Kelly Price, Debra Cox and Tamia Hill talk to Tracy Tluv on RFLTV about Health Care and their new humanitarian project called "The Queen Project". Please support and see how you can help me continue to get many fellow celebrities involved with their voice that can make a difference. Thank You
Thus far, the campaign events were about the developments leading to the victory of the Democratic candidate in a historic manner.
It is time to conclude the interesting, dramatic, challenging and the most exciting Presidential race with the honorable acknowledgements.
As stated in the earlier blog posts, my contribution to the Obama candidacy privately acknowledged throughout the campaign by President-elect Barack Obama.
President-elect Barack Obama never failed to express gratitude and deep appreciation of the hard work since my involvement in the campaign.
I received the genuine acknowledgment promptly after every primary race and the general election.
Here are the excerpts of some communication held following important moments of the campaign: Prior to the acceptance of Democratic Nomination:
Invitation to join the election night:
From: Barack Obama
To: Padmini Arhant
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 8:22:21 AM
Subject: Will you join me on Election Night?
Join Barack on Election Night Padmini –
I want you to be there with me on Election Night when the results come in.
We’re planning a big event that will include tens of thousands of supporters in Grant Park in downtown Chicago.
We’re saving some of the best seats in the house for 5 people who have given to the campaign before — and who decide to make a donation one last time before Sunday at midnight.
You can bring a guest, and we’ll fly you in and put you up in a hotel for the night. You’ll go backstage at the big event and — no matter what happens — you’ll have a front row seat to history as we celebrate the supporters who got us over the finish line. Any donation counts — whatever you can afford. Show your support at this crucial time with a donation of $250 or more, and you could join me on Election Night:
https://donate.barackobama.com/frontrow
This movement for change has been a testament to the power of ordinary Americans coming together to achieve extraordinary things.
I look forward to having you there on Election Night.
Thank you,
Barack
————————————————–
My response to the invitation:
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 3:40:21 PM PST
Dear Senator Obama,
I am honored and delighted to attend the historic night on November 4, 2008.
I predicted this night in my letter to Amy Goodman of Democracynow.org in mid-January 2008.
Some might say audacious while others, probably presumptuous!
I have absolutely no qualms about your victory on November 4, night.
Hope, you remember that I posted the blog "The Winner" on February 2, 2008 and took lot of heat from the critics during the Primary election.
However, this time I do not wish to spoil the surprise for many feeling nervous about the outcome.
Let me be the first one to congratulate you on your victory as the 44th President of the United States.
My heartfelt Congratulations to you ahead of time!
Best Wishes,
Padmini Arhant
Private and Intended for Addressee only please: ———————————————————
I could not attend the election night for reasons explained in the blog post - Transparency - Broken Promise.
——————————————————-
On the Historic Night, November 4, 2008 - As the results poured in, I received the following email from our President-elect Barack Obama:
Sent: Tuesday, November 4, 2008 8:17:45 PM
Subject: How this happened
Padmini –
I’m about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.
We just made history. And I don’t want you to forget how we did it.
You made history every single day during this campaign — every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it’s time for change.
I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.
We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I’ll be in touch soon about what comes next.
But I want to be very clear about one thing…
All of this happened because of you.
—————————————-
Finally, I am profoundly thankful to President-elect Barack Obama for his kindness, understanding and greatness demonstrated throughout his communication with me.
It is just unfortunate that he could not express his true sentiments in public as stated in earlier blog posts.
It is truly an honor to be part of history.
Thank you.
YES, WE CAN!!I have been such a cynical person. I realized that tonight as Barack Obama-President Obama, was giving his FIRST PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH!!!! What he said tonight made me realize how I need to do more. It is not over. It is just the beginning. I have supported Obama since he announced his candidacy. I heard about him, I read his books; I examined his Senate voting records. I "VETTED" him. And even though I voted for him in the primaries, encouraged (and harassed) my friends to vote for him, tortured my children and husband with the news for close to 2 years, bothered people in Pennsylvania for a few nights, wore an Obama-mama shirt every weekend to my daughter's volleyball games, stuck bumper stickers all over the back of my car, (even after I have said for years people that did that were attention-seeking), fought with my conservative parents multiple times, begged my conservative brother, schemed with my little Democratic sister & aunt (on how to convert them), I donated a what little bit of money I didn't really have to his campaign every month, BUT tonight-I realized that I had totally prepared myself for Obama to lose. I was ready for a fight. I was remembering 2000. I was remembering 2004. I was expecting problems, and I was waiting for something to happen. I was so sure something bad was going to happen. I have to say, I stayed up last night to see the Dixville Notch election. When he won there, when they have not voted for a Democrat since H. Humphreys, I seriously saw that as a sign. When they showed Ohio and Pennsylvania, I felt like maybe was starting to happen. And then something did happen - and it wasn't bad. I slopped some dinner on the table for the kids (4) and then I glued myself to CNN. Somewhere in between the kids tattling on each other, finding the Halloween candy that I JUST hid, taking baths, signing homework, and the 52 minute lecture from my Dad about why we are in the War in Iraq, and that we need a balance of power in Washington, D.C., Barack Obama became President of the United States. Barack Obama won. It happened so fast. When I logged onto CNN live, and I saw Jesse Jackson crying, and I saw the enormity of the crowd at Grant Park, I knew. I ran back to CNN, and un-paused (I love TIVO!!!) CNN, John McCain came out & conceded. And I'm going to pull a Michelle Obama here- "For the first time in (this election), I have been proud of Arizona." John McCain was truly a gracious man, and proved himself to be a servant of his country. His concession speech could not have been better. He truly vindicated himself with that speech. I realized when I saw President Obama come out with his family, it was real. It was really happening. No "recount", no Supreme Court. It was here, and it was real. I can't remember a time in my life, besides the days my children were born, that I have been so moved and so inspired by something. I realized that this election has changed me, and there was no way to hide behind my cynicism anymore. I was so happy for my children, that they would be able to grow up in a country with so much HOPE. But with President Obama's words of hope, and inspiration about what we need to do, to come together, to serve our country, I knew that this movement isn't over. There's more to do. This is just the beginning of CHANGE. Our country spoke tonight, and it spoke LOUD!!!We are all really good at something. I think after tonight, if everyone thinks about it, what they think is especially important to them and their lives, (education, the environment, healthcare, the economy, jobs, the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan) if you dedicate yourself to that cause in the best way that you know how - then our country will be better off, a little bit, everyday. If we keep moving toward our goals, together, and never forget what we did in this election, we can CHANGE THIS COUNTRY. I think tonight is the first night that I have really believed that.
Everything else aside, I feel quite comfortable rejecting the GOP ticket on the basis of two single actions:
1. McCain's hasty and ill-considered selection of Palin, an individual that is obviously not capable of solid national leadership. This decision illustrated that he will make short-sighted grabs for political advantage, even if it potentially harms our nation. His willingness to place Palin in the role of VP demonstrates contempt for our nation.
2. Palin's acceptance of McCain's invitation and subesquent acceptance of the VP nomination demonstrates that she is either ignorant enough to believe she could possibly perform in that role OR that she is a short-sighted politcal maneuverer like McCain. In either case, she is not fit to occupy VP... much less take over as president if McCain should fall ill in his term.
Sure, there's many (far too many) reasons the GOP ticket is a hazard to our nation, but these two are good enough for me.
FACTCHECKING JOHN McCAIN
He made some flubs in accepting the nomination
by Brooks Jackson, with Viveca Novak, Lori Robertson, Joe Miller, & Emi Kolawole
My previous blogs have VANISHED (apparently into thin "web" air)!! Oh well, I am not going to spend anytime crying about that. I am also not going backwards (i.e., trying to repost items lost) because the election is less than 60 days away! That being said, I have few exceptions: highlight speeches of the historical 2008 DNC, Obama's acceptance speech, Fact Checking Gov. Sarah Palin and Republican Pres. Nominee John McCain's RNC Acceptance Speeches. With respect to the highlights of the 2008 DNC, I have compiled a list of my favorite speeches with links to the video. The list is in reverse chronological order. If, for some reason, a link is broken, you can always Google the speech or search for it on YouTube.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
Denver, CO (August 25-28, 2008)
Pres. Nominee Barack Obama’s Acceptance Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZCrIeRkMhA
Sen. Joe Biden’s VP Acceptance Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVH58DeUThg
Beau Biden Introducing his father, Sen. Joe Biden:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFNdA6fxKpo
Sen. John Kerry’s Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO2PAm4iCtE
Fmr. President Bill Clinton’s Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3r6xvwPGcY
Sen. Hillary Clinton’s Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=268ncnoitEc
Congressman Dennis Kucinich “Wake-up America” Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE_eKhUC9rI
Gov. Deval Patrick (D-Mass) Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAwKHriAj5Q
Michelle Obama’s Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTFsB09KhqI
Ted & Caroline Kennedy’s Speech
Ziggy Marley's Beautiful Day is the lead in for a few select minutes from Barack Obama's 2008 speech accepting the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.
http://www.youtube.com/v/Qi4zd3ADgNg
With Profound Gratitude And…
“With profound gratitude and great humility
I accept your nomination for Presidency”
These words started his speech last night
His humble acceptance to take on the fight
Put an end to the degradation of the Economy
Return America to the its pride and stability
Obama is patriotic and if his words be true
For change to happen “this election is about you”
Oratory great and his passion is pure
United States can’t live like the eight years before
No way, no how, not again, not McCain
Democrats wouldn’t allow this economical pain
Gas prices crippling and healthcare too high
Republicans seem clueless about the measures to try
Afghanistan is the hub for terrorist’s activities
Then why are the troops still fighting the Iraqis
It’s our moment in time, there is no turning back
There’s too much to do but first we must elect Barack
Undo the wrongs that the old regime has done
Disengage the troops from a battle that can’t be won
Educate all our kids, there’re our futures for this country
And shift our dependence on oil as our energy
Not with, he said, so much work left to be done
Do we turn back, America, our fight has just begun
Get a copy of over 75 Acrostic Poems on Barack Obama
In the book “Path To The White House”
By Khaidji
Dear Obama Supporters,
Gooood Mooorning! We finally have the democratic VP, and like I said in my past blog post, we need to embrace Barack Obama's choice, knowing that the campaign is well informed on strategies we need to put in place in order to win the elections in November.
Joe Biden represents the steadfast strenght of the Democrtic Party that leads by principles, not by opportunity. He is an embodiement of foreign policy allied to sound experience; judgement in leadership when it comes to the Iraq pull out, the war on terror and diplomacy with foreign leaders.
Joe Biden has been in DC for decades, but have shown a unique personality to stay ordinary while everyone loses their cool. Biden resonates well with the middle class America. The guy rides the train every day back and forth between wilmington DE and washington DC. He remained apart from all other folks who make money in bundling gifts, lobbying gratification transactions, earmarks that build "bridges out of no-where"
Joe Biden and Barack Obama are a combination of the OLD America and its YOUTH, a balanced embrace to Technology and the Traditional, the marriage between the rural America versus the urban one, the renewed relationship between races in America reenforcing the notion and tradition of diversity in the democratic party that will bring CHANGE in mentality, personality and leadesrhip in Washington DC.
A hard worker in US senate committees, and a respected US leader in the world.
Congratulations Obama Camp!
Okay, let’s nominate a Democrat to be our candidate for President of the United States. We have just had a series of caucuses and primaries and LuLu has won 51% of the delegates chosen for our convention. Desert Dan ran a great race, and garnered 49% of the delegates and received almost 18,000,000 votes, about half the votes cast (if you don’t count the caucus states). But as you can tell it has been a very close and hard fought campaign. Congratulations LuLu, you are the presumptive nominee of the democratic party.
Let’s go to the convention and nominate our candidate! Now the fun begins. There are a great number of things that can happen at our convention and they are all detailed in a document called the 2008 Call for the Democratic National Convention. http://www.democratic-convention.org/denver/2008_Call_to_the_Convention.pdf
First Option:
LuLu’s name is placed in nomination. She has a nominating speech made by one of her delegates and her nomination is seconded with another speech. The convention rules state that there will be no demonstrations, but somehow balloons drop from the ceiling, LuLu’s campaign theme song starts playing, and all her delegates pick up LuLu for President signs and dance around the convention hall for a few minutes. They are just so happy that she has been nominated. Even though some of Desert Dan’s delegates are very unhappy, they claim LuLu played the "pretty card", Desert Dan really wants to beat the Republicans and asks his delegates not to place his name in nomination. Besides, he is really having a blast making You Tube videos.
Nominations are closed and the roll call of states begins. Here is the one interesting thing that happens during option 1. Each state is called on by the chair and states it’s delegate count. For example: “The great state of Alaska proudly votes 10 votes for Desert Dan and 15 votes for the next president of the United States, LuLu.” So Desert Dan’s delegates still have the opportunity to vote for him, even though his name wasn’t placed in nomination. LuLu’s home state passes when it is their turn to vote and the roll call continues. When the delegate count gets down to LuLu needing 10 more votes to win the nomination, LuLu’s home state decides they want their turn now and butt back in line. They vote, and put LuLu over the top. More balloons drop from the ceiling, the band starts playing “Happy Days Are Here Again” everybody picks up LuLu for President signs and dance around the convention center singing and yelling and having a good old time. When the chair finally gets control of the convention again, one of the delegates says “Madame Chair, I move that we accept LuLu’s nomination by acclamation” and another delegate says “I second that motion”. The chair says “All those in favor say Aye” and 95% of the delegates shout “Aye”. Then the Chair says “No’s? The Ayes have it” even though 5% of the delegates are shouting “NO!”. Everyone dances and yells and sings some more. Then LuLu makes her acceptance speech. The moment her speech is finished and not before, LuLu is the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nominee.
Second Option:
Everything is much like option 1. The difference is that Desert Dan and his supporters decide they want to officially place his name in nomination. It gives Desert Dan an opportunity to reward a couple of loyal workers in his campaign with the opportunity to make speeches at the Democratic Convention in front of a prime time crowd. And Desert Dan gets to remind everyone just how well he did during the primaries. We have two illegal demonstrations, one for LuLu and one for Desert Dan. Balloons drop, music plays, and people dance. Then the roll call of votes proceeds just like before.
Option Three:
Well, really this is Option One B or Two B. Frank from Chehalis and Meri are pretty unhappy about the Pretty card thing and disillusioned with Desert Dan’s desire to just make You Tube videos, so they and about 300 other delegates decide they want to place Auntie B’s name in nomination. Auntie B sweetened the pot by promising everyone who worked for her nomination fresh cookies every day of the convention so finding 300 delegates was pretty simple. Now Auntie B has never been a candidate for president, she didn’t even enter a Primary, but these 302 delegates sign a petition supporting Auntie B. Now, there can’t be more than 50 delegates from any one state, and they must present a request in writing, along with the petition, the names of the people making the nomination speeches (in this case Frank from Chehalis and Meri), and the written approval of Auntie B to have her name placed in nomination to the Secretary of the Convention at a place designated by the Secretary by 6:00 PM the day before nominations begin. Assuming that Auntie B meets the constitutional requirements to serve as president, she must be 35 years or older and must be a natural born citizen of the U.S. and also meets a few rules of the democrats, for example she must be a loyal and good democrat, Auntie B will be allowed to be a candidate. The Secretary determines the order of the names being placed in nomination. When it is Auntie B’s turn, Frank from Chehalis makes her nominating speech, of course he speaks for much to long and leaves Meri only a short time for her seconding speech. Meri is up for the challenge.
Cookies fresh every day
I say second yeah”
Auntie B is officially a candidate for President of the United States!! The roll call of votes proceeds until someone has a majority of the delegate vote.
You must remember, that while it is customary on the first ballot for delegates to vote for the candidate they were elected to support, it is not required anywhere in the by-laws of the Democratic Party. So either Auntie B or Desert Dan could win the nomination even though LuLu won the majority of delegates. And it is possible that no one wins the nomination on the first ballot. If that happens, there is a second round of voting and now the delegates feel completely free to vote for anyone they want to. And it is when the wheeling and dealing starts. LuLu may go to Desert Dan and say, give me your delegates and I’ll make you my vice president. Desert Dan may go to Auntie B and say the same. The process goes on and on, ballot after ballot, until one candidate wins a majority of the delegates and is declared the nominee of the party. It is possible that on the fifth ballot marytnurse who has not ever been mentioned as a candidate wins the nomination. When the balloting goes beyond the first round it is called a brokered convention. We would like to see this happen to the Republicans. It is so much fun and so damaging to their candidate's chances.
The next day the whole process is repeated for Vice-President. The convention elects the vice-president too, and while they normally accede to the wishes of the presidential nominee, they are not required to. The convention can choose any one.
Frank
It has been talked about for a long time, that supporters of Hillary Clinton will continue their support right on through the convention. I find it ironic that this movement is working contrary to her publicly stated desires. One would think if they believed in her leadership abilities and wisdom, they would defer to her request for unity.
There can be only two possibilities, either Senator Clinton is working in the background against Sen Obama's candidacy or the “The Rush Limbaugh Effect” has reached right into the Democrat Party apparatus.
I wonder if Republicans/Independents have infiltrated the Elect Hillary Clinton Camps in an effort to cause a disruption at the Democrat Convention ?
Who are these HOLD OUT's ?
Can they be traced back to the The Texas primary where about 60,000-80,000 normally Republican voters, possibly as many as 100,000 came out in support of Hillary Clinton ?
I don't mean to focus exclusively on Texas, it's simply a result that is quite apparent.
I believe, if Senator Clinton truly wants Party Unity, she must take steps to prevent a nasty floor fight at the convention. If that means she renounces any calls for her name to be placed in nomination, she must do so. Otherwise, there are those who seek to distract and destroy our convention.
"So if anybody tells you there is no vast, right-wing conspiracy, tell them that New Hampshire has proven it in court," she said.
Even though it may not look like it or feel like it, you are making progress.
Continue working towards progress instead of perfection.
Nothing or no no one is perfect.
Just keep taking steps.
Keep making those phone calls.
Continue following your plan.
Remain focused on your goal.
Do what you have to do right now to get to the next level.
Complete every task.
Keep every promise and commitment.
Don't look back.
Let no one weaken your walk of faith and determination.
Remain teachable.
Place yourself in a blessing position by associating with people on-the-grow.
Talk with teachers.
Walk with winners.
Climb with champions.
Study successful people.
Something great is about to happen for you!
Start giving thanks right now before you can even see the outward manisfestation of your prayers and desires.
Everything you do from this day forward will take you further away or closer to your potential for successful living.
-by Dr. Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker & Author
Rosa Colquitt is opening her home to join with others in celebrating Senator Barack Obama's Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech on Thursday evening, August 28th, 6:30 p.m.
Delight us with your favorite side dish and/or dessert. Rosa will provide the main dish and beverages.
Live on a big screen TV, be "in the moment" at the Democratic National Convention and hear the message that will CHANGE A NATION. Join us to share the historic moment when Presidential Candidate Barack Obama moves one step closer to uniting America.
Please RSVP to confirm our count. You'll be sure to get a front row "luxury viewing box seat" to Invesco Field, without standing in line and avoiding the congestion and traffic. :)
Thanks in advance for sharing this historic evening with Friends of Obama. We Are the Winds of Change and the Movement that Drives this Campaign!
Congressional Senate Candidate, Jeff Merkley is a special guest and will talk one-on-one with picnickers as a key stop in the Tualatin/Tigard community part of his 100 Towns Tour for Change across Oregon. Tigard Representative, Larry Galizio is the key note speaker. Local candidates Jessica Adamson (Sherwood/ Wilsonville) and Jeff Barker (Aloha) will also join in the afternoon festivities.
The event following on the heels of the the Annual Tualatin Crawfish Festival a week prior serves up a fun relaxing afternoon with Obama and Democrat supporters from all over Washington County. Children will enjoy the new playground area with decorative gym climbs, and a scenic viewing area overlooking the beautiful Tualatin River. There will be face painting for kids, Obama Bubbles, and a friendly Pull 4 Obama TugO-War game for children and adults. Bring your Frisbees, play catch and throw the softball around the horn, serve it up on the tennis court, shoot three pointers on the basketball court, or bump it up with volleyball.
The main thrust of this event is to acquire new voter registrations in Washington County with a breakthrough concept modeled after drive through coffee stands... a Drive-Thu Voter Registration that can complete the entire sign up process in minutes with the assistance of capable volunteer registrars. The TigardObamanators, is a collective group of experienced and passionate volunteers with a "progressive" spin to traditional campaigning engaging their community to "connect" with neighbors and increase voter support and new registrations - particularly Latino voters in Washington County. This event paves the way to bolster Barack Obama's swelling support across Oregon and the rest of America in addition to key at stake Democratic positions nationwide.
Drive-Thru Voter Registration will be held from 12pm - 4pm. Picnic-goers can relax in the comfort and beauty of the park, enjoy a tasty smattering of potluck delights while having a close-up and personal conversation with local candidates. Here is what is on tap for the afternoon festivities:
2PM "One-on-One" with Jeff Merkley, US Senate Candidate
4:30PM Larry Galizio, House Rep-Tigard Key note speaker, also Jessica Adamson-Sherwood/Wilsonville and Jeff Barker-Aloha.
"A Progressive Approach to Grassroots Change", Gary Lee Jelinek. TigardObamanators guest speakers: Tommy Thorne, Rosa Colquitt, Joe Santana, Julie Toth and Karl Thatcher.
OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT 08 LAWN SIGNS will be available at the TigardObamanators Booth. Supporters are encouraged to pick up their lawn signs, part of "Blanket Oregon with Obama" campaign. Obama T-shirts and bumper stickers will also be available for sale.The community is invited to join in this special up close and personal event to meet the candidates and have fun with friends and family. Bring the whole family down for a nice relaxing summer picnic and remember to bring your camera to take pictures shaking hands with a cardboard real life replica of Presidential Candidate Barack Obama. This will be the closest you'll ever get to fist-bump with the the Democratic Presidential candidate!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44vrp
To volunteer and help with this event, email BikerBamaMike at: classicisland@yahoo.com, or call 503-522-1259.
