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Washington Post: "Obama offered his 'we can do more' vision succinctly and forcefully"

By Sam Graham-Felsen - Nov 16th, 2007 at 11:05 am EST

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Tags: debate

The Washington Post's Chris Cilizza declared Obama a "winner" at last night's debate, writing:

Obama offered himself as a credible and -- more importantly -- safe alternative to Clinton in last night's debate...
Obama offered his "we can do more" vision succinctly and forcefully. "Don't keep on assuming we can't do something," Obama scolded Blitzer at one point. "I am running for president because I think we can do it."

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CNN BIAS #1 Story on Drudge Report - EVERYONE: Leave comment on CNN Blitzer Feedback!! | Report to Admin

By Tommy Ates from Austin, TX Nov 16th 2007 at 11:21 am EST

Again, I'll quote from Vee earlier tonight: "If anyone want to give Wolf Blitzer the scrutiny he deserve & tell him that the biggest looser coming out of this presidential debate is himself, feel free to flood the situation room comment box here":

Link

Re: CNN BIAS #1 Story on Drudge Report - EVERYONE: Leave comment on CNN Blitzer Feedback!! | Report to Admin

By meta Nov 16th 2007 at 12:06 pm EST

Thank you. I just just them my email:

"What a disgusting mockery you have made of the Presidential debates. We have arrived at one of the most important crossroads in our country's history and the charade you have presented is one of the most brazen and events of this campaign. I will never view CNN and intend to register my disgust with your advertisers, along with the multitudes of others who are thoroughly outraged by your lack of dignity, authenticity, integrity and decorum. I hope you never trample on democracy again."

Re: CNN BIAS #1 Story on Drudge Report - EVERYONE: Leave comment on CNN Blitzer Feedback!! | Report to Admin

By Tiff85 Nov 16th 2007 at 12:13 pm EST

My response: What an absolutely awful debate last night. Using someone to rephrase people's questions as if a regular person was incomprehensible on their own, a moderator who couldn't even find the decency to direct a comment at the disrespectful crowd, and cutting off comments from anyone but Hilary right when they were getting into the swing of their argument, filling the after debate review with Clinton supporters, and clearly favoring Clinton the whole night from start to finish. An absolute disgrace as a news source.

Re: CNN BIAS #1 Story on Drudge Report - EVERYONE: Leave comment on CNN Blitzer Feedback!! | Report to Admin

By Abu Jannah Nov 16th 2007 at 2:45 pm EST

It was very clear that CNN made a concerted effort to make Mrs. Clinton look like the obvious choice of all the people by stocking the room with her supporters and by the leading questions to Mrs. Clinton and by the order of the candidates being asked to respond. For the last 35 minutes of the standing first part of the debate, Sen. Obama was given only 3 minutes to respond to all questions. Never was Mrs. Clinton hurried to finish her answer. Even the camera angles excluded Mr. Obama when Mrs. Clinton was responding to a question. But I think that Sen Obama summed it all up when he told Wolf not to be negative on America's future. The truth always triumphs over falsehood...Good try CNN but no cigar... Abu Jannah

Re: CNN BIAS #1 Story on Drudge Report - EVERYONE: Leave comment on CNN Blitzer Feedback!! | Report to Admin

By Theresa Nov 16th 2007 at 5:35 pm EST

all it was, was a sham. I think that there should be a debate between only Obama., Edwards and HRC, and the best moderators would be Tim Russert or Walter Cronkite. They like the truth and there would be no room to wiggle for HRC.
I wrote CNN a heated letter and demanded Wolf to be fired. They lost their creditability when Bernie Shaw left. I also told them they they were like FOX one of the same. What a disgrace.

Re: CNN BIAS #1 Story on Drudge Report - EVERYONE: Leave comment on CNN Blitzer Feedback!! | Report to Admin

By fran Nov 16th 2007 at 1:42 pm EST

Jonathan Alter on MSNBC this morning said he thought the CNN coverage was stacked in favor of Clinton and the fact that there were two post-debate analysts with strong ties to Clinton was very suspicious. Seems llike the press was not impressed with the Clinton shenanigans and most coverage I have seen has been very pro Obama.

Re: CNN BIAS #1 Story on Drudge Report - EVERYONE: Leave comment on CNN Blitzer Feedback!! | Report to Admin

By stroud00 Nov 16th 2007 at 2:51 pm EST

You know what? Left of stage, I saw a woman who looked very much like (Mandy Grunwald?), a top official in the Clinton Campaign, escorting the candidates to the stage as they were introduced. But I told myself Grunwald works for Hilliary Clinton so she certainly would not be working this event also. But after seeing how biased the debate turned out to be, I will watch it again and look more closely to see if the woman was the one I have in mind.

But what I know for sure is after the debate James Carville, another Clinton strategist, was a commentator. And that was something else!

Re: CNN BIAS #1 Story on Drudge Report - EVERYONE: Leave comment on CNN Blitzer Feedback!! | Report to Admin

By stroud00 Nov 16th 2007 at 2:41 pm EST

Thanks for the link, Tommy. I just wrote a letter.

It was the worse debate I have ever watched. Booing from the audience cannot be tolerated in the debate setting. I heard no one from CNN attempt to stop it. I think it really threw Edwards off his stride. Obama dealt with it somewhat better, but neither of them should have had to do so.

Re: CNN BIAS #1 Story on Drudge Report - EVERYONE: Leave comment on CNN Blitzer Feedback!! | Report to Admin

By Chase Nov 16th 2007 at 5:24 pm EST

I just watched Obama's communications director on the situation room with his counterparts from the Clinton and Edwards camp. Gibbs clearly explained Barack’s position on license for illegal’s which I do not agree with but none the less except his position as a supporter. Although I think Barack should have been more direct and short on his answer to the question last night I do respect greatly his honesty and character. Watching Wolf "try" to get tough on Hillary moments ago was a little more amusing than watching him in his clown suit dangling from threads last night. A powerful team of corporate interest and Clinton supporters were pulling the strings. Apparently everyone in the Clinton camp got the memo to dodge questions and craft cunning answers when the question is based upon hot button issues. When Wolf asked Clinton’s communications director why did she not perform well in the debate two weeks ago he answered with an attack on Edwards. Wolf also asked him why Hillary flip-flopped on the license for illegal’s question he continue to evade, not coming close to an answer to the question asked. This is the type of treatment and deception the democratic caucus voters should expect if we nominate Hillary as our nominee for president. To run Hillary against either Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani would be one in the same. Barack is the only top tier candidate out of both parties to not flip flop on ANY issue to date. He is the clear choice if we are truly looking for transparency, honesty and true change for our country. If we choose what’s behind door number 2, we get what we have foolishly asked for in the past.

Yes we CAN | Report to Admin

By MarkkraM Nov 16th 2007 at 11:30 am EST

Obama hit a home run with that statement. Change the attitude and you can change the image - our government does(CAN) work, American people are great and we will remain a global leader on many issues, NOT just economy!

We already are: | Report to Admin

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ Nov 16th 2007 at 11:35 am EST

We are there. We are caucus goers, we are voters. We Will WIN

Re: We already are: | Report to Admin

By GM_from_Ohio Nov 16th 2007 at 11:40 am EST

I like the spirit. Come election day this is what will propel Barack to Presidency.

Re: Yes we CAN | Report to Admin

By Unknown user Nov 16th 2007 at 11:55 am EST

I have seen the debate twice. And when I compared with what the so called news analysts are disseminating, I found it a complete different picture. The people from CNN are giving a distorted picture of the performance of the candidates, especially that of Obama and Edwards.

1. The moderator could not keep the pace and order of the debate. Everyone was shouting and noisy.
2. The way the questions were asked appear to support or compensate Senator Clinton. E.g. the question asked to Edwards, why do call her a flip flopper bla bla.. Also, the moderator knew that Senator Obama already supported the driver licence issue, and he went on to ask again. This is a waste of time.
3. The moderator's language like illegal immigrants, traingulation 'whatever that means'...are all unprofessional in my opinion.
4. The last question was a stupid question and the response is even worse.

To the say the least, the moderator appeared to be unprepared, unclear, and unable to keep order of the debate.

At least all the MSM isn't nuts | Report to Admin

By Unknown user Nov 16th 2007 at 11:37 am EST

It is good to read credible reporting on the debate sans spin. I also heard a more favorable review on MSNBC this morning.

Today is Barack's Friday | Report to Admin

By GM_from_Ohio Nov 16th 2007 at 11:40 am EST

Let's drub CNN and its plants

Extend your support here

Link

Contributions made here also count toward this weeks campaign goals.

Let's give Barack more time in IOWA and New Hampshire.

Go Barack

Go Barack

Go Barack

Re: Today is Barack's Friday | Report to Admin

By GM_from_Ohio Nov 16th 2007 at 11:43 am EST

Please ..... Please ........ Please
remind your groups to participate

Re: Today is Barack's Friday | Report to Admin

By GM_from_Ohio Nov 16th 2007 at 11:59 am EST

I have another project in the works. If you are interested in knowing more, join the group after you donate.

Re: Today is Barack's Friday | Report to Admin

By GM_from_Ohio Nov 16th 2007 at 12:15 pm EST

$3260 and counting

Re: Bill Richardson | Report to Admin

By Terri Nov 16th 2007 at 11:47 am EST

That is an old poll from an earlier debate.

Re: Bill Richardson | Report to Admin

By Theresa Nov 16th 2007 at 5:41 pm EST

Did you also notice Richardson Validated Obamas Immigrant license answer with agree with him and saying basically the same thing Obama did, and also the pakistan situation, he did the same thing.How come HRC/Wolf didn't nail him for that?

RIGGED DEBATE | Report to Admin

By Kwame Nov 16th 2007 at 11:41 am EST

Sad day for America when you read these like this. I must confess that it is from drudge...

CNN debate moderator Wolf Blitzer did an 'outstanding' job in Vegas, a senior adviser to the Hillary campaign said early Friday. 'He was outstanding, and did not gang up like Russert did in Philadelphia. He avoided the personal attacks, remained professional and ran the best debate so far. Voters were the big winners last night.'

A rival campaign insider charges: 'Wolf turned into a lamb. No follow-up question on Clinton's huge flip on drivers licenses?'

cnn scandal | Report to Admin

By Jo Nov 16th 2007 at 11:42 am EST

Remember the student asking the question about diamonds or pearls. She is now accusing CNN of planting that question. She says that the question was not from her but from CNN.

Link

Re: cnn scandal | Report to Admin

By GM_from_Ohio Nov 16th 2007 at 11:45 am EST

Winter is here ....... stop planting

The inevitable candidate is done with this....

Re: cnn scandal | Report to Admin

By Matthew Nov 16th 2007 at 12:23 pm EST

She was clearly not the only one forced into asking a particular question.

Obama '08

Matthew

Re: cnn scandal | Report to Admin

By meta Nov 16th 2007 at 12:35 pm EST

Outrageous. How much more of this mockery are we supposed to tolerate?

Another donation to Barack on its way.

Re: cnn scandal | Report to Admin

By Marbwi Nov 16th 2007 at 1:36 pm EST

Here was a part of a comment:

UNLV distributed about half the tickets. I sat in that section. There were republcians, dems, independents. People were largely respectful and serious.
The other half of the hall (the side on which Biden sat) were tickets distributed by the state Democratic party. That area too had supporters of all the candidates. There were significant contingents of Obama, Clinton and Edwards supporters.
I'm quite sure that it was the Clinton supporters sitting in the Democratic party distributed ticket area who were booing during the debate. The other candidates supporters were there; they simply behaved themselves appropriately.

Posted by Greg Brown

Re: cnn scandal | Report to Admin

By MagRag from IL Nov 16th 2007 at 5:55 pm EST

How about that poor lady near the end. You could tell she was freaked that she didn't have the question memorized word for word. I thought she was going to collapse before she could get the question out. She kept going back and rephrasing...I was so worried about her not getting through it that I can't even remember what the question was...Maybe social security. They were so obvious it would have been less painful if they just would have let these questioners read from a teleprompter

!! | Report to Admin

By Matt S. Nov 16th 2007 at 11:43 am EST

Right on Barack!

There were so many strong and Presidential points Barack made last night!

He is still very clearly the best person for the job.

As such, I made a $250 donation this morning. I hope you all can do the same. Let's get Barack back to Iowa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God bless everyone, its a great day!

Re: !! | Report to Admin

By meta Nov 16th 2007 at 12:38 pm EST

Thank you so much, Matt.

Donate to continue our momentum to put Barack in the White House. Let's thank him for all the hard work he's done and will continue to do on our behalf.

Barack the Vote!

Disgusted Repubs and Independents will Support Us | Report to Admin

By Kwame Nov 16th 2007 at 11:49 am EST

Folks, these guys are doing us a favor by rigging the debates to such an extent. Republicans and Independents in Iowa watching this will be disgusted and guess what they will do -- show up on caucus date to support Barack.

CNN couldn't have offended fair and thoughtful Iowans any more than they did yesterday.

Re: Disgusted Repubs and Independents will Support Us | Report to Admin

By REAL DAVE Nov 16th 2007 at 11:51 am EST

I watched ALL the Democratic Debates this year. But last nights was a CIRCUS. Heckling, Booing, Moderator interrupting most Candidates answers but Hillary's, Planted questions, an orchestrated Pep Rally for Hillary. So the Media can do what it is doing now. Taking her staged 1-liner answers and saying she is back. NO one is falling for this.

Also, Like most of Hillary’s positions, I am confused. Does she want to say she is not playing the woman card or call them the Boyz club? If you take away ALL the Media trying to Cram Hillary down our throats. There is nothing left to her. Since U.S. woman claim to be smart and just as good at making rational decisions as men. If that were the case then woman would NOT be considering Hillary.

New Daily Kos Poll | Report to Admin

By Jodie Nelson Nov 16th 2007 at 11:52 am EST

There's a poll right now on Daily Kos on the right had side in an article about whether you would vote for Hillary.

Campaign News | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Nov 16th 2007 at 11:53 am EST

I wanted to report on the Ivory Queen and Sir Frederick of Hollywood riding off after the debate on their horse Flip-Flopping down the Road. Going to see the Oracle of Halliburton for more answers, but I won’t to many people around here still loyal to the Malarkey…

Re: Campaign News | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Nov 16th 2007 at 11:54 am EST

There was Dean on his donkey following behind yelling Ya Hoo! Wait for me…

Re: Campaign News | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Nov 16th 2007 at 11:55 am EST

Wolf Blitzer was interviewing Kucinich and Obama after the debate he gave them 30 seconds each to debate who had the bigger ears…

Re: Campaign News | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Nov 16th 2007 at 12:02 pm EST

Oops! Monarchy...

LET'S GIVE AND THEN GIVE AGAIN | Report to Admin

By Rory Nov 16th 2007 at 11:56 am EST

Dear friends,

I agree: let's give like crazy today! My wife and I gave another $175 last night after the debate. Frustrated with the disrespectful boos, planted questions, and terrible moderation? Open up your wallets and support Barack!

I would be grateful, too, if you would consider helping me exceed my $1,000 fundraising goal!

Link

Thanks, all! Let's keep the momentum going!

HA HA HA HA HA | Report to Admin

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ Nov 16th 2007 at 11:56 am EST

Maria Luisa, the UNLV student who asked Hillary Clinton whether she preferred "diamonds or pearls" at last night's debate wrote on her MySpace page this morning that CNN forced her to ask the frilly question instead of a pre-approved query about the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository.

"Every single question asked during the debate by the audience had to be approved by CNN," Luisa writes. "I was asked to submit questions including "lighthearted/fun" questions. I submitted more than five questions on issues important to me. I did a policy memo on Yucca Mountain a year ago and was the finalist for the Truman Scholarship. For sure, I thought I would get to ask the Yucca question that was APPROVED by CNN days in advance."

Now, Luisa is getting "swamped" with critical e-mails.

So what happened?

Writes Luisa:

"CNN ran out of time and used me to "close" the debate with the pearls/diamonds question. Seconds later this girl comes up to me and says, "you gave our school a bad reputation.' Well, I had to explain to her that every question from the audience was pre-planned and censored. That's what the media does. See, the media chose what they wanted, not what the people or audience really wanted. That's politics; that's reality. So, if you want to read about real issues important to America--and the whole world, I suggest you pick up a copy of the Economist or the New York Times or some other independent source. If you want me to explain to you how the media works, I am more than happy to do so. But do not judge me or my integrity based on that question."Rivals to Clinton believe that the debate audience had a pro-Clinton tilt. UNLV was responsible for distribuing most of the tickets.

In a separate post, Luisa provides the question she wanted to ask:

Yucca Mountain, NV is the proposed site for the country's nuclear waste repository. Despite scientific evidence that it is a vulnerable site, the federal government continues to push for the plan to move forward. The evidence relied on is unsound and the risks involved in transporting high-level radioactive waste across the country are high. What will you [Sen. Clinton] do to ensure that the best site/s is/are chosen for the storage of spent nuclear reactor fuel?A CNN executive did not respond immediately respond to a request for comment; I'll give

Re: HA HA HA HA HA | Report to Admin

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ Nov 16th 2007 at 12:00 pm EST

them equal space when they do.

A friend of Luisa's confirmed that the MySpace page belonged to the woman who asked the question.

Re: HA HA HA HA HA | Report to Admin

By Kwame Nov 16th 2007 at 12:02 pm EST

Laura, are you hearing any reactions from the debate from our supporters in your precinct? That is the bottom line for us, right?

Re: HA HA HA HA HA | Report to Admin

By GM_from_Ohio Nov 16th 2007 at 12:05 pm EST

Winter is here ....... stop planting

The inevitable candidate is done with this....

Barack vs Clinton--One on One debate! | Report to Admin

By Karanja Nov 16th 2007 at 12:05 pm EST

After watching yesterday’s debate (read Clinton rally) in Chappaqua, NY…oooops sorry..Las Vegas, NV; I am absolutely convinced that Hillary is no different from George Bush. She employed the tactics of buying most of the tickets for the debate and jammed the debate with the Clinton booing machine. This was the view of all the other campaigns. CNN jammed the post-debate analysis with former Bill Clinton’s White House advisers. Clinton worked on CNN guys like crazy. She clearly had the upper hand and CNN did its very best to propel her to invincibility. If it is not cheap politics, I do not know what is. Clearly the stage was set for Hillary to do well and Wolf Blitzer did exactly that. Wolf could not even control the debate and he lost it out there. This was the worst handled debate ever. I have this proposal that will go a long way in bringing some sanity to this debate. Clearly Barack does not do well in these 30 seconds sound bite moments. Why don’t we even the field. Let’s call HQ to call for a debate between Hillary and Barack…one on one. Let her refuse to take up the challenge publicly so that we can have new questions as to what she is afraid of. I think this would go a long way to further cement the fact that she can't take on Barack one on one and she is afraid of being squashed by Barack.Let’s duke it out and let’s have a clear Hillary vs Barack slugfest. This will go a long way in showing who the leader is. Barack or Hillary. I am already salivating at the thought of that. Please let me know what you think so that we can forward this to HQ. Please show your support here by replying. I will then look at the responses and forward this to HQ. Hope there is overwhelming response.

Re: Barack vs Clinton--One on One debate! | Report to Admin

By GM_from_Ohio Nov 16th 2007 at 12:07 pm EST

That shows how desperate they are and how much in control this campaign is ......

People are watching and I'm sure they will pick the leader with principles.

Re: Barack vs Clinton--One on One debate! | Report to Admin

By Bye-Partisan Nov 16th 2007 at 12:13 pm EST

I like the idea so much I just donated $30 dollars.

Re: Barack vs Clinton--One on One debate! | Report to Admin

By Kevin in WInter Haven, Fl (YoungforObama) Nov 16th 2007 at 12:34 pm EST

Your absolutely right! That would be awesome!

Re: Barack vs Clinton--One on One debate! | Report to Admin

By Bradley Nov 16th 2007 at 12:52 pm EST

Hillary got all upset after her poor performance last debate. It's sad how she made her grand comeback. Really disrespectful to Obama and Edwards to plant a crowd that supports her to boo them. This debate was clearly rigged. And for Christ's sake, she STILL can't take a definite side, as demonstrated by that last excuse of a question (diamonds or pearls?).

Dear lord above, please use your almighty power to topple Clinton's lead, for it is Barack and Barack alone that can lead us, your worldly children, to prosperity. Do this not for me, but for the needy folk, for it is them that need you the most. Amen.

Polls at Daily Kos | Report to Admin

By Patty Nov 16th 2007 at 12:09 pm EST

Lots of new polls today. If you feel like voting in a few, here's the link to the polls page-

Link

Re: Polls at Daily Kos | Report to Admin

By Deb for Obama Nov 16th 2007 at 2:03 pm EST

Thanks for the link Patty. Alot of polls there.

GOP and immigration | Report to Admin

By raette Nov 16th 2007 at 12:17 pm EST

Here is a very interesting article from Common Dreams on the driver license and immigration debate.

Democrats Cowed by GOP Scare Tactics on Immigrants

Link

Re: GOP and immigration | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Nov 16th 2007 at 12:28 pm EST

Hillary who was for The Licenses now against Licenses just shows she will throw anyone to the wayside to get what she wants. Barack knows something must be done and sticks to his guns. Hillary sticks with the Lobbyist...

Re: GOP and immigration | Report to Admin

By Bradley Nov 16th 2007 at 12:56 pm EST

I read yesterday that Clinton gave up on the driver license issue because the New York governor is no longer supporting it.

Hillary, no doubt you are an experience politician, but basing politics on what's popular is absolutely no good. It's done nothing positive these last few years. So for God's sake, pick a topic, pick a side, AND STICK WITH IT!!!

Another reason why I love Barack!! | Report to Admin

By The Time Is Now Nov 16th 2007 at 12:21 pm EST

Barack in SF (posted by A. Sullivan's site:

I went to hear Barack Obama speak tonight in San Francisco. The crowd was huge, the lines were long, and (reportedly) the Secret Service was slowing things down by searching everyone exhaustively at the door. It was painfully obvious that I probably wasn’t going to be admitted in time to hear the speech.

Then the police cleared the street next to the one I was waiting on, putting up “do not cross” tape. Childishly, I thought “I may not get in to hear the speech, but at least I’ll see the motorcade”. When the motorcade did come roaring down the street, it suddenly stopped.

Someone had told Senator Obama that huge lines of supporters had little or no hope of getting in to the main event. He left his motorcade, walked on foot down the street towards the crowd, and gave a ten minute impromptu speech for those waiting in line.

And it wasn’t fluff, either - he unequivocally promised to close Guantanamo and restore habeas corpus and the constitution. A small thing, maybe, but a major contrast with his main competitor’s unconcern with tipping her waitperson.

Another minor point - I have read in more than one place that older African-Americans are reluctant to vote for Obama because they believe that if nominated, he will be assassinated. I wish they could have seen the Secret Service as they accompanied Obama tonight. They were the most intimidating sight I ever saw. I had no doubt whatsoever that they were totally prepared to either die in the senator’s defense or shoot me on sight if I appeared to pose a threat. Nothing on earth would have induced me to provoke them.

Link

Re: Another reason why I love Barack!! | Report to Admin

By Joe in Vermont Nov 16th 2007 at 12:24 pm EST

Shame besides the Secret Service there couldn't have been a truck carrying "Wipe Out" to do in all the plants. Will be curious if this "plant" item gets the press it should.

Re: Another reason why I love Barack!! | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Nov 16th 2007 at 12:32 pm EST

Don't worry Barack will use Crop Rotation he'll pull the weeds plant grass...

Re: Another reason why I love Barack!! | Report to Admin

By JQ Nov 16th 2007 at 1:00 pm EST

He is "The Only Hope" for US-Muslim Ties Link

Security problems at SF Speech.. | Report to Admin

By Lori Nov 16th 2007 at 1:52 pm EST

I also went to Barack's speech in San Franciso on Wed. nite. I was waiting in line outside when the motorcade drove by and heard bits of the impromptu speech he gave in the street. My friends and I were bummed because it seemed at this point that we would not be getting in.

However, after his little speech, the orderly lines outside had dissolved as the crowd rushed up to hear Barack; it seems people were a little fed up from waiting. It got a little chaotic: since there were no longer lines, people started walking (some running) towards the entrance of the Civic Center,as if they were determined to get in..we saw a large crowd waiting to get in at the right side entrance. Then we heard somebody say: "there's no line at the other side of the building..go to that entrance"..don't know who it was..a volunteer maybe? We were desperate to get in..so we walked very fast to the other,left side entrance..and to our surprise, the doors were wide open, but there was absolutely no security at all..nobody checking tickets, nobody searching for weapons, cameras, etc. My friends and I and many others literally walked right in, made our way to the floor of the civic center and took our spot about 20 feet in front of the stage.

We couldn't believe that after waiting 2 hours to get in, that there was some kind of confusion that allowed us to JUST WALK IN without ANY SECURITY MEASURES. Not sure what happened, where the Secret Service or security was, but if you think about it,that is scarey..At that point, anybody off the street could have walked in and been within 20 feet of Barack. They need to be more organized and make sure that the doors are secure next time. It definitely became a a little disorganized and chaotic at the end there.

Is it just me? | Report to Admin

By Aris Nov 16th 2007 at 1:04 pm EST

I guess I'm biased being a veteran, but I seem to be the only fuming about Hillary's total lack of respect for our troops. I would like to make it as big an issue that the stupid flag pin and national anthem issue were.

I'm posting this on MSM stories to try and start a fire:

Anyone claiming that this was a strong showing for Hillary should recheck their medication dosages. There should be a huge asterisk next to that claim. The crowd was so obviously biased and coached it was ridiculous. It reminded me of Hitler's sickening propoganda machine that helped skew the opinion of the German people with calamatous results. Wolf Blitzer made no effort to "sling the mud" at Hillary like he did at Obama and Edwards. For example, when he first asked Obama about the driver's license issue, his answer was "When I was a state senator in Illinois, I voted to require that illegal aliens get trained, get a license, get insurance to protect public safety. That was my intention." Too clear? Lets ask again, and again and again until it seems like an unclear answer. By the way, he finished with a distinct "yes", and it didnt take two weeks. Hillary was given a free pass by her lap-dog Blitzer by being allowed to simply say "no" even though she would have desrved a follow up for clarification since she so painfully waffled on that answer in Philadelphia.

Also, since everyone has tried to raise a big stink in the past about Obama's patriotism with trivial issues like a flag pin or the ridiculous and unwarranted national anthem scandal, I hope the media will prove just as ambitious in reporting the utter disrespect Hillary showed to one of our fine patriots that has nobley chosen personal sacrifice and service to our country by risking his life on three tours of duty in Iraq. Shouldn't the first words that come out of the mouth of Presidential candidate be, "First and foremost, I want to thank you for your service?" Instead she was in such a hurry to spew her prepared "textbook" answer that she overlooked that basic, deserved respect. She should be ashamed. OK MSM, show me what your made of...sick 'em.
PS - Obama acknowledged both his and his mother's sacrifices before he answered the question. That's class.

Re: Is it just me? | Report to Admin

By ◎Desert Dove Dan◎ Nov 16th 2007 at 1:22 pm EST

Aris, you're damn right! Get that out to as many MSM as possible.

Re: Is it just me? | Report to Admin

By LAPA Nov 16th 2007 at 7:12 pm EST

The whole flag pin and hand-over-the-heart issue is more about valuing symbolic gestures over real patriotism.

Our current president displays all the right symbolism, but is he REALLY patriotic?

Check out the take on the flag flap from one female war vet who is grateful to be American:
Link

Re: Is it just me? | Report to Admin

By LAPA Nov 16th 2007 at 7:27 pm EST

The whole flag pin and hand-over-the-heart issue is more about valuing symbolic gestures over real patriotism.

Our current president displays all the right symbolism, but is he REALLY patriotic?

Check out the take on the flag flap from one female war vet who is grateful to be American:
Link

Re: Is it just me? | Report to Admin

By LAPA Nov 16th 2007 at 7:30 pm EST

Sorry for the repeat post. Hit the back button and the site resent the post.

Report: Clinton Aides Told Spitzer to Dump Licenses for Illegals | Report to Admin

By Steve Nov 16th 2007 at 1:53 pm EST

Credit goes to Sonje from New Brunswick, NJ who posted this article in another thread but I will repost it here in this thread:

Report: Clinton Aides Told Spitzer to Dump Licenses for Illegals

By Mark Finkelstein | November 14, 2007 - 18:06 ET

Captain Renault would be shocked: Hillary Clinton's campaign put pressure on Eliot Spitzer to drop his disastrous licenses-for-illegals plan.

The word came from crack NY Post Albany reporter Fred Dicker [pictured here], appearing on this afternoon's Hardball.

View video:
Link

CHRIS MATTHEWS: Do you know if Hillary Clinton had anything to do with Governor Spitzer's decision to do his 180?

FRED DICKER: Yeah, we believe she did. We were told -- I was told -- at a very high level in New York politics that Mrs. Clinton's campaign or some of her top people signalled to Governor Spitzer's people that he had damaged her. They were wondering what the heck he was up to, why did he bring it to the floor now, and made it clear that the governor was hurting her and he ought to back down if he wanted to help her, which he says he wants to do.

MATTHEWS: Is anybody in his office saying that, or are you getting that from a third party? Is anybody in Spitzer's office saying that the governor got the word from Hillary to cut it?

DICKER: In his camp, but not his office. But at the highest levels.

MATTHEWS: Well how does it work? Did she send word through New York politicians that it was hurting her?

DICKER: Well first of all Spitzer's a very smart guy and he's aware of what happened. Secondly, they travel in similar circles. High-level consultants talk with one another. The governor's political consultants and advisors were advised as to the damage that was done here. That's how it was related.

And the rest is history. Spitzer dumped his proposal, and Hillary immediately announced that as president she would not support licenses-for-illegals.

So much for the proposal that a scant two weeks ago she declared was a "good idea."

Re: Report: Clinton Aides Told Spitzer to Dump Licenses for Illegals | Report to Admin

By Steve Nov 16th 2007 at 1:54 pm EST

Aside: Dicker says that Hillary's people asked aides to Spitzer "what the heck he was up to?" Think the actual language might have been a tad more colorful?

Note: Allahpundit is reserving judgment on the story on the theory that Spitzer might be looking for a scapegoat. But wouldn't the NY gov be committing political suicide in levelling a false accusation against Hillary?

—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.

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Re: Report: Clinton Aides Told Spitzer to Dump Licenses for Illegals | Report to Admin

By Diamond -- IrishAmericansForObama Nov 16th 2007 at 2:55 pm EST

I believe it only because I heard it on hardball, not because Mark Finkelstein wrote it. I don't trust Finkelstein after he reported some unverified information about Barack and a trivial comment from Michelle and he didn't even have the video to prove it. He said the portion had been removed. So he was asking the readers to take his word for it. I would take Mike Gravel's first.

A message of hope | Report to Admin

By Scott Urbanowski Nov 16th 2007 at 4:08 pm EST

Once again, we are reminded that Obama IS a voice for hope. I'm sick of the word "can't." "We can't do this," "we can't do that." Give me a break.

Please comment!! | Report to Admin

By Tiff85 Nov 16th 2007 at 4:45 pm EST

Link

Good! | Report to Admin

By Petra from Tucson Nov 16th 2007 at 6:49 pm EST

So there were actually some journalists out there who were LISTENING!
Cnn drove me nuts last night....