Posts with the tag Delegates

Uansja

Hasnak from Moorpark, CA — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:12:02 EDT

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Happy Peace Day Rebecca L. Nelson

Rebecca L. Nelson — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 09:07:27 EDT

Today, we are waging PEACE! HAPPY PEACE DAY!

Encouraging all to display peace signs!

American Dream Newspaper & Speak Unity National Initiative (Maryland a FREE STATE NOT A
POLICE STATE) & As State Delegate primary Winner Rebecca L. Nelson's teams are honored to join with the American Friends Service Committee's call for Peace supporting our President World-wide.

Let's support and encourage our Presidents call for Peace. amerICAN opportUNITY

Peace signs are available at amerdreamnews@hotmail.com

email Nelson's team and we will reply with a peace sign, an original Peace sign created in 2006 for Nelson with honor, respect, one love and Nelson's name utilized for the election.

Rebecca L. Nelson was listed as a murder witness after a shoot-out involving four shooters took place in her parked truck. The charging documents listed her name, and address were given to all of the shooters in the detention center. A 20 year old father of one rolled off the back of her truck with 3 bullets in his head. One shooter was shot in the leg and went to the hospital. A third shooter went to jail given his charging documents with Rebecca listed as a murder witness.

At anytime the shooter could call the fourth shooter and give out Rebecca's information for a drive by shooting. Misdirected anger killed 15 murder witnesses in Baltimore in 2005. The same year the stop snitching video was released. This murder trial was postponed for 18 months.

Rebecca Publishes American Dream Newspaper, since 1999, and did so with her American Indian maiden name, however; the police listed her legal name with no regard to her safety. In all fairness to the Police that was the policy, they were just following their normal operating procedure

She summitted PEACE SIGNS for her photo & for her logo for the election, while working to correct these policies to protect innocent citizens from being put in harms way. Three years later the police & States Attorneys are now NOT releasing witnesses names untill a State's Attorney is assigned these cases, about a month before the trials.

No longer will other citizens have to move and hide for months and years waiting on justice.

In Baltimore the driveby's and numbers of murders have started to decline, finally.

Now, Nelson is addressing the Peace Orders in the State of Maryland that are not worth the papers they are written on. After moving, Nelson closed down an illegal bail bond business in Baltimore and Harford Counties. A handfull of criminals continued to get out after numerous neighbors had called the police. They were arrested, one criminal had 14 charges in one month. Nelson discovered, exposed them and worked to pull the tax numbers of these Bail bondsman, closing down the operation in Baltimore and Harford Counties.

Collectively, neighbors went to the State to file Peace orders. Nelson and her neighbors worked to seek Peace in a military area where we have alot of single and widowed moms, wives and daughters. Several of these Peace Orders were dropped years later when Senator Stone's Son Judge Norman Stone choose to conspire to do so. Judge Stone had no insight as to the danger Nelson was in or maybe he was just playing musical courts to cover or conspire to protect Judge Finifter who did not know how to count to 10. (Nelson has a US Supreme Court case for this one)

Stone put Nelson in harms way, again. For when the criminals left Stones courtroom, after she explained and shared photographs of when she went to serve the Peace Orders it took 5 different Police Officers to find one who knew how to read them, how to serve them, during which time Nelson was hosed, and beaten. The criminals went to the Commissionors the same day and filed lies against Nelson thanks to Judge Stones ineptness; he could of looked up pages of guilty verdicts of this gang and yet he chose to do nothing but dismiss Peace Orders. No wonder his daddy the Senator,(on my Cousin Del Mikie Weirs ticket) wants to clear the dropped Peace Orders!

The Baltimore Sun reported 8000 Peace Orders were dropped, almost half. Most of our sisters are NOT lying and expected the State to care in Baltimore County to no avail in Stones District Court.

Now, that charges are put on the courts web pages while innocent before being found guilty of anything, my clean record, has been marked by their foolishness. And yet, I refuse to let it steal my Peace.

The judges in Baltimore County District Court continue their witch hunt of our sisters of color.

G.Harold Russell, Judge Fletcher, Sally Chester,Judge Bill Evans of the Orphains Court where Nelsons property is registered costing $4600.in fees, a quiet title, a contract to settle good untill a year later, a Specific Performance Case ruled by Judge Levitz that it could not be dismissed, right of certeria for the US Supreme Court for restitution (in Aero Acrea America's 1st planned Community Bi-Laws states 'white only' Nelson has been working to make them 'race nutural): conspired on Oct. 31st (1st day of Gov. O'malleys 'special' General Assembly) to try Nelson on the lies the criminals forged on State documents.

Judge Russell refused to recuse himself, these motion papers 'disapeared'; however, I have the stamped photographs as proof that a motion had to be summited for them to be stamped!

They shackled Nelson detained for 11 days under a nick name, while they tried to cover up their last conspiracy to invade her home of three years. All evidence had been removed and put in safe keeping before they burnt four generations of Nelson's belongings.

Bill Evans went so far as to threaten me after his sorryness claimed to want to help and never entered his appearance and this is how this State murder witness was treated in Balto. Maryland.

I do want to thank Judge Turnbull for dismissing all the lies after I appealed to Circuit Court, and thank Judge Levitz, also, of the Circuit Court, he ruled that the Specific Performance case will go to court, however; Senator Stone was outside the courtroom when I was assured my case would go to fast trac after I waited 10 months for a date to settle on this property. Still waiting to no avail.

Now, how can I, Nelson lose my Peace while recieving an excellent legal education that some attorneys only dream about -- a case to the highest Court in our land -America's Supreme!

Let's give Peace a chance, Respect, Speak Unity. amerdreamnews@hotmail.com 410 727 3728

Wow! - MY Road to Change...

"My" Christian — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 06:09:08 EST

My hope, prayers and belief in Barack Obama's ability to do a great job running this country caused me to sacrifice many volunteer hours over the last 13 months for his campaign and I was ultimately sent to the battleground state of Ohio where I worked as a Vote Corps Field Organizer. I spent the last 5 consecutive weeks of the presidential campaign in Ohio and helped to turn it into a “Blue State”, literally knocking on thousands of doors and making almost as many phone calls! Unfortunately, there's no way to show that on my Dashboard on this site, but oh well. :-) The experience in Cleveland, OH was probably the hardest, yet most rewarding experience of my lifetime to date, & I’ll probably never be the same!

I titled my bog post "Wow! - MY Road to Change" because of my experiences with this campaign. I am now very inspired to become even more involved in politics and help elect more people who will help to pass laws that are good for our district, our state and our country. I absolutely love what this campaign has done in terms of unity for our country and the world, thus far, and I want to become even more involved because I now realize that, truly, "WE ARE THE CHANGE THAT WE SEEK.” Accordingly, I have applied as a candidate for an Assembly Delegate in my district (AD15). Who knows where that road will lead . . . maybe eventually to me running for President one day! (smile)

So, if you or anyone you know, was a registered democrat in AD15 on or before October 20th, 2008, I solicit your votes on Saturday, January 10th, 10:00am - 12:00noon at the UDC Headquarters, 1501 N. California St., Walnut Creek, CA. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE! Check here to see if you're in AD15: http://192.234.213.69/amapsearch/framepage.asp THANK YOU.

Supporting Obama

Obama One! — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:05:01 EDT

Listening to public radio station KHSU this morning they are discussing Democrats for McCain. I really can't understand why they would be; unless it's just so much anger from their loss of Hillary as a candidate. If we don't jump on the wagon now; we could be faced with 4 more years of the same garbage in our leadership. The time for change is now. We can't afford anymore Republicanism.

South Carolina Brings It Home To Denver

Deborah Simmel — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:45:45 EDT

One could make a good argument that the road to this historic convention started, in earnest, with Senator Obama's outstanding victory in the South Carolina Democratic Primary. As a state, we should be proud to have recognized the unique combination of a candidate possessing an extaordinary vision of leadership and a country's overwhelming hunger for the opportunity to change.

Be sure to follow our local delegation from Lexington County and the 2nd Congressional District, and all their convention news, at www.scdpdashboard. Lexington County is proud to be represented by Kathy Hensley, Wilbur Lee Jeffcoat, Liz Brown, Inez Tenebaum, and Bridget Tripp. Anton Gunn, Deborah Breedlove, and Tieashia Odom complete the 2nd district's contingent of delegates. Columbia's own Anton Gunn is even featured in this week's issue of Time magazine. Check it out at http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1834670,00.html.

Way to go South Carolina! Let's lead the way to the White House!

Surprise surprise

QueenTiye — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:24:58 EDT

Politicos think they can manipulate people in and out of one or another position, and forget that we are not chess pieces - we are people. All the manueverings to bring Hillary's folks on board, after all the divisive campaigning that was done to try to win Hillary the nomination, simply can't work. People are people - and every manuever that acts as though people can just be managed into the right frame of mind - is destined to fail.

[Oklahoma] Dems go to Denver

Mike W — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:20:51 EDT

Dems go to Denver
By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau
Tulsa World
8/24/2008
Last Modified: 8/24/2008 2:37 AM
http://tinyurl.com/5jus8k

Obama set to make history

DENVER — Oklahoma Democrats arrived Saturday for their party's national convention, which is unusually rich in symbolism and ready to make its mark in history.

"It is going to be exciting to be here and see it in person,'' Gov. Brad Henry said of the convention, which officially begins Monday.

One of the convention's so-called superdelegates, Henry stressed the historical significance of Barack Obama becoming the first black candidate to accept a major party's presidential nomination.

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complete copyrighted story at link above

Join us in Making History in SF - 8/28 "I Accept" Convention Watch Party

eric mar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:55:19 EDT

"I Accept": Obama Nomination Speech Watching Party (Convention Watch Party)

http://donate.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4wczf

The event team that brought you the Obama events featuring Kelly Hu in January and Maya Soetoro-Ng in June invites you to another special gathering on Thursday, August 28, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Roe Restaurant, 651 Howard Street, in San Francisco to watch Senator Barack Obama's historic speech as he accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for President of the United States of America. It's been widely noted that Sen. Obama will accept the nomination on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. Let's also not forget that the date is also the eve of the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall on the Gulf Coast. These three milestones together gives us both an opportunity to rejoice and to acknowledge that our country and our communities still have a long way to go in order to achieve a society where equal opportunity is more reality than promise. So as we work together to help Barack Obama become our President, let's join together to support our friends at the local level who creating the Change We Can Believe In. To that end, this fundraiser will also support Eric Mar, a longtime Obama supporter, in his bid for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and Jenn Pae and Brian Wang, two convention delegates pledged to Sen. Obama. Eric will be at the event and Jenn and Brian will call in from Denver shortly before Sen. Obama delivers his speech.

We're asking for a $20 donation. Please RSVP on this event listing or email speech@apaforobama.com.

More info - http://www.ericmar.com
Join our FACEBOOK PAGE -http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eric-Mar/12068760165?ref=ts

Let the Clinton Vote Happen

Carol Dennis — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:22:48 EDT

Ever since Obama reached the magic number to secure the nomination, I have envisioned the floor vote. In the first round, state by state, the proud delegate who is chosen to have their 10 seconds of fame, bellows out what makes their state great and then passionately announces the numbers of votes cast by the delegates sent to Denver by the voters of their state -- "Madam Chair, the great state of Oregon, known for the beautiful Cascade Mountain, the High Desert plains, and the most dramatic coast on this side of the Pacific, casts 21 votes for Hillary Clinton and 44 votes for Barack Obama."

Each state has this opportunity in the first round of votes, to accurately represent how the people of their state voted in this historic election. Then, as once again Obama reaches the magic number, the convention bursts into a frenzie of activity as each state motions to the chair that they would like to change their votes.

As the Chairs respectfully calls again on each state, the energy in the room builds as each makes the historic and unifying announcement. "Madam Chair, the great state of Oregon wishes to change its vote. Oregon now casts all 65 votes for the next President of the United States -- Barack Obama.

As the convention floor becomes a sea of Obama signs, and the chanting of "Obama" grows to its final crescendo as each state delegation backs the convention's choice, the Democratic Party has secured the support it needs to win in November.

This is the way I see it. This is the way we win!

Meet the Delegates on August 8

Nancy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:16:36 EDT

Hi! My name is Nancy and I’m an Obama leader for the Glen Cove/ Oyster Bay area. I am reaching out to all local Obama groups to invite you to a unique happening. As part of our efforts to support an Obama campaign presence on the North Shore, we are holding a fundraiser on August 8. As you may know, Obama’s national campaign will not be financing any of the States that Obama will win handily. Whereas most fundraising price tags are too costly for the average citizen, ours is asking for a $25 cash donation (receipts will be given) and for that, the following Obama Delegates will be there to meet & greet the donors:Honorable Jon Cooper, District Delegate/distinguished L.I. Obama spokespersonMs. Valdar Coryat, member of the DNC Credentials committeeMs. Judith Gallo, District DelegateMs. Shelia Johnson, District DelegateMs. Susannah Mrazek, District DelegateHonorable Vivian Viloria-Fisher, District DelegateMr. James Wu, Pledged PLEO In addition to the above, Assemblyman Chuck Lavine and Graham Long, both DNC candidates will attend, and we anticipate more to come. The information regarding our event is posted on the Obama website, or can be accessed below. Can you pass the word and encourage people to attend this extraordinary event? When they click onto the link below, they will see all information, including directions to my home. Meet the Delegates! August 8, 2008 in Glen Cove, 6 pm – 8 pm A unique opportunity to meet and speak with Long Island’s Obama delegates, DNC committee members, candidates running for re-election and other political figures going to the convention in Denver – as of 7/28, we have 10 honored Delegates and guests attending. This is a fundraising event to support an Obama campaign office on the North Shore and stock it with Obama lawn signs, buttons, etc. We are requesting a minimum donation of $25 per person (cash receipts will be given). After a brief introduction of our distinguished guests, we will hold a Q & A forum, making this a fun, interactive event. Bring lawn chairs, as this event will be held outside. We will provide light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.Sign up to attend: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44j2gThanks for your help. Nancy LeoCo-Leader, Glen Cove/Oyster Bay for Obama

Indigenous Delegates Convene in Western Shoshone territory (Nevada),

Kjumpingelk — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:32:56 EDT

The Western Shoshone Defense Project (WSDP) will be hosting the 15th Protecting Mother Earth Conference at the Western Shoshone Community of South Fork Indian Pow-wow Grounds in Lee Nevada from Thursday, July 17th to Sunday, July 20th. The conference events will begin at 9am daily and end in the evening with cultural activities.

The Conference is sponsored by the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) and based on the theme of “Answering Mother Earth’s Call for Healing: Reaffirming Our Roots”. Talks will include Traditional L.A.W.S. (Land, Air, Water, Sun); Energy, Global Warming, and Climate Change; Rescinding the Doctrine of Discovery; and Youth and Elders.

Discussions will include strategies and solutions posed by modern day industrialization and extractive industries, including in particular mining and energy and climate policy. According to conference planners, society is at a crossroads, the world is out of balance, faced with unethical corporations that impact not only Indigenous Peoples, but all people worldwide.

“We welcome all our relatives from around the world and locally to this gathering of indigenous peoples. All the issues that concern the environment of the world will be looked at from the indigenous perspective.” Stated Larson Bill of the WSDP and co-coordinator of the 15th Protecting Mother Earth Conference.

Attendance is anticipated to reach over 1,000 with participants expected from across the United States, as well as countries around the world including Bolivia, Peru, Finland, Canada, Nigeria, and Mexico. Media is welcome to attend, please contact us for media protocols.

Contacts; IEN Tom Goldtooth 218.556.1796

WSDP Julie Ann Fishel or Larson Bill 775.744.2565

Western Shoshone Defense Project’s (WSDP) mission is to affirm Newe (Western Shoshone) jurisdiction over Newe Sogobia (Western Shoshone homelands) by protecting, preserving, and restoring Newe rights and lands for present and future generations based on cultural and spiritual traditions. http://www.wsdp.org

Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) is an alliance of indigenous peoples throughout North America and internationally working on environmental and economic justice and for the building of sustainable communities.

Follow Twitters about the SD Democratic Convention

Todd Epp — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:57:51 EDT

This will include coverage of the selection of seven additional delegates from South Dakota to the national convention in Denver.

Go to SD Watch at: http://tinyurl.com/634rkw

Michigan Delegates to the DNC Convention

Phil Reid — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:18:53 EDT

The list of Michigan delegates attending the Democratic National Convention, according to the Michigan Democratic Party.

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FOR HILLARY CLINTON:

District delegates:

-Tom Baldini, District 1
-Bonnie Lauria, District 1
-Susan Tollefson, District 1
-John DeWolf, District 2
-Donald Oetman, District 2
-Marcia Hovey-Wright, District 2
-Michael Hodge, District 3
-Lupe Ramos-Montigny, District 3
-Maggie Simmons, District 3
-Robert Donoghue, District 4
-Duane Zuckschwerdt, District 4
-Diana Ketola, District 4
-Ronald Duncan, District 5
-Michael Behm, District 5
-Rosa Holliday, District 5
-Vicki Price, District 5
-Marcus Robinson, District 6
-Mamie Yarbrough, District 6
-Nancy Crowell, District 6
-Glenn Freeman, District 7
-Kent Brown, District 7
-Joan Bowman, District 7
-Virg Bernero, District 8
-Phillip Reid, District 8
-Chong-Anna Canfora, District 8
-Anna Strong, District 8
-James Blanchard, District 9
-John Hamilton, District 9
-Zina Kramer, District 9
-Henry Ynaz, District 10
-Elizabeth Sierawski, District 10
-Nancy Falcone Sullivan, District 10
-Brandon Hynes, District 11
-David Curson, District 11
-Carol Larkin, District 11
-David Hecker, District 12
-Doug Skrzyniarz, District 12
-Lisa Canada, District 12
-Jesse Long-Bey, District 13
-Eula Murray, District 13
-Jewel Ware, District 13
-Al Garrett, District 14
-Betty Smith, District 14
-Saundra Williams, District 14
-James Pedersen, District 15
-Ronnie Peterson, District 15
-Patricia Scribner, District 15
---
At-large delegates:
-Jill Alper
-Kelly Bernero
-Janet Blanchard
-Carolyn Clark
-Rhonda Hennessey
-Abena Hogan
-Cathy McAtee
-Deborah McNeil
-Dan Mulhern
-Linda Myers
-Elva Revilla
-Barbara Rom
-Iris Salters
-Jack Wurm
---
Party leader and elected official delegates:
-Joan Robinson Cheeks
-David Coulter
-Danny Craig
-Lee Gonzales
-Cheryl Hadsall
-Gilda Jacobs
-Faylene Owen
-Leonard Page
---

FOR BARACK OBAMA:
District delegates:
-Miles Baker, District 1
-Abby Dart, District 1
-Joe Zainea, District 2
-Rillastine Wilkens, District 2
-Armand Robinson, District 3
-Alice Corey, District 3
-Bob Ciaffone, District 4
-Mary Bacon, District 4
-Floyd Clack, District 5
-Geraldean Hall, District 5
-Mark Miller, District 6
-Marletta Seats, District 6
-Leonard Smigielski, District 7
-Fran Sibly, District 7
-Griffin Rivers, District 8
-Irene McDonnell Cahill, District 8
-Aldo Vagnozzi, District 9
-Cathy Martin, District 9
-Doris Powers Toney, District 9
-Ken Pachette, District 10
-Rose Marie Fessler, District 10
-Michael Siegrist, District 11
-Marian Novak, District 11
-Rory Gamble, District 12
-Jennifer Miller, District 12
-Nancy Quarles, District 12
-Tim Kileen, District 13
-John Henry Davis, District 13
-Cecelia Walker, District 13
-Dan Geb, District 14
-Frank Woods, District 14
-Martha Scott, District 14
-Liz Jackson, District 14
-Derrick Jackson, District 15
-Lynne Schwartz, District 15
-Christina Montague, District 15
---
At-large delegates:
-Dennis Archer
-Edna Bell
-Fay Beydoun
-Rick Blocker
-David Bonior
-Michelle DeBeaussaert
-Ron Gettelfinger
-Sigrid Grace
-Mel Grieshaber
-Gloria McDonald
-Benny Napoleon
-Joe Peters
-Liz Thomas
-Sarah Gonzales Triplett
---
Party leader and elected official delegates:
-Andy Dillon
-Barry Goodman
-Tupac Hunter
-Sally Shaheen Joseph
-Sue Levy
-Nancy Melke
-Kevin Moore
-Taleb Salhab
-Buzz Thomas

BUILD THE OBAMA WAVE WORLDWIDE with "I Wanna Be Obama" HOT MUSIC VIDEO

Manish Jagdishchandra Shah — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:44:11 EDT

ME THE OBAMA, YOU THE OBAMA, WHOLE WORLD OBAMA.......!

Watch the video on youtube - here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leu7GBt-8hs

DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC on iTUNES

http://www.songcastmusic.com/profiles/mypoojan

A very catchy song, which will make the whole America rock. The beauty of the song is that it brings the fulfillment of every American to become Obama..............Obama's winning is also Clinton's winning...! America's winning and the World's winning...!

Make this music video reach every corner of America and the world across by forwarding this youtube video. WE WANT A BETTER WORLD..!

Please check out the song album link as below, (you need to have iTunes software downloaded on your computer. Its free on http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ site)

please forward it to as many people as possible and ask your friends also to forward. With your and your friends little support we can built the wave of "Obama...! I wanna be Obama..!

Thank you,
Warm Regards,
Manish Shah
mony_shah@hotmail.com

Political Proverb [from 31 May 2008]

Amanda — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:45:34 EDT

Okay, so here's a hypothetical situation....

let's say that I'm a teenager and I'm talking to my parents....

"Dad, I wanna go out tonight. And I'm staying out til 2am."

"Well, daugher of mine, if you do that, you'll be grounded for a week and I won't give you your allowance for the next two weeks."

"No, Dad, I want my allowance and I want to stay out until 2."

"I've told you what's going to happen, dear child of mine...Don't expect me to honor your wishes if you don't honor mine..."

"Have a good night, Dad, I'm off and won't be home til 2am."

So, would you feel that Dad had control/authority of his child, if after the daughter stayed out til two, he DID give her her allowance and didn't ground her? NO! You'd have *no* respect for the Dad, or his "authority" with his child.

Okay, so how is this above situation any different than the Florida and Michigan delegates demanding their votes count??? They disobeyed the rules and were told what was going to happen if they moved the date of their primaries up. They did it anyways. Disobediance requires a pennance. And for Florida and Michigan, that means your votes don't count....

Some Floridians are cranking that they've been "jerked around too much" what with the "hanging chads" and Bush/Gore debacle....Let's face it, that's a basic survival of the fittest outcome...If you're smart enough to vote, then it will count; if you can't figure out where to punch out a chad--and aren't smart enough to ASK for help like you're ALLOWED TO---then you're vote is invalid...too bad, so sad...

Luckily, Bush had no way of putting the kibbash on this judicial outcome and the law prevailed. The kid disobeyed the parent/law and they were punished.

Agree? Disagree?
Tell me about it...

[end blog]
maven

Florida court throws out DNC suit

Posted: 10:45 AM ETA Florida court threw out a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the Democratic Party's decision not to seat delegates from Florida.(CNN) -- A Florida court threw out a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the Democratic Party's decision not to seat delegates from Florida -- as litigants prepared to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.Political consultant Victor DiMaio and his lawyer Michael Steinberg had compared the party's decision to earlier prohibitions against allowing African-Americans to vote and invoked the trauma of the Florida recount in the 2000 contest between Al Gore and George W. Bush, both arguments also used by Hillary Clinton to support the seating of the state's delegates."This is nuts. This is not right. How can they remove Florida after all the things that Florida has suffered through- hanging chads, through Bush v Gore, and they're sticking it to us again," DiMaio said before the hearing.

Democratic Party chairman Howard Dean says the situations are not comparable.

"You cannot violate the rules of the process and then expect to get forgiven for it," he said.

Judge Richard Lazarra sided with the party, saying political parties have the right to make their own rules.

DiMaio's is the second Florida lawsuit protesting the Democratic Party's decision to be thrown out of court. An earlier one filed by Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Alcee Hastings, both Florida Democrats, was also dismissed.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/28/florida-court-throws-out-dnc-suit/

Replacing elected delegates would be a betrayal of our support for Senator Obama

Rob Field — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:34:35 EDT

On Saturday, Allan Katz of Obama for America insisted on the campaign's right to replace Florida's elected Obama delegates at the convention. The Obama delegates in Florida are committed activists who have made personal, professional, and financial sacrifices over the last seventeen months to support Senator Obama, and then they were elected by the voters in their Congressional Districts. Replacing them with some latecomers who happen to have more money would be a betrayal of us long-time supporters of the Senator, and a betrayal of everything we thought the Senator stood for.

I urge Senator Obama not to allow his campaign staffers to replace elected Obama delegates, and to state so publicly. I urge him to do so today. It would be the gravest possible mistake to so egregiously
abandon his loyal supporters at such a critical point in a swing state.

Thrills and Chills

Imani "Hussein" — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:31:03 EDT

I was so incredibly happy on the night of June 3rd. Obama really won. I mean it was unreal. I am happy for America. This was a HUGE step! I was cheering as I watched him give his victory speech. The main reason it was so amazing for me is because my mom had been convinced, and got me convinced, that this was going to end up as a choice of the superdelegates. So when I realized he was going to win, that was a complete shock and I was overjoyed. Too bad Hillary didn't join in the celebration. If she chooses to endorse McCain, that's gonna be crazy. She is making herself look ugly and unappealing. But enough about her. She grabbed at Obama's spotlight. The night was about him and us. We the people are closer to the dream that the pioneers had for America and the freed slaves invsioned for their childrens future. We are closer to what immigrants continue to come here for. Its not within Obama's reach, but perhaps the person who will evtually stand on his shoulders will be able to grasp it.

Thrills and Chills

Imani "Hussein" — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:28:55 EDT

I was so incredibly happy on the night of June 3rd. Obama really won. I mean it was unreal. I am happy for America. This was a HUGE step! I was cheering as I watched him give his victory speech. The main reason it was so amazing for me is because my mom had been convinced, and got me convinced, that this was going to end up as a choice of the superdelegates. So when I realized he was going to win, that was a complete shock and I was overjoyed. Too bad Hillary didn't join in the celebration. If she chooses to endorse McCain, that's gonna be crazy. She is making herself look ugly and unappealing. But enough about her. She grabbed at Obama's spotlight. The night was about him and us. We the people are closer to the dream that the pioneers had for America and the freed slaves invsioned for their childrens future. We are closer to what immigrants continue to come here for. Its not within Obama's reach, but perhaps the person who will evtually stand on his shoulders will be able to grasp it.

Clinton Ceded The Race to Obama Last February

Cindy in Salt Lake — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:11:56 EDT

It's the end of the primary election and only 127 pledged delegates separate the two candidates. Had Clinton planned for the contests after Super Tuesday, she might have been the Democratic nominee. Looking at the 11 contests that followed Super Tuesday, Obama won 288.5 pledged delegates and Clinton won 165.5 pledged delegates - a difference of 123.

Contrary to what some have been saying, Obama did not get ahead simply by winning caucuses. Five of the contests below were primaries.

I also personally believe that Obama's organization, stable staff, phenomenal fundraising and positive campaign are what put him over the top with the superdelegates.

Data taken from RealClearPolitics.

*Percentages taken from CNN Election Center 2008. RealClearPolitics does not provide these percentages since these states have not released popular vote totals.

Congratulations, Nominee Obama!

Libby - San Francisco — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:24:45 EDT

Obama has won the nomination fair and square, graciously and humbly. It's time for the party leaders to surround our nominee vocally and often so that there will be no room for Hillary to continue her fight. To do otherwise will not help the party move towards Denver and beyond in a positive way. It is up to them to finally call her on her divisive, bitter, self serving behavior. Did her non-concession speech tonight do anything to make us think she is ready to put away her toys and play nice?

So, I have faith that the love and support that has surrounded the Obama campaign from the beginning will deflect any harm the Clinton's denial could cause.

For the past five months, millions of Obama supporters and volunteers have looked towards the future. If we take our eye off the prize now while we make sure poor Hillary gets a nice concession prize, then we are the ones in denial.

Let's focus all our passion towards the campaign with McCain and not let "Hillary guilt" keep us from bringing out our best for Obama. He is our candidate and he deserves nothing less than our continued love and support.

Obama: Democratic Nominee Article

Natsuki the Neko: GO OBAMA-BIDEN GO! ^_^ — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:02:53 EDT

By TOM RAUM and NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writers

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois sealed the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday, a historic step toward his once-improbable goal of becoming the nation's first black president. A vanquished Hillary Rodham Clinton maneuvered for the vice presidential spot on his fall ticket.

Obama's victory set up a five-month campaign with Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, a race between a 46-year-old opponent of the Iraq War and a 71-year-old former Vietnam prisoner of war and staunch supporter of the current U.S. military mission.

Both men promptly exchanged criticism over the war in Iraq and sought to claim the mantle of change in a country plainly tired of the status quo.

"It's not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush 95 percent of the time, as he did in the Senate last year," Obama said in remarks prepared for delivery in St. Paul, Minn.

"It's not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs. ... And it's not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave young men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians." In a symbolic move, he spoke in the same hall where McCain will accept the Republican nomination at his party's convention in September.

McCain spoke first, in New Orleans, and he accused his younger rival of voting "to deny funds to the soldiers who have done a brilliant and brave job" in Iraq. It was a reference to 2007 legislation to pay for the Iraq war, a measure Obama opposed citing the lack of a timetable for withdrawing troops.

McCain agreed with Obama that the presidential race would focus on change. "But the choice is between the right change and the wrong change, between going forward and going backward," he added.

One campaign began as another was ending.

On the final night of the primary season, Clinton won South Dakota, leaving Montana yet to be settled.

The former first lady praised her rival, whom she said "has inspired so many Americans to care about politics and empowered so many more to get involved. And our party and our democracy is stronger and more vibrant as a result."

"I am committed to uniting our party so we move forward stronger and more ready than ever to take back the White House in November," she said in a final-night rally in New York.

Only 31 delegates were at stake, the final few among the thousands that once drew Obama, Clinton and six other Democratic candidates into the campaign to replace Bush and become the nation's 44th president.

Obama sealed his nomination, according to The Associated Press tally, based on primary elections, state Democratic caucuses and delegates' public declarations as well as support from 19 delegates and "superdelegates" who privately confirmed their intentions t/o the AP. It takes 2,118 delegates to clinch the nomination at the convention in Denver this summer, and Obama had 2,129 by the AP count.

Obama, a first-term senator who was virtually unknown on the national stage four years ago, defeated Clinton, the former first lady and one-time campaign front-runner, in a 17-month marathon for the Democratic nomination.

His victory had been widely assumed for weeks. But Clinton's declaration of interest in becoming his ticketmate was wholly unexpected.

She expressed it in a conference call with her state's congressional delegation after Rep. Nydia Velazquez, predicted Obama would have great difficulty winning the support of Hispanics and other voting blocs unless the former first lady was on the ticket.

"I am open to it" if it would help the party's prospects in November, Clinton replied, according to participants who spoke on condition of anonymity because the call was private.

Clinton's comments raised anew the prospect of what many Democrats have called a "Dream Ticket" that would put a black man and a woman on the same ballot, but Obama's aides were noncommittal. "We're not in the presidential phase here. We're going to close out the nominating fight and then we'll consider that," David Axelrod, Obama's top strategist, told reporters aboard the candidate's plane en route to Minnesota.

McCain's criticism of Obama referred to a vote last year in which the Illinois senator came out against legislation paying for the Iraq war because it did not include a timetable for withdrawing troops. At the time, Obama said the funding would give President Bush "a blank check to continue down this same, disastrous path."

Obama previously had opposed a deadline for troop withdrawal, but shifted position under pressure from the Democratic Party's liberal wing as he maneuvered for support in advance of the primaries.

Bill Burton, a spokesman for Obama, responded tartly. "While John McCain has a record of occasional independence from his party in the past, last year he chose to embrace 95% of George Bush's agenda, including his failed economic policies and his failed policy in Iraq. No matter how hard he tries to spin it otherwise, that kind of record is simply not the change the American people are looking for or deserve."

The young Illinois senator's success amounted to a victory of hope over experience, earned across an enervating 56 primaries and caucuses that tested the political skills and human endurance of all involved.

Obama stood for hope, and change. Clinton was the candidate of experience, ready, she said, to serve in the Oval Office from Day One.

Together, they drew record turnouts in primary after primary — more than 34 million voters in all, independents and Republicans as well as Democrats.

Yet the race between a black man and a woman exposed deep racial and gender divisions within the party.

Obama drew strength from blacks, and from the younger, more liberal and wealthier voters in many states. Clinton was preferred by older, more downscale voters, and women, of course.

Obama's triumph was fashioned on prodigious fundraising, meticulous organizing and his theme of change aimed at an electorate opposed to the Iraq war and worried about the economy — all harnessed to his own gifts as an inspirational speaker.

With her husband's two White House terms as a backdrop, Clinton campaigned for months as the candidate of experience, a former first lady and second-term senator ready to be commander in chief.

But after a year on the campaign trail, Obama won the kickoff Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3, and the freshman senator became a political phenomenon.

"We came together as Democrats, as Republicans and independents, to stand up and say we are one nation, we are one people and our time for change has come," he said that night of victory in Des Moines.

As the strongest female presidential candidate in history, Clinton drew large, enthusiastic audiences. Yet Obama's were bigger. One audience, in Dallas, famously cheered when he blew his nose on stage; a crowd of 75,000 turned out in Portland, Ore., the weekend before the state's May 20 primary.

The former first lady countered Obama's Iowa victory with an upset five days later in New Hampshire that set the stage for a campaign marathon as competitive as any in the past generation.

"Over the last week I listened to you, and in the process I found my own voice," she told supporters who had saved her candidacy from an early demise.

In defeat, Obama's aides concluded they had committed a cardinal sin of New Hampshire politics, forsaking small, intimate events in favor of speeches to large audiences inviting them to ratify Iowa's choice.

It was not a mistake they made again — which helped explain Obama's later outings to bowling alleys, backyard basketball courts and American Legion halls in the heartland.

Clinton conceded nothing, memorably knocking back a shot of Crown Royal whiskey at a bar in Indiana, recalling that her grandfather had taught her to use a shotgun, and driving in a pickup to a gas station in South Bend, Ind., to emphasize her support for a summertime suspension of the federal gasoline tax.

As other rivals fell away in winter, Obama and Clinton traded victories on Super Tuesday, the Feb. 5 series of primaries and caucuses across 21 states and American Samoa that once seemed likely to settle the nomination.

But Clinton had a problem that Obama exploited, and he scored a coup she could not answer.

Pressed for cash, the former first lady ran noncompetitive campaigns in several Super Tuesday caucus states, allowing her rival to run up his delegate totals.

At the same time, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., endorsed the young senator in terms that summoned memories of his slain brothers while seeking to turn the page on the Clinton era.

Merely by surviving Super Tuesday, Obama exceeded expectations. But he did more than survive, emerging with a lead in delegates that he never relinquished, and he proceeded to run off a string of 11 straight victories.

Clinton saved her candidacy once more with primary victories in Ohio and Texas on March 4, beginning a stretch in which she won in six of the next nine states on the calendar, as well as in Puerto Rico.

It was a strong run, providing glimpses of what might have been for the one-time front-runner.

Personality issues rose and receded through the campaign:

Clinton's husband, the former president, campaigned tirelessly for her but sometimes became an issue himself, to her detriment.

And Obama struggled to minimize the damage caused by the incendiary rhetoric of his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, an issue likely to be raised anew by Republicans in the fall campaign.

___

Senator Barack Obama Wins Democratic Nomination!!!

Natsuki the Neko: GO OBAMA-BIDEN GO! ^_^ — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:57:02 EDT

Check out this video as CNN and MSNBC project Barack Obama as the winner of the democratic nomination!!! OBAMA 08!!! YES WE CAN!!!--not only that, but YES WE DID!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf4Pywy7iQg

10 More To Go-Get Thee To An Obama Party!!!

Denise from Medford — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:14:35 EDT

Okay, Ya'll! We are almost there-10 more delegates to go!!! Try to be with fellow supporters as we watch this moment arrive!!! I'm on my way to The Red Lion in Medford-Join us!!! If you can't, we will be thinking of you and toasting all our efforts to get here!!! Celebrate!!! LOL to all ya'll!!! Denise from Medford

The Magic Number

MAJ — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:57:41 EDT

It’s 6:53 pm Eastern time and I am waiting with baited breath for Senator Obama to become the first African-American presidential nominee of any party in this nation’s history. Right now he is ten delegates away from reaching the magic number, 2118. This is an exciting time for politicos, news junkies and the media but it’s a most exciting time for America. Senator Obama has overcome, some setbacks that are well documented but it is my belief that it is our ancestors who fought for the freedoms rights and privileges that we now enjoy (but are threatened daily), it is his supporters who made the calls, gave the dollars walked the streets and drove their own vehicles down here on the ground and it our Creator who kept Obama above the fray, but feet on the ground in reach of the people that brought him to this moment. I take great pride, joy and enthusiasm in being a participant in the process. I thank Obama and his greatest supporter his wife, for making the political process inclusive again. I’m looking forward to a new day beginning with his inauguration in January 2009 when we are all able to come to the table and do the challenging but positive work to rebuild America and its people.

Historic Proportions.

Chris Comninel — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:27:49 EDT

Hello all,

Tonight will be a night of historic proportions when Barack Obam hits the number (2118) to become the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. As of now (6:35 EST), he is only 10 delegates from clinching the nomination, and it is almost a lock that will gain the requisite number of delegates, super and pledged.

Hillary Clinton has fought a very hard and tough campaign, whether we like it or not, and she may still be claiming some type of "victory", probably symbolic, as Obama passes such a threshold. As she speaks, we must accept her attempt to be proud and prideful of her campaign. This is a time for UNITY, we can't be spewing blogs of hate and anger, because it will simply continue to splinter our party.

Let's all take time and reflect our own unique part in this campaign, as well as what this campaign has stood for since day one. Whether you were original Obama supporter (awesome foresight), or joined the campaign when your candidate dropped out (like me-Jan. 30, woo!), or took your initial role in this movement when you casted your ballot for Obama, all of you have contributed a great deal to this grassroots movement we're calling a campaign. Congratulations, I am very proud and all of you should be too. This is a moment to cherish and hold on to for the rest of your life. YES WE CAN!!

Thank you all for everything!!

Is Anybody Else Watching The Delegate Countdown?!?!

Denise from Medford — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:39:53 EDT

WOW!!! I've been watching this all day! This is great!!! I'm taking all this energy and making phonebank calls while watching the numbers roll by-please do the same!! Let's try to make the most of this last chance on the last day of the primaries!! LOL, OBAMA '08!!! Denise

Bill & Hillary Should be the 2117 & 2118 Super Delegates!

JAB - CO Precinct 119 Capt — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:24:25 EDT

Bill and Hillary Clinton should be the 2117 & 2118th Super Delegates for Obama!

If Bill and Hillary were the 2117th & 2118th Super Delegate for Obama it would give Hillary the most incredible and graceful exit possible from the campaign and would unify the party like no other action possible!

It would also go a long way to position to get anything she wanted from the party!

While this may seem unlikely, at the rate we are going today it just may be possible.

Brian H. in Castle Rock, CO

Bill & Hillary Should be the 2117 & 2118 Super Delegates!

JAB - CO Precinct 119 Capt — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:05:56 EDT

Bill and Hillary Clinton should be the 2117 & 2118th Super Delegates for Obama!

It would also go a long way to position to get anything she wanted from the party!

While this may seem unlikely, at the rate we are going today it just may be possible.

Brian H. in Castle Rock, CO

Watch the Super Delegate's Announce!

Greg from Visalia, CA — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:57:24 EDT

Head on over to DemConWatch to see the list of Super Delegates who have endorsed so far today. As of 11am PST, we have 9 SD's! 32.5 delegates to go!

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/

In addition to the real time endorsement list, DemConWatch has great analysis and tracking of the remaining super delegates and possible scenarios for the next couple of days.

MI & FL

David McDonell — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:58:52 EDT

Obama is making a really BIG mistake by not FULLY counting MI and FL REGULAR DELEGATES. Tell Obama it is the SUPER DELEGATES responsible that should not be seated! DO NOT PUNISH VOTERS THAT ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MOVING THE PRIMARIES! AGAIN DO NOT PUNISH THE INNOCENT MI AND FL VOTERS WHO DID NOT DO NOTHING WRONG, UNLESS YOU THINK VOTING DEMOCRATIC IS WRONG? AND WHEN IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO COPY THE REPUBLICANS? THEY LIKE TO PUNISH INNOCENT PEOPLE! AGAIN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY SHOULD NOT PUNISH INNOCENT VOTERS! AGAIN NEVER PUNISH INNOCENT PEOPLE! AGAIN NO ONE SHOULD EVER PUNISH INNOCENT PEOPLE! AGAIN NO RULE SHOULD PUNISH INNOCENT PEOPLE! AGAIN PUNISHING THE INNOCENT IS A VERY VERY VERY VERY BAD IDEA!!!!!!! How many more ways do I need to say DO NOT PUNISH THE INNOCENT! - PUNISH THE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE!! Keep on working to protect the innocent wherever they are!! After all that should be the job of good government! Tell obama to pledge to protect the innocent and punish only people responsible of wrongdoing! That is what good government should be about! EVERYONE NEEDS TO FIGHT FOR THIS CENTRAL IDEA AT DENVER!!! PROTECT THE INNOCENT AND PUNISH THE GUILTY! Vote Obama!

"C-DAY" Today: Culmination of a LONG, LONG HAUL

1 "Bitter" Yvonne "Hussein" Raphael from California, a "Typical" American — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:36:05 EDT

To say that the reaction of HRC being channeled through Harold Ickes at the May 31 Rules meeting was mind-boggling to me is an understatement. He looked like a two-year old who had been told that he can't have ice cream for breakfast. The problem is that he's not two. Mrs. C's image in the eyes of the remaining uncommited superdelegates, IMHO, was not helped by that display of pique. Hillary Clinton is pitching a fit about FOUR Michigan delegates being, as Harold put it, "taken" from her and "given" to Senator Obama!!!! OH PLEASE!

That said, I am seriously praying for a massive turnout and voter support today of Barack in South Dakota (which last year tried unsucessfully to pass a law to oppose Roe v. Wade), and I am confident of a fantastic victory in Montana. GO South D.!!! You GO MONTANA!!! MUCH LOVE TO ALL OF YA!!!

FAT LADY SINGS

Not-a-Sheep : ENOUGH is ENOUGH! — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:36:23 EDT

Courtesy of Foster & Lloyd

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aG6w72Q-dUE

45 To Go! New Math Update

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:09:51 EDT

Jerome Wiley Segovia, a superdelegate from Virginia and DNC member, endorsed Obama for President today.

Segovia noted that he shares the "valuable international experience" of spending part of his early years overseas. Segovia also pointed out that Obama had shattered all previous campaign fundraising records, and supports alternative sources of energy to help the energy crisis.

45 Number of delegates needed to secure the nomination

Carole

New Math: Current Delegate Count

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:06:53 EDT

For the latest full count of how the Obama campaign is counting the delegates,

go to:

www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com

Carole

Democratic Rules Committee Settles Delegate Count for FL, MI

Jill 4 Obama — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 07:45:11 EDT

Democrats Settle Obama, Clinton Dispute on Delegates

By Brian Faler and Edwin Chen

May 31 (Bloomberg) -- The Democratic Party reached a compromise over how to count disputed delegates in Florida and Michigan, in a bid to resolve a months-long quarrel that has helped prolong the presidential-nomination race.

A party committee voted to seat delegations from the two states at the August nominating convention, though with only a half-vote for each delegate. The deal, reached after a sometimes raucous daylong meeting, gives Hillary Clinton a net gain of 24 delegates, a margin that's unlikely to stall Barack Obama's momentum toward getting the nomination.

While Clinton's backers say they were satisfied with the Florida accord, they raised the prospect of a floor fight at the convention over the way the Michigan dispute was resolved, saying Obama had been awarded too many delegates.

Harold Ickes, a Clinton adviser, said he ``strongly'' objects to the Michigan plan, saying it would cost her four delegates. He said Clinton reserved the right to appeal the decision to another committee, a warning that was met with both cheers and catcalls from activists at the meeting.

``Hijacking four delegates, notwithstanding the flawed aspect of this, is not a good way to start down the path of party unity,'' Ickes told the panel in Washington.

Punished for Violation

The Michigan resolution was closer to the Obama campaign's demand that the delegates be evenly split between the two candidates. Clinton won both of the disputed primaries.

The party's rules and bylaws committee voted 27-0 to seat Florida's delegation and give Clinton 52.5 delegates; Obama would get 33.5. The panel voted 19-8 to similarly seat the Michigan delegation, giving Clinton 34.5 delegate votes and Obama 29.5. Superdelegates -- the lawmakers and party officials who get an automatic vote at the convention and who are likely to decide the nomination -- will also get only half votes.

Both states were punished for violating party rules and moving up the dates of their primaries.

Obama, 46, applauded today's solution.

He said Clinton, 60, would gain a ``substantial'' number of delegates and that ``many members of the Florida and Michigan delegations feel satisfied that the decision was fair.'' He won't try to dissuade the Clinton campaign from contesting the party's decision, he told reporters in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he's campaigning. ``I trust they will do the right thing'' and ``will be motivated by an interest in bringing the party together.''

Rally Party

Democrats are counting on the compromise -- which came after several hours of private deliberations among panel members -- to help the party rally around a single candidate and avoid alienating voters in the two crucial states.

Either way, the accord solidifies Obama's lead in the delegate race. With the addition of the Michigan and Florida contingents, 2,118 delegates are needed to secure the nomination. Before today, Obama had 1,984.5 delegates and Clinton 1,784.5, according to a tally of pledged delegates and campaign lists of superdelegate endorsements.

Today's decision gives the Illinois senator an additional 33.5 votes in Florida and 29.5 in Michigan, giving him a total of 2047.5. Clinton, a New York senator, picked up 52.5 delegates in Florida and 34.5 in Michigan, bringing her total to 1,871.5.

Half-votes for each of the states' pledged superdelegates add at least 7.5 votes to Clinton's total and three to Obama's, bringing Obama within 67.5 delegates of securing the nomination. Only 86 pledged delegates remain to be awarded, with 55 at stake in tomorrow's Puerto Rico primary and another 31 total in the June 3 Montana and South Dakota primaries.

Democratic Rules Committee Settles Delegate Count for FL, MI

Jill 4 Obama — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 07:20:58 EDT

Democrats Settle Obama, Clinton Dispute on Delegates

By Brian Faler and Edwin Chen

``Hijacking four delegates, notwithstanding the flawed aspect of this, is not a good way to start down the path of party unity,'' Ickes told the panel in Washington.

Punished for Violation

The Michigan resolution was closer to the Obama campaign's demand that the delegates be evenly split between the two candidates. Clinton won both of the disputed primaries.

Both states were punished for violating party rules and moving up the dates of their primaries.

Obama, 46, applauded today's solution.

Rally Party

Michigan & Florida Delegates

signsSansSignifieds — Sat, 31 May 2008 21:16:52 EDT

Tonight the Democratic Party’s Rules and Bylaws Committee made its decisions regarding the seating of Florida and Michigan delegates at the party’s convention in August.

The Florida delegation will be seated at full strength, but each delegate will have only half a vote. That represents a turnaround from the committee’s original decision to impose 100% exclusion, but is consistent with the committee’s stated rule that disobeying the rules will result in a reduction of voting strength to 50%. The Clinton camp had, of course, lobbied for a complete restoration of the Florida delegates with one vote per delegate while the Obama campaign had called for a 50-50 split. The committee’s vote seemed to split the difference and although the Clinton people opposed the decision, it was obvious they weren’t going to fight about it. There was first a motion to restore the Florida delegation to full strength, which failed, 15-12. The second vote was for the compromise and the many Clinton supporters on the committee voted for it, passing it unanimously. A peaceful resolution and unity seemed close at hand.

AN OPEN LETTER TO HILLARY SUPPORTERS

Eric from Covina, CA — Sat, 31 May 2008 14:43:23 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

AN OPEN LETTER TO HILLARY SUPPORTERS

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the inter-party squabble between Hillary and Obama supporters of late. We may never agree on this particular issue, but I think it’s very important for each faction to understand how the other is thinking, because as the cliche’ goes, we have much more in common than we have that sets us apart.

Yes, many Americans are indeed passionately opposed to Hillary Clinton, but that opposition has absolutely nothing to do with race or gender. African Americans have been Clinton supporters, and defenders, for close to two decades, and in overwhelming numbers. And prior to what has been perceived as racially "insensitive" comments by the Clintons, Hillary was polling as much as 23% over Obama in the black community. And beyond that, African Americans have voted over 95% of the time for white candidates, virtually without exception. So for the Hillary camp to imply that the African American vote is race based is flatly disingenuous–and since there are more female senators and governors than there are blacks in those same positions, it is also clear that the gender issue, relative to Hillary and Obama, is also being manufactured as it applies to America as a whole. The entire issue is being inserted into the political debate through the careful crafting of subliminal messaging to inflame Hillary’s female base.

My Position on Seating The Michigan and Florida Delegates

Kevin — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:53:25 EDT

I must say that this is a travesty upon the Democratic party. The rules were clear, people responded to them and now they must live with the consequences. If the Democrats seat these delegations in any way beyond a re-election, I will have to reexamine my position in the party and my loyalty to the party. If this is an example of how they will govern, I may take McCain.

I have a stake in this. I am from Michigan. But, seating the delegation as the election was conducted no more represents Michigan and Michigan voters' desires than not seating them does.

I am sure I will still campaign for and elect Barack regardless but if Hillary is the one who is elected, I will definitely withdraw all support for the Democratic Party.

DNC Meeting Saturday - Q&A

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:04:43 EDT

When a couple of people argue, it's never about the subject of the argument.

Tomorrow's Democratic National Committee meeting has one purpose: to resolve an argument. The argument is about seating the Michigan and Florida delegations at the party convention in August.

But it's not really about that.

The meeting tomorrow is about survival of the fittest. It's about the Clinton campaign's hopes and dreams for power. Whether it will turn out to be dreamy, or a nightmare, has been presaged in recent events.

The plot:

Way back when, Hillary and Obama agreed to not count votes from any State violating DNC rules about when they'd hold primaries. When Michigan and Florida broke the rules, they risked losing votes at the party convention.
Both held primaries when they wanted to anyway, despite the rules. Before anyone won, both candidates supported the rules. After Hillary won both contests, she said the rules shouldn't count.

People from Michigan and Florida want their primary votes to count. Hillary has stirred this up by telling them their votes are like "a prayer for our country."

Result:

Read more, including what Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader, says will happen.

Carole

Florida and Michigan delegate dilemma - Good news!

KC — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:17:16 EDT

I came across this article on http://www.electoral-vote.com (a handy site) that gave me some hope regarding the DNC\'s Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting this Saturday regarding the Florida and Michigan delegate dilemma. It gave me some hope so I thought I would share it. I have copied a portion below:

News from the Votemaster

The DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee meets Saturday to deal with seating the delegates from Florida and Michigan. The DNC lawyers have written a 38-page memo stating that restoring all the delegates and counting the elections would violate party rules. The committee is authorized to restore half the delegates, however. An additional problem is that Barack Obama's name wasn't on the ballot in Michigan and "uncommitted" won 40% of the vote. Will Hillary Clinton try to get a substantial fraction of those? Will she concede all of them to Obama? If either candidate is unhappy with the RBC decision, they can appeal it to the credentials committee and if they want to, force a floor fight at the convention. It could get messy. On the other hand, the RBC decision might cause all the remaining supers to get off the fence and endorse a candidate right after the final primaries on June 3. Obama has instructed his supporters not to go to the meeting to demonstrate. Taegan Goddard has some "pre-game" analysis of the meeting. He thinks seating all the delegates, each with half a vote (like Democrats Abroad) is a likely outcome. He also thinks that the DNC would never let the rules committee decide the nominee. The meeting will be held at the Marriot Wardman Park hotel in D.C.

What are the possible outcomes? Since this is politics, not high school math, all kinds of strange results are possible. One that seems very unlikely though is the seating of both delegations in full. Florida has 210 delegates. If they are seated in full, Clinton gets 105, Obama gets 67 and Edwards gets 13, but Edwards has endorsed Obama so his delegates might (but don't have to) support Obama, making it 105 to 80. If the full delegation is seated, but each with half a vote, Clinton will pick up 17.5 delegates from Florida. Obama might consider this an acceptable compromise.

Michigan is trickier since Obama's name wasn't on the ballot. A total of 156 delegates are at stake here. Clinton's position is to seat the full delegation; Obama's position is to split it 50-50. Some kind of compromise will probably be worked out here. It is to Obama's advantage to have Florida and Michigan seated because Clinton's main rallying cry now is "Seat Florida and Michigan." Once that is done, she will be faced with the consequences: she will still be behind by something like 150 delegates.

Popular Vote Poison [newsweek story]

Social Activist/Writer — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:48:33 EDT

Popular Vote PoisonHow Hillary's latest math hurts the party.Jonathan AlterNewsweek Web ExclusiveUpdated: 3:31 PM ET May 21, 2008Give credit where it's due: Hillary Clinton has shown grit and determination in finishing out the race. She has proved herself a strong campaigner. And in the week since West Virginia, she has stopped the cheap shots that had marred her campaign this year.

How Many to Go? 46!

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:48:00 EDT

Barack Obama got support from 3 more superdelegates:

1 Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party Pat Waak
2 Chair of the Oregon Democratic Party Meredith Wood Smith
3 Guam Senator and DNC member Ben C. Pangelinan

Their reasons?

Waak:
* 60% of votes at the Colorado State Democratic Convention
* "visionary, uplifting leadership shown during this long campaign."
* he will defeat John McCain in November

Wood Smith:
* majority of the votes in the Oregon
* As a 65-year-old woman, I have a visceral understanding of the fight for gender equality.

Pangelinan:
"Trust in Senator Obama's commitment to turning the promises on the issues that
are important to the people of Guam, into progress for the people of Guam."

A call to other superdelegates:

                "The time has come to step forward."
                                                                          Waak

                "All of us should come together to elect Sen. Barack Obama"
                                                                                                     Wood Smith

                "The best candidate to deliver on the promise that is America, for all of America."
Pangelinan

320.5           Number of superdelegates endorsing Obama for President

46                     Number of delegates needed for Obama to secure the nomination

Carole

Numbers Don't Lie

J.W. — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:23:49 EDT

So, I know I’ve been a little quiet lately, but for good reason. Numbers speak for themselves.

Today, Barack picked up two superdelegates, bringing his lead to 27 at 308 to 281. He’s now won 33 of 50 states, a clear majority. He continues to lead the popular vote by 240,000 votes. And last night, by winning Oregon, he obtained a majority of the elected delegates, even if you count Florida and Michigan.

Now, all he needs is 60 delegates to achieve the magic number of 2,025 total delegates. In contrast, Hillary Clinton needs 243 total delegates to achieve the magic number. There are only 86 elected delegates left in the remaining primary elections. That means that Hillary would have to win 157, or 76%, of the remaining 206 uncommitted superdelegates.

Men lie. Women lie. But numbers don’t.

Peep the video.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=f0PJYue72Gg
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MGfzeYWZYiU

The History behind Hillary's RFK comments & her unfitness to lead

Bill from BC, Obamican, Veteran, Husband, Father, Educator — Sun, 25 May 2008 16:03:02 EDT

Although I am an Obama supporter, I do not think that HRC intended anything malicious by her remark--apart from maybe wrapping herself in the RFK mantle. It should be remembered that news reports discussing RFK's California win after the win but before his assassination were all commenting on how Humphrey nonetheless held a commanding lead based on non-primary state delegates. One pundit after another wrote off RFK's chances of winning and RFK himself indicated that he needed McCarthy's supporters to switch to him in order for him to have any chance. Given the bad blood between the campaigns, that was unlikely. So HRC may have been referring to the fact that, even in June, RFK was continuing to soldier on against impossible odds.

That said, HRC's comment points up, once again, her unfitness to lead. Contrary to her repeated dismissals, words DO matter. They may not matter as much when you are on the Senate floor with 2 CSPAN viewers as your audience, but they matter a whole lot when you are CIC and the leader of the Free World. When a candidate for president threatens to "obliterate" Iran, the public and leaders in this country and around the world question the candidate's fitness to lead. When a candidate "misspeaks" about being under fire and then turns it into a punch line on Leno, veterans and service members question her fitness to serve as CIC, take that 3 AM call, and send them into harm's way. When a candidate raises the specter of assassination, even without malicious intent, in a race where her opponent is soon likely to become the first African American nominee for president of a major political party, it is time for all of us to question her fitness to lead. Being "presidential" is more about how you act than how you look. BHO has acted presidential consistently in this campaign. HRC has not.

As we remember Senator Kennedy in our prayers, both for his terrible health problem and for the upcoming 40th anniversary of his brother's tragic death, Senator Clinton should consider his example and realize that she can serve her country very honorably in the Senate. Once the primaries are over, she should work with the Obama campaign and the DNC in good faith to resolve the FL and MI issues and bow out gracefully.

ONCE UPON A TIME...A FLORIDA INDEPENDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

David Loewenstein PhD — Sun, 25 May 2008 11:45:29 EDT

Once upon a time, there was a Democratic primary. In those halcion days, everyone knew that such primaries are decided by delegates. Some delegates were elected by traditional state caucus results (that encourgaged more voter participation and involvement), while some relied on proportional delegates based on popular vote count. States such as Texas had a combination of caucus and popular vote representation.

In the beginning was agreed (including the candidates) that because Florida and Michigan moved up their primary dates to try to showcase their States, that votes from those states would not count towards the nominating process. Whether taking all the delegates rather than half of the delegates may be a point of debate, but at that time, everyone understood that it was essential that States not try to gain an advantage by trying to leapfrog over other states.

Thus, when the race started it was understood that the nominating process was all about delegates. Sentator Clinton herself during the early campaign proclaimed that the votes for Florida and Michigan would not count in those states during the first January primaries and did not voice any concern about until she did not win other early contests.

Now that it appears that Senator Obama will capture the required number of delegates, all of a sudden Senator Clinton maintains that the voters of Michigan and my home state have been "disenfranchised". The term itself is particularly loaded in that that many, particularly in Florida equate the term with what occurred in the 2000 election between Gore and Bush. Unfortunately, all this does is to incite party divisions. The Democratic Rules Committee will be asked on May 31st to do what is fair. What seems most fair is to abide by the very rules that they set.

The fact that Obama was not on the Michigan ballot and did not campaign in the states makes any and declaration the Clinton won the popular vote over "undecided" specious at best. In my home state of Florida, the large voter turnout was largely spurred by a popular property tax ammendment and many voters who were not property owners did not vote because they were told the votes would not count. Perhaps more importantly, Obama was not yet sufficiently well known and had not establishe a campaign organization in the state which has allowed him to win or compete in other states where he initially had a 20%-25% deficits in the polls.

The notion of the "popular vote" is also interesting. Senator Clinton's campaign maintains that she should receive credit for all the votes that were received in Michigan while Senator Obama (whose name was not on the ballot) should receive no votes. The Clinton campaign also maintains that caucus states should not count (we do not even know the actual raw total of votes from which the caucus results were derived). If there was ever a case for disenfranchisement, it would be to neglect those states who followed the rules and the determined the nominee and delegates in the way that many have determined such delegates for many years. So we actually do not know what the "popular vote" is and even if we did, the cross-over of Republicans in a number of important states to vote for Senator Clinton as part of Rush Limbaugh's "Operation Chaos" definitely influenced the popular vote, if indeed the popular vote could be accurately captured.

For these reasons, it is important that we begin to heal the divisons between supporters of these two campaigns as soon as possible. This primary is and always has been about delegates and most importantly about the future for our families and direction of this country...

David Loewenstein PhD is author of "For the Love of Rachel: A Father's Story" and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Miami. He can be reached at dloewenstein@att.net

Obama picks up 4 Delegates on Sat-52 to go

Inspired in Florida - a Recovering Republican — Sun, 25 May 2008 11:30:06 EDT

In addition to the delegate Barack picked up from Georgia on Saturday, Obama picked up another superdelegate later Saturday in Wyoming, then one more in Alaska. Obama also took a pledged delegate from Clinton at Alaska's Democratic party convention Saturday.

That brings Obama's overall delegates to 1,974 — only 52 shy of the 2,026 needed to secure the presidential nomination — to Clinton's 1,779.

Five Today (One from Hillary)

Deborah Simmel — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:07:25 EDT

The Huffington Post has some nice quotes from the five Superdelegates endorsing Senator Obama today, one switching his support from Sen. Clinton. Watching our candidate cement this nomination is going to be a wonderful kick-off to the start of Summer. Anyone want to hazard a guess as to how many announce for Obama before the end of Memorial Day? Enjoy!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/23/superdelegates-shift-to-o_n_103275.html

Petition to Stop Full Seating of MI and FL Off to DNC!

Monitor — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:09:43 EDT

[Cross-posted on my blog] [Please forward this on!]

Thanks to everyone that made the petition I started to stop Hillary Clinton from stealing the nomination by seating the Florida and Michigan delegations a roaring success. Only by word of mouth, and without any kind of mainstream exposure whatsoever, the petition has garnered over 4,500 signatures from people all across this great country of ours in a few short months.

Now that the time is upon us, I am printing out the 400 pages that all of these intrepid signers (and their commentary) take up and am sending them out in a package to Howard Dean, the DNC, and the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the DNC.

If you haven't signed the petition, do so NOW! I will send off an addendum next week with everyone that signs in the next 7 or so days.

Make your voice heard! Don't let Hillary Clinton bludgeon her way to some measure of power in this race! Down with the Washington politics of the last 16+ years!

If you want to see the 400-page petition, with the commentary of 4,500 signers across our great land, click here.

If you want to do a bit of data dissection on where everyone comes from and the comments they left, check out the .CSV file by clicking here.

The Sad Truth About Florida

Inspired in Florida - a Recovering Republican — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:50:10 EDT

Blame the Republicans - Edited to add...The primary was moved up BY THE REPUBLICANS AFTER the DNC rules were established to harshly punish states for early primaries.

After the GOP-controlled Florida legislature and Republican governor enacted a law earlier this year moving the Sunshine State’s primary to Jan. 29, in violation of the DNC’s rules, the party’s rules committee voted to punish the state with its harshest penalties available, stripping the state of all its delegates and barring presidential candidates from campaigning there.

The wounds are still very real here in FL from 2000, when the Republicans violated voters rights. It's a trickey issue.

Hillary is taking advantage of those wounds. I do hope cooler heads will prevail and this will get resolved in a fair way, and one that doesn't backfire in Nov by stripping the state of all its delegates.

Now we just need to vote out the GOP controlled legislature and Gov. otherwise we'll be right back here in 2012, because they aren't going to move the primary to be in compliance with the DNC rules.

Ickes Says Zero Delegates to Obama from Michigan

Cindy in Salt Lake — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:00:10 EDT

In a conference call today, senior advisor to the Clinton campaign, Harold Ickes, said the following in regards to the 55 uncommitted delgates from Michigan:

"With respect to Michigan, it is our view that the uncommitted delegates, of which there are 55, should be seated as uncommitted delegates," said Clinton senior adviser Harold Ickes. "It is presumptuous to assume that each and every one of those delegates is an Obama supporter. That will be up to those individual delegates to make those decisions. And it will be up to the respective campaigns to make their cases to those delegates."

Biden, Edwards, Obama and Richardson all took their names off of the Michigan ballot. One can assume that the 238,168 people who voted uncommitted in the Michigan primary were voting for one of them. We also can assume that none of them voted for Clinton since her name was on the ballot. So, in my opinion, Obama should receive some of the 55 uncommitted delegates and Clinton should receive none.

While I admire the determination of Clinton supporters to get her elected as the next President, I urge them to ask themselves if they think this is fair.

(Read full article here)

Request for National Convention Bloggers for mnblue

Grace from Saint Paul, MN — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:17:33 EDT

Greetings everyone,

I went to the 4th, 2nd and 7th conventions, and was so super impressed with everyone who ran for being a national delegate. Wow, I was more moved and impressed by the Obama people who wanted to become delegates than I have been by professional politicians. You all rock!

I have a favor to ask. I and many people are not able to go to the national convention and we would dearly love it if our Minnesota Obama delegates were to write up a few blog articles in the middle of the convention. I know that is asking alot, for you all will be busy. Yet all of the rest of us want to know the real news of what people are thinking and feeling, not the corporate media news.

I am also requesting that you blog on my group blog

www.mnblue.com

As a blog we are trying to reach a larger audience beyond the Obama campaign, reaching out to people who are not yet committed to Obama. As a blog, we have tried to cover the senate and district conventions, when no other news source cover those areas.

It would be great if more than one person can blog. There are so many perspectives. And of course, you could blog before the convention as well.

I am at 651 642 9499 and thegracekelly@earthlink.net .

I believe just telling our stories will move voters. Please help me tell that story

Grace Kelly nicknamed Kelly

St Paul, MN

www.mnblue.com

Pelosi Says Delegates Determine the Nominee

Cindy in Salt Lake — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:33:02 EDT

In an interview with the NewsHour yesterday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the following in regards to Senator Clinton's popular vote argument:

JUDY WOODRUFF: And, in fact, Senator Clinton said she's very much still in the fight. She's emphasizing the fact that she -- if you count those disputed votes in Michigan and Florida, she says she's ahead in the popular vote.
REP. NANCY PELOSI: How delegates are selected is by a process, and the person who has the most delegates becomes the nominee of the party. It's not been about the popular vote.
So we can have an elementary discussion, if you wish, but at the end of the day, someone will have the winning number of delegates. The delegate vote is the currency of the realm at the Democratic National Convention.

Go here to read the full transcript of the interview.

Nightline Overview of Delegate Math

Cindy in Salt Lake — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:25:51 EDT

Last night on Nightline, Jake Tapper gave an overview of the delegate math including the popular vote argument. I respectfully urge supporters of Hillary Clinton to watch this video and try to understand why Obama supporters would be outraged if he was denied the nomination. Imagine if Clinton was in Obama's current position. How would you feel if Obama made the case that he should win based on the popular vote and would take his case all the way to the convention?

Here's the link to watch the video: http://www.abcnews.go.com/video/playerindex?id=4908669

Here is the popular vote math from the video:

Popular vote (no Fla./Mich.) = Obama +570K

Popular vote (with Fla.) = Obama +270K

Popular vote (with Fla. & *Mich.) = Clinton +52K

*Michigan Total: Clinton = 328,309 votes, Obama = zero votes

(All this data can be verified by going here, though they break down the numbers as 564K for Obama without FL & MI and 58K for Clinton with FL & MI)

A Math Lesson - by Hillary R. Clinton

Bobby Gray — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:46:54 EDT

Hello Students ...

It's time for some Democratic Math Education ...
First, the nominee for the democratic party is the one with the most delegates. Delegates are earned in two ways ... pledged, that is, delegates awarded by the vote of the people, and super delegates, people can vote for whoever they want and should vote for me because I say so an because I deserve this nomination ... because ... well ... I'm a Clinton, shall I say more? Imagine ... a Past President holding socials for the wives of visiting dignitaries ... Bill and a bunch of women ... how fitting and ironic!

Now ... back to the math. For the pledged delegates, we should count ALL the votes! Well, except for the "caucus" voters who voted for Obama ... they shouldn't be counted. Furthermore, we should especially count ALL the votes in Michigan. Not my fault that Obama followed the party rules that most of my supporters created and agreed to ... heck, I agreed to them at the time, but that was before I knew I would need those votes to gain a false majority. So ... don't count the caucus votes, count the Michigan votes and ask people to believe that "if" Barack was on the ballot he would have received ZERO votes, count Florida (we know what happened when some of the hanging chads didn't get counted there) and finally, encourage the Supers to vote for me because I am the only candidate that can get the "hard-working white" voters. Oh ... and did I mention that the only reason that Barack has gotten any votes at all is because he gets the black vote. Are they even allowed to vote in the General election?

Questions? No... Oregon doesn't count as "white voters" because they are highly educated! Remember, highly educated whites don't count either! Obviously, highly educated white men convince the women to vote for Barack instead of me ... hey folks, remember ... I'm a woman!

Isn't reinventing math fun? Remember, if for some reason I'm still not winning after this lesson, then we'll use the "it was just like the Zimbabwe vote" card.

YES WE CAN!

MICH and FLA Should Have Known Better......

Craig (Buda) Lee — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:05:35 EDT

I was born and reared in Detroit, Michigan. I was around for the Andrew Young era.

Voters and delegates from Michigan and Florida should not be mad with Obama for not counting your delegate votes. Your state organizers knew what the rules were when they decided to DEFY them. In efforts to have more of an impact during this election cycle, it took some big nuts to think a state organization could reject it's parental (federal) decisions, which they agreed to abide by. If those state decision makers are still in their positions, each state deserves what they get.

The fact that Hillary's name was still on the ballot, even after the sanctions were put in place, lends me to think that she, or maybe, someone on her staff, had known what the plans were all along and hoped that the national commitee would reverse it's decision. I can't prove that, but, I can't help but wonder.

To my home state of Michigan: your organizers put you in a difficult, and more importantly, DANGEROUS position. You need to FIRE THEIR COLLECTIVE ASSES........NOW!!!!!!

nail biter

George W. Heath, R.N. — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:07:36 EDT

Is anyone as nervous as the end of the primaries comes in two weeks as I am? Make one want to pop prevacid and prozac! :)

George W. Heath

62 Delegates To Go!

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:42:11 EDT

Barack Obama is only 62 delegates away from securing the nomination for U.S. President.

Obama's won a majority of pledged delegates, and now has won 31 delegates in Oregon; 14 delegates in Kentucky; plus an endorsement from superdelegate Congressman Joe Courtney of Connecticut.

The Math

3,253           Total Pledged Delegates
1,627           Pledged Delegates needed for majority
2,026           Total delegates needed for nomination

Pledged delegate projections from last night:

(Read More here).

Carole

Lessons from Primaries 2008

Jack Tracey, Another Veteran for Obama — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:19:11 EDT

What have we learned from this year's primary races?

1. It's not necessarily a good thing for a state to fight to be first on the ballot. Even without the whole MI/FL question, some of those early states who were hardly noticed would have played a much bigger role in early June -- California, for example, which would likely be favoring Obama if the vote were today.

2. DON'T take your name off the ballot anywhere, especially if you're running against a Clinton!

3. Don't run your campaign assuming you are going to take the nomination by Super Tuesday. The big money you spend early on is going to come back to bite you as the campaign drags on into May and June and you find yourself deeply in debt.

4. Find a campaign message and stick to it. If your campaign can't find its voice, it won't get the votes!

5. If you have people around you who might be campaign liabilities, deal with them early on. Don't wait for them to hit You-Tube or Faux News.

Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!

POLICY -- Electoral Schmechtoral College and Delegate Embarassments

Andrew Tipton — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:35:28 EDT

In our pursuit of protection of the minority from the tyranny of the majority , we have wrestled with the inequities of the Electoral College ( negating a majority popular vote ) , the two seats / state in the Senate that can sometimes frustrate popular will, and the delegate fiasco we are currently experiencing ( which honestly should not be happening -- the Democratic Party should be mortified over this development ).

The simplest thing that occurs to me might actually circumvent a lot of these problems while preserving minority protections as they are expressed in the voting habits of the populace.

Why not institute a party statute , and eventually a constitutional amendment that awards delegate selections and electoral college votes not on the basis of total population, but rather on the basis of VOTING population in the previous major election years?

It would preserve the notion of popular VOTE being dominant, while also giving a measure of anti-bully protection to the smaller states ( and delegations ). In essence, you could bulk up as much as you wished.

Imagine the levels of voter participation we would finally begin to experience in this country. There would be incentive to vote for all factions. It would TRULY make their vote meaningful, even if their candidate lost. Are we ever embarrassed that the supposed bastion of democracy in this world exhibits the lowest voter turnout of all ?

It wouldn't hurt to make voting a 2-day, weekend holiday process as well ( as in many European countries ). God knows we could do without another questionable national holiday in favor of a voting one.

It is my hope that those responsible for this site and information dissemination in the campaign would respectfully forward these ideas directly to Barack Obama for immediate consideration.

Finis / Andrew Tipton

From Billybobs to Hillbillies, Hicks to Bill-Hill-ies

Natsuki the Neko: GO OBAMA-BIDEN GO! ^_^ — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:55:27 EDT

West Virginia and Kentucky happen to be the most racist states in the union, and everyone knew that Hillary would win those. But, Hillary, the writing is on the wall--if you're over 200 delegates behind the nomination and Obama is only 72 delegates away from getting 2025, we all know what is going to happen. And with less that four states left (including Puerto Rico), that will not give someone 255 delegates to win the nomination.

Obama Less Than 100 Delegates Within The Nomination!

Natsuki the Neko: GO OBAMA-BIDEN GO! ^_^ — Wed, 21 May 2008 01:02:55 EDT

Obama has the nomination, no matter what. The writing is officially on the wall.

By DAVID ESPO and SARA KUGLER, Associated Press Writers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Barack Obama stepped to the brink of victory in the Democratic presidential race Tuesday night, defeating Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Oregon primary and moving within 100 delegates of the total he needs to claim the prize at the party convention this summer.

"You have put us within reach of the Democratic nomination," he told cheering supporters in Iowa, the overwhelmingly white state that launched him, a black, first-term senator from Illinois, on his improbable path to victory last January.

Obama lavished praise on Clinton, his rival in a race unlike any other, and accused Republican John McCain of a campaign run by lobbyists.

"You are Democrats who are tired of being divided, Republicans who no longer recognize the party that runs Washington, independents who are hungry for change," he said, speaking to a crowd on the grounds of the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines as well as the millions around the country who will elect the nation's 44th president in November.

Clinton countered with a lopsided win in Kentucky, a victory with scant political value

Obama Less Than 100 Delegates Within The Nomination!

Natsuki the Neko: GO OBAMA-BIDEN GO! ^_^ — Wed, 21 May 2008 01:02:55 EDT

Obama has the nomination, no matter what. The writing is officially on the wall.

By DAVID ESPO and SARA KUGLER, Associated Press Writers

Obama lavished praise on Clinton, his rival in a race unlike any other, and accused Republican John McCain of a campaign run by lobbyists.

Clinton countered with a lopsided win in Kentucky, a victory with scant political value in a race moving inexorably in Obama's direction.

The former first lady vowed to remain in the race, telling supporters, "I'm more than determined than ever to see that every vote is cast and every ballot is counted."

But in a sign of confidence on the front-runner's part, party officials said discussions were under way to send Paul Tewes, a top Obama campaign aide, to the Democratic National Committee to oversee operations for the fall campaign.

And in a fresh indication that their race was coming to an end, Clinton and Obama praised one another and pledged a united party for the general election.

"While we continue to go toe-to-toe for this nomination, we do see eye-to-eye when it comes to uniting our party to elect a Democratic president this fall," said Clinton, whose supporters Obama will need if he is to end eight years of Republican rule in the White House.

Clinton won at least 47 delegates in the two states and Obama won at least 32, according to an analysis of election returns by The Associated Press. All the Kentucky delegates were awarded, but there were still 24 to be allocated in Oregon, and Obama was in line for many of them.

He had 1,949 delegates overall, out of 2026 needed for the nomination. Clinton had 1,769 according the latest tally by the AP.

Obama's total includes more than a majority of the delegates picked in the 56 primaries and caucuses on the calendar, a group that excludes nearly 800 superdelegates, the party leaders who hold the balance of power at the convention.

With about 50 percent of the votes counted in Oregon's unique mail-in primary, Obama was gaining a 58 percent share to 42 percent for Clinton.

The former first lady's victory in Kentucky was bigger yet — 65 percent to 30 percent — and the exit polls underscored once more the work Obama has ahead if he is to win over her voters.

Almost nine in 10 ballots were cast by whites, and the former first lady was winning their support overwhelmingly. She defeated him among voters of all age groups and incomes, the college educated and non-college educated, self-described liberals, moderates and conservatives.

"We have had our disagreements during this campaign, but we all admire her courage, her commitment and her perseverance," Obama said of his rival and partner in a marathon race through the primaries. "No matter how this primary ends, Senator Clinton has shattered myths and broken barriers and changed the America in which my daughters and yours will come of age."

As for McCain, he said he would leave it up to the Arizona senator "to explain whether his policies and positions represent long-held convictions or Washington calculations, but the one thing they don't represent is change."

McCain's spokesman countered quickly.

"This election is fundamentally about who Americans can trust to secure peace and prosperity for the next generation of Americans. Without a doubt, Barack Obama is a talented political orator, but his naive plans for unconditional summits with rogue leaders and support for big tax hikes on hardworking families expose his bad judgment that Americans can ill-afford in our next president," said Tucker Bounds in a statement.

In the fundraising chase, Obama reported cash on hand of $46.5 million, all of which can be used for the general election. Unless he takes federal funds, he is permitted to raise as much as he can.

Unlike Obama, McCain is expected to take federal funds, which total about $85 million and bar him from raising other donations for his campaign's use.

"We still have work to do to in the remaining states, where we will compete for every delegate available," Obama said in an e-mail sent to supporters. "But tonight, I want to thank you for everything you have done to take us this far — farther than anyone predicted, expected or even believed possible."

Both candidates paused during the day to express best wishes to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the Massachusetts Democrat suffering from a brain tumor.

"So many of us here have benefited in some way or another because of the battles he's waged, and some of us are here because of them," Obama said.

Said Clinton: "As a lifelong champion for social justice and equality, his work has made the path easier for me, for Senator Obama and for countless others. He's been with us for our fights and we're now with him in his."

The Clinton campaign expressed irritation at Obama's decision to return to Iowa and mark his success in amassing a majority of delegates won in primaries and caucuses.

But he paid no attention. "The question then becomes how do we complete the nomination process so that we have the majority of the total number of delegates, including superdelegates, to be able to say this thing's over," Obama told The Associated Press in an interview.

Clinton looked for a consolation for the strongest presidential campaign of any woman in history. She hoped to finish with more votes than her rival in all the contests combined, including Florida and Michigan, two states that were stripped of their delegates by the national party for moving their primary dates too early. A Democratic convention committee is to meet on May 31 in Washington to decide how — and whether — to seat delegates from the two states.

Not counting the results in Kentucky and Oregon, Obama was ahead of Clinton by slightly more than 618,000 votes out of 32.2 million cast in primaries and caucuses where both candidates competed.

The numbers do not include Iowa, Maine, or Nevada caucuses, nor do they count — as Clinton does in her totals — Florida and Michigan.

The only primaries remaining are Puerto Rico, on June 1, followed two days later by South Dakota and Montana.

When is a 9 not a 9?

Brennan from Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 20 May 2008 23:17:55 EDT

The value of a number can be funny to determine, when that number is arrived at using election metrics that designed to delineate delegate and popular vote majorities in this year's democratic primary.

Take, for example, the metric that is used by Hillary Clinton when she touts herself as leading in the popular vote. Even counting Florida and Michigan (whose votes DO deserve to be counted!)isn't enough to make her the leader, so how is this possible?

It comes down to the Caucus states. You see, hundreds and thousands of people showed up to represent their candidate in these states, but no one keeps an actual tally of those people, so there is no specific number that determines the margin for Senator Obama's victories in these states. For that reason, Senator Clinton uses a metric that simply removes those states from the count (showing an apparent belief that these "activist" votes do NOT deserve to be counted?)

So . . . to unify the party . . . what kind of metric can we agree to use? Do we have to wait until the May 31st Democratic Party committee meeting to decide? What are your thoughts on "the meaning of the numbers?" Post them here . . . let's have a discussion as a party.

Brennan

www.BrennanSmith.com

Barack Obama Captures the Majority of Selected Delegates

ObamaBob NSB — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:41:14 EDT

From Barack: What we just achievedby Christopher HassTuesday, May 20, 2008 at 10:00 PM

The polls are closed in Kentucky and votes are being counted in Oregon, and it's clear that tonight we have reached a major milestone on this journey.
We have won an absolute majority of all the delegates chosen by the people in this Democratic primary process.
From the beginning, this journey wasn't about me or the other candidates. It was about a simple choice -- will we continue down the same road with the same leadership that has failed us for so long, or will we take a different path?
Too many of us have been disappointed by politics and politicians more times than you can count. We've seen promises broken and good ideas drowned in a sea of influence, point-scoring, and petty bickering that has consumed Washington.
Yet, in spite of all the doubt and disappointment -- or perhaps because of it -- people have stood for change.
Unfortunately, our opponents in the other party continue to embrace yesterday's policies and they will continue to employ yesterday's tactics -- they will try to change the subject, and they will play on fears and divisions to distract us from what matters to you and your future.
But those tactics will not work in this election.
They won't work because you won't let them.
Not this time. Not this year.
We still have work to do to in the remaining states, where we will compete for every delegate available.
But tonight, I want to thank you for everything you have done to take us this far -- farther than anyone predicted, expected, or even believed possible.
And I want to remind you that you will make all the difference in the epic challenge ahead.
Thank you,
Barack Obama

Big Day Tomorrow

Roger — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:57:25 EDT

Although the primaries are already pretty much a done deal for us, it is still a very important day tomorrow. We have, as I'm sure the campaign as already let you know, the opportunity to clinch a majority of pledged delegates tomorrow. We will almost certainly get the seventeen needed for such a majority. On top of that, tomorrow we will likely reach a lead of 200+ total delegates over Senator Clinton.

Clinton is now claiming that she in fact leads in the popular vote, which is no more than an out and out lie. Even if we count Florida (which we really shouldn't), Obama is still ahead in the popular vote by about 400,000 votes. And Michigan we certainly cannot count considering that Obama wasn't on the ballot, and that there were upwards of 40% uncommitted.

So, to recap, we are about to clinch a majority of pledged delegates. We are leading by around 200 total delegates. We are ahead (w/o Florida and Michigan) by over 700,000 votes. And despite Clinton's initial endorsement by so many early in the campaign, we are now creating a sizable superdelegate lead (20+) and it only continues to grow.

R.W.

Convention 101

Chip Roberson in Sonoma, CA — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:20:50 EDT

In case you missed it, the DNCC has posted a little tutorial called "Convention 101" at their website:

http://www.demconvention.com/convention-101/

It's not extensively detailed but it's useful.

What An Amazing Turnout for Obama

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:50:34 EDT

I can't imagine what it must have felt like to Barack Obama as he looked at the crowd in Portland, Oregon yesterday.

75,000 people! That is an amazing number! The rally in Philadelphia was huge, when 35,000 people came to Independence Mall.

What must Barack have thought? What would possess 75,000 people to come out and cheer for Obama?

See the photo here.

Carole

SEAT MI and FL BUT WITHOUT VOTING RIGHTS

Rosewalker — Sun, 18 May 2008 16:30:54 EDT

I think it would set a Very Bad legal precedent, not to mention DNC precedent, to allow any of these MI and FL delegates to vote at the Convention. However, I propose a compromise whereby these DELEGATES WOULD BE SEATED, BUT WITHOUT VOTING PRIVILEGES.

Florida and Michigan State Dem Committees KNEW the consequences, but they chose to defy the DNC and do it anyway. Since they did, their delegates should not be allowed to vote for the nominee (or in any other votes at the convention). Period.

I realize this is a very hard-line approach -- but I strongly believe it is a necessary disciplinary stance for the DNC to take. If the DNC allows or brokers some kind of deal on this issue, it will lose its credibility with all the other states who played by the DNC's rules....and you want to think what an absolute MESS the 2012 primary would be, with every state doing its own thing and not listening to the DNC at all?? Because why should they, if the Rules aren't upheld regarding MI and FL??

Plus, what about the American voter? Don't we as Americans want our leadership to show respect for party (and other) authority? How can we respect their authority, if they do not respect the authority over them -- i.e., the DNC?

However, I do realize the need to keep MI and FL in play as we pivot and transition for the general election. There is another viable compromise that could solve the issue.

Why not simply, as an act of good will and party unity, SEAT the MI and FL delegations BUT WITHOUT ANY VOTING RIGHTS? They could participate in any discussions, committee meetings, platform discussions, and all the other things that go on behind the scenes at the convention, but they just would not have a vote. Their voices would be heard and taken into consideration; they would not be shut out of the process. But neither would they be allowed to vote, when that right has been stripped by the DNC because of the state Dem Committee leaders' decisions/actions in defiance of the Rules.

This is a viable compromise solution, because it would seat the MI and FL delegations, would allow them to participate in the convention process, BUT WOULD NOT REWARD THE STATE DEM COMMITTEES FOR THEIR DEFIANCE OF THE DNC.

Comments? Weigh in, please. :)

Nevada gives Obama 14, Clinton 11

Chinni — Sun, 18 May 2008 11:52:03 EDT

Nevada gives Obama 14, Clinton 11

RENO -- Barack Obama received 14 national convention delegates at Saturday's state Democratic convention, while Hillary Clinton received 11 as Obama's support increased from the Jan. 19 caucuses.

Obama had the support of 55 percent of the 2,510 state convention delegates who gathered at the Grand Sierra Resort for the convention, while Clinton had 45 percent.

That compares to 51 percent for Clinton and 45 percent for Obama on Jan. 19, a result that would have given Obama 13 national delegates and Clinton 12. Saturday's results seem to indicate the enthusiasm of Clinton's supporters has waned as her hopes for capturing the nomination have dimmed...

No confusion, here's the math for Obama

ObamaBob NSB — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:57:42 EDT

Countdown to the Nomination - 121.5 Delegates to Goby Sam Graham-FelsenFriday, May 16, 2008 at 08:44 AM

Yesterday, Obama secured the support of 4 superdelegates (Reps. Henry Wexler, Jim McDermott and Howard Berman and Larry Cohen (CWA DNC)), 1 pledged delegate in North Carolina (because of updated vote tallies in the state) and 7 pledged delegates that had previously supported John Edwards. That means that the number for Obama to secure a majority of pledged delegates has gone down from 25 to 17. And the number Obama needs to secure the nomination is 121.5.

The Math

Total Pledged Delegates: 3,253

Pledged Delegates needed for a majority of pledged delegates: 1,627

Total delegates needed for nomination: 2,025

Edwards Pledged Delegates who are now Obama Delegates:7

Obama Pledged Delegates:1,603

Obama Super Delegates: 293.5

Obama Total Delegates:1,903.5

Delegates Obama needs for a majority of pledged delegates: 17

Obama need to secure the Democratic nomination: 121.5

Please make some calls and make a donation today http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/newsmyrnaforobama and continue the momentum. We're getting close, but we need everyone to continue to be involved if we want to make this thing happen.

John Edwards Endorses Obama!

Jill 4 Obama — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:20:08 EDT

Barack Obama is joined by his former rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, John Edwards, at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Jae C. Hong/The Associated Press) John Edwards endorses Obama By Jim Rutenberg Published: May 15, 2008 document.writeln('');

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan: John Edwards gave his long-awaited endorsement to Senator Barack Obama, bolstering Obama's efforts to rally the Democratic Party around his candidacy and offering potential help in his attempts to win over working-class white voters in the general election this autumn.

"The Democratic voters in America have made their choice, and so have I," Edwards told a roaring crowd of more than 12,000 in the Van Andel Arena here Wednesday, a day when Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was trying to capitalize on her big win Tuesday in West Virginia and convince superdelegates and contributors that she still had a chance to capture the Democratic nomination.

"There is one man who knows in his heart that we have to build one America - not two - and that man is Barack Obama," Edwards said.

Edwards, a former senator from North Carolina who dropped his bid for the Democratic nomination in January, said that Obama represented hope and reconciliation to a nation buffeted by war and economic distress.

His endorsement came after victories by Clinton in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and other states with large working-class populations indicated potential weaknesses with voters along racial and class divides - weaknesses that Clinton has tried to exploit to convince superdelegates, contributors and voters in the five remaining contests that she has a better chance to beat Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee.

Edwards could help Obama with that group of voters. A Southerner, he had directed his candidacy at working-class people and had made a pitch to the same white and working-class voters Obama is trying to woo.

"I'll just point out the obvious," Edwards said when he was campaigning in Iowa last year. "In the last - can I do the math, 45, 50 years - what is it, the last two Democrats who actually got elected president? Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton. Both of 'em talk like I do."

His endorsement was as much about Obama as it was a populist cry for universal health care, job creation, better schools and an end to the war in Iraq.

The value of endorsements is often unclear, and Obama was not greatly helped when Caroline Kennedy, Senator Edward Kennedy and other big-name Democrats announced their support this year. But for Wednesday, at least, the endorsement, televised live on cable news and on ABC News, put the focus on Obama and distracted from several television interviews that Clinton had given earlier in the day to make the case for her continuation in the race.

Edwards spent several minutes praising Hillary Clinton, which at first drew loud boos from the largely white crowd, who had filled the arena with no knowledge of the endorsement to come.

He called Clinton a capable senator and a stalwart campaigner who deserved respect for tenacity and service. "We are a strong party because Hillary Clinton is a Democrat, we are a strong country because of her years of public service, and we are going to be a stronger party in November because of her work," he said.

But the drama and excitement of the moment was reserved for Obama, with Edwards's endorsement meant to send a sharp and clear signal that the long race was nearly over.

David Axelrod, Obama's chief strategist, said there were no plans yet for advertisements featuring Edwards or for the two to campaign together.

The endorsement came one day after Obama suffered a 41-point loss to Clinton in West Virginia, where polls gave the strongest indication yet that Obama's race could be a factor in November.

Clinton's team played down the endorsement with a terse statement from its campaign chairman, Terry McAuliffe: "We respect John Edwards," it read. "But as the voters of West Virginia showed last night, this thing is far from over."

The endorsement was sealed Tuesday evening in a telephone call, initiated by Obama. In that call, Edwards told Obama that he would like to endorse him as soon as possible.

Missing from the event was Elizabeth Edwards, Edwards's wife, who has been a passionate proponent of universal health care. The Edwardses were said to be split on the endorsement, with Elizabeth Edwards said to favor Clinton because of her preference for parts of the Clinton health care plan.

Obama, who accepted Edwards's endorsement with praise for the speech and the man, also praised Elizabeth Edwards and her commitment to health care.

As the campaign proceeds, aides to both men said, Edwards is sure to be included on a short list of vice presidential prospects. But Edwards has said he is not interested in a second turn on the ticket.

Edwards has carefully played down his aspirations for an administration role. In January, he said he would not accept a vice presidential spot or cabinet post. "No, absolutely not," he said, shaking his head emphatically. But privately, he told aides that he would consider the vice presidency and favored the position of attorney general.

Clinton spent Wednesday making her case, in a round of network and cable interviews, that she planned to stay in the race through the final primaries on June 3 and that she still believed she could win. She also said, on Fox News, that she was "not entertaining" the idea of angling to be Obama's running mate.

In response to a question from Wolf Blitzer of CNN, Clinton also said that it was "probably right" that she had made a foolish comment when she claimed that more "white Americans" were supporting her than Obama. In making that admission to CNN, she was responding to a remark by one of her supporters, Representative Charles Rangel, that her original "white Americans" comment was "the dumbest thing" she could have said.

Julie Bosman and Patrick Healy contributed reporting from New York, Jeff Zeleny and John M. Broder from Washington and Elisabeth Bumiller from Columbus, Ohio.

John Edwards Endorses Obama!

Jill 4 Obama — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:04:01 EDT