Posts with the tag Endorsements

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

WEBMASTER — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:26:14 EST

The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.

Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.

Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when

individuals and organizations understand that alternative energy technology exists and
when people see the economic benefits of using alternative energy technologies

Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy

Dick Cheney endorses John McCain to carry on the Bush Legacy

RK — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:58:58 EDT

My God !, Vice President Dick Cheney today endorsed John McCain and Sara Palin. Does this represent the change McCain talks about, or does this represent the passing of the torch, the seal of approval, of the most corrupt regime in American politics to have ever existed, to the next hopeful successor in the brotherhood. Under Bush - Cheney we could have been considered a rogue nation, and by their actions I believe we were in many ways. No single administration has betrayed the American people like Bush - Cheney. You have to ask yourselves looking at your current situation and the state of the American economy, Are you better off now than you were eight years ago ?, and do you want more of the same ? Our country is on the edge of failing it's current citizens, future generations, and the world, we can't sustain another four years of the Bush - Cheney administration. Take the power back, VOTE OBAMA NOV 4th. YES WE CAN !

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/01/dick-cheney-endorses-mcca_n_139990.html

Huron Daily Tribune endorses Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:23:38 EDT

Obama, on the other hand, chose a running mate who complements him. Obama recognizes his lack of experience in foreign policy, and thoughtfully chose Joe Biden, who is a subject expert.
Also, Obama has made a commitment to end the U.S. occupation in Iraq, a position that is clearly favored by the American people. With McCain, there seems to be no end in sight.
While Obama has not been in Washington long and his inexperience is a weakness, he has shown the wisdom to seek advice from people who have knowledge and experience he can tap into.
More than anything else, this country needs change — a change in politics and a change in the economy. We fear a McCain presidency would be too similar to the last eight years. Barack Obama has the leadership abilities and the drive to make a difference, and hopefully, change this country’s momentum.
We endorse Barack Obama for President of the United States. Read the entire endorsement in the Huron Daily Tribune

Flint Journal endorses Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:00:51 EDT

Should Obama be elected president, it would be a historic day -- the fullest realization of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of an America where we are judged by the content of our character rather than the color of our skin.

That would be a breathtaking moment, one that many Americans never thought they'd live to see. But that moment will quickly give way to the challenge of governing a nation in deeply troubling times. We endorse BARACK OBAMA, seeing him as the better choice to guide America at this critical juncture in history. (read the entire endorsement in today's Flint Journal)

Prominent Jewish Clevlanders Show Their Support for Obama...

Brady — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:16:34 EDT

I had the honor of being hired by the Cleveland chapter of the NJDC to design an ad in support of Barack Obama. The ad ran in last weeks issue of Cleveland Jewish News and included OVER 1,000 names of prominent Cleveland Jewish families who will be voting for Barack Obama! To see a copy of the ad please see the posting titled "Prominent Jewish Clevlanders Show Their Support for Obama..." at www.85andchange.com . PLEASE PASS IT ON TO ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE INFLUENCED BY IT!!

Traverse City Record-Eagle endorses Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:06:42 EDT

What we need at this crucial moment in history is a leader who offers not just hope for a new direction, but someone who can inspire the nation to set aside differences and work for the greater good. We need policies that will help the great middle class get back on its feet and restore confidence in our system and the future. We need a foreign policy that will keep America safe and pursue our terrorist enemies while restoring the trust and admiration of the world.

We think that candidate is BARACK OBAMA and we urge his election Tuesday. (read the entire endorsement in today's Traverse City Record-Eagle)

St. Joseph Herald-Palladium endorses Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:20:17 EDT

(note: The St. Joseph Herald-Palladium endorsed George W. Bush in 2004)

The next president of the United States will face enormous challenges at a pivotal time in history. How the winning candidate answers those challenges – and whether he can rally America as it tries to dig its way out of a deep economic hole – will be crucial. After watching the two main contenders spar during this long and often arduous campaign, we feel Sen. Barack Obama is best suited to lead the nation.
This was not an easy decision for us. If this endorsement depended solely on the candidates’ views on certain key issues, along with their party platforms, we would endorse Sen. John McCain. But we consider other factors in making endorsements, factors such as temperament, intelligence and a candidate’s decision-making abilities during times of stress. Too many times during this campaign McCain just hasn’t displayed the sort of critical thinking and composure under fire that a commander-in-chief must possess. Read the entire endorsement in yesterday's Herald-Palladium

New York Times' Endorsement of Barack Obama

Sheldon from Doylestown — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:47:41 EDT

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/opinion/24fri1.html?_r=1&hp=&oref=slogin&pagewanted=all

Editorial

Barack Obama for President

Published: October 23, 2008

Hyperbole is the currency of presidential campaigns, but this year the nation's future truly hangs in the balance.
The United States is battered and drifting after eight years of President Bush's failed leadership. He is saddling his successor with two wars, a scarred global image and a government systematically stripped of its ability to protect and help its citizens — whether they are fleeing a hurricane's floodwaters, searching for affordable health care or struggling to hold on to their homes, jobs, savings and pensions in the midst of a financial crisis that was foretold and preventable.
As tough as the times are, the selection of a new president is easy. After nearly two years of a grueling and ugly campaign, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois has proved that he is the right choice to be the 44th president of the United States.
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Mr. Obama has met challenge after challenge, growing as a leader and putting real flesh on his early promises of hope and change. He has shown a cool head and sound judgment. We believe he has the will and the ability to forge the broad political consensus that is essential to finding solutions to this nation's problems.
In the same time, Senator John McCain of Arizona has retreated farther and farther to the fringe of American politics, running a campaign on partisan division, class warfare and even hints of racism. His policies and worldview are mired in the past. His choice of a running mate so evidently unfit for the office was a final act of opportunism and bad judgment that eclipsed the accomplishments of 26 years in Congress.
Given the particularly ugly nature of Mr. McCain's campaign, the urge to choose on the basis of raw emotion is strong. But there is a greater value in looking closely at the facts of life in America today and at the prescriptions the candidates offer. The differences are profound.
Mr. McCain offers more of the Republican every-man-for-himself ideology, now lying in shards on Wall Street and in Americans' bank accounts. Mr. Obama has another vision of government's role and responsibilities.
In his convention speech in Denver, Mr. Obama said, "Government cannot solve all our problems, but what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves: protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education; keep our water clean and our toys safe; invest in new schools and new roads and new science and technology."
Since the financial crisis, he has correctly identified the abject failure of government regulation that has brought the markets to the brink of collapse.
The Economy
The American financial system is the victim of decades of Republican deregulatory and anti-tax policies. Those ideas have been proved wrong at an unfathomable price, but Mr. McCain — a self-proclaimed "foot soldier in the Reagan revolution" — is still a believer.
Mr. Obama sees that far-reaching reforms will be needed to protect Americans and American business.
Mr. McCain talks about reform a lot, but his vision is pinched. His answer to any economic question is to eliminate pork-barrel spending — about $18 billion in a $3 trillion budget — cut taxes and wait for unfettered markets to solve the problem.
Mr. Obama is clear that the nation's tax structure must be changed to make it fairer. That means the well-off Americans who have benefited disproportionately from Mr. Bush's tax cuts will have to pay some more. Working Americans, who have seen their standard of living fall and their children's options narrow, will benefit. Mr. Obama wants to raise the minimum wage and tie it to inflation, restore a climate in which workers are able to organize unions if they wish and expand educational opportunities.
Mr. McCain, who once opposed President Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy as fiscally irresponsible, now wants to make them permanent. And while he talks about keeping taxes low for everyone, his proposed cuts would overwhelmingly benefit the top 1 percent of Americans while digging the country into a deeper fiscal hole.
National Security
The American military — its people and equipment — is dangerously overstretched. Mr. Bush has neglected the necessary war in Afghanistan, which now threatens to spiral into defeat. The unnecessary and staggeringly costly war in Iraq must be ended as quickly and responsibly as possible.
While Iraq's leaders insist on a swift drawdown of American troops and a deadline for the end of the occupation, Mr. McCain is still taking about some ill-defined "victory." As a result, he has offered no real plan for extracting American troops and limiting any further damage to Iraq and its neighbors.
Mr. Obama was an early and thoughtful opponent of the war in Iraq, and he has presented a military and diplomatic plan for withdrawing American forces. Mr. Obama also has correctly warned that until the Pentagon starts pulling troops out of Iraq, there will not be enough troops to defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.
Mr. McCain, like Mr. Bush, has only belatedly focused on Afghanistan's dangerous unraveling and the threat that neighboring Pakistan may quickly follow.
Mr. Obama would have a learning curve on foreign affairs, but he has already showed sounder judgment than his opponent on these critical issues. His choice of Senator Joseph Biden — who has deep foreign-policy expertise — as his running mate is another sign of that sound judgment. Mr. McCain's long interest in foreign policy and the many dangers this country now faces make his choice of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska more irresponsible.
Both presidential candidates talk about strengthening alliances in Europe and Asia, including NATO, and strongly support Israel. Both candidates talk about repairing America's image in the world. But it seems clear to us that Mr. Obama is far more likely to do that — and not just because the first black president would present a new American face to the world.
Mr. Obama wants to reform the United Nations, while Mr. McCain wants to create a new entity, the League of Democracies — a move that would incite even fiercer anti-American furies around the world.
Unfortunately, Mr. McCain, like Mr. Bush, sees the world as divided into friends (like Georgia) and adversaries (like Russia). He proposed kicking Russia out of the Group of 8 industrialized nations even before the invasion of Georgia. We have no sympathy for Moscow's bullying, but we also have no desire to replay the cold war. The United States must find a way to constrain the Russians' worst impulses, while preserving the ability to work with them on arms control and other vital initiatives.
Both candidates talk tough on terrorism, and neither has ruled out military action to end Iran's nuclear weapons program. But Mr. Obama has called for a serious effort to try to wean Tehran from its nuclear ambitions with more credible diplomatic overtures and tougher sanctions. Mr. McCain's willingness to joke about bombing Iran was frightening.
The Constitution and the Rule of Law
Under Mr. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the justice system and the separation of powers have come under relentless attack. Mr. Bush chose to exploit the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, the moment in which he looked like the president of a unified nation, to try to place himself above the law.
Mr. Bush has arrogated the power to imprison men without charges and browbeat Congress into granting an unfettered authority to spy on Americans. He has created untold numbers of "black" programs, including secret prisons and outsourced torture. The president has issued hundreds, if not thousands, of secret orders. We fear it will take years of forensic research to discover how many basic rights have been violated.
Both candidates have renounced torture and are committed to closing the prison camp in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
But Mr. Obama has gone beyond that, promising to identify and correct Mr. Bush's attacks on the democratic system. Mr. McCain has been silent on the subject.
Mr. McCain improved protections for detainees. But then he helped the White House push through the appalling Military Commissions Act of 2006, which denied detainees the right to a hearing in a real court and put Washington in conflict with the Geneva Conventions, greatly increasing the risk to American troops.
The next president will have the chance to appoint one or more justices to a Supreme Court that is on the brink of being dominated by a radical right wing. Mr. Obama may appoint less liberal judges than some of his followers might like, but Mr. McCain is certain to pick rigid ideologues. He has said he would never appoint a judge who believes in women's reproductive rights.
The Candidates
It will be an enormous challenge just to get the nation back to where it was before Mr. Bush, to begin to mend its image in the world and to restore its self-confidence and its self-respect. Doing all of that, and leading America forward, will require strength of will, character and intellect, sober judgment and a cool, steady hand.
Mr. Obama has those qualities in abundance. Watching him being tested in the campaign has long since erased the reservations that led us to endorse Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Democratic primaries. He has drawn in legions of new voters with powerful messages of hope and possibility and calls for shared sacrifice and social responsibility.
Mr. McCain, whom we chose as the best Republican nominee in the primaries, has spent the last coins of his reputation for principle and sound judgment to placate the limitless demands and narrow vision of the far-right wing. His righteous fury at being driven out of the 2000 primaries on a racist tide aimed at his adopted daughter has been replaced by a zealous embrace of those same win-at-all-costs tactics and tacticians.
He surrendered his standing as an independent thinker in his rush to embrace Mr. Bush's misbegotten tax policies and to abandon his leadership position on climate change and immigration reform.
Mr. McCain could have seized the high ground on energy and the environment. Earlier in his career, he offered the first plausible bill to control America's emissions of greenhouse gases. Now his positions are a caricature of that record: think Ms. Palin leading chants of "drill, baby, drill."
Mr. Obama has endorsed some offshore drilling, but as part of a comprehensive strategy including big investments in new, clean technologies.
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Mr. Obama has withstood some of the toughest campaign attacks ever mounted against a candidate. He's been called un-American and accused of hiding a secret Islamic faith. The Republicans have linked him to domestic terrorists and questioned his wife's love of her country. Ms. Palin has also questioned millions of Americans' patriotism, calling Republican-leaning states "pro-America."
This politics of fear, division and character assassination helped Mr. Bush drive Mr. McCain from the 2000 Republican primaries and defeat Senator John Kerry in 2004. It has been the dominant theme of his failed presidency.
The nation's problems are simply too grave to be reduced to slashing "robo-calls" and negative ads. This country needs sensible leadership, compassionate leadership, honest leadership and strong leadership. Barack Obama has shown that he has all of those qualities.

Obama Endorsements Keep Adding Up

Janice NJ HQ — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:46:09 EDT

Major NJ newspapers endorsed Barack Obama for president today, adding to the overwhelming consensus that Barack Obama is the best candidate to bring about real change in Washington.

Obama for president
Sunday, October 26, 2008

WHATEVER HISTORY makes of the Bush presidency, its immediate legacy is an administration that turned budget surpluses into deficits, launched a pre-emptive war in Iraq and left us divided by politics, ideology and economics.

We cannot stay this course. We need a leader: Barack Obama....

The Record endorses Barack Obama.

To read the full article, click here.

Barack Obama for president
October 25, 2008

When voters went to the polls in 1932, Herbert Hoover's Republican Party had been in power for 14 years. The GOP's policies hadn't prevented the crash of 1929, and life for most Americans was still grim by the time the president sought reelection. Voters that year opted for change, trusting that a confident Franklin Delano Roosevelt would deliver on his promised New Deal.

The parallels today are inescapable.

Making the right choice for president is just as vital to the nation's future today as it was in the midst of the Great Depression.

Barack Obama offers America an opportunity to get back on track. His uniquely American story can inspire people from all walks of life to once again believe in what their country can accomplish.

John McCain came into the campaign with a well-deserved reputation for fighting for what he thought was best, even if it meant taking on his own party. Yes, he was a maverick. The tag has become a cliche, but at one time it was spot on. Now, however, he has reversed himself on many of the positions he fought for, jettisoning long-held principles, in a seemingly impulsive manner.

Obama, on the other hand, has demonstrated an ability to stay cool and level-headed amid a grueling election campaign, a quality that should well serve his presidency.

On each of the crises confronting the nation -- two wars, chaos in the financial and housing markets, the need to reform health care, energy consumption, an increasingly inadequate education system -- Obama has more to offer….

We believe Barack Obama offers the best hope for what he has called the promise of our ideals at a time when we most need to reaffirm what it means to be Americans.

To read the full article, click here.

For the change we need, elect Obama

The Democratic presidential nominee has the ideas, vision and temperament to get this nation back on track.

In this presidential election, the important question each American voter needs to ask is this: Is she or he better off now than four years ago?

Some Americans have been able to weather the financial storm better than others, but few have been untouched by the nation's roiling economy. If voters are dissatisfied with where they are now, with where the country stands today, this is an election in which they can do something about it. They can vote for change.

We believe Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is the candidate who can bring about the change that Americans want and need. We endorse his candidacy to be the next president of the United States.

To read the full article, click here.

Obama can bring change America sorely needs
October 26, 2008

By now, American voters are probably tired of hearing candidates promise to change the federal government.

But change in government is what the country needs — a change in the overall culture of special interests and irresponsible spending and a change from the specific public and foreign policies of the past eight years.

Cultural change may be too much to hope for, but a change from the direction of the past eight years is within reach and can be grasped with the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States.

Obama, the Democrat, would bring to the presidency an intellectual grounding, a thoughtfulness, a sense of balance that has been lacking for too long; he would not bring self-righteousness, bravado, disregard for human and civil rights, or a foreign policy based on saber rattling and name calling….

It's time for a change. It's time for Barack Obama.

To read the full article, click here.

For president:
Sunday, October 26, 2008

In the last few weeks, the economic foundation of the United States has been ebbing like sand sucked up by the sea. Despite the erosion of confidence and commerce, one man has stood firm among those shifting sands. Sen. Barack Obama's leadership and calm command have distinguished him, as they have time and time again throughout his campaign for the presidency.

We're proud to lend our voice to the many others endorsing the Democratic candidate and his bid to be the 44th president of the United States….

Republican contender Sen. John McCain has served his country well and honorably for many years as a serviceman and a senator. Sen. McCain has been a good captain, but Sen. Obama is clearly the commander we need.

To read the full article, click here.

Obama best-suited to lead America
October 19, 2008

Our nation is facing its gravest economic crisis since the Depression. It is bogged down in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The standard of living for most Americans, which had been largely flat during the 1980s and 1990s, has fallen during the past decade despite an economic expansion.
The meltdown on Wall Street has eroded the life savings of many Americans by a third. The fallout from the real estate bust could result in a loss of home equity of a third or more. We are far more dependent on foreign oil today than we were 35 years ago, when the oil embargo failed to awaken us from our slumber.

And thanks to a Bush administration that arrogantly chose to go its own way in Iraq and employed bullying tactics rather than reason and diplomacy to achieve its ends, we have alienated many of our longstanding allies around the world.

Change is needed — badly. Since World War II, there has never been a greater need for leadership, for a president who can pull a deeply divided nation together, someone who can help restore our self-esteem at home and help repair our tattered reputation abroad. Democratic Sen. Barack Obama is better equipped than Republican Sen. John McCain to meet that challenge….

Obama is keenly aware of how badly this nation needs to chart a new course — one that is respectful of other nations. He is committed to rebuilding the middle class, working to align America's policies with its long-cherished ideals and making the country the beacon for prosperity and justice once again.

To read the full article, click here.

Livingston Daily Press and Argus endorses Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:39:37 EDT

If Livingston County voters consider their conservative values rather than the party name, their choice for president will be SEN. BARACK OBAMA, D-Ill.
True Republicans value a government that defends the nation with a strong, focused military; reacts competently and aggressively to a national crisis; spends money frugally and wisely; and otherwise stays out of personal lives.
The last eight years of President George W. Bush's administration have failed in all of these areas. The war in Iraq was based on an inaccurate premise, poorly planned and waged without giving our troops adequate resources. As a result of waging the nation's longest war, we have seen Afghanistan become more dangerous than at any time since Sept. 11, 2001. Read the entire endorsement in today's Livingston Daily Press and Argus

Three More Granite State Newspapers Endorse Obama Yesterday

Anne Marie @ NH HQ — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:06:28 EDT

The Valley News, The Keene Sentinel, and the Portsmouth Herald all endorsed Barack Obama yesterday, adding to New Hampshire's strong backing of Senator Obama and the endorsements of the Cabinent Press, the Concord Monitor and the Nashua Telegraph last week.

To read the full text of all endorsements, click here.

Excerpt from the Valley News:

As we see it, one of the two big questions this year is, whatever happened to John McCain? That the proud Republican maverick of previous years now bears the W. brand -- tax cuts for the rich, unbridled enthusiasm for offshore oil drilling and so on -- is puzzling to many of his longtime admirers (including members of this editorial board), as is his abandonment of sensible immigration reform.

Excerpt from the Keene Sentinel:

We can decide to continue down the path we have all been on since 2000, with a new leader who may be somewhat more broadminded and rational than his predecessor. Or, better yet, we can opt for a change in direction, with an articulate leader who offers imaginative new alternatives to failed policies at home and a reversal of the United States' growing isolation on the world stage.
The election of Barack Obama as president would constitute a fresh departure for our country, at a time when our country sorely needs a fresh departure.

Excerpt from the Portsmouth Herald:

We have no doubt about where the political direction of the country should go. It's a simple question of going backward or taking a major leap forward. When Americans cast their ballots on Nov. 4, Obama is our clear and convincing choice for president to lead the country come January.
During the lengthy campaign, Obama has unleashed a call to action for the entire country through his inspiring rhetoric and his ability to draw millions of new voters, young and old and across the political spectrum, into the ranks of those demanding an entirely new approach to governance.

Check out the full text of these endorsements, and three other major endorsements from the Cabinet Press, the Nashua Telegraph and the Concord Monitor here.

Battle Creek Enquirer endorses Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:30:13 EDT

Nonetheless, our next president will have tremendous influence in shaping our future.
We think Democrat BARACK OBAMA should be that person. He has the intelligence, temperament and ideas that can help guide this nation as we endure difficult times ahead.
For more than a year, we have watched him wage an impressive campaign, first for the Democratic Party's nomination, and now for the presidency. Throughout the process he has been consistent in his ideals and inspirational in his rhetoric. He has maintained his dignity as his opponents in the primaries and general election have leveled every possible charge and accusation at him.
Will a masterful campaigner become a great leader? We don't know. But Obama has displayed a toughness during this arduous campaign which should serve him well as president. Read the entire endorsement in today's Battle Creek Enquirer

Lansing State Journal endorses Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:40:06 EDT

The 2008 presidential election offers mid-Michigan voters a stark contrast in governing strategies and national priorities. Michiganians will make this choice while more and more of their fellow Americans confront the economic troubles that have long plagued this state.

In the basic analysis, this is about change versus the status quo, about hope versus fear. Democratic nominee Barack Obama offers mid-Michigan a break from the past. Voters should take it.

The LSJ Editorial Board endorses Barack Obama for the office of president.
The events since the meltdown of the global credit markets has brought the issues and the choice into focus. Republican John McCain offered a whirlwind of unfocused energy and incoherent ideas to the economic crisis, while Obama exuded the calm and deliberation Americans will want and need in the White House. Read the entire endorsement in today's Lansing State Journal

Saginaw News endorses Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 11:51:11 EDT

But Obama is a highly educated and savvy individual of enormous achievement in a very short time. And long ago he surrounded himself with individuals capable of putting this country on a proper course. There is comfort in that.
There is comfort, too, in his eloquence. He appeals to the good, to doing better, to America's hopes. In short, he is inspiring. Words do make a difference. They can make people move in directions never before thought possible -- or even believable.
Leaders can do that. Obama does that now. And right now, he is America's hope.

The Saginaw News endorses BARACK OBAMA for president of the United States. Read the entire endorsement in today's Saginaw News

Community Organizer-in-Chief (My Evolution on Presidential Politics)

Howard Hall — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:39:21 EDT

There was a time when I supported John McCain. I even voted for him in the Republican primary. But that was eight years ago. Both John McCain and I have changed quite a bit in the interim. Or maybe we both just discovered who we really are.

Michigan Chronicle endorses Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:01:30 EDT

In this time of economic peril coupled with all the other problems we are faced with, it makes sense that Barack Obama becomes the 44th president of the United States. An Obama presidency will respond decisively and effectively to the challenges we face.

We ask voters to look at the candidates based on their competence and judgment, not on the color of their skins.

Yes, the United States will make a tremendous leap with regard to race relations and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream if Obama is sent to the White House. But more importantly, this nation will make great progress if Obama is given the mandate on Nov 4., because he will tackle the war in Iraq, healthcare and the economy with taxpayers making the decisions, not Wall Street or Washington. That is the change he is campaigned on.

Michigan needs a change agent in Washington and Obama has shown that he cared for the state's economic crisis by continuing to campaign here, pushing among other things, energy and fuel efficiency in addressing the automotive industry's problems, while McCain took off. Read the entire endorsement in the Michigan Chronicle

Cleveland, Akron, New Philadelphia and Middletown Newspapers Endorse Barack!

Michael in Ohio — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:39:34 EDT

In what looks like it's becoming a trend, four major Ohio newspapers recently endorsed Barack for President. The Cleveland Plain-Dealer's backing is a boost for the campaign given its huge market, and the Akron Beacon-Journal's support reflects an understanding that Barack will help large sized towns like Akron. But the New Philadelphia Times-Reporter and Middletown/Hamilton Journal's words are especially remarkable, given that they come from typically Republican-voting areas. But in this election, with a candidate whose policies support rural and small town areas, the map is definitely shifting.

It seems people from all over the state are hungry for change. Here is what the Plain-Dealer had to say:

After eight years of George W. Bush, America needs a change in direction and a change in tone.

It needs a president who understands that, yes, the world can be dangerous, but it is also complex. That the United States cannot defend its freedom by abandoning its principles. That it cannot ignore its allies one day and demand their help the next.

It needs a president who knows that optimism, not fear, defines America. That tax cuts and deregulation alone are not an economic strategy. That Washington cannot sit idle when a great city is devastated by nature or when millions of hardworking Americans are devastated by losing their homes, their jobs, their health care.
It needs a president who will listen and learn, and not confuse loyalty with competence. Who will ask Americans to sacrifice in the service of their country, not their party or self-interest. Who will be the leader Bush promised eight years ago -- a unifier, not a divider.

Barack Obama can be that leader.

You can read the full version online HERE. The following is what the Akron Beacon-Journal wrote:

Barack Obama calls for change. So does John McCain. Each has spent the past year or more attempting to define his version.
So, yes, change, by all means, and the candidate who has articulated more clearly and persuasively the course the country should follow is Barack Obama... How solid his campaign has been, the organization, grit and, most important, the direction and themes.
Where does Obama want to take the country? He wants to enhance the investment in education and research, essential to competitiveness in the knowledge economy. If his pledge to reduce the typical premium for health insurance by $2,500 a year is mostly guesswork, his overall plan reflects the pragmatism required to repair a costly and inefficient system of health care. He seeks to add fairness to the tax code, responding to trends in income, wealthier households doing far better, too many Americans experiencing flat paychecks in this decade.

On these and other matters, including energy, the aim is to mobilize better the country's talent and capital, grasping the indispensable role of government, reinforced by the turmoil on Wall Street in recent weeks. In a related way, such a focus on what is most important will drive his selection of federal judges and Supreme Court justices.

The whole endorsement of the Beacon-Journal is available HERE. And here is the New Philadelphia Times-Reporter:

The Times-Reporter believes Democrat Barack Obama is the better candidate to lead the country out of these trying economic times and today gives its endorsement to him over opponent Republican John McCain.
In the past, The Times-Reporter has shied from endorsing Democratic presidential candidates primarily because of their promises of additional entitlement programs that grow government rather than shrink it. But the last eight years have blurred the picture with Republicans spending as wildly as their counterparts across the aisle.
Then there's a host of countries to worry about, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Georgia and others. And still on the table will be other key issues – the environment, energy, education, infrastructure and health care. And have we mentioned that our image abroad needs a little polishing?

We believe Barack Obama is the better of the two candidates and the one who can lead us through one of the most difficult economic times since the Great Depression. We urge T-R readers to cast their ballots for him and his running mate, Joe Biden, the senior U.S. senator from Delaware.

The election is Nov. 4, although Ohio voters can cast "no fault" absentee ballots now or vote at their respective boards of elections.

The whole editorial is online HERE. And finally, the Middletown/Hamilton Journal wrote the following:

The overarching question surrounding the 2008 presidential election is whether this nation can lift itself from the financial and political morass that threatens its prosperity, its security and its very future. To be successful, this country needs a strong leader who can pave a new course that improves the lives of Americans and others around the globe.
Electing Obama next month does declare to the entire world that a new, positive and optimistic course has been set for America, with attainable and desirable goals that will lift up the 305 million people who call this country home.
Obama, D-Ill., and his opponent, U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., have squared off in three national televised debates and have survived a demanding primary season to get to this point. Even though he lacks the experience of McCain, we believe Obama has demonstrated himself to be the more knowledgeable, serious, stable and articulate candidate — and he has the most comprehensive agenda for getting America back on its feet.
"No Child Left Behind," launched by President Bush here in Butler County, had the right goals, according to Obama, but lacked adequate funding and wasn't implemented correctly. Obama plans to reform NCLB, as well as attack America's high dropout rate and soaring college costs, and emphasize teacher recruitment and retention. "Now is the time to finally meet our moral obligation to provide every child a world-class education, because it will take nothing less to compete in the global economy," Obama said in his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in August.

The version in full is available HERE.

Have friends that need convincing? Send them an email with link to this blog post, which you can grab here:

http://OH.BarackObama.com/OhioEndorsements1020

HOUSTON CHRONICLE endorses Barack Obama

Mom for Obama — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 20:05:00 EDT

This is some big endorsement in this state. This newspaper has only endorsed one other Democrat, Lyndon Johnson.

Iowa Newspaper Endorsements: Globe Gazette and Burlington Hawkeye

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:09:20 EDT

Barack was endorsed by two Iowa newspapers this morning, but they aren’t going to win this election. We need you to get in touch with your local office, or find an event near you, and help us reach out to your neighbors with face to face conversations about why Barack will bring the change we need.

Obama is best bet to heal our country (Globe Gazette Editorial)
…
Recognizing the discontent in the country with the past eight years, McCain has jumped on the “change” bandwagon. But no matter how many times he invokes the “maverick” mantle, in the areas that are most important to most Americans a McCain presidency has the worrying potential to be a continuation of the failed policies of the past.

McCain is wrong on the war, wrong on taxes, wrong on health care and, from a purely Iowa perspective, wrong on ethanol. American-made ethanol and other biofuels should remain an important part of the answer as we work toward energy independence.
…
No, McCain is not the person for the job we need done.

The nation needs someone who has the temperament, the intelligence, the perspective, the vision and the compassion to steer us through the obstacles ahead.

That man is Barack Obama.

Obama has emerged from the crucible of the campaign as someone who is poised under pressure, a natural-born leader who inspires both by word and deed.

He recognizes that our problems are shared, and he calls upon each of us to take responsibility for dealing with challenges in a way perhaps not seen since John F. Kennedy implored the nation’s citizens to ask “... what you can do for your country.”

The problems are real and the solutions will not be easy, but Obama shows great faith in the ability of Americans to rise to the occasion. His own life story is evidence of that potential.

Perhaps most significant is Obama’s view of the world and his intellectual curiosity. His is not a stark one-dimensional viewpoint where everything is either good or bad, right or wrong, black or white. He recognizes rightly that the world and its problems are presented in shades of gray and that the solutions to those problems are likewise multi-dimensional.

With Obama it’s not “America: Love it or leave it.” Rather it’s “America: Love it enough to make it better.” His enthusiasm and charisma can go a long way toward healing this country and uniting us in common purpose.
…
Obama is not perfect. But he’s right on most of the issues. He is the best bet before us to heal this country, change the politics of Washington, unite us and guide us out of our current crisis. In a choice between the future and the past, the decision is easy.

Barack Obama is the best choice for the next president of the United States.

Obama for president Barack Obama makes the most compelling case for positive change in America.
…
Our choice for the job is Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.
He's a man of high intellect, a point even his opponent is forced to acknowledge. Few gave him a chance to beat the Clinton machine to the nomination, but he had it wrapped up before the final primaries.
In Obama, Americans have hope for genuine change from the failed policies of the George W. Bush administration, policies that led us into an unnecessary war in Iraq, eroded our credibility around the world and turned a regulatory blind eye that has fueled the current economic crisis.
Nearly all of Bush's initiatives won favor from Republican John McCain. Though he is a genuine American hero whose heart is in the right place, we can't have four more years of the kind of conservatism that ushered us into our current financial state.
…
Obama understands, for example, that prosperity must include a quality education and a quality education starts even before kindergarten.
He understands a nation of healthy Americans can be competitive in the world market and has a plan to expand access to quality health care to more of us.
He knows removing troops from Iraq must be done carefully, but must be done as soon as possible. The Iraqi government must take more responsibility for its own security.
Given the plate left behind by the current president, the next four years will be excruciatingly challenging for the next administration.
With Sen. Joe Biden as vice president, an Obama administration will have the experience to handle the job.

Editorial Page Victories Clarify: Obama will win 2-1 in Electoral College! 4 part compendium: Endorsements at OpEdNews: Washington Post, Houston, Detroit, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Salt Lake,Philadelphia, Portland, Bangor, Sacram

Stephen Fox, Contributing Editor New Mexico Sun News — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:56:46 EDT

OpEdNews has been the site of choice to post the growing list of major and minor newspaper endorsements for Obama. The Editorials are quoted generally in full, with interspliced commentaries from major editors and commentators, explaining what is behind the Editorials.

Part I Obama's Editorial Endorsements: including Washington Post, Fidel Castro, Richard Lugar, Chuck Hagel, & more!

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Obama-s-Endorsements-The-by-Stephen-Fox-081016-633.html

*******

Part II Editorial Page Endorsements of Obama Denver Post, Chicago Tribune, San Francsico Chronicle, Los Angeles Times

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Editorial-Page-Endorsement-by-Stephen-Fox-081017-544.html

********

Part III New Endorsements: Salt Lake City Tribune, Bangor and Brunswick, Maine, Philadelphia, Miami, Portland, Kansas City

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Endorsements-Salt-Lake-Ci-by-Stephen-Fox-081018-476.html

********

More Obama Endorsements IV: Sacramento, Katie Couric, Malaysia, Houston Chronicle, Detroit, Waco Tx (sort of)

http://www.opednews.com/articles/More-Obama-Endorsements-IV-by-Stephen-Fox-081019-492.html

Detroit Free Press endorses Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:21:09 EDT

At a time when America clearly needs some changes, Obama is not only proposing better ones but is also better suited to the job of getting them done. The Free Press endorses Democrat BARACK OBAMA for president.

Despite his relatively short time in public office, Obama, 47, has over the course of the general election campaign steadily articulated a progressive, pragmatic vision for this country, keyed to opportunities for the middle class, and demonstrated time and again that his approach to things is grounded in deliberation and reflection. He's a man clearly open to ideas and willing to search for the right answer to a problem rather than pursuing the expedient one.

His mantra of "change" is rooted in a well-grounded perspective on governing and leadership.

These qualities will serve well a country that's hungry for a unified, hopeful vision. Read the entire endorsement in the Detroit Free Press

"Newspapers That Backed Bush Shift To Obama" by Rachel Weiner

natalie gould — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 03:55:10 EDT
"Newspapers That Backed Bush Shift To Obama" by Rachel Weiner,

The Huffington Post - October 17, 2008 03:56 PM

The Denver Post, "which had backed George W. Bush in 2004 and is owned by Republican-leaning William Dean Singleton," endorsed Barack Obama for president on Friday. "So did the Chicago Sun-Times, Kansas City Star. Southwest News-Herald (Ill.) and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. And to top it off: another Bush-backing in 2004, The Salt Lake Tribune."

Conservative Defections and the Liberal Media Myth

Brian Normoyle — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 03:15:20 EDT
In a FOX News interview Friday, John McCain campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds complained about media scrutiny of "Joe the Plumber"--the newest character in the three-act farce that has become their campaign. Of course, McCain's "old buddy Joe" and the veracity of his narrative would have merely been a passing blip on media radar had the campaign not thoughtlessly forced him front-and-center in the final presidential debate as just another prop in their play. Bounds huffed and puffed about "[Barack Obama's] allies in the media"--otherwise known as journalists doing their job--but in so doing, he forgot McCain has a penchant for throwing otherwise ordinary persons under the bus by not properly vetting their "compelling" narratives before pitching them headfirst into the gladiator arena of national politics. If the campaign had done its job the way journalists are now trying to do theirs in this election, most of us would never have heard of Sarah Palin or Joe the Plumber.

One can hardly fault campaign surrogates for attempting to discredit the media and label them as biased, liberal or "in-the-tank" for Obama. The cultural myth of a liberal mainstream media is dubious, but conservatives have successfully framed political discourse for decades by propagating it among a credulous base.

This time, however, it seems terribly desperate and utterly disingenuous to denigrate journalists for doing something McCain should have done days earlier--and with respect to Sarah Palin--months earlier. At this point in a flailing and increasingly erratic campaign, the tactic of complaining about a liberal media bias is as futile as is it trite. But more importantly, it belies a more significant and insurmountable problem for the campaign: apostate conservatives. Traditional media conservatives are abandoning John McCain like rats deserting a sinking ship. Andrew Sullivan questioned his integrity, Peggy Noonan and Kathleen Parker his judgment. William Kristol advocated McCain fire his entire campaign and start from scratch and even Charles Krauthammer seemed perplexed by his frenetic behavior while admitting Obama passes the Reagan presidential-mettle test. Stinging as those resounding critiques may be, and they certainly have a bite, the final nail in McCain's campaign coffin may have been hammered in by conservative endorsements of his opponent.
Andrew Bacevich endorsed Obama in March and Wick Allison did it in September. Then there were the two iconic Christophers: recently Hitchins and last week Buckley, son of National Review founder William F. Buckley, who is widely credited as the father of modern conservatism. Hitchins endorsed Obama Monday in a rebuke of McCain's temperament and character, while Buckley cost himself a job at his late father's magazine by announcing he will vote for a Democrat for the first time in his life when he pulls the lever for Obama in November.

The nation also heard Thursday from David Brooks and Friday the Chicago-Tribune endorsed a Democrat for president for the first time in the 160-year history of the paper. As if it couldn't get any worse for McCain, we're likely to hear the revered Colin Powell offer his support, if not a full-throated endorsement, of Obama on Meet the Press Sunday morning.

With just over two weeks to go until the election, this repudiation by the right-of-center punditocracy doesn't bode well for a candidate who was never a darling of conservatives to begin with--particularly among the evangelical right. Does this mean McCain has already lost the election? No. There exists a real possibility for a McCain squeaker, though getting there will be an uphill war (not battle) at this point.

What it does mean is that Republicans will not be able to blame a mythical liberal media for their failure to energize the electorate. I have long considered the specter of a liberal media to be a fable born of paranoia. Invented as a strategy to win elections, it later became a defense against potential Republican failure and a tagline to foment mistrust among the electorate. But when used to perpetuate a patrician v. plebeian mentality, it's a script perfect for aiding campaigns that win and justifying those that don't.

Casting themselves as the underdog party of Jesus, small government and real patriotism, Republicans claim to fight for the common man while they brand academics and journalists as biased, elitist pigs (instant snobbery, just add education). Then they rehash the hackneyed line about liberals and how much better they think they are than the working-class, and the result is a seemingly impervious battleship of electoral dominance. That is until reality seeps in and that ship starts to sink, leaving many heretofore stalwart conservatives to reverse course or jump ship altogether.

If McCain fails to win in November, the campaign will have the sellout himself to blame, along with several other parties. This year, however, the imaginary liberal media will not be one of them.

Strong endorsement

Ariel — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:03:26 EDT

I was pleased to read that Christopher Buckley, the son of William F. Buckley, has endorsed Senator Obama. In his own right, Christopher writes for the National Review. I am guessing his decision to go public with this endorsement has not won him many friends at work. (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/10/a-buckley-endorses-obama/) I respect him for taking a stand.
It renews my sense of hope each time I hear of someone sitting down and making a reasoned decision about who to support based on facts instead of based on sound bites. Of course, I am happier when their decision matches mine, but that is less important.
Let's see how many more people we can encourage to let the facts inform their decisions.

Muskegon Chronicle endorses Barack

Josh In Michigan — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:06:46 EDT

Barack Obama will protect our country and its Constitution, which have suffered at the hands of the current administration, and he has chosen an excellent running mate in Delaware's veteran U.S. Sen. Joe Biden, who is ready to step in to serve if need be in the tradition of Harry Truman and Gerald R. Ford.

Obama and Biden have both exhibited coolness, competence and confidence at every turn, reassuring the citizens of our great country that the promised change to come will be for the better. Their measured answers and well-thought-out responses to the difficult issues confronting the United States strike us as conveying the right tone and proper course for the four years ahead.

Just as importantly, the strong and steady candidacy of the young U.S. senator from Illinois has brought new hope to many around the globe hungering for the return of the United States to a position of moral world leadership that has been squandered over the past eight years by President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. Read the entire endorsement at the Muskegon Chronicle...

Diplomats and...Well, More Bands

Sylvia — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:40:43 EDT

Endorsements: Two hundred former U.S. diplomats, including former Secretaries of State Madeline Albright and Warren Christopher, have signed a statement endorsing Senator Obama. "We are supporting Senator Barack Obama because of his judgment, experience, and ability to inspire people to come together around a common purpose" it reads. "Senator Obama's talents offer an historic opportunity; for the sake of America's security and standing in the world, we must seize it."
Music News: Obama supporters from all ends of the music spectrum announced gigs in support of the Democratic presidential candidate today. On the high-end side, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel will be playing a fundraiser in New York City on October 16; ticket prices range from $500 to $2,500. Meanwhile, on the indie side of the five boroughs, hipster enclave Williamsburg will play host to Barack Rock on October 7. Among the participants are Andrew Bird, Les Savy Fav, the Fiery Furnaces, and special super secret guests (*cough*FranzFerdinand*cough*). But mainstream music aficionados and hipsters aren't the only music fans being catered to - hippies may get their politico-musical groove on as well. After their February 2008 "Deadheads for Obama" rally, the surviving members of the Grateful Dead may play a fundraiser on October 13.

Republican Mayor Richard Riordan Endorses Obama for President

Sarah Gallagher — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:43:42 EDT
Press Release from Gabriel Sanchez, Obama for America, California
Former LA Mayor Says "Clearly, Obama is the Best Candidate

LOS ANGELES - Former Los Angeles Mayor Riordan, a Republican, today formally announced his endorsement of Barack Obama for President. Crossing party lines, Mayor Riordan said he supports Obama because "we want the best person to be President of the United States, whether they are Republican or Democrat, and clearly Obama is the best candidate."

Senator Obama is the kind of leader we need to get us through these tough economic times. If you truly want to do what's best for the country, you should vote for Barack Obama for President.

"Senator Obama is the kind of leader we need to get us through these tough economic times," said Riordan, explaining why he favors Obama over McCain. "If you truly want to do what's best for the country, you should vote for Barack Obama for President."

Riordan, a registered Republican, was elected Mayor of Los Angeles in 1993 and served until 2001. During his tenure he worked successfully with community and business leaders to revitalize the city of Los Angeles, which was struck hard by the recession of the early 1990s and several natural disaster including the Northridge quake in 1994.

Islip Town Councilman Gene PArrington endorses Ramos

Phil Ramos for State Assembly — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:24:51 EDT

Islip Town Councilman Gene Parrington (D-Oakdale) today announced his endorsement of Phil Ramos for State Assembly.

“I’m endorsing Phil wholeheartedly because I know how hard he works on behalf of Islip,” said Parrington. “In addition Ramos has proven to be someone who can secure vital State funding that helps the community and that’s why we need him in the State Assembly.”

“Gene has been a friend and supporter for a long time and I’m happy to have his support,” said Ramos.

Ramos has received an outpouring of support from local Democratic party and it’s leaders, including endorsements from Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan, Suffolk Democratic Chairman Rich Schaffer and Suffolk County Legislators Ricardo Montano and Jon Cooper.

“We have a great Democratic team here in Islip and I look forward to continuing to work with Phil Nolan, Gene Parrington and all the Democrats in the County to make sure Islip remains a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Ramos concluded.

5 things America needs to change in its presidential elections

Ms CYPRAH — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:09:00 EDT

Thanks to Newsvine, I have been able to watch the American elections from close quarters, to see the progress or fall of the leading candidates and to even have my two cents worth from the hustings through my favoured candidate, Barack Obama. i have to admit that if Obama were not in the race, I would have favoured Hillary Clinton. It just so happens that there are two history-making candidates with different advantages in the frame this year and that has presented a difficult choice to their supporters who would like to see either of them win. For years, there appeared to be no other choices but white males for the public to elect and then, like busses in a row, two other choices pull up at the same time. No wonder the nation seems to be heavily divided and confused, not because Clinton or Obama is so different from each other, or better than the other, but because the election has become unpredictable and exciting for the very first time, particularly for the Democrats. For women and minorities, it is really hard to know which way to go.
However, from across the Pond, a few things haven't made sense in the selection process and I think they need to change for fairness to be seen to be done when the dust has settled.

Al Gore: Risk Taker, Trendsetter

Todd Epp — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:41:24 EDT

Hey Al, nothing like getting out ahead of the power curve and being a trend setter!
I received the following email earlier today:
Dear Todd,
A few hours from now I will step on stage in Detroit, Michigan to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama. From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States...
Thank you for joining me,
Al Gore

Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Al Gore, 2008 election, lockbox

14 Republican members of Congress Refuse to Endorse McCain

Bill Marjenhoff — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:23:11 EDT
At least 14 Republican members of Congress have refused to endorse or publicly support Sen. John McCain for president, and more than a dozen others declined to answer whether they back the Arizona senator.Many of the recalcitrant GOP members declined to detail their reasons for withholding support, but Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.) expressed major concerns about McCain’s energy policies and Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) cited the Iraq war.Complete article here: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/new-gang-of-14-wont-back-mccain-2008-06-11.html

Bob Dylan, Obama Supporter

Bill Marjenhoff — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:44:57 EDT
Pulitzer Prize winner Bob Dylan is an Obama supporter! He recently told a Times (London) reporter, “Well, you know right now America is in a state of upheaval. Poverty is demoralizing. You can't expect people to have the virtue of purity when they are poor. But we've got this guy out there now who is redefining the nature of politics from the ground up – Barack Obama. He's redefining what a politician is, so we'll have to see how things play out. Am I hopeful? Yes, I'm hopeful that things might change. Some things are going to have to.” He added: “You should always take the best from the past, leave the worst back there and go forward into the future."From Dylan’s 1964 hit, “The Times They Are A-Changin’”:"Come senators, congressmen, please heed the call. Don't stand in the doorway, don't block up the hall," and: "Come mothers and fathers throughout the land, and don't criticize what you can't understand. Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command. Your old road is rapidly agin'."

Chronicling Endorsement-gate for Dumbies!!

Hans from SE PDX — Sat, 24 May 2008 05:37:04 EDT

Putting Hagee & Parsley's endorsements of McCain
into perspective with all the attacks and non-stop Rev. Wright on the MSM. April 9th is a date you should know, but most likely do not. Please check out this link if yo have any questions or want it explained simply the contradictions inherent in the attack while McCain was seeking their endorsements. I've got pictures! ;)
This is must read to understand the free ride McCain has been given in MSM.

59 and Counting

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:00:39 EDT

Two California Congressmen have endorsed Barack Obama for President. U.S. Congressmen Jim Costa and Dennis Cardoza, both superdelegates, have pledged to support Obama.

Congressman Cardoza previously supported Hillary Clinton. In endorsing Obama, Cardoza said, "This is the most important election of my lifetime."

“I am deeply concerned about the contentious primary campaign and controversy surrounding the seating of delegates from Florida and Michigan – two states Democrats need to win in November," Cardoza said. "I will not support changing the rules in the fourth quarter of this contest through some convoluted DNC rules committee process."
Read more.
Carole

A Bin Ladin Endorsement?

smffy — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:03:08 EDT

If the terrorist of all terrorists and others of his ilk decide to endorse Obama, the message will be clear. They don't want a president who will not be the Great Satan; it would hurt their chances of creating new terrorists http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1808467,00.html?xid=feed-cnn-topicssts.
We can ill afford more saber rattling. We can ill afford to be the nation committed to attacking Islam and all Arab nations in the name of a war that is not about much but oil. John McCain has admitted oil is what the war in Iraq is really about.
Terrorist leaders are not stupid. They know what a negative effect their endorsement would achieve. Get ready for this one. It is likely to happen, just as they endorsed Kerry and helped Bush win the election. They are far from mindless. They have been very successful in whipping their followers into an emotional frenzy. They will try the same thing here.

a little slow on the uptake???

Pennsylvania Pam — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:45:35 EDT

So, tell me if I understand this right: it had to take resounding admiration of Adolf HItler and the Holocaust for John McCain to reject John Hagee's endorsement of his campaign? And this man says he has the judgment to be President ... or has he just been having a long senior moment? (Please, no offense intended to seniors!)

Another Reverend Under the Bus

Dr. Mark Elrod — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:08:00 EDT

It has to be getting crowded under there...
John McCain has rejected the endorsement of Reverend John Hagee and Hagee has reciprocated by rejecting his endorsement of John McCain. That's kind of like the "You can't fire me, I quit!" line.
To say that Hagee has been "controversial" in his pronouncements concerning Catholics, Jews, and the state Israel is an understatement.
Most of those pronouncements are part of a rather (IMHO) convoluted eschatology popular among Christian evangelicals that involves the re-establishment of the state of Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the second coming of Christ. It may also involve either the election of John McCain or the the anti-christ in 2008. We'll know more about that on November 5.
But as someone who has managed to interpret just about every verse in the Bible as being somehow associated with a political event, Hagee certainly saw this coming. It certainly makes you wonder why he didn't reject McCain first.

Chair of Kansas Democratic Party Endorses Obama

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:34:10 EDT
Larry Gates, Chair of the Kansas Democratic Party, endorsed Barack Obama today.

"Senator Obama inspired record numbers of voters to turn out to the Kansas caucuses, which not only strengthens our Party but also the whole political process. He is the best candidate for Democrats to stand behind as we work to take on John McCain - who supports the war in Iraq and Bush's tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans - in November," Gates said.

In endorsing Obama, Gates referred to Obama's proven ability to win in red states and his positive campaign for change.

"Kansans can unite behind Sen. Obama and his positive campaign, and that is why I have chosen to endorse him," Gates said. "He has proven his ability to bring Democrats, Republicans and Independents together, and holds the same commitment to working across party lines as Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius."

Superdelegate Status in Kansas:
Sen. Obama previously received a commitment from Gov. Sebelius, as well as Kansas Democratic Party National Committeeman Lee Kinch and National Committeewoman Randy Roy.

Kansas Democratic Party Vice Chair Teresa Krusor announced a commitment to Sen. Clinton.

Congressman Dennis Moore, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda and National Federation of Democratic Women President Helen Knetzer remain uncommitted.

Delegate Math:
302.5                  number of superdelegates endorsing Obama
111                     number of delegates needed to secure the nomination

Carole

President Endorses Obama

Chuck — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:30:22 EDT

No, not the guy currently occupying the White House.
President pro tempore of the United States Senate, Robert Byrd of West Virginia, has endorsed Sen. Obama for President of the United States, citing their mutual long opposition to the war in Iraq.
Interestingly, he also specifically noted that Obama is a Christian. I guess Byrd might have been a little embarrassed that many residents of his state were still not clear on that point.

List of Native Americans Who Have Endorsed Obama

Natsuki the Neko: GO OBAMA-BIDEN GO! ^_^ — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:46:41 EDT

I am part Native-American myself. I thought it would be important to post this list.
Chief J. Allan, Chairman, Coeur d'Alene Tribe
David Z. Bean, Councilman, Puyallup Tribe of Indians
Harriett Becenti, Council Delegate, Navajo Nation
Elmer Begay, Council Delegate, Navajo Nation
Theresa Bridges, Chairwoman, Franks’ Landing Indian Community
Joe Brings Plenty, Chairman, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Diana Buckner, Chairwoman, Ely Shoshone Tribe
Gerald L. Danforth, Chairman, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin
Ian Erlich (Native Village of Kotzebue) – Vice Chairman, Alaska Inter-Tribal Council
Jerry Freddie, Council Delegate, Navajo Nation
Alison Gottfriedson, Councilmember, Franks’ Landing Indian Community
Michael Jandreau, Chair, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
Michael Marchand, Chairman, Conf. Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Robert McGhee, Councilman, Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Christopher Mercier, Councilman and former Chairman, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
Kenneth Meshigaud, Tribal Chairperson, Hannahville Potawatomi
James V. Miles, Councilman Puyallup Tribe of Indians
John Miller, Chairman, Pokagon Band of Pottawatomi
Robert Moore, Councilman, Rosebud Sioux
Ned Norris, Chairman, Tohono O'odham Nation
Jennifer Porter, Chair, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
Gloria Ramirez, Councilwoman, Tohono O’odham Nation
Kenny Reels, Vice-Chair, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
Sarah Riggs, Vice-Chair, Dilkon Chapter, Navajo Nation
Michael Thomas, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
Leonard Tsosie, Council Delegate, Navajo Nation
Lee Juan Tyler, Vice-Chairman, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
John Warren, Councilman, Pokagon Band of Pottawatomi
Mike Williams, Chairman, Alaska Inter-Tribal Council
Mervin Wright, Jr. Chairman, Pyramid Lake Paiute

The Edwards timing was more useful than you think

♫Parodee♫ — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:43:32 EDT

I wondered why John Edwards had waited so long but in the long run, this endorsement had one brilliant effect: It totally eclipsed Hillary's jubilant post WV victory interviews.
Newshounds were notified, the event happened with full coverage, and because this was a major endorsement, it knocked Hillary's West Virginia "landslide" news off the edge, as one of those quarter-pushing carnival games would do!
Sometimes later, even seemingly so late as to be ineffective, is better!

-----map---------}}

Thanking the U.S. Steelworkers Union ! !

Hope for Change — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:48:27 EDT

Hey, America, (and my friends in Portland, OR)
An amazing thing happened in Pittsburgh, PA this afternoon!
The United States Steelworkers Union has pledged their support of Senator Obama in the General Elections this Fall! Hey, people, this is one of the major national unions that has borne the impacts of a global economy and decisions made in Washington, DC that benefited the corporate directors. Many times, at the expense of rank and file workers within these unions.
Well, I did something that was TOTALLY out of character (well, out of my old, conservative, 'RED' character...)
I went down to the national headquarters of the Steelworkers Union here in downtown Pittsbugh, and I thanked the Executive Director of the union, his executive secretary, and I stood out on the steps of the union during my lunch hour to shake hands with EVERYBODY coming out of the building. As I was thanking them for their union's endorsement, I shared my experiences of being on the road with the campaign during events in Youngstown, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Wheeling, PA, and Muncie, IN.I let them know that their pledge of support means so much in this final stage of the campaign as we prepare for the November General Election. I conveyed in the simplest, most sincere method I know, that their vote for Senator Obama in November could change the world and help to right the wrongs of these past eight years of 'bush-league' partisanship.I hope that our brothers and sisters who are staying within the camp of other candidate can see that we have their interests at heart, as well. That collectively, we are all working towards a more productive America that has invested its time and money in its most important resource. . . her citizens and a plan for a brighter tomorrow.
We are SO LUCKY to be a part of this chrysalis. . . a metamorphosis of change.
YES, We Can!
-Lou

John Edwards Hearts Obama

Dr. Mark Elrod — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:30:30 EDT

It's about time, Mr. Edwards...
I was at an event in Little Rock this evening and heard some folks whispering the news that John Edwards had finally endorsed somebody in the Democratic primary.
This certainly takes something off the thumping Obama took in West Virginia on Tuesday and the endorsement has obviously been in the works for some time.
I'm anxious to see if Edwards works to close the blue-collar gap between Obama and Hillary Clinton in Kentucky.
It's an interesting development but it's probably inconsequential to the final outcome.
But anything that will get this thing over by June 3 is welcomed.

Barack Evening Buzz 5-14-08: John Edwards on Board

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:01:36 EDT
On to Victory in November

My Endorsement

Asher Heimermann — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:09:27 EDT
Back in February of 2008, I officially endorsed Senator Obama. Today, I am renewing my endorsement for the Senator. For those that are new or may have missed my emails, my name is Asher Heimermann from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I am a teenage democrat that hosts a weekly radio show about national and political news. I have been featured in newspapers and on the radio as well as been interviewed by a TV station.
Senator Barack Obama has outlined the fundamental choice in this race: He believes that the catastrophic failure of the Bush years has led us to a moment where it's not just Democrats who are listening to what we have to say, but Independents and Republicans. Thats why this election is a chance to turn the page by offering the American people a fundamentally different choice in 2008 - not just in policies, but in leadership style.
The other top candidate in this race has run what Washington would call a "textbook" campaign. But the problem is the textbook itself. It's a textbook that's all about winning elections, but says nothing about how to bring the country together to solve problems. It encourages vague, calculated answers to suit the politics of the moment, instead of clear, consistent principles about how to lead America. It teaches you that you can promise progress for everyday people while striking a bargain with the very special interests who crowd them out.
When Senator Obama is the Democratic nominee, his Republican opponent won't be able to say that he was for the war in Iraq before he was against it; or that he supported an extension of the Iraq war into Iran; or that he supports the Bush-Cheney diplomacy of not talking to leaders we don't like. And his Republican opponent won't be able to say that he flip-flopped on something as fundamental as whether our nation should use torture because his answer has been clear from day one - never.
Senator Obama is in this race because he doesn't want to see us spend the next year re-fighting the Washington battles of the 1990s. He doesn't want to pit Blue America against Red America, he wants to lead a United States of America. He doesn't want this election to be about the past, because if it's about the future, we all win. If this election is about whether or not to end this war, or pass universal health care, or make college more affordable, it won't just be a Democratic victory; it will be an American victory.
I would ask that you please take time to visit my website at www.AsherHeimermann.com to learn more about me and my involvement in politics.

John McQueen's Wednesday Wire - May 14th

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:18:54 EDT

The wonderful Wednesday Wire is by John McQueen, active Democrat in Heidelberg, Germany. John's insights, reporting, and reading recommendations are perceptive, and reflect a week's worth of superb journalism to pull together everything for readers in a concise format. In today's Wednesday Wire, John suggests possible Republican Vice-Presidential candidates. Please see the reading suggestions at the end for your reading pleaure.

Carole
___________________________________________________________________
Topics This Week: 1. West Virginia Results 2. A big win in Mississippi – Just how big is it? 3. Paul, Barr and Nader – which one will hurt the candidates most? 4. The GOP VP Watch – The Top Ten right now 5. State by State 6. Reading Recommendations And finally…

Read more.

Endorsements

Dave — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:03:48 EDT
The superdelegate endorsements keep flooding in for Senator Obama. Clearly, he has demonstrated patience and resilience in the Democratic nomination. It was never going to be easy. However, he continued to conduct himself in a very mature and professional way. He has shown the charisma and determination to bring change to the next White House administration. That's why superdelegates are lining up to back Barack Obama.

MSNBC "Obama Picks Up Nine Superdelegates Friday"

Deborah Simmel — Sat, 10 May 2008 05:28:50 EDT

When I saw the day's count it stood at seven. (Sometimes it's good to be wrong!) Take a look at what MSNBC's Race to the White House with David Gregory reported late Friday.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24538157/

Want to know which Members of Congress and Lobbyists Support which Candidate?

Inspired in Florida - a Recovering Republican — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:04:15 EDT

White House Endorsement Watch
Here is a running tabulation of the Members of Congress who have made their endorsements public in the 2008 White House contest.
Only thosecandidates who have received Member endorsements are listed. All Democratic House Members and Senators also serve as superdelegates at the Democratic National Convention and will have a say in determining the presidential nominee.
http://www.rollcall.com/politics/endorsements.html
White House Endorsement WatchK Street Endorsements
This is a running tabulation of lobbyists who have made their endorsements public in the 2008 White House contest. Only those candidates who have received lobbyist endorsements are listed.
http://www.rollcall.com/politics/kstendorsements.html

A Great Endorsement By Joe Andrew

bobbym — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:55:19 EDT

The original is here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-j-andrew/on-my-switch-from-clinton_b_99621.html
Here's the text:
On My Switch From Clinton To Obama
I have been inspired.
Today I am announcing my support for Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. I am changing my support from Senator Clinton to Senator Obama, and calling for my fellow Democrats across my home State of Indiana, and my fellow super delegates across the nation, to heal the rift in our Party and unite behind Barack Obama.
The hardest decisions in life are not between good and bad or right and wrong, but between two goods or two rights. That is the decision Democrats face today. We have an embarrassment of riches, but as much as we may love our candidates and revel in the political process that has brought Presidential politics to places that have not seen it in a generation, we cannot let our family affair hurt America by helping John McCain.
Here is my message, explained in this lengthy letter that I hope is perceived as a thoughtful analysis of how to save America from four more years of the misguided polices of the past: you can be for someone without being against someone else. You can unite behind a candidate and a vision for America without rejecting another candidate and their vision, because in real life, opposed to party politics, we Democrats are on the same side. The battle should not be amongst ourselves. Rather, we should focus our efforts on those who are truly on the opposite side: those who want to continue the failed policies of the last eight years, rather than bring real change to Washington. Let us come together right now behind an inspiring leader who not only has the audacity to challenge the old divisive politics, but the audacity to make us all hope for a better America.

Major IN SuperDelegate switches from Hillary to Obama

Chuck — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:01:03 EDT

Nedra Pickler (!) of the AP reports that Former Clinton appointed DNC Chair Joe Andrew, without prompting, has switched to Obama based on the state of the campaign, and Obama's handling of the Wright eruption, and Hillary's irresponsible call for a summer gast tax holiday which Obama dismissed rightly as a pandering gimick.
I wanted to second his observation, and add an emphasis to the gas tax holiday issue, which is that because it have the net effect on increasing consumption of gas, it is a stance that no-one who is serious about the environment in general, and Global Warming in particular shou ever support.

Hoosiers it is time to Unite an work as hard as you can

LuAnn in Indiana — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:59:30 EDT

May the 6th is getting closer an closer. We live in a State that can either possibly stop Hillary or give Barack a huge boost. Personally, I want to boost Obama.
We can all do something. Make calls, go door to door or as I have been doing, e mailing everybody and anybody I can find on any of the Indiana Groups and asking them to do the same. It is very simple. Just click on Groups on the right hand side to find all of them in your area or in Indiana and No. Carolina.
Then go to "MyBlog" and a compose a letter and send it to each group and the members in the group. The groups email address will be on each of their personal pages. You can add them to your friends and then you will just have to check each group when you post.
Then go to your personal email addresses and do the same and ask them to e mail all their contacts.
Hillary and her family have been to Terre Haute 4 times. She is really trying to ge all of the unemployed, union workers and "blue collar" workers. We can not alloy this to happen.
She has also got Senator Bayh campaigning with her and he says "the other congressmen should wait until after the primary to endorse".
Please call each of the three and e mail them too. Ask them to please endorse Barack and help us (their constituents), the people who voted for them, to please endorse Barack before the primary. Of course, you can see why Bayh and Hillary do not want them to endorse him. You can just google congressmen Ellsworth, Hill and Donnelly and it will take you to their site.
All three of them would be able to help greatly if they would endorse and then campaign for Barack. Barack helped them.
Well, I am getting ready to go to our Obama Headquarters here in Terre Haute, but I just wanted to make sure everyone realizes how much work we have to do.
Hillary is not going to quit and the only way we can convense the Super Delegates to endorse Barack and start canpaigning against McCan is to make sure Obama wins here in Terre Haute. I am pretty sure he will win in No.Carolina.
Remember "Yes We Can"........ if we all work together!
LuAnn in Terre Haute
Let me know if any of you have any differnt ideas.
I hope I do not sound bossy, but I am very excited about helping put Barack in the White House.
I just heardon MSNBC, that Obama has now got more Super Delegates than Hillary. That is great news!!

A Letter to Baron Hill

Ben Everhart — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:21:42 EDT

The Washington Post has reported in an article that Evan Bayh is attempting to silence Indiana Congressmen who may support Barack Obama. He practically threatens them, stating that if they cross the Clintons there will be political consequences. Allegedly this is because their constituents will not vote for a congressman who endorses Obama. Fortunately, I happen to be a constituent of one of these Congressmen - Baron Hill. I don't know if Mr. Hill even has an intention of supporting Barack Obama but if he does then I believe he should feel free to. I let him know my own personal feelings in this matter as just one of many of his constituents. If you are reading this and you are one of Mr. Hill's constituents or a constituent of any of the other Congressmen being bullied into submission then I would invite you to send a similar letter (although please don't plagiarize, that would not look good at all for us).

Mr. Hill,
I read in a recent article that Mr. Evan Bayh has advized you and a couple of other Congressmen not to endorse a Democratic candidate before the upcoming Indiana Primary. The assumption was that you would endorse Barack Obama and this would somehow hurt your chances of re-election. I don't know if you have had any thoughts of endorsing either candidate but I would like to tell you that I am one of your constituents and that I would still vote for you regardless of any endorsements (although I am a Barack Obama supporter). I would prefer to see you act on your conscience in this matter (or any matter) rather than what might or might not be politically popular.
Sincerely,
Ben Everhart
To find out how you can contact Baron Hill visit: http://baronhill.house.gov/contact.shtml

What's with the teachers unions?

DenisN — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:27:47 EDT
Does anybody know the particular policies that got the AFT to endorse Hillary Clinton. And why hasn't NEA made an endorsement? Has anybody been in discussions at union meetings where policy issues have been raised?

More Endorsements For Senator Obama!!!

Denise from Medford — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:47:32 EDT

Just saw that we can add to our team the following endorsees:
Robert Reich-Former Labor Secretary (from the Clinton White House Days!0
David Boren-Former Senator (OK)
Sam Nunn-Former Senator (GA)
Hope that puts a smile on your face and starts your weekend off just right! LOL Denise

Two Big Newspaper Endorsements in PA

Chuck — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:33:17 EDT

The Philadelphia Daily News (that is considered the blue collar, btw) and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have both come out with endorsements for Barack Obama.
From the Daily News 4/17/08:
Obama has raised $240 million overall, with half coming in contributions of less than $200. People who contribute to political campaigns can feel they "own" a candidate and so Obama would owe allegiance to the wide swath of America that has financed his campaign.
Based on his experience in running a quarter-billion-dollar enterprise with thousands upon thousands of volunteers, we could expect an Obama administration to be well-managed and cost-effective, with the president choosing forward-thinking advisers committed to his program, demanding that they work as a team and pay attention to details.
From the Post-Gazette 4/16/08:
This editorial began by observing that one candidate is of the past and one of the future. The litany of criticisms heaped on Sen. Obama by the Clinton camp, simultaneously doing the work of the Republicans, is as illustrative as anything of which one is which. These are the cynical responses of the old politics to the new....
Pennsylvania [...] needs to take a strong look at the new face and the new hope in this race. Because political business-as-usual is more likely to bring the usual disappointment for the Democrats this fall, the Post-Gazette endorses the nomination of Barack Obama, who has brought an excitement and an electricity to American politics not seen since the days of John F. Kennedy.

Bruce Springsteen Endorses Barack Obama

Jim Ennes — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:04:24 EDT

http://brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html

Dear Friends and Fans:
LIke most of you, I've been following the campaign and I have now seen and heard enough to know where I stand. Senator Obama, in my view, is head and shoulders above the rest.
He has the depth, the reflectiveness, and the resilience to be our next President. He speaks to the America I've envisioned in my music for the past 35 years, a generous nation with a citizenry willing to tackle nuanced and complex problems, a country that's interested in its collective destiny and in the potential of its gathered spirit. A place where "...nobody crowds you, and nobody goes it alone."
At the moment, critics have tried to diminish Senator Obama through the exaggeration of certain of his comments and relationships. While these matters are worthy of some discussion, they have been ripped out of the context and fabric of the man's life and vision, so well described in his excellent book, Dreams From My Father, often in order to distract us from discussing the real issues: war and peace, the fight for economic and racial justice, reaffirming our Constitution, and the protection and enhancement of our environment.
After the terrible damage done over the past eight years, a great American reclamation project needs to be undertaken. I believe that Senator Obama is the best candidate to lead that project and to lead us into the 21st Century with a renewed sense of moral purpose and of ourselves as Americans.
Over here on E Street, we're proud to support Obama for President.

'The Boss' Makes His Decision

Anthony from Portland, OR — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:31:28 EDT
In a surprise announcement on his personal website this morning, Bruce Springsteen revealed his choice for the presidency: Sen. Barack Obama.

The voice behind such iconic American anthems as "Badlands," "Thunder Road," "The River," and "The Promised Land" has decided to throw his weight behind the one candidate in the race who can bring about the kind of change that this country desperately needs. His statement read, in part:

He has the depth, the reflectiveness, and the resilience to be our next President. He speaks to the America I've envisioned in my music for the past 35 years, a generous nation with a citizenry willing to tackle nuanced and complex problems, a country that's interested in its collective destiny and in the potential of its gathered spirit...

At the moment, critics have tried to diminish Senator Obama through the exaggeration of certain of his comments and relationships. While these matters are worthy of some discussion, they have been ripped out of the context and fabric of the man's life and vision, so well described in his excellent book, Dreams of My Father, often in order to distract us from discussing the real issues: war and peace, the fight for economic and racial justice, reaffirming our Constitution, and the protection and enhancement of our environment.

After the terrible damage done over the past eight years, a great American reclamation project needs to be undertaken. I believe that Senator Obama is the best candidate to lead that project and to lead us into the 21st Century with a renewed sense of moral purpose and of ourselves as Americans.

Over here on E Street, we're proud to support Obama for President.

Bruce Springsteen recently made a swing through Portland on the current leg of his tour, playing to a sold-out crowd at the Rose Garden.

Bruce Springsteen Supports Obama, Elitists

Amy — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:24:29 EDT

from Bruce Springsteen's website

Dear Friends and Fans:
LIke most of you, I've been following the campaign and I have now seen and heard enough to know where I stand. Senator Obama, in my view, is head and shoulders above the rest.
He has the depth, the reflectiveness, and the resilience to be our next President. He speaks to the America I've envisioned in my music for the past 35 years, a generous nation with a citizenry willing to tackle nuanced and complex problems, a country that's interested in its collective destiny and in the potential of its gathered spirit. A place where "...nobody crowds you, and nobody goes it alone."
At the moment, critics have tried to diminish Senator Obama through the exaggeration of certain of his comments and relationships. While these matters are worthy of some discussion, they have been ripped out of the context and fabric of the man's life and vision, so well described in his excellent book, Dreams of My Father, often in order to distract us from discussing the real issues: war and peace, the fight for economic and racial justice, reaffirming our Constitution, and the protection and enhancement of our environment.
After the terrible damage done over the past eight years, a great American reclamation project needs to be undertaken. I believe that Senator Obama is the best candidate to lead that project and to lead us into the 21st Century with a renewed sense of moral purpose and of ourselves as Americans.
Over here on E Street, we're proud to support Obama for President.
Bruce Springsteen

INDIAN COUNTRY TODAY: Important Endorsements

Hope4Unity — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:08:42 EDT

South Dakota is ready for CHANGE.
Read INDIAN COUNTRY TODAY, April 11, 2008 to learn about important endorsements from South Dakota and the reasons given for them:
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417012
THANK YOU to Oglala Sioux Tribe President John Yellowbird Steele; Oglala Sioux Tribe Vice-President, William "Shorty" Brewer; Rosebud Sioux Tribe President, Rodney Bordeaux; Rosebud Sioux Tribe Councilman, Robert Moore; Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Chairman, Michael Jandreau; Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman, Joseph Brings Plenty.

Scranton Times Tribune Endorses Obama

Chuck — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:35:08 EDT

Sunday, the Scranton Times Tribune endorsed Barack Obama as the candidate best able to lead our country.
Mr. Obama has energized an entire generation of voters that, for the most part, otherwise had checked out of political participation. That, at least, portends a new approach to governance that can help to dissipate the political miasma that has engulfed Washington at least since the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton.

Obama Up 69, Clinton Down 2 - Since Feb. 5!

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:13:01 EDT

Since February 5, Super Tuesday, with all that's happened, here's the count of superdelegate gain/loss by Democratic candidates for President:
Obama - gained 69 superdelegates.
Clinton - lost 2 superdelegates.
These counts are not disputed by aides to either candidate. (NY Times story here). Margaret Campbell, a state legislator from Montana, plans to announce her vote goes to Obama, making her the 69th superdelegate in Obama's column.
“Senator Obama reminds me of why I’m a Democrat,” Ms. Campbell said.
“I think he can win a general election.” Ms. Campbell added, “He gives me that belief that America can be united.”
Clinton has 10 staff members working full time to forestall further defections, according to Clinton senior aide Harold Ickes.
Deb Kozikowski, a superdelegate, is still waiting to be convinced to vote for Obama - or for Clinton.
Please scroll down, and send Deb a message to vote for the candidate you prefer.
Carole

Rep Taylor Endorsement and Another Great Weekend!

Doug Denneny — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:23:25 EDT

Friends,
We had another productive and fun weekend. My campaign was honored to pick up the endorsement of another sitting member of Congress this weekend, bringing the number to four- the momentum keeps building!
Congressman Gene Taylor (D‐MS) has just endorsed me and my campaign to represent Virginia’s 11th District in Congress! Although Rep. Taylor has not endorsed Senator Obama or Senator Clinton- I hope that he will join me in supporting Senator Obama when it counts!
I am honored and humbled that Representative Taylor has endorsed my candidacy. Gene Taylor is a senior Democrat who understands what it takes to be a leader on Capitol Hill. He knows that I will work everyday to rotect America’s national security.
As Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Congressman Taylor led the fight to extend health care to more veterans, and since advocating for ‘TRICARE for life’ legislation was one of my responsibilities as a Military Fellow on Capitol Hill, I know that without strong leaders like Gene Taylor, that legislation would never have been passed.

Obama gets support from the Funk!!!

James — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:03:40 EDT

Last night I saw George Clintion and the Parliment Funkadelic play at the "Swamp Thing Louisiana Crawfish Festival" in Austin, TX. They put on a great show, and we noticed that one of the band members was wearing an Obama t-shirt! Rock on P-Funk!

Weicker for Obama.

Jim from the Barn — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:48:33 EDT

It may be little noted nor long remembered outside the Northeast, but for today, it's nice to see one of CT's most admired and respected public figures come on board. Whatever his party affiliation, Weicker was, and is, the model of an independent thinker.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Former Republican senator and Connecticut independent Gov. Lowell P. Weicker Jr. endorsed Barack Obama's presidential bid Friday, saying the Illinois Democrat "has the smarts, quite frankly, to do a damn good job."
Weicker, 76, said Obama's positive outlook, vision for the country's future and common sense made him the obvious candidate to endorse.

"Even though I'm almost 77 years old, I want a fresh start and a young start for this country," Weicker said. "I think we've had enough of the old-timers in both parties."

Weicker, a former U.S. congressman and senator, was elected Connecticut's governor in 1990 as an independent under his "A Connecticut Party" label. He served one term.

Reached by telephone Friday while traveling in Virginia, Weicker called Democratic contender Hillary Rodham Clinton "a very capable individual," but said he did not endorse her because "it's time to get on with some new thinking in this country."

An Iraq war opponent, Weicker said supporting Republican John McCain was never a consideration.

"Clearly on the issue of the war, there's no way I could back him," he said.

Too bad the announcement came on a Friday afternoon -- it would be nice to see this get a little extended play in the local papers. Nevertheless, Weicker's name still has some pull in these parts, especially among older voters who may not be as wired into the non-mainstream media. I hereby pronounce this A Good Thing.

Carter Hints at Obama Endorsement

Deborah Simmel — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:32:36 EDT

Another superdelegate, maybe. Found this last night. According to Ben Smith, a blogger for Politico.com, Jimmy Carter was recently in Nigeria for a Carter Center awards event, and when asked by a local reporter for his opinion on the candidates for the Democratic nomination, gave a rather promising response.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0408/Carter_hints_at_Obama_backing.html

Key Oregon Dems Throw Support Behind Obama

Anthony from Portland, OR — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:49:18 EDT
Demonstrating how much support Sen. Obama has here in Oregon, on the capitol steps in Salem this morning a large group of state legislators and other Oregon elected officials enthusiastically announced their endorsement of Barack in the presidential primary. In all, nearly half of the Democrats in the state legislature are supporting Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination, including 5 senators and 19 representatives. State Treasurer Randall Edwards and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo were also on hand to declare their backing.

Representative Mary Nolan took the microphone and explained how there's only one candidate in the Democratic race that can bring the kind of change that Oregon and the country need right now after the failed policies of the Bush years. Treasurer Edwards also spoke, citing Sen. Obama's vision to end the war in Iraq, fight global warming, and provide healthcare to all Americans as the reasons for his endorsement. Speaker of the House Jeff Merkley agreed, referring to Barack's "detailed agenda" as the reason behind his support. Senator Ben Westlund noted Obama's electability as the key factor in his decision, remarking that having "a strong candidate at the top of the ticket is critically important" for Democrats in Oregon and around the nation.

At the press conference, State Sen. Avel Gordly - a registered Independent - filled out a voter registration card to formally change her party affiliation to Democrat so that she could vote for Barack Obama in Oregon's closed primary next month. She then headed across the street to the secretary of state's office to drop it off. State law says that you must be a registered member of a party to vote in its nominating contest, and April 29th is the last day Oregonians can register or change their party status to Democratic in order to vote for Obama. Gordly encouraged all registered Independents, Republicans, and members of other parties do the same if they desire the kind of change being sought by Barack Obama, who she called "a unifier."

Obama's legislative supporters include Senate President Pro Tempore Margaret Carter (Portland), Sen. Alan Bates (Ashland), Sen. Avel Gordly (Portland), Sen. Floyd Prozanski (South Lane and North Douglas Counties), Sen. Ben Westlund (Tumalo), Speaker of the House Jeff Merkley (Portland), Speaker Pro Tempore Diane Rosenbaum (Portland), Rep. Jeff Barker (Aloha), Rep. Phil Barnhart (Central Lane and Linn Counties), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (Washington County), Rep. Peter Buckley (Ashland), Rep. Ben Cannon (Portland), Rep. Brian Clem (Salem), Rep. Chris Edwards (West Eugene), Rep. Dave Edwards (Hillsboro), Rep. Larry Galizio (Tigard), Rep. Paul Holvey (Eugene), Rep. Betty Komp (Woodburn), Rep. Tina Kotek (North Portland), Rep. Mary Nolan (Portland), Rep. Tobias Read (Beaverton), Rep. Mike Schaufler (Happy Valley, Rep. Chip Shields (Portland), and Rep. Brad Witt (Clatskanie). Earlier this spring, Obama secured the endorsement of Portland-area Congressman and superdelegate Earl Blumenauer, who spoke on the Senator's behalf at our Portland headquarters office opening last weekend.

Two Great Endorsements for Senator Obama!!!

Denise from Medford — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:05:38 EDT
Today, Senator Obama gained two wonderful endorsements from Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal and Former 9/11 Commission Co-Chairman Lee Hamilton!! Governor Freudenthal said, "Senator Obama is the Democratic candidate with the openness, honesty and skill to end this vicious cycle of business as usual," AMEN!!

9/11 Commission Co-Chair Hamilton Endorses Obama

Deborah Simmel — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:11:30 EDT

Bloomberg.com is reporting that Co-Chairman of the 9/11 Commision and former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton is endorsing Senator Barack Obama, specifically citing his foreign policy positions. Read the full article here,
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=a9Iwr1aLiyzw&refer=home

North Carolina endorsements for Obama update

Justin — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:22:37 EDT

North Carolina endorsements for Obama update
Daily Kos diaries here, here, and here cite a WSJ report that the remaining six Democratic Congressmen from North Carolina are prepared to endorse Barack Obama (Rep. G.K. Butterfield has already endorsed Obama).
An update on the [Raleigh] News & Observer Under the Dome blog refutes this, however.
More on the current NC U.S. Representative situation, as well as other possible high profile endorsements after the jump...
Per Rep. Butterfield:
"More than one is seriously considering making a public release this week in support of Senator Obama — more than one but less than six,” he said."
The only other NC Congressman mentioned in the blog post is Rep. Mel Watt (NC-12, my representative), who is the former head of the Black Congressional Caucus.
He originally endorsed John Edwards, and asserted that Obama could not win, although he mentioned Obama as a V.P. candidate for Edwards in October. He continued to express some reservations about Obama after Edwards dropped out and delayed making an endorsement, but he has since announced he will endorse before the May 6 primary (almost certainly for Obama).
I believe the representative most likely to abstain from endorsing is Heath Shuler (NC-11). Clinton will probably have her strongest showing in his mountain district, and he faces targeting from the Republicans as a congressional freshman. He has previously indicated he will wait until the convention to make a decision. As of the latest N&O blog post he remains neutral.
U.S. Rep. Brad Miller has indicated he is not ready to endorse.
Obama has received endorsements from both major Democratic gubernatorial candidates.
He has not, however, received endorsements from high profile figures such as popular former governor Jim Hunt, popular current governor Mike Easley (who is term-limited and likely eyeing a V.P or cabinet spot), former Charlotte mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Harvey Gantt, and of course John Edwards. Harvey Gantt was supposed to be at the Obama townhall in Charlotte two weeks ago, but I don't believe he was there.
------------------------------
5:00pm Update:
A new N&O blog post states that U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre will not endorse before May 6th either. Candidate for Lt. Governor Dan Besse, however, is.
------------------------------
Cross-posted at Daily Kos.

New Endorsements

Mark Ungemach (Democratic Committee Person, Franklin Township, Landenberg, PA) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:25:18 EDT
New Backing for Obama
As Party Seeks Unity

By JACKIE CALMES
March 31, 2008; Page A1, WSJ
WASHINGTON -- Slowly but steadily, a string of Democratic Party figures is taking Barack Obama's side in the presidential nominating race and raising the pressure on Hillary Clinton to give up.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota is expected to endorse Sen. Obama Monday, according to a Democrat familiar with her plans. Meanwhile, North Carolina's seven Democratic House members are poised to endorse Sen. Obama as a group -- just one has so far -- before that state's May 6 primary, several Democrats say.

Weekend Wrap Up

Disabled Vet 2000 — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:03:55 EDT

Great News! Things have taken a big turn this weekend!
We are 10% ahead of Hillary in National Gallup Polls.
We have over 3 times the money of the Clinton campaign.
Vendors and small businesses are complaining that the Clintons aren't paying their bills!
We are cutting into Clinton's lead in Pennsylvania.
We have gotten the endorsement of another Democratic US Senator!
Republicans have endorsed Obam, including Dwight Eisenhowers daughter, and a former Romney campaign member.
Over 22,000 students showed up at Obama's Penn State Rally.
We are registering voters in NC and we are leading there!
The Bosnia story has finally got the press to pay attention to potential problems Clinton will have in the general election against McCain.
Please make a donation today! We need to show the Democraric party that we can win in the General Election and that we won't accept a brokered nomination. Get out there and register voters and talk to people about why we support Barack Obama. We have made a difference on a grassroots level and this is how we will continue to cut into supposed Clinton demographics and elect Barack Obama to the Office of The President of the United States!
Yes We Can!

MN Superdelegate Declares for Obama

Deborah Simmel — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:51:10 EDT

On Sunday night, MN superdelegate Amy Klobuchar issued a statement to the Associated Press declaring her support for Senator Barack Obama.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/03/30/minn_senator_endorses_obama/

Alice Walker on Barack Obama

Amy — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:18:26 EDT

http://www.theroot.com/id/45469
An honest, moving and personal letter celebrating the opportunity we all have in Obama. "We have come a long way, Sisters, and we are up to the challenges of our time. One of which is to build alliances based not on race, ethnicity, color, nationality, sexual preference or gender, but on Truth. We are the ones we have been waiting for."

Strategy

Disabled Vet 2000 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:53:12 EDT

I think the Obama campaign should do a few things this week:
1. Release some family home videos, show the voters who they would be as a first family.
2. Focus on Obama's understanding of economic vs. McCains total lack of knowledge
3. More shots of the Senator playing basketball, highlighting his youth and health.
4. Go to Catholic churches in PA and discussing common ground.
5. Focus on getting more Super Delegates to endorse now.
6. Stop conceding before the race and ask voters to fight for every vote, district, and delegate.
7. Ask where the tax returns are (supporters not the campaign).
8. A 527 needs to figure out what really happened before OH with the Nafta issue and put together a 30 minute spot on speeches Clinton gave in support of NAFTA.

Lt. Gov Beverly Perdue endorses Obama

Rachel of the Swamplands — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:03:42 EDT

I just saw in the Daily Advance that Beverly Perdue, our current Lt Governor and Gubernatorial candidate, has endorses Obama.
During the interview, Perdue talked on issues ranging from education, health care, transportation, ethics reform and the economy to her support of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for president.
"I think he's an incredibly talented leader," she said of her endorsement of the Illinois senator, who is locked in a tight presidential primary contest with New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.

"Whoever wins will be historic for North Carolina," she said, noting that Obama would be the first black and Clinton the first woman elected president.
A couple other news articles on the subject:
From Charlotte.com
From NBC17--Here opponent, Richard Moore also favors Obama

G'Obama in PA!

Barack916 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:30:51 EDT

This is exciting news. Senator Bob Casey endorses Obama in PA.
I especially like the quote at the end of the article:
"Casey's decision was also personal, motivated in part by the enthusiasm his four daughters - Elyse, Caroline, Julia and Marena - have expressed for Obama, the source said. "He thinks we shouldn't be deaf to the voices of the next generation."'
I heartily agree. But the thing I have come to really like about Obama, as evidenced by his campaign and his appeal to people of all ages, races, and backgrounds, is that he's deaf to no one.
-Chris in Sac

Open Letter to Mike Bloomberg

Jay — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:44:54 EDT

Dear Mike,
How's going up there? I know, I know... I'm still an NYC ex-pat. Look at the bright side: I'm helping make sure that Charlotte, NC continues to root or the New York Yankees instead of the Red Sox.
Anyhow, things are good. I just saw that you will introduce Barack at Cooper Union today.

The movement continues

Anthony D — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:21:03 EDT

Every day there seem to be new endorsements for Senator Obama. This one came Monday, but I think it's important to recognize the emotional nature in which people endorse Senator Obama. Maybe that's not the right way to put it. Perhaps one could observe that there is almost a ineffable quality to the feelings people have toward Barack Obama. People are excited again, people are feeling confident in what he has to say, and people are genuinely hopeful about what his Presidency will bring to our nation.
Here is an excerpt from a group calling itself Progressive Democrats for America, and their statement of endorsement for Senator Obama posted online Monday. I especially love the last sentence.

"We did not foresee the exciting social movement that is the Obama campaign. Many of us supported other candidates, or waited skeptically as weeks and months passed. But the closeness of the race makes it imperative that everyone on the sidelines, everyone in doubt, everyone vacillating, everyone fearing betrayals and the blasting of hope, everyone quarreling over political correctness, must join this fight to the finish. Not since Robert Kennedy’s 1968 campaign has there been a passion to imagine the world anew like the passion and unprecedented numbers of people mobilized in this campaign."

http://blog.pdamerica.org/?p=1815

Kmeic Endorsement

kplee — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:19:08 EDT
Today conservative constitutional scholar and former dean of Catholic University Law School, Doug Kmeic, endorsed Senator Obama.

http://www.slate.com//blogs/blogs/convictions/archive/2008/03/23/endorsing-obama.aspx

Doug Kmiec Endorses Obama in Slate

Deborah Simmel — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:55:02 EDT

Happy Easter to you all! Enjoy this beautiful day!
"Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time."
- Martin Luther
. . . And an added gift to share with any Republican friends. (If you know any in PA, please forward it on to them. Tomorrow is the last day to register as a Democrat to be able to vote in the Pennsylvania primary.)
Today Doug Kmiec published his endorsement of Senator Obama in the online magazine Slate.  Below is some biographical information on Doug, and a link to the endorsement statement.
Douglas W. Kmiec is Caruso Family Chair and Professor of Constitutional Law, Pepperdine University. He served as head of the Office of Legal Counsel (U.S. Assistant Attorney General) for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Former Dean of the law school at The Catholic University of America, Professor Kmiec was a member of the law faculty for nearly two decades at the University of Notre Dame.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/convictions/archive/2008/03/23/endorsing-obama.aspx

First a Tense Talk With Clinton, Then Richardson Backs Obama

Manya4Obama — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:20:41 EDT

From The New York Times:
“I talked to Senator Clinton last night,” Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico said on Friday, describing the tense telephone call in which he informed Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton that, despite two months of personal entreaties by her and her husband, he would be endorsing Senator Barack Obama for president.
“Let me tell you: we’ve had better conversations,” Mr. Richardson said.
The decision by Mr. Richardson, who ended his own presidential campaign on Jan. 10, to support Mr. Obama was a belt of bad news for Mrs. Clinton. It was a stinging rejection of her candidacy by a man who had served in two senior positions in President Bill Clinton’s administration, and who is one of the nation’s most prominent elected Hispanics. Mr. Richardson came back from vacation to announce his endorsement at a moment when Mrs. Clinton’s hopes of winning the Democratic nomination seem to be dimming.
But potentially more troublesome for Mrs. Clinton was what Mr. Richardson said in announcing his decision. He criticized the tenor of Mrs. Clinton’s campaign. He praised Mr. Obama for the speech he gave in response to the furor over racially incendiary remarks delivered by Mr. Obama’s former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.
And he came close to doing what Mrs. Clinton’s advisers have increasingly feared some big-name Democrat would do as the battle for the nomination drags on: Urge Mrs. Clinton to step aside in the interest of party unity.
“I’m not going to advise any other candidate when to get in and out of the race,” Mr. Richardson said after appearing in Portland with Mr. Obama. “Senator Clinton has a right to stay in the race, but eventually we don’t want to go into the Democratic convention bloodied. This was another reason for my getting in and endorsing, the need to perhaps send a message that we need unity.”
In many ways, the decision by Mr. Richardson, a longtime political ally of the Clintons, was as much a tale about his relationship with them as it was about the course of Mr. Obama’s campaign.
Mr. Clinton had told his wife’s campaign that he had received several assurances from Mr. Richardson that he would not endorse Mr. Obama. One adviser who spoke to Mr. Clinton on Friday said that the former president was surprised by the Richardson endorsement, but described Mr. Clinton as more philosophical than angry about it.
Mr. Richardson looked anguished when asked in an interview if his relationship with the Clintons would withstand endorsing Mr. Obama. In doing so, Mr. Richardson was not only taking sides in the most bitter of political fights, but rejecting the candidacy of a close friend.
“There’s something special about this guy,” Mr. Richardson said of Mr. Obama. “I’ve been trying to figure it out, but it’s very good.”
Mr. Clinton helped elevate Mr. Richardson to the national stage by naming him his energy secretary and ambassador to the United Nations. And Mr. Clinton left no doubt that he viewed Mr. Richardson’s support as important to his wife’s campaign: He even flew to New Mexico to watch the Super Bowl with Mr. Richardson as part of the Clintons’ high-profile courtship of him.
But Mr. Richardson stopped returning Mr. Clinton’s calls days ago, Mr. Clinton’s aides said. And as of Friday, Mr. Richardson said, he had yet to pick up the phone to tell Mr. Clinton of his decision.
The reaction of some of Mr. Clinton’s allies suggests that might have been a wise decision. “An act of betrayal,” said James Carville, an adviser to Mrs. Clinton and a friend of Mr. Clinton.
“Mr. Richardson’s endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic,” Mr. Carville said, referring to Holy Week.
Mr. Richardson said he called Mrs. Clinton late on Thursday to inform her that he would be appearing with Mr. Obama on Friday to lend his support.
“It was cordial, but a little heated,” Mr. Richardson said in an interview.
Mrs. Clinton had no public schedule on Friday, and spent the day at her home in Chappaqua, N.Y. Her chief strategist, Mark Penn, played down the importance of the Richardson endorsement, suggesting that the time “when it could have been effective has long since passed.”
Mr. Richardson called Mr. Obama about two weeks ago to tell him that he was “99 percent with him,” Mr. Obama’s aides said. The announcement was delayed because Mr. Richardson had been scheduled to go on vacation in the Caribbean. Even though Mr. Richardson had promised Mr. Obama that his mind was made up, Mr. Obama’s aides said they grew worried that the furor over the racially inflammatory remarks made by Mr. Obama’s former pastor might lead Mr. Richardson to reconsider.
But Mr. Richardson, who had sought to become the nation’s first Hispanic president, pointed specifically to the speech that Mr. Obama gave in Philadelphia on Tuesday in explaining why he endorsed him.
“Senator Barack Obama addressed the issue of race with the eloquence and sincerity and decency and optimism we have come to expect of him,” he said. “He did not seek to evade tough issues or to soothe us with comforting half-truths. Rather, he inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility.”
He added: “Senator Obama could have given a safer speech. He is, after all, well ahead in the delegate count for our party’s nomination.”
Mr. Richardson said he was dispirited by the tone of the Democratic nominating fight, reflecting a sentiment that has been increasingly voiced by party leaders. Unlike many others, though, Mr. Richardson placed the blame on Mrs. Clinton.
“I believe the campaign has gotten too negative,” Mr. Richardson said, speaking to reporters in Portland. “I want it to be positive. I think that’s what’s been very good about Senator Obama’s campaign — it’s a positive campaign about hope and opportunity.”
Mr. Obama and Mr. Richardson appeared together on stage of the Memorial Coliseum in Portland on Friday morning. Mr. Richardson was still wearing the beard that he grew during what he called a period of decompression after leaving the presidential race.
On their own, endorsements in contests like this — with two such well-known candidates — do not necessarily move votes. Mr. Obama won a boost of publicity after he was endorsed by Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts; Mrs. Clinton, however, then won the state’s primary.
But the audience now is less primary voters than superdelegates — uncommitted elected Democrats and party leaders — whose votes will be critical in helping Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Obama get the 2,024 delegates needed to win the nomination.
Mr. Richardson is the 62nd superdelegate to endorse Mr. Obama since Feb. 5, compared with fewer than five who have moved into Mrs. Clinton’s column since then.
The move by Mr. Richardson could give license to other superdelegates who had been holding back, at the request of the Clintons. His endorsement could prove particularly potent with this group because of the way he chastised Mrs. Clinton for the tone of the campaign, and his call for the party to unify around one candidate.
It also came at a moment of vulnerability for Mr. Obama, in which he was dealing with questions about his former pastor. Mr. Richardson’s decision to step out was a signal to primary voters and superdelegates that he did not believe Mr. Obama had been hurt politically by these events — or at least that he was willing to use whatever influence he has in the party to limit the damage.
At this point, the number of Democrats whose endorsements could shake the race is down to Al Gore, the former vice president and presidential nominee; John Edwards, the former senator from North Carolina who dropped out of the race last month; and Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker. Aides to Mr. Edwards and Mr. Gore said that they did not expect either man to endorse anyone in the immediate future, if at all. Aides to Ms. Pelosi said she was unlikely to endorse at all.

Should We Be Happy About Gov. Richardson's Endorsement?

Sara Pulis — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:43:17 EDT
As an avid supporter of Sen. Obama's bid for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, I am always glad to see a prominent politician endorsing him. However, Gov. Richardson has previously stated that superdelegates ought to side with the person whom their state voted for, so how does he expect to explain going against the will of his constituency? Is he just putting his stamp of approval on our candidate whilst planning on pledging his vote for Sen. Clinton? If he doesn't, what does this say about the Governor?

Message from Bill Richardson

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:51:19 EDT
Bill Richardson's endorsement of Barack Obama, and the moving, honest manner in which he delivered it in person, is probably the most important endorsement he has received in months. Bill Richardson sent out this message to his supporters...

Bill Richardson

BRGHTSD1 HOPE & COURAGE — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:17:10 EDT
Good Morning and I mean Good Morning....just heard about the addition of Governor Bill Richardson to the list of endorsements and I couldn't be happier. In my mind Obama/Richardson is THE dream ticket. Thank you Governor Richardson for courage of conviction and integrity.

hillary clinton's gingerbread house

jonathan | cvg — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:50:11 EDT

we should be concerned. bill and hillary’s recent assertions of an unstoppable clinton-obama ticket is one of clinton’s best strategies yet, which is to say her least debaucherous attempt. i’m willing to offer her credit where credit is finally due: a non-negative approach at building her base that is not entirely a lie. obama might always say no, but perhaps clinton honestly intends to lobby for her dream team. so why should we be concerned folks? duh. ohio and texas have shown how easily a state can be duped or scared! no matter how many times "her dream team" is debunked as "impossible" (words of speaker nancy pelosi), some voters might be distracted by the shiny metal object dangling over to the right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GCsAGA40LA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l580JxOzp8c
when the texas and ohio smear campaigns first kicked up, even obama admits that he was surprised how much the press embraced things he had shrugged off... having given the american people the benefit of the doubt. ironically, the press wrote far more about the NAFTAgate lies alleged days before the elections in ohio and texas than the NAFTAgate truth that we know today. and this time, it is a case of the press saving face than bias.
in marketing, the truth is far less important than the public perception of what is believed to be true. in marketing, messaging parity and repitition are smart ways to get your message remembered. in marketing, the main goals are controlling perception and message recall.
therefore, for each time bill or hillary assert a vote for clinton is a vote for obama to be vice president, obama must attack that logic twice as much and deliver it exactly how he did today:
~ the second place candidate offering the first place candidate a consoluation prize?
~ reminding that bill and hillary stated on record that they would select a VPcapable of serving as president on day one... criticizing obama for not being vetted... asserting obama is the perfect VP

clinton's new strategy is to lure undecided voters as well as weak obama supporters to her gingerbread house. as usual, she banks on the american people's gullibility which aided her well on march 4. hillary and bill are suggesting that a vote for clinton is a vote for the hillary-obama ticket.
yet, she is admitting her major weakness: clinton can't win on her own merits, and her odds against mccain are not as good as obama's odds. while she has reason to ask obama to be her running mate on the sad chance she wins the nomination, analysts and i agree that obama does not need clinton to win a general election. the vast majority of clinton supporters will vote for barack obama when he wins the nomination.
unlike clinton, barack obama is poised to beat the republican nominee. obama supporters, some of whom have never been inspired enough to participate in the voting process or whom are independent, may not support hillary clinton. these inspired supporters of obama may choose to sit out again or vote mccain... should hillary clinton win the nomination. for years, the youth promised they would "rock the vote" and yet, until this year, they never showed up.

all in all, this may be her best strategy yet. clinton should have launched it in place of her sinister smear campaigns to dupe ohio and scare texas. educated voters would have still seen through her plan, but at least i could have admired her for placing obama "in check" via cunning strategy rather than by cheating and spinning blame obama’s way for underhanded double-talk the canadian investigation revealed had surfaced from team clinton instead!

obama needs to be as vocal as possible about how untrue and absurd any such deduction is whereby a vote for clinton is still supporting obama and his promise for change. i also applaud speaker nancy pelosi for also speaking out against such absurdities.

for those of you that did not hear, prior to this new strategy, speaker nancy pelosi met with team clinton campaign management to voice disapproval for comments that had been made that pracitically endorsed john mccain for president. reportedly, team clinton has also been scolded as the true source of NAFTAgate for which team clinton blamed on obama to discredit his long, consistent stance on NAFTA in the state of ohio. reportedly, the reponse from clinton campaign management was that they will continue whatever works in their favor.

refer to my "sabotaging america's most electable candidate: how you can fight back" blog for more of my analysis on clinton's reckless, misleading attempts to win or destroy. meanwhile, we should all avoid hillary clinton's gingerbread house.
~ j

"RollingStone Magazine" Endorses Barack Obama

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:41:20 EDT

• Cover Story: Barack Obama's Machinery of Hope
• Photo Gallery: Barack Obama, a History in Pictures
• An Endorsement: Barack Obama for President
The tides of history are rising higher and faster these days. Read them right and ride them, or be crushed. And then along comes Barack Obama, with the kinds of gifts that appear in politics but once every few generations............
ENDORSEMENT- http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/19106551/a_new_hope

NAFTAgate: ohio duped by clinton-canada team

jonathan | cvg — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:57:26 EST

did you hear?
ohio is the new florida, and obama aide resigns.
i wrote this to a teamster who was proud to switch his vote from obama to clinton the day before the election because of the false allegations that clinton's campaign began feeding to question obama's integrity on NAFTA.
"SHAME ON YOU FOR NOT DOING YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE CHANGING YOUR VOTE, JUST LIKE HILLARY CLINTON FAILED DO HER HOMEWORK WHEN ENGAGING IN WAR WITHOUT READING THE NIE. YOU WERE DUPED.
THE UNDENIABLE/DOCUMENTED TRUTH REMAINS:
1) as first lady, clinton supported NAFTA
2) as US senator, she commended the impact/benefit
3) as author of her autobiographical book , she coined NAFTA as a legislative successes of the clinton administration, of which she counts 8 years towards her "experience"
while i concede that CLINTON has shifted her position to agree with OBAMA, her previous poor judgment should be acknowledged and not blindly trusted.
first of all, the original AP article recognizes that the individual did not retract any belief OBAMA has expressed consistently for years towards NAFTA. furthermore, the article recognizes that the individual (who incidentally is an advisor to OBAMA) attended a previously scheduled meeting as a representative of the university of chicago separate from his work with the campaign. furthermore, it was alleged that a clinton representative also made retractions to the canadian government... for some reason this was less publicized, but the canadians, clinton, and OBAMA each deny this story as it relates to their involvement. however, clinton's camp is obviously feeding a smear campaign against OBAMA.
MUST WATCH:
canadian parliament feels so strongly that canadian officials fed false allegations to undermine obama's campaign that resignations are being demanded!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLJJ88HTiX8
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
TODAY, AN OBAMA AID RESIGNS FOR CALLING HILLARY CLINTON A MONSTER!!! again, obama is keeping on target with his messaging... but do you know why clinton was dubbed a monster???
BECAUSE OHIO WAS DUPED... CANADA IMPACTS UNITED STATES ELECTIONS... AFTER A CALL FOR RESIGNATIONS AND AN INVESTIGATION:
CANADIAN PRESS REPORTS THAT A TOP CLINTON AIDE WAS THE SOURCE OF NAFTAgate.
not only did she spin a smear campaign against OBAMA days before OHIO and TEXAS voted, she covered up her own involvement to avoid losing significantly.
clinton seized the popular vote by a small margin, largely resulting from erroneous scare tactics and the smear campaigns she fed during the days leading up to march 4. when you review the exit polls, her last efforts especially crippled obama in ohio. clinton gained majority of union and religious support. this is in spite of obama winning the key union endorsements impacting ohio and leading union endorsements nationwide. this is in spite continued reassurance that obama is a devout christian and an appearance of both candidates on 60 minutes. yet, even in her appearance on 60 minutes, when asked about obama being muslim, senator clinton responded, "there's nothing to base that on... at least not that i know."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYspjJCjgX8
Keith Olbermann reported last night:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOLEK2lr3CM
NOTE: clearly, american media does not want to own up to also being duped. when i responded to a teamster, i pointed out that the press was only focused on OBAMA by referencing the original AP story that named clinton also. of course, canadian media focused on obama. canada benefits from NAFTA. given the two candidates' histories and the clinton advisor call... if you or your country benefited from NAFTA, who would you support? i see how a compromised soul might be tempted to impact UNITED STATES ELECTIONS.
that is not to say i implicate a country, but a person or persons affiliated with interest in NAFTA as it relates to canada in combination with a opportunistic, timely smear campaign reportedly orchestrated by the clinton campaign.
if you had not heard, then now you know.
~ j

Obama '08 ~ Plea for Help

alyce rocco — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:58:44 EST

Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted as saying: "Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people."
I have mentioned before my freelance writing at Associated Content online. La Velle Jones, an Obama supporter, took my advice and already has garnered a small following from AC's Content Producers. It seems many Obama supporters have no problem writing articles on blog posts and they might do well to be publishing them at AC. This is my plea for help.
A small minded AC CP wrote this: "I am emphatically stating his followers are displaying the same types of messianic worship that Hitler's followers displayed toward him."
That prompted me to write 3 myth busting articles in support of us supporters. Another CP has over 300 comments on her: Obama is a racist article. When an article gets many pageviews, many comments, emailed a lot, AC editiors take notice and highlight it.
I do not care if you read my articles. I ask that you take a moment to leave a comment: I am an Obama supporter and whatever reason you support him. Can we not beat 300 plus comments on a negative article? As Obama would say: Supporters, we can do better than that! Thanks so much for your help.
What Do They Have in Common?
The Cult of Obama?
Name That Star ~ A Guessing Game

O'Bama '08 ~ Name That Star, 5

alyce rocco — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:31:03 EST

Born on October 16, 1947 in San Francisco he grew up with his adoptive parents in Atherton, California. This performer was expelled from several schools due to undiagnosed dyslexia. Singer, songwriter and guitarist, he is best known for being the founder of a popular rock group.
He has two children with his wife, whose sister is a NASCAR race car driver. Can you name that star?
Born on September 11, 1943 this drummer won a Grammy Award in 1991 for Best World Music Album. Growing up in California he became interested in percussion drumming when a Nigerian drummer performed at his school and he was asked to try out the instrument. With his father, a champion rudimental drummer, he owned and operated a music store, selling drums and other musical intruments. In 1967 he became a member of a popular rock band which he left in 1971. He has traveled the world gathering information to write and publish 4 books on the tradition of dumming throughout history.
In addtion he is on the Board of Directors of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Foundation; on the Board of Trustees for the American Folklife Center and Spokesperson for Save Our Sounds initiative. He also serves on the Library of Congress National Recorded Sound Preservation Board, often recording and reissuing historical and cultural sound recordings. Can you name that star?
Both stars endorse Senator Obama. Read the entire "Name That Star ~ A Guessing Game" here. If you missed my prior posts, the reason I wrote this was to refute an article about "Obama's Army of Hope". Hope you will take a moment to comment on the article giving your own endorsement and proving we are not:
"I am emphatically stating his followers are displaying the same types of messianic worship that Hitler's followers displayed toward him."
Thanks for your help in showing the world who we are.

Obama '08 ~ Name That Star, 4

alyce rocco — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:08:49 EST

Born January 9, 1941 this 1960s era pop star is well known for her Civil Rights activism, war protests and work on other humanatarian causes. She is a first generation daughter of immigrant parents. Her father was a renown physicist His work with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organiztion moved the family to many cities and countries around the world including Iraq. Her musical career began when she bought her first guitar at age 15. Due to her mixed heritage she was ostrasized by classmates and won friends by entertaining them.

Although she began paid performances at local clubs in the late 1950s in Massachuesetts, her popular musical career began in 1959 at the Newport Folk Festival and recording an album the following year for a major label. She has one son from a short marriage in addition to being linked romantically with another popular folk artist. Can you name that star?
Why Name That Star ~ A Guessing Game?
The reason I am asked you to play "name that star" is because an Associated Content writer said: "I am emphatically stating his followers are displaying the same types of messianic worship that Hitler's followers displayed toward him."
All the stars in my guessing game article have endorsed Senator Obama. I ended the article thus:
Does it not make more sense that a person who for falls prey to yellow journalism would make easier prey for Hitler type propganda then the stars above who have lived in the public eye for many years? Words are powerful; they can be used to uplift or to bring down; used to tell truth or spread slander and gossip. Intergrity among journalists seems to be sorely lacking. Even here at the People's Media.
If you have a few moments, I would appreciate if you would use the link and leave a comment on my article to show that you have not fallen prey to idol worship and not displaying the same types of behvior of Hitler followers. The more supporter comment the better to dispell the myths of the cult of Obama. Thank you for your help.

Obama '08 ~ Name That Star, 3

alyce rocco — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:48:07 EST

Born premature on May 13, 1950 this boy wonder was put in an incubator. The multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer won twenty-five Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award and Academy Award for Best Song. He was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. Best known, perhaps, for his keyboard and harmonica work, he plays 11 musical instruments. Growing up in Detroit Michigan he was trained in classical piano at the Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing. He recorded his first hit record in 1963 at age 13. Three of his 34 hit singles were co-written with his mother.

Married several times he has 10 children. Can anyone not name this star?
Another star that endorses Senator Obama. Are you a star or a starry eyed "cult of Obama" member? Let people see who we are by leaving a comment on Name That Star ~ A Guessing Game.

Obama '08 ~ Name That Star, 2

alyce rocco — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:46:47 EST

Name That Star ~ A Guessing Game was inspired by a peer at Associated Content who said of Obama's "Army of Hope": "I am emphatically stating his followers are displaying the same types of messianic worship that Hitler's followers displayed toward him."
Do you think stars who have had their own groupies or adoring fans would be "starry eyed" or faint in Obama's presence? The AC CP seems to think so.
Born on August 17, 1943 in New York city, he won two Academy Awards in addition to a Golden Globe. His mother was a painter. His father was an abstract expressionist painter and sculptor. He dropped out of school at age 13 to join a street gang and studied at Lee Strasberg's Actor's Studio. His career began at age 16 working in theatre and off-Broadway productions. The actor has also directed and produced films. Off camera he invests in real estate and other ventures such as founding a film studio, film festival and restaurants.

Married twice in addtion to a long term relationship he has four children and one adopted child. Can you name that star?
Use link above to read the entire article. Please leave a comment to show who you are~Obams's regular people supporters. Thank you.

Sheila Ford’s (TX HD-99) Endorsement of Barack Obama

Lee Henderson — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:23:54 EST
This is an amazing year in our democracy. Without a doubt, one for history. So many firsts, and so much hope for the future. It has been a long journey for our nation since November 2000. We need to heal, we need to extend a hand to the world, we must towards ourselves to restore the Constitution, and protect our Democracy.
(Also see http://www.sheilaford.org/blog)

Former Texas governor endorses Obama

Marenda — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:53:47 EST

Yes We Can and Will in Texas!
Mark White endorsed Sen. Barack Obama saying:
"Barack's vision is exactly what our nation needs right now," White said in a prepared statement. "Right now, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured in the nation. I believe that Barack's health care plan is the answer we've been looking for."
(read the rest)

Teamsters To Endorse Obama

DoctorTodd — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:31:57 EST

Breaking News...here's the link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080220/ap_on_el_pr/obama_teamsters

Super Delegates: When did they endorse?

Lenny Sharlet — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:05:09 EST

CNN Lists the Superdelegates who have come out for either candidate like this:
Obama                                            Clinton
161Superdels: 234Superdels:

What I am wondering is: can we get a DATE of endorsement for those delegates?

I wonder what percentage of Clinton's superdelegates gave their endorsement BEFORE A SINGLE VOTE WAS CAST in their state or any other for that matter. She was the presumptive nominee a year ago and had plenty of party establishment support.

I wonder how many of them would "vote" the same way today?

A Message to Young Texans

Lars Eighner — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:21:14 EST
For Immediate Release
Contact: lars@larseighner.com

A Word to Young Texans from Lars Eighner,
Author of Travels with Lizbeth

If you are old enough to vote, by now you know that it is rare and difficult for one person to make a real difference in the world, no matter how just his or her cause, no matter how passionate he or she may be, no matter how hard that person works.
But once in a while, once in a generation if you are lucky, history comes to a tipping point when one person, just one person, a person like you, can give history a nudge. These are the opportunities that ordinary people, people like you and me, wish for and hope for, pin their dreams and aspirations to, and which are too rare and precious to miss.
Now, there is such an opportunity.
If you are registered to vote in Texas, I urge you to vote in the March 4 Democratic primary election for Barack Obama and to attend your precinct convention that evening to caucus for Obama. If you are not registered to vote, I urge you to do so now so that you can vote for Barack Obama for President and the whole Democratic ticket in November.
I seriously doubt that such a chance to bring change to America, the kind of change that ordinary people so rarely get to make, will come again in my lifetime. And unless you are very lucky, it will not come again in yours. Seize this opportunity to restore hope and integrity to America. You may not get another chance.
Sincerely,
Lars Eighner. February 18, 2008.

Endorsement From A "Nobody"

ANewDay08 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:16:49 EST

Back in 2004, when I heard (via my television set) Barack Obama speak for the very first time at the Democratic Convention, I quickly called everyone in our house into the living room to listen. I told them to watch and listen closely because this man would one day be the president of the United States of America.

Here we are four years later and Senator Obama is running for the democratic nomination. Now let me be clear, I am not clairvoyant, nor do I have the ability to tell the future or predict winning lottery numbers. There was simply something that spoke volumes, beyond his words, of his power to transform the minds and hearts of others for the collective good.

As the battle in the trenches wages on for the endorsements of the Superdelegates, I think this is a great time for all of us to remember that Senator Obama has won the most important endorsements of all, mine and yours. In the world of the elite democrats where political status is a currency, we may be considered “Nobodys”, unable to even enter the floor of democrat convention. However, by our numbers, donations, and hard work, we have the power to make the endorsements of the Superdelegates irrelevant. Now that’s true political currency.

I am proud of my state, Virginia, for providing Senator Obama with such a decisive win. I challenge my fellow “Supernobodys” in the remaining states to do the same. Let our endorsements be the catalyst that brings others to the table.

~A New Day

Contact John Edwards And Urge Him To Endorse Obama!

DoctorTodd — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:02:23 EST

Call/email/FAX John Edwards and remind him that his stirring and courageous presidential campaign will have been all for nought if Hillary Clinton receives his endorsement.
Tel: (919)-636-3131
Fax: (919)-967-3644
You can also email him a short message on his website, www.johnedwards.com
In the subject line, write "message for John Edwards" or "message for Elizabeth Edwards".
Thanks, everyone!