Organizing for America | Sam Graham-Felsen's Blog: Some facts about last night's victory in Iowa

Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Amy Jan 4th 2008 at 2:00 pm EST

I found this comment at dailyKos and had to share:

My African-American assistant had not seen this speech last night. She told me that she was hesitant to support Obama because America was not ready to support a black man for President.

I found his Victory Speech on You Tube and emailed it to her. She downloaded it at her desk and she and I sat side by side and watched it silently together. Neither of us said a word during or afterwards. Nobody had to. Obama said it all.

Vive la resistance! Obama '08.

by speck tater on Fri Jan 04, 2008 at 09:39:48 AM PST

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Pilar from Iowa Jan 4th 2008 at 2:46 pm EST

Obama, we love you in Iowa!! It's strange to see you go after all these months with us. We could see you just about anytime we wanted to in one place or another. We will miss you so much. Obama is such a personality that he can move mountains with his voice. Did anyone caught the screaming of his supporters at the victory speech? I watched it on TV and couldn't sleep hardly all night. I will miss you!!

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Kerri from PA Jan 4th 2008 at 7:22 pm EST

It's OK Pilar - I know it must be sad to see him "go" but that is the nature of his calling - he is a people person and he belongs to all of us! Think how poor Michelle, Malia, and Sasha must feel having to share him with all 3,000,000,000 of us! They are brave girls! The rest of the country will be forever grateful to all of you! I'm in PA and our Primary is not until April 22, but I can't wait to put the icing on the cake!!! YUMMY!

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By LisainNYC Jan 4th 2008 at 9:14 pm EST

Nicely written.
I am jealous of you Iowans, having seen our guy so often for all these months.

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By SFT Jan 4th 2008 at 3:04 pm EST

What a wonderful "Obama Moment" and what a special person you are. Thanks so much for sharing.

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Vernon from Mount Vernon, OH Jan 4th 2008 at 3:24 pm EST

Apparently there weren't many of us "boomers" who voted for Barack last night. So be it! the good news is I think last night means that finally we "boomers" are over. We have dominated the landscape for far too long. Our music, our politics, our old arguments replayed endlessly. As a professor I can feel the frustration of my students waiting for us to clear the stage and make way for something new--new ways to struggle, new ways to hope, no ways to go forward. I see that reflected in the enthusiasm of young people for Obama. Well Done! On to the future.

Salaams/Shalom/Peace,

Vernon

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By m4me08 Jan 4th 2008 at 3:48 pm EST

My mom is a "boomer" and she called me this morning so excited. I had talked with her over New Years and she was worried he wouldnt make it through...I convinced her he would.

I think this mind frame affects many "boomers". They have seen the political machine work the wrong way too long. Whats that syndrome where prisoners start to identify with their captors? What ever it is called, I think they have it! Maybe this will give them a little of our "HOPE"!!

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By TomG Jan 4th 2008 at 4:12 pm EST

My "boomer" Mom called last night during the victory speech, excited, hopeful, and looking forward to a Barack Obama Presidency. Look at the crowds in Iowa these last few months...many "boomers". Look at the supporters, precinct captains, bloggers, etc., etc.

I would say the difference here is that this movement is more inclusive than any in recent history, not confined to any one group or demographic. This inclusiveness is one of the most important forces behind this movement.

"Baby-Boomers" know what hope looks like too...

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Lucy Hussein Jan 4th 2008 at 5:57 pm EST

Check out Joe Klein's great article on Obama and the boomer generation. He's a boomer and has a very perceptive perspective (that's a tongue twister!:)

Link

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Linda Jan 4th 2008 at 4:27 pm EST

I'm a boomer (54) and thought I had grown accustomed to being in the minority until now. Guess there are more of us out there than I thought.

Linda

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Brian from Severna Park, MD Jan 4th 2008 at 11:38 pm EST

The term you refer to is what is known as intitutionalized.

I agree that so many people, before last night, viewed Obama as a long shot. He was too black, too young, too inexperienced, too whatever. But last night, Obama took an inspirational victory in a state where the odds were heavily stacked against him. My own father for weeks has expressed strong feelings that Obama is the right person but that he didn't feel Obama could win. This morning my father had a very different outlook.

Obama reminds me of Bobby Kennedy. I was not privileged to have experienced Bobby in my life. As an avid follower of politics I have studied Bobby and watched old speeches. The passion, the enthusiasm, and the realism of Obama echo Bobby's memory. Both had a belief, a charisma, a passion that could not be faked.

Barack if you are reading this thank you. Thank you if for nothing else, re-instilling in us our belief in ourselves. We are the people who put a man on the moon. Surely we can tackle the problems that face our nation now having accomplished all that has come before.

GOBAMA!

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Brian from Severna Park, MD Jan 4th 2008 at 11:48 pm EST

The term you refer to is what is known as intitutionalized.

I agree that so many people, before last night, viewed Obama as a long shot. He was too black, too young, too inexperienced, too whatever. But last night, Obama took an inspirational victory in a state where the odds were heavily stacked against him. My own father for weeks has expressed strong feelings that Obama is the right person but that he didn't feel Obama could win. This morning my father had a very different outlook.

Obama reminds me of Bobby Kennedy. I was not privileged to have experienced Bobby in my life. As an avid follower of politics I have studied Bobby and watched old speeches. The passion, the enthusiasm, and the realism of Obama echo Bobby's memory. Both had a belief, a charisma, a passion that could not be faked.

Barack if you are reading this thank you. Thank you if for nothing else, re-instilling in us our belief in ourselves. We are the people who put a man on the moon. Surely we can tackle the problems that face our nation now having accomplished all that has come before.

GOBAMA!

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Pilar from Iowa Jan 4th 2008 at 4:16 pm EST

Vernon, I am older than a baby boomer. I am 64 years old and yet, Obama is my hero. Forgive me, but I am very emotional today. Thanks for listening!

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Stacie M. in AZ Jan 4th 2008 at 4:31 pm EST

Vernon:

Nothing personal against boomers (I was raised by boomers and have learned almost all I know from them), but AMEN! At 33 I am already tired of living in the shadows of such an enormous generation who only seems to grow more impactful as they morph into the most powerful voting bloc this country has ever known. Make no mistake, I thank and congratulate the boomers for everything they have worked for and achieved to date (civil rights, equal rights for women, amazing advancement in science and technology), but from my point of view it sometimes feels like we don't have much of a voice no matter how hard we try to be heard. You are the FIRST boomer I have ever heard/read acknowledge this, and for that I thank you wholeheartedly.

Thank you, professor.
Obama '08!

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Susan from Berkeley, CA Jan 4th 2008 at 10:26 pm EST

As another professor and Baby Boomer, I so agree with Vernon. It's time to give it up to our inspirational youth! Back in 1968, I canvassed as a student for the antiwar candidate, Gene McCarthy, in New Hampshire and still recall the euphoria we all felt at his victory. It was another historic moment, but one which doesn't even come close to last night. Obama's momentous win in Iowa truly represents the "power of the people" and grassroots organizing. For the first time since the New Hampshire 1968 primary, I feel hope and pride in the U.S. electoral process. Maybe democracy CAN work in this country!!! All eyes around the world are watching ...

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Jean Jan 4th 2008 at 11:29 pm EST

I think so too Vernon. Let the new sprouts have it.

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Kat Jan 4th 2008 at 5:52 pm EST

As a white woman, I often wondered how I would feel about a black presidential candidate. After hearing Obama's speech last night, and browsing this site learning more about him, I discovered that it doesn't matter if a candidate is black, white, or purple.

I am impressed with Obama's personna, character, and approach to change in america. I have not been excited about a candidate since Ronald Reagan.

Obama understands what this country stands for!

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Lucy Hussein Jan 4th 2008 at 6:00 pm EST

Time magazine's most emailed story has something great to say about this:

"Barack Obama's first words after winning the Iowa caucus were intended for history and they were gorgeous: "They said this day would never come." Perhaps he was thinking small. Perhaps he was thinking about the long days in July and August and September when he trudged along the trail, well behind Hillary Clinton — who seemed a juggernaut at that point. Perhaps he was thinking back to his childhood, to the father who barely knew him and the mother who let her parents do most of the child rearing. But I suspect he was thinking bigger, back to Martin Luther King — and King's dream that someday his children would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Link

Indeed.

Re: Awesome! | Report to Admin

By Susan S. Jan 4th 2008 at 8:06 pm EST

Thanks everyone for your great posts, particularly the very moving one at the beginning of this thread.

One of the many reasons Obama deserves to win over Clinton is that he has the b***s to have open forums like this on his website. I very much appreciate having the opportunity to see comments next to information from the campaign.

it was a great speech | Report to Admin

By Tom Water Gives Clean Hydrogen Jan 4th 2008 at 9:41 pm EST

i tried to register to vote today. the town said it was closed until tuesday? sound right to you folks?? please let me know.

Re: it was a great speech | Report to Admin

By Jean Jan 4th 2008 at 11:32 pm EST

You'd have to ask them why...are they renovating or something? You can register to vote right here on this site. It's on the home page on the right with the red check mark. Glad to have you aboard.

Iowavictory.swf | Report to Admin

By Tony from Steilacoom, WA Jan 4th 2008 at 2:02 pm EST

How do I get my hands on the iowavictory video I was sent to after making my donation? It's much higher quality than the other versions out there and I think this speech will go down in history right along with, "Ask not what your country can do for..." and the like. Can you point me to the directory path and filename of this SWF file?

Re: Iowavictory.swf | Report to Admin

By daydreamer Jan 4th 2008 at 2:05 pm EST

Link

Re: Iowavictory.swf | Report to Admin

By daydreamer Jan 4th 2008 at 2:09 pm EST

not sure this is what you´re looking for, as a foreigner I cannot donate..

Re: Iowavictory.swf | Report to Admin

By Tina Jan 4th 2008 at 2:31 pm EST

N.A, who said you can't donate. You donate when you encourage and support us Obama-MANIACS. That's a great link. I think that's what they were looking for--GREAT CONTRIBUTION. I wanted that speech for others and self. Again, thanks so very much. You don't have to live in the US to be moved by Barack Obama. Bless you.

Re: Iowavictory.swf | Report to Admin

By ♫ ❀ ✿ ♪ MsCiara, in Paris ♪ ❀ ✿ ♫ Jan 4th 2008 at 3:02 pm EST

What a DAY !! I have been walking on a cloud ALL DAY! Thank you Iowa and Obama NATION !

Re: Iowavictory.swf | Report to Admin

By daydreamer Jan 4th 2008 at 3:11 pm EST

Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad I could help, I only wish I could do more. You know, I never thought I could become so involved in an election, especially one from another country.
So thank you and everyone here in this blog for letting us non-Americans be a part of this.

Re: Iowavictory.swf | Report to Admin

By Benjamin Vos, Nashville Jan 4th 2008 at 3:53 pm EST

I'm honored that you would be a part of helping us. Thank you for believing in America's hope for the future, and thank you for believing that we can change. Your trust is truly inspiring.

Re: Iowavictory.swf | Report to Admin

By Lucy Hussein Jan 4th 2008 at 6:03 pm EST

Absolutely! All the wonderful non-Americans who have encouraged and participated on this blog have been important to us. You remind us of our responsibility to the world and the hope that others have that America can change. Please keep it up--you are appreciated!

(Also, you CAN help--talk to all your American friends! It's one-on-one dialogue that makes the biggest difference.)

blog about my precinct's caucus | Report to Admin

By IA for Obama ☮ Jan 4th 2008 at 2:06 pm EST

I wrote an account of my caucus on my blog, if anybody wants to check it out:

Link

I also put up a bunch of photos of the last month or so in chronological order, ending with a few shots of the caucus. Also, Meri, somebody loved your haiku so much they made off with them! And the treats were a huge hit. If you want to check out the photos, go to
Link
some of the shots are grainy and certainly not professional quality. They include shots from our home, from the Dodd event, from the Urbandale event 12/22, DM 12/27, and a caucus eve party with caucus tree, before ending with the caucus itself. I call it Hope and Happiness on the Campaign Trail 2008.

New Hampshire, take it away! Then NV, SC, etc and so forth! Let’s go change the world!

Re: blog about my precinct's caucus | Report to Admin

By Donna No Shock Barack No Drama Obama of MD Jan 4th 2008 at 2:11 pm EST

Thanks IA and again thank you and all the wonderful people of Iowa. What a wonderful state!

Re: blog about my precinct's caucus | Report to Admin

By marti Jan 4th 2008 at 2:18 pm EST

I wonder if anyone knows how the organization looks in NH? Iowa was so great with volunteers, people young and old. I would like to see some of what is happening on behalf of Barack in NH. There are only days to go, has it been just as huge of a movement there and we just have been hearing mainly about Iowa to this point? I need to see some NH activity to feel better.

Re: blog about my precinct's caucus | Report to Admin

By Disenfranchised by DNC/Reinstated by Obama Jan 4th 2008 at 3:22 pm EST

I just saw a... uh... poll by a NH newspaper on one of the talking shows showing HRC with a double digit lead there. And the commentator was wondering if it would be just as reliable as the final Des Moines Register poll was. Don't know when it was taken. And other recent polls prior to IA were showing NH close.

As absolutely ecstatic last night was, let us now keep focused. An HRC win on Tues will put her right back into the ballgame. I think it was David Axlerod who said last night that we know this is a marathon or something to that effect.

Bill Clinton is already spouting how he did not win IA or NH. But onto NH!

(IA for Obama, thanks for the links)

Re: blog about my precinct's caucus | Report to Admin

By Disenfranchised by DNC/Reinstated by Obama Jan 4th 2008 at 4:26 pm EST

Correction: the NH poll the talking heads on MSNBC are discussing is a 7News?/Suffolk? University? poll. Since they were comparing it to The Register poll I assumed it was done by a paper. After last night I was only half paying attn to it.

Re: blog about my precinct's caucus | Report to Admin

By Disenfranchised by DNC/Reinstated by Obama Jan 4th 2008 at 4:31 pm EST

Sorry for the extra posts. I'm still in the sheer state of ecstacy and my mind isn't quite functioning. Anyway I think it was double digits.

Re: blog about my precinct's caucus | Report to Admin

By Meri Who Loves Writing Haiku About Barack Jan 4th 2008 at 5:05 pm EST

I hope Barack took off with them (the haiku that is!)-smile-What a beautiful day it is today in Florida after Barack's win. The world looks more vivid, and the sun is shining bright (even though I'm in the middle of syllabus revision). Beautiful pictures of your sons and home :) Will be working hard for Barack here in Tallahassee even though Florida's voting is in a precarious position :( Take care and, once again, thanks for all you do! Meri

Re: blog about my precinct's caucus | Report to Admin

By Kerri from PA Jan 4th 2008 at 7:57 pm EST

Besides all the obvious things I could say about how wonderful your account of the night was and the pictures, I have this to say: I LOVE the celery for the snowman's nose! Because carrots are what we've ALWAYS done and celery is CHANGE! and CHANGE is GOOD!!! love it love it love it!!! Great job, thanks so much for doing this - better than any professional account I've seen! The fact that Hillary's people tried to cheat, then succumbed is priceless!

PS I also wrote this on your blog!!!

Charlie Rose | Report to Admin

By Matthew Jan 4th 2008 at 2:11 pm EST (Updated Jan 4th 2008 at 4:12 pm EST)

This post has been removed due to objectionable or disrespectful content.

What's this mean? | Report to Admin

By Daniel from Texas Jan 4th 2008 at 2:13 pm EST

How many delegates did Obama win toward the conventoin?

CNN is projecting this split of Iowa's 45 Democratic delegates, based on tonight's results:

Barack Obama: 16, Hillary Clinton: 15, John Edwards: 14

Re: What's this mean? | Report to Admin

By Frank from Oxnard, CA Jan 4th 2008 at 2:25 pm EST

im confused about this, ive never followed an election before but it seems to me that edwards should have more than clinton, and obama should have alot more than either.

Re: What's this mean? | Report to Admin

By Jason Jan 4th 2008 at 2:56 pm EST

Based on the percentages, I have calculated that the split would be 17 for Obama, 14 for Edwards, 13 for Clinton and 1 for Richardson. But what do I know?

Re: What's this mean? | Report to Admin

By Itohowo from Covington, GA Jan 4th 2008 at 3:16 pm EST

I can't remember the exact numbers, but it is a 3-2-1 split so Obama will have the most(18) and the Edwards get second (16) and Clinton get third(15)...or something like that. However it is divided, ther should be a 3-point difference between Obama and Clinton and a 2 point diference between Obama and Edwards...but I could be wrong with the exact numbers

Re: What's this mean? | Report to Admin

By Daniel from Texas Jan 4th 2008 at 3:17 pm EST

yes that is what it should be.

17:14:13:1

But do they have "super" delegates reserved that are going to vote for Clinton?

Re: What's this mean? | Report to Admin

By M.R. Jan 4th 2008 at 3:59 pm EST

This will be my third time to vote in a presidential election, my first being Bush's first stolen win. I can't wait to see an intelligent man in the White House. I am planning to vote in the March primary in Texas, and I was wondering if you knew anything about caucusing in Texas. Does the system work differently than that in Iowa? I am still a little confused because I have never gotten involved in the process this early before.

Re: What's this mean? | Report to Admin

By Kerri from PA Jan 4th 2008 at 8:07 pm EST

Texas has a primary which is pretty much the same as voting in a general election. Texas does not caucus. Your state either has a caucus or a primary - not both. You will go to a voting booth, computer, fill in the dots, punch out the chads, or however TX does it! Your polling place will most likely be open for many hours such as 6am to 9pm to allow for the maximun number of people to attend...although a caucus sounds fun in nature - they could get dangerous with so many Obama supporters LOL!!! You know, fire safety codes and all that like IA said above in her blog... A caucus sounds primitive and I can't believe in this day and age they still allow for them, but I believe Barack will change all that since he is very much in favor of voting rights and if your a firefighter, police personnel, or in the medical profession and can't get off to caucus - there is just something downright unlawful about that!!! Good Luck in March!!

Re: What's this mean? | Report to Admin

By M.R. Jan 9th 2008 at 11:46 am EST

Thanks. I was equally disturbed by the caucus idea. It doesn't really sound like a truly democratic process. I am trying to encourage everyone I can to get out and vote in the primary, instead of waiting until the election in November when their choices have been whittled down to two people they didn't choose!

what needs work? | Report to Admin

By Ian O Jan 4th 2008 at 2:18 pm EST

Are there any statistics that we expected to be stronger for Obama? I only ask because I want to know what we should be focusing on. Whose votes should we be trying to win?

Re: what needs work? | Report to Admin

By Amy Jan 4th 2008 at 2:23 pm EST

Everybody's, Ian. Everybody's.

Re: what needs work? | Report to Admin

By tolerance Jan 4th 2008 at 2:50 pm EST

perhaps those 65 yrs and older. he pretty much wins everything else. i was stunned when i tuned in to the in-depth polls and found this out at 11pm yesterday. here's a link: Link

THE WORLD IS WATCHING!!! | Report to Admin

By Booradley Jan 4th 2008 at 2:25 pm EST

THE WORLD IS WATCHING!!!...the more the campaign can keep this headline in the MSM, the less Clinton can effectively brand Barack as 'not qualified in foreign policy credentials'. MSNBC has a reporter with his uncle and grandmother in Kenya, reporting that they all were jumping up and dpwn and screaming with joy, and they ask the reporter to send a message to Barack that they are so proud of him and they are sending their prayers that he will win in New Hampshire.

This was audio only as they don't have a camera crew there...SEND A MESSAGE to the campaign to GET A CAMERA CREW THERE ASAP...a picture is worth a thousand words--

THIS IS A VICTORY FOR A BETTER WORLD, as well as America.

World History | Report to Admin

By Saybah Jan 4th 2008 at 2:31 pm EST

Check this out from my part of the world. I knew it would be front page news there:

Link

Re: World History | Report to Admin

By waterprise2 Jan 4th 2008 at 2:36 pm EST

Thanks! Except for that "barely beating Clinton and Edwards" part...

he trounced them...by 8 and 9 points!! That's HUGE!!

Re: World History | Report to Admin

By Brian S. Jan 4th 2008 at 2:47 pm EST

Yes, EVEN CNN had to admit that it was a "THUMPING!"

HA HA | Report to Admin

By JD from Seal Beach, CA Jan 4th 2008 at 2:45 pm EST

Good one:

"This feels good. It's just like I imagined it when I was talking to my kindergarten teacher," - Barack Obama this morning.

Re: HA HA | Report to Admin

By Tammy Jan 4th 2008 at 2:51 pm EST

I just love his ability to bring to light Edwards and Clinton's pettiness without being harsh, but using humor.

Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By DawgPound4Obama08(John from Charlotte,NC) Jan 4th 2008 at 2:49 pm EST

What happens when he is asked to stand up to the GOP and their wicked ways and he instead decides to compromise with them?I'm only asking because as a progressive(meaning Kucinich)Democrat I watched Barack last night and he sounded more like a centrist appeal-to-all candidate that a Democrat.Now I'm not saying that's a bad thing,but the Democrats have done this for years and it never works(see Pelosi and Reid)!!! So,here's my question.What will Obama do for the progressives in the Party who don't want to compromise but who wanna battle with the GOP?

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By Mary Ann Jan 4th 2008 at 2:52 pm EST

Don't forget, Kucinich asked his backers in Iowa to caucus for Obama. That is no small thing. Being a unifier is not the same as being a centrist.

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By DawgPound4Obama08(John from Charlotte,NC) Jan 4th 2008 at 3:06 pm EST

Unifier=CENTRIST

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By Stephen Bates Jan 4th 2008 at 2:54 pm EST

Do you really think Reid and Pelosi represent the entire democratic party, much less democratic voters?

Clinton was a centrist. He was also a two term president.

Obama can do it.

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By Tammy Jan 4th 2008 at 2:55 pm EST

The days of battling with the GOP have to end. What good has come of it?

There are core issues that Obama will not compromise on. But all the "I'LL FIGHT THEM" crap has got to stop.

We've got to get things accomplished. That will only happen by dems, indies, and repubs working together.

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By DawgPound4Obama08(John from Charlotte,NC) Jan 4th 2008 at 3:05 pm EST

The GOP isn't willing to come together with us so why bother?

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By Bob Jan 4th 2008 at 5:56 pm EST

We don't need the GOP hacks that currently control the Party of Lincoln. We need the patriotic GOP voters who are just as tired of gridlock as we are.

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By Brian S. Jan 4th 2008 at 2:58 pm EST

Washington Post
By Charles Peters
Friday, January 4, 2008; Page A21

People who complain that Barack Obama lacks experience must be unaware of his legislative achievements. One reason these accomplishments are unfamiliar is that the media have not devoted enough attention to Obama's bills and the effort required to pass them, ignoring impressive, hard evidence of his character and ability.

Since most of Obama's legislation was enacted in Illinois, most of the evidence is found there -- and it has been largely ignored by the media in a kind of Washington snobbery that assumes state legislatures are not to be taken seriously. (Another factor is reporters' fascination with the horse race at the expense of substance that they assume is boring, a fascination that despite being ridiculed for years continues to dominate political journalism.)

I am a rarity among Washington journalists in that I have served in a state legislature. I know from my time in the West Virginia legislature that the challenges faced by reform-minded state representatives are no less, if indeed not more, formidable than those encountered in Congress. For me, at least, trying to deal with those challenges involved as much drama as any election. And the "heart and soul" bill, the one for which a legislator gives everything he or she has to get passed, has long told me more than anything else about a person's character and ability.

Consider a bill into which Obama clearly put his heart and soul. The problem he wanted to address was that too many confessions, rather than being voluntary, were coerced -- by beating the daylights out of the accused.

Obama proposed requiring that interrogations and confessions be videotaped.

This seemed likely to stop the beatings, but the bill itself aroused immediate opposition. There were Republicans who were automatically tough on crime and Democrats who feared being thought soft on crime. There were death penalty abolitionists, some of whom worried that Obama's bill, by preventing the execution of innocents, would deprive them of their best argument. Vigorous opposition came from the police, too many of whom had become accustomed to using muscle to "solve" crimes. And the incoming governor, Rod Blagojevich, announced that he was against it.

Obama had his work cut out for him.

He responded with an all-out campaign of cajolery. It had not been easy for a Harvard man to become a regular guy to his

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By Brian S. Jan 4th 2008 at 3:01 pm EST

He responded with an all-out campaign of cajolery. It had not been easy for a Harvard man to become a regular guy to his colleagues. Obama had managed to do so by playing basketball and poker with them and, most of all, by listening to their concerns. Even Republicans came to respect him. One Republican state senator, Kirk Dillard, has said that "Barack had a way both intellectually and in demeanor that defused skeptics."

The police proved to be Obama's toughest opponent. Legislators tend to quail when cops say things like, "This means we won't be able to protect your children." The police tried to limit the videotaping to confessions, but Obama, knowing that the beatings were most likely to occur during questioning, fought -- successfully -- to keep interrogations included in the required videotaping.
By showing officers that he shared many of their concerns, even going so far as to help pass other legislation they wanted, he was able to quiet the fears of many.

Obama proved persuasive enough that the bill passed both houses of the legislature, the Senate by an incredible 35 to 0. Then he talked Blagojevich into signing the bill, making Illinois the first state to require such videotaping.

Obama didn't stop there. He played a major role in passing many other bills, including the state's first earned-income tax credit to help the working poor and the first ethics and campaign finance law in 25 years (a law a Post story said made Illinois "one of the best in the nation on campaign finance disclosure"). Obama's commitment to ethics continued in the U.S. Senate, where he co-authored the new lobbying reform law that, among its hard-to-sell provisions, requires lawmakers to disclose the names of lobbyists who "bundle" contributions for them.

Taken together, these accomplishments demonstrate that Obama has what Dillard, the Republican state senator, calls a "unique" ability "to deal with extremely complex issues, to reach across the aisle and to deal with diverse people." In other words, Obama's campaign claim that he can persuade us to rise above what divides us is not just rhetoric.

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By Patty Jan 4th 2008 at 4:15 pm EST

Thank you Brian for posting this. This is what we can expect from President Obama - experience, good judgment, and the ability to work with ALL people to accomplish things for the greater good of this country!!

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By Paul Jan 4th 2008 at 3:58 pm EST

Barack Obama does not propose compromise. He proposes an open, honest, clean debate with everyone at the table. By allowing everything out in the open, he shows that his ideas actually fit in more with humanistic values. This approach transcends party lines, and his record happens to come down solidly on the progressive side of things. In a way, I find Barack to be a validation of progressive values far more than the candidates with the hot tempers.

I love Kucinich. He is another guy who transcends politics.

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By Mike25 in Illinois Jan 4th 2008 at 4:04 pm EST

Battling with the other party gets us exactly where we are today, in a stalemate. The lack of good politics does not have to with untalented politcians, but because of unwilling to work together to get things done. Sorry to burst your bubble, but Democracy is not made up of a one party system, it never has been that way. The genius of the founding fathers is that they created a system of checks and balances. Where one party cannot dominate a whole country, to keep it from becoming a king.

Obama will stand up for what is right and stick close to his principles but will admit republicans have some good ideas, and they do. If we battle with the other party, we will be right back where we are today, stuck in a stalemate. Divid and conquer does not, and cannot work in a democracy.

Re: Yes he won but..... | Report to Admin

By waterprise2 Jan 4th 2008 at 4:37 pm EST

I agree with others that "battling" has gotten us nowhere. I also agree with you re: this crazy way we "elect" our candidates...I say one person/one vote everywhere.

That said, one of the main reasons nothing has been done in Congress is that 60 votes are needed to pass anything and even with the 2006 election, we only have 49/50 votes.

It is important to realize that a strong and popular Presidential candidate will have "coattails" that will be along a lot of like-minded people to Congress. That'll be a great help!

Now...an Obama/Biden ticket would be unstoppable! So...how about helping Obama win in NH so that he will be in a position to put Senator Biden on the ticket!?!?

Your questions/comments/concerns are very welcome and helpful.

I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Stephen Bates Jan 4th 2008 at 2:52 pm EST

Even though i'm an Obama convert, and I want him to win the nomination, my vote won't be with him in NH on tuesday. Iowa was good to Obama. It wasn't to the man I supported: Joe Biden. This antiquated, pointless system squashes lower performers, and helps the media in their quest to dominate the political process. Had it been a straight primary, Joe Biden would have finished in double digits. I'm not going to be ungracious towards Iowans, or supporters of any other candidate, but I feel as though the Iowa Democratic Party robbed me of my chance to support Joe Biden, and I will be writing him in on tuesday. After that, Obama will have my support AND my vote in November. An Obama/Biden ticket would be unstoppable.

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Roxanne from Bowie Jan 4th 2008 at 2:58 pm EST

You say that you will vote for the Obama/Biden ticket, therefore, vote for Obama to ensure that this ticket is a possibility.

Just a thought!

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Quis Jan 4th 2008 at 3:04 pm EST

I agree Roxanne. Sour grapes is not Obama's kind of politics. But if you should change your mind to recognize that this is about the country and not a single state, the Obama tent is surely big enough and we'd love to have you.

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Quis Jan 4th 2008 at 3:06 pm EST

The "you" in my last post is in reference to Stephen, to clear up any confusion.

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Jean Jan 4th 2008 at 11:43 pm EST

Really. In NH every vote counts, as it should. We have many Biden sympathizers here and we feel your pain. The best {possible] outcome may yet occur, but Biden has chosen to withdraw altogether. Don't waste your vote. Support Obama while you have the chance.

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Matthew Jan 4th 2008 at 3:02 pm EST

Stephen,

I respect your support of Joe Biden. If he hadn't voted to authorize the Iraq war I would feel even better about him. Sadly he did not. But I understand his overall appeal as a candidate and his long service to our country.

But I feel that while you are trying to make a valueable point in doing so you could potentially keep Barack from winning in NH and Biden having for better or worse dropped out of the race makes your write-in vote ineffective. I wish I could put it better than that but I can't. Sorry. Not trying to sound harsh about it but like the above poster said any chance of an Obama/Biden ticket won't happen if Barack loses in NH.

Every vote counts.

Barack needs your vote.

Obama '08

Matthew

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Matthew Jan 4th 2008 at 3:09 pm EST

I meant to say sadly Biden voted in favor of the Iraq war

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Benjamin Vos, Nashville Jan 4th 2008 at 3:02 pm EST

I appreciate what you're saying. However, my understanding is that Joe Biden withdrew his name from consideration for the Democratic nomination.

So ... I wouldn't ordinarily mind, but why not go ahead and vote for Obama since your vote could make a big difference in a close race? If you are truly supporting him, then it would be great to get your vote.

By the way, what do you like most about Joe Biden?

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Brian S. Jan 4th 2008 at 3:03 pm EST

Yes, seems to me you're wasting your vote just to make a point...Please don't forget 2000 - EVERY vote counts! We would appreciate your support now - what if it were too late???

Please think about this!

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Jason Jan 4th 2008 at 3:04 pm EST

I have a lot of respect for Senator Biden (he would probably be considered my second choice actually), but I feel it is essential that you support Obama in NH on Tuesday. Just because Barack won Iowa it does not mean that he will be the nominee, but if he does win New Hampshire that chance goes way up, and I think a lot of people will start calling him that.

If Clinton wins New Hampshire on the other hand, it is going to be a neck and neck fight all the way to Tsunami Tuesday (I think they would split Nevada and South Carolina), and she will be sure to firewall that vote the same way she did with the New Hampshire vote. I am not saying that Tsunami Tuesday heavily favors Clinton because Obama is very strong also in the Feb. 5 states, but it will give her that final chance she needs.

I am asking you, out of respect and necessity, to vote for Obama in New Hampshire, and we can worry about an Iowa Caucus protest later. Obama needs it!

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By JD from Seal Beach, CA Jan 4th 2008 at 3:07 pm EST

I agree with your frustration over the caucus method in Iowa. I frankly don't understand a method that by design excludes many potential voters, such as police and fire who are on duty, soldiers in Iraq, disabled who can't make it to a caucus, etc. Unfortunately, until someone in Iowa wakes up and changes the rules we have to live with them.

I urge you to reconsider your protest vote. While protest votes show the mainstream candidates where you stand, it tends to backfire by electing the wrong candidate, as evidenced by the 2000 vote for Nader, givng GW the whitehouse.

I have always been impressed with Biden's foreign policy views. For that reason I think VP would be a waste of his talents. He would make a great Secretary of State. I would feel confident having him speaking to our friends and adversaries as a spokesman for the Obama administraton.

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By firsttimer Jan 4th 2008 at 3:16 pm EST

Thanks Stephen you raise a great point. I went to my first caucus last night and was struck by the seeming unfairness of the 15% threshhold. However in thinking about it I have come to the conclusion, for now, that the caucus format is valid. This format is what makes Iowa important. It speeds up the electoral process by narrowing the field quickly and fairly.

After caucusing last night I wondered what the numbers would have been in a straight up vote. No doubt Obama benefited from supporters of non-viable candidates. From what I understand the majority of Richardson and Biden supporters went over to Obama as their second choice.

This is no coincidence as most of these supporters crave change. They recognized that, as their first choice candidate was not viable, Obama clearly represented the best hope for real change.

I certainly feel your disappointment as I am a Kucinich supporter, but lets use Obama as a vehicle to return politics to the people. It can only help the chances of less traditional candidates in the future.

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Daniel from Texas Jan 4th 2008 at 3:50 pm EST

Hi Stephen, I totally understand your feelings. I would write-in Obama in the general election rather than vote for Clinton.

So, I fully support your write-in for Biden. However, it seems that you think Obama is going to be the democratic nominee. Hillary Clinton is still favored. If Hillary wins NH, she will likely be the democratic nominee. So, if you don't care if it is Clinton or Obama who is the nominee, write in Biden.

If you do care, then your vote is needed.

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Paul Jan 4th 2008 at 4:35 pm EST

Please do not underestimate how much Iowa loves Joe Biden. I believe this would have been his year if Obama had not come along. He was my first choice in the beginning, and the first choice of many of friends, prior to their switch to Obama.

I think Biden dropped out for the good of the party. I respect your decision -- not surprising from a Biden supporter, if you don't mind me saying. At the same time, I am not sure I agree with making a symbolic gesture right now. Seems like Biden dropped out to minimize that very possibility.

the infamous mrs. klopfer | Report to Admin

By A A Jan 4th 2008 at 2:52 pm EST

does anyone actually lnow for who mrs. klopfer cacaused for?? :))))

Re: the infamous mrs. klopfer | Report to Admin

By Tammy Jan 4th 2008 at 2:57 pm EST

I say, "who cares?" lol

She appeared to be a fame seeker to me.

stay positive as you STAND up ! | Report to Admin

By rich Jan 4th 2008 at 2:52 pm EST

I'm so proud of Iowans !

They stayed positive as they STOOD up --

-- for Barack Obama !

Now on to New Hampshire where the same messaging that played so well in Iowa, should be played again --

stay positive as you STAND up !

fyi - this is still a campaign about being FOR someone (Obama) and not about being AGAINST someone (Clinton or Edwards) -- let those latter two candidates and their supporters play that negativity game, and not us here, and see how well they do in NH !

Re: stay positive as you STAND up ! | Report to Admin

By Lucy Hussein Jan 4th 2008 at 6:27 pm EST

Listen to this account from a precinct in Iowa last night.

"The Boyd household, perhaps, is atypical. She supported Mr. Obama, while her husband, Rex, walked into the caucus as a Clinton supporter. Before the final headcount was conducted, she said, he changed his mind and moved over to the Obama corner of the room. In an overnight e-mail, she offered an explanation.

“Rex went to Clinton and I wore a Obama sticker. As people milled and talked, he changed before the count as he heard people stating they could not vote for someone with a last name like Obama. One said, ‘He needs to stay in Chicago and take care of his family.’

“Rex came over to Obama, where he heard not one negative bit of talk. He felt they both stand for pretty much the same ideas, but our leader needs to be positive and Obama puts that feeling out there. That is important in this world.”

Link

Re: stay positive as you STAND up ! | Report to Admin

By Aziz Jan 4th 2008 at 9:43 pm EST

Link
OBAMA LIVE!

The next step | Report to Admin

By Jo Jan 4th 2008 at 2:53 pm EST

We should take comfort from our victory yesterday, but we shouldn't rest on our laurels. We still have a long road ahead. The next step is the ABC debate on Saturday. It is going to be be an epic fight. Our man will be attacked on two fronts, JE started today on morning joe when his campaign manager attacked Senator Obama record on healthcare in Illinois. Senator Clinton camp is going to throw whatever they can.
To all the participants of this blog living in the USA. Call the campaign headquarters in you state to find out how you can help.
Again thank you to all our troopers in Iowa, we will still need your help to win in November 2008.

Re: The next step | Report to Admin

By Lucy Hussein Jan 4th 2008 at 6:31 pm EST

Good point. Barack has been criticized for not being quick enough in debates (he doesn't give scripted answers, so he speaks carefully), but just think of how he shines under attack. Remember the Wolf Blitzer interview? In the end, Mr. Blitzer's attack actually gave Obama a chance to show what he's made of. The confidence from this win is going to give him the oomph to meet them head on.

Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By Benjamin Vos, Nashville Jan 4th 2008 at 2:53 pm EST

Link

Can anyone tell me more about Hillary Clinton's record of helping create opportunities for young people?

Anyone?

Maybe her husband did something to reach out to young people, but I'm not sure I know anything about her own efforts.

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By Diamond -- IrishAmericansForObama Jan 4th 2008 at 3:00 pm EST

Personally, I don't give a monkeys.

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By Jean Jan 4th 2008 at 11:50 pm EST

The fact that no one knows what she's talking about on that topic says volumes.

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By Mary Lou Jan 4th 2008 at 3:01 pm EST

And do you notice, they don't say that Obama also worked as a lawyer and taught Constitutional Law? And wrote 2 books, by himself. Oh, well, guess we need to be prepared for this. But it won't stop us!

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By Benjamin Vos, Nashville Jan 4th 2008 at 3:04 pm EST

It seems to me that this is one area where Obama has WAAAAAAAYYYYY better credentials. His ability to reach out to young people is phenomenal.

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By Tammy Jan 4th 2008 at 3:03 pm EST

Hillary is whining that ALL HER IOWA supporters were disenfranchised because they work at night or live outside the country (military).

Somebody give her a yo-yo because I'm tired of her trying to spin us.

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By Benjamin Vos, Nashville Jan 4th 2008 at 3:25 pm EST

And don't forget all those people in prison...

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By Stacie M. in AZ Jan 4th 2008 at 4:52 pm EST

LMAO! :D

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By Jean Jan 4th 2008 at 11:52 pm EST

Ditto. Had to share that one with my hubby.

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By waterprise2 Jan 4th 2008 at 4:43 pm EST

I am SO tired of her whining...whenever things don't go her way! Only HER supporters are in the military or work nights?

That lame excuse about Iowa being "hard" for her because it has never elected a woman to top office---and the names of the Black people elected to top offices in IA are:...?

Another lame excuse was that she hadn't traveled to Iowa in a long time before the campaign...and Barack had?

I could go on and on...but you get the idea...

"Do or do not. There is no try."

Master Yoda

"Quit 'cher b*tchin'!" waterprise2

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By Mike25 in Illinois Jan 4th 2008 at 3:19 pm EST

Isn't this the woman who said, "college students think work is just a four letter word"? Even Chelsea called her mother to complain about that comment.

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By m4me08 Jan 4th 2008 at 3:21 pm EST

"I feel that we executed what we thought was the limit of what we could produce in Iowa under the circumstances that we were facing," she told reporters at a cafe in Manchester.

Huh? Could someone fluent in Clintonese translate for me?

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By m4me08 Jan 4th 2008 at 3:24 pm EST

Oh, wait. I Googled the translation... "We're screwed"

Re: Clinton: She has a record? | Report to Admin

By waterprise2 Jan 4th 2008 at 4:44 pm EST

ROLMAO!!!

ENJOY ! | Report to Admin

By Diamond -- IrishAmericansForObama Jan 4th 2008 at 2:57 pm EST

ENJOY!

Really. Enjoy!

Link

Re: ENJOY ! | Report to Admin

By Hope is coming Jan 4th 2008 at 3:05 pm EST

After Obama win, Clinton warns of "false hopes"

NASHUA, New Hampshire (Reuters) - New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, reeling from defeat in Iowa at the hands of Barack Obama, urged Democratic voters on Friday not to build up "false hopes" by choosing an inexperienced presidential candidate. -Link

Shame on her

Re: ENJOY ! | Report to Admin

By Theresa LV Jan 4th 2008 at 3:53 pm EST

The trash that she and her regime threw at Senator Obama before the Iowa caucus is nothing compared to what she is going to do in New Hampshire. And also the media.

The Clinton machine will be playing the dirtiest politics that we have seen in quite a while. They could possibly put the "right-wing" zealots to shame.

So be prepared and don't fall into their trap of defensive arguing.

Re: ENJOY ! | Report to Admin

By Beth in VA Jan 4th 2008 at 3:56 pm EST

That WAS fun to read!

Re: ENJOY ! | Report to Admin

By Patty Jan 4th 2008 at 4:26 pm EST

That was very nice, Diamond, thanks!

Obama also won the minority vote among ALL non-White races | Report to Admin

By Dawn Jan 4th 2008 at 3:09 pm EST

I'm guessing because of their neglibile percentage of the IA population, the media isn't giving much attention the Senator's win among all minority groups in IA, but the fact that he won the Latino vote may be an indicator of how the Senator will do in NV, which the Clinton Campaign may be looking at as her firewall.

I'd be interested to hear from Nevada Campaign volunteers how the outreach is going with the Latino Community. Althoug some far left critics of Senator Obama have gotten so dispicable as to start making the case that Senator Obama (or any Black candidate) shouldn't get the nomination because Latinos hate Blacks (believe it or not, that's the case that Jerome Armstrong was trying to make a couple of weeks ago), I think being the son of an immigrant will be quite appealing to 2nd/3rd generation, American Latinos born to immigrant parents.

Re: Obama also won the minority vote among ALL non-White races | Report to Admin

By Kandi Jan 4th 2008 at 3:20 pm EST

Nevada mainly rests on the shoulders of the culinary workers union. They haven't endorsed any one yet. I was thinking they would endorse somebody today. May be they will wait until the end of NH Primary.

Vote NOW!! | Report to Admin

By Oleinic from Albany, NY Jan 4th 2008 at 3:13 pm EST

Let`s vote here and see what people want. Not what we know from the media. Vote here who you want to be president Link

Vote NOW!! | Report to Admin

By Oleinic from Albany, NY Jan 4th 2008 at 3:14 pm EST

Let`s vote here and see what people want. Not what we know from the media. Vote here who you want to be president Link

Re: Vote NOW!! | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 3:17 pm EST

Let's be fair here. List all of the candidates and perhaps I will click your link and vote for the one of my preference. Thanks.

Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 3:14 pm EST

I am a young adult in my early 20's and I will start this comment out by saying that I am a strong Hillary supporter, however Senator Obama has definitely opened my eyes recently with the most recent events that have taken place, not just his win in Iowa.

His speaches are inspirational, but I want to see more action on his part. Actions to me speak louder than words. Although I really hope he means what he says, for example, racial relations.

I have been following his campaign almost as much as Mrs. Clinton's. If I can see more positive action from him then perhaps I can change my mind and support him, but that is a big "if". All due respect to all Democratic candidates of this race.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By m4rk0 Hussein the vegan Jan 4th 2008 at 3:16 pm EST

Thanks for keeping an open mind.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 3:25 pm EST

No problem. It is important to keep in open mind. Especially in times like now.

Currently this country is too divided and we need to keep an open mind and listen to ALL of the Democratic candidates and what they have to say and then make our choice. Again, all due respect to all Democratic candidates no matter who we support.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Lynn Jan 4th 2008 at 4:22 pm EST

You might be interested in an article by Andrew Sullivan in the Dec. issue of The Atlantic.....don't know how to post a link but it is a very good discussion on why it may be
Obama's time in history.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Kristian "I Ain't Afraid of No GOPs" Idol Jan 5th 2008 at 12:54 am EST

"Goodbye to All That" by Andrew Sullivan -- Link

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Brian S. Jan 4th 2008 at 3:21 pm EST

someone please post a link to the washington post article linked on here previously...EXCELLENT read about Obama's experience and record!!

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By m4rk0 Hussein the vegan Jan 4th 2008 at 3:25 pm EST

Link

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 3:35 pm EST

Thanks for the link, however I am fully educated on Senator Obama's experience and record. I was never questioning that aspect of his life.

I want to SEE more than HEAR more from him. Actions are more important to me. "President" Bush has almost ruined this country but this country is too strong to allow someone as ignorant and egotistical as Bush to cause further damage.

My partner is in the Army and was sent to Iraq in November 2007. I want any candidate who is elected president, whether it is Senator Clinton or Senator Obama to ensure his safe and immediate return. He should not be over there!

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By m4rk0 Hussein the vegan Jan 4th 2008 at 3:43 pm EST

Keep in mind that she voted for the war in Iraq and basically gave the current administration the same nod with regards to Iran.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Theresa LV Jan 4th 2008 at 4:04 pm EST

Francisco

You say you're a strong Hillary supporter.

You want to see Senator Obama's actions and not what he says. Well his actions are in the bills that he passed while in the state legislture and the bills he passed and co-authored etc are available on line. Those are "actions".

You say your partner is now serving in Iraq, well Hillary's vote (her action) helped put him there. And with her Iran resolution vote will help keep him there - more of her action.

While Senator Obama rallied against the vote. Even though he wasn't a US Senator at the time, he was running and it very well could have hurt his chances or winning.

So in conclusion, Hillary's actions have helped form the most disasterous foreign policy in decades. So, I guess I can't see your point.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Benjamin Vos, Nashville Jan 4th 2008 at 4:11 pm EST

OK, what, exactly, do you want to see?

He's running for president and serving as a US Senator. I'd say that's a pretty active life.

Again, I'm not trying to be difficult, I just don't know what you're looking for... what action does he need to take that he's not taking?

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By firsttimer Jan 4th 2008 at 3:33 pm EST

Francesco,
What kind of action do you want Obama to show you?
Maybe he should become a grassroots organizer for a local community action group in Chicago after he graduates from Harvard?
Maybe Obama should consider supporting anti-war rallies while he runs for political office in the midst of a popular push to go to war in Iraq?
Maybe he should inspire millions of disillusioned citizens to rally for hope for a better tomorrow?
Oh yeah Obama has already done all that.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By firsttimer Jan 4th 2008 at 3:35 pm EST

sorry,
Francisco

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 3:38 pm EST

I came on here with a positive and open mind. I enjoy speaking my mind and understand that everything I say is my opinion, however if I am going to be attacked then perhaps I should take my opinions else where. Thanks for all of you who have really READ what I had to say.:-)

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By firsttimer Jan 4th 2008 at 3:55 pm EST

Attacked?
Just pointing you in the direction of reality my friend.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 5th 2008 at 12:14 am EST

Yes attacked. See your example below. The definition of attack is, well...I don't need to give you the definition, your choice of words defines it all, and pointing me into the direction of reality is not reality in the sense of your own opinions, that is not reality. It is your point of views that you obviously want everyone to follow. Anger, it can be our own worst enemy. Lose it or it will eat you up. Open your mind and your life will be a lot easier. Take care and have a great night!.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Trish Jan 4th 2008 at 4:07 pm EST

Francisco - Atlanta,

Reading through all the replies to your post, I see no attacks on your opinions. We're simply trying to address your concerns with facts.

Thanks and Happy New Year,
Trish

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Daniel from Texas Jan 4th 2008 at 4:07 pm EST

Hmmm, I didn't see anything that attacking. But I do suggest that just stay tuned here and I'm sure you'll see everything you need to see to make an informed decision.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Benjamin Vos, Nashville Jan 4th 2008 at 4:08 pm EST

Great to hear from you!

Yeah, I started out in the same place you did. I thought that Barack Obama didn't have a record of action because I never knew who he was.

I encourage you to take a look at his whole resume (not just the Senate) and you'll realize that he's done an awful lot in a short time (remember, he's 13 years younger than Hillary, but in my opinion he's done more than her in terms of his impact).

I'll give a few examples:

1. In the Illinois state senate, he led a process to provide healthcare to 150,000 more Illinois residents, expanding access to care at a time when managed care was cutting back and state health plans were shutting down.

2. In his freshman year in the U.S. Senate, he championed the most aggressive ethics reform bill since Watergate, which was passed into law.

3. As a community organizer in Chicago's south side, he energized an economically depressed community and helped build bridges by providing greater access to education and social services and helping small businesses to start up. He encouraged self-determination and self-sufficiency in an area that was feeling victimized by manufacturing jobs moved out of the area.

What has impressed me most is that Obama has really led a rising tide among the Democratic party. His 2004 speech galvanized the Democrats and helped unify the party, an issue that was destroying the effectiveness of the Democrats. I won't say he gets all the credit, but I will say this: in 2006, the Democrats won back both houses of Congress and Obama was part of that shift.

I'd encourage you to read a copy of "The Audacity of Hope" if you haven't already done that. There is a lot more to learn about this man, and he's truly gifted in all the areas we need.

Out of curiosity, why are you supporting Hillary? (I'll be honest, I don't see too many redeeming qualities, but I try to have an open mind...)

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By New Day Jan 4th 2008 at 4:10 pm EST

Francisco - Atlanta:

I am not sure that I understand your point. Barack not only talk the talk but he also walk the walk. In that case, you will need to educated yoursef.

Also, do not be afraid to get in now. We always welcome ppl here every day. Democrats, Republican and Independent. Do not waste your time and energy. Here we have a brunch of addicted and infected ppl by the HOPE AND CHANGE.

WOULD you be part? You welcome.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 5:25 pm EST

Thank you to all of you for your replies. I am torn as you can see and I am simply trying to make an educated decision. I am a current law student and a pround American. My point is very clear, I want to see MORE from Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton.

Perhaps I have high expectations, but we are early in this race and so much is at stake. We are all aware of that. I cannot even fathom the notion of another Republican in office. Just like all of you, I do have the right to question all candidates and their records.

Yes I am a current supporter of Senator Clinton, but a supporter with an open mind and that is why I am on here speaking my mind.

I sincerely appreciate all of you who have listed articles, links, etc. to Senator Obama's record to further assist me in my decision making process. Statements like, "In that case, you will need to educate yourself."

As stated in one of my previous postings, I have been and continue to fully educate myself on the two candidates I have narrowed it down to, and yes I will admit that I have lost some interest in Hillary Clinton, but not completely. That is why I am on here now to read more about Senator Obama as well as read (not the media's information because we all know how they can be) facts that substantiate his record and actions. Which is the same thing I have and continue to do with Senator Clinton. Thanks again and I appreciate the welcome.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By MW Jan 4th 2008 at 8:10 pm EST

Francisco, regarding the negative responses you got, you should know that we've been attacked on this blog for months by numerous trolls who aren't here to learn, but only to discourage.

Folks here have developed a knee-jerk reaction.

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 11:23 pm EST

Thanks, I am not going to allow those type of individuals who are only displaying ignorance on their part to influence me or deter me from what my mission is, which is to choose the best candidate who can really make positive changes for this country and who can really clean up the horrible mess Mr. Bush has made.

Thank you to all of you who have actually given me information I can use to better choose between Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton. Those of you who have been defensive because of my remarks, just remember, this country allows us to speak our mind freely. It is called freedom of speech. So if something I say is not in agreement with your point of views then I'm not the one with the problem. Atleast I am reading and educating myself on the records of the candidates I am interested in rather than just asking questions that if you read my previous postings would show you that I have clearly answered as well as stated my point and course of action.

I don't expect everyone to agree with me, because everything I state is MY opinion, but if you really want to help me decide and support Senator Obama, give me facts along with those other individuals that have. Thanks Ben and anyone else who I have failed to mention. You have helped tremendously.

Thanks everyone. Have a great night.

Obama's win spans spectrum of hopeful voters | Report to Admin

By Kandi Jan 4th 2008 at 3:16 pm EST

Des Moines Register's columnist Rekha Basu has a great article on Obama. Link
By the way, their polls were pretty accurate. As usual, Clinton strategist Mark Penn goes after the messenger about the Des Moines Register polls. Let's not rest here. We have a long a way to go.

1,000,000 Donations | Report to Admin

By Jeff D Jan 4th 2008 at 3:16 pm EST

Hey Everyone, we need to push even harder now. The attacks are going to come harder and faster, and the media could turn against Barack again at any moment. We need to use this momentum while we have it. I think that we need to push ourselves. Here is what I propose:

We need to get to 1,000,000 donations! I think that we can do it if we put our minds to it and push hard. Imagine if Barack goes into NH or SC with the power of 1 million donations behind him...

Each of us needs to commit to getting 5 people to donate. With Obama's face everywhere in the media, this should be easier then it was because now people believe that he can beat Hillary. Suggest to your friends / family that we need to stop her now when she is down and that their donations will help accomplish that!

We had a great moment last night, but now the real work begins! Fired up to Go Change the World!!

new clinton ad | Report to Admin

By A A Jan 4th 2008 at 3:18 pm EST

new hillary ad:

Link

nothing new...snore....zzzzzzzzz

Illegal Immigration | Report to Admin

By grammav3 Jan 4th 2008 at 3:23 pm EST

I hope that Barack Obama will realize that we (U.S. citizens) cannot possibly assimilate/absorb the citizenry of Mexico within the borders of the United States.
We need to help Mexicans in Mexico - with jobs, health care, safe drinking water, education and class equality. Mexico has to become as attractive a place to live as the United States!
Our country will DIE DIE DIE with a continued invasion of illegal immigrants!
This will be a BIG ISSUE during the general election.
Sincerely and hopefully, Joan V

Re: Illegal Immigration | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 3:29 pm EST

You are definitely right and I totally agree with you.

Remember, Senator Obama stated that this is the "United States of America", not Latino, Black, Asian, White, etc.

If he is elected president I hope he keeps his word. We must stay united. Color is just color.

This country was founded on immigrants and we must remember that always. I personally was born here in the states, however I see no color and the rest of the country should view it the same. Thanks.

Re: Illegal Immigration | Report to Admin

By firsttimer Jan 4th 2008 at 3:54 pm EST

I hope that we (US Citizens) will realize that we cannot continue to usurp the world's resources for our overconsumption without the consequence of facing the people's that we have trampled on.
Poverty in Mexico and the rest of the world is directly related to us.

Re: Illegal Immigration | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 6:22 pm EST

You are so right. We are fully responsible.

Re: Illegal Immigration | Report to Admin

By firsttimer Jan 4th 2008 at 11:14 pm EST

Francisco, if you really are a law student you are going to have to learn to control your emotions. My comment was that there is a relationship between our lifestyle in this country and poverty in the world. I never even implied that we are "fully responsible".
If you want to argue the existence of a relationship then go ahead.
Your last response makes you look like a jackass.

Re: Illegal Immigration | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 11:35 pm EST

Wow!!! That is all I have to say. Yes I am a law student who plans on being a prosecutor. The fact that you chose to call me a "jacka$$", just shows me that you are definitely one of those individuals who have or has developed a knee jerk reaction. God bless you. I hope you can direct your anger toward something that will help bring positivity to this election rather then directing it toward someone like me who merely attempting to educate myself. Perhaps you should take the time and read people's responses more thoroughly so that you come out with a full understanding of what the person actually met. I hardly think Senator Obama is communicating a message of calling people "jacka$$" when we don't agree with one another. Let's unite and not divide this country anymore than it already is. All I can do is laugh and continue to say "wow". Have a great night! :-)

Re: Illegal Immigration | Report to Admin

By Bruce H Jan 5th 2008 at 1:13 am EST

Firsttimer:

Cool jets, please. You are being unwelcoming.

Factually, the US, and especially the mechanisms of NAFTA (thank you, Bill - NOT) are both the carrot and the stick. The carrot is unskilled US jobs that pay multiples of what many Mexicans can earn at home.

The stick is a devastated Mexican economy - courtesy in large part of NAFTA. But a single example: Many Mexican Farmers used to be able to sell their corn crop at home to the local mills and markets. NAFTA introduced subsidized American corn which undersold the local crops so thoroughly that these farmers went belly up as did the villages they formerly supported. At the same time, BIG mexican growers, EG of tomatoes, received both Mexican government subsidies and American markets. Their tomatoes were often picked by former farmers, at a fraction of what a migrant worker can make here. So the fat-cats in Mexico got rich off NAFTA, American corn growers got an unnatural market into a zone which could have produced its own crops had we not killed off that incentive, and we blame the Mexican government for an economic disaster in which we are complicit.

Then we are aghast at the huge influx of starving workers from areas WE hollowed out economically.

So, yeah. We're responsible.

Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By Warren Jan 4th 2008 at 3:24 pm EST

Not that it sways my opinion but Jesse Jackson just said he 'supports' and 'will vote for' Obama.

Change of heart?

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By Warren Jan 4th 2008 at 3:24 pm EST

Oh yeah, he is on CNN saying this.

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By Virginia Jan 4th 2008 at 3:34 pm EST

May I interrupt with a question? Why are the polls on New Hampshire showing Obama down 12% from Clinton? I recall that it was just a week ago they were tied. How could he have dropped 12 percentage points? I don't respect polls. The race in Iowa showed how unreliable they are, but I find this current polling to be really erratic.

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By Warren Jan 4th 2008 at 3:39 pm EST

I haven't seen these new polls as of yet. Which one are you looking at?

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By Steve Jan 4th 2008 at 3:51 pm EST

I think it`s the Suffolk/WHDH poll but this poll was conducted before the Iowa caucus.And the average lead Hillary has in NH is only +6.5% which is nothing.Be prepared to see Obama gaining in the polls in the coming days.Here`s the link to different polls concerning NH:

Link

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By 08AMA! Jan 4th 2008 at 3:43 pm EST

The chair of the political science dept. at the college doing the polling in NH, is a fierce HRC supporter, so he's doing what he can to sway it.

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By Virginia Jan 4th 2008 at 3:52 pm EST

Thank you. That's what I suspected.

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By Theresa LV Jan 4th 2008 at 4:16 pm EST

Be prepared fellow Obamaniacs. This is going to be WAY worse than anything you saw or heard during the Iowa Caucus. He will be hit with everything including the kitchen sink. And I will bet the polls will be flying fast and furious with very negative results for Barack.

Stay strong and vote Barack.

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By Mike25 in Illinois Jan 4th 2008 at 4:07 pm EST

Look at the start date of that poll, it was before Iowa. We won't see any new polls until monday or tuesday morning.

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By m4me08 Jan 4th 2008 at 4:25 pm EST

I think it is funny how obvious some polls are for HRC...CNN, American Res Group...I could tell which ones they were just by looking at the numbers before the name...they were always WAY higher than any other poll at the same time.
Pathetic

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By Arizona Grandma - one of many! Jan 4th 2008 at 7:27 pm EST

ARG is a perfect example. The day before the Iowa caucus, they had Hillary Clinton up by 9 points. Obama beat her by 9 points. That's an 18 point differential. If the rest of us did our jobs that badly, we'd be FIRED.

Instead, we're FIRED up, ready to win!!!

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By waterprise2 Jan 4th 2008 at 4:51 pm EST

Those polls were earlier this week before the caucuses...it's in "fine print" and the MSM conveniently forgets to point that out...

Re: Jesse Jackson | Report to Admin

By waterprise2 Jan 4th 2008 at 4:57 pm EST

With all due respect to Jesse Jackson and the elder Civil Rights leaders, they are just a LITTLE bit jealous that Barack didn't come up through "their" ranks.

Jesse Jackson, Jr., however, has been an avid and super-engaged supporter of Barack since the beginning.

Barack always acknowledges that he wouldn't be where he is if it weren't for the fighters of yesterday, but it's time to turn the page.

Of course there's still a LOT to do on the civil rights front (see: Katrina, for example---how could we let our own people DROWN), but that is only one part of the overall duty of the next POTUS.

Only when Senator Obama is President of ALL of the people can he assist and influence positive change for each "set" of people that make up the UNITED States!

New Hampshire | Report to Admin

By 08AMA! Jan 4th 2008 at 3:35 pm EST

So with the win in Iowa, how will this affect New Hampshire on Tuesday? Does this make Obama the favorite to win in NH?

I have found it interesting that before the caucus, they were saying a Clinton win would be her coronation, and now they're saying that the winner of Iowa is cursed and that the 3rd place winner is lucky. What the heck?

so how will Iowa's win affect the outcome in New Hampshire?

Re: New Hampshire | Report to Admin

By m4rk0 Hussein the vegan Jan 4th 2008 at 3:41 pm EST

We probably won't see a valid post-Iowa poll until at least tomorrow. I expect Obama to have at least a 5% lead in NH.

Re: New Hampshire | Report to Admin

By ozark9812 Jan 4th 2008 at 3:44 pm EST

There are several small cities in NH, is there aby reason why Obama is not campaigning heavily as he did in iowa i.e. 5 events a day so that he can cover as much as possible by Jan 8th. I know this is not the time to be complacent

Re: New Hampshire | Report to Admin

By Jonny Jan 4th 2008 at 4:51 pm EST

The Obama campaign is really reaching out to the small towns in NH. I volunteered up there for a day and was hearing reports of rural folks gushing over Obama canvassers because nobody had ever come out to them to campaign.

Re: New Hampshire | Report to Admin

By Warren Jan 4th 2008 at 3:41 pm EST

The hard truth is, nobody knows. It differs from year to year. We have to keep pushing at least until Feb. 5th. If all goes well, it could be decided by then. If not, then we trudge on!

Re: New Hampshire | Report to Admin

By 08AMA! Jan 4th 2008 at 3:47 pm EST

The idiots at CNN kept saying that winning Iowa is a curse, and they kept using republican examples. they could only name 2 dems who have won Iowa who couldn't go on.

The truth is easy to see...
1) Iowa isn't as big for republicans
2) Iowa is bigger for Democrats
3) Al Gore won in 2000, became the nominee
4) John Kerry in 2004, became the nominee

And you can see HRC panicing becuz she fired campaign staffers and is changing her message in 5 days. I think that'll explode in her face, cuz now no one knows where she stands, It's obvious that she's just copying Obama, and everyone see's it.

Re: New Hampshire | Report to Admin

By Theresa LV Jan 4th 2008 at 4:24 pm EST

I've never seen a person change their campaign slogans as much as Hillary. I sure hope NH is paying attention to this. Where does she stand?

She can't even make up her mind on a campaign slogan. Is this the attribute of a leader?

Congratulations | Report to Admin

By V-Day Jan 4th 2008 at 3:36 pm EST

This is the beginning of a New America. Iowa we love you. Thank you for letting us know what time it is. That said, can't wait to do the same here in California.

Re: Congratulations | Report to Admin

By JQ Jan 4th 2008 at 3:44 pm EST

Edwards attacks Obama Link

Re: I hope no one minds | Report to Admin

By Jean Jan 4th 2008 at 11:46 pm EST

Now, now. A person has a right to be bitterly disappointed and vent a little. We appreciate that he is going with his second.

If You Are Thinking About Voting For John Edwards... | Report to Admin

By Matthew Jan 4th 2008 at 3:47 pm EST

...First ask yourself these questions.

Do you agree with John Edwards' vote in favor of free trade in China?

Did you know that John Edwards voted for No Child Left Behind?

Did you know that John Edwards voted for NAFTA?

Electability: Did you know that John Edwards lost his home state of North Carolina in the '04 election?

Did you know that John Edwards acted critical of offshore tax shelters for the wealthy in 2004, and then in 2005 he worked as a consultant for the Fortress Investment Group whose hedge funds were incorporated in the Cayman Islands?

Did you know that John Edwards spent $400 on a haircut and that he used campaign money to pay for it?

Do you agree with his taking money from wealthy trial lawyers (a strong lobby in and of itself)?

Did you know that Edwards voted for the Packer Ban and the Right to Work bill?

Do you agree with his vote in favor of the 2001-2002 bankruptcy reform bill which has hurt many lower income families in this country?

Did you know that John Edwards is also a member of the secretive Bilderberg group and he does not agree with Obama that we should have transparency of government?

Is it right for John Edwards to vow not to take public financing and then to conveniently change his tune and force the democratic party to carry his burden? Added to that did you know that he voted against public financed elections?

Did you know that he employs LUC Media (a well known union-busting public relations firm)?

Do you agree with John Edwards vote in favor of storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada?

Did you know that John Edwards has the worst environmental record according to the League of Conservation voters ratings?

Did you know that John Edwards missed 40% of his votes in the senate?

Do you agree with John Edwards vote in favor of authorizing the Iraq war...

...And do you think its right that he didn't read the NIE report and lied and said he had at one point?

Obama '08

Matthew

Re: If You Are Thinking About Voting For John Edwards... | Report to Admin

By Cilla...Currently living in Spain and lovin' it Jan 4th 2008 at 3:59 pm EST

Thank You Matthew, please keep posting this as many times as you can. We need to see this and I can see the asault has started on this blog. look at what is beign said by names we have never seen before. AS WE GO FORWARD IN NH, BE AWARE OF THE SUTTLE ATTACKES ON THIS BLOG. KEEP IT POSITIVE AND KEEP IT MOVING!!!!!

Re: If You Are Thinking About Voting For John Edwards... | Report to Admin

By Donna No Shock Barack No Drama Obama of MD Jan 4th 2008 at 4:25 pm EST

Exactly Cilla!

Some of the discussions today ???????

Re: If You Are Thinking About Voting For John Edwards... | Report to Admin

By Ali Alavi Jan 4th 2008 at 4:10 pm EST

Now that everybody is for CHANGE, as if change is just a slogan, Matthew's comments provide good information to show the reality.

Re: If You Are Thinking About Voting For John Edwards... | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 6:31 pm EST

I totally agree with you. Edwards really needs to grasp reality and give it up. I think he still hasn't gotten over his lose in 2004 and that is what has been motivating him to run again. I also feel that he never really wanted to be vice-president, he in his heart has always wanted to be president. He complains too much and I am tired of hearing his complaints. He speaks of the same things over and over. Mr. Edwards, tell me something new, PLEASE. He is definitely not getting my vote.

I will admit that after joining www.barackobama.com today and posting messages on this site and also reading the postings of various individuals, I am slowly losing interest in Hillary Clinton. Also because of the further research I am doing today on Clinton and Obama. Now don't get too excited now, lol. I still have love for her, so we will see how and if I shift to Mr. Obama since right now he is my second choice but very close to my first. Have a good night everyone.

Re: If You Are Thinking About Voting For John Edwards... | Report to Admin

By Kristian "I Ain't Afraid of No GOPs" Idol Jan 5th 2008 at 1:38 am EST

That's all we ask, Francisco.

On the website, Barack has videos, full text of speeches and full policy papers.

We fans have discovered that the more people learn about Obama, the more they like him. He really "walks the walk".

WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By Susan from Indianapolis, IN Jan 4th 2008 at 3:52 pm EST

What exactly has Obama done to merit this "craze?" Beats me. Great orator, excellent at listing what is wrong with the country, even better at listing his personal "fixes" --- like all the others running. He's young and "new." And has Oprah's endorsement, bringing her posse right to Obama's door. And that's it. His speech after his Iowa win sounded more like a pulpit sermon than a "thank you." And today Obama says if he wins New Hampshire, he will win the Presidency. Just a little presumptuous. For the first time in all the too-many years I have seen Jesse Jackson on TV with his long face, strident language and argumentative attitude, today I saw him laugh and almost giggle. Scary.

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By JC Jan 4th 2008 at 3:59 pm EST

What have you done? He's not Jesse Jackson and the media nor people like you are going to change the message. The movement is too strong and people are not ignorant to what people like you are trying to do.

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By David Williams Jan 4th 2008 at 4:12 pm EST

It's his balanced approach to change that has solidified my support. He has an excellent grasp of the issues, as we should expect of any candidate, but his book convinced me that he understands how change happens. He is aware of exactly what the forces are that block change, and has plans for making progress despite those obstacles.

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By Tammy Jan 4th 2008 at 4:18 pm EST

If you genuinely want to know what Obama has done READ about his Illinois legislative record and his U.S. Senate record. You'll learn that he is far more accomplished that either Hillary Clinton or John Edwards could hope to be.

Read his Audacity of Hope book and you'll find out a lot about his vision and politics.

No need to be mean or have an attitude. It's all there if you want to learn about it.

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By Daniel from Texas Jan 4th 2008 at 4:26 pm EST

Hi Susan, if you read the Issues pages and learn about his policies you will be very impressed. Also if you understand his accomplishments as an Illinois and US Senator you will be impressed.

Obama is a political genius. He ran an organization that out-competed very tough competition. That's pretty impressive.

If he can beat Edwards and Clinton in Iowa and elsewhere, he'll have no trouble with the republicans.

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By Bryan Jan 4th 2008 at 4:27 pm EST

Susan, he has been straightforward, honest, and inspiring. He has never waffled on his positions, nor been afraid to express them. He has drawn people into a political movement who have ALWAYS in the past felt disenfranchised, unrepresented and uninterested in the political process (young people). He has mobilized a grass roots campaign that beat Hillary Clinton in Iowa, the quasi-incumbent who was backed heavily by the establishment and the democratic party. He is the first black candidate in history to ever have a chance at the white house, and only one of a small handful to ever serve in the US Senate. In the state and the national legislature, he has one of the most successful track records in modern history at fighting corruption and gaining bi-partisan support, with very little time under his belt to accomplish these agendas. He is able to ignite people's imaginations of the possibility of a better future. He is able to write and deliver soul-stirring speeches that wake people up mentally and emotionally to rally behind a good cause. He has promised (and delivered in past legislation) to have a transparent, ethical administration, and to promote more legislation in congress that will deliver transparency in congress as well. He was against the Iraq war from the beginning and was able to provide an eerily accurate prediction of what has happened in that war. Basically, he has everything you could want from a president except 20+ years of experience in national politics, which I'm not so sure is a good thing anyway.... Wow, I could go on for a quite a while. I'm not a huge fan of Jesse Jackson either, but what does he have to do with this topic anyway? And what does Oprah really have to do with it either? She helped get some people to three rallies. I've never even heard Obama mention Jesse Jackson. The fact that Jesse's happiness disturbed you so much, and that you are unable to see why people might support Obama, would lead me to believe that you are unable to see past his color, which is very sad if I'm correct. I hope you get over that someday.

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By New Day Jan 4th 2008 at 4:42 pm EST

Susan:

What makes you so fearful. Do you see change coming to your door that makes you nervous. I feel your pain because I feel in indianapolis too.

But I got to tell ya, nobody, NO ONE can stop this movement. You are the only one who critized this speech.

You kind sound desperate in your words. But We still have place for you. Get in Now or NEVER.

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By daydreamer Jan 4th 2008 at 4:59 pm EST

As a foreigner who has never been to the U.S, I would like to share with you my humble opinion. Yes, he knows how to give great speeches, but that is not what truly impressed me. It was listening to him answer questions in interviews and debates that I realized he is not only able to identify the problems at hand but offer realistic and practical solutions to the issues America faces. His character, his vision and his judgement are what convinced me that your country finally has someone capable of repairing the image of America in the world.
Now, America is not known for its diplomatic skills, it would be nice to blame George W Bush for all the troubles your country faces overseas, but they started long before he ever became President. And I find it interesting that Senator Obama is criticized for his views on foreign policy, because frankly, he is the only one who actually understands what needs, and should be done to deal with the problems at hand. I just don't know if America will be able to appreciate that. I hope so.

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By JD from Seal Beach, CA Jan 4th 2008 at 5:03 pm EST

Clinton troll.

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By Kristian "I Ain't Afraid of No GOPs" Idol Jan 5th 2008 at 1:43 am EST

Be nice now...

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 6:34 pm EST

People, don't feed into this person. She obviously lacks education for making such uneducated remarks.

Susan, keep an open mind if you choose to participate on this site. Remember you are on www.barackobama.com, not www.susan.com. thanks.

Re: WHY ALL THE FUSS?? | Report to Admin

By Leila Jan 5th 2008 at 4:45 am EST

Thank you, Francisco!

You're a breath of fresh air!

Re: Sparked my Interest... | Report to Admin

By Francisco Jan 4th 2008 at 5:42 pm EST

As stated in my previous postings, I currently support Hillary Clinton, however being a Democrat runs in my blood since birth therefore I am Democrat and always will be, hope this clarifies this for you.

What is appealing to me as a minority is that someone who is a woman and someone who is of African American descent has a high probability of making history and becoming president, but I do not just want to make my decision from that aspect. God please help us. We do NOT need someone like Huckabee who is a hypocrite and an obvious hater of other people's views and rights as Americans. I will also say he is a liar as well. I am usually not so forward with my words, however Huckabee is a horrible person who uses religion as his crutch. Religion was not meant for that. We need to unite and ensure that Huckabee is NOT elected president. Sorry I know I went off into another subject regarding Huckabee but it's scary to know that he won in Iowa. Take care everyone.

If You Are Thinking About Voting For Hillary Clinton... | Report to Admin

By Matthew Jan 4th 2008 at 4:04 pm EST

...First ask yourself these questions:

Do you agree with Hillary's vote in favor of the Kyl-Lieberman ammendment?

Do you agree with Bill Clinton's bombing the pharmaceutical plant in the Sudan which eventually killed tens of thousands due to lack of medicine?

Do you agree with Hillary's appointing Sandy Berger as one of her National Security advisors? Berger plead guilty to stealing and destroying classified intelligence documents (they were related to 9/11).

Do you agree with Hillary's having Mark Penn as one of her chief strategists (a major voice for her campaign) who represents Blackwater and is a known union buster?

Do you agree with the Clinton's support of NAFTA?

Do you agree with Hillary's voting against increasing fuel economy and the production of renewable fuels like Ethanol?

Do you agree with Bill Clinton's selling attack helicopters to Israel used to kill "terrorists" and many innocent civilians?

Do you agree with Hillary's mandated health care plan that to this day leaves out the consequences for middle to lower income families who can't afford the rates she is proposing?

Do you agree with Hillary's statement in regards to social security that the majority of Americans in this country make over 90,000 dollars a year?

Do you agree with Hillary's voting against providing seniors with a prescription drug benefit?

Do you agree with Hillary's support and defense of lobbysists?

Do you agree with Hillary's support of current bankrupcy laws that continue to hurt lower income Americans and small businesses?

Do you agree with Hillary's voting against medical liability reform so that doctors are not forced out of practice for junk lawsuits?

Do you agree with Hillary's opposition against a level playing field so that people who pay for health insureance out of their own pocket get the same tax break the big corporations get for providing health care benefits to their employees?

Did you know that Hillary is against allowing people to shop for health insurance across state lines like we do with auto insurance?

Do you agree with Hillary's voting against allowing people to save tax free for their out-of-pocket medical expenses?

Did you know that Hillary has voted for penalizing senior citizens who have those private health care plans through Medicare?

Do you agree with Hillary's voting for the authorization of the Iraq war and not reading the NIE report?

Obama '08

Matthew

Re: If You Are Thinking About Voting For Hillary Clinton... | Report to Admin

By Patty Jan 4th 2008 at 4:39 pm EST

Good job, Matthew, keep it coming!!! CODE BLUE on the BLOG!!!

Re: If You Are Thinking About Voting For Hillary Clinton... | Report to Admin

By Donna No Shock Barack No Drama Obama of MD Jan 4th 2008 at 4:44 pm EST

Patty its incredible in here today ???????

Re: If You Are Thinking About Voting For Hillary Clinton... | Report to Admin

By Patty Jan 4th 2008 at 4:46 pm EST

Donna, absolutely!!!

Barack in interview with Wolf BLitzer at 5:00 PM EST | Report to Admin

By Luis Jan 4th 2008 at 4:06 pm EST

Wolf Blitzer announced that Barack will be in the situation room at 5 PM EST for an interview.

OBAMA 08

Where is Randy? | Report to Admin

By Ali Alavi Jan 4th 2008 at 4:06 pm EST

Randy had advised Barack not to scream in to the mic when he wins. He listened to his advice.:)

OBAMA-crat | Report to Admin

By political_junkie Jan 4th 2008 at 4:16 pm EST

I'm not a democrat. I'm not a republican.

I'm an OBAMA-crat.

I believe everyone deserves a seat at the table. I believe we can learn from those that disagree with us.

I'm not a democrat. I'm not a republican.

I'm an OBAMA-crat.

I'm not calling anyone a coward; I'm declaring that all with the courage to speak are patriots.

I'm not a democrat. I'm not a republican.

I'm an OBAMA-crat.

I will never forget that my faith and my God have blessed me as a powerful decider; but I will not let my God and his words alone dictate my decisions.

I'm not a democrat. I'm not a republican.

I'm an OBAMA-crat.

I do not despise wealth, and I acknowledge the deserved rewards of hard work and discipline. But I also acknowledge another economy, a moral economy, in which our value changes every moment with the decisions we make, and the lives we lead. I yearn for a country that values this economy equally.

I'm not a democrat. I'm not a republican.

I'm an OBAMA-crat.

I see similarities where others see differences. I find opportunity where others predict failure. I see the good in all people who care about their country.

Yesterday they called me an optimist. Today they're calling me a realist.

But I've always been an OBAMA-crat.

Ok ok | Report to Admin

By Stephen Bates Jan 4th 2008 at 4:30 pm EST

You know, Joe Biden would probably yell at me for writing him in instead of supporting anyone else. Even though my faith in the process is heavily shaken, election reform can wait.I think i'm done wallowing in grief, so anyway.... Barack will get my vote on Tuesday.

Re: Ok ok | Report to Admin

By David Williams Jan 4th 2008 at 4:32 pm EST

Welcome, Stephen. There are a lot of people here with a lot of respect for Senator Biden. Glad you've joined us.

Re: Ok ok | Report to Admin

By m4me08 Jan 4th 2008 at 4:35 pm EST

YEA for you!!

Much love from Missouri

We are all in this together

Re: Ok ok | Report to Admin

By Steve Jan 4th 2008 at 4:43 pm EST

Thank you Stephen!

Re: Ok ok | Report to Admin

By Patty Jan 4th 2008 at 4:44 pm EST

Thanks, Stephen!! My daughter was telling me that some of her friends that were supporting Joe Biden were very sad and somewhat angry today, but I told her to give them time, they just feel a little cheated today!!

Re: Ok ok | Report to Admin

By Stephen Bates Jan 4th 2008 at 4:45 pm EST

thanks folks. I was feeling heartbroken and robbed after last night. But as Joe says, "Get Up". I'm ready to get up for Obama.

Re: Ok ok | Report to Admin

By ☞Aunt Becky☜ ... Blogyenta: "I kvetch, therefore I am." Jan 4th 2008 at 4:51 pm EST

Stephen, I can understand your disappointment and sadness.

Despite the fact that Senator Biden made the decision to withdraw his bid, give yourself credit for having supported him. Joe Biden is a man of integrity, character, accomplishment, and ethics.

We're honored to have your support.

Pull up a chair, make yourself comfortable, and have one of my world-famous cookies! LOL

Love and hugs,
Aunt Becky

Re: Ok ok | Report to Admin

By Stephen Bates Jan 4th 2008 at 4:52 pm EST

Mmmmmmm.....cookies.

Re: Ok ok | Report to Admin

By waterprise2 Jan 4th 2008 at 5:09 pm EST

Stephen if you only knew the depth of the love we have here for Senator Biden!

Plus, we know that Senator Obama and Senator Biden truly like and respect each other...that is SO important for us all!

Re: Ok ok | Report to Admin

By Matthew Jan 4th 2008 at 5:20 pm EST

Everyone who knows me here knows I can get really critical of the candidates on both sides of the aisle.

Joe Biden is definitely one of the good guys and I am certain that he will be an important and valued leader in Obama's administration.

Obama '08

Matthew

Re: Ok ok | Report to Admin

By Amalia Jan 4th 2008 at 9:43 pm EST

Stephen, thank you for re-thinking.

We NEED your vote this week. We NEED you here with us.

It ain't over yet....

Why | Report to Admin

By Lynn Jan 4th 2008 at 4:34 pm EST

The Atlantic has a great piece by Andrew Sullivan in the Dec. issue....Good Bye to All Thats

Link

obama had more votes because of change massage | Report to Admin

By Yes We Really Can! The Presumptive Nonminee Jan 4th 2008 at 5:46 pm EST

MOST AMERICANS ARE LOOKING FOR CHANGE. WE ARE TIRED OF THE STATUS QUO. OBAMA CAN AND WILL CHANGE THE DIRECTION THIS COUNTRY IS GOING IN. HE HAS SHOWN THAT HE CAN BRING ALL RACE OF PEOPLE TOGETHER NO MATTER COLOR, ECONOMIC STATUS, RELIGOUS STATUS, ETC. HE IS DESTINED TO LEAD THIS NATION AND TURN IT AROUND FOR THE GOOD OF ALL OF THE PEOPLE. HE IS THE PEOPLES PRESIDENT. PEOPLE IN IOWA DID NOT MIS OUT ON THE CHANCE FOR CHANGE AND PEOPLE IN NH SHOULD VOTE FOR THIS CHANGE. HELP PUT OBAMA IN OFFICE FOR THE GOOD OF ALL OF THE PEOPLE.

Re: obama had more votes because of change massage | Report to Admin

By Tom Water Gives Clean Hydrogen Jan 4th 2008 at 9:43 pm EST

im in the lake region and voting for him on tuesday.

we have to make sure obama wins. and keep him safe in the hick red neck country up north too.

I am so proud of my Iowa heritage! | Report to Admin

By Mary from Saint Louis, MO Jan 4th 2008 at 9:53 pm EST

I live in Missouri now - anxious to vote for Sen. Obama on Feb 5 - but all of my family are Iowans. I have always been proud of Iowa but never more so than last night.

Thank you, Sen. Obama for giving me hope again. It has been missing from my life since Jack Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy and Dr. King were murdered.

total number of voters please | Report to Admin

By Tom Water Gives Clean Hydrogen Jan 4th 2008 at 11:18 pm EST

can someone add up the total # of votes in the dem race in this link
Link

and report this on obamas web site. then you see how many people voted for obama versus the republicans. and u see by how much he will win in the end.

Reader Comments	Comments RSS
Comments are closed for this post.