Organizing for America | Posts with the tag general election

Posts with the tag general election

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By Robin Z - Oct 21st, 2008 at 10:47 pm EDT

I'm so proud to be voting for Barack Obama in the 2008 General Election, but I have to say, I am emotionally wiped out from the bizarre, trick-laden, deceitful, garbage-filled campaign that John McCain and the RNC have run.

We've been through so much horrible stuff these past eight years thanks to George Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and their cronies. Eight corruption-filled years in which we've watched our nation deteriorate right before our eyes. A war in Iraq we didn't need. New Orleans ravaged. Our national debt out of control. Our economy destroyed. Oh yes, and the bad guys still on the loose.

Who in heck do the Republicans think they are? To me, they are not the pro-corporation, fiscally conservative party I remember from decades ago. Instead, what I see is a neo-conservative, hard right, religiously extremist party who will act above and outside the law whenever it suits their advantage. I don't like it, I don't get it, and it gives me an off-balance sense that we're growing our own terrorists right here in country.

I'm still learning about politics, but what I would expect to see in a presidential campaign are exchanges of ideas and forums where citizens can learn what the candidates stand for. From what I can tell, that doesn't exist any longer, at least on the Republican side. Any trick they can come up with to win a media cycle, any slime they can hurl to hurt an opponent, any lie they can tell to ruin a decent human being, is how they run a campaign.

Why, I wonder. Why?

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Day 1 Thirteen to Go

By Robin Caldwell - Oct 21st, 2008 at 7:22 pm EDT

I woke up this morning committed to writing this blog about the next two weeks. I woke up feeling the electricity and energy of a new day dawning. I felt change in the air.

The thought of waking up on November 5 to Barack Obama as president of the United States of America is an amazing and awesome one. I'm young enough to have hoped to see the first African American president in my lifetime but I hadn't given much thought to the probability until I was in the airport last night watching the faces of people listening to commentary about Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama. On some faces were grimaces and maybe some looks of hostility and disbelief. On other faces I saw joy and the hope I felt in my soul.

For the past twenty years or so, I've voted almost consistently Republican in presidential elections. I voted what I thought was my conscious based on moral beliefs. But it wasn't until Iraq that I began to see something I probably saw all along but didn't want to face or acknowledge -- I saw hypocrisy and no respect for my race within those circles. And race matters.

I also saw no regard for people in Republican politics, at least not a regard for the quality of life of people who struggle everyday to make ends meet. That's troubling and so not in line with my moral values. I believe we should care for the least of these.

At the same airport, I had to thank a young serviceman for his duty to this country and for his duty to me. He said, "That's okay, ma'am." And I said no it's not, you have no business over there.

I don't mind him being in the military. I come from a family where the men served in every branch of the service. I remember clearly hearing my great-grandmother say that her sons had to serve if called to serve or get out of her house. And guess what? Grandma James was a Democrat; a liberal to her core but she had a patriotism this country doesn't seem to get or understand.

It was in that same house where I learned that if I wanted to criticize the country or government, I had to register to vote and vote. I did and still do.

You know, I wonder how Grandma and my grandparents would feel about the days to come. About Barack Obama. About the first black president.

They'd probably feel like me: a little scared and hesitant and yet extremely proud.

First thought of the two weeks: I'm not voting Democrat, I'm voting Barack Obama.

~ Robin

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Barack Obama and working peoples.

By chicago ca-by - Oct 9th, 2008 at 12:14 am EDT

Also listed in: Illinois Action Team

Why I support Barack Obama: why my support Obama.1 he is Genoas he was poor like aim .i know him personally one time he sit my cab 2001.he talk to me how you are sir to day.he ask me so nice way .cause as a 25 cab driver i did not see well drees good looking well educated person talk me real.2 then i told him some problem all cab drivers have from city of chicago.then he give to me has business card that still i have it.that's why i love him like him pry for him.he will be my president.

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Battleground Opens For Economic Debate... President's Financial Rescue Policy Is Openly Challenged For Debate...

By MoorAmerican - Oct 3rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

10/3/2008 – 32 Days before Election Day - - - Gospeltales of American War Heroes, recorded for the Library of Congress 2008

1045 --- American War Heroes read the good news about the trickette ticket. John Hanson still considers Newt Gingrich an imminent treat to the House Vote on the Financial Rescue Bill…

Business Outsource Security Services (BOSS) publishes the Economic Security Press for the National Economic Security Service (NESS) sends complimentary issues to the WAR ROOM for President Hanson in the Library of Congress… ESP reports that bill is full of pork that will be gobbled up by the global derivatives market which is in excess of $600 Trillion USD’s. More has to be done to protect the economy from crash landing into a deep depression. Safe guards put in place from the Great Depression of the 1930’s seem to be holding, but the rippling effect has paralyzed the global credit market. Banks are closing worldwide… Financial sector is consolidating. There is apparently no secondary credit market… Fed Reserve is planning more bank auctions for failing financial institutions. Private investors are pouncing on low priced high quality assets and multi-national enterprises.

When the General Election Battleground Opened, Republican Alqaeda Trickettes retreat from Michigan. RAT’s put out the white flag of surrender before the second presidential debate on Tuesday October 7th. Economic issues dominate the mass media. President John Hanson writes An Open Letter to the 44th Presidency of the United States of America in Congress Assembled regarding the Financial Rescue Policy… Offers to meet and debate on General Election Battleground of 2008 and extends the challenge to debate all persons that have financial and economic solutions for the current national crisis. As Hanson thinks about the trickettes retreat, M5 OMG Timothy TrustUS says { There’s no where for the RAT’s to run… There is no escape from justice! MoorAmerican MilitiasUS Media Mint-Tallity MOORines are hunting for the mass media RAT’s and the ObamaMOORines are gangbanging the voter registrations and political hacks… 300 Electorial College Votes are secure for Election Day. President Bill Clinton stumpin’ up another 27 to 40 more in the swing states. Question is where’s that Ol’ RAT gonna fall back and retreat?… By the second debate, the 44th Presidency will have over 350 ECV’s and there will be virtually no path to 270 for the trickette ticket. }

Hanson { May Heaven still continue to smile on our efforts! }

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Pop Gun Palin. . .

By AC Parker Northern California--East Bay - Sep 4th, 2008 at 2:18 am EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

a lot of noise. They are not even trying to win this race. Is there a crew or commitee or something ensuring that states and local communities will and can safeguard the rights of voters? How is headquarters being proactive in taking steps to thwart what might be the last resort of the JM campaign? What can I do? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who can speak to this.

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Obama's Vision: Winning the White House... and Beyond.

By Deb - Aug 31st, 2008 at 1:50 am EDT

Also listed in: 4 groups

Now that I've had a bit of time to digest the past week's Democratic Convention culminating in Barack Obama's dynamic acceptance speech, a few things have clicked together for me from the mish-mash of images and information we were provided. Granted, I'm about as far as you can get from a political analyst, so these musing are based solely on my impressions. My sources were mostly centered on C-Span coverage, with a little MSNBC, WCPT (780 AM in Chicago) radio during my commute to/from work, and much reading/research.

Some of the most ridiculous stories generated by the wingnut brigade revolved around the 'architecture' of the set for the Mile High Stadium event. While the stories themselves were amusing and mis-informed, I'm trying not to take anything either side does for granted. Too much is at stake and everyone knows it. So, giving credit where it's due, the Republicans are masters of creating facades. If nothing else, I'm paying attention to their seemingly overblown reaction to the symbolism and the intentions behind it - from both perspectives. Okay, holding that thought...

I'd like to turn to the Obama campaign's emphasis on regular folks. By spotlighting different people - from Iraq/Afghanistan war vets to unemployed/uninsured factory workers to nurses to truckers to teachers - they were able to stitch together a patchwork highlighting all the various voices of the middle and lower classes. The convention served, imo, to start rebuilding the bonds the Republicans have worked so diligently to dissolve. The common thread of those four days, in my estimation, was that we're all in this together and it's to our mutual benefit to exercise our prerogative to make our demands known and that our calls for oversight/reform will not be denied.

Another layer of this message can be found in the coinciding of the anniversaries of passage of women's right to vote and Martin Luther King, Jr's. historic 'I Have A Dream' speech during Convention week. What could be more appropriate than the two nominees be representative of those groups?! I find it hard to believe this was merely a happy accident.

Also playing into my thought processes is the tidbit regarding the specific type of risk-taking our candidate prefers - in this case I'm referring to Poker. As has been reported in Time, Obama is a pretty good Poker player. Two comments in particular from the article stuck with me.

But Obama's risk-averse, methodical approach to five-card stud gives Link confidence in his potential governing style. "If he runs his presidency the way he plays poker, I'll sleep good at night," he says.

and

Obama, meanwhile, has succeeded, no less remarkably, by diligently executing a premeditated strategy.

These two quotes indicate to me that Obama doesn't make rash moves, is steady in seeking his goals, is thoughtful about weighing eventual outcomes, and decisive when his vision of the goal crystallizes.

So, now, as I look back over the last months I can see a deft hand at work in orchestrating the direction the campaign has taken and will continue to take. That direction being nothing less than the restoration of the Government to the hands of We, the People. In building a grassroots movement that has solidified into a united Democratic Party, he has successfully conveyed the concept that WE have the right, the capacity, and the duty to live up to our obligations as Citizens under the Constitution. By expanding the voter base, he is putting into place the social infrastructure that will have the understanding required to repair our tattered governing bodies.

So, as the days have passed, these disparate thoughts have woven themselves into a larger picture for me. Not only are we poised to reclaim the White House and increase our seats in Congress, we now have a vibrantly enthusiastic populace who are 'getting their hands dirty'. And after the past eight years of reactionary right wing policies, Obama is offering us an alternative. I believe he made that very clear on Thursday evening when he said, "This is not about me. This is about you!" By standing in front of images representing the Capitol, he brought seat of our Government back to We, the People. From that mountaintop in Denver, we can proceed not only to re-assert our sovereign rights as American Citizens, but also mobilization of informed, willing participants eager to go foward - from local to state to federal levels - and be personally involved in the process of re-building our Nation beyond January 20, 2009.

I wouldn't be at all surprised that Obama has a vision of what we could be if we fully understood, appreciated, and actively engaged in implementing the opportunities afforded us by the Founders. When we grasp the magnitude of our future challenges, we must also stand on the strength of our collective mission as Americans to determine whether we choose to live up to our full potential in the 21st Century. Obama thinks we can.

The question, then, is:

Do we think we can? Read More »

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McCain's Handbook

By Joei005 - Aug 7th, 2008 at 2:29 pm EDT

Also listed in: 4 groups

It seems to me that many of the tactics that McCain is using so far are familiar. They have been tried before and, thank goodness, they failed. Although many would have been used anyway, I can't help feeling that the grueling primary season has helped McCain sharpen his message. Some common themes between the Clinton strategy used during the primary season and McCain so far include:

Inexperience: The Clinton campaign kept reminding us that she, and not Obama, would be ready on "Day One". And who can forget the "3 AM phone call" campaign advertisement?
Elitist: The Clinton camp stressed that she related better to the Dunkin Donuts Democrats while Obama appealed to the Starbucks Democrats. The McCain camp derides Obama for being an arugala eating, berry tea drinking elitist.
The Race Card: Bill Clinton claimed that Obama was playing the race card during the primaries. Now, McCain is claiming that Obama is using the race card in the general election campaign.

These are just some of the similarities. My question is: Was the prolonged (and some would say unecessarily long) nominating process good for Obama as the Democratic establishment would have us believe or did it just provide insights for McCain as to how best to attack Obama?

It's just a question but I feel it's worth asking?

What's your opinion?

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YOU can protect Voter's Rights in November.

By Black Leather Rain - Aug 6th, 2008 at 8:10 pm EDT

Also listed in: Action Wire | Guilford County for Obama | High Point NC for Barack Obama

I was reading the story from Independence, MO on DailyKos today about a Kossak who was arrested for insisting the poll Judge honor the state law regarding voter IDs, and immediately thought: what if there was another person who knew the law also waiting to vote?

No, wait. What if there was another person who knew the law standing behind the Chief Judge that day?

Let me tell you a story.

This past primary in North Carolina, I watched no more than a dozen voters get told by a Republican Judge (nice man, I don't think he was being malicious) that they weren't registered to vote. The Republican Judge had done poll work for years, is in his late 60s/early 70s, and by the time noon hit that day, he looked like he'd been up for days. He had difficulty understanding, reading, and looking up "ethnic" (read: non-caucasian) names, and most of the people he was rejecting fell into that category.

Each of those voters was sent over to an Election Specialist approximately half the Judge's age. She looked up their names, saw they were properly registered for that presinct, and walked back to the Republican Judge who had moved on to the next voter in the long line waiting their turn(s). Without fail, she was able to find the registration in the Judge's book, and set them on the path to vote.

You may have guessed that the election specialist in this case is your humble diarist, here. This was my first year working election polls in any state, although I've had a reverence for the nitty gritties of the process that helps us elect those who direct our country. Earlier this year, right around the time I threw all of my chips in behind Obama, a friend of mine at work remarked that she had just been promoted to Democratic Judge in her presinct, since they were hurting so badly for workers. I decided at that time that I would go ahead and throw my hat in the ring.

I did this for two reasons: 1. I wanted to be a part of this year's election in a greater capacity, and to see what happens "behind the scenes" in the election process; 2. I wanted to ensure voters in my district were afforded their full right to vote, and would not be hindered from that right under my watch.

Here's where you come in.

Many of you, like myself, are lucky enough to have positions in life where they can allocate an entire day to one purpose. Many of you have already arranged to have November 4th free in order to help shuttle voters, hold signs outside of voting presincts, or perhaps you've even allocated the entire day to celebratory wantonness to herald in our next era of politics coming in 2009. The purpose of this diary is to encourage you to contact your local Board of Elections this week to find out if they still need poll workers for this November, and to sign up to be a candidate in your district (or any local district) that needs your help.

Here's what you can expect as a poll worker:

Angry voters who are waiting in long lines to do something that takes five minues

Being on your feet most of the day in an election that is almost guaranteed to have one of the highest voter turnouts in recent history (We surpassed a quintupling during the primaries here compared to recent Presidential primaries, the election is going to be SO MUCH WORSE)

Being tired and cranky, because while your friends are partying once the polls close, you're still dealing with voters who are still waiting to vote, or you're closing up the polls, or you're counting and recounting ballots due to a discrepancy in numbers

Spending about 16 hours in one building, as you won't be able to leave for any reason

Having no idea what's going on in the outside world, because the poll places are not permitted to receive news

Having the chance to make a difference in voter's rights as they exercise their most fundamental American right

Potentially fighting for voter's rights when they're told they're not able to vote by a fellow worker who may not be up to date on state laws

YOU can be the angel some voter needs this November when they are told that they cannot vote because an uninformed poll worker refuses to communicate, or is even actively preventing others from exercising their right to vote. It's not a glamorous job, but in my opinion, pollworking is the most important job a Progressive can undertake on Election Day. Voters can only be denied their right when we allow it to happen. If we are on the front lines, arguing from a position of authority, we can combat ignorance and outright voter intimidation by being the worker that calls the election officials for the voter when their rights are being abused.

Please consider signing up this week, and please pass the message on to your friends and family. A contingent of us spread across the country, especially in states like Missouri, Florida, and Ohio (where voter rights have been proven violated in the past) can help stem off the concentrated effects of the GOP to intimidate and disenfranchise Democratic voters.

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Great to have you here! And, thought for the day.

By Lisa Caid - Jul 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm EDT

Also listed in: Canyon Texas for Obama

Kind thanks to everyone who's joined the group so far!

When in need of a reminder to seek balance and avoid excess tension in my life, I remind myself that Easy Does It. That'll be a good approach to this round of political activism, right up to the general. Usually get good results with Easy Does It. Y'all remind me in case I forget!

What do y'all think?

Pleasant day . . .

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What Can We Do to Help Barack?

By Evie for Obama - Jul 8th, 2008 at 3:14 am EDT

Talk to our friends, family and neighbors! Become a voter registrar and start registering people to vote. Stay informed. Join other groups that have similar interests as ours or, are located in areas close to our home. If interested in volunteering in areas outside Illinois, search for groups in our state of choice.

Share our passion! Once we have identified the area or groups that we are interested in, send a request to join them. Choose how we want to be contacted. We can receive daily or condensed emails sent out from our new circle of groups which will keep us informed of events, news items, and concerns of supporters in our new circle of friends.

Take Charge! Create our own event and invite our friends to get involved. Search for an event in our zip code. Send out invitations to our friends to join us. Sign up or start our own phone banking - calling undecided voters to share the reasons why we support Barack for president. All we need are a few friends, computers/laptops and cellphones with free weekend or evening minutes and a couple of hours. Read More »

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As the Senator moves to the center for the general election ...

By Judith from Berkeley, CA - Jul 1st, 2008 at 2:16 pm EDT

As the Senator moves to the center for the general election, the best thing his progressive supporters can do is keep in touch with his campaign to let him know where we stand. He is acting - sometimes rightly - on the proposition that adopting certain less-than-progressive positions is necessary to get him into office. Our job as progressives is to let him know where he stands with us: we do not have to support his every move, just as he does not have to support ours.

Then he will be obliged to (and able to) weigh us in as he calculates the cost of each of his moves. Sometimes this process will result in him leaving us behind on particular issues. But the more vocal and numerous we are, the more difficult that will be for him to do. He's not a saint; he's a politician. Like all politicians, he'll do what he's told to do by those who, as they say in the mafia, make him offers he can't refuse. If we're numerous and vocal enough, we're among those people. If not, we lose, and he'll go where he thinks he has to go. Read More »

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FISA Bill - This Is The General Election, People!

By Carly - Jun 27th, 2008 at 10:53 am EDT

Also listed in: Obama for Lake County

"What on earth is Barack Obama doing?"

On June 20th, Barack Obama supported the FISA Bill, a compromise between Republicans and Democrats on a variety of security issues including wiretapping. FISA approves monitoring of electronic communication (primarily emails and phone calls) and grants immunity for those telecom companies in compliance with NSA's post 9/11 surveillance program, among other things.

What seems to be getting the most attention from the FISA bill is the immunity granted to those telecom companies that collaborated with the NSA during their post-9/11 domestic wiretapping and spying program. I'll admit I don't like it. I do not think they should be given immunity. Barack Obama has pledged to fight this portion of the bill. However, even if he does not succeed, the telecom companies are not the real 'bad-guys' here. The questions remain: Who were they following? Whose idea was it? Who did they report to? The NSA and George W. Bush. Those are the real 'bad-guys.' They planned, developed, and executed the wiretapping program. The telecom companies were just puppets. Certainly, they deserve some blame, but it's not a battle worth hinging an entire bill on, and its importance certainly pales in comparison to the rest of the bill.

The FISA bill is certainly not the first of its kind to be pushed around in Congress. Its precursor was the "Protect America Act," which expanded the U.S. Government's surveillance powers without independent oversight. Obama vehemently opposed this bill as Republicans attempted to pass it through Congress. On June 20th of 2008, after a year of negotiations, the FISA bill was passed - and, while I certainly do not agree with each and every aspect of the FISA bill, it is admittedly a "compromise" between the left and right. Because of the stark differences that divide the left and right on matters discussed in the "Protect America Act" and FISA bill, it is clear that a compromise was necessary for any legislation to be passed. Were the bill to be written - with no compromise - entirely for the right (or left, for that matter), it would a) never be passed through Congress, b) piss off the opposing party, and c) only addressed the political desires of approximately half of the American people. Many Democrats fail to take into consideration that the primary election is over. This is about the general election, people! We are no longer choosing the candidate that Democrats would like to see take office. We are choosing the candidate who will best reflect the interests of America as a whole - and that includes Republicans! After all, that is the true purpose of electing a President in America, isn't it? Obviously, we can't expect to elect a candidate who represents each and every American, but the objective is to elect someone who reflects the interests of the most Americans possible - not to elect a perfect cookie cutter Democrat or Republican.

Obama's statement on FISA: Barack Obama on FISA

Wouldn't be surprised if this got some angry comments. Knock yourselves out!

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Can Clinton's The Group(NJ)_John Graham_"buy" Obama Veep?

By Roselen Hope - Jun 23rd, 2008 at 5:03 pm EDT

RE: Post primary loss, The Group waits for Obama to show Clinton 'respect' By Max Pizarro

REF: http://politickernj.com/max/20762/post-primary-loss-group-waits-obama-show-clinton-respect

Category: PresidentTags: Reginald Jackson, John Graham, Hillary Clinton, Cory Booker, Barack Obama, AL DECOTIIS

Hillary Clinton’s top fundraisers in New Jersey want Barack Obama to offer their vanquished candidate the vice-presidency in a show of respect . . .

"If I don’t see the respect for Hillary Clinton, I will vote for him, but will I be a proactive person? No," said John Graham, national co-chair of fund-raising for the Clinton campaign and one of the money men in that small and powerful circle of Clinton fundraisers in New Jersey known as "The Group."

"Respect is offering her the position with her right of taking it or not taking it," Graham explained. "He can win without her. . . .

http://politickernj.com/max/20762/post-primary-loss-group-waits-obama-show-clinton-respect

. . . . .

Like Graham, several participants in yesterday’s conference call said they’d be loathe to go all out for Obama unless Clinton is on the ticket. Asked today if Clinton wants to be vice-president under Obama, Graham said, "she’ll take it."

Sen. Bon Menendez (D-NJ), one of Clinton’s most active supporters, also likes the former first lady for vice-president. However, he said attention must be paid to Obama’s decision-making process, and Democrats need to give him some room.

"I respect that John and others feel passionately about Hillary Clinton," said Menendez. "But there are many ways for Barack Obama to show Hillary respect. Making her vice president might be the ultimate way. He’s got to go through this process.

"You can’t have pressure on Barack Obama," Menendez added. "That almost works against the ultimate goal, because then his choice of Hillary Clinton could be interpreted as him being pressured into doing something - and if he can be pressured into doing that, the sense would be that he can be pressured into a lot of things."

Graham insisted he agrees with the senator. He doesn’t want to apply pressure.

"His issues are our issues," he said of Obama. "But after two years of this, let’s face it, we can’t just curl up and pretend everything’s ok. We can heal the party and heal the world, and Barack’s picking Hillary for vice-president would show strong, well-respected leadership."

A reply:

No, Jill, he is not.

posted by Indeedy

No, Jill, he is not.

I wholeheartedly agree with what YOU have said here. But that is NOT what John Graham is saying.

Graham isn't looking for Obama to praise Clinton's dedication, seek her advice, give credit for the work she's done, rebut her detractors and try to unify the party. That would be seeking respect. What he's doing is demanding that he offer her the VP slot, and implying that any other choice is disrespectful and unworthy of Democrats' support. That's not seeking respect. That's just a slimy political power play.
Respect is deserved for the Senator and the voters

posted by jill Iscol

John Graham is simply expressing the sentiments of millions of people --18 million people voted for Senator Clinton. Barack Obama would like our support....he needs it and is asking for it but we have issues and concerns that need to be addressed by Senator Obama and his campaign before he will gain our full support. He needs to prove that he is the unifier he claims to be by uniting our party. Showing respect for Senator Clinton is just the first step in that process.

06/19/08 11:24 am

No, Jill, he is not.

posted by Indeedy

No, Jill, he is not.

I wholeheartedly agree with what YOU have said here. But that is NOT what John Graham is saying.

And the idea that the only way Obama can be a unifier is to take her as VP is not only illogical, it's laughable. Choosing Richardson would show an awful lot of unity with Latinos. Choosing Chuck Hagel would show an awful lot of unity with Republicans. Choosing Bloomberg would show an awful lot of unity with independents. I could go on, but the point is that there's one VP slot. Even if you believe that expressing unity is the most important function of VP selection (I don't and I doubt you do either, but that's another discussion) you can't use it to show unity with everybody. Listening to these arguments is like the fricking All-Star game. Everybody was snubbed, but you know, there are only so many positions on the damn field.

06/19/08 3:29 pm

Posted by VictoriaVice1@aol.com June 23, 2008 1:59pm PDT

IMO, THIS IS Hillary-tainted drama circling Obama __ the Thursday meeting is about getting her on the ticket as much as about getting her primary debt paid off. And LESS about raising $$$$ for the Obama GE.

[Her fat cats will not pay into an Obama led GE unless he agrees to pay off the Hillary primary campaign debt_cited yahoo.com news, etc.]

MORE__THE GROUP of NJ vetted candidates Biden, et al carefully early in 2007 and finally chose Hillary as their sure thing to win the democratic nomination POTUS.

Now THEY are NOT at all willing to settle for doing the right thing and moving on to nominee OBAMA; and just sucking it up after spending tons on Hillary. From Obama the WINNER, the Group intends to "buy" veep for Hillary the LOSER.

John Graham does come close to saying in this politickernj.com June 18 item THAT the Group should demand Obama show Hillary "respect" with his veep offer__and she'll take it.

Otherwise, the GROUP will be most reluctant to support an Obama led GE with financial backing.

Hillraisers were NOT happy after their meeting with Obama Campaign top aides last week; apparently Obama Campaign top aides were NOT talking quid pro quo. Will Obama, to get the Hillary donors?

Barack Obama is the consummate strategist and politician. He demonstrated that by his long, tough, strategically fought fight with Hillary in the primary phase. He prevailed over the Clintons and the ubiquitous Clinton machine, astounding Bill and Hillary.

As a "Standing on Change we can Believe In supporter," active on barackobama.com, I would have to get over Barack's playing the old game in the GE.

I think Barack will go for the money and play quid pro quo with the Group and other "fat cats."

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Independence Decision

By Cath-E NYC - Jun 20th, 2008 at 2:42 am EDT

Also listed in: Bronx for Obama | Kossacks for Obama | Texas for Obama

[cross-posted on dKos]:

I'm thrilled about the Obama campaign's decision to opt out of public financing for the general election. I've been hoping for months that it would break this way. And I'm happy about this first and foremost not for pragmatic reasons (though that's exciting!) or tactical reasons (I'm not a bundler or a big donor), but because from the very beginning I've really enjoyed being a small donor to the Obama campaign. I've enjoyed it so much I don't want to give it up, especially not now!

I am a life-long voter. Before I could vote, I watched: I spent parts of my childhood lying on gymnasium floors while my mother collected vote counts late on election nights for the League of Women Voters. I participate in voter registration drives and encourage my 18-22+ students to register to vote when they are old enough. Voting is important, but recently it just hasn't been satisfying: I voted in 2000 (for Gore), in the 04 primary (for Dean), and in the 04 general (for Kerry). These, especially the 2000 vote, felt futile.

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A Battleground Beyond 270

By Gerry Filippatos - Jun 17th, 2008 at 4:31 pm EDT

Also listed in: Bronx for Obama | Columbia University For Obama | Diversity4Obama

In my humble opinion, these are the critical states we must focus on with certain key surrogates, either because they: (a) are truly battleground states that are up for grabs, (b) will require additional attention by McCain that will deplete his resources, or (c) offer special surrogate opportunities:

Florida: Have Al Gore “live” in Florida from now till November; climate change is a big issue down there and the moral authority that Gore can deliver to have Florida’s Democrats “count” is huge. We probably won’t win Florida because of Governor Charlie Christ (a highly possible VP choice for McCain) but who knows, especially given McCain and Christ’s new position on off-shore drilling that Gore could exploit?

California and the West: Bolster the mass appeal of Governors Bill Richardson and Janet Napolitano by having them hold large Hispanic community joint rallies and voter registration efforts in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas. This will help us secure CA and NM, while keeping AZ, NV and TX in play. Also, have Barack Obama spend a lot of time with the Democratic Governors in Colorado (Bill Ritter), Montana (Brian Schweitzer), Oregon (Ted Kulongoski), and Washington (Christine Gregoire) we should win at least three out of four of these contests.

Rustbelt and NH: HRC should be dispatched to Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire for heavy campaigning and joint appearances with Barack Obama. With HRC’s help, we will win MI and PA, while keeping NH and OH very close.

Arkansas and the Deep South: Bill Clinton should focus his campaign efforts there, and especially in Arkansas as a homecoming … if he spent enough time AR, he could actually make it competitive and force McCain’s attention there. President Clinton could also help to make LA, MS, AL, GA, TN, and KY closer so as to require more McCain resources there.

Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Indiana: With strong Democratic Senators in MO (Claire McCaskill) and IN (Evan Bayh) and strong Democratic Governors in IA (Chet Culver) and KS (Kathleen Sebelius), Barack Obama should be able to parlay his solid primary performances to general election wins in at least two out of four of these contests. Because of the geographic proximity to Illinois, there is no reason that Barack Obama cannot spend at least one day every other week in each of these states.

Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina: Barack Obama and the “New Good ‘Ole Boys” – John Rockefeller, Robert Byrd (health permitting), Jim Webb, John Edwards, Joe Manchin, and Mike Easley must campaign in these states more vigorously than anywhere else in the country -- we must win VA and taking one of the other three remaining would be icing on the victory cake!

My prediction: we will take all that John Kerry took in 2004 with the exception of NH and we will add CO, NM, IA and VA to win 282 to 256. A caution, however, if -- with the foregoing scenario -- we fail to carry VA, we then we will tie 269 to 269 and the election will go to the Congress. If neither candidate gets a majority of the electoral votes, the election for President is decided in the House of Representatives, with each state delegation having one vote; the Senate elects the Vice-President by simple majority. Currently, the state delegations of the House of Representatives are split 26 (D) to 21 (R), with Arizona, Kansas, and Mississippi having tied delegations; the Senate is 51 (D) 49 (R).

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The General Election Candidate: "Wanna Rumble?"

By Fredrick Bernanke - Jun 14th, 2008 at 7:41 pm EDT

At a fundraiser in Philly, I think yesterday, the Dem. candidate for President of the United States:

“If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun,” Obama said. “Because from what I understand folks in Philly like a good brawl."---Politico.com

That's Barry talking, man. "Baracks" don't say things like that.

And that's the kind of talk "the folks down home" like to hear from Presidents.

Sort of Trumanesque, the true Straight Talker.

My(non-paritsan)Blog: http://ProteanPerspectives.blogspot.com

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The inexperience narrative as an excuse

By Chase - Jun 10th, 2008 at 11:26 pm EDT

One of the most pervasive narratives used in opposition to Sen. Obama's candidacy is his supposed lack of experience. Today on Slate's XX Factor, Melinda Henneberger posted excerpts from an e-mail exchange with a "generous" Hillary donor who is considering backing McCain in the fall.

After reading it, I'm more convinced than ever that "inexperience" is, as Henneberger puts it, little more than "a stand-in for race, or maybe something else I'm missing." Take a look at the e-mail:

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How the Republican blockage of the oil windfall tax could define the general election

By Janet Ritz - Jun 10th, 2008 at 4:32 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Cross-posted from THE ENVIRONMENTALIST

By Janet Ritz

Senator Pete Domenici, R-N.M, has relayed the mixed message of "we feel your pain" (at the pump), while attempting to justify his party's blockage of a windfall profit tax on Big Oil by saying that increased taxes on oil companies would be something Americans wouldn't want.

Which Americans?

"Americans are furious about what's going on," declared Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and want Congress to do something about oil company profits and "an orgy of speculation" on oil markets.
"If you don't tell the big oil companies they can no longer run energy policy in America, we will not succeed, plain and simple," Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., told CBS Radio News.

That "orgy of speculation" is the issue, of course, spurred along by the falling dollar (more on that below). The legislation, which failed to gain the required 60 votes to overcome a Republican filibuster (as with the recent failed global warming legislation), would have required the following provisions that to address speculation:

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On McCain's Invitation to Town Hall meetings . . .

By Manny in Cape Coral - Jun 8th, 2008 at 2:48 pm EDT

One pundit on Russert said that in this election, where neither candidate is all that well known outside of Washington, BO and McCain are in a race to define each other for the public (Bush's 3rd Term vs. Inexp. ultra-liberal). Studies show that many voters base their opinions, favorable or otherwise, of a candidate, on 2 min. TV ads.

Rick Perlstein - Author of "Nixonland" speaking of Nixon's 1968 televised "Man in the Arena" town hall meetings, (at which Nixon answered voter questions, by himself, being himself) said that these audiences were stacked with Nixon supporters who tossed softabal questions and applauded his every response. Those scripted, audience reactions were later used in a successful TV ad campaign that portrayed the crowd's applause as that of unbiased, undecided voters.

Given this historical precedent, and the potential for the sort of ambush we witnessed in the final BO v. HRC "debate", I would be wary of such invitations from McCain.

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The general election

By dustoffguy - Jun 7th, 2008 at 7:37 pm EDT

Today Barack Obama kicked off his Presidential Campaign. Perhaps the greatest barrier facing the Senator from Illinois is the decidedly un-American sentiment: racism. The 1960’s Civil Rights movement was one of the most important human rights efforts in American history. It was less than 15 years later that Ronald Reagan, born in Illinois, kicked off his Presidential campaign in Philadelphia, MS. With the resounding endorsement of “States’ Rights,” Reagan harnessed the easily forgotten specter of racism that still haunts our society. This event was an incredibly painful reminder to those who consider a history riddled with hatred, fear, and blood. In a tenacious and yet subtle way, which we have only yet begun to realize, Obama took the fight directly where it belonged. While the mainstream media attempted to capitalize on the “Veepstakes,” they completely overlooked the fact that this General Election was kicked off in the capital of the Confederate South. Reagan can have his racist pigs; he did after all take 49 states in 1984… “Fool me once, shame on me.” I submit to you this: If we do not put our full-throated support behind such a brilliantly choreographed and expertly composed maneuver – and its orchestrator, Barack Obama -- we all deserve to be shamed again. As long as I have your attention, I must reiterate my favorite point. CNN.com reports that the two Presidential candidates are in a “dead heat.” I don’t call 47%-45% a dead heat, but I am not paid to write the news; therefore I only attempt to right it. In a “poll of polls” among registered voters, this appears a very close race. I want to remind you that Barack Obama’s base – which includes those 1,000,000 donors of less than $100 – are not registered voters. Jordan

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