It's very possible that many of you attended Obama's historic rally at Manassas, VA on November, 3 2008. This was historic for many reasons, but mostly because Virginians helped put Obama over the top and volunteers, like us from MD, succeeded in our volunteer efforts towards turning our closest neighbor into a BLUE State!! :)
I hope that you enjoy some photos in this slideshow that I'd like to share with you on this historic event. :)
Yesterday the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police (VA FOP) said that they back VA democratic candidate Mark Warner, giving him credit for doing a great job as governor. Warner (who had been discussed as a VP candidate pick) is running for Senator of VA. The VA FOP backing notes the significant momentum the Democratic Party in VA: This is the first time the VA FOP has EVER backed a democratic candidate in the state
This is not the only sign that Virginia is a purple state this year, and Obama's campaign is making a concerted effort to win the state. Yet, I live in VA, and on the way in to class today there were over 30 McCain signs along the road and none for Obama. Warner is an exciting chance for VA, and voting blue in the national election will be that much more exciting. The momentum is there, we need to make an effort to the south of our SAIS borders (yes, some of you may have to leave Dupont Circle). I propose a bit of discussion on Thursday as to what the SAIS Students for Obama can contribute to really get VA with Barack Obama and Mark Warner as well. So, that is my two cents.
DISCLAIMER: SAIS Students for Obama is an independent group and it is not affiliated with SAIS or the Johns Hopkins University. Views expressed are on behalf of the group or the individual member, not of SAIS or JHU. SAIS and JHU do not endorse or oppose candidates for public office.
Nice to see the bump from the most recent Daily Tracking poll by Gallup.
Gallup Daily: Obama Moves Ahead, 48% to 42%
Couple of thoughts on Last two nights:
The GOP campaign is negative and as much as I had to say this, it's time to play their game.
I’m writing this entry on Thursday morning and I must admit, everything is starting to blur together. I think that’s because of a lack of sleep and everything going on. However, there is a slight chance that partying with the VA Delegation last night had something to do with it.
When last I wrote, I was leaving Mark’s pre-keynote party. I walked out the door with my good friend Joseph Hancock from Roanoke who is a critical part of the Grassroots Obama network in Virginia. I asked if he had any idea where the nearest shuttle bus stop was and he replied that it was back at the hotel. So, off we went, back toward the hotel. After talking and walking for several blocks, I asked him if he had credentials to get on the floor that evening. No, he replied, he was going back to the hotel to a Convention Watch Party. Huh? I thought we were going to the convention together. Nope. So – I bid him a farewell, did a U-turn, walked back past Alto’s restaurant and the rest of the way to the Pepsi Center.
Truth be told, walking is the best and quickest way to get to the convention and back. But, I’ve been scavenging signs every night and the walk back carrying an armload of those is no fun.
Back to Tuesday though. Mark truly had a tough assignment. He was competing with Hillary on the agenda. Mark rose to the occasion. He delivered a great message, cheered on by the entire VA Delegation at every turn. He introduced the world to Lebanon, VA and talked about the critical importance of electing Barack Obama as President. He looked Senatorial – and perhaps, one day, Presidential.
We all had a real treat sandwiched in between Mark and Hillary. Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana, who is described in his official on-line bio as a farmer and a rancher with no previous political experience, had the crowd roaring. Someone later said he reminded them a little bit of William Shatner doing the Priceline Negotiator commercials. When his term in office is up, he could become a stand up comic. What a HOOT!
Hillary! Need I say more? When she took the stage, the convention hall was a sea of cheering delegates waving white Hillary signs. She was fantastic! And she put it on the table in the first few seconds on stage. There should be no doubt – she’s 100% behind Barack. What a lady. She had everyone spellbound. And she didn’t take prisoners when it came to Bush – McCain, either. She made it clear that it is time for a change and a return to the peace and prosperity of the Clinton White House.
After the gavel dropped and we made it back to the hotel, it was time for “Late Night With Brian Moran” as his campaign billed the event. Drinks and food were on Brian in the hotel bar which was closed for our group. And believe me, we all took advantage of Brian’s generosity! When you go from breakfast until 11:00 at night with little or nothing to eat, you have a lot of hungry delegates. Of course, at this altitude, you have to drink a lot as well to stay hydrated. ;-)
Did you get to hear every one of the speakers below?
Unless you watched C-Span, you missed some amazing speakers!
The Talking Heads may have entertained you with their own opinions.
Tuesday, August 26 2008: Renewing America's Promise
Hour #1 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (LOCAL)Call to OrderThe Honorable Shirley FranklinMayor of Atlanta, GeorgiaInvocationReverend Cynthia HaleDisciples of Christ - Decatur, GeorgiaPresentation of ColorsThe American GI Forum Mile High Chapter, ColoradoCongressionally chartered Mexican-American veterans & civil rights organizationPledge of AllegianceKoby Langley From Fort Meade, Maryland, he received the Bronze Star for leadership in the US ArmyCredited with design & implementation of 1st Foreign Torts Claims Policy Act - IraqNational AnthemRocky Mountain Children's Choir A multicultural, multiracial choir committed to forming community around musicRemarks/VideoThe Honorable Eleanor Homes Norton Non-voting Member of the US House of Representatives, District of ColumbiaRemarksTed SorensenSpecial Counsel, advisor and speechwriter to President John F. KennedyResearched and drafted Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage"The Honorable Mike HondaMember of the US House of Representatives, CaliforniaDr. David Gipp Member of the Standing Rock Sioux TribePresident - United Tribes Technical CollegeThe Honorable Linda SanchezMember of the US House of Representatives, CaliforniaThe Honorable Chet CulverGovernor of IowaThe Honorable David PatersonGovernor of New YorkThe Honorable Patrick LeahyUS Senator, VermontHour # 2 4:08 PM – 5:00 PM (LOCAL)RemarksThe Honorable Chris Van HollenMember of the US House of Representatives, MarylandRemarksCecile RichardsPresident of the Planned Parenthood Federation of AmericaDaughter of the former Governor of Texas, The Honorable Ann RichardsCongressional Black CaucusThe Honorable Carolyn KilpatrickMember of the US House of Representatives, MichiganThe Honorable Charles RangelMember of the US House of Representatives, New YorkThe Honorable John ConyersMember of the US House of Representatives, MichiganThe Honorable Bennie ThompsonMember of the US House of Representatives, MississippiMoment of SilenceVideo – “In Memoriam”Remarks The Honorable Dennis KucinichMember of the US House of Representatives, OhioThe Honorable John ChiangState Controller, CaliforniaThe Honorable Jim DoyleGovernor of WisconsinDGA - RemarksThe Honorable Joe ManchinGovernor of West VirginiaHour # 3 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)US Senate WomenThe Honorable Barbara MikulskiUS Senator, MarylandThe Honorable Barbara BoxerUS Senator, CaliforniaThe Honorable Mary LandrieuUS Senator, LouisianaThe Honorable Blanche Lambert LincolnUS Senator, ArizonaThe Honorable Debbie Stabenow US Senator, MichiganThe Honorable Maria CantwellUS Senator, Washington StateThe Honorable Claire McCaskillUS Senator, MissouriThe Honorable Amy KlobucharUS Senator, MinnesotaRemarksThe Honorable Ed RendellGovernor of PennsylvaniaThe Honorable Tammy BaldwinMember of the US House of Representatives, WisconsinThe Honorable Xavier Becerra Member of the US House of Representatives, CaliforniaJohn SweeneyPresident of the AFL-CIORobin GoldenAutoworker from Michigan scheduled to lose his jobVideo - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's PromiseRemarksThe Honorable Rahm EmanuelMember of the US House of Representatives, IllinoisLive Performance Alejandro EscovedoVocals & guitarHour # 4 6:01 PM – 7:00 PM (LOCAL)RemarksThe Honorable Steny HoyerMember of the US House of Representatives, MarylandDemocratic Majority LeaderKatherine Marcano Cedar Rapids, Iowa flood victimAnna BurgerOfficer with SEIU & 1st Chair of America's newest labor federation, "Change to Win"Pauline Beck Homecare worker & member of SEIU from Oakland, California The Honorable Janet NapolitanoGovernor of ArizonaAmerica’s Town Hall - EconomyModerator: The Honorable Jennifer Granholm – Governor of MichiganPanelists: Aimee Christensen, Jim Rogers, Jim Bauer, Jerome RingoRemarksJim WhitakerRepublican Mayor of Fairbanks, AlaskaGloria CravenLaid-off North Carolina textile worker with huge medical billsNancy Floyd Founder of Nth Power – an energy technology investment firm in Portland, OregonHour # 5 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL)RemarksThe Honorable Kathleen SebeliusGovernor of KansasThe Honorable Federico PeñaFormer Secretary of Energy and former Mayor of Denver, ColoradoThe Honorable Nydia VelazquezMember of the US House of Representatives, New YorkThe Honorable Robert Casey, Jr.US Senator, PennsylvaniaLilly LedbetterHer actions against Goodyear Tire led to the passage of the Fair Pay Restoration ActKeynote SpeechThe Honorable Mark WarnerGovernor of VirginiaRemarksThe Honorable Ted StricklandGovernor of OhioHour # 6 8:00 PM – 9:04 PM (LOCAL)RemarksRet. Rear Admiral John HutsonPresident, Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New HampshireLifelong RepublicanThe Honorable Deval Patrick Governor of MassachusettsPamella Cash-Roper Unemployed nurse and lifelong Republican from North CarolinaRemarksThe Honorable Brian SchweitzerGovernor of MontanaHillary Clinton Segment - Video/RemarksThe Honorable Hillary Rodham ClintonUS Senator, New YorkBenedictionRevs. Jin Ho Kang, Yoougsook KangMethodists - Aurora, ColoradoRecessThe Honorable Shirley FranklinMayor of Atlanta, Georgia
Most television stations manipulated their audiences lwatching the DNC.
You may have missed some amazing speakers!
C-Span shows the entire convention without the"Talking Heads."
I'm hoping against hope that Mark Warner just gave a self-serving speech to win his Senate seat in Virginia because that is the ONLY POSSIBLE WAY you can explain why he took ZERO shots at a President sitting at 30% approval and the man who is running for his third term.People always wonder why Democrats always snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.....watching Mark Warner's speech just showed you why. If you try to govern and lead everyone then you will be followed by no one.
I understand why they used Monday night as a heart tugging night with Senator Kennedy and Michelle Obama. But why by the second night of the convention there is not a MINUTE of anger about the last 8 years and a MINUTE of anger why John McCain has totally sold out his maverick legacy to continue Bush's term?
I know Joe Biden will rip into John McCain and George W. Bush. But for god sakes, can Hillary at least try to do the same while she's carrying the flag of Wonder Woman?
After a late night, it was an early morning. Credentialing began at 7:30am; the Virginia delegation breakfast at 8:30. Hint - if you ever go to a national convention, don’t miss the delegation breakfast or you won’t know what’s going on.
Our guest speaker at breakfast was soon-to-be Senator Mark Warner. Mark stressed to the crowd the importance of electing Barack Obama President while at the same time emphasizing his desire to work with other “Radical Centrists” as he puts it, to facilitate change in Washington. He emphasized the personal importance of his election citing his decision to drop out of the presidential race and his recent injury playing basketball (which landed him in UVA Hospital) as proof that he is slowly but surely eliminating other career opportunities and really needs the job.
Back in my room after breakfast, I worked on my blog entry. I have found it’s fun to gather my thoughts, refresh my memory and share with my friends back home. (It also would make me happy to see some comments – hint, hint).
After lunch with some friends and a brief exploration of the area around our delegation hotel, it was time to board the bus to the Pepsi Center and the opening session. The first impression that hits you as you get on the bus – there’s a police officer on every bus. I suspect that made an immediate impact on me because I had seen dozens of officers in riot gear in my short walk downtown. Scary, but somehow comforting to know that someone is paying attention.
After a circuitous route to the Pepsi Center, we left the buses to pass through security. There is a portable security checkpoint under a big tent where everyone has to pass to get in to the center. TSA agents checked us all out and made sure we were “clean.” We didn’t have to remove our shoes, but otherwise, it was a lot like going through an airport.
In the center we got to see just how important Virginia is to Barack Obama. Our delegation is on the floor, dead center, right behind Illinois! Elizabeth Chitwood, Rex McCarty and I staked out our seats on the center aisle, eleven rows from the podium. Elizabeth kept repeating over and over throughout the evening “This is crazy. This is crazy.” And she was right, the convention hall was a riot of enthusiasm and energy.
Our delegation is also sandwiched between Katie Couric and Richard Gregory, for all you news junkies. Wolf Blitzer is just on the other side of Katie. Joe Scarboro walked through the floor and posed for pictures with delegates. What a scene! It made me miss Tim Russert though.
I was also lucky to be seated directly in front of Governor Kaine’s parents and Ann and the kids. I had met Mr. Kaine when Tim was running, but never his mother. I told them how much Victoria and I think of Tim, not only as Governor, but also as a tremendous human being. I shared with them that in all my 35 years in politics, I had never known anyone who I held in such high regard. They were truly pleased, especially when I told them their son is a statesman, not a politician.
It was women’s night and family night at the convention. We heard from Barack’s brother in law and sister. Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill’s children introduced her – and encouraged everyone (especially from their generation) to text in to the campaign to get the latest news from the campaign.
Caroline Kennedy introduced a tribute to Uncle Teddy, who gave a barn burner of a speech, giving us all inspiration to follow his example and do whatever it takes to elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The big screens showed Senator Biden in the crowd several times during the speech and each time, the convention center erupted in cheers and applause!
Jimmy Carter appeared in a community service video and then he and Rosalyn took a quick tour around the stage. That was it. No speech, no stopping. It looked like one of those Swiss clocks where the little figures come out from the back and circle around the base of the clock only to disappear back into the other side as the clock chimes on the hour. Undoubtedly the strangest thing I’ve ever seen at a political convention.
But the main event of the evening was Michelle. What a beautiful, passionate, woman! She told us a lot about the man who will be our next President. She had the audience spellbound as she told about their first dates and how he drove the car home from the hospital when their first daughter was born at a snail’s pace, wanting to do everything possible to protect his new family and insure his daughter has a bright future. She is going to be an incredible First Lady!
After we adjourned, it was back on the bus and back through all the temporary barricades and riot police encircling the Pepsi Center. I heard yesterday that $40 million had been spent on security. The evidence is everywhere!
Back at the hotel, I dropped off my “stuff” and prepared to go to Governor Kaine’s party. Like all good Democratic Chairs, I know that campaign materials are hard to come by – especially in Southwest Virginia. So, I dutifully carried an arm full of rally signs from the hall to take back home for our HQ.
Then, it was off to Marlowe’s Restaurant where Moving Virginia Forward, Governor Kaine’s PAC, was hosting a late night party for our delegation. There was a live band, and of course, Tim whipped out his harmonica and joined them for a song. Folks, if you don’t realize it, we have THE coolest Governor in all fifty states! He brought the house down with his bluesy solo!
And since I wrote something for the news junkies, it’s time for something for the sports fans out there. Shortly after the Governor descended from the stage, a buzz went through the crowd. I looked toward the door, and there he was, easily recognizable because he was the biggest, tallest guy in the place – Charles Barkley. He was passing by, heard the music and decided to stop in. He and the Governor exchanged greetings and posed for pictures for the rest of the evening. What a Party! Thanks Governor!!
Next up – Cousin Jim at his best
Here's my latest Huffington Post article on the race, posted on Wednesday, August 13:
I don't imagine that Senator Barack Obama's veep vetting team is paying much attention to what I have to say, but I want to make the case for who I think the Land of Lincolner should pick for his running mate.
Since Obama became my party's presumptive nominee on June 3, names like Joe Biden, Tim Kaine, Evan Bayh, and Kathleen Sebelius have dominated the headlines. Jim Webb and Mark Warner took themselves out of consideration earlier this summer, and there's been speculation this week that Hillary Clinton has been asked to deliver the keynote speech at Tuesday night's convention, which pundits say rules out any chance that the junior New York Senator might speak as a Vice Presidential candidate in Denver (never mind that Tuesday, except in 2004, has traditionally been the Vice Presidential nominee's night anyway, which the talking heads seem to overlook).
The Virginia Democratic Party Convention was held on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at Hampton Roads Convention Center. (Post by and Images taken by Chris Williams)
The Politicians U.S. Senator Jim Webb Virginia Delegate Dwight Jones House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong State Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw Chairman of Arlington County Board J. Walter Tejada Congressional Democratic Nominee for Sixth District Sam Rasoul Congressional Democratic Nominee for Tenth District Judy Feder Congressional Demo. Nominee for 11th District Gerry Connolly Governor Tim Kaine Governor Tim Kaine Congressional Democratic Nominee for 5th District Tom Perriello Gubernatorial Candidate Delegate Brian Moran Gubernatorial State Senator Creigh Deeds U.S. Senate Democratic Nominee and Former Gov. Mark Warner U.S. Senate Democratic Nominee and Former Gov. Mark Warner U.S. Senate Democratic Nominee and Former Gov. Mark Warner Tim Kaine, Mark Warner and wife, Lisa Collis U.S. Senate Democratic Nominee and Former Gov. Mark Warner
The Districts and More
Hillary: She ran half a race, her ultimate downfall. With higher aspirations and a recent history of conflict with Obama, not to mention a newly formed animosity between Bill and Barack, Hillary might not be the best choice. Also, she and her husband would be very difficult to control. However, she did acquire more than half of the primary votes and has faired quite well in many of the swing states, and has the backing of many different demographics within the Democratic Party (Woman, elderly…). Also, the Clinton name definitely brings name recognition on the national scale (for better or for worse).
Odds: 9:1 - Hillary may have some of the power in the swing states and a large following, but there are several other VP-candidates out there that could pick up a good percentage of the vote.
Jim Webb: This first-term Junior Senator from Virginia has been nothing but stellar as a Liberal attack dog in the Senate. He would bring Obama certainly a lot of Military credentials, a history of conflict with McCain, and the support of a VERY important swing state as the senator of Virginia. However, if Obama is looking for a less partisan, more experienced, pro-gun control, and more controllable Vice-President, Barack should look elsewhere.
Odds: 3:1 - Since joining the Senate, Webb has been fighting, if not harder, then just as hard as Obama for reforms that are also important to Barack. Also, don’t forget his military history (that can’t be Swiftboat-ed) and Virginia.
Chuck Hagel: This Senator has been the “Lieberman” cross-over for the Dems. He has seen eye-to-eye with Majority many times in the Senate, especially against continuation of the war. However, on many social issues, particularly abortion, he is quite conservative.
Odds: 20:1 - Hagel may be anti-war and anti-partisanship, but he is still a Republican.
Bill Richardson: He would bring in the Hispanic vote, and provide Obama with support by bring years of executive experience, foreign policy experience, and the support of the “Clinton” side of the party. However, he was the worst in debates. Period. Not to mention, it might be difficult to try and persuade those semi-xenophobic, possibly racist independents out there to vote for an African-American president with a Hispanic-American VP (just being honest).
Odds: 23:1 - “My mind is mush.” Enough said.
As a Virginian, I was overjoyed when Jim Webb stomped all over George 'Macacca' Allen. (We all should be grateful; recall that Allen was talked about seriously as a 2008 Presidential candidate until Jimbo showed him the door.) Now, there's lots of chatter about Webb as a vice-presidential pick for Barack, and today I found that I totally agree with James Fallows' view of this prospect:
Until 7pm November 4, 2008, Webb might well be a very strong addition to the ticket. On November 5, the troubles -- for Webb -- would begin. * * * My belief is that, purely as a matter of electoral math, Webb would help Obama much more than he would hurt. But I know that's a judgment call, with countless ramifications to argue out. The problem is what would happen if he did help Obama win. Having first met Webb nearly thirty years ago -- and having co-written an Atlantic cover story with him, and having broken my rule against giving money to political candidates two years ago when he began his Senate run -- I can't imagine a job he would enjoy less than the vice presidency.
Webb would be miserable as VP, but in the Senate he could mix it up and get it fights every day. And forget Mark Warner while you're at it. Virginia Democrats have lived under Republican domination for too many years. Now we have a chance to have not one but two Democratic senators. Don't spoil it.
Read Fallows' entire post after the jump.
The Caucus has an interesting rebuttal to worries about Obama and working-class voters in the fall:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/26/us/politics/p26caucus.html
I still think it is important, however, that we make a special effort to attract working-class voters for the fall. As we have seen, they want to know specifics about what "change" means, and how it will benefit them and their families. But they may still be skeptical about Barack's ability to deliver, even after all that, partly because of his youth. This is why it will be important to choose a VP who resonates with Appalachian voters. I've heard Mark Warner's name come up several times, as well as Jim Webb. Maybe even Bob Casey of Pennsylvania?
On another note, did you all read the text of Barack's speech before Wesleyan graduates today? I thought it was quite eloquent, and he seemed to be trying to flesh out his message of change a little bit more (the call to service, evoking Freedom Riders, etc.) Here's the text of that speech:
http://thepage.time.com/obamas-commencement-address-at-wesleyan-university/
Yes We Can! Si Se Puede!
Why are some of us losing faith in Barack, panicking and spreading fear among us? What is all this story about Al Gore being needed to come and save us? We have no reason to fear! Barack will win the nomination and he will unite the party for the final victory...
Click through to read the story
http://virginiadem.wordpress.com/2007/12/07/barack-obama-steps-up-to-help-in-virginia-1st-special-election/
