, supporting the Presidential candidate and giving up their Daddy for long periods of time. Who am I complain about 18 hours of time. Maybe that's why we, as citizen's, have allowed our country to erode to it's current state. Each one thinks giving of their time is too much to ask so the one's who don't think its a burden get to rule! No more, I declare here and now to not complain about time spent serving others! Are you with me?

Invesco Watch

tonysal — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:30:32 EDT

Just wondering if anyone out there has contacted yet about tickets to the big event. I read an article in the Rocky Mountain News that people were being told they had to volunteer 6 hours of time this week before they could get their tickets.

Also, if anyone has tickets that they won't be able to use, please email me.

George W. Bush is to Georgia as George H.W. Bush is to Kurdistan

Cyndy — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:02:27 EDT

This is why both Americans and the world are so disillusioned with our 'great' country. May we all work hard to see honesty regain its foothold in November. Yes, we can.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marty-kaplan/george-w-bush-is-to-georg_b_118303.html

Barack Morning Buzz - 8-5-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:56:59 EDT

Barack Morning Buzz - 8-5-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Obama Says He Would Guarantee $4 Billion to Retool Auto Industry
Chris Christoff-Detroit Free Press-Lansing Bureau Chief
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080805/NEWS06/808050359/1014/BUSINESS01

(2) New Energy for America Town Hall with Obama in Youngstown, Ohio-8-5-08
Austintown Fitch High School-4560 Falcon Drive
Doors open at 7:15 AM-Event is free and open to public-Tickets required
No bags, signs or banners permitted for security reasons
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/youngstown

(3) New Energy for America Town Hall with Obama in Berea, Ohio-8-5-08
Baldwin-Wallace College-Lou Higgins Recreation Center-136 E. Bagley Road
Doors open at 12:00 Noon-Event is free and open to public-Tickets required
No bags, signs or banners permitted for security reasons
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/berea

(4) Boston Birthday Bash Raises $5 Million for Obama
Scott Helman-Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/08/05/birthday_bash_draws_5m_for_obama_party/

(5) Well Heeled Serenade Obama on Birthday-850 Attend Boston Fundraiser
Associated Press
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26031108/

(6) Celebratory Obama Serves Media Sassiness and Birthday Cake
Jake Tapper-ABC News-Political Punch
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/08/celebratory-oba.html

(7) Obama's Birthday Spotlights Age Gap with McCain
Don Frederick-Los Angeles Times-Top of the Ticket
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/08/barack-obamas-b.html

(8) Long Campaign Stop in Indiana Amplifies Obama-Bayh Buzz
Mary Beth Schneider-IndyStar.com
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080805/NEWS0502/808050375

(9) Obama Appears Unlikely to Announce Running Mate Until Olympics Wind Down
Walter Shapiro-Salon
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/08/05/veeps/

(10) Alaskans for Obama-A Rare Democratic Push in the Last Frontier
Karl Vick-Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/04/AR2008080402000.html

(11) The Unavoidable Issue
E.J. Dionne Jr.-Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/04/AR2008080401826.html

(12) Former President Clinton Acknowledges Regrets But Denies Making Racist Remarks about Obama
Foon Rhee-Boston Globe and Associated Press
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/08/05/president_clinton_denies_he_made_racist_remarks_about_obama/

(13) Mr. Obama, Welcome to the NFL!
Pat Buchanan-Creators Syndicate
http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20080805/cm_uc_crpbux/op_336940

(14) Obama-Brand Name Changing?
Mark Silva-Chicago Tribune-The Swamp
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/08/barack_obama_brand_name_changi.html

(15) McCain's Jewish Potential VP Not Shy about Attacking Obama
Natasha Mozgovaya-Haaretz.com-Israel
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1008753.html

HE SHOULD MEET HIM AT THE TOWNE HALL WITH GUNS BLAZIN'!!!

Raul — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:01:54 EDT

I'm disappointed to read that Senator Obama will not meet John McCain in town hall meetings. We know that town hall meetings are more comfortable than debates for Sen. McCain, but the general public will think Sen. Obama is ducking John McCain. If people are fooled by the gas tax holiday, the war on terrorism, and now, drilling for oil locallly that will solve our gas problems in one month, they are also going to be fooled that Sen. Obama is afraid to meet John McCain with the general public. This will be another advantage that the McCain camp can milk for all they want.

Senator Obama and his staff should know better by now. Meet with a mixed group of independents and talk about general issues and have no media moderators. The answers would be standard, but at least Senator Obama would appear strong that he met McCain on his terms and held his own. That would have been all he would have needed.

We'll see what happens from here.

what are your thoughts?

Raul

Obama Supporter

Torrance, CA

Barack Morning Buzz - 7-31-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:55:26 EDT

Barack Morning Buzz - 7-31-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Obama Says Republicans Trying to Scare Voters
Mike Glover-Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5isOFwdbq0tsqatW6vJpkDRTI1gMgD928MC680

(2) Obama Says GOP Wants to Scare Voters
Jonathan Weisman-Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/30/AR2008073003310.html

(3) Obama Dismisses McCain Ad Attack
BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7534662.stm

(4) Obama Up and McCain on Low Road
Dan Payne-Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/07/31/obama_up_mccain_on_low_road/

(5) McCain Tries to Sow Doubts about Obama
Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hDUFPuTNWTC7-8NapQmch4BNZ40AD928MBU80

(6) GOP's Celeb-Obama Message Gains Traction
Carrie Budoff Brown-Politico
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080731/pl_politico/12205_1

(7) Liberal Blogger Says Britney Ad Implies Obama has a "Taste for Young White Women"
Jake Tapper-ABC News-Political Punch
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/07/prominent-liber.html

(8) But Americans Like Celebrities
Daniel Nasaw-Guardian-UK
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/usa/2008/07/but_americans_like_celebrities.html

(9) Where did Obama's Mojo Go?
Andrew Malcolm-Los Angeles Times-Top of the Ticket
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/07/obama-mccain-po.html

(10) Who'll Win the Obama Veepstakes?
CNNPolitics
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/30/dem.veepstakes/

(11) Who's Gonna Be the No. 2 for Obama and McCain?
Andrew Malcolm-Los Angeles Times-Top of the Ticket
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/07/vp-obama-mccain.html

(12) Obama and McCain Tied in Ohio and Florida
Associated Press
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080731/ap_on_el_pr/poll2008_swing_states_2

(13) McCain Tries to Define Obama as Out of Touch
Jim Rutenberg-New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/us/politics/31campaign.html

(14) McCain's Anti-Celebrity Storyline
Michael Scherer-TIME
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1828111,00.html

(15) Desperate McCain Tries to Play Terror Card One More Time
Ira Chernus-TomDispatch.com
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/93375/desperate_mccain_tries_to_play_terror_card_one_more_time/

(16) McCain Resists Calls to Remove Embattled Catholic Aide
Ronald J. Hansen-Arizona Republic
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2008/07/31/20080731mccaincatholics0731.html

(17) Obama Campaign Rejects Rapper Ludacris' Rhymes
Associated Press
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080731/ap_on_en_mu/obama_ludacris_3

Great Contrast Between Candidates to Use Recruiting

David H. Stern, M.D. — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:03:19 EDT

I'm sure many here are still engaged in the arduous task of recruiting fence sitters and soft supporters of both candidates into being strong Obama supporters. The recent FISAsco has Obama "taking his lumps," (and rightfully so, I might add) and the MSM seem to be engaged in a coordinated campaign to minimize the actual differences between candidates.

Well, for Americans of nearly every stripe, Civil Rights is a major issue - particularly in the wake of the unprecedented assualt on Constitutional principles this nation has weathered over the past eight years.

For anyone doubting the significance of the differences between the two candidates in this area, take a look at this compilation of vote-rating for Barack Obama, and compare it to the same ratings for John McCain. These compliations come, courtesey of Project VoteSmart, and as you can see they have numerous tools for drawing comparisons on a wide variety of issues. So, if this is your first exposure to this tool, I hope you will find it useful in the coming weeks. Time is getting short!

In order to make use of this tool easier, I've prepared a one-page side-by-side two-year comparison sheet on Civil Rights Group Rankings for both candidates. Please feel free to copy, print, and distribute it as much as you like. (I prefer that you copy, rather than link to it, as my server's bandwith is limited. Thanks.)

Let's get out there, and get out the vote! (And make sure it is the right vote!)

Barack Morning Buzz - 7-15-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:50:07 EDT

Barack Morning Buzz - 7-15-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Obama Says U.S. Strategy in Iraq is Unsound
Glen Johnson-Associated Press
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080715/ap_on_el_pr/obama_iraq_8

(2) Obama Says U.S. Must End "Single Minded" Focus on Iraq
Caren Bohan-Reuters
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080715/pl_nm/usa_politics_obama_iraq_dc_4

(3) Obama Talks Tough at NAACP Convention
Associated Press
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg3SIUEUt30

(4) Receiving a Standing Ovation, Obama Re-Admonishes African-Americans
Peter Nicholas and Michael Finnegan-Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-campaign15-2008jul15,0,7917373.story

(5) Responsibility is Again Theme for Obama
Perry Bacon Jr.-Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/14/AR2008071402448.html

(6) Obama Tells Blacks They Must Take Responsibility
Caren Bohan-Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN1447659320080715

(7) Obama Magazine Flap Shows an Irony Deficiency
James Rainey-Los Angeles Times-On the Media
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-onthemedia15-2008jul15,0,2297403.story

(8) "Tasteless" Cover and Fascinating Story
Lynn Sweet-Chicago Sun-Times
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1055634,CST-NWS-sweet15.article

(9) Contra Expectations-Obama Isn't Jimmy Carter-He's Ronald Reagan
Eli Lake-The New Republic
http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=0e0846cd-694f-40d1-a6d9-55e20de176cf

(10) David Axelrod-Architect of Obama's Unlikely Campaign
Amanda Paulson-Christian Science Monitor
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0715/p01s04-uspo.html

(11) In Virginia, Thawing a Map
E.J. Dionne Jr.-Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/14/AR2008071401847.html

(12) Clinton Die-Hards Want Floor Vote at Convention
Alex Koppelman-Salon-War Room
http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/07/14/clinton_convention/index.html

Elect Barack Obama

Lois — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:33:22 EDT

A small group in Manhattan Beach California has been meeting weekly to help elect Barack. We have met to discuss and take action. Already we have met three times and completed one voter registration day in a local mall. Together we will be doing the following:

Voter Registration

Establish an Obama store in the Southbay

Role plan to become more articulate on Obama's positions

We are a diverse group in age, race and gender and while small we are reaching out to other small local groups as well as the local democratic club.

If I am doing this I imagine this must be going on all over the country. If you are involved let us know what you are doing so we can mirror each other and make more of an impact. I don't consider myself a low information voter but I have never been this involved before. I look forward to hearing from more of you.

I will post pictures and more information as we move forward.

Lois Starr

GOVERN FROM ANYWHERE!! (LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT)

Raul — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:28:18 EDT

This is a post from back in April that now seems so ironic!

Barack Obama is getting hammered for being too liberal and only voting from the left or that he can't win against the Right. I think the real issue is how he would govern. If he could speak in Indiana (that primary is coming up) on the need to govern with openess rather than being centrist, you would have a leader in government rather than a follower. If he could speak about having an administration made up of Democrats, independents, and yes, even Republicans, he could really be a uniter. He should also speak more on the need for his administration to work more closely with Congress, especially the House. He needs to speak on the important relationship between local, state and federal representatives in working together in addressing issues, passing bills, and solving problems. In this way, he can talk about his state senator experience. His opponents keep minimizing those years. He needs to turn that into a positive.

Discussing how he will govern will reach voters easier by specifically stating his ability to work together with all types of politicians, use his authority to bring opposing groups together, and use his experience in local and state government to understand average Americans' concerns.

Note: This April blog was written because so many news stories were hitting him for being too liberal, not taking any positions that would show flexibiility with the center and right of the country. I believe he still should make that speech, but now he can speak about the need for all Americans, including those on the left and right, to know that he will be a President for all Americans.

I find it laughable that on the same day that Lou Dobbs asked Bill Scheider why Obama wasn't talking to White voters, Jessie Jackson was caught cursing out Obama for talking down to Blacks. He's going to be the President of the United States for ALL THE PEOPLE, not just one segment of the population.

And the grassroots movement that has been started better be ready to work. Evangelicals were successful at changing political policy not by winning one election, but by converting those wins into a movement organization that has grown for 30 years. This is only the begining!!!!

Thanks,

Raul

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL!!!!

Raul — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:12:58 EDT

It has been a difficult week with Senator Obama getting hit hard by Obama supporters for agreeing to support the revised FISA bill. I know it was a bad bill. I know it gets the telecoms off. It definitely makes a mockery of the 4th Amendment. Having wrote this, I still have to back Senator Obama. I wrote up an event where I wanted supporters to write their newspaper or cable news channel to tell them that support for Obama remains strong. Most agreed, but a good number of supporters are so upset about the FISA bill that they fired off very negative responses. Again, while I understand the deep concern over this issue, the choice is still Senator Obama or Senator McCain. We know that there are deep differences between these two candidates. While FISA shows us that Senator Obama is not immune to the poilitcal tactics that are the current norm in Washington, we have to get him to the White House first before we can really start change.

This Congress is weak. It does not stand up to convervative issues. It does not stand on principal. And at this point, Senator Obama has no choice but to wade through the muck with subtle positioning which is totally political. It's sad.

The hope is that if Senator Obama is elected and the Congress can maintain or even increase it's majority in Congress, that a mandate for change will push a new agenda forward.

Americans need to see this reality now. We need to work at the grassroots level, dealing with our local officials, going to local political events and speaking our truth. As President Obama and a new Congress push the agenda, then average Americans need to push their local officials to work with them. ONLY THEN, WILL REAL CHANGE OCCUR.

In the meantime, please sign up in your community to go to a platform event to help establish this new agenda. Let's give it a little more time and work for the change we all want.

Thank you,

Raul Dominguez

Torrance, CA

"Black in America with Soledad O'Brien"

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:35:16 EDT

On July 23 at 9pm and July 24 at 9pm, CNN will premier a series, "Black in America with Soledad O'Brien" and I personally challenge you to watch it WITH your children.

On Monday the series will focus on Women and Families. Tuesday is dedicated entirely to the plight of the Black Man in America.

PLEASE watch and internalize what you see and hear; no matter HOW disturbing the information.

LINK: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/

"General" Comments

Thomas L. — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:45:17 EDT

Well before I ever heard it from General Clark, I knew that McCain is no Eisenhower. He's never handled massive logistics for wartime troops and made executive decisions. He's not on a par with Grant, Jackson, Eisenhower and other generals who at least could claim the mantle of executive leadership (not that Grant turned into a good administrator once in office). His determination and heroism are to be lauded, but Mr. McCain's adherence to Bush's tactics and policies certainly puts his strategic thinking into question.

And on another related issue, McCain has shown a poor grasp of economic policy: one of the main targets of terrorist attacks. After 9/11, the economy of the nation was reeling from the shut down of air travel, transportation, and shipping plus consumer fears. If another attack comes, it may well be the president's economic response to disaster that sets the course for the nation in the days and weeks following any such attack. On that point, I have much greater faith in Mr. Obama and his advisors than the republican's who have shown such ineptitude in governing the economy for the last eight years.

Building Bridges with Obama

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:31:04 EDT

Building Bridges with Obama
This is a wonderful video. Please watch it and tell me what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wX0MpOzpFA&eurl

Black Vote Power!

Mr Mayor. — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:40:31 EDT

From the days the first slave ships arrived, to Collin Powell, Oprah Winfrey, and Ice Cube, the word African has been undeniably, in separable from the word American. When the storms hit New Orleans, and i watched in utter horror as black bodies floated away on national TV, you could feel it then something historical was about to happen. When the nooses began to appear on college campuses across the country and Michael Vick went to prison for DOG FIGHTING??? you just knew the fervor from the reconstruction period in our country's great history was about to repeat its self. When i attended the Jena Six march in Sept 2007 organized by Michael Baisden, over 100.000 African Americans showed up to a town of 2.500, the stage was set for what is now becoming a movement powered by the vote of the Black majority.(trust me not many whites actually voted for Obama in the primaries, although they said they would. its called the Tom Bradley affect, and yet we still beat the Clinton's? How? hmmmm). African Americans have been vastly under counted by the U.S. census bureau on purpose since the reconstruction period under our greatest President Ulysses S Grant(its sad but Americans have a bad case of amnesia). Black churches were burned, documents destroyed all in an effort to keep the descendants of the African slaves from ever knowing that they are actually the U.S. majority, with amazing voting power. Travel to any state in our union and you will no doubt find black families in places you would never thought you would see them, and most likely they have never registered to vote before. Conventional wisdom during slavery was to keep the African deaf dumb and blind, the slaves were not permitted to read books(now we are so articulate lol), nor to speak in our native language, hence the reason you would have one plantation family control hundreds of slaves. Now lets jump in the DeLorean and go back to the future 2008, those African slave descendant's have figured it out! the 40 percent apathetic vote within the Black community has exploded on the scene!(god bless you North Carolina) this means the gangsters and thugs have decided to stop all that nonsense and get themselves registered to vote(trust me Ive helped organise 15 black gang truces in the past year alone, and all of those young brothers are now registered to vote!) So when you watch on CNN, and MSNBC that Barack Obama has all these new registered voters you now know whats happening. as salamu alaikum (may peace be unto you).

Barack Morning Buzz - 6-27-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:44:33 EDT

Barack Morning Buzz - 6-27-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Obama Helps Relieve Clinton Debt-Writes Out Personal Check
Associated Press
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYWiKyH8TNs

(2) Obama and Clinton Move to Unify Democrats
Beth Fouhy-Associated Press
http://news.aol.com/elections/story/_a/obama-clinton-move-to-unify-democrats/20080626165709990001

(3) Obama Gives $2300 for Clinton Debt
Jeff Zeleny-New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/us/politics/27campaign.html?hp

(4) Millionaire and Clinton Friend Sant Chatwal Assures Obama that Indian American Community Will Raise $10 Million for Campaign
Aziz Haniffa-Rediff India Abroad
http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jun/27look.htm

(5) After Press Leaves, Some Edgy Questions from Clinton Donors
Marc Ambinder-TheAtlantic.com
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/06/after_the_press_leaves_some_ed_1.php

(6) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Backing Texas Representative Chet Edwards for Vice President
Matthew Hay Brown-Chicago Tribune-The Swamp
http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2008/06/pelosi_backing_edwards_for_vic.html#more

(7) Obama-Dylan 2008
Naftali Bendavid-Chicago Tribune-The Swamp
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2008/06/obamadylan_2008.html

(8) Stevie Wonder Talks about Obama
Nekesa Mumbi Moody-Associated Press Music Writer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080627/ap_en_ot/music_q_a_stevie_wonder_5

(9) Obama Lead Tight over McCain
Jay Newton-Small-TIME
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1818386,00.html

(10) Obama Plays Rapid Word Association Game in TV Interview
Agence France Presse-AFP
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hLdD42VtfYhNHSGSSePMX1sJZW_Q

(11) Praise for Hillary from Michelle at New Hampshire Stop
Associated Press
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/politics/2008/view/2008_06_27__Praise_for_Hillary_from_Obama_s_wife_at_N_H__stop/srvc=home&position=recent

(12) Supreme Court Gun Ruling Could Backfire on McCain
Mike Madden-Salon
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/06/27/scotus_guns/

Are You Experienced? "Yes He Is"!

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:09:45 EDT

Are You Experienced? "Yes He Is"!

Why Barack Obama, a State Legislator who is now a U.S. senator will trump John McCain.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/142892/page/1

WE NEED UNITY WITH REPUBLICANS!!!!

Raul — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:13:47 EDT

To all you great supporters for change!!! I need some feedback from the many intelligent, articulate people I've read blogs from over this long campaign!

I am so charged up by the newest polls that are starting to show a real bump from Hillary Clinton supporters in getting behind Barack Obama. Senator Obama can not only thank the millions of supporters who have been with him all the way, but the millions of Clinton supporters who worked so hard for Hillary, but understand that Senator Obama would be the better candidate than John McCain.

One note: I feel that Senator Obama can learn from how he has reached out to Senator Clinton's supporters. He didn't insult them, make them feel different or unwanted. He has been very careful as have millions of original Obama supporters who have text, e-mailed, and phoned Hillary supporters to welcome them.

WE NEED TO WELCOME REPUBLICANS TO THIS MOVEMENT!!!! I don't like Senator Obama and his supporters on TV using terms like "The Republicans" in talking about 527's, smear tactics, etc. Instead he should refer to these enemies as professional lobbyists and power brokers who need to be singled out consistently!!! There are millions of Americans who are frustrated with their party and are thinking about Senator Obama but aren't quite sure if they can switch! I'm a Democrat, but I work in a environment that is very mixed ethnically and politically. I hear this a lot. We need to extend the Unity message to ALL AMERICANS!!!! Stop saying "disaffected" Republicans, just "Republicans". Stop saying "we want EVEN Republicans", when just "We want all Americans to be part of the this movement" will do. I don't think Hillary supporters would have been so forgiving if we sent out statements that she has "disaffected" supporters or "we want everyone, EVEN HILLARY"S PEOPLE!!!" That would have been insulting.

So please consider this comment as you speak with people about Senator Obama. And send a blog out on this subject if you can add to it.

Barack Evening Buzz - 6-24-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:23:40 EDT

Barack Evening Buzz-6-24-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Associated Press Campaign Minute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3QvYlZ5Bgk

(2) Obama Leads McCain by 15 Points As Voters Reject Republicans
Heidi Przybyla-Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=agCTbSDJ83rc&refer=home

(3) Obama Holds 15 Point Lead over McCain
Doyle McManus-Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-poll25-2008jun25,0,412890.story

(4) Oh Boy! Obama Camp Announces a "Big Role" for Bill Clinton in Fall
Andrew Malcolm-Los Angeles Times-Top of the Ticket
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/06/bill-clinton-1.html

(5) Bill Clinton Backs Obama-Kind Of
Agence France Presse-AFP
http://www.smh.com.au/news/us-election/bill-backs-barack--kind-of/2008/06/25/1214073282609.html

(6) Age Likely to be Key Factor in Presidential Campaign
Linda Wertheimer-National Public Radio-NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91853809

(7) Clinton Turns Attention Back to Senate
CNNPolitics-ElectionCenter2008
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/24/clinton.senate/

(8) Michelle Obama and Senate Candidate Jeanne Shaheen to Campaign in New Hampshire on Thursday
Associated Press
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/24/michelle_obama_jeanne_shaheen_to_campaign_in_nh_on_thursday/

(9) Michelle Obama and George Bush Get Their Media Closeup
Project for Excellence in Journalism
http://journalism.org/node/11632

(10) Election Season Contest-Can You Predict the Electoral College?
Jay Bookman-Atlanta Journal-Constitution
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/bookman/entries/2008/06/24/can_you_predict_the_electoral.html

2012

Mr Mayor. — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:53:25 EDT

Clue 1 On the winter solstice 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the milky way. This means that whatever energy typically streams to earth, from the center of the milky way, will indeed be disrupted 0n 12/21/2012 at 11:11 pm. I will drop more clues on later blogs, i dont think enough Americans know the importance of the end of the Mayan Aztec calender.

Personal responsibility

Mr Mayor. — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:38:15 EDT

All good things that come to you is from god, all bad things that happen to you is your own fault. The person who may have stole from you could not have done so without your own willing service. Now this is my theory, yet i believe that if in mind, body and behavior you are good then nothing bad will come to you. Every bad thing that has happened to me in my life, i was directly responsible for, whether it was me not paying attention when i fell off my bike when i was a child, to me overspending during the month and not paying my electric bill on time as an adult, i alone created the problem and now through gods grace i can solve them with positive actions never to repeat the same mistakes twice. The next time you are in a bad spot, look at yourself instead of blaming others.

Positive thinking.

Mr Mayor. — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:55:08 EDT

Whatever happened yesterday, happened yesterday, there is nothing you can do about it however there is something that you can do about it today praise god. You see sin begin with a thought, that is if you think negative your actions will become negative, yet if you think positive, then your actions will become positive. Case in point, you are at an ATM machine and the person in front of you accidentally drops a twenty dollar bill and walks away, what would you do? would you pick it up? or would you notify the person who just dropped it? The right choice would lead to greater gifts, the wrong choice would lead to things uncertain. Such a minor incident in our daily lives, yet it can lead to such extremes, please make thinking positive a habit. Thank you and may god bless you. :o)

Barack Morning Buzz - 6-20-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:49:13 EDT

Barack Morning Buzz - 6-20-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Obama Campaign Flush with Donations
Peter Nicholas and Janet Hook-Los Angeles Times
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2008/06/20/MNPH11C2CD.DTL

(2) How Obama Walked Away from Public Financing
Gerald F. Selb and Sara Murray-Wall Street Journal-Political Perceptions
http://blogs.wsj.com/politicalperceptions/2008/06/20/political-wisdom-how-obama-walked-away-from-public-funding/

(3) Rejecting Public Funding Won't Hurt Obama
Alan Silverleib-CNNPolitics
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/20/obama.financing/index.html?section=cnn_latest

(4) Obama Out of System But Not Out of Character
Ben Smith-Politico
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0608/11211.html

(5) McCain Attacks Obama for Rejecting Public Funding
Associated Press
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-06-20-mccain-obama-fundraising_N.htm?csp=34

(6) John Edwards on Obama's List of Possible Running Mates
Patrick Donahue-Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aIJjkQRmwKfU&refer=us

(7) Obama Reintroduces Himself in First General Election TV Ad
Foon Rhee-Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/20/obama_reintroduces_himself_in_first_general_election_tv_ad/

(8) Obama Ad Stresses Values and Patriotism
Michael Finnegan-Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-obama20-2008jun20,0,3715994.story

(9) Obama Ads to Start Airing in Michigan
Ted Roelofs-Grand Rapids Press
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/06/barack_obama_ads_to_start_airi.html

(10) Obama Calls Two Muslim Women to Apologize for Snub at Detroit Rally
Niraj Warikoo-Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080620/NEWS15/806200407

House panel subpoenas FBI interviews of Bush, Cheney

Bob for 'Bama — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:28:01 EDT

The Bush Administration house of cards continues to tumble...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25195754/

How knowingly leaking the name and/or association of an undercover CIA agent is not considered a treasonable act, I cannot fathom...

It should not matter if it was for the benefit of a foreign government or for the benefit of a domestic political party - acts of treason should be properly labeled "treason"!

We have Scott McClellan to thank for this, as it was his book that placed this issue (and the events and actions associated with it) back into the public arena, thereby enabling the House to issue its supoena in support of further inquiries.

Thank you Scott! Better late than never!

And special thanks to Karl Rove and Dick Cheney, whose back-stabbing nature (and allegedly blatant lies that Mr. McClellan found he had falsely conveyed and defended) for helping to make all of this possible!

Barack Evening Buzz - 6-13-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:39:19 EDT

Barack Evening Buzz - 6-13-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Economy Now Front and Center in 2008 Race
Associated Press
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDKg7eq4Fk8

(2) Economic Woes Loom Large for Obama and McCain
Jim Kuhnhenn-Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hdX1csHuXbUFJ6REp97MjBsJouHAD919F1K00

(3) Obama Wants a Payroll Tax on Incomes Above $250,000-Only 3% of Americans
Charles Babington-Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hyEHa5vNXXyk_a13jhW9zJeN7m8QD919COT80

(4) Obama Proposes Applying Social Security Tax to Higher Incomes
Hans Nichols and Kim Chipman-Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=ajJwEco3R5bM&refer=us

(5) Fact Check-McCain and Social Security
Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jAvBP-erjO6bce7YRvcb06Em2dVQD919CRJ81

(6) Obama Reacts to Tim Russert's Death
Mark Silva-Chicago Tribune-The Swamp
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2008/06/obama_mccain_on_tim_russert.html

(7) Power to the New Creatives-Obama's Success Could Hinge on Emergence of Cultured Class of Voters
Telegraph-UK
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/06/14/baobama114.xml

(8) Obama and McCain Sniping Continues over Advisers
Dana Bash-CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/13/campaign.civility/index.html?section=cnn_latest

(9) Obama Sends Out Army of Volunteers
Ewen MacAskill-Guardian-UK
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/14/barackobama.johnmccain

(10) Obama and McCain Squabble over Town Hall Meetings
Steve Holland-Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN1346337220080613

(11) Balance of Opinion-Obama and the World
Nancy Kruh-Dallas Morning News
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/columnists/nkruh/stories/DN-balance_13edi.1.ART.State.Edition1.45f948f.html

(12) Welcome to the Real Campaign, Senator Obama
Dan K. Thomasson-Seattle Post-Intelligencer
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/366952_thomassononline14.html

(13) Michelle Obama Deals with Rumors during Campaign
Charles Babington-Associated Press
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-06-13-MichelleObama_N.htm?csp=34

(14) McCain Says Treat Our Wives with Respect
Ed Homick-CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/13/mccain.interview/

(15) Condoms Named after Obama and McCain Selling Fast
Claudia Parsons-Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/trail08/2008/06/13/condoms-named-after-obama-and-mccain-selling-fast/

THIS POST MAY UPSET SOME PEOPLE, BUT...

Raul — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:01:29 EDT

This wasn't what I signed up for! This campaign would be different because Barack Obama would reach out to Democrats, Independents as well as Republicans. Over the past eight months, I've spent countless hours reaching out to Hillary supporters and non-Dems to speak the truth about Barack. He said he would tell us the truth even when it wasn't politically easy.

In this opening week of the general election, I've heard Barack tell us about more stimulus spending, a middle class tax cut all the way up to families earning $150,000 a year, money for college, money for early ed, and of course, healthcare. The only revenue generation to pay for any of this is a tax on 1% of the highest earners, windfall profit tax on big oil that will be hard to collect, let alone pass Congress. WHERE IS THE PAY AS YOU GO PLAN THAT IS ON THE WEBSITE!!!! My friends who are independents and Republicans are already giving me the "I told you so!"

I know Barack is giving a speech next week to give more details, but folks, even I, as a fully committed Obama supporter can see that this sounds like the kind of liberal big spending style that will lose in November.

Where is the "targeted stimulus" like $1000 IF you buy an American car with high MPG, or apply $1000 to child care when adding a second job or more hours. That is REAL stimulus to our economy than handouts which get spent on foreign made goods. The $150,000 cutoff seems like $50,000 more than what a true national middle class is. That seems like pandering. Where is the talk of a small business stimulus where if a business hires a new worker, the company gets the stimulus and the worker GETS A JOB!!!!

Look I'm not a business owner, my wife and I together make $150,000 per year. So what I'm saying is that we don't need a handout. We want Americans getting jobs. We want the automakers to build more fuel efficient cars. The oil companies are not going to give back profits, the Saudis aren't going to increase production. We shouldn't just drill away like McCain wants either. And we don't need the gas tax holiday, either! We need that money for roads and bridges which means JOBS!!!!!

Where is the incentive for large corporations to invest in American workers? Let's give rebates to companies who hire these workers. So if they hire American workers, their taxes stay put, if they don't, THEN the taxes go up.

In this way, we can get Independents and Republicans to see Barack has a DIFFERENT as well as specific plan to get the economy going. New hires will creat more tax revenue. More middle class jobs with higher pay creates more tax revenue. C'mon, people!!!!

Please e-mail the Obama campaign and urge them to balance their economic policy more. Tell Obama "WE CAN STAND THE TRUTH"! We can't afford to lose the middle to John McCain. Just two states or 12-15 electoral votes and all this work is for not. This first week of economic policy, in my opinion, was terrible!!!!

So, please give me your feedback. I'm always impressed and learn from Obama supporters' comments.

Thank you.

Nevada Obama Organizing Fellows help

Taneisha R — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:05:59 EDT

Greetings Friends!

One of the core goals Senator Obama has for this campaign is to leave the political process better off than we found it.

This weekend here in Nevada, we will welcome supporters of all ages, races, religions, and backgrounds who share Senator Obama's vision of educating and empowering ordinary people and help build a statewide organization based on local community organizing and neighbor-to-neighbor contacts. This group is a part of a new generation of leadership that believes, as Senator Obama, that real change comes from the ground up.

The Obama Organizing Fellows will engaged in a three day intensive training -- which will be familiar for any of you that attended Camp Obama -- and we need your help. We are looking for people who are willing to provide housing, provide three meals for the three day training, and various other items:

http://www.nvobamafellows.r8.org/

Don't forget the volunteers!!!!

Raul — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:57:07 EDT

Just a quick note: Write your Obama friends to contact the leadership about Barack still visiting more states than just the "swing" states. I've read three articles in the last two days that say that both campaigns will focus on just 12 to 15 states, ignoring the others they have in their pocket or feel is a lost cause. I just feel with the millions of volunteers spread throughout the country, Barack should make strategic appearances in all states to re-assure and re-invigorate his supporters. I can't tell you how charged up we were to have him in CA. We loved the UCLA rally w/ Michelle, Caroline Kennedy and Oprah. Those events ignited thousands to donate money, make calls and write letters. And these were the small volunteers and donors who have really made the difference in this campaign. Senator Obama can do a rally in Los Angeles the weekend of a trip to Nevada. Visit Seattle, Washington after reaching out in Oregon. I'm sure my many contacts in Texas and Montana would appreciate an appearance as he flys off to New Mexico and other battleground states. Many of us have phoned long distance to help this campaign. A pep rally prior to a town meeting or debate would raise the energy and attention of his core supporters. Urge the leadership to remember ALL the members of this grassroots movement. Remind him there are 50 states!!!!

Thank you Hillary Clinton!

Peter Burgis — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:31:55 EDT

From Clinton's speech today:

The way to continue our fight now, to accomplish the goals for which we stand, is to take our energy, our passion, our strength, and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States. Today, as I suspend my campaign, I congratulate him on the victory he has won and the extraordinary race he has run. I endorse him and throw my full support behind him. And I ask all of you to join me in working as hard for Barack Obama as you have for me.

Barack is highlighting on his front web page "Thank You Senator Clinton" and links to a video from a few days ago when he showed his appreciation for her and her campaign, and invites people to send her a message of support.

Unity is happening in the Democratic party. Doesn't that just feel so great?

CLINTON FUNDRAISING MONEY

Raul — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 01:23:24 EDT

A NY Times article detailed a potential 75 million dollar boost to the Obama campaign from the Clinton fundraising machine now that the primaries are over. More importantly, the Obama staffers are seriously considering taking it! I want some opinions here!!!!! This $200 million campaign was built primarily by small donations including mine. The grass roots organization has only started to be tapped. More importantly, doesn't Obama look like a hypocrite if he starts making appearances at Clinton BIG DONOR functions. I can only think of the huge mistake of going to that stupid CA fundraiser in San Francisco that gave us $100,000, but also "bitter" comments. We learned that perception is so important in politics even with that unfair incident. WE DON"T NEED THAT MONEY! If anything, how about planning fundraisers for charity with that money. How about bringing awareness to poverty by having Obama and Senator Edwards at inner city projects where that money could be donated. How about having Senator Clinton meet with Obama to deliver donated campaign funds to New Orleans residents still needing aid. How about Obama meeting with Iraq veterans delivering campaign funds donated for their needs. All these projects could be planned as campaign events to meet campaign election rules, but would really be put to good use. Barack Obama doesn't need big donor cash to finish this job. WE NEED TO HELP HIM FINISH OFF JOHN MCCAIN!!! Your thoughts, please!

Barack Won and So Did I...Thanks to You!

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:08:14 EDT

Thank you for your efforts on my behalf. I really appreciate you. Please convey my thanks to all you contacted and who voted for me. I did win a seat on The Democratic Central Committee. I'll keep you posted as we go forward and bring Change to America!

God Bless You,Barbara

Great Videos Putting McCain's Age Into Perspective

Peter Burgis — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 01:45:09 EDT

And also how McCain himself thinks his age is an issue (or at least thought so when discussing a 2008 run back in 2000)

Link to post with videos here.

Rupert Murdoch Predicts Obama Will Win in a Landslide

Laurie Singh — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:57:56 EDT

May 29, 2008Murdoch predicts McCain will losePosted: 03:30 PM ET
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
(CNN) – Rupert Murdoch offered a dire prediction Wednesday for John McCain's chances in the general election.

He will lose in a landslide, the News Corp. chairman said at a California conference, according to Reuters.

"You have got the Obama phenomenon, Murdoch said. "You have got, undoubtedly, a recession … The average American is really getting hurt financially and that all bodes well for [Obama].

"You have probably the making of a complete phenomenon in this country," Murdoch continued, referring to what he thinks will be an overwhelming victory for the Democratic presidential candidate.

The News Corp. chairman, often viewed as a messenger for the Republican Party given his holdings include several media organizations with a conservative bent, also showered praise on the Illinois senator, calling him a "rock star."

While calling himself a friend of McCain, Murdoch said his lengthy stint in Congress has led the Arizona senator to make so many compromises that it is not clear where he stands on the major issues. He also called McCain "unpredictable," and questioned his knowledge on economic issues.

News Corp's holdings include Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post. The Post endorsed Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton earlier this year.

From: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/29/murdoch-predicts-mccain-will-lose/

Action: Optimize Google Searches to Show McCain's Worst

Peter Burgis — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:58:15 EDT

This effort is going to make a big difference. There are even tools out there to make it easy to participate in making McCain's words be his worst enemy.

Using the tool linked above, I didn't have to use any html coding to come up with this link-filled text:
John McCain gets a free pass quite a bit of the time from the media. Who would lose the election if only people learned the inconvenient truths about him? That's right: John McCain, John McCain, John McCain

Check it out!

They shouldn't travel together!!!!

Raul — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:56:44 EDT

On my post regarding Senator Obama taking up McCain's invitation to Iraq, Kim Lockwood makes a great point: they can't travel together for security reasons. She is right! But they should meet before to set this up as a bipartisan event. It already looks like it might happen. Keep sending e-mails to encourage this. It will be great for Obama!

We We We ... versus Me Me Me

Thomas L. — Wed, 28 May 2008 04:23:25 EDT

Hmm - I did an analysis on the first 5 speeches listed on both Barack's and Hillary's web sites. Barack's use of inclusive pronouns (You, We, Us) versus exclusive pronouns (Me, I, Mine) is 3.7 to 1. Hillary's is 1.6 to 1. It just confirms what I already had a gut feeling about: Mr. Obama's campaign language has been mostly about all of US and what WE can do. More of Hillary's is about what SHE will do (and has done). It's definitely a different style. I think I'll tackle John McCain's inclusive quotient next, although I think I'll have to exclude his habitual use of "My Friend(s)" which is used almost as an argumentative point rather than any type of inclusion of the listener's world into his own world view.

ACCEPT THE INVITATION TO IRAQ!!!!!

Raul — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:10:20 EDT

Senator McCain has invited Senator Obama to Iraq to show him the "progress" in that country in order to "teach" him about the situation. I jumped out of my seat!!! Not because I was mad, but because I can't believe how dumb Senator McCain and his advisors really are!!! I have had both relatives and friends in Iraq and in military service in general, and contrary to popular belief, not all military are conservative Republicans. And not every soldier wants to stay indefinitely in Iraq. This would be the biggest public relations disaster in political history! Can you imagine: CNN, Reuters, ABC, NBC, CBS, and of course, FOX covering American soldiers shaking hands and taking pictures with both Senators. And in particular, Senator Obama!!!! If there is anything more American (think Bob Hope and the USO), more patriotic, more bipartisan!!!! Senator Obama should take that invitation right now!!!! In one huge move, he would look Presidential (probably making McCain look small once the two address the troops) and make Senator Clinton seem irrelevant. It would be the biggest political blunder McCain could have made. Obama would shine!

Please write the campaign and urge him to accept!!!!

Raul

LA County Superior Court race: Vote Against White Supremacist

Peter Burgis — Mon, 26 May 2008 21:13:41 EDT

Yes, you read me right. There is a candidate for Superior Court judge named Bill Johnson who is literally a white supremacist and he's on your ballot if you vote in Los Angeles County. As supporters of Obama, we must make sure this guy loses - by a lot.

The thing is, he actually has a shot at winning. He's got a following with Ron Paul people even though officially Ron Paul has disavowed him and has a shot at sneaking through if his followers are the only ones who vote in this low turnout, non-primary election.
(more below the fold)

Back to Basics and Success!!!!

Raul — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:17:27 EDT

I've been getting e-mails regarding a plan to fix polls in Puerto Rico. People are mad that Clinton supporters are pushing up polls with phoney voting. Some Obama supporters are showing ways to combat this. PLEASE AVOID GETTING INTO THIS GAME! We need to get back to the important work of getting Barack Obama elected in November. Focus all your energy on getting out the vote. Make calls in Montana and South Dakota to encourage registration regardless of their candidate choice. And if anyone is still undecided, to encourage them to vote for Senator Obama. We need to get back to the very successful strategy of grass roots campaigning. Don't get caught up in the negative tactics! You know better! We've done so well to this point! LET'S FINISH THE JOB!!!

Thank you, Raul

Fight Temptation to hate!

Raul — Sat, 24 May 2008 16:46:07 EDT

This recent situation regarding the comments of Senator Clinton regarding JFK has raised the negative tone of this campaign to another level. How sad that the positive energy and hope that was so apparent in Los Angeles back in February at the CA primary debate is all but dead. The terrible words that I'm reading on the net coming from both sides is very disturbing. What we need to remember is the reason why we got involved in this process. We are excited about the possibility of having a government that responds to people at the grass roots level. We are motiviated by the words of Barack Obama. We have been encouraged by statements of the other candidates as they spoke of "change" when they realized that Obama's message was the correct one. Now is the time to remember that this is why we got involved. Not the negative messages, not the hate speeches, not the subtle digs at each other's candidate. More than ever, we need to fight the temptation to hate each other over this process. I encourage all Americans (not just Obama supporters) to get back to discussing issues, e-mailing each other about why they believe in their candidate, and pledge to remain true to the original reason the majority of Americans got energized by this election: CHANGE, not HATE!

Who's Cheaping Who?

Bob for 'Bama — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:18:06 EDT

What has recently hit the press via CNN:

(CNN) -- John McCain on Thursday called Barack Obama's attitude toward veterans benefits "a convenient campaign pledge" and wrote off the Illinois senator's criticisms of him as "cheap shots."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/22/campaign.wrap/index.html?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker

The Obama Quick Response should be: "If we're going to inject the word 'cheap' into this campaign, let's talk about Senataor McCain's refusal to adequately support our troops once they return from Iraq! Senator McCain's opposition to the new GI bill brings new meaning to the word 'cheap'!

Should Clinton reject racists?

Dr. Barbara Palmer — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:41:13 EDT

ShouldClinton reject racists?

DavidGergen says Sen. Hillary Clinton should tell racists that she doesn't wanttheir vote.

• Commentary: No racism in the presidential election?

Watch this video andthe others on the page. There aresome important points here. Thankyou David Gergen.

LINK:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/05/21/ec.seg.gergen.cnn

Racism seems to be rearing its ugly head, and more.

Raul — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:31:45 EDT

One troubling thing that is coming out of PA, West Virginia and Kentucky, is that racism is coming out more clearly. When 20% of the exit polls show race as a factor that is amazing to me. The stat has to be even more when you consider that many people wont admit that to interviewers. I believe that Senator Obama still needs to address this issue more. In fact, I believe he made a mistake not campaigning more in WV and KY. Meeting head on with voters has been his strong point. Two less weeks on the general campaign could have waited while he showed these voters he cares about them, understands them, AND IS ONE OF THEM!!! Where were the town meetings with voters like in ID and NC to discuss his family upbringing, his financial history (that he wasn't rich and needed financial aid to go to college). MANY AMERICANS STILL DON"T KNOW HIS STORY. He needs to be on local television, doing interviews, getting those points across. Racism loses its power when you shine a light on it by speaking to it, expressing yourself clearly, and presenting the commonality that we all have. It's not too late either. He needs to make these appearances and not forget these people in the process of fighting for Michigan and Florida. He won't get the voters who project hate speech and keep calling him a Muslim, but he can change the minds of Americans who are just hesitating. Not quite sure. Have never voted for a person of color before, but don't have the hate in their hearts. These are the Americans that are the majority in these states. And they're not stupid or weakminded as some are implying with comparisons to college-educated whites in other states. It's just a cultural difference that needs to be bridged. And that is Barack Obama's strength. The general election strategy held that strength back.

The AMERICAN President AMERICANS Have Been Waiting For

David H. Stern, M.D. — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:05:24 EDT

Usually, when I post links to or quotes from other stories on the Internet, those links only serve as a launching point for interjecting my own commentary. This one is an exception, and for good reason: I have nothing to add that would further advance or enhance the argument.

This article by Harold Meyerson in the Washington Post, accompanied by

this commentary and analysis from Chris’ Inside-Out the Beltway

offer something far closer to perfection than anything I could possibly assemble.

Please read both of these fine articles, and pass them along to others.

Thank you.

DHSmd

Voter Registration

Lois — Sat, 10 May 2008 21:55:13 EDT

Today I worked the voter registration table at the Manhattan Beach pier. It was great. We met lots of people, lots of Obama supporters and many many Europeans who gave us the thumbs up and said it is being massively covered on tv in Europe. They are wild about Obama. We registered four or five in the two hours but talked to a lot of others. Most were registered already but were very happy we were there. I recommend that you all do this.

The Real McCain

tonysal — Fri, 09 May 2008 03:28:55 EDT

So let's start to get familiar with our Republican friend, "the maverick" John McCain. Here's a very interesting article in his home state paper discussing his senate voting record and how it's not so different from that of his party.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0507mccainvotes0507.html#

Details for a New Kind of Politics

Raul — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:30:46 EDT

Hi!!!!What a incredible journey this has been, but it is getting negative and I feel we are losing that initial excitement of bringing together so many different Americans from across the country and the world! I'm from LA, and so excited that even though this process seems to go on and on, it gives every state their due. I've e-mailed and spoken with people from TX, OH, ID, WI, PA, and more. And I think it's great that so many Americans really have the same concerns no matter where in the country they live. But I would like to see the Obama campaign be more specific on the "new kind of politics" message. Re-state how his administration is going to utilize this grassroots organization that has been formed to push policy and get information out? We need people at the state and local level in states like California, Kentucky and West Virginia be unified to discuss policies with their representatives, then e-mail info back and forth to push legislation forward. THAT WOULD BE A NEW KIND OF POLITICS!!!!This would be an opportunity to reach out to Clinton AND McCain supporters to join this American grass roots movement, using local and state government representatives, so ALL opinions would be heard. That compromise could be made because a true majority of Americans would be involved. I really believe we need to pass this message on even to as many Clinton and McCain supporters you know! We need to bring all Americans together to discuss our problems!